Emily Long

Emily Long is a Utah-based freelance writer who covers consumer technology, privacy and personal finance for Tom's Guide. She has been reporting and writing for nearly 10 years, and her work has appeared in Wirecutter, Lifehacker, NBC BETTER and CN Traveler, among others. When she's not working, you can find her trail running, teaching and practicing yoga, or studying for grad school — all fueled by coffee, obviously.

Articles by: Emily Long

Buying an air purifier? Here's what you need to know

By Emily Long published 26 May 22

How should you choose an air purifier? We've got some helpful tips.

The best dehumidifiers in 2022

By Cynthia Lawrence, Emily Long published 11 May 22

Summer is just around the corner, but here are the best dehumidifiers to suit every home and lifestyle.

Best thermometers 2022: How to take your temperature at home

By Emily Long published 26 April 22

The best home medical thermometers give accurate readings and can be used on, or by, any member of your family. Here's what we recommend for taking your temperature at home.

Cryptocurrency scams — what they are and how to avoid them

By Emily Long published 4 April 22

Cryptocurrency scams abound as the price of crypto rises. Here's what you need to watch out for.

LastPass vs. 1Password: Which password manager wins?

By Emily Long published 23 March 22

LastPass and 1Password are two of the best password managers, but which one is really right for you?

An Amazon delivery agent carrying an Amazon shipping box in Berlin, Germany, January 2020.

How to avoid Amazon scams — 5 tips you need to know

By Emily Long published 20 March 22

Scammers will abuse the Amazon name to con you in all sorts of ways. Here are 5 things you need to watch out for.

eBay scams: What to look for and how to avoid them

By Emily Long published 12 March 22

Scams on eBay are still going strong. Here are some of the most common eBay swindle schemes and how you can avoid them.

Myki password manager review

By Emily Long published 1 March 22

A newcomer to the password-management world, Myki is free and has unique security features, but it's not as smooth or feature-rich as some of its competitors.

The Signal and Telegram apps grouped together on a smartphone screen.

Signal vs. Telegram: Which encrypted messaging app wins?

By Emily Long published 1 March 22

Signal and Telegram are both popular choices for encrypted messaging. Which one is better for your needs?

Younger woman in red dress holds takes hand of well dressed older man at dinner table.

Romance scams — what they are and how to avoid them

By Emily Long published 12 February 22

Romance scams promise to give you love but end up taking your money. Here's how to spot them, and what to do if you become a victim.

How to use Signal: Everything you need to know

By Emily Long published 8 February 22

Here's all you need to know to get started with the Signal encrypted-messaging app.

Security experts say you no longer need a VPN — here's why

By Emily Long published 30 January 22

Many privacy and security arguments for using a VPN no longer apply to ordinary users, some experts say, now that most websites have encryption built in.

1Password password manager review

By Emily Long published 28 January 22

1Password is a strong choice for users across all platforms, and its pricing and features are right in line with competitors that previously offered more for less.

LastPass password manager review

By Emily Long published 28 January 22

LastPass is still the best password manager in terms of features and user experience, but it no longer stands out as much among similarly priced competitors.

Dashlane password manager review

By Emily Long published 27 January 22

Dashlane is a premium password manager that provides a top-notch experience for users willing to pay its high prices, but its cheaper plans are less attractive for those who need only basic features.

Keeper password manager review

By Emily Long published 27 January 22

Keeper is a competitively priced, highly secure password manager with a clean, consistent experience across all platforms and devices.

NordPass password manager review

By Emily Long published 26 January 22

NordPass is new to the password-management scene but already offers an easy-to-use platform. Yet it charges too much for a basic password manager.

Words 'fraud alert' written on a whiteboard alongside numbers, an alarm clock and a pen.

How to set up a fraud alert to protect your credit and identity

By Emily Long published 17 January 22

Placing a fraud alert on your credit files can be a crucial first step in preventing identity theft, and it's free. Here's how to set it up.

Padlocked chain wrapping two ways around a bundle of manila file folders labeled 'INFORMATION.'

Credit freeze vs. fraud alert — what's the difference?

By Emily Long published 10 January 22

Credit freezes and fraud alerts sound similar, but they have very different effects on you and your credit files.

Man holding tablet on which a credit score is displayed.

How to get your credit score

By Emily Long published 20 December 21

Your credit score has a direct impact on your financial health. Here's how to see yours.

Photo of a magnifying glass atop a sheet of printed paper reading 'CREDIT REPORT', next to a laptop computer and a pen on a wooden desk.

How to get a free credit report — and why you should

By Emily Long published 6 December 21

Getting a free credit report is easy, quick and very useful. Here's how to do it.

Stickers with passwords written on them on the keyboard of a MacBook.

The one thing you should start using to prevent getting hacked

By Emily Long published 15 November 21

There's a lot of upside and not much downside to using a password manager. Here are the basics.

A sign-in prompt on a screen, asking for a username and password.

Credential stuffing: The password-hacking method you need to avoid

By Emily Long published 18 October 21

Credential stuffing is the best way to hack into accounts using reused passwords. Here's how to avoid becoming a victim.

A stimulus check overlaid by a dollar bill and a fragment of an American flag.

Stimulus checks: Here's which states are sending out money [updated]

By Emily Long published 7 September 21

At least nine states or smaller jurisdictions are using federal stimulus money to help residents. Here's who's getting what, and where.

Illustration of hundred-dollar bills and a check from the U.S. Treasury poking out of a manila envelope against the backdrop of the American flag.

Here's how to make sure you get your next stimulus check

By Emily Long published 19 August 21

Many families are still waiting for their August child-tax-credit advance payments. Here's what they need to do.

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