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The best OLED monitors in 2024

By admin February 2, 2024

The best OLED monitors in 2024, OLED monitors have emerged as a cutting-edge display technology, offering users a visual experience that goes beyond traditional LCD or LED monitors. With self-emitting pixels that deliver unparalleled contrast ratios, true blacks, and vibrant colors, OLED monitors redefine the standards for visual excellence. These displays not only elevate the viewing experience for entertainment and gaming but also prove to be invaluable for professional tasks where color accuracy and clarity are paramount.

Notably, some OLED TVs are doubling as monitor alternatives, and they come equipped with compatible software features like AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync.

If you are planning to buy a new monitor, now is a good time to invest in an OLED. Here is a look at some of the best ones that you can buy today.

Alienware 32 QD-OLED

The best OLED gaming monitor

Why you should buy this: A premium OLED gaming monitor that justifies its high price point.

Who’s it for: Gamers, developers and content creators who need a bright and color accurate monitor.

Why we chose the Alienware 32 QD-OLED:

The Dell Alienware 34-inch QD-OLED monitor was considered to be one of the best ultrawide gaming monitors on the market, but now we have a new 32-inch version, which is even better. Featuring the latest 32-inch 4K OLED display with an exceptional 240Hz refresh rate from Samsung, the monitor combines cutting-edge resolution with high-speed performance, making it a top choice for gaming enthusiasts. The QD-OLED panel brings OLED’s renowned benefits of deep black levels, high contrast, and remarkable color accuracy to a monitor size, challenging the dominance of larger OLED TVs.

The AW3225QF boasts a similar design with the black and white Alienware aesthetics as its predecessor along with a subtle curve to the display providing an immersive viewing experience. Its variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM), and G-Sync support ensure a seamless gaming experience with reduced input delay and screen tears.

With features like Dolby Vision support, pixel refresher, and a customizable RGB lighting system, the AW3225QF caters to the diverse needs of gamers. While lacking built-in speakers, the monitor offers an array of video and USB ports, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and eARC, ensuring versatile connectivity. Priced at $1,200, the AW3225QF emerges as a premium investment for those seeking a cutting-edge OLED monitor.

The best OLED monitors in 2024

Alienware 27 QD-OLED

Best 27-inch OLED monitor

Why you should buy this: Hands down the best-performing OLED monitor at its size.

Who’s it for: Anyone who is looking for a high-end OLED monitor with limited desk space.

Why we chose the Alienware 27 QD-OLED:

Along with the new 32-inch QD-OLED, Alienware also launched a new 27-inch QD-OLED this year at CES. It manages to exceed expectations, presenting compelling competition to the LG’s 27-inch UltraGear OLED. The 27-inch display introduces third-gen QD-OLED technology, significantly enhancing color accuracy out of the box while retaining the impressive brightness characteristic of QD-OLED displays. With a higher refresh rate and a fairly low price point at $900, the 27 QD-OLED outshines most monitors in its category, making it a standout choice for almost all types of users. The monitor’s sleek design, including a hexagonal stand with efficient cable management, adds to its premium feel, although the bezels are slightly thicker than some competitors.

In terms of specifications, the 27 QD-OLED boasts a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a peak brightness of 1,000 nits in HDR, and a remarkable 360Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Adaptive Sync. The monitor’s response time of 0.03ms (GtG) coupled with OLED’s near-instantaneous response makes it exceptionally smooth for gaming. The color accuracy is outstanding, with an average Delta-E of 0.46 in the standard picture profile. Alienware’s inclusion of a customizable illuminated logo and number on the back adds a touch of flair. With a market-leading three-year warranty covering burn-in, the 27 QD-OLED emerges as a top-tier gaming monitor that successfully builds upon the strengths of its predecessor.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB

Exceptional OLED with built-in smart features

Why you should buy this: As good as the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, but with additional smart features.

Who’s it for: Anyone who is looking for a premium OLED monitor that can also double as a multimedia hub.

Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8:

Samsung’s new Odyssey G8 OLED is a pretty strong competitor for the Alienware 34 QD-OLED. It features a very similar 34-inch WQHD (3440 x 1440) QD-OLED panel offering a 175Hz refresh rate, and an 1800R curve. The primary difference is that the Samsung monitor does not come with native Nvidia G-Sync whereas the Alienware does.

Like most OLED monitors it looks stunning for any form of media, with perfect black levels. It offers 100% sRGB, 99% coverage of DCI-P3 and 94% coverage of AdobeRGB. In our testing we noticed that at full brightness, the monitor was also very accurate in SDR, offering a color error of only 0.8 (anything under 2 is considered suitable for color work).

The Odyssey G8 also comes with additional smart features. There is Samsung’s Tizen OS built into the monitor, similar to the Samsung Smart Monitor M8. This gives you access to apps like Netflix and YouTube, Samsung’s Game Hub, and more. You also get a remote control, giving you easier access to settings and functionality.

LG UltraGear 48-inch OLED

Best large-format OLED monitor

Why you should buy this: Offers similar experience as an OLED TV, but with benefits of a traditional monitor.

Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a large monitor that is great for gaming and productivity.

Why we chose the LG UltraGear 48-inch OLED:

The LG UltraGear 48GQ900 monitor was LG’s first OLED monitor, but it was able to build on the pedigree of its excellent OLED TVs to create a truly stellar and very large OLED gaming monitor. The LG UltraGear 48GQ900 features a 47.5-inch panel with a 4K 3840 x 2160 resolution and a 120Hz minimum refresh rate, which can be overclocked to 138Hz for PC gaming.

Other specifications on the 48-inch LG UltraGear include a 10-bit panel, HDR support, anti-glare coating, 1ms gray-to-gray response time, a DCI-P3 color gamut with 98.5% coverage, built-in speakers, and a purple design in the rear that helps it stand out from a sea of grays and blacks. It also features two additional HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and a headphone jack, as well as AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility.

Since its initial launch in the U.K., the LG UltraGear 48GQ900 made its way to the U.S. in the form of a 48GQ900-B model, which has similar specs but a slightly different design. The monitor is available at at all the usual outlets; just make sure you’re getting the right model. The monitor is currently on sale and is available at a solid price of $900.

Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240

Unique bendable ultra-wide OLED gaming monitor

Why you should buy this: A unique ultrawide OLED that can be converted into a curved monitor.

Who’s it for: Creative professionals, gamers, and content creators who want to experience the best of two worlds.

Why we chose the Corsair Xeneon Flex 45:

Corsair is a well-known name in the computing industry. It expanded its product range by launching monitors in 2023, and its flagship offering is the Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240. It is a one-of-a-kind OLED gaming monitor that comes with a bendable display.

Essentially, you can use it as a regular flat panel or use the two handles on the side to covert it into a curved monitor with an 800R curve. The 45-inch display comes with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 3440 x 1440, which isn’t the highest, so you can expect slightly lower pixel density compared to other OLED 4K monitors.

It uses an LG OLED panel with a high 240Hz refresh rate with low input lag, although it tends to increase at lower refresh rates. The panel supports FreeSync VRR and G-SYNC compatibility, and it also has HDMI 2.1. You get punchy colors and a deep black with almost no blooming effect around bright objects. You also get a KVM switch and Picture-in-Picture/Picture-by-Picture modes, as well as a wide array of I/O ports.

It’s expensive, so if you don’t like the bending gimmick, LG’s UltraGear OLED 45 is a great alternative.

LG C3 OLED

Best OLED smart TV

Why you should buy this: It is one of the best OLED TVs on the market.

Who’s it for: Those who want a high-quality console gaming experience.

Why we chose the LG C3 OLED:

The new LG C3 OLED TV continues the legacy of its predecessor and is our pick for the best OLED smart TV. Available in range of sizes starting from 42-inches all the way up to 83-inches, the new C3 is an excellent choice if you are looking for a premium OLED experience, especially if you are into console gaming. Expect flawless contrast, deep and inky blacks with minimal blooming around bright objects. The impressive viewing angle eliminates any concerns about discoloration and overall the TV provides a consistent and immersive experience.

It is worth noting that the C3 deviates from a standard RGB subpixel layout, resulting in less clear text when used as a monitor, and its SDR brightness takes a hit when the PC mode enabled. On the other hand, it is a fantastic TV for playing the latest games in HDR. The TV offers low input lag, making games incredibly responsive and supports popular resolutions like 1440p at 120Hz and 4K at 120Hz. Its excellent reflection handling, combined with satisfactory HDR brightness ensures an enjoyable gaming experience.

Other notable features include LG’s proprietary webOS smart interface, four HDMI 2.1 ports and the company’s latest processor that ensures improved image processing through LG’s Brightness Booster Max and AI Tech technologies.

Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH

Best portable OLED monitor

Why you should buy this: A well-made compact OLED monitor that offers excellent color accuracy.

Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a thin, portable monitor they can carry around.

Why we chose the Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH:

Portable monitors, although in a niche category, prove valuable as secondary displays during travel. The Asus ZenScreen OLED stands out as an excellent choice, as it features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) panel with up to 400 nits of brightness and an impressive contrast ratio of 100,000:1 (with HDR contrast reaching 1,000,000:1). Asus claims a swift 1ms response time (GtG) from the 60Hz panel, while the monitor itself features high-quality plastic construction.

The OLED panel on the portable monitor is capable of producing great colors with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and Delta E < 2 color accuracy. It also features an embedded proximity sensor that helps in saving power and preventing image burn-in as it switches the monitor to a power-saving mode when it detects the user has moved away.

There is no mounting hardware or a built-in kickstand, but you do get a magnetic origami-style case that can be used to prop the display in both horizontal or vertical modes. In terms of ports, the monitor features a headphone jack, two USB-C/DisplayPort ports, an additional USB-C port for power, and one mini-HDMI port.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OLED technology?

OLED is short for Organic Light-Emitting Diode which is a type of display technology used in screens commonly seen on TVs, monitors, smartphones, and other devices. OLED screens are made up of individual organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied to them. Unlike traditional LCD screens that require a backlight, OLED screens emit their own light on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This allows for deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vibrant colors, as each pixel can be turned on or off independently. OLED technology also often results in thinner and more flexible displays compared to traditional LCDs.

Are OLED displays expensive?

OLED displays tend to be more expensive compared to traditional LCD displays. This is primarily because the manufacturing process for OLED panels is more intricate and can be costlier. The organic materials used in OLED screens can be sensitive to moisture and oxygen, requiring specialized manufacturing facilities and techniques.

What are the downsides of OLED monitors?

OLED monitors have a potential issue: burn-in. All OLED displays can suffer from burn-in, where static images will slowly fade into the screen over time, becoming a permanent blemish. OLED monitors are particularly prone to this problem due to desktop use, where you often have several parts of the screen occupied by static images. Thankfully, most OLED monitors come with burn-in prevention features like pixel shifting, and some displays such as the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, include multi-year warranties with burn-in protection.

What is the difference between OLED and LCD?

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) are two distinct display technologies. LCDs use a backlight to illuminate pixels, with liquid crystals acting as shutters to control light passage. OLEDs, in contrast, utilize organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied, making each pixel self-emitting.

In terms of contrast ratio, LCDs may struggle to achieve true black levels due to the always-on backlight, resulting in a higher black level and lower contrast. OLEDs, however, can achieve perfect black levels, delivering a higher contrast ratio for more vibrant images. Viewing angles on LCDs may experience limitations, while OLED offers superior viewing angles with consistent image quality from nearly any perspective.

There was a time when LCDs offered faster response times than OLEDs, but that is no longer the case. With improvements over time, modern OLED panels are extremely fast, offering up to a 240Hz refresh rate and up to an 0.03ms response time. LCDs also consume more power due to the always-on backlight, whereas OLEDs are more energy-efficient, as each pixel is individually lit, consuming power only where needed.

Regarding life span, LCDs generally have a longer one, while OLEDs may experience degradation of organic compounds over time, potentially leading to a gradual decline in brightness and color accuracy. With that in mind, the choice between LCD and OLED depends on specific use cases, preferences, and budget considerations.

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Best Free Anime Streaming Apps 2024

By admin January 31, 2024

Best Free Anime Streaming Apps 2024, What’s better than anime to entertain yourself. For most of us, nothing is better than it. Though nowadays there are many web series and movies available on different streaming services, but, still, most of us love to be on the anime’s side always. Every individual has their own different variety of tastes and preferences. Prior to the dispatch of the movies, Japan used to create entertaining shows as a painted figure, that’s what we call anime. The traditional animators are currently heading up the anime way. Moreover, almost 50,000 million anime lovers lay around the globe and more than 11,000 numerous anime shows are available to access.

However, it is a bit tricky to find the best anime apps with these cumbersome figures. But, no worries, as through this write-up, you could be able to choose the best one for you. As below we’ve shared the entire list for the same. So, without wasting much time let’s get started!

List of 11 Best Free Anime Streaming Apps For Android & iPhone

Fortunately, there are numerous apps and websites available that let you watch anime at no cost. Even though they also allow you to access them offline. Want to know about those apps then go through with this penned note. Below are the best free Anime apps for both platforms Android and iPhone.

1. Anime Lab

Price:- Free

Platforms:- Android and iOS

If you are an anime freak, then here is AnimeLab for you that brings the Amine shows directly from Japan. And, now, if you are thinking that you don’t know Japanese then how would you understand the language. In that case, too, Anime Lab displays the English subtitles so no need to worry. It is one of the best Anime streaming apps for 2024.

Features:

Thousands of shows are absolutely free.
Equipped with PIP (Picture-in-Picture) mode.
It lets you cast quickly from Chromecast.
Adds the latest shows regularly to its lobby.

Download App: Android and iPhone

Best Free Anime Streaming Apps 2024

2. Kitsu

Price:- Free

Platforms:- Android and iOS

Go to a further one, this application is the leading anime streaming app for both Android and iOS. Its user-friendly interface helps you to stream the anime shows in high-quality. Moreover, the application also shows the show’s launch date, cover page, and brief description. And, this is something unique from other anime apps. Furthermore, this app also shows the ratings and reviews about the Anime series so you can make your decision quite quickly whether the particular Anime fits in your bill or not. Among all the apps on this rundown, this is one of the best apps for anime lovers.

Features:

Allows you to manage your watching lobby in three sections i.e., currently watching anime, want to watch, and complete.
Comes with an extremely easy-to-use interface.
Displays the launch date, ratings & reviews, cover page, and brief description.
Recommends Anime shows as per your taste and choices.

Download App: Android

3. Tubi

Price:- Free

Platforms:- Android and iOS

Tubi is the best free anime apps that you can get on Google Play Store and App Store. Through this application, you not only stream anime but it lets you stream cartoons, movies, other web series, and many more. Get this app now to level up your entertaining life. Watch all the latest anime of your most favorite Hollywood Studio. This will surely take you on a nostalgia ride of your childhood.

Features:

Provides thousands of classic anime shows.
Compatible with other platforms including Smart TVs, Chromecast, PlayStations, and Xbox Series.
Lets you stream all the classic anime shows offline.
Supports various downloader websites so you can download videos just by inserting the link.

Download App: Android and iPhone

4. Netflix

Price:- 30-day free trial, $16 for Premium Plan

Platforms:- Android and iOS

There is no bit of doubt that Netflix is not your first preference when it comes to watching anime. But it could be your stand by as the application boasts a good collection of anime as well along with the web series, movies, and TV shows. It offers big anime including Naruto, Pokemon, and so on. It is being expected that Netflix will team up with the Japanese big animation studios in the forthcoming years. On Netflix, you can scan for your most liked anime and stream them online without any sort of hindrance.

Features:

Allows you to download the anime and access them online.
Shows both English dubs and subtitles for your ease.
Keeps updating its anime library.
Helps you by providing the recommendation shows list as per your taste and voices.

Download App: Android and iPhone

5. Crunchyroll

Price:- 14-day free trial, $7.99 per month

Platforms:- Android and iOS

Ever think of an app that can resolve all your anime binge watching desires? Yes that app exists and its name is CRUNCHYROLL, it is one of the best and most popular anime apps that allows its users to watch anime of any genre or category. This app has a customized list of all anime so you can find your favorite anime in no time. This app also provides its users the facility of offline viewing and the option to customize their watchlist. CRUNCHYROLL has one of the largest anime collections in the world. One of the best anime streaming apps. So what are you waiting for, to start your anime journey now with CRUNCHYROLL.

Features:

World’s largest anime collection.
The facility of offline viewing for premium users.
Customizable watchlist.
Fastest uploading of new episodes.

Download App: Android and iPhone

6. FunimationNow

Price:- 14-day free trial, $6 for the premium plan, and $8 for the premium plus plan

Platforms:- Android and iOS

Anime is getting heavy popularity in today’s world and it would be best if you watch because you don’t want to be an alien in your friend circle, do you? So to boost your anime journey we are presenting you the FUNIMATION, it has a very large anime collection that can satisfy the needs of any anime fan. This app hosts its users with many features like ad-free watching, offline viewing, customizable watchlist, and separate space for subs and dubs. This is a one-stop for all your anime needs.

Features:

Ad-free anime streaming.
Offline viewing facility.
Subs and dubs both are available.
Huge anime database.
Regularly updates its anime library.

Download App: Android and iPhone

7. Viewster

Price:- Free

Platforms:- Android

Viewster is an online streaming app that provides streaming services for all your watching bucket list. It includes T.V. series, Movies, and most primarily anime. Viewster is loaded with all the basic features of a streaming app but the thing that makes it more enjoyable is its large collection of content which will never let you die of boredom. It is one of the best Anime apps for Android users.

Features:

Include Tv series as well as anime and movies.
International content also available.
Genre services are available to ease the search.
Popular among movie and anime lovers.

8. Anime Prime

Price:- Free

Platforms:- Android

ANIME PRIME is a basic but effective app that can satiate any need of an anime lover or fan. This app is loaded with tons of anime that will be loved by both hardcore and new anime lovers. It also includes an amazing player that makes it more unique. All the basic features are provided like offline viewing, customization of your watchlist, and so on. The content and anime of this app are updated daily. The user interface is kept convenient and user friendly. It is the best anime streaming apps.

Features:

Subs and dubs are available.
New classy dark mode.
Download any episode for offline viewing.
Add any anime to your favorites or to watchlist.

9. Hulu

Price:- 30 days of free trial, $6 for basic plan, and $12 for premium plan

Platforms:- Android and iOS

If you are searching for the best anime streaming apps then Hulu is the prominent option. However, it is not free but worthwhile to pay. Hulu lets you stream thousands of anime without any kind of interruption. Just like Amazon Prime, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu also comes with a wide lobby of TV shows, documentaries, Hollywood movies, and web-series. Hulu also lets you watch anime offline, though, for offline access you need to be a paid user of its no-ads basic plan.

Features:

Big TV shows and movies library.
Provide offline access to its paid users.
Boasts original and updated content regularly.
Intuitive user interface.

Download App: Android and iPhone

10. Animega – Anime TV

Price:- Free

Platforms:- Android

Here is one more ideal match for android users and i.e., Animega Anime TV. Animega is the best free Anime apps for Android. The user interface of the Animega Anime TV is quite easy than others and equipped with lots of extravagant features. It not only provides the popular anime shows but also lets you stream fan-made anime and anime music. Moreover, equipped with an in-built chat facility to give you a bit more treat.

Features:

Lets you make your own Anime and Manga profile.
Offers an in-built chat facility that lets you connect with anime fans all over the world.
Customize Anime list.
In-built unique music player to listen to anime music.

Download App: Android

11. AnimeZone TV – Online Anime

Price: Free

Platforms: Android

Are you searching for a completely free-to-use and no-ads anime application? If yes, then AnimeZone is an excellent choice. With this best free Anime streaming app for Android, you can discover the world of Anime. It is equipped with a responsive and sleek UI and provides a wide variety of useful playlists and playback functions like UI customization, batch download, and external player integration. Overall, AnimeZone is one of the best Android anime applications in 2024.

Features:

You can find a variety of popular anime according to genres like action, adventure, and more.
Also shows a list of upcoming anime.
Compatible with Android 5.0 or higher version.
The app receives automatic updates and regular maintenance.

Download App: Android

Smooth Streaming via Best Anime Apps!

So, these are the top-rated anime apps that let you feel chill and relax. Thus, how you can cherish the memories of your childhood and live them once again. Through this write-up, we try to solve your issue while choosing the ideal Anime app. This note includes the list of best Anime apps for both platforms iOS and Android.

That’s all as for now, hopefully, now you can easily opt for the best one. Importantly, if there is something that is missed by us, then kindly let us know in the comment section below. We’ll feel glad to listen. And, yeah, if you liked this write-up then don’t forget to share it with your friends. Plus, subscribe to our Newsletter to stay informed. We’ll come back soon, with yet another catchy tech post, till then, stay tuned with us.

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Best new PC games 2024

By admin January 12, 2024

What are the best new PC games in 2024? Perhaps you’ve just been paid, your bank account is filled with virtual dosh, or you simply want to get caught up with the latest PC games because they’re, well, new and shiny.Stay up to date with the best new PC games around this year so you don’t miss out on the freshest experiences on which to spend your hard earned cash.

What are the best new PC games in 2024?

Perhaps you’ve just been paid, your bank account is filled with virtual dosh, or you simply want to get caught up with the latest PC games because they’re, well, new and shiny.

It’s all well and good starting another daring round of multiplayer game PUBG, taking on a new 100-hour Football Manager save, or embarking on yet another The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim adventure but, as much as we love setting mammoths ablaze, there are plenty of new PC games that will more than supply your gaming fix. You don’t want to be the person who isn’t ‘in the know’ now, do you? Whatever you’re into, this list includes the best PC games from the last few months, including RPG games, that space game, and more.

The best new PC games in 2024 are:

Against the Storm

Against the Storm isn’t the first game to mix roguelike and strategy game mechanics, but its time in early access has enabled Eremite Games to craft something special. In this dark fantasy woodland setting, you are the Queen’s Viceroy as you build the city. Your decisions affect the fate of the humans and other critters that inhabit your town, leading them to prosperity or damnation.

It certainly impresses, as our Against the Storm review mentions that it’s “both simple enough on the surface to draw you in and complex enough to keep you enthralled in its gratifying risk/reward gameplay loop.”

Assassin’s Creed: Nexus

As we express in our Assassin’s Creed Nexus review, this jump to VR for such a massive series was a worrying one, but our fears were allayed as soon as we donned our headset and stepped back into the lives of Ezio, Kassandra, and Connor in three separate story arcs. If you’re a big AC fan, you may want to know if Assassin’s Creed Nexus is canon to the main story.

The campaign takes us through new adventures of these three characters, and some new ones, and provides hours upon hours of engaging gameplay. Check out our how long is Assassin’s Creed Nexus article to find out exactly how long this journey should take you. That said, we didn’t ever feel the need to rush through and we didn’t want it to end, which is handy when you’re playing in VR.

Football Manager 2024

A game about you (the manager) molding a team of players into the best darn sports (football) team the world has ever seen. Perhaps one for football purists only, the Football Manager series has hit new heights this year, with an under-the-radar set of changes and the new ability to continue that old Rotherham save that’s been going for 30 seasons.

Our Football Manager 2024 review goes into the overhauls in detail but with agent improvements, as well as the much-needed increase to positional control. We’ve got some handy guides to help you on your journey, including a list of the best free agents, the best tactics and formations, and where to find the best bargains. If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toe into the world of football management, or if this is your 10th year in the job, it looks like FM24 is the place to be.

Alan Wake 2

Over a decade later, Alan Wake is finally back. Where’s he been all this time? Unfortunately for him, stuck in the Dark Place where we left him. Literally all this time, as Alan Wake 2 kicks off in the present day. The horror novelist is still trying to work out how to get out, but otherwise, nothing much has happened since we last saw him.

As we explain in our glowing Alan Wake 2 review, you start in the role of a new Alan Wake protagonist, an FBI agent exploring a series of murders. We’ll leave you to discover how Saga Anderson’s story fits in with Wake’s as he tries to escape the Dark Place, but you will switch between the two characters during your adventure. If you can’t wait to play Alan Wake 2 but aren’t sure whether you should play Alan Wake first, we’ve got you covered with a Remedy recap.

Ghostrunner 2

If you’re looking for a parkour game to rival Mirror’s Edge, consider it found. Ghostrunner 2 boasts a slick parkour system that allows you to harness breakneck speed and agility without even breaking a sweat. It also seamlessly drops you back into the action whenever you stumble, and includes abilities like bullet time, invincibility, and even lasers to outfox even the toughest of bosses.

As our Ghostrunner 2 review certainly attests, it’s a worthy sequel, declaring it a “surprise GOTY contender” that’s “so much more” than its predecessor – including an all-new hub area and a rogue Ghostrunner faction intent on bending the citizens of Dharma to their will. On that note, Ghostrunner 2’s traversal and combat mechanics are folded into a cyberpunk world dripping in rain, neon, and pure style. Whether it’s parkour, puzzles, or pure aesthetics you’re after, Ghostrunner 2 has all of the above in spades.

Total War: Pharaoh

A war set against the backdrop of the Nile Delta, Total War: Pharaoh sees men attempt to achieve victory over enemy TW Pharaoh leaders, environmental disaster, and the constant threat of outsiders. Our Total War Pharaoh review goes into depth about this compelling strategy game, but if you ever wanted to visit 12th-century Egypt and battle over every grain of sand, you won’t do any better than this.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Our Assassin’s Creed Mirage review highlights the apparent “renewed focus that trims the fat from its predecessors to commemorate the very best bits of the series.” By going back to basics, Mirage’s missions don’t outstay their welcome, and the investigation-based campaign allows you to take your time following leads. Combat eschews the excessive RPG elements of earlier entries, instead opting for a simpler and ironically more engaging block and counter strategies. While there are plenty of collectibles, such as AC Mirage outfits and AC Mirage Lost Books hidden in Baghdad, they aren’t anywhere near as horrendous to try and find – well, except for the AC Mirage Enigmas that is.

Payday 3

In our Payday 3 review, we celebrate the improvements to Payday 3 weapons and other, more refined mechanics in comparison to the previous two games. Payday 3 truly makes you feel like an expert thief, whether you’re new to the series or a returning veteran. With eight Payday 3 heists available at launch and four difficulties to try for each, there’s plenty to keep you busy as you strive to get away with the most cash you can. The biggest downside to the stealth game, meanwhile, is the Payday 3 server issues, thanks to its overwhelming popularity.

Mortal Kombat 1

Our Mortal Kombat 1 review praises the new fighting mechanics, with the refreshing addition of MK1 Kameo characters making for a fast-paced experience that isn’t too complex. With comically gruesome Mortal Kombat 1 Fatalities, the returning Mortal Kombat 1 Brutalities, and a story that’s utterly bonkers from start to finish, fans of the NetherRealm Studios fighting game series will likely have a grand time. Time will tell when it comes to how the MK1 Invasions Mode will keep an active player base during its six-week seasonal offerings, but at least it’s something a bit different from the norm.

Starfield

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking to the stars in your own spaceship, exploring planets, mining resources, and… eating sandwiches, then it doesn’t get much better than Starfield. Our Starfield review talks about the game’s lofty goals – giving you the freedom to do as you please while you slowly orbit a rather intriguing story, the space game takes what Bethesda Game Studios does best and blasts it off into the big black.

If you’ve just started your adventure, we have a Starfield walkthrough here to aid you on your travels and a bunch of the best Starfield builds so you can take on whatever the universe throws at you.

Sea of Stars

If you want to experience a classic JRPG without having to put up with dated mechanics, Sabotage Studios’ Sea of Stars has been inspired by some of the genre’s best, like Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG, to relive that era. Our 9/10 Sea of Stars review points out that many developers have tried their hand at recreating the nostalgia those Super NES games elicit, but few have managed to do so convincingly.

Sabotage Studios’ wonderful pixel art assets, combined with the tracks from Chrono Trigger’s primary composer, Yasunori Mitsuda, blend together to create a brilliant turn-based RPG. You can even collect Sea of Stars relics to alter how you play the game, allowing you to customize the experience to your liking. We also have a list of Sea of Stars Rainbow Conch locations if you’re struggling to find all 60 of them on your own.

Armored Core 6

Before the legendary Japanese developer became known for their Souls games, their claim to fame stemmed from the long-running Armored Core series. First released back in 1997, Armored Core lets players live out their mech dreams as they build a giant robot to lay waste to their evil robotic counterparts. After 11 years since the last mainline game, From Software has a brand new audience of fans to pull from. As our 8/10 Armored Core 6 review points out, AC6 isn’t trying to be a Souls game; it’s unequivocally an Armored Core game in every sense of the word.

Armored Core 6’s length should take most players just under 20 hours to complete, but the game has been designed for multiple playthroughs as there are different missions, endings, and mech parts to unlock. Speaking of Armored Core 6 parts, the robot game gives you plenty of options to build radically different mechs. From AC6 weapons like missile launchers and shotguns to Armored Core 6 OS Upgrades that drastically enhance your mech’s abilities, your subsequent playthroughs can be completely different just by picking new parts.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

We don’t often get a new asymmetrical multiplayer that we want to shout about, but The Texas Chain Saw Massacre comes from the horror experts behind the sadly defunct and very missed Friday 13th The Game so you know it’s good. Whether it’s a contender to dethrone DBD as the king of asymmetry remains to be seen due to its single-IP limitations, but, as Gun told us in an exclusive interview, “Having the game set a few months before the original 1974 film allows us to create new characters without being bound too tightly by the entire franchise.

” We think there’s room for both service games to coexist, though. As we explore in our The Texas Chain Saw Massacre review, the unique 4v3 team setup makes for an entirely new and more challenging experience.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre has already found its footing in the genre, with a hugely positive reception as soon as the game was released. New characters are already on their way, as well as new maps, so there’s still plenty of reason to get involved now if you missed out on this terrifying multiplayer game.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Our Baldur’s Gate 3 review backs this as one of the best PC games of the year, thanks to its varied outcomes, interesting (and sometimes annoying) Baldur’s Gate 3 companions, and the fact that you can craft your BG3 experience as you see fit.

Based on Dungeons and Dragons 5e, Baldur’s Gate 3 is accessible for both DnD veterans and novices, and you don’t need to have played a Larian Studios game before this one either – thanks to its immersive RPG experience, making it one of the best RPGs around, you’ll learn everything you need as you go.

The Expanse

If you want a space game with great dialogue, an epic story, and severe consequences, then look no further than The Expanse. As we explore in our The Expanse review, even when you think you’re doing the right thing, it could turn out to be the wrong thing, so no consequence is predictable.

This varied game combines several genres in one, such as puzzling, stealth, and shooting, which perfectly complements the deep and emotional story to give you hours of engrossing gameplay.

Remnant 2

Gunfire Games returns with a follow-up to cult hit Remnant: From the Ashes to bring everything its predecessor did, but better – just check our Remnant 2 review if you don’t believe us. Remnant 2 is a multiversal adventure like no other, blending the RNG of roguelike games with the no-holds-barred punishment of Soulslikes in a third-person shooter.

Weapons scavenged from a variety of distinct worlds are imbued with mods and function as the basis of Remnant 2’s build customization, allowing you to cultivate your firepower until you can take down the toughest and meanest bosses in the multiverse. You can even bring a friend along with you for the ride and uncover the secrets that lie beyond Ward 13’s World Stone. If you’re looking for a co-op experience full of surprises, look no further than Remnant 2.

Oxenfree 2

The world of indie sleeper Oxenfree is expanded in its sequel, as Night School Studio seeks to close the book on the mysteries of the fictional Ellis Island and the lost souls that lie beyond its shores. Like its predecessor, Oxenfree 2 has a few light puzzles and plenty of exploration to scratch that classic adventure game itch, but its main draw is its organic conversation system.

Level-headed hiker Riley is thrown into cahoots with local weirdo Jacob. Instead of reconciling the trials and tribulations of a teenage friend group, Riley and Jacob struggle to reconcile regrets spanning familial relationships and careers against the background of Oxenfree’s ‘80s movie aesthetic. As per our Oxenfree 2 review: “Closing rifts between realities is hard; closing rifts between people is harder.”

Diablo 4

Diablo 4 is the first 10/10 to grace the site in a long while, but in our Diablo 4 review, not much stands in the way of making this pitch-perfect as news editor Lauren says, “Diablo 4 embodies the essence of what makes Diablo so great, taking the best elements of its predecessors and sewing them together to create an ever-changing, ever-evolving chimera that we can’t wait to play for years to come.”

If you don’t need any more convincing, then here are our Diablo 4 tips to get started, including which Diablo 4 class to pick and whether Diablo 4 is coming to Game Pass.

Street Fighter 6

Now, this is a game that welcomes newcomers, if you aren’t familiar with this fighting game, now’s the time to punch in. Our Street Fighter 6 review highlights just how much the game has learned from previous installments and creates an in-depth campaign with a control system that appeals to newbies but challenges fighting game veterans. If you’re thinking of giving it a whirl, here’s our Street Fighter 6 tier list and Street Fighter 6 roster.

System Shock remake

Though not much separates this from the original, the System Shock remake does bring forward the graphics and playability of the game, giving it a slight edge and making it a thoroughly enjoyable FPS game. Though our System Shock remake review touches on the outdated mechanics the remake carries forward, there’s still a lot to love for newcomers to one of the best PC games of all time as you battle cyborgs in a frantic race to stop the destruction of Earth.

The Outlast Trials

If you’re looking for a horror game to play among friends, The Outlast Trials is the perfect co-op experience for a terrifying and disturbing look at the events before the original Outlast games. As you head to a secretive facility with the promise of a brighter future, that quickly fades as you’re forced into mind control experiments and brainwashing.

To flee the facility and return to society, you and up to four friends must compete in a series of trials and challenges involving evading creepy monsters and making morally compromising decisions – all in the name of science.

Age of Wonders 4

If you’re after a strategy game, the new fantasy game Age of Wonders has earned rave reviews, especially our Age of Wonders 4 review: “This is undoubtedly the best 4X game I’ve played in years, delivering top-notch exploration, combat, and diplomacy alongside a rewarding and dynamic customization system.” With improved customization and faction mechanics and compelling exploration, combat, and diplomacy systems, it’s no wonder Age of Wonders 4 has stormed the Steam charts.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Though the Star Wars game got off to a bit of a rocky start, we found a lot to love in our Star Wars Jedi: Survivor review, deepening the Jedi power fantasy and expanding on the world. There are plenty more hours to sink into Survivor than its predecessor due to open-world areas and all-new Jedi Survivor bosses. Get started with our Star Wars Jedi Survivor tips and tricks, all Jedi Survivor lightsaber colors available, and all Cal Kestis cosmetics and outfits.

There you have it, the new PC games you should be playing right now. Now, we’ll admit we were being a little facetious earlier: new PC games aren’t necessarily the cream of the personal computer crop. For that, you should swing by our list of the best old games for the classics, perhaps our favorite free PC games so you can try them without consequence, or even check out our collection of free online games, no download required.

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Best and Free Netflix Alternatives 2024

By admin January 9, 2024

Best and Free Netflix Alternatives 2024, Are you looking for a replacement of Netflix for an affordable dose of entertainment? If yes, look no further than this article sharing the best platforms to watch truly entertaining movies, shows, and original content for free/at a reasonable price.

From The Tinder Swindler to The Weekend Away, Netflix hosts many originals and other shows to keep you entertained. However, as all good things come for a price (sometimes heavy), Netflix also charges a hefty price for the entertainment it provides. Hence, a huge chunk of binge-watchers has already shifted to the best Netflix alternatives, offering top-notch movies/shows at a much lower price.

You may also read this article to the very end to know the best Netflix alternatives you may consider for your daily dose of entertainment.

Now, let us grab that popcorn bag and get ready to be couch potato as we explore the best alternatives to Netflix in the next section.

Top 12 Netflix Alternatives Available Currently

Below we share a handpicked selection of the best alternatives to Netflix for all binge-watchers out there.

1. Pluto TV

Supported Countries: Australia, US, the UK, Europe, and Canada
Price: Free (with ads)

Let us begin our quest for the best free Netflix alternatives by exploring Pluto TV. If you can bear a few ads (most free streaming services show advertisements as they are their primary source of revenue), you may like Pluto TV for its numerous TV channels and on-demand movies.

Some highly-rated movies are available on Pluto TV, including the Star Trek series, your zorro, Mission Impossibles, and much more.

Apart from a plethora of movies and TV shows, viewers particularly love Pluto TV for its no registration requirements and browser support. However, it may not be available in some regions outside the US.

Pros

• Availability of 250+ channels

• Movies and TV shows in a lot of genres

• Similar UI on both mobile and web

• Completely free alternative to Netflix

Cons

• No search functionality

• Ads may annoy some users

• An account needed for a customized experience

• Live TV stream cannot be saved

What to Watch on Pluto TV

Pluto TV is among the best free apps like Netflix to watch CSI channel, James Bond 007 channel, NFL channel, The Big Short, Wolf of Wall Street, Almost Famous, and a lot of other free shows and channels.

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2. Vudu

Supported Countries: Mexico and The US
Price: Free (with ads), rent and buy option available

Taking the list of the best Netflix substitutes further, let us look at Vudu. Originally a movie rental platform, it offers over 5000 titles free of charge.

Talking about the kind of movies available on Vudu, here you can find timeless classics like Troy, All Is Lost, Transformers, and many other titles. The best thing about this service is that it offers a good collection of family movies and old gems.

However, it may not be a perfect choice if you are only interested in viewing the latest releases, it does not have many of them.

Pros

• Custom playlist creation

• Parental lock

• Simple UI

• Not many ads

Cons

• A free Walmart or Vudu account needed

• Problematic casting from mobile to smart TV

• Limited critically acclaimed movies or original content

What to Watch on Vudu

Vudu is one of the best apps like Netflix but free to watch All is Lost, A Funeral, Fifty Shades of Grey, Night of the Living Dead, Transformers, Grounded for Life, Highlander, The Prestige, and a lot of other interesting shows and movies.

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3. Crackle

Supported Country: Canada, Australia, USA, and 18 Latin American countries

Price: Free (with ads)

Partly a Sony Pictures Television service, Crackle offers a wide selection of movies, series, and original content you can enjoy in your leisure time. Here, you get over 150 full-length movies and 75 shows, including some cult classics.

We truly enjoyed watching Hell’s Kitchen, The Cable Guy, and Bewitched on Crackle (there are many others to choose from if you do not like these). However, a 30-second advertisement before beginning a movie or show may be a turn-off for some viewers.

Pros

• Quality content from Sony

• No registration is needed to stream content

• Mobile app casting to a smart TV

• Only a few ads

Cons

• Slow content loading when cast to a smart TV

• The search tool shows only a few results

• No full HD streams\

• Limited content selection

What to Watch on Crackle

Crackle is a popular alternative to Netflix for shows such as Hell’s Kitchen, The Cable Guy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Starsky & Hutch, Sin City, Train to Busan, and much more.

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4. Vimeo

Supported Country: 150+ countries except China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Thailand, and a few other countries

Price: Free, $7 per month if you choose to subscribe

Here is yet another free replacement for Netflix with lots of original content to keep you hooked to your binge-watching seat. And if you choose to pay for the platform, you get an even better variety of original shows, stand-up comedy, and movies to watch.

However, if you wish to watch more blockbuster kinds of stuff or reside in China/Indonesia (it may be blocked there), you may not be very happy with Vimeo.

Pros

• No ads

• Customizable player

• Ease of use

Cons

• Customer support is not good

• Problematic search

What to Watch on Vimeo

Vimeo is among the best Netflix alternative free sites for its original films, documentaries, and series such as Dark Skull, Kings of Nowhere, N!ai, the Story of a !Kung Woman, and Dadli.

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5. Tubi

Supported Countries: US, Canada, India, Mexico, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand

Price: Free (with ads)

Next, Tubi is here to join the bandwagon of the top Netflix alternatives. Tubi offers a huge selection of movies. Moreover, the content is easily navigable, making your binge-watching sessions even more enjoyable.

However, some of you might miss original shows and dislike ads (you can choose not to watch an ad again if you don’t like it).

Pros

• A great option to search for desired content

• Educational content for preschool-age children and babies

• Mobile app casting to a smart TV

• Simple UI

Cons

• Too small closed captioning text

• Requires setting up an account

• Limited latest and mainstream content

• Interrupting advertisements

What to Watch on Tubi

A lot of content such as Foxcatcher, Duck Dynasty, Kill Bill, The Terminator, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and much more is available on Tubi, making it one of the best free alternatives to Netflix.

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6. Amazon Freevee

Supported Country: UK and the US

Price: Free (with ads)

Do you know about Amazon Prime? It is one of the best streaming services and a fierce Netflix competitor. Amazon Freevee is its free sibling with a lot of movies, shows, and series to choose from. Some of its notable titles include Big Fish, Midsomer Murders, and Starship Troopers.

We believe that you should give Amazon Freevee a fair chance if it is available in your region. And if it is unavailable, this list has many other good Netflix alternatives for you.

Pros

• No subscription is required

• Availability of shows and movies from mainstream studios

• Lots of original content

• Availability on multiple devices

Cons

• Too many ads

• Only a few notable shows

• Small original content menu

What to Watch on Amazon Freevee

Amazon Freevee, i.e., one of the best free Netflix alternatives apps to watch a variety of movies, shows, and original content such as All in the Family, Deal or No Deal, News of the World, Two for the Money, Judy Justice, Moment of Truth, and more.

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7. Plex

Supported Country: 220+ countries

Price: Free (with ads)

Now, comes Plex, another free Netflix alternative for PC with parental controls so your child watches violence-less and age-appropriate content. And for the options available on Plex, well there are many of them.

Plex has a huge library of some really fascinating titles like Zodiac, Jungle Book, Minority Report, and a lot of other movies, shows, and documentaries. However, Plex may not suit your liking if you are not ad-friendly or reside outside the US (content availability is limited for non-US viewers).

Pros

• Well-designed and friendly UI

• Availability of parental controls

• 50,000+ free titles

Cons

• Lack of mainstream shows and movies

• Some users may not like the ads

• Non-availability of original content

What to Watch on Plex

You can find a lot of content to watch on this one of the best free but similar apps to Netflix, such as Wheels on Meals, Minority Report, Jungle Book, and much more.

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8. Roku

Supported Country: Mexico, The US, and UK

Price: Free (with ads)

Launched in 2017, Roku delights you with over 40000 titles. It brings some of the best viewing options like Teen Wolf for free and you can always subscribe to the paid version for more premium content.

Moreover, Roku also comes with music videos, making it different from other apps similar to Netflix. However, you have many other better options on this list if you are someone outside the US.

Pros

• Availability of well-known HBO titles

• You can watch live news

Cons

• Some users may find ads annoying

What to Watch on Roku

Roku channel, i.e., one of the best free but Netflix-like websites, has a lot of movies and shows for you to watch, such as The Crowded Room, Happy Valley, The Neighborhood, Heartland, etc.

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9. Amazon Prime Video

Supported Country: Availability in 200+ countries other than Iran, Mainland China, North Korea, and Syria

Price: $8.99 per month/$14.99/year post 30 days free trial

When the talk is about Netflix alternatives, skipping Amazon Prime Video is not an option. Though not free, you can try it without any charges for 30 days. Post the trial period expired, you need to pay a justifiable fee starting from $14.99 per month (the charges depend upon the plan you choose, but are much lower than Netflix).

Along with a great selection of movies and shows, it also offers many binge-worthy originals like The Wheel of Time, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and a lot more. The cherry on top of the cake is you get all the entertainment without any commercials.

Pros

• 200+ originals

• HDR and 4K streaming

• Availability of offline content download

• Comes bundled with an Amazon Prime subscription

• Rent and buy options available

Cons

• A bit confusing menu

• Latest episodes unavailable immediately after their release

What to Watch on Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video has massive content for you to watch, such as The Boys, The Grand Tour, A Very English Scandal, Borat, The Man In The High Castle, Good Omens, among others.

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10. Hulu

Supported Country: US

Price: 30 days free trial, $6.99 per month after the trial ends

Last but certainly not least, we have Hulu as one of the best alternatives to Netflix. Only available in the United States and Japan, Hulu offers movies and shows from all time ranges and genres. Some of these include The Waterboy and The Gemini Man. There are even a lot of originals to keep you entertained.

However, Hulu may not be the best selection for you if offline viewing and no add-ons in the subscription price are your top priorities.

Pros

• Availability of original content and popular show

• Lets you watch Disney+, live TV, and ESPN+

• Massive content library

• Latest shows available immediately after their release

Cons

• Not-so-great navigation menus

• The base plan has ads

What to Watch on Hulu

There is no end to the content you can watch on Hulu. Some shows and movies that make it one of the best free Netflix alternative apps include Parasite, Palm Springs, Bob’s Burgers, ER, Seinfeld, and The Mindy Project.

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11. YouTube

Supported Country: Available all over the world, except North Korea, China, Sudan, Iran, and Turkmenistan

Price: Free (with ads)

Another best and free Netflix alternative is YouTube. The platform is popular for its huge library of video content online. It has music videos, movies, original TV series, and much more. However, to unlock it all you might need to upgrade to YouTube Premium. Unlock millions of videos, shows, game streams, and a lot of other content on YouTube.

Most of the content is available for Free. However, the live TV channels of various networks including FOX, PBS, ABC, BBC, etc are available but only in the Paid version. Millions of creators post about their daily life, and other content on YouTube as it is the biggest ad supported platform for streaming.

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12. Apple TV+

Supported Country: Available all over the world, except North Korea, China, Sudan, Iran, and Turkmenistan

Price: 7 days free trial and 2 months free on the purchase of a new Apple product, $4.99 per month after the free trial ends.

When compared to Netflix, we think Apple TV+ produces far higher-quality original programming. While Apple TV+ may lack a huge library of films and television episodes at the moment. It does produce original series that often get praise and recognition. Tehran, Severance, Ted Lasso, and many more are among the most-watched series on Apple TV+. Some of the most famous Apple original films are Coda, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Greyhound, The Sky is Everywhere, and The Tragedy of Macbeth.

Apple TV+ has much higher-quality programming than Netflix. Unlike other Apple services, Apple TV+ is accessible on almost all devices. Also, if you have purchased a new Apple product, it is free for the first two months, but you have to redeem it within a year of purchase. Many other streaming devices, including smart TVs, PS4, Xbox One, PCs, and web browsers, are compatible with Apple TV+. Apple TV+ as one of the best alternatives to Netflix in 2024 is our enthusiastic recommendation for everyone looking for a captivating alternative to Netflix.

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Concluding the Best Netflix Alternatives

Through this article, we brought to the fore some of the top alternatives to Netflix with top-class entertainment for free or at a much lesser price. You may select any service from the ones listed above to go on a binge-watching spree.

However, you may write us in the comments section if you think the above list misses out on a great Netflix substitute. And we are always open to suggestions, you may use the comment box to share your views about this article.

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Best Download Managers for Windows 2024

By admin January 9, 2024

Best Download Managers for Windows 2024, There is no debate on the comfort of the best download manager for PC. After all, from fast downloading to allocating the bandwidth and from being able to download as many files as possible to hit the pause or resume whenever you want counts a lot. We have collected 13 best download managers for Windows to make the downloading experience easier, smarter and not to mention, faster.

Top 13 Best Download Managers For Windows 10, 8, 7 in 2024

If you are looking for the options to have a good download manager for Windows PC then you are certainly going to meet the perfect result in this list. Whether the below mentioned tools are free or paid, there is an abundance in the room which includes a variety of smart features and you ask us to name the best part about using these tools, our answer has to be the presence of most important features for download management in all of them.

Here are the best download managers that are amazingly useful:

1. JDownloader 2

Counting on another best download manager for Windows, it is safe to say that JDownloader 2 is worth securing a place in your PC. It is free to use and will keep the irritating ads away. This download manager has the useful features that you can expect for managing the downloads. You can easily start, stop, pause and resume the downloads with this manager alongside the freedom of downloading multiple files. Apart from this, JDownloader 2 supports major hosting websites such as YouTube and features an abundance of over 300 plugins that make this download manager even more worthwhile.

Xtreme Download Manager is one of the most popular download managers for Windows which has reliable and useful features to count on. This software effortlessly catches the links from major video hosting platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo with a huge number of other websites and easily manages the downloads of the video files. It counts as a good download manager which smoothly handles the downloads of all types of files and features integration with popular browsers. It has a built-in scheduler for scheduling the downloads along with bandwidth allocation and it also supports proxy servers. Providing the smart and relaxing functionality, this one makes one of the best download managers for Windows out there.

Pros

• It is compatible with all the major video content platforms.

• You can easily schedule the downloads in this tool.

• It supports the easy downloading of playlists.

Cons

• The user-interface of this software appears to be outdated.

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7. uGet

Another best download manager for Windows is uGet which is an open source and is free to use, keeping the process completely ad-free. It not only allows you the easy pause and resume on the downloading files but provides speedy and multiple downloads. It features a clean and good-looking user interface, making it one of the go-to download managers for many. This amazing software supports batch downloading and has a clipboard feature where you get the prompts asking if you wish to download the file.

Apart from these cool features, this software is integrated with popular browsers such as Chrome, FireFox and many more. If there is anything which makes uGet more convincing and attractive to the eyes, it has to be the color schemes that it features along with the night mode feature. There is no reason to not try this ad-free and one of the coolest download managers.

Pros

• It features integration with popular browsing platforms

• It features dark mode and color schemes.

• It supports file queuing and batch downloads.

Cons

• It has a complicated installation.

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8. Internet Download Accelerator

If you are not satisfied with your search for the best download manager for Windows then perhaps it is time to pick Internet Download Accelerator. It is a useful tool to use as it offers the incredible solutions to the disturbances that you come across every now and then. It allows you to enjoy steadfast download speed and offers an easy management of the files that you download. This one is a good download manager which features integration with all the popular browsing platforms and the most important feature to extract from this tool is ability to resume the broken downloads.

Pros

• It is compatible with all the popular browsers.

• You can easily resume the broken downloads in this software.

• The downloads are easy to organise in this tool.

Cons

• This download manager one does not process multi threaded downloads like other ones in the list.

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9. Free Rapid Downloader

Manage the downloads with one amazing download manager for Windows – Free Rapid Downloader. It is undeniably a useful software which provides all the significant functions. It supports integration with YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms that serve file-sharing features. Besides, Free Rapid Downloader supports downloads via proxy and also supports video/photos streaming. This software also supports clipboard monitoring and it makes a good download manager for downloading the files from file-sharing platforms.

Pros

• It supports integration with popular video and file-sharing websites.

• This tool supports clipboard monitoring.

• It allows you to stream videos and pictures.

Cons

• This tool is a bit slower than the others in the list while parsing the links.

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10. Downthemall

Next download manager software on the list is Downthemall. This is a very easy-to-use extension which offers various capabilities to your browser. The extension has complete integration with Mozilla Firefox, if you are a Firefox user then you can definitely try this. Using this download manager you can easily download images, videos, and other files easily.

Pros

• Download speed is increased by 400% using Downthemall.

• The software offers complete integration with Firefox.

• The process to download any files through the web is very simple. All you need to do is right-click and select the download option.

• You can pause and resume download at any point of time.

Cons

• The software is only compatible with Chrome, Opera, and Mozilla Firefox.

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11. GetGo Download Manager

GetGo Download Manager is another great download manager on the list. This browser extension works great when it comes to downloading files. The extension is integrated with a web video downloader which makes the process of downloading easy. This extension is compatible with Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. Now let’s take a look at its pros and cons.

Pros

• The extension has a multi-threader download engine.

• You can easily schedule the download as per requirements.

• It offers a feature using which you can pause and resume the download irrespective of the reason.

• Offers great speed for downloading

Cons

• Only available for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox

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12. iDownload Manager

Last and definitely not the least, iDownload Manager has to be in the list of best download managers for Windows. It has a satisfaction of useful features and is just one click away to be installed on your PC. First thing first, this software allows you to get the fast download speed and lets you easily pause and resume the downloads. iDownload Manager helps you with convenient management of the downloads and provides bandwidth allocation which eliminates the hassle of organising the files in future. Besides, there is no disappointment in using a free download manager which has the most important features and costs less time in zero dime.

Pros

• iDownload Manager features support for all the major browsers.

• This tool welcomes batch downloading.

• It allows fast download speed and supports allocations of bandwidth.

• You can easily start, stop and pause the downloading files and provide an easygoing organisation of downloads.

Cons

• Comparatively, the download speed of this one may fail to attract you if you have already tried your hands on other download managers.

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13. Orbit Downloader

Downloading large files is a breeze using Orbit Downloader, however the useless junkware it comes with makes it hardly worth it. This package tries to install almost six distinct apps and toolbars. Ads for other applications that you may not be interested in are even included in the software itself. There isn’t enough of an improvement in functionality to warrant downloading this.

Countless unnecessary applications are installed alongside this software throughout the installation process. A few of them will still inadvertently begin installing themselves mid-download, regardless of whether you disable them altogether. Once they are all downloaded, Orbit Downloader will assist you in downloading further files. Compared to using your browser alone, downloads are somewhat quicker, which is great for slower connections.

Pros

• It does not contain any malware.

• Supports web browsers like Maxthon, Firefox, Opera, IE, etc.

• Feature called GetIt, which allows you to download videos from any website.

• Very easy-to-use

• Intuitive interface

Cons

• Bulk download support is not as good as other web browsers.

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Get Faster And Enhanced Downloading Experience With Top Download Managers

You can now enjoy less waiting and say goodbye to the frustrating times that come out of those automatic pauses and annoyingly slow speeds. Your Windows definitely needs a download manager (if it isn’t already there) to do the work of utility and fetch you the quality of downloads from browsers. You can also download the files from YouTube, Vimeo etc. and sometimes, that is all you need. So, this list was to prevail the relief of better download management but it is never too much or too late to know your favourite download manager for Windows. Tell us freely in the comment section until we compose another perfect list of the best ones.

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Best Data Recovery Software in 2024

By admin January 6, 2024

Best Data Recovery Software in 2024, You don’t want to be caught off guard when you lose an important file. Instead, you want to have reliable data recovery software already installed on your system, and this article is here to help you pick the best solution for you.

Our Data Recovery Software Selection Criteria

Here are some of the critical aspects that delineate top data recovery software from the competition.

• Performance & Versatility: A common issue with a lot of these recovery apps is that the rescue tools support very limited file types. A recovery app becomes resourceful when it supports the restoration of a wide range of file types; so, you can confidently restore deleted photos, videos, music files, and other more specific file types, such as XLS, DOC, or PDF files. Another unpleasant realization is that most of your programs do not support the recovery of files from external storage devices such as external HDD, memory cards or USB flash drives. This is quite inconvenient as the major chunk of data loss these days occur on external or portable storage devices. We favored versatile data recovery software with high performance, supporting various file types, file systems, and recovery from external storage devices, while maintaining a high recovery rate.

• Scanning Speed: Time is something nobody has enough of these days. You can’t expect users to spend the whole day waiting for the scanning and recovering processes to finally get their hands on something urgent. Good-performing data recovery software generally has options for high-speed scanning. And some even come with customized scanning while targeting a specific file for recovery. We preferred data recovery software with fast scanning speeds, offering high-speed and customizable scans for targeted file recovery, thus saving time and increasing efficiency.

• File Preview & Recovery Chances: Another important feature is to preview files that have already been identified. Also, the recovered files need to be in their original quality. Reliable data recovery applications also display the recovery chances of each file. We gave preference to data recovery software with file previews, original quality preservation, and displayed recovery chances for informed decision-making.

• User-Friendly UI: There’s no use in having the world’s best data recovery app if it can only be operated by the team behind it. A simple interface and ease of use are essential to any app. A lot of recovery programs feature flashy icons and supposedly high-tech features that are rather useless. The end-user often only needs a well-defined interface that delivers the goods, period. We prioritized user-friendly data recovery software with a simple interface, removing flashy elements, for easy end-user operation.

Now that you know what makes an awesome recovery program, let’s move on to the ranking.

Top 10 Best Data Recovery Software

1. Disk Drill Data Recovery (Windows & Mac)

Disk Drill is one the best data recovery software for Windows and Mac because of its ability to effortlessly recover lost or deleted data from all internal and external storage devices, regardless of their file system.

✅

Pros:

• Supports hundreds of file formats

• Powerful recovery capabilities

• Lost partition search

• Data protection and backup features

• Intuitive user interface

• Recovers up to 500 MB of data for free (Windows)

• Ability to mount scan results as a folder

❗️

Cons:

• No phone support

• Average scan speed

• Limited support for Linux file systems

Download Disk Drill

User Experience

Developed by the data recovery experts at CleverFiles, Disk Drill is the best choice for professional and casual home users alike, providing an exceptionally polished experience and best-in-class data recovery results. The latest version of the software can recover data in more than 400 file formats from a variety of storage devices and file systems using its advanced scanning algorithms.

Data recovery with Disk Drill is an intuitive process that doesn’t require any expert knowledge. You can filter scan results to find a specific file and preview it before recovery directly inside Disk Drill. If you need to shut down your computer, you can simply pause the scan and resume it later.

The free version of Disk Drill can recover up to 500 MB of data (on Windows), and it provides enhanced data protection with its Recovery Vault and Drive backup features (which makes Disk Drill a backup and recovery tool at the same time). Both of these features are just as easy to use as the data recovery portion of Disk Drill because they share the same polished user interface. Another important aspect of Disk Drill is its ability to recover data with original file names and folder structure.

Users who would like to enjoy unlimited data recovery can upgrade to Disk Drill PRO for just $89.00 and activate it on up to 3 computers. Lifetime upgrades can be purchased for $29 to reliably recover data even on future versions of Windows and macOS.

On top of that, when you buy Disk Drill you actually get two for one. For example, your purchase of Disk Drill PRO for Windows automatically gets you a version for macOS.

Despite the word PRO in its name, the paid version of Disk Drill is just as easy to use as the free one, so even inexperienced home users with no expert knowledge shouldn’t feel intimidated by it.

🔗

If you’re interested in using Disk Drill, check out our full review to learn about its features and performance. We also conducted an analysis of its safety and security, which you can find on our website.

Versions / Licensing:

• Disk Drill Basic: Free

• Disk Drill Pro: $89

• Disk Drill Enterprise: $499

System requirements: Windows 7 SP1+, 44 MB of storage space / Mac OS X 10.8.5+, 22 MB of storage space

Supported languages: English, Arabic, German, Spanish, French, Turkish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Dutch, Polish, Brazilian, Portuguese, European Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Chinese, Hindi

Supported file systems: NTFS, NTFS5, FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, exFAT, EXT3/EXT4, HFS, HFS+, APFS

2. R-Studio (Windows, Mac, and Linux)

This comprehensive data recovery software solution is geared toward more experienced users who are able to appreciate its extensive options and powerful features.

✅

Pros:

• Advanced features for data recovery professionals

• Available as a bootable ISO image

• Disk sanitization feature

❗️

Cons:

• Not suitable for non-technical users

• Doesn’t display results during scan

• Can preview only a few file formats

Download R-Studio

User Experience

Whereas most data recovery products on the market target regular home users, R-Studio is intended primarily for professionals who already understand the ins and outs of data recovery. It provides support for all commonly used file systems and partition layout schemes and handles even damaged or deleted partitions.

Instead of guiding users through the recovery process step by step, R-Studio gives them the freedom to start multiple data recovery jobs at the same time in separate tabs. Recovered files can be sorted by their extensions, creation time, modification time, access time, and other parameters. You can preview many supported file types or view files using the built-in hex editor to assess their integrity or perform partial recovery.

When buying R-Studio, make sure you get the right version. The least expensive version of R-Studio ($49.99) can recover data only from the FAT, exFAT, and Ext2/3/4 file systems. To also recover data from NTFS, ReFS, HFS+, APFS, HFS, and UFS, you need to purchase the $79.99 version.

System requirements: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/2000 or Windows Server 2019/2016/2012/2008/2003 / Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard or newer / Any kernel 2.6+ Linux distribution capable of installing .rpm or .deb packages

Supported languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Portuguese, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, and Japanese

Supported file systems: NTFS/ReFS, FAT/exFAT, Ext2/Ext3/Ext4, HFS+/APFS/ HFS/UFS

3. PhotoRec (Windows, Mac, and Linux)

PhotoRec has powerful file recovery capabilities and support for a wide range of platforms. Whether it’s a digital camera or a traditional hard drive, PhotoRec has you covered as long as you’re able to figure out how to use it.

✅

Pros:

• Compatible with all major operating systems

• Recovers about 300 file families

• Support for many file systems

❗️

Cons:

• Intimidating for beginners

• All files are automatically recovered during scan

• Unable to restore file names and folder structure

Download PhotoRec

User Experience

Judging by its name, you might think that PhotoRec can recover only image file formats, but that’s not the case at all. In reality, this open-source data recovery software can recover more than 480 file extensions (about 300 file families) from hard drives, memory cards, CD-ROMs, USB flash drives, and other storage devices.

PhotoRec is known for scaring inexperienced users away with its text-only user interface, but we found the data recovery process to be reasonably self-explanatory. Sure, beginners could benefit from even more handholding, but that’s what the official documentation is intended for.

In terms of performance, PhotoRec can measure up to many paid data recovery software applications. It uses a non-destructive data recovery method, which prevents it from writing to the same storage device the user is about to recover from. In certain cases, PhotoRec can successfully recover even fragmented files scattered all over the place.

Versions / Licensing: Free and open-source

System requirements: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Windows Server 2016/2012/2008/2003 / Any recent version of macOS / Linux kernel 2.6.18 or later

Supported languages: English, Catalan, Chinese, Czech, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish

Supported file systems: FAT, NTFS, exFAT, ext2/ext3/ext4 filesystem, HFS

4. Recuva (Windows)

Recuva is a small freeware program you can use to recover pictures, music, documents, videos, or any other types of files on your hard drive, memory cards, floppy disks, iPod or MP3 player, or USB sticks.

✅

Pros:

• Low price

• Free version available

• Preview screen

❗️

Cons:

• Can’t recover as many files as high-priced rivals

• The interface is rather outdated

• Limited support of restoring the original folder trees and file names

Download Recuva

User Experience

We like Recuva for its low cost, its clear interface, and its ease of use, but it only recovered two-thirds of the deleted files on my test drive, and that kind of performance may not be good enough in a crisis. The reason why Recuva performs poorly compared with the top 3 listed in this article is simple: it doesn’t support many file formats.

The lackluster file format support may not matter to you if all you want to do is recover files saved in a format that is supported by Recuva. What will matter to you, in either case, is the tool’s usability, which is rather good thanks to its clean interface design and integrated preview screen.

It’s clear, however, that Recuva’s user interface comes from the Windows XP era (Recuva was released during the transition period from Windows XP to Windows Vista). The latest major Rucuva update (v1.53) was released in 2016, and the software has received only minor improvements since then. Fortunately, it still works fine on all recent versions of Windows.

Versions / Licensing:

• Recuva Free: $0

• Recuva Pro: $19.95

System requirements: Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, and XP

Supported languages: Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, Azeri (Latin), Bosnian, Brazilian Portuguese (Portugues do Brasil), Bulgarian, Catalan (Catala), Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Croatian, Czech (Ceský), Danish, Dutch (Nederlands), English, Estonian, Finnish (Suomi), French (Français), Georgian, German (Deutsch), Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian (Magyar), Italian (Italiano), Japanese, Lithuanian (Lietuviu), Norwegian, Polish (Polski), Romanian (Romana), Russian, Serbian (Cyrillic), Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish (Espanol), Swedish (Svenska), Turkish (Türkçe), Ukrainian, Vietnamese.

Supported file systems: FAT, exFAT, and NTFS

5. Data Rescue (Windows & Mac)

Simplicity is what Data Rescue is all about, but its steep price makes it prohibitively expensive for most home users, the demographic that would ironically most appreciate its clean and simple user interface.

✅

Pros:

• Clean and simple interface

• Can duplicate a potentially failing drive onto a healthy drive

• Automatically determines a set of RAID configurations

❗️

Cons:

• Unnecessarily complicated multi-step recovery process

• Expensive

Download Data Rescue 6

User Experience

Data Rescue is a somewhat confusing data recovery software application because its clean and simple user interface (the main screen features just three large buttons with colorful icons and detailed descriptions) suggests that its target are regular home users, but its steep price tag and website tell a completely different story.

A single license (which can be used by one user on an unlimited number of systems) costs $399.00 a year. That’s more than twice as much compared with what most other competing data recovery software applications charge for a lifetime license.

If you can afford to pay such a large amount of money for Data Rescue, you can look forward to fast scan and recovery speeds, improved RAID recovery, and additional disk tools for byte-to-byte disk copies and secure file deletion.

Versions / Licensing:

• Data Rescue 6 Demo: Free

• Data Rescue 6 Standard: starts at $19 (pay for the files you want to recover)

• Data Rescue 6 Pro: $399 per year

System requirements: Windows 7 or later or macOS 10.12 or later, secondary storage location, internet connection

Supported languages: English

Supported file systems: FAT, FAT32, exFAT, ext2, ext3, HFS+, APFS, and NTFS

6. Wondershare Recoverit (Windows & Mac)

One of the best data recovery programs in its price range, Wondershare works flawlessly with a wide range of storage devices, including camcorders, hard drives, memory sticks, and USB flash drives.

✅

Pros:

• Supports many file formats

• Sleek design and great usability

• Compatible with Windows and Mac files systems

❗️

Cons:

• Can recover only up to 100 MB of data

• Preview feature limited to a handful of file formats

• Many duplicates in scan results

Download Wondershare Recoverit

User Experience

The company behind this data recovery software has been around for many years, and it has successfully earned the trust of millions of home users and many large companies. Recoverit is its flagship data recovery product, and it boasts support for over 1,000 file formats and all commonly used file systems, including NTFS, FAT, HFS+, and APFS.

Just like all other software applications from Wondershare, Recoverit is really easy to use, and we had to go through just three simple steps to recover our files. During the last step, we were able to preview recovered files before retrieving them with a single click.

The only problem is that the free version of Wondershare Recoverit can recover only up to 100 MB of data. That’s not much considering that a single high-resolution picture taken with a modern smartphone can easily have around 5 MB.

Versions / Licensing:

• Wondershare Recoverit Essential: $59.95 a year

• Wondershare Recoverit Standard: $69.95 a year

• Wondershare Recoverit Advanced: $79.95 a year

System requirements: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP (either 32-bit or 64-bit) or Windows Server 2016, 2012, 2008, 2003 / macOS 10.9- 10.15

Supported languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, Dutch, Korean

Supported file systems: NTFS, FAT32, FAT16, exFAT, APFS, encrypted APFS, HFS+, encrypted HFS, HFSX

7. DiskGenius (Windows)

DiskGenius is an all-in-one data recovery and partition management solution aimed at professional and home users alike. You can use it to solve many unpleasant disk problems and try it for free before spending money on one of the two paid versions.

✅

Pros:

• Combines data recovery and partition management

• Is able to virtualize Windows into a VMware virtual machine

• Disk cloning functionality

• 30-day money-back guarantee

• Free version available

❗️

Cons:

• Doesn’t have the most intuitive user interface

• Jack of all trades but master of none

Download DiskGenius

User Experience

Partition and data loss issues often go hand-in-hand, which is why the people behind DiskGenius decided to create an all-in-one data recovery and partition management solution that lets you recover lost data from deletion, formatting, RAW drive, partition loss, OS crash, and many other data loss situations.

While the user interface of DiskGenius is nothing to write home about, the actual data recovery process is simple and boils down to just three steps. First, you select a partition or drive, then you scan for lost data, and, finally, you preview all listed files and select those that you want to get back.

DiskGenius comes with several extra features that even several times more expensive products don’t include, such as the ability to recover data directly from VMware, Virtual Box, or Microsoft Virtual PC images. It also includes a hex editor that facilitates the analysis of raw disk data, but it’s unlikely that regular users would ever take advantage of this feature.

System requirements: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10, Small Business Server 2011/2003/2008, Windows home server 2011, and Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016 (both 32bit and 64bit)

Supported languages: English, Japanese

Supported file systems: NTFS, FAT32, FAT16, exFAT, EXT2, EXT3, and EXT4

8. Stellar Data Recovery (Windows & Mac)

Stellar Data Recovery is a professional-grade data recovery software for Windows and Mac that can deal with completely crashed and unbootable systems that many lesser applications of its kind would deem unrecoverable.

✅

Pros:

• Support for a wide range of storage devices

• Easy to use

• Useful preview feature

❗️

Cons:

• Relatively expensive

• Slow scan and recovery speed

• Glitchy store device selection

Download Stellar Data Recovery

User Experience

Previously known as Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery, this data recovery software supports NTFS, exFAT, and FAT (FAT16/FAT32) formatted hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, memory cards (including SD cards, MicroSD cards, CF cards, etc.), and other commonly used storage devices.

You can choose from two different versions intended for professional usage: Professional ($79.99 for one year or $99 for a lifetime license) and Premium ($99.99 for one year or $149 for a lifetime license). The former version is slightly cheaper because it doesn’t include any video or photo recovery capabilities.

Except for the missing recovery features, the two versions are identical and equally easy to use. Recovered files can be sorted according to their type or displayed in a tree view, which is useful for locating a specific folder.

System requirements: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista & XP / macOS Catalina 10.15, Mojave 10.14, High Sierra 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8 & 10.7

Supported languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish

Supported file systems: NTFS, exFAT, FAT(FAT16/FAT32), HFS, HFS+, ext2, ext3, ext4

9. TestDisk (Windows, Mac, and Linux)

Designed to recover lost partitions and make non-booting disks bootable again, TestDisk is an excellent solution to many desperate data loss scenarios, but its text-only user interface puts it out of the reach of many users.

✅

Pros:

• Capable of recovering many different filesystems and partition schemes

• Broad operating system support

• Free and open source

❗️

Cons:

• Lacks an intuitive graphical user interface – command-line only

• Repairs damaged partitions and file systems but not files

Download TestDisk

User Experience

If you’ve accidentally and permanently deleted an important file, and you desperately want to get it back, TestDisk isn’t the right choice. This open-source data recovery application doesn’t focus on individual files but entire file systems and partitions. It can fix partition tables, repair boot sectors, and do many other things to restore access to lost files.

It’s true that TestDisk can undelete files from FAT, exFAT, NTFS, and xt2/ext3/ext4 file systems, but this functionality is tucked away inside the advanced menu, where most regular users never go. Besides, recovering individual files with TestDisk is extremely cumbersome because you can’t preview files before recovery.

But despite its shortcomings, such as the lack of an intuitive graphical user interface, TestDisk remains one of the best data recovery software solutions for Windows, Mac, Linux, and several other operating systems.

Versions / Licensing: Free and open-source

System requirements: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Windows Server 2016/2012/2008/2003 / Any recent version of macOS / Linux kernel 2.6.18 or later

Supported languages: English, Catalan, Chinese, Czech, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish

Supported file systems: FAT, exFAT, NTFS, and xt2/ext3/ext4

10. EaseUS Data Recovery (Windows & Mac)

EaseUS has managed to garner a great deal of positive feedback across a wide spectrum of users, and our experience with its data recovery features has been similarly positive, which is why it deserves a place on this list.

✅

Pros:

• Reliable data recovery performance

• Lets users sort and filter deleted files

• Makes data recovery accessible to anyone

❗️

Cons:

• Includes unrecoverable files alongside recoverable files

• Previews only files that are smaller than 100 MB

• Doesn’t accurately display remaining scan time

Download EaseUS Data Recovery

User Experience

EaseUS Data Recovery is a tried and tested data recovery software for Windows and Mac. Its developers have successfully made the complicated process of data recovery simple and accessible to anyone. There are no menus with multiple layers and options that require a lengthy manual to decipher what they mean.

When you begin data recovery with this software application, you’re first asked to select a location to scan, such as your hard drive or USB flash drive. You can also select a specific folder, including the Recycle Bin. Then, you simply click the Scan button and wait for EaseUS Data Recovery to find your files.

If your budget is tight, you can purchase EaseUS Data Recovery for just one month. However, we recommend you get a lifetime license for $149.95 to enjoy unlimited free upgrades.

System requirements: Windows 2000 or newer / macOS 10.15 ~ 10.9

Supported languages: English, German, Japanese, French, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Swedish, Danish, Korean, Russian, Norwegian, Polish, Hungarian, Arabic, Turkish, Indonesian

Supported file systems: FAT (FAT12, FAT16, FAT32), exFAT, NTFS, NTFS5, ext2/ext3, HFS+, ReFS

Honorable Mentions

Are you still hungry for more data recovery software? Then take a look at our selection of try-worthy applications that didn’t make it into the top 10.

• Windows File Recovery: Developed by Microsoft for its Windows operating system, Windows File Recovery, is a command-line tool capable of recovering permanently deleted files that are no longer present in the Recycle Bin. We just wish it delivered better recovery results and came with an optional graphical user interface.

• MiniTool Power Data Recovery: If you can live with an outdated user interface and a limited set of features, then the free version of MiniTool Power Data Recovery deserves a download from you since it works well in all kinds of data loss situations.

• Undelete 360: Last updated in 2017 for Windows 7, Undelete 360 is an outdated data recovery application that has yet to become obsolete. You can use it to recover all Windows-supported storage devices with a few simple clicks, and it even lets you preview files before recovery.

• Wise Data Recovery: If you want to recover data from an older version of Windows, then Wise Data Recovery is a solid choice. Just keep in mind that you may experience serious issues when using it on Windows 10 and newer.

• SysTools Data Recovery Software: The long list of features and the highly technical language the official website of this data recovery software uses to describe them should be enough to tell you that this isn’t the most user-friendly software in the world.

• Remo Data Recovery Software: Because of how dependable Remo Data Recovery Software is, it has received many positive reviews from professional reviewers and real users alike. We just with the Windows application was more polished.

• Zero Assumption Recovery: Also referred to as ZAR Data Recovery, this Windows software supports Windows FAT, NTFS, Linux ext/2/3/4, and XFS file systems, and you can download it free of charge from its official website.

• TogetherShare Data Recovery Pro: You can try the full version of TogetherShare Data Recovery Pro without risking anything thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee. The last version of the software even supports Windows 11.

• Lazesoft Windows Data Recovery: What’s great about Lazesoft Windows Data Recovery is the free price tag. What’s not so great is its terribly outdated user interface and limited file system and file format support.

• iBoysoft Data Recovery: iBoysoft Data Recovery doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking in terms of features, design, and performance, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you’re looking for an instantly recognizable alternative to established data recovery solutions, then this software is worth looking into.

• GetDataBack Pro: Developed by Runtime Software, GetDataBack Pro excels in the HDD data recovery department but could use improvements in terms of being a more well-rounded and user-friendly program. Despite not being as popular as other data recovery software, it is a suitable choice for intermediate and expert PC users looking for a powerful recovery tool.

• Ontrack EasyRecovery: As a rebranded version of Stellar Data Recovery, Ontrack EasyRecovery offers similar performance, and its free version allows you to recover up to 1 GB of data without paying. Although not among the best data recovery apps, it supports all major file types and is cross-platform, making it a versatile option that’s worth trying. The biggest downside is its expensive annual subscription, which can be a deal-breaker for some users.

• DMDE: Featuring an expansive set of features aimed towards professional users, DMDE stands out for its broad operating system support, even dating back to Windows 98. But despite its technical prowess, DMDE’s complexity can be overwhelming for beginners, with an unintuitive scanning process and complex scanning results.

• AnyRecover Data Recovery: By striking a balance between user-friendliness and data recovery capabilities, AnyRecover Data Recovery positions itself as an attractive alternative to the leading data recovery software applications. If only it didn’t fall short in recovering data from some file systems during deep scans and offered more extra features, it could have made it into our top 10 list.

• Tenorshare 4DDiG: This app’s user-friendly interface makes data recovery a breeze, so it’s a solid choice for regular home users who find complicated software intimidating. Just know that Tenorshare’s ease of use outweighs its data recovery capabilities, especially when it comes to recovering files with their original names intact.

• Cisdem Data Recovery: Though it’s a clone of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Cisdem deserves the attention of anyone seeking a well-rounded data recovery solution. With fast scan times, a user-friendly interface, and excellent support for various file formats, it makes for an accessible tool for users at all levels of tech-savvy. However, its lifetime license is quite pricey, costing $149.95, and the monthly subscription ($69.95/month) can quickly end up being even more expensive.

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Featured

Best YouTube Vanced Alternative 2024

By admin January 3, 2024

This article acquaints you with the top apps similar to YouTube Vanced for the best video experience.

YouTube Advanced gained immense popularity for its features like in-built ad blocking, picture-in-picture, background playback, and auto-repeat. However, its shutdown caused despair among users, instigating them to look for the best YouTube Vanced alternatives.

If you are also searching for the best alternatives to YouTube Vanced, you will find this article helpful. Here, we list the top 8 apps that can perfectly replace YouTube Vanced. Let us go through them without wasting your valuable time.

List of 8 Best YouTube Vanced Alternatives in 2024

Below is a list of the best applications you can use as an alternative to YouTube Vanced.

1. NewPipe

Let us introduce you to NewPipe. It is a free, lightweight, and open-source YouTube Vanced alternative with incredible features, such as ad-blocking, background player, video downloading for offline use, and the following.

Key features of NewPipe

• Needs no Google account

• Does not have any codebases or APIs ensuring privacy and security

• Supports 100+ languages

• Compatible with other services, such as SoundCloud, etc.

Download Now

2. YouTube ReVanced

Talking about YouTube ReVanced, it is an early-stage application with an impressive set of features. Some of its features that make it one of the best YouTube Vanced substitutes include a friendly layout, background playback, an option to turn off the create button, and the following.

Key features of YouTube ReVanced

• Blocks ads

• Supports all AOSP and Android devices

• Lets you download high-resolution videos

• Regular updates

• Availability of more than 5 languages

• Allows gesture navigation

Download Now

8. Brave Browser

Another alternative to YouTube Vanced is the Brave Browser. Although this alternative is a browser rather than a standalone alternative, Brave Browser can be of great help. This browser blocks all the third-party ads to make streaming smoother.

Key features of Brave Browser

• Multilingual user interface

• Fast streaming and surfing

• Maintains user privacy

Download Now

Summing Up the Best YouTube Vanced Alternatives

This article brought to your attention the best alternatives to YouTube Vanced. You can use any of the above-listed applications to get a seamless video experience. In case of any suggestions, confusion, or questions about this write-up, you can always write us a comment. We will soon return with another useful post. Until then, stay connected with us.

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Mobile

The History of iOS, from Version 1.0 to 17.0

By admin December 24, 2023

The History of iOS, from Version 1.0 to 17.0, A complete view of the operating system that launched the smartphone revolution

iOS is the name of the operating system that runs the iPhone and iPod touch. It’s the core software that comes loaded on all devices to allow them to run and support other apps. iOS is to the iPhone what Windows is to PCs or macOS is to Macs.

Below you’ll find a history of each version of iOS when it was released, and what it added to the platform. Click the name of the iOS version, or the More link at the end of each blurb, for more in-depth information about that version.

See our article What is iOS? for a lot more on this innovative mobile operating system and how it works.

iOS 17

Apple announced iOS 17 at the June 2023 WWDC, with a public rollout to take place in Fall 2023.

One of the most notable updates to iOS 17 is the change from, “Hey Siri!” to, “Siri,” as well as the ability to give Siri back-to-back commands,

iOS 17 includes upgrades to Phone, FaceTime, and Messages, which also features an all-new Stickers experience. AirDrop has been upgraded to include NameDrop to allow for easy contact sharing. Journal is an entirely new app that provides an intuitive journalling experience based on your photos, locations, contacts, music, podcasts, and more.

In addition, iOS 17 offers a fullscreen experience called StandBy, which is similar to Nightstand Mode on Apple Watch. While you’re charging the phone, you can put it into landscape mode to display the time and other information on a minimalist, easy-to-read display.

iOS 16

iOS 16 was announced at 2022’s WWDC in June. It rolled out to consumers in Fall 2022.

Updates include new Messages features, SharePlay availability in FaceTime and Messages, and upgrades for Apple Wallet including Apple Pay Later and Apple Order Tracking.

iOS 16 also featured an Apple Maps redesign and new features, such as cycling, lookaround, and multi-stop routing. The iOS upgrade also offers improvements to Spatial Audio that allow for the personalization of audio on AirPods.

The History of iOS, from Version 1.0 to 17.0

iOS 15

Apple Inc.

Support ended: n./a
Current version: 15.5, released May 16, 2022
Initial version: 15.0, released Sept. 24, 2021

Much like iOS 14, iOS 15 is more of a collection of improvements to the iPhone platform than it is a themed release. Generally speaking, iOS 15 moves forward a number of important things Apple has been working on for a number of releases: Increases security and privacy, blocks more ad tracking, improves Siri and the camera app, and much more.

Some of the biggest steps forward are influenced by the recent remote-work trend. Features in that area include improvements to FaceTime audio, support for FaceTime conferencing on the web and Android, improvements to the Messages app, and more.

Key New Features:

• FaceTime received numerous improvements aimed at improving the experience of using the app and expanding the audience for it, including:

1.SharePlay allows people on a FaceTime video call to watch video or listen to audio together, and share screens

2.Spatial Audio brings Apple’s more-natural, 3D audio experience to improve the naturalness of FaceTime sound

3.Enhanced Mic Modes allow you to isolate your voice from background noise to improve audio quality

4.Portrait Mode brings this terrific still-photos feature to video to blur your background

5.Cross-Platform support allows you to invite anyone to a FaceTime call with a link and for them to join from a web browser or Android devices.

• Focus adds a set of smart notification and communication s settings based on what you’re doing at that moment.

• The Photos app gains major improvements such as:

1.Live Text lets the app detect text inside your photos and convert it to text that can be copied and pasted, or phone numbers that can be tapped to call

2.Visual search lets you search within the Photos app for text embedded your photos.

• In keeping with Apple’s ongoing commitment to user privacy, iOS 15 adds:

1.App Privacy Report lets you know what permissions each of your apps has, how often it accesses your data, and what third-party domains the app has contacted.

2.Mail Privacy Protection blocks tracking pixels, hides your IP address from marketers, and blocks the connection of your data from email with other data sources.

3.On-device Siri means that Siri recordings are no longer sent to or stored in the cloud. Siri works completely on your iPhone, and now works offline.

• Support for the iCloud+ service that adds new Homekit and VPN-style features.

• Notifications scheduling and summary.

• Improved driving directions in Maps.

• A redesigned experience and features for managing tabs and groups of tabs in Safari.

• Better ways to find content shared with you and to share medical data from the Health app with your family.

Dropped Support For:

• iPhone 6 series. All iPhone models from the 6S series and up are supported.

• 6th Gen. iPod touch. Only the 7th Gen. iPod touch is supported.

iOS 14

Apple

Support ended: n/a
Current version: 14.6, released May 24, 2021
Initial version: 14.0, released Sept. 17, 2020

There’s no single major change or theme to the changes introduced with iOS 14. Instead, iOS 14 is a collection of numerous small and medium-sized changes to the user interface, features, and overall ease of use that add up to making the experience of using an iPhone even better.

Maybe the most notable changes are around customization, thanks to the addition of Homescreen Widgets, the ability to choose default apps in some cases, and improved privacy controls.

How to Change the Color of Apps on iOS 14

Key New Features:

• Homescreen Widgets for customized home screens and shortcuts.

• Smart Stacks that deliver different Homescreen Widgets at different times of the day based on your habits.

• Set third-party apps as default for email and web browser apps.

• App Library, a new way of organizing apps and keeping your home scree neat

• App Clips

• Picture in picture mode

• Improved privacy features to block tracking online.

• Built-in language translation for 11 languages.

• Spatial audio for AirPods delivers surround sound, along with other AirPods improvements.

• Design changes allow phone calls and FaceTime calls to take up less space on the screen and allow you to do other things at the same time.

• Numerous improvements for group texts in iMessage, including threaded replies and mentions.

Dropped Support For:

• None. iOS 14 supports the same set of devices as iOS 13

iOS 13

Apple Inc.

Support ended: n/a
Current version: 13.7, release Sept. 1, 2020.
Initial version: 13.0, released Sept. 19, 2019

Perhaps the biggest change introduced with iOS 13 is that the OS no longer runs on the iPad. That’s due to the release of iPadOS (which begins with version 13). That’s a new OS dedicated to the making the iPad a more useful productivity device and a potential laptop replacement. It’s based on iOS 13 and has many of the same features, but also adds iPad-specific items.

Beyond that, iOS 13 shores up some core features, including launching apps faster, unlocking devices with Face ID faster, and overhauling pre-installed apps like Reminders, Notes, Safari, and Mail. Maybe the most obvious new feature is the Dark Mode, but the changes range much wider than that and further bolster the already-strong OS.

Key New Features:

• System-wide Dark Mode

• Sign In With Apple user account system

• New privacy and security options

• New Portrait Lighting options

• Look Around, a Google Street View-style feature for Apple Maps

• New, improved Siri voice

• Overhauled stock apps like Reminders and Notes

Dropped Support For:

• iPad (due to the release of iPadOS)

• 6th Gen. iPod touch

• iPhone 6 series

• iPhone 5S

iOS 12

Apple Inc.

Support ended: n/a
Current version: 12.4.8. It was released July 15, 2020
Initial version: It was released on September 17, 2018

The new features and improvements added in iOS 12 aren’t as extensive or revolutionary as in some previous updates to the OS. Instead, iOS 12 focused more on making refinements to commonly used features and on adding wrinkles that improve how people use their devices.

Some of the key features of iOS 12 included improvements to Siri like Siri Shortcuts, enhanced Augmented Reality with ARKit 2, and giving users and parents ways to monitor and control their device use with Screen Time.

Key New Features:

• Grouped Notifications

• Screen Time

• ARKit 2

• Siri improvements, including Siri Shortcuts and multi-step actions

• Memoji, a personalized kind of Animoji

Dropped Support For:

• N/A

iOS 11

Apple Inc.

Support ended: n/a
Current version: 11.4.1. It was released on July 9, 2018
Initial version: It was released on September 19, 2017

iOS was originally developed to run on the iPhone. Since then, it’s been expanded to support the iPod touch and iPad (and versions of it even power the Apple Watch and Apple TV). In iOS 11, the emphasis shifted from the iPhone to the iPad.

Sure, iOS 11 contains lots of improvements for the iPhone, but its major focus is turning the iPad Pro series models into legitimate laptop replacements for some users.

This is done through a series of changes designed to make iOS running on iPad a lot more like a desktop operating system. These changes include all new drag and drop support, split screen apps and multiple workspaces, a file browser app, and support for notation and handwriting with the Apple Pencil.

Key New Features:

Dropped Support For:

• iPhone 5C

• iPhone 5

• iPad 4

• iPad 3

iOS 10

Apple Inc.

Support ended: 2019
Current version: 10.3.4. It was released on July 22, 2019
Initial version: It was released on Sept. 13, 2016

The ecosystem Apple built around iOS has long been referred to as a “walled garden” because it’s a very pleasant place to be on the inside, but it’s hard to gain access. This was reflected in the many ways Apple locked down the interface of iOS and the options it gave to apps.

Cracks began to show in the walled garden in iOS 10, and Apple put them there.

The major themes of iOS 10 were interoperability and customization. Apps could now communicate directly with each other on a device, allowing one app to use some features from another without opening the second app. Siri became available to third-party apps in new ways. There were even apps built into iMessage now.

Beyond that, users now had new ways to customize their experiences, from (finally!) being able to delete built-in apps to new animations and effects to punctuate their text messages.

Key New Features:

Dropped Support For:

• iPhone 4S

• 5th gen. iPod touch

• iPad 2

• 1st gen. iPad mini

iOS 9

Apple, Inc.

Support ended: 2018
Final version: 9.3.9. It was released on July 22, 2019
Initial version: It was released on Sept. 16, 2015

After a few years of major changes to both the interface and technical foundation of iOS, many observers began to charge that iOS was no longer the stable, dependable, solid performer it had once been. They suggested that Apple should focus on shoring up the foundation of the OS before adding new features.

That’s just what the company did with iOS 9. While it did add some new features, this release was generally aimed at solidifying the foundation of the OS for the future.

Major improvements were delivered in speed and responsiveness, stability, and performance on older devices. iOS 9 proved to be an important refocusing that laid the groundwork for the bigger improvements delivered in iOS 10 and 11.

Key New Features:

• Night Shift

• Low Power Mode

• Public beta program

Dropped Support For:

• N/A

iOS 8

Apple, Inc.

Support ended: 2016
Final version: 8.4.1. It was released on Aug. 13, 2015
Initial version: It was released on Sept. 17, 2014

More consistent and stable operation returned to iOS in version 8.0. With the radical changes of the last two versions now in the past, Apple once again focused on delivering major new features.

Among these features was its secure, contactless payment system Apple Pay and, with the iOS 8.4 update, the Apple Music subscription service.

There were continued improvements to the iCloud platform, too, with the addition of the Dropbox-like iClould Drive, iCloud Photo Library, and iCloud Music Library.

Key New Features:

Dropped Support For:

• iPhone 4

iOS 7

Corbis News / Getty Images

Support ended: 2016
Final version: 7.1.2. It was released on June 30, 2014.
Initial version: It was released on Sept. 18, 2013

Like iOS 6, iOS 7 was met with substantial resistance upon its release. Unlike iOS 6, though, the cause of unhappiness among iOS 7 users wasn’t that things didn’t work. Rather, it was because things had changed.

After the firing of Scott Forstall, iOS development was overseen by Jony Ive, Apple’s head of design, who had previously only worked on hardware. In this version of iOS, Ive ushered in a major overhaul of the user interface, designed to make it more modern.

While the design was indeed more modern, its small, thin fonts were hard to read for some users and frequent animations caused motion sickness for others. The design of the current iOS is derived from the changes made in iOS 7. After Apple made improvements, and users became accustomed to the changes, complaints subsided.

Key New Features:

Dropped Support For:

• iPhone 3GS

• iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, 3rd gen. iPad, and iPad 2 couldn’t use all features of iOS 7

iOS 6

marco_1186 / Flickr

Support ended: 2015
Final version: 6.1.6. It was released on Feb. 21, 2014
Initial version: It was released on Sept. 19, 2012

Controversy was one of the dominant themes of iOS 6. While this version introduced the world to Siri — which, despite being later surpassed by competitors, was a truly revolutionary technology — problems with it also led to major changes.

The driver of these problems was Apple’s increasing competition with Google, whose Android smartphone platform was posing a threat to the iPhone. Google had supplied the Maps and YouTube apps pre-installed with the iPhone since 1.0. In iOS 6, that changed.

Apple introduced its own Maps app, which was badly received due to bugs, bad directions, and problems with certain features. As part of the company’s efforts to solve the problems, Apple CEO Tim Cook asked the head of iOS development, Scott Forstall, to make a public apology. When he refused, Cook fired him. Forstall had been involved with the iPhone since before the first model, so this was a profound change.

Key New Features:

• Apple Maps

• Do Not Disturb

• Passbook (now Wallet)

Dropped Support For:

• None, but iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPad 2 couldn’t use all features of iOS 6

iOS 5

Francis Dean / Getty Images

Support ended: 2014
Final version: 5.1.1. It was released on May 7, 2012
Initial version: It was released on Oct. 12, 2011

Apple responded to the growing trend of wirelessness, and cloud computing, in iOS 5, by introducing essential new features and platforms. Among those was iCloud, the ability to activate an iPhone wirelessly (previously it had required a connection to a computer), and syncing with iTunes via Wi-Fi.

More features that are now central to the iOS experience debuted here, including iMessage and Notification Center.

With iOS 5, Apple dropped support for the iPhone 3G, 1st gen. iPad, and 2nd and 3rd gen. iPod touch.

Key New Features:

• iCloud

• iMessage

• Notification Center

• Wireless syncing and activation

Dropped Support For:

• iPhone 3G

• 1st gen. iPad

• 2nd gen. iPod touch

• 3rd gen. iPod touch

iOS 4

Ramin Talaie / Getty Images

Support ended: 2013
Final version: 4.3.5. It was released on July 25, 2011
Initial version: It was released on June 22, 2010

Many aspects of the modern iOS began to take shape in iOS 4. Features that are now widely used debuted in various updates to this version, including FaceTime, multitasking, iBooks, organizing apps into folders, Personal Hotspot, AirPlay, and AirPrint.

Another important change introduced with iOS 4 was the name “iOS” itself. As noted earlier, the iOS name was unveiled for this version, replacing the previously used “iPhone OS” name.

This was also the first version of iOS to drop support for any iOS devices. It was not compatible with the original iPhone or the 1st generation iPod touch. Some older models that were technically compatible were not able to use all features of this version.

Key New Features:

Dropped Support For:

• Original iPhone

• 1st Gen. iPod touch

iOS 3

Justin Sullivan / Getty Images News

Support ended: 2012
Final version: 3.2.2. It was released on Aug. 11, 2010
Initial version: It was released on June 17, 2009

The release of this version of iOS accompanied the debut of the iPhone 3GS. It added features including copy and paste, Spotlight search, MMS support in the Messages app, and the ability to record videos using the Camera app.

Also notable about this version of iOS is that it was the first to support the iPad. The 1st generation iPad was released in 2010, and version 3.2 of the software came with it.

Key New Features:

• Copy and paste

• Spotlight search

• Recording videos

iOS 2

Jason Kempin / Getty Images

Support ended: 2011
Final version: 2.2.1. It was released on January 27, 2009
Initial version: It was released on July 11, 2008

One year after the iPhone became a bigger hit than almost anyone projected, Apple released iOS 2.0 (then called iPhone OS 2.0) to coincide with the release of the iPhone 3G.

The most profound change introduced in this version was the App Store and its support for real third-party apps (rather than web apps). Around 500 apps were available in the App Store at launch. Hundreds of other crucial improvements were also added.

Other important changes introduced in the 5 updates iPhone OS 2.0 included podcast support and public transit and walking directions in Maps (both in version 2.2).

Key New Features:

• App Store

• Improved Maps app

iOS 1

Apple Inc.

Support ended: 2010
Final version: 1.1.5. It was released on July 15, 2008
Initial version: It was released on June 29, 2007

The one that started it all, which shipped pre-installed on the original iPhone.

This version of the operating system wasn’t called iOS at the time it launched. From versions 1-3, Apple referred to it as the iPhone OS. The name shifted to iOS with version 4.

It’s hard to convey to modern readers who have lived with the iPhone for years how profound a breakthrough this version of the operating system was. Support for features like the multitouch screen, Visual Voicemail, and iTunes integration were significant advances.

While this initial release was a major breakthrough at the time, it lacked many of the features that would come to be closely associated with the iPhone in the future, including support for real third-party apps. Pre-installed apps included Calendar, Photos, Camera, Notes, Safari, Mail, Phone, and iPod (which was later split into the Music and Videos apps).

Version 1.1, which was released in Sept. 2007 was the first version of the software compatible with the iPod touch.

Key New Features:

• Visual Voicemail

• Multitouch interface

• Safari browser

• Music app

FAQ

• How can I see the version update history of an iOS app?

Go to the App store, select an app, and tap Version History. There, you will see all updates for the app, plus the date of each update.

• How can I get notifications about new versions of iOS apps?

To receive notifications about new versions of iOS apps, you must turn off automatic updates on your iOS device. Go to Settings > App Store > turn off App Updates. When you turn off automatic updates, the App Store is forced to notify you that an update is available for your iOS app.

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Software

Best AI art generators in 2024

By admin December 19, 2023

The top AI art generators in 2024

Every AI art generator you should consider using.

Best AI art generators in 2024, In just over a year, text-to-image AI art generators have gone from closed betas to being literally everywhere. What started with DALL·E 2 has grown into a huge cultural movement. AI-powered art generators that have been around for years are having a surge in popularity, and new apps with interesting takes are launching every week. It feels like pretty much everyone is generating amazing, hilarious, and downright weird images, just by typing in a prompt.

If you want to get in on the text-to-image action but aren’t sure where to start, this list will help you out. It’s a broader list than my picks for the best AI image generators in order to show off all the different angles that folks are taking with AI art generators.

Still, this isn’t an exhaustive list of every app that can make AI art. Instead, it shows off the text-to-image AI art generators that worked when I tested them, are accessible through a web app, and seem not to be scams.

The category is changing so fast that by the time you read this, there might be even more great apps available. But for now, it’s a pretty good overview of the biggest AI art apps available at the moment.

The top AI art generators

.	.	.
DALL·E 2	Prodia	StarryAI
Bing Image Creator	Leap AI	Fotor
DALL·E 3 (ChatGPT)	Craiyon	Vance AI Art Generator
DreamStudio	getimg.ai	Runway
Midjourney	Shutterstock	WOMBO Dream
Canva	Generative AI by Getty	Picsart
NightCafe	Deep Dream Generator	CF Spark Art
OpenArt	Artbreeder	Pixray
Adobe Firefly	Stablecog	Let’s Enhance
Jasper Art	DeepAI	.

How does AI art work?

The first time you enter a prompt into an AI art generator and it actually creates something that perfectly matches what you want, it feels like magic. But it turns out AI art generators don’t work using magic. They use computers, machine learning, powerful graphics cards, and a whole lot of data to do their thing.

Let’s break it down.

AI art generators take a text prompt and, as best they can, turn it into a matching image. Since your prompt can be anything, the first thing all these apps have to do is attempt to understand what you’re asking. To do this, the AI algorithms are trained on hundreds of thousands, millions, or even billions of image-text pairs. This allows them to learn the difference between dogs and cats, Vermeers and Picassos, and everything else. Different art generators have different levels of understanding of complex text, depending on the size of their training database, and some models are trained for specific purposes or only using licensed content, which affects the kinds of things they can generate.

The next step for the AI is to actually render the resulting image. There are two leading kinds of models:

• Diffusion models, like Stable Diffusion, DALL·E 2, Midjourney, and CLIP-Guided Diffusion, which work by starting with a random field of noise, and then editing it in a series of steps to match its understanding of the prompt.

• Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), like VQGAN-CLIP, BigGAN, and StyleGAN, which have been around for a few years longer.

Both kinds of models can produce great, realistic results, though diffusion models are generally better at producing weird or wild images.

Prompt: A parrot detective wearing a deerstalker hat and smoking a pipe.

While some apps are very open about which models they use, others obscure it. VQGAN-CLIP and Stable Diffusion, for example, are both open source, so there are a large number of apps that use them openly—and lots of others that don’t say anything. There are also other apps that use their own data to custom-train various open source models to give better results.

This means that many AI art generators are essentially just different user interface skins for the same art-generating algorithms. From a business point of view, this is somewhat understandable. Still, it’s annoying when you’re trying to choose which app to use (or write about them). Where possible, I’ve listed what models each app uses. When it isn’t declared, I’ve speculated, based on my experience with all these different generative AIs.

How to use AI image generation at work

Interested in AI, but not quite sure how you’d use it at work? Here are a few of the ways people are turning to AI image generation in their roles:

• Generating hero images for blog posts

• Creating social media posts

• Generating slide decks and storyboards

• Creating personalized images for customers

Learn more about how to use AI image generation at work.

29 AI art generators you can use right now

DALL·E 2

I made this with DALL·E 2 using the prompt “an impressionist oil painting of a Canadian man riding a moose through a forest of maple trees”

AI art models: DALL·E 2

Platform: Web

Pricing: $15 for 115 credits (1 credit = 1 prompt with 4 options)

DALL·E 2 is the AI art generator that kicked off this whole craze. While it no longer has a free trial, it’s still one of the most impressive apps out there. It’s simple to use and can produce great results. That’s why its API is used by so many of the other apps on this list.

That API also allows you to use DALL·E as part of your business workflows, by connecting it to thousands of other apps using Zapier. For example, you can create images based on Slack messages and send them back to Slack (or do the same in Discord) or create images for new Airtable records.

Bing Image Creator

AI art models: DALL·E 3

Platform: Web

Pricing: Free

Bing Image Creator is a result of Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI. It uses the latest DALL·E model, DALL·E 3, and it’s free (at least for now). The default styles are a little different, so it’s well worth a look, even if you’ve used DALL·E in the past.

DALL·E 3 (ChatGPT)

AI art models: DALL·E 3

Platform: Web (via ChatGPT)

Pricing: $20/month as part of ChatGPT Plus

DALL·E 3 is a serious upgrade over DALL·E 2, at least if you have a ChatGPT Plus account. Not only are the results significantly better, but controlling and instructing it through ChatGPT gives you a lot of control.

Instead of entering one prompt and having to accept the results you get, you can ask ChatGPT to make changes, add bits in, or otherwise mix things up. It makes it much simpler to get great images, even if ChatGPT doesn’t always perfectly understand your requests.

And when you connect ChatGPT to Zapier, you can add automation to your AI workflows. Learn more about how to automate ChatGPT, or get started with one of these templates.

Best AI art generators in 2024

DreamStudio (Stable Diffusion)

Jasper Art

AI art models: Doesn’t say, but appears to be based on Stable Diffusion

Platform: Web

Pricing: From $39/month for unlimited images

Jasper is better known for being one of the best AI writing generators, but it also has a decent art generator as well. It’s more expensive than a lot of the other apps on this list, but if you already use Jasper, it’s worth a look.

Other AI writing tools, like Writesonic and Rytr, also offer AI-generated art, but Jasper’s is different in that it’s more of a standalone tool.

AI art models: Stable Diffusion and other open source models

Platform: Web

Pricing: Free for 100 images per month; from $12/month for the Basic plan, with 3,000 images/month and the ability to train your own models

getting.ai is an AI art generator app with 20 open source models, including Stable Diffusion and models built from it, like OpenJourney. The biggest feature, though, is that with a paid plan, you can train your own models.

Shutterstock AI Image Generator

AI art models: DALL·E 2

Platform: Web

Pricing: Free to generate images; from $19/image to download

Stock image company Shutterstock obviously recognizes the existential threat that generative AI poses to its business—so instead of fighting, it’s partnered with OpenAI. The Shutterstock AI Image Generator is powered by DALL·E 2, and while it’s free to generate images, downloading them uses Shutterstock credits. If you have a Shutterstock plan, you should give it a try. Otherwise, it’s a very expensive way to use an AI art generator.

Generative AI by Getty Images

AI art models: Custom model developed with NVIDIA

AI art models: VQGAN-CLIP-based models

Platform: Web

Pricing: Free

Pixray is an open source art generator that uses VQGAN-CLIP-based models. While there’s an API and Python implementation, there’s also a free demo on the website. The best thing is that you can play around with all the hidden settings that go into an AI art generator if you want to learn more and see how they work.

Let’s Enhance

AI art models: Doesn’t say, but appears to be Stable Diffusion-based

Platform: Web

Pricing: Free for 10 credits/month and watermarked images; from $12/month for 100 credits/month

Let’s Enhance is an AI-powered image upscaling app that recently added an art generator. It’s still in beta, so generating images doesn’t cost anything (though saving them costs one credit).

Other categories of AI art generators

This list is focused on text-to-image art generators, but there are entire other categories of AI art makers out there. Some examples:

• Lensa’s Magic Avatars and MyHeritage’s AI Time Machine both take a series of selfies and return AI-generated portraits.

• Many text-generating apps, like Writesonic and Rytr, also include AI art generators, so you can create images to go along with your copy.

• I was only looking at web apps in this list, but there are mobile-only art generators like ArtOut, if you just want something on your smartphone.

• And then there are others, like Palette, that can colorize photos.

And these are just the AI art generators that are available now. Other companies are certainly testing their own art generators, and you could always train your own using one of the apps I mentioned that allows for that.

Which AI art generator should you use?

With so many AI art generators to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. So let me break it down:

• Midjourney is my favorite, though the free trial is temporarily paused, and using it through Discord is weird.

• DALL·E 2 is great, but it’s cheaper to access it through Bing Image Creator.

• Stable Diffusion is used in lots of different apps. The simplest way to access it is through its own app, DreamStudio.

• Firefly’s text effects are awesome, as is its integration with other Adobe tools.

• NightCafe and OpenArt are the best apps if you want to play around with different models, including some of the older GAN models.

• Deep Dream Generator is a great way to see how far art generators have come.

• Artbreeder is perhaps the weirdest art generator among a very weird series of art generators—and totally worth a look.

Otherwise, just scroll through the list and try whichever ones strike your fancy. You can’t go too far wrong.

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Application

The 9 best free photo editors in 2024

By admin December 19, 2023

The 9 best free photo editors in 2024, Tired of everything being a subscription? Need to edit a photo or make a social media graphic right now?

I get it—the cost and the impatience. Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for a reason, but there are plenty of free Photoshop alternatives out there. As a certified Creative Person, I’ve used Photoshop for over 20 years in both my corporate marketing and freelance careers and for personal projects ranging from web graphics to sarcastic t-shirt designs.

From that experience, and based on hours and hours of sifting through and testing dozens of options, I can confirm these are the best free AI photo editing apps.

The 9 best free Photoshop alternatives

• Adobe Express for easy AI features

• Canva for maintaining brand consistency across remote teams

• Pixlr E and X for an authentic Photoshop experience

• Photopea for using custom Photoshop brushes

• Sumopaint for the full Adobe apps experience on a budget

• LunaPic for powerful one-click editing tools

• PhotoRoom for product photos and eCommerce

• Krita for artists and illustrators

• Inkscape for graphic design

What makes the best free photo editor?

How we evaluate and test apps

All of our best apps roundups are written by humans who’ve spent much of their careers using, testing, and writing about software. We spend dozens of hours researching and testing apps, using each app as it’s intended to be used and evaluating it against the criteria we set for the category. We’re never paid for placement in our articles from any app or for links to any site—we value the trust readers put in us to offer authentic evaluations of the categories and apps we review. For more details on our process, read the full rundown of how we select apps to feature on the blog.

Based on my experience, here’s what the best free photo editing software offers:

• AI tools and advanced features. All apps let you adjust brightness, contrast, and crop or add a filter. To be truly in Photoshop’s class, an app needs graphic design features and the latest AI advancements to speed up your workflow.

• Ease of use. The basic layout and design of Photoshop haven’t changed much in 30 years. Why? It’s intuitive, and it works. The best free photo editor will make it equally as easy.

• Non-destructive editing. An “undo” button is great, but the true gold standard is layers.

• The ability to add text and design elements. Beyond photo edits, today’s tools also need to include graphics, trending fonts, and templates to make creating social media content easier and faster.

• 100% free. We’re trying to not pay for Photoshop here, right? There are several high-end, paid Photoshop alternatives out there, but this roundup will focus on free options, so you can edit like a pro on a student budget.

This year, I tested 40 apps before choosing the nine best to feature here. When evaluating each of them, I tested everything I usually use Photoshop for, including color-grading, toning, cropping, retouching, masking, blending modes, creating social media graphics, and adding text. I also tested the unique special effects or features of each app.

Find the best free Photoshop alternative for your needs below, based on over 35 hours of hands-on research.

The 9 best free photo editors in 2024

Best free Photoshop alternative for easy AI features

Adobe Express (Web, iOS, Android)

Adobe Express pros:

• Easy-to-use AI tools to speed up content creation

• All-in-one editor for graphics, photos, videos, animation, documents, and more

Adobe Express cons:

• Other apps offer more useful video-specific editing features

• Access to AI tools is limited in free version

If you’re already an Adobe Creative Cloud subscriber, you have access to Photoshop, so why would you use Adobe Express? Because you can take the power of Photoshop anywhere with Express’s web or mobile apps.

Plus, Adobe recently updated Express with a ton of useful AI-powered features like generative AI to create images from text prompts, one-click text effects, and smart object removal and replacement. While testing, I found Express’s AI tools to be among the best and easiest to use—a difficult combo to achieve.

Especially useful for generative AI are the dropdown options, so you don’t have to phrase your prompt just right to get the result you want, like with Midjourney and other competitors. Even so, Express translates prompts quite well. For example, writing “isolate on white background” reliably gives you a clean cutline around an object, and bam, you’ve got a transparent PNG you can use anywhere you need it.

Express has a lot to offer for those familiar with Photoshop, too. It’s got the most popular blending modes from Photoshop, with real layer-y layers, and lets you complete common tasks way easier, like removing an object or background in one click. You don’t have to painstakingly select anything—it just works.

Express has also expanded its video editing capabilities with animation options. Even I, a total animation noob, found it easy to select a layer and apply animation effects with just a few clicks in the side menu. Set it to loop, export it as a GIF, and you’ve got a great asset for social media posts or to use within longer video content.

It’s not surprising that the makers of the real Photoshop have created such a convincing Photoshop alternative.

Express enables both power users and graphics newbies alike to create everything they need in one place, including editing GIFs, videos, and PDFs. And let’s address the elephant in the room: Express’s impressive lineup of free customizable templates makes it a notable Canva alternative. For those with premium access, you also get Adobe Stock photos, Adobe Fonts, and a built-in social media post scheduler.

Because Adobe Express uses Creative Cloud libraries and storage, you can use the Creative Cloud Zapier integration to connect Express to thousands of other apps. There are tons of possibilities, like sending automatic notifications via Slack or emails to your team when you export a new Adobe Express design.

Adobe Express pricing: Free; the Premium plan is $9.99/month (automatically included for existing Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers)

Best free photo editor for maintaining brand consistency across remote teams

Canva (Web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows)

Canva pros:

• Most cohesive, useful, and easy-to-use AI photo editing tools in one place

• Best-in-class generative AI video and social media video tools for beginners

Canva cons:

• Most advanced features are for premium subscribers only

• File organization could be improved

Canva is targeted more to beginner or amateur designers, but it still does a good job of including the majority of photo edits a pro would make. Canva has always been a popular “all-rounder” photo and graphic editing app, but it’s really stepped up the game even more by launching the AI-powered Magic Studio in September 2023.

Magic Studio is, in my opinion, the best-in-class suite of AI photo editing tools available right now. It’s more advanced than Adobe Express’s (though Adobe is no slouch), and allows you to make professional-quality video, graphics, animation, presentations, documents, and more. Beyond editing, Magic Studio also includes generative AI features like text-to-image prompts and even text-to-video. Yep, write what you want to see and Canva gives you a completely AI-generated video—no camera required. When used correctly, this is a game-changer for social media content.

Magic Grab is a unique tool that works similarly to iPadOS 17’s new update, where you can tap and hold an element in a photo (person, object, etc.) and drag it out as its own transparent PNG to use in another app. This works inside Canva to cut out people or objects to use between Canva projects or easily isolate elements to export and use in other apps.

Canva has also added generative AI copywriting into the mix here with a ChatGPT-style content generator. I may side-eye it as a writer, but I can’t deny it’s a useful feature for creators and small businesses on a budget, and makes the subscription price of Canva highly competitive in cost vs. value.

Canva also includes a one-page website builder and templates to create simple landing pages, an extensive pre-made templates library offering what I think are the best-looking social media, document, and other templates, and illustrations and stock photos too. Whew.

In terms of actual editing, layers are easy to use: you can click and drag elements around independently, or behind or in front of each other. Still, Canva’s true strength is teamwork. Creating a team allows others to use assets you’ve uploaded to Canva, leave feedback, and edit designs collaboratively. The Premium plan contains the “Brand Kit” function, where you can store logos and have brand color swatches and custom fonts readily available.

But you can still achieve brand consistency on the free plan: Just keep your logo files and an image with your brand colors (including hex codes) in Uploads or a shared Google Drive/Dropbox/etc. folder imported to Canva. Your entire team will always be using the correct logo, colors, and fonts across all marketing materials, no matter where they are in the world. It’s a perfect solution for small businesses and entrepreneurs starting to build a marketing team or hiring external contributors to help with graphics.

Canva pricing: Free; the Premium plan is $14.99/month for one user or $29.99/month for up to 5 team members

Best free Photoshop alternative for an authentic Photoshop experience

Pixlr E and X (Windows, Web)

Pixlr pros:

• Text-to-image generative AI interface is great for beginners

• Most authentic Photoshop user experience

Pixlr cons:

• Features confusingly divided between two apps: Pixlr X and Pixlr E

Pixlr reproduces an authentic Photoshop layout and interface, all in a tidy, web-based app (or grab the Windows app for desktop). Or, rather, two apps: Pixlr X and Pixlr E, which is kind of confusing at first. I think they could easily combine them into one app, but it seems like Pixlr E is meant to be the “more complex photo editor” and Pixlr X the “beginner-friendly” option.

Pixlr E looks like Photoshop. You’ve got all the familiar tools along the left side and menu options up top. The Layers panel will also look familiar to Photoshop users. Layers work exceptionally well in Pixlr, including all the same blending modes and opacity settings as PS—even Soft Light.

Pixlr X is where things get a little spicier with their latest generative AI update: you can now create artwork with text-to-image prompts. It’s great for those new to AI prompting, as you can use the easy button menu on the right to refine the style, size, and more of your generated image. On the free plan, you get five images per day.

Pixlr X also contains simpler editing workflows for things like object removal or animation. This edit of my dog (who fell asleep with his tongue hanging out) took me less than 30 seconds in Pixlr X with the heal brush and clone stamp tools—and zero technical knowledge.

It’s easy to switch between Pixlr X and E as they both save projects in a combined library, so you can pop a photo into Pixlr X for a quick retouch, then switch back to Pixlr E for more advanced editing again. (Be advised: It saves into your temporary cache folder only, so cleaning your browser cache will delete them. For anything you want to keep, download it as their PXZ format, and save to your hard drive.)

Pixlr E and X pricing: Both are free to use; the premium plan, which includes both apps, is $7.99/month for 1 person, or $12.99/month for teams of 5 or more

Best free Photoshop alternative for using custom brushes

Photopea (Web)

Photopea pros:

• 100% free

• Familiar Photoshop user experience and tools

Photopea cons:

• Doesn’t have some of the AI features of other apps, like auto object removal

“Wait, how did these ads get into my Photoshop?” is what you’ll find yourself saying, only to realize you’re in a web browser.

Photopea has a dang accurate Photoshop-inspired layout, with the functions to back it up: it can open PSD files, edit RAW files, and export anything you make to PSD. And something completely unique compared to all the other apps on this list: you can import ABR files to use custom brushes.

My personal favorite? You can right-click for additional option menus. Right-clicking in a web app—what is this sorcery? Plus, check out that Layer Style window: it’s nearly identical to Photoshop.

The attention to detail in Photopea is impressive. It doesn’t feel like a web app at all, and that’s the point. While you won’t find one-click filters or AI-powered features here, Photopea is the most functional Photoshop alternative on the web today. Upgrading to a premium account gets you more online file storage and ad removal, but honestly, you don’t need to. It’s refreshing to find an app that includes all its editing features in the free plan.

Photopea pricing: Free; the premium plan is $8/month

Best Photoshop alternative for the full Adobe apps experience on a budget

Sumopaint (Web, Mac, Windows)

Sumopaint pros:

• Free, although the entire Sumo app suite is only $4/month

• Text-to-image AI prompting

Sumopaint cons:

• No masking capabilities for photo editing

If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to the Adobe suite, check out the Sumo family of apps. Sumopaint is their free Photoshop alternative, which does a great job of having all the photo editing tools you need and a simple interface.

It’s actually a great Illustrator alternative, too. You can use a mouse to click and draw, and it works on mobile devices. I tested it with my iPad and Apple Pencil, and drawing felt as easy and responsive as working in Procreate. While you may not want to digitally paint the next Van Gogh in your browser, Sumopaint is perfect for creating quick digital illustrations or drawing on top of your photos, like for YouTube thumbnails.

Sumo has added a bunch of AI tools to all its apps, which in Sumopaint includes image quality upscaling and a surprisingly good AI text-to-image generator. You get three for free with more included in the premium plan. Overall, the prompt process is a little clunkier than Adobe Express’s or Canva’s, but it yields really good results, especially when using the “negative prompts” field to write in what you don’t want the image to have. The slider for “prompt strength” is a bit mysterious without any help text to guide you, so you have to play around with each option to fine-tune your image.

Sumopaint contains everything you need to edit a photo, including adjustment sliders for exposure, color, and everything else, plus the ability to add graphic elements on separate layers and combine all that with AI-generated images.

Sumopaint is free to use, although the $4/month premium subscription to all Sumo apps is an unbeatable value for everything you need to edit your creative work, including videos, music, podcasts, and even 3D modeling.

Sumopaint pricing: Free; the entire Sumo suite of apps is $4/month

Best free photo editing app for powerful, one-click editing tools

LunaPic (Web)

LunaPic pros:

• The easiest way to accomplish advanced edits for beginners, like object removal, background blur, and more

• 100% free and web-based

LunaPic cons:

• Doesn’t save your work if you accidentally close your browser

If you can look past LunaPic’s 1990s interface, you’ll find all the tools you need here and a ton of extras, including one-click background blur, animation effects, resolution upscaling, and easy object removal.

Be sure to read the text above your image as you edit. I found it easy to overlook it, but it actually links to a lot of important features, like the cropping and background removal tools, and it’s where you’ll click “undo” when needed.

A really unique feature is the Animation menu. These are well-done effects that are perfect to turn a photo into a GIF or short video (AVI, MP4, or MPG format) to use in TikToks or Reels. Best of all, they’re all automatic. Just one click, and LunaPic animates it. So easy.

Since we know the algorithms favor videos over photos right now, these effects can really boost your social marketing efforts. Personal favorites include “Snowfall” and “In Focus.” Another favorite feature: focus adjustment. You can sharpen slightly out-of-focus photos without getting that over-sharpened look with “Adjust Focus” and give any photo an iPhone portrait-mode makeover with “Auto Blur Background.” LunaPic does a great job of isolating your subject, but I suggest keeping the background blur under about 50% to keep the effect looking as natural as possible.

Subject masking and object removal work surprisingly well. Go to Edit > Smart Object Removal, loosely brush over the thing you want to remove, and click Remove at the top. This took me only a few seconds for results that would take me ages (and a lot more clicks) in Photoshop with the clone stamp tool.

At first, LunaPic’s UI made me cringe, but the longer I spent using it, the more it grew on me. It’s the perfect mix of advanced tools and one-click simplicity.

LunaPic pricing: Free

Best free photo editing app for product photos and eCommerce

PhotoRoom (iOS, Android, Web)

PhotoRoom pros:

• Batch mode saves a ton of time creating product photos

• High quality background removal and swaps to create professional-looking product scenes

PhotoRoom cons:

• Free version doesn’t include many background swap options

If you sell products online, you need PhotoRoom. While you can edit exposure, color, and more with PhotoRoom, its most powerful features are aimed at eCommerce sellers, including automatic background removal, background swaps, a full range of t-shirt and other mockups, and platform-specific size templates for Etsy, Poshmark, eBay, and other popular marketplaces.

Oddly, simple things like being able to resize an image, are premium features, although you could simply export your finished photo and resize or crop it for free in another app, or natively with your phone’s Photos app.

PhotoRoom has tons of social media-ready templates for retailers to promote Black Friday sales, new collections, or upcoming launches. My favorite feature is the instant background swap. When you upload a product photo, PhotoRoom automatically scans it and accurately removes your existing background in less than a second—and you can swap in any of their flatlay or scene backgrounds. The end result doesn’t automatically scream “fake background” and is high enough quality to use as product photos on your website and across social media.

But the key feature that makes PhotoRoom a must-have for sellers is Batch Mode. Yep, upload a bunch of product photos at once, and PhotoRoom will isolate them, swap out the background, and export them ready to use. Mega time savings.

For even more time savings, connect PhotoRoom with Zapier to automatically remove the background of every photo you put into a specific folder or record.

Remove backgrounds and update new images in Google Drive with PhotoRoom

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Google Drive, Filter by Zapier, PhotoRoom

Google Drive + Filter by Zapier + PhotoRoom

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Remove backgrounds with PhotoRoom from new Airtable records and update them

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Airtable, PhotoRoom

Airtable + PhotoRoom

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These automations work with any cloud storage provider that integrates with Zapier, including Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, and more.

PhotoRoom pricing: Free for up to 250 exports; $14.99/month for unlimited exports and additional features.

Best free photo editing app for artists and illustrators

Krita (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Krita pros:

• Advanced brush library for artists

• 100% free and open source

Krita cons:

• Clunkier process for photo editing adjustments than other photo-specific apps

The interface of Krita is similar to Photoshop, although I found the brush selection and customization panel much easier to use. This really struck me when I went back to using Photoshop after testing Krita for a bit. By default, brushes are nested right underneath the layers panel (though you can customize windows any way you like), and you can choose from many predefined brush styles, from sketching pencils to watercolor brushes and more.

In both Krita and Photoshop, you can customize each brush and add your own custom brushes or import downloaded ones, but this out-of-the-box brush panel is so well thought out, I can’t imagine needing to change them. Of course, many digital painters and illustrators would most likely want to customize these more than me.

When combined with a connected desktop drawing tablet, Krita is a powerful drawing app that can handle professional workflows. It also does a great job with photo editing, though adjusting things like exposure and colors isn’t as straightforward as photo-specific apps like Lightroom. However, Krita’s built-in noise reduction effect is better at cleaning up high ISO or background noise than some paid app options (I recommend keeping it under 25% for the most natural look).

Krita also has many advanced capabilities, like enabling you to code your own automated tasks in Python and animation features, and it can open and save PSD format files, so you can work in Photoshop at work and Krita at home.

Overall, Krita’s feature set makes it better for artists than photographers, but it can still take care of any graphics or photo editing task. The best part? It’s completely free and open source.

Krita pricing: Free

Best free photo editing app for graphic design

Inkscape (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Inkscape pros:

• Advanced path, stroke, drawing, and typography tools

• Automated pattern creation

• 100% free and open source

Inkscape cons:

• A bit intimidating to learn for newbies and non-designers

At first glance, Inkscape is quite different from Photoshop. It definitely has a stronger focus on graphics vs. photos, containing lots of tools for geometric pattern design, shape creation, and alignment.

While I’m not a pro designer, I did find Inkscape’s pen tool easier to use than Photoshop’s version. At first, I thought I must be sooo good at selecting all the points around my dog above to isolate him from the background. The lines seemed to follow his curves perfectly, and once I completed the path, Inkscape automatically selected him with perfect separation from the background. Turns out Inkscape is smart enough to see the little details I missed when creating the path around him, like little furs sticking out and the shape of his ears, to create a proper subject mask even from my quick and sloppy pen path. It made me feel like a pro.

With my subject mask created, Inkscape allows for finely detailed edits like exposure and color control on just my dog while leaving the background untouched, or the reverse—both pro photo editing features I deem necessary in any editing app.

Graphic designers will find even more to love about Inkscape, with advanced path, stroke, vector illustration, calligraphy, and typography tools to achieve any art or design project you can think of—absolutely free.

Inkscape pricing: Free

Which free Photoshop alternative should you use?

The right free Photoshop alternative for you depends on what you need most. Do you need generative AI to create graphics and photorealistic scenes out of thin air? Do you need pro-level noise control and coloring tools for your photography? Do you need done-for-you templates you can easily customize for social media or your website?

Since these are all free, you can try out the ones that seem like they might be a good fit for you until you find the shoe that fits.

There are so many more free Photoshop alternatives out there that didn’t make this list. A few I tested and recommend for specific types of users include:

• Hotpot for free AI image generation

• Capture One Express for Fujifilm photographers looking for the best Fuji RAW format editor

• Lensa for free AI-powered portrait art for social media

Or, if you’re willing to pay for your photo editing software, take a look at this list of the best AI photo editors.

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