How we rate the Best Gaming Headsets

Headphones are an integral part of every serious gamer. It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional gamer or just doing it for fun, but with a good set of headphones, your gaming experience gets a major boost. You see, it’s in the fine details that things are usually interesting. Whether you are trying to coordinate an attack in a single multi-player game or if you simply want to get more from your single-player Call of Duty missions, a top-tier set of headphones will make sure that nothing is taken away from your experience. High-quality headphones are also very exciting to have in those adventurous, open world games such as Days Gone. Personally, I cannot imagine having waited all this long for The Last of Us Part II and do injustice to the game by playing it through mediocre headsets! Proper headphones totally transom your surrounding immersing you into the game which allows you to hear every single detail from a flying leaf, a breaking twig to the deafening sounds of assault rifles. This, my friends, is what gaming is all about.

So, what are some of the best gaming headsets in the market? The good news is that there are so many options to choose from. The better news is that there is virtually something for everyone, whether you have a fat or tight budget. The sad news is that everything comes down to how much money you have to spare. This means that to get the best headsets that tick every possible box, you’ll have to spend a good amount of money. This will also allow you to get versatile headsets that you can also use for other purposes. With a tight budget, your options are a bit limited, but you still have a good number of affordable headsets to choose from.

Everything considered, here are the top 3 gaming headsets that are designed to deliver the ultimate gaming experience:

1. SteelSeries Arctis 7 Lossless Wireless Gaming Headsets (2019 Edition)

Why should you buy it? Well, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition is the best gaming headset in every possible way. It’s really as simple as that, and this is not just based on our tests but also on the vast user-reviews of all the gamers who use these headsets on a daily basis.

These wireless headphones are perfectly designed for both PS4 and PC gaming. The audio quality is excellent with zero interference and ultra-low latency. However, PC gamers are likely to get more from these headsets than their counterparts courtesy of the 360-degree DTS X v2.07.1 surround sound. The clarity here is unbeatable thanks to the S1 speaker drivers, and the best part is that it delivers even the finest of details which means that you are not just playing the game, but you are actually living it.

In case you are into trash talking your opponents on FIFA19 or any other game then the Discord-certified ClearCast Microphone will give you the perfect opportunity to do so. The microphone offers studio-quality clarity with optimal noise cancellation making sure that your conversations and surrounding is not inconveniencing your opponents.

In terms of designing and comfort, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 also performs very well. It features airweave ear cushions that are not just ideal for keeping your ears cool, but they also help to eliminate pressure points. The suspension band designing is also well thought-out to blend with a typical head’s contours. In summary, you can expect to wear these headphones for prolonged periods without experiencing any discomfort issues.

The headset comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery that can last you through 24 hours.

Feature

• Easy-to-use audio controls
• On-headset ChatMix dial that you can use to adjust the chat and game volume
• You can wire the headsets and use them with other non-USB audio devices
• Vast personalization features
• Can be used with various apps including Spotify and Discord

2. HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset

Why should you buy it? The Hyper Cloud Alpha Gaming headsets present high-quality audio clarity with all the essential features at a very reasonable price, making it an affordable yet decent option for everyone on a tight budget.

We also found the HyperX Cloud Alpha quite loud, but the good news is that the bass is perfectly balanced to make sure that overall clarity remains top notch.

We must also mention how comfortable these headsets feel. It features award-winning memory foam that is designed to readjust according to the shape of your ears. This makes sure that your ears are covered properly with sufficient pressure to block you from external noises without causing any discomforts. You can even go a whole day of The Division 2 without getting any aches in or around your ears.

HyperX Cloud Alpha is designed with an aluminum frame which doesn’t really feel very premium, but it gets the job done nonetheless. The frame is also very sturdy, and hence, you can expect the headsets to remain stable and functional for a very long time.

Something else really brilliant about these headsets is vast compatibility. While some gaming headsets-including our top pick above is limited to two or less gaming platforms, the HyperX Cloud Alpha headsets can be used with PC, PS4 Pro, PS4, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox One, Mobile and all other platforms fitted with a 3.5mm port. It can even be used with Nintendo Switch.

With the headset also comes a detachable microphone with excellent noise cancellation. Since it is detachable, you can unplug it and use the headset for your regular music needs.

Features

• In-line audio controls
• 65 ohms impedance
• HyperX Dual Chamber Drivers
• Multi-platform compatibility
• Detachable braided cable
• Signature HyperX comfort

3. HyperX Cloud Revolver S Gaming Headset

Why should you buy it? The HyperX Cloud Revolver S is a superb choice for everyone who is looking for the best-wired gaming headset in the market. It offers a premium feel with vast features while remaining easy to use and very comfortable to wear.

The HyperX Cloud Revolver has to be the best-wired gaming headset in the market for very good reasons. It offers three types of connections that include dual 3.5mm, 3.5mm, and a wired USB. With these three options, the headset can be connected and work perfectly with virtually every gadget out there. The best part? You won’t need to download any drivers or software to get it working. All you have to do is plug it in, sit back and get into some serious gaming.

While all the connection types have the excellent audio quality courtesy of the stereo mix, users of the USB connection are likely to get more from the headphones thanks to the control dongle and inbuilt sound card which comes with features such as EQ settings and Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound.

The HyperX Cloud Revolver S has generous padding to eliminate pressure points. Combine this with the auto-fitting headband, and you will get to enjoy comfortable and prolonged gaming sessions. The overall designing is quite sturdy, and hence you can expect to use the headset for a long time before you’re forced back into the market for a replacement.

Features

• Detachable mic with background noise reduction (Discord certified)
• Comfortable memory foam
• Closed ear cups to reduce external noises
• Vocal equalizer modes allow you to switch from gaming audio setup to movies, music, and streaming
• Clippable audio control box with backlit buttons for easy controls

Buying a Gaming Headset

In coming up with the above picks, we subjected a good number of gaming headsets to several tests to see how well they perform in terms of audio quality, comfort, and overall performance.

In audio quality, we used the headset with various games to see how well they captured the different game’s atmospheres. We tested the headsets with some of the best adventure, action, and shooting games, and the above three headphones came out on top. We also used the headsets to watch movies and listen to the music of different genres. This helps in knowing how reliable the headsets can be for other purposes.

Gaming is a fun experience, and it is very easy to get carried away and even find yourself spending the entire night in front of a monitor. This means that you need to take care of yourself to avoid experiencing discomforts; after all, gaming is supposed to be a fun experience. Well, not unless you find yourself 3-nil down barely 20 minutes into a FIFA19 match. There is no fun in that, and the easiest way out is to close the connection :-). Anyway, taking care of yourself means getting the most comfortable headsets possible. This means extra padding with the best memory foam. We also look into what the frames are made of and how well they fit with various head shapes.

While checking ear padding, it’s crucial that a headset tries to block as much noise as possible from the outside world. This helps in immersing you into the game with less distraction.

Microphones are also very important. The gaming headsets must have excellent microphones with noise blocking capabilities. They must also produce quality audio for better communication with your colleagues and opponents.

Finally, we go a step further to check the additional features that come with the headsets. For wireless headsets, we always check on battery life and range to see how convenient and practical they are. We also investigate the compatibility of the headsets with various gaming platforms. Ideally, you should get a headset that you can use with all the various consoles you can get your hands on plus a PC.

How we rate the best smartwatch

Remember when watches were all about telling time? Like the only reason that you would check your wrist watch is just to see whether it’s finally time to clock out of your 9-5? Those were days when things were simple until tech companies started to change everything we knew about watches.

The concept of a watch being able to do more than just telling time is very exciting. However, not everyone is fascinated by these developments. Some people still want that elegant but straightforward analog watch whose sole purpose is to read time and perhaps tell what day it is. The truth, however, is that the smartwatch universe has been getting really interesting, thus pulling in more and more people. Even the biggest corporates including Samsung, Apple, Huawei, and other companies are now committing serious resources and fighting each other on who can develop the best smartwatch.

For the buyers, this competition is good news. The simple reason for that is that in the end, there will be more options to choose from. But then this results in another unexpected challenge; how do you know which one is the best? Just because a gadget is coming from Apple or Samsung doesn’t mean that it is actually the best. In fact, there are some brilliant smartwatches out here that are not even made by popular brands. If you are less interested with the brand name and more interested in what the watch actually has to offer, then you would get down to the unique features of the smartwatches in question.

So, which are the best Smartwatches in the market at the moment?

Top 3 Smartwatches

Finding the best smartwatch can be very challenging. This has been made even more difficult by the significant variation in prices. Depending on how much you are willing to spend, you can get a rather basic smartwatch or an extremely sophisticated one with lots of apps and functions. In this review, we covered the best smartwatches in terms of performance and compatibility.

1. Samsung Gear S3 Frontier Smartwatch

It doesn’t come as much of a surprise that one of Samsung’s Gear series smartwatches is at the top of our list. Samsung has been making incredible smartwatches over the years, and Gear 3 is perhaps the best one yet. This watch combines years of expertise with modern technology to deliver fantastic performance that can barely be matched by any other smartwatch in the market.

Looking at the external design, you’ll realize that it is a premium device. It looks, feels, and definitely works as a premium watch. Sadly, the price tag is also premium, but it all makes sense given the sort of features that it packs. As at the time of this review, the watch was going for over $235. This is higher than most of the other smartwatches in the market today. However, when you unpack the watch and start using it, you will realize that it is really worth the price.

One concern most people had about this watch was the operating system. Most smartwatches in the market today operate on Android Wear. It’s a very common OS that everyone is familiar with, but most importantly, it offers vast applications and compatibility options. Unlike these smartwatches, the Gear S3 runs on Tizen, an Operating System from Samsung. While the system is not the hardest to work with, it is very challenging when it comes to the options you get in terms of apps. This is perhaps the biggest challenge about the Samsung Gear S3. The good news is that Samsung is constantly releasing upgrades which improve its functionality and compatibility with other devices. For instance, you can now create Spotify playlists and save them offline. You have a 4GB storage at your disposal for all of that.

Something else amazing about this smartwatch is the display. Samsung smartphones have a brilliant display, and so do their watches. The Gear S3 has amazing animated displays that you’ll find very pleasing to the eye. The interface is also very intuitive. I personally enjoyed interacting with this smartwatch, and there are very few alternatives that I can compare it to.

Pros

• Excellent display
• Premium build quality
• Resistant to extreme temperatures, dust, and water
• Features lots of activity trackers and sensors
• You can use it with voice commands

Cons

• The options when it comes to applications is minimal

In summary, if your budget for a smartwatch is between $230 to $250 and you are willing to compromise a bit on apps, then the Samsung Gear S3 is your best pick.

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch

The Samsung Galaxy Watch is arguably the best smartwatch in the market at the moment. This smartwatch packs everything right with the Gear Series, and then Samsung has gone a step further to increase the apps, battery life, and a dozen other features. The Galaxy watch is more than just a basic smartwatch. It is a statement.

The Galaxy Watch comes in two sizes of 46mm and 42mm. The 46 smartwatch is available in only one color (silver) while you can get the 42mm galaxy watch in midnight black or rose gold. The size and color, but one thing are consistent; build quality. The Galaxy watch retails at $350 (which is a lot), and the overall feel and appearance of the watch have a premium vibe to it.

The Galaxy watch also comes with interchangeable straps. You can easily change your overall appearance by merely switching one strap with another. 

The galaxy watch more than impressed us when we got down to the functions and features on offer. First of all, the smartwatch is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. This allows you to pair the watch with all the popular smartphones via Bluetooth. It can be paired with Android devices with Android 5.0 or higher (1.5Gb Ram and above) and iOS 9.0 and above (iPhone 5 and above).

One of the biggest selling points of the Galaxy Watch is its battery life. The bigger watch is fitted with a 472mAh battery while the other one is 270mAh. When the batteries are fully charged, both of these smartwatches should go for days before you are forced to recharge them. When the time for charging the smartwatches comes, you should be able to do so conveniently through WPC-based wireless charger.

The Galaxy Watch has an internal memory of 4GB and a 1.5Gb RAM.

Pros

• Excellent battery life
• Incredible display
• Can be used with voice commands
• Vast compatibility

Cons

• Some people found the charger annoying
• They could have done a better job with the Bixby

3. Apple Watch Series 4

If you are an iPhone user looking for a smartwatch, then the Apple Watch Series 4 is hands down your best pick! This Apple series features some of the best smartwatches from iPhone and their latest gadgets ticks every box.

With this watch, you get a bigger and better OLED screen. It’s insane how great this display is, but then again we are talking about Apple here so you shouldn’t expect anything less.

Another benefit of a bigger display is that viewing notifications and navigating through the various functions of the watch has become even easier. The watchOS 5 system perfectly completes the smartwatch. It’s highly intuitive and very easy to use. The overall performance of the watch has received a significant boost through the impressive S4 dual-core processor.

In the department of sensors and trackers, the Apple Watch Series doesn’t disappoint. You will have access to heart rate sensors and GPS. The heart rate tracker also has an ECG feature that monitors the risk for atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rate). This should issue you with early warnings to help you seek medical assistance on time. The watch is also programmed with a fall detection feature that will prove very useful in case you take an impact.

To make your fitness life more fruitful, Apple has included several workout plans for the watch. You will also receive motivational notifications to boost your commitment towards your fitness goals.

The major issue with the Apple Watch Series 4 is the battery life. When compared to the Galaxy Watch, the battery here looks like a total joke. After a full charge, the Series 4 can only give you 18 hours of use! That’s really poor, and the only way you can extend the battery life is by turning on the power-saving mode which switches off all functions except the time.

Pros

• It is very lightweight
• It has a brilliant display
• The screen is also quite large
• Accepts voice commands

Cons

• It’s expensive. At the time of this review, the smartwatch was going for over $400
• It has a terrible battery life

Smartwatch Buyers Guide

Like we mentioned earlier on, price is a significant issue when shopping for a smartwatch. For instance, in our top three picks, the cheapest smartwatch goes for slightly over $230, which may seem affordable to you, but it could be beyond some else’s reach. So, how do you make sure everyone is catered for? Simple; what people need is a buyer’s guide highlighting the crucial factors or features that you need to look into when purchasing a smartwatch. This is vital for everyone including guys with a bigger budget because unless you know what to look for, you can easily end up spending a considerable amount of your money on something that’s well below the desired standards.

With that said, here are the crucial factors to consider when buying a smartwatch:

1. Sensors and Fitness Trackers – The ideal smartwatch should have as many sensors and trackers as possible. It’s worth noting that to get the best and most sensors will probably require you to dig deeper into your pockets.
2. Media Playback – This should bring entertainment closer to you.
3. Voice Commands – It brings convenience to your life.
4. Customization – The ability to customize a smartwatch in various ways is essential. You should be able to personalize a smartwatch with different faces from different developers.

How do we rate the Best Earbuds?

Earbuds offer an incredible opportunity to enjoy high-quality music from virtually anywhere in the world. Even though most earbuds don’t match the quality and overall performance of top-tier headphones, they still perform relatively well plus they are less bulky, more affordable and offer excellent flexibility. This shouldn’t be interpreted to mean that all headphones are better than earbuds. That’s not correct. There are quite a lot of earbuds that offer excellent sound quality that beats over half the headphones in the market. Take the Bose QuietComfort 20i Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones, for instance; the earbuds are designed to fit in your ears perfectly to block as many outside noises as possible. This provides the room for the high-res speakers to deliver unbeaten clarity into your ears. When placed side by side with some of the expensive headphones in the market today, these earbuds can comfortably put the headphones to shame. 

The earbuds industry is just like any other in that to get the very best you will have to part ways with a considerable amount of cash. Therefore, guys with a big budget will have more options to choose from. If you are operating on a tight budget, your options will be a bit limited, but the good news is that there’s still a couple of decent picks at your disposal.

We have tested and tried dozens of earbuds from different price points. We then picked the very best earbuds that come highly recommended for various reasons as you are going to see.

 1. Bose QuietComfort 20i Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

Headphones have, for the longest time beat earbuds when it comes to noise canceling. A lot of earbuds have tried to improve on this department, but none of them could really do it as well as most headphones do. The Bose QuietComfort 20i has completely changed that. These buds are designed to rival the best full-sized headphones as far as noise reduction goes, and the best part is that they beat more than half of the headphones in the market at the moment. The buds utilize Bose’s ANC technology, which cancels all the unwanted noises coming from the outside world.

Of course, there are moments when you would want to be aware of what’s going on around you. It would be a significant inconvenience if you would have to remove the earbuds altogether for this purpose. It’s for this reason that Bose has also programmed an Aware Mode into the earbuds. This allows you to hear what’s going on around you without taking off the earbuds, and neither will you have to switch off your music completely.

Noise canceling is crucial but not as vital as audio quality is. I mean, of what use would an earbud be if they completely shielded you from outside noises just so they can bust your eardrums with scratchy and unclear sounds? Bose QuietComfort 20i features exclusive Bose technologies that produce warm sounds with excellent clarity. The Sound may feel a bit too digitized once in a while (depending on the audio format), but for the most part, the audio quality is usually superb.

The external designing of the buds is also well thought-out. They feature comfortable Stay Hear+ tips that secure the buds in place, allowing you to move and engage in other activities without worrying about the buds coming off. They are also very comfortable to wear even for prolonged periods.

The Bose QuietComfort 20i comes with a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that offers 16 hours of use. The earbuds can be recharged using a USB cable which is also included in the package. Take note that its wired connectivity allows you to use the earbuds even when the battery runs out.

They also come with an inline remote that allows you to control your iPod, iPhone, or iPod more conveniently.

Verdict: For around $249, Bose QuietComfort 20i have arguably the best noise-canceling ability of any earbuds in the market at the moment. The sound quality is also excellent, and they are super comfortable to wear. It, therefore, goes without saying that the QuietComfort 20i is well worth it.

2. Jabra Elite Active 65t Alexa Enabled True Wireless Sports Earbuds

If you are looking for the best sounding and most comfortable true wireless earbuds, then the Jabra Elite Active 65T is one of your best picks. True wireless earbuds are slowly making their mark in the market. We’ve already seen numerous companies release various true wireless earbuds, including Apple’s AirPods. From all these choices, the Jabra Elite Active 65T comes out victorious not just due to the flexibility that comes with having no wires but also due to how remarkably they perform as far as comfort and audio quality goes.

The sound quality is simply incredible. The earbuds produce perfectly balanced Sound with a punchy bass response and equally great treble. The audio output has received a significant boost from the excellent noise cancellation.

On a single charge, the Jabra Elite Active 65t will give you up to 5 hours of use. This isn’t much, but the good news is that the earbuds come with a charging case that gives you an additional 10 hours. The best part? The charging case is a supercharge that can give you 2 hours of use after just 30 minutes of charging!

The earbuds are also fitted with motion sensors. These are very useful, especially among fitness enthusiasts who are looking for earbuds that offer more than just entertainment. With the three different ear tips, everyone should be able to get a good seal whether they are just listening to music while undertaking regular tasks or if they are engaged in workouts and other physical activities that require a firmer seal.

The Jabra Elite Active 65t earbuds support different smart assistants. You can interact with the Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Siri to access various settings of the earbuds and other gadgets. The Sound + app from Jabra also allows you to personalize the earbuds by customizing the equalizer.

Finally, we have to mention that the Elite Active 65T is IP56 rated. These protect the earbuds from dust and sweat. As a result, you can work out with the earbuds and use them under unfavorable weather conditions without worrying about their performance or durability.

Verdict: Jabra Elite Active 65T is made for everyone who’s looking for high-quality earbuds for both regular and active use. They’re water and dustproof, which helps to increase their durability significantly. They also produce dynamic treble and superb bass, yet the best part is that you can personalize the buds through the equalizer. Everything considered the Elite Active 65T is your best pick if you are looking for true wireless earbuds.

3. 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones

The 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones are the best choice for everyone in need of excellent earbuds within an affordable price range. For less than $80, you will get these little beasts which feature solid construction, ergonomic design and top-tier audio quality which left us wondering how exactly the Chinese based company, 1More, managed to pull this off.

1more partnered with a Grammy award-winning sound engineer, Luca Bignardi, to fine tune these earbuds for accurate and precise sounds. The earphones incorporate three drivers; a dynamic driver and two balanced armatures. These work together to deliver powerful bass and dynamic highs for the ultimate listening experience.

The ergonomic design of the earphones makes sure that nothing is taken away from your experience. First of all, you will get to choose between 9 different sets of ear tip sizes. This makes sure that everyone gets something that doesn’t just fit but one that is also very comfortable. With the size, you shouldn’t experience any issues of the earbuds falling off your ears and neither will you feel any discomforts.

With the earphones comes inline remote control that can be used to select songs and adjust the volume. You can also take calls through the control, and the MEMs microphone makes sure that the person on the other end of the call hears you clearly with no background static.

As an extra, 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones will come with a beautiful magnetic clasping traveling case and an equally attractive storage case.

Verdict: The 1More Triple Driver earphones are hands down the best affordable earphones you can get in the market today.

How to pick the Best Chromebook for your needs

The very best laptops in the market can cost you in excess of $1000. This is quite a lot of money, but if you really want that full windows or Mac experience while performing multiple functions, then you have no option but to dig deep and get the laptops. However, the truth is that not everyone is into performing multiple tasks onto their laptops. Some people barely do more than just web browsing on their laptops. There is also a group of people who are looking for a secondary laptop for basic web functions. A laptop that is portable enough to be taken into business meetings overseas without being overly bulky. For such individuals, spending more than $1000 on a laptop is not the wisest financial decision they can make. If you are in such a scenario, then what you need is a Chromebook.

Chromebooks have come a long way. Not only are they a portable and affordable alternative to laptops, but they are also trying to pack powerful CPUs and a myriad of other advanced features to enhance the user’s overall experience. For instance, the best Chromebooks – some of which we are going to review in a bit – come with IPS display for sharper images while others are designed with carbon-fiber chassis making them even lighter than some of the smartphones in the market. Some Chromebooks have taken the game to the next level by adding 128GB SSD, which has increased their capacity, speed, and overall performance.

Therefore, Chromebook shoppers are spoilt of choices with each Chromebook packing vast features. This brings us to a vital question:

What aspects should you consider when buying a Chromebook?

Processor

A processor is an integral part of any laptop. It determines how fast operations are executed and will also affect your ability to multi-task. Therefore, if you know that your work demands a lot of multi-tasking and that you don’t want your experience ruined by slow performance, then you need to invest on a Chromebook with a powerful processor. This means that you should look out for Core i3 or even i5 if they are using Intel Core CPUs. Bear in mind that a powerful processor translates to a higher price tag. 

If you are not going to use your Chromebook on any tasks beyond basic browsing with a maximum of two tabs open at any given time, then you can save a lot of cash by settling on Pentium or Celeron CPU. However, I’d advise you to go for a more powerful processor even though you may not need it now. This will prove very beneficial in the future as your needs grow.

Display

Currently, you can get Chromebook with screen sizes ranging from 10 to 15 inches. It’s all up to you to decide what size fits with your needs and preferences.

Like I pointed out earlier on, Chromebooks displays have been improving drastically. While most of them come with the standard 1080p (190 by 1080) display, you can get even better resolution if you can afford the high-end Chromebooks available out there. If you are on a tight budget, you can compromise a bit and go for a Chromebook with slightly lower resolution and save a few dollars while at it. After all, Chromebooks are basically designed for web browsing and other standard functions, so having the very best display may not be reasonable since you’re probably not going to spend so much time with them anyway.

Storage

The standard eMMC-based storage of 64GB or 32GB is usually enough for most on-device storage needs. You can store most of your other files in the cloud. If you need more in storage, you can look out for a Chromebook with an SD slot or buy the premium ones that come with bigger SSD. 

Connectivity

This is a very crucial factor, particularly to guys who are hoping to use their Chromebooks to do presentations. For such purposes, you need to look for a Chromebook with video output connections such as HDMI. You’ll also want to get other connectivity ports such as USB slots that you can use to plug in a mouse or other peripherals. A USB-C port is highly appreciated.

Battery Life

Of course, you want a Chromebook with the longest battery life possible to make your experience more convenient. The last thing you’d want is to start searching for a power outlet in the middle of your business or academic presentation.

Other factors to consider include:

• Android app compatibility
• Weight
• Keyboard and trackpad
• Touchscreen
• 360-degree hinge
• Price

Top 3 Chromebooks

ASUS C302CA-DHM4 Chromebook

The ASUS C302CA has been around for just over 2 years now yet it is still a top performer even when it is compared side by side with some of the latest Chromebooks. The trackpad features a sleek and compact body, weighing just 2.65lbs, making it highly portable.

Speaking of portability, you’re probably going to spend so much time on the road with this gadget and to make sure that it doesn’t get damaged in the process, Asus has made the external body with professional-grade aluminum.

The display is also the sturdy Corning Gorilla Glass illuminating images in 1080p. At 12.5” the display is also decent enough for your needs and the 360-degree hinge means that you can use the Chromebook in either laptop or tablet mode. Yes, it’s a touchscreen Chromebook.

The ASUS C302CA operates on the fast Intel Core processors. You will get 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage. The processor makes the Chromebook ideal not just for official duties, but you can also get some great entertainment from it.

The full-size keyboard on C302CA is backlit with minimal key float and just 1.4mm of key travel. This should make your typing experience very smooth. Also, the touchpad has been designed to differentiate palm contact while you’re typing from an actual fingertip. This eliminates the menace that is moving the cursor accidentally while typing.

The ASUS C302CA excels when it comes to connectivity. You’ll get a myriad of wireless connectivity options and ports including the fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 3.1 Type-C, audio jack, and Micro SD slot.

Other Features

• 10-hours battery life
• Built-in antivirus
• Anti-glare display panel
• Light sensors
• Touchscreen
• Android apps compatibility

Google Pixelbook

If you have several hundreds of dollars to spare for a Chromebook, then your best pick is perhaps the Google Pixelbook. This Chromebook starts at around $800, which is quite a lot, but its performance should convince you that it is worth every penny.

The pixel book runs on Core i5, 8 gigs of RAM and 128GB SSD, meaning that it has one of the most powerful processors you’d find in any Chromebook. This also means that it performs a lot better compared to most of the other laptops in the market operating on Intel Core i5 and 4Gb of RAM. The craziest part is that you can decide to boost the processor further to Core i7 and 16GB of RAM! How many other Chromebooks in the market pack such figures?

Apart from the insane processor, the Google Pixelbook will also impress you with the versatile 12.3” display designed with Corning Gorilla Glass. It allows you to switch between different modes depending on what you are doing to enhance your experience. The different modes include a laptop, tent, tablet, and entertainment modes. Needless to say that it is a 360-degree touchscreen display.

The backlit keyboard makes it easy for you to perform your tasks in the dark. You will also get a “Pixelbook Pen,” which allows you to write and draw on the screen.

One of the most interesting features of Google Pixelbook is the Voice Commands. This is the first laptop to integrate the Google Assistant. With the assistant comes lots of convenience in your everyday tasks as she can get you answers and execute tasks through your voice commands.

Other Features

• 10-hours battery life (15-minutes charge will give you 2-hours of use)
• Built-in antivirus
• Compatible with many apps
• Two USB 3.0
• 2.45lbs weight

Lenovo Chromebook C330

The Lenovo Chromebook C330 is a stylish and elegant Chromebook that packs more than just good looks. The 360-degree hinge allows you to use the Chromebook in a laptop or tablet mode. The screen is an 11.6″ HD IPS display. Sure, this is a smaller screen as compared to most other Chromebooks, but it also means that it is the most compact and portable Chromebook measuring just 11.5 x 0.77 x 8.48 inches and a mere 2.64lbs in weight.

The Lenovo C330 also performs well above average. It operates on MediaTek MT 8173C processor, 4GB LPDDR3 and 64GB eMMC. This ensures decent performance on standard daily tasks and also on some fairly intensive multi-tasking functions. The Lenovo Chromebook C330 also offers an extra 100GB of cloud storage.

The Chromebook provides various options as far connectivity is concerned. You will get full I/O support, USB-C, SD slot and USB 3.0.

Other Features

• 1366 X 768 pixels display
• 2.64lbs
• 10-hours battery life
• Touch display
• Built-in antivirus

How to pick the Best Free VPN for your needs

Virtual Private Network is an excellent way of masking your online activities. VPNs hide your IP address thus making it impossible, or rather hard, for hackers to pinpoint your location or see your activities when you are online. Another benefit of VPNs is that they help one to go around geo-restrictions. If you are in a region where you cannot access content such as US Netflix, BBC, and other media, you can easily bypass all the restrictions by using a VPN.

Here is the thing, though, to get the best VPN services, you’ll have to spend some money. I’m talking about VPNs that have thousands of servers spread across different regions in the world with tens of thousands of shared IP addresses. Even more important, paid VPNs are usually more reliable when you want some assurances that your logs won’t be retained by the provider. The problem is that not everyone can afford to pay for a VPN. There’s also a possibility that you are traveling to some region for some time and you’d like some privacy on your online activities and hence investing in a paid VPN doesn’t make financial sense. In such instances, you’re better off checking out a free VPN.

It doesn’t matter what the reason is for seeking a free VPN, but once you decide to go down this road, then you need to tread very carefully. That’s because free VPNs are notorious for selling users’ data, and this can leave you very vulnerable. It’s, therefore, paramount that you check on the reputation of the provider before committing yourself.

Top 3 Free VPN

1.Hotspot Shield

If I was to pick just one free VPN that I can trust and rely on, then it will be Hotspot Shield. The VPN is very secure and extremely fast. Hotspot Shield does not just market itself as having ‘military-grade encryptions’ for the sake of luring in customers, but it is actually a claim that is tested and proven. In our security and privacy tests, Hotspot Shield performed well above average. Their no-logs policy also means that you don’t have to worry about your data ending up in the wrong hands as there won’t be any data available, to begin with.

Its excellent speeds are guaranteed to give you a smooth online experience. With Free Hotspot shield, you will receive 500mb data every day. This may seem small, but you will find it very generous when you start comparing it to other alternatives in the market. 

Another reason to love Hotspot Shield is the fact that you can use it on up to 5 different gadgets. The best part is that it can run on various platforms such as iOS, Android, and Windows. There is also a version of it that can be used on Chrome. Whether you are planning on using them on your mobile devices or on your pc, you will find these applications very user-friendly.

Drawbacks of Hotspot Shield

Hotspot shield has to get generate revenue somehow to remain in business. For this purpose, the VPN relies on ads. Therefore, you can expect to see lots of advertisements while using Hotspot Shield. They can get really annoying at times.

Another issue with Hotspot shield is that they do not support streaming. If your sole purpose of getting a VPN is to stream US Netflix, BBC or any other shows, you’ll probably have to invest on a paid VPN for that. After all, 500mb is barely enough to get you through half an episode.

Finally, we have to discuss the data cap. At 500mb per day, Hotspot Shield is more useful when you’re doing some research on the web than it is in doing anything else. With such a low limit, it is difficult to imagine a scenario where you can have 5 devices connected simultaneously without receiving a notification that your daily data is exhausted.

2. Windscribe

At position two, we have another decent free VPN service known as Windscribe. The data cap here is set at 10Gb per month. This is lower than what Hotspot Shield are offering, but the good news is that you can get an extra 5GB by tweeting the company. Quite a clever way to market yourself, I must say.  You can also get an additional 1Gb every month by referring your friends. And it gets even better! If you were to refer a friend who then upgrades to Windscribe Pro, you would be rewarded with an unlimited plan that’ll bring more servers at your disposal!

Windscribe is also one of the few free VPN providers that allow you to choose a server location. Most free VPNs usually have numerous servers, but they automatically pick the server for you. With free windscribe, you can select one of the eight remote servers available.

Using Windscribe is also pretty easy. All you have to do is create an account by setting up a username and password. You can also choose to use your email address when creating your account. Using an email address is optional, and hence you can choose not to include it but adding it will come in very handy should you forget your password in future.

To give you peace of mind, Windscirbe VPN comes with top-tier encryption. Their no-logs policy should boost your confidence even further. You can also go through their privacy policy and check out the user data that they retain in case you still have some concerns.

If ads are a deal-breaker for you, then you are going to fall in love Windscirbe. The VPN comes with both malware and ad blocker that is accessible to both free and paid plans.

Windscribe is compatible with different operating systems, including iOS, Windows, and Linux. They also released an Android app recently. Therefore, you can use Windscribe in all the popular smartphones out there. It will also run on macOS, and they have a browser extension for both Firefox and Chrome.

All Windscribe apps are very easy to use. The applications also come with a live chat option and a simple setup guide that can help you get started.

Drawbacks of Windscirbe

The problem with Windscribe is that they tend to store some data when you are connected. This raises serious privacy concerns.

Another minor issue with Windscribe is the data cap. 10gb per month is less than what Hotspot Shield offers. The opportunity to push the limit by tweeting the VPN and referring friends is highly welcomed. However, for how long can you do this before you finally run out of friends or you just get tired of tweeting them? Also, there is a possibility that Windscribe might deactivate this option after they’ve hit a certain number of active users.

3. TunnelBear

TunnelBear is another decent free VPN with a user-friendly interface. You don’t have to go through tedious tasks to create an account or to switch on your VPN. This makes it very ideal for all the elderly people who are keen on their privacy but don’t want to spend hours trying to power on the VPN.

It features AES256 encryption, which is commonly used by most paid VPNs. TunnelBear also goes through independent auditing to make sure that there is no conflict of interests on the user’s privacy. They also have a very strict no-logs policy.

With TunnelBear, you’ll have over 22 servers at your disposal. These are located in different countries, and hence it should boost your access to geo-restricted content.

TunnelBear also performed relatively well in our speed tests. The VPN is also ad-free.

You can use TunnelBear on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Firefox, Opera, and Chrome.

Drawbacks of TunnelBear

The major disadvantage of TunnelBear is the data cap, which is set at 500mb per month. That’s ridiculously low. While most other providers are giving you 500MB per day, TunnelBear can only spare you the same data for a whole month. This seriously limits your internet consumption. It’s for this reason that we believe TunnelBear is ideal for people who don’t do a lot of browsing or don’t use VPN so much.

TunnelBear also doesn’t support streaming of both music and TV. We can’t say much about this because after all, 500MB is not enough for any sort of streaming.

Also, the server network of TunnelBear is very limited.

Final Thoughts

The above three VPNs are quite good, but they cannot compare to paid VPNs. Premium VPNs have more to offer, including the ability to stream videos and music, unlimited data, and most importantly, they are more secured with thousands of servers to choose from. Therefore, you can try out the above VPNs, and if they are what you’d like in a VPN, then you can go ahead and upgrade for premium and unlimited services.

Introduction to the Best Bluetooth Speakers

Bluetooth speakers provide an undefeated opportunity where you can rest easy from virtually anywhere while enjoying your favorite songs. The ideal Bluetooth speaker should do more than just producing quality sounds. Obviously, you need a portable speaker. One that you can easily carry with you be it to the beach, pool, hiking sites, or any other place. However, if your intention of purchasing a Bluetooth speaker is to use it at home or office, then portability does not need to be a priority to you. Perhaps what’s more crucial for you is sound quality and how loud the speaker is.

You also need to consider build quality and the ability of the speaker to withstand harsh surroundings. Summer usually involves lots of pool and beach time, and this is where a Bluetooth speaker comes in very handy. Now, take a moment and imagine this; you’ve finally saved enough cash to get yourself an expensive speaker. A few weeks down the line, you can barely get quality sound from the speaker. And why is that? The random splashes of water on the speaker and its direct contact to sunlight have damaged it before you’re even halfway through your summer fun. To save yourself disappoints and make sure that you get full value for your money, you must be keen on the build quality of the speaker you’re eying. Make sure that you look beyond the flashy appearance and other aesthetic factors when making your decision. This is the point where you will need to look out for IP ratings such as IPX4 or IPX4, which means Splash proof, 1PX7 i.e., waterproof and IP67 which stands for water and dust proof. Finally, we have to discuss battery life. This is a very crucial factor because unless you have a Bluetooth speaker with long battery life, then the whole point of owning a Bluetooth speaker is defeated. Why? Well, what’s the point of having a portable speaker if it’ll barely work for more than 4 hours?

Other factors to consider when buying a Bluetooth speaker are:

• Compatibility with other devices
• Wireless range
• Charging capability
• Connectivity

To make your work even easier, we’ve come up with a list of the best Bluetooth speakers in the market today. Our picks are not just based on the features of the speakers but also on our firsthand experience with them. We also took into account the various user reviews online to come up with a more comprehensive picture of how reliable these speakers are and their overall performance.

Top 3 Bluetooth Speakers

1. Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker

The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 offers everything you’d ever need in a Bluetooth speaker. It is compact and elegantly designed weighing approximately 2 pounds and measuring about 8.9 by 3.4 inches. This doesn’t just boost portability, but it also makes sure that the speaker looks pleasing and presentable.

The UE Mega Boom 3 really impressed us in terms of sound production. The highs are impressive, and the lows are really satisfying too. The 360-degree sound system makes sure that everyone enjoys quality music from all angles. And it gets even better! With the party up mode, you can pair the UE MEGABOOM 3 with 8 Bluetooth enabled devices. This is one of the reasons that make the UE Mega Boom an all-around Bluetooth speaker as it will give you a great summer and still remain very useful when you start using it indoors.

UE MEGABOOM 3 is also IPX7 certified, which means that it is water and shockproof. It should be able to remain fully functional even after a fall or splashes.

In terms of battery life, you will get an incredible 20 hours of entertainment after a full charge!

2. Echo (2^nd Generation) Smart Speaker

If you are all about the Smart life, then this 2^nd Generation gadget of the Amazon Echo Smart Speaker is meant for you. The speaker utilizes the latest technology to spice up your entertainment life. The most exciting feature of the smart speaker has to be the voice commands capability! Yes, the Echo Smart Speaker is programmed with Alexa voice. Using the speaker should, therefore, be easy and engaging. Other than asking Alexa to select your playlist, you can also engage her in some random questions whenever you are bored. You could also ask her to read your emails and weather.

When it comes to designing, very few Bluetooth speakers can match the Echo smart speaker. That’s because it comes with a superb fabric design that looks and feels great. The best part? You can swap this skin with various others to get the ideal look that complements the speaker’s surrounding. You can choose from Charcoal, Sandstone, Heather Gray, Oak, Silver, and Walnut fabric finishing.

In the department of sound quality, the Echo Smart Speaker is as good as they come. The speaker is programmed with Dolby technology and 360-degrees audio that delivers crystal clear vocals and excellent bass. You can also customize the equalizer settings through voice commands. For stereo sound, you can pair the speaker with another 2^nd Gen Echo.

3.Ultimate Ears Boom 2 Phantom Wireless Mobile Bluetooth Speaker

The UE Boom 2 offers arguably the best Bluetooth speaker experience for less than $100. The speaker is very compact weighing just 1.2 pounds.

You will also appreciate the speakers build quality, which is quite impressive for the price. The UE Boom 2 is shock resistant and stain resistant and fully waterproof. If you ever needed a high-quality wireless speaker that accommodates your wild outdoor life, then the UE Boom 2 is one of your best picks.

The battery life of the speaker is also decent. At full volume and when it is paired with other devices, the lithium-ion battery can go for up to 11 hours. If you are using the speaker at standard volume, the speaker can run for up to 15 hours before the battery is fully drained. The Boom 2 also comes with better and louder sound output as compared to its predecessor, the Boom. You can pair the Boom 2 with other UE speakers, and the 100-feet Bluetooth range should increase your reach significantly. However, we noted that obstructions affected the device’s range quite easily.

Final Thoughts

Everything said and done, there cannot be one particular speaker that is perfect for everyone. It all comes down to what your priorities are. Once you’ve identified the key factors that you need in a speaker and you know your budget, shopping should become a breeze. We hope that the above review leaves you in a better position where you’re capable of making an informed decision.

How do we rate the Best Bluetooth Earbuds

Gadgets are going wireless whether we like it or not. It started with wireless charging, and now we are seeing the same thing with wireless earbuds. The former was highly welcomed, but the latter has left most of us very conflicted. What do I mean? Well, there was something cool about having a white cable run from your earphones all the way to your gadget. We were all used to these traditional earphones, and we’d even adapted into using them even when we were working out or engaging in other physical activities. Then Apple came along and decided to take away our beloved headphone jack. A few months down the line, we saw various other popular phones such as Google Pixel and OnePlus 6T follow suit. This trend has been catching up slowly, and there’s nothing we can do about it. Perhaps, what we should be asking ourselves is which are best true wireless earbuds that we can get to replace our traditional wired earphones.

With that in mind, here are the top 3 Bluetooth earbuds in the market at the moment:

1. Anker SoundBuds Curve Wireless Headphones

The Anker SoundBuds wireless headphones perform as remarkably as they look. The earbuds pack deep bass and dynamic trebles producing crystal clear audio thanks to the Qualcomm apt XTM audio. This makes the buds a perfect choice for everyone with a versatile taste in music. Whether you are looking to rock them with some rap, hip-hop, or even EDM, you will find their audio quality very satisfying.

The designing of the Anker SoundBuds is also excellent. They do not feel very premium, which is understandable for any earbuds within their price range. This should not be interpreted to mean that they are any inferior when it comes to comfort. We actually found them very comfortable to wear thanks to the ergonomic earfins and extra-soft ear hooks. These do not just boost comfort, but they also help to secure the earbuds in place. No longer will you have to struggle to keep your earbuds in place as is the case with most other wireless earbuds out there.

You can also customize the ear tips to get the perfect fit for your ears, and the additional earwigs should offer extra support to keep the earbuds in place.

The ability of these wireless headphones to remain put also makes them very ideal for everyone living an active life. The earbuds will give you the freedom to go hard in the gym and run the tracks without worrying about the buds coming off.

While on the subject of fitness, it’s crucial to point out that the earbuds are also water and sweat resistant. The buds casing is finished with some hydrophobic nano-coating that keeps water and sweat away from the internal drivers. This gives you less time to worry about sweat or rain, destroying the earbuds and more time pushing yourself in the gym.

The battery life of these earbuds is also very impressive. It will only take you one and a half hours to fully charge the buds, and this should give you up to 14 hours of talk time and approximately 12.5 hours of music time.

The earbuds come packed with various accessories including Micro USB cable, Cord management clip, sound buds curve, multiple silicones, and memory foam ear tips, and PU leather carrying pouch with an aluminum carabineer.

Other Features

• Civic noise cancellation tech provides clarity in phone calls
• Qualcomm apt XTM
• Water-resistant casing

Verdict: For just $26.99, the Anker SoundBuds Wireless Headphones are a massive bargain that packs incredible audio quality in solid and water-resistant construction.

2. Apple AirPods

The Apple AirPods entered the market with a bang, and it wasn’t really because of what they offered but rather how much they cost. These tinny earbuds go for around $160 which is a lot of money by any standard. So, what lies beneath this attractive golf-tee looking earbuds from Apple? 

Apple AirPods are a valuable option to all iPhone users who are looking for an alternative to the wired EarPods. The AirPods do not deliver the clearest audio as compared to some of the other wireless earbuds in the market, but they do perform a lot better as compared to the available Apple Wired EarPods.

The one place where the Apple AirPods are perhaps unmatched is on sensors and other smart tech integrated to make using the AirPods an easy experience. For instance, the two buds (or pods?) work independently, which means that you can continue to make a call or enjoy some music with just one of them while the other is charging. The buds are also designed with accelerometers that detect when they are taken off, and this will automatically pause the audio file you were listening to. The sensors will automatically trigger the buds to go on when you wear them again.

The AirPods also come with up to 100 feet in range. This gives you the freedom to enjoy podcasts as you drop some files at your coworker’s desk at the other end of the hall while your iPhone is charging back at your desk.

The Apple AirPods are also made with Siri connectivity. The touch control is also highly intuitive for a smooth experience.

Something discouraging about the Apple AirPods is the Battery life. Even though they take a short time to charge, you will only get 5-hours tops of music streaming. This is very little even when compared to other, more affordable true wireless earbuds. You can take solace on the fact that a fully charged case can stretch this period to 24 hours through multiple charges.

Other Features

• Optical sensors
• Motion accelerometer
• Lightning connector

Verdict: AirPods are a worthy consideration to all iPhone users with over $160 to spend on earbuds.

3. TREBLAB XR100 Ergonomic Wireless Sport Earbuds

The TREBLAB XR100 is another shocking piece of tech that we couldn’t overlook. These buds cost just $24, but their audio quality puts them up there among the very best earbuds in the market!

The XR100 delivers rich highs and strong bass for impressive music experience. To make sure that nothing stands between you and enjoying the richness of the audio drivers, the earbuds have tried to fight external noises through the expandable foam ear tips. Sure, these earbuds don’t cancel noise as brilliantly as your $400+ headphones do but neither do they cost that much. In fact, within its price point, the Treblab XR100 noise reduction is second to none.

Something else just as important as audio quality is a comfort. These earbuds are ergonomically designed to sit comfortably, allowing you to enjoy your music without developing any issues to do with pressure points. They are also designed with ear hooks to hold the earbuds in place.

The ear-hooks are good news to all fitness enthusiasts that are tired of earbuds falling off while on the treadmill. What’s even better news for fitness lovers and other users is the fact that the earbuds are IPX4 certified, which makes them water resistant and sweat proof.

The TREBLAB XR100 battery takes 2 hours to charge, which gives you up to 8 hours of talk and music time.

Other Features

• Bluetooth 4.1
• 10 meters/33 feet range
• Passive noise cancellation
• cVc 6.0 inbuilt mic
• Playback controls
• Noise isolating ear tips are available in 3 sizes
• Multipoint connection
• CSR Qualcomm

Verdict: The performance of the TREBLAB XR100 puts to shame a big majority of the earbuds that demand over $100 to deliver rather standard specs. With these earbuds, you are getting super-crisp treble, deep bass, long playtime, passive noise cancellation, and easy-to-use controls without leaving a significant scar in your bank balance.

Bluetooth Earbuds Buying Guide

The above three earbuds are our top picks but by no means are they the only good earbuds in the market. There is a good number of other recommendable Bluetooth earbuds talk of Jabra Elite Active 65T, Samsung Galaxy Buds and Bose QuietControl 30 Wireless. If you are going to explore your options further, then you need a guide on what your priority should be as far as features and specs are concerned. That said, here are the crucial aspects that you should consider in all the Bluetooth earbuds you’ll be exploring:

• Audio quality
• Comfort
• Battery life
• Noise cancellation
• Weather resistance
• Ease of use
• Quality of inbuilt mic
• Compatibility with audio gadgets
• Range

The Best Antivirus for Windows 10

Windows is the most popular operating system in the world. This comes as both a good and bad thing. On the brighter side, an operating system selling millions of copies each year is a ripe opportunity for other tech companies which develop a vast number of software to meet the needs of the users. On the flip side, such a popular OS attracts attention from hackers who are constantly creeping in the web in search of private data in the form of personal, financial, health, and other sorts. Therefore, the fact that you are already using a Windows 10 PC means that you are at high risk of losing your personal data through malware, ransomware, and hackers.

Isn’t the Windows Defender supposed to protect my system from data breaches? Why do I need another antivirus? Well, the Windows Defender does indeed work, and actually, the Windows Defender in Windows 10 is the best one yet. Yes, it’s a lightweight software that comes preinstalled into your system, so it works pretty well without affecting the system’s performance, and it’s also easy to use. Unfortunately, based on AV-Comparatives Tests, Windows Defender is a decent antivirus but with a 99.1% protection rating, (as of 2017) the software is not powerful enough to deliver optimal protection. While the score saw it outperform a significant majority of other commercial antiviruses, it still placed it outside the top 10 which means that there are better options that will give you the added peace of mind you need for your active online life.

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2019

If you are looking for an accurate and reliable antivirus, then the award-winning Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2019 is your best pick. What makes Bitdefender so incredible is how, with each passing year and every new edition, the software keeps on getting better and better. This is unlike most of the other antiviruses in the market which release software with bugs and lots of loopholes once in a while, which forces them to go back into fixing the bugs. While these companies are fixing bugs, Bitdefender is coming up with new ways of protecting your systems against the constantly-advancing world of malware and hackers. That explains why out of 20 AV-Test reports, Bitdefender delivered a 100% protection rate 17 times with the last fail coming from back in 2014.

According to Av-Comparatives Report of 2019 (Feb to March), Bitdefender had a success rate of 100.0% in blocking some of the most notorious malware in the web today. The system scored 0.0% when tested for compromises done by malware and 0.0% on user dependency in terms of executing malware. The report also shows that the software reported 1 false positive. It’s not a clean bill, but 1 is better than the 36 that were reported on Windows Defender and 6 from McAfee just to compare a few.

The software comes with smart tech that detects and blocks malicious links and malware before they even appear or find their way into your PC. The antivirus is always monitoring your system, which makes it a particularly excellent choice for people who do a lot of online banking and shopping (which is everyone really).

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is also engineered with a vulnerability scanner which checks your system to make sure that all security measures are up and running. The scanner will alert you in case it detects poor system settings that may compromise your security.

The Basic Licence from Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2019 can cover up to three of your devices.

Other Features

• Password manager
• Frequent updates included to the subscriptions
• Integrated VPN (optional)
• Work, game and movie modes
• Battery mode
• Rescue mode
• Anti-fraud
• Anti-phishing
• Anti-tracker
• Multi-layer ransomware protection
• Real-time data protection
• Autopilot
• File shredder
• VPN compatibility

2. Kaspersky Total Security

Kaspersky Total Security is the flagship suite for Kaspersky’s antivirus. The renowned company also provides two other antivirus options i.e., Kaspersky Antivirus, which offers basic protection and Kaspersky Internet Security, which provides the basic protection plus identity and financial protection. So, why should you spend more on Kaspersky Total Security instead of settling for one of the other more affordable options?

Well, most people usually pay so much attention to securing their financial data against basic internet threats and forget about the importance of data encryption and password management something very crucial, especially on a work PC. Apart from offering the two services, Kaspersky Total Security will also help you to monitor your children’s activities online and wipe sensitive files from your computer permanently. You will also get an automatic backup for all your data.

Based on the 2019 (Feb-Mar) AV-comparative tests, Kaspersky labs got a 100.0% rating on blocking malware and 0.0% on false positives, 0.0% compromised systems due to malware and 0.0% user dependency on executing malware. This puts Kaspersky Total Security up there among the very best antiviruses available in the market today.

Kaspersky Total Security comes in different packages going for different prices. Based on the package you choose; you can use the antivirus on between 3 to 10 different devices. Of course, all of this would be rather useless if the antivirus was exclusively available for Windows OS and that’s why the software is also available on Mac desktops, laptops and tablets and also on both Android and iOS smartphones.

Here is the thing though, Kaspersky Total Security is quite a costly antivirus which may not offer the best value to you if you are not particularly interested in all the extras that this package has to offer. If you think that internet security and identity and financial protection is enough for you, then you are better off choosing Kaspersky Internet Security which does an equally incredible job in the said departments without costing you too much.

Other Features:

• Anti-banner
• Anti-malware
• Anti-spam
• Installation assistant
• Network attack blocker
• Application control for whitelisting specific applications
• Excellent data encryption
• Advanced anti-phishing
• Exploit prevention
• File shredder
• Online backup
• Webcam protection
• Kaspersky Safe Kids offers easy-to-use parental controls
• Gamer mode

3. Norton Security Premium

The Norton Security Premium is yet another brilliant flagship product that comes with a myriad of features for optimal protection, and the best part is that it achieves all that without slowing down the performance of your devices.

The antivirus comes with impressive data encryption that protects all the data you are receiving and sending through public WiFi.

The software also comes with real-time protection that will fight both pre-existing and new malware, including viruses and ransomware. Something unique about Norton Security Premium that you don’t come across so often is the 100% virus protection promise. The company promises to have an expert at your disposal whenever you need any assistance fighting malware. In case viruses and ransomware end up in your devices, their experts will fight it remotely, and if they don’t succeed, then you will get a refund. This is a bit interesting in that a refund would mean very little if your data (including financial details) ends up in the wrong hands, but it’s a good gesture nonetheless.

The Norton Security Premium can run on different operating systems. Since the premium package supports up to 10 devices, the company makes the software available for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. The award-winning tech will also make sure that you receive alerts on time before downloading a malicious Android application. This is vital given the vast number of risky android apps out there.

Other than protecting your system, Norton Security premium also gives you 25 GB in online backup storage. This helps to secure your vital data against data loss due to ransomware or normal hard drive failures.

The Norton Security Premium is a costly package, but you can choose other options which are without a couple of features but still deliver water-tight protection. For instance, you can save up to $10 by going for the Deluxe edition which comes with the same features as the premium version except for the online backup, kid’s safety feature and reduces the number of supported devices.

Other Features

• Smart firewalls
• 100% virus protection promise
• Available on all the popular operating systems
• Family safety features
• 25 GB automatic backups for essential and sentimental files e.g., financial records, photos, etc.

How do we rate the Best Antivirus software?

In 2018, Billions of individuals fell victims to cyberattacks resulting in the loss of tens of millions of US dollars and millions of personal information, including credit card details and, locations, etc. Cybercriminals have been upping their game with every passing year, leaving all the cybersecurity companies playing catch up. We’ve already seen big-name companies, including Google+, Marriott Starwood Hotels, Quora, Facebook, British Airways, and a dozen other companies report data breaches where vital user details were leaked. If such big companies are losing millions of dollars every year to cybercriminals, how safe do you think your gadgets are?

Cyber Security has never been as crucial as it is today. So much stuff is taking place in the online space, including shopping and social interactions, which means a small breach can be disastrous. To protect your credit card and personal information, data security/protection has to start at a personal level. This is where Antivirus software come in.

The purpose of Antivirus is to make sure that your gadgets, be it a PC, Mac or mobile devices, are protected against malware and other forms of cyber-attacks. This is crucial because even though you might be doing your shopping on a secured website, if malware is already in your PC, then the protection features of the site you are visiting will never be sufficient. An antivirus is supposed to make sure that you never end up picking viruses and malware from the internet. Ultimately, you should have more protection against ransomware, scams, identity theft, and a dozen other issues.

This brings us to the biggest question yet; which is the best Antivirus? The question may seem easy, but once you learn of the dozens of companies offering antivirus software, you will realize that identifying one software from the hundreds of options can be very unnerving. Where should you even start? If you are facing this predicament (as you should), then this review should provide you with all the answers you are looking for. That’s because we went ahead and did the exhausting task of testing and reviewing software to identify the best Antivirus in the market at the moment.

Before we even start discussing the Antivirus that made it through our tests, it’s vital that we share with you the essential factors that make an antivirus good.

What makes an Antivirus good?

The first and most important bit is on how well the software manages to scan, detect, and remove malware. Ideally, an antivirus should be able to detect a virus before it is even downloaded from the web. It’ll also be of added advantage if the software can detect and block or at least warn you of the websites that are notorious for having malware. In the event that malware finds its way into the PC, the important thing would be on how efficient the software is in detecting the malware and removing it. If the software does not a detect a virus on its own (which is already a red flag) then the next thing is to see how quickly it will identify the virus once you initiate a scan. While scanning, it’s also vital to see how the performance of the laptop will be affected. A software that lags or slows down the performance of a PC significantly is usually a deal breaker to most of us.

The next aspect is on user-friendliness. You should be able to maneuver through the antivirus features and access all the necessary functions without breaking a sweat. Trust me, you want to spend less time getting your Antivirus to work and more time doing your online businesses knowing your data is secured.

Finally, you need to check the extra features that come with the software. This is where good antiviruses are separated from the best. If you get a few additional features that will make your online life seamless then the better. It’s also at this point that you should check how many devices can use the Antivirus with a single license. But you should know that these usually come at an extra cost.

Top 3 Antiviruses

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2019

If you are looking for a highly secured antivirus software that does more than just the standard functions of Antivirus, then this is one of your best picks. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus boasts of over 500 million users! The insane numbers speak for themselves.

The Antivirus is highly sensitive to malware, and it’s configured to alert you and initiate the process of ejecting the virus as soon as possible. Its detection is also very reliable, and hence you should never experience any instances where a malware finds its way into your PC without getting noticed.

The Bitdefender Antivirus Plus also beefs up security with a state-of-the-art multi-layer ransomware protection. It also does an excellent job of blocking malicious sites and links. This is further boosted by a reliable anti-phishing module.

It also provides a secure browser and password manager. These improve internet banking and general online shopping since your credit card details will also be autocompleted in web forms.

The Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2019 is also a good option because it can be used in up to 3 different devices. The software has a Central mobile application that keeps all your linked devices safe.

There is also an option to integrate the Antivirus with a VPN, but this is limited to 200MB per day.

If you are excited about this software (like we are), then you can get it and save 60% if you are in the US or 50% for those in the UK. A 1-year plan goes for $29.99, 2-year plan for $62.99 while the 3-year plan is retailing at $83.99.

Other features of the Antivirus include:

• Anti-fraud
• Rescue mode
• Battery mode
• Auto-pilot function
• Work, movie and Game Modes
• Anti-tracker
• Social network protection
• File shredder
• Vulnerability assessment

Drawbacks

Unfortunately, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2019 is only available on Windows 10. Mac users will need to seek other alternatives.

Also, this software tends to pull lots of system resources, which is good, but then it might affect how other programs are working.

2. Norton Antivirus Plus

The Norton Antivirus Plus is the replacement for Norton Antivirus Basic. It features water-tight security with the ability to block URLs from malicious websites. In case a malware sneaks its way into your PC, this Antivirus will detect the download immediately, and it’ll start to remove it from your PC. There is also the possibility that malware finds its way into your PC, and it gets activated. In such an event, Norton Antivirus will immediately quarantine your device by protecting files that are not affected while also working to remove the malware. It’s very easy to view the Norton Antivirus Plus quarantine mechanism as questionable since it means that it might not be effective in preventing the malware in the first place, but I’d like to think otherwise. The truth of the matter is that regardless of how effective Antivirus is, there will always be a chance that malware may still get into your devices. The chances may be slim, but they’re still there. So, I’d love to think that it’s better to be prepared in such an event and that’s precisely what Norton Antivirus Plus offers.

You can also choose to run custom scans with this software. You could do it manually or program the Antivirus to initiate the scans at a specific time automatically. Unfortunately, the scans will only run if your device is connected directly to the primary power source and not battery. Also, the system must be idle while the scanning is taking place.

Norton Antivirus Plus also gets the upper hand over Bitdefender Plus from the fact that it is lite on other system resources and hence your device’s performance shouldn’t suffer much. However, from other aspects, Bitdefender comes out on top.

A 1-year subscription for a single Mac or Windows PC is currently going for $39.99 while the 2-year subscription is retailing at $94.99.

Other features of Norton Antivirus Plus include:

• 2Gb cloud back up
• Automatic updates
• Smart firewall

Drawbacks

The major issue we experienced with this Antivirus was in regards to the Chrome extension, which is quite unreliable. For instance, the password manager failed to work numerous times for no reason at all.

3. McAfee Antivirus Plus

McAfee Antivirus Plus is perhaps the best buy for everyone who’s looking for budget-friendly multi-system protection. The Antivirus allows you to protect up to 10 devices at just $44.99 for the whole year. And it’s not just limited to PC, but it also has apps for Android and iOS. This should surely be enough to cater for all the gadgets in the house.

The software has a decent inbuilt firewall that is programmed to automatically detect potential threats and fight them off immediately. You can choose to perform custom scans which do a great job without affecting the overall performance of the gadgets. The Antivirus also has vulnerability scans that check how secure you are and whether your software is up to date or not.

In the department of blocking URLs, McAfee isn’t the best, but it doesn’t perform that badly. The good news is that if a URL goes unnoticed and a suspicious file is created in your system, the Antivirus will detect it pretty fast. McAfee also reassures their users that if their computers are to be infected with a virus, a security expert will reach out and try to remove the threat remotely. In case they are unsuccessful, the company will issue you a refund.

Drawbacks

The most significant issues with McAfee Antivirus Plus is that it’s not reliable at blocking suspicious URLs. This leaves a small window of a potential data breach.