If you are looking for the best free WinRAR alternative then this list will help you find the best WinRAR alternative. Keep reading to know more about the software and its offerings.
Folders in your system can have big and heavy data files which require hundreds of MBs or even GB of space. Such large files are hard to share as some of the platforms will not accept sharing them and some would take a long time for the process. But to help users sharing files easily, WinRAR software was created.
The software helps in compressing and decompressing the files and documents. You can use this software and compress the heaviest files into small ones. These small files can be shared easily from one computer to another easily. Moreover, you can use compressed files to transfer through any third-party software.
Overall WinRAR is a great software to have on your computer but on the other hand, it has some downsides too. The software requires the user to pay a subscription amount to use it. This is what makes most of the users to look for a WinRAR alternative for Windows 10 and older versions.
To help you with the search we have filtered 11 free software like WinRAR that you can use. So without any further delay, let’s take a look at the software and its offerings.
11 Best Free WinRAR Alternative to choose in 2024
Here is the list of best software like WinRAR to choose from in 2024. Take a look at the offerings and choose the best software for yourself.
7- Zip is a great program that you can choose as an alternative to WinRAR. This is a cross-platform software that makes the process of compressing and decompressing files very easy. The best part about this software is that it is available for free and everyone can use this software to compress files as per requirement.
The program claims 10% better compression than other software, which can be a great deal for every user. The program compresses the folder to 7z format and the user can obtain up to 7% compression. The efficiency and subscription-free offering make it one of the best free WinRAR alternatives.
Another great WinRAR alternative is PeaZip. This program is also available for free and it offers various other features to help you handle files and folders. You can manage files effectively and as per your needs. Whether you are a Linux user or a Windows user you can use this software and compress files easily.
The software offers simple but very effective features to compress the files. One of the best features of the software is to manage passwords. The software offers a compression option that can be used to open more than 160 types of files and compress them to your file. It supports formats including 7z, ARC, and BZip2.
It is a very lightweight software that doesn’t require much space from the disk. You can use this software with your old PC or laptop and it won’t affect the processing speed of the device.
Next up is another free WinRAR alternative that offers a professional interface to the users. The software supports various formats including 7z, b1, zip, rar, arj, jar, xpi, and many others. According to your need you can either download the software or use the programs from your browser, it offers both options to the users.
Other than this you can even compress or decompress files without the internet. Though this is WinRAR open-source alternative and is free to use but it may ask for permissions. You can decline them and accept them according to your requirements. You can use this software on your Windows, Mac, and Linux PC. if you want you can also use it on your Android mobile devices.
ExtractNow is another WinRAR similar software that offers a similar offering at no cost. This is not only offered free use but it also has a very simple and easy interface which every user can use and compress or decompress files with. One of the best features of this software is that using it you can extract multiple files easily. To compress files using this program like WinRAR you can simply drag and drop the files and the rest will be taken care of by the software.
Other similar WinRAR software also offers a feature using which you can extract multiple files at the same time but this software makes it very easy which is why it is considered the best alternative to WinRAR. It supports all the major file formats to extract and is compatible with Windows 10 and older versions.
jZip is another program like WinRAR that you can use to compress and decompress files. This is a very similar software to 7-Zip, it supports various formats including RAR, 7-zip, TAR, and GZip. It has a very simple interface with very limited offerings that can be a perfect option for all beginners.
It has very limited options which include pack and unpacks files with ease. This is a free WinRAR alternative that does ask the users to add a toolbar as adware when you install the software. You need to be careful while proceeding with the installing and check only the option which you need. The software is compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, and XP.
Hamster Zip Archiver 4 is software like WinRAR which is free and powerful. This software has a unique compression method that offers an amazing ratio of compression. Above all, it is a fast tool that is observed to perform 2 times faster compression. The level of compression is customizable and you can select it on the basis of your requirements. Other than this you can also password protect the files.
This WinRAR-like software supports file formats including 7z, RAR, ZIP, TAR, and XZ. The software also offers a cloud service to save and share files through the internet. While installing the software you need to check the option carefully and select them as per needs only. If you don’t check then you might get adware while using the software which no one wants. The software is compatible with Windows 10 and older versions.
Next on the list of best free WinRAR alternatives is Bandizip. It is a great tool that is free and has no adware or malware included. Most of the software which are free offers some kinds of adware but not with this WinRAR alternative. You can even scan files with the software before opening them for compression.
Irrespective of your PC performance the software works fast in compressing files. To protect your files you can add encryptions like AES 256 and ZipCrypto. The software is compatible with most of the Windows operating systems.
This is a very unique program in the list of the best free WinRAR alternatives. This is a free extension on the Google Chromebrowser which does not require any space on your hard disk of the computer. All you need to do is set the extension on the browser and compress files easily. For all those who want to have a program like WinRAR which does not take up space in the hard disk, then they can choose to opt for this WinRAR open-source alternative.
This program offers a very simple and easy interface with the support of multiple file compression easily. Though it has a downside that it only compresses the files which are in your Google Drive and does not compress files from your computer storage.
Ashampoo Zip Free is a must software to include in the list of best free WinRAR alternatives. This software offers powerful compression of files of various formats. The file formats supported in the software include ZIPX, RAR, ARC, NSIC, WIM, ISO, and others. For packing files the software supports ZIP, 7-ZIP, CAB, and TAR.
This is one of the best alternatives to WinRAR as it offers features using which you can encrypt all archives. The best part is that it is free software, if you wish to use the full version then you can activate it through your email. All the Windows Operating systems after Windows 7 are compatible with Ashampoo Zip Free.
Last, in the list of best free WinRAR alternatives list, we have Zipware. This is a simple yet effective tool. It offers all the features which can help in compressing or decompressing files. While the other WinRAR alternative focuses on offering a simple interface it has offered a simple yet attractive interface. The software has many buttons in different colors.
The software works the best as expected, it scans for the files and folder so that no virus gets into your system or other hardware to which you connect. It is a free-to-use tool, yet you can donate some amount for a good cause if you want. The software is compatible with Windows XP and newer versions.
If you are still looking for an alternative to WinRAR, then you can’t go wrong with WinZIP. WinZip is one of the most popular and reliable tools among all other WinRAR alternatives. With the help of the tool, you can easily compress or extract data from different zipped files. The tool also allows you to encrypt your data or extract encrypted data with ease. The tool is available for both Windows and macOS.
By looking at the list of best WinRAR alternatives, you can easily find programs like WinRAR that perform exactly the same and charge no money. You can choose any of the software and download them using the below-mentioned link. The link will take you to the official website of the software. We hope that we have helped you to find the best alternative to WinRAR. Tell us in the comments below which software did you choose and why.
WinRAR at a glance
WinRAR Features
•WinRAR is a powerful compression tool with many integrated additional functions to help you organize your compressed archives.
•WinRAR puts you ahead of the crowd when it comes to compression. By consistently creating smaller archives, WinRAR is often faster than the competition. This will save you disk space, transmission costs AND valuable working time as well.
•WinRAR supports all popular compression formats (RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO, BZIP2, Z and 7-Zip).
•WinRAR is ideal for multimedia files. WinRAR automatically recognizes and selects the best compression method. The special compression algorithm compresses multimedia files, executables and object libraries particularly well.
•WinRAR allows you to split archives into separate volumes easily, making it possible to save them on several disks.
•WinRAR is also ideal if you are sending data through the web. Its AES 256-bit encryption and its authenticated signature technology will give you the peace of mind you have been looking for.
•WinRAR is a trial product, meaning you have the chance to thoroughly test it. The program can be used absolutely free of charge for 40 days!
•WinRAR licenses are valid for all available language and platform versions. If you have purchased several licenses, you can even mix versions to meet your own personal needs.
17 Best WordPress AI Plugins, Almost every device we use to automate complex tasks uses artificial intelligence. However, we often argue that such devices are not “intelligent” but simply calculating tools after we learn how they work and use them in our everyday lives.
Today, implementing artificial intelligence in software development is a sign of progress and a way to design new, more innovative features. This article will present the best WordPress AI plugins for creating better websites.
How Is Artificial Intelligence Used in WordPress?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a simulation of human intelligence demonstrated by machines. AI refers to different processes in computer systems that mimic human behavior, such as using logic and rules for decision-making and learning from analyzing data to improve performance (machine learning – ML).
Regarding WordPress, artificial intelligence improves different management processes, automates complex jobs, and tailors website content according to visitors’ expectations and search engines’ requirements. AI-powered plugins are becoming popular solutions to make sites faster, smarter, and more accessible.
Among the main tasks that AI plugins accomplish are:
•Boost website SEO. AI-powered plugins allow optimizing posts, pages, and other structures while they’re being created. Such plugins analyze website content, compare it to competitor data, and suggest changes that must be done to increase page views and attract an audience that relates to your content.
•Make websites more accessible. By designing accessible websites, you establish a better reputation for your brand and get through to more people. Many WordPress sites now use text-to-speech technologies provided by AI-based tools.
•Introduce smart assistants. Chatbots that use artificial intelligence can improve customer service because they are available 24/7. They can make human workers more efficient by completing low-end repetitive tasks.
Certainly, there are many more ways AI technologies can make better and help manage WordPress sites. But, sometimes, website owners must limit the usage of content-generating tools if they want their content to be visible on search engines. According to Google Search Advocate John Mueller, Google Search Console considers automatically generated content as spam. It seems Google doesn’t have the ability to detect auto-generated content, but I’m sure it’s on the way.
Special Mention: Crocoblock AI Integrations
Before we start looking at dedicated AI plugins, let me tell you exciting news: JetPlugins now also work together with AI to give users more power. One way to make websites better is by joining OpenAI with a strong form builder, which is what the JetFormBuilder plugin can do. By connecting this plugin to your OpenAI account using different integration tools, you can unlock new properties.
Employing form fields to fetch prompts for the AI generator provides some impressive features. They include refining grammar in posts and listings, transforming text into concise summaries, crafting SEO-friendly meta descriptions, and more. This fusion of JetFormBuilder and OpenAI not only streamlines content creation but also improves the overall website experience.
Another plugin that has started adding integrations with AI is JetEngine, and the first feature is SQL query generation for Query Builder.
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Using SQL Query Type, you can insert a custom query code and display whatever you want directly from your WordPress database on the front end. And the SQL query AI generator can give you such a code if you ask it with clear and simple human words! Read about this unique JetEngine feature in detail if that’s something you need for your site.
💡JetEngine and JetFormBuilder plugins are free for those who already have a Crocoblock All-Inclusive subscription.The functionality it offers includes 20 plugins and beyond.
Many WordPress plugins use artificial intelligence to facilitate website management and improve content. Here’s a list of the best plugins that implement AI for different tasks.
🏆Best for adding structured data to WordPress sites.
WordLift automates website SEO by analyzing all content, adding structured data or schema markup to it, and making it more understandable to Google. This plugin uses artificial intelligence to identify distinct words on the site and turn them into metadata. During the process, users can manually choose which keywords are preferable, thus controlling how the website’s knowledge graphs look.
WordLift core features:
•organizing references to external sources and internal pages;
•suggesting related content to visitors leading them to archived pages and increasing user engagement this way;
•enriching text with rich snippets;
•integration with Google Data Studio tool for comprehensive analytics and reports;
•timeline, navigation, geolocation, and search widgets.
Pricing: the Starter plan costs $588 per year for one site and includes ten schema markups. The Professional and Business plans sell for $948 and $2399 per year, respectively, and they have more schema types and advanced features and can be installed on more sites.
Pros:
•attracts an audience that is more related to the site’s content;
•enhances UX with content recommendations;
•free trial for 14 days.
Cons:
•it still takes some time to learn how to use WordLift at its full capacity;
🏆Best for optimizing large websites for search engines.
SEOPress is a powerful but lightweight WordPress plugin that allows search engine optimization of all web pages and CPTs through its interface. Unlike most other SEO plugins, SEOPress integrates with OpenAI. This feature utilizes artificial intelligence to generate SEO metadata (meta titles and descriptions) based on post content. It is especially useful for optimizing websites with hundreds of pages because it is available in bulk actions.
The plugin developers have plans to expand AI usage, so hopefully, we’ll see some new examples of how AI can improve SEO in future versions of SEOPress.
SEOPress core features:
•employs Davinci GPT-3 engine by default, but users can switch to other engines as well;
•allows optimizing multiple web pages at a time;
•highly trained models for nine languages.
Pricing: SEOPress is free, but AI integration comes with a Pro plan for $49 per year.
Pros:
•multifunctional SEO plugin that employs AI;
•affordable Pro plan.
Cons:
•AI integration is not included in the free version.
🏆Best for generating text and images for a Divi-built website.
Divi AI brings the power of AI to your fingertips right inside Divi’s visual builder. You can use it to write content and generate amazing images out of thin air. In addition, the functionality helps you refine the existing website content using a set of handy, quick actions. It’s like always having a content creator, copy editor, visual artist, and photographer at your side!
Divi AI core features:
•integrated into Divi and WordPress, allowing it to generate more intuitive results automatically;
•creates high-quality content and images on demand;
•refines and improves your existing website content with the help of AI.
Pricing: You can try Divi AI for free to generate 50 items. To unlock unlimited text and image generation, you can purchase Divi AI for $24 monthly ($18/month if paid yearly).
Pros:
•generates both spectacular content and images using AI;
•unlimited text and image generation;
•dozens of image and text refinement options;
•30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
•Divi AI only works with Divi, which isn’t suitable for those using other page builders.
Formidable Forms helps you create any form you need, from contact forms to quizzes. Plus, you can easily add an AI field in WordPress to any form that connects to ChatGPT to ensure a better experience for your website visitors. It can help answer questions, recommend products, or offer services to make things simple.
Formidable Forms core features:
•creates any type of form for your website;
•connects with other services (PayPal, CMS, email, etc.);
•allows full-form customization;
•creates calculators, quizzes, and other lead generators;
•adds more features like PDF, AI, and user tracking.
Pricing: the free version is available with limited options. The paid plans with AI start at $199.50 per year with up to seven domains.
Pros:
•offers an easy way to create different form types;
•gives you a powerful AI field to enhance your website.
🏆Best automation tool to detect spam comments on WordPress websites.
Akismet was designed by a reputable WordPress development company Automattic to detect and block spam comments even before they are marked as pending. This tool proved to be especially effective against spam bots, and there are over five million active installations of it.
After installation on a WordPress site, Akismet is constantly improving its work thanks to machine learning algorithms. Website admins can review comments caught by Akismet and point out the spam comments that broke through the protection system, enabling it to learn from its failures.
Akismet core features:
•automatic detection of spam comments;
•integrates with WordPress plugins through Akismet API;
•provides spam detection history.
Pricing: free for non-commercial sites. Spam protection for commercial or business sites starts at $10 per month.
Pros:
•solid protection against spam by bots;
•improving SEO ranking when deleting comments with spam links;
•free for personal use.
Cons:
•most of the time not effective against human-made spam comments.
🏆Best for adding a GPT-like chatbot to a WordPress site.
AI Engine is a fairly new plugin developed by Jordi Meaw that is rapidly gaining popularity. After 2000+ active installations on wordpress.org, it has only 5-star ratings, with users praising its novelty and smooth integration of AI with WordPress.
To enjoy the features of AI Engine, you’ll have to create an OpenAI key and insert it in the plugin’s settings. This allows you to add a sophisticated chatbot and content generator that rely on innovative OpenAI technologies to your website.
AI Engine core features:
•simple interface for customizing a chatbot and even giving it personality characteristics;
•ability to assign context awareness to a chatbot;
•built-in statistics to monitor OpenAI usage;
•AI Playground for translation, correction, discussions, etc.;
•internal API to link AI Engine with other plugins.
Pricing: currently, most of the AI Engine features are included in the free version. The Pro version starts at $29 per year for one site and has a statistics module and content-aware chatbots.
Pros:
•best free chatbot for WordPress;
•customization options for creating unique AI models;
🏆Best for detecting malware, viruses, and malicious codes using cloud technologies and artificial intelligence.
This plugin scans WordPress sites for malware, backdoors, worms, trojans, exploits, malicious iframes, malicious code injections, redirects, as well as other threats. The data is investigated on Quttera remote servers without changing any files. It also checks whether Google or other search engines blacklist your website.
Quttera Web Malware Scanner core features:
•scans for web threats in different forms;
•provides detailed investigation reports;
•learns to improve scan results by detecting false positives;
•provides blacklist status;
•detailed classification of threats in reports;
•tracks DNS attacks by monitoring DNS/IP.
Pricing: the free version is available with limited scanning options. The paid plans with a server-side malware scanner start at $120 per year for one domain.
Pros:
•offers a complex scanner for web malware that uses cloud technologies;
•feeds from the intelligence database to improve malware detection.
🏆Best for creating AI-generated product descriptions for eCommerce sites.
Using the GPT-3 language model by OpenAI, Bertha AI is among the best AI assistants built specifically for WordPress users. After the installation and activation of the plugin, you’ll see a new animated character in every text window of your website, including the backend WordPress builder. Bertha AI can provide you with multiple ideas for every task, from section titles to full-on text blocks, and saves every produced output for later reuse.
One of the strong points of Bertha AI is the automated creation of product descriptions suggesting long-tail keywords and SEO description tags, and all it needs for it is a product name.
Bertha AI core features:
•creating images based on your description;
•a content rephrasing tool;
•SEO keywords suggestions;
•30+ pre-built content models.
Pricing: the free version lacks most of the core features. The premium version starts at $450 per year. You can also go with one-time payment options: $25 for 10,000 generated words and $15 for 100 images.
Pros:
•smooth integration with WordPress, all the major page builders, and SEO plugins;
•an abundance of AI tools for blogging;
•pay-as-you-go pricing options.
Cons:
•expensive yearly plan;
•doesn’t offer a chatbot like some other content AI WordPress plugins do.
🏆Best for integrating AI tools in Elementor editor.
The Elementor team is rushing to get some of the hype and create a deep inbuilt integration of AI in our favorite WordPress editor. Although it does have some AI-powered features, like the adaptation of the layout of a web page to different screen sizes, the Elementor plugin hasn’t been an AI-focused tool by now.
The Elementor AI is not available to the public yet, as it’s still in the alpha stage, being tested internally. Most of the information about its current features comes from YouTube videos by content creators specializing in WordPress who got early access to the Elementor AI.
With Elementor AI, you’ll see a new Write with AI sign when you create blocks with text. If you click it, you’ll get to a new pop-up window where you’ll be able to use a few prompt suggestions or come up with your prompt and generate a text. Upon generating a text, you can modify it using additional buttons: translate the text, make it shorter/longer, simplify language, change tone, and fix spelling & grammar.
When you open a window for inputting CSS snippets (in Elementor Pro, it’s in Advanced > Custom CSS), you’ll see a new Code with AI icon. After clicking it, you’ll be offered to generate a CSS by writing a prompt. It seems the software recognizes loosely defined prompts and comes up with detailed specifications for the generated output.
The third main feature announced by the Elementor team is AI image generation, but there are no details on how this integration will work.
Elementor AI core features:
•inbuilt text generator;
•translation into 29 languages;
•generating CSS and HTML codes.
Pricing: $2.99 per month.
Pros:
•creates great basic texts;
•provides an advantage to someone who lacks CSS knowledge.
Cons:
•the text generator seems to be unaware of the contexts and only creates content based on the latest prompt and the following modification options.
🏆Best for writing long-form articles with an easy-to-use AI assistant.
ContentBot is another content generator using OpenAI GPT-3 natural language processing system. After installing the plugin, you can start producing new content directly within the WordPress interface. It is a great solution for bloggers to speed up content creation. You can write a few sentences, ask the plugin to continue, and delete parts you don’t like, and ContentBot will come up with a new, more relevant version. The built-in plagiarism tool will ensure you can use everything the AI created.
ContentBot core features:
•powerful paraphrasing tool;
•summarizer tool;
•instructions chatbot;
•45 writing templates (blog intro, full blog posts, tweets, sales emails, etc.);
•rewrite tool to change the content’s tone or make content appealing to specific audiences.
Pricing: a free version with just a few features is available. Premium plans start at $29 per month. You’d have to pay $59 monthly to enjoy all premium features.
Pros:
•easy-to-use drag-n-drop post builder;
•ability to create long-form texts quickly.
Cons:
•doesn’t have an image generator;
•free and basic pro versions don’t include essential tools like plagiarism checkers.
🏆Best for generating shortcodes and building complex queries in WordPress.
CodeWP is one of the best AI coding assistants for programmers and “non-technical” WordPress developers, with support for PHP and JS. With its help, users can create code snippets and complex queries that would otherwise take hours to complete.
The plugin features dozens of AI modes corresponding to specific plugins, uses, or products. The modes have different AI trained on different code bases to get accurate, high-quality snippets every time.
CodeWP core features:
•support for major plugins and page builders like WooCommerce and Elementor;
•dozens of professionally made tutorials;
•an excessive library of example snippets;
•general functions for all types and an increasing number of AI modes for specific tasks.
Pricing: the free plan allows for ten generations with a basic AI generator per month, and the Pro plan costs $96 per year.
Pros:
•new features and modes are added weekly;
•made specifically for WordPress users;
•low price for a plugin that helps solve complex problems.
Cons:
•no support for custom modes yet.
On October 18th, CodeWP v.2.0 was introduced, featuring a bundle of new features. The CodeWP team, led by James LePage, focused on implementing a novel conversational approach. Users can now chat with an AI bot trained on WordPress data to assist in code creation and troubleshooting. By using natural language prompts, CodeWP can even generate entire plugins.
🏆Best for adding Google AI machine translation to WordPress sites.
While the free version of this translator offers mediocre statistical machine translations, the paid version provides very accurate human-like translations into and from the English language. It stores the translated versions of your website on remote servers creating a separate domain for each language. This way, every translation is indexed, and users can find your content using their native languages.
Google Language Translator core features:
•hosting website translations;
•human-level translation quality;
•ability to manually modify translations;
•Google Analytics integration.
Pricing: the free version of this plugin is available. The paid version with all advanced features costs $400 per year.
Pros:
•improves SEO by indexing translated pages;
•high-quality neural machine translation;
•free version can be helpful.
Cons:
•to enjoy all advanced features, like translation hosting, you must buy an Enterprise plan, which is quite expensive.
🏆Best for managing emails, live chat, chatbots, and messages from one dashboard.
This plugin is an all-in-one communication solution. Its purpose is to upgrade the website’s customer service by offering various communication channels and boosting sales by providing automatic chatbots with many functional templates. It is easy to modify or even create chatbot templates from scratch using a drag-and-drop editor.
Tidio has one of the highest rankings on wordpress.org among live chat plugins, with over 100,000 active installations.
Tidio core features:
•managing all communication channels from one panel;
•chatbot templates for different situations to increase user engagement (cart saver, returning customers, etc.);
•drag-and-drug visual editor for working with chatbots;
•natural language processing (NLP) technologies to identify frequently used words and answer simple questions by the customers;
•seven-day trials on paid plans.
Pricing: most advanced features are available in the free plan, but they offer no chatbot templates and limit chatbot conversations to 100 visitors per month. The paid plans start at $190 per year.
Pros:
•advanced chatbot builder for automation sales and customer support;
•intuitive interface and management;
•free version for small businesses.
Cons:
•lacks integration with some major messengers (WhatsApp, Twitter).
🏆Best for finding related website content and presenting it to visitors.
YARPP lets website visitors see posts, pages, and custom post types related to their original entries and finds them from across the site using advanced algorithms. It is estimated that related posts can increase page views by ten percent.
YARPP core features:
•inbuilt catching for subsequent inquiries;
•many options for placing related posts (shortcuts, blocks, widgets, REST API, and more);
•pre-built list or thumbnail templates to showcase related posts;
🏆Best for researching, writing, and optimizing content for SEO engines.
GetGenie is an AI assistant designed to accelerate the writing of high-quality original blog posts. This writing tool offers many templates to cover various frameworks, such as AIDA, BAB, and PAS. It also shows on-page SEO scores to optimize content instantly and provides valuable suggestions on creating SEO-friendly slugs.
With its “Genie Mode”, content can be generated through prompts easily, and users can get a detailed response in return. Besides, GetGenie recently rolled out its chatting platform “GenieChat,” which can yield quick answers too.
GetGenie core features:
•30+ templates for content writing;
•provides analysis of competitor data;
•idea generation tool for blogs;
•enables one-click blog generation;
•generates content in multiple languages;
•enables human-like chatting with 22 personalities on “GenieChat”;
•presenting on-page SEO score.
Pricing: the free version is available with some limitations. The paid version starts from $19 per month.
Pros:
•saves time for copywriters;
•starts checking content on SEO-friendliness during the writing process;
•free version available with satisfactory word and analysis limit;
•has a free version and a 14-day trial on paid plans.
Cons:
•offers fewer writing templates than some other content-generation tools.
🏆Best for building internal links on WordPress sites.
Link Whisper provides the easiest way to create internal links. Making intracontent connections with related posts on the website is often underused, but it may be necessary both for user engagement and improving SEO ranking. The plugin’s AI-powered engine analyses website content and suggests related posts and links in a newly created box under the written text.
Additionally, Link Whisper provides detailed reports of broken links and 404 errors.
Link Whisper core features:
•automatic link suggestions;
•in-depth link reporting;
•ability to fine-tune recommendations by deciding which keywords are relevant.
Pricing: free version is available. Paid plans add many advanced features, such as automatic and cross-site linking, costing $77 per year for one site.
🏆Best for users who want to learn effective SEO practices.
RankMath AI-powered SEO plugin has over one million users. With its help, you can control which content is indexed and how it appears on search engines.
Multiple built-in suggestions make it easy to optimize website content and allow users to learn about the best SEO practices. Despite a large number of advanced features, its well-thought-out design and set-up wizard make RankMath easy to use, even for inexperienced users.
RankMath core features:
•20+ pre-defined schema types;
•30 in-depth SEO tests;
•smartlink suggestions;
•SEO-optimized breadcrumbs;
•detailed website analysis to identify SEO-related issues.
Pricing: the free version of RankMath includes many functions, and the paid version costs $59 per year and can be used on unlimited personal sites.
Pros:
•feature-rich AI-powered plugin;
•numerous suggestions and a wizard make RankMath beginner-friendly;
•reasonable price on the paid version.
Cons:
•some users report conflicts with other plugins.
What’s Next?
In November 2022, AI research company, OpenAI, launched ChatGPT – a sophisticated chatbot based on GPT-3, the company’s language model released in 2020. Two months after its launch, ChatGPT has over 30 million users sending OpenAI skyrocketing to the level of tech giants. In our article, we have already seen brand new plugins that use GPT-3 and are wildly popular (AI Engine, CodeWP), as well as renowned tools that rush to welcome this revolutionary technology aboard (SEOPress).
On February 6th, Google announced its rival AI chatbot, ‘Bard.’ So, it’s safe to say the AI arms race has begun, and it will make a major impact on content production, web development, and the online environment in general.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a simulation of human behavior during the decision-making process by machines.
What is machine learning?
Machine learning (ML) is a part of artificial intelligence that defines the capability of machines to analyze inquired data to improve their performance.
What is the purpose of WordPress AI plugins?
We often use AI plugins to create virtual assistants, text-to-speech readers, spam protection and automate website SEO.
Summary
Artificial intelligence techniques find use in various spheres of our lives. AI-powered WordPress plugins offer advanced features to accomplish different purposes.
1.WordLift is an excellent solution for the automation of website SEO, and it gives the best results when combined with human-made instructions.
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12 Best Linux Distros You Should Use, Out of all the operating systems in existence, Linux (also known as GNU/Linux) is the most frowned upon, and there are a few reasons for the same. While overall adaptability, software support, and user experience remain the most common issues with Linux, OS saturation is also a huge issue.
That said, most people involved in Linux treat the overwhelming number of choices as a plus point, as it gives them the ability and flexibility to try out different desktop environments and flavors and, ultimately, settle for what they like the best. However, if you haven’t tried Linux yet and want to start using it for whatever reason, here are some of the best Linux distros you should use and get started with.
Linux Mint has established itself as one of the best distros for beginner Linux users, thanks to Cinnamon’s simplicity (Linux Mint’s desktop environment) and ease of use. It’s an Ubuntu-based operating system that’s good for day-to-day usage and gaming. The Windows-like feel of Mint makes users switching from Windows feel at home and is one of the main selling points of the distro.
Linux Mint also caters to users who hold system stability of utmost importance. A new version of Mint is released every six months, and it’s usually very stable with occasional bugs. And for those who don’t like Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce are two other officially supported flavors of Linux Mint.
Cinnamon is popular because it uses far fewer system resources than GNOME, meaning it’s easier to run Linux Mint on old hardware with ease – like other lightweight Linux distros we recommend. Unlike Ubuntu, Linux Mint drops support for Snaps and embraces Flatpaks with open arms, and lately, the OS is doing its best to discern itself from Ubuntu. And well, it has been successful in doing the same. Overall, it’s a great Linux distro for beginners because everything just works out of the box.
Pop!_OS is developed by a company named System76, which also sells PC hardware and laptops powered by the OS. The OS was originally made with STEM professionals in mind and comes with NVIDIA drivers preinstalled. Soon, the distro became a hit among gamers, largely because installing NVIDIA drivers on Linux wasn’t the most user-friendly work in the world.
Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu and uses the COSMIC desktop environment, which is Pop!_OS’ homemade desktop environment based on GNOME. However, unlike GNOME, it’s a lot cleaner and has got a few neat tricks up its sleeve, like the keyboard shortcuts, which makes Pop!_OS one of the cleanest Linux systems. Overall, Pop!_OS is a great option for budding creators as well as folks who want to game on Linux out of the box.
Speaking of COSMIC, System76 has recently decided to distance itself from GNOME and recode the entire desktop environment in Rust programming language. Rust-based COSMIC was announced a few years ago and is currently about to transition from the Alpha to Beta stages. The revamped COSMIC will supposedly be faster, smoother, and less clunky than GNOME-based COSMIC.
Pros
Cons
An excellent choice for gamers and content creators
Fedora is the Ubuntu of the new world. It’s a cutting-edge Linux distro that’s an upstream version of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It uses the same RPM package manager and embraces Flatpaks and App Images, but more importantly (and the selling point of the distro) comes with a near-stock version of GNOME. Fedora is often one of the first Linux distros to embrace the latest versions of GNOME in its beta builds, which comes out every six months.
And since Fedora is open-source, it also has a few community versions called Spins. Some of the popular spins are Plasma, Xfce, LXQT, MATE, and Cinnamon. Overall, Fedora might not be the best option for absolute beginners, but it’s great for those who know their way around Linux. Besides, Fedora’s got one of the most active distro communities on Reddit. Hence, if something goes wrong, the group of enthusiasts will always be there for the rescue.
One of the areas where the OS doesn’t excel is with regard to system requirements. GNOME is a heavy desktop environment compared to others. As a result, it needs at least 8GB RAM and a decently powerful CPU/GPU to perform well.
Pros
Cons
Cutting-edge
Learning curve for a beginner
Great for stock GNOME lovers
Requires a decently specced PC
Great for gamers and content creators
.
Excellent community
.
System Requirements:
•2GB (8GB Recommended)
•15GB Disk space (100GB Recommended)
•A 2GHz dual-core, 64-bit CPU
Flavors: GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, LXQT, MATE, Cinnamon, LXDE, SOAS, and i3 Tiling Window Manager Download Fedora
If your friend says, “I installed an Arch-based Linux OS in just a few hours,” they are probably referring to Manjaro. Arch has always been an inconvenience for new Linux folks, but Manjaro makes it easy to taste Arch. It’s one of the best Arch-based Linux distros that comes in three official flavors/variants — KDE Plasma, Xfce, and GNOME.
Like Fedora Spins, Manjaro has lots of community versions like Budgie, Cinnamon, and MATE too. Hence, you are not devoid of choices in this case. That said, Manjaro isn’t a pure Arch-based system because it isn’t as cutting-edge as the next option on our list. Manjaro has its own repository where all updates from Arch are merged and pushed later. Stability is of great importance for Manjaro, hence, the new packages from Arch are thoroughly tested before they are merged into the OS.
If you’re confused about which flavor to choose, GNOME, KDE Plasma, and Budgie are great if you have a decent PC. However, if you are running ancient hardware, we recommend Xfce or MATE as they use far lesser system resources.
Flavors: GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, Budgie, MATE, Cinnamon, Sway, and i3 Tiling Window Manager Download Manjaro
5. EndeavourOS
If Manjaro’s “Endeavours” don’t align with your philosophies, EndeavourOS gets a lot of things right for an Arch-based distro. It offers you the flexibility to choose whichever Desktop Environment you like, has the Arch DNA in its veins, and offers quick package upgrades.
For starters, it comes with a customized Calamares installer, which makes installation easy. EndeavourOS does not have “flavors,” instead it prompts and asks you to select the desktop environment of your choice in Calamares during the installation. Besides, EndeavourOS has a great community and is a stellar alternative to Manjaro, or even Arch, for that matter. If all you need is a great rolling distribution, you cannot go wrong with EndeavourOS.
Unlike Manjaro, in which new packages from Arch take at least three weeks to make it to the system, updates to EndeavourOS arrive at the same time as pure Arch Linux. Also, the overall bloatware on EndeavourOS is less compared to Manjaro, which makes it one of the cleanest Arch-based distros out there.
Pros
Cons
The closest cutting-edge OS to Arch
Learning curve for a beginner
Lots of desktop environment options
Frequent Arch updates might break the system or introduce bugs
Yet another Ubuntu-based distribution, Elementary OS is known for its rather striking resemblance to macOS, which makes it a great starting point for folks who want to switch to Linux from macOS.
Elementary OS has a few great homemade apps that look great and work well. In fact, distros such as Pop!_OS use Elementary’s store, and that’s a testament to the effort the Elementary team puts into developing one of these best Linux distros. Overall, Elementary OS is a user-friendly and good-looking distribution that gets most things right.
For starters, Epiphany is a decent browser available on Elementary OS, and apps such as Photos, Music, AppCenter, and more all feel like they actually belong to the OS because they’re consistent. The wallpapers are some of the best you can find in any distro, and the dock and animations make the distro a visual treat.
Pros
Cons
Consistent design language
For absolute beginners; Mediocre to advanced users may not enjoy
Windows users make up a huge chunk of the crowd that switches to Linux. Hence, one of the top priorities of a few Linux distros is to make them feel at home. That’s exactly what Zorin OS does with its impeccable UI experience. Its clean, polished UI does give out the feeling of a completely revamped experience while still retaining the bits of Windows UI to comfort ex-Windows users.
Zorin is Ubuntu-based but looks/feels quite unlike Ubuntu both in terms of looks and functionality. There’s also a Lite version that can run on weaker hardware. All in all, Zorin has great documentation and posts for beginners to get started, and more importantly, it is completely free and open-source.
Besides, Zorin OS also has a Pro version that costs $40, and for that price, you get more desktop layout customizations, preloaded apps such as GIMP and Blender, and the ability to share your mouse and keyboard across computers. Now, we wouldn’t recommend going all out on the Pro version, since most of the paid features can be added by using extensions. However, for what it is, Zorin OS is definitely one of the cleanest and best Linux distros out there.
Garuda does things slightly differently than other best Linux distros on this list. For starters, contrary to the regular Linux kernel, it uses something called Linux-zen kernel, which claims to significantly improve the overall system and gaming performance.
The centerpiece of Garuda Linux is its UI. It gets lots of modern elements with gradient coloring splashed across the OS. Garuda Linux is based on Arch and follows the same rolling release pattern. It’s offered in multiple flavors; some of the most popular ones are GNOME, Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE.
The flagship Garuda variant comes with a heavily customized KDE Plasma and is offered in two editions — Dragonized and Dragonized Gaming. The latter includes all the apps you’d need to get started with gaming on Linux such as Steam, Lutris, Heroic Games Launcher, & more, which makes it one of the best Linux distros for gaming.
Pros
Cons
Cutting-edge, thanks to its Arch base
Could be a bit too overwhelming for new users
Highly customizable KDE Plasma interface
Higher system requirements
Gradient theming and icons look fantastic out of the box
Performance and stability issues due to Arch updates
Dragonized Gaming edition brings all gaming tools for you
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More optimized Linux-zen kernel for better performance
.
System Requirements:
•4GB RAM (8GB Recommended)
•40GB Disk space (100GB Recommended)
•A 2GHz dual-core, 64-bit CPU
Flavors: KDE Plasma, GNOME, Cinnamon, Xfce, MATE, LxQT, Wayfire, Sway, i3 WM, Qtile, and KDE Lite Download Garuda Linux
9. Solus
Solus is a rather underrated Linux distro. The OS focuses keenly on developers, gamers, and content creators by including the tools required to get started with development, gaming, and content creation. The flagship flavor of Solus OS uses their in-house Budgie desktop, which is one of the cleanest desktop environments you can try.
What makes Solus different is that it doesn’t follow in the same footsteps as other Linux distros. It’s an independently developed distro with a completely different user experience compared to others on this list. Although, if you do not end up liking Budgie, you can switch to other desktop environments, including GNOME, Plasma, and MATE.
Because Solus is an independent distro, it uses its own package manager called Eopkg. It’s quite similar to Apt in Ubuntu but may have a learning curve since the commands are a bit different from the regular Apt commands. However, if you don’t end up liking Eopkg, you could always use Flatpaks and Snaps on Solus. All things considered, it’s one of the best Linux distros out there.
Pros
Cons
Independent OS; Doesn’t depend on any other OS
Eopkg has a shallow learning curve
Highly customizable interface
Slow development pace
The Flagship Budgie desktop looks great out of the box
Lack of software in repos
Comes preinstalled with a few tools for developers
.
System Requirements“
•8GB RAM (Recommended)
•GeForce 760 and above graphics card with at least 2GB of video memory.
In the end, we have something that you would have found in the first two entries had you read this list a couple of years ago. Ubuntu started off with the goal of making Linux more accessible and easily installable than Debian, which was then’s Arch Linux. And, for the most part, it succeeded in achieving that goal, only to succumb to a corporate illness a decade after.
Don’t get us wrong, Ubuntu is still a great operating system, but it has lost the bling it used to have a few years ago, and a few weird and poor decisions are to be blamed. Without getting into the details, Ubuntu uses GNOME by default, which is a tad bit customized.
Ubuntu uses Snaps for package management, and the latter is the reason the Linux community has started repelling it. They completely dropped out-of-the-box support for Flatpaks, as we mentioned in our Ubuntu 23.04 features list. Although it’s a good starting point for a complete beginner, we would argue there are better Linux distros to try than Ubuntu.
Ubuntu also raised a few privacy concerns when it started preinstalling Amazon and sharing data with the same a few years ago. Most of the users accused Canonical (Ubuntu’s parent company) of tracking user activity by installing spyware, and it made people lose trust in Ubuntu.
KDE Neon is known to provide a flagship KDE experience, and it delivers! It’s a culmination of the latest from KDE Plasma while maintaining the stability thanks to the Ubuntu LTS base. The latest software from KDE always makes its way to Neon first and is a great way of trying out the latest features that the Desktop Environment has to offer while avoiding butchering the stable feel of the operating system.
Since Neon is based on Ubuntu LTS, each major release comes with five years of support and a stable tried and tested LTS Kernel. Neon also has some of the best collections of software thanks to KDE Plasma interface, meaning if you’re a creative individual, you could use some of the many tools the OS has on offer to boost your productivity, creativity, and be more efficient in your art.
Although most may like the interface and apps, like any other software, some may find the collection of apps a bit overwhelming. Hence, Neon may not be the distro for you if you prefer minimalism. Overall, Neon is easily one of the best Linux distributions you can try.
Nobara is not a mainstream Linux distributions and isn’t known by many except those who closely follow the Proton Compatibility Layer, Wine for Linux gaming, and Fedora. Nobara was created by Glorious Eggroll, the creator of Proton-GE. Nobara market’s itself as a Linux distro for gamers and creators because it adds and solves a lot of things that a Linux gamer may find annoying and needed.
For example, if you’re deeply immersed in Proton and Proton-GE, you may want to install new Proton versions to test for improvements and hence Nobara comes with Proton-QT preinstalled. Similarly, it’s always updated with the latest version of MangoHUD, Kernel patches, has automatic driver installation for NVIDIA GPUs, and comes with things such as OnlyOffice, Steam, Lutris, Flatpak preinstalled.
Pros
Cons
Lots of important preinstalled bits
Is a distro for Gaming and Creative work; May not be ideal for daily usage
The best iPhone 14 Pro Max cases in 2024, The iPhone 14 Pro Max has become a favorite among Apple fans since its launch. While it’s never easy to spend more money, especially after buying a new phone, it’s a good idea to invest in a protective case for the phone to avoid scratches, chips, or other damage. You can find plenty of cases on the market, from those that provide complete protection to those that add style to your phone. Here are our top picks for the best cases available for the iPhone 14 Pro Max in 2024.
Catalyst Crux iPhone 14 Pro Max Case
The best lanyard iPhone 14 Pro Max case
The Catalyst Crux iPhone 14 Pro Max Case offers plenty of protection with its shock-absorbent corners. However, it’s likely that buyers won’t even need them, thanks to the sturdy lanyard that comes with every case.
Accessories like lanyards can make it easy to carry around your phone without fear of dropping it on the ground as long as it’s fastened around your wrist. Unfortunately, the Catalyst Crux case only comes in one color. That said, you’ll feel so secure with the case and lanyard that its color may not actually matter to you.
Casetify is a highly reputable brand that’s well-known for making solid cases with what feels like an endless amount of color options. No matter who you are or what sort of style you’re going for, you’ll be able to find a case that fits you.
While Casetify’s Bounce Cases (seen later in this list) are the company’s best for all-around protection, they can be pretty bulky. For those looking to ride the line between style and protection, the Impact Case will be able to do just that. Take note, however, that you’ll need to spend a decent amount of cash to get one.
Often, phone cases that are fully MagSafe compatible have the magnetic ring displayed front and center on the rear of the case, which, depending on your tastes, might be something of an eye-sore. Luckily, the Mous iPhone 14 Pro Max case doesn’t feature the ring but is still fully MagSafe compatible.
It comes in a handful of solid color options, and buyers will be able to rest easy knowing that if it breaks at any time, their purchase is covered under a lifetime warranty.
Incipio Duo MagSafe Case
The best dual-layer iPhone 14 Pro Max case
Although Incipio’s Duo for MagSafe may look a little plain, its two-piece design is the latest in shock-absorption technology. The case is able to withstand 12-foot drops and other major collisions by distributing the force between the two pieces of its design.
This makes it a surprisingly durable option for those who often find their devices in precarious situations. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer much in terms of style, so you’ll be trading the iPhone’s style for solid protection — which can certainly be a major roadblock for some but a necessity for others.
If you’re looking for a phone case that can withstand a good deal of harsh treatment, then Spigen’s Slim Armor case is for you. Like the Incipio Duo above, its two-piece design is made to withstand high drops and large impacts.
Although its raised edges make it a little bit bulkier than other skin-tight cases, they provide an additional layer of protection for the display and cameras. The only real downside to it is that its design leaves something to be desired. There’s only one color option available, and the ribbed upper third of it certainly isn’t for everyone.
If you’re looking for a solid case that supports wireless charging and MagSafe accessories, then the clear case offered by Apple is the way to go. While it has very little personality of its own on account of being completely see-through, it’s perfect for anyone looking to show off the sleek design of the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Protection is going to be limited due to its thin profile, but that’s a small price to pay for MagSafe compatibility and the clear style.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
PopSockets MagSafe Clear Case
The best PopSocket iPhone 14 Pro Max case
The PopSockets MagSafe case is pretty similar to the official Apple MagSafe case but also includes a detachable PopSocket, making it a solid choice for anyone worried about dropping their phone.
The interesting bit is that the socket has the ability to slide anywhere on the case, offering a great variety for MagSafe accessories. Although the color options are a little lacking, if you get the clear color option, the design of the iPhone 14 Pro Max is able to take center stage.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Ghostek Covert Case
The best sleek iPhone 14 Pro Max case
The Ghostek Covert case sports a fantastic design, with colorful edges and a clear back that highlight the design of your new iPhone. The case should do a good job at keeping your phone safe thanks to its shock-absorbing corners, but its drop resistance is only good for 8 feet.
While that certainly covers drops from table heights and other regular circumstances, it does mean that your phone is more likely to take damage than when protected by some other rugged cases on this list. Still, that’s more than enough for everyday damage, and if you don’t want to add a lot of extra thickness, this is a great choice.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Nomad Modern Leather Case
The best leather iPhone 14 Pro Max case
The Nomad Modern Leather case is a solid pick for anyone wanting a traditional leather look for their iPhone 14 Pro Max. While its design may seem a little simple at first, it will eventually develop a patina that will give it a nice aged look.
Along with the classic style, it also offers 10 feet of drop protection to keep your new phone safe from accidental slips. It’s one of the pricier options though, but the leather is lush and sustainably sourced, making it a great choice for leather fans.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
WTCASE PU Leather Case
The best fancy iPhone 14 Pro Max case
If you like the leather look but don’t want to spend a fortune on a real leather case, consider this faux leather pick available at a more budget-friendly price. The logo cutout is a huge plus for people who enjoy flaunting their iPhones.
On top of looking good, its raised edges also protect both the screen and the rear cameras from taking damage if dropped. You can also choose between four colors to match your style.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Snakehive Vintage Wallet Case
The best wallet iPhone 14 Pro Max case
As phones have become essential things to grab before leaving the house alongside items like keys and wallets, some cases have looked to merge some of those items together. One such case is the Snakehive Vintage Wallet, which mixes a phone case and a wallet together. It holds three cards and can use its flap as both a screen protector when the phone isn’t in use and a stand for watching streaming content.
It’ll protect fairly well due to the wrap-around design, but this isn’t a rugged case by any means, so just expect everyday protection.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
CaseBorne V Rugged Case
The best rugged iPhone 14 Pro Max case
If you’re an outdoorsy type looking to take your phone with you on camping trips or during other outdoor activities, the CaseBorne V is built to withstand just about anything you throw at it.
The CaseBorne V is made to be a rugged accessory for your device that will keep it safe in even the harshest of conditions. The only downsides are the massive and bulky size that goes hand-in-hand with a more durable case and its lack of solid color options.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Dbrand Grip Case
The best grip iPhone 14 Pro Max case
Although Dbrand is known for its sarcastic sense of humor when it comes to selling device accessories, the accessories it offers are of high quality.
The Grip Case for the iPhone 14 Pro Max is no exception, as its striking design gives a truly unique look to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. On top of that, the company has been marketing its grip cases as the “world’s grippiest phone case,” so it’ll rest securely in your hands. Users also enjoy the tactile button response and solid protection against drops.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Otterbox Lumen Series with MagSafe
The best stylish iPhone 14 Pro Max case
Otterbox is known for making solid cases that protect phones, and the Lumen Series is no different. With striking color designs, support for all MagSafe accessories, and solid side grips that make the phone comfortable to hold, it’s a great pick for iPhone 14 Pro Max owners.
The only thing that could turn potential buyers away is that its price point is high relative to other cases on this list, but the strong Otterbox protection means it’s worth the money for many.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Casetify Bounce Case
The best drop-proof iPhone 14 Pro Max case
The Casetify Bounce Case is expensive, but for what it brings to the table, there’s certainly an argument to be made that justifies its price tag.
It’s the most durable case that the company offers, with bumpers on each corner that diffuse the force of being dropped from the phone’s most vulnerable points. Additionally, it supports all MagSafe accessories and can be customized to put your name on the outside for a personalized look.
SUPCASE
Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Mag Case
The best multifunctional iPhone 14 Pro Max case
This option from Supcase is a phone case designed for iPhone 14 Pro Max users who want every feature imaginable in a case. It features shock-absorbing TPU and unbending polycarbonate materials that provide protection from impacts, scratches, smudges, and cracks. The case also comes with a tempered-glass screen protector that adds an extra layer of protection for your phone’s display.
It also includes a rotating belt clip holster, and the built-in kickstand doubles as a ring holder, making it convenient to carry your phone around, watch videos, or make video calls hands-free. It also works with all of your MagSafe accessories. If you can get over the bulky design, there’s a lot to like with this one.
i-Blason
i-Blason Cosmo Case
The best stylish iPhone 14 Pro Max case
The i-Blason Cosmo Case is an iPhone 14 Pro Max case that looks great and provides excellent protection. It’s made of a soft and flexible TPU material that can absorb shocks and prevent scratches, dents, and drops from damaging your phone. This case also comes with a built-in screen protector to keep your phone’s screen free from scratches. You can find this case in various colors and styles to match your preferences. It also has a built-in screen protector to help keep your screen scratch-free. You’ll find this case in multiple styles and colors.
Best Desktop Computers of 2024 tested and reviewed, We’ve reviewed dozens of PCs to bring you a list of the best desktop computers in 2024 to help you find what you’re looking for, regardless of if you’re surfing spreadsheets, playing games, or browsing the internet. There are a lot of options to pick from this year, including PCs from Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, but only a select few are among the best.
For us, the Dell XPS Desktop 8960 remains the best desktop PC you can buy in 2024. However, we have several other options depending on your budget and needs, including desktops for gaming, remote work, and more. We’ll provide a quick overview here, but make sure to read our write-up on how we review desktops for a deeper look at our evaluation process.
Quick overview
•Dell XPS Desktop 8960: A highly flexible desktop that can accommodate almost any budget and purpose, from home office work to high-end gaming.
•Lenovo Legion Tower 7i: A well-built and customizable desktop that shoots ahead in gaming performance.
•Apple iMac 24-inch: Apple’s iMac 24-inch is only better now with the M3 chip at the helm.
•Apple Mac Mini M2: A supercharged version of Apple’s storied Mac Mini that’s as portable as it is powerful.
•Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i: One of the most powerful all-in-one PCs you can buy still, and with a stunning set of features.
•Falcon Northwest Tiki: A boutique desktop PC that’s small and very powerful for gaming.
•Apple Mac Studio: A tiny PC that packs some of the most powerful hardware on the market.
•HP Envy Move: The perfect desktop for a hybrid working style.
•Lenovo ThinkStation P620: A powerful workstation that can handle the most demanding tasks.
•Ayaneo AM01: A quant mini PC that packs a surprising amount of power for a low price.
Why you should trust us
We’ve reviewed hundreds of desktop PCs for years, looking for machines that stand out for gaming, home office use, photo and video editing, and so much more. From miniature PCs that can fit on a bookshelf to behemoth desktops with custom liquid cooling, we’ve seen literally everything, and we know what stands out and what doesn’t.
Key considerations when selecting the best desktop
There are a few key areas we focus on when looking a desktop computer.
Performance
Performance is king when it comes to a desktop computer, but it’s not an equal bar for every PC. Some machines, like the Mac Mini, are offering power in a portable package, while a desktop like the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i goes all-out for gaming prowess. We meet desktops where they’re at, evaluating what they’re trying to accomplish, and at what price.
Build quality
A desktop may look nice, but it’s built of cheap plastics and throwaway components, it won’t last for long. Our review process includes a teardown of every desktop to understand what the internal components look like. In addition, we look at fan placement, ventilation, and cooling to ensure the desktops will stay quiet during operation without overheating.
Support
Things go wrong with PCs, so it’s important to have a robust support system in place. A one-year warranty is standard on most electronics, so we look for companies that go above and beyond what’s required with multi-year warranties and around-the-clock support.
Upgradability
One of the main benefits of a desktop PC is that you can upgrade it in the future, but some brands have missed that memo. We keep an eye out for proprietary components and try to focus on desktops that provide some upgrade paths for users. This isn’t possible for all machines, though, such as Apple’s iMac, where upgrades are tricky for end users due to the form factor.
Dell XPS 8960
The best desktop computer
The best overall desktop PC is the one that will work for the most people, and that’s the Dell XPS 8960. It’s understated in all the right ways, reasonably priced considering the power you can pack inside, and comes in a variety of configurations to suit work, gaming, or both. Choosing the highest-rated PC isn’t easy, but the Dell XPS 8960 gets rid of that issue.
Regardless of what configuration you choose, you’ll find something that matches your needs. That’s because Dell builds them custom ordered, which is the best feature of the XPS 8960. The options are nearly endless, with prices ranging from $750 to over $3,000 depending on the parts you choose. Some of the desktops come without a discrete graphics card, meaning they’re more suited for work than games. However, you can get one of the more expensive ones that include a discrete graphics card.
Dell is offering this new XPS desktop with Intel Raptor Lake and DDR5 RAM for those who are in search of the best gaming PC. You can add up to an RTX 4090 graphics card as well, which is a serious amount of power considering the size of the machine. Powerful hardware means more heat, but the XPS 8950 gets rid of it well with optional liquid cooling and a case with plenty of room for airflow.
Best Desktop Computers of 2024 tested and reviewed
The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i gets almost everything right. It comes with the latest flagship hardware, packing in an Nvidia RTX 4080 and a 13th-gen Intel Core i9 processor, and it comes in a sleek, attractive design that doesn’t get too loud or hot. Perhaps most importantly, it uses standard-sized components so you can upgrade it in the future.
That’s easily the best thing about the Legion Tower 7i. It comes with the more affordable price of a mainstream gaming PC without any of the hurdles that come from brands like Alienware and Asus. The convenience doesn’t come at the cost of performance, either. Based on our testing, the Legion Tower 7i is just as fast as a custom-built PC with the same hardware.
The only downside is how the machine is configured. It comes with fast DDR5 memory, so this computer is great for playing ricky casino online without lag, but it’s set up to run at a slower speed out of the box. That didn’t make a big difference in overall performance based on our testing, but certain applications will run slightly slower in the Tower 7i’s default configuration. Thankfully, boosting the memory speed just takes a couple of clicks.
Apple iMac 24-inch
The best desktop for photo editing
.
Apple’s iMac 24-inch hasn’t seen a lot of love, but that all changed with the introduction of the M3 chip. Sporting the same stunning design and beautiful screen we fell in love with a few years ago, the iMac Apple is selling today truly is the same, but better.
That all comes down to the M3 chip. Compared to its M1 predecessor, the new model is at least 20% faster, and often much more. The graphics processor, in particular, is impressive. It even manages to beat some of Apple’s older Pro series chips, going as far as to have playable performance in games like Lies of P.
Apple didn’t change much else about the iMac, but it didn’t need to. The 4.5K Retina display is still stunning with a high pixel density, and the speakers are second to none. The upgraded webcam is exceptional, too, offering up a 1080p resolution for crisp video calls. If you’re looking for an all-in-one that just works in 2024, the iMac M3 is for you.
We rarely give products a perfect score, but that’s exactly what Apple’s Mac mini M2 earned in our full review. The updated mini PC features the same compact footprint that Apple has used for over a decade, but now with a major update under the hood.
The base M2 model is a big upgrade over 2020’s Mac mini M1, but the updated desktop really shines with the M2 Pro chip. That takes the Mac mini from being a MacBook without a screen to a full-fledged creator machine capable of tackling the most demanding tasks you can throw at a computer today.
The only problem is the base configuration, which comes with a much slower SSD. We wholeheartedly recommend the Mac mini M2, but make sure to read our Mac mini M2 buying guide to pick the right configuration.
Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i
The best desktop computer for work
It’s really hard recommending an all-in-one over Apple’s iMac, but the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i is certainly a contender. It’s a 4K desktop that impresses with great performance, a solid price, and one of the best integrated displays we’ve seen, as well as some unique features.
The machine is powered by Intel’s Core i9-13900H, which is one of the most powerful mobile CPUs you can buy. It’s more than enough to handle work applications, and it can even step up for some photo or video editing. More impressive, you can configure the machine with a mobile RTX 4050 graphics card, giving you a little gaming grunt if you need it.
The Yoga AIO 9i makes this list due to its screen and features, however. The 32-inch 4K display is stunning with its glossy finish, and it comes with great color accuracy out of the box. It has some tricks in the base, as well, including a wireless charging pad for your phone.
Falcon Northwest Tiki
The best mini gaming PC
Falcon Northwest is one of the few true boutique PC builders left, and the Tiki explains why. It’s one of the smallest gaming PCs you can buy, and it still manages to pack in flagship hardware. More importantly, the Tiki does both without sacrificing heat or thermals, which is the biggest pitfall for small form factor machines.
It’s expensive, but Falcon Northwest’s attention to detail still manages to stand out. From premium component selection to a detailed dossier of every aspect of your build, the Tiki goes beyond being just a shell for high-end components.
Falcon Northwest offers the machine with AMD or Intel configurations, paired with up to an RTX 3090 GPU. Unfortunately, the Tiki is too small to fit Nvidia’s monstrous RTX 4090. Although the Tiki is clearly a gaming PC first, Falcon Northwest also offers it with Nvidia’s professional GPUs.
Apple Mac Studio
The best desktop for video editing
It feels like the Mac Studio has finally found its footing. It straddled a strange line previous, not quite reaching the level of the Mac Pro while falling short of the value-focused Mac mini. With the M2 Ultra or M2 Max, the Mac Studio finally feels like premium, Pro-level Mac Apple fans have waited for.
It’s crazy fast, getting close and sometimes even beating top-level PC components like the Core i9-13900K and RTX 4090. That’s all the more impressive considering the size of the Mac Studio, which barely takes up a fraction of your desk space. Even considering the high price, the performance and size of the Mac Studio make it feel like a downright deal.
It has all of the professional trimmings you’d expect, too, including support for massive storage arrays and great external monitor support. The Mac mini is still better for most people, but if you can take advantage of the power of the Mac Studio, it’s tough to beat.
HP Envy Move
The best desktop computer for home office
The HP Envy Move is one of the most unique desktops we’ve ever seen. It’s a desktop, but it’s also portable, and it’s the perfect fit for the hybrid work style so many of us have fallen into.
It’s a basic all-in-one at its core, but the Envy Move’s trick is that the legs automatically fold in, allowing you to pick it up and carry it with you. There’s a carrying handle on the back, and activating it will automatically tuck in the legs. And with an included battery, you really can pick up your PC and take it anywhere. There’s even a sleeve in the back so you can tuck in the included keyboard/trackpad combo.
HP doesn’t charge a massive premium for this design, either. The Envy Move starts at just $750 for a mobile Intel 13th-gen CPU, which offers acceptable performance for basic home office tasks.
Lenovo ThinkStation P620
The best desktop workstation computer
The Lenovo ThinkStation P620 is a workstation in every sense of the word. This is a desktop designed to perform the most resource-heavy tasks out there. Created specifically for engineering, data science, machine learning, 3D modeling, video editing, and more, the ThinkStation is the kind of PC that will find uses across many fields, aiding professionals in their daily tasks.
More importantly, it’s the only workstation available now with AMD’s Threadripper 5000 Pro processors. You can pack in up to a Threadripper Pro 5995WX processor, which packs in 64 cores and 128 threads, along with an astounding 256MB of L3 cache. Similarly, you can add up to two Nvidia Quadro GV100 GPUs, which is powerful enough for even the most demanding tasks.
The other specs are just as impressive – eight RAM slots for up to 512GB of memory, as well as six drive slots for up to 24TB of storage. Windows 11 comes default on the machine, but you can also have it pre-configured for Red Hat Enterprise Linux or Ubuntu as well.
The Lenovo P620 isn’t for everyone. It’s an insanely expensive workstation that can cost upwards of $40,000 fully tricked out, but for professionals who demand peak performance, nothing can touch the ThinkStation P620.
Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01
The coolest desktop PC
Sometimes just looking cool is enough. The Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01 is in that position. It’s styled after an old-school Mac, fit with a plastic, off-white shell and a badge indicative of an early 1990s Apple logo, but the nostalgic mini PC packs a lot of power under the hood.
It features up to an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U CPU, along with up to 64GB of memory,and up to 2TB of SSD storage. Pricing starts at just $200, with a maxed-out configuration costing $421. This PC isn’t going to floor you in performance, but it’s surprisingly component given its size and low price.
Perhaps the best use case, however, is as an emulator. The AM01 makes a perfect retro gaming companion, all while having a full installation of Windows 11 to back up its usefulness.
The 10 best monitors for 2024, For those seeking a superior computer setup, a cutting-edge monitor is non-negotiable. Whether you’re entrenched in graphic design, a dedicated gamer, or a remote professional, the right display has the power to transform your computing experience. With a myriad of options available, ranging from various resolutions and panel types to refresh rates and specialized features, navigating the world of monitors can be overwhelming.
While the Dell UltraSharp 32 4K is an excellent pick offering an extensive array of features and an expansive 4K display, it may not suit everyone’s needs. Read on to see which other monitors we recommend for gaming, home use, esports, and more.
Dell UltraSharp 32 4K
The best monitor you can buy
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Dell’s UItraSharp 32 4K isn’t the cheapest monitor out there, but it’s the best. It offers a balance of beautiful image quality and features that few monitors can nail, and does so at a reasonable price.
We specifically reviewed the 32-inch model, which is more expensive than the 27-inch version (the U2723QE). Most people are fine with the 27-inch version, though the 4K resolution looks its best on a 32-inch panel. Regardless of the size, both monitors use an IPS Black panel, which provides wide color coverage and excellent color accuracy. It’s also significantly brighter than a standard IPS panel, offering up about twice the contrast you’d normally find.
Outside of image quality, Dell’s UltraSharp 4K displays feature an integrated USB-C hub that’s surprisingly useful. It sports up to 90 watts of power delivery, and it gives you a one-cable solution for connecting a laptop to the display. With the single USB-C cord, you can daisy-chain a second monitor, connect to the Ethernet port, and access both DisplayPort and HDMI connections. The monitor even comes with a KVM switch, allowing you to quickly swap your peripherals between devices.
The Alienware 34 QD-OLED has finally met its match, and it’s the new Alienware 32 QD-OLED featuring the latest 4K panel from Samsung. The monitor offers a stellar HDR gaming experience, exceptional out-of-the-box color accuracy, and excellent suitability for console gaming. Its 4K resolution and rapid 240Hz refresh rate provide a cutting-edge gaming experience, making it a top choice for both PC and console enthusiasts. The three-year warranty adds value, ensuring peace of mind for users.
The design of the Alienware 32 QD-OLED mirrors that of its 34-inch predecessor, maintaining the two-tone black-and-white exterior. The new OLED panel enhances image quality, addressing color accuracy concerns seen in the Alienware 34 QD-OLED. Notably, the Alienware 32 QD-OLED is the first gaming monitor to support Dolby Vision, which should please console gamers. However, the lack of built-in speakers and the thicker design might be minor drawbacks for some users. The image quality, especially HDR performance, remains exceptional, showcasing deep blacks and vibrant colors. While not the brightest in SDR, the Alienware 32 excels in darker environments. With a fast refresh rate, 4K sharpness, and OLED technology, it delivers an unparalleled gaming experience.
In terms of connectivity, the Alienware 32 QD-OLED offers two HDMI 2.1 ports with VRR (variable refresh rate), as well as eARC. This last feature allows you to hook up your Dolby Atmos sound system or soundbar. You also get DisplayPort to get the full 120Hz 4K, as well as a variety of USB ports, including an upstream type B port, three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and one USB-C for power delivery.
In years past, 4K monitors were pricey luxuries, but that’s quickly changed. A perfect showcase of that is MSI’s Modern MD271UL, which is a 27-inch 4K display that you can find for around $250. There isn’t special here, but that’s what makes the Modern MD271UL so special. It’s a workhorse 4K monitor that comes in at a bargain bin price.
The 4K IPS panel is set with thin bezels, which is set against a stark silver frame. For connectivity, you get two HDMI 2.0b ports, a single DisplayPort 1.2a connection, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The MD271UL also includes a USB-C input with 65 watts of power delivery, which is a nice bonus on a monitor at this price.
But the MD271UL really earns its stripes in image quality. Based on our testing, the monitor is well-calibrated from the factory, arriving with excellent color accuracy and coverage. It also managed to exceed our typical brightness and contrast thresholds for IPS panels. On cheaper monitors, we typically expect brightness or color to suffer, but the MD271UL manages to miraculously do both.
Alienware 27 QD-OLED
Best OLED monitor
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The Alienware 27 QD-OLED stands out as a remarkable monitor, challenging the likes of LG’s UltraGear OLED 27 as one of the best 27-inch OLED options on the market. Priced at $900, it brings several improvements, including third-gen QD-OLED technology that significantly enhances color accuracy and brightness. With a 360Hz refresh rate, the monitor excels in providing an exceptionally smooth gaming experience, making it suitable for both competitive and cinematic titles. The minimalistic design, along with a hexagonal stand and efficient cable management, contribute to an overall premium aesthetic.
The monitor’s color accuracy, particularly in the standard picture profile, is exceptional, showcasing a Delta-E of 0.46. It even excels in HDR performance, with a peak brightness of 928 nits, perfect black levels, and infinite contrast, all of which enhance the overall image quality. Despite some concerns about bezel thickness and Smart HDR settings requiring tweaking, the Alienware 27 QD-OLED impresses with its striking design, robust port selection, and improved QD-OLED technology.
The monitor comes with a three-year warranty covering burn-in, setting it apart from competitors and solidifying its position as a market leader in the gaming monitor category. If you are looking for a traditional OLED monitor, the LG UltraGear OLED 27 is also highly recommended, especially at its reduced price of $750.
Dell UltraSharp U4021QW
The best 5K monitor
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The Dell UltraSharp U4021QW remains one of the most unique monitors on the market, even two years after launching. It’s a 5K2K monitor, according to Dell, which equals out to a resolution of 5,120 x 2,160. If you’re quick at math, you can spot that resolution comes out to a 21:9 aspect ratio.
At 40 inches with the 21:9 aspect ratio, the UltraSharp U4021QW doesn’t have many direct rivals. It’s a large screen, but it’s perfectly balanced by the resolution, offering a pixel density of 140 pixels per inch. In addition to being sharp, the display comes with excellent color coverage and accuracy.
It’s packed with a slew of features, too. Similar to the UltraSharp monitor we recommended above, the integrated USB-C hub delivers 90 watts of power, as well as opens up a host of addition connections like Ethernet, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Thunderbolt 3 port.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
Best ultrawide monitor
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The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is our pick for the best ultrawide monitor. Featuring a massive 49 inch screen, the monitor features mini-LED backlighting which translates to excellent brightness along with impressive local dimming which helps it display deep blacks. The Odyssey Neo G9 is suitable for most use cases. The sheer size and high-resolution of the screen ensures that you can multitask with ease. It is also great for content creation and media consumption as the panel is capable of reproducing vivid colors with high contrast and deep blacks.
It is primarily a gaming monitor, which means you get all the latest tech including a 240Hz refresh rate and native support for FreeSync variable refresh rate (VRR) technology and G-SYNC compatibility to effectively minimize screen tearing. You also get two HDMI 2.1 inputs to fully capitalize on the latest gaming consoles or graphics cards.
Samsung M8 Smart Monitor
Best smart monitor
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The Samsung M8 Smart Monitor, attempts to bridge the gap between TVs and monitors, offering a versatile solution. Boasting an attractive design with vibrant color options, the M8 resembles the M1 iMac in terms of aesthetics. Its height-adjustable stand and thin bezels contribute to a sleek look. The monitor supports Samsung’s TV operating system, Tizen, providing access to apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV+. While it offers features like Samsung Gaming Hub and Samsung Workspace, the transition between monitor and TV modes is not seamless, making users choose one mode over the other.
With its 32-inch 4K VA panel, the M8 delivers good SDR image quality, but its HDR performance is limited. The monitor lacks VESA mounting options and offers minimal stand adjustments, which may limit flexibility. The bundled magnetic webcam offers good quality and offers features like face tracking and auto-framing. Gaming on the M8 is constrained by its 60Hz refresh rate and a limited port selection, with options like mini HDMI and USB-C. Overall, the Samsung M8 is suitable for those who need its unique combination of TV and monitor functionalities, but alternative options may better cater to specific preferences or use cases.
Apple Studio Display
The best monitor for Mac
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Apple’s Studio Display was a controversial monitor when it first launched, but there’s no denying that it’s a perfect pairing with any Mac. The 5K Retina display is stunning, offering up 218 pixels per inch on the 27-inch monitor. It also comes with wide color coverage and boasts up to 600 nits of peak brightness.
The display itself is stunning, but the integration with Macs is why the Studio Display topped our list of the best monitors for the Mac mini. The built-in camera and microphone array are tuned for FaceTime calls, and the display even supports Siri commands. The camera also supports Apple’s Center Stage to automatically frame you.
For connectivity, you get a Thunderbolt 3 input that provides up to 96 watts of power delivery, along with three downstream USB-C ports. The monitor is built for Macs, but due to the Thunderbolt 3 connection, you can also connect an iPad Pro or iPad Air.
We could recommend a boring office monitor if you need the bare minimum. But the Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q1A is available at an equally competitive price, and on top of that, it offers certain features that can be useful for gamers. It’s a decent budget monitor featuring a 24-inch IPS panel with a 1080p resolution and up to a 165Hz refresh rate, plus support for both FreeSync support and G-Sync compatibility.
It isn’t the brightest monitor, nor does it offer superior color accuracy due to its limited sRGB coverage, but that’s a compromise you need to face with a budget monitor. The monitor comes with relatively good viewing angles and overall it is great for basic productivity and casual gaming.
The Asus ProArt PA32UCG is a top-tier professional monitor that comes with a hefty $5,000 price tag, but its exceptional performance and comprehensive features justify the investment for professionals. With a 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) and 120Hz refresh rate, this 32-inch monitor is rated to support 100% of sRGB, 99.5% of AdobeRGB, and 98% of DCI-P3 color gamut.
Apart from offering great image quality, the monitor delivers excellent accuracy across various color modes and supports every gamut, grayscale, and gamma standard. Thanks to the inclusion of Dolby Vision support, it further enhances its versatility for professional use. The monitor also comes with essential accessories such as a light hood and color meter, enhancing its appeal for users who demand precise color representation.
With full-array mini-LED backlighting, there are 1152 dimming zones, and the monitor can achieve a peak HDR output of 1600 nits. Its extensive OSD controls allow for fine-tuning of gamma, color temperature, and gamut, ensuring optimal performance tailored to individual preferences. The PA32UCG’s exceptional capabilities make it worthwhile for professionals seeking uncompromising accuracy and even gamers craving immersive visual experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand monitor is the best?
No one monitor brand makes all the best monitors in the world — that’s why this list is populated by a number of different manufacturers. That said, there are some that you can rely on more than most to produce great screens. Dell is a longstanding favorite of ours with years of fantastic displays under its belt. It also tends to cater well to the professional crowd just as much as gamers, so you know there will be something you like in its lineup.
Other noteworthy brands worth considering include Acer, which tends to produce some of the world’s best gaming screens; Samsung, which offers some of the best ultrawide screens and large-size monitors we’ve ever seen; and LG, which has a good all-around catalog of displays.
What size computer monitor is the best?
This very much depends on the resolution you’re targeting and how much desk space you have. While bigger does tend to look better, giving you more screen space for work and larger images for games and movies, they can stretch entry-level resolutions like 1080p to the limits of their clarity. Big screens also require more room on your desk, so we’d caution buying a massive ultrawide like the Samsung Odyssey series if you’re working or playing on a small desk.
As a quick rule of thumb, 1080p looks great up to about 24 inches, while 1440p looks good up to and beyond 30 inches. We wouldn’t recommend a 4K screen any smaller than 27 inches as you aren’t going to see the real benefit of those extra pixels in what is a relatively small space by that resolution.
Are 4K monitors good for gaming?
They can be. 4K offers the pinnacle of gaming detail and, in atmospheric games, can give you a whole new level of immersion, especially on larger displays that can fully display that mass of those pixels in all their glory. These high-res displays really excel in games where frame rates are not as important as visual clarity. That said, we feel that high refresh rate monitors can deliver a better experience (especially in fast-paced games like shooters), and unless you have the deep pockets to splash out on a powerful graphics card or two as well, you aren’t going to get those frame rates at 4K. A 27-inch, 1440p display is still the sweet spot.
Also, keep in mind monitor performance is now often linked to framerate management technologies like FreeSync and G-Sync, so watch for these technologies and compatible graphics cards when making gaming monitor decisions. FreeSync is for AMD graphics cards, while G-Sync only works with Nvidia’s GPUs.
Which is better: LCD or LED?
The short answer is they’re both the same. The longer answer is that this is a failure of company marketing in properly conveying what its products are. Today most monitors that use LCD technology are backlit with LEDs, so typically if you’re buying a monitor it’s both an LCD and LED display. For more of an explanation on LCD and LED technologies, we have a whole guide dedicated to it.
That said, there are OLED displays to consider, although these panels haven’t made an impact on the desktop market yet. OLED screens combine color and light into a single panel, famed for their vibrant colors and contrast ratio. While that technology has been making waves in televisions for a few years now, they’re only just starting to make a tentative step into the world of desktop monitors, from Samsung’s QD-OLED tech to LG’s extra-bright G2 monitors.
What kind of monitor is best for your eyes?
If you suffer from eye strain, look for monitors that have built-in light filter software, especially filters that are specifically designed for easing eye problems. These filters are designed to block more blue light, which is the part of the spectrum that affects our eyes the most and is responsible for most eye strain problems. However, you can also download eye filter software apps for any type of monitor you get.
Why is refresh rate important on a monitor?
Refresh rate shows how many times per second the display can update an image with new visual information — the higher the refresh rate, the smoother transitions will look and the more information will be displayed. Refresh rates start at 60Hz but many monitors go higher, with refresh rates of 240Hz, 360Hz, and some even as high as 500Hz! This specification helps games and movies look better, and lowers input lag, making a high refresh rate popular for gaming machines and similar setups.
What makes a monitor ultrawide?
Ultrawide monitors use a 21:9 aspect ratio and have elongated displays to accommodate it. This not only allows users to play compatible games and movies in a larger aspect ratio, but the extra space also makes it easier to multitask or work with more complex software.
Do monitors have built-in speakers?
Many do, but not all. If you want internal speakers, always check to see if a monitor comes with them. Higher-wattage speakers will generally produce louder, clearer sound. Or you could pair a monitor with a set of external speakers.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the best IPTV players for Windows 10, 11 which can bring any television channel of the world to your doorsteps.
Till now, the primary source of watching television shows was broadcast channels supported by antennas, satellite dishes, and fiber optic cables.
However, with the rapid growth of the Internet and the smart devices market, watching TV channels directly from a desktop PC has become a new trend.
All thanks to the Internet Protocol television services, a.k.a IPTV. You can use an IPTV player to watch entertaining TV shows, video on demand, live TV channels, and lots more. Through the IPTV Players, you can boost up the ways of your entertainment. No matter where you are and from where you belong to, with the help of IPTV Player you can stream any sort of TV shows and movies quite effortlessly. What you need to do is just sign-up and login at once. Thereafter, watch your preferred movie or TV shows without any sort of hindrance.
Before we move on to the list, let’s first understand what an IPTV player is, how it works, and why it’s important to get the best one for your desktop. Later on, you’ll get to know about the best Windows IPTV Player!
What is IPTV Player?
Internet Protocol television (IPTV) is a service that provides support for multimedia streaming through Internet Protocol (IP) networks. Users can buy an IPTV subscription and watch all TV channels, live media and video on demand (VOD) services anytime over their desktop PCs, laptops as well as Android and iOS devices using an IPTV player.
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How Does IPTV Work?
IPTV provides access to television channels and other digital content via IP based networks. It relies on a packet-switched network that covers both unicast (video on demand) and multicast (live TV) streams.
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Why Do You Need An IPTV Player For Windows?
In today’s world of digital binge-watching, the traditional television formats, including broadcast/cable networks are on the verge of extinction.
Nowadays, watching movies online and streaming live TV and sports directly from PCs, laptops and tablets has become a new normal. In light of this, a dedicated IPTV player comes extremely handy in playing various streaming protocols on Windows devices.
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22 Best IPTV Players For Windows 10, 8, 7 In 2024
Turn your Windows PC into a live TV with best IPTV players. Choose the best-suited one from the complete list discussed below!
This widely acclaimed IPTV player does not need an introduction. It is an open-source multimedia player that can effortlessly manage all your local media and stream IPTV content, without compromising your security and privacy. It uses m3u files to stream IPTV and other multimedia content.
My IPTV is another powerful media player that comes with an electronic program guide (EPG) to help you watch the best IPTV channels on your Windows PC or laptop.
If you have an active IPTV subscription, you can use My IPTV app for listening to online radio channels and watching digital TV and video on demand (VOD).
How to Use My lPTV Player?
Follow the simple steps below to setup My IPTV app on your Windows:
•Lunch My IPTV on your Windows computer or laptop.
•Navigate to the ‘Settings’ menu.
•Load your m3u playlist, select your preferred IPTV channel, and then click ‘OK’.
•By default, all channels are grouped based on their genre
•You can easily protect your data with a PIN
•The player has a simple process to follow for adding new channels
It comes with an easy to use interface and can seamlessly stream your m3u playlist from either local storage or any other remote location. If you want to give it a try, you can download the My IPTV app from Microsoft Store for free.
Kodi is another stunning application that not only lets you watch your local media content but also serves as a great alternative to IPTV player for Windows PC. You can use its media player to play your favorite digital channels directly from your desktop PC.
You can also install various third-party add-ons to stream live TV and watch videos on demand (VOD).
How to Use Kodi?
If you wish to use Kodi as an IPTV player for Windows 10, 11 follow the simple steps below:
•Launch the Kodi application and select the ‘Settings’ option.
•Install the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on on your Kodi application.
•Add the M3U playlist to the add-on for streaming IPTV.
•Wait for the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on to finish the process of importing channels.
•Once done, select the channel you wish to watch and click the ‘Play’ or ‘OK’ button.
Key Features of Kodi:
•The player has a simple and user-friendly interface
•To watch any programs you can simply paste the URL in the software and it will show you all the results
•It offers the best cross-compatibility features
•The player is fully customized, you can change any part of the player easily
For a free software, Kodi media player definitely offers more than it should, taking into account its simple interface and excellent streaming capabilities.
Free TV player offers easy access to all of your favorite TV shows, movies, channels, and Internet Radio, making it one of the best IPTV players for Windows.
To enjoy live TV shows on your desktop or laptop, simply upload your M3U playlist and you are good to go.
How to Use Free TV Player?
Below are a few simple steps to set up Free TV Player and stream IPTV on desktop PC:
•Launch the Free TV player app on your device
•Enter the URL of M3U playlist provided by the IPTV service provider
•Select your favorite channel and click on the play button
Key Features of Free TV Player:
•It offers both free as well as paid plan
•You get more than 40 channels on the free plan
•Other than the default channels you can easily paste links and stream in no time
•The player has a built-in list of shows to stream
This lightweight free IPTV player definitely deserves a try, if you want to watch a lot of exiting digital content and live TV programs in a hassle-free manner.
Simple TV is one of the best and most used IPTV players for PC. It offers a convenient and free mechanism for viewing TV shows and other multimedia content right from your laptop or computer.
You can use this portable application to watch IPTV and listen to radio channels. It comes with an organized interface that supports easy browsing of IPTV channels.
How to Use Simple TV?
You can use Simple TV as a free IPTV player for PC by following some easy instructions provided below.
•Launch SimpleTV player on your Windows device.
•Right-click ‘Playlist’ on the navigation bar and select the ‘load playlist’ option.
•Next, choose the ‘load from m3u file’ option.
•Once the M3U playlist is ready, you can play the IPTV channels of your choice by simply clicking on them.
Key Features of Simple TV:
•Snapshot capabilities and crop features
•Contrast, brightness, and volume adjustment functionality
ProgTV is another well-known IPTV app for Windows used for streaming live TV channels and listening to radio on PCs.
It works on two independent interfaces and is known for its easy access to digital content and comfortable user experience.
It can remotely control your Home Theatre PC and can also function well with a mouse. ProgTV supports IPTV channels, Internet TV and radio, Rodina TV, Sovok TV, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-T2, and many other data sources.
How to Use ProgTV/ProgDVB?
Follow the steps given below to set up ProgDVB and ProgTV app as a IPTV player for Windows:
•Choose the ‘TV Sources’ option from the main menu of the ProgTV application.
•Select the ‘IPTV Client’ option and then input your M3U URL in the playlist box.
•Next, choose the channel you wish to watch from the ‘Channel list’ in the main menu.
Key Features of ProgTV/ProgDVB:
•Radio and TV channel recording
•Network Broadcasting and Teletext
•HD TV support
•10 Bands equalizer and a fast preview of Mosaic channels
This is currently ranks among the best IPTV players for Windows PCs and laptops as it allows you to watch your favorite TV shows and digital channels via numerous live media sources for free.
However, the IPTV app doesn’t broadcast any of these media sources for streaming digital multimedia, it just offers you a platform where you can watch IPTV content.
How to Use IPTV?
Follow the simple steps below to stream IPTV on PC:
•Launch the IPTV app on your Windows computer or laptop
•Go to the Settings option
•Enter the URL (Provided by the IPTV service provider) to load your M3U playlist
•Click on OK to stream your preferred channel
Key Features of IPTV:
•It offers an easy user interface which is ideal for every user
•To stream, you can easily add a playlist or EPG source
•It has a feature to simply paste URL for searching
•Huge list of channels to satisfy any user
Moreover, it comes with an elegant interface that aims to provide modern TV experience. Users can download this IPTV player for free from Microsoft Store.
This is one of the most popular IPTV solutions to watch digital channels and TV shows on your device. GSE SMART IPTV is primarily designed for mobile platforms such as iOS and Android devices, but if you wish to use it on your Windows 7/8/8.1/10 PC, you can do it by using an emulator.
For this IPTV application to work on your Windows device, you should install BlueStacks first. BlueStacks is a popular emulator that helps Android OS based applications to run on Windows and macOS devices.
How to Use GSE SMART IPTV?
Below are step-by-step instructions on how to use Smart IPTV player on Windows PC:
•Launch BlueStacks and then sign in with your Google credentials.
•Download GSE SMART IPTV app from either Google Play Store or using the below link.
•Install the application and open it.
•Enter the URL and upload your M3U playlist.
•Click on ‘OK’ and then watch any live IPTV channel as per your liking.
Key Features of GSE SMART IPTV:
•GSE SMART IPTV player for Windows comes in multiple beautiful themes.
•It provides effective parental control options for managing kids’ activity and screen time.
•It lets you add external subtitles for streaming IPTV content.
Don’t have enough money to pay the monthly subscription of your television channels? We got you secured, here we present OttPlayer which is one of the best IPTV players for Windows 10, 11 PC. IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television. By using OttPlayer you can watch your favorite TV channels and shows for free by using your pc and internet. OttPlayer allows its users to watch IPTV from your internet service provider or any other source on your phones, tablets, and set-top box or TV, and all this facility in a centralized control via the website. Enjoy IPTV Enjoy life.
How to Use OttPlayer?
Follow the steps below to setup OttPlayer and stream your favorite IPTV channels:
1.First of all, you have to arrange a list of channels, which you can take from any of your convenient sources.
2.You need to get an account from https://ottplayer.es
3.Put registration info i.e. login and password
4.Download the playlist to the website i.e. you downloaded previously, https://ottplayer.es
5.Put the playlist on any compatible device
6.Enjoy IPTV watching.
Key Features of OttPlayer:
•OttPlayer supports various protocols like HLS, RTSP, TS by UDP RTMP
•It also provides playlist support M3U8.
•Provides easy management of channels through icons of respective channels.
•Service to the users is absolutely free and with no ads.
Among all the best IPTV apps, this application is quite interesting and worthwhile. OttPlayer’s easy-to-use interface makes it is an ideal choice for millions of users across the world.
Plex is the most stunning IPTV Players that you should definitely try to enjoy smart video streaming. Plex is highly capable of transcoding almost any sort of media file. Moreover, the user interface is quite easy and simple to use. Plex lets you stream your personal content as well including videos, music, movies, and so on.
How to Use Plex?
Here is how to access Plex as an IPTV player for PC.
•Firstly, signup for a Plex account and then, install the Plex media server by running the setup file.
•After this, launch Cigaras IPTV channel and then select Channels under the online content head category.
•Thereafter, navigate to the IPTV addon and click on it, then click on Settings.
•Now, paste the URL of your IPTV .m3u file, then click on the Save button.
•Next, search for the channels available and add them to your Playlist and enjoy.
Key Feature of Plex:
•The player is compatible with multiple platforms
•It offers great quality video output for every screen
Looking for the best IPTV players for Windows? Then, MyIPTV is the one that fits perfectly. You can use all of its supreme-quality features for absolutely free. With this, you can play live TV programs, and videos through m3u playlists quite effortlessly. Its user interface is extremely easy to understand.
How to Use MYIPTV?
Here are the steps that you need to follow to access it!
•Head to the Settings.
•Now, you need to add an all-new playlist and EPG source.
•Now, add any URL or local list of channels.
•Switch back to Settings.
•After this, choose the channel playlist and click on the refresh option.
Key Features of MYIPTV:
•The player lets you easily stream live TV programs and videos
•It offers a very easy to operate interface which can be adopted by anyone
•You can easily add a new playlist and EPG source from the settings tab
•The player lets you easily record program for later access
Perfect Player Windows is a free IPTV player that you can try. This player offers amazing digital content right to your PC without charging any money, which is why it is one of the best IPTV players for Windows 10, 11 and previous versions. This is an advanced program that comes with a semi-transparent OSD and a full-screen display option.
How to Use Perfect Player Windows?
Here are the instructions you need to perform to use Perfect Player as IPTV/Media player.
•Launch the Perfect Player application on your Windows system.
•Click on the ‘Add Playlist’ button, paste M3U URL, and then choose ‘OK’.
•As soon as your playlist gets loaded, you can click on the channel name followed by ‘Play’ to begin streaming IPTV content.
Key Features of Perfect Player Windows:
•You can easily set up the player and use it as per needs, it is a flexible player.
•You can even enjoy a full-screen display for your favorite content without paying any charges.
•The player supports multiple languages, which means every human from all around the globe can use this amazing player and stream their favorite content. The supported languages include English, Spanish, Russian, Greek, Portuguese, and many others.
•The formats which are supported in the player are m3u, and XSPF for playlist and EPG along with the other two.
Earlier this player was not available for Windows users but now even Windows users can enjoy their favorite content with IPTV Smarter for PC players. This is one of the best IPTV apps for Windows 10, 11 and older versions. You can easily stream and enjoy live TV, movies, series, and videos on demand.
How to Use IPTV Smarters for PC?
Below are detailed instructions on how to set up IPTV Smarters for PC.
•Launch the IPTV Smarters Player application.
•Select the ‘Load Your Playlist or File/URL’ option, fill out the details (e.g., playlist name, playlist type, and file/URL), and then click on the ‘Add User’ button.
•Once the M3U content loading is complete, you can click on the ‘Live TV’ button to see the IPTV channel categories.
Key Features of IPTV Smarters for PC:
•This program works on Xtream codes but still, it can be used in Windows versions including 32 and 64 bit.
•Other than that you can easily use this program on mobile devices, and Smart TVs.
•You can record the live programs and enjoy them whenever you want.
•The best part about this IPTV player is that it supports all major video formats, so you won’t miss any of your favorite content.
Next up in the list of Windows IPTV players is TiviMate. The software is basically designed for Android devices. If you wish to use this software then you have to get an Android Emulator. You can use this software on Windows 7, 8, and 10 easily. This was just a short brief about the software.
How to Use TiviMate IPTV Player?
Check below to know more about the process to use the software.
•Open the Playstore and download the software.
•Click on the icon when the installation completes.
•Now click on the icon and search for the name which you wish to watch
Key Features of TiviMate
•The software offers a clean and simple interface that can be easily adapted
•The user can add multiple playlists in the software to view
•It can also schedule a TV guide
•The user can add favorite channels to the home screen and access them
IP-TV Player is another great pick as it offers high-quality video output at very little data consumption. It is very rare to witness this among the other IPTV players in Windows. It truly is a versatile player which can easily support all types of media files.
How to Use IP-TV Player?
IP-TV Player is a very smooth and easy-to-use software, to demonstrate that we have listed the steps below.
•Install the software from the official website
•Open the software and tune to the list of M3U format list
•You can view the channels list in the side panel
•Tap on the channel to view
Key Features of IP-TV Player
•The software has a simple and easy interface
•All major file formats are compatible with this software
•The user can easily record and take screenshots while viewing
•The software even offers a feature using which user can control from a smartphone
Next, 2024’s best IPTV players for Windows with PowerDVD. It is a great IPTV if you wish to access a huge content library. You can use PowerDVD to access local media files, play music, and perform many other tasks. Moreover, its compatibility with Dolby professional audio and rapid play technology sets it apart from similar software.
How to Use PowerDVD?
You can follow the three-step process shared below to use this software.
•Firstly, install the PowerDVD Windows application.
•After installing the app, select Media Library from the top left corner.
•Now you can select the IPTV channels, movies, and shows to watch.
Key Features of PowerDVD
•4K and 8K resolution support
•Supports HDR 10
•Lets you watch 360-degree videos
•Supports conversion of video files to MP4
•In-built support for video casting on media streaming devices
Next, 2024’s best IPTV players for Windows with Flix IPTV. You can use Flix IPTV on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Android TV, and FireStick. Parental controls, M3U link support, a user-friendly interface, and the ability to change themes make this IPTV player a perfect choice for streaming IPTV content. It offers a 1-week free trial, thereafter you can buy the pro version at a one-time fee of about $7.99.
How to Use Flix IPTV?
Listed below are the following methods to download and use Flix IPTV on Windows PC:
•Download the Flix IPTV APK on your PC.
•Install the software and open it.
•Enter the URL and upload your playlist.
•Now, you can stream IPTV content.
Key Features of Flix IPTV:
•Easy to use and versatile IPTV player.
•Supports all screen resolutions of smartphones, sticks, PCs, and tablets.
•Allows you to add channels and series/movies to Favorites.
•Get to access features like a sleep timer, subtitles, video details, backward/forward video, and a lot more.
Next on this list of best IPTV players for Windows PC is MaxPlayer. It gives each member of the household the ability to customize their own preferences for their favorite programs, channels, movies, language settings, and viewing time for video on demand (VOD), with support for up to 5 sub-users and 5 devices.
In addition, if your TV service provider records show for you, you will have the ability to instantly rewind those shows. If your Internet service provider provides video-on-demand (VOD) material, MaxPlayer can customize it to work with your device. They provide versions that are compatible with LG and Samsung TV, in addition to MacOS and Windows. You get a whole week to test out MaxPlayer without spending a dime.
How to Use MaxPlayer?
•Visit the official website of MaxPlayer.
•Create your account on MaxPlayer.
•Once registered, you get a 7-day free trial.
•After that, you can continue using the service with one of the provided plans.
Key Features of MaxPlayers:
•All your information and data are secured and protected.
•Supports multiple languages.
•One account can be accessed on multiple devices and platforms.
Lacking the funds necessary to pay the monthly fee for your membership to the various television channels? We’ve got you covered, and now we’re going to show you PotPlayer, which is one of the top IPTV players for Windows 10, 11, and other PC operating systems.
PotPlayer gives its customers the ability to watch Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) on their mobile devices, tablets, set-top boxes, and televisions, with all of this functionality being controlled centrally via the website. IPTV may come through your internet service provider or any other source. Enjoy some IPTV. Have fun with life.
The abbreviation “IPTV” refers to “Internet Protocol Television.” If you have PotPlayer installed on your computer, you can use it to watch all of your favorite TV stations and programs for free by simply connecting it to the internet.
How to Use PotPlayer?
•Visit the official website of PotPlayer.
•Download the PotPlayer.
•Use the tool as you want with ease.
Key Features of PotPlayers:
•The playback of the video is fluid and unbroken
•When you have two sound cards available, choose which one to use.
•You are able to mark your favorite scene or chapter for later viewing.
•Take a look at the scene in advance with these photographs.
The next name on this list of the best IPTV players for Windows 11/10 devices is MyIPTV Player. MyIPTV Player is a free to use tool that has been downloaded and used by over thousands of users. The tool offers a variety of genres and content to watch. From movies, TV shows to so much beyond, you will find everything at MyIPTV Player.
How to Use MyIPTV Player?
•Visit the product page of MyIPTV Player on Microsoft Store.
•Download the MyIPTV Player.
•Use the tool as you want with ease.
Key Features of PotPlayers:
•There are a variety of channels to select from.
•You can PIN protect the tool for additional security.
•The tool comes with an integrated support for EPG.
•You can even download and save content for later.
You are welcome to test out IPTV Extreme, one of the best free IPTV player tools for Windows. This player’s earlier versions since it delivers incredible digital material directly to your own computer without costing you any money. This is a sophisticated software that comes with an option to show the whole screen as well as opaque operating system display.
How to Use IPTV Extreme?
When you want to utilize IPTV Extreme as an IPTV/Media player, the procedures that you need to follow are as follows.
•Make sure that the IPTV Extreme program is running on your Windows computer.
•First, choose the “Add Playlist” button, then paste the M3U URL, and last, select the “OK” button.
•After your playlist has finished loading, you can start streaming IPTV material by clicking on the channel name and then pressing the ‘Play’ button after that.
Key Features of IPTV Extreme Windows:
•Russian, Greek, English, Spanish, Portuguese, & a great number of languages are among those that come with support.
•The player is able to support the m3u & XSPF formats for playlists & EPGs respectively.
•Additionally, you are not required to pay any fees in order to take use of a full-screen display for your preferred material.
•Due to the fact that the player supports different languages, it is possible for every single human being from every single part of the world to utilize this incredible player and stream their preferred material.
•You may simply configure the player and utilize it in accordance with your requirements; it is a versatile player.
Here’s another one of the best IPTV players for Windows 10 and other operating systems. This is a free alternative that you can try and watch on IPTV. Using this tool, you can easily use your smartphone on the TV.
How to Use MegaCubo?
•You should first download the tool from the official website.
•Install it and launch it on the system.
•Connect the app to your device and use it as required.
Key Features of MegaCubo:
•Supports a plethora of operating systems
•You can PIN protect the tool for additional security.
•Allows you to save any title and record.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about IPTV Players
Q1. Are IPTV Players Legal?
Yes, ITPV Players are 100% legal. They don’t offer any streaming services or host content of their own. ITPV Players just provides a platform to play multimedia files and streaming protocols.
Q2. Type of IPTV Services
•Video on demand (VoD)
•Live TV
•Start Over TV
•Catch-Up TV
•Live Media Streaming
Q3. How to Access IPTV from PC?
To access IPTV from a PC, you need to download and install one of the above-listed IPTV Players on your PC. You can download the above-listed IPTV Players from their official support website. Once you installed your most liked IPTV Players, thereafter, allow all the permissions they asked, to proceed further. Then, follow the wizard instructions and don’t change anything except the installation destination. Now run the installer, then start up the program and add the list of channels in your playlist. That’s how you can easily access IPTV from your PC and stream your most liked TV shows and movies.
Q4. What are the Main Services Offered by IPTV?
IPTV or Internet Protocol Television is the platform using which users can enjoy television broadcasting on various devices including mobile and computers. It delivers using the traditional terrestrial, satellite, and cable television format.
Q5. Is There Any Alternative to IPTV?
Yes, there are many IPTV alternatives present in the market, some of them are:
•1332 Kodi
•Splash
•Super Internet TV
•CoolStreaming
•FreeTuxTV
Q6. Is an IPTV player available for free?
Yes, there are multiple Internet Protocol Television services that are available for free. We have mentioned some of the best ones in the article. Undoubtedly the best option for an IPTV player is VLC Media Player.
Q7. How to use IPTV Player?
Although the working of each IPTV player varies the general steps to be applied are as follows
•Download and install any one of the above-mentioned IPTV player alternatives.
•Launch it on your device and select the network streams option available under media.
•Paste the URL of the network of your IPTV and press the enter key to run.
•Now all the channels of IPTV will be visible on the screen of your IPTV player.
Q8. Is IPTV better with VPN?
IPTV can work without a VPN. But if you want to protect your data online from snoopers or ISP, or get access to restricted content in your geographical location, VPN will help you. Moreover, if you use a VPN with your IPTV it offers a reliable experience. As VPN improves the speed of your internet connection, it is followed by a better experience of IPTV.
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Which is the Best IPTV Player for Windows PC & Laptops?
So, this concludes our rundown of some of the best IPTV players for Windows 10, 8, 7 in 2024. There are several other options available as well, but the ones mentioned above are the best in terms of features and usability.
And if you are looking for our opinion, then we would like to recommend OttPlayer. It is one of the best IPTV players that you can access to stream your preferred TV shows and movies. You can use OttPlayer for live shows and on-demand shows as well. That’s what we think about the best IPTV player, however, the final decision is completely yours.
So, what are you waiting for? Download any of these free IPTV players now and turn your PC into an amazing entertainment gadget. Lastly, if there is something you think that we might have missed out to mention, then don’t feel hesitate in sharing your suggestions with us. We’ll feel amazed by hearing your suggestions and improve our list of best IPTV Players for Windows PC & Laptops.
That’s all for the present moment, we’ll back again with yet another crispy tech story, till then, stay connected with us! Primarily, don’t forget to subscribe to our Newsletter to rule the tech world.
If you are looking for some phone spying apps for Android, this article lists the best ones that can easily meet all of your requirements.
You may want to check the activities of an Android smartphone. This could be because you are worried about the individual in some way and want to get the details of calls, messages, and/or other details. You can easily know about all of these activities on any Android device with a single source.
One of the best phone spying apps is all you need.
So, that’s what you will get with the help of this simple guide. Proceed to have a look at the phone spy app for Android and track the activities of a device with ease.
List of the Best Phone Spying Apps in 2024
Below are some of the top free phone spying apps for Android voted the best in 2024. We recommend that you go through the list of apps thoroughly and then download and use the one(s) you like the most amongst these. So, without any further ado, let’s proceed to the list of the best-hidden spy apps for Android right below.
uMobix is one of the best free phone spying apps of all time. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. With the help of this app, you can easily monitor and keep track of the keystrokes or taps performed on the app. And that’s not all. You can even track the location visited or traveled with the help of this app. Below are some other features of this best spy app for Android free that provide better information.
Features of uMobix:
•The app allows you to monitor the calls made to and from the smartphone.
•The app supports a cross-platform base and is compatible with a lot of operating system versions as well.
•If you want to get details of a particular app, then uMobix is the best solution that supports individual platform information.
•You can also access the list of apps on any device with uMobix.
The next product on this list of the best free phone spying apps is mSpy. This is one of the most trusted and popular spying apps of all time. With the help of the software, you can easily track the usage and location of your smartphone. Additionally, the app provides a plethora of other features as well. Below you will find the most prominent features of mSpy as one of the best spy apps for free.
Features of mSpy:
•The app allows you to monitor the calls and messages on your device.
•If the user has installed any third-party messaging or social media apps, then you can also monitor the same with mSpy.
•The app provides both real-time updates of the location as well as location history.
•With a single solution, you can control all the apps and programs installed on the Android device.
•The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
eyeZy is one of the best hidden spy apps for Android that allows you to gather information on any device with ease. The app is not limited to Android but is also supported by iOS and iPadOS devices. The app even allows you to access the internal and external storage of the device with ease. Below are some of the top features of this proud member of the free spy apps for iPhone and Android. Have a glance at the same for further information.
Features of eyeZy:
•With the help of the app, you can know all the saved files on your device quite easily.
•eyeZy allows you to keep track of all the websites visited by the user and the viewed content.
•You can also modify the usage period of different apps and websites with eyeZy.
•One of the best features of the tool is that it allows you to set different boundaries, geographical and metaphorical. You will get updates whenever this boundary is crossed
Another name that graces this list of the best free phone spying apps is SpyBubble. The app works to provide all the required information about top messaging social media platforms like Whatsapp, Facebook, Snapchat, and many more. Apart from this, the app also provides information about incoming and outgoing messages and calls. Check out the other features of this phone spy app for Android.
Features of SpyBubble:
•SpyBubble is supported on all Android and iOS (some may require Jailbreak) devices of all versions.
•You need to root the Android device to use the SpyBubble app for the best results.
•The app allows you to track real-time locations and even geofence an area as per your requirements.
•With the paid version of the tool, you also get 24/7 customer support.
•You can check the activity of any smartphone with the help of a computerbrowser.
HoverWatch is another one of the best hidden spy apps for Android. The working of the app is quite simple yet effective. This single solution allows you to get details related to the platforms like messaging apps and social media platforms. Additionally, you can also monitor the call history of the device very easily. Below are some of the best and additional features of this best spy app for Android for free.
Features of HoverWatch:
•The app provides thorough and in detail information about the internet activity on your device.
•You can download and use the app on both Android and iOS devices as required.
•The platform also provides a free demo of the app to understand its working and proceed if required.
•You can easily monitor the location of the device with the help of the HoverWatch GPS.
•HoverWatch is one of the Best hidden spy apps for Android. The smartphone user does not even know if the HoverWatch app is installed on the device.
Next, comes Cocospy as one of the best phone spying apps. Cocospy is a great solution for you if you are looking for an easy-to-use yet effective way to track the activities of a device. The app works quite well as a parental control app however, others can also use the app perfectly. Have a look at the features of this one of the free spy apps for iPhone and get all the information required.
Features of Cocospy:
•The app works perfectly when you are remote without even informing the device user in any way.
•With the help of Cocospy, you can get all the messages and call history on your device.
•The tool works perfectly on Android and iOS devices, offering the best results.
•If you want to know the browser history of a device, then you should try Cocospy.
•The procedure to set up Cocospy is very simple and effective.
XNSpy is an amazing tool that works perfectly as one of the best free phone spying apps for Android. The app works with a Stealth Mode that allows you to check the activity of any device without informing or intimating the user. The app can be set up very easily within a couple of minutes and used with ease afterward. Go through the top features of this one of the best free spy apps for iPhone for more information.
Features of XNSpy:
•With the help of XNSpy, you can monitor the incoming calls and call history of the device.
•The app shows real-time updates about the happenings of the device.
•Even if you are distant from the device, you can have a look at the activities of the device remotely.
•The app provides quite detailed reports about the usage of every platform on the device.
•You can get XNSpy for iPhones or Android devices as required.
The next item on this list of the best phone spying apps for free on Android devices is Clevguard. With the help of this tool, you can easily get the activity history of iOS or Android devices. The app is even available for monitors or desktops. One of the best features of the tool is the iCloud monitoring features provided to all. Know more about the tool from the features of the best hidden spy apps for Android.
Features of Clevguard:
•The app allows you to export the activity data of any device as per your requirements.
•The app also provides you access to the browser history at all times.
•Call logs, messaging data, and other related information are some of the features that are quite easily available.
•With the help of Clevguard, you can geofence to a certain diameter and get updates when the same is breached or crossed.
•With the app, you get free updates for the platform for life.
We are approaching the end of this list of the best phone spying apps however, the apps here are still going strong. FlexiSPY is the next anime on this list. The creators of the platform allow you to select from a variety of versions for the same as per your requirements. Have a look at the features of this viable member of the best hidden spy apps for Android right below for a better understanding.
Features of FlexiSPY:
•The app provides some of the outstanding and never-seen-anywhere features to the users like social media apps call recording, access to messages from different platforms, etc.
•The app can also work as a keylogger, which means that you can know precisely how and what was done to the device.
•Although the app requires root to work, it also hides that the device is rooted to protect the identity or presence of the app.
•You can run the app in hidden mode, away from the reach of the device user and protected.
The last name on this list of free phone spying apps is the Mobile Tracker app. With the help of this amazing app, you can do as much as any other product on this list. Additionally, you also get some quality features with the tool like calls history management and more. You will find all the features of this popular article from the free spy apps for iPhone list.
Features of Mobile Tracker:
•The app provides the precise location of the device at all times along with location history logs.
•With the help of Mobile Tracker, you can also keep track of the call logs and history.
•Social Media Platform management and tracking are possible with the app quite easily.
•Mobile Tracker makes it possible for users to monitor the device even from a remote location.
•Additionally, there is open access to the gallery of the device with Mobile Tracker.
The Qustodio app is another robust surveillance application that provides a free plan that is available indefinitely. Over six million parents across the globe have put their faith in it. In addition to the typical gadgets, such as mobile phones and computers, Qustodio is also compatible with Kindle, which is an online reading device and software developed by Amazon.
Although reading is a wonderful habit to instill in your children, it is essential to monitor the types of material they are reading.
An alert will be sent to you if your children continue to attempt to access a website or application that has previously been restricted. In this manner, you will be aware of the topics that they are interested in, and you will be able to discuss those topics with them at home.
Another key draw is the panic button, which users may press. If your children are in danger and you are unable to reach them by phone or text message, it enables them to transmit quick notifications to you with the push of a button.
Features Of Qustodio:
•The Safe Search option to protect your children from exposure to unsuitable stuff.
•The panic button gives your children the ability to communicate with you in times of crisis.
•Personalized monitoring of screen time.
•Create individualized notifications for your children when they browse restricted websites.
So, this section concludes the list of the best hidden spy apps for Android and iPhone devices. We hope that these solutions were the precise apps that you were seeking. You may find others and a plethora of apps on the internet claiming to offer similar features to you. However, not all of these are up to the mark. Hence, we took the liberty to present the actual best ones to you; for your help.
However, if you have any doubts related to the best phone spying apps, then you may ask the same below. The comments section is here for you. We will help you in every way possible. You may also present your suggestions.
The best VPN service in 2024, The best VPN of 2024 is an essential tool for staying safer online, no matter where you live. With the help of my team of experts, I’ve tested dozens of VPNs hands-on to work out exactly which ones truly prioritize your online privacy, and which ones promise the world but fail live up to their claims.
Virtual Private Networks are a kind of software that help keep your online activity hidden from your ISP, the government, and even hackers. In simple terms, they do this by encrypting all your traffic and routing it through their own servers located around the world, hiding your real location and your activity in the process. They’re also great for unblocking streaming content, and evading government censorship.
If you just want quick access to the three best VPN services of 2024, simply pick from ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark below – in my expert reviews I rate them as the very best in their respective price ranges. However, If you want more in-depth info, simply keep scrolling for my rundown of the 10 top VPNs available today, and details of how I test VPNs at the bottom of the page.
ExpressVPN takes the top spot with its easy-to-use apps that take the complexity out of setting up a VPN and leave the difficult stuff to the experts. My ExpressVPN review showed that it unblocked anything and everything I threw at it with a peerless quality.
On paper, ExpressVPN already impresses: over 3,000 servers in 160 locations spread across 105 countries around the world, a kill switch, split tunneling and obfuscated servers. While some providers have more servers in total, very few have such a wide spread – meaning that wherever you’re based, you’ll get swift, reliable connections. It has an especially impressive range in Asia, which is often neglected by other providers.
All apps use super-secure, industry-standard AES-256 encryption, paired with OpenVPN and Lightway protocols. Lightway is the standout here, and the in-house, open-source protocol delivers excellent speeds – although this is an area where Express is just beaten by close rivals Surfshark and NordVPN. However, unless you’re using a 1Gbps+ connection you won’t notice a difference.
Sitting at #2 is NordVPN, and in my full NordVPN review I found that the biggest name in VPN is still one of the very best.
With over 5,500 servers in a generous 60+ countries, NordVPN practically guarantees a speedy server wherever you are – and while it’s not present in as many locations as ExpressVPN, you’ll still be very well served. You’ll likely be connecting to those servers with Nord’s own NordLynx protocol, which is a reworked version of WireGuard. In short, it’s stable, and delivered searing connection speeds of over 950 Mbps in my testing – the fastest VPN in my testing.
You’ll get split tunneling, an effective kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and you’ll even get some unusual options like Onion over VPN and Double VPN which are designed to keep you even safer when browsing the web. Another interesting feature is Threat Protection – but while it’s a nice addition, dedicated tracker blockers do work more effectively.
Nord’s apps are powerful and fairly pleasant to use, but while the map-based interface works well on larger screen such as PCs and tablets, on smartphones it can be more of a hindrance than a benefit – simpler interfaces like ExpressVPN’s tend to work better here.
A recent update also means the PC client can’t be resized, and there are inconsistencies between platforms. Despite that, though, the apps are very capable, and you’ll be able to install it on a huge range of devices – for just $3.39 a month, it’s excellent value.
Nord’s most interesting new feature, however, is Meshnet. This allows users to link devices anywhere around the world via encrypted NordVPN connections, creating its own secure network. This has real power, and while Nord hasn’t quite worked out how to make the feature clear to users yet, I’m very excited to see where it goes.
When it comes to streaming, however, NordVPN really impresses. You’ll be able to unblock tons of Netflix locations, iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more – and in recent months Nord and the related Surfshark have proved to be a little more reliable with Netflix than my top choice overall ExpressVPN.
With a 30-day money-back guarantee and some attractive deals running throughout the year, NordVPN is a quality service that only misses out on the top spot thanks to some small UI quirks – and, frankly, the sheer quality of the competition.
3. Surfshark
The best cheap VPN available today
If you’re looking for a cheap VPN that outperforms products twice its price, look no further than Surfshark. The services in this guide are ranked by quality, not price, so to see a VPN that’s so affordable sitting at #3 is seriously impressive.
In my Surfshark review, I found its apps great to use, and offer all the privacy and security essentials such as AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and the superfast WireGuard protocol.
Surfshark’s been hard at work on extra features like MultiHop, and Nexus – the latter of which is not currently fully formed, but looks promising. According to the company, “connecting to Nexus means that your traffic gets routed through a whole network of servers rather than a single VPN tunnel.” Decentralizing your connection is a very interesting innovation, and it’s great that Surfshark is exploring new ways to improve VPNs as a whole.
Currently, Nexus offers an IP Rotator – your IP address will be changed every 15 minutes or so – and an IP Randomizer feature is coming soon. This will change your IP address every time you visit a new website
If you’re a hardware hoarder, Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy may put it above my #1 and #2 picks. You can install one plan on any number of devices – great for complete protection, or even sharing with those in your home. And, as a Linux VPN, Surfshark is one of the few providers to offer a full GUI – most others are only command line. Very impressive for a VPN that costs well under $2.50 a month.
In the most recent testing, connection speeds rose considerably, and on my 1 Gbps connection, it maxed out at a staggering 950 Mbps. That makes Surfshark one of the fastest providers I’ve ever tested – beating out the likes of ExpressVPN, PIA, and CyberGhost. Plus, it’s currently proving to be very reliable for streaming. I’ve had some issues before, but almost every provider has at some point.
However, when I put Surfshark’s kill switch through my rigorous testing procedure, we did manage to catch it out and get it to reveal us very briefly. However, the situation in which this happened is unlikely to happen in the real world. And, unfortunately, Surfshark’s support isn’t quite as good as ExpressVPN’s or NordVPN’s.
Overall, Surfshark is an excellent budget option, and when you consider its price, what small sacrifices you may need to make seem really quite insignificant.
4. Private Internet Access
Excellent value, and very useful for torrenting
Private Internet Access has been around for a long, long time, but unlike other dinosaurs of the VPN game, it’s stayed on an upward trajectory rather than falling to the new guard.
In fact, it’s risen another place to #4 since my last Private Internet Access review.
While PIA doesn’t disclose its server network size, I believe it to sit at around 20,000 servers, which makes it by far the most server-rich provider on the market. Combine that with 84 available countries and you’ve got yourself quite the spread.
PIA really stands out when you get under the surface a little. Its desktop apps offer port forwarding – a relative rarity – and its kill switch is super reliable.
Also, its proxy browser extensions are also very good, with updated tech that allows for faster browsing. For newbies and those looking for a simpler experience, though, this could very well be a little annoying or intimidating.
It’s great for streaming, with access to Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer. I have expanded my streaming testing even further this time round, and as an improvement on last time, PIA was able to unblock every single service.
What’s more, Private Internet Access also offers all subscribers unlimited simultaneous connections, just like Surfshark.
This means that you can keep as many devices as you like protected – and potentially share your details with your family and friends if you’re feeling generous. For some, this might not be a huge selling point, but for gadget obsessives, it’s a must-have feature.
We’re also still waiting for PIA to complete a full independent security audit, but the good news is that it’s started the process. The zero-logging policy has been audited and confirmed as true, so now I’m just waiting on the full shebang.
For those looking for a highly featured, reliable service that’s keenly priced, I’d recommend giving PIA a go – it has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it out risk-free.
5. Proton VPN
Privacy favorite keeps getting better
The Swiss-based Proton brand has had quite the makeover recently, and its star product Proton VPN has been given a well-earned bit of zing. Now that the fresh new look matches its stellar performance, it’s even easier to recommend.
Connections speeds with WireGuard are good, topping out at 460 Mbps, although even with the proprietary VPN Accelerator tech, it can’t match up to the likes of Surfshark and NordVPN.
However, when using the old faithful OpenVPN (essential for Stealth Mode), you’ll see speeds of up to 350 Mbps. That’s faster than almost every other VPN out there when configured the same way, outpaced only by Mullvad and CyberGhost in my testing. Very impressive.
You’ll also get a comprehensive zero-logging policy and string encryption, and Proton VPN will certainly appeal to those looking to use their VPN for absolute online privacy.
What’s more, Proton VPN also offers its Secure Core servers, which are located in physically secure locations in privacy-friendly countries. You can choose to use these, and then route to a destination of your choice for added anonymity. Proton Unlimited also adds the entire privacy suite of Proton Mail, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar for a fairly reasonable price.
However, it’s not all work and no play for Proton – in my testing for the full Proton VPN review it proved to be a real standout when it comes to unblocking Netflix, reliably accessing a number of useful locations, as well as BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and Amazon Prime.
However, Proton VPN really stands out thanks to its commitment to helping users around the world access a free and uncensored internet. One such example of this is its partnership with news company Deutsche Welle. Even free users can connect to a dedicated server and access unbiased news anywhere in the world.
For example, this is a godsend for those in countries like China and Russia who prefer not to consume state-controlled news.
It’s getting trickier by the day to pick faults with Proton, but there are still a couple of sticking points. Firstly, while some servers do support P2P traffic, there are relatively few compared to the competition – although if Proton detects P2P activity, it’ll seamlessly redirect you to a compatible server.
Prices have recently dropped across the board, but it’s still not cheap. However, sign up for 2 years and you’ll get a decent deal, with a generous 10 simultaneous connections to boot.
Overall, Proton VPN is very much on the up, and it’s evident the developers are putting in some hard work rather than resting on their laurels. Thanks to that, Proton VPN is a service we can wholeheartedly recommend.
6. CyberGhost
Excellent for torrenting and streaming
CyberGhost is another long-standing name in the world of the best VPNs, and in that time it’s developed a reputation for privacy, streaming performance, and torrent-friendly servers.
With over 9,700 servers, CyberGhost has one of the largest server networks in the industry, and with a spread of 91 countries, there’s plenty of variety when it comes to picking which to connect to.
In my expert CyberGhost VPN review, the Romanian provider delivered great connection speeds of up to 630 Mbps (although this is down since my last test), and while few users will have base connections capable of such heady heights, it’s still quite an accolade.
CyberGhost’s apps had an overhaul in 2021, and with the introduction of Version 8, the experience is much more modern and sleek.
However, you’ll only be able to install CyberGhost on 7 devices – and after that, you’ll need to unregister a device to use another, rather than simply logging out on one device like almost all other providers allow.
This can be a real pain if you’re right on the edge of how many devices you’re active on. We’d implore CyberGhost to change this silly feature – why not go unlimited like fellow Kape Technologies stablemate PIA?
Back to positives, CyberGhost’s apps offer some very useful dedicated streaming features like Netflix and iPlayer-optimized servers. It’s fairly capable when it comes to unblocking, and in my last testing I saw it unblock some Netflix libraries, iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
Disney+, however, was unavailable, and the likes of ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark are better providers for streaming.
One of my biggest issues with CyberGhost in my last review was that it hadn’t undertaken a security audit of any kind. This time round it’s still not perfect, but it has had its no-log policy audited by Deloitte. Let’s hope a full server and app audit is in the works.
Overall, CyberGhost is a cheap, effective VPN provider that impresses when it comes to torrenting and general privacy. However, it’s honestly quite outclassed by the providers above.
7. Windscribe
Tons of features and an excellent Chrome extension
Our expert Windscribe review found the provider’s free VPN that gives users 10GB of data a month very useful, but it also offers a fairly-priced paid service that delivers unlimited data and lets you connect as many devices at once as you like. Most other VPN services permit only five to 10 at a time.
Windscribe is compatible with many platforms – including routers and Amazon Fire and Kodi TV set-top boxes. The service offers a great variety of connection options, has a wide geographic reach with hundreds of servers, and presents an appealing, if minimal, user interface.
It’s also good for watching overseas Netflix, and has dedicated ‘Windflix servers’ to enable this. One failure I did notice, however, was unblocking amazon Prime Video.
The service’s Chrome VPN extension is a standout feature. As one of the best on the market, it offers tons of features and can be used without installing the desktop client – great for work computers of other devices you can’t install software on.
For those that do install the desktop client, you’ll notice the brand-spanking Windscribe 2.0 software has tidied up the interface and offers a ton of nifty features – although newbies may be overwhelmed. One such feature is Decoy Mode on Android which, although very niche, could be invaluable to dissidents in truly extreme situations.
Once of my previous complaints was that Windscribe simply wasn’t very fast compared to others, but since then it’s upped the ante, topping out at an excellent 950 Mbps.
This matches up to the very fastest providers on the market, and it’s great to see Windscribe pushing more established [players like this.
You can pay for a Windscribe subscription with Bitcoin, you don’t even have to provide an email address, and the service is based in Canada, which may appeal to users wary of US authorities.
8. IPVanish
Feature-packed, but not a perfect streamer
IPVanish is a US VPN that’s been in the game for a long time, and it’s widely regarded as a safe, reliable, and trustworthy provider. It’s designed for the more techy user, it boasts a bunch of useful additions and powerful apps that display all the data you could wish for.
In my testing for the IPVanish review, I saw the provider deliver incredible speeds of around 950 Mbps when using WireGuard, which is comparable to close rivals NordVPN and Surfshark.
Its OpenVPN speeds are average at best, at just 225 Mbps in my testing, but most users will be using WireGuard anyway.
‘Scramble’ is an interesting feature that allows VPN use in countries like China, and while it’s not quite as robust as other specialized China VPN services, it’s still very useful.
When it comes to streaming, it’s also a mixed bag. I got access to US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and Prime (which is an improvement from last time we checked), but unlike providers further up this list, we couldn’t tap into any other Netflix locations like Australia or Canada.
One of my biggest criticisms in my last review was that IPVanish rarely updated its apps – and it looks like the devs were listening.
The brand new interface looks great, retains many of the in-depth features I loved, while integrating a Favorites function as well as in-app support.
However, on the flip side, it’s a shame that some niche features have been removed, rather than tucked away more neatly.
Overall, though, while it’s lost a little ground on the top services, IPVanish is still well worth considering, especially if you’re a fan of in-depth, techy software.
9. Mullvad
Privacy extraordinaire lives up to expectations
In my expert Mullvad review, I found that the Swedish provider eschews ‘gimmicks’ for true privacy performance. However, while this certainly endears Mullvad with techies and old-school VPN veterans, the crowd-pleasing likes of ExpressVPN and NordVPN arguably offer a better proposition for the casual user.
With no tricks and a very transparent website, Mullvad’s one of the few providers that avoids making disputable claims of “unblocking anything” or
“guaranteed anonymity”.
Rather, it leads by example by never taking any personal details, accepting cash payments sent through snail mail, and offering simple, effective and open-source apps. New additions include the ability to purchase account numbers through Amazon – an anonymity plus point – and a fresh DNS server audit.
It also avoids the incredible complexity of other ‘expert’ VPNs, and while a very small selection of users will want to tweak countless DNS settings, many will simply appreciate the no-nonsense approach to online privacy.
As I said, though, Mullvad does lack in some important areas that many users won’t want to compromise on. While connection speeds are very impressive, in line with IPVanish, CyberGhost, and the like, it’s not able to unblock any streaming services – and likely never will.
On that connection speed note, though, in my last testing it topped out at a very respectable 900 Mbps – almost as fast as the highest flyers.
What’s more, though, is that when using OpenVPN, Mullvad outpaced every other provider I tested, topping out at a heady 530 Mbps. If you’ll be using OpenVPN and don’t about streaming, it could be a great choice.
The apps also lack some fairly commonplace usability features like automatic selection of the nearest/fastest location, and no favorites list. Plus, if you run into any issues you’ll have to rely on email support or the bare-bones support site rather than live chat.
Overall, though, if you’re looking for a transparent, privacy-focused VPN, you could do a lot worse than Mullvad.
Hide.me has been around since 2011, and in that time it’s developed quite a following and has made quite an impression on the VPN industry.
With around 2,000 servers in 75 locations, it’s in the mid-pack when it comes to network size – outstripped by PIA, CyberGhost, NordVPN, and others – but in practice this is more than enough for just about any user. Connections are lightning-fast too, topping out at a mega 950 Mbps in my last round of testing.
Hide.me’sWindows VPN apps are powerful and configurable, with plenty of protocol choices, DNS protection, torrenting support, and more. It’s evidently aimed at the advanced user, and those with the knowledge and inclination to trawl through the settings will be greatly rewarded.
However, for many, it’s quite possible that it’ll all be too much and won’t deliver such a seamless experience as more welcoming providers like ExpressVPN – and its Mac offerings are much weaker than the competition.
It’s also worth noting that I experienced some minor technical issues with the apps, including an issue with the kill switch which could potentially compromise users when changing server.
In my streaming testing, Hide.me impressed. It’s able to access a number of Netflix locations alongside BBC iPlayer, Showtime, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
Finally, Hide.me also has some excellent privacy credentials – although it hasn’t undertaken any kind of audit since 2015, and even then there’s very little detail. But, overall, it’s a great choice, especially if you like to tinker with your software – and the new free 2TB cloud storage plan courtesy of Internxt isn’t to be sniffed at.
How to get Windows11 for free, Microsoft is still keen for everyone to upgrade to Windows 11 if they can. And it’s not just Microsoft. Updating to Windows 11 is well worth it. If you have a Windows 10 PC or laptop already, then you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free very easily, but you can also get it for free by buying a new PC, or even building a new computer yourself.
Whatever your situation, here’s how to upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
Check that your PC is compatible
Before you try to upgrade your PC to Windows 11 for free, make sure that it is compatible. You’ll need a PC that supports Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and has the Secure Boot option in your BIOS. It must also meet some basic hardware requirements.
To find out whether your PC is capable of running Windows 11, search for PC Health Check in Windows search, and run the corresponding application, or check Microsoft’s Windows 11 specs page and cross-reference it with your system. If you’re not sure what hardware you have, follow these steps to check your PC specs.
Free Windows 11 upgrade
If you have a Windows 10 PC or laptop that’s ready for Windows 11, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free just by running the update tool.
Step 1: Search for Windows Update in the Windows search bar and select the relevant result.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Step 2: If your PC is fully up to date, there’s a good chance it will already be pushing the Windows 11 update on you. All you have to do is select the blue Download and Install button to get started. Then just follow the on-screen instructions to complete your Windows 11 installation.
If Windows Update isn’t giving you a quick option to upgrade to Windows 11, you can use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
Step 1: Visit the Windows 11 download website and look for the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. Select the blue Download now button.
Step 2: When it’s finished downloading, run the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe and give administrator approval, if requested.
Step 3: Select Accept and install to accept the terms and conditions, then begin the Windows 11 update process.
Step 4: The installation will then proceed without much input from you. It will download the Windows 11 installation media, then run the update. This could take up to 30 minutes, so you may need to wait, but when it’s complete, you should have a free update to Windows 11 installed.
How to download Windows 11 for free
If you are starting a new PC build, or want to install Windows 11 on a new drive for your existing Windows 10 PC, the Windows Update tool and Installation Assistant won’t work so well. What you can use instead is the Media Creation Tool, which will help you download Windows 11.
Step 1: Head to Microsoft’s Windows 11 upgrade page and under the heading Create Windows 11 Installation Media, select the blue Download Now button. This will download mediacreationtool.exe file to your PC.
Step 2: Launch the Media Creation Tool like you would any other program, and give administrator approval, if requested.
Step 3: Accept the Microsoft terms and conditions, then choose your language and the version of Windows 11 you want to install, if necessary. Otherwise, leave the default recommended options. Select Next when you’re ready to proceed.
Step 4: Find a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space and plug it into your PC or laptop. Then select the USB Flash Drive option in the Media Creation Tool setup process. Select Next.
Alternatively, if you want to virtually mount the Windows 11 installation media, you can select ISO file and follow the on-screen instructions to create it for later mounting.
Step 5: Select the USB drive you want to use for the installation. Then, when ready to setup the drive, select Next. Wait for the setup process to complete.
Step 6: Once the installation media is created, you can reboot your PC and boot to the USB drive to begin upgrading to Windows 11. Follow our guide on how to install Windows 11 for tips on the installation process and, if prompted, input your Windows 10 key to activate.
Get Windows 11 for ‘free’ when you buy a new PC
If you’re buying a new PC, you’re almost certainly going to get it with Windows 11 included, so if you don’t want to buy a Windows license and don’t have an upgradeable PC, this might be the best way. Alternatively, you can look for Windows 10 PCs and use their valid key to update to Windows 11 for free using the above methods.
Unfortunately, you can’t update from Windows 8 or Windows 7 straight to Windows 11, but if you have an older system with a valid key, you can always upgrade to Windows 10 first. Follow these steps on downloading Windows 10 for free, then see if you can update to Windows 11 for free afterwards.
How to download Windows 10 for free
When Windows 10 first arrived, nabbing a free upgrade was as simple as clicking the Get Windows 10 notification prompt. Things are a bit different now, however, especially with the new free upgrade to Windows 11 being around.
In addition to that, Microsoft no longer supports Windows 7, which means there’s no more technical support, security updates, or bug-squashing. In other words, Windows 7 is now unsafe to use, making this an excellent time to switch to Windows 10 or, switch to Windows 10.
Unfortunately, the original free upgrade period to Windows 10 ended years ago, and the workaround to get Windows 10 for free with Assistive Technologies ended not long after that. No need to worry, though — there are still ways to get Microsoft’s latest operating system without paying for a new license or breaking any rules.
With product keys and digital licenses
It would be best to have a valid product key or a digital license to get a free upgrade. What’s the difference? When you purchase an operating system from Microsoft or any retailer, it comes with a product key to unlock it. It’s printed and included in the packaging, emailed to you, or stored in the cloud, which is usually the case for system builders.
What is a digital license?
A digital license connects your installed Windows platform to a key embedded in prebuilt systems from Acer, Dell, HP, and so on. For a long time, these manufacturers printed product keys on labels stuck on PCs or printed and inserted them into product packaging. Microsoft’s product keys typically only work once, but hackers sometimes find workarounds to use the same key on multiple PCs.
That led Microsoft and manufacturers to introduce digital licenses in Windows 8 as an antipiracy measure, so end users aren’t installing the platform on additional machines. However, Microsoft also moved Windows 7 over to this method. This license becomes locked to your Microsoft account.
If you legitimately purchased and no longer use these older versions, Microsoft’s Windows 10 activation servers will accept Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 keys on your PC.
What if I can’t find my key?
However, if you’re upgrading from Windows 7 and can’t find the key, you can try signing in to your Microsoft account and checking past downloads to see if your product key is there. Sites like Amazon also keep a record of purchased downloads, but these rarely include the product key itself, though it may help narrow down where it could be.
Finally, you can download Windows 10 and perform a clean install. It will then pull the valid Windows 8/8.1 license key from your prebuilt system’s motherboard and move on. In all other cases, you must supply an authentic, genuine product key during the setup process, or you can do it later by visiting Settings > Update & security > Activation.
If you don’t have a valid Windows 7 license key, you must follow our other guide about how to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
Using the Windows 10 Media Creation tool
Despite officially ending the free update promotion in mid-2016, Microsoft quietly keeps this option available so all Windows PC owners can run the latest version. Again, unless you have a valid digital license or product key to get a free upgrade, you will be required to pay for a new Windows 10 Home product key.
Step 1: Your first step in acquiring a free Windows 10 upgrade is to visit Microsoft’s download Windows 10 webpage.
Step 2: Select the Download tool now button.
You’ll see MediaCreationTool21H1.exe download onto your PC, which shouldn’t take longer than a minute to occur. Disconnect any unnecessary accessories to help reduce the chance of errors.
Step 3: Launch the Media Creation Tool.
Step 4: Once it is downloaded, open it, and accept Microsoft’s terms.
As shown above, you have two options: Upgrade the current PC, or create installation media that will either upgrade another PC or perform a clean install on the current PC. However, in both cases, the tool will temporarily download a disk image of Windows 10, so be sure you have enough space for the file — around 4GB, at least.
Step 5: Select the Upgrade this PC now option and follow the prompts. The tool will scan your computer to see if it’s compatible and may present a list of problematic programs or hardware that could stall the upgrade. If needed, uninstall programs to address the installer’s concerns.
Step 6: With all issues resolved, the installer will try to port over all the data it can. Keep in mind, however, the vast gap between Windows 7 and Windows 10 in terms of the software you use. If you’re ditching Windows 7 after using it for many years, you probably have a lot of data stored in files and apps. We can’t guarantee that all files and apps will be compatible with Windows 10, and some may stop working.
Step 7: It’s essential to be aware of this and prepare before upgrading. Back up or convert any crucial data before you continue.
Step 8: Finish installation.
Step 9: As the installer progresses, your PC will restart a few times. As part of the process, it will pull your existing digital license from your hardware during the setup — you won’t need to activate it. If prompted for a valid product key, enter it now or do so later by visiting Settings > Update & security > Activation.
Keep in mind that this won’t work for Windows XP or Windows Vista, as these versions of Windows never qualified for the free Windows 10 upgrade.
Step 10: You’ll also receive the same flavor of Windows that first shipped with your PC — Home, Pro, Enterprise, or Education. If you’d rather use Windows 10 Pro instead of the Windows 10 Home update, you must purchase a new product key.
Other methods for getting Windows 10
The above method is the best way to get Windows 10 for free — at least for now. There are other ways you can get Windows 10 if you need it, including free and low-cost options that may be worth exploring.
Upgrade from Windows 7
Buy a copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft. Please read our guide on how to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Note that if you’re a student, or work at a large organization, you might be eligible for free or discounted Windows. Microsoft has more on that in a support page.
Download Windows 10 without activating
Technically, you can download Windows 10 from Microsoft and not activate it, which means you don’t pay for it. It turns out this is safer than it sounds because Microsoft is pretty lax about enforcing activation. Your copy of Windows shouldn’t shut down, but some limitations kick in after your 30-day evaluation:
•An Activate Windows watermark appears in the bottom-right corner.
•A Windows Isn’t Activated, Activate Windows Now notification appears in settings.
•Personalization features such as changing the wallpaper and accent colors are disabled.
•Updates may discontinue in the future.
•Various apps and features stop working.
•You’ll receive daily notifications to activate.
•No technical support.
We want to stress that using an unactivated version of Windows 10 is not permitted by Microsoft. Although it may appear like a fantastic steal (sounds about right), in reality, you’re breaking the rules and defying Microsoft’s licensing agreement. Microsoft would be completely within its rights to pursue legal damages against anyone using the Windows 10 OS unactivated, though they haven’t done so yet as far as we know. Better safe than sorry. In the end, if Microsoft wanted to stop people from using these versions, they could do it.
Buy a third-party Windows 10 key
You can find third-party vendors who sell Windows 10 manufacturer keys at a bargain. Going through these companies enables you to purchase the keys at half (or even lower) of the full Microsoft price. While it may sound like a scam, you can find reliable vendors who just happen to have a good price, but you need to stay on your toes. What customers need to do is hunt for trustworthy key vendors who offer incredible bargains. Easier said than done, though.
As you can guess, it is very much possible to still upgrade and get Windows 10 for free in 2022. You just need to follow our methods covered above — from using your existing Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 product key or even getting a license through work or school at no cost. Our tips and tricks are in line with Microsoft’s terms, too.
This means you don’t have to worry about if it is legal to get Windows 10 for free. And, if you’re worried about if you can upgrade to Windows 11 if you already got WIndows 10 for free, well, it’s just as easy and painless. Your upgrade to Windows 10 will give you a digital entitlement to Windows, which means if your hardware fits Microsoft’s requirements to run Windows 11, you can download Windows 11 at any time for no extra cost.
