Category: Technologies

If you’re an Android user and you don’t want your device or apps to give away your geolocation data around the clock, it’s a good idea to use a reliable and well-tested VPN, or virtual private network. Will having a VPN eliminate all your privacy concerns? Probably not. But the best Android VPN will offer you whole-device protection so that Google can’t see your geolocation, your internet service provider can’t view your browsing history or app use, and your other apps’ owners can’t see what you’re doing outside of their app. And that kind of protection is enough to keep you from being low-hanging fruit in an era of constant surveillance and a growing risk of data breaches.

The most recent trend reports show that Android-specific VPN downloads accounted for about 75% of the mobile VPN surge over the past few years. Over 480 million mobile VPN apps were downloaded around the globe in just 12 months between 2019 and 2020, or 54% more than the year before, according to research firm Top10VPN. While free services accounted for 84% of all mobile VPN downloads, we recommend you avoid using a free Android VPN whenever possible and instead stick with a tried-and-true paid VPN. It’s not about promoting premium services; it’s about safety. In the murky world of VPNs, you truly do get what you pay for.

But if you’re on a tight budget or you just need a temporary VPN on your Android device, we advise you to test-drive one of our recommended providers with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s not the same as a permanently free VPN, but most premium VPN providers are more than willing to give you a sample of their goods to prove their service is worthy of a long-haul annual subscription.

While CNET’s directory of the best VPN services ranks these apps and others by how well they held up during the testing and evaluation process, this list specifically focuses on the mobile offerings of each VPN provider. CNET regularly tests and evaluates new VPN apps — so be sure to check back here as new contenders emerge. Here are the best Android VPN options we’ve tested.

Read more: You Need to Be Using a VPN on Your Phone. Here’s How to Set it Up in Under 10 Minutes

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Editors’ Choice: Best overall VPN for privacy protection and speed

• Latest tests: No leaks detected, 2% speed loss in spring 2022 tests
• Network: 3,000-plus servers in 160 locations across 94 countries
• Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
• Price: 5 simultaneous connections for $13 per month, $60 for six months or $100 for a year (current discount: 3 months free). 2-year subscriptions available.

Despite battling major upheavals through the end of 2021, ExpressVPN clinched our Editor’s Choice Award for best VPN in 2022. One of the two largest providers globally, the VPN titan has been in business since 2009 and once again aggressively raised the industry bar for service transparency this year.

In the past year, ExpressVPN increased its independent third-party audit count, published details about its TrustedServer deployment process, joined the i2Coalition to call for improved VPN industry ethics, and released an open source Lightway encryption protocol.

After a setback in 2020, ExpressVPN is again currently in first place as the fastest VPN we’ve tested. While most VPNs will cause you to lose half or more of your normal internet speeds, ExpressVPN caused us to lose just 2% of speeds in our 2022 speed tests. It also unblocks Netflix and other streaming services more reliably than most other VPNs, and seamlessly surpasses geo-blocking for access to international gaming servers and torrenting sites.

Lightway’s flexible nature allows it to take on both TCP and UDP connections, seamlessly balancing speed and stability. It’s a brilliant choice for a default protocol on Android devices, since it’s so responsive to varying connection types and strengths.

All of our top-rated VPNs have wide compatibility across platforms and operating systems, but ExpressVPN’s collection of setup guides, detailed FAQs and troubleshooting articles give it a clear advantage for users. So do its round-the-clock customer support and its no-questions-asked, 30-day money-back guarantee.

While you can get a better month-to-dollar bargain with ExpressVPN’s two-year subscription, we don’t recommend anyone purchase any two-year VPN subscriptions at this time due to overall market volatility. ExpressVPN’s best plan offers five simultaneous connections for $100 a year (which includes three extra months, for a limited-time deal totaling 15 months of service). You can also opt for a $13 monthly plan, or pay $60 for six months.

Read our ExpressVPN review.

ExpressVPN

• Current fastest VPN we’ve tested
• Unblocks Netflix, great for gaming and P2P
• Solid security and transparency, zero leaks
• Excellent customer support, easy refunds

49% off with 12-mo plan (+3 free months)

$6.67/mo at ExpressVPN

Surfshark

Surfshark

Editors’ Choice: Cheap VPN packed with features

• Latest tests: Zero data leaks and 19% internet speed loss in fall 2022 tests
• Network: 3,200-plus in 99 countries
• Jurisdiction: Netherlands
• Price: Unlimited connections for $48 for the first year (then $60 annually) or $13 per month. 2-year subscriptions available.

Surfshark boasts an impressive suite of privacy and security features, unlimited simultaneous connections, easy-to-use interface and expansive global network. And it’s still significantly cheaper than most of its competitors. That’s what helped Surfshark earn CNET’s Editors’ Choice for Best Value VPN in 2022.

Along with standard VPN features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, some of the more notable Surfshark features include camouflage mode (which hides the fact you’re using a VPN), split-tunneling, NoBorders mode (which lets you use Surfshark in regions where VPNs are restricted) and multihop VPN connections. You’ll also get access to Surfshark’s CleanWeb technology, which blocks ads and malware and helps you avoid phishing attacks.

One innovation we’re excited to see Surfshark roll out over the next year is its Nexus network, which connects the VPN’s entire network of servers together and allows you to choose multiple servers to route your connection through. The functionality is somewhat similar to Tor, but Surfshark says it’s faster. With its Dynamic MultiHop, IP Randomizer and IP Rotator functions, the Nexus network can give you a few extra layers of protection while you use the VPN — which can be particularly beneficial to users with critical privacy needs.

Surfshark says it doesn’t log any user activity. And although no-logging claims are virtually impossible to prove with 100% certainty, German cybersecurity firm Cure53 declared Surfshark’s security to be “solid” in its 2021 security audit of the VPN. Surfshark says a new audit is forthcoming by the end of this year.

As of February 2022, both Surfshark and NordVPN have the same corporate parent (Tesonet), but Surfshark said it is legally bound not to share any information between the entities that would go against its privacy policy or terms of service. We didn’t find any language in either document that would indicate Surfshark has any obligation to share user data with its parent company or any sibling companies, which include NordVPN.

Surfshark rates consistently as one of the fastest VPNs available, which is why we were surprised that one of the only issues we had with Surfshark came in our speed test. While it still ranks as one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested — with an internet speed loss of just 19% — we were disappointed with the inconsistent speed results we got to certain locations. Speeds to Europe and Singapore were erratic (dipping as low as 9Mbps to Singapore), while speeds to New York were slower than speeds to the UK and even Australia. Surfhark is in the process of significantly expanding its server network, now offering more than 3,200 servers in 99 countries. The continued expansion of its server network could potentially help bring some more consistency to the VPN’s speeds.

In our tests, Surfshark had no problems unblocking Netflix and Amazon Prime Video content, but we did run into a fair bit of trouble accessing Disney Plus. After testing various servers in the US and other countries where Disney Plus is available, we were finally able to access the content when we connected to a server in Boston. You may need to test a few servers yourself before gaining access to Disney Plus content with Surfshark.

Surfshark offers cheaper introductory prices that jump after the first billing cycle. Even so, Surfshark manages to keep its prices lower than most other VPNs — helping it earn CNET’s Editors’ Choice for Best Value. The yearly plan starts out at $48 for the first year, then jumps to $60 for any additional years of service. If you opt for the two-year plan, you’ll pay $60 up front for the initial two years combined, then $60 per year for any additional years. Surfshark’s monthly plan stays constant at $13 a month. If you’re not satisfied with the service for any reason, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our Surfshark VPN review.

Surfshark VPN

• Best value VPN in 2022
• Lots of unique security features
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• RAM-only server network

84% off with 24-mo plan (+2 free months)

$2.22/mo + 2 months free at Surfshark

NordVPN

NordVPN

Best Android VPN for reliability and security

• Latest tests: No leaks detected, 13% speed loss in summer 2022 tests
• Network: 5,600-plus servers in 84 locations across 59 countries
• Jurisdiction: Panama
• Price: 6 simultaneous connections for $12 per month or $60 for a year (current discount: 3 months free). 2-year subscriptions available.

NordVPN is one of the most recognized brands in the VPN field. Part of that brand recognition is based on its distinct, straightforward design. Nord’s app for Android is just as easy to interact with as its desktop VPN client, with a similar design. It poses no learning difficulties for a first-time user looking to move from desktop to mobile.

Just as the desktop client does, Nord’s app opens to a familiar blue-scale landing-screen map where users can opt to either select a country, connect to the fastest server automatically or browse specialty servers like Onion over VPN, Double VPN or those optimized for P2P. Nord gets bonus points for its split-tunneling feature, which allows you to select other apps that you don’t want to run through your encrypted VPN connection.

The VPN service provider offers a generous simultaneous connection count, with six connections allowed through its network — nearly all other providers offer five or fewer. NordVPN also offers a dedicated IP option, for those looking for a different level of VPN connection. NordVPN offers a kill-switch feature and the ability to VPN into Tor. We detected no privacy leaks during tests, and found its speeds to be reliably fast.

NordVPN’s pricing structure is similar to that of its sister company Surfshark, but its longer-term plans are more expensive. A two-year plan carries an introductory price of about $79, but that price increases to a little under $100 annually for each subsequent year of service. However, we don’t recommend committing to a single provider for more than a year at a time, given how fickle the VPN industry tends to be. If you opt for the yearly plan, you’ll pay $60 for the first year of service, then just shy of $100 a year for any additional years. NordVPN’s monthly plan is a dollar cheaper than Surfshark’s, though, at $12 a month. And like most other VPN services, NordVPN offers a full 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied with the service.

While NordVPN has lived on our top VPNs list for a long time, we moved it to the penalty box in October 2019 to re-evaluate the recommendation after a report emerged that one of its rented servers was accessed without authorization in 2018. Nord’s actions following the discovery included — eventually — multiple security audits, a bug bounty program and heavier investments in server security.

While we would have preferred if Nord had self-disclosed the issue much earlier, the fact that the breach was limited in nature and involved no user-identifying information served to further verify that NordVPN keeps no logs of user activity. As a result, Nord remains on our list as a recommended vendor.

Read our NordVPN review.

NordVPN

• Among the fastest VPNs
• Tons of features
• Diskless RAM-only server infrastructure
• Solid encryption

68% off with 24-mo plan (+3 free months)

$2.99/mo at NordVPN

IPVanish

IPVanish

Best Android VPN for beginners

• Latest tests: DNS leaks detected, 58% speed loss in spring 2022 tests
• Network: 2,000-plus servers in 75 locations across 52 countries
• Jurisdiction: United States
• Price: Unlimited connections for $11 per month, $16 for 3 months ($30 quarterly after the first 3 months) or $48 for a year ($90 annually after the first year).

A big win for IPVanish is its fun, configurable interface, which makes it an ideal client for those who are interested in learning how to understand what a VPN does under the hood. With its newly redesigned app for Android, IPVanish manages to pack the same extensive suite of digital knobs and dials into a refreshingly clean mobile interface to impressive effect.

If you want to do some precision tuning to your VPN connection, the IPVanish VPN is a solid bet. With a bevy of switches controlling things like the kill switch, split tunneling, VPN protocol and LAN connection allowance, IPVanish is an app for the methodical tech tweaker who enjoys having exact control over their mobile internet traffic.

Its multiplatform flexibility is also ideal for people focused on finding a Netflix-friendly VPN.

While IPVanish isn’t the fastest VPN, the 58% speed loss we measured in our most recent speed tests is about on par with most VPN providers. However, we noticed that IPVanish’s Quick Connect feature doesn’t always connect you to the best available server, so you may need to optimize your speeds by connecting manually to a server showing a lighter load. In IPVanish’s Android app, you can check the current load of each server by tapping on Locations, selecting Cities and tapping the number next to each city.

IPVanish’s yearly plan is on sale now at $40 for the first year. However, the plan more than doubles in price to the regular $90 annual rate for any subsequent years of service. You can also choose a quarterly plan that starts at $13 for the first three-month period and increases to $30 for each three-month billing period afterward. IPVanish’s monthly rate is priced at $11 a month, which is about on par with other providers’ month-to-month rates.The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but only if you get the yearly plan — which could be a disappointment to anyone who bought a monthly subscription and decided they didn’t like the service. That said, the company gets kudos for allowing unlimited simultaneous connections. We also liked its connection kill-switch feature, which is a must for anyone serious about remaining anonymous while surfing.

Read our IPVanish review.

IPVanish

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Simple, user-friendly interface
• Competitive speeds
• 24/7 customer support with live chat and phone support

69% off with 12-mo plan

$11 at IPVanish VPN

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If you just purchased a new Pixel 7 or 7 Pro phone, you’ll want to adjust a few settings. Your Google Pixel can feel more efficient, functional and suited to your needs by making a few minor changes. You can, for example, change the color palette on your home screen to match your favorite hue, as well as save storage space and battery life.

Google launched the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro in October, and both phones include a refreshed design, face unlock, the new Tensor G2 processor and improved cameras. But many of these settings options below should also be available on older devices too, including the Pixel 6 lineup.

Follow the steps below to learn more about how to get the most out of your new Pixel.

Turn on themed icons to make your icons match your wallpaper

One of the biggest features that debuted in 2021’s Android 12 update is Material You, which customizes the software’s color palette to match your wallpaper. To give your app icons a colorful refresh, long-press any empty space on your Pixel 7’s home screen. Then tap Wallpaper & style and make sure the switch next to Themed icons is toggled on. Now app icons on the home screen should match your wallpaper. You’ll notice that some elements within certain apps — like the keyboard in Messages and Gmail’s Compose button — will have colored accents that match your wallpaper, too.

Unlock your Pixel 7 just by looking at it

Google’s Pixel 7 and 7 Pro both support face unlock, unlike last year’s Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. If you own a Pixel 7 and haven’t set it up yet, you can do so by launching the Settings menu and tapping Security. Tap Face and fingerprint unlock and enter your PIN. From there, choose the Face Unlock option to register your face to your phone.

Google cautions, however, that your phone can be unlocked by someone who looks like you, such as a sibling, when using this feature. As such, the Pixel 7’s face unlock functionality is meant just for quickly unlocking your phone rather than authenticating payments and other transactions. That makes it significantly different than Apple’s Face ID, which creates a depth map of your face by “projecting and analyzing thousands of invisible dots,” according to Apple’s support page.

Use Quick Phrases to dismiss an alarm or phone call without saying, ‘Hey, Google’

We’ve all been there. It’s 6 a.m., your alarm starts blaring and you barely have the energy to reach for your phone. Google makes this a little easier on the Pixel lineup by enabling you to pause or dismiss an alarm by simply saying, “Snooze” or “Stop” without requiring the “Hey, Google” trigger phrase. You can do the same for phone calls by saying “Answer” or “Decline” without having to grab your device.

To turn this on, open the Settings menu and choose Apps. Then, select Assistant and tap Quick phrases. You should see options for alarms and timers and incoming calls. Tap the switch next to each one to enable this feature.

Have Google Assistant wait on hold for you and transcribe automated phone menus

Tired of waiting on hold? Try using Google’s Hold For Me feature, which has Google Assistant wait on hold and then notify you when a customer representative becomes available. If you don’t want to remember which number to punch the next time you’re sitting through automated voice prompts, you can also turn on Direct My Call. This transcribes automated menus so that you don’t have to remember which number to press to get directed to the correct extension. Direct My Call should work even faster on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, since Google says these phones may show some transcriptions before they’re even spoken.

Both of these features are accessible from the Pixel’s phone app. Hold For Me works on the Pixel 3 and later, while Direct My Call is available on the Pixel 3A and later. Open the Phone app and tap the three dots in the top right corner to get started. Choose Settings and you should see Hold for Me and Direct My Call under the Assistive section.

The Direct My Call feature seems promising, but it only works for toll-free numbers in English right now. That can make its transcriptions a bit confusing since many automated phone menus typically read options in Spanish, too.

Choose whether you want to extend battery life or boost performance

Google’s Pixel phones can optimize battery life depending on how you use your phone. While that’s a useful perk, there may be times when you’d prefer to turn this feature off so that you can get better performance out of your device. You can turn this setting on or off anytime by opening the Settings menu, choosing Battery and tapping Adaptive preferences.

Turn on Smart Storage to avoid running out of space

If you take a lot of photos and videos, you know how precious your device’s storage space can be. As one way to deal with that problem, you can choose to have your Pixel phone automatically delete old photos to free up space. If you enable this feature, your Pixel device will erase photos backed up to your Google Photos account that have been on your device for 60 days if your phone’s storage is less than 25%.

To turn this on, open Settings, choose Storage and tap Free up space. Then tap the menu icon in the top left corner and select Settings. Toggle the switch next to Smart Storage.

Use Storage Saver to optimize your Pixel’s photo and video storage

If you want to save space, there’s another option: Enable Storage Saver on your Pixel device. This changes settings that use large amounts of storage, such as saving RAW images as JPEG and recording videos in 1080p instead of 4K. If you care more about saving space than having the best resolution possible, you might want to try this.

Launch the Camera app and tap the settings icon in the top left corner. Then, tap More settings and select Device storage. Toggle the switch next to Storage Saver.

Customize what happens when you press the volume key while taking photos

You can use the volume button to snap a photo, adjust the zoom or control the audio volume on your Pixel device. Open the Camera app, press the Settings icon and choose More settings. Then, choose Gestures and select Volume key action to choose your preferred option.

Make sure your Pixel’s screen automatically switches orientation when needed

Few things can be more annoying than having your phone stuck in portrait mode when you’re holding it in landscape mode to watch a video. Avoid this on your Pixel phone by opening the Settings menu, choosing Display and tapping Auto-rotate screen. You can also choose to turn on face detection to make autorotate more accurate. Google says images used in face detection are never stored or sent to the company.

Identify songs playing nearby on the lock screen

Ever heard a song playing at a restaurant and wondered what it’s called? Google Pixel devices can recognize songs and display the name of the song and artist on your phone’s lock screen. Open the Settings menu, choose Display and tap Lock screen. Press Now Playing and toggle on the switch next to Identify songs playing nearby.

Choose whether you want smoother scrolling or longer battery life

Certain Pixel devices can boost their refresh rates to enable faster scrolling and smoother animations, which makes the software generally feel more responsive. The Pixel 7 can bump its refresh rate up to 90Hz like the Pixel 6, while the Pixel 7 Pro can go up to 120Hz just like the Pixel 6 Pro. But since this feature increases battery usage, there are times when you might want to turn it off.

To access this option, open the Settings menu and choose Display. Scroll down to Smooth Display and toggle the switch to turn it on or off. This feature isn’t available on the Pixel 6A.

Add captions to videos, podcasts and phone calls

Google’s Live Caption feature generates captions for media playing on your device, and it works on older Pixels dating back to the second-generation model. It’s an accessibility feature, and it can also be useful for times when you’re stuck without headphones and need to hear the content of a video or podcast in a public setting. To turn this on, press the volume button and tap the Live Caption icon, which looks like a speech bubble. Just remember that using Live Caption can use additional battery resources.

Edit your quick settings to easily access shortcuts

Pulling down from the top of the screen will launch the quick settings menu. Tap the pencil icon to edit this menu and add the settings you use most often. Google offers a wide variety of options ranging from battery saver to enabling and disabling the microphone and accessing alarms. Here you’ll find staples including airplane mode, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Looking for more advice for your other Google devices? Check out our tips for boosting your productivity on Chromebooks and getting the most out of your Google Nest.

Lenovo can be counted on to announce at least a few outside-the-box devices at CES. But before the annual tech show kicks off Jan. 5 in Las Vegas, the company has unveiled some more run-of-the-mill updates to its commercial and consumer computers and accessories.

On the commercial side, Lenovo will update its ThinkPad X1 Carbon laptop, X1 Yoga two-in-one and sub-2.2-pound X1 Nano laptop with the “very latest generation of up to Intel Core i7 processors with Intel vPro.” The X1 Carbon and X1 Yoga will also support up to 64GB of LPDDR5 RAM. They’ll also have improvements to privacy and presence detection, posture warning and eye wellness alerts, webcam enhancements like auto-framing and background blur and OLED displays with settings designed to reduce energy consumption.

There will be a lot of sustainability messaging from PC makers this year, and that includes Lenovo. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 has a palm rest made from 90% recycled magnesium and the bottom cover is 55% recycled aluminum, while the X1 Nano Gen 3 features 90% recycled magnesium hybrid in the palm rest and bottom cover. Retail packaging is made from 100% bamboo and sugarcane fiber.

The new X1 models are expected to ship in April with prices starting at $1,649, approximately 1,360 or AU$2,480 converted.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 series

See at Lenovo

Lenovo also announced new commercial monitors including the ThinkVision P49w-30, an ultrawide 49-inch display expected in June and starting from $1,699. There are also some new desk accessories coming, the most interesting of which is the Lenovo Go Desk Station with Webcam.

The Go Desk Station looks like a desk lamp but is much more and potentially a great solution for someone with limited desk space. The light is on a rotatable arm and at the opposite end of the light is an arm with a 4K webcam attached. The design lets you easily brighten your work area or your face while using the webcam. The light’s brightness and color temperature are adjustable, too.

The lamp’s base has a built-in USB-C hub with a 135-watt power input that can pass through 65 watts of power to a laptop. There’s an HDMI 2.0 output also to connect to a monitor. There’s even a retractable shelf in the base with a 15-watt Qi wireless charging pad. It’s expected to be available in March for $329.

For consumers, Lenovo announced updates to its IdeaPad Pro 5/5i and Slim 5/5i laptop line. Both models are available in 14- and 16-inch sizes, however only the 16-inch versions will be available in the US. Like the ThinkPads, these will have the latest Intel Core processors or AMD Ryzen processors, and the Pro models have the option of next-gen Nvidia discrete graphics. Other updates include improved displays including OLED options and dynamic refresh rates up to 120Hz; full-HD webcams; and larger touchpads.

The 16-inch IdeaPad Pro 5i is expected to ship in May starting at $1,500. The 16-inch IdeaPad Slim 5/5i is also expected in May starting at $650 for AMD models and $750 for Intel.

Lenovo also announced a new mini desktop PC, a budget two-in-one 12-inch Chromebook and the Tab M9, a 9-inch HD tablet running on Android 12 available sometime in Q2 and starting at $140. You can read more about all of Lenovo’s CES 2023 announcements on its news site.

Amazon agreed to settle two European Union antitrust cases that alleged mistreatment of its third-party retailers, the European Commission said Tuesday. However, the e-commerce giant won’t pay a fine. Instead, for the next seven yearsit’ll follow EU antitrust rules by changing business practices that regulators say disproportionately harm third-party sellers on the platform.

“Today’s decision sets new rules for how Amazon operates its business in Europe. Amazon can no longer abuse its dual role and will have to change several business practices,” Margrethe Vestager, executive vice president in charge of competition policy, said in a statement.

The Commission, which is the EU’s executive branch, found in 2020 that Amazon “distorted fair competition” on its platform by using third-party sellers’ nonpublic data to compete against them, the statement said. The e-commerce platform’s criteria for its buy box and Prime program also “unduly favors” its own retailers or retailers that utilize its logistics and delivery services, the Commission found.

Amazon agreed to provide third-party retailers with an equal opportunity for being selected as a default option for the platform’s buy box. It will also stop using nonpublic data from the independent sellers on its marketplace and set nondiscriminatory practices for retailers’ products to qualify for Amazon Prime.

Amazon is required to follow the Commission’s final guidance for seven years.

“We are pleased that we have addressed the European Commission’s concerns and resolved these matters,” a company spokesperson told CNET via email. “While we continue to disagree with several of the preliminary conclusions the European Commission made, we have engaged constructively to ensure that we can continue to serve customers across Europe and support the 225,000 European small and medium sized businesses selling through our stores.”

Gone are the days when you had to tether your phone to an outlet to charge. Thanks to wireless charging technology, the best phones around can stay juiced up over those long car rides. No matter if you’re using the latest iPhone 14 or the Samsung Galaxy S22, you’ll want to use one of the best wireless car chargers out there during your next road trip. Don’t be misled, though.

Wireless charging doesn’t mean there aren’t any wires involved — you’ll still need to connect the charger to your vehicle. But once it’s set up, all you need to do is pop your phone in and out when you want to juice up. If you’re looking to add one of these handy charging phone mounts to your car, check out our roundup below for some of the best options on the market right now.

Note that each wireless charger in this buyer’s guide is compatible with any wireless charging-enabled mobile phone, whether it’s an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy, a Google Pixel or any other Qi-enabled phone. And if you’re attached to your phone case — so long as it isn’t super thick — you can leave it on and still charge your phone. Most of these chargers even double as a phone holder with an adjustable arm.

We update this list periodically when new wireless charging technology comes to market.

Read more: Best USB-C PD Chargers for 2022

Amazon

iOttie Auto Sense Wireless Car Charger

Premium automatic clamping

iOttie’s “autosense” automatic clamping wireless car charger with a phone mount is one of the best out there. While it’s fairly pricey, we’ve seen some nice discounts on it recently. The Auto Sense Automatic Clamping Qi Charging Car Phone Mount is available in a dashboard mount version or a CD and vent clip version (I tried the dashboard wireless charging mount). This wireless car charger mount has a nicely designed telescoping arm, a strong suction cup, and the wireless charging mount feature is compatible with most phone cases. You get 7.5-watt charging for an iPhone and 10-watt for Android phones, which is considered fast wireless charging.

This Qi wireless charger comes with a dual charging USB cigarette lighter adapter. My only gripe — and it’s a small one — is that the included cable is Micro-USB and not USB Type-C. Once this Qi charger is plugged into the wireless car charging mount you can basically forget about it, but if the cable accidentally becomes unplugged (which does happen), it’s easier to plug in a USB-C cable for phone charging, especially when you’re driving.

$45 at Crutchfield

$45 at Amazon

$45 at Best Buy

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Amazon

Upgraded ZeeHoo Wireless Car Charger

Best value for feature set

If you don’t mind going with a no-name brand like ZeeHoo, its wireless car charger has most of the features you want for phone charging, including autoclamping, a secure suction cup that can be installed on your car’s air vent, windshield or dashboard. It has USB-C and up to 15-watt fast charging for Android phones that support it (iPhones are capped at 7.5-watt charging). This upgraded version has a sleeker design than the original (see below) and it costs about $20 less than the iOttie above. However, this wireless charger doesn’t come with a cigarette lighter adapter — only a USB-C cable.

This wireless car mount charger is one of the more popular generic wireless car chargers with an autosensing telescopic arm, and the original version I tried worked well overall, attaching securely to my car vent mount and giving my smartphone or QI enabled device a quick charge. I liked that the wireless car charger came with both a phone mount for my car’s air-vent mount (if you want just the air-vent mount, there is an air-vent only version that costs $30).

Note that to get fast charging, you will need a power adapter that supports it (not included).

$33 at Amazon

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Amazon

ZeeHoo Wireless Car Charger

Good value

ZeeHoo’s original wireless car charger with autoclamping remains a good value at around $30. Aside from some cosmetic improvements on the upgraded version, the biggest difference is that this one has up to 10-watt fast charging for Android phones instead of 15-watt fast charging (iPhones are capped at 7.5-watt charging for both chargers). Like the upgraded version, this wireless charger doesn’t come with a cigarette lighter adapter — only a USB-C cable — and to get fast charging, you will need a power adapter that supports it (not included).

$26 at Amazon

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Amazon

iOttie iTap 2 Wireless

Sticky magnetic mount (non MagSafe compatible)

If you want to go with a little more discreet-looking wireless charger, a magnetic mount phone charger is a good choice. The iOttie iTap 2 Wireless is available in versions with air-vent, CD slot and dashboard car suction mount. I tried the air-vent version, which has a locking mechanism on the air-vent clip that keeps the charger suction mount securely attached to the vent. Note that this mount isn’t MagSafe compatible.

For your wireless phone charger to work with a magnetic car suction mount, you either need a case with some metal built into it (which I have) or you can attach one of the included slim stick-on metal plates to the back of your phone (stick it toward the bottom so it doesn’t interfere with the wireless charge circuitry in the middle of it). You can even cover the plate with your phone case, but make sure the case isn’t too thick or your phone won’t stick to the charger mount.

The iOttie iTap 2 magnetic wireless car charger mount includes a dual USB car charger that has an extra USB port for charging a second device. The included cable is a Micro-USB cable, not USB-C, which doesn’t have accelerated charging capabilities. I tested it using an iPhone 11 Pro, which stayed on the charger securely, but for larger phones, it would probably be better to go with one of the wireless charger options above.

$50 at Walmart

$35 at Amazon

$26 at Best Buy

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Mophie Snap Plus 15W Wireless Charging Vent Mount

Magnetic wireless charger with MagSafe compatibility

Mophie’s Snap Plus 15W Wireless Charging Vent Mount is a magnetic mount that comes with an integrated USB-C cable (the charging puck is removable from the mount but the cable is integrated into the puck). It also comes with a cigarette lighter adapter and a magnetic ring you can stick onto the back of phones that aren’t MagSafe-enabled, including Android models. I tried it with a MagSafe charger case on my iPhone 12 Pro and the phone stuck well to the mount. That said, the magnet isn’t super-strong and I wouldn’t recommend this for heavier phones like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. But overall it’s an attractively designed accessory.

It can wirelessly charge Android models at up to 15-watt speeds, but with iPhones wireless charging tops out at 7.5 watts.

$50 at Amazon

$50 at Best Buy

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Amazon

ZealSound Qi-Certified Car Charge Slim Pad Station Dock

Wireless charging pad for cars

ZealSound’s Qi-Certified Car Charge Slim Pad Station Dock may not be the most elegant wireless charging solution, but this wireless charging pad can be placed anywhere you want and has a grippy bottom and guard rails to keep your phone from flying off the pad when you brake or accelerate suddenly or make a sharp turn. It offers up to 10-watt charging for compatible Android phones. For iPhones it charges at 7.5 watts. A cigarette-lighter power adapter is included.

$28 at Amazon

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Amazon

Spigen Mag Fit Phone Holder Car Mount

Affordable Apple MagSafe wireless charger compatible mount

If you’ve already got Apple’s MagSafe wireless charging puck, this Spigen mounting accessory is a good option for bringing it into your car. As I said, the MagSafe wireless charger isn’t included. Nor is a USB-C cigarette lighter adapter. But at less than $20, this is a fairly affordable magnetic mounting accessory.

Note: Just make sure to get the right cigarette lighter adapter with it to get the maximum 15-watt charging speeds. Also, since this relies on the magnets from the wireless charging puck for your phone to stick to it (MagSafe case required if you are using a case) this isn’t recommended for the larger iPhone 13 Max Pro as it’s more likely to slip off the mount — especially if you hit a bump — because of its weight.

$20 at Amazon

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Aukey

Ainope Mini Fast USB Car Charger

Best fast-charging USB-C cigarette lighter adapter

OK, so this isn’t a wireless charger, but a lot of the wireless car chargers on this list don’t include a cigarette-lighter power adapter, so I thought I’d throw this on the list at the end. I originally had an Aukey power adapter on this list, but it’s out of stock and this low-profile Ainope mini fast USB Car Charger offers even faster charging (up 24 watts) and costs less. It has both a USB-C and USB-A port so you can charge two devices at the same time, but to get 15-watt wireless charging you’re going to be better off charging one device.

Note that to get the fastest wired charging for iPhones, you’ll need to use a USB-C to Lightning cable. That cable is not included.

$17 at Amazon

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More car and accessory recommendations

• Best Battery Maintainers in 2022
• Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for Android
• Best Garage Heaters in 2022
• Best Wireless Charging Pads Under $20
• Best iPhone Portable Chargers and Power Banks for 2022
• Best Samsung Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra Cases
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With a wide variety of different keyboards on the market, it’s important to find a model and style that’s been designed to suit your needs. Gamers will want a mechanical keyboard that’s optimized for speed and responsiveness, while those who often work on the go will want a compact model that’s easy to throw in a backpack. But no matter what style of keyboard you’re looking for, it’s important to find one that fits your budget, too.

Whether you’re after a fully customizable mechanical keyboard with fun keycaps or something that can connect to a few devices and easily switch between them, we have you covered. We’ve scoured the internet to find all the best keyboard deals that are out there right now and broken them down into a few sections to make it easier to sort through so you can find the keyboard that suits your needs at the best price.

Bluetooth wireless keyboard deals

If you’re in the market for something portable or just a basic keyboard, these deals are for you. From keyboards that connect to multiple devices at once to ultracompact and portable ones, there are Bluetooth keyboard deals here for everyone.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Logitech K380 multidevice Bluetooth keyboard: $30

Save $10

This is a multidevice Bluetooth keyboard, meaning that you can program it to easily connect to and switch between three different Bluetooth devices. With it, you can connect to your phone, tablet and PC if you want — switching between them is the work of a simple button press. It works with Mac, Windows, Chrome, Android, iPhone, Apple TV and more. It’s a small keyboard but offers up to two years of battery life before you need to swap them out.

Read our Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard review.

$30 at Amazon

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Microsoft

Microsoft Designer compact keyboard: $46

Save $24

If you want a keyboard with a great design and a bunch of nice features but is easy to move around, this Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard may be the one for you. It has a low-profile design, an input key for easy access to symbols, emoji and more, as well as the ability to connect to three devices.

While it’s primarily designed to work with Windows (it comes with only a Windows key, there’s no Mac key option), you can connect it to Mac, Android and more with ease.

$46 at Amazon

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Microsoft Sculpt ergonomic keyboard: $60

Save $21

The first thing you’ll notice about this keyboard is the different layout. It’s a split ergonomic keyboard designed to position your wrists and forearms in a more natural position. The number pad is separate from the keyboard, which gives you some freedom as to where to place it in your workspace, since this layout takes up more space. While it’s an older keyboard, it’s still a great one to consider. Read our Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard review.

$60 at Amazon

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Apple Magic Keyboard: $100

Save $29

If you have a Mac, it doesn’t get much better than the Magic Keyboard. It was named one of our overall favorite keyboards for 2022, and is designed to pair and work seamlessly with iOS devices. It’s completely wireless, and our reviewer was impressed by its long-lasting battery. This deal is on the full-size model, with includes the numeric keypad.

Read our Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad review.

$100 at Amazon

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Mechanical keyboard deals

They click and clack, but mechanical keyboards are extremely popular among gamers and PC enthusiasts alike. They can be customized to no end, but you can get started with a great basic keyboard before diving into the world of creating your own, swapping switches and buying endless new keys.

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HyperX Alloy Elite 2: $90

Save $40

The Alloy Elite 2 is one of our favorite gaming keyboards on the market in 2022. It’s a full-size wired keyboard that has a durable solid steel frame and a light bar with unique RGB effects. It’s equipped with HyperX pudding keycaps and red mechanical switches and has three onboard memory profiles so you can easily switch between game types.

$90 at Best Buy

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Razer

Razer Ornata V2 gaming keyboard: $60

Save $40

This gaming keyboard features hybrid high-performance Mecha-Membrane switches that provide the tactile feedback of a mechanical key press on a comfortable, soft-cushioned membrane switch that is suitable for gaming. It supports up to 80 million clicks, and Razer Hypershift allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped to execute complex commands. It also includes RGB lighting and a magnetic wrist rest to align perfectly and offer plush comfort during extended gaming sessions. There is even a digital volume wheel for easy adjustment of audio levels right from your keyboard.

$60 at Amazon

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Lenovo

Lenovo Legion K500 RGB gaming keyboard: $88

Save $22

This gaming keyboard has a simple, minimalist design that features seven media keys and a dedicated game mode key that will allow you to enable or disable certain keys while gaming. And you can customize it to your needs. It also features a detachable textured palm-rest, so you can use it as needed, as well as RGB lighting and keys with a 50-million-click lifecycle and 100% antighosting with 104-key rollover on USB.

$88 at Lenovo

Razer

Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed: $110

Save $70

The BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed is one of our favorite gaming keyboards on the market for 2022. It’s a 65% mechanical keyboard, and one of the few of its size that’s equipped with both Bluetooth and lag-free 2.4GHz wireless. It also boasts a battery life of up to 200 hours, and is equipped with ultra-smooth Razer yellow mechanical switches. This keyboard is a solid value even at full price, so it’s a bargain when you can find it on sale.

$110 at Best Buy

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Razer

Razer BlackWidow Lite mechanical keyboard: $50

Save $40

This mechanical keyboard has O-Ring sound dampeners and backlit keys with white LED lighting. It also features Razer Hypershift, which allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped to execute complex commands. It supports up to 80 million clicks. Its tournament-ready tenkeyless design and detachable USB cable make for a portable keyboard for gamers on the go.

$50 at Amazon

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Logitech

Logitech G Pro mechanical keyboard: $83

Save $47

Logitech is well known for quality PC accessories and the company’s mechanical keyboards are no different. The G Pro mechanical keyboard features GX Blue Clicky Switches, RGB backlighting, USB passthrough, programmable macros and much more. It’s great for those looking to get into mechanical keyboards without spending too much and who want to take their gaming to the next level.

$83 at Amazon

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Keyboard-mouse bundle deals

If you’re in need of a mouse and a keyboard, sometimes you can get the best deal by bundling the two into one purchase. This does limit the available models, but at these prices, odds are you won’t mind.

HyperX

HyperX Pulsefire wired keyboard and mouse combo: $40

Save $40

This highly rated pair of wired gaming accessories can help bring your skills to the next level without spending a ton. The keyboard has a gaming membrane inside and is spill-resistant just in case things get crazy and your drink goes toppling over. The wired mouse has an adjustable DPI up to 6,200 and offers seven programmable buttons, all of which are tested for up to 20 million clicks.

$40 at Amazon

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Best Buy

SteelSeries Ultimate gaming bundle: $142

Save $58

This is more than a keyboard and mouse bundle, but they’re both great options for gamers. The bundle comes with a mouse pad and gaming headset as well as the Apex 3 keyboard and Rival 3 wireless mouse. At this price, the kit is one you’ll want to check out.

$142 at Amazon

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Choosing the best pair of wireless earbuds is not an easy task: There’s a lot to consider, like battery life, comfort and sound quality. Depending on your criteria, price tags can be all over the place. You can grab entry-level models for as low as $50, while some of the priciest models are in the $200 range and beyond.

These Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro buds from Anker are the best-sounding value pair on our current list of the best wireless earbuds. They’re a great intersection of quality and affordability, offering a sound that can compete with more expensive earbuds without breaking the bank.

Even at their usual $170, they’re a great value, but right now Best Buy is running a deal that drops the price to just $80, a discount of $90. This deal only lasts for the next few hours, so hurry and grab a pair while you can.

These true-wireless Anker earbuds are plenty impressive. Their most remarkable feature is the sound quality at this price. Using coaxial driver tech and Anker’s HearID tech, which maps your in-ear pressure for a custom-tailored sound profile, they deliver sound on par with earbuds that cost much more, according to CNET’s resident headphone expert David Carnoy.

They have six built-in microphones for precise, active noise cancellation. And when you account for the wireless charging case, they deliver up to 32 hours of total playtime. With Soundcore’s companion app, you can also customize the equalizer, touch controls and more.

Looking for other options? Be sure to check out all the best headphone deals available now.

Read more: Best Headphones for 2022: Our Top Overall Picks

Originally published in August. Updated with new deal info.

Looking for a simple computer that’s designed for the basics? Chromebooks are a great, and affordable, option for those who want to create documents or presentations, stream shows or movies, share photos and browse the web. They’re also generally ultra-portable so you can do work from the office, home, a coffee shop or anywhere else. Right now, this 11.6-inch Lenovo Chromebook 3 is just $89 at Best Buy, down from its original price tag of $139, so you get to save $50. There’s no set expiration for this discount, but deals are coming and going pretty fast with Christmas just around the corner. We’d recommend ordering sooner rather than later if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

This Chromebook didn’t make our list of best Chromebooks for 2022, but it’s still packed with notable features. Equipped with 4GB of flash memory and a 64GB hard drive, this Lenovo Chromebook is both flexible and fast. It’s powered by an Intel Celeron processor and Google’s user-friendly Chrome operating system. It will last up to 10 hours on its battery, weighs less than three pounds and is less than an inch thick, making this laptop easy to carry with you anywhere.

It already comes with apps (you can also download thousands more), and it has built-in virus protection and cloud backup. Though it’s sacrificed a CD or DVD drive to remain light and thin, it has a microphone/headphone jack, HD webcam with a microphone and a built-in microSD card reader, which is an easy way to add some extra storage.

Gaming used to be a much more niche hobby, but with the advent of smartphones, almost everyone plays video games at some point or another. They can be a great way to spend time with the family or turn a party up to 11. And there are plenty of games where you don’t need to teach someone how to use a controller and all of its confusing buttons. In fact, there are some designed specifically with just your smartphone in mind.

There are a lot of online games to choose from — whether you’re a fan of old-school favorites, party games
, escape rooms or exciting board games, there’s likely a virtual option. Here are some of the best online games you can play with friends, no matter what type of experience you’re seeking. We’ll update this list regularly.

Jackbox

Jackbox Games

Best for easy online party games

For us, Jackbox Games is the holy grail of casual online gaming: Its multiplayer party games are simple to learn but still very entertaining to play, and it’s also easy to stream or screen-share games from one device to a group for a virtual game night. Everyone plays through a web browser on their phones, so no apps or consoles are needed. You can even mirror your Android or iOS device to your TV.

Here’s how the Jackbox Party Pack works: One person has to purchase either one of seven Jackbox Party Packs, or one or more individual games, on Steam (for PC, Mac and Linux). The packs contain five games and usually cost $30 each, but sometimes you can find them on sale for less. The packs are also available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and other devices.

After purchasing, you can hop on a video chat through a Zoom call, Skype, Google Hangouts or wherever you prefer for a video call, start the game on your laptop and use the screen-share option so that all the other players on the call can see the screen, too. As mentioned, everyone plays along on their mobile device by using a browser and going to Jackbox.tv, where you’ll be asked to enter a room code.

Other options include using Steam Remote Play Together, Discord screen sharing, sharing through your gaming console, or just setting up a webcam in front of your TV. Jackbox provides information on how to stream its games, too.

Each pack includes a variety of different games that might ask you to answer trivia questions, draw weird doodles or write the best joke. The games are light, humorous and include clear instructions, so they’re easy for the most novice players to pick up. But if you like a little more complexity, this year’s Jackbox Party Pack 8 features games that involve social deduction and hiding clues.

See at Jackbox

InnerSloth

Among Us

Best for deceiving your friends (in good fun, of course)

If you’re a fan of games like Mafia or Werewolf, you’ll love Among Us, an online multiplayer social deduction game from developer InnerSloth. Play as a crew member aboard a spaceship, sky headquarters or planet base, attempting to keep your ship together and return back to Earth with a group of four to 10 people (either those you know IRL or strangers online). But one crew member has been replaced by a parasitic shape-shifting alien who wants to eliminate the rest of the crew before the ship reaches home. Problem is the imposter looks just like everyone else and will sabotage the ship, sneak through vents, deceive fellow players and try to frame others, all in an attempt to remain undetected and kill off the rest of the crew.

Meanwhile, the nonalien crew members must perform tasks to fix up the ship and can’t talk unless a death is reported. Then, the surviving crew can openly debate via chat who they think the imposter is and make their best guess about who to vote off the ship. If the imposter is voted off, the crew wins. But if the group accidentally votes a crew member off, everyone goes back to maintaining the ship until another body is found, and they vote again.

Among Us is free to play on iOS and Android devices (you can download it on the App Store or Google Play Store). Or, it costs $5 to play on a PC (you can download it on Steam or itch.io). One major benefit is that you can play with people seamlessly across platforms.

Be warned: The free mobile version does have ads. Once you download and open the game on your device, you’ll see a pop-up detailing its use of AdMob and data collection. If you want to turn off ads and data collection, you can purchase the ad-free version of the app for $2 by tapping Remove Ads, and following the prompts to select your payment method.

See at InnerSloth

The Escape Game

The Escape Game

Best virtual escape room

Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test with a virtual escape room. Try to solve all of the puzzles and follow the clues to escape the computerized room before time is up, as you would when you play the real-world version.

One option for ages 12 and up is TEG Unlocked: The Heist from The Escape Game. In the two-part game for one to four players, you’ll work as a secret agent trying to thwart a suspected art thief. Each part costs $10, or you can buy all three games and get a 10% discount.

If you’re looking for a more kid-friendly choice, there’s a free Harry Potter-themed escape room created by Peters Township Public Library in McMurray, Pennsylvania, using Google Docs.

See at The Escape Game

Tabletopia/Screenshot by Alison DeNisco Rayome/CNET

Tabletopia

Best virtual board games

If you’re looking to play traditional tabletop board games online, check out Tabletopia, which calls itself an “online arena” for playing more than 900 board games the same way you would in real life. You can play on a desktop browser for Mac or Windows, or download the platform on Steam, the App Store or the Google Play Store.

You’ll find fun classics like chess and Texas Hold ‘Em, or more in-depth options like Scythe and Clans of Caledonia to play. Start your own game with friends, or join a game in progress with open seats. The virtual versions save you from shuffling and some rules interpretation, making it easier to jump into each game.

You can play some fun game options for free with the bronze package, or upgrade to the silver ($5 a month) or gold ($10 a month) package to access premium games.

Another similar option is Tabletop Simulator, which includes classic game options like chess, poker, dominoes, Mahjong and jigsaw puzzles. Create your own original games on the platform, as well as play ones that were created by others.

You’ll see some familiar titles in here, but note that most of those were created by other users, as opposed to actual game developers. You can buy Tabletop Simulator on Steam for Windows and Mac for $20 and then share your screen to play with friends.

See at Tabletopia

Érika García/CNET

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Best for a low-key hangout

Since Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out on Nintendo Switch in 2020, it has taken the video game world world by storm. While you can perform simple tasks like growing fruit, planting trees and designing rooms alone, you can also invite friends to visit your island and go fishing and exploring together. Some familiar characters from the Mario universe have even shown up.

Nintendo released the 2.0 update for New Horizons last November, adding new items and expansions to villager interactions and the game camera. Happy Home Paradise is also available as a paid DLC, allowing players to build vacation homes.

If you don’t have a Switch to play on, you can also check out the mobile version, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp.

Read more: 19 best Animal Crossing: New Horizon tips for Nintendo Switch

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Epic Games

Mobile games: Fortnite, Words with Friends 2, Scrabble GO, Uno & Friends, Draw Something

Best for the time-constrained

You may already be familiar with popular mobile games that you can play with friends anytime. Fortnite, Words with Friends 2, Scrabble GO, Uno & Friends and Draw Something are all great options for simple games that let you keep in touch and sneak in a turn when you have time throughout the day.

If you’re mostly playing solo, you might want to check out a mobile gaming subscription service. Apple Arcade has a library of more than 150 original games including nostalgic favorites Pac-Man Party Royale and Frogger in Toytown, along with new hits such as Crossy Road Castle and Ultimate Rivals: The Rink. For $5 a month, you can play across iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and Apple TV devices.

For Android users, Google Play Pass offers access to more than 350 games including Monument Valley, Risk and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, also for $5 a month.

Read more: Best Game Subscription Services: Here’s How to Choose

See at Epic Games

The Pokemon Company

Pokemon Unite

Best for casual strategy

Pokemon Unite takes the classic Pokemon formula and remixes it as a multiplayer online battle arena, similar to Dota 2 and League of Legends. Players control Pokemon and are tasked with battling both wild and opponent-controlled Pokemon to earn experience and Unite points. Two lanes, at the top and bottom of the map, are punctuated with hoop-like goals for each team, where players can deposit their Unite points to score.

Unite is a great game to play with friends because it simplifies the traditional MOBA elements, making it easier for beginners to jump in. And for fans of Pokemon, Unite still keeps many of the familiar gameplay — leveling up, evolving, learning new moves and using items for a tactical advantage. The game has been downloaded 50 million timesas of last December.

The five-on-five battles in Unite rely on teamwork, so it’s the most fun when you have a friend or four to play alongside. Have a group of five? Team up as a full squad and coordinate your attacks. Got a pair of friends who want in? You can team as the original starters, Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise. Just one friend? Become the dominant duo in your lane by pairing offensive firepower with defensive toughness.

Every Pokemon has its own style, strengths and weaknesses, allowing players to find the character that best suits them. Create a well-rounded team to carve a path to victory, or have fun playing your favorites — the choice is up to you.

Pokemon Unite is available for free on Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android devices.

See at Nintendo

There’s always the option to go as old-school as possible in your virtual gaming: You can find free online versions of some classics like Battleship. You can also work on a crossword puzzle with friends through the Washington Post. Tabletop Simulator, mentioned above, also includes games like chess, poker, dominoes and jigsaw puzzles that you can play with friends if you both buy the platform.

Need more virtual entertainment?

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Steam is one of my favorite gaming platforms — it’s easy to navigate and there are tons of sales. You can play games alone or with friends, and Steam is compatible with third-party controllers. If you know where to look, the service has a lot more to offer than a massive selection of games, bundle deals and ease of use.

Here’s a few tips and tricks every Steam user should know about to get the most out of the platform.

Share your library with friends

If you have a massive gaming library through Steam, it’s possible to share with friends and family. You can select up to five users who can access and use your library across 10 devices that you’ve authorized.

Open the Steam app and click Steam in the top left corner of the screen. Select Settings (Windows) or Preferences (Mac) and choose Family in the side menu. Click the box that says Authorize Library Sharing on this computer.

You can also revoke access by clicking your username in the upper right corner of the Steam app and choosing Account Details in the drop-down menu. From there, scroll down to Family Settings and click Manage Family Library Sharing. Under Sharing Status, click Revoke on any devices or accounts you no longer wish to have access.

Turn on Steam Guard and 2-factor authentication

Steam Guard can serve as a useful tool to provide an additional level of security against unauthorized access. To set it up on the desktop app or browser, click your username in the top right corner. Click Account Details in the drop-down menu and choose Manage Steam Guard under Account Security.

When Steam Guard is enabled, you can have codes sent to your phone or email, as well as deauthorize other computers or devices other than the one you’re currently using that might have saved your login information. Steam recommends sending Guard Codes to your phone to also serve as two-factor authentication.

Set up Family View

Family View can serve as a useful tool for adults who share an account with younger users. The feature lets families customize which parts of Steam are accessible to other users. To get started, log into the Steam account that your child will use, click the Steam menu in the top left corner and choose Settings (Preferences on Mac). Choose the Family tab and click Manage Family View.

• Choose what the protected account can access in Family View like Only Games I Choose or All Games, as well as online content and social features. Once you’re satisfied with your choices, click Next.
• If you selected Only Games I Choose, Steam will generate a list of all your games and you can individually click which games you want PIN-protected.
• Click Next, verify your recovery email address and click Next again.
• Create, enter and re-enter your PIN and click Next. Steam will send a verification code to your recovery email, enter that code when prompted and click Next to finalize the process.

To turn off Family View, return to Manage Family View and click Disable Family View.

How to use Remote Play Together

Steam’s Remote Play feature lets you play local multiplayer games with friends and family. One player owns and runs the game, according to Steam, and up to four players can join in. To find a list of compatible Remote Play games, open the Steam app, click Categories and choose Remote Play under Special Sections.

To start a session, launch your game, make sure your friends are logged in to Steam from their devices and open Steam Overlay in-game. Find your friends list and right-click the names of the people you want to play with, then click Remote Play Together. You can start playing after all your invitees have accepted.

How to make a Library Collection

Steam keeps your games in alphabetical order on the left-hand side of the screen, but if you’ve got a massive library or want even more organization, you can create a Collection. In the Steam app, click Library and choose Collections. Name your collection and choose Create Collection. From there, just drag and drop any games you want to include. The collection will save automatically. Those games will be organized under the name of your collection in the left-hand side menu instead of the larger alphabetical list.

You can also choose Dynamic Collection by following the same steps. Dynamic Collections use filters to create collections that continuously update as you add more games to our library.

Add and play non-Steam games

You can play games that aren’t native to Steam on the platform pretty easily. To add a non-Steam game to your library, open the Steam app and click Add Game in the lower left corner of the screen. From there, click Add a Non-Steam Game.

Steam will open a window that lists all the games found on your device. Check the box next to the game you want to add and click Add Selected Programs. If you don’t see the game you want, click Browse and Steam will expand your search results. Find the program you want and click Open. Make sure the program or game is checked in the Add a Game window and click Add Selected Programs.

You should then be able to see the game or program you added in your alphabetical library list on the left side of the screen. When you click the game, the page will likely have little to no information since it’s not native to steam.

Customize bandwidth

Because Steam uses the internet to download games, getting your gameplay going can take little to no time. But if your internet connection is slow, Steam downloading a game likely won’t leave any download speed for anything else. So, if you want to multitask during a download, you can limit Steam’s download speed.

Click Steam in the top left corner of the app and choose Settings (Preferences on Mac). Click Downloads and then check the box next to Limit Bandwidth To. From there, you can type in your preferred download speed and click OK. You can adjust or remove the limits at any time.

For more information, check out CNET’s review of the Steam Deck and how to install Steam on a Chromebook.