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Latest by Alan Truly

A PC monitor shows NordPass and Proton Pass websites in a split-view.

NordPass vs. Proton Pass: best free and low-cost password manager

I went hands-on with NordPass and Proton Pass, two of the best password managers, comparing features and costs to help you make the right choice.
Alan compares draft, standard, and high-quality photos from Epson's EcoTank ET-8500.

The best photo printers you can buy in 2024

The best photo printers deliver high-quality photo prints at home, in the office, or on the go. Here are some of our favorite photo printers.
Surfshark VPN on Mac protecting user data.

The best free VPNs for 2024

We tried the best free VPNs that protect your personal data from hackers and advertisers at no cost and without cutting speed or features.
A PC monitor shows ExpressVPN's browser extension in use while testing its speed.

ExpressVPN review: a premium VPN for fast streaming

I tested ExpressVPN's speed, value, and ease-of-use to find out if this well-rated global video streaming solution is worth the premium price.
An upscaled image of the Meta Quest 3S from the Quest Link app.

Meta just accidentally revealed its next VR headset

Check out Meta's leak of an official image of the Quest 3S, which gives confirmation of a budget version of the popular Quest 3 mixed reality headset.
Alan Truly wears Viture Pro smart glasses.

I want to be completely done with monitors — for good

Here's why I can't wait to get rid of all my monitors and replace them with a lightweight headset or pair of display glasses.
Brother's MFC-L3720CDW is a big, sturdy color laser printer.

Brother MFC-L3720CDW review: a sturdy, but limited color laser printer

I reviewed the affordable Brother MFC-L3720CDW to find out if it offers enough quality, speed, and features at that low price.
McAfee and Avast antivirus pricing appears in a split-view on a PC monitor.

McAfee+ vs. Avast One: Which lost-cost antivirus app is best?

I went hands-on with McAfee and Avast antivirus software to find out which offers the best malware protection, value, and ease of use.
TorGuard's browser extension is open on a BBC website displayed on a PC monitor.

TorGuard review: a fast, cheap VPN that makes some trade-offs

I reviewed TorGuard, one of the cheapest VPNs, to find out just how good and this bargain-priced privacy solution can be.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro and Disk Drill Pro prices appear on a PC monitor.

After reviewing two data recovery services, I know which one I’d use next time

EaseUS and Disk Drill data recovery apps go head-to-head to find out which free and paid version restores more files at the best price.
The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is a compact, minimalist printer.

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw review: small, fast and awkward

Find out the pros and cons of HP's new Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw in this hands-on review that uncovers some issues and suggests alternatives.
The browser extension for Hotspot Shield's free version appears on a PC monitor.

I just learned why the fastest VPN isn’t always the best option

Hotspot Shield is one of the fastest VPNs available, so I reviewed it to test the features, quality, privacy, and customer support.
Bitwarden and Proton Pass pricing appears in a split-screen on a PC monitor.

I tested two open-source password managers, and one is clearly better

We compare the top two best open-source password managers, both free and paid plans, to find out which is the best choice for you.
The Proton VPN Plus app on a PC monitor is connected via two servers.

Proton VPN review: a scientific approach to security

Proton VPN was created by CERN scientists, and I reviewed the free and paid versions to check which is best and how Proton compares to other top VPNs.
A Meta Quest 3 sits on a wooden floor in moody backlighting.

The Quest 3 just got its ‘most requested feature’

Meta just expanded the Quest 3's capabilities with a way to see your console or phone screen in VR using a free app.
A NordVPN speed test is open on a PC monitor.

You’ve heard of NordVPN, but is it actually any good?

NordVPN is a popular solution to keep your location and privacy secure, so I went hands-on to test its speed, quality, and ease-of use.
Avira Prime antivirus is shown on a PC monitor.

I tried a new antivirus software, but it was more expensive than it was worth

I reviewed Avira antivirus software and compared the free, basic, and advanced protection plans to find out which is best for you.
A MidJourney rendering of a student and his robot friend in front of a blackboard.

GPTZero: how to use the ChatGPT detection tool

ChatGPT and AI text is a plagiarism problem at schools, but GPTZero is here to help detect if a document has been written by a human or a machine.
hp color laserjet pro 4201dw review s is an attractive printer

Don’t call it boring — this printer was an absolute joy to use

I reviewed HP's Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw to find out if this affordable color laser printer has good quality and long-term value.
A side view of a person typing on a laptop.

The best VPNs for school

The best VPN for school is the one that works, and we found several fast VPNs that obfuscate traffic to break through network restrictions.
The Proton Pass Plus web app is open on a PC monitor.

Proton Pass review: a privacy-first, open-source password manager

I reviewed Proton Pass, an open-source password manager with free and low-cost paid tiers that puts privacy first.
The NordPass extension is open in a browser on a PC monitor.

NordPass review: a free password manager with premium support

I reviewed NordPass, the password manager from the makers of the popular NordVPN, to check its quality and value on multiple devices.
Mark has ALS but can use the Vision Pro via Synchron's Stentrode.

The Apple Vision Pro can now be controlled only by your mind

The Vision Pro's look-and-pinch interface connected to a brain-computer interface lets a person with ALS operate Apple's spatial computer, hands-free.
HP's Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is compact for all-in-one.

HP’s latest Color LaserJet Pro printer works great, but costs too much

I reviewed HP's Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw, testing performance and value of this fast printer that uses vibrant and ecofriendly TerraJet toner.
Avast One Gold is open on a PC monitor.

Avast One Gold review: the easy-to-use antivirus software

I reviewed Avast One's free and paid antivirus software plans to find out how much more you get when you subscribe.
AVG Ultimate is open a PC monitor.

AVG antivirus review: a problematic paid tier

AVG is one of the most popular antivirus apps with free and paid versions, so I tested the top tier to see how much value AVG Ultimate adds.
A laptop opened to the ChatGPT website.

GPT-4: everything you need to know about ChatGPT’s standard AI model

ChatGPT-4o has officially arrived and now includes the ability to interact with images and longer text.
Alan Truly wears a Meta Quest 3 while laying down with a Meta AI prompt overlaid.

AI just came to VR in a big way

Meta just announced a huge AI update for the Meta Quest 3, Quest Pro, and Quest 2.
The McAfee and Norton websites are open in a split-view on a PC monitor.

As a reviewer, here’s why I recommend Norton over McAfee for most people

Norton and McAfee are the two leading antivirus software solutions with decades of experience, but which offers the best protection and most value?
McAfee antivirus software is shown on a PC monitor.

I reviewed the McAfee+ Premium bundle for antivirus protection. Is it worth it?

I researched and tested McAfee antivirus to check its malware protection, VPN quality, and customer service to find out if it offers good value.
Mark Zuckerberg wearing a prototype VR headset.

The future of the Meta Quest headsets just leaked out

New reports suggest Meta is working on three mixed-reality headsets and considering a multibillion-dollar investment for smart glasses.
Alan Truly wears Viture Pro smart glasses while working with an iPhone and Bluetooth keyboard.

These smart glasses turned my iPhone into a legitimate spatial computer

Check out how I used Viture Pro smart glasses as a unique solution for pocket-sized spatial computing with my iPhone and a Bluetooth keyboard.
Disk Drill Pro is open on a PC monitor with various drives resting on a desk in front.

Disk Drill Pro review: premium data recovery without a subscription

I review Disk Drill Pro, an app that helps recover lost files from your HDD, SSD, and external drives at a great price.
A photo shows Wise Data Recovery Pro open on a PC monitor.

Wise Data Recovery Pro review: Is it worth it?

Wise Data Recovery is a nice free option for file restoration, so I tested the low-cost pro version to find out if it's worth the cost.