I’m an Olympic gold-medal trash talker — on the level of the best NBA haters raining 280-character S*&T talk on X.com micro-seconds after your team’s tearful exit from the play-in (sniff, go Warriors).
Example: When I’d see a fellow journalist or analyst at a trade show sporting a laptop using Qualcomm’s previous Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 running Windows, it was the perfect opportunity to do some class-A trash talking.
“I guess, you’re okay with Arm — because you must not do any work on your laptop.”
“I’m sure you need the extra battery life Arm-provides because everything is so much slower that you need more time to finish.”
Apple M1
In fact, my estimation of the expected performance of Apple’s M1 pre-launch was largely based on how well Arm-based chips have run Windows over the years — which is to say, horribly.
Once the M1 actually proved to be a worthy adversary (although not as much as its fanboys claimed it was) — I commented that “Apple should sue Qualcomm for giving all Arm-based laptops such a bad name.” See, I like to trash talk.
The thing is, with the hype-train leaving the station on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite — I actually have high hopes that the Snapdragon X Elite will finally, finally, run Windows without the slowdowns, hitches, and compatibility issues that have plagued Windows on Arm since the original Microsoft Surface RT (which, by the way, I actually kinda liked except for the fact that it didn’t run 99.8 percent of 2012-era Windows applications.)
Yes, I’m sure Arm fans think I’m the typical x86 fanboy extolling the decades-long reign of the superior x86 architecture that has defeated all others over the years.
Sun SPARC? Crushed by the lowly x86 chip that Sun magazine ads once lampooned as breakfast cereal toys. PowerPC? It was so stupidly hot in Apple’s Macs (and not very fast either), that it makes today’s stupidly hot 14th-gen Intel CPUs look like, well, an Apple M3 in power efficiency.
And how embarrassing was it for Apple, which once compared Intel’s x86 Pentium II to a snail in a famous ad touting the performance of the PowerPC G3, to have to eat its words, dump PowerPC overboard, and climb aboard Intel’s x86 chips to save the Macintosh from extinction?
There’s more on the hit list too: DEC Alpha? Maybe DEC Omega instead for being the last in the line. Motorola 68000? MOS 6502 and a serial-killer’s back yard full of other designs? All put into shallow graves by the inferior, “obsolete” x86 architecture loser tech companies and their fans have pissed and moaned about for decades.
Hell, x86 even managed to kill Intel’s own attempt to kill x86 in its failed Itanium IA-64 CPUs. Yes, even Intel couldn’t defeat x86 and it invented the bloody things.
The truth is that today, x86 dominates sales in everything from laptops to desktops, workstations, and supercomputers.
So, how the hell can I look forward to the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite actually being a good CPU and experience?
Competition, that’s why
Competition is good for everyone. In 2000, Transmeta’s very efficient, very overhyped — and very, very slow — VLIW-based Crusoe CPU helped push Intel to dust off its abandoned Pentium III design to compete in power efficiency as the Pentium M. Pentium M was the basis for the original Core CPU, which begat the Core 2 and Core i7 and is largely credited with saving Intel’s x86 lineup from the dead-end future of the dismal NetBurst / Pentium 4 and appropriately named “Pentium D” (what, Pentium F wasn’t available?). Yep, trash talk.
In fact, if it wasn’t for AMD’s innovations with x86-64 / AMD64 in 2003, the x86 world would likely be a very different one today perhaps not dominated by x86. And, by the way, AMD’s 4nm Ryzen mobile CPUs are wonderfully efficient and fast chips that often get ignored by Qualcomm and Apple — and they’re x86-based.
Wintel isn’t really a thing
And before you utter what you think is a gotcha: “Wintel” (the portmanteau of Windows and Intel), I’ll remind you that Microsoft Windows has supported over the years many of those dead architectures including DEC Alpha, IA-64, MIPS, and PowerPC. And despite the dismal failure of Surface RT (Arm-based Nvidia Tegra 3), Surface RT 2 (Arm-based Nvidia Tegra 4), and Surface Pro X (Arm-based Qualcomm SQ1), Microsoft obviously has continued to support Arm and is clearly the force pushing so hard for the Snapdragon X Elite to succeed.
Microsoft, you see, hasn’t favored x86 to the detriment of other architectures, it’s just that x86 has kicked so much ass for so damned long, that the only ones left standing today worth supporting with Windows are x86 and Arm (yes, RISC-V, we’ll see you in a PC when you get a Windows port).
So no, I don’t fear Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite — and in fact welcome it into the fray, because it’ll either win and improve your Windows experience, or it’ll make x86 stronger and better, which will also benefit all of us.
May the best chip win.
Author: Gordon Mah Ung, Executive Editor
One of founding fathers of hardcore tech reporting, Gordon has been covering PCs and components since 1998.
Recent stories by Gordon Mah Ung:
PC maker offers a potential fix for crashing Intel CPUsThe Full Nerd ep 248: Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the state of PC gamingThree AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D misconceptions debunked
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Switching to a solid-state drive is the best upgrade you can make for your PC. These wondrous devices speed up boot times, improve the responsiveness of your programs and games, and generally make your computer feel fast. But not all solid-state drives are the same. You can spend big to achieve read and write speeds that reach a whole other level, or you can find top-notch SSDs that offer solid performance without breaking the bank.
Many SSDs come in a 2.5-inch form factor and connect to your PC via the same SATA port used by a traditional hard drive. But tiny NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) “gumstick” SSDs that fit in an M.2 connection on a modern motherboard are becoming increasingly common, along with blazing-fast PCIe 4.0 (and now 5.0) solid-state drives for compatible PCs; you’ll even find SSDs that sit on a PCIe adapter and slot into your motherboard like a graphics card or sound card. No, picking the perfect SSD isn’t as simple as it used to be.
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Why you should trust us: It’s in our name, PCWorld. Our reviewers have been testing PC hardware for decades. Our storage evaluations are thorough and rigorous, testing the limits of every product — from performance benchmarks to the practicalities of regular use. As PC users ourselves, we know what makes a product stand out. Only the best SSDs make this list. For more about our testing process, scroll to the bottom of this article
See also PCWorld’s guide to the best external drives if you’re strictly looking for a portable storage solution.
Updated April 15, 2024: Several new external SSDs have graced our review bench recently. While they’ve all been very respectable performers, and in some ways, exceptional, none of them made our list of top picks. But you can learn more about these external SSD reviews below our recommendations.
Samsung 870 EVO – Best SATA SSD
Pros
Excellent performance, especially with small file operations Unlike the QVO, long writes don’t slow down
Cons
A little expensive Price When Reviewed:250GB/$40, 500GB/$70, 1TB/$130, 2TB/$250, 4TB/$480Best Prices Today:$59.99 at Samsung$64.99 at Walmart$84.95 at B&H
If you’re looking to add some storage via a traditional 2.5-inch SATA drive rather than a tiny M.2 “gumstick,” Samsung’s spectacular 870 EVO is your best bet. It’s the fastest SATA SSD we’ve tested, it’s available in up to 4TB of capacity, and it’s exceedingly affordable given its speed. Enough said, really—though Samsung’s killer Magician SSD management software and long warranty period also deserve a shout-out. The EVO series is a legend among SSDs for a reason.
That said, the SK Hynix Gold S31 is also worth considering. It’s just a hair behind the 870 EVO in benchmarks and costs $12 less in its 1TB version, at $98. The SK drive is only available in a 1TB flavor these days, however, while the 870 EVO ranges from a 250GB model for $60 all the way up to a massive 4TB goliath for $450. Samsung’s 1TB offering costs $110.
Read our full Samsung 870 EVO SATA SSD review
Crucial BX500 – Best budget SATA SSD
Pros
Good everyday performance Low price per gigabyte
Cons
Slows drastically when secondary cache runs out Price When Reviewed:240GB/$40, 480GB/$55, 1TB/$90, 2TB/$200Best Prices Today:$41.99 at Crucial$41.99 at Walmart$69.99 at Amazon
The Samsung 870 EVO offers an intoxicating blend of performance and affordable pricing, but if you want as much capacity as possible for as cheaply as possible, consider the Crucial BX500. You can get its 1TB model for $41.99, a whopping $50+ less than the equivalent EVO, while a 480GB version costs just $24.99. 240GB and 2TB versions are also available.
“We recommend this QLC drive in the larger capacities for those who want good everyday performance for a budget price,” we said in our review. “The smaller capacities will likely run into more slowdowns during heavy writes.”
Read our full Crucial BX500 SATA SSD (2TB) review
Crucial P3 – Best PCIe 3.0 SSD
Pros
Excellent everyday PCIe 3 performance Fantastically low price per GB
Cons
Very low TBW rating Non-cached QLC writes are extremely slow Price When Reviewed:500GB/$50 I 1TB/$90 I 2TB/$200 I 4TB/$250Best Prices Today:$52.60 at Amazon$89.49 at Walmart$89.99 at Dell Home Home Office
Sure, PCIe 4.0 SSDs scream during big file transfers, but if you’re still using an older system with PCIe 3.0, upgrading to an NVMe SSD still provides substantial benefits to your PC’s speed and overall responsiveness. Better yet, you don’t need to break the bank to take advantage. The Crucial P3 is a very good daily performer, but it’s available for a bargain rate of just $44 for a 500GB model or $84 for a 1TB model. Though it doesn’t have top-tier PCIe 4 performance and the TBW rating is pretty low, the P3 does have excellent real-world write times and unless you really stress the drive you shouldn’t notice much of a difference anyhow.
All told, this drive is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to snag a solid everyday SSD at a great price.
Read our full Crucial P3 review
WD Blue SN580 SSD – Best budget PCIe 4.0 SSD
Pros
Fantastically affordable Super fast real world transfers Single-sided for laptop upgrades
Cons
Slows to less than 300MBps when writing off secondary cache Slightly low endurance rating Price When Reviewed:500GB: $39.99 I 1TB: $59.99 I 2TB: $111.69Best Prices Today:$31.99 at Walmart$34.99 at WD$58.88 at Amazon
Cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 SSDs aren’t quite as cheap as SATA or PCIe 3.0 NVMe drives, but now that the technology is becoming more established, we’re starting to see several models available at compelling prices. The best of the affordable bunch? The WD Blue SN580 NVMe SSD—and by quite a large margin. At just $50 for a 1TB model, you won’t likely find any PCIe 4.0 drives with storage that cheap. In our testing, the SN580 turned out both stellar benchmark and real-world results. It did slow down considerably in the large 450GB transfer test, but seeing as how it’s unlikely anyone will write that much contiguous data it likely doesn’t matter. In the end, the SN580 is a wonderfully high-performing PCIe 4.0 SSD that well undercuts the cost of competitors. At this price point it simply can’t be beat.
Read our full WD Blue SN580 review
Solidigm P44 Pro SSD – Best PCIe 4.0 SSD
Pros
Fastest PCIe 4.0 SSD to date DRAM facilitates excellent random performance Synergy low-level Windows driver improves random performance further
Cons
Inconsistent pricing on web Price When Reviewed:512GB: $79.99 I 1TB: $129.99 I 2TB: $219..99Best Prices Today:$55.99 at Newegg$69 at Amazon$116.99 at Adorama
The Solidigm P44 Pro is the fastest PCIe 4.0 drive we have ever tested bar none. In fact, it finished within the top five fastest drives in our tests, and was only beaten by three next-gen PCIe 5.0 drives. Plus, it becomes even faster when you install the Solidigm Windows driver, which further improves random performance in small read/writes.
Not only does the Solidigm P44 Pro provide top-notch performance, but it also comes in at a very reasonable price if you shop at the right place—we found that pricing varies widely online from retailer to retailer. This is one of the best SSDs on the market, and holds its own at the top despite stiff competition from a crowded field of other excellent PCIe 4.0 drives.
Read our full Solidigm P44 Pro review
Crucial T705 NVMe SSD – Best PCIe 5.0 SSD
Pros
Blazingly-fast benchmarking Available with heatsink Very good overall performance
Cons
Extremely pricey Windows transfers are only average Price When Reviewed:1TB: $240 I 2TB: $400 I 4TB: $690
As with any PCIe 5.0 SSD, there are important caveats to bear in mind. For starters, you’ll pay a significant premium over extremely fast, and in some cases even faster NVMe PCIe 4.0 drives that employ a host memory buffer (HMB) design, as you can see in our review of the Solidigm P44 Pro — our pick for best PCIe 4.0 SSD.
That being said, if you use multi-threaded software and your system sports a 13th/14th-gen Intel CPU (which the Phison PS5026-E26 controller inside this drive is optimized for), you can be assured of benchmarking-busting performance. Indeed, in our synthetic benchmarks, the T705 was a hands-down winner against all comers, both PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 varieties.
The T705 also comes with a heatsink option that power users might appreciate, although for that you need to tack another $20 onto the price. Still, the T705 is priced similarly to other PCIe 5.0 drives. For now, you’ll need to pre-order the drive — Crucial says it will be available March 12. If you can’t wait that long, you will well-served by this drive’s predecessor Crucial T700 (and enjoy a nice price cut), or the Adata Legend 970, our previous pick for PCIe 5.0.
Read our full Crucial T705 NVMe SSD review
WD Black SN770M SSD – Best SSD for Steam Deck
Pros
Small 2230 form factor for handheld gaming rigs Up to 2TB of capacity Very good real-world performance 5-year warranty and good TBW ratings
Cons
Slow writes when secondary cache is exhausted Requires host memory buffer support (HMB) Price When Reviewed:500GB: $80 I 1TB: $120 I 2TB: $220 Best Prices Today:$79.99 at Western Digital$84.99 at Amazon$84.99 at B&H
In the past, you were out of luck if you wanted to upgrade your storage in a smaller-sized device such as a handheld gaming console. The full-size 2280 NVMe SSDs wouldn’t fit. Thankfully, with the advent of more advanced handheld gaming consoles such as the Steam Deck, manufacturers are changing all of that. There are now a whole host of half-sized 2230 small form factor SSDs on the market. The latest from Western Digital, the WD Black SN770M is our favorite. It comes with up to 2TB of capacity and shockingly good real-world performance. It’s only 30mm long, which means it’ll fit perfectly into small devices such as the red-hot Steam Deck.
This HMB (Host Memory Buffer) drive has great everyday performance and a decent capacity-to-cost. In our testing it aced the 48GB and 450GB transfer tests—even beating out other top-notch full-sized PCIe 4.0 drives. The SN770M is a great SSD, but if your device is able to handle the longer 2280 drives, you’ll likely have more options to choose from and might be able to find better price-for-performance at that standard size. Regardless, this drive expertly fits a niche that is only growing more common with devices such as the Steam Deck.
Read our full WD Black SN770M review
Seagate Game Drive SSD – Best SSD for PS5
Pros
Very good overall performance Excellent 4K performance Low-profile heatsink Twice the TBW rating of the competition
Cons
A bit pricey No 4TB model Price When Reviewed:1TB: $100 I 2TB: $150 Best Prices Today:$109.95 at Amazon$124.99 at Best Buy$144.99 at GameStop
The Seagate Game Drive PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD was made specifically for next-gen consoles—the PS5 in particular. And it doesn’t disappoint. Instead of HMB, it features DRAM for primary caching duties, which is practically essential for Sony’s console system. This is important because the PS5 doesn’t support HMB, so a drive such as this with DRAM cache is a must. The drive comes in 1TB and 2TB models, which means you’ll have plenty of space to store all of your games should you need it.
While the Seagate Game Drive is optimized for a PS5, it’s no slouch as a regular SSD either. In our speed tests it did remarkably well, earning the spot as the second-fastest PCIe 4.0 SSD with random ops that we’ve ever tested. Seagate also provides a generous five-year warranty with the drive and it has an astounding 1,275TBW rating—more than double the industry norm. The drive is a bit pricey, but the special optimizations for PS5 means that console owners can rest easy knowing that their money is going to good use with the Seagate Game Drive.
Read our full Seagate Game Drive PS5 NVMe SSD review
Crucial X9 Pro – Best external SSD
Pros
Super small form factor Great 10Gbps performance Handsome design
Cons
Not the least expensive 10Gbps SSD available Price When Reviewed:1TB:$109.99 I 2TB:$179.99 I 4TB:$239.99Best Prices Today:$94.99 at Amazon$109.99 at Crucial$115.99 at Walmart
With great everyday performance and an affordable price, the Crucial X9 Pro is our favorite external SSD. This svelte beauty will give you transfer rates of 10Gbps and comes in 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB capacities with reasonable prices for each. In our testing we found that the X9 Pro performed admirably against the other 10Gbps competition. It especially excelled in the real-world 48GB transfer test and the 450GB write time test where it smoked other similar 10Gbps drives we’ve tested.
Crucial also has an X10 Pro model on offer that gives you 20Gbps transfer speeds, but you’ll pay quite a bit more for that extra speed. Regardless, we think that the X9 Pro will serve the average user perfectly fine with excellent all-around performance and a cheaper price point. You can’t ask much more from a 10Gbps USD external SSD than what the Crucial X9 Pro gives you.
Read our full Crucial X9 Pro review
Adata Elite SE880 SSD – Most portable SSD
Pros
Very fast, over-20Gbps USB connection Extremely small form factor 5-year warranty
Cons
Slows considerably during long contiguous writes Somewhat low TBW rating Price When Reviewed:$79.99 for 500GB I $129.99 for 1TBBest Prices Today:$89 at Amazon
No SSD we’ve seen can match Adata’s Elite SE880 for portability. Indeed, measuring in at only 2.55 inches long, 1.38 inches wide, and 0.48 inches thick, it reminds you more of a USB thumb drive than a standard SSD. It weighs a mere 1.1 ounces to boot, virtually disappearing when placed in your pocket.
The Elite SE880 is also very fast at everyday tasks. In real-world 48GB transfer tests, the drive displayed outstanding marks. However, it did lose significant ground in the longer contiguous write tests meaning photo and video pros with large files might want to look at other options. Considering the respectable transfer rates and the small form factor, the Elite SE880 is a great pick for those looking to take their SSD on the go.
Read our full Adata Elite SE880 SSD review
Sandisk Pro-Blade Transport – Best 20Gbps modular storage
Pros
Fast 20Gbps performance Modular storage More affordable than you might think (as currently discounted)
Cons
Some non-fatal operational glitches Price When Reviewed:$49.99 for dock I $159.99 w/1TB Mag I $219.99 w/2TB I $339.99 w/4TBBest Prices Today:$49.99 at Western Digital$159.99 at Amazon$159.99 at B&H
The SanDisk Pro-Blade Transport is a portable SSD dock that is a cross between removable media and high-speed NVMe. It comes with easy-to-use removable storage modules for fast rotating backup. It can also be used as a good way to organize projects by their own media. These storage modules are great for prosumers or those who need ways to store copies off-site. Additionally, the SanDisk Pro-Blade Transports’ design allows users to expand their TB count over the same connection and keep everything together and organized in neat, handsome cartridges.
The cartridges come in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities and all have the capability to transfer at speeds of 20Gbps. In our speed tests, the Pro-Blade’s cartridges did well in both synthetic benchmarks as well as real-world transfers, with good sustained speeds throughout both the shorter 48GB and 450GB read/write tests. We did notice that in certain instances, the drive’s system locked up and we needed to manually reboot it to fix the issue. Thankfully this is something that SanDisk should be able to fix with a software update and it wasn’t a major issue anyways. This sleek storage system is a great option to organize your storage and for those who need ultimate flexibility.
Read our full Sandisk Pro-Blade Transport review
Our latest external SSD reviews
Adata SD810: This is a solid 20Gbps drive, as long as you don’t need to write large amounts of data to it on a regular basis — in our tests, the drive slowed considerably in that scenario. That being said, the 4TB capacity is an especially good value at just $300.Lexar SL500: A sibling of the Lexar SL600 — our pick for best 20Gbps external drive — the SL500 has a slim and attractive form factor. It performs nearly the same as the SL600, save for slightly slower 48GB file writes.Corsair EX100U: This handsome and extremely pocketable drive isn’t the best all-around performer, but if you’re mostly concerned with light workloads it will handle those tasks capably. On sale, it’s worth a look.
NVMe SSD setup: What you need to know
Be aware of what NVMe drives deliver before you buy in. Standard SATA SSDs already supercharge boot times and loading times for PCs, and for a whole lot cheaper. You’ll get the most use from NVMe drives, be it in a M.2 form factor like the Samsung 980 Pro or a PCIe drive, if you routinely transfer data, especially in large amounts. If you don’t do that, NVMe drives aren’t worth the price premium.
If you decide to buy an NVMe SSD, make sure your PC can handle it. This is a relatively new technology, so you’ll only be able to find M.2-connection motherboards from the past few years. Think AMD Ryzen and mainstream Intel chips from the 6th-generation era onward, for the most part. NVMe SSDs that were mounted on PCIe adapters were popular in the technology’s early years, before M.2 adoption spread, but they’re rarer now. Make sure you’re actually able to use an NVMe SSD before you buy one, and be aware that you’ll need four PCIe lanes available in order to use it to its full potential. You’ll need a newer Ryzen 3000- or 5000-series CPU, or an Intel 11th- or 12th-gen CPU, to run a PCIe 4.0 SSD to its full potential. PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs will work in a PCIe 3.0 computer, but at slower PCIe 3.0 speeds.
The Samsung 960 Pro NVMe SSD in an M.2 slot.
The Samsung 960 Pro NVMe SSD in an M.2 slot.
The Samsung 960 Pro NVMe SSD in an M.2 slot.
To get the most out of an NVMe drive, you want to run your operating system on it, so you must have a system that recognizes the drive and can boot from it. PCs purchased during the past year or two should have no problem booting from an NVMe drive, but support for that can be iffy in older motherboards. Do a Google search for your motherboard and see if it supports booting from NVMe. You may need to install a BIOS update for your board. If your hardware can’t boot from an NVMe SSD, your machine should still be able to use it as a secondary drive.
What to look for in an SSD
Capacity and price are important, of course, and a long warranty can alleviate fears of premature data death. Most SSD manufacturers offer a three-year warranty, and some nicer models are guaranteed for five years. But unlike the olden days of SSDs, modern drives won’t wear out with normal consumer usage, as Tech Report tested and proved years ago with a grueling endurance test.
The biggest thing to watch out for is the technology used to connect the SSD to your PC. We go into deeper details and buying advice in our guide on which type of SSD you should buy.
SATA: This refers to both the connection type and the transfer protocol, which is used to connect most 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch hard drives and SSDs to your PC. SATA III speeds can hit roughly 600MBps, and most—but not all—modern drives max it out. (More on that in the next section.)PCIe: This interface taps into four of your computer’s PCIe lanes to blow away SATA speeds, to the tune of nearly 4GBps over PCIe gen 3. Those sort of face-melting speeds pair nicely with supercharged NVMe drives. Both the PCIe lanes in your motherboard and the M.2 slot in your motherboard can be wired to support the PCIe interface, and you can buy adapters that allow you to slot “gumstick” M.2 drives into a PCIe lane. PCIe 4.0 drives are significantly faster, but require an AMD Ryzen 3000-series or Intel Core 11th-gen (or newer) processor, along with a compatible PCIe 4.0 motherboard.NVMe: Non-Volatile Memory Express technology takes advantage of PCIe’s bountiful bandwidth to create blisteringly fast SSDs that blow SATA-based drives out of the water. Check out PCWorld’s “Everything you need to know about NVMe” for a nitty-gritty deep-dive.M.2: This is where things get tricky. Many people assume M.2 drives all use NVMe technology and PCIe speeds, but that’s not true. M.2 is just a form factor. Sure, most M.2 SSDs use NVMe, but some still stick to SATA. Do your homework. Many modern Ultrabooks rely on M.2 for storage.U.2 and mSATA: You may also stumble across mSATA and U.2 SSDs, but both motherboard support and product availability are rare for those formats. Some older Ultrabooks included mSATA before M.2 became popular, and drives are still available if you need them.
Speed matters, of course, but as we said most modern SSDs saturate the SATA III interface. Not all of them, though.
SSDs vs. hard drives
Do you need an SSD? “Need” is a strong word, but we heartily recommend that everyone upgrade to an SSD. Solid-state drive speeds blow even the fastest mechanical hard drives out of the water. Simply swapping out the hard drive in your old laptop or desktop for an SSD can make it feel like a whole new system—and a blazing-fast one at that. Buying an SSD is easily the best upgrade you can make for a computer.
SSDs cost more per gigabyte than mechanical hard drives, though, and thus aren’t often available in ultra-high capacities. If you want speed and storage space, you can buy an SSD with limited space and use it as your boot drive, then set up a traditional hard drive as secondary storage in your PC. Place your programs on your boot drive, stash your media and other files on the hard drive, and you’re ready to have your cake and eat it too.
How we test SSDs
Drive tests currently utilize Windows 11 (22H2) 64-bit running on an X790 (PCIe 5.0) motherboard/i5-12400 CPU combo with two Kingston Fury 32GB DDR5 modules (64GB of memory total). Intel integrated graphics are used. The 48GB transfer tests utilize an ImDisk RAM disk taking up 58GB of the 64GB total memory. The 450GB file is transferred from a Samsung 990 Pro 2TB, which also contains the operating system.
Each test is performed on a newly formatted and TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that as any drive fills up, performance will decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, and other factors.
The performance numbers shown apply only to the drive we were shipped as well as the capacity tested. SSD performance can vary by capacity due to more or fewer chips to read/write across and the amount of NAND available for secondary caching (writing TLC/QLC as SLC). Vendors also occasionally swap components. If you ever notice a large discrepancy between the performance you experience and that which we report (systems being roughly equal), by all means—let us know.
The easiest way to record a Windows 10 screen with audio is by using a professional screen recorder – EaseUS RecExperts, which lets you capture your PC desktop with both internal and microphone sound.If you are seeking free screen and audio recorder software, you can look at Game Bar (for light users) and OBS Studio (for professionals). Online tools like EaseUS Online Screen Recorder are good options for those who want to record without any software.
When you want to build walk-throughs, create step-by-step tutorials with your narration, or capture video conferences on your Windows 10 PC, it’s necessary to learn how to record screen Windows 10 with audio. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of recording your Windows 10 desktop with audio using a range of professional programs, including free video recording software and online tools. Now, let’s get started!
Quick glance at 4 free Windows 10 screen and audio recorders:
SolutionsPriceEffectivenessTarget crowdEaseUS RecExpertsFree/PaidHigh – Supports every screen and audio recording; No time limit and watermark for any recording.AllXbox Game BarFreeMedium – Allows you to capture Windows 10 screens with audio, but the maximum time is 2 hours.Light users/ beginnersOBS StudioFreeHigh – Supports almost all screen and audio recording tasks, but it is too difficult for novices to use.ProfessionalsEaseUS Online RecorderFree/PaidMedium – Lets you record screen and audio online directly without downloading any software, but it lacks some advanced features.Light users/ beginners
Way 1. Screen Record Windows 10 with Internal/Microphone Audio Perfectly
EaseUS RecExperts is one of the most popular Windows 10 screen and audio recorders worldwide. It provides a wide range of features designed to facilitate screen recording with audio. With its aid, you can freely capture any region of your desktop in 1080P/4K quality. Besides, it offers you options to record default system sound, microphone audio, or both while recording the screen. If needed, you can also choose to only record computer audio effortlessly.
As for recording your desktop with microphone audio, it is worth mentioning that you can enable the noise reduction and Microphone Boost features to enhance your recordings with one click. You can try this fantastic screen recorder to explore more features.
Here’s how to record your Windows 10 screen with audio via a free screen recorder:
Step 1. Download and launch EaseUS RecExperts on your PC, then click the small monitor icon on the left to select your desired recording area.
Step 2. Click the System sound, Microphone, or both buttons according to your needs. If necessary, click the down arrow icon to enable more advanced features.
EaseUS
EaseUS
EaseUS
Step 3. When you are ready, click REC to start recording the Windows screen with sound. Once done, you can preview and edit your recordings as you like.
Way 2. Record Desktop Windows 10 With Audio Directly via Game Bar
Windows 10 actually comes with a built-in screen and audio recorder called Xbox Game Bar. This freeware was originally designed to capture game clips but is now used for recording anything on your desktop.
With this freeware, you can simultaneously record Windows 10 desktop and audio with shortcuts. However, it only lets you capture the entire screen, and 2 hours is the maximum time. If that’s enough for you, check how to capture Windows 10 screen with Game Bar below:
Step 1. First, click Settings > Gaming to open Game Bar Settings, then enable the Xbox Game Bar recording feature by toggling on the switch.
Step 2. Press Windows + G hotkeys to open the Game Bar. Next, click Settings > Capturing on the recording panel to choose your audio recording source: Game, All, or None. Step 3. Then, click Capture and enable the microphone option if needed. When everything goes well, hit Windows + Alt + R to start recording.
EaseUS
EaseUS
EaseUS
Step 4. Finally, you can click See my captures to view all your recordings.
Warm Tips:
If you upgrade to Windows 11, you can use the Xbox Game Bar and the Snipping Tool to record the screen in Windows 11 with audio.
Way 3. Record Screen in Windows 10 with Audio Free Using OBS Studio
For those who want to find a free yet multifunctional Windows 10 screen and audio recorder, look no further than OBS Studio. This freeware lets you flexibly capture one or more screens along with sound. Whether you want to record internal sound or microphone audio during your screen recording, OBS can always do it effortlessly.
However, this software is a little difficult to use because of its complicated UI. If you are new to OBS, you might need a long learning curve, or you can try other solutions mentioned in this post.
Here’s how to record screen and sound in Windows 10 for free via OBS Studio:
Step 1. Download OBS Studio from its official website and install it on your Windows PC by following the on-screen instructions.Step 2. On the main interface, click the + button under the Source tab and find the Display capture button. Then, you will be led to your screen as the display capture.
EaseUS
EaseUS
EaseUS
Step 3. Next, click the + icon in the Source tab and add your Audio Input Capture.
Step 4. Then, click Start Recording at the lower right corner to begin recording.
Way 4. Record Your Screen and Sound in Windows 10 Online Without Any Software
Is there any way to record a Windows 10 screen with audio without any software? Of course, yes. You can complete the task with an online Windows screen and audio recorder.
EaseUS Online Screen Recorder is one of the representatives. This online tool works directly in your browser, making it easy to record both screen and sound from your computer. Apart from recording an entire screen, it also supports capturing a specific window, Chrome tab, and more. If you want to save some disk space or simply don’t want to install any software, this can be a great option for you.
Here’s how to record screen in Windows 10 with sound online:
Step 1. Go to EaseUS Online Screen Recorder’s official website, click Start Recording, and you will be led to the recording webpage.
Step 2. Choose your recording sources, like Screen, Webcam, System Sound, and Microphone. Then, click Start Recording again.
EaseUS
EaseUS
EaseUS
Step 3. Next, Adjust your recording area according to your needs. Once done, click Share, and it will start recording after three-second countdowns.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, this post offers several effective ways to help you record a Windows 10 screen with audio, including microphone audio and system sound. Whether you are going to capture the Windows 10 PC screen with or without software, you can find your desired solution here. Among all the ways, EaseUS RecExperts is by far the most ideal, primarily because it also comes with a wide range of recording and editing features to help you get your video to be just as you want it to be. Whatever your choice is, we hope this post helps you!
Screen Record Windows 10 with Audio FAQs
1. Does Windows 10 have a screen recorder with audio?
Yes. There is a built-in screen recorder with audio in Windows 10 and later OS, and it is called Game Bar. This program is capable of recording screens, audio, and even taking screenshots on your Windows 10 desktop. However, it has some limitations you need to know: one is that it can only record full screen with audio, and the other one is that you can record screen for up to 2 hours.
2. How do I record internal audio on Windows 10?
Windows 10 provides the Voice Recorder app by default, which can only capture sound from your microphone. So, you need to use third-party software to record internal audio on Windows 10. You can find some reliable Windows 10 internal audio recorders on Google, like EaseUS RecExperts, Audacity, Free Sound Recorder, OBS Studio, and more.
3. Can the Snipping Tool record video with audio?
Yes, the Snipping Tool can record video with audio. But, the precondition is that your computer runs Windows 11 version 22000.0 or higher. For Windows 10 users, it is just a screenshot tool that helps you take screenshots on your desktop.
4. Why does my screen recording have no sound in Windows 10?
Many factors might cause the problem that your screen recordings have no sound in Windows 10, and below are some common ones you can refer to:
Your microphone is muted or brokenYou chose the wrong audio output deviceYour sound driver is outdated or corrupted
Finding a gaming PC on a budget is a struggle — finding a gaming laptop on a budget, even more so. Today HP is closing out one model in its Victus sub-brand for $649.99, $350 off its regular price. While a 13th-gen Core i5 and an Nvidia RTX 3050 aren’t going to plow through the latest high-end games, it should be able to play the vast majority of titles at medium settings, and you almost never see a gaming laptop with discrete graphics going for this low of a price.
The HP Victus 1550fa-100 (just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?) packs a 15.6-inch, 1080p display with an IPS panel, which won’t win any speed awards, but is more color-accurate than your usual gaming display. Other features include 512GB of SSD storage, full backlit keyboard with a number pad, and a roomy 70 watt-hour battery. Ports are generous, with two USB-A, one USB-C, full-sized HDMI for easy connection to an external display, and a full-sized SD card slot.
If this Victus laptop has an Achilles heel, it’s the 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which is pretty skimpy for anything running Windows 11. But based on a quick YouTube search, it looks like both SO-DIMM slots are open on the motherboard, so a few screws is all that separates you from a much-needed RAM upgrade. That’s an option that many laptops — even gaming laptops — no longer have.
I’d go with this $40 upgrade to 16GB, with the same generation and speed (3200MHz). Need some pointers? Here’s our guide on how to install laptop RAM.
HP is offering some customization options for the Victus before you order it — like the same RAM upgrade at double the price. If your budget can stretch a little, I’d recommend the $20 screen upgrade for a 144hz refresh option. There’s also a $100 upgrade to a roomier 1TB SSD, but again, you can install it yourself for a lot less.
Get the HP Victus 15T gaming laptop for $649.99
Editor’s note: This article was updated after the price dropped an additional $50, making this excellent deal even better.
Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer
Michael is a former graphic designer who’s been building and tweaking desktop computers for longer than he cares to admit. His interests include folk music, football, science fiction, and salsa verde, in no particular order.
Recent stories by Michael Crider:
Nvidia makes GeForce Now easier to run on the Steam DeckMSI Claw claims up to 40% performance boost with new driver, BIOSAcer’s new Helios and Nitro gaming laptops pack all the latest chips
Excellent 20Gbps performanceSuper-slim, trim profile5-year warranty
Cons
Slower writing 48GB of files and folders than its SL600 cousin.
Our Verdict
If what you seek is a fast, good-looking USB SSD that slides into your pocket almost imperceptibly, or mounts easily to the back of your mobile device, then Lexar’s SL500 is likely what you’re looking for.
Price When Reviewed
2TB: $230
Best Prices Today: Lexar SL500 20Gbps USB SSD
RetailerPrice$169.49View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from Backmarket
Physically, Lexar’s SL500 portable USB 3.2×2 SSD makes its SL600 and SL660 stablemates look like chunky monkeys. Actually, measuring a mere 0.3-inches thick (less than 0.2 at the edges), by 2.1-inches wide, by 3.3-inches long, the SL500 make nearly all external SSDs appear chunky.
As it’s also attractively styled, and weighs a mere 1.5 ounces, let’s just say the SL500 is a super model among external SSDs.
Further reading: See our roundup of the best external drives to learn about competing products.
What are the SL500’s features?
The SL500 is a super-slim, USB 3.2×2 (20Gbps) external SSD that comes in 2TB, and soon, 4TB flavors. It ships with a short Type-C to Type-C cable and is warrantied for five years. That’s a limited warranty that no doubt assumes that you won’t hit it with a sledgehammer, or write several petabytes of data to it.
The Lexar SL500 with a quarter on top for a size comparison.The Lexar SL500 with a quarter on top for a size comparison.The Lexar SL500 with a quarter on top for a size comparison.
The drive ships formatted to exFAT, so it’s readable and writable on both Windows and macOS (Linux too, of course) right out of the box.
Lexar includes its DataShield software for both operating systems, which allows you to secure the SL500 with a password. If you opt to use a password, you’ll need to install the app on any computer you want to access the secured drive from.
How much does the Lexar SL500 cost?
The 2TB version of the SL500 is being released on March 20 at a list price of $230. That’s roughly par for the course for a name-brand USB 3.2×2 20Gbps unit, though you can get name-brand 10Gbps 2TB SSDs and no-name 20Gbps 2TB SSDs for quite a bit less. (Our favorite 10Gbps external SSD, the Crucial X9 Pro, for example, costs just $95 for 2TB.) A 4TB version of the SL500 will be available later in the year at an undisclosed price.
The 2TB SL500 we tested fared quite well against the likes of the Samsung T9 and Crucial X10 Pro. Its synthetic benchmark results were so close (slightly better) to the previously reviewed SL600, I double-checked to see that I hadn’t grabbed the wrong file. I hadn’t.
The results were well within statistical variance and the fraternal victory was so close, it’s likely to be the same controller and NAND in a different form factor.
Right-click on a chart and select “Open image in new tab” to see more detail.
By the narrowest of margins, the SL500 turned in the best CrystalDiskMark 8 sequential tests of any USB 3.2×2 SSD we’ve tested. Only the USB4 OWC 1M2 has proven faster at 20Gbps.By the narrowest of margins, the SL500 turned in the best CrystalDiskMark 8 sequential tests of any USB 3.2×2 SSD we’ve tested. Only the USB4 OWC 1M2 has proven faster at 20Gbps.By the narrowest of margins, the SL500 turned in the best CrystalDiskMark 8 sequential tests of any USB 3.2×2 SSD we’ve tested. Only the USB4 OWC 1M2 has proven faster at 20Gbps.
Random 4K writes in CrystalDiskMark 8 were again outstanding, and nearly identical to the SL600.
The Lexar SL500 turned in excellent scores in CrystalDiskMark 8’s 4K tests. Note that they are almost identical to the SL600.The Lexar SL500 turned in excellent scores in CrystalDiskMark 8’s 4K tests. Note that they are almost identical to the SL600.The Lexar SL500 turned in excellent scores in CrystalDiskMark 8’s 4K tests. Note that they are almost identical to the SL600.
Our real-world 48GB transfers were a different story, and a slow folder write dropped the SL500 two places behind the SL600. A bit of a mystery if we’re calling it the same drive. That makes it the fourth fastest out of 10 USB 3.2×2 SSDs we’ve tested, though adding the USB4 OWC 1M2 in 20Gbps mode drops the SL500 to fifth.
Also, be sure to use the shorter cable that ships with the SL500 or one certified for 20Gbps USB. A copy routine actually crashed using a longer plain-Jane Type-C cable — a happenstance we’ve rarely seen but one we can’t blame on the drive.
Back to normal, the SL500 posted an almost identical time as the SL600 writing our large 450GB file. This makes the 48GB performance disparity all the more puzzling.
The SL500 turned in a time almost identical to the SL600. Not the fastest, but decent in the grand scheme.The SL500 turned in a time almost identical to the SL600. Not the fastest, but decent in the grand scheme.The SL500 turned in a time almost identical to the SL600. Not the fastest, but decent in the grand scheme.
Should you buy the SL500?
The super-slim form factor of the SL500 renders it uniquely portable as well as suitable for auxiliary storage to your phone or other small device. It’s not quite as fast writing as some, but it’s fast enough that we’ll consider the SL500 a good thing in a small package.
How we test
Drive tests currently utilize Windows 11 (22H2) 64-bit running on an X790 (PCIe 5.0) motherboard/i5-12400 CPU combo with two Kingston Fury 32GB DDR5 modules (64GB of memory total). Intel integrated graphics are used. The 48GB transfer tests utilize an ImDisk RAM disk taking up 58GB of the 64GB total memory. The 450GB file is transferred from a Samsung 990 Pro 2TB, which also contains the operating system.
Each test is performed on a newly NTFS-formatted and TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that as any drive fills up, performance will decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, and other factors.
The performance numbers shown apply only to the drive we were shipped as well as the capacity tested. SSD performance can vary with capacity due to more or fewer chips to read/write across and the amount of NAND available for secondary caching (writing TLC/QLC as SLC).Vendors also occasionally swap components. If you ever notice a large discrepancy between the performance you experience and that which we report (systems being roughly equal), by all means—let us know.
Best Prices Today: Lexar SL500 20Gbps USB SSD
RetailerPrice$169.49View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from Backmarket
Author: Jon L. Jacobi, Freelance contributor
Jon Jacobi is a musician, former x86/6800 programmer, and long-time computer enthusiast. He writes reviews on TVs, SSDs, dash cams, remote access software, Bluetooth speakers, and sundry other consumer-tech hardware and software.
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These days, everybody has to think about antivirus protection. And for a limited time, you can get a special deal on award-winning protection from ESET.
ESET has been fighting hackers and malware with award-winning technology for more than 30 years. Made for gaming, presenting, or streaming, ESET is an antivirus tool that’s optimized to ensure no interruptions with your PC’s performance.
With one license, you’ll get multilayered proactive protections against viruses, ransomware, rootkits, worms, and spyware. It installs effortlessly on your computer, working passively in the background to protect your privacy, your computer, and more without slowing your computer down or draining your battery.
Find out why ESET has industry-leading scores from AV-Test, AV-Comparatives, MRG-Effitas, and SE Labs. This week only, you can get ESET NOD32 Antivirus 2024 Edition for half off at just $19.97 (reg. $39).
You realize that your computer is infected by a virus. There’s a tip circulating online that you should disconnect from the internet immediately in this case. You should unplug the network cable and deactivate the Wi-Fi in Windows in order to have time to remove the malware, this wisdom says.
A reason for this strategy is usually not given. This raises the question of whether it really makes sense or is even necessary to disconnect the PC from the internet? The answer is not quite simple, because there are two good reasons for disconnecting the internet connection.
First, it is conceivable that the malicious code could give an attacker complete access to the system. This is the case with so-called Remote Access Trojans (RATs), for example. This malicious code gives the attacker complete control over the infected system.
Further reading: The best antivirus software for Windows PCs
But attackers can also use other types of malicious code to access users’ personal data. Here it can make sense to pull the plug in order to remove the malicious code at your leisure.
The second reason is that ransomware viruses often not only encrypt your data, but also upload it to the attackers’ servers beforehand. The criminals can threaten to publish this data if you do not pay the ransom. In this case, it also makes sense to disconnect from the internet quickly.
The bootable Avira Rescue System finds PC malware even if Windows can no longer or should no longer start.
The bootable Avira Rescue System finds PC malware even if Windows can no longer or should no longer start.
IDG
The bootable Avira Rescue System finds PC malware even if Windows can no longer or should no longer start.
IDG
IDG
On the other hand, the virus detection of most antivirus programs works much better when you are connected to the internet. This is due to the large databases with fingerprints of dangerous files that the antivirus manufacturers keep on their servers.
Virus detection based on the reputation of a file also requires internet access for some antivirus manufacturers. The reputation of a file includes where it comes from and how often it has already been recognized on other PCs. This data is also often more up-to-date on the manufacturer’s servers.
the best overall antivirus
Norton 360 Deluxe
Read our reviewPrice When Reviewed:$49.99 for the first yearBest Prices Today:$19.99 at PCWorld Software Store | $49.99 at Norton
The AV-Comparatives tests reveal the extent of the difference in detection between an offline and an online scan. For example, the Avira antivirus program detects 99.1 percent of malware with internet access, and 92.5 percent without. The difference is even clearer with Microsoft Defender: In this test, 95.8 percent are detected online and only 77.0 percent offline. With McAfee it is 99.2 percent online and 65.2 percent offline.
With these figures, it does not seem sensible to start a virus scan without internet access. However, because a complete scan of all hard drives can take several hours, we recommend running a quick scan if a virus is suspected. This is completed in just a few minutes.
In the meantime, you can download an up-to-date second scanner for the USB stick and copy it to the stick. We recommend Avira Rescue System, for example. Restart your PC with the finished stick and carry out a complete scan.
Further reading: 5 easy tasks that supercharge your digital security
Many antivirus programs detect malware on the PC much better if the internet is accessed during the scan.
Many antivirus programs detect malware on the PC much better if the internet is accessed during the scan.
IDG
Many antivirus programs detect malware on the PC much better if the internet is accessed during the scan.
IDG
IDG
If you suspect that there is still malware on your system, you should disconnect the internet connection for a detailed analysis. This will allow you to examine the system in peace and quiet without having to worry about data leaks during this time.
This article was translated from German to English and originally appeared on pcwelt.de.
Author: Arne Arnold
Arne Arnold arbeitet seit über 15 Jahren bei der PC-WELT als Redakteur in den Bereichen Software und Internet. Sein Schwerpunkt liegt auf dem Thema Sicherheit für Endanwender bei PC und Mobil-Geräten.
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A virtual private network service, aka a VPN, is one of the best tools you can use to boost your online privacy and security. It tunnels your traffic through a private encrypted server allowing you to keep your online activities anonymous and obscured from prying eyes.
There are a few things you’ll want to consider when looking for a VPN: First, it should be able to keep your internet usage private and secure without leaks. Speed is another factor — privacy and security are crucial, but you don’t want the service to cripple your internet speed either. And if you’re concerned with anonymity, you should seek out a VPN with data collection policies that are clear and transparent. Finally, the number of available servers and country locations a VPN offers is worth bearing in mind if you’re trying to get around region locks in specific countries.
Why you should trust us: Here at PCWorld we’ve been testing computer hardware, software, and services since the 1980s. We’re continually testing all of the major VPNs on the market and many lesser-known services in order to curate a list of the very best VPNs across a variety of categories. For a more in-depth guide, you can check out our article on how we test VPN services at PCWorld. Below you’ll find our favorite VPNs and additional information about how we test these services as well as helpful advice about what to look for when choosing a VPN on your own.
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Granted, not everyone wants or needs a premium VPN service—although if online privacy is important to you, we think it should be a priority. You might just want a VPN for occasional use such as when you’re using public Wi-Fi, for instance. If that’s the case, head over to our roundup of the best free VPNs for more recommendations, and caveats about the limitations of using a free VPN.
Updated April 16, 2024: Our latest review of Mullvad proves it to be as worthy of recommendation as it was before, particularly when it comes to privacy. See our updated summary below to learn why we think so highly of this trusty VPN.
ExpressVPN – Best VPN overall
Pros
Excellent speeds Easy-to-use interface Unblocks all streaming services Great security and privacy practices
Cons
More expensive than many competitors Light on some features for a top VPN Price When Reviewed:$6.67 per monthBest Prices Today:$6.67 at ExpressVPN
Why we like ExpressVPN
It’s difficult to select the best overall VPN. Some services are weaker on privacy, but are significantly easier to use with tons of features, while others could use a serious interface redesign.
For many years we chose the best VPN based purely on privacy, but that is no longer the sole concern of most people when choosing a VPN. Privacy is important, to be sure, but so are performance, extra features, a wide country selection, and ease of use. ExpressVPN has it all, making it our top choice for VPN. Not only is it one of the fastest VPNs we’ve ever tested, but it also has a very easy-to-use Windows app.
Its servers are all diskless, running everything in RAM—a welcome practice that’s become fairly standard these days. ExpressVPN also has wide device support—recently adding AppleTV to it’s lineup of supported devices, as well as a smart DNS feature for set-top boxes, consoles, and more. It is even branching out from just being a VPN provider to taking a more holistic approach to security for users, adding ad- and tracker-blocking and, most recently, a password manager to the service, as well.
It’s not the cheapest VPN out there, but you do get excellent value for the price, and the service is regularly bringing in third-party auditors to bolster its privacy credentials.
Who should buy ExpressVPN
Since ExpressVPN is our pick for best VPN overall, we think it’s a great option for everyone. VPN novices will find that they can just download the software, choose their server location and connect—it’s as simple as that. But more advanced users will be able to choose from features such as split-tunneling, protocol optimization, and a kill switch.
Also, ExpressVPN in it’s attempt to provide an all-inclusive security suite now offers users ad- and tracker-blocking, parental controls, and most recently, a password manager. Plus, ExpressVPN has one of the most expansive device support networks I’ve ever seen. So users can user the VPN across practically any and all devices they own—up to eight simultaneous device connections.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
NordVPN – Best VPN for features
Pros
Great feature set Excellent speeds No-logs policy Attractive and intuitive interface
Cons
Expensive Price When Reviewed:$3.49 per monthBest Prices Today:$3.49 at NordVPN
Why we like NordVPN
Just like our top pick, NordVPN is also an excellent choice. Nord is arguably more feature-filled than ExpressVPN even, and the service is just one part of a larger suite of privacy- and security-focused products. The desktop app is very easy to use and offers a ton of different features including access to the TOR network over VPN, multi-hop options, Meshnet, and a security suite complete with ad and malware blocking.
NordVPN has also gone a long way to bolster user trust with a now thrice independently verified no-logs policy and increased company transparency in recent years. The service also carries out vendor assessments and uses diskless servers for increased security. Their speeds are also outstanding, reaching an average of 73 percent of the base internet speed in our test across all servers.
The only reason we placed Nord second is due to the price of the service, which is more expensive than ExpressVPN for a similar feature-set. Still, you can’t go wrong if you decide to go with NordVPN as your VPN of choice.
Who should buy NordVPN
Similar to ExpressVPN, we think NordVPN is truly a solid option for everyone. It comes with an excellent feature set that will appeal to power users as well as an easy-to-use app that is intuitive and straightforward. Also, just like ExpressVPN, there will be no problems accessing any geo-restricted streaming service while using NordVPN.
Additionally, for those who don’t want to bother subscribing to a lot of different security apps, NordVPN offers its own security features such as malware protection, ad- and tracker-blocking, and file-download protection.
Read our full NordVPN review
Mullvad – Best VPN for privacy
Pros
Good speeds Inexpensive monthly plan Unrivaled anonymity Open-source
Cons
Struggles with unblocking streaming services Smaller server network Lacks some extra features that other VPNs offer Price When Reviewed:$5.37 per month
Why we like Mullvad
As Hotspot Shield is to speeds, so Mullvad is to privacy and anonymity. We’ve never seen another VPN that actively resists knowing who you are the way Mullvad does. Mullvad doesn’t ask for your email address, name, or anything else. Instead it assigns a random account number that acts as your identifier and login.
Mullvad accepts payments using standard methods such as credit cards and PayPal, but you can also mail your payment in cash to remain as private as possible. Mullvad has a no-logging policy and doesn’t collect any identifying metadata from your usage.
Mullvad is also fast, ranking among our top five for speeds.
Who should buy Mullvad
Mullvad is all about privacy. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a more than capable VPN for any user. But the ultra-privacy conscious will find the most to like in its anonymized payment system, commitment to not collecting metadata, and strong privacy promises. I did find some hiccups when trying to access streaming services, so users who want their VPN to bypass location-restricted content may want to look elsewhere.
Read our full Mullvad review
IVPN – Best VPN for privacy runner-up
Pros
Excellent speeds for its U.S., UK and European servers Interface is easy to understand Default WireGuard protocol connects quickly
Cons
It’s on the expensive side at $100 per year Server network is under 100 servers Price When Reviewed:$6.00 per monthBest Prices Today:$6 at IVPN
Why we like IVPN
Coming in behind Mullvad is IVPN. This Gibraltar-based VPN recently moved to dumping email-based identifiers and going with randomly assigned account numbers instead. Similar to Mullvad, it accepts a variety of payment options for privacy including cash, as well as the standard credit cards, PayPal, and other options like Bitcoin and Monero. IVPN doesn’t rank as one of our fastest VPNs, but it does have acceptable speeds for most casual uses.
Another option is OVPN. This VPN doesn’t go to the levels that Mullvad and IVPN do, but it does only require a username and password to create an account. OVPN doesn’t require an email address, though you can add one as a backstop for account recovery should you forget your password. OVPN doesn’t rank in our top 10 for speeds, but it’s just outside the top performers at number 12.
Who should buy IVPN
IVPN will mainly appeal to those concerned with privacy. Similar to Mullvad, it has an anonymized payment system and further obfuscates user IDs via randomly assigned number instead of emails. Not to mention that it has a strong privacy policy as well.
Read our full IVPN review
Hotspot Shield – Fastest VPN
Pros
Very fast Large country selection and plenty of servers
Cons
Domain visits are recorded, though not tied to you Expensive Price When Reviewed:$12.99 per monthBest Prices Today:$12.99 at Aura
Why we like Hotspot Shield
While our pick for best overall VPN, ExpressVPN, boasts above-average speeds, Hotspot Shield is on another level. No other service comes close to hitting the speeds we’ve seen with this service. This isn’t just a one-off occurrence either; Hotspot Shield has consistently been at the top with speeds that are 12 to 15 percentage points above the competition. In our tests, Hotspot Shield maintained around 67 percent of the base speed. That’s substantially faster than you’ll see with most VPN services—though your experience may vary.
On the downside, Hotspot Shield doesn’t allow for a way to pay anonymously and its privacy policy may not sit well with some. Still, Hotspot Shield has excellent speeds, it’s desktop application is very nice, and as a bonus it works with U.S. Netflix.
Who should buy Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is for those looking to maintain the fastest connection possible with the minimum loss of base speed. In the past it was far and away the fastest VPN we had ever tested, but in recent years other services seem to be catching up.
Regardless, it is still one of the best around if connection speed is your main concern. We also found that it can access location-restricted content on most major streaming services. This, combined with it’s excellent speeds makes it a good option if you mainly use a VPN to access streaming content.
Read our full Hotspot Shield review
Private Internet Access – Best VPN for split-tunneling
Pros
Independently verified no-logs policy Unlimited simultaneous device connections Incredible number of servers Great extra features such as multi-hop and split tunneling
Cons
App panel awkwardly located on the lower-right corner of screen by default Speeds are just okay Price When Reviewed:$11.95 per monthBest Prices Today:$11.95 at Private Internet Access
Why we like Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) has been around for awhile and has demonstrated that it can continue to innovate and improve with each passing year. The latest version of PIA is no different. By updating its service to include unlimited simultaneous device connections it has improved upon an already solid VPN.
But the real feature that stands out with PIA is its split-tunneling feature. While this is a common feature in most of the services on this list, PIA goes above and beyond. Not only does it allow users to pick and choose which apps they wish to run through the VPN, but it also allows them to designate IP addresses and DNS requests as well. It even comes with the option for an app-based kill switch, which will block traffic only on specific apps should the VPN connection break.
There are a few awkward interface issues and PIA isn’t the fastest service we’ve ever tested. But neither of these issues makes the service any less viable.
Who should buy Private Internet Access
PIA is continuing to establish itself, along with the likes of ExpressVPN and NordVPN, as one of the best VPNs around. I think it can be a great VPN for all users. However, where PIA really shines is in its extensive customizable feature set. Power users and those who like their apps to be customized to their individual needs will especially love all of the tweaking that this app allows you to do—even outside of just split-tunneling.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
AirVPN – Best VPN for torrents
Pros
Excellent speeds Detailed real-time information about the network Good pricing with many subscription options
Cons
Team is largely anonymous Price When Reviewed:$7.50Best Prices Today:$7.50 at AirVPN
Why we like AirVPN
Torrents get a bad rap, and if we’re honest, that’s for good reason. Using torrents is the number one way to download pirated material including movies, TV shows, music, and games. But that’s not all there is to torrenting. It’s a very efficient way to download legitimate software such as Linux distributions and authorized content from sites such as BitTorrent Now.
Whatever your reasons, when it comes to torrenting, a VPN makes it easier—especially if the network you’re on blocks torrenting. There are many VPNs among our top picks that could be used for downloading torrents, but our preferred choice is AirVPN. This no-frills VPN has a reasonable number of servers and country locations, really good speeds, excellent network transparency, and a focus on user protection. The price is also right at about $58 a year.
Who should buy AirVPN
As AirVPN allows for P2P connections on all of its servers, it’s a great option for those who want to use their VPN to remain anonymous while surfing the web or torrenting. It also uses diskless RAM servers so data is only kept for as long as you’re actively using the VPN itself. Plus, AirVPN’s small team of dedicated hacktivists and privacy advocates are committed to putting user privacy and security at the forefront. This means that it’s ideal for privacy-conscious users.
Read our full AirVPN review
CyberGhost VPN – Best VPN for server locations
Pros
Easy-to-use interface Independently verified no-log policy Seriously impressive server spread
Cons
Lacks some common features such as multi-hop and double VPN Server speeds are hit-or-miss, especially in Asia Price When Reviewed:$12.99Best Prices Today:$12.99 at CyberGhost
Why we like CyberGhost
If you want variety and options in the server locations from your VPN, then there are none better than CyberGhost VPN. It offers a staggering 9,000+ servers for users to connect to, which is more than twice as many as top-pick ExpressVPN. Unlike some competitors, these servers aren’t all concentrated in the U.S. or Europe, either.
The server spread totals 110 countries all across the world. The service even recommends optimized servers to users for various needs such as gaming, streaming, and torrenting. In our testing we found that some of the servers were faster than others, with servers located in Europe having excellent speeds and servers in Asia not fairing as well. But overall, the speeds are good enough to do most of what you want to do with a VPN—web browsing, streaming, etc.
CyberGhost also has a well-designed Windows app that is intuitive and easy to use, even when tweaking your settings. It lacks some of the power-user features that other VPNs on this list provide, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker for the average user. Ultimately, CyberGhost is a straightforward and easy-to-use VPN service with an incredible number of server locations.
Who should buy CyberGhost
Due to it’s plethora of servers and locations, CyberGhost is one of the best options to find a server no matter where you need it in the world. For those who travel a lot or just need access to a diverse and vast server spread, CyberGhost is definitely worth consideration.
Read our full CyberGhost review
Surfshark VPN – Best VPN for multi-hop
Pros
Unlimited simultaneous device connections Works well with Netflix Built-in extras such as ad tracker and malware blocking Low price on long-term plans
Cons
Indicators for ping or server load are not readily available Based in the Netherlands and subject to government data sharing requests Price When Reviewed:From $2.30 per month (charged at $59.76 upfront for 26 months) Best Prices Today:$2.30 at Surfshark
Why we like Surfshark
For those who might not be familiar with multi-hop, it allows you to route your traffic through more than one external server (i.e. connect to a server in Japan, but multi-hop through Singapore). This makes it more difficult to track your online activities and further obfuscates your actual location.
While many VPNs now offer multi-hop as a feature, Surfshark stands out by allowing users to either choose a predetermined route or create their own multi-hop route. Furthermore, Surfshark is working to implement its Nexus VPN network which will use a Dynamic Multi-Hop feature to automatically connect you to the fastest available entry and exit servers at any desired location. This should further optimize connection speeds across the board. So not only does Surfshark already have one of the best multi-hop features, but it is also set to improve by leaps and bounds in the near future.
Who should buy Surfshark
Surfshark is a great all-around VPN option, as well, for most people. That being said, power users and those concerned with optimizing anonymity will get the most from Surfshark VPN’s unique multi-hop functionality and rich, customizable feature set.
Read our full Surfshark review
AVG Secure – Best VPN for novices
Pros
Good speeds Allows an excellent 10 simultaneous connections
Cons
Does log some data No real customizability for power users Price When Reviewed:$53.88 per yearBest Prices Today:$4.55 at AVG$5.99 at PCWorld Software Store
Why we like AVG Secure
If you want something that’s all about ease of use then AVG Secure is a good choice. First, it comes from a known and trusted security company, so there are fewer worries about data security than with one of the independent services.
The key thing with AVG Secure is that the interface is easy to understand and use. It has a big “Change location” button to help you select the country you’d like to appear to be in. The app also tells you what your current IP address is and how long you’ve been connected to the VPN. That’s pretty much it. This VPN also works with streaming services and it has P2P servers. One thing it doesn’t have is a lot of extra features, which is actually perfect for anyone looking for a no-frills VPN.
Who should buy AVG Secure
Those new to the VPN game will find a lot to like with AVG Secure. It’s dead-simple to use and the interface is designed in a way that is intuitive even for novices.
Read our full AVG Secure review
Windscribe Pro – Best budget VPN
Pros
Simple setup Good performance Great free plan
Cons
Tricky security track record with 2021 server incident Slow loading of browser extension Price When Reviewed:$9.00 per monthBest Prices Today:$9 at Windscribe
Why we like Windscribe
Choosing the best VPN for you can often come down to price. Windscribe Pro is one of the cheapest premium services around at about $5 per month (when billed annually). It is also really easy to use and offers great security, with both a Windows client and browser extension that work in tandem to keep your browsing private and pop-up free.
Windscribe also allows you to pick and choose the features that you want via a build-a-plan system allowing for great versatility to meet each user’s needs. Windscribe’s free option is itself fine to use, and is a good test run before deciding on a paid tier.
Who should buy Windscribe
Windscribe is great for people who are new to VPNs or just need a VPN service for a short period of time. Those who have never used a VPN can use Windscribe’s free option to play around and start getting used to using a VPN service. Alternatively, if you only need a VPN for a little bit then Windscribe Pro’s low monthly price means you don’t have to pay much to use it in the short-term.
Read our full Windscribe Pro review
PersonalVPN – Best U.S.-based VPN
Pros
Reasonably priced Fast servers in many locations around the world Good for power users and novices
Cons
Not a lot of extra or specialized features Tiered pricing has odd choices for premium features Price When Reviewed:$50Best Prices Today:$50 at WiTopia
Why we like PersonalVPN
If you want a VPN based in the good ol’ USA, we recommend WiTopia’s PersonalVPN. The speeds are good, the price is right, and the app is very easy to use. It’s true that a lot of VPN review sites stress the importance of having a VPN that’s outside of the so-called Five Eyes countries, which includes the U.S.—some will even say to avoid the Fourteen Eyes. The idea being that if you use a U.S.-based VPN your activities may end up being secretly monitored by Western authorities. Edward Snowden revealed such truths back in 2013.
But if you’re using a VPN to access your accounts for Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other U.S.-based service, then staying outside the Fourteen Eyes is more or less pointless. Sure, that VPN with an exotic locale may be able to easily ignore U.S. subpoenas for data, but the American online services you use are another story. Besides if an American VPN does you wrong, it’ll be a lot easier to hold it to account than one based in Singapore, or even Sweden.
Who should buy Personal VPN
Users concerned with entrusting their private online activity to a company in another country outside of the U.S. should consider PersonalVPN. You won’t be losing out on much by using this service rather than another VPN and you can rest assured that your data is being handled by a reliable company located domestically.
Read our full PersonalVPN review
What to look for in a VPN
One of the first things you should look for when shopping around for a VPN is the number of servers and locations. It’s difficult to judge any VPN by just one feature, but a semi-reliable way to tell if a VPN is even worth your time is to look at the server network. Anything with 1,000 or more servers and 30 or more country locations will do.
The next thing to consider is a VPN’s speed. This may be tricky to do since you aren’t likely to be able to test connection speeds without paying to use the service. Reading reviews online will give you a general estimate. Look for reviews, like ours, that give you a relative average of connection speeds rather than direct Mbps speed comparisons for a more accurate picture.
You’ll also want to read up on a VPN’s privacy protections. Does it have a no-logs policy? Has it undergone any independent audits of its servers? Where is the VPN company located? All of these will give you an idea of whether or not a VPN is transparent with its data collection policies and if it’s subject to government data sharing requirements.
Other factors you’ll want to take into consideration are the overall ease-of-use, user experience, and any additional features. Some of these features, such as split-tunneling and kill switches, can be extremely useful for certain purposes and might sway your subscription decision one way or the other.
Finally, as with all subscription services, you’ll want to review the price of a VPN service. Do you want a monthly or yearly subscription? Some top VPNs might be pricey month-to-month, but actually become quite affordable with long-term plans.
How we tested
We judge VPNs on a variety of criteria including server network, connection speeds, privacy protections, ease-of-use, additional features, and cost. For a more detailed guide on how we test, check out our comprehensive guide on how we test VPN services.
Speed tests are kept as simple as possible. We average the connections between different global locations for any given VPN and then compare them to our baseline internet speed to get a good picture of the overall connection speeds. We thoroughly research and analyze the privacy policies and histories of each VPN and note any outstanding discrepancies or data collection issues.
Experience and ease-of-use are subjective, but we try our best to give an accurate representation of how it feels to work with the VPN. And finally, we compare the value of the service based upon its price and additional features to the industry average to help you gain an accurate picture of what you’ll get for your money.
Other notable VPNs and security suites
There are many more worthwhile VPNs than just our favorites listed above, including AVG Internet Security, CyberGhost, ESET Security Premium, FastestVPN, Hide.me, HMA Pro 4, OVPN, Trend Micro Maximum Security, Windscribe Pro, Perfect Privacy, PrivateVPN by TrunkSpace Hosting, PureVPN, Speedify 10, VPNCity, ClearVPN, Malwarebytes Privacy, TorGuard, VeePN, AceVPN.com, and SurfEasy.
We’ll keep evaluating new ones and reevaluating services we’ve already tested on a regular basis, so be sure to come back to see what else we’ve put through their paces.
FAQ
1.
What is a VPN?
VPNs create a secure tunnel between your PC and the internet. You connect to a VPN server, which can be located in the United States or a foreign country—say, France or Japan. Your web traffic then goes through that server to make it appear as though you’re browsing from that server’s location, and not from your actual location.
When you’re using a VPN, it’s difficult for others to snoop on your web-browsing activity. Only you, the VPN service, and the website you’re visiting will know what you’re up to.
A VPN can be a great response to a variety of concerns, such as online privacy, anonymity, greater security on public Wi-Fi, and, of course, spoofing locations.
2.
Is it legal to use a VPN?
Yes! It is perfectly legal in most countries, including the United States, to use a VPN. While using a VPN, you might find some websites that try to block your connection, but this is an individual website’s use policy and has nothing to do with the legality of the VPN itself. One thing to note though, while it’s legal to use a VPN, some of the activities done while using a VPN might be illegal. Such things as downloading pirated copyrighted content or accessing dark web markets are illegal whether you use a VPN or not.
3.
Do VPNs protect against malware and computer viruses?
No, a VPN connection itself does not protect you from malware and computer viruses. It does however encrypt your internet traffic and keep prying eyes from accessing your browsing history.
Some VPN services, such as Nord VPN, do however provide additional security features such as ad and malware blockers. Additionally, many antivirus suites now offer VPN services along with their security features. Although VPNs and antivirus software are used for different purposes, there is still a degree of overlap that makes using both tools together beneficial.
4.
Will a VPN affect my internet speeds?
Most likely you will see a moderate speed decrease to your internet while using a VPN. This is mainly due to the process of your internet traffic being rerouted and encrypted through a VPN server before heading on to its destination. The amount of latency you will experience through this process is down to what country’s server you choose to proxy your traffic through. If you choose a server located on the other side of the world, then you will notice a much greater hit than if you were to connect to a server nearby in your same country.
Thankfully, most modern VPNs should have the infrastructure to maintain high-speed, secure data transfer rates. So it’s likely you can still browse and stream with no noticeable impact while using a reputable VPN like those listed above.
5.
Will a VPN make me anonymous online?
Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as just turning on your VPN and disappearing off grid. While VPNs certainly offer better privacy and security, they don’t make you completely anonymous. There are a mindbogglingly number of ways that companies track you across the internet and a VPN isn’t capable of blocking all of them. For example, when you sign into a website, your identity is revealed to that website. Or when you log into your Gmail account while using a VPN, Google can now collect cookies based on your browsing.
6.
How many servers should my VPN have?
There is no set number of servers that make one VPN better than another. However, most major VPN providers offer between 3,000 to 5,000 servers. Also, we recommend avoiding any paid services whose providers have under 1,000 servers as this may be an indication that the company is not yet well established, meaning that there is a higher chance for reliability issues.
It is common for VPN providers to advertise the number of servers they have, but this is largely a marketing gimmick and doesn’t generally equate to the quality of the VPN provider itself. Things such as the spread of server locations and server quality are as important, if not more so, than the number of available servers.
Editor’s note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, our reviews are subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the services.
Author: Sam Singleton, Assistant Editor
Sam Singleton is a tech editor and PCWorld’s jack of all trades. When he’s not on the hunt for the best computer deals he’s covering VPNs, productivity software, laptops, and a wide gamut of consumer-grade hardware and software.
Recent stories by Sam Singleton:
TunnelVision hack allows attackers to bypass VPN protectionsTexans are denied adult sites — a good VPN is the answerBest free VPN of 2024: It’s important to choose wisely
Every Windows user should know how to start the Windows 11 task manager: Press the CTRL + SHIFT + ESC keys simultaneously (there are also other options — for example, right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager” from the menu that then opens). Or press CTRL + ALT + DEL and then select Task Manager). You will then see the Task Manager in its current form, as it has been since Windows 11 22H2 .
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This current Windows 11 task manager is clearly organized: At the top left, you can minimize and maximize the left-hand menu using the burger icon. And on the right, you can see the actual contents, for example under “Processes” the running “Tasks.” If you want to end a program immediately — for example, because it froze — select it in the list and then click on the menu item “End task” at the top. The current task manager also supports the dark mode of Windows 11.
How to start the old task manager in Windows 11
But what about the old Windows task manager? It still exists, but you no longer start it using the key combination CTRL + SHIFT + ESC. Instead, open File Explorer and enter C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Taskmgr.exe in the address bar. The old task manager starts immediately.
It offers you the familiar view, so the burger symbol and the left selection menu are missing. Instead, it displays the running tasks centrally. The selection through the areas “Processes,” “Performance,” etc. is still made via the top menu bar. So overall less clear and visually less appealing, but just as useful. Ultimately, it’s a matter of taste which view you like better.
Did you know that you can open Task Manager without the new XAML/WinUI frame by running “taskmgr -d”? pic.twitter.com/iZ2ycsIDvE
— λlbacore 🥝 (@thebookisclosed) March 25, 2024
Important: You cannot use the new and the old task manager at the same time. So if the current task manager is already running, you cannot also start the old one (and vice versa).
This article was translated from German to English and originally appeared on pcwelt.de.
Author: Hans-Christian Dirscherl, Redakteur
Hans-Christian Dirscherl schreibt seit über 20 Jahren zu fast allen IT-Themen. Sein Fokus liegt auf der Koordination und Produktion von Nachrichten mit hohem Nutzwert sowie auf ausführlichen Tests und Ratgebern für die Bereiche Smart Home, Smart Garden und Automotive.
Recent stories by Hans-Christian Dirscherl:
Sick of ads in Windows? This ingenious program eradicates them allUpgrading to Windows 11 is a whole lot faster and easier nowWindows end-of-life pop-ups: Watch their long, annoying history
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