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Another unusual year is almost in the books. Here at PCMag, our New York City-based testing lab and photo-and-video studio remained mostly closed in 2021 because of the pandemic, with our analysts and editors making only occasional brave forays into the office to use our specialized testing equipment. But for the most part, we've been hunkered down at home, benchmark-testing laptops, phones, graphics cards, cameras, and dozens of other types of products as enthusiastically and voluminously as we always have.
Now it’s time for our toughest job of all. The problem with reviewing so many products—more than 2,000 each year—is trying to narrow it all down to the absolute best. This time, after much deliberation, we whittled down the list to 101 top hardware, consumer electronics, software, and service picks across 15 important categories.
You’ll find a few new subcategories in growing areas. For one, we expanded last year’s new category of smart home gym equipment (thanks pandemic!) to include treadmills, stationary bikes, and rowing machines. We eliminated others because they're dying breeds (so long, compact cameras). But the categories are primarily the same ones you’ve read about here every year since 2013.
This list takes into consideration every product we've tested and rated from November 1, 2020, through the first week of November 2021. Across the 101, five managed a perfect rating of five stars. Eighty-eight of them earned our Editors' Choice award. The rest earn a rating of at least four stars—excellent. They are the best of the best chosen by our expert writers and editors in the categories they extensively cover. Taken together, these products and services represent everything that impressed us the most, and comprise just 5 percent of what we test all year. They also make for one hell of a holiday shopping list.
All 101 Products: The Ultimate Holiday Gift List
To reduce some of your holiday angst, here's a searchable, sortable list of all 101 products to reference as you shop. Click on a heading to reorder the column.
Laptops
Ultraportable
Dell XPS 13 OLED (9310)
Some things never change, but the XPS 13 does. A perennial favorite ultraportable laptop of ours, Dell isn’t content to let this svelte device rest on its laurels. New this year: a breathtaking 3.5K OLED screen with a sky-high 100,000:1 contrast ratio. It’ll make anything you’re doing feel a bit more cinematic, with inky blacks and colors that pop. Computing power is excellent too, with your choice of 11th-generation Intel “Tiger Lake” processors.
Desktop Replacement
Dell Inspiron 16 Plus (7610)
Complete with a gorgeous 16-inch display and excellent graphics and computing performance, the compact Inspiron 16 Plus is a worthy desktop replacement. It’s capable of handling everything from simple productivity tasks to today’s most graphically intensive games. Wrap all of that up in a package that costs less than $1,000, and you’ve got yourself a value unlike any other.
Budget Laptop
MSI Modern 14
Who says a budget laptop has to feel cheap? The MSI Modern 14 bucks the trend of underwhelming low-cost laptops by delivering one of the most impressive inexpensive 14-inch laptops of this year or any year. Sporting a lightweight chassis, a classy design, and plenty of ports, the MSI Modern 14 is easy on your wallet but feels significantly more premium than its competitors.
Chromebook
Acer Chromebook Spin 514
Many of the best laptops are expensive, but sometimes all you need is a reliable workhorse to get schoolwork done or browse the web. Enter the Acer Chromebook Spin 514: a versatile, affordable 2-in-1 convertible notebook that runs Google’s Chrome OS. Its AMD Ryzen processor gives it an edge over other Chromebooks, turning it into a peppy, attractive, and useful addition to your tech collection.
Gaming Laptop
Acer Predator Triton 300 SE
We review quite a few gaming laptops each year at very different price levels, so picking the absolute best is difficult. The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE earns that crown this year thanks to achieving a sweet spot on price, power, and portability. Its Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU and 14-inch 144Hz display are packed into a slim 3.75-pound chassis, delivering on the concept of real gaming on the go without breaking the bank. Entry-level and high-end options are out there, but this is one of the best values for the mainstream gamer.
Business Laptop
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9
As the world has shifted work from our offices into our homes, the business laptop has become more important than ever. And for our money, the cream of the crop is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9. Lightweight and flawlessly engineered with exceptional battery life and a world-class keyboard, this is one of the best laptops on the market, period—and easily the best business laptop of 2021.
Apple Laptop
Apple MacBook Pro 14-Inch
This new 14-inch laptop is the MacBook Pro creative professionals have been waiting for. If you’re upgrading from a 2015 MacBook Pro or earlier, you’re in for a treat: This is a seriously powerful computer, thanks to its Apple M1 Pro processor. It doesn’t skimp on ports, either, with a full-size HDMI connector and an SD card reader to choose from. Package that into a compact, good-looking chassis, and you’ve got the best MacBook Pro yet.
Convertible 2-in-1
HP Spectre x360 14
When Rob Base said, “It takes two,” he probably wasn’t talking about a two-in-one convertible laptop. But one look at the HP Spectre X360 14 would definitely prove his point. This part laptop, part tablet earned an Editors’ Choice award thanks to its gorgeous OLED touch screen, elegant eye-catching design, and lively performance. Couple that with a handy rechargeable pen and a carrying sleeve, and you have the best premium convertible laptop on the market.
Tablets
Detachable 2-in-1
Microsoft Surface Pro 8
When the best gets better, it almost picks itself. Microsoft’s Surface line has inspired other Windows 2-in-1 tablets, but the latest version of the original is still best in class. The new Surface Pro 8 boasts a sleeker design with a larger screen, updated components, a sharp 1080p webcam, and other enhancements that make it both a good tablet and an extra-portable laptop. The keyboard is still sold separately, and the entry price isn’t as sweet as it was before, but the Surface still leads the way for detachable 2-in-1s.
Tablet
Apple iPad (9th Generation, 2021)
Apple’s tablet line has long been plagued by one “problem”—the base-model iPad is very, very good, so it can be hard to justify the more expensive iPad Air and Pro units. The 2021 iPad has a far better front-facing camera than previous models, reflecting our new Zoom-centric world. Otherwise, it’s a bit faster, with a little more storage and a slightly better display. That’s more than enough to keep it ahead of the competition in its $329 price range.
EBook Reader
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon’s newest Paperwhite is bigger, better, and faster than the previous model. It’s a great value for a waterproof, flat-front ebook-reader using a super-sharp 7-inch E Ink panel. It’s still well balanced and doesn’t feel too big for one-handed reading. Its Carta 1200 screen, with its color-changing front light, is easier on the eyes than ever. For this Paperwhite, Amazon brought the right technologies together at the ideal price.
Mobile
Android Phone
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Google’s first Pixel phone with its own Tensor chipset, the Pixel 6 Pro delivers ultra-premium performance at a price that’s $200 lower than its major competitors from Samsung and Apple. The 6 Pro has nearly endless battery life and spectacular cameras, and as a Google phone, it’s always on the cutting edge of Android versions and Google’s AI-powered software experiences. With the Pixel 6 Pro, you get more for less, and that makes it a winner.
iOS Phone
Apple iPhone 13
Of the eight iOS phones on the market this year, the iPhone 13 gives the most people what they want: much better battery life than the iPhone 12 at a reasonable size and price. The advantages of the more expensive “Pro” iPhones this year appeal more to serious smartphone photographers, making the iPhone 13 the “everyone phone.”
Budget Phone
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S32 5G sets a new standard for what to expect in smartphones under $300. Its MediaTek Dimensity 720 chipset gives the A32 sprightly performance and 5G support that will work with new networks for years to come, and the camera quality is surprisingly good for a phone in this price range.
Voice Phone
Sunbeam F1
The Sunbeam F1 has the most thought-through software of any voice phone we’ve seen recently. A small Midwestern startup, Sunbeam puts privacy first, knows group texting is important to voice-phone users, and includes useful features such as speech-to-text and an on-screen keyboard option in a flip phone. Sunbeam really pushes things forward while stopping short of making an awkwardly shaped smartphone.
Mobile Hotspot
Netgear Nighthawk M5
The Netgear Nighthawk M5 is the vanguard of the next generation of 5G, known as C-band. By the middle of 2022, this hotspot will work on all three major US carriers at speeds in the hundreds of megabits per second—no other device can claim that. With an Ethernet port and external antenna ports, it’s poised to capture the best signal and distribute it by any means necessary. Its high price is its only drawback, but carriers will likely sell it for less.
Cellular Network
T-Mobile
T-Mobile won its first Fastest Mobile Network award in 12 years for its amazing mid-band 5G network. Now available to 185 million Americans, this is the first widespread 5G network with a distinct difference from 4G. A 5G connection on T-Mobile will likely have double or triple the speeds of a 4G link. Although Verizon’s millimeter-wave is faster, it’s still available to only a tiny number of people. T-Mobile is poised to expand mid-band further in 2022, putting Verizon and AT&T on notice.
Smartwatch
Apple Watch Series 7
The Series 7 is Apple's most attractive and durable wearable yet. It offers all the health, safety, and lifestyle features of its predecessor but with a larger display that's easier to read, improved dust protection and crack resistance, and a redesigned charging system that takes less time to juice up. Though a minor update from the Series 6, the seventh generation's refinements make an already outstanding smartwatch more practical for everyday tasks such as reading and responding to texts, checking the time when your wrist is down, tracking your outdoor activities, and monitoring your sleep.
Digital Health & Fitness
Fitness Tracker
Fitbit Charge 5
The Fitbit Charge 5 offers more bang for your buck than any other fitness tracker we’ve tested. In addition to the excellent workout and sleep-tracking features of its predecessor, this version boasts an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor that measures small electrical changes in your skin's sweat level to track your body's response to stress, along with an electrocardiogram (ECG) app that checks for signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other serious complications. The Charge 5 sports an AMOLED color touch screen and a metal case, design upgrades that make it a wearable you actually want to wear.
Smart Treadmill
Peloton Tread
With a compact yet roomy design, an attractive and responsive touch screen, outstanding software, and new safety features, the Peloton Tread is the best smart treadmill, especially for small spaces. Given its massive library of well-produced, entertaining classes featuring top-notch trainers, popular music, and fun social features, there's virtually no risk of the Tread turning into a glorified clothing rack. What with climbing the leaderboard, monitoring your metrics, swapping high fives with other users, saving tracks to your music-streaming account, and listening to your instructor's stories and words of encouragement, the workouts fly by and leave you excited to get going again, day after day. If you're in search of that elusive runner's high, the Peloton Tread delivers.
Smart Stationary Bike
SoulCycle At-Home Bike
Featuring a sleek and sturdy steel frame with a 21.5-inch touch screen, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike’s heart-pumping, inspirational classes will have you sweating as you work to master choreography moves while simultaneously spinning the pedals beneath your feet to the beat of the music. Whereas the Peloton Bike+ motivates you through metrics and competition, SoulCycle offers a more meditative, dance-focused experience. Both bikes give you access to a range of floor-based workouts to supplement your cycling sessions, but as an added bonus, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike also supports Disney+ and Netflix.
Smart Rowing Machine
Aviron Rower
Looking for a full-body workout that won't bore you? Check out the Aviron Rower. Featuring a 22-inch display offering arcade-style games, competitions, and YouTube, this smart rowing machine successfully combats workout boredom. You'll probably row longer than planned as you break down walls of bricks, run from zombies, race Olympians, and compete against other members of the community. The Aviron offers a smooth and comfortable ride, with a higher seat than most of the competition, so you can easily get on and off, and the dual-resistance system can adjust itself. For those motivated by gaming and racing, the Aviron is one of the most engaging smart home gym machines you can buy.
Smart Home
Smart Plug
Wyze Plug
Coming from a company that has constantly churned out affordable yet excellent smart home products, it's no surprise the Wyze Plug is one of our favorite smart plugs. It's easy to install and lets you control whatever you plug into it with your phone and voice. The Wyze plug has a built-in Wi-Fi radio, supports Alexa and Google voice commands, and works with other Wyze products and loads of third-party smart devices using IFTTT applets. When you want to add connectivity to a basic device—a lamp, space heater, humidifier, or even a Christmas tree—the Wyze Plug is a smart bet.
Smart Lighting
Wyze Bulb Color
Another winner from Wyze, the Wyze Bulb Color is the most affordable smart color bulb we've tested. You can control it from your phone without a hub or with your voice via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It offers ample smart features for the price, including support for custom scenes, device-triggered automations, scheduling, and sleep routines that help you gradually wind down at night and wake up in the morning. You simply won't find a better smart color light bulb for a lower price.
Robot Vacuum
Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL RV1001AE
The whole point of using a robot vacuum is to cut down on your housework, but most need to be emptied and cleaned often, adding at least one chore to your list. A lower-maintenance option, the Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL R101AE works quickly and efficiently, rarely gets stuck, and has a large dustbin in its base station that needs to be emptied only about once a month. You can control the robot from your phone or with your voice and set up cleaning schedules so it goes to work when you want. The vacuum maps your home as it cleans, so you can send it to specific rooms and create virtual no-go zones, features you don't get with similarly priced competitors. It's also a compelling option for pet owners thanks to a self-cleaning brush roll and enough power to suck fur from carpeting.
Security System
ADT Command
If you're looking for a professionally monitored smart home security system that offers virtually everything you need for maximum protection, ADT Command is worth its premium price. What sets this system apart is not just that everything works—you're also getting an unparalleled level of customer service, with multiple ways to contact human support, no matter what your problem is, and near-immediate response times. Its hardware options are plentiful, software tools are sophisticated, and white-glove Gold service is the best in the business.
Security Camera
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
The wireless Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is a high-resolution, weather-resistant security camera that not only captures motion-triggered video but also casts a bright light on whatever is moving around on your property. It delivers detailed 2K video with color night vision and provides accurate and intelligent motion detection. Perhaps best of all, it installs in minutes and doesn't require a hub and wiring. The Pro 4 provides a safe way to see what's going on outside of your home without having to leave the comfort of your couch.
Video Doorbell
Ezviz DB1C Wi-Fi Video Doorbell
Any video doorbell worth its salt lets you see who’s at the door before you open it, but you usually have to pay a premium for extra features such as intelligent alerts, third-party integrations, and a high-resolution camera. That isn't the case with the Ezviz DB1C, a smart doorbell that offers Ultra HD video, dual-band Wi-Fi, cloud and local video storage, voice control, and lots of third-party support for just $99. It performed flawlessly in testing, delivering bright, colorful video during the day, crisp black-and-white video at night, and accurate alerts.
Smart Air Purifier
Dyson Purifier Cool TP07
Poor indoor air quality can cause or exacerbate a host of issues, from headaches to asthma. The Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 can help. It excels as both an air purifier and a fan while taking up minimal floor space. And it features Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can remotely control it from your phone or with your voice. You'll be amazed by the Cool TP07’s ability to detect the slightest hint of smoke or odor and turn on automatically, even from across the house.
Smart Air Conditioner
Hisense 350-Sq. Ft. Window Air Conditioner
If you’re looking for a smart AC to cool off small to medium-size rooms, the Hisense 350-sq. ft. Window Air Conditioner is an excellent choice. It’s easy to install and responds quickly to voice, app, and remote-control commands—and most important, it works quickly and quietly. This Hisense AC also costs less than many 8,000-BTU models, making it a top choice for smart cooling on a budget.
Smart Display
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)
Smart displays come in all sizes, from bedside clocks to huge screens. The Echo Show 8 fits nicely in the Goldilocks zone between those ranges, striking a great balance between value, features, and audio/video power. The second-generation model is similar to the first, but a new, much higher-resolution camera makes video chatting and home security monitoring even better.
Smart Speaker
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
The Sonos Beam isn’t the biggest or most powerful soundbar, but it’s one of the most feature-packed. The second-generation model uses Sonos’ multi-room speaker ecosystem for plenty of audio mix-and-match potential (within Sonos’ catalog, of course) and features your choice of either hands-free Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant voice control, while a new audio processor enables surprisingly immersive Dolby Atmos spatial audio.
Televisions & Home Theater
OLED TV
LG OLED55C1PUB
LG’s organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel technology continues to be among the best on the market, and its latest OLED TV demonstrates just that. At $1,799.99, the OLED55C1PUB is expensive but not absurdly so, and its fantastic contrast and best-in-class color performance justify the price. Add a sleek design and a smart TV platform that supports your choice of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and has Apple AirPlay, and you have a very appealing TV.
LCD TV
Samsung 55-Inch Class QN90A Neo QLED TV
OLED might be a fancier and slimmer TV display technology, but don’t discount good, old-fashioned LED-backlit LCDs, especially with Samsung’s extensive engineering behind them. The $1,799.99 55-inch QN90A Neo QLED TV is just as expensive as LG’s C1 OLED TV, but it’s also just as technically impressive. Its panel is one of the brightest we’ve seen while still offering incredibly dark black levels, and its colors are wide and accurate.
Media Hub
Amazon Fire TV Stick With Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen)
4K media streamers are great for 4K TVs, but they’re overkill for 1080p HDTVs (and most were refreshed back in 2020). If you have an older HDTV, the third-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick is your best bet. For $39.99, it provides easy access to Amazon’s content as well as the biggest media-streaming services out there. It also lets you use Amazon Alexa voice control through the remote, providing even more useful features, including smart home control.
Soundbar
Roku Streambar Pro
The Roku Streambar Pro is the same device as the Roku Smart Soundbar that came out in 2019, but it offers a better remote with features including a headphone jack for private listening and a finder feature that beeps to help you locate it in the couch cushions. It also puts out some strong sound for just $179.99; you can easily expand it to a full surround system with a subwoofer and still spend less than $600 total.
Audio
Speaker
JBL Charge 5
JBL continues to build on its Charge series of Bluetooth speakers with the Charge 5, the best one yet. It’s a bit larger than a tall beer can and can put out surprisingly powerful sound for its size. The waterproof design is now dustproof, too, so you can take it from the sand to the surf with confidence.
Earphones
Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony is giving Bose a run for its money in active noise cancellation (ANC) and sounding great to boot. The WF-1000XM4 true wireless earphones are pricey at $279.99, but they block out most outside noises while pushing deep bass and crisp highs with ease.
Budget Earphones
Anker Soundcore Life P3
You don’t need to spend a lot of money for true wireless earbuds with good sound and even ANC. The Anker Soundcore Life P3 earphones cost only $79.99, and they do an admirable job of reducing distracting noises while offering some strong bass in the process. They don’t sound as good or block out as much as high-end models from Bose and Sony, but they also cost less than a third of the price of either.
Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 45
Apple and Sony are catching up, but Bose is still a slight step ahead in over-ear noise cancellation. The $329 QuietComfort 45 headphones are the company’s most impressive ANC model yet, blocking mid- and high-frequency sounds almost as well as low-frequency ones (which are the easiest to dampen). They don’t offer granular adjustments as Sony does or fancy microphone-based audio tweaks as Apple does, but they don’t need to when they work this well.
Cameras
Full-Frame Camera
Sony a1
Sony’s full-frame camera won us over with its stacked sensor tech and a fast readout design that supports autofocus and Raw mode at 30fps to capture the most fleeting actions. Its smart focus system recognizes people, birds, and many animals. Imaging is second to none, with 50MP for stills, 8K video, and 4K slow motion. This is a real pro camera, with a stabilized sensor and magnesium build, and it’s backed by nearly a decade’s worth of lens releases.
APS-C Camera
Fujifilm X-S10
At around $1,000 (without a lens), the Fujifilm X-S10 sits in the middle of the pack in market position, but it’s not far behind last year’s winner, the Fujifilm X-T4, when it comes to performance. The X-S10 puts its 26MP X-Trans sensor on a 5-axis stabilizer, records 8-bit 4K video, and has a front-facing LCD for vloggers. We really love Fujifilm’s excellent in-camera film simulation options, as they succeed in giving digital images the texture and feel of film photos—no need for Instagram filters.
Prime Lens
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
The Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM is a premium entry. At around $2,000, it’s worth every penny. It gathers more light than the more run-of-the-mill F1.4, making it a better fit for blurrier backgrounds and even lower-light imaging. This one isn’t any bigger than F1.4, setting itself apart from the F1.2 primes for Canon and Nikon cameras. Even with the smaller size, Sony’s optics are tack sharp, even at maximum aperture—it’s one of the best 50mm lenses we’ve ever used, and that includes exotic entries from Leica and Zeiss.
Zoom Lens
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN Sports
Sigma’s made-for-mirrorless update to one of its best SLR zooms is our favorite zoom lens this year. The 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN Sports is a lens with plenty of appeal for everyone from birders to sports photographers. At 4.6 pounds, it’s reasonable to carry for a hike, and it’s all-weather design means you can use it for your visit to Yellowstone even if you should end up getting drenched—and it’s a pretty decent macro lens as well. It’s available for L-mount cameras from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma and in Sony E-mount.
Action Camera
GoPro Hero10 Black
This year’s GoPro Hero10 Black builds on last year’s redesign. It looks just like the Hero9 but comes with welcome updates, including the best stabilization we’ve seen, faster frame rates to record slower slow-mo, excellent touch response, a smoother front display, and more. It is as tough as you want, can go underwater to 33 feet without a case, and is small enough to mount anywhere. The Hero10 Black comes bundled with a year of GoPro’s useful cloud service for $399, but it costs $100 more if you don’t want to subscribe. The pricing is a little weird, but the camera is great.
Drone
DJI Air 2S
The DJI Air 2S is a quadcopter with a high-quality 1-inch sensor camera. Its remote control works with your smartphone to fly the drone and control its camera, which is mounted on a three-axis gimbal for smooth, stable video. The Air 2S records video at up to 5.4K resolution, snaps 20MP stills, and includes HDR and flat color profiles for video editing pros. It has a load of safety features too, including a sensor that warns you when manned aircraft are nearby, obstacle avoidance sensors, and a battery that delivers half-hour flight times.
Desktops
All-in-One Desktop
Apple iMac 24-Inch
The first major iMac redesign in years landed over the summer, and it’s a stunner. Built for the work-from-home era, this perky reimagining of the classic iMac design is available in multiple colors with matching peripherals. It’s extraordinarily thin, offers excellent webcam quality, and comes with a snappy Apple M1 processor. It’s your new go-to for everyday home computing, which is more “everyday” now than ever before.
Budget Desktop
Acer Aspire TC-895-UA91
The Acer Aspire TC-895-UA91 represents the elusive affordable do-it-all budget desktop. Its Core i3 processor ensures quick performance for everyday tasks and light office work, and it’s filled with modern ports and features (a USB-C port, an SD card slot, Wi-Fi) that are not guaranteed in a desktop at this price. It’s all wrapped up in a straightforward and compact plug-and-play tower and is a more-than-fair value.
Compact Desktop
Intel NUC 11 Extreme Kit (“Beast Canyon”)
A PC powerhouse at shoebox size—need we say more? Intel’s NUC models are usually tiny low-power boxes for easy tasks, but this one lives up to its Extreme name. It can manage a seriously high power ceiling, as our Core i9 and GeForce RTX 3060 build showed. This is a rare small-form-factor PC with the performance of a full desktop. There are no pre-configured builds, only bare-bones, so there is DIY work to be done. But the case’s modular design makes adding components a breeze.
Gaming Desktop
Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (2021)
As impressive as pricey boutique and DIY desktops can be, the best gaming desktop of the year is one most shoppers can actually afford. The 2021 Lenovo Legion Tower 5i delivers a six-core CPU and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super GPU for under $1,000, making it a perfectly capable machine for mainstream gamers at a very attractive price. It even has a see-through side panel, not a given at the price, as well as some customizable lighting. This isn’t a high-end powerhouse (how could it be for $949?), but it’s an attainable, well-put-together desktop for consistent 1080p gaming.
Business/Desktop Workstation
Dell Precision 3240 Compact
What’s the only thing better than a blistering-fast workstation? A tiny blistering-fast workstation. The Dell Precision 3240 Compact we reviewed is a flamethrower for demanding workloads, packing an Intel Xeon processor and Nvidia Quadro RTX 3000 GPU. There are lesser configurations, of course, since it starts at just $839, but it more than proved itself capable as a serious workhorse. All that power in a small rectangle, with professional features such as ISV certification and an array of ports, is hard to turn down.
PC Components & Storage
Graphics Card
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Founders Edition
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti is yet another in the company's growing stable of stellar graphics cards that, despite supply-chain woes, are reasonably priced by the manufacturer to bring 4K gaming to the masses. The RTX 3070 Ti deftly straddles the line between high-quality AAA 4K play and high-refresh 1080p competitive multiplayer action. Actually finding one may be an Indiana Jones–like quest, but lucky purchasers will get a whole lot of power for not a whole lot of money (at least, at Nvidia's asking price).
High-End CPU
Intel Core i9-12900K
After a bunch of merely iterative years stuck on 14nm lithography, Intel has finally regained its mojo in desktop gaming with the Core i9-12900K and its new dual-faceted “performance” and “efficiency” core design. This chip is the most powerful consumer-level CPU the company has released to date, scorching previous generations in Intel's lineup while also giving AMD's stellar Ryzen 5000 Series a run for its money. The chip runs a little hot under the collar at times, and it requires a whole new motherboard platform, but it puts out a heck of a lot of power for content creation and after-hours play alike.
Mainstream CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
In a world where graphics cards are worth their weight in gold (not really, but shortages make it seem that way), more PC gamers are turning to integrated graphics solutions to bridge the gap. Luckily for them, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G exists. This punchy processor can often power many popular titles in lower resolutions and quality levels at 60fps or more. It may not be the best choice for 4K monitor owners, but anyone who plays their favorite titles at 1080p and doesn’t want to shell out for a video card should get the power they need from the Ryzen 5 5600G.
Motherboard
Asus ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming Wi-Fi
This year’s top mainboard is a compact Mini-ITX design from Asus for Intel’s 11th Generation “Rocket Lake” CPUs. Mini-ITX motherboards have long been constrained by their nature: their board size. But the ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming Wi-Fi has an innovative design—with a main PCB and a small, daughterboard-like secondary extension board—that helps to overcome the small surface area. Its overall feature set is on par with many larger motherboards, just with slightly fewer ports. And if you’re looking to overclock on a Mini-ITX build, this board should give you a successful launch.
PC Case
Hyte Revolt 3
Like our motherboard selection, our 2021 case pick goes small. The Revolt 3 from Hyte (a new sub-brand of venerable PC maker iBuypower) doesn’t quite revolutionize the Mini-ITX case market—we’ve seen a few compact-footprint designs like it—but its price and helpful design elements make it a standout option for small-system builders. Tearing down the case is exceedingly easy, with side panels held on by ball-and-socket connectors instead of screws, and the vertical design supports long graphics cards. Add to that some clever cable-management features, a built-in headphone holder, and a handy handle, and you have one of the best small PC cases of this or any year. And it takes up almost no desk space.
Internal SSD
ADATA XPG Gammix S70 Blade
With blazing sequential read and write speeds—the fastest of any SSD we’ve tested—the XPG Gammix S70 Blade is a powerful PCI Express 4.0 internal SSD with NVMe support. Unlike most of its high-performance ilk, the S70 Blade can fit into a (PCIe 4.0-compatible) laptop’s M.2 slot, thanks to a thin but effective graphene heat spreader. It even works with the Sony PlayStation 5. Perhaps best of all, the S70 Blade is modestly priced for an elite performer.
External Hard Drive or SSD
Kingston XS2000 Portable SSD
What the tiny Kingston XS2000 Portable SSD lacks in size—it’s barely larger than a USB thumb drive and weighs just an ounce—it makes up for in speed and durability. Geared to creative professionals, this handsome silver-and-black drive is equally at home in a studio, an office, or outdoors. As a semi-rugged external drive, the XS2000 is impervious to sand and rain, and it’s protected from tumbles by a stretchable and removable protective rubber sleeve. When paired with a computer with a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, the XS2000 puts to shame many previous-generation SSDs, and it proved its mettle for everyday storage tasks in our PCMark 10 testing.
Networking
Network Attached Storage
Asustor Drivestor 2 AS1102T
This two-bay NAS offers a stellar combination of premium features, is easy to install even for networking novices, and does all that at a price that won’t break your budget. You don’t often see multi-gig LAN ports or 4K video transcoding capabilities on NAS devices under $200, but this has both. The Drivestor 2 also comes with a generous selection of apps in categories including security, data backup, and even web hosting.
Wireless Router
TP-Link Archer AX50
In 2021, Wi-Fi 6 finally became mainstream, and the reasonably priced Archer AX50 is the router to prove it. At $150, it costs a fraction of what early Wi-Fi 6 routers do, but it still delivers solid speeds on our throughput tests and comes with features typically found on more expensive models. Did we mention lifetime subscriptions to malware protection and parental controls are included?
Mesh Wi-Fi System
Asus ZenWiFi ET8
This outstanding bleeding-edge mesh Wi-Fi system from Asus will set you back a pretty penny, but it’s by far the best way to spread blistering Wi-Fi 6E signals throughout your 5,000-square-foot house. It adds support for the 6GHz band, which ensures it’ll deliver the fastest throughput speeds, lowest latency, and most bandwidth for years to come. And the stylish white grilles of the two nodes will help them blend in with your modern decor.
PC Peripherals
Inkjet Printer
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e All-in-One Printer
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is a fast, versatile, inexpensive-to-use AIO printer with multiple connectivity choices. The 9015e comes with a 35-sheet auto-duplexing automatic document feeder (ADF) for copying, scanning, and faxing two-sided multipage originals, which is good for its class. Based on the costs of the highest yield cartridges, the 9015e’s running costs are about 2.2 cents per monochrome page and 8.8 cents per color page. With the company's highest-yield Instant Ink subscription, each page—monochrome or color—costs 3.5 cents, so Instant Ink is a good choice if you print a lot in color.
Laser Printer
HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M480f
The HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M480f mid-volume color laser AIO printer outclasses the competition with its beautifully detailed printing. Text is of near-typesetter quality, graphics output is magnificent, and photos are as good as you can hope for from a laser printer. Its paper capacity consists of one 250-sheet cassette and a 50-sheet multipurpose tray, with an optional 550-sheet tray available. Though its upfront price is a little steep, reasonable running costs make up for that. A rich range of connectivity choices includes two USB 2.0 host ports, one USB 2.0 device port, Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, and near-field communication (NFC).
Photo Printer
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank Printer
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 All-in-One is a great investment for photo buffs. Although its price is high, the ET-8550 includes up to a two-year supply of ink, and additional ink costs a pittance. Its six-ink system, in which bottled ink is poured into refillable tanks, adds photo black and gray to the standard cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. This helps ensure crisp grayscale graphics and makes dark areas in photos deeper and richer. The ET-8550 showed exceptional output quality for text, graphics, and especially photos.
3D Printer
Original Prusa i3 MK3S+
The Original Prusa i3 MK3S+, an incremental upgrade from the Prusa MK3S, makes Prusa Research’s flagship 3D printer even sturdier and more reliable. It has a revamped print bed leveling system, stronger parts to hold rods and bearings in place, and improved extruder airflow. The MK3S+ is easy to set up and use, and in our testing, it consistently produced prints of above-average quality with no significant problems. The MK3s+ supports printing with a wide variety of filaments and includes the simple yet powerful PrusaSlicer software. Although a modest upgrade from its predecessor, the Prusa i3 MK3S+ is the culmination of nearly a decade of refinements to the company's premier 3D printer.
Scanner
Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600
The Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600 is modestly priced and highly accurate for a desktop document scanner. The iX1600 exceeded its rated speed for both one-sided (simplex) and two-sided (duplex) scanning. This user-friendly scanner comes with Fujitsu’s well-regarded, comprehensive ScanSnap software, also available in a mobile app version. You can connect the iX1600 to a single computer via USB or to your home network via Wi-Fi. The iX1600’s daily duty cycle is 6,000 scans, more than the competition and more than you’re ever likely to need. Its OCR scores are also among the highest we’ve seen, making it a great choice for a small or home office.
Projector
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 Smart Streaming Laser Projector
The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 is an Android TV-based streaming projector, modest in brightness (1,000 lumens) but with high (1080p) resolution for its type. This compact near-cube supports 4K UHD input and HDR. The EF12 lacks a zoom but provides crisp, reliable autofocus. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi and two HDMI ports. Dual 5-watt stereo speakers provide ample volume and surprisingly good sound quality for such a small projector. Its laser-phosphor light source should last the life of the projector, and its 3LCD light engine ensures that the image is free of annoying rainbow artifacts.
Mouse
HyperX Pulsefire Haste
PC gamers already know how essential a good gaming mouse is to claiming victory on the virtual battlefield. Whether you’re playing the latest FPS or RTS, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste Gaming mouse is an essential purchase for the aspiring esports faithful looking to take their game to the next level. Lightweight with an excellent sensor capable of up to 16,000dpi, the RGB-laden honeycomb mouse is a steal at just $50.
Keyboard
Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series
Sure, you can use any ordinary keyboard to game with, but why settle for less when the best is within your grasp? The Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series Gaming Keyboard strikes a perfect middle ground between feature-packed, full-size keyboards and those with compact layouts. This is an incredibly balanced board with tons of bells and whistles, including features essential for tournament-bound players.
Webcam
Razer Kiyo Pro
The Razer Kiyo Pro drastically improves your video-call game across the board. The auto-focusing camera performs well even in low light, and its microphone sounds surprisingly crisp and clean. It’s a bit expensive at $200, but if you really want to be taken seriously on Zoom, it’s a sound investment.
Productivity Monitor
Philips Brilliance 279P1
Befitting its name, the Philips Brilliance 279P1 proved bright for a business monitor in our testing and showed great color coverage. It boasts a full set of ergonomic features, with an even greater height and tilt range than comparable monitors. The 279P1 can power a computer as well as receive data and video via its USB-C port, and its Ethernet jack offers additional connection options. Add a DisplayPort connector and a hub of four USB-A ports, and the 279P1 eliminates the need for a separate docking station for your computer.
Gaming
Gaming Monitor
Gigabyte Aorus FI32Q
When shopping for a gaming monitor, you need a few key features: rich colors, fast refresh rates, and a sturdy base, for starters. Gigabyte's new GI32Q Fast IPS gaming monitor is the perfect combination of all the above and more, providing an experience that's head-and-shoulders above the past year’s competition. Added quality-of-life features such as an integrated KVM bring greater functionality, and the FI32Q's color and gaming performance are second to none.
Gaming Headset
Razer Barracuda X
Want to bathe your ears in sweet, sweet gaming audio? The Razer Barracuda X is an affordable, eminently capable gaming headset featuring a USB-C wireless adapter that’s compatible with Android phones, Nintendo Switches, PCs, and PlayStation systems (and leverages a 3.5mm connection for your Xbox needs). A comfortable fit, a lightweight build, excellent sound quality, and a crisp microphone round out the best-in-class package.
VR Headset
HTC Vive Pro 2
It's been a relatively light year for compelling new VR headsets, but the HTC Vive Pro 2 stands out from the competition thanks to the highest resolution and sharpest picture we've seen in consumer VR. The Vive Pro 2 is pricey and needs some extra components to get running, but you can combine it with the still-revolutionary Valve Index motion controllers for the best high-end VR experience available.
Gaming Chair
Secretlab Titan EVO
Secretlab improves its already excellent Titan chair by including several clever quality-of-life enhancements, such as a magnetic head pillow, swappable armrests, and improved lumbar support. In addition, the Titan EVO’s sturdy, comfortable materials once again rank as some of the best in the gaming-chair category. These elements combine to form the best seat we tested in 2021.
Gaming Console
Nintendo Switch - OLED Model
With the OLED Switch, Nintendo makes its mega-popular console-handheld hybrid even better. Games pop like never before in vibrant, gorgeous color, thanks to the larger OLED screen. Other welcome upgrades include increased internal storage, an Ethernet-equipped dock, improved speakers, and a much wider kickstand. Although TV players won’t see as many benefits as handheld players, and the Joy-Con controllers remain unchanged, the Nintendo Switch - OLED Model is now the ultimate way to enjoy Nintendo Switch games in any location.
Sony PlayStation Game
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the rare PS5-exclusive game that showcases the system’s full capabilities while delivering an excellent, highly replayable action-adventure experience. Don’t let the charming Pixar-like visuals fool you: Rift Apart is a challenging third-person shooter with engaging combat, clever mini-games, varied gameplay mechanics, amazing set pieces, and numerous collectibles to nab as you phase through dimensional rifts and blast baddies to stop Doctor Nefarious’ schemes. Add to that a new alternate-dimension protagonist who spices up the story, as well as an endearing cast of characters, and the result is a must-own PS5 title.
Microsoft Xbox Game
Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts fans have waited nearly two decades to return to Double Fine Productions’ psychic-focused action-adventure game, and fortunately, Psychonauts 2 lives up to their expectations. You control Raz, a psionic hero, and dive into people’s conflicted, unique brainscapes to solve puzzles, gather collectibles, and complete objectives, all while making heavy use of your psychic abilities to levitate, blast, and punch through the mental vices and pitfalls that litter the minds you explore. With plenty of secrets to find and a thoroughly entertaining story to enjoy, Psychonauts 2 is one of the best games on the Xbox platform.
Nintendo Switch Game
Metroid Dread
Almost two decades after the last original 2D Metroid game, Metroid Dread reminds us why the series’ formula has an entire video game genre named after it—it’s that amazing. As intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran, you explore an alien planet and use every tool in your arsenal to survive and escape its dangers, hiding from creepy robots that perform one-hit kills and blasting towering bosses with bombs and missiles. Finding the proper path forward through the dark, maze-like world requires careful exploration, top-tier perception, and backtracking. Metroid Dread lets you do all of that with aplomb.
PC Game
Nioh 2: Complete Edition
Nioh 2 is not only a superb sequel that greatly expands upon its predecessor’s impressive foundation—it’s also a tremendous, content-packed action RPG with brutal action, highly technical combat mechanics, and a wonderful Sengoku-era fantasy setting. In Nioh 2, you control a half-man, half-yokai being who’s capable of shifting between human and demon forms. Swept up into the tides of war, you aid powerful heroes and generals from Japan’s past while battling supernatural abominations. If you love action in general or RPGs with beefy customization and growth options, Nioh 2: Complete Edition will satisfy. It offers dozens of hours of content and several highly replayable post-game modes to develop your protagonist further.
Apps & Services
Operating System
Apple macOS Monterey
Apple’s macOS has long been the slickest, most stable desktop operating system around. With Monterey, Apple gives users more ways to collaborate for fun. SharePlay, for example, lets you watch videos and listen to music while FaceTiming. New Focus modes and Shortcuts help you work more efficiently, and updates to Safari make Apple's browser relevant again. Live Text offers a nifty way to make images of text actionable. New features such as iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and a mic access indicator build on Apple's reputation for privacy and security.
Mobile Operating System
Apple iOS 15
A lot of the improvements and changes in macOS Monterey show up in iOS 15 as well: SharePlay for watching shows and listening to tunes together with pals, FaceTime with non-Apple-using contacts, Safari updates, Live Text, and new Focus modes, for starters. A lot of already-great iOS features see improvements in version 15, including the Photos app's Memories, Health updates, Spotlight search, and the Wallet, which now includes official government IDs for some locales. As with macOS, privacy and security features take another step forward as well.
Graphic Design Software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe does not sit still when it comes to its industry-standard Illustrator design software. The 2022 update adds some nifty integration with the company's newly acquired Substance 3D modeling software, a Discover panel for tutorials, and collaboration and review tools such as Creative Cloud Canvas, Spaces, and Share for Comments. And you can use Illustrator on an iPad now. That's all in addition to Illustrator being the most powerful collection of vector-editing tools in the business.
Photo Editing Software
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is the tool of record for raster images such as digital photos. With every release, it keeps getting better. New neural filters let you turn frowns upside down, make old black-and-white pictures convincingly look like they were shot in color, and transfer the colors of one landscape photo to another. One new feature lets you import documents from Illustrator to Photoshop, complete with layers, vector shapes, paths, and masks. Photoshop's masking tools have become more powerful, too, so you can select multiple subjects simply by hovering the cursor. The software is available in an increasingly impressive iPad version and a beta web app.
Video Editing Software
CyberLink PowerDirector 365
PowerDirector is often the first enthusiast-level video editing program to support new video specifications—4K, 360-degree VR, and HEVC, to name a few. The same can be said for techniques such as motion tracking, multicam, and AI style transfers. Recent versions add impressive new color editing, sky replacement, audio and soundtrack tools, and a shape designer. For creative inspiration, a steady flow of templates and effects is available to PowerDirector 365 users. If you don’t have your own content, you can choose from a huge selection of royalty-free stock footage from both Getty and Shutterstock.
Audio Editing Software
Apple Logic Pro
At just $199 and with free major updates for eight years running, Logic Pro delivers world-beating value. Version 10.7 integrates Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio production, and you still get Logic's built-in pitch correction, loop composition tools, score editor, and a vast array of virtual instruments and effects plug-ins that rival third-party packages in their complexity and sonics. Dedicated fans of other audio-editing tools shouldn't necessarily jump ship, but if you're coming in cold and are looking to record, mix, and master audio on a professional level, Logic Pro is the best and most obvious choice.
Video Streaming Service (On Demand)
Netflix
What did we all do before we could Netflix and chill? The ubiquitous streaming service is part of the culture now, and its influence has changed the way we watch movies and television. Despite its long reign at the top of the growing pile of streaming services, Netflix remains an excellent value: It features a reliable core catalog of original programming, licensed features, and series with global appeal. Netflix also integrates excellent features across interfaces, allows offline downloads on mobile platforms, and offers 4K content.
Video Streaming Service (Live TV)
Hulu + Live TV
Tons of streaming services fight for your money and your views while offering different exclusives and perks. Hulu continues to separate itself from the rest by giving subscribers both a strong on-demand streaming library and a robust live TV option. It's the best service for watching popular shows, although Hulu's original content is hit-or-miss. On the live TV front, Hulu's channel coverage is top-notch, and its DVR features compare well with the competition's. We appreciate Hulu's broad platform support as well.
Music Streaming Service
Spotify
Spotify distinguishes itself from the crowded streaming music pack via a set of fun, useful features. Not only does the service feature a tremendous catalog of music, podcasts, and recordings, but it’s also available on pretty much anything that connects to the internet. Besides listening to your favorite tracks, albums, and playlists, you can create your own Artist Radio station or use the excellent Group Session to listen along with friends and family during these socially distanced times. Spotify is an excellent service, so if you haven’t already explored it, make a beeline for the app.
Productivity App
Caveday
Do you need a little motivation in your life—the kind that encourages you to find a flow for your work and to keep it up? If so, try Caveday, our favorite productivity service of the year. Caveday brings together a community of people who join a video call to create an environment where they can focus deeply. Artists, creative writers, Ph.D. students, and a variety of others work deeply and get reminded at regular intervals to take breaks. It might sound a little like feel-good woo-woo, but it's a surprisingly down-to-earth experience that can help you accomplish your goals.
Cloud Storage & Sync
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft's online storage and syncing service does more than you might expect. It not only stores and syncs files you upload via browser or the OneDrive app, but it also syncs Office documents from the desktop or web apps, backs up PC settings, and displays photos with plenty of info including maps showing the pictures’ locations. Its Files On Demand feature saves local disk space, and the Personal Vault encrypts your sensitive data. OneDrive offers the best options for sharing files, including password protection, read-only or editing privileges, expiration times, and commenting. A OneDrive subscription also gets you the full installable, peerless Microsoft Office applications.
Video Conferencing Software
Zoom Meetings
Zoom Meetings was a darling video-call service in the tech community well before the COVID-19 pandemic, though many people had never heard of it until early 2020. Since then, Zoom has become synonymous with video calling for two reasons: It's arguably the most stable and reliable video-calling platform, and a generous free account lets anyone make unlimited calls (capped at 40 minutes with more than two participants). People also love Zoom for its fun and interactive features—Virtual Backgrounds, Touch Up My Appearance, Tiled Display—some of which have become so popular that other video-calling apps have had to incorporate similar features to keep pace.
Website Builder
Wix Website Builder
Many website builders let you construct a website with little effort, but the excellent Wix is the best of the bunch. Wix offers many useful features, such as e-commerce tools, cool video backgrounds, title animations, hundreds of templates, and well-designed mobile apps. On top of that, Wix's interface is one of the most intuitive, slick, and powerful in the website-building services field, so you can create an attractive online presence in just a few clicks.
Web Hosting Service
HostGator
Simply put, if you own a business, you need a website. The feature-rich HostGator is our top choice for individuals and small businesses, as it offers dependable and reasonably priced shared, WordPress, cloud, reseller, virtual private server (VPS), and dedicated-server hosting packages. In addition, Hostgator demonstrated terrific uptime and customer service in our tests, making it a highly dependable web host.
Meal-Kit Delivery Service
HelloFresh
Many meal-kit delivery services specialize in a certain food type, but HelloFresh truly has something on the menu for everyone. A vast rotating selection that has choices for both meat-lovers and vegetarians ensures you’ll go weeks or months before you cook the same meal twice. Even better, each course is as delicious as the last, and you can easily prepare them in the comfort of your home kitchen.
Dating Service
Match
In a world full of increasingly ephemeral dating apps, Match remains the best tool for finding real, lasting, adult relationships. Naturally, you can just swipe through photos of hot people, but you can also browse the detailed, vetted profiles that highlight hobbies, biographies, and other important details for determining true compatibility. In addition, Match’s video-dating functionality lets you test chemistry before meeting up in real life.
Security
Security Suite
Norton 360 Deluxe
When you subscribe to Norton 360 Deluxe, you get security protection with full coverage across all your devices. You can install its protection on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. In addition to expected security-suite features such as antivirus, firewall, spam filtering, and parental control, Norton comes with a full-blown, no-limits VPN. You can use Norton 360 Deluxe to store up to 50GB of backups online for your most important files. And while it doesn’t include LifeLock protection as such, its Dark Web monitoring helps protect your identity.
Standalone Antivirus
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus receives outstanding ratings from the independent antivirus testing labs and scores well in our hands-on tests of web-based protection against dangerous and fraudulent websites. Its wide collection of features includes ransomware-specific behavioral detection, process isolation for your financial transactions, and a basic password manager. This antivirus comes with so many security features that it outdoes many full-scale security suites.
Password Manager
Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault
Remembering all the passwords in your life is an impossible task, especially when you're creating strong, unique passwords for every website and app you use. Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault helps you keep track of all your passwords across the web. The tool is easy to use and offers stellar features such as multi-factor authentication support, good sharing capabilities, useful auditing tools, and full password histories. Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault also delivers top-notch credential management across a ton of platforms and browsers.
Premium VPN Service
NordVPN
It's true that NordVPN isn't the cheapest, but it makes a strong argument for its value. NordVPN supports privacy-protecting multihop connections and lets you easily connect to the Tor anonymization network via VPN. It boasts a global presence, so you'll always be able to find exactly the right server for your needs, and it's wrapped into an excellent client application. NordVPN is especially notable for expanding its product line with aspirations that go far beyond just VPNs.
Free VPN Service
Proton VPN
From the people who brought you the encrypted email service ProtonMail, ProtonVPN is an excellent product for improving your privacy online. It offers multihop connections around the globe for extra protection, access to the free Tor anonymization network via VPN, and a robust collection of servers across the world. We really like that ProtonVPN offers a flexible pricing system that includes a free subscription tier. Although its free subscription doesn't have all the features and servers of the paid tiers, it's the only free VPN we've reviewed that places no limit on your bandwidth.