Security

Despite ultra-fast scans and lots of security-minded extras, Trend Micro slows down a computer during scans and suffers from many false positives.

IdentityForce offers the best overall service when credit monitoring is factored in, but LifeLock has the edge on pure identity protection.

Carbonite Safe online backup works fine and has theoretically unlimited storage, but there's no reason to recommend it when other services offer the same features for a fraction of Carbonite's prices.

IDrive is best for anyone who has multiple machines to back up. Just keep an eye on the 2TB or 5TB storage limit.

IDShield's frequent three-bureau credit reports and scores are great bargains, though IdentityForce and LifeLock monitor more personal data.

Keeper isn't fancy, but it works well and has perhaps the best security of any cloud-based password manager.

LastPass has tripled its price, but the service is still one of the best bargains in password management.

Dashlane has surpassed LastPass in flexibility and features, but you'll pay more for those extras.

The SimpliSafe home security kit is easy to set up and even easier to use.

Surfshark's offers strong security and a variety of features at an affordable price.

TunnelBear is a provider that focuses on making VPN technology accessible to all.

Windscribe provides an attractive VPN offering, notable for its generous free tier, and affordable Pro plans.

Romanian and German-based CyberGhost is a popular VPN provider whose mix of power and ease of use has won over more than 30 million users.

IPVanish has fast download speeds

NordVPN is affordable, easy to use and unblocks several geo-restricted services.

Speed, privacy, platform support, features... ExpressVPN has got it all.

StrongVPN is a solid VPN service, it has an excellent performance and allows you to browse on multiple devices.

VyprVPN is a Swiss-based VPN with a true devotion to privacy, with range of unblocking capabilities

Real live guards watch your property 24/7 through the Deep Sentinel security camera system.

This security kit comes with everything you need to protect your home, and then some.

The Netatmo Welcome's facial recognition keeps track of a household's residents and creates individual user profiles for each person.

The Arlo Ultra delivers top-notch video, a great set of features and powerful but easy-to-use software.

The Arlo Pro 2 provides a great combination of software, free cloud storage and video quality.

MMGuardian has tons of features, but it's undermined by a terrible user interface.

Qustodio monitors Mac and PCs as well as mobile devices, but it can get pricey.

Zoolz Cloud Backup has an appealing desktop interface, but it's hampered by very slow downloads, pricey plans and nearly inert mobile apps.

Norton's Windows antivirus products offer very good malware protection and extra privacy software, but lack some basic security features.

OurPact is one of the best parental-control apps for Android users, and Apple has reinstated it on iOS.

Screen Time is great at managing kids' smartphone time, but some other parental-control features cost extra.