Computer

Best color laser printers for 2024

By admin March 20, 2024

The best color laser printers can be a great investment, saving you quite a bit of time and money. For shoppers worried about the long-term ink costs, you’ll find color laser printers surprisingly affordable. Laser printers use toner, which lasts a very long time, delivering a low cost per page for monochrome documents and fast color prints. The best color laser printers offer quick performance and reliability to help keep your home office or small business productive.

If you need to scan documents for record-keeping and photo capture or want the convenience of a color copier, an all-in-one color laser printer is an essential tool for your small business or personal use. For a small added cost, you get expanded capabilities. That’s why every model on this list is an all-in-one from the best printer brands.

Why you should trust us

Digital Trends has been reviewing printers for 20 years, testing them to determine which offer the best quality and fastest speeds. We check the long-term value of each printer, so you’ll know in advance if a low-cost printer is truly affordable or if it has outrageous toner costs.

Printers are complex machines that require a good understanding of the technology to make a solid recommendation. Reviews also highlight problems with compatibility and other details that can become deal breakers when you depend on particular features.

Key considerations while selecting the best color laser printer for you

There are several key factors to consider when choosing a color laser printer. Purchase price matters, but long-term costs can add up quickly. Review the entire list to find the perfect printer.

Print quality and color fidelity

If you’re choosing color, you need more than a hard copy — you want your document to look great. You still need razor-sharp text, but it’s essential for colors to match what you see on-screen and in photos without banding or streaks.

Speed and economy

A laser printer should be fast and efficient with low running costs. Otherwise, you should choose a more versatile and lower-cost inkjet printer.

Special features

All-in-one printers include scan, copy, and sometimes fax functions, filling multiple roles in your office. Many printers offer duplex printing (double-sided), an automatic document feeder (ADF), multiple paper trays, Wi-Fi connectivity, and walk-up printing. These details could be critically important when making a purchase decision.

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw

Best all-in-one color laser printer

Why you should buy this: It’s a modern, eco-friendly color laser printer with great speed and quality.

Who’s it for: Home offices and small businesses that need documents printed quickly.

Why we picked the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw:

With blistering fast print and scan speeds, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw makes short work of challenging jobs. It prints 35 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome and color documents and scans with its ADF at 31 ppm.

Color documents look great and photos come out nice even on plain paper. A USB port allows walk-up printing via a thumb drive, making the LaserJet Pro 4301fdw an excellent all-in-one printer for home and office.

Best color laser printers for 2024

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M182nw

Best deal on a color laser printer

Why you should buy this: It’s a great bargain on an HP color laser printer.

Who it’s for: Anyone upgrading from an inkjet printer for more speed and durability.

Why we picked the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M182nw:

An HP color laser printer usually costs a lot more than this. HP is recognized as one of the most popular brands for rugged and durable laser printers, so you know a LaserJet will have good quality and long-lasting value.

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M182nw outputs the first page in 11.6 seconds and has sustained print speeds of up to 17 ppm. That’s not superfast for a laser printer, but doubles or triples the color document speed of most inkjets. Combined with budget pricing, this is a good introduction to laser printers for anyone who has used only inkjet printers so far.

Setup should be quick and easy with the HP Smart mobile app, or you can connect the LaserJet Pro MFP M182nw directly to a Windows PC or Mac. HP quality is rarely this cheap.

With integrated scanning and copying, this will work nicely for a home office to take the burden off your inkjet printer.

Canon Color imageClass MF656Cdw

Best color laser printer for small business

Why you should buy this: Great color print quality in a multifunctional printer.

Who it’s for: Anyone who needs to print or copy documents and graphics quickly.

Why we picked the Canon Color imageClass MF656Cdw:

Laser printers are known to be fast and rugged, and the Canon Color imageClass MF656Cdw fits this description well. While we wouldn’t recommend it for photographers, the MF656Cdw is hard to beat for an office that needs to make or reproduce color documents that contain graphics and photos.

While the 22-ppm print speed of the Canon Color imageClass MF656Cdw doesn’t match the fastest color lasers, it does offer duplex printing, copying, and scanning from its 50-sheet document feeder. With a monthly duty cycle of 2,500 pages, it can also hold up to the standard printing demands of small to medium-sized offices.

In addition to USB, print jobs can be sent wirelessly via Apple AirPrint, Mopria, Wi-Fi direct, and Canon’s Print Business app.

Brother MFC-L3720CDW

Best Brother laser printer for photos

Why you should buy this: You’ll get full-color laser prints quickly at an affordable price.

Who’s it for: Home and small office customers with moderate print volume needs.

Why we picked the Brother MFC-L3720CDW:

Color laser printers aren’t cheap. This affordable Brother makes a great addition to a home office or small business. It has many of the same features as more expensive models, like its 3.7-inch touchscreen for easy access to functions and a 250-sheet tray that lets you print more without replacing paper.

With a numeric pad for faxing, fast single-sided scanning, and quick copying, this printer is ready to help make your workday easier. It’s a large, heavy printer that’s designed to last a long time.

If you like the look of this printer, but need duplex scanning and copying, Brother’s MFC-L3780CDW offers super-fast single-pass scanning of multiple double-sided documents in its automatic document feeder for about $100 more.

Why you should buy this: Brother’s MFC‐L8905CDW delivers fast printing speeds and long-lasting supplies at affordable operating costs.

Who it’s for: Small and medium-sized businesses.

Why we picked the Brother MFC‐L8905CDW :

The Brother MFC‐L8905CDW features ultra-high yield toner cartridges that supply up to 9,000 monochrome pages and 8,000 color pages, so you rarely need to interrupt a busy workday. An optional 500 sheet paper tray expands the onboard capacity of 250 sheets in the main tray and 50 sheets in the multi-purpose tray.

Print speeds of up to 33 ppm make short work of long documents and extra copies. This sturdy business printer offers duplex for fax, scan, copy, and print functions and can connect to any device with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB. A USB port allows walk-up operation with a thumb drive, while an NFC reader limits access to authorized personnel.

The Brother MFC‐L8905CDW has a recommended duty cycle of 4,000 pages per month but it can handle printing up to 60,000 pages in a month. For such a rugged printer, Brother didn’t skimp on convenience features. The seven-inch color touchscreen can be customized with up to 64 shortcuts to speed up frequent operations.

Brother HL-L3270CDW

Best budget color laser printer

Why you should buy this: It’s the best budget-friendly option for offices with limited space.

Who it’s for: Small and home offices.

Why we picked the Brother HL-L3270CDW

If all you need is a printer that prints quickly, fits perfectly in your small home office, and doesn’t break the bank, then this is the printer for you. With the Brother HL-L3270CDW you can expect print speeds of up to 25 ppm for both black and color pages, a wide variety of connectivity options including wireless and Ethernet, and a 250-sheet max paper tray that can support different paper sizes and types like envelopes or card stock. It’s a great, affordable option for simple, straightforward print jobs.

HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M480f

Best color laser printer for medium-sized businesses

Why you should buy this: HP’s Color LaserJet Pro MFP M480f is a speedy all-in-one printer that’s designed for printing and digital document archiving with intuitive support for cloud storage.

Who it’s for: Small businesses that need a speedy color laser printer.

Why we picked the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M480f:

Workgroups and businesses that don’t have much office space to spare to house a large printer will appreciate HP’s Color LaserJet Pro MFP M480f. The MFP M480f adds multifunctional features that will help with your office’s document needs, including a built-in flatbed scanner, automatic document feeder, and duplexing capabilities. The M480f is a well-rounded multifunction printer that can still output up to 29 ppm in black and white or color.

This speedy but compact number has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low-Energy, and mobile printing is supported across a number of devices and platforms. The big limiting factor on this printer is its small 250-sheet paper input tray, though larger offices with bigger print jobs can upgrade to the optional 550-sheet tray. Duplexing is supported to help save paper and the environment. A front-facing USB port makes it easy to print from a storage drive. The printer can print from or scan to a variety of cloud providers, making it easy for digital document archiving. Businesses on a limited print budget can invest in high-yield toner cartridges for a lower per-page print cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Color laser printers versus inkjet printers: what’s best?

Laser printers are better for text documents, as they produce crisp text even at small font sizes. Over time, they are also cheaper to run than cartridge-based inkjets. However, laser printers require a larger initial investment. If you don’t print very often, a cheap inkjet printer could make more sense and it may take a long time before its higher operational costs catch up to the higher initial cost of a laser printer. For smaller print jobs, the faster pages-per-minute rate of a laser printer also won’t be much of an advantage.

If you’re looking to save money in the long term and need to print pictures, check out inkjet solutions that rely on tanks for ink rather than cartridges, like Epson’s EcoTank series. Since the tanks are refillable with bottled ink, tank printers cost even less than toner for laser printers. Not only will tanks be better for the environment through less waste, but they will save you money for larger print jobs.

Laser printers are still more durable reducing maintenance costs if you print at high volume. Lasers offer faster printing speeds, saving time on large print jobs. That’s why businesses often choose laser printers.

Beyond print quality, inkjet photo printers can also handle a wider variety of paper types and sizes compared to laser printers. Some very large inkjets are available that can print posters and banners. A color laser printer will handle inline photos and graphics in documents just fine. Most modern color laser printers, especially those made for small offices, will be able to handle standard sizes and types of print jobs, from standard documents to labels and card stock.

While color laser printers have gotten much better at handling photographs, if you’re looking to make detailed, color-accurate photographic prints to hang on your wall, display in a gallery, or sell to customers, a high-end inkjet photo printers is still the way to go (or simply outsource the work to a photo lab).

Do color laser printers come with Wi-Fi or AirPrint support?

Yes. As with inkjet printers, wireless connectivity has become standard on color laser printers. That means you can use Apple AirPrint for your iPhone and iPad with nearly any printer and Android’s print service is equally adept at connecting. There are more details about mobile use below.

You can also use Wi-Fi to print and scan with Windows and macOS. However, if you use a Linux computer or want to print from a Chromebook, check the manufacturer’s page to confirm the printer is compatible with your system.

How can I print from my iPad, iPhone, or Android device?

Color laser printers support Apple AirPrint, making it easy to print from an iPad or iPhone to a printer on your Wi-Fi network. Android phones and tablets can also connect to Wi-Fi printers quickly and easily.

For scanning, maintenance, and other specific features, you will need to install the manufacturer’s mobile app from Apple’s App Store or Google Play. The mobile app will often provide more options for quality, input tray, and paper size and type.

How often will I have to buy toner?

This depends on how much you print. Toner cartridges often have yields of 2,000 pages or more (check the specifications of your printer for your model’s specific yield). For light home use, that means many people could easily go a year or more without replacing toner. For office use, the replacement interval will be shorter, but toner could still last a few months.

How can I save money on toner?

The first step is to print efficiently; that is, double-check your page layout settings and make sure everything is correct before you hit that print button. You can also save money by preventing wasted color toner by setting a black and white printer as the default.

When it is time to reorder, you can save money by buying third-party toner cartridges. However, buying third-party toner likely isn’t recommended by your printer’s manufacturer, but so long as you make sure it’s compatible with your printer, it should work just fine. However, some printers, like the HP model above, look for a toner that uses a special chip identifying it as original equipment. HP warns that while some other cartridges may work today, they may not in the future.

Can I buy a color laser printer with built-in fax?

Yes. Many all-in-one laser printers can scan, copy, and fax documents. If you’re doing a lot of faxing, copying, or scanning, be sure to choose a printer with an automatic document feeder (ADF), and if you want to do double-sided scans and double-sided prints, a model that has a duplex ADF and duplex printing will be best. Double-sided prints can also help save money if cost is a concern. Note that not all all-in-ones — also called multifunction printers — have fax modems, so be sure to check the specs before you buy. If you need a multifunction printer, be sure to check out our best picks for all-in-one printers.

How do you test color printers?

To find the best color laser printers, we factor in criteria such as speed, price, maintenance costs, and any unique features that help them one-up the competition.

Our selections are based on our long- and short-term testing; experience with earlier models; familiarity with the company’s technologies; consultation with industry experts, fellow journalists, and users; online forums; lab results; and other third-party reviews. We look across the board — not just at our own experiences — to find consensus on what we think are the best-performing printers you can currently buy. We also look at list pricing to determine if a product is worth the cost. We will even recommend printers that aren’t new, provided the features are still best-in-class.

The printer market evolves constantly, with manufacturers either introducing better models with new features or basic upgrades. So, you can expect our picks to change as well. But don’t worry — the models you see here will be with you for some time, and if we anticipate better models on the horizon, we will state that upfront to help you decide whether you should buy now or wait.

Which is the best color laser printer for home use?

When searching for a color laser printer for home use, you probably don’t want a 100-pound beast meant to survive the rigors of a shared work environment.

A compact, budget-friendly color laser might be ideal. Printing photos is a common use for home printers and some models have good quality even on plain paper.

Is a laser printer good for color?

The first laser printers were monochrome, but most manufacturers offer several color laser printers that provide great quality for color documents.

However, some handle photos better than others. For photographic-quality color pictures, it’s hard to beat an inkjet printer that’s optimized for photos.

Are laser printers being phased out?

Laser printers will continue to be manufactured for the foreseeable future. However, there are some concerns about their environmental impact.

Epson, for example, is phasing out laser printers worldwide by 2026, citing the significant energy required to generate enough heat to fuse toner onto paper.

Meanwhile, HP has found ways to make laser printers more eco-friendly by altering toner formulations and improving efficiency.

If you find our top picks aren’t the right fit for your specific needs, there are other color laser and other printer types that are worth checking out. If you’d like a top-rated printer that can match the quality of the best scanners, or you simply just need a more affordable model, be sure to take a look at some of the all-around best printers on the market.

If you’re looking for additional savings, check out our guides to the best cheap printer deals and best laser printer deals available now.

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Artificial Intelligence

Which is Best and unlimited AI Art Generator tool?

By admin March 18, 2024

Which is Best and unlimited AI Art Generator tool? After researching, testing, and using dozens of art generators for weeks, I finalized the following 10 Best Free AI Art Generators for you! These tools can also be considered as the best Midjourney Alternatives. Let’s look at what they offer!

What is an AI Art Generator?

AI Art refers to the images, paintings, graphics, digital art pieces, and creative assets generated by employing AI algorithms. In order to generate art, an AI model is trained on massive amounts of image data available on the Internet.

The digital tools that employ these training models in order to generate AI images are known as AI Art Generators. With an AI Art Generator tool, you simply need to enter your text prompt. The tool will analyze the input and bring your imagination to life with AI images.

Which is Best and unlimited AI Art Generator tool?

How to Select AI Art Generators?

The Internet is overflowing with AI-generated art. All these AI art generators look promising, but which one should you pick? Well, here are some factors that you may consider before selecting an AI art generator.

1. Technology Employed

The first thing that you need to need to check before picking an AI art generator is the technology it works on. AI art generators make use of machine learning algorithms and deep neural networks for generating artwork and images.

The most popular AI models are Open AI’s Dall-E 2, Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, etc.

2. Output Quality

Next, we should test the quality of outputs produced by an AI art generator. To choose among multiple tools, you can simply provide the same prompt to each AI tool and evaluate which one produces the most attractive images that are closest to your requirements.

3. Ease of Use

Analyze the effort you need to put into AI image generation. Is the sign-up process simple? Is the user interface clean and easy to understand? How long does it take you to generate an image with the tool? Take all these points into consideration.

4. Customization Options

Does the AI Generator let you tailor the output according to your requirements? Does it allow you to upscale the output or produce more variations of it? Does it offer different styles of art for you to choose?

5. Licensing and Copyright

Another important aspect to consider is if the tool is licensed to produce and distribute the images that it generates. Also, make sure that you are allowed to use the generated images on your personal and commercial projects.

Welcome to the forefront of artistic innovation with HDStockImages’ AI Image Generator! This cutting-edge tool transforms your textual prompts into captivating visual masterpieces within seconds. Immerse yourself in a world where creativity converges with state-of-the-art technology, allowing you to generate an endless array of AI-generated art variations effortlessly.

Our user-friendly platform simplifies the process: type in your creative prompt, click ‘Generate Image,’ and witness the magic unfold. The possibilities are limitless, enabling you to explore multiple variations effortlessly. Whether you’re a fan art enthusiast, a professional designer, or anyone seeking to enhance their visual content, our AI Image Generator caters to your diverse creative needs. Join us on this artistic journey where the boundaries of imagination are redefined, one generated image at a time.

II. Exploring the ‘#Text-To-Art HDStockImages AI Image Generator’

Dive into the realm of creative possibilities as we explore the intriguing ‘#Text-To-Art HDStockImages AI Image Generator.’ This innovative tool is your gateway to transforming mere text into captivating visual masterpieces, seamlessly blending creativity with cutting-edge technology.

Features and Capabilities

The tool boasts a repertoire of features that make it stand out in the realm of AI-generated art. From its ability to process complex textual prompts to the efficiency with which it churns out multiple variations, every facet of the AI Image Generator is meticulously crafted. Users can expect a seamless experience as the tool leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver high-quality, visually stunning results.

User Interface and Experience

Navigating through the AI Image Generator is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly interface. The platform’s design prioritizes simplicity without compromising on functionality. Whether you’re a tech-savvy professional or a novice exploring the world of AI-generated art, the intuitive user interface ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Text Input and Image Parameters

Providing creative prompts is at the heart of this tool’s functionality. Users can unleash their imagination by inputting text along with necessary details and preferences. The customization options further amplify the creative process, allowing for the generation of unique and personalized images tailored to individual tastes.

Real-time Transformation

One of the most impressive aspects of the AI Image Generator is its real-time transformation capabilities. Witness the magic unfold as the AI engine processes your text prompt, turning it into a captivating visual masterpiece within seconds. The tool’s efficiency shines through, enabling users to explore a multitude of variations with just a single click.

Download and Sharing Options

Once satisfied with the generated images, users have the option to download them in high definition. Additionally, the tool facilitates seamless sharing directly on social media platforms, allowing individuals to showcase their artistic flair and garner appreciation from a wider audience.

In essence, the ‘#Text-To-Art HDStockImages AI Image Generator’ is more than just a tool; it’s a catalyst for unleashing your creativity in the digital realm. Explore its features, experiment with prompts, and redefine the boundaries of imagination — one generated image at a time.

III. Step-by-Step Guide on Using the AI Image Generator

Embark on a journey of creative exploration with the AI Image Generator by following this comprehensive step-by-step guide. Whether you’re a seasoned user or new to the world of AI-generated art, this walkthrough ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.

A. Accessing the Text-To-Art AI Image Generator:

1.Navigate to the Text-To-Art AI Image Generator section on the platform: https://hdstockimages.com/free-ai-image-generator-text-to-image-free/

2.Familiarize yourself with the main interface, where you’ll find the space to input your creative prompts.

B. Inputting Text and Choosing Image Parameters:

1.Begin the creative process by typing in your textual prompt. This can be anything from a simple phrase to a more detailed description.

2.Explore the customization options available, such as image dimensions, style preferences, and any additional parameters provided by the tool.

3.Take advantage of the flexibility to tailor the image generation to your specific creative vision.

C. Generating and Downloading AI Images:

1.With your text input and preferences set, initiate the image generation process by clicking the ‘Generate Image’ button.

2.Witness the AI engine in action as it transforms your textual prompt into a visual masterpiece.

3.After the generation is complete, preview the images and choose the ones that resonate with your vision.

4.Download your selected AI-generated images in high definition to your device for further use.

D. Experimenting with Different Prompts:

1.Embrace the tool’s versatility by experimenting with various creative prompts. Explore how different texts result in unique and diverse visual outputs.

2.Don’t hesitate to refine and modify your prompts to discover new possibilities and styles.

E. Incorporating Generated Images into Projects:

1.Once you’ve downloaded your AI-generated images, consider how they can enhance your creative projects.

2.Whether you’re designing social media graphics, illustrations, or marketing materials, seamlessly integrate the generated images into your work.

This step-by-step guide provides a roadmap for unleashing your creativity through the AI Image Generator. As you navigate through the process, enjoy the flexibility and endless possibilities that this innovative tool offers. From inputting text to downloading captivating visuals, the AI Image Generator is your key to a world of artistic exploration.

IV. Practical Tips to Maximize Your AI Image Generator Experience

Embark on a journey to unlock the full potential of the ‘#Text-To-Art HDStockImages AI Image Generator’ with these hands-on tips. As you navigate this creative landscape, dive deep into these strategies to elevate your artistic expressions and make the most of this innovative tool.

Diversify Your Textual Palette

Neil Patel here, urging you to spice things up! When it comes to your textual prompts, variety is the spice of life. Experiment with a diverse range of prompts — from short and snappy to long and elaborate. Witness how the AI Image Generator adapts to different tones, styles, and complexities, adding a dash of versatility to your creative endeavors.

Master the Art of Advanced Customization

Now, let’s talk customization — the secret sauce to stand out. Delve into the advanced features of the tool. Play with image dimensions, tweak color schemes, and explore additional parameters. This is your chance to personalize and craft visuals that resonate uniquely with your creative vision.

Mix and Match Your Textual Ingredients

Get ready to be the master chef of creativity! Combine multiple textual prompts to create a rich and layered flavor of visuals. See how the tool interprets and blends different inputs, opening up a world of possibilities for unique and sophisticated artworks. This is where creativity meets complexity — a palate of endless potential.

The Art of Iteration

In the world of AI-generated art, iteration is your best friend. Fine-tune those textual prompts, make subtle adjustments, and observe the nuanced changes in your creations. Think of it as sculpting — refining your creation until it’s a true masterpiece.

Conceptualize with AI

Imagine the AI Image Generator as your creative brainstorming companion. Use it to visualize concepts and themes for your larger projects. It’s like having a digital canvas to sketch out ideas and see them come to life in an instant — a game-changer in the ideation phase.

Fusion of Digital and Traditional Art

Blend the best of both worlds — digital innovation and traditional artistry. Combine AI-generated images with traditional techniques. Experiment with the fusion of styles to create visually stunning compositions that resonate with a modern yet classic appeal.

Stay Ahead with Platform Updates

In the fast-paced digital world, staying updated is your competitive edge. Regularly check for updates and new features on the HDStockImages platform. Being in the know ensures you’re always at the forefront of the latest tools and capabilities for your creative projects.

So, my friend, as you embark on this creative adventure, remember — diversity, customization, experimentation — these are the keys to unlocking a world of artistic possibilities with the AI Image Generator. Go forth and create masterpieces that leave a lasting impression!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — #Text-To-Art HDStockImages AI Image Generator

Curious minds often seek clarity, and we’ve got you covered with answers to the most common questions about our AI Image Generator. Explore the FAQs below for a deeper understanding of how to make the most of this cutting-edge tool.

Q1: How does the AI Image Generator work?

A1: The AI Image Generator transforms textual prompts into visual masterpieces using advanced artificial intelligence. Simply input your creative prompt, click ‘Generate Image,’ and watch as the AI engine brings your ideas to life.

Q2: Can I use the generated images for commercial purposes?

A2: Absolutely! You can use the images generated by our AI Image Generator for both personal and commercial purposes. However, we recommend reviewing our terms of service for any specific guidelines related to commercial use.

Q3: Is there a limit to the number of variations I can create with one prompt?

A3: No, there’s no strict limit. You have the flexibility to generate multiple variations of an image with a single prompt. This feature allows you to explore diverse creative possibilities effortlessly.

Q4: Is the AI Image Generator suitable for specific types of content, such as fan art or professional designs?

A4: Certainly! The AI Image Generator is designed to be versatile, catering to a wide range of creative needs. Whether you’re creating fan art, professional designs, or illustrations, this tool adapts seamlessly to various content types.

Q5: What customization options are available for generating images?

A5: The tool provides advanced customization options, allowing you to tailor the generated images to your specific preferences. Experiment with image dimensions, color schemes, and any additional parameters to achieve the desired artistic effect.

Q6: How do I download the AI-generated images?

A6: Once the AI engine transforms your text prompt into images, you can preview them and select the ones you want. Download the chosen images in high definition to your device for further use.

Q7: Can I share the generated images on social media?

A7: Absolutely! Our tool allows you to share your AI-generated creations directly on various social media platforms. Showcase your artistic flair and gather feedback from a wider audience.

Q8: Are there any specific guidelines for using the AI Image Generator?

A8: While you have the freedom to use the generated images for personal and commercial purposes, we recommend reviewing our terms of service for any specific guidelines or best practices.

Q9: How often is the platform updated, and how do I stay informed about new features?

A9: We regularly update the HDStockImages platform with new features and enhancements. Stay informed by checking for updates on the platform or following our announcements through official channels.

Q10: Can I combine AI-generated images with traditional art techniques? A10: Certainly! The AI Image Generator is versatile, allowing you to blend AI-generated images with traditional artistry. Experiment with the fusion of digital innovation and traditional techniques to create unique and captivating compositions.

Conclusion

In the realm where imagination meets innovation, the ‘#Text-To-Art HDStockImages AI Image Generator’ emerges as a beacon of limitless creativity. As we conclude this exploration, it’s evident that this cutting-edge tool transcends conventional boundaries, providing users with a dynamic canvas to bring their ideas to life.

The journey through the AI Image Generator has been nothing short of transformative. From the simplicity of inputting textual prompts to the magic of witnessing diverse visual variations, users have experienced the true synergy of technology and artistic expression.

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Wordpress

17 Best WordPress AI Plugins

By admin March 3, 2024

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.

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.

Top 17 Best WordPress AI Plugins

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.

WordLift (Premium)

🏆 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;

• no free version.

SEOPress (Free/Premium)

🏆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.

Divi AI (Premium)

🏆 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 (Free/Premium)

🏆 Best for creating AI-powered forms.

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.

Cons:

• the free version is limited;

• the plugin has a small learning curve.

Akismet Spam Protection (Free/Premium)

🏆 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.

AI Engine (Free/Premium)

🏆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;

• excellent support from the plugin developer.

Cons:

• some features are still in beta mode.

Quttera Web Malware Scanner (Free/Premium)

🏆 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.

Cons:

• free version has limited options;

• doesn’t protect from threats, only detects them.

Bertha AI (Free/Premium)

🏆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.

Elementor AI (Paid)

🏆 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.

ContentBot AI Writer (Free/Premium)

🏆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.

CodeWP (Free/Premium)

🏆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.

Translate WordPress – Google Language Translator (Free/Premium)

🏆 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.

Tidio – Live Chat, Chatbots & Email Integration (Free/Premium)

🏆 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).

YARPP – Yet Another Related Posts Plugin (Free)

🏆 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;

• compatible with all languages.

Pricing: free.

Pros:

• the most popular related posts WordPress plugin;

• fully customizable;

• free.

Cons:

• requires more server resources than similar plugins, which can be noticeable on larger sites.

GetGenie (Free/Premium)

🏆 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.

Link Whisper (Free/Premium)

🏆 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.

Pros:

• easy-to-use;

• the free version has many useful functions.

Cons:

• no free trial on paid plans.

RankMath (Free/Premium)

🏆 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.

FAQ

What is AI?

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.

2.AI Engine, one of the most popular applications of artificial intelligence, creates virtual assistants which communicate with site visitors via chatbots and live chats.

3.SEOPress utilizes OpenAI technologies to improve website rankings in SEO.

4.The Google Language Translator plugin is the best tool for adding AI machine translators to WordPress sites.

5.Quttera Web Malware Scanner is an AI-powered plugin that can find most web threats on WordPress sites.

6.CodeWP is the best solution for generating shortcodes in WordPress using artificial intelligence.

7.For anyone who needs to check content for SEO-friendliness, GetGenie is the best choice.

Keep Reading

Android

Special and useful HyperOS Features 2024

By admin March 1, 2024

Special and useful HyperOS Features 2024, It has been over a decade now that Xiaomi’s MIUI first came into existence. So, the brand replacing it with what they are calling HyperOS is definitely a breath of fresh air. Thanks to Xiaomi, I was able to get my hands on the newly launched Xiaomi 14 Pro, running Android 14-based HyperOS.

I was introduced to a bunch of new features during my time with the device. So, I have handpicked what I feel are the best ones from the lot. So, if you are an MIUI user who is eagerly looking forward to getting the new OS experience, here are the best HyperOS features you should get ready to use on your Xiaomi phone.

In Short

• Xiaomi is replacing MIUI with a new skin that they are calling HyperOS.

• The new OS brings features like a variety of different lock screen customizations, an improved gallery, bloatware uninstallation, and more.

• Newly launched Xiaomi 14 lineup of devices are the first ones to arrive with HyperOS right out of the box.

1. Uninstall Bloatware

It is almost 2024 now and having bloatware on phones, especially flagships, is just something that brands need to do away with. Looks like Xiaomi is taking a big step towards that as now, you can easily uninstall bloatware, thanks to HyperOS.

From Mi Video to the Security app, Gallery, and even Games, most of the bothersome pre-installed applications can be uninstalled with HyperOS. Sometimes, you like the functionality of a native app while you don’t want to keep others on your device.

So, with this functionality, you get a lot more control over the apps on your device, which is always a good thing. Most importantly, you don’t have to go through the hassle of running ADB commands anymore.

For example, the native Mi Music never made sense to me. Hence, I simply removed it and chose to install YouTube Music, which is my go-to music streaming service right now. This allowed me to not have a similar app take up space on my device that I’d never even use.

So, kudos to Xiaomi’s HyperOS for allowing bloatware uninstallation. However, note that you can’t uninstall apps like the Mi Browser and GetApps, which is a bummer. We hope Xiaomi will allow the uninstallation of these apps as well in the future.

Special and useful HyperOS Features 2024

2. Lock Screen Customization

Think about it. If you come across a device with a not-so-appealing lock screen, would you even be driven to pick it up and use it? Now, that’s a hack if you want to reduce your screen on time. But, if that’s not the case, I’m sure you’d like to go all out and create a super attractive lock screen.

If you ask me, Xiaomi has done a commendable job with its lock screen customization on HyperOS. I know, it’s similar to what Apple brought in with the iOS 16 update, but Xiaomi has implemented it quite well.

For starters, if you are feeling narcissistic enough, you can simply put your own picture as your lock screen and toggle on the Depth effect. This gave my lock screen a really stylish look, with the clock and date smoothly shying away behind my face.

Then comes the numerous lock screen designs that I found myself aggressively scrolling through as the scroll animation here is just that good. Also, you can choose between Classic, Rhombus, and Magazine style of lock screens.

In addition, you can also change the lock screen text font and clock style to make it as personalized as possible. I played around with all of these settings a tad too much, and I can say this is one of the best HyperOS features you’ve got to use. It gets even better with the customized AOD that go along with it. See them in action in our YouTube video here:

3. Cleaner Control Center

Personally, I find myself visiting the Control Center the most on my phone in a day, whether it is to turn on the WiFi, location, Bluetooth, or just to quickly access my notifications and ghost people. So, a cleaner control panel definitely makes a lot of sense, and HyperOS brings you exactly that.

I took out the Xiaomi 13 Pro that we luckily had at our Beebom office to do a quick comparison with the HyperOS-running Xiaomi 14 Pro.

For starters, HyperOS gets rid of all the icon names in the Control Center, making it look more like iOS than ever before. Still, it looks and feels better to use. However, since the icons don’t have their respective names attached to them, it took me a while to wrap my head around it. But, once I did, I started preferring it over the conventional Control Center.

(From Left to Right) HyperOS vs MIUI 14 vs iOS 17.2 Control Center Comparison

Moreover, once you swipe down to open the Control Center, you no longer have to swipe sideways to access all the quick settings. Every icon you add here can be accessed on the same page as you scroll down, just like on iOS.

Nevertheless, the revamped Control Center is one of the stand out HyperOS features, indeed.

4. Enhanced Gallery App

Although there was nothing wrong with the traditional Xiaomi Gallery app, it was not exactly in its best possible form. HyperOS has changed that as well, for we now see a redesigned Gallery app for users to get a clear understanding of what it has to offer.

Previously, the Gallery app had only two panels at the top, namely Photos and Albums. Now, with the release of HyperOS, we get to see them being shifted to the bottom alongside a third new panel, namely Recommendations.

The Recommendations panel lists all the features that you previously got to see upon tapping on the three-dot vertical menu in the Gallery app on MIUI. What’s new is that there is a bonus ID feature, which I found to be very useful. I can’t begin to talk about the number of times I have had to look for good apps to instantly create ID cutouts and photos for me. That issue is completely solved with this new feature.

Now, what if I told you that you could share your cutouts from a particular photo anywhere? That is what HyperOS brings to the table. Alongside the existing ability to change your photo’s background, using the Cutouts feature in your gallery, you can now Copy, Save, or Send them with one tap to anyone, on any platform you wish.

Gave me all sorts of ideas to turn my friends into memes, and I loved it. In addition, I also noticed that the cutouts feature is now much easier to access with a single tap instead of the slightly more complex way of finding it on MIUI 14.

5. Improved Privacy & Security

Xiaomi’s HyperOS brings a brand new Privacy & Security page to the Settings app. Here, you will get to see everything that you need to step up your security game. Something that I really liked was how all the app permissions are now wonderfully listed on this page. This made it very easy for me to do a quick check when needed.

When I started exploring this page further, I found a section called Shutdown Confirmation. In my opinion, this is one of the best HyperOS security features that you get to make use of. What it does is it basically prevents your phone from being switched off without using a PIN or pattern.

So, whether someone stole your phone or one of your friends is trying to fool around with your phone, they won’t be able to switch it off without entering a PIN code. Moreover, everything is listed clearly and all the features are self-explanatory, such that even first-time Xiaomi users won’t have a hard time figuring things out.

6. Lightweight & Hyper Fast

One of the best things about HyperOS is how lightweight it is. I was honestly surprised to see the OS take up just a mere 8.76GB of internal storage on the Xiaomi 14 Pro. This gives you a little more room to work with on your device.

If you take a look at Xiaomi’s history, you can see how they have been focusing on making the OS as lightweight as possible. Even the last-gen MIUI 14 takes up somewhere around 13GB. But HyperOS pushes that even further, bringing the OS install size under 10GB.

It’s not just MIUI that HyperOS mops the floor with in terms of install size. Other popular operating systems like OneUI and OxygenOS take up significantly more storage space as well. Even iOS 17.2 takes up 11GB of storage space. I could feel the lightweightness of HyperOS as I was using it if that makes sense. Take a look at OS install sizes for HyperOS vs MIUI 14 vs iOS 17.2 vs Android 14 for better understanding:

(From Left to Right) HyperOS vs Pixel UI vs OneUI 6 vs iOS 17.2

One of the reasons I disliked MIUI was because of how cluttered and sometimes stuttery everything felt. All of that goes away with this release, and the way Xiaomi has optimized HyperOS is beyond amazing. The animations too are stellar now.

When you install anything from GetApps, you see a super cool animation on your homescreen as well. Although this was also part of the Chinese MIUI ROM for quite some time now, it is good to see it make it to HyperOS as well.

RAM Management is like nothing we have seen on any MIUI device. In one instance, I had Call of Duty running in the background for almost an hour and when I re-entered the game, I was still in the lobby. Alongside that, other apps that I had open like YouTube and Instagram did not reload either.

The bottomline is that everything has this sense of satisfaction attached to it, and HyperOS makes you want to use your device a lot more often.

7. Dynamic Island-like Feature

Ever since Dynamic Island came into the picture with the Apple iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models, we have seen countless Android phone makers try to recreate the feature. We saw the Mini Capsule feature on the Realme C55, and OnePlus recently debuted something similar on their phones with the release of OxygenOS 14, among others.

Now, Xiaomi too had to scratch their itch of doing something similar to iPhone’s Dynamic Island with HyperOS. The brand isn’t calling this feature anything right now, which works when you turn on the hotspot, put your phone on charging, turn on Battery Saver, or turn on Silent mode, among other things.

It’s just a nifty little aesthetic addition to the HyperOS, and honestly, I do dig it quite a bit. In terms of utility though, there’s not much that it brings to the table. 10/10 in coolness quotient though.

The more I used HyperOS, the more Xiaomi’s objectives became clearer. Minimalism is the first step and fluidity comes next. Everything felt a lot more fluid, responsive, and “smart” in general without anything feeling over the top.

Moreover, I certainly do hope to test out Xiaomi’s new interconnectivity with HyperOS as and when we get to use it in India. Also, looking forward to seeing which of these HyperOS features make it to the Global ROM. Also, Xiaomi is understandably focusing on the bigger picture and plans to load up its ecosystem products, like its electric cars, with HyperOS. There’s no doubt that moving past MIUI to unveil HyperOS is one heck of a move by Xiaomi.

However, I’d actually like to see Xiaomi finally come up with something completely new on the OS front instead of releasing features inspired by iOS. Let me know in the comments section what you feel about Xiaomi’s latest and greatest, HyperOS.

Is HyperOS better than MIUI?

Be it in terms of sheer functionality, fluidity, or seamlessness, HyperOS sure does mop the floor with MIUI in each of these aspects. It is also the most lightweight skin out there, taking up just 8.7GB of storage space.

Which phone will get HyperOS?

The first phones to get HyperOS are the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro models. In addition, Xiaomi has also released a list of HyperOS compatible devices, which includes quite a few POCO phones as well.

Is HyperOS based on Android?

The latest HyperOS skin, although based on Android, uses Linux and Xiaomi’s proprietary Vela system at its core. As for the recently launched Xiaomi 14 phones, they are running Android 14-based HyperOS right out of the box.

Does HyperOS have new features?

Yes, HyperOS brings a bunch of new features to the table, such as lock screen customization, bloatware uninstallation, and more. It also retains a lot of the features that have been available on the Chinese MIUI ROM but not the Global ROM. Some of these features include redesigned apps for better usability, individual icon resizing, AI Calling, etc.

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Artificial Intelligence

12 Best ChatGPT Alternatives in 2024

By admin March 1, 2024

12 Best ChatGPT Alternatives in 2024, You must have seen how explodingly popular ChatGPT has become on the internet. The chatbot is based on OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 language models, allowing users to converse with the AI. And the fact that ChatGPT can now see images and even speak makes it all the better. But that also brought a big downside with ChatGPT’s servers being overloaded with users. This has locked users out of using the handy bot when needed. So, if you are one of the folks who find ChatGPT frequently down, you can follow our list of the best ChatGPT alternatives in 2024.

1. Google Gemini (Formerly Bard)

Ever since ChatGPT went viral, many users had their eye on Google. And now Google finally has a family of worthy AI models called Gemini that can compete with ChatGPT’s best models. Gemini, which was earlier known as Bard, is powered by the Gemini 1.0 Pro model.

And if you want to experience the most capable Gemini 1.0 Ultra model, you can subscribe to Gemini Advanced (similar to ChatGPT Plus). Currently, Google is offering two months of free trial along with Google One benefits.

We compared Gemini Ultra with OpenAI’s GPT-4 model and concluded that Gemini Ultra is very good at creative writing and a great tool for researching due to Google Search integration. It’s overall a great model, however, in commonsense reasoning, it falls behind GPT-4.

That said, the free version of Gemini is plenty powerful and in some cases, it does a better job than the free version of ChatGPT (powered by the GPT-3.5 model). It also supports image analysis which the ChatGPT doesn’t offer under the free tier.

You also get extension support in Gemini that allows you to integrate your Gmail, Drive, Google Docs, etc. with Gemini and get personalized responses. Best of all, with the YouTube integration, you can ask questions on any YouTube video.

And similar to the GPT-4 model, both Gemini Pro and Gemini Ultra are multimodal models. However, the multimodal capability has not been turned on yet. Google will be adding the multimodal feature to both the free version of Gemini and Gemini Advanced in the coming days.

Not to mention, you can now generate images in Gemini, and run Python code in the Gemini interface, but it’s only available to Gemini Advanced users. And the upcoming Gemini 1.5 Pro model is even more powerful and is built on a sparse MoE architecture, just like GPT-4. It has a context length of 1 million tokens which is remarkable. So you can definitely use Gemini as a solid alternative to ChatGPT and it’s only getting better.

Key Features: Upload images, Chat history, Powered by the latest Gemini Pro and Gemini Ultra models, Export to Docs, Colab, Powerful coding and reasoning capability, Multilingual model, Python interpreter.

Check Out Gemini (Gemini Advanced starts at $20 per month, Offers a free trial of 2 months with Google One benefits)

12 Best ChatGPT Alternatives in 2024

2. Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft Copilot is one of the heaviest competitors to ChatGPT. It is also the one model that has gone through numerous changes, and rebrands. The AI bot is powered by an upgraded model of ChatGPT, which the company initially called the new “Prometheus model” but was later confirmed to be GPT-4.

So Copilot is the only service out there that offers free access to the GPT-4 model. And now the company has announced Copilot Pro which costs $20 per month but brings priority access to GPT-4 Turbo, GPT-4, and upcoming models from OpenAI. It also lets you use Copilot features in Office apps. Bear in mind, free Copilot users will only get responses from the GPT-4 model during non-peak hours.

Other than that, Copilot is full to the brim with all the handy AI features that make it an excellent ChatGPT alternative. For starters, the Chat mode is the heart that pulls in web queries and lets users have full-scale conversations based on them. Users can tune the bot according to their needs to have it respond appropriately.

The AI bot cum search engine has also added support for a ton of functionalities, including widgets, chat history, and even multimodal capability to help it read images.

Furthermore, you also get increased accuracy and the Bing Image Creator. Copilot even allows users to plan trips, get recipes, seek out advice, and a lot more, just like ChatGPT. Finally, you also get a handful of plugins on Copilot.

Key Features: Powered by GPT-4, Supports visual input and output, Connects to the internet, Multimodal, Gets the latest information on any subject, Chat history, Different chat modes, and Cites sources.

Try Microsoft Copilot (Copilot Pro starts at $20 per month)

3. Mistral Chat

In case you are not following news, Microsoft recently invested close to $16 million investment in a young French AI startup called Mistral AI, overshadowing its close partner, OpenAI. Mistral AI has been gaining recognition in the open-source community for developing powerful AI models, closely competing against OpenAI’s GPT-4 model.

Its newly-announced Mistral Large model is one of the flagship AI models out there, scoring 81.2% in the MMLU test (GPT-4 scored 86.4%). According to the company, Mistral Large is very good at advanced reasoning, supports a context length of up to 32K tokens, has function calling support just like GPT-4, and natively fluent in various popular international languages.

In addition, the company released Mistral Chat (also known as Le Chat), powered by the Mistral Large model. So if you are looking for a solid alternative to ChatGPT without having to pay for GPT-4 access, Mistral Chat is an impressive option, powered by a GPT-4 class Mistral Large model. Users who want AI models fluent in English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian, will enjoy Mistral Chat.

Key Features: Multilingual, Advanced reasoning capability, 32K tokens context length, Great at coding, Free to use, Powered by Mistral Large, Supports native function calling via API

Check Out Mistral Chat (Free)

4. Perplexity AI

Perplexity AI is a ChatGPT alternative users have always loved because it combines a search engine experience with AI like Copilot. The bot has also been trained on OpenAI’s API and, as such, performs well with good responses. While the tool can converse with you, it even cites sources for its answer.

Besides searching the Internet, Perplexity can comb through various sources like Reddit, writing, YouTube, and more. Perplexity AI even has a handy co-pilot mode that uses the power of GPT-4 to dive deep into your questions and come up with the best answers. However, you only get five queries for GPT-4 which refreshes every four hours.

I had various conversations with the bot, both with and without the co-pilot, and it helped me out easily every time. It also doesn’t hurt that the responses are lightning-fast and error-free.

Perplexity even comes with a multimodal mode along with Claude 2. However, you will need to upgrade to Perplexity Pro to unlock that.

Key Features: Cites sources, Actionable results, Good for product recommendations, Features GPT-4 mode, Upload files

Try Perplexity AI (Android/iOS)

5. Claude 2.1

ChatGPT has no shortage of rivals in the AI space. Enter Claude 2.1 which has a context length of 200K, an upgraded AI chatbot by the company Anthropic. The company has been backed by Google, making it an OpenAI competitor. Claude doesn’t use an LLM model in the traditional sense.

It instead uses a collection of what it calls “proprietary AI techniques” that include a neural network, training data, and more. This is focused more on natural conversation. This makes Claude a helpful, harmless, and honest bot for use.

While initially accessible only through Slack, Claude is now available in over 95 countries for free use. The AI chatbot by itself is capable of a lot. This ranges from simple conversations to writing complex codes, solving riddles, telling jokes, and more. Users can even upload compatible files and ask Claude to summarize them for ease of use. Furthermore, the best part is that the bot replies are lightning-fast and effortless.

However, do note that Claude 2 cannot access the Internet and is limited by its data. Claude also sometimes struggles with mathematical problems, so double-check your answer. Nonetheless, try it out and let us know what you think.

Key Features: 200k context window, Can load libraries of books, comparable to the GPT-4 model, Upload PDF files, Cheaper than GPT-4, Safe to use LLM

Try Claude 2 (Claude Pro starts at $20 per month)

6. GroqChat

Groq is an AI-first hardware company that has developed a specialized chip for AI inference called an LPU (Language Processing Unit). The company has taken the AI industry by storm by offering 10x better performance than Nvidia GPUs. To showcase its LPU’s prowess, the company has launched GroqChat where you can run open-source models and get results in a jiffy.

Currently, it hosts Mistral AI’s impressive open-source model, Mixtral 8x7B model and Meta AI’s Llama 2 70B model. Both models are great, but I prefer to use Mistral AI’s model as it’s much better at reasoning and complex tasks. If you don’t want to pay for ChatGPT Plus subscription and looking for a free alternative, GroqChat is a solid option. Not to mention, the lightning speed performance of GroqChat will blow your mind.

Key Features: Lightning fast output generation, Hosts open-source models including Mixtral 8x7B, Free to use

Check Out GroqChat (Free)

7. Chatsonic

For many users, Chatsonic has proven to be one of the best ChatGPT alternatives, and for good reason. The bot has been built on top of ChatGPT and, hence, inherits its vast potential. While the chatbot only had a few features upon its launch, it is now supercharged with a lot of things that make it worth your while.

For starters, Chatsonic’s integrated Google search means it can quickly look up the Internet for you and provide you with the most detailed answer. This ensured I didn’t get incorrect details. The chatbot even cites sources for verification. There is also a built-in image generator when you quickly need a photo. While the images aren’t as good as Midjourney, they’re pretty decent with super fast output.

Chatsonic also comes with multiple personas, ranging from an accountant to a poet, in case you feel like conversing with different people. It even has a voice recording feature if you feel too lazy to type. While the Chatsonic is not free, you get 10,000 free words when you sign up. You can get more when you buy a paid plan.

Key Features: Offers GPT-4 model, Image creation, Voice command, Translation, Character-based chat, Internet access

Try ChatSonic

8. HuggingChat

One of the best open-source ChatGPT alternatives, HuggingChat is an AI chatbot created by HuggingFace, one of the premier websites hosting many AI services. This chatbot was previously based on the Meta AI (LLaMA) LLM but has since evolved where it lets you choose from a variety of language models.

This includes not just Llama 2 but also other LLMs like Mixtral-8x7B, OpenChat, Google’s recent open-source Gemma models, and more. To help sort this, HuggingChat has the option for multiple chats.

HuggingChat can do everything ChatGPT would. It can write interesting blog posts and jokes, curate HTML code for websites, give you recipes, and much more. There is also a handy toggle to enable web access.

This will allow the bot to gather information online to supplement its answer. However, the bot has network errors from time to time, which might hinder you. Nonetheless, try this ChatGPT alternative the next time the former goes down.

Key Features: Multiple model selection, Supports web access, Good for coding,

Try HuggingChat

9. Pi, your personal AI

Among all the other ChatGPT alternatives, Pi is possibly the only one that will provide you with a different experience altogether. Based on being a supportive and smart AI, Pi is a chatbot that follows a unique design. Instead of full-blown chats, conversations on Pi happen dialogue by dialogue. What makes it more interesting is that Pi is also one of the only assistants who talks back. The website has six different voices; each is eerily realistic and oddly comforting.

Pi starts the conversation itself and tries to glean in every message you send. Speaking something like how a therapist would, the ChatGPT alternative is quite inquisitive and tries to understand and respond in kind. One could almost start to forget this is an AI if not for the occasional errors.

So, while it can get tedious if you keep talking, Pi is one of the best ChatGPT alternatives if you want some mental relief. However, you need an account and a working phone number to sign up, which can be a downside for some. Nonetheless, check it out.

Key Features: Personal AI chatbot, Speaks like a therapist, Engaging and conversational

Try Pi, your personal AI

10. GitHub Copilot

Students are not the only ones who can benefit from tools like ChatGPT. Github Copilot is the company’s solution for programmers at their wit’s end. GitHub Copilot is based on the concept of auto-completion but goes much further than that. The tool helps programmers by suggesting and completing code and entire functions in real time. Consider GitHub Copilot as a tool to help with programmers’ block.

Github Copilot is on OpenAI’s latest GPT-4 model and has been trained on millions of lines of code. Copilot is compatible with all popular coding editor platforms, including VS Code, Visual Studio, Neovim, and JetBrains. This intuitive ChatGPT alternative can also generate syntax in various languages, including Javascript, PHP, and BASH.

GitHub has also introduced chat and voice for Copilot, which will give users a ChatGPT-like experience, and even GitHub Copilot Voice, where developers can verbally give natural language prompts. You can simply ask Copilot Chat for code improvements, and it will suggest them in real-time.

Besides writing code, GitHub Copilot can give users an in-depth analysis and explanations of code blocks through the power of GPT-4. It supports pull requests, answers questions on docs, and provides a personalized developer experience. While the service was available for limited users, it has now started to roll out more widely. GitHub Copilot is priced at $10 per month for individuals and $19 per user per month for businesses.

Key Features: Powered by GPT-4, Great coding model for developers, Supports numerous IDEs, Autocomplete code, Write test functions, Supports GitHub functionalities, Debug code

Try Github Copilot

11. OpenAI Playground

From the start, it is worth noting that OpenAI Playground is a tool not meant for daily users. However, if you find yourself locked out of ChatGPT and still want a taste of its capabilities, OpenAI Playground is the way to go. This web-based tool works like ChatGPT but provides much more advanced options, including selecting a specific language model to experiment with.

Once you have selected the model, you can tinker with other factors such as the model’s randomness, number of tokens, frequency penalty, stop sequences, and more. ChatGPT Plus users can even choose the latest GPT-4 LLM.

Since OpenAI Playground is simply a demo version of the ChatGPT service, its outputs are on par with ChatGPT and give a good feel of the actual service. You can try out some cool ChatGPT prompts mentioned in this article. This chatbot demo also supports speech-to-text inputs, and you can even upload an audio recording.

Unlike some AI bots, Playground doesn’t slow down and responds on the fly. It’s also free to use, provided you sign up for an account. However, be aware that you might lose access, just like ChatGPT, if the server is in high demand.

Key Features: Lots of model customizations, Access to various models, Upload audio recording, Free to use

Try OpenAI Playground

12. Poe

Introduced in early 2023, Poe by Quora is not an AI itself but more of a platform where you can talk to AI bots. Poe stands for ‘Platform for Open Exploration.’ True to its name, Quora Poe is a place where users can talk to and experiment with various AI chatbots.

Quora mentions that Poe lets people ask questions, get instant answers, and have back-and-forth conversations with several AI-powered bots.

Poe’s website is neatly packaged and currently allows users to talk with AIs like Sage, ChatGPT, Dragonfly, and even GPT-4, Claude 2, Gemini Pro, Mistral-Medium, and more. All told, the platform allows access to over 20 different LLMs. However, access is limited for the last two, so you must get a subscription for the same. For those thinking that Poe is an AI chatbot that is going to use the question-answer data on Quora, you can rest easy as that’s not the case.

Quora Poe works extremely well and has little to no downtime while you talk away with the various AI bots. However, you do need to create an account to access it. Thankfully, you don’t need to create separate accounts for all services, so that’s the bright side. If you’re the sort who loves all these ChatGPT-like tools but can’t be bothered to open them all, Poe can be your one-stop platform for them.

Key Features: One-stop platform for various models, Supports GPT-4, Claude, and more, Easy to use, No downtime

Try Quora Poe (iOS / Android)

What are AI Chatbots?

For those unaware, AI chatbots are virtual programs and apps designed to simulate human conversation. To break it down even further, AI chatbots make users feel like they’re talking to another human instead of bots. Ever since the rise of ChatGPT, AI chatbots have vastly increased in quantity. Besides talking, AI chatbots can do a lot of other things, including writing essays, solving calculations, and more. As mentioned in the piece, a lot of ChatGPT alternatives here function as full-fledged AI chatbots. So you can go ahead and have conversations with these bots and have them respond in kind.

Is There Any Ultimate Alternative to ChatGPT?

While we have listed many ChatGPT alternatives above, we wouldn’t classify any of them as the ultimate solution. Depending on how you are as a user, one alternative might be more suitable for you than the other. So, whether it’s a ChatGPT alternative for coders, writers, or even people with simple search engine queries, there’s something for everyone.

Is There a Free Version of ChatGPT?

ChatGPT itself is free to use and experiment with by anyone. However, users who want to try out the new GPT-4 model must pay $20 monthly to access it. This will not only give them a better language model but no downtime. Check out how to get access to GPT-4 right now and get started.

What is ChatGPT’s Advanced Data Analysis?

Previously known as the Code Interpreter, the Advanced Data Analysis is a separate mode for the bot that enables users to upload any kind of code or data and have ChatGPT analyze it. So, if you’re a programmer with code to debug, you can use this mode provided you have the ChatGPT Plus subscription.

What Is Google’s Equivalent of ChatGPT?

Google has worked on several different language models in the past. The list includes models like BERT, MUM, and LaMDA. However, Google’s latest and most fitting ChatGPT equivalent is Bard. As mentioned above, Google Bard is an experimental conversational AI service. However, it’s equally powerful with multiple features like access to the Internet, extension support, citing sources, multimodal help, and much more.

Is Google Bard better than ChatGPT?

While both ChatGPT and Google Bard are capable AI bots, calling one better over the other wouldn’t necessarily be correct. Both the AI chatbots come with their own set of nuances that users love. So, while Google Bard comes with multiple drafts and sources for variety, some absolutely love GPT-4s speed and data. So, as is with everything in life, your mileage may vary.

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Artificial Intelligence

How to Use ChatGPT 4 For Free

By admin March 1, 2024

How to Use ChatGPT 4 For Free, OpenAI recently released its latest GPT-4 model, which is much more powerful than anything OpenAI has released so far. It is the largest language model system OpenAI has developed, and it also comes with vision capability. GPT-4 is multimodal, meaning it can interpret not only text but image inputs as well. Apart from that, it performs well in reasoning tests and supports about 26 different languages.

That said, ChatGPT 4 is not available to free users. You have to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus to try out GPT-4. Nevertheless, in this guide, we bring you simple ways to use ChatGPT 4 for free. You can access the advanced GPT-4 language model without paying any price. So on that note, let’s jump to the guide.

1. Use ChatGPT 4 for Free on Bing Chat

You can use GPT-4 for free on Microsoft Bing without any limitations. Just after the release of the GPT-4 model, Microsoft came forward and announced that its Bing AI is already running on the GPT-4 model (codename: Prometheus). In fact, Bing AI has some additional features that ChatGPT 4 does not have by default.

You can get answers live from the internet, generate images on Bing AI with a simple prompt, and get citations for information. Now let’s go ahead and learn how to use Bing to access ChatGPT 4 freely.

1. Head over to bing.com/new (visit) and click on “Chat now”.

2. Now, switch to the “Creative” mode and ask your questions. This mode uses the GPT-4 model.

3. You can also install the Bing app (Android / iOS — Free) on your smartphone and enable the “GPT-4” toggle. Now, you can start talking to GPT-4 without any limitations. You can also upload images to Bing to use GPT-4’s multimodal capability.

2. How to use ChatGPT 4 on Perplexity AI

For those unaware, Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine that combines its database with the Internet to provide a seamless experience. However, what makes it different is that it has a new Co-Pilot feature that uses GPT-4 to give enhanced search results and better information. Learn how to access ChatGPT 4 for your searches using the steps below.

1. Head to the official Perplexity AI website to begin the process.

2. Click on the “Sign up” button to quickly make an account. Go through the motions of making an account by entering your credentials.

3. You’ll now land on the main page, but our focus is in the search bar. Toggle on the “Copilot” option to enable the “GPT-4” model. Free users can ask 5 questions every four hours.

4. Now, type out your query or click on any of the pre-filled options and press return. In my case, I asked it to plan a trip to Italy. As you can see, Copilot understood my question and even asked me about my preferences.

5. And just like that, we have our trip. Just like the best ChatGPT plugins, Perplexity AI used GPT-4 to search the Internet and use AI to create a plan for me. You get five queries every 4 hours, so use them wisely.

How to Use ChatGPT 4 For Free

3. How to use ChatGPT 4 on Merlin

Merlin has already appeared on our list of ChatGPT Chrome extensions. However, we are mentioning it again as it’s also an amazing way to access GPT-4 for free. If you are new, you should know Merlin is an AI-powered extension that can intelligently act as a guide. You can summon Merlin through keyboard shortcuts or click its icon for help on various topics, including searches, articles, and more. Follow the steps below to set it up:

1. First, visit the official Merlin Chrome extension page and click “Add to Chrome.” You’ll now go through a small tutorial. That’s just there to teach you the basic steps.

2. Now, we need to pin the extension for easy access. Click on the extension menu and then the pin icon next to Merlin.

3. Now, simply head over to any website or even Google and tap the Merlin extension. A chat will open up.

4. Finally, click on the dropdown menu and select GPT-4 to get Merlin to use that. Do note that while you get 51 free queries, GPT-4 uses 10 queries at once. You can even turn on web access beside it if you wish.

5. Just like that, you’re using GPT-4 using Merlin. The extension will now use the LLM and perform any task you wish. Definitely, an easy way to access ChatGPT 4 for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chat GPT-4 available now?

Yes, ChatGPT-4 is available for use to those who have subscribed to ChatGPT Plus.

Can I use Chat GPT-4 for free?

Although there is no way to directly access Chat GPT-4 for free without subscribing to ChatGPT Plus, you can make use of it via GPT-4-integrated chatbots like Microsoft Bing, Perplexity AI, and others.

What can Chat GPT-4 do?

Chat GPT-4 is an AI language processing model that can analyze texts and images to provide answers to prompts that come from users of the advanced chatbot. The possibilities are endless when it comes to all that Chat GPT-4 can do.

How much does a ChatGPT Plus subscription cost?

ChatGPT Plus costs $20 per month for every region across the globe.

15 Best ChatGPT Plugins You Should Use Right Now

As if it wasn’t already possible, ChatGPT keeps scaling new heights. Thhe chatbot comes with some amazing features and data. However, did you know that there are plugins that you can pair with the AI chatbot? Even though Google remains somewhat of a competition with its PaLM 2 model, the OpenAI product remains massively popular. To make your job easier, we have scoured the ChatGPT plugin store and picked the best plugins already. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

1. Prompt Perfect

First up, we have Prompt Perfect, one of the best ChatGPT extensions that lets users write the perfect prompts for the AI chatbot. If you are part of the few not able to do so, Perfect will immensely help you. To begin, enter a prompt for whatever you want to ask the AI bot. In our case, I ask ChatGPT to write a 200-word story about cars.

However, make sure to write the word “perfect” before your prompt. Once done, the plugin will rewrite the entire prompt under the hood to make it highly detailed to ChatGPT. This helps the AI chatbot come up with informative and specific answers for your prompt. Besides that, the plugin requires no other intervention and has a plug-and-play nature. Check it out.

2. OpenTable

One of the best ChatGPT plugins we used was OpenTable for quick and seamless restaurant bookings on the go. This ChatGPT plugin is based on ensuring users book their times with the least possible effort. As such, you only need to provide ChatGPT with all the basic requirements, like the date, time, location, and number of people.

The plugin then takes in the information and automatically finds specific restaurants. The links provided by the plugin even lead to the reservation details already pre-filled, making it one of the best ChatGPT plugins for convenient restaurant bookings.

3. Wolfram

While it can get a bit technical for some users, the Wolfram ChatGPT plugin is one of the best due to its advanced abilities. Powered by advanced data, Wolfram allows ChatGPT users to access advanced computation, math, and real-time data to solve all types of queries.

So, instead of sticking to just basic math problems, you can ask Wolfram for advanced help like creating a genealogical tree, creating an audio spectrogram, illustrating anatomy, and much more. It can even tell the date and time in real-time, which isn’t something ChatGPT can do. So, go ahead and experiment with Wolfram to see which feature works best for you in this ChatGPT plugin.

4. Zapier

Made explicitly to eliminate and ease unnecessary workflows, Zapier is one of the top ChatGPT plugins for working professionals as well as marketers. In a nutshell, Zapier lets users interact with over 5,000 different work apps without ever needing to perform extra steps. This includes all mainstream apps like Gmail, MS Outlook, Slack, and many more. All users need to do is complete a one-time connection and approve some actions.

Once done, you can practically draft entire emails or send in-depth Slack messages right from ChatGPT. Zapier then works in tandem with ChatGPT to make it possible and also lets users make edits to their actions. So when I asked to draft a test Gmail, it created the action almost instantly and let me send it. Check it out if you’re too lazy to open your mail client.

5. Canva

Canva has finally introduced its ChatGPT plugin, and it’s now available on the plugin store. It can do several tasks, from generating social media posts to videos for Instagram Reels and TikTok. You can also use it to generate templates for websites with descriptive prompts and create presentations right inside the chat interface.

The best part is that Canva allows you to edit the generated content for further customization. You just have to click the link, and it will take you to its website, where you can make changes. Not to mention, you don’t even have to log in to Canva to make key changes. All in all, the Canva plugin is truly a great addition to ChatGPT and brings so many new utilities to a chat interface. It’s also very easy to use the ChatGPT Canva plugin so you don’t need to fuss a lot with it.

6. Argil AI

While it’s quite easy to use DALLE 3 with ChatGPT, the Argil AI is an amazing plugin for images. Using Argil AI, users can generate images right within ChatGPT itself.

All one needs to do is select the plugin and describe the image they want it to create. The description can be very vivid for variety. You can even take inspiration from the best Midjourney prompts. Once done, simply hit return and wait while the image is generated. Within a few moments, Argil AI will output a beautiful image to the user. Opportunistic users can even compile a collection and make money with ChatGPT using this way. Check out Argil if you can’t be bothered to use DALLE 3.

7. VoxScript

VoxScript is one of the best ChatGPT plugins with some added features. This includes the ability to quickly fetch YouTube video details and even its transcript in a detailed manner. So, if you were relying on the best ChatGPT Chrome extensions for that, you could use Vox now instead.

To begin, just ask to provide Vox with a URL of the target video and ask it to generate a transcript. The plugin will then run with ChatGPT and quickly dish out a detailed transcript along with its basic details and a view count. However, for users who want more, VoxScript can even comb through financial sources and even get you Google search results for even more data.

8. Kayak

One of the best plugins for travel planning with ChatGPT, Kayak lets users easily book flights and hotels and get travel recommendations for all their trip-planning needs. As before, it requires your basic details such as origin, destination, arrival, and departure time. Once done, Kayak will guide you through plenty of flight options available from your location.

The detail includes the total price, expected layovers and delays, popular airlines, and more. Once you’re happy with your selection, ask ChatGPT to generate links, and Kayak will do that, too.

9. Link Reader

While some of the best ChatGPT Chrome extensions can read webpages for you, not everyone is into extensions and wants stuff simpler. For those, Link Reader can be one of the best ChatGPT plugins. Put simply, this plugin can read the content of all kinds of links, including webpages, PDFs, images, and more.

All one needs to do is provide it a link and ask it for information. ChatGPT then interfaces with Link Reader and provides a well-detailed answer to the query. So, if you’re looking for a quick summary, this plugin is one to turn to.

10. Speak

For the linguists out there, Speak can turn out to be one of the best plugins if used correctly. True to its name, Speak is a plugin that lets you learn how to say anything in other languages.

This essentially makes Speak like a language tutor. Besides translation, users can use Speak for verbs, conjugations, nuanced grammar, and much more. To begin, type out your language query, and the ChatGPT plugin will respond back almost immediately.

11. There’s an AI For That

While most of these plugins are one-off function ones, this ChatGPT tool comes under our best list because it is practically a collection of them all. There’s an AI that has a wide-ranging database of a variety of tools one might need in their professional and personal life. This includes simple tools like image editors, PDF converters, and much more.

To look for specific tools, simply ask the AI about your exact requirements, and it will provide you with a handy list. I tried the same for PDF converters, and the plugin gave a concise list easily. Check it out yourself.

12. Instacart

While ChatGPT already gives you recipes, it cannot seek out ingredients for you. Instacart, on the other hand, makes its way into our best ChatGPT plugins list for this reason. Based solely on food, this ChatGPT plugin can intelligently come up with food and drink recipes and provide a detailed breakdown of the steps.

However, what sets it apart is that Instacart then leads to its main service page, where users can buy these ingredients in real-time. So, if you seem to be running out of parmesan for your pasta, here’s where you can get it. The recipe and ingredient generation itself is fast and without errors and did satisfy a foodie like me. So give Instacart a whirl and see if you find the experience tasty.

13. Diagrams: Show Me

Besides leisure, ChatGPT can also help out users in the form of its various productivity tools. One such tool in the form of the best ChatGPT plugins is Show Me, a handy service that lets ChatGPT create real-time diagrams of almost all types. Show Me requires a basic concept for users to display as a flow chart.

In my experience, I asked the plugin to display the concept of Ikigai using a mind map. Both ChatGPT and Show Me worked together to give a visual and text-based representation of it easily. So the next time you feel the need to generate a quick diagram, use this ChatGPT plugin.

14. Image Editor

There are times you might have images needing editing but wouldn’t really want to open up Photoshop for that. For all your basic editing needs, the Image Editor plugin can prove to be one of the best in ChatGPT. The Image Editor can perform various functions for you, including resizing, cropping, blurring, or even rotating the image.

However, do note that you need to provide the image URL to the tool for it to upload it. Once done, simply ask the Image Editor for your request. We asked it to resize it to our dimensions, and it worked extremely well. While its functions are a bit limited, you can quickly do basic editing using this ChatGPT plugin.

15. CoderPad

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15 Best ChatGPT Plugins You Should Use Right Now

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We know that ChatGPT can now run code with Code Interpreter, but it only supports Python. However, with the CoderPad plugin, you can run code in over 30 programming languages right inside ChatGPT. That’s amazing, right? There is no need to set up the environment manually or worry about limited package support. Just install the CoderPad plugin, and you can run and test any piece of code.

And these are the best ChatGPT plugins you can use right now. However, do note that the plugin store contains hundreds of plugins, so feel to explore yourself, too. Ever since being boosted with GPT-4 Turbo, the chatbot has been made all the more powerful. However, on the off chance you’re bored, there are also a lot of ChatGPT alternatives you can check out to experiment even more. Got any more plugins recommendations for us? Drop them in the comments below.

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Games

The best PS5 games for 2024

By admin February 27, 2024

The best PS5 games for 2024, The PlayStation 5 is looking to dominate the console landscape with its incredible library of games. Like the rest of the industry, Sony saw several major game delays in 2022 (and more this year), but has since dropped several new hit games like God of War Ragnarok, the Resident Evil 4 remake, and Alan Wake 2, among others. There are plenty of games out on PS5 for every kind of gamer.

And there are plenty more great titles on the way — don’t forget to check out our list of the best upcoming PS5 games that will come out later this year.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, the highly anticipated sequel from Insomniac Games, raises the bar in every aspect. It shines on the PS5, delivering stunning visuals, and the gameplay matches that excellence with numerous enhancements. From improved combat to web-swinging through the city, sid-quests, and more, everything is better than ever.

This grand sequel seamlessly juggles a plethora of ideas, creating an overwhelming, yet sleek adventure. Even with a 100% completion goal, it’s a manageable 35-hour journey. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 not only lives up to its predecessor, but surpasses it, crafting an emotional and inclusive superhero experience that’s unique to the world of video games.

Alan Wake 2

In the spine-tingling world of Alan Wake 2, Saga Anderson delves into the eerie investigation of ritualistic murders in a quaint town, while Alan Wake himself weaves a sinister tale that shapes reality. These two enigmatic heroes find themselves intertwined by fate and compelled to embrace their latent powers.

Remedy Entertainment’s long-anticipated Alan Wake 2 delivers a genuinely frightening survival horror experience. The game masterfully blends mind-bending narratives with engrossing survival horror gameplay inspired by Resident Evil remakes. Despite some initial technical hiccups, it stands as Remedy Interactive’s most confident and fully realized creative vision. It explores the depths of horror, both in our everyday nightmares and the chilling stories we craft to confront them. For those who relish compelling and hair-raising narratives, Alan Wake 2 is a must-play where the less you know, the more spookier it becomes.

Diablo IV

Diablo IV brings the series back to its roots with a darker tone and aesthetic while also keeping the combat and looting grind as enthralling as ever. Diablo‘s Sanctuary is rich with grisly lore, and this has never been more apparent than in Diablo 4. The big villains are ambiguous in their motives but decidedly evil in their methods, and they’re played brilliantly throughout the campaign. Moreover, the graphical fidelity, music, and sound design are all top-tier, which is surprising given its frustrating always-online nature.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a massive turn-based fantasy RPG that captures the experience of playing Dungeons & Dragons better than any other video game. Character creation is top-notch and combat impresses, boiling down the complexities of D&D battles to an easy-to-understand, but deep system. We’re still early on in our adventure, but Baldur’s Gate 3 appears to be a major hit and a midyear contender for Game of the Year.

God of War Ragnarök

It’s always impressive when a sequel to a highly-acclaimed game can actually live up to its predecessor. That’s the case with God of War Ragnarok, which successfully rode the hype train all the way to launch, landing to rave reviews. The action-adventure sequel pulls it off by largely sticking to the formula established in God of War (2018), but it makes some key changes to help make it stand out. The biggest of those comes from its refined combat, which makes chopping up enemies with the Leviathan Ax and Blades of Chaos even more satisfying. Your mileage may vary when it comes to story, but God of War Ragnarok is undoubtedly a triumphant return for Kratos.

The best PS5 games for 2024

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a sequel to 2019’s excellent Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and expands on it in almost every way. The story feels more ambitious and personal at the same time, as all of the worlds players can explore as Cal are more densely packed with content than before, and combat has been refined to be even more fun thanks to new stances and perks players can use.

It’s an entirely single-player Star Wars adventure and a meaty one at that. This game can easily keep you entertained for 20 hours or more and tells the most engaging Star Wars narrative since Andor. This is one of the best Star Wars games ever made, so fans of the franchise shouldn’t miss out on it.

Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 feels like the most significant revelation for the fighting game genre since Street Fighter 2. No matter the skill level, all types of players will find something to enjoy here. The core fighting gameplay felt as amazing to play as ever, bolstered by a flashy new Drive Gauge system. Those who enjoy the series for its hardcore, competitive elements will like that, as well as its multiplayer Battle Hub mode. T

hat said, Street Fighter 6 is also the friendliest fighting game ever for newcomers to the genre. New modern controls, as well as a meaty RPG World Tour mode that teaches the ins and outs of many of the game’s characters and mechanics, means there’s a ton of enjoyment to be had no matter one’s skill level.

Lies of P

Lies of P, the quirky Pinocchio-inspired Soulslike game with a Timothée Chalamet look-alike, is a surprisingly competent addition to the genre. Drawing inspiration from FromSoftware’s Bloodborne, it immerses players in a fascinating world with a unique twist on Soulslike gameplay. While some boss fights can be frustrating, they add to the game’s charm and overall appeal. Lies of P has a captivating setting and distinctive gameplay systems, and it has a place among the genre’s top contenders like Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Code Vein, and Nioh. Despite its unusual premise, the game’s confident execution earns it respect and a strong recommendation for fans of FromSoftware-style titles.

Resident Evil 4

Before you jump in for your hit of nostalgia, you should know that this isn’t 2005’s Resident Evil 4. Instead of putting out a shot-for-shot remake — a truly transformative remake that isn’t afraid to throw out what didn’t work and put its own creative spin on everything from story to level design to its wildly improved combat. Capcom delivers everything you want in more in this stellar revisit to one of the most iconic titles in the Resident Evil series.

Remnant II

Step into a realm of relentless survival and unyielding battles in Remnant II, the eagerly awaited follow-up to the acclaimed Remnant: From the Ashes. Humanity’s remnants confront an onslaught of otherworldly beasts and omnipotent adversaries across harrowing dimensions. Rally solo or join forces with a pair of companions to plumb the enigmas that guard against reality’s annihilation. Skill and camaraderie prove paramount as you forge an unbreakable front against the brink of extinction.

Beneath its seemingly typical third-person shooter experience, Remnant II boasts captivating mechanics — the game weaves combat akin to Souls titles with firearms, entwining them within a roguelike framework of ever-changing quests. Gunfire Games’ sequel resonates with the essence of its predecessor, making it a treasure trove for Remnant devotees and newcomers alike.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

While this year’s Call of Duty installment is a bit of a mixed bag of gorgeous visuals and classic multiplayer despite pacing issues and some ugly UI choices. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II gives COD fans what they want — another COD game. If fast-paced warfare and detailed weapon customization are your jam, this is the first-person shooter for you (at least until Warzone 2.0 drops.

Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2, the not-so-new and definitely improved free-to-play Overwatch “sequel,” has given the series new life for hardcore fans and newcomers alike. New heroes Junker Queen and Sojurn have joined the fight, old heroes have learned new skills, and there are already new character releases on the horizon. Overwatch 2‘s specific brand of objective-based shooter isn’t for everyone, but if it’s up your alley you’ll be playing this title well into the new year.

Like a Dragon: Ishin!

A remake of 2014’s Ryuu ga Gotoku Ishin! (released only in Japan) Like a Dragon: Ishin! takes place in 1867, during Japan’s regime-changing Bakumatsu era, and stars Sakamoto Ryoma, a character resembling former Like a Dragon series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. This new-to-the-West Like a Dragon installment will be a romp for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The Last of Us Part I

While the original The Last of Us for PS3 still holds up, technology has advanced tremendously since the game first launched in 2013. That’s why Naughty Dog and Sony decided to remake this game, exclusively for PS5 (and PC at a later date). What you get is a revamped version of what was already one of the best games ever made. Of course, visuals have been overhauled, with its characters mirroring their counterparts from The Last of Us Part II. Beyond that, a slew of gameplay improvements, such as smarter AI, have been implemented, making the game feel more immersive. It also utilizes the PS5’s best features, including haptic feedback. Full stop, this is the definitive version of The Last of Us.

Stray

Stray is one of the most unique games to have launched in a while, offering an emotional story and a cute, cuddly feline protagonist. This cat game has taken the industry by storm, but it’s not just a meme. Stray really is fantastic and deserves all the praise it has received. It includes light platforming, puzzles, and some stealth segments that are approachable, yet satisfying, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy. Beyond its easy-going gameplay are its stunning visuals that are gorgeous, yet stylized, making it hard to look away. There’s a lot going for Stray, and it’s one that all players should check out, even if you aren’t a cat-lover.

The Callisto Protocol

The Callisto Protocol is a survival-horror game set in a maximum-security prison on Jupiter’s moon, Callisto. Players take on the role of a character trying to escape the prison while facing off against a variety of terrifying enemies. The game features intense, atmospheric gameplay and high-quality graphics that create a truly immersive experience. It also has an intense story and the survival horror element ensures the players will be on the edge of their seat. With the AAA development team at Striking Distance Studios behind it, it’s a thrilling adventure for horror and sci-fi fans.

Cocoon

Cocoon, crafted by the designer behind Limbo and Inside, invites players into a mesmerizing realm of insect-like creatures navigating worlds within worlds. This puzzle game, deceptively simple ,yet profoundly unique, showcases Director Jeppe Carlsen’s talent for intricately designed challenges. It offers an experience both grand and intimate, teleporting players into the minds of these enigmatic insects. Cocoon is a striking journey, celebrating the remarkable efficiency of Earth’s tiny creatures. While occasionally routine, it beckons players to fathom the instinctive intelligence of bugs.

Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West is the culmination of all the things Guerrilla Games has learned over the years. It’s an open-world action RPG with a stellar story, well-written characters, and incredibly satisfying gameplay, making it hard to put down. It’s a game that looks expensive, featuring some of the most beautiful visuals we’ve ever seen. The gameplay mechanics have been refined from its predecessor, making it much easier to traverse the world, defeat enemies, and progress through the story.

For instance, the implementation of a glider is a huge improvement, as it means the main character, Aloy, can get around with ease. And of course, there aren’t many games like Horizon, giving it an edge over the competition. Taking down massive mechanical dinosaurs is just as cool as it sounds, as is exploring the sprawling open world this game has to offer. Guerrilla Games is at the top of its class and we can’t wait to see what the team does next.

Elden Ring

Somehow, Elden Ring exceeded expectations, building upon its predecessors and featuring an incredible journey full of mystery and unease. That’s one of this game’s greatest strengths: It encourages you to explore by littering items and awe-inspiring boss battles all around the world while keeping you on the edge of your seat. This isn’t just Dark Souls in an open world. Every inch of this game feels meticulously crafted, with plenty of secrets to uncover.

Of course, the game’s exploration is a selling point, but so is its combat, which feels like an impressive evolution from the Souls games. It’s not perfect, but developer FromSoftware absolutely knows what it’s doing when it comes to making an action RPG and we hope the studio continues creating open worlds like this one. Elden Ring is an absolute gem, throwing surprises at you every time you play.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Early on in a console’s lifespan, each exclusive is heavily dissected. We’re always looking for how games push hardware in ways that truly make “next-gen” come to life. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart will be remembered as the first game that showed us the true potential of the PS5. While games like Returnal showed off what the DualSense controller is capable of, Drift Apart is more of a graphical powerhouse that uses the console’s solid-state drive to nearly eliminate load times altogether and fuel a gorgeous superhero spectacle. While we could wax poetic all day about how beautiful the game is, that doesn’t overshadow the fact that the game is just plain fun.

Like other entries in the series, it’s an action-packed platformer filled with creative weapons. Notable new additions in Ratchet’s arsenal include a Topiary Sprinkler that turns enemies to shrubs and the new and improved RYNO-8, which pulls references from other Sony games into Ratchet’s dimension. It’s a colorful, exciting game that contains all the thrills of a summer blockbuster.

Returnal

When the PS5 launched in November, it seemed like Sony was firing on all cylinders. While Microsoft had no real exclusives to pair with the Xbox Series X, Sony came out the gate with Demon’s Souls, Astro’s Playroom, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and more. That momentum ground to a halt over the next few months … that is until Returnal. The third-person shooter is a haunting action game that feels like the first real next-gen game. Part of what makes it feel so far beyond what we’ve seen so far is its Dualsense support. It takes full advantage of Sony’s unique controller to deliver a more immersive experience.

The haptic feedback simulates everything from rain to the icky sensation of an alien parasite attaching to the main character’s body. The adaptive triggers are used to control different firing modes depending on how far they’re pressed down, doubling the functions of a single button. The built-in speaker drops helpful sound cues that let players know when their alt-fire has recharged, cutting through an otherwise busy sound mix. For those who really want to see what this generation is capable of, Returnal is the starting point.

DEATHLOOP

Enjoy your time with Deathloop on PS5 while you can; this is one of the last times you’ll ever play a Bethesda game on a Sony console. The publisher’s games will be Xbox console exclusives from now on since Microsoft owns Bethesda. Due to a deal that existed pre-acquisition, Sony was able to lock down Arkane Studios’ latest game as a timed console exclusive for PS5, which is a bit of good foresight in retrospect. It’s the last hurrah for a long history between Bethesda and Sony. And what a send-off it is. Deathloop is one of the PS5’s most critically acclaimed titles.

The first-person shooter is a clever stealth action game that combines the assassinations of Hitman with the supernatural powers of Dishonored. That’s all tied up in a roguelite gameplay hook where players relive the same day over and over. Each run is about collecting intel as Colt tries to figure out how to take down eight “visionaries” in one day and break the time loop. The game also features a creative (though polarizing) multiplayer mode where players can invade one another’s games and cause chaos. That’s all topped off with tight shooting and Arkane’s signature level-design strengths, making this a must-own PS5 game.

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Computer

The 10 best monitors for 2024

By admin February 25, 2024

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

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.

Alienware 32 QD-OLED

The best monitor for gaming

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.

The 10 best monitors for 2024

MSI Modern MD271UL

The best cheap 4K monitor

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Asus

Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q1A

Best 1080p monitor

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.

Asus

Asus ProArt PA32UCG-K

Best monitor for creative work

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.

Keep Reading

Software

Best IPTV Players for Windows PC in 2024

By admin February 24, 2024

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.

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.

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.

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!

1. VLC Media Player

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.

How to Use VLC Media Player?

All you need is the latest version of VLC and follow a few simple steps to stream IPTV into your VLC player.

• Launch VLC Player.

• Open Network Streams from the Media section.

• Enter the URL of the IPTV network and press Enter.

• All your IPTV channels should now be visible in the left panel of VLC.

Key Features of VLC Media Player:

• It offers support for a number of streaming protocols, multimedia files and DVDs and CDs.

• Built-in codecs – MKV, MP3, MPEG-2, WebM, etc.

• Completely free from computer viruses, spyware and harmful ads

• Highly compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux and mobile platforms.

VLC Media Player comes with a simple interface and is undoubtedly one of the most user-friendly IPTV players.

Read Also : Best Free Phone Spying Apps 2024

2. My lPTV Player

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’.

Key Features of MY IPTV:

• The software supports multiple channels easily

• 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.

3. Kodi

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.

4. Free TV Player

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.

5. Simple TV

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

• It can download playlists created by other users

• It can support LUA script and many more

6. ProgTV/ ProgDVB

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

7. IPTV

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.

8. GSE SMART IPTV

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.

9. OttPlayer

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.

10. Plex

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

• You get more than 200 free movies and shows

• Free version also has 100+ channels

11. MYIPTV

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

12. Perfect Player Windows

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.

13. IPTV Smarters for PC

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.

14. TiviMate IPTV Player

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

15. IP-TV Player

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

16. PowerDVD

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

• Digitalization of media files

• In-built video editing tools

• Availability of 100GB of cloud storage

17. Flix IPTV

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.

18. MaxPlayer

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.

• Several customization options are available.

19. PotPlayer

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.

20. MyIPTV Player

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.

21. IPTV Extreme

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.

22. MegaCubo IPTV 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.

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.

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.

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The best VPN service in 2024

By admin February 23, 2024

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.

The best VPNs in 2024

1. ExpressVPN

The best VPN on the market overall

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.

The best VPN service in 2024

2. NordVPN

The best VPN with a full security suite

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.

10. Hide.me

Superb customization and well-suited for experts

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’s Windows 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.

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