If you want to revamp your home office, but not break the bank, then getting your hands on one of the best budget office chairs is a pretty smart idea.

When you've spent as much time testing the best office chairs as I have — five years and over 5,000 hours — it's pretty hard to be surprised by anything when it comes to them. However, I have still found myself impressed by affordable office chairs that offer surprisingly good features, all for less than $500.

When looking for the best budget office chair, you really need to consider what you can get for this price. You may not be able to get all the bells and whistles that a $1,000+ chair offers, but paying less definitely doesn't mean you'll miss out of many handy features. From a mesh backrest to keep you cool to a sturdy foam seat with a waterfall edge to relieve pressure in your legs, many budget office chairs have a lot to offer.

These are the best budget office chairs you can buy right now based on my extensive testing and our in-depth reviews.

The best budget office chairs you can buy today

The best budget office chair overall

The Branch Ergonomic Chair is a comfortable chair with a firm lumbar support that makes it easy to sit up right for long periods. Starting at just $359, it strikes the right balance between being affordable without cutting essential features.

During testing, I was very impressed by how well the comfort of its foam seat and the breathability of its mesh backrest worked together. I used the Branch Ergonomic Chair for more than a month, and felt very comfortable the entire time. I was slightly disappointed that it didn’t come with a headrest, but Branch does sell one as an optional add-on for $50 if you want one. It comes with a great deal of colors and customization, too.

With this chair, you have plenty of adjustment points to lock in the perfect fit. You also get 3D armrests and a sturdy aluminum base. When our U.S. Editor-in-Chief Mike Prospero reviewed the Branch Ergonomic Chair, he found its seat to be a bit firm, though it is contoured, which helps to encourage better posture and circulation. At the same time, it isn’t ideal for larger users since it has a weight limit of 275 pounds.

At $359- $389, the Branch Ergonomic Chair is an affordable investment in your health and well-being. It’s my pick for the best budget office chair overall since it provides plenty of features and the right amount of comfort for the price. It even has a seven-year warranty, which is one of the longest warranties on this list.

If you want more adjustment points and additional customization options, however, check out the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro.

For most people, though, the original Branch Ergonomic Chair will be a big yet affordable upgrade over their current office chair.

• Read our full Branch Ergonomic Chair review

The best budget office chair under $150

The Hbada Office Task Chair is a very affordable budget office chair that can be yours for just over $100. If you’re putting together a home office on a shoestring budget and didn’t set aside the cash for a more feature-rich chair, it will get the job done in a pinch. Just keep in mind that you are getting what you pay for with this chair.

Despite its bargain price, the Hbada Office Task Chair features a foam seat and a breathable mesh backrest. There’s also a raised plastic portion in its backrest that can give you some lumbar support. In terms of adjustability, this chair is very limited, and all you can really do is raise or lower its height, which has a range of 17.7 inches to 21.2 inches.

The most interesting thing about the Hbada Office Task Chair (besides its price) is the fact that its armrests flip up. This makes it easy to get them out of your way when you need to or when you’re pushing your chair underneath your desk. There is one other adjustment knob underneath its seat that allows you to rock back and forth in the chair, but doesn’t allow you to recline like on other, more full-featured budget options.

Available in black, white, or grey, you do have several colors to choose from with the Hbada Office Chair, but that’s about it in terms of customization. There are also no upgrades or add-ons to improve this chair further. It has a three-year warranty, which is decent, but pretty short when compared to the seven-year warranty offered by the Branch Ergonomic Chair.

Still, though, at just over $100 and sometimes even cheaper when on sale, the Hbada Office Task Chair could work as a starter chair on a very limited budget. Plus, it's available via Amazon, so with Prime delivery, you can get your new office chair just one day after you order it.

• Read our full Hbada Office Task Chair review

The best budget office chair for comfort

The Boulies OP300 is an ergonomic chair with plenty of adjustability that’s also quite comfortable too if you opt for the padded mesh version. However, if airflow is more important than padding, you can also get this chair with a mesh backrest. Either way though, you get a seat made of high-density BioCurve sponge that distributes your weight evenly across your hips and lower back.

Designed to keep you comfortable and supported through an 8-hour workday, I found the OP300 to be the perfect budget chair for my workspace and workflow. One of the things that I really liked about this chair is the discreet design that makes it look just as good in an office setting as it does at home. However, I do wish there were more color options, but you can’t go wrong with a sleek all-black look.

The OP300 is highly adjustable with four levers to help you tailor its fit to your body. You can move the seat forward or backwards, recline back up to 113°, or lock it in place if you want to focus. The included headrest can be raised or lowered, and its armrests can be rotated forward or backward. You may think this means it's complex to build, but not so — during testing, the Boulies OP300 took just 20 minutes to set up.

I used this chair as my daily driver for a month, and I'm pleased to report that I didn’t feel any discomfort or fatigue, even after a full workday.

Given its lower cost of just $369 (though it’s often discounted by almost $100), there are a few compromises. The biggest of which is that the OP300 has a fixed instead of an adjustable lumbar support. While not uncomfortable, if an adjustable backrest is what you’re after, you might want to look into the Boulies EP460 instead. You should also keep in mind that it comes with just a two-year warranty — the shortest warranty on this list.

Still, for the price, you’re getting an ergonomic chair with plenty of support and adjustability that’s also comfortable. Not bad for a budget office chair.

• Read our full Boulies OP300 review

The best budget office chair for ergonomics

The Uplift Pursuit is an ergonomic office chair with a unique design and plenty of adjustment points that’s a fantastic choice for those who have a bad back or want to improve their posture. It’s on the higher end of our budget chair range at $499, but it packs in some useful features you typically only see on much more expensive office chairs.

Available in black or white, the Uplift Pursuit combines a breathable mesh backrest and headrest with a foam seat. The seat also features a waterfall edge to reduce pressure on your thighs while providing better circulation in your legs and feet — a surprising feature at its price point. The Uplift Pursuit also has an adjustable lumbar support mechanism that can be moved towards or away from your back in addition to up or down.

After testing it for six months, I was very impressed by how it helped me sit upright while remaining comfortable to sit in for long hours. Another surprising feature of this chair is that it has a small storage compartment underneath its seat to hold your keys, wallet, or even your phone. While it does have loads of adjustment points throughout, the armrests adjust in an unconventional way and need to be pulled up or pushed down. The Uplift Pursuit also isn’t ideal for larger or taller people since it has a narrow 18.5-inch seat and a max weight limit of just 250 pounds.

If you’re looking for an ergonomic chair and don’t want to spend closer to $1,000, the Uplift Pursuit is a fantastic option. It provides you with plenty of support and adjustability with a more modern look. The Uplift Pursuit also includes a few features, like its seat with a waterfall edge and lumbar support with adjustable depth, that you often don’t find on even more expensive chairs. Plus, it even comes with a 15-year warranty, so if any issues do crop up, you're covered.

• Read our full Uplift Pursuit review

The best budget office chair for home office

The Vari Task Chair is an easy recommendation for any home office thanks to its comfort, adjustability, and overall look. It also offers plenty of support thanks to its contoured frame that follows the natural curvature of your spine. The Vari Task Chair is somewhat more expensive than some of the other chairs in this guide at $400, but it’s a well-built chair that offers plenty of useful features for the price.

Designed with ergonomics in mind, the Vari Task Chair provides a range of adjustments to help you find your ideal fit. It also has a higher 300-pound weight limit, making it suitable for a wider range of users. A standout feature is its active lumbar support, which moves with you as you shift in your chair throughout the day.

Available in black or light gray, the Vari Task Chair has an airy mesh back and a comfortable foam seat. A version with a headrest is also available for slightly more, but after reviewing this also, I don’t think you necessarily need a headrest unless you really want one thanks to this chair’s ergonomic design.

The Vari Task Chair’s active lumbar support and its supportive build make it a top pick for upgrading your home office without going over budget. Plus, it comes with a five-year warranty, so if you run into any issues, you should be covered.

If you’re looking for a supportive and comfortable chair that will blend in well with the rest of your home office decor, the Vari Task Chair is a great option.

• Read our full Vari Task Chair review

The best budget office chair for mesh

The Branch Aire Chair sits at the top of the price threshold for this guide at $499, but it delivers a surprising number of premium features you don't typically see in a mid-range or even a budget office chair. What you get is an extremely lightweight, all-mesh chair that looks just as good as it feels. With its sleek and minimal design, the Aire Chair is a worthy upgrade for any home office, providing a premium look and feel without a designer price tag.

Despite costing half the price, the Aire Chair immediately brought to mind the high-end Steelcase Karman with its unique zoned mesh and weight-activated mechanism. This is the chair’s standout feature, as it’s designed to intuitively respond to your body’s micro-movements as you shift positions throughout the day. This provides excellent all-around support, helping to relieve pressure and keep you comfortable for long hours. After using it for five months, I found it to be a great option for getting work done comfortably.

Beyond its core design, the Aire Chair is packed with thoughtful features. Unlike many competitors, Branch includes an optional headrest in the box, saving you from an extra purchase. It also comes with 3D adjustable armrests that have waterfall-style pads for enhanced comfort. Additionally, I was impressed by how easy and fast it was to assemble, as I was able to put together the entire chair in around 10 minutes.

The Branch Aire Chair is definitely a worthwhile investment, especially if you want a full-mesh chair over something with a foam seat. My only minor gripes are the lack of a dedicated lumbar support mechanism and a limited recline angle of just 15 degrees.

However, the zoned mesh provides enough support for most people. If you want a stylish, premium-feeling all-mesh chair for a fraction of the cost, the Branch Aire is easy to recommend. Best of all, it comes with a five-year warranty.

• Read our full Branch Aire Chair review

The best budget office chair for style

The Haworth Breck is as stylish as it is comfortable thanks to the fact that it’s available in loads of unique colors and features a soft seat cushion. It has a lot of more premium features than most other budget chairs despite costing significantly less than Haworth’s other office chairs.

The standout feature of the Haworth Breck, though, would have to be its weight-activated mechanism that responds to how you sit in it. It’s an easy chair to lean back in after getting some work done while still feeling very supported due to its unique backrest. Instead of going with mesh, Haworth used plastic for its backrest, but with small holes throughout to provide plenty of airflow.

Another interesting feature is the Breck’s adjustable seat depth. This is great for taller users, and it really allows you to find a fit that works for you. This chair also has adjustable lumbar support and is even more lightweight than the Branch Aire Chair at just 30 pounds. My only gripe with the Breck is that its armrests can feel a bit wobbly at times, but the other features Haworth has incorporated into this chair more than make up for this.

At $419, the Haworth Breck is on the more expensive side for a budget office chair, but you’re getting a lot of premium features like adjustable seat depth and lumbar support that you won’t find elsewhere. At the same time, its flexible plastic backrest gives you the airflow of mesh without the worry that it might tear.

If you’re after a comfortable chair on a budget in both plain or bright colors that really stand out, the Haworth Breck is an easy recommendation. It even comes with a 12-year warranty, meaning you should be covered, should any issues arise.

• Read our full Haworth Breck review.

Also tested

The seven chairs above aren't the only models we've had hands on. There are plenty of other models we have tested and are testing that, while decent, simply weren't up to snuff for our definition of "best." That said, you may have different needs than the average home office worker, so we're including a brief explanation of where each model shines — as well as the gripes we had for them.

How we test the best budget office chairs

As lovers of quality home office equipment, we test our gear the most authentic way anyone can: by incorporating it into our actual workday. After all, we’re writers, and we’re bound to a desk just as much as anyone else.

We spend multiple weeks sitting in each chair we test, rooting around for hotspots and tiny nitpicks that might make a given chair more trouble than it’s worth. We’ve spent over 5,000 hours testing office chairs alone, and we pay enough attention to our setups that we know when something is off-kilter (or, alternatively, working exceptionally well). The hallmark of a successful chair for us is its ability to remain unremarkable even as we’re sniffing around.

On top of our own testing, we regularly seek the input of our friends and family to ensure we’re representing a wide range of sizes. As much as you can trust our authority on its own, we know the value in pooling together as many experiences as possible while collecting our final thoughts on a product. All of that work is dedicated to cutting through hype and ensuring we’re recommending the best products for everyone, not just ourselves. For more information on our testing process, check out our how we test page for Tom’s Guide.

How to choose the best budget office chair for you

When you’re picking an office chair, you’re picking a piece of furniture that’s made to mold to your body and keep you supported for the bulk of your workdays. In other words, there’s a lot more to consider than looks.

Adjustability

Even the perfect chair for you will require some fine-tuning once you get it into your house. If you’re worried about back pain, arm discomfort, or poor posture, it’s best to look for a chair that accommodates those needs with purpose-built design features. For instance, dedicated lumbar support will go a long way to help keep your spine aligned while you work. You can also find plenty of chairs that can adjust their seat height, seat angle, recline angle and resistance, and armrest positioning in all directions. If any of those fit details seem extra important to you, it’s best not to avoid them in your search.

Material

Regardless of the seat you pick, it’s inevitable that you’ll encounter a hot day during which you’ll struggle with temperature regulation. As such, we recommend keeping an eye on the materials used with each chair, as they can have a huge impact on airflow. The majority of the chairs we recommend here have a mesh lining for the backrest, which should stop your back from getting sweaty while you lean back and knock out some tasks.

Lumbar Support

There’s nothing worse than a chair that twists your spine into an unnatural curve. Lumbar support, which is essentially extra support for your lower back, keeps your spine in line even when you’re slouching forward in your seat. A lack of lumbar support can keep your lower back from feeling stable, which can cause unnecessary shifting. Some chairs even offer adjustable lumbar support, which allows you to find the perfect angle for your backrest to compliment your position in the seat itself.

FAQs

You're wondering what the best 2-in-1 laptop is, and that means you're interested in a versatile machine that doubles as a tablet, and these days, even a dual-screen notebook! Smart choice, as these laptops are more capable than ever today.

From Windows tablets with detachable keyboards to laptops with complete 360-degree flexibility boasting OLED touchscreens, my team of laptop experts and I have gone hands-on and tested the latest 2-in-1s from all the major players. And yes, even machines with a whole extra display — which are excitingly becoming mainstream.

In fact, that's why our top choice right now is the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026), sending these machines to new heights by really doubling down on the "two" in 2-in-1 thanks to its amazing dual-screen design. But there are plenty of different kinds of 2-in-1s to suit different needs. So, if you're looking to add a whole new dimension to your next laptop, our list of the best 2-in-1 laptops will point you in the right direction.

The best 2-in-1 laptops you can buy right now

The best 2-in-1 laptop overall

Who is the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) for?

The Zenbook Duo is for those who love the multi-monitor setup they have at home and want something similar on the go. This is an eye-catching system that thinks outside the box for what a 2-in-1 laptop really is.

Why is it the best 2-in-1 laptop overall?

Now in the third generation of this new dual-screen construction, Asus has focused on the fundamentals and delivered a tasty redesign of the system that adds a new layer of premium feeling to it, while bringing those dual 3K OLED touch displays far closer together, too. On top of that, the jump to Intel Panther Lake has breathed new life into this machine for both performance and power efficiency.

What do we like about the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026)?

👍 Intel Core Ultra Series 3 is a breakthrough: One of my ongoing gripes with past Zenbook Duos has always been the silicon not quite matching up to the task of running two high-res panels smoothly under pressure. Intel Core Ultra X9 388H is a huge step forward with a mighty integrated GPU and souped-up CPU cores that eat any task in its way for lunch without missing a step.

👍 Impressive battery life: Not only does that Core Ultra chip perform much better, but it’s also super power efficient — giving us an extra two hours of stamina over last year’s Zenbook Duo on one charge (11:13 in dual-screen mode).

👍 Thoughtful redesign: That design overhaul isn’t just an aesthetic update. With a hinge that folds in on itself for a near-seamless dual-screen experience, a stronger hinge, better keyboard deck and improved speakers, you’re onto a winner here that really shows off those updated OLED panels.

What don’t we like about the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026)?

👎 Expensive starting at $2,099: That is a sizable price increase from last year’s Duo, and that makes for a pretty expensive all-around system. It does absolutely earn that price tag in what it can do, which doesn’t take away from the sheer number.

👎 Underwhelming port array: You don't get a ton of ports on this machine, as you're limited to a pair of Thunderbolt ports, a USB-A port, an HDMI out and a headphone jack. That's enough to get by, but it would have been nice to see useful additions like an SD card reader and additional USB-A or USB-C ports.

Should you buy the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026)?

The 2026 Asus Zenbook Duo is a real renaissance moment for the system — a huge design overhaul, big display upgrades and a significant chip bump on the inside make this a truly generational leap. It’s dual-screen multitasking in any orientation that works best for you, with great ergonomics, zippy speeds and mighty power efficiency.

• Read our full Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) review

The best value 2-in-1 laptop

Who is the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 for?

The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is for anyone who wants a convertible laptop that feels and looks a step above typical mid-range fare, without breaking the bank. With its all-metal chassis in a meteor silver finish and a solid blend of Intel Core Ultra 5 226V power, it offers a premium look and sturdy build that’s rare at this price.

Why is it the best value 2-in-1 laptop?

A reliable 2-in-1 laptop for under $1,000/£1,000? That's already a win. But we've seen the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 drop to under $600/£600 during regular sales, and that's excellent value. Inside, you get a well-balanced hardware package — from 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD — giving you enough memory and storage to confidently handle multitasking, office work, web browsing, and those occasional heavier jobs like light photo or video editing. We found the performance more than capable for day-to-day use; it never feels sluggish in the real world, and for students or professionals, this is exactly what you want from a value 2-in-1.

What do we like about the HP OmniBook X Flip 14?

👍 Strong value for daily tasks: The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V CPU and 16GB RAM deliver mid-range performance that’s plenty for web browsing, office suites, and multitasking—at a price that leaves room in your budget.

👍 Sturdy, premium feel: With its all-metal chassis and meteor silver finish, the OmniBook X Flip 14 feels much pricier than it is, making it a satisfying daily 2-in-1 companion for typing and carrying around.

👍 Excellent value: With laptop prices now soaring past $1,000/£1,000, it's great to see you can still get a great, wallet-friendly laptop that offers great performance for its price. The OmniBook X Flip 14 is a fantastic example of this.

What don’t we like about the HP OmniBook X Flip 14?

👎 Too much bloatware: While not a deal-breaker, the OmniBook X Flip 14 comes with too much bloatware right out of the box. You'll want to get rid of it as soon as you turn it on.

👎 Gapless keyboard won't be for all: It will take some time to get used to its gapless keyboard, especially for touch typing. Still, the keyboard offers a solid tactile feel that's nice to type on.

Should you buy the HP OmniBook X Flip 14?

The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 makes for a great 2-in-1 machine for traveling workers, students and anyone after a capable premium laptop for less. Yes, there's a lot of bloatware here, and the gapless keyboard may not suit your fancy, but there's plenty of value with the performance and premium design it has on show. While it's normally at around $800/£800, which is a great price, we've spotted this for around $599/£599, so it's worth looking out for a sale!

• Read our full HP OmniBook X Flip 14 review

The best premium 2-in-1 laptop

Who is the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition for?

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition is for anyone after a premium, gorgeous-looking 2-in-1 laptop with an amazingly clear OLED touchscreen panel and a fantastic keyboard. Whether it's for work or even casual play (and streaming shows with that display), this laptop nails the landing.

Why is it the best premium 2-in-1 laptop?

When it comes to form and function, the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition is the cream of the crop. Its 14-inch 2.8k OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz offers up superb visuals, and the 360-degree hinge means you can use this sleek laptop the way you want. Plus, the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU is powerful enough to breeze through multitasking and even play the latest PC games (at low settings).

What do we like about the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition?

👍 Visual stunner: That CNC-milled aluminum body with chromed, rounded edges has a real fashionably utilitarian aesthetic to it. Plus, when you open it up, that uber-vivid, bright OLED panel is a true marvel to work on.

👍 Strong performance: The Intel Core Ultra 9 258V makes some solid gains in performance, thanks to some turbocharged single and multi-threaded performance across stuff like 20+ Chrome tabs. But the real winner here is keeping it all power efficient with a battery life lasting over 12 hours in our testing.

👍 Ergonomics matter: In a lot of 2-in-1 laptops, the keyboard gets compromised. Lenovo's board here is amongst the best I’ve typed on, with a nice tactile feel to every key press and mouse click. Plus, the latency-free multi-touch makes zipping across Windows a breeze on that 360-degree hinge.

What don’t we like about the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition?

👎 Prepare to pay: With the Yoga 9i Aura Edition, you can tell Lenovo's design team threw everything and the kitchen sink at it in terms of premium-ness and attention to detail. That comes with a higher price tag than a lot of 2-in-1 competition.

Should you buy the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition?

The Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition is a straight shot at the laptop crowd who's looking for the sweet spot between form and function — an upmarket laptop that nails productivity and casual play. That comes with a slightly hefty price tag, but for what you get, you will not be disappointed. It's a premium 2-in-1 through and through, and it'll stick with you for years to come.

• Read our full Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition review

The best 2-in-1 laptop for creators

Who is the Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13) for?

As you might expect from being associated with GoPro (the world-famous action camera brand), the Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13) is an incredibly impressive 2-in-1 that's fit for creatives in need of all the performance they can get for 4K video edits, advanced animation and zippy RAW Photoshop edits — all while on the move.

Why is it the best 2-in-1 for creators?

Video editors, 3D artists and all kinds of creatives need the right kind of power through 4K edits and animation, and the ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13) delivers this in spades despite its premium, compact design. The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip with its integrated Radeon 8060S graphics is outstanding for portability, blazing through apps like Photoshop, Premiere Pro and more. Plus, its gorgeous OLED panel and creator-centric ergonomics all cater to the finer details creatives want.

What do we like about the Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13)?

👍 Mesmerizing OLED touchscreen: Yes, it may only be 60Hz, but that doesn’t stop this 3K OLED touchscreen from being an absolute stunner. It’s color-calibrated to ensure a perfect representation of your creative work, and with a 113.1% sRGB and 88.8% DCI-P3 color gamut, the vividness is truly mesmerizing.

👍 Power-packed for creativity: Fitting an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 CPU with its Radeon 8060S integrated graphics into this machine was a smart move on Asus' part. Expect to handle 4K video edits in Premiere Pro with After Effects graphics and more with ease, and that's also thanks to its bonkers 128GB of DDR5X RAM.

👍 Beautiful OLED: Boasting a 13-inch 3K OLED touchscreen, this PX13 offers up colors that pop, deep blacks and plenty of accuracy — exactly what creators need. Just a shame it has a 60Hz refresh rate, and it's overall brightness is a tad dim (usual with OLED displays).

What don’t we like about the Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13)?

👎 Only microSD: Despite being creator-focused, the ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13) has no full-sized SD card slot, just a microSD. That makes sense, considering many GoPro cameras use this, but other cameras (which pro creatives have) rely on a regular SD card slot for transferring files.

👎 Stay clear of its AI app: While this 2-in-1 comes with access to Asus' AI-focused apps like StoryCube and MuseTree, these are nothing to write home about. They can be unreliable and uninspiring, and are more like a gimmicky playroom to mess around with AI content ideas.

Should you buy the Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13)?

Just like its previous model, but this time with top-notch performance, the Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13) is, again, the perfect companion for creative pros. With its speedy performance, ultra-portable form factor and incredible OLED touch display bursting with depth and colors, this 2-in-1 is a must for creators (if they have the funds).

• Read our full Asus ProArt GoPro Editon (PX13) review

The best 2-in-1 laptop for gaming

Who is the Asus ROG Flow Z13 for?

This is the 2-in-1 for gamers. I know many of you will balk at the fact that this thing has an integrated GPU, but this is a breakthrough in raw performance — offering frame rates equivalent to what you may see in an RTX 4070 gaming laptop in something the size of a tablet. And for the ultimate version of this (and for Death Stranding fans), the gorgeous Asus ROG Flow Z13 Kojima Edition will suit you.

Why is it the best 2-in-1 for gamers?

The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 and AI Max+ 395 chips you can get in the compact 2-in-1 unlock something special here — this is the missing link between a Steam Deck and a massive gaming laptop. Giving you the best of both worlds in something seriously versatile, to however you want to play.

What do we like about the Asus ROG Flow Z13?

👍 Insane performance: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 (or AI Max+ 395) APU bridges the gap between integrated and dedicated graphics in a way I’ve never seen before. On the train down to London, I was simply stunned by the fact that I could play Cyberpunk 2077 on high graphics settings at well over 90 frames per second (FPS). Of course, this performance extends to crushing even advanced rendering or AI tasks with the greatest of ease, too.

👍 Seriously impressive battery life: Battery life is always the bane of gaming laptops. In our testing, it’s rare that we see a machine get over an hour. But to get two hours and 15 minutes on one charge in our gaming battery life test is, simply, bonkers.

👍 Lovely display and ergonomics: That 13-inch 2.5K Mini-LED display is bright, smooth with a 180Hz refresh rate and full of color to make your games look their best. Plus, the keyboard cover on here has a nice tactile typing experience as well!

What don’t we like about the Asus ROG Flow Z13?

👎 Not many ports: PC gamers will need plenty of ports for any accessories and peripherals, but with just two USB-C sockets and no Type-A to be seen, you’re going to be pretty limited with what you can connect this to.

👎 Ray Tracing is AMD’s enemy: Look, I’ve always through Ray Tracing is a bit of a gimmick when it comes to graphics. But it is very much a way of the gaming world now, and much like a lot of AMD’s GPU tech, the Flow Z13 can struggle with it. I recommend keeping this option turned off in your titles.

Should you buy the Asus ROG Flow Z13?

I sat with my mind blown about the Asus ROG Flow Z13 — seeing what I believe to be the future of gaming laptops. A far better balance between raw performance to squeeze out every last frame, and better battery life, given it’s coming from an integrated chip. It’s the best of both worlds and easily one of the best 2-in-1s you can buy right now.

• Read our full Asus ROG Flow Z13 review

Also tested

• ^ Back to the top

Performance test results compared

We run every laptop we test through the Geekbench CPU benchmarking utility to gauge its raw CPU performance.

Simply put, the higher the score, the better the laptop is when it comes to raw CPU performance. Right now, the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) leads the charge in single-core performance, but when it comes to multitasking, the Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13) comes on top. That said, each of these laptops offers great performance, especially for their price.

Best 2-in-1 Laptops Performance Results

Slide through to see each Geekbench benchmark result

< Prev

Geekbench 6 (single-core)

Next >

Asus Zenbook Duo 2026 (Intel Core Ultra X9 388H)

3031

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V)

2559

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V)

2751

Asus ProArt GoPro Edition PX13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395)

2932

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max 390)

2896

01,0002,0003,0004,000

Geekbench 6 (single-core) Data

Product	Value
Asus Zenbook Duo 2026 (Intel Core Ultra X9 388H)	3031
HP OmniBook X Flip 14 (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V)	2559
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V)	2751
Asus ProArt GoPro Edition PX13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395)	2932
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max 390)	2896

Asus Zenbook Duo 2026 (Intel Core Ultra X9 388H)

17283

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V)

9940

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V)

11059

Asus ProArt GoPro Edition PX13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395)

18407

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max 390)

17876

05,00010,00015,00020,000

Geekbench 6 (multi-core) Data

Product	Value
Asus Zenbook Duo 2026 (Intel Core Ultra X9 388H)	17283
HP OmniBook X Flip 14 (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V)	9940
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V)	11059
Asus ProArt GoPro Edition PX13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395)	18407
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max 390)	17876

1 of 2

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Battery life test results compared

In every laptop we review, we test the battery life to see just how long these machines last. With 2-in-1 laptops, you'll notice these don't last quite as long as the best laptop for battery life, but they will still get you through a full workday without needing a charge. Here's how each of our top 2-in-1 picks compares.

Best 2-in-1 Laptops Battery Life Results

In our battery test, we set the laptop's display to 150 nits of brightness and have it endlessly browse the web via Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

Battery life (hh:mm:ss)

Asus Zenbook Duo (2026)

14:23:00

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition

12:47:00

Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13)

11:12:00

HP OmniBook X Flip 14

08:32:00

Asus ROG Flow Z13

07:30:00

03.757.511.2515

hours

Battery life (hh:mm:ss) Data

Product	Value
Asus Zenbook Duo (2026)	14.383333333333333
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition	12.783333333333333
Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13)	11.2
HP OmniBook X Flip 14	8.533333333333333
Asus ROG Flow Z13	7.5

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How to choose the best 2-in-1 laptop for you

• Performance: If you only need something basic for surfing the web and checking email, consider a value machine like the HP OmniBook X Flip 14. If you need more power to multitask, run demanding applications, or edit photos/videos, look for a 2-in-1 packing plenty of RAM and newer CPUs, like the Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13) or Asus Zenbook Duo.
• Graphics and gaming: To function as both tablets and laptops, 2-in-1s are typically designed to be as thin and power-efficient as possible, so they don't pack discrete GPUs. These days, though, that doesn't mean they aren't great for gaming. The game-focused Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a great example, packing an AMD chip with mighty integrated graphics power. But the same can be said with the Intel Panther Lake-powered Asus Zenbook Duo. But any Windows laptop with a decent x86 CPU and enough RAM can probably play older or basic games well, and the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition.
• Size: Consider how portable you need your new 2-in-1 to be: is this a laptop you occasionally want to use as a tablet, or vice versa? If you prefer the lighter weight and smaller size (typically) of a tablet, and can live with having a flimsy/detachable keyboard, then something like the Surface Pro 11. If you'd rather have the larger screen and extra power/versatility of a laptop that doubles as a tablet, and don't mind the extra size and weight, consider something like the Asus ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13) or the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360.
• Operating system: Just about every 2-in-1 laptop on the market comes with one of two operating systems: Windows and ChromeOS. Right now, every laptop we have on this list is a Windows machine, and that's because they offer far more versatility when it comes to workflows and entertainment. Still, Windows 11 is by far the most common operating system among 2-in-1 laptops, but now it's available in two flavors: Arm and x86. Most laptops run on x86, but the Snapdragon chips that power the Surface Pro 11 are Arm-based, so keep in mind that you can't run games on it. If you'd prefer that, go with the Asus ROG Flow Z13 (for pure gaming) or the Asus Zenbook Duo (for a Windows laptop that can also run games).

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How to find the best deals on laptops

A good deal is always appreciated, but it feels like now more than ever our readers are hunting for opportunities to save money on a new laptop.

Obviously, the first thing to do is check out our regularly updated list of the best cheap laptop deals to see if any of the laptops you have your eye on are currently on sale.

Next, we scour Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and other retailers to see if they have the model you're after on a deep discount. If you're having a hard time finding the model you want, think about creating an account with each major retailer and setting up email alerts so you get notified as soon as the cheap laptop you want is back in stock.

Finally, make sure to use a good price-tracking tool like CamelCamelCamel to track prices on the laptop you want across multiple retailers, so you know when you've found the best deal!

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How we test 2-in-1 laptops

When testing the best 2-in-1 laptops, we go through the usual series of tests, including CPU, GPU, RAM, battery life and more, but with a great emphasis on testing the screen (not unlike the best touchscreen laptops).

We measure the average brightness and color quality of each laptop's display using our in-house light meter and colorimeter. What's more, we also test the laptop's responsiveness, whether it be through touch or a stylus. This gives us a good idea of whether it can actually be used like a tablet.

That's not all, of course. For general performance, we run our machines through tests that include Geekbench 6 (CPU performance), as well as various 3DMark tests to measure the GPU's performance (whether its dicrete or integrated graphics). We also run a file transfer test to measure how fast a machine's hard drive is.

There's plenty more we do in our testing process, which we constantly update with the latest tools and benchmarks. For more, check out our guide to how we test.

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If you want the absolute best value for money from your online protection, you're better off getting a software package that provides you with one of the best antivirus programs, a password manager, a VPN, cloud backup, and identity theft protection all under one subscription fee than trying to purchase each separately.

The best internet security suites make it easy to protect all of your devices from malware, phishing attacks, and other cyber threats, no matter what operating system(s) they use. We’ve spent endless hours testing internet security suites on laptops, tablets, and smartphones to create this guide of the very best security bundles for protection online.

Our top overall pick is Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus, thanks to its vast array of features. However, there are a number of other excellent options, each of which we have included an in-depth look at in this guide.

The best internet security suites you can buy today

The best internet security suite overall

If you're looking for an internet security suite that does it all, look no further than Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus. It includes just about every security feature you’ll need, including many that we normally review as stand-alone products.

Unlimited password manager? Check. Unlimited VPN? Check. Parental controls, cloud backup, top-notch identity theft protection? Check, check, check.

Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus also has excellent protection against malware, its own firewall, dedicated webcam protection, and it can even be installed on an unlimited number of devices — much better than competitors like Trend Micro Premium Security, which offer protection for 10 devices, or ESET Home Security Premium, which requires you to pay per-device for protection.

Additionally, in independent testing conducted by AV-Comparatives published in December 2025, Norton 360 achieved a protection rate of 100%, a score only matched by Avast and AVG.

So what’s the catch? The parental controls don’t work on Mac and neither does its cloud backup service. If you have more than one PC, you might fill up the 500GB of backup space after a year or two. If you want an internet security suite that offers the same features across all devices, consider Trend Micro Premium Security.

You'll also experience some heavy slowdown during scans, which may be an issue if you want an internet security suite that can simply run in the background. If you want something more lightweight, we experienced the least slowdown with ESET Home Security Premium.

Then there’s the sticker shock. Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus costs $365 per year after the first year, which is far more than other premium antivirus suites. If you're looking for a cheaper option, McAfee+ Ultimate is a decent alternative.

Still, buying the equivalents of Norton’s features and services from other companies costs at least $550 a year. If you absolutely need and can afford all of these extras, then Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus could be the perfect solution.

Read our full Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus review.

Save on subscriptions with our Norton coupon codes.

Best internet security suite for features

If you don't want all the bells and whistles of Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus, but you do want an internet security suite with an unlimited VPN, then Bitdefender Premium Security could be the one for you.

Bitdefender Premium Security combines Bitdefender's very good malware detection and easy-to-use interface with a huge assortment of extra features, offering protection for up to 10 devices.

While it doesn't include identity-theft protection or cloud-backup software, it does include a few features that Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus doesn't. These features include ransomware rollbacks, a super-secure web browser for online banking, anti-theft software for laptops, and a file shredder.

Bitdefender Premium Security also offers parental controls for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It also has an unlimited password manager and dedicated webcam and microphone protections, but these are only available on Windows.

In independent testing by AV-Comparatives, Bitdefender Premium Security's protection rate was slightly lower than that the other internet security suites on this list, but still very good at 99.1%.

Just like Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus, Bitdefender Premium Security has a heavy background system impact. This isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but it is definitely something to keep in mind.

When it comes to price, Bitdefender Premium Security is solidly in the middle at $160 for an annual subscription. It's not as expensive as Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus, but it's not as cheap as ESET Smart Security Premium.

Read our full Bitdefender Premium Security review.

Save on subscriptions with our Bitdefender coupon codes.

Best internet security suite for value

If you want the identity theft protection offered by Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus but don't want the hefty price tag, McAfee+ Ultimate includes similar coverage for over $150 less.

With McAfee+ Ultimate, you'll get the benefits of McAfee Privacy & Identity Guardian, which costs $90 per year as a stand-alone and only includes identity monitoring as well as online account and personal data cleanup, in addition to other security features, all for $200 for an annual subscription.

This is pricier than other internet security suites, such as ESET Home Security Premium, but it includes a lot more features and protection for an unlimited number of devices. McAfee+ Ultimate's features include protection against malware, the True Key password manager, Safe Kids parental controls, file encryption, file shredding, a firewall, and full VPN service for unlimited devices.

However, you should keep in mind that not all of these features are available across all operating systems. For example, neither the VPN nor the parental controls work on macOS, and there's no webcam protection, hardened browser, or backup software. If you want an antivirus with features that stay consistent across platforms, consider Trend Micro Premium security.

When tested by AV-Comparatives, McAfee+ Ultimate achieved a protection rate of 99.5%, lower only than Norton 360, and on par with ESET Home Security Premium and Trend Micro Premium Security.

McAfee+ Ultimate also suffers from the same heavy system impact as other internet security suites on this list, like Bitdefender Premium Security. This isn't uncommon and, in fact, is an issue most of the internet security suites on this list run into. Still, it's something to keep in mind.

However, if you want all-encompassing protection at a less expensive rate, you could do a lot worse than McAfee+ Ultimate.

Read our full McAfee+ Ultimate review.

Save on plans with our McAfee promo codes.

Best internet security suite for multiple platforms

Trend Micro Premium Security is a great option for those who have a range of different devices they want to protect, as it features stay consisent across all the operating systems it is available on.

These features include a password manager, unlimited VPN service, and parental controls, all of which work on Mac, PC, Android, and iOS.

There's also what Trend Micro calls "ID Protection." This initially sounds like something akin to the identity theft protection offered by providers like Norton; however, it is not as powerful as this. Instead, it simply monitors the dark web for any leaks of your data, but does not take steps to remove it if it is discovered. Additionally, it can be accessed only through mobile apps.

On the antivirus side, Trend Micro Premium Security provides ransomware rollbacks, a file shredder, file encryption, and a system optimizer. Trend Micro's malware engine has a remarkably small impact on Windows system performance when running in the background, but it can eat up a fair amount of resources during full scans.

Trend Micro Premium Security costs $150 per year and offers protection for up to 10 devices. This should be enough for one person or a smaller household, but if you have a lot of devices or a larger household to protect, you may want to consider Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus, or McAfee+ Ultimate.

Additionally, it does not include backup software or cloud storage. If this is an absolute must, Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus will be more suitable for your needs.

Another thing to keep in mind is that in AV-Comparative's testing published in December 2025, TrendMicro Premium Security had the most false positives of all the antivirus security tested. With this being said, it also achieved one of the best antivirus protection rates, at 99.5%.

Read our full Trend Micro Premium Security review.

Best internet security suite for performance

ESET is one of the biggest names in antivirus protection in Europe, and while its Home Security Premium suite doesn't include as many features as other providers, it's great for those looking for an internet security suite that's light, fast, and efficient.

ESET Home Security Premium doesn't include a VPN service, backup software, or identity protection, but it does have a password manager, parental controls, anti-theft protections for laptops, dedicated webcam protection, a dedicated secure browser, and even home-network-management software.

It even includes bare-bones antivirus software for Linux machines, and its Windows malware-detection engine does very well in lab tests. The only downside is that the parental controls don't work on iOS.

When tested by AV-Comparatives, ESET Home Security Premium had the lowest false positive rate of all the internet security suites on this list, as well as achieving a protection rate of 99.5%.

When it comes to price, ESET Home Security Premium is unique compared to the other internet security suites on this list. Most antivirus brands tier premium subscriptions at five, 10, and sometimes 15 devices. ESET Home Security Premium bucks this trend, starting at $60 per year for one device and adding $5 for each additional device.

This is useful for those looking to protect a small number of devices for a low price — for example, if you've got just four devices to protect, you'd pay $75 per year with ESET Smart Security Premium. However, if you have more devices you need to protect, you may want to look at the other services on this list.

Read our full ESET Smart Security Premium review.

How to choose the best internet security suite for you

So, do you really need all of these extra features with your antivirus software? Well, some of them (like password managers) are super handy for anybody to use, thanks to their ability to store and protect all of your online logins, as well as the fact that they can generate super-strong, unique passwords. Not only can this prevent you from being the victim of a credential-stuffing attack, but it can also prevent more of your accounts from being breached in the event of a data leak.

For other features, like parental controls, identity protection software, or a VPN, you'll need to consider what you personally need in terms of online protection.

If you have young kids or teenagers at home, then you might want an internet security suite with parental control software to keep tabs on what your children are doing online or to track the physical location of their phones.

Investing in identity theft protection might be a good idea if you have vulnerable members of your household or if you're concerned about the ramifications of data breaches.

If you travel a lot, you’ll want to use a VPN while in hotel rooms and airport lounges to keep your data safe when using unsecured public Wi-Fi.

If you do want these features, then getting an internet security suite is the best value for money. To get a better idea of the standalone services these premium internet security suites compete with, check out our guides on the best identity theft protection, best cloud backup services, best parental-control apps, and best password managers.

Internet security suites may seem expensive, but they’re still far cheaper than purchasing all of these extra services à la carte. Instead, you just have to decide which one suits your needs the best.

Another factor to consider when choosing an internet security suite is price. If you get a cheaper model, you may find it doesn't come with as many features or be available on as many devices as other, more expensive software.

Another thing to keep in mind is system impact. All of the internet security suites on this list (barring ESET Home Security Premium) experienced heavy slowdown during scans, so this is not an uncommon issue. It's also unlikely to be a dealbreaker, but it's still definitely something to be aware of.

How we test the best internet security suites

Our evaluations are based on the interface, performance, protection and extra features that each internet security suite offers. Was the interface intuitive and user-friendly? How much did malware scans slow down system performance? How well did the program detect and remove malware? Does the program offer other useful tools or features?

Most of our tests were performed on a Lenovo ThinkPad T470 with a 2.5GHz Core i5-7200U processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of solid-state storage containing 43.3GB of files.

In order to assess a program’s impact on system performance on both Windows and macOS, we used our own custom tests which measure how long the device’s processor takes to match 20,000 names and addresses on a spreadsheet. The longer it took the laptop to finish each test, the heavier the performance impact.

As for malware detection scores, we used results from three independent testing labs: AV-TEST in Germany, AV-Comparatives in Austria and SE Labs in England. Each lab puts the products from all of the major antivirus brands through stress tests which involve thousands of pieces of malware including hundreds of new samples since unknown malware is more difficult to detect.

For more information, check out our how we test antivirus software and apps guide as well as our more general how we test page for Tom's Guide.

FAQs

I'm British, so you know I take electric kettles seriously. I use my kettle for everything: making a cup of tea, boiling water for cooking, even heating a hot water bottle for those frosty London days. In the U.K., these kitchen gadgets are indispensable.

You may think that the best electric kettles will only do one thing, and you're kind of right. For the most part, a kettle will boil water and automatically shut off after use. But when selecting the best kettles for buyers, we encountered a surprisingly complex market.

For a start, a lot of these kettles feature smart designs such as variable temperature, temperature hold settings, and interactive bases which give you full control. Looks also matter, because these appliances will sit on your countertops every day. And there are plenty of designs on offer, from KitchenAid to Fellow.

You should also consider whether you want a gooseneck kettle, which is ideal for coffee, or a more conventional pouring spout, which is better for tea or other kitchen tasks.

We tested every kettle in this guide and ranked them according to value, design, safety features, and performance. Our top pick is the Ninja Precision Temperature Kettle, but if you're on a budget, you should take a look at the Cosori Glass Kettle.

Here are the best kettles you can buy right now.

The best electric kettles you can buy today

The Ninja Precision is hard to fault. With a spacious 60-ounce capacity (twice that of the Fellow models in this guide), it's not only well-suited to making hot drinks, but means you can quickly boil water for cooking.

What makes the Ninja Precision Temperature kettle so great is its versatility. In testing, it boiled 60-ounces of water in just 4 minutes 10 seconds, which is, ounce-for-ounce, incredibly speedy compared to the likes of the Cosori.

While it isn’t specifically designed solely for specialty drinks, there’s nothing stopping the Ninja Precision Temperature from being a phenomenal barista aide. You can choose your water temperature to the degree using the tactile buttons on the easy-to-master kettle base. You might need 150°F for some blends of niche Japanese green teas, or your specialty pour-over coffee might call for 199°F on the dot. With the Precision Temperature, this specificity is welcome. The clue’s in the name: you get precision temperature and more.

In testing, we found that the Ninja kettle truly excels as an all-rounder. Making ceremonial-quality matcha blends in the morning, but need to prep a pasta dish to serve 12 in the afternoon? With the Ninja kettle, that’s no problem. And in the evening, are you craving a cup of soup? You can boil one cup of water in fifty seconds, so you’ll be eating in no time.

There’s nothing wrong with this kettle. It does its job exceptionally well. Do you want the best all-around electric kettle? Well, it’s the Ninja Precision Temperature kettle. We’re sure of it.

Find our more in our full Ninja Precision Temperature Kettle review

Best budget kettle

For some people, keeping plastic out of the kitchen is a big priority. But it can often be expensive to turn away from plastic kitchen gadgets in favor of glass or metal. With the Cosori Electric Glass Kettle, that's not a problem.

While there are some (essential) plastic accents around the lid and handle, the kettle is made of transparent glass, and it's an incredibly affordable option — by far the cheaest in the guide.

At its full 48-ounce capacity, this kettle boiled in four minutes and four seconds, which is impressive for a budget option. It's also incredibly easy to control, with just one button and no temperature options (which we wouldn't expect in a sub-$30 kettle, anyway).

The downside is that this kettle is quite slow to pour, so you'll need to be careful to avoid any spills. And while the glass design is attractive, it's also trickier to keep clean than the other options in this guide. Another downside of glass is the low temperature retention. Compared to the well-insulated Fellow models we tested, its glass exterior will require re-boiling between drinks.

Find out more in our full Cosori Electric Glass Kettle review

Fastest kettle

The Dualit Classic Kettle is a genuine statement piece for your kitchen counter, with a sleek, polished design that immediately stands out. If you care about aesthetics and want your kettle to be as stylish as your mixer or coffee machine, this one delivers — the chrome finish is undeniably eye-catching and elevates any kitchen setup.

That mirror-like exterior, though, is a double-edged sword. While the chrome makes a strong visual impression, we found it picks up fingerprints and watermarks far more easily than matte or colored finishes. If you’re particular about keeping your appliances spotless, expect to spend a little extra time wiping it down to maintain its show-stopping shine.

Happily, the Dualit Classic isn’t just about looks. In our testing, it proved very quick to boil water, so you’re not sacrificing everyday convenience for beauty. However, you will encounter some trade-offs. Compared to the Ninja Precision Temperature Kettle, the Dualit is more visually appealing but doesn’t offer customizable temperature settings or as large a capacity. And while it’s certainly more attractive than the Cosori Electric Glass Kettle, it’s significantly more expensive — so you’re paying a premium for style.

From hands-on use, we also found the kettle heavy to hold when pouring, and that the chrome finish’s tendency to attract marks can be frustrating. But if design is your top priority and you’re prepared for a bit of upkeep, this is the kettle you’ll want to leave on display. For more details, check out our full review.

Find our more in our full Dualit Classic Kettle review

Best gooseneck kettle

The Stagg EKG kettle is the gooseneck kettle. If you’re serious about pour-over coffee, there is no gooseneck kettle that’ll do it better than the Stagg.

The precise gooseneck spout is ideal for pour-over coffee. In testing, we were able to control the flow rate to just 1.5g/s — that’s painstakingly precise. The Stagg makes it incredibly easy to master pour-over flow, which means it’s ideal for beginners as well as experienced users.

Not only is the Stagg a treat to use, it’s also a treat for the eyes. While we tested the matte black version, there’s a huge range of colorways, some with maple or walnut embellishments. Fellow truly has raised the bar with the Stagg’s design — no other kettle comes close to this level of beauty. While the Stagg is best for coffee-lovers, the Corvo is a worthy alternative for teas and more general kitchen use.

It’s worth noting that the Stagg’s maximum capacity is 30 ounces (just 0.9 liters), which will only fill a six-cup Chemex. If you’re preparing coffee for a large group, you’ll either want a different kettle, or will have to wait out the five-minute boiling time for the second round of coffee.

However, this is the only main downside to this kettle — every other aspect of the Stagg blew us away in testing. For pour-over fanatics, there’s no way around it: the Fellow Stagg is the ultimate gooseneck kettle.

Find out more in our full Fellow Stagg Gooseneck Kettle review

The best looking kettle

The KitchenAid 1.7L Variable Temperature Kettle definitely a showstopper, and with a range of colors to choose from, there's an option that will suit most kitchens (and can even pair with your beloved KitchenAid mixer!)

The 57-ounce/ 1.7 liter capacity means you’ll be able to boil enough water for several hot drinks or a large French press. Plus, there are 7 temperature settings to choose from using the smart dial-controlled base, which means you can make the ideal brew for everything from coffee to matcha.

You should note that this is an expensive option compared to a lot of the more budget-friendly kettles on the market. While it's smart, it's not quite as smart as the Ninja kettle which took the top spot in this guide. It can't hold your temperature, or increase in manual temperature intervals.

Boil time was four minutes (and one second, to be exact), which is pretty standard compared to the likes of the Fellow and Cosori options in this guide. This is a smart option that also brings the looks, but if you're on a budget, look elsewhere.

Find out more in our full KitchenAid 1.7L Variable Temperature Kettle review

The most precise electric kettle

If you’re a fastidious brewer of varying blends of specialty tea and coffee, you’ll need to ensure you’re using one of the most accurate and meticulous kettles available. That’s why we recommend Fellow’s Corvo EKG electric kettle for those brews you just have to get right.

With the tactile dial on the kettle’s base, you can customize your water temperature to the degree. So if you’re steeping delicate tea that commands a temperature of 140°F — like matcha or white tea — you’ll be able to brew water correctly without having to get a secondary thermometer involved.

Besides heating water to precise temperatures, the Corvo also looks excellent while doing it. We know looks aren’t everything, but it doesn’t hurt to have an attractive piece of kit in your kitchen. The matte black finish almost justifies this kettle’s $200 price tag, and the gorgeous slim base has a bright LED screen that makes using this kettle a breeze. The precision spout also eradicates the possibility of spills, drips, and leaks. In testing, we were also impressed by the range of flow rate — you’re not restricted to around 5g/s as with a gooseneck kettle. It’s possible to get the flow rate up to around 80g/s and all the way down to 2.5g/s. The Corvo is much more versatile than its sibling the Stagg, and we would recommend the Corvo as a better all-rounder.

The only thing holding the Corvo back is its small capacity. If you need to boil large amounts of water, you’d be better off somewhere else. Its max capacity is 30 ounces. However, if you’re brewing a range of specialty teas or preparing water for just a few people, the small size won’t be an issue.

Find out more in our full Fellow Corvo EKG review

How we tested

At Tom’s Guide, we test electric kettles with the everyday jobs they are bought for in mind: making tea and coffee, filling a French press, and boiling water for cooking. We assess how the kettle feels to use, including the balance and comfort of the handle when full, how secure and easy the lid is to operate, the clarity of the water-level window, and whether the spout delivers a clean, controllable pour without drips or splashes. We also consider build quality, countertop footprint, cord management, finish durability, cleaning requirements, and features such as removable limescale filters and boil-dry protection.

For performance testing, we time how long each kettle takes to boil increasing amounts of water, so readers can see how it performs for a single cup as well as a full kettle. We measure the water temperature immediately after boiling and again after 30 minutes to gauge heat retention, and record operating noise in decibels. We also check how hot the exterior becomes after use, then weigh those results alongside capacity, temperature controls, ease of use, and value to determine which kettle is best for different needs.

We used an extra-sensitive thermometer to track the temperature of the water once first boiled, as well as how hot this stayed after 30 minutes in order to evaluate the insulation. We also touched the exterior of each kettle after testing to see if they felt safe to touch, and consider whether that could be a health concern.

Other factors such as value for money, range of settings, and ease of use were considered when we ranked these electric kettles.

Ultimately, every model that made our roundup comes highly recommended, but the right kettle for you will depend on what your budget is, and what your most-used feature will be.

Test results

How to choose

It's no surprise if you need help with choosing an electric kettle.

When choosing your electric kettle, you’ll need to consider a few factors before you buy. The overall aesthetics shouldn’t be dismissed when you’re looking at an appliance that will be visible on your kitchen counter. Also, think about how much you’re willing to spend — prices vary drastically, and there’s a kettle for every budget. You should also consider:

• Capacity — The majority of kettles range from 30 ounces/ 0.9 liter to 61 ounces/ 1.8 liters. This difference in size impacts how many hot drinks you can make at once. So if you’ve got a larger household, it’s worth considering a kettle with a large capacity.
• Temperature settings — If you just want to boil water, then a simple no-frills kettle will do the job, but tea geeks and coffee aficionados will appreciate a kettle that can heat water to a range of temperatures for optimum brewing. Some also have a keep warm function, so the water temperature is maintained and ready for when you need a top up.
• Safety — Most electric kettles automatically shut off when the water boils, making them safer than stovetop options. But, for added peace of mind, some also have boil dry protection, which means they’ll shut off if there’s no water remaining. And if you want a kettle that doesn’t get too hot on the outside, look for one with a double wall or plastic construction.

FAQ

Headphones and earbuds don't have to be super expensive — sometimes you want something good that doesn't cost the world. To help you find the best option for you, I've gathered the three best options for each headphone category. The best cheap headphones, the best cheap earbuds, and best cheap wired headphones for those looking for the best jump into audiophiledom.

First off, what price makes a cheap pair of headphones? I've gone for a $100 maximum, and stayed under that with the options on the list. There are also cheaper options than my top picks.

We've tested every single option on this list, putting them through their paces to make sure they not only sound good, but that they're comfortable and offer plenty of useful features that work as they should. So, without further ado, these are the best cheap headphones you can buy today.

Best cheap headphones overall

Good noise canceling, solid sound and a comfortable fit? At just under $90, you’re really spoiling us. After all, it's not long since ANC was the stomping ground of far more expensive headphones, usually with “Sony” or “Bose” written on the earcups. Now there are plenty of options that offer some combination of the three most important features of headphones, but very few offer all three for a good price. Apart from, of course, the 1More Sonoflow Pro.

I was pretty blown away when I tried out the Sonoflow Pro. I’d sampled impressive cheap headphones before, but nothing had really given me the complete package that the Sonoflow offers. For one, there’s impressive battery life, with 100 hours of ANC off time and 60 hours when you initialize the noise canceling. When my testing proved those figures to be accurate, all bets were off. They could sound awful and still offer a solid reason to buy.

Except they didn’t sound awful — they sounded really good. Obviously, they’re not going to scratch the sonic itch that audiophiles have constantly gnawing at the upper reaches of their cerebrum. Those looking for top-notch audio will be served better by the wired Fiio JT3 below. They do, however, deliver the goods when it comes to detail, bass, and mid-range reproduction. They sound twice as expensive as the price you pay.

Noise canceling is very good, and they’re comfortable for long periods. For the price, there’s very little that comes close to touching the quality of 1More’s finest.

Sound quality

If you’re expecting to hear the songs of angels, you’re gazing into the wrong crystal ball. If you’re happy with solid reproductions of your favorite tunes across the frequency and genre spectrums, you’re in the right place. They’ve got plenty of detail so that you can hear the finer points of your music, and the mids are lovely, round and warm.

Bass is a little one-note, but you can’t expect wonders from something that costs this little. There’s a version of spatial audio in the application, but as with most systems under $200, you should leave it permanently in the off position. Overall, there’s nothing to complain about sound-wise, no matter what music you listen to.

Comfort

Thanks to a lightweight design and some very soft padding, the 1More Sonolfow Pro are a very comfortable pair of headphones. I was able to wear them for a full 8-hour workday without them becoming uncomfortable, and sometimes even longer, when I wore them on the train going to and from work.

There was a slight problem, but this plagues even more expensive headphone options. They can get a little hot under the earcups, because the leatherette isn’t particularly breathable. I found that just shifting them slightly helps cool things down, and it only became an issue when I wore them for hours and hours on end. Not an enormous problem, but one worth keeping in mind

Noise canceling

The ANC is, for something that costs less than a quarter of the price of the leading ladies, pretty special. Turn it on, and the sound of engines, fellow travellers and office environments is very well damped indeed. There is only one level of ANC — two, if you count “off” — so you won’t be changing levels depending on where you are.

Then there’s transparency mode, which is fine. There is some slight robotisicm to voices, and it can feel “piped in,” but it’s otherwise fine. If this is the one weakness we have to tolerate, considering how good the rest of the package is, it's a sacrifice I’m willing to make.

Battery life

100 hours of ANC off time should be all that I need to say here. That’s some of the best battery life you’ll find on any pair of headphones, let alone headphones that cost under $100. Game-changing battery life. Turn the ANC back on and the battery life drops to 60 hours, which is still double that of the leading brands' headphones.

When testing the battery life, we found that those specs rang true. I found around 10 hours of use used about 10% of the battery when I had ANC turned off, and ANC on for 10 hours used about 18% of my battery. Good battery life.

Application

The Application works fine. It’s not going to win any design awards, nor is it a place you want to spend much time, but it does lay everything out well to make features easy to find. This is where you can adjust the EQ for sound customization and turn the Spatial Audio on and off.

It can be a bit tetchy, though. Sometimes I won’t recognize if the headphones are connected, or it crashes while you’re trying to adjust some of the settings. It’s a “set it and leave it” app.

• Read our full 1More SonoFlow SE review

Also consider:

Best cheap wireless earbuds

They’re orange. There’s not much more to add about these buds from Nothing’s budget branch, CMF. The Buds Pro 2 are a pair of orange earbuds in a world that seems to be black, white, or gray. It helps, then, that the buds inside those lovely orange shells happen to be rather excellent, and that they cost around $70. Nice and cheap, then.

You get a whole lot for your $70 as well. Our reviewer, Erin, says that the ANC is “AirPods Pro good,” and I’m inclined to agree. It does an impressive job at keeping noise at bay, making sure that you’re more comfortable at the office, on the train or in airplanes. Play some music and it’ll block out everything around you — the same cannot be said of similarly priced options. Good ANC at this price is a big selling point for the buds.

The sound is good, with good highs, mids and bass. Detail heads might miss a little, but you can dip into the solid Nothing X app to adjust all the right settings to dial in the sound. That’s using a very comprehensive EQ as well. They’re comfortable for long periods thanks to well-shaped buds and soft eartips, and the control scheme works reasonably well too.

Battery life is good, and the spatial audio works well. They’re a great pair of affordable buds that bring excellent features to a lower price point. AirPods Pro 3, who?

Sound quality

When you say something goes toe to toe with Apple’s finest, you’re going to need to back up your claim. Well, slip the Buds Pro 2 in your ears and you’ll soon find sound that gets so close to the AirPods Pro 3 you’d be hard pressed to find the difference. They’re very musical, and while there’s a little lost detail, you’ll soon get lost in a sea of sound.

Spatial audio obviously isn’t up there with the Apple Buds, but it does a good job of widening the sound stage. The very useful EQ means you can dial in the sound just the way you like it, or use presets for different genres.

Comfort

They’re small, they’re light and there are plenty of different eartips in the box so that you can get them as secure and comfortable as possible. We found that we could wear them for long periods of time without any worries of them falling out or becoming uncomfortable.

Using the touch controls does shift the buds in your ears slightly, and that can press on some tender areas form some slight irritation. Still, they’re a comfortable pair of earbuds that we had no problem wearing for a full day's work — and even longer when we hopped on the train to go home.

Noise canceling

The noise canceling is top-notch. Turn it on, and you’ll find the outside world completely blocked out. Loud bus engines melt away, crying babies become a mere whisper and construction work a thing of the past. It's perfect for commutes and noisy offices, so that you can enjoy your tunes without any distractions. it’s up there with the very best — extremely impressive for the price.

Transparency mode is fine as well, although not as good as Apple’s option. Usually, you wouldn’t compare the two, but given the strength of the noise canceling, it makes sense to talk about the two. It’s more than fine for the price, though, despite the slight robotic edge voices can take.

Battery life

The Buds Pro 2 last for a long, long time. There are 11 hours of battery life before you’ve even popped them back in the charging case. That’s more than the AirPods, Sony and Bose buds — and they cost triple the cost of the Buds Pro 2. Turn ANC on and that battery drops to 9 hours, which is still very good.

There’s a further 43 hours of battery life in the case, again more than the more expensive rivals. We found that the battery life claims from Nothing matched the numbers we got, with about 24% drop in battery over the course of 3 hours of use.

Application

The Nothing X app is one of the best in business. It’s very easy to use, with loads of features and useful buttons that are clearly labelled. The EQ is excellent, and the ANC control is easy to access. The on-buds controls could be better, though, as we found them to be slightly more irritating than we’d hoped while we were using them.

Thankfully, the app is very stable with no connection problems throughout our testing. We’ve had absolutely no issues with the Nothing X app throughout testing, not just the Buds Pro 2, but other CMF and Nothing products. A great app.

• Read the full CMF Buds Pro 2 review

Also consider:

Best cheap wired headphones

Generally, cheap wired headphones mean cut-price budget options for those looking for a quick sonic fix. The JT3, however, prove that you can get excellent sounding headphones without breaking the bank. They’re a lovely-looking and feeling pair of wired audiophile headphones that also happen to be comfortable and easy to use.

Of course, you’re not going to get all the fancy wireless features here. There’s no ANC, no transparency mode, no app, and no built-in EQ. Instead, they’re built from the ground up to give you the best sound possible without sonic compromise. And they deliver with aplomb — these are the best-sounding things this side of $150.

The soundscape is deep, rich, and complex. You’ll hear parts of your music you’ve never heard before, from fingers on fret boards to light breaths between lines. There’s loads of detail to get lost in, and a wide soundstage that makes your music feel huge. If you’ve never experienced this style of headphone before, they’re the perfect jumping-on spot.

They’re comfortable and light for lengthier listening sessions, and the detachable cable means they’re going to last a whole lot longer than headphones with attached cables. They’re the perfect way to get started with audiophile headphones.

Sound quality

The Fiio JT3 are a glorious pair of headphones if you’re even remotely interested in critically listening to your music. Finding the best bits, absorbing the sound, turning it over in your hands to work out how it was born and created. They’re a sonic enabler — something that’s generally only said of headphones that cost a whole lot of money. They’re effortlessly detailed, and provide plenty of richness and clarity.

Some audiophile headphones need a period of appreciation, building your understanding of what they’re showing you. That’s not a thing with the JT3. They’re immediately arresting, and welcoming with their warmer sound quality. We’ve loved every second of using the JT3, and it’s likely to be no different when you get them on your head.

Just remember that there’s no ANC — you likely won’t be plugging these in on the bus. You’ll need a dongle, too, for devices that don’t have a headphone jack.

Comfort

Because they don’t have any kind of extra bits and bobs in them like Bluetooth modules and batteries, the JT3 are very light. Add that to their ample padding, and you’ve got a very comfortable pair of headphones that you can wear for long periods of time. They’re so comfortable, in fact, that our tester Erin forgot she was wearing them while reviewing them.

Just remember that they’re cabled, and you might get tangled if you move around a lot while wearing them — or you’ll pull your expensive digital audio player off the arm of your couch. Not recommended.

• Read the full Fiio JT3 review

Also consider

Also tested

We test a lot of audio products across different price points. Not all are selected for inclusion in our buying guides. That's not to say that they're not great performers, just that they're beaten by rival models with a stronger set of features or performance. Our picks are the very best we've tested and have all been given full reviews. With more models to choose from than ever, we want to make sure that you consider these also tested options, which have all been through our rigorous testing processes, but didn't quite make the cut.

How to choose

5 things to consider when selecting the best cheap headphones

Just because you’re spending less doesn’t mean you’re settling for less. You want to get the most bang for your buck when shopping for the best cheap headphones, and the one way to ensure this is by checking off a few essentials from the list.

Many factors come into play when shopping for the best cheap headphones, but your decision should always come down to intended use. That being said, you’ll want to take the following categories into account before settling on any pair.

1. Design: Are you looking for in-ear, on-ear, or over-ear headphones? Wired or wireless? Since these are headphones that will be used for multiple occasions, you want something that suits your lifestyle. Whatever type you choose, make sure the headphones are well built, easy to carry, and comfy to wear for about 1 to 2 hours daily.

2. Sound quality: Different models offer different sound, and since you’re buying a pair to enjoy music individually, it’s important to find headphones that match your sound preference, be it heavy bass or distinctively clear, so that you can hear the littlest nuances in recordings. Some models offer personalized sound via a companion app, which allows the user to create their own profiles and tweak EQ levels to their hearing.

3. Battery life: In the lower price segment, this is a great way for manufacturers to stand out. Many options now last anywhere from 50-100 hours. Wireless earbuds can last about 5 to 10 hours and offer extended playtime with their bundled charging cases — always make sure one is included.

4. Accessories: It's disappointing to spend money on a new pair of headphones only to find that you need to buy the accessories separately. For wired models, the manufacturer must include the aux cable, and any headphones that come with a carrying case, charging cable, user guide, and extra ear cups or tips are solid purchases.

5. Pricing considerations: Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best cheap headphones. Generally speaking, the less you spend on a pair of headphones, the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for a budget option isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, as the models in this list demonstrate.

How we test

As with most of our headphone roundups, we based our list of the best cheap headphones not only on price, but also design, sound, and ease of use. Available features such as controls, mics, and digital assistant support are tested as well.

Our reviewers wear each pair of headphones for 2 hours at a time throughout the testing phase. From there, they evaluate how comfy and securely they fit, along with how well they isolate noise.

For sound quality, we evaluate volume, clarity, and fullness by listening to many songs across different music genres. This includes hip hop, rock, jazz, classical, and electronica just to name a few. Movies, podcasts, and video games are considered, when necessary. Our reviewers make phone calls to assess call quality and microphone performance too.

After testing is completed, our reviewers rate the best cheap headphones on Tom’s Guide five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Products that hit nearly every mark receive an Editor's Choice badge.

Find out what we listen for during our testing process and how to get the best headphone sound for you.

Professional cameras are cool. Do you know what they're not? Fun. The best instant cameras, though? Now they're fun — a way to take a snap and get an instant snapshot of a moment, forever frozen on a small piece of photo paper. Perfect for events, for parties, for vacations; an instant camera is a great way to disconnect from the digital world and remember what it's like to be a real human.

We've put loads of different instant cameras so that we can find the best around, thoroughly checking all their features and how well they take those snaps. If you're looking for a new camera, we know all the best options.

The best right now is the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo. It's a slightly more expensive option, but its image quality is the very best we've ever seen, and its compact form factor fits its to a bag with no issues at all. A bit too rich for your blood? No problem, there are cameras here to suit every budget. Here are the best instant cameras of 2026.

The best instant cameras you can buy today

The Fujifilm Instax mini Evo is the best instant camera overall, merging the experience of a dedicated digital camera of the 2000s, the fun of 70s and 80s instamatics, and the design aesthetics of 50s and 60s SLRs.

The Instax mini Evo offers extensive creative control. It has a dedicated dial to choose from 10 filters and a lens dial to choose from 10 lens effects, such as fisheye, double exposure and color shift. Combined, you get 100 combinations at your fingertips for any situation and photography style. The photos this camera produces are lovely. In our testing, the camera performed exceptionally well in both bright and low-light conditions. We also enjoyed the ease of use and portability. The camera weighs just over 10 ounces so it’s comfortable to carry it around your neck.

Compared to similarly priced cameras, such as the Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro, the Instax mini Evo provides way more creative control. The print quality is also a lot better. Additionally, the camera stores 45 photos so you can go back and print the ones you like. It also comes with a microSD card slot for more storage. You can also transfer images from the camera to your smartphone, but this applies only to the ones that have been printed.

If you're on a budget, this isn't going to be the right camera for you, and we'd recommend the Polaroid Go Gen 2, which you can read about just below. If you can stretch your budget though, the mini Evo offers way more than the Polaroid, thanks to its huge array of creative controls and excellent low light performance.

Overall, the Instax mini Evo is a stellar camera and while it will set you back $199, we feel like it’s well worth the money.

• Read our full Fujifilm Instax mini Evo review

The best budget instant camera

If you're on a budget, there are plenty of options for you, but the Polaroid Go Gen 2 is the best of the bunch. As Polaroid claims, this is the world’s smallest instant camera, and it really is “take anywhere-able” as you can slip it into your pocket and go about your day.

With a maximum aperture of f/9, a top shutter speed of 1/300 second and a built-in flash, it delivers superb and detailed retro prints, especially in bright conditions. With the addition of a double exposure mode which was missing from the original Go, you can get really creative with your shots.

There’s also a selfie mirror and self-timer, and both are fun to use. User-friendly with only 3 buttons, this little beauty can be used by anyone, even someone who isn’t well-versed with the semantics of photography. The Go Gen 2 also boasts great battery life as a single charge will last you between 15 and 18 shots.

The camera, however, doesn’t perform as well in low-light conditions and might have you considering other options like the Instax mini Evo above, if that’s a dealbreaker. Similarly, there is no dedicated macro mode so shooting a flower, for example, up close takes a bit of trial and error. Film is also relatively expensive — a single print will cost you approximately $1.12.

That being said, the Go Gen 2 is the cutest camera I’ve shot with and is super user friendly (although not quite as user-friendly as the Instax mini 12, our top pick for beginners). It looks and feels premium, and it’s easy to carry, making it the ideal travel companion.

• Read our full Polaroid Go Gen 2 review

The best instant camera for beginners

Looking for one of the best instant cameras but don’t want to get bogged down with the technical side of photography? The Fujifilm Instax mini 12 might be the one for you. It’s for beginners venturing into the world of instant photography for the first time, thanks to the ease of use.

The camera furnishes just a single adjustment: turning the lens barrel one click sets it to shoot at a normal distance, and turning another click sets it for close-ups and selfies. And the resulting images are bright, detailed, and the colors are faithfully reproduced. Photos develop in just under 90 seconds, and cost 75 cents apiece. The compact and lightweight body also make it very easy to travel with the Instax mini 12. A dedicated smartphone app allows you to quickly scan and share your prints on social media too.

In our testing, most shots turned out the way we envisioned, and we loved how easy it was to use the camera, as there’s only the shutter button you need to familiarize yourself with.

However, the Instax mini 12 doesn’t feature a self-timer or double exposures — features present in the similarly priced Polaroid Go Gen 2. Also, photos taken in very bright light may be over exposed. The Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro doesn’t have this issue, so if you value correct exposures over anything, consider other options than the Instax mini 12.

Overall, the Instax mini 12 is excellent for beginners and travelers who want to capture memories in mini prints.

• Read our full Fujifilm Instax mini 12 review

The best instant camera for video

The Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema is the latest addition to Fuji’s lineup of hybrid instant cameras, and at the time of writing, it’s the only instant camera that can shoot video — and it does a great job. Its design is inspired by Super 8 cameras from years past, and it’s the perfect blend of modernity and nostalgic aesthetics.

A delight to handle thanks to its compact design and an additional, attachable grip, the Instax mini Evo Cinema sports a well-laid out control scheme that’s easy to get to grips with. One of its biggest selling points is the Gen Dial that lets you choose one of 10 decade-specific effects, such as grainy footage from the 1930s and YouTube-esque framing from the 2010s. This, combined with the Degree Control dial that lets you adjust the contrast and grain, gives you access to 100 effect combinations for any and every situation.

The Instax mini Evo Cinema borrows its imaging tech from the Instax mini Evo and the Instax Wide Evo, enabling you to shoot 5MP images featuring bright and vivid colors. Alongside being able to shoot stills and print directly from your smartphone, the Instax mini Evo Cinema can record 600 x 800 or 1080 x 1440 video and add it to your print as a QR code. This QR code can then be scanned, and the video can be viewed by anyone, anywhere in the world. It’s like a cross between the Instax mini Evo and the Instax mini LiPlay+, as it can record clear audio too.

Its user-friendly companion app lets you edit videos, add opening and closing titles, and a digital copy is saved to internal storage or a microSD card, in case you want to share your creations on social media. It offers fantastic value for money, and it’s the best instant camera for video out there.

• Find out more in our Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema review

The best instant camera for weddings

The Fujifilm Instax mini 41 is the best instant camera for weddings. It’s like the Instax mini 12 but for grown-ups, thanks to its sleek, dark, premium body. It’s extremely easy to use with just a couple of buttons on its body, so even those who aren’t familiar with the semantics of photography can take photos with it. It can be passed around your wedding to document everything without any worry at all. And for selfies with the bride and groom, there’s a selfie mirror on the front as well as a close-up mode for detailed shots.

The Instax mini 41 takes lovely photos regardless of the lighting conditions — so whether it’s an indoor or outdoor wedding, or it’s taking place at night, this camera will capture great photos. Prints are quick to develop, and color reproduction is accurate. If you want to share your wedding snaps on social media, the Instax Up! app lets you quickly scan them on any smartphone.

One of the Instax mini 41’s drawbacks is that its flash is always on — which isn’t the case with the Instax mini 12. But this also means that the camera takes good photos in dimly lit environments, like wedding dance floors!

The cherry on top of an already delicious cake? It's long battery life. Utilizing two AA batteries, the Instax mini 41 can take a total of 100 shots before the batteries need replacing. No need to worry about putting the camera on charge between film pack changes.

Overall, the Instax mini 41’s premium build and design, ability to take stunning photos, long battery life and great low-light performance make it the best instant camera for weddings.

• Find out more in our full Instax mini 41 review

The best instant camera for travelling

The Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat is our top pick for the best instant camera for travelling thanks to its diminutive size and weight, but more important its range of lens attachments that’ll suit any situation your travels throw at it.

Measuring 4.68 x 3.68 x 2.36 inches and weighing 0.78lbs, we found the Instant Automat extremely easy to carry in a coat pocket and hold with either one or both hands. One of its biggest selling points is its three lens attachments: fisheye, wide-angle and close-up. These make the camera great for vacation snaps, especially with the wide-angle lens. You’ll be able to capture landscapes more easily, and when you want to take portraits of your friends or family, you can attach the fisheye or close-up lens. It’s easy to do so, as all you need to do is twist them onto the built-in 60mm lens. The Lomo’Instant Automat also stands out because of its lovely design. It’s available in 12 colorways, all inspired by artists from around the world. We tested the Schiele edition, which is decorated with Austrian artist Egon Schiele’s work.

Printing on mini format film, the Lomo’Instant Automat impressed us with its faithful color reproduction and print quality. Photos taken indoors and outdoors turned out detailed. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a compact camera for snapping vibrant prints. And thanks to a straightforward control scheme, it can be used by anyone.

However, we were disappointed by the fact that the Lomo’Instant Automat uses disposable CR2 batteries which are harder to procure than AAA ones. The viewfinder is also small, compared to other cameras like the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 or the Fujifilm Instax mini 12. While similar in size to the Instax mini 12, the Lomo’Instant Automat is a little pricier, but our testing proved that it’s well worth the extra spend.

While there are other cheaper options available, the Lomo’Instant Automat is still the best instant camera for travelling, thanks to its stunning, ease of use, portability and versatile lens attachments.

• Read our full Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat review

The best wide format instant camera

The Fujifilm Instax Wide 400, much like its predecessor the Instax Wide 300, is a bulky beast. With a 95mm f/14 retractable lens, it uses Instax Wide film that’s ideal for landscapes and group shots. It’s an easy-to-use camera, featuring just one button: the shutter button. It comes with an attachable macro lens that doubles as a selfie mirror. The camera doesn’t have any manual flash control, so the auto flash optimizes the lighting according to distance.

Fujifilm has improved on the predecessor’s design by giving the Instax Wide 400 a rounded body for better handling — you can even grip it with just one hand. Where the camera shines is in bright conditions. The prints are big and they come out bright and detailed. The dedicated macro lens takes a little time to get used to, but close-up shots are lovely once you get over the initial struggle. The camera falters in low-light conditions, though, and there are no creative modes, like double exposures.

Obviously, wide images come at a price — literally and figuratively. Wide paper costs just over $1.10 per shot, making it a lot more expensive to run this camera in the long term. It's also fairly pricey at $149, at least compared to budget options like the Polaroid Go Gen 2 or Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro. That's the literal prices out of the way, now for the figurative: this is a big camera thanks to the wide film, so it isn't one that you can easily stash in a travel bag, which is a shame given how well it's suited to landscapes and group shots.

Overall, though, the Instax Wide 400 is a great instant camera, especially if you’re a fan of the retro aesthetic and want incredible wide images.

• Read our full Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 review

The best 2-in-1 instant camera

The best 2-in-1 camera and smartphone printer is the best because it's actually a 3-in-1. The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay also features an audio recorder, giving you the ability to print photos with soundbites as the Instax mini LiPlay allows you to record up to 10 seconds of audio, which can then be added as a QR code to prints. While cumbersome, it’s an attractive feature and can be used to flex creativity. Speaking of creativity, you can also add frames and choose from an array of filters.

This is Fujifilm’s smallest instant camera and the antithesis of the Instax Wide 400. The Instax mini LiPlay received an update in the summer of 2024, which saw the introduction of three new colorways, a USB-C charging port, and the ability to update firmware from your smartphone. It’s a hybrid camera and printer that produces lovely prints with ample of detail, and enables you to quickly print photos from your smartphone.

Though it falters in low-light conditions, the Instax mini LiPlay is a solid choice for those who want to shoot in bright conditions and get detailed prints. Its small size and low weight make it a viable travel companion, although we prefer the Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro for that, as it's a similar size but performs much better in low light.

• Read our full Fujifilm Instax mini LiPlay review

What to look for when buying an instant camera

Instant cameras are not exactly instant. You have to wait at least 90 seconds for the picture to "fill in" to view the finished result, but we often found it took several minutes for the completed image to fully bake, revealing richer color and sharper focus.

Zink vs. Fujifilm Instax

Some instant cameras use the Fujifilm Instax film cartridges, which come in several sizes and varieties. This is the photo paper that Polaroid cameras have traditionally used: the paper is exposed to light, and the chemicals react to produce an image.

Other instant cameras use Zink paper, which uses heat to activate colors in the paper. The advantage to Zink is that you don’t have to worry about accidentally exposing the paper to light, as you do with Instax film. However, we’ve found that Zink prints tended to be less vibrant overall.

Does it print everything you shoot?

With traditional instant cameras, every photo you took was printed out. That's still the case for a good number of modern instant cameras, but given the cost of film, that approach can be very pricey — 50 cents and higher per shot, in some cases. However, some instant cameras now let you preview each shot so you can decide if you want to print it out or not. It could save you money in the long run.

Digital storage

While not universal, some of the new instant cameras have a microSD card slot, and save a digital copy of every photo you take. Not only does this make it easier to make a second print, but you can also share that photo on social media a lot more easily.

Smartphone app

Still other instant cameras can connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone app. This opens up a few more features, such as the ability to use the camera to print photos taken with your smartphone, add filters, stickers, and more.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about instant cameras.

How we test instant cameras

We test instant cameras in the same way we test full mirrorless cameras: that is to say, we put them through their paces. Obviously, we look at how much the camera costs, but we also consider how much money you're going to spend in the long term, too, with things like film cost, ink cartridge prices and battery expenditure.

Then we test the cameras in a range of scenarios to give a complete evaluation of their pros and cons. We'll always test out our instant cameras shooting in the types of places and scenarios you would: indoor selfies with friends, group shots, outdoors in the street and, of course, with any cute pets we come across along the way!

We always make sure to shoot with the cameras in daylight as well as low light to work out how well the cameras perform in challenging conditions. We test out all of their features and components to see how much control they will give you over exposure and how much creativity they'll offer with things like filters.

This naturally allows us to test out the camera's focusing and any other neat features, like screens, audio recording or digital storage. After all this, we'll have a great feel (literally) of what the camera feels like in use, how comfortable it is to hold, and how well its built.

If there's an app, we'll use it to edit our photos, as well as print smartphone images if we can. Of course, we print out all our instant photos and evaluate the quality of the prints, the aesthetic of the camera filters and film, plus the colors, sharpness and definition. While doing this, we also get a good idea of how long the camera spends printing.

What does all this mean? That you can rest assured we've put the instant cameras in this list through rigorous testing, and the best picks come highly recommended.

Truth be told, now's not a good time to buy a Roomba. Once synonymous with the very best robot vacuums, iRobot Roomba went into administration in 2025, and was acquired in February 2026 by major Chinese technology company Picea. We reached out to iRobot, who confirmed that it will be "operating as before", and said "there are no changes to existing models or our support of them". But, with that being said, we're seeing a lot of classic iRobot models such as the J9+ Combi and the i3 being taken out of circulation.

With that in mind, the three models I've included in this guide are still readily available to buy and also almost permanently heavily discounted. The most recent model we tested, the iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo, offers the latest Roomba tech and scored very highly across the board when we tested it in 2025. More interested in mopping? The Braava Jet M6 has been a favorite of ours for years, and is heavily reduced at a number of a retailers.

But a lot's changed since we tested these robot vacuums, and the brand recently announced a new range of budget-friendly models (the first to be released under the brand's new ownership), which we expect to launch later this year. Can't wait for then? Take a look at the three best Roombas I recommend below.

The best Roombas you can buy today

The best Roombas you can buy today

As part of a series of newly-launched robot vacuum mops from Roomba in 2025, the iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo is by far one of the best robot vacuums we’ve tested.

Our tester, Annie, (who is also a busy mom to a toddler and dog), put the Roomba Plus 505 to good use in her home. After months of testing she was impressed by its sheer cleaning power, mopping results and pet hair pick-up. In other words, a great overall robot vacuum to suit every task.

Not only was the Roomba Plus 505 able to do a thorough clean on her carpets, it did a good job of tackling messes on hard floors, particularly in corners. It also managed to maneuver its way over thresholds and around doors and other obstacles without any problem.

Perhaps what impressed our tester the most though, was its excellent mopping results that actually scrubbed floors well. Promising ‘70x more suction’, our tester could clearly see where areas had been scrubbed, and was glad to see floors were left dry and free from wet streaks. What’s more, the Roomba Plus 505 tackles pet hair really well, and Annie didn't find a single strand of her dog's hair tangled in the brush at all. Impressive!

She also loved the fact that it empties its bin, fills itself with clean water, and empties the dirty water away for up to 75 days. In fact, the only downsides Annie noted was the ‘spot cleaning’ mode to be a little hit and miss, and the App could be glitchy at times. However, for an overall, robot vacuum and mop hybrid to handle everyday cleaning, the Roomba Plus 505 was good enough to retire her cordless vacuum.

Read our full iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo review.

Best premium

One of iRobot's more premium models, the J9+ Combo is pricey, but it vacuums and mops homes with a healthy mix of carpet and hard floors thoroughly while avoiding obstacles. Its retractable mop design folds over the top of the bot like a convertible car's roof. This completely avoids spilling even a drop of water on carpets — but it requires you to manually remove and clean the mop pad after each job, which is some outdated tech compared to more modern releases from brands like Dreame and Dyson.

The J9+ had no problem sucking up nearly all of the Cheerios and kitty litter placed on both surface types. It even ripped through 93 percent of pet hair on carpet which is where most models struggle.

Our tester, Hunter, noted that only place this Roomba dropped the ball was when collecting pet hair on hard floors. While it managed to collect around 80% of the hair it struggled for the majority of the cleaning and often pushed it all together in clumps.

Its onboard AI powers advanced obstacle avoidance and uses a camera to detect dirt and optimize cleanings ensure that your floors are left clean and shiny. The algorithm's "SmartScrub" feature can even determine how effective a mop passthrough was to apply more pressure like a human would. If your home is equal parts hardwood to carpet then the Roomba J9+ Combo can't be topped.

Read our full iRobot Roomba J9+ Combo robot vacuum and mop review.

Best robot mop

The iRobot Braava jet m6 is, in essence, the Roomba s9, but solely for mopping. This impressive bot uses the same advanced navigation found in the Roomba s9 and Roomba i7 to clean and map your home. It’ll save a map of your home’s layout that can be customized, giving you the power to command the Braava jet m6 to clean specific rooms while avoiding no-go areas such as pet food bowls. While this is a handy feature in a vacuum, it’s nearly essential in a mop. No one wants to deal with a wet rug.

The square shape of the Braava jet m6 means it cleans well along baseboards. We like the easy-to-fill removable water tank, too. Like some Roombas, when the mop’s battery gets low, it’ll head back to its base, recharge, and then get back to work. Perhaps the neatest feature of the Braava jet m6 is how it works in tandem with the Roomba s9 and Roomba i7. When the vacuum has finished cleaning and returned to its base, the mop goes to work.

Like the Braava jet 240, the Braava jet m6 uses proprietary wet and dry cleaning pads that are available in reusable or disposable versions.

The m6 is at the top of our list of the best robot mops; as we found in our Braava jet m6 review, it was the best at both mopping and sweeping, and all of its smarts made it the easiest to use, too.

Read our full iRobot Braava jet m6 robot mop review.

How we tested

Our list of the best Roombas has been compiled through a combination of hands-on testing alongside extensive online research. Those which are tested in-house must demonstrate high levels of pick-up on everyday debris, including Cheerios, kitty litter and dog hair across both carpet and hardwood floors. We also take into account the effectiveness of the navigation as well as how much noise it makes on route. Speed is also considered as part of this test.

On top of that, we give the overall design a once-over, checking how easy the dustbin and filter are to remove and refit, as well as factoring in the settings and features on offer. We also test the app to see how easy it is to navigate and how intuitive the Roomba is to use on the whole.

Those models which are assessed based solely on online research need to have a proven track record in performance. We check this by referring to online reviews which must be commendable as well as consistent. Specifications are also compared to find the models which have the most to offer. Battery life and dustbin capacity are considered along with special features such as obstacle recognition and self-emptying bases.

Things to consider before buying a Roomba

For Australians on any budget who aren’t looking to upgrade to the latest phone, a SIM-only mobile plan offers the best value.

With a SIM-only plan, customers have the freedom to choose a phone plan that suits their needs, and they can also purchase one of the best phones of 2026 outright, saving money in the long run by avoiding costly handset repayments.

A SIM-only plan is also a great way to cut down your monthly phone bill while getting more data. Without the added cost of handset repayments, you can easily upgrade your plan and take advantage of larger data allowances.

Major carriers like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone offer a number of great SIM-only plans for every budget, but you can often save even more money by checking out what Australia's smaller telcos (or mobile virtual network operators — aka MVNOs) have to offer.

As we mentioned in our cheap mobile plans comparison, it's relatively easy to find SIM-only options which provide a decent amount of data, along with unlimited national calls and texts, starting at just AU$12.50 per month.

Best prepaid SIM-only plan

Best SIM-only plan for data

Best cheap SIM-only plan

Best 365-day SIM-only plan

How we pick the best SIM-only mobile plans

In order to narrow down our list of choices, our team searches for a balance of several factors which we believe most people are looking for from a SIM-only plan.

Value for money is our top priority — the best SIM-only plans will offer a reasonable amount of data without becoming too expensive. On average, each Australian uses around 12GB of data per month, which is why we've set that amount as the minimum monthly allowance.

SIM-only plans should also offer unlimited calls and text to standard numbers in Australia. Even the most affordable options provide this these days, so you should definitely avoid any plan which imposes a limit on either of them.

Network coverage is another important factor to consider when choosing a SIM-only plan. Depending on the telco you go with, all Aussies will get access to either the Telstra, Optus or Vodafone network.

Telstra leads the pack in coverage, offering the most extensive 4G and 5G reach in Australia. Optus and Vodafone aren’t far behind, with comparable coverage due to a network sharing agreement. While Vodafone’s 5G is still in third place, it has made impressive progress, now reportedly covering 85% of the population across 10 major cities and regions.

Additionally, we also take perks into consideration, even if they aren't the main reason for our selections. These can include such things as bonus international minutes, rollover data, access to streaming services and even discounts on your groceries.

Struggling with steep phone bills during Australia’s ongoing cost of living crunch? Relief is available! Beyond the major carriers like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, several providers now offer mobile plan options for all budgets.

It’s no surprise that major mobile providers charge more for their big data plans and extra perks, but luckily, there are still plenty of budget-friendly options out there. Smaller providers, called mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), utilise the exact same major networks.

This allows them to provide phone and data services at a much lower cost, with nearly identical coverage — though speeds might be capped at times. If you're looking to save on phone bills, consider checking out options like Boost Mobile, TPG, Kogan Mobile, Belong, Tangerine Telecom and Aldi Mobile.

How cheap are we talking? You can get SIM-only plans with unlimited national calls and texts, along with a good amount of data, starting at just AU$12.50 a month! Keep in mind, though, some of these super-cheap deals are promotional offers, and the price might increase after an initial period, typically around six months.

The value you get really depends on whether you go for a prepaid or postpaid plan and what works for your budget. The great thing is, there are loads of ‘no contract’ options available — some with surprisingly generous data allowances. Here’s a rundown of the best affordable mobile plans in Australia in June 2026.

Best cheap plans (20GB minimum)

For those willing to pay for a full year of service upfront, Lyca Mobile's Medium Plan is one you should consider — especially now that it's heavily discounted from AU$240 to just AU$150.

While this is a long-term plan, Lyca Mobile’s approach is unique in that it splits its 360GB of total data into 30GB chunks, renewed every 30 days. Essentially, you’re pre-paying for 12 installments of 30GB, which works out to just AU$12.50 per renewal when broken down. Just know that once those first 12 renewals are done, then next year will automatically be charged at the usual rate of AU$240 unless you cancel ahead of time.

If a more traditional month-to-month plan is more your speed, it's hard to overlook TPG's excellent 25GB Small Plan, which offers 25GB of monthly data at the half-off price of AU$12.50p/m for the first 6 months. While the price will go back to AU$25 per renewal after this period, it's still very affordable for what you're getting.

Best cheap big-data plan

Cheap mobile plans: what to look for

When choosing an affordable mobile phone plan, value for money is paramount. While most plans now offer unlimited national calls and texts, the key is to strike a balance between cost and data allowance. Often, a small increase in price can lead to a significant boost in your monthly data limit.

However, price isn't the sole consideration. It's crucial to identify the mobile network your discount carrier utilises, as smaller telcos offering the cheapest plans don't operate their own networks. Instead, these Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) lease access to networks built by Australia's three major carriers: Telstra, Optus or Vodafone.

Consequently, your local coverage quality will likely depend on the major carrier network your chosen discount telco uses. Therefore, before committing to any plan, always confirm the major carrier network it operates on and verify the service in your area.

Our best cheap mobile phone plan search takes into account the merits of prepaid vs postpaid phone service, while also examining whether MVNOs are worth the money.

How we pick the best cheap cell phone plans

We're constantly looking at what Australian telcos offer as part of our research into the best mobile phone plans. That includes examining what's available from the major carriers — Telstra, Optus and Vodafone — as well as from smaller telcos which run on these carriers' networks. We check prices monthly, comparing what different services have to offer.

For our best cheap mobile plans guide, we set a jumping off point of around AU$12.50 per month, along with a monthly data limit of at least 20GB. Price is of the utmost importance in our rankings, though we've made an effort to steer you away from some very cheap plans which we believe don't offer good value for money.

Our decisions take into account how much data each plan provides, and we've even calculated the average daily allowance and price per MB before coming to our conclusions, and we've also taken note of any perks to keep in mind. That can help distinguish two equally priced plans — or even highlight that a slightly more expensive plan offers better value overall.

Telstra, Australia's largest telco, boasts the most extensive mobile network nationwide, providing superior 4G and 5G coverage compared to other major Australian carriers. However, this premium coverage comes at a higher price point when subscribing directly through Telstra.

Thankfully, there is a way to access Telstra's industry-leading mobile network without paying a premium, and that's through mobile virtual network operators (or MVNOs).

MVNOs are smaller telco companies that don't operate their own networks. Instead, they purchase network access at wholesale rates from major providers like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone and then resell this access to consumers at more affordable prices.

There are a number of smaller telcos in Australia which offer access to the Telstra network, such as Boost Mobile, Woolworths Mobile, ALDImobile and more — all of which provide mobile plans at reduced prices. Of course, it's worth noting that only a handful of these carriers currently offer 5G access, and most of their plans come with capped download speeds.

To help you access Telstra's cellular network and save money, we've highlighted the best Telstra network mobile plans from alternative providers in Australia, catering to all budgets. Alternatively, there are also plenty of other cheap mobile plans to check out if you're willing to venture outside of the Telstra network.

Telstra network: Best big-data plan

Telstra network: Best cheap plan

Telstra network: best prepaid plan

How we pick the best SIM-only mobile plans

In order to narrow down our list of choices, our team searches for a balance of several factors which we believe most people are looking for from a SIM-only plan.

Value for money is our top priority — the best SIM-only plans will offer a reasonable amount of data without becoming too expensive. On average, each Australian uses around 12GB of data per month, which is why we've set that amount as the minimum monthly allowance.

SIM-only plans should also offer unlimited calls and texts to standard numbers in Australia. Even the most affordable options provide this these days, so you should definitely avoid any plan which imposes a limit on either of them.

Network coverage is another important factor to consider when choosing a SIM-only plan. Depending on the telco you go with, all Aussies will get access to either the Telstra, Optus or Vodafone network.

In terms of coverage, Telstra's network has the widest-reaching 4G and 5G coverage in Australia, with Optus a close second. Vodafone's network size may come in third place, but it's worth noting that its 5G coverage has grown by leaps and bounds, reportedly reaching 85% of the population across 10 major Australian cities and regions.

Additionally, we also take perks into consideration, even if they aren't the main reason for our selections. These can include such things as bonus international minutes, rollover data, access to streaming services and even discounts on your groceries.

• SIM-only mobile plans compared: The best Australian picks for every budget

Almost everyone can get something out of the right VPN. Whether you want to stream niche shows, protect yourself from surveillance, or just get reliable access to your bank when abroad, one of the best VPNs can help you out.

At their core, VPNs encrypt your data and change your IP address. We've got technical details on how that works below, but the outcome is very simple – VPNs hide the websites you visit from your internet provider, and make sure those websites can't see your real location.

Of course, VPNs aren't a silver bullet. If you use your real details to log into a browser like Chrome or apps like TikTok and Instagram, those platforms can still link you with your activity. However, if you stay savvy and keep online safety in mind, using a VPN is the perfect first step to improving your privacy.

We're a team of four full-time VPN users and cybersecurity journalists, and we spend every day testing, reviewing, and writing about privacy products. We have over 20 years of experience between us, and we've been hands-on with every VPN on this page. You can find links to our VPN reviews in the detailed analysis of each product.

Top 3 overview

What's new in VPN?

Fresh VPN deals

Since Private Internet Access ended its excellent summer VPN deal, most VPNs are at full price right now. However, if any good deals launch, we'll update this page straight away.

Global sports and streaming

Commonwealth Games (July 23-August 2): The Commonwealth Games begin this week with 72 countries/teams meeting in Glasgow to compete across 10 events. Available to watch for free on 7Plus (AU) and CBC Gem (CA). Available with a subscription on TNT (UK).

Love Island UK Final (27 July): The final of UK Love Island is on Monday, with the remaining four couples battling it out to be crowned champions of the villa. Stream free on ITV (UK).

News and software updates

ExpressVPN recently announced an upgrade to its server network, boosting its range to 113 countries and 214 selectable server locations – great news if you're a real VPN globetrotter.

Beyond that, all eyes are still on the UK. With Andy Burnham now in the driving seat, and has caught the eye of privacy advocates by stating he'll scrap the upcoming digital ID scheme. Time will tell to see if any changes are implemented regarding age verification laws.

Meet the creators of this guide

Our top recommendation

NordVPN is currently our top recommendation as the best all-round VPN service. Our tests show that it combines excellent privacy features with fast speeds in our lab and real-world tests, and has the most server locations of any VPN we'd recommend. It also has an excellent unblocking track record, plus well-thought-out apps and clever customer support.

Close rival Surfshark is cheaper and offers a similar level of performance. However, NordVPN has consistently proven to be one of the best VPNs for streaming – that’s going back at least four years – and is still competitively priced, with what is objectively a good-value, two-year introductory price.

Easy to set up and use, but not as cleanly designed as ExpressVPN

While we don't think NordVPN's app interfaces have the same sheen of visual simplicity as ExpressVPN's, it’s still very suitable for beginners: it took one of our low-tech impromptu testers less than 10 seconds to connect to a server in Australia when I asked him to try using it. Recent mobile app updates have improved this, and only the least confident users will have any problems getting up and running.

Meanwhile, there’s a generous amount of extra features, such as Double VPN (where your traffic can be routed through two encrypted servers rather than one), and custom DNS (often used for custom ad blocking) tucked away for more advanced users if you want them.

Jump to: The best VPNs for usability

Top speeds of over 1,200 Mbps – won't noticeably slow you down

In our latest round of speed testing, we upgraded to a 10 Gbps line. NordVPN performed very well, delivering a average speed of 1,256 Mbps when connected to the closest server, and 626 Mbps when connecting to a US server from the UK. When we tested it on a 10 Gbps connection in the US, we saw maximum speeds of over 1,100 Mbps – that's fast enough for 73 simultaneous 4K Netflix streams.

However, in this round of testing we did see ExpressVPN and Proton VPN make big improvements – peaking at 1,479 Mbps and 1,521 Mbps respectively – which makes NordVPN's results a little less impressive.

While VPNs invariably have some impact on your connection, we can comfortably say that NordVPN won't slow down your connection noticeably during regular use.

When we simulated network drop outs in our lab tests, NordVPN reconnected quickly and without fuss when the network came back – something a remarkable amount of lower-end VPNs really struggle with.

Finally, VPN Editor Mo Harber-Lamond uses NordVPN daily on an iPhone 14 Pro (4G and 5G), as well as at home on a 1 Gbps connection, and on slow public transport Wi-Fi. He finds it almost always connects in a couple of seconds, and manages to stay up even on patchy connections.

Jump to: The fastest VPNs we've tested

Audited, encrypted and future-proof – but not open-source

NordVPN has excellent privacy credentials and is a good choice for most security-conscious people – only Proton VPN scored higher in our testing on that front. Since a hacking incident back in 2018, NordVPN has taken several steps to bolster its security. These include continuing to implement a robust no-logs policy, and committing to regular independent audits to verify that it doesn’t collect any of your activity data. For example, a fifth audit of the no-logs policy was conducted at the end of 2024, and the infrastructure and apps were audited in late 2025. Only ExpressVPN has undergone more audits, with 23 to date.

NordVPN uses its custom NordLynx protocol to power your connections. Think of it like the engine under the hood, designed to make your connection fast, secure and reliable.

We found that it works well: it connects fast and responds quickly. It's built on top of the industry-standard WireGuard protocol with some custom privacy enhancements, such as its double NAT system which addresses the well-known IP-storing concerns of the base protocol. Many other VPN providers use WireGuard, and most also implement their own privacy measures on top of it.

We tested it across a variety of network conditions in both the US and UK, including Tom's Guide’s office Ethernet, multiple home Wi-Fi networks, and 4G and 5G mobile networks, and found that NordLynx had little to no real-world impact on speed or performance. A recent update has also introduced post-quantum encryption across all apps, which future-proofs the privacy of your data.

This makes NordLynx a strong protocol choice for demanding activities like downloading large games and streaming multiple 4K movies simultaneously on the same network, as well as for everyday internet usage.

However, if you need to bypass heavy censorship or network restrictions like corporate firewalls, NordVPN also supports OpenVPN, which offers better base privacy, as a more robust fallback.

NordVPN’s new censorship-busting NordWhisper protocol is now also available – but we haven't been able to test it properly yet (we're getting set up to do so). In the meantime, if evading super-strict censorship is your priority, we'd suggest using Proton VPN instead at number four in this guide..

One limitation is that NordVPN’s apps aren’t open-source. This means we can’t fully test their security: we rely on independent audit data for this. It's not a major deal, but for many people, open-source should be the norm. If this is important to you, you should again consider Proton VPN, as well as Private Internet Access, which are both premium VPNs with open-source apps.

However, we do test Nord’s kill switch across all major platforms and devices twice a year in the lab, as well as sporadically during personal use, and we've never once been able to make it fail. We’ve also never found iPv6 or DNS leaks when we've probed for them. These security vulnerabilities are common in lower-quality VPN services and can expose your identity.

Jump to: The best VPNs for privacy

Packed with powerful extras, if you know where to look

NordVPN is one of the best-featured VPNs, overall, with a comprehensive set of tools that cater to both general and more advanced users. On the Basic tier you get the same privacy and security features as the other leading VPNs, including a kill switch, custom DNS, Double VPN, and auto-connect.

Extra features include a Dark Web Monitor – something NordVPN says is its "most useful, yet overlooked features." It scans the internet for any credential leaks associated with your email address (within our top five VPNs, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark also offer this feature).

The almost-axed Meshnet feature is great too. Meshnet allows up to 60 devices to be linked, and is made for file sharing and even gaming.

However, split tunneling isn't available on iOS or macOS. If you do much torrenting on these operating systems and want to only route the torrent traffic through the VPN, consider PIA or Surfshark instead.

In terms of platform compatibility, NordVPN is at the bleeding edge. As well as all the standard platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV and Linux, NordVPN was the one of two VPNs with apps ready for Amazon's VegaOS launch – with IPVanish being the other.

NordVPN's network has very wide coverage – it recently increased its server locations to 224, with servers in 149 countries. This is well ahead of ExpressVPN and Surfshark, which sit at 113 and 100 countries apiece. This is good news if you live in a smaller country, or use your VPN to connect to lots of different locations.

NordVPN's closest competitor here is Proton VPN, and over the past year, the two have been in something of an arms race. Currently, NordVPN is just ahead of Proton's 148 countries. However, it's worth looking at the individual spread of each to see which offers the best locations for your personal usage.

You can upgrade your plan – at a cost, of course – to include some interesting added extras. The most useful of these is Threat Protection Pro. It's an anti-malware and browser protection tool, which runs even when the VPN is off. It was put head-to-head against four competitors by AV-TEST in Germany, which rated NordVPN as the best of its kind, and has recently been upgraded to include hijacked session alerts. In July 2025, NordVPN also introduced scam call protection, and in 2026 the feature was made available in Europe.

It worked really well for us too. We attempted to open 100 brand new malicious URLs from anti-phishing experts OpenPhish, and it blocked 87% (we found dedicated antivirus provider Bitdefender blocked 89% of the same threats – only two more).

However, while it worked well for the leading browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox), Threat Protection Pro doesn't protect every browser or app, and also isn't supported on mobile devices. So, if you’re doing anything risky online, we’d still recommend choosing a separate antivirus.

Consistently unblocked every streaming service we tested

Most top VPNs are effective at unblocking streaming sites from around the world. However, NordVPN is one of the very best – and has maintained this performance for a good number of years.

In the early days of our VPN reviews, NordVPN didn't put much effort into streaming and didn't perform well. But, since about 2021, we've found it to be incredibly effective and consistent.

Most recently, it once again unblocked every streaming service we threw at it on the first try (ExpressVPN and PIA are the only services in our top five that didn't). You can see the results from our latest tests in the Streaming section below.

NordVPN’s extremely fast speeds mean that you don’t get any frustrating buffering – we've enjoyed The Traitors on BBC iPlayer by connecting to a UK server from the US – and the wide spread of server countries adds value too. As a result, NordVPN takes the number one spot in our best Netflix VPN and best VPN for streaming guides.

Jump to: The best VPNs for streaming

Good customer service: real humans and quick responses

To help you when you get stuck, NordVPN offers a 24/7 live chat service. We contacted NordVPN's support team via the chatbot on the site with a variety of questions, and responses were quick. We didn't have to wait long to be handed over to a human agent.

For example, I had trouble accessing the Formula 1 YouTube channel while connected – an issue I've had with all VPNs. The first time I asked this question, the live chat support agent was able to give me a specific server that worked within the space of a couple of minutes. Impressive.

We asked the same question again a month later in mid April 2025 and this time NordVPN couldn’t solve the issue. However, the agent stayed online for almost an hour, providing detailed and varied suggestions to try and solve it.

When it comes to the support articles on the NordVPN website, they're good, but not great. Most are suitable for beginners, but more complex topics are wordy and tricky to decipher. We found ExpressVPN's FAQ section much more accessible, but our recent tests have found that its live chat is now less efficient than NordVPN's.

Jump to: The best VPNs for usability

Great value for money... for the first 24 months

NordVPN offers four different pricing tiers (or three, if you’re outside the US). The entry-level Basic tier offers good value when compared with other services, with more handy extra features than most other VPNs at this mid-range price point – including a "lite" version of its Threat Protection feature.

NordVPN usually costs around $94 for 24 months of service, which is the equivalent of $3.49 per month. Like many other VPNs, though, there's often a special offer – this typically comes in at around $2.99 per month.

By comparison, Proton VPN has more advanced tools but slightly fewer extra features, and costs a little less per month on the two-year plan ($71.76 total for 24 months), while Surfshark and ExpressVPN are much cheaper at $2.49 per month, but give you fewer additional features.

NordVPN’s Plus plan also looks good value to me. For less than a dollar more per month, you can get everything in the Basic plan, plus Threat Protection Pro (which works even when the VPN isn’t connected) and a password manager. It’s worth considering if you're looking for wider-ranging online protection and don’t want to buy separate anti-malware software or an antivirus.

I’m less sold on the value of NordVPN’s more expensive higher tiers. If you’re in the US, the Prime option ($7.49 per month / $202.23 overall) includes Coveron (formerly NordProtect), which gives you scam and ID theft insurance up to $1M, and a credit-monitoring service, and personal data removal tool Incogni.

However, ExpressVPN's two-year "Advanced" plan offers almost everything on NordVPN's Prime plan, but costs just $5.49 per month.

However, some of my only major gripes with NordVPN are to do with its pricing model. First of all, the advertised price may not be what you'll actually pay. Depending on where you live, tax is added at checkout – in the UK, for example, a hefty 20% VAT is added. US states vary, but expect a markup of at least 7%. Of the VPNs on this page, only those owned by Nord Security do this.

Another issue is the massive price hike you'll see after your initial subscription runs out – it's far bigger than any other service. If you allow your subscription to auto-renew, the two-year plan that cost $94 for will turn into a one-year rolling plan that costs $139. That works out at around $11.60 per month. My advice? Don't let that happen. Cancel, and resubscribe at a reasonable rate.

NordVPN is best if:

✅ You want a powerful VPN that just works.
NordVPN is the most well-rounded VPN we’ve tested. From enhanced privacy to gaming, streaming, shopping, and more, it’s the best option out there.

✅ You want to access streaming sites anywhere.
NordVPN has consistently been the one of the most reliable VPN for unblocking streaming services in our testing.

✅ You want lots of extra features.
Alongside the core VPN, NordVPN offers good malware protection with Threat Protection Pro, a dark web monitor, and more.

NordVPN isn't best if:

❌ You're on a tight budget.
There are a few cheaper VPNs that give NordVPN a good run for its money – Surfshark and Private Internet Access are two standouts. What's more, be aware that NordVPN's prices are quoted pre-tax in its marketing material.

❌ You're a technophobe.
NordVPN isn't too difficult to use, but ExpressVPN is a better choice if you want a simpler alternative.

🔒 Read our in-depth NordVPN review for more.

The best cheap option

Surfshark's appeal is simple: an unbeatable introductory price, with excellent speeds and good core VPN features that stood up to our testing. While it doesn't have some of the advanced features NordVPN has – Onion over VPN, for example – it offers far more than any other VPN at this price point, and more than most VPNs, period.

The best value VPN we’ve tested by far

The bargain price is clearly the standout reason why many people choose Surfshark. Starting at $1.99 per month (you pay $53 plus tax upfront for 27 months of service), it's the value heavyweight in the VPN division. There are also higher price plans that give you some extras like antivirus (provided by Avira), Alternative Number, and a personal data removal tool with Incogni.

Alternatives in the value category include PIA ($2.19 per month) and PrivadoVPN ($1.11 per month), but I'd recommend Surfshark as a much better fit than these for most people: PIA is more complicated to use, and PrivadoVPN is about as basic a VPN as you can get. Surfshark ties together great features with a bargain price like no other provider we've tested.

What's more, In May, 2025, Surfshark launched its 7-day free trial for all platforms. Previously this was only available on mobile devices. However, support for older iOS and macOS versions has been dropped – if you're using an old Apple device, more compatible alternatives include Private Internet Access and Proton VPN.

However, just like NordVPN, Surfshark's headline prices are quoted pre-tax (unlike other VPNs like Proton VPN and ExpressVPN), and also ramp up if you auto-renew. It jumps to $79 for one year, to be exact, which works out at about $6.60 per month. We dislike this practice, but almost every VPN does it. Don't let it happen to you. Mark it in your calendar to cancel, and resubscribe at the end of your package.

Designed with beginners in mind

Compared to the likes of NordVPN and Proton VPN, it's clear that Surfshark has prioritized ease of use over advanced features. Upon first installation for our testing processes, Surfshark asked us how familiar we are with VPNs, and then tailored our setup experience accordingly. It’s a great feature that offers beginners a soft landing into the world of VPNs, and advanced users more immediate access to the fancy features they’re expecting.

The layout is intuitive, with the fastest and nearest location placed front and center in the app. The roominess of the app is also welcome, especially compared to more cramped alternatives like Private Internet Access.

Additional features like Alternative ID (where you can generate temporary fake contact details – for example, to sign up for websites online without using your real email address) and antivirus are kept in different tabs, accessible on the left of the app. If you need them, they're available in a click. If you don't, you never have to look at them.

Overall, our team agrees that Surfshark balances simplicity with power, and despite not being quite as elegant as ExpressVPN, it's unlikely to disappoint you.

Surfshark is still very fast – but has dropped off slightly

Surfshark's default protocol is WireGuard – the same VPN engine that NordLynx is based on. In our last round of speed tests, Surfshark impressed, topping out at 1,021 Mbps when connecting to a US server from within the US. Surfshark's long-distance connections have improved too, posting speeds of 935 Mbps when connecting to the UK from the US.

However, if you need even faster connections, Proton VPN is a better choice, and tops our ranking of the fastest VPNs.

It's worth noting that Surfshark recently launched the Dausos protocol, which promises to improve speeds by up to 30%. In our hands-on with Dausos, performance was impressive, and we're excited to see how it performs in our next round of lab testing.

With speeds of 430 Mbps, Surfshark's OpenVPN speeds are a little slower than its competitors. NordVPN recorded 857 Mbps and ExpressVPN peaked at 808 Mbps.

This is great if you live in a country with restrictive internet laws. OpenVPN is much easier to obfuscate, which means hiding the fact you're using a VPN at all. Camouflage Mode is Surfshark's version of this, and is enabled by default when using OpenVPN.

One caveat to this is that OpenVPN is not actually available by default in any of the Surfshark apps. To use it, you need to set it up manually. We followed Surfshark's onsite guide and it only took us about five minutes, but some people won't like having to do this.

Backed by Nord Security: great security and privacy

Being owned by Nord Security means that you can trust that Surfshark follows the same high standards when it comes to privacy. Everything was in order in our testing, and its privacy policies are fully audited.

In January 2026, Surfshark had its network infrastructure audited by cybersecurity firm SecuRing. The results were very positive, and this is a big improvement – previously, Surfshark hasn't been as diligent as big rivals NordVPN and ExpressVPN when it comes to third-party audits.

The software itself is secure, too. In each of our tests – kill switch, DNS leaks – we found no issues with Surfshark, and the introduction of post-quantum encryption is a big green flag. Clearly, the lower price does not mean less privacy, and we consider Surfshark very safe for general use.

All the essential features, plus some clever extras

Compared to other VPNs of a similar price, we found that Surfshark offers a superb set of extra features. It can't quite match up to NordVPN – there's nothing like Onion over VPN or Threat Protection Pro – so anyone looking for a full privacy suite might be better served by the big brother. But, if you're just looking for a cheap, simple VPN that won’t let you down, that shouldn’t concern you.

When testing the kill switch, we found it 100% effective and reliable: we tried lots of methods to trip it up but we couldn't find a way to break it. That's an improvement from a couple of years ago where we discovered a significant issue.

There's also split tunneling on all platforms, including iOS and now macOS, which NordVPN does not cater for. However, the removal of OpenVPN from the apps and manual setup requirement seems counterintuitive – especially considering how well Surfshark performs when using this protocol.

Elsewhere, there's not a lot that Surfshark has left out. I watched as the rotating IP option successfully cycled my IP address to a new one every 10 minutes. ExpressVPN is the only other VPN on this page that offers this.

The real standout feature, though, is Alternative ID. It’s totally unique, and offers a quick and easy way to create a short-term disposable identity – complete with fake but functional contact details – that can be used to sign up for accounts and services online without revealing your identity or contact information. I created a bogus email address with it, which I used to bag a discount code from an email newsletter sign-up without having to give any real information.

It's not all perfect for Surfshark though. The VPN is aimed at more casual users, which makes it easy to use, but a little simplistic for power users. For example, Private Internet Access offers port forwarding – a niche tool that can help when torrenting – so if you have a very particular reason for using a VPN, there's likely a provider that's more tailor-made.

Excellent streaming performance, but a notable hiccup

Surfshark proved to be very reliable for streaming, unblocking almost every website we tried on the first attempt. No matter which server or location we tried with our custom testing tool, we were able to access streaming sites from that country.

However, it's worth noting that Surfshark did have issues when it came to Amazon Prime Video. In fact, it was only able to access the UK library of the streaming site, which is disappointing. That said, almost every VPN tested had issues with Amazon Prime Video this time round, so this isn't unique to Surfshark.

In our previous round of testing, Surfshark rose to the very top of our streaming VPN rankings. However, with a strong performance, NordVPN has overtaken it once again, but both providers are excellent at unblocking.

If you're a VPN newbie who's heading abroad, or just looking to access global streaming services, Surfshark is your very best choice.

Not quite NordVPN-level customer support, but good enough

Surfshark's customer support isn't the most effective we've experienced. We posed the same Formula 1 YouTube channel streaming problem to all our top five VPNs in mid-April 2025, and while Surfshark transferred us to a human very quickly, and the agent was friendly, a resolution couldn't be found. That was disappointing, given that ExpressVPN and Proton VPN were able to resolve the same issue.

The support articles are also quite thin, and don't provide as much detail as other VPNs do. This is one of the few areas in which Surfshark doesn't adequately help the less-experienced user, and needs some improvement.

For example, when querying: "Can't connect to Surfshark," the support article is quite short, and doesn't give much information. Compare this to NordVPN's version and ExpressVPN's version of the same page, and the difference is night and day.

That said, the live chat agents should be able to help you out in most situations if the written articles aren't good enough (our live chat test concerned a very niche issue). Plus, we do have to factor the cheaper price into our expectations here.

Surfshark is best if:

✅ You love a bargain.
At $1.99 per month, Surfshark is excellent value. Just don't forget to turn off auto-renewal to avoid that price hike.

✅ You're a beginner.
Surfshark is designed with beginners in mind, with clear, simple apps that make both basic features and more complex settings easy to understand.

✅ You're a big streamer.
Surfshark performed a clean sweep in our last round of streaming tests, and is our top choice if you just need a VPN for streaming.

Surfshark isn't best if:

❌ You have advanced needs.
A focus on being beginner-friendly means Surfshark has left out some more technical settings.

❌ You need OpenVPN to be readily available.
Although Surfshark is one of the fastest providers when using OpenVPN, it's not available in the apps by default – you'll need to set it up manually to use it.

❌ You want to rely on the built-in malware blocking tech.
Surfshark's CleanWeb tool just isn't as effective as NordVPN's Threat Protection or ExpressVPN's Threat Manager.

🔒 Read our in-depth Surfshark review for more.

The best VPN for beginners

ExpressVPN stood out in my testing as the most user-friendly VPN of the lot. It strips away all the complexities, and just gives you what you need: strong privacy, reliable speeds, and good customer support with an easy one-touch interface.

However, this simplicity inevitably does come with trade-offs. For example, NordVPN offers more customization features, so advanced users may find that ExpressVPN doesn't quite offer enough flex.

With prices starting at $2.49 per month, ExpressVPN is remarkably good value – especially considering just a year ago, the cheapest plan cost $4.99 per month.

With the recent introduction of a huge range of extra apps, ExpressVPN is the perfect choice if you need them. If not, you're paying for tools you won't use.,

As easy as VPN gets across every device

Open ExpressVPN and you get a remarkably clean interface. With just a prominent connect button and a small, curated selection of server locations, there’s almost nothing to distract you from turning the VPN on.

Even for a VPN novice like my housemate, connecting to an Australian server was a swift, sub-10-second process – much as it was for NordVPN. If you just want a simple, one-click interface without having to worry about what’s going on behind the scenes, ExpressVPN is really nice to use.

Dig deeper into the settings, and you’ll find straightforward menus that are logically grouped and easy to get to grips with. That’s a stark contrast to the more feature-dense interfaces of more advanced options like Private Internet Access, which can feel a little overwhelming.

The Tom’s Guide team runs ExpressVPN daily on our work-issued Windows laptops, and we’ve never had any issues with the apps freezing or crashing on any platform. ExpressVPN also offers the best level of cross-platform consistency of any VPN we’ve tested: we discovered the interface design is exactly the same whether you’re using a Windows PC, Android tablet, or even an Apple TV 4K. This dramatically reduces any learning curve, and is a significant benefit for beginners – there's more variability across apps from the other providers. ExpressVPN even offers an app for Meta Quest, making it one of the most widely accessible VPNs around.

ExpressVPN is always adding quality-of-life improvements to its apps, too. In September, 2025, it introduced iOS widgets and Siri shortcuts, allowing iPhone and iPad users to switch the VPN on without opening the app. As an iPhone user myself, I've found this very useful – further cementing ExpressVPN's spot at the top of my guide to the best VPNs for iPhone.

New pricing tiers makes ExpressVPN more affordable

Because it focuses on usability as a central pillar, ExpressVPN's core apps are relatively feature-light versus the competition. You get everything you need, and nothing you don't. For example, there's no port forwarding, custom DNS, or multi-hop. However, you do get standard features like split tunnelling and Network Lock (a kill switch). These features tested well for me and I wasn't able to break them.

ExpressVPN used to bundle additional security features as standard. This made it much more expensive than its rivals, but if you needed everything on offer, it was great value. Now, ExpressVPN offers a tiered subscription system.

ExpressVPN Basic subscribers only get the core VPN features, DNS-based ad-blocking, and the brand-new ExpressMailGuard. You'll get protection for 10 devices on this plan, with 12 and 14 offered on premium plans. This is an improvement on the previous limit of eight.

We got hands-on with ExpressMailGuard, and while it's definitely still evolving, it's a very useful email spoofing tool – and much more powerful than Surfshark's Alternative ID.

If you want the Keys password manager, Advanced Protection, the Identity Defender suite, and a free holiday.com eSIM, you'll need to upgrade to ExpressVPN Advanced.

This plan is currently $2.99 per month, $2 per month cheaper than the old ExpressVPN plan. This is a massive upgrade, seeing as previously you had to spend over $6 per month to get the full package.

The only reason to go with the top-tier Pro plan is if you need dedicated IP – but at $5.49 per month, it's still good value. I'd recommend most people settle for the Advanced plan. If you don't want Dedicated IP and/or don't use Identity Defender, then the Pro plan is fairly expensive and not worth subscribing to – although still better value than NordVPN Prime.

Finally, it's worth mentioning the ExpressVPN-backed EventVPN, an ad-supported free VPN which launched on September 18, 2025. From our first hands-on tests, it's very powerful and has the potential to challenge the best free VPNs, but the ads are intrusive.

Privacy pedigree and a reputation for innovation

ExpressVPN has put a lot of time, effort, and money into establishing strong credentials in the security and privacy space over the last decade, often tapping into cutting edge technologies like quantum encryption earlier than its rivals. It also has the basics locked down, like a solid kill switch on every platform including iOS, a choice of protocols, and TrustedServer.

TrustedServer refers to how ExpressVPN manages its servers to offer an extra dimension of safety for its subscribers. In short, nothing is ever stored on these servers, and to make things even more secure, they're wiped and reinstalled every time they switch on. To confirm this, ExpressVPN submitted its servers to an external independent audit, along with almost every other part of its business (there’s a handy section on the ExpressVPN website that details all the audits).

The way that ExpressVPN handles dedicated IP addresses is also very innovative. In short, ExpressVPN doesn't know which dedicated IP it allocates to any user, which eliminates one of the biggest privacy concerns with using a dedicated IP.

ExpressVPN's server count now includes one in every US state, with 62 locations now present across the country. This will mean servers are less crowded and they'll likely be one closer to where you are. Private Internet Access (also owned by Kape Technologies) is the only other provider on this list that can boast this.

However, on that note, ExpressVPN's acquisition by Kape Technologies in 2021 was highly controversial. The software giant has historic links to dubious software like CrossRider – and malware-like toolbar extension – but our opinion is that ExpressVPN operates independently, and there is no evidence otherwise.

It's also worth noting that in the wake of age-verification laws and the scrutiny VPNs have come under, ExpressVPN has introduced DNS blocks for URLs known to share CSAM. While this is a clear positive for child safety, some have questioned whether a VPN should impose content blocks at all.

ExpressVPN's speeds are a tale of two halves

A VPN protocol determines the methodology for how your VPN encrypts and transmits your data, and it makes a big impact on connection speed. ExpressVPN primarily uses its own totally custom Lightway protocol, and we found it to be the quickest at establishing a connection of all the VPNs – although this is only a matter of seconds.

In March, 2025, ExpressVPN launched Lightway Turbo – a super-fast version of Lightway that uses multiple tunnels to improve bandwidth and speeds.

Our latest round of speed tests were the first time we methodically tested Lightway Turbo, and the results were . Averaging at 1,479 Mbps on our 10 Gbps UK-UK connection. UK-US speeds were similarly impressive at 1,374 Mbps – faster than any other VPN.

However, there are a few catches. Firstly, Lightway Turbo is only available on Windows – meaning Mac, Linux, and mobile VPN users can't use the super-fast protocol. What's more, Lightway Turbo doesn't support split tunneling, and some applications and websites may not be compatible.

So, original Lightway and OpenVPN are still important to consider.

Unfortunately, Lightway averaged just 489 Mbps on a UK-UK connection, and 323 Mbps UK-US. That puts it behind many other providers that are typically mid-pack – Private Internet Access, for example.

We'll finish with more good news, though, because ExpressVPN's OpenVPN speeds topped the charts at 1,038 Mbps UK-UK, and 808 Mbps UK-US.

This is likely down to ExpressVPN's implementation of OpenVPN DCO, a technique that allows OpenVPN process data in the kernel space rather than copying over to the user space. In short, it's much faster than regular old OpenVPN, and ExpressVPN posted the fastest OpenVPN speeds of any VPN this time around.

Not flawless at unblocking, but unlikely to let you down often

ExpressVPN has long been a reliable VPN for streaming, and in our latest round of testing it was able to unblock almost every streaming service and app we tested. However, unlike with the options higher in our guide, we did experience some issues along the way.

For example, we couldn't access Amazon Prime Video when connected to a US server. We changed servers three times but still encountered a VPN detection message.

When it was successful, ExpressVPN unblocked streaming platforms first time. This was the case for every Netflix library we tested, Disney+, and regional sites. There's no dedicated streaming servers, so connecting to any server in any country should serve you well.

ExpressVPN has downsized its human live chat service

The written setup and troubleshooting articles on ExpressVPN's support centre are the best we’ve seen from any provider. Having been through hundreds of them, they strike a balance between being user-friendly and offering useful technical advice. Whatever problem you have or whatever you want to know, you’ll probably find a detailed page ready to help you.

However, recently we've found that the live chat service has significantly deteriorated. ExpressVPN formerly offered an industry-leading 24/7 live chat service, with near instant replies from real people. We now get a mix of AI chatbot and longer waits if we need access to a human agent. For example, when we asked a simple question about whether custom DNS is available in any version of ExpressVPN, the AI chatbot couldn’t understand our question, and we had to wait over 10 minutes to get a response from a person.

Compared to the likes of NordVPN, where you can talk to a human within a minute, this is poor. Reports online suggest that a considerable number of support agents were sacked in the recent ExpressVPN layoffs. We can say first-hand that it has had a material impact on the product. We’re about to embark on a new round of deep testing so we’ll be probing this issue in more detail in the coming weeks.

Recently, we’ve also seen reports from ExpressVPN users on Reddit that some updates, including Lightway Turbo, have been buggy. This is quite unlike the ExpressVPN of old. We're reserving judgment for now because we haven't experienced these issues ourselves, but we’ll dig into this in our upcoming re-reviews.

ExpressVPN is best if:

✅ You'll use all the bonus features.
Premium ExpressVPN plans come bundled with a password manager, an ad tracker and malware blocker, personal data leak monitoring, ID theft insurance, data broker removal, and Dedicated IP. This is a huge privacy bundle, and worth the money if you're going to use everything.

✅ You're looking for the simplest VPN.
ExpressVPN makes staying protected online incredibly easy, and its stripped-back apps are perfect if you're new to VPNs.

✅ You want cutting-edge privacy.
ExpressVPN is consistently one of the first VPNs to address the "next big thing" in privacy.

ExpressVPN isn't best if:

❌ You don't trust Kape Technologies
ExpressVPN's ownership is controversial, and privacy purists may prefer to go with an independent VPN like Proton VPN or Mullvad.

❌ You love to tinker.
Just like Surfshark, ExpressVPN doesn't afford many customization options, such as port forwarding or setting up your own custom DNS. Private Internet Access is a better choice for this.

🔒 Read our in-depth ExpressVPN review for more.

Top-rated for privacy and open source

Proton VPN has two big privacy USPs. Firstly, its apps are fully open source, which means software experts and independent developers can inspect the source code and examine it for any security and privacy flaws. This transparency – along with regular independent audits (the most recent was in September 2025) – helps build confidence that the provider is doing what it claims to. It’s something we'd love to see more VPN companies embrace.

The second USP is Secure Core, which is Proton's version of multi-hop, a feature that sends your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one.

However, rather than using two regular servers, like NordVPN and Surfshark, Secure Core first sends your traffic to an ultra-secure server in either Sweden, Iceland, or Switzerland. These have extra protections in place, and will keep your data safe even if the end server is compromised.

The kill switch was rock solid for us in our tests – it didn't leak anything when we tried force-ending the connection in different ways. And since our last review, Proton has also implemented a number of anti-censorship features. These include Stealth Protocol (which hides the fact you're using a VPN), and Smart Routing, which allows Proton to offer servers in countries it otherwise could not. If you're using a VPN to keep your activity hidden from the government under strict regimes, there's no better choice.

Unlike other VPN providers, Proton VPN is very open and often collaborates with other privacy tech companies. For example, it has recently partnered with secure browser Vivaldi.

Most apps now high quality and easy to use

Proton VPN refreshed its apps on Android, iOS, and Windows in April 2025, meaning it's now much more intuitive to use. Gone is the map-based interface, making way for a simpler, less complex design that’s more welcoming to those new to VPNs. Do note, though, that the Mac app hasn't been updated yet.

Installation is very simple, the app is well-designed, and plenty of features are included without being intrusive. For example, we found the quick toggles for the kill switch, NetShield, and split tunneling very useful, because these are the features most likely to be used frequently. Less frequently used features like moderate NAT (useful for online gaming) and connection rules don't need to be permanently on show, and are easily accessible in the Settings menu instead.

Usability is an area we've previously criticized, so it's great to see Proton VPN being proactive and responding to feedback. However, simply due to its wider range of technical features, there's no escaping the fact that Proton VPN feels more complex and functional than NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark – all of which offer a slightly more polished and user-friendly experience.

Top speeds unlikely to ever slow you down

When using the WireGuard protocol to connect to a local US server on our 10 Gbps test line in the UK, we saw speeds of around 1,475 Mbps. Somehow, we saw even better top speeds when connected to UK servers from the US, with speeds peaking at 1,548 Mbps. In short, these results make it the fastest we've tested recently.

When using OpenVPN, speeds were good at 449 Mbps. That's faster than our previous round of testing but seriously lagging behind NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. There are clearly some faster alternatives out there if OpenVPN is a priority for you – but most people won't need to bother about this.

We can confirm from our day-to-day use of Proton VPN on various networks, including the Tom's Guide office Ethernet, 4G, 5G, and spotty public Wi-Fi, that it’s very reliable, with no unexpected drop-outs or blocks – all of which have earned it top spot in our guide to the fastest VPNs.

A few rough edges don't spoil Proton VPN's privacy power tools

Proton VPN is well featured, covering the basics with a kill switch and split tunneling, as well as more advanced features like moderate NAT. If you're a beginner, these technical features won't be a big selling point. Thanks to their inclusion, though, Proton VPN is a very strong choice for more technical users.

You'll also get NetShield, an ad and tracker blocker that offers basic protection. However, in our tests it proved much less effective than NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro. If wider-ranging ad blocking and browser protection are a priority, NordVPN is a better choice.

Profiles might seem gimmicky, but if you use your VPN for multiple reasons – perhaps streaming UK Netflix from the US, downloading torrents, and general browsing protection – they'll be very useful.

They take a little time to set up, but after configuring a particular set of rules for each purpose – watching BBC iPlayer through a Secure Core server in the UK, for example – they prove to be a genuinely time-saving addition to the apps.

A recent update has introduced split tunneling to the Linux app, which frequent torrenters will be pleased to see.

One area in which Proton falls behind is its Mac application. It hasn't yet had the visual update all other platforms have, and it misses our split tunneling – surprising for such a privacy- and feature-focused VPN. However, Proton's 2025 roadmap claims that this, as well as plenty of other features, are on the horizon – and the update to the Linux app may indicate the Mac upgrades are close.

Now a top performer when unblocking Netflix and others

In our streaming testing, Proton VPN matched NordVPN and Surfshark – meaning it unblocked everything we tried to access, every time. That includes UK, US, Canadian, Japanese and Australian Netflix libraries, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, 10 Play, and many more.

We'd still recommend NordVPN as the streaming VPN of choice, thanks to its consistency in recent years. However, Proton VPN is becoming a very reliable alternative.

Great customer support but no 24/7 support

Proton VPN's customer support isn't quite as comprehensive as the other VPNs on this page. The main reason for this is the fact that live chat isn't available 24/7. Agents are online between 9am and 12am CET (between 3am and 6pm EST). This could prove awkward if you're in the US, but Proton has told us that there are plans to expand this.

However, when we've contacted the agents, responses have been prompt, and they've typically seemed knowledgeable and friendly.

The written setup and troubleshooting guides are very comprehensive, but they do lean towards the more technical side. If you're a beginner, some may need some deciphering.

Pricey. But if you know, you know

If you head through from Google, Proton VPN's two-year plans coming in at the equivalent of $4.49 per month (upfront fee of $107, which lasts for 24 months). That makes it the most expensive VPN on this page, now that ExpressVPN has introduced its tiered subscriptions.

However, if you choose to head through from one of the links on this page, Proton VPN is currently available for $2.99 per month. This is exclusive to Tom's Guide and our friends at TechRadar Pro.

Just like every other VPN here, once this introductory deal ends you'll see your plan shoot up to $6.67 per month ($79.95 for 12 months). Don't let that happen. Cancel, and resubscribe to get a better price.

Proton does also offer a free VPN option that currently ranks at #2 in our review of the best free VPNs. The best feature of the free version is that it offers an unlimited data allowance, so you know you won't run out at any point in the month. But there are big drawbacks compared to the paid version including slower speeds, just five server locations in Netherlands, Japan, Poland, Romania and the US, and no support for unblocking streaming services or downloading via BitTorrent.

Proton VPN is best if:

✅ You live in a country with strict censorship.
Proton VPN has made a name for itself as an advocate for a free internet for all, and is very effective at evading censorship measures.

✅ You use other Proton products.
Unsurprisingly, Proton VPN integrates very well with all the other Proton apps.

✅ You value privacy over everything.
Proton VPN's unique privacy features like Secure Core are great if you're looking to stay as private as possible.

Proton VPN isn't best if:

❌ You don't need that extra veneer of privacy and security.
For most people it's probably not necessary to spend this much on a VPN service.

❌ You're looking for simplicity.
Proton VPN isn't as complicated as some alternatives, but its more expert features may seem complex to those new to VPNs.

🔒 Read our in-depth Proton VPN review for more.

Our top pick for power users

Private Internet Access (PIA) is unashamedly made for more experienced VPN users. Compared to NordVPN, PIA offers far more customization, but this comes at the cost of usability for less experienced users. Peak speeds when using WireGuard also can't match the other providers here, and the apps feel a little unpolished.

However, this VPN has certainly earned its place in our guide. We like its robust set of features – some of which, like port forwarding and adjustable encryption, aren't offered by any other top provider – as well as its excellent OpenVPN speeds, and a very tempting introductory price of $1.33 per month ($34.58 upfront for 26 months).

Great for privacy purists, if you know what you're doing

Much like Proton VPN, PIA is first and foremost a privacy-focused provider. Alongside the essentials – a kill switch and no DNS leaks – it offers a ton of ways for advanced users to tailor their privacy settings. For example, there are a selection of remote port options, which no other big-name VPN offers, as well as more encryption settings than its competitors.

If you're using a trusted network, for instance, you might choose to drop down to AES-128 encryption to boost your connection speed. This degree of control is very valuable if you know what you're doing, but for anyone less experienced, we'd recommend sticking to the default settings.

Interestingly, PIA also offers an "advanced" kill switch. Instead of just protecting you if your VPN unexpectedly cuts out, this kill switch doesn't allow any traffic to ever be transferred if the VPN isn't on. This is useful if you want to be ultra-sure you're always protected by your VPN.

PIA's no-logging policy was last audited in 2024, and it also publishes a transparency report every quarter. This outlines what information governments have requested it to hand over, and what it has disclosed. Spoiler alert: it hasn't disclosed anything.

No added extras, but advanced VPN tools aplenty

PIA offers a ton of features and settings to do with the VPN itself. Customizable encryption, two kill switches, split tunneling (even on Mac and iOS), multi-hop, port forwarding, and as an add on, dedicated IP. Because of this, we rate it as the best VPN for torrenting.

However, the most interesting tool is Automation. This allows you to set up rules so that the VPN connects when your device connects to a particular kind of network.

For example, we told the VPN to connect when we joined an unprotected Wi-Fi network. We tested this out at a local coffee shop, and as soon as we connected to the network, PIA fired up without any issue. This is a great tool that lets PIA run in the background without you having to remember to use your VPN. And it provides a unique level of granular control that the likes of NordVPN and ExpressVPN simply don't offer.

Outside the core VPN, though, there's not much to shout about. Unlike NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN, you don't get any flashy extra features like Alternative ID or cyber insurance. It’s a fraction of the price of those providers though (bar Surfshark), so I imagine there isn’t the same budget to spend on non-core ideas.

Nowhere near the fastest VPN service on this list

Speed remains the weak point for PIA. Its peak speed was 419 Mbps in our latest testing (we connected using WireGuard in the US to the recommended US server). In the grand scheme of things that’s not too slow but it's significantly slower than NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN.

A reminder, though: the peak speeds that any individual will experience rely on the base connection. We've tested PIA on connections of around 100 Mbps (which is closer to average US and UK connection speeds) and have seen similar real-world results to NordVPN and Surfshark.

If you don't have ultra-fast Wi-Fi, you won't notice a difference. However, if you do, and you do a lot of downloading and uploading, consider an alternative VPN. Surfshark is the closest on price.

PIA struggles with its OpenVPN performance. In the same test (US to US), we saw speeds of 129 Mbps. This is slower than almost all other VPONs we've tested, with Proton VPN topping out at 449 Mbps, and ExpressVPN almost 10 times faster at 1,038 Mbps when using OpenVPN.

Powerful and flexible, but we only recommend for expert users

On desktop, PIA’s apps initially appear fairly simple – an ExpressVPN-style on/off button, and a menu to select your server. However, the apps can be expanded vertically, which reveals a whole load of information: your protocol, how much data you've used, your IP address, and more.

These sections are modular, and you can pin the ones you care about to make them visible without expanding the app. This kind of customization is great, and if you're like us, you'll probably find a deep satisfaction in arranging the app just to your liking. If you're not, though, you may find it adds a complexity that other VPNs avoid. The mobile apps are a little simpler, but still offer plenty of customization.

A significant annoyance we had with the PIA desktop apps is that it's never present in the dock/taskbar on either Windows or Mac. This is more noticeable on Mac, and even our experienced testers found themselves briefly confused multiple times when trying to open the app while it was running in the background.

Decent for streaming

In our streaming tests, Private Internet Access showed improvement from our last round of testing by unblocking most sites we tried it with. Many were on the first attempt but some required a few tries.

However, it's worth noting that PIA wasn't quite as reliable as NordVPN and Surfshark. In fact, when we connected to its "streaming optimized" US servers, we were unable to access US Netflix. Oddly enough, though, the non-optimized servers worked just fine.

This isn't enough for us to be too critical of its performance, but you should be aware that – just like ExpressVPN – you may be in for a few rounds of trial and error before finding a server that reliably supports streaming.

Inconsistent customer support

Customer service has been a mixed bag in our limited testing so far, but given PIA’s low cost, we don’t expect the same level of support as NordVPN. Overall, we think it’s pretty good for the money (and we’ll be conducting more in-depth tests in the coming weeks).

In PIA’s favor, there are plenty of written support articles available on the site, and they strike a good balance between being informative and accessible. Also, in our most recent spot-test in mid-April 2025, PIA solved our Formula 1 YouTube server problem within 15 minutes.

However, when our lead tester had a major issue on his main review laptop a few months ago (it refused to connect using both OpenVPN and WireGuard), he received poor customer support. After taking him through the usual uninstall and reinstall steps with no success they asked him to use an old version – and then stopped responding.

His guess is the issue was so complex and unusual that they escalated it to the developers. “My problem isn’t so much that this is taking a long time,” our reviewer commented at the time, “but that they haven’t told me what they’re doing.”

Lots of power for the price

Private Internet Access's pricing mitigates a lot of its issues. Currently at $1.33 per month ($34.58 for 26 months), it's great value, especially considering all the features. A dedicated IP is also available for an extra $60, and antivirus protection for $35 over the same period.

Like almost all VPNs, PIA does increase its price on renewal, but not so egregiously as NordVPN. If you auto-renew, you'll be paying the same $57 for a single year of service. This works out at about $4.75 per month, which is less of a price hike than some providers on this page, but we'd still recommend canceling and resubscribing at a better rate.

PIA is best if:

✅ You know what you're doing.
Private Internet Access has the most customizable features of any VPN featured here.

✅ You torrent often.
Features like port forwarding allow you to tailor your torrenting experience.

✅ You want to automate your VPN.
PIA allows you to set up automation rules, meaning it turns on whenever you open a certain app.

PIA isn't best if:

❌ You want a simple VPN.
Customization comes at a cost, and PIA is more complex than many other VPNs.

❌ You have superfast internet.
PIA can't keep up in terms of connection speeds compared to the other VPNs in this guide.

🔒 Read our in-depth Private Internet Access review for more.

Our rankings are based on rigorous testing

Our recommendations are built from a decade of in-depth VPN testing. We don't just review these apps – we use them every day and run over 30 top services through structured lab tests twice a year. Those tests include speed benchmarking, streaming tests, and deep dives into security features like kill switches and DNS leak protection.

We've developed custom tools to map server networks, track app satisfaction among users, and evaluate how well VPNs block malware and bypass VPN restrictions. Wherever possible, we factor in independent audits and transparency reports.

This guide is built from that ongoing experience to help you make a confident, informed choice. You can find out more about our testing process below.

What is a VPN and why do people use them?

A Virtual Private Network is a system that creates a private and secure connection between you and the internet. It routes your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a remote VPN server and then on to the internet and back, making your personal data unreadable to anyone without the correct encryption key.

The VPN also assigns you a generic IP address. Your IP address is one of the key factors that identifies you online and it can be linked to your physical location. Changing it to a random one removes that point of vulnerability.

A neat analogy is a secret tunnel between you and a grocery store. Instead of leaving your house and driving to the store in plain view, you can travel through the tunnel without anyone seeing what you're doing, where you came from, or what you’re buying.

There are caveats though – especially on mobile, where there are data points that the VPN doesn’t touch. Your location can still be revealed through browser fingerprinting (where websites use details about your device and browser to track you) or GPS data, so you need to remain savvy. And of course, if you’re logged into any services you’re accessing – Netflix, Facebook, Google, and so on – with your real credentials, they can still track what you’re doing on their platform.

So, the two core parts of how a VPN protects you online are encryption (making your information unreadable to anyone looking in) and anonymising your IP address. These help break the link between your true identity and your online activity: your data is secured, and your browsing history and location are hidden.

VPNs can be used across a wide range of devices and platforms, including desktop, mobile, routers, and even smart TVs. However, certain platforms – such as games consoles like PlayStation or Nintendo Switch – may require manual setup or additional steps, like setting up the VPN on your router to cover all devices on a home network.

Read more: What is a VPN?

Why you might use a VPN

• Stream geo-restricted content
• Keep sensitive data protected when working remotely
• Prevent ISPs, advertisers and hackers tracking your activity
• Stay safer on unprotected public Wi-Fi
• Safer torrenting
• Find cheaper prices online by switching locations
• Avoid censorship and access restricted websites and services
• Access websites and services from your home country when abroad

VPNs aren't a silver bullet for staying completely safe and secure online, but they are a powerful starting point.

Encryption makes it significantly harder for third parties to track you online – when you're connected to a VPN, not even your internet service provider (ISP) or mobile network provider can see what you're getting up to. They can see how much bandwidth you're using, but they have no way of finding out what it contains.

For some people, that can be a life or death feature. In countries with harsh censorship laws, VPNs can be a lifeline because they can allow you to connect with the outside world without being blocked – or worse – watched.

VPNs can protect you while you’re using public Wi-Fi in places like airports. These networks are often unsecure and so can be vulnerable to snooping attacks. They're also a fantastic tool to prevent an internet provider from throttling your connection. For example, some hotels offer free, basic Wi-Fi to guests but slow down or restrict video streams. That’s not possible if you’re using a VPN because the hotel has no way of detecting the type of data you’re accessing.

For torrenters, using a VPN is essential. Not only does one grant you access to the torrent sites that might otherwise be blocked by your ISP, but it also lets you connect to the P2P networks to download the content privately by hiding your identity from the rest of the network.

Beyond privacy, another core function of VPN services is location spoofing. By sending your connection to the web through a server in another country, a VPN can make it appear to the rest of the internet as though you’re browsing from that location.

This means depending on which service you use, you can bypass firewalls and blocks on geographically restricted content. For some people, that means the international libraries of streaming services like Netflix; for others, it means being able to use Google and access western news sites.

VPNs can even help you bypass price discrimination. Some sites and services offer cheaper prices depending on your region, and so by switching to a virtual location you can sometimes unlock cheaper deals.

Specific VPN guides

This buying guide is to tell you about the best VPNs overall and some of their uses but if you're after a VPN for a very specific use case, then you should take a look at our VPN buying guides on the following:

• Best VPN for Mac
• Best VPN for torrenting
• Best VPN for streaming
• Best VPN for Fire Stick
• Best VPN for iPhone
• Best VPN for Android
• Best VPN for Apple TV
• Best VPN for gaming
• Best free VPN
• Most private VPN
• Fastest VPN
• Best VPNs with free trials
• Best VPN for Linux

A note on affiliate links

Tom's Guide's parent company Future could earn a commission if you click through and sign up for a VPN through one of our links. Our promise to you is that this will never affect our testing or scoring, and our recommendations are locked in before any links are added. There's often a benefit to you too: clicking through using an affiliate link from a review site will usually unlock a few extra months for free on multi-year plans.

Our top five VPNs compared

Key to star ratings:

★★★★★ = Excellent
★★★★☆ = Very Good
★★★☆☆ = Good
★★☆☆☆ = Fair
★☆☆☆☆ = Poor

3 best VPNs for privacy

1. Proton VPN. This open-source provider offers the best combination of relative ease of use, dedicated privacy tools like Secure Core servers, and anti-censorship tech like Alternative Routing.
   
2. NordVPN. Solid privacy basics, with robust, audited apps, and welcome extras like post-quantum encryption. It's the cheapest of the top three.
   
3. ExpressVPN. Has undergone the most independent audits of any VPN, and typically leads the way when adopting new privacy technology.

What makes great VPN privacy?

Using a VPN you can't trust is worse than not using a VPN at all. Although you might be hiding your activity from your internet provider, the VPN can see everything and do what it likes with that information. That's why signing up to a VPN with a strong focus on privacy is important. Here's how we evaluate a VPN’s privacy credentials.

1. Logging policy

One of the most important ways we evaluate a VPN’s privacy credentials is to study its logging policy. This is a public statement that outlines what data a VPN does and doesn't collect. A "no-logs policy" is a statement that claims the VPN does not collect any "identifiable data" – that is, any data that can be linked to you and your internet activity, such as your browsing history, home IP address, or the files you download.

A "zero-logs" policy goes further, and claims that a VPN does not collect any information about its users at all. That includes anonymized and aggregated user data, which server you've used, and for how long you've used the VPN. This is the Holy Grail for VPNs, but we aren't aware of any VPN providers that can truly claim to be zero-logs.

All of the VPNs we recommend on this page have audited no-logs policies.

2. Independent audits

When we test VPNs for privacy, we read through every word of the no-logs policy. We also look for an independent audit to verify its claims. This process involves a reputable third party studying the no-logs policy and ensuring the VPN actually follows it in practice. Examples of auditing firms include Deloitte, KPMG, and Cure53.

These audits can extend to other areas of the VPN too, including server infrastructure, and applications on various devices. We study these audits to see the scope of the process, whether any vulnerabilities were found, and whether these vulnerabilities have been addressed.

Proton VPN and NordVPN regularly take on and pass third-party audits. ExpressVPN subjects itself to more successful audits than any other. PIA has twice been able to stand up in court and show that it doesn't log any information when data on its customers has been subpoenaed. Arguably, Surfshark is a little less impressive on this front, with its last VPN-specific product audit in 2023.

3. Privacy features

Once we've made sure all the paperwork is in order, we then go over the apps with a fine-tooth comb to see how much emphasis has been put on privacy features, and whether they work as intended.

How we test VPN privacy and what we recommend

We're satisfied that all of the VPNs we recommend here meet high standards for privacy. These are the privacy features we've looked at in detail and which products we rate most highly for each.

Test the kill switch

First up, it's the kill switch. We try every possible way to unexpectedly end the VPN connection and trick it into failing. "One of my tests is simulating some kind of major issue with Windows; perhaps the networking layer just stops working,” explains our lead VPN tester – who, unsurprisingly, wishes to stay anonymous. “If the app uses a standard network connection – Win+R and run ncpa.cpl – then I try to disconnect it manually. At the most extreme, I have uninstalled an app’s driver while it’s connected."

All our top-recommended VPNs have very strong kill switch functionality that withstood these tests. PIA's double kill switch system is worth considering for those for whom this feature is particularly important.

Check the code

Some VPNs are open-source, which means we can study the code to make sure it's in order. This is one of the main reasons we recommend Proton VPN if your absolute top priority is privacy – none of the VPNs ranked higher on this page have made their app code open-source.

However, even if an app isn't open-source, there are still tests we can do. For example, to ensure there are no trackers within an app, we check its traffic. If we see it sending requests to a tracking service, we can immediately tell it's up to no good. Naturally, none of the VPNs on this page do this.

Dedicated privacy features

A standout here, again, is Proton VPN. The provider has clearly invested in dedicated privacy features like Secure Core to offer a unique level of privacy for its users.

NordVPN's Onion over VPN feature, allowing VPN access to the Tor browser, is another good privacy feature. PIA is also a good choice for privacy with the depth adjustments users can make to the VPN protocol options.

Jurisdiction

Each VPN provider has to choose where to base itself, legally speaking. As such, they are subject to the data protection, and other, laws of that land.

ExpressVPN (British Virgin Islands), NordVPN (Panama) and Proton (Switzerland) are all well positioned in jurisdictions which offer their users excellent protection from governmental data requests. All three territories have strict laws which means they won't have to give up information, no matter who comes knocking.

PIA is based in the U.S. and does not benefit in the same way, hence the company having to go to court twice and rely on their no logs policy instead.

Surfshark is the other exception. It moved its headquarters from the British Virgin Islands to the Netherlands in 2021. While the country does not require any logging of user data, there is some concern that it is part of the Fourteen Eyes intelligence sharing group of countries which did upset users at the time of migration.

Track record

We also take a VPN's track record very seriously. A clean sheet is perfect, and many providers here, like Proton VPN and Private Internet Access, have a long history of good practice. PIA, for example, has been taken to court twice to divulge information on its users, and both times it has been unable to, because it didn’t collect any. This sort of proof is better than any audit.

Not every VPN is as untarnished. NordVPN, for example, suffered a server hack in 2018, and worsened the impact by not disclosing this until a year later. However, in the years since, NordVPN has hugely improved its privacy practices and, likely spurred on by the fallout after this event, is now one of the most privacy-conscious VPNs around.

Read more in our guide to the most private VPNs.

3 best VPNs for streaming

1. NordVPN: Our top pick for streaming, thanks to its consistently flawless unblocking performance across all major platforms, combined with its overall feature set and fair price.
   
2. Surfshark: Worth choosing if streaming is your only concern, offering the same consistently successful unblocking abilities as NordVPN, but at an even better price.
   
3. Proton VPN: We really rate Proton VPN, and our testing shows it’s currently performing just as well as NordVPN and Surfshark when it comes to streaming. But it also has less of a consistent track record with these features, which means it stays at number three for now.

Using a VPN to unblock streaming services has historically been somewhat hit and miss. One day a specific server will work to unlock Netflix Japan; the next day it doesn’t, and you’re left looking for one that does.

That’s because using a VPN to unblock streaming content isn’t illegal – but it is against the streaming services’ terms of service. Those same services are contractually required to uphold the licensing agreements they have with their content partners.

So, when the streaming services start to suspect that certain IP addresses belong to VPN servers, they ban those IPs, which is why certain VPN servers stop working for streaming. The VPN companies then buy fresh IP addresses to use for their servers – which the streamers haven’t banned – and so on goes the cat and mouse game between the streaming services and VPN providers.

For the time being, our VPN streaming tests show that the VPNs have the upper hand. Over the last year, our testing has indicated a shift in that dynamic and the good news is that all of the top five VPNs we recommend on this page can consistently unblock the most popular streaming services exceptionally well.

How we tested streaming

For every VPN that Tom’s Guide reviews, we go through a process of accessing region-exclusive content across a range of platforms, including Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia, plus Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and local services like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, 10 Play, and 9Now.

To do this, we use a semi-automated tool that connects to multiple servers in each location and tracks which ones work, which don’t, and how consistently we can stream without error messages or detection. The tool allows us to check many more services and locations than we would be able to manually, and we follow up any errors manually. We also manually spot-check each provider to correlate our test findings with real-world experience, and investigate any issues our readers report to us.

And it’s not just about whether a VPN works – we also consider how the provider handles things when it doesn’t. If a service claims to support Netflix but fails in our tests, we reach out to customer support to see how they respond. Can they suggest a working server? Are they actively addressing the issue? Services that engage and troubleshoot earn credit, while those that shrug and point to vague disclaimers don’t. Streaming is a moving target, and the best VPNs aren’t just capable – they’re proactive.

What we recommend

On that basis, we’ve chosen NordVPN as our top pick for the best streaming VPN. It scored full marks in all streaming tests without a single hiccup, and because it’s also our top-rated service across the other tested categories, it’s also a no brainer to recommend.

That being said, if unblocking streaming services is the only reason you’re interested in using a VPN, we’d strongly recommend choosing Surfshark instead. It’s every bit as good as NordVPN at unblocking streaming services, but costs a bit less. We also really rate Proton VPN: it matched NordVPN and Surfshark in our most recent testing, and the only reason it isn’t higher currently is because it has less of a track record compared to the other two.

It’s worth highlighting that ExpressVPN and PIA performed well for streaming too, but we don’t recommend them more highly for a couple of minor reasons. ExpressVPN had a few wobbles when we were trying to unblock international Netflix libraries – we still got it working with every streaming site, but not first time, every time. Occasionally we had to jump through some extra hoops to find a server that would give us the result we wanted.

And while PIA also performed well, it’s historically been much less reliable in the streaming space. We’ll be watching it closely to see if its current excellent performance continues over time.

Read more in our guide to the best VPNs for streaming.

3 fastest VPNs we've tested

1. Proton VPN: Big improvements in speed have seen Proton VPN take the number one spot here. Its OpenVPN speeds are a little slow but WireGuard is blisteringly fast.
2. ExpressVPN: It recorded the fastest speeds on a 10 Gbps line and has great OpenVPN performance. But regular Lightway didn't perform as well and Lightway Turbo is a Windows-exclusive.
3. NordVPN: A slight drop in speeds were noted in our testing, but it's consistent and WireGuard speeds exceeded 900 Mbps.

Connection speeds are important for almost everyone using a VPN. Whether you're streaming global content or avoiding censorship under a repressive government, getting the most out of the internet connection you have access to is a must.

That’s why speed testing is one of the biggest parts of our VPN review process, and we do it in a number of ways. First, we test multiple times on an uncontested 1 Gbps line from our UK base to the recommended fastest server, and then from the UK to the fastest US server.

While our base connection is much faster than the average domestic connection, it gives us a good idea of what a VPN is capable of under perfect conditions. We initially test using the VPN's recommended protocol – usually WireGuard nowadays – and repeat when using OpenVPN.

Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN all exceeded 900 Mbps when using their recommended protocols. When given more bandwidth, Proton VPN and ExpressVPN topped 1,000 Mbps. Our results table below, detail the speeds we recorded in our testing.

Real-world testing

These results may not be representative of what you'll see in the real world, though. To get a better idea of this, we test VPNs on a variety of networks, including very fast domestic fibre connections, slower public Wi-Fi, and 4G and 5G. Generally, the providers that were fastest in the peak tests perform best in our real-world tests. However, there can be some surprises – especially when using less powerful devices which will likely not be so adept at coping with the encryption and decryption demands of the VPN software

For example, using a bottom-of-the-range 2022 Dell Inspiron on a connection that topped out at around 100 Mbps, we found that ExpressVPN had the least impact on speed, only reducing it by around 16%. Contrast this with NordVPN, which surprisingly impacted speeds by almost 47%, and you get quite a different picture from a single case study to the one painted by peak performance. So, it’s important to bear in mind your particular set of circumstances.

Of course, these tests only provide a snapshot in time. Speeds fluctuate continually on VPN servers, even on our base connections. The important thing is consistently delivering good speeds on a variety of connections – which all the providers on this page do.

Bear in mind that you only need fairly low speeds for most daily activities:

• Streaming music: 1-5 Mbps
• General browsing: 5-10 Mbps
• HD video: 5-10 Mbps
• 4K video: 25-30 Mbps
• Gaming: 25-50 Mbps

Remember, though, that all of these activities take up part of your total bandwidth. So, two people streaming 4K Netflix with someone else playing an online Apex Legends match will use up almost all of a 100 Mbps connection.

If you do find yourself suffering from low internet speeds when using a VPN, make sure that heavy usage isn't impacting your base connection before investigating your VPN or contacting the support team.

Latest speed test results: October 2025

3 easiest VPNs to use

1. ExpressVPN: A super-simple interface and clear one-click connection make it easy to use for absolutely anyone. However, it's also quite a bit more expensive.
   
2. Surfshark: A cheaper alternative to ExpressVPN. It's not quite as slick, but it's still really easy to use and we can't imagine anyone having any issues with it.
   
3. NordVPN: A little more complex still, but a well laid-out interface makes it very easy to connect, and find extra features if you need them.

Anyone should be able to use a VPN to improve their online privacy without fuss or confusion – even if you're not that comfortable with tech. No one wants a steep learning curve.

When reviewing a VPN, we first test the installation process. Gone are the days where you need to dig around in your computer's guts to get software to run properly. All the VPNs on this page install simply and quickly, with direct downloads available for PC and Mac. On mobile, they all offer easily accessible apps from both the App Store and Play Store.

Be aware that you will need to give the VPN permission to access certain parts of your device before it can run. This isn't anything to worry about, but some VPNs – like ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark – make it very clear exactly how to do this, and when to do so.

Then comes the fun bit: running the app. After giving those permissions, the most reliable VPN apps are totally ready out of the box, and that’s the case for all our top-recommended providers. You can connect to the suggested server and forget all about the VPN – or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can test out some extras.

We love having extra features, but having them laid out in a simple, effective way is essential if anyone but the most experienced user is going to try them out.

Finally, good customer support is crucial if a VPN is going to cater for less experienced users. All the providers on this page offer live chat (although Proton VPN isn't available 24/7), but written articles are where the real knowledge lies.

All of this is what separates the really well-made VPNs from the less user-focused ones.

What we recommend

ExpressVPN takes the crown here, because it's incredibly simple: just a single button to connect, and another to select your server. There's some customization available in the settings, but it's clearly designed to make the process of using a VPN as simple as possible. What's more, it also has the best written troubleshooting articles.

However, we have seen a slight downturn in its live chat. When we contacted ExpressVPN's support with a query about custom DNS, we waited for over 10 minutes to get a reply, and further responses were delayed too. This is much slower than what we've experienced with other VPNs on this page.

Surfshark adds a little more depth to its apps, but manages to keep the essentials simple and to the point. The left-hand tabs are a smart way of offering easy access to advanced features while not cluttering the main interface.

NordVPN is similarly laid-out, with tabs down the left-hand side of the desktop app that contain more advanced features. However, it feels a little more "grown up," with smaller buttons and a more sober color scheme – the result of which is a potentially more intimidating experience.

PIA and Proton VPN serve up more advanced features to users’ fingertips, and with that comes a delicate balance with usability. PIA is a little over-complicated for novice VPN users. However, since a recent app design overhaul, Proton VPN has come up with a UI that we’d still recommend for anyone – even if it’s not quite as simplified as the likes of ExpressVPN.

How we test VPNs at Tom's Guide

The Tom’s Guide team takes testing VPNs seriously. If a VPN gets a security feature wrong even one time, for one person, on one day, there can be serious consequences.

So, we're as rigorous as possible, including designing custom in-house testing tools, to ensure our recommendations are as reliable as possible. Of course there are some things we can’t test. For example, if an app isn’t open source we can’t look at the source code. And because we’re talking about encrypted systems that are designed to be impenetrable, it’s hard to verify certain security and privacy claims – which is why we also consider independent audits in our analysis.

Assessing countries, cities and servers

We wrote a custom tool that can scrape the latest location lists of 260+ VPNs. This can export any provider’s location list into a Google-compatible format, enabling us to visually compare its network on Google Maps.

The tool also enables us to see how every provider’s live locations are distributed across the globe. In a click or two, we’re able to see where in the world a provider is strong or weak, and to highlight any important locations it’s missing. And if we’re curious which providers have the most countries in Asia, or anywhere else, we can find out with a click.

The end result is that we don’t just tell you that "VPN X has an average number of servers." We know where it excels, where it falls down, the key countries it’s missing and more. All of this contributes to a much richer and more helpful review.

Testing VPN apps: the big picture

Reviewing VPN apps starts by being able to compare them with the competition, but that’s surprisingly difficult. Do you even know how many Android apps there are, how many on the App Store, how many Chrome or Firefox extensions? That’s really important information, and so we decided to find out.

We wrote a custom app that uses multiple search techniques to crawl the web and identify VPN apps. On its last run, the app found 850 Android apps, 929 for iOS, and uncovered more for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and the Windows Store.

This data brings all kinds of benefits to a review. We can sort all our apps by rating, downloads, or the number of reviews for instance, allowing us to see exactly how each provider compares with the competition. And by analyzing each app store, we can come up with useful information that isn’t available any other way.

For example: we’ve discovered that the average VPN app rating on Google Play is 4.2, but on the App Store it’s 4.5. Sounds like a small detail, but it means when we tell you whether a VPN app rates above or below average, we can be far more accurate than anyone else.

Speed matters

We begin by building our main speed test environment on a Microsoft cloud PC, effectively creating a Windows 11 computer with a huge amount of ultra-reliable bandwidth and a connection that’s not going to be affected by having to share resources with anyone else on the same cable. This means we get improved consistency of our speed test results, and also allows us to automate testing.

On testing day, we start in the morning, when our custom tool runs five speed tests using each of four speed test platforms: SpeedTest.net’s website, SpeedTest.net's command line tool, Measurement Lab and Cloudflare, giving us 20 tests in total.

Then we switch locations to the US, reconnect and run the tests again. Then we change protocol to OpenVPN, and repeat the entire sequence. And finally, in the evening, we repeat all those steps again, giving us a total of 160 speed test results for each VPN service.

Finally, we analyze the data, calculate the best median scores in the morning and evening sessions, and average those to get a download speed you could reasonably expect from that VPN. This all takes a while, but it’s worth it. We’ve found our results are generally consistent over time, and properly reflect improvements (or issues) with providers as they happen.

Unblocking Netflix and more

To find out how these apps really perform at unblocking tasks, we connect to countries including the UK, USA, Australia, Canada and Japan, using whatever streaming server the VPN recommends (if any). An automated testing tool that we built identifies Netflix and other content available in that country that we can’t view in the UK, and we use both automatic and manual testing across multiple streaming platforms – Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, YouTube, BBC iPlayer and more regional channels – to see if it’s accessible.

If a VPN appears to be blocked with one location in a country, we try up to two others, if possible. When we’re done, we put the results through a custom algorithm to score each provider and accurately rank them against the best.

Unblocking isn’t just about streaming, though: many websites try to detect and block VPN users. To find out how each provider handles these, we use an automated tool to see how many of these VPN-hating sites it can fool. You won’t often see stats like that elsewhere, but they’re important: the better a VPN is at bypassing protection, the less likely you are to experience website blocks, CAPTCHAs, and other security hassles.

VPN features: test, don’t trust

A provider might claim it has servers in specific locations but is that really true? We verify (or disprove) those claims by running various timing tests to see if a location is really hosted in the country the provider claims.

The kill switch is another great example. We don’t just take the provider’s word that it works. We put it through some serious stress testing, killing processes, stopping services, tweaking drivers – doing everything we possibly can to make the VPN drop, while monitoring where our traffic is going and making sure it’s still protected.

Even that’s not enough. Just because a kill switch worked on one protocol, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work with another, so we check them all.

Blocking malicious websites is a common VPN extra. Sounds good; but only if it works. To find out, we wrote a custom tool to scour the web looking for newly reported malicious links, both phishing sites and malware. We use Google’s Safe Browsing API to help verify that these really are dangerous sites, and remove anything that looks harmless. Then we connect to the VPN, open our links in Chrome and a custom browser, and find out how well the VPN performs.

Testing everything else

So, we’ve looked at some of the more involved tests and checks we make in a review, but there are many, many more.

User experience: We take a long, hard look at usability. Are the apps easy to understand? Can we spot key features right away, or are they sometimes hard to find? Does each app interface work as we expected, or does it break conventional design rules? Performance and features matter here, too. Does the app connect in a flash, or take ages? Does it have dark/light modes, or other tweaks to suit you and your device?

Platforms: We test many of the most technical aspects of a VPN on Windows, because that’s most difficult to get right and easiest to get wrong, but we’re keen to explore other devices, too. Which platforms does a provider support? Does it update these regularly? Is it always adding new features, and always improving, or has it not seen any real changes for years? Does each platform have all the necessary features, or are they poor imitations missing essential elements of a modern VPN?

Audits: VPN audits are also good to see, but we don’t just quote the "we passed" post on the provider’s blogs: we find the full report, and read it, to discover just what the auditors uncovered.

Support: Even if you’re a VPN expert, support matters: everyone needs help sometimes. We scour every support site, checking the quantity and quality of articles, confirming that they’re up-to-date and contain useful advice. We put real questions to the support team, too, and rate the provider on the speed of response, the quality of the answer, and whether the agent feels like an expert listening carefully to what we’re asking, or an amateur simply reading from a script.

Going the extra mile

Sometimes we run into tough issues – for example, if something about a VPN app just doesn’t work as expected. When it feels important, we don’t just give up. We dig deeper to understand what’s happening. In the past, that’s meant firing up tools like Fiddler or Wireshark to inspect network traffic, or using Process Explorer and other Sysinternals utilities to monitor app behavior. We’ve even decompiled Windows and Android apps to inspect the code.

At times our testing has felt closer to an audit than a review, but the precise methods don’t matter – it’s what we uncover that counts, and those discoveries often add real depth to our reviews. For more information, take a detailed look at how we test VPNs.

How to choose the right VPN

All the best VPNs have slightly different advantages and drawbacks. The right VPN for you depends on a range of factors, from what you want to use it for to your skill level, budget, and more. Here are some key considerations to help you choose the right one for your needs.

1. Privacy

Protecting your privacy is the most fundamental role of a VPN. Look for independently verified no-log and security audits, detailed privacy policies, and a kill switch – all our top five recommendations offer these.

If you're a beginner, streamer, or gamer, this should be enough. But if you're heavily privacy conscious, look for multi-hop features and obfuscated servers, and choose a provider that’s based in a country with strong privacy laws for extra security (Proton is based in Switzerland, for example).

2. Speed

Fast speeds are essential for smooth streaming and gaming. The speed of your VPN depends on your own internet connection, but the fastest are capable of over 950 Mbps – well above the 25 Mbps generally required for 4KUHD streaming and gaming. For a detailed provider comparison, see our VPN speed tests.

Bear in mind that using a VPN does make your internet speed slower. You shouldn't notice a difference during daily browsing, streaming, or gaming, as long as your internet is fast enough.

Some advanced privacy and security features such as multi-hop or Onion over VPN can add more latency and may slow you down a little because your traffic has to travel further. Your VPN protocol also has an impact: WireGuard is faster than OpenVPN.

However, in practice, modern VPNs are capable of much faster speeds than the average domestic Wi-Fi connection. If you pay for an ultra-fast 1 or 10 Gbps connection and push it to the max, you will want the very fastest VPN you can find. If not, all the providers on this page will deliver a speedy and lag-free experience,.

3. Ease of use

The best way to test ease of use is to take advantage of a VPN free trial or money-back guarantee, and use the VPN yourself. Look for apps with a clean, intuitive interface, with obvious on/off buttons, and easy server selection across all devices (app design can differ across desktop and mobile so check both).

Ideally, the provider’s website will have plenty of well-organized FAQs and tutorials – ExpressVPN excels in this area. Beginners should consider a VPN that is also scored highly for customer support by users.

4. Device connections

If you want VPN protection for the whole family, or have a large number of devices, then look for an unlimited device connections policy. Providers commonly offer protection for 8-10 devices, which may be enough, but unlimited connections are offered by some – including Surfshark and PIA.

5. Customizable features

Unless you're a real tech wizard, you won't require much more than the basics. For beginners, look for a wide range of servers, integrated threat protection, and the odd speciality server will be enough. Streamers may want to look for streaming optimized servers (such as those offered by PIA), but this isn't essential and don't always perform as well as regular servers.

For more control, look for split tunneling to manage which apps use the VPN, and the ability to choose different protocols (like WireGuard or OpenVPN). You can turn your VPN off for things like online banking or websites that block VPNs.

Experts should seek torrenting and P2P support, and features like port forwarding. However, these tools are often more complicated to use and have very detailed settings, so they're not for everyone.

6. Price

We always recommend taking out a two-year deal. You pay more upfront but they work out cheaper per month.

Check what features are included in your plan. Most providers include everything, but some (NordVPN and Surfshark for example) offer tiered plans, where the number of features offered is price dependent. Read what's included in each tier so you only pay for what you need.

Almost all providers include a money-back guarantee of at least 30 days, so take advantage of this and trial your VPN risk free.

Go back to the top ^

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

What's the purpose of a 13-inch laptop? You guessed it: portability. And if that's what you're here for, then you'll be happy to know that the best 13-inch laptops we've tested are compact powerhouses made for workers, students, gamers and creatives on the move.

I'll give you a behind-the-scenes here at Tom's Guide: we all adore this form factor. These are the machines my team and I take with us during press trips abroad, after all. A 13-inch laptop is that sweet spot between the easy handling of a tablet and a versatile machine for getting stuff done, allowing you to slip it into your backpack, take it out and work (or play) from virtually anywhere you go.

Many laptops we test come in a 13-inch size, and right now, the top 13-inch laptop I recommend for your money is the MacBook Air M5. But there's more worth putting on your radar, like the Dell XPS 13 (2026) and Asus ROG Flow Z13 for gamers. You'll find some are lighter, more powerful or better suited for different areas, and we've got just the picks to put on your radar. So, let's dive in to find a portable notebook for you.

The best 13-inch laptops you can buy today

The best 13-inch laptop overall

Who is the MacBook Air for?

The MacBook Air M5 is the quintessential 13-inch laptop. Thin and lightweight, powerful enough to breeze through everyday tasks and more demanding ones like 4K video editing and even some light gaming, and boasting long-lasting battery life at over 15 hours. It's the laptop that fits most people's needs for its price.

Why is it the best overall 13-inch laptop?

As with its M4 predecessor, the MacBook Air M5 carries on everything we loved about Apple's modern Air lineup. That means a portable 12 x 8.5 x 0.4-inch size and a light 2.7 pounds, stunning 13.6-inch (2560 x 1664) Liquid Retina Display, and this time, even longer battery life at 15 hours and 37 minutes. Oh, and in a lovely array of stylish colors. Throw in its improved performance, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and upgraded 512GB base storage, and this 13-inch laptop has it all (it's just too bad about the $200 price hike after Apple raised prices across MacBooks).

What do we like about the MacBook Air?

👍 Improved performance with M5: Apple's laptops just keep getting stronger, and the latest M5 chip still dominates in our benchmarks across thr board, even compared to its competition. From web surfing to video editing, and even gaming, this laptop powers through.

👍 Strong(er) battery life: MacBooks are among the longest-lasting laptops around, and the MacBook Air M5 continues this legacy with 15 hours and 37 minutes of battery life. That's more than enough to get through two workdays without reaching for a charger.

👍 Extra perks: While it's more of a nominal upgrade, the MacBook Air M5 still comes with welcome features, including Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and a larger 512GB base storage.

What don’t we like about the MacBook Air?

👎 Price bump: Despite its improvements, the MacBook Air M5 is now $100 more than its predecessor, which stings. So, an extra $100 for most of the same features.

👎 Not a major upgrade: If you already own an M4 MacBook Air, you won't see a major difference with the M5 model. This is purely under-the-hood improvements.

Apple MacBook Air M5: Bottom line

Apple still delivers the best 13-inch laptop you can grab today, as the MacBook Air M5 ticks all the right boxes in being a stellar machine for most people. Even if its welcome upgrades are smaller in scale, it's a laptop that's hard to beat.

Read our full MacBook Air 13-inch M5 review

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The best budget 13-inch laptop

Who is the MacBook Neo for?

Apple has another 13-inch laptop up its sleeve, and the MacBook Neo is conquering the budget laptop market with its premium (and fun) design that's perfect for workers and students on the move. Plus, you can expect solid performance for its $699 price, and $599 if you're a student.

Why is it the best budget 13-inch laptop?

Yes, it was an even better budget pick before Apple's official price hikes, but the MacBook Neo is still a steal. At $699, the MacBook Neo (nearly) gives you all the perks of the pricier MacBook Air, including its sturdy aluminum finish and portable size and weight. In fact, it's slightly smaller at 11.7 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches, and the fun splashes of color just make it even more appealing. If you can forgive the lack of a backlit keyboard, you'll find yourself with a reliable machine for work, studies and plenty of entertainment.

What do we like about the MacBook Neo?

👍 Portability as its finest: Being just 0.5 inches thin and weighing 2.7 pounds, the MacBook Neo follows its Air sibling's winning formula but at a much more affordable cost. No cheap-feeling plastic chassis for this budget machine, just a sleek, premium design with lively colors to choose from!

👍 Performance that works: You'd think an iPhone's A18 Pro chip wouldn't be nearly as powerful enough in a laptop, but that isn't the case with the MacBook Neo. From juggling multiple tasks to even some casual, less demanding gaming, this laptop can handle most people's workloads.

👍 Strong battery life: Impressively, the MacBook Neo lasts 13 hours and 28 minutes, which shows it has more than enough stamina to last a full workday, and then some.

What don’t we like about the MacBook Neo?

👎 Pay extra for Touch ID: Want to quickly log in with your fingerprint? You'll have to pay $100 more for the Neo with Touch ID, but at least you'll also get a larger 512GB for storage.

👎 Budget cuts: Don't expect any backlit keyboard or Thunderbolt ports on this machine, which is a shame even if it's made to be a budget option.

Apple MacBook Neo: Bottom line

The MacBook Neo is an affordable force to be reckoned with, packing solid performance in a compact, 13-inch laptop that looks and feels good to use. It's not perfect, but at its now $699 starting price ($599 for students), you'll be hard-pressed to find a machine of this size boasting plenty of value.

Read our full MacBook Neo review

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The best 13-inch Windows laptop

Who is the Dell XPS 13 for?

Dell's exceptional XPS line of laptops is now more affordable thanks to the Dell XPS 13 (2026), and it's quite easily earned the title of the best budget Windows laptop you can get right now. For anyone after a 13-inch laptop that delivers a quality, lightweight build, fast performance and a sharp 2.5K touch display for a wallet-friendly price, this is the laptop I recommend.

Why is it the best 13-inch Windows laptop?

The Dell XPS 13 (2026) is the best Windows ultraportable if you want a laptop that feels as premium as it looks. At just 2.2 pounds, it’s easy to carry around anywhere, and in our testing, the compact footprint and featherweight build made a real difference during long commutes and packed days on the move. Plus, battery life is another strong suit, delivering 14 hours and 29 minutes in our tests. Along with its Intel Wildcat Lake CPU for strong everyday performance (even with just 8GB of RAM) and its vibrant 13.4-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) touchscreen, this covers all bases for its low price.

What do we like about the Dell XPS 13?

👍 Smooth, reliable everyday performance: With an Intel Core 5 320 "Wildcat Lake" CPU, we found the XPS 13 easily handled multitasking, office work and even light creative workloads without issue. Plus, it goes up to 32GB of RAM for better performance

👍 Battery to last all day (and then some): In our tests, the XPS 13 lasted 14 hours and 29 minutes of continuous web browsing. That's enough for even those long, meeting-filled days.

👍 Premium build and display for less: Between its lightweight, compact aluminum chassis and sharp 2.5K touchscreen, the XPS 13 feels and looks like a true premium device for both work and media, but for a wallet-friendly price!

What don’t we like about the Dell XPS 13?

👎 So-so webcam quality: Not a huge surprise when it comes to budget laptops, but the Dell XPS 13's 1080p webcam won't do you justice in video calls. Its image quality is blurry, and you'll look washed out.

👎 Two ports are all you get: The XPS 13 offers only two USB-C ports and lacks a headphone jack, so be prepared to rely on adapters.

Dell XPS 13 (2026): Bottom line

For $699, the Dell XPS 13 (2026) offers one feature-rich package that's hard to ignore. If you want a travel-friendly 13-inch Windows laptop that nails the essentials, like premium build, true portability, strong everyday performance and all-day battery, the XPS 13 is our top pick.

Read our full Dell XPS 13 (2026) review

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The best 13-inch 2-in-1 laptop

Who is the Asus ROG Flow Z13 for?

The ROG Flow Z13 is a perfect two-in-one for those who need plenty of horsepower like a gaming laptop, but without the battery life hit of a gaming laptop. On top of that, if you have prosumer workloads, this will work great for you, too. It's a gaming and workflow beast that's pricey, but anyone would be happy traveling around with this.

Why is it the best 13-inch 2-in-1 laptop?

Put simply, it comes down to just what this system is capable of. There are plenty of good 2-in-1s that are more for the casual productivity crowd. But nothing has come across my desk quite like this beast and its ability to match even the RTX 4070 laptop GPU for gaming, even though there's no dedicated GPU in here whatsoever. Plus, for even more power with a Death Stranding-type touch, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 Kojima Edition we've tested is worth checking out.

What do we like about the Asus ROG Flow Z13?

👍 A super-powered beast: AMD's Ryzen AI Max 395+ is an APU monster of a chip that is able to handle AAA gaming at close to 100 FPS maximum settings, crush GPU-intensive workloads, and outperform every single other 2-in-1 at any task.

👍 Stamina assured: Now, when I mentioned its gaming performance, I can understand some people may be worried — given most gaming laptops struggle to last 90 minutes. However in our testing, we were able to get comfortably over two hours, and in general day-to-day, I was able to hit 8 hours with a varied workload. This powerhouse has serious stamina.

What don’t we like about the Asus ROG Flow Z13?

👎 Ray tracing is not too great: While the GPU is fantastic at gaming, make sure you keep ray tracing turned off. Like a lot of AMD GPUs, RT is not its strong suit and it can hamper performance.

👎 Expensive: And of course, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for this power — from $2,099 specifically. That's rather expensive for a 2-in-1!

Asus ROG Flow Z13: Bottom line

With powerful gaming laptop performance is a sleek, compact design, a gorgeous MiniLED display and decent battery life, this is a 13-inch 2-in-1 that feels like it achieves almost impossible levels of performance.

Read our full Asus ROG Flow Z13 review

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The best lightweight 13-inch laptop

Who is the MSI Prestige 13 AI+ for?

The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ immediately takes the crown as the lightest 13-inch laptop we've tested, weighing just 1.9 pounds. That spec alone is impressive. Hands-on, the ultra-light chassis makes tossing it in a backpack or carrying it one-handed feel almost effortless. It's the kind of laptop you forget is in your bag, making it a great pick for on-the-go professionals, students and anyone after reliable ultraportable performance

Why is it the best lightweight 13-inch?

Despite being so light, the Prestige 13 AI+ doesn't sacrifice build quality. Its solid metal frame gives the laptop a reassuring sturdiness in hand, eliminating the flex and creaks that sometimes plague other featherweight designs. That, and MSI equips this model with a bright, color-rich OLED panel that’s a joy to use for everything from spreadsheets to streaming. Throw in the Intel Core Ultra 7 155 processor for smooth performance (even playing games like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p at 40 frames per second!), and the Prestige 13 AI+ does wonders.

What do we like about the MSI Prestige 13 AI+?

👍 Featherweight (yet sturdy) design: Being the lightest laptop we've tested, this is just about as portable as it gets. If you prioritize true portability, the Prestige 13 AI+ is unmatched at 1.9 pounds — lighter than any other 13-inch laptop we've tested — yet still offers a sturdy, premium-looking metal frame.

👍 Colorful OLED display: With its 13.3-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1600) OLED screen, this panel delivers vivid colors and superb contrast, making it excellent for creative work and is easy on the eyes even after long sessions. Take that, MacBooks!

👍 Strong ultraportable performance: This isn't the strongest 13-inch laptop around, but the Intel Core Ultra 7 355 inside feels quick in real-world use, easily handling productivity apps and moderate creative workloads like photo editing. You're also getting enough for a bit of downtime gaming, as in our tests, Cyberpunk 2077 ran at roughly 40 frames per second at 1080p on medium settings.

What don’t we like about the MSI Prestige 13 AI+?

👎 Battery life could be longer: While battery life is reasonable at around 11 hours, the Prestige 13 AI+ doesn’t outlast top rivals like the MacBook Air or XPS 13 on a single charge. Still, this will get you through a workday without needing to be plugged in for the majority of the time.

👎 Not the best price-to-performance ratio: It’s more expensive than some similarly equipped competitors, making price-to-performance a weaker point for budget-minded shoppers.

MSI Prestige 13 AI+ (2026): Bottom line

The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ is a strong choice for those who value absolute portability and a top-tier screen and chassis, even if it means accepting shorter battery life and a higher price. It's lightweight power at its finest.

Read our full MSI Prestige 13 AI+ (2026) review

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The best 13-inch laptop for upgradeability

Who is the Framework Laptop 13 for?

The Framework Laptop is the option for those with a DIY frame of mind — the modular construction may be a little pricey, but it's totally worth it for being able to upgrade this frame with new stuff as it's released.

Why is it the best 13-inch laptop for upgradeability?

In many ways, the Framework Laptop is the anti-MacBook — a modular 13-inch laptop that gives you the chance to repair, customize and upgrade at your own leisure. No longer are you confined to what it comes with. Now, you have a screwdriver and you can get to work.

What do we like about the Framework Laptop 13?

👍 Unparalleled upgradeability: The DIY-friendly design may be a little thicker and heavier than other laptops on this list. But those enlarged dimensions give you an innovative Expansion Card system to add what you want. Whatever you want, be it an Ethernet port or microSD card reader, just add them in here. Or take it apart with the included screwdriver to add more to the mainboard.

👍 Great keyboard: One thing I'm really happy to see come to this 13-incher is a fantastic keyboard — packing even backlighting and 1.5mm of key travel for a tactile feel to each press.

👍 Decent performance: The model we tested with the Intel core i7-1370P CPU and 32GB of RAM gave us some strong performance across the board, including over 11,000 in our Geekbench multi-core tests. It's worth noting that Framework now offers this system with either Intel Core Ultra or 7th Gen AMD, which are going to be even faster!

What don’t we like about the Framework Laptop 13?

👎 Loud fans under load: The modularity is great, but heat dissipation seems to be affected, as the fans kick into overdrive to keep this thing cool under heavier loads.

Framework Laptop 13: Bottom line

In many ways, the Framework Laptop 13 is a breakthrough in laptop design — a fully modular system that gives you endless levels of customization beyond anything you see from the competition. I wouldn't judge you if you'd rather just have a fully built laptop to last you a good long while, but if you're a tinkerer, the choice is obvious.

Read our full Framework Laptop 13 review

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Performance benchmarks

Don't let their size fool you. 13-inch laptops can be portable powerhouses, and we've done the testing to prove it. With Apple's latest M-series chipsets, Intel's Panther Lake and Wildcat Lake CPUs, and AMD's amazing processors, you can get a lot out of these machines for productivity and gaming.

All of the 13-inch laptops we recommend for this guide offer plenty of performance for multitasking and speedy day-to-day performance, while those at a higher price, like the MacBook Air M5 and Asus ROG Flow Z13, will deliver ample performance for playing the latest games and even video editing.

Using Geekbench to measure the single-core and multi-core performance of each laptop (the higher the number, the better), here's how they compare:

Best 13-inch Laptops Performance Results

Slide through to see Geekbench single-core and
multi-core benchmarks

< Prev

Geekbench 6 (single-core)

Next >

Apple MacBook Air (M5)

4168

Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro)

3535

Dell XPS 13 2026 (Intel Core 5 320)

2684

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max 390)

2896

MSI Prestige 13 AI+ (Intel Core Ultra 7 355)

2727

Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core i7-1370P)

2362

01,5003,0004,5006,000

Geekbench 6 (single-core) Data

Product	Value
Apple MacBook Air (M5)	4168
Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro)	3535
Dell XPS 13 2026 (Intel Core 5 320)	2684
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max 390)	2896
MSI Prestige 13 AI+ (Intel Core Ultra 7 355)	2727
Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core i7-1370P)	2362

Apple MacBook Air (M5)

17276

Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro)

8920

Dell XPS 13 2026 (Intel Core 5 320)

7952

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max 390)

17876

MSI Prestige 13 AI+ (Intel Core Ultra 7 355)

10190

Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core i7-1370P)

11317

05,00010,00015,00020,000

Geekbench 6 (multi-core) Data

Product	Value
Apple MacBook Air (M5)	17276
Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro)	8920
Dell XPS 13 2026 (Intel Core 5 320)	7952
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max 390)	17876
MSI Prestige 13 AI+ (Intel Core Ultra 7 355)	10190
Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core i7-1370P)	11317

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Battery benchmarks

13-inch laptops are all about portability, but that wouldn't mean anything if these machines didn't come with decent battery life. The good news is you'll find many of the best laptops for battery life right here, coming close to an amazing 20 hours! You can compare the battery life we tested below.

In our battery test, we set the laptop's display to 150 nits of brightness and have it endlessly browse the web via Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice. Take note that battery life may vary depending on what you use a laptop for, but this will give you a good idea of how long each laptop on this list will last.

Best 13-inch Laptops Batter Life Results

In our battery test, we set the laptop's display to 150 nits of brightness and have it endlessly browse the web via Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

Battery life (hh:mm:ss)

MacBook Air M5

15:30:00

Dell XPS 13 (2026)

14:29:00

MacBook Neo

13:28:00

MSI Prestige 13 AI+

11:30:00

Framework Laptop 13

10:17:00

Asus ROG Flow Z13

08:36:00

05101520

hours

Battery life (hh:mm:ss) Data

Product	Value
MacBook Air M5	15.5
Dell XPS 13 (2026)	14.483333333333333
MacBook Neo	13.466666666666667
MSI Prestige 13 AI+	11.5
Framework Laptop 13	10.283333333333333
Asus ROG Flow Z13	8.6

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose the best 13-inch laptop for you

When it comes to portability, all the 13-inch laptops we recommend have you covered. But beyond that, it's worth thinking about the performance and type of system that works for you.

• What kind of power do you need? If you only need something basic for surfing the web, consider the MacBook Neo or a cheap Windows laptop. If you want something that feels speedy and can handle more than basic browsing and typing, consider starting specs such as a Core 5 CPU, 8GB to 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Most of the laptops on this list are at least this powerful, since they're the best 13-inch laptops we've reviewed.
• Do you want to play PC games? Most mainstream laptops feature integrated graphics, which may be able to run simple, well-optimized games like Minecraft and Fortnite, but can't handle graphically demanding games or heavy visual work. For that, you'll want a laptop with a discrete graphics card or the latest Apple, AMD or Intel chips with integrated graphics, like the Apple M5 or AMD Ryzen AI Max.
• Do you want Windows, Mac or Chrome? Windows is the most common operating system, while macOS is more ideal for folks already tied into Apple's ecosystem. ChromeOS is a lightweight operating system built to allow for cheap, fast systems, though it has become a bit more robust over the years with support for full Android apps.

Whichever system you decide on, you may also want to consider investing in the best mouse and best keyboard for your needs so you can have some more ergonomic options for getting work done on your new laptop.

How we test the best 13-inch laptops

Our path to finding the best 13-inch laptops for you is littered with test results. To help us better compare and recommend the best machines for you, we run every laptop we review through a rigorous suite of benchmarks and real-world tests to gauge how it will perform during everyday use.

We measure the average brightness and color quality of each laptop's display using our in-house light meter and colorimeter. For general performance, we run our machines through tests that include Geekbench 6 (CPU performance), as well as various 3DMark tests to measure graphics capabilities. We also run a file transfer test to measure how fast a machine's hard drive is, plus a video editing test to see how good it is at crunching video, and a custom battery test that has the machine browse the internet over Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

We know many people also love to play games on their laptops, so we test the gaming horsepower of every laptop we review by putting it through the Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm graphical benchmark. This is an ideal test for us to use on 13-inch laptops because almost none of them have discrete graphics cards, which means they have a hard time running more modern or graphically demanding games. Civilization VI is also one of the few relatively modern games with a graphical benchmark that runs on both Windows and macOS, meaning we can easily compare the performance of MacBooks against that of Windows machines.

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If you're looking to train at home or in the gym, using one of the best workout apps can help you access motivational, qualified personal trainers in just a few taps.

However, with so many options out there, including both free and paid apps, it can be hard to know which will suit your training needs.

We've done the hard work for you by putting these fitness apps to the test, joining strength training sessions, yoga classes, and high-intensity routines over several weeks.

If you're looking for a top all-rounder, we recommend downloading Centr, the app developed by actor Chris Hemsworth. Or, if you're looking to keep costs down, Nike Training Club is completely free, while Fiit offers access to all group classes without charge.

But if these aren't quite right for you either, we've rounded up the best workout apps for a range of training styles and budgets to get you started.

The best workout apps available right now

Best workout app overall

Centr is the best workout app for most people thanks to its impressive library of strength training, HIIT, and cardio sessions. But if you're worried that an app designed by Chris Hemsworth, known for his muscular stature in the Marvel superhero films, would be all about bulking up, that's not the case.

Although there are plenty of sessions that can help you build substantial muscle, we were impressed at the variety available through Centr. There are beginner-friendly workouts, high-intensity cardio sessions, and gym-based weights sessions, but the primary focus is on helping you hit your goals, whatever they are.

So, if you want to add more exercise into your routine, and develop a mindfulness habit, the app can help with that. There are meditations, some led by Hemsworth himself, designed to connect you mind and body, and that can improve your focus and form during the strength training sessions to get the most from your workouts.

We also really liked that you can head into the app's settings to select the equipment you have to hand, then use that list to filter the library, so you only see classes or routines you can do with the weights you have. This saves a lot of time, allowing you more space to do your workout rather than fiddle with the app.

And if you want to use Centr as a holistic base for all your health and fitness needs, there's a meal planner too, and we found that it was really easy to customize the meals, adjust quantities, and add them automatically to an in-app shopping list for when you go to the grocery store.

Although we rate it as the best workout app for most people, it is primarily focused on strength training, with some cardio and yoga on the side. If you want more mobility or yoga workouts, you might be better off with an app like Fiit, which offers access to all group classes for free.

• Read our full Centr review
• Download Centr: Android | iPhone

Best free workout app

In March 2020, Nike made its Nike Training Club app content completely free for 90 days to help people keep fit while they stayed at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the app has been completely free for users, and unlike others on this list, there’s no paid version anymore.

However, with the update, Nike removed some of their training programs, which used to be a popular feature of the app. Instead, you now have the option to filter workouts by muscle group — abs and core, arms and shoulders, or glutes and legs, workout focus — endurance, mobility, strength, and yoga, and by equipment. There is also the option to filter by duration, level, and intensity.

During testing, we found the instructor-led workouts to be engaging and motivating, and also enjoyed the whiteboard workouts, which show you the entire workout so you can follow at your own pace. There’s also the option to connect the workout to your Apple Music. It’s not perfect, but for a free app, there’s plenty to keep you moving here.

• Read our full Nike Training Club review
• Download Nike Training Club: Android | iPhone

Best workout app for beginners

Whether you enjoy weightlifting, yoga or cardio, the Fiit app has you covered. We've tested Fiit with and without equipment or chest strap monitors, and every class we've sweated through gets a huge tick from us.

Intuitive in-app features, clear metric monitoring and world class instructors are just some of the perks of being a Fiit member. From strength training to treadmill-only workouts and spin, you can build strength and improve cardio from the comfort of your own home. Then you get to cool down and go again without swapping apps.

There's free and paid options, but you get plenty of value if you do decide to pay, and you can access a free trial if you're unconvinced. Functional fitness, HIIT, yoga or breathwork. It's all there, and we're big fans.

• Download Fiit: Android | iPhone

Best workout app for iPhone

Apple Fitness Plus is the best workout app if you're embedded in the company's ecosystem, especially if you use an Apple Watch. There are HIIT, strength, core, yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes, taught by a range of different trainers.

During testing, we also liked the fact there were two instructors in the background during classes, showing modifications for beginners, or those looking to push themselves harder — this is particularly handy as there’s no option to filter classes by difficulty.

The app can feel a little overwhelming at a first glance, but classes can be filtered by trainer, time, and the music you prefer to work out to. You can also add classes to your library, which lets you select classes you’ve taken before, or plan on taking in the future, at a glance.

During a workout, if you're wearing one of the best Apple Watches, you’ll be able to see stats from your watch on the screen. When it first launched, you had to have a Watch to use Fitness Plus, but Apple removed the restriction in 2022.

• Read our full Apple Fitness Plus review
• Download Apple Fitness+: iPhone

Best workout app for women

The brainchild of Australian personal trainer Kayla Itsines, the Sweat app started as a series of downloadable Bikini Body Guides in 2015 and has now grown into an extensive training app with several different programs and recipes to help you reach your goals.

Trainers include Kayla herself, as well as the likes of Kelsey Wells, Chontel Duncan, Britany Williams, and Stephanie Sanzo. You can switch your program easily and take on-demand classes if you feel like adding the odd barre session to your planner.

SWEAT's app is clean and easy to navigate, with the ability to save workouts for later and browse ‘On Demand’ workouts from other trainers outside of your plan, and is even available on Apple Watch. This allows you to follow workouts without your phone, displaying exercises, reps, timers, and haptic alerts for section changes. Metrics such as active heart rate, calories, steps, and distance are tracked, too, and demo videos are also available on the watch, though trainer audio is not.

However, if you use a non-Apple fitness tracker, you may be a bit limited for now. For example, I wasn’t able to connect my best Garmin watch to the SWEAT app.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while there's no reason why anyone shouldn't use the training programmes, you should keep in mind that the app is definitely aimed at women and has an emphasis on female-led programmes.

• Read our full Sweat review
• Download Sweat: Android | iPhone

Best workout app for meal plans

If you're based in the UK, you've probably heard of Joe Wicks, or done one of his PE with Joe workouts in lockdown, but if you're in the US, Wicks is a fantastic trainer and his app has a mix of workouts to get you in shape. Since having my son, I've religiously used Joe's The Body Coach app to rebuild my core postpartum, and I've loved the flexibility and challenge of the Body Coach plan.

All of the workouts can be done from home, and for most of them, you'll only need one set of dumbbells. The app has loads of on-demand classes you can try, including yoga, Barre, and mobility, as well as different challenges to join to keep you motivated. Once you've chosen your program, you check in once a month to keep track of your progress.

Of course, if you really want to make noticeable changes to your body, you'll need to focus on your nutrition. The app has hundreds of recipes to choose from, and I was able to tailor my meal plan to my dietary requirements. The recipes are delicious, and easy to follow, and I appreciated having everything in one place.

The only downside here is the cost — this isn't the cheapest app on the market. I also wish there was the option to see the workout written out, so I could listen to my podcast and do the workout without following the video if I wanted, however following along with Joe is super-motivating, so I wouldn't let this put you off.

• Download The Body Coach: Android | iPhone

Best workout app for runners

Strava is one of the best running apps on the market, with a free and a paid subscription to allow runners, cyclists, and walkers to keep track of their progress. That said, despite its reputation as an app for runners and cyclists, you can track a total of 31 different sports.

The list includes hiking, canoeing, an e-bike rides, rowing, alpine skiing, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and yoga. Of course, it’s important to point out that there are no actual workouts on Strava, so unlike other apps on this list, don’t expect to follow a strength training session — this is an app for tracking your progress.

While the free version of the app is brilliant, the paid version gives you the option to use the Routes tool, which gives you suggestions based on where other runners in your area have clocked their miles, as well as segments, advanced performance metrics, and training plans.

Strava supports a variety of running trackers in addition to Wear OS devices and Apple Watch. (Just make sure you opt out of the location tracking features if you happen to be around restricted areas.)

There are also handy features like Strava Beacon, which are designed to keep you safe, by allowing your friends or family members to track your live location on a run.

• Read our full Strava review
• Download Strava: Android | iPhone

Best workout app for classes

If you've ever done a BodyPump class in your local gym, you'll have been introduced to the world of Les Mills. It's a series of tempo-based classes, set to music, designed to get you fitter and stronger. The app is an extension of this, with hundreds of classes to choose from, all set to an infectious beat, with motivating instructors.

As a BodyPump fan, I would watch the classes on my TV, and send my heart rate soaring without leaving my living room. These classes do require you to have a decent amount of equipment at home, however. I don't have an exercise bar, but I used a set of the best adjustable dumbbells and still got a great workout.

If you're not into weights or the fast tempo of BodyPump and Body Attack, there's plenty of other classes to choose from. The Functional Strength classes are a great way of working on your movement patterns if you're a complete beginner, and the Pilates, core, and tone classes were all engaging.

Compared to some of the other apps on this list, this app is also pretty affordable. You can sign up for a free trial to see whether it's for you, and after that, there are two different membership options to choose from. The Les Mills+ base membership gives you a stripped-back version of the app and starts from $4.99 per month. The full membership, Les Mills+ premium, gives you access to all classes and starts at $9.99 per month.

• Download Les Mills+: Android | iPhone

Also tested

Not every workout app can be the best, but some can still be great and worth your time. These are the apps we've tested that didn't quite make the cut, but are still worth a download if you're after more options.

How to choose the best workout app

The best workout app for you covers the exercises you're interested in doing at a level that's accessible to you. Ideally, a good fitness app will support multiple levels of expertise so that as you get fitter and more comfortable, you can push yourself to the next level.

While a handful of apps are free, many of these workout apps require a subscription. Take advantage of any trial period and then try a monthly subscription to see if the app meets your needs. If you like what you see, you can always switch to an annual subscription, which usually lowers your monthly cost.

If you're someone who likes to mix up your workout routines regularly, it might be a good idea to look for a well-rounded workout app that has a good mix of workouts to suit your mood and prevent you from regretting your monthly subscription.

Several of the options on our best workout apps list will log your exercise data. If you're an iPhone user, pay special attention to any apps that integrate with the built-in Health app on your phone.

How we test the best workout apps

To help you make the best decision when choosing a workout app, we put them to the sweat test by using them for a number of different workouts. For each of the apps, we tried multiple workouts and looked at how easy the workouts were to follow, the range of workouts on offer, and how often new workouts were added to the app.

We also looked at the little extras that make using the app more enjoyable — for example, the option to sync the app with third-party music platforms to allow you to listen to your own playlists as you work out, or the option to download workouts to do without phone reception or wifi.

Finally, we'll look at the cost of the workout app to download or subscribe to, and what you get for your money.

FAQs

Want to make a dumb TV a whole lot less... well, dumb? A Roku stick or streaming box is the way to go. They add the Roku smart TV platform in a couple of simple steps: Plug in stick, turn on TV. Done. Dumb TV now smart.

At the moment, there are only two Roku devices we'd recommend you buy. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus doesn't break the bank, and adds loads of useful smart features to your TV without doing any work. If, however, you want something a little more premium, then it's the more expensive Roku Ultra you'll want. It feeds 4K streaming to your TV and features more power for a smoother experience.

How do we know? Because we've tested them. All of them. So when we say "this is the one to buy," it comes from hundreds of hours of experience. So let's get into why these two streaming options are the best you can buy right now.

The best value roku device

I’m going to start with the weakness of the Streaming Stick Pro — because for its low, low (and often discounted) $39 price, there’s really only one glaring omission. Dolby Vision fans will be left out in the cold, because Roku’s cheaper stick wants to leave something for the more expensive options. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be all that many reasons to spend more.

Because, really, the Streaming Stick gives you everything you need to get your favorite content streaming on your big screen. 4K HDR is no problem, and there’s support for loads of different audio formats from Dolby to DTS. We loved watching our movies and TV shows with the stick, all accessible from Roku’s platform.

And it really is one of the best ways to navigate a smart TV. The Roku interface is slick and smart, with plenty of on-screen options. The UI is easy to follow, and supports all of your favorite streamers. Even some really niche options that aren’t available for other platforms (ultra-niche streamers like Gagaoolala and HiDive— I’m looking at you) are available on Roku.

The diminutive stick even offers great power, despite its size. 4K video runs hitch-free, and we never really had any hang-ups or slowdown when browsing around. If you’re going to buy a streaming stick from Roku, this is the sweet spot you’ll want. The cheaper options don’t have 4K, and the more expensive models don’t have any more features to speak of. This is the one to buy.

• Read our full Roku Streaming Stick Plus review

The best premium Roku device

So we’ve established that the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is the Roku device you actually need — but the Roku Ultra is the one you want. Rather than a stick, it’s a box that’s packed with power for extra smarts. Perhaps most importantly — Dolby Vision. That’s right, cinephiles, now you can watch Tenet in a bit more of its “director-intended” form with a more color-accurate picture. Roku Ultra, you spoil us. IMAX next?

There’s more to it than just Dolby Vision, of course. There has to be something extra to justify the price increase. There’s an Ethernet port to make sure the internet connection is as stable as possible, reducing the chance of dropouts. We found that means more stable, and often slightly higher quality images. Just remember that you’ll need a cable between the router and the Roku Ultra, and you’re good to go.

You can even slot a USB stick in the back to add music, TV shows and movies to the Roku Ultra, something that nothing else in the Roku line does. Then there’s the very clever QuickMedia Switching, so you can hop between media types without any issues. It really works too — we changed from some content that ran at 60FPS to the more standard 24FPS movie frame rate, and we had no issues.

That’s one of the biggest things with the Ultra — it’s simply wonderful to use. The extra power means that it’s slick and smooth across the board, even more so than the already excellent Streaming Stick Plus above. This is a cut above — you’d have to go with something like an Apple TV 4K for a similarly speedy and lag-free performance.

There are two drawbacks. It’s more expensive than the Streaming Stick Plus by some margin, and you’ll need some extra space for the larger box. In the long run, though, we’ve found it to be well worth the trade-offs — we love it.

• Read our full Roku Ultra (2024) review

How to choose the best Roku device for you

There's a Roku device for everyone. In the void left by the discontinuation of Chromecast, Roku streaming sticks and devices make for the best alternatives. Whether you're looking for an affordable 1080p model or a soundbar with the Roku ecosystem built into it, Roku's got it all.

However, with so many Roku devices sharing similar-sounding names, it can get confusing when picking the right one for you.

To help, here's a full breakdown of what each Roku device has to offer in terms of resolution, upscaling, audio, HDR, and networking:

Is Roku a streaming service?

Roku has a slew of free channels to dive into on its platform, all of which are hosted on the Roku Channel app. It's here where you can find all kinds of FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels ranging from movies and shows to sports and live news broadcasts.

A popular area within the Roku Channel is the Sports Zone, which houses all kinds of major sporting events and pastimes for you to enjoy. This includes EFL Cup soccer games, WNBA basketball games, Tour of de l'Ain cycling sprints, and so much more. You can also dive into highlights from your favorite sports, including baseball, tennis, monster truck rallies, and the like. It's practically endless.

Everything is totally free to enjoy too, no subscription required. Roku does offer some premium subscription models if you want them, netting you access to various other streaming platforms, including HBO Max, STARZ, Paramount+, and others. Roku launched its own premium subscription service called Howdy on August 5. The app consists of ad-free TV and several movies for a monthly $2.99 fee.

Chromecasts are discontinued — now what?

Google discontinued its Chromecast with Google TV device lineup in August 2024 as it rolled out its newest premium streaming device, the Google TV Streamer, which goes toe to toe with the Roku Ultra. For over 11 years, Chromecast devices served as among the best streaming devices for their price-to-performance ratio and the myriad of models offered.

This hole left in the wake of the departure of Chromecast devices leaves just two major brands in contention for budget streaming sticks: Amazon and Roku. While Fire TV Sticks do have their merits, especially for gamers, Roku proves a better proposition largely for its streamlined navigation, simplified interface, and price.

This extends to Roku vs Google TV. While we do like Google's incredible search and voice functionality on TVs, plus the tons of free channels it offers, Roku is just as adept — and now even better for all kinds of needs. Google only has a $99 streaming device right now, where Roku runs the gamut in options, including 1080p HD, 4K without Dolby Vision, and 4K with the slew of HDR and audio features.

Our Roku Ultra vs Google TV faceoff is a great example of this, highlighting the multitude of smart home and AI features offered via Google TV, many of which might be borderline useless for most users. Roku's commitment to keeping things simple and budget is its major selling point. You don't need to spend a fortune when you just want to turn you dumb 1080p TV into a smarter display with Roku at the helm.

How we test the best Roku devices

I've tested tons of streaming devices beyond Roku models. With Roku, I like to test across all varied use cases: watching movies, shows, and listening to music. Depending on the model, I'll also try other features, like smart home testing and sound quality, as in the case for the Ultra and Streambar.

Snappiness is a top priority. That's not only in regards to navigation but also in terms of how fast apps open. It's one of the reasons I love the Ultra, but also is why several other models listed here are perfect for a wide range of users.

Although Roku devices all offer the same operating system, price is a major factor. If one can stand out from the rest by loading 4K content faster than the others, that's worth some points in our scorecard, but it's not always the key to victory, as not all of them have 4K resolution.

Depending on the model, I also try to gauge HDR content. Of course, most users won't be using best TVs with a Roku device, because why would you they have their own robust operating systems? But to get the best out of your Roku device, check out our guide on the best cheap TV deals if you need a discount.

The journey to find the best laptop for students (i.e., you) is an exciting one. This is the machine that will see you through your education, and hopefully beyond. You'll want it for taking notes during class, typing up those long assignments and, of course, binging your way through copious amounts of sitcoms and dramas.

Take it from me, someone who tests laptops for a living with a team of experts: today's laptops absolutely shine at taking on the workloads that schools and colleges throw at you. Well, the right ones, that is. That's why we've done our own homework — picking the laptops that fit with student life.

The MacBook Neo is our top recommendation as the best laptop for students. At $699 (down to $599 for students), and with enough performance to juggle note-taking, video calls and watching shows on the side (sneakily) at once, it's a winning formula. And now, there's also the excellent Dell XPS 13 (2026) that Windows fans shouldn't miss. But there are students from all walks of life, studying different subjects with different needs. So, let's begin that journey to find the student laptop for you.

The best college laptops you can buy right now

The best laptop for students overall

Wait, a MacBook that's actually affordable and isn't old? Apple's finally done it. The MacBook Neo pushes into the budget market, and it's come in swinging with one of the best laptops for value yet. In fact, you could say it was made for students.

Now priced at $699 (after Apple raised the price), but more importantly, $599 through the Education Savings discount, the MacBook Neo is simply everything we love about the MacBook Air in terms of design, portability and visual brilliance, but this time with a stylish splash of color. Don't be surprised if you see these dotted around classrooms, with students (and maybe even yourself) typing away on its comfortable keyboard.

Impressively, the A18 Pro chip onboard, generally reserved for Apple's iPhone, holds enough power to handle multitasking, jumping between multiple tabs and apps, editing photos and even some casual gaming.

Sadly, there's no backlit keyboard here or Thunderbolt connectivity if you need it, and some heavier-duty tasks may struggle with its 8GB of RAM. But for general study sessions and binge-watching shows, the MacBook Neo is the laptop for most students.

• Read our full Apple MacBook Neo review

The best value laptop for students

If you prefer Windows over macOS for your studies but still want to keep value as your highest priority, look no further than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x. No, it's not made for creative work or playing games between classes, but for handling research and assignments while juggling multiple tabs and apps, this slim, 15-inch machine will do the trick.

The Snapdragon X chip inside works reliably for students in need of a laptop for writing, replying to emails and watching Netflix in their downtime. It can even take on some light photo and video editing if needed, and it's a breeze to carry around in your backpack thanks to its sleek 0.7-inch design and light 3.42-pound weight.

The best part? While it will set you back $749 at full price, I often see the IdeaPad Slim 3x for far less. In fact, for as low as $499, giving it an edge over the MacBook Neo (even with the student discount). Not bad for a notebook boasting a sizeable 15.3-inch (1920 x 1200) touch display, and even better with its amazing 16-hour battery life.

It's not perfect, as colors will look washed out onscreen, and its speakers don't get very loud. But that's an easy fix with one of the best headphones. This is an outstanding budget Windows laptop for students, so if you're looking to save, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x has you covered.

• Read our full Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x review

The best Windows laptop for students

For students who want a premium Windows experience in a compact, hugely affordable package, the Dell XPS 13 (2026) is it. This budget laptop takes on the MacBook Neo in all the right ways, and has an edge with its razor-sharp 13.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen. Even at this price (down to $599 for students), the XPS 13 feels anything but budget, as its design easily rivals far pricier laptops.

Performance-wise, the Intel Core 5 320 Wildcat Lake CPU, paired with up to 32GB of RAM and fast storage, easily keeps up with coursework and daily studying. In our review unit, which came with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the XPS 13 breezed through 15 Chrome tabs and background YouTube streams without breaking a sweat, making it ideal for research, group projects and deadline sprints. This machine keeps up the pace, but as you may expect, video editing or gaming are a little too demanding, at least for its base configuration.

You also get excellent real-world battery life: in our testing, the XPS 13 lasted 14 hours and 29 minutes, which is enough to carry you through back-to-back lectures and late-night study sessions. While the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x edges ahead on stamina with its 16+ hours of battery, the XPS 13 delivers a much more premium aluminum chassis and a higher-res display. Compared to the MacBook Neo, you’re getting more pixels in that display and touchscreen support, even if the Neo’s chip is stronger for heavier multitasking. Still, for students who want Windows compatibility and a reliable machine, the XPS 13 nails the right balance.

On the downside, port selection is limited to two USB-C ports (with no headphone jack, sadly), and the 1080p webcam won’t exactly win you compliments in video calls. And while touch support is excellent — responsive and accurate — it can't be fully utilized for creatives. Still, if you value a great screen, a premium build and all-day reliability, this is the budget Windows laptop students can count on. If you've got the cash for something with more power, though, check out the superb Dell XPS 14 (2026).

• Read our full Dell XPS 13 (2026) review

The best MacBook for students

The MacBook Air M5 shows that Apple's thin and lightweight laptop is better than ever. While the MacBook Neo makes a fantastic case for value, if you need a machine with more horsepower to blaze through assignments and even a touch of gaming, this is the one to grab.

More of a modest upgrade over the previous M4 model, and unfortunately now with a $200 price bump after Apple's price surge across MacBooks, the MacBook Air M5 is still one of the top dogs when it comes to performance, stamina (battery life is now over 15 hours) and portability, thanks to its sleek, featherweight design.

From $1,299 (and definitely less with frequent discounts), the MacBook Air M5 excels at giving you all the performance and tools for multitasking projects. And, at just 2.7 pounds (3.3 pounds for the 15-inch model), it's still thin and light enough to easily pack into your bag before heading off to class. Thanks to its lovely Liquid Retina display, visuals are a treat, whether it's reading research papers or binge-watching shows.

With its M5 chip, it's capable of powering through web surfing (made better with Wi-Fi 7 connectivity), video editing and even some AAA gaming, and it's always handy to have an upgraded 512GB base storage onboard to save all your assignments (and photos, of course). For that sweet spot between the Neo and Pro, the MacBook Air M5 is your best choice. Need a bigger display? The 15-inch model just gives you the benefit of having more to work with.

• Read our full MacBook Air M5 review

The best Chromebook for students

When our reviewer, Jason England, ditched his MacBook for the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 to review it, he was stunned. ChromeOS has well and truly come into its element as a really effective study buddy for your courses, and the 12 months free Google AI Pro can really work effectively alongside you to help you nail that college degree (more on that later).

First, there's the laptop itself — a gorgeously premium aluminum shell that packs the stellar ergonomics that Lenovo is known for with a tactile keyboard and smooth touchpad (and a touchscreen if you pay for it). Speaking of screen, that OLED display is mesmerizing for work and play, and those speakers get loud for those times you need background music in the dorm room!

Then we turn our attention to the performance and power efficiency, which far outstrips any other Chromebook thanks to that MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 chipset and 16GB of RAM. No matter how many Chrome tabs you open, this never stutters, and you've got worry-free battery life all day.

Throw in the aforementioned AI features that enrich your studies with Gemini 2.5 Pro to be a capable research assistant, NotebookLM being a lifesaver for pooling resources around big pieces of coursework, and generative AI giving you laughs around Veo 3 video and Imagen pictures, and you've got a fantastic system for your time at college.

• Read our full Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 review

The best 2-in-1 laptop for students

The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10 honestly looks and feels too good for a $400 laptop, with a full aluminum shell that stands miles above most Chromebooks made for students in this price range. And it all comes with the perks of being one of the best 2-in-1 laptops.

But it’s not just about looks. We found the keyboard to be fantastic for long study sessions, with nicely spaced keys with crisp activation and just the right amount of travel. And with its sturdy convertible hinge, you can flip between laptop, tablet or tent modes for whatever the day throws at you, whether you’re typing notes in class or streaming a show back in your dorm.

Under the hood, the Intel Core 3 N355 processor keeps things responsive for everyday ChromeOS tasks. Think research, essay writing and video calls. No, this isn’t a creative powerhouse or a gaming beast, but it nails the reliable, no-fuss performance students actually need.

Battery life, though, is where the shine fades a little. In our web surfing test, it managed 8 hours and 32 minutes, which is enough for much of a typical class day, but not quite on par with the marathon stamina you’ll see from others in this guide. Plus, the 14-inch touch display could be a bit brighter.

Still, if you want a Chromebook that feels premium, performs reliably for coursework, and comes in at a student-friendly price, this is the 2-in-1 laptop to grab.

• Read our full Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10 review

The best gaming laptop for students

The Lenovo Legion 5i is the gaming laptop for students who want plenty of power for games and productivity — no compromises. With its Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU delivering over 60 FPS at 1080p in our gaming tests, you can count on smooth, sustained performance for both study sessions and late-night downtime. If you’re planning to game between classes or need a laptop that doesn’t choke under demanding workloads, the Legion 5i is built for you.

But it’s not just about raw power. The 15-inch OLED display is amazing for the price. You get a sharp WQXGA (2560 x 1600) resolution, vibrant colors, a buttery 165Hz refresh rate and up to 500 nits of brightness, making every frame look crisp whether you’re deep into a fast-paced match or streaming a movie. This screen doesn’t just look good for games, either; it’s easy on the eyes for hours of reading, research or group projects.

We found the build surprisingly refined for a gaming rig in this class. The aluminum lid and sturdy plastic casing mean you can toss it in your backpack and not worry about dings from a hectic day on campus. The keyboard deck holds up to long essay sessions and all-night gaming marathons, which is another small but important detail for student life.

There are a couple of catches: battery life and fan noise. Off the charger, you’ll squeeze out just about an hour of gaming before hunting for an outlet (around four hours outside of gaming), and when you’re pushing the hardware in a game like Cyberpunk 2077, the fans really kick up a storm. If battery and quiet operation matter most, some others like the MacBook Neo or Dell XPS 13 win hands-down for all-day portability. But if you want the best possible gaming performance and visuals for the price, and don’t mind gaming tethered to a wall, the Legion 5i is the clear pick for student gamers.

• Read our full Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10 review

The best student laptop for creatives

Need more multitasking power for your studies? If you're willing to spend more on a machine that will see you through your classes and beyond, the MacBook Pro M5 is our top choice.

Thanks to its M5 chip, this MacBook boasts more than enough performance for editing 4K video, building out a design portfolio, producing music or touching up photos for a project. If your assignments require as much, the MacBook Pro will power through your workflow, all wrapped up in a premium, sturdy aluminum design.

It retains everything you'd expect from a MacBook Pro, including that gorgeous 14-inch (3024 x 1964) Liquid Retina XDR display with a 120Hz refresh rate and sharp 12MP webcam for those video calls. But this time, the heavy-duty assignments will benefit from the performance boosts M5 offers, so expect an easier time with creative work, along with enough power to play games like Resident Evil 4 Remake at 60 FPS.

This is a pricey one, and even pricier after Apple raised it to $1,999 following a $300 increase. If you already have an M4, or even an M3, model in your bag, don't expect a huge upgrade. That doesn't take away from this being a laptop made for power users, and if heavy workloads come with the territory for your education, this laptop was made to handle it all. That said, if you have the funds for something boasting even more performance, the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro may better suit your needs.

• Read our full MacBook Pro M5 review

Battery life test results compared

Battery life is a key concern for students since you don't want a laptop to die in the middle of class. With that in mind, we've collected all the results from our battery tests of these laptops, and I've organized them below in a brief chart.

Right now, the MacBook Pro M5 lasts the longest, but all of these machines offer plenty of juice to keep you going for a whole day of classes. Looking for the longest-lasting notebooks? Check out our guide on the best laptops for battery life.

Best Student Laptops Battery Life Results

In our battery test, we set the laptop's display to 150 nits of brightness and have it endlessly browse the web via Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

Battery life (hh:mm:ss)

MacBook Pro M5

18:00:00

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x

16:29:00

MacBook Air M5 13-inch

15:28:00

Dell XPS 13 2026

14:29:00

MacBook Neo

13:28:00

Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14

13:19:00

Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10

08:32:00

Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10

04:30:00

07.51522.530

hours

Battery life (hh:mm:ss) Data

Product	Value
MacBook Pro M5	18
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x	16.483333333333334
MacBook Air M5 13-inch	15.466666666666667
Dell XPS 13 2026	14.483333333333333
MacBook Neo	13.466666666666667
Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14	13.316666666666666
Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10	8.533333333333333
Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10	4.5

How to pick the best laptop for my studies?

Good question, and I'm here to help! There are certain key factors that make a laptop amazing for heading back to school.

• Design & Ergonomics: A laptop for students needs to be both portable and durable. Look for a great keyboard for late-night essays and a large, precise trackpad.
• Performance & Battery Life: Nothing's worse than a laptop freezing up before a deadline. Aim for a powerful processor like an Intel Core Ultra 5 300 series (Wildcat Lake), AMD Ryzen AI 300, Snapdragon X, or Apple's M3 to M4 (and even the A18 Pro) for speed and reliability.
• Screen & Speakers: A bright, sharp screen is great for both getting work done and relaxing with a show. Look for at least a 1080p display with 500 nits of brightness.
• Connectivity: Wireless and wired connections are essential. Make sure you have at least Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, along with a few USB-C ports and a headphone jack for all your accessories.
• Operating System: This comes down to personal preference, but always double-check if your essential software is compatible with Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS before you buy.
• Price: Don't get a cheap system that will let you down. Start with a budget of at least $500 to ensure you get a durable, high-performing laptop that will last you all four years.

How we test the best laptops for students

Here at Tom's Guide, we put each laptop through real-world tests and benchmarks to see how it will perform during everyday use. That includes the CPU, GPU, display, battery life and the overall design — all the important bits students should look out for no matter what they're studying.

We measure the average brightness and color quality of each laptop's display using our in-house light meter and colorimeter. For general performance, we run our machines through tests that include Geekbench 6 (CPU performance) and various 3DMark tests to measure graphics performance. We also run a file transfer test to measure how fast a machine's hard drive is, and a custom battery test that has the machine browse the internet over Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

Plus, we run the graphics benchmark test in Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm to get a sense of how well a laptop can handle basic games. When testing dedicated gaming laptops, we run benchmarks for a number of games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2.

For more granular detail on our lab benchmarking and real-world testing, you can see how Tom's Guide tests every single laptop, PC and tablet.

While the best eSIM plans in Australia are not supported by every handset, many of the best phones of 2026 no longer require physical SIM cards — they've simply embraced the added convenience and security of digital eSIM technology, allowing users to activate new plans or switch carriers directly from their phone's settings. In many cases, activation is as easy as scanning a QR code.

Of course, not all Aussie telcos are fully on board yet — Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all offer eSIM support, as do many other mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), though there are still some smaller providers that only use physical SIMs. This means you'll want to double-check if your preferred carrier supports eSIMs before you commit to a new phone or plan.

That said, eSIM support is steadily expanding, and it’s likely to boom with Australian telcos over the next couple of years. For those ready to say goodbye to physical SIM cards, we’ve compiled a list of the best eSIM plans in Australia for April 2026.

Best eSIM plans in Australia: value

Best eSIM plans in Australia: data

How we pick the best eSIM plans in Australia

When selecting the best eSIM plans in Australia, the Tom's Guide team focuses on several key factors that we believe are important to most users.

Our initial step is to exclude carriers that do not currently support eSIM technology.

Value is a top priority — the ideal eSIM plans offer a sensible amount of data without being overly expensive. Given that the average Australian consumes about 12GB of data monthly, we consider this our minimum data allowance. We also examine premium eSIM plans that provide ample data, even if they come at a higher cost.

eSIM plans should always include unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers. This is a common feature even in affordable options, so we avoid any plan that limits these.

Network coverage is another crucial element. Australians can expect access to either the Telstra, Optus or Vodafone networks, depending on their chosen provider. Telstra boasts the broadest 4G and 5G coverage, with Optus and Vodafone following closely.

Finally, while not the primary driver for our choices, we also consider additional perks such as bonus international minutes or data rollover.

More from Tom's Guide

• SIM-only mobile plans compared: The best Australian picks for every budget
• Cheap mobile plans compared: best Australian options
• Best Telstra network mobile plans: alternative providers with top coverage

Most parents will be very familiar with how expensive mobile phone plans can be, especially when accounting for a whole family. While individual phone bills may seem affordable at face value, the cumulative cost can place a significant strain on the typical Aussie household's budget.

Luckily, some Aussie telcos have family mobile plans that can ease the financial strain. Bundling your family’s mobile services into a single account is a simple and effective way to save on household phone costs, and the best deals in Australia offer more than just cheaper bills — they also provide a shared data pool and make account management effortless for parents.

For your convenience, we've detailed the leading family mobile plans in Australia from providers like Optus, Vodafone, Aldi Mobile and more, including an in-depth breakdown of each plan's cost, shared data allowance and general inclusions.

To keep this as simple as possible, we're only highlighting proper family bundles that offer reduced rates for additional users. There are some telcos that offer data-gifting as an alternative to family bundles, but we'd argue this approach doesn't make things easier for parents.

Best family mobile plan: Optus

Families of at least four people should take note of the Optus Family Mobile Plan, which offers four SIMs for AU$165 p/m and includes a shared monthly data pool of 320GB. That works out to AU$41.25 per SIM and 80GB for each person every month.

Need more SIMs? Optus allows you to add up to four extras, making a total of eight, at AU$29 p/m each. The catch is that they all share the same 320GB of monthly data, so the value decreases as you add more. For instance, with eight SIMs, you’d be spending AU$281 p/m (about AU$35 per SIM) for 40GB of data per person.

Still, it's unlikely that every member of the family will burn through 40GB of data each month, meaning lighter data users will effectively balance out those who use more — by this, we mean that each SIM isn't allocated its own 40GB, but rather they all draw from the same pool. The Family Mobile Plan includes 5G network access, along with unlimited talk and text to standard Australian numbers (13/1300 numbers included).

The plan also includes a subscription to the McAfee Safe Family App (valued at AU$8.99 p/m) at no additional cost, allowing parents to monitor their kids' device activity, set screen time limits and cut off times, and even receive location alerts.

Discounts for bundling: Vodafone

Vodafone doesn't offer a traditional family plan. However, the telco does allow you to bundle up to four plans under one account to receive stacking discounts for each additional plan.

For instance, bundling a second plan on your account will get you a AU$5 discount on your monthly bill, bundling a third plan will get you an additional AU$15 off for a total monthly discount of AU$20, while bundling a fourth plan will get you another AU$15 off, resulting in a AU$35 discount on your monthly total.

Shared data pool: Yomojo

While Yomojo doesn't offer a specific family plan with a shared data pool, the telco does provide increasing discounts on your total monthly bill for each additional prepaid plan you bundle, topping out at six plans.

Two plans will save you 5%, three plans will save you 7.5%, four plans will save 10%, five plans will save you 12.5% and six plans will get you a maximum discount of 15% on your total monthly bill.

Each user has the option of choosing from one of Yomojo's four prepaid plans, starting with the Starter 29GB plan, followed by the Essential 42GB plan, the Pro 105GB and the Ultra 220GB plans. All four prepaid plans are capped at 150Mbps and operate on the Optus 4G network.

Pre-paid family plan: Aldi Mobile

Aldi Mobile offers three separate family plans, each one catered to a certain number of services and providing varying amounts of data and some slight variations to their international inclusions.

The first option is the $55 5G Family Plan, which provides 50GB of shared data for two services, on a 30-day expiry period. That works out to 25GB and AU$27.50 per service.

Next, is the $95 5G Family Plan, which comes with a 100GB shared data pool for up to four services on a 30-day expiry period, which breaks down to 25GB and AU$23.75 per person, making it the best option from a value-standpoint.

At top end of Aldi Mobile's family bundle offerings is the $125 5G Family Plan, which gives you 150GB to share with up to six services on a 30-day expiry period, working out to 25GB and AU$25.33 per person.

Each plan operates on the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network, and includes speed-capped 5G access, rollover data to share, unlimited standard calls and texts and unlimited international calls and text to 20 select countries, along with limited access to an additional 30 countries.

More from Tom's Guide

• SIM-only mobile plans compared
• Best Telstra network mobile plans
• Cheap mobile plans compared

If you’re an Aussie planning to head overseas, it’s a smart move to get a phone plan with international roaming. When you travel, having a working phone with internet access is just as essential as your passport. Staying connected also makes it easier to find your way around and keep in touch with friends and family back home.

Of course, nothing spoils a getaway faster than excessive international roaming charges, making it incredibly important to make sure your phone plan has you covered while you're venturing outside of Australia.

Picking up a local SIM card when you arrive is an option, but it can come with a few hassles. Not every country makes the process simple, and some carriers might ask for a local address. Plus, you’ll end up with a different phone number.

The easiest route is to keep your Australian number, so there’s no need to swap SIMs or sign up for an international eSIM. Just keep in mind your provider’s daily roaming charges and data limits while you’re abroad.

To get you up to speed, we've put together this guide to what each of Australia's three major telcos (Telstra, Optus and Vodafone) offer in terms of international roaming (including how much they cost per day, and what kind of daily data allowance you can expect.

While they may not match the competitiveness of the big three, we’ll also cover what Australia’s smaller telcos have to offer when it comes to international roaming.

Okay, enough talk — here are the best Australian phone plans with international roaming.

The best plans for international roaming

Winner: Vodafone

Vodafone might not top the charts for coverage here in Australia, but its international footprint is miles wider than the competition. It runs its own networks in 21 countries and partners with carriers in another 47, which makes roaming surprisingly straightforward. For AU$5 a day in 100‑plus destinations, you can use your regular Aussie plan with no special roaming data caps — your monthly allowance just carries over.

The catch: that $5 Roaming deal only applies for 90 days each calendar year, so frequent travellers need to keep an eye on the clock. And if you blow past your usual monthly data limit, Vodafone tacks on AU$5 per extra gigabyte.

If you know you’ll be chewing through data overseas, Vodafone’s Large SIM Only Plan is worth a look. It includes 400GB a month and runs at AU$55 per month for the first year, which makes roaming a lot less stressful.

International roaming on other carriers

Telstra

While Telstra is undoubtedly a top dog within Australia, its value offering is far less appealing once you venture beyond our shores. That said, it now offers twice the daily data than it previously did.

Upon arrival in an eligible country with data roaming switched on, Telstra’s International Day Pass kicks in automatically the moment you use your phone.

In Zone 1 destinations — New Zealand, Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu — the pass costs AU$5 per day and includes 2GB of data.

Most other countries fall under Zone 2, where the pass is AU$10 per day and comes with 2GB of data plus unlimited standard calls and texts. If you use more than the daily data allowance, Telstra adds another 2GB for AU$10 in Zone 2, or AU$5 in Zone 1, with each top‑up lasting 31 days.

Telstra’s roaming coverage is broad, offering full data roaming in 80+ countries, along with limited roaming — calls and texts only — in four extra destinations for customers on Upfront plans.

Optus

Optus is far more generous than Telstra when it comes to international roaming, with Australia's second biggest telco offering 2.5x the daily data allowance at half the price. Customers on postpaid Optus plans will get unlimited talk and text and 5GB of data for only AU$5 per day, which is quite a good deal. All you have to do is activate the Optus International Roaming Add-on in the My Optus app.

Additionally, Optus customers also have the option of paying for a week upfront, with a 7-day pass getting you 35GB of data with unlimited talk and text for AU$35. Of course, there isn't really any benefit to doing this outside of convenience, with the price working out the same either way.

Impressively, Optus' roaming add-on works in over 100 'Zone 1' destinations, which is significantly more than what Telstra is offering. Of course, if you do find yourself in one of the remaining 'Zone 2' destinations, you'll have to pay the standard international rates, which'll certainly cost you. Here are the top three Optus plans which include international data roaming.

Given the seamless nature of Vodafone's international roaming experience, in that you get access to the same amount of data you'd normally have within Australia in over 100 countries, and its low AU$5 daily cost, Vodafone is the clear winner.

That said, Optus' international roaming add-on is not to be sneezed at, offering decent value for money and far more overseas data than Telstra.

For those who aren't planning to travel overseas anytime soon, here are the best SIM only plans in Australia.

MVNOs with international roaming

It's important to note that international roaming isn't limited to the three major Australian telcos — some mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) such as Boost, Felix and Amaysim offer international roaming as an add-on with a set expiry period.

Some MVNOs offer pay-as-you-go plans, but we're sticking with paid add-ons, so you know exactly what you're getting. These add-ons might not be as budget-friendly as Vodafone, Optus or Telstra, but here’s a quick look at what some of Australia’s smaller telcos have on offer in terms of international roaming packages.

More from Tom's Guide

• SIM-only mobile plans compared
• Best Telstra network mobile plans
• Cheap mobile plans compared

You're wondering what the best computer for students is, and that comes with a lot of questions. Is a desktop or a laptop better? Should I get Mac or Windows? How much should I pay? Well, being a student once (it's been a few years), I know the queries, and I now have over a decade of expertise to point you in the right direction.

After testing a wide selection of Windows PCs, Macs, all-in-one computers and more over the years, my team of PC experts and I know the territory and are here to help find the right computer for you. Better yet, you'll be happy to know that the PCs you'll find today can easily breeze through research, study, write-ups and deadlines at school and college. Oh, and some gaming in your downtime, of course.

I'm a big believer in the Apple iMac M4 for students, as that's the type of computer I would adore for writing up papers, editing images and even gaming. But it's not "one size fits all," as there are plenty of other options to choose from to make the most of your needs. So, let's dive into finding the best student computer to get you through your studies.

The best student computers right now

The best student computer overall

Apple's iMac recently received a shot in the arm known as the M4 chip, and the boost in performance helps cinch its place at the top of our charts as the best student computer you can buy today.

I recommend this Mac to students and families because it offers a beautiful 24-inch 4.5K display, an excellent 12MP webcam with support for Center Stage and Desk View (which means it can follow you as you move around in front of it, or send a separate video feed of what's on your desk in front of you when FaceTiming) and a great six-speaker sound system built in. Plus, this is the first model that comes with an optional nano-texture coating on the glass, which makes it more glare-resistant for an extra fee.

Of course, it's not a perfect computer. There's no option to adjust the height of the display or order it with a VESA mount, so extraordinarily tall or short folks may need to awkwardly rearrange their desk to get it seated in a comfortable position. And there's no HDR support and no option to get it with a touchscreen or an OLED/mini-LED screen, which handicaps that luscious 24-inch 4.5K display.

But none of those flaws keep it from being the best student computer for most folks on the market.

With Apple's price hikes now official, the iMac M4 has seen a $200/£200 increase. Now, it starts at $1,499/£1,499, which means it isn't quite the value-buster it once was. That said, we still recommend it as the best student computer for most, considering the performance it offers. What's more, for students, Apple's Education Savings means you can get this for less.

• Read our full Apple iMac M4 review

The best Windows student computer

For students who prefer (or require) Windows but are fans of the iMac setup, look no further than the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27. Truly, this is the "iMac killer," and when it comes with a built-in Qi phone charger in its base, you know it has the best interests of students in mind.

The all-in-one PC comes with everything you need right out of the box, and that includes an impressive wireless keyboard with satisfying clicks (number pad included, by the way). Its mouse could use a little work, since it's a battery-powered peripheral that relies on a USB dongle plugged into the Yoga’s base, but at least it lasts 12 months and is highly responsive.

With its 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS display, you can expect crisp, colorful visuals no matter what you view, and that includes gaming. Yes, the Yoga AIO 27 can play titles, albeit more less-demanding PC games. It shows the power of the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H CPU, which this laptop comes packed with (at its higher configurations), and that punchy performance will blaze through workloads when studying or working on a project.

Impressively, the Yoga AIO 27's display can also be adjusted 90 degrees to transform into a vertical powerhouse, which makes it versatile for different areas of study. The icing on the cake is that it's a stunner in any desk setup.

It's not perfect, as the screen's brightness is slightly dimmer than its competition, the 5MP webcam won't do you justice when on video calls and you can't adjust the height as much as you'd want. Regardless, when it comes to delivering Windows at its finest, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better all-in-one PC at this price, and that's an important factor for students.

• Read our full Lenovo Yoga AIO 27 review