Proton has announced its Black Friday VPN deals and they are good, with the best of the bunch the 50% saving on the full Proton Unlimited privacy suite.

Normally up at $12.99 per month, Proton has slashed its luxury package to $6.49 per month instead. That brings the total price over 12 months down to a considerably more affordable $77.88.

That makes Proton Unlimited the cheapest it's been since Black Friday 2025, and, as low as we've ever seen it.

Proton Unlimited combines the company's top performing VPN with its privacy-first cloud software alternatives to Google. That's docs, photos, spreadsheets, email, cloud storage and more – all encrypted, all ad free.

Proton has also dropped the price of its standalone VPN product as part of its Black Friday offer. You can now pick up Proton VPN for $2.49 per month instead of $2.99 on the two-year deal. Again, that's the best price you'll see all year.

In fact, Proton's offers are the first Black Friday VPN deals we've seen this year to match last year's prices – everyone else's, so far, are more expensive.

Several of the best VPNs have actually increased their price this year or introduced new plans, resulting in their Black Friday offers being far less appealing than usual.

Proton has spent much of 2026 steadily improving its VPN rather than by adding on a bunch of features that you might not want. It has grown its server network, introducing its own version of WireGuard, and focused heavily on performance.

In fact, it's done such a good job of this that, earlier this year, we moved Proton up to to third in our overall VPN rankings.

So, if you are looking for a plain, high quality set of VPN savings for Black Friday, then we highly recommend Proton VPN and Proton Unlimited.

There's no multi-plan confusion, no smoke and mirrors price fluctuations. Just a great price on a quality product that offers a big upgrade to your digital privacy and security. Go give it a try.

NordVPN has released its Black Friday VPN deals. That brings the price of its more premium Complete and Prime plans down by $0.50 per month. That's a saving of $13.50 over 2 years, or $7.50 over 1 year.

Both NordVPN Complete and NordVPN Prime include the company's Next Gen Antivirus, 1TB of secure cloud storage with NordLocker, NordPass password management, call and text protection, and dark web monitoring. The Prime plan adds the CoverOn data removal tool.

With these reductions, a Complete plan on our best VPN overall is now $107.73 for two years, or $89.85 for one. Prime plans come down to $188.73 and $134.85 over the same length plans.

You're not alone in thinking neither reduction seems enticing. It's also disappointing that there's no deal on the Basic plan. But with a Complete plan especially, it's worth considering the sheer number of tools included for the price.

NordVPN remains our best VPN overall for 2026. But, if you're looking for value, its recent price increase would rightfully raise an eyebrow.

It has, in recent months, made several key improvements to its service. Next Gen Antivirus is the headline improvement, expanding its protective focus from just phishing and malware, to scam and spam protection also. Call and Text protection has furthered this too, with the latter recently being added to its iOS offering.

But these improvements aren't why I'd suggest reconsidering your concern at its price. Instead, it's the added functions you should prioritise.

Complete and Prime plans include both password management and secure storage, which most VPNs would only offer one of. Choosing a Prime plan also adds data removal services, something that few VPNs offer whatsoever.

So, while VPNs such as IPVanish and Surfshark might be cheaper Black Friday VPN deals right now, it's worth considering the tools you need before making your final decision.

Disney+ may not have been the only streaming service to increase its prices over the past year, but it certainly stood out for increasing its prices in two consecutive years — first in February 2025 when service added ESPN, and once again in April 2026.

So it was refreshing to see Disney+ introduce a generous 30% discount on its Standard and Premium annual subscription tiers earlier this month — representing a 42% discount compared to 12 months of the full monthly prices.

But be quick if you're looking to take on this offer, as Disney+ will be reverting back to the usual annual subscription prices tomorrow.

Disney+ boasts a rich library of popular TV shows and movies via its own properties like Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, 20th Century and classic animation, as well as a more diverse library via its Hulu content hub.

The platform's recent addition of ESPN in Australia and New Zealand also makes it perfect for US sports fans with its extensive coverage of the NBA, NFL, MLB and more.

Some of the movies you can currently stream on Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand include Toy Story 5, The Devil Wears Prada 2, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, Deadpool & Wolverine and many more.

As for shows, you can also stream the new Marvel series VisionQuest, homegrown miniseries The Clearing and The Artful Dodger. I also recommend Andor, Shogun, The Bear, The Americans, the Scrubs revival and many more.

And of course, a lot of the popular comfort watches like Schitt’s Creek, New Girl, The Office (US), Parks and Recreation and more should make a full 12-month subscription definitely worth your while.

IPVanish has launched its Black Friday deals for 2026, but despite claimed savings up to 85%, the devil is in the details.

Plans now cost $2.19, $2.79, and $3.29 per month for the Essential, Complete, and Advanced plans, respectively, but the eagle-eyed will notice two of these prices are familiar.

That's because these deals are, in fact, a return to the original Essential and Advanced plan prices from before IPVanish’s recent plan restructure, earlier in October 2026.

The new plans do, however, bring some improvements. The most notable is IPVanish's Next Gen Antivirus, which is added to the prior benefits of 1TB of cloud storage, 5GB of eSIM data, and a secure browser on the Advanced plan. Plus all the VPN features that have long put IPVanish in the mix as one of the best VPNs.

IPVanish is among the few VPNs to ever top our best VPNs list. Now, it's taking a new approach in the hope of returning to #1.

The US-based provider's new mission is to help users 'Control Your Digital World', and at its heart is that new Next Gen Antivirus.

It's built with the same engine used in VIPRE AV products. AV-Comparatives testing in March saw the VIPRE Advanced Security engine achieve a 99.91% protection rate against 10,000 malware samples.

IPVanish has also recently completed a ground-up rebuild of its server network which it claims will increase speeds by up to 41% at peak times. While we haven't re-tested it yet, this would be a welcome upgrade after IPVanish only managed 742 Mbps download speeds using WireGuard in its last run out in our labs.

Regardless of its testing results, or its lack of savings compared to earlier this year, an IPVanish Advanced plan is still one of the cheapest VPN deals you'll find that include so many added extras.

It also offers the most cloud storage of any VPN plan we recommend, plus it's one of the few VPNs to offer eSIM data too.

So, while we recommend caution in picking up this deal too soon, it's certainly one to consider once we have a broader idea of this year's Black Friday VPN deals.

PIA has launched Halloween savings on its two-year plan, dropping its price to under $50 for 24 months of protection, with two extra months included.

That makes it $1.89 per month which is 30 cents cheaper than it'd normally cost at $2.19. It also makes it even cheaper than Surfshark ($2.49/month), which is our usual recommend best cheap VPN.

PIA is among the most customisable VPNs available, perfect if you're a tinkerer looking to refine your VPN connection. But, it also hosts an interface simple enough that any beginner could use it on their phone, tablet, or TV, without risk of confusion.

Only CyberGhost ($1.99/month) and PrivadoVPN ($1.11/month) offer reliable VPN experiences for as little or less over two years. But neither of those has unlimited device connections like PIA, nor do they have anywhere near PIA's 166 server locations – handy for both streaming options and speed of connection.

After what felt like years without improvement, PIA raised the bar in recent weeks by adding 22 new streaming-optimized servers and 15 new locations to its network.

That might not quite match the extra malware, phishing and other scam protection features getting added by the likes NordVPN and Surfshark, but it's a welcome reminder to users that PIA remains an active player in the privacy software market.

Plus, unlike many of these other VPN providers, PIA has never found itself in any hot water to taint its longstanding and trusted reputation.

PIA has also kept its price nice and low year on year. This Halloween special makes it an even better time to give it a ghoul.

Surfshark has announced its Black Friday VPN deal for 2026, becoming the first of our top VPN recommendations to do so.

As of now, Surfshark has dropped its mid-tier Surfshark One plan down to the same price as its lower level Starter plan. So, you'll pay the same as a subscription to the bottom-tier Surfshark Starter but get all the extras that One brings instead.

So, instead of just getting VPN access alongside Alternative ID, you also get Surfshark's Scam Protection, Antivirus, and dark web alert tools.

The discount is currently available across Surfshark's '12 month'- and '24 month'-plans. Both plans have an extra 3 months at the moment, which turns them into 15-month and 27-month subscriptions.

On the 15-month subscription, Surfshark One costs $2.99 per month (instead of the usual $3.59) or you can sign up for 27 months and pay $2.49 per month (instead of $2.79).

That's savings of $9 and $8.10 for the two plans respectively which, interestingly, makes the shorter plan the one with the bigger discount. Monthly subscribers don't benefit from any discount at the time of writing.

Note: All prices are in US$ but are available globally. Your local currency will be displayed on Surfshark's website.

Surfshark One – the plan I always recommend

Surfshark's One plan is the tier I recommend to friends and family, regardless of whether it's on sale or not.

That's because you get the best of Surfshark's tools without paying too much.

The advantage of the top tier Surfshark One+ plan is the Incogni data removal service but that bumps the price up to $3.99 per month, or $107.73 in total, making it over $40 more expensive, and many people simply won't need it.

A Surfshark One plan is also cheaper than the equivalent plans from other providers. For example, NordVPN Basic costs $94.23, while ExpressVPN starts at $83.72, and neither has the range of features you'll find in Surfshark One.

That said, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer more robust security than Surfshark. So, it's worth considering what your priorities are before choosing between the various VPN deals currently available.

It's also worth noting that this isn't actually the best Black Friday deal we've seen from Surfshark in the past. In fact, a Surfshark One plan has already been down at this price in 2026.

So, it's worth keeping an eye on the best Black Friday VPN deals in case larger savings arrive closer to Black Friday on November 27.

All the same, if you're already a Surfshark customer, and you like this VPN, it's worth resubscribing while this deal's on and adding more cheaper time to your contract. You won't find a lower price for a long time.

There are few gaming headsets that I would consider to be best-in-class offerings, but the Sony Inzone H6 Air is a rare example of one. It's the best-sounding open-back gaming headset that I've ever tested, with crisp and clean audio that elevates everything from first-person shooters to narrative-based action games.

It's pretty well-positioned at full price, but has now become even greater value thanks to a massive Amazon Prime Day saving: it's now just $168 (was $199.99) at Amazon – a new lowest-ever price for the retailer.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

The deals continue across the pond as well. In the UK, you can find the Inzone H6 Air for just £139 (was £179) at Amazon – another lowest-ever price. That UK offer only has a few hours to go, though, so snap it up while you still can.

Today's best open-back gaming headset deals

My full five-star Sony Inzone H6 Air review outlines exactly what's so good about this headset. I said that it "raises the bar for open-back gaming audio, with a winning combination of incredible comfort and pristine audio underpinned by studio-grade drivers."

It's also "incredibly lightweight" at just 7oz / 199g, which contributes to just how good it feels to wear. Importantly, it doesn't feel cheap thanks to its combination of rugged aluminium and cloth materials.

More Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.36
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $28
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $89
• Smartwatches: up to 36% off Garmin & Apple
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $49

More Prime Day deals in the UK

• Amazon Prime: get a 30-day free trial
• Amazon Devices: up to 67% off Fire, Ring & Blink
• Amazon Haul: extra 15% off for Prime members
• Appliances: up to 40% off Ninja & De'Longhi
• Beauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-B
• Essentials: cleaning & groceries from £2
• Fashion: up to 50% off
• Gaming: record-low Nintendo Switch 2
• Headphones: up to 50% off Anker & Sony
• Laptops: up to £800 off Microsoft & Asus
• Tablets: up to 50% off Fire tablets
• TVs: from £129.99
• Vacuums: up to 50% off Shark & Dyson
• Wearables: Samsung & Oura from £31

You need far more than a VPN to protect your data online. Password managers, antivirus software, and secure cloud storage are also key to ensuring your personal data doesn't end up in the wrong hands.

Unfortunately, many of the best VPNs only offer a couple of these necessities, while those that do them all, like NordVPN, charge a lot for the additional access. Luckily, TechRadar's exclusive deal with Norton VPN solves this.

A Norton VPN Plus plan starts from $3.49 per month — the same price you'd pay for basic NordVPN access. But with Norton, you get its antivirus, password management, dark web monitoring, and 10GB of cloud storage included alongside the VPN.

The only VPN that rivals Norton for value right now is Surfshark. However, at $2.79 per month, a Surfshark One plan doesn't include password management and secure storage like Norton does.

What's more, Norton VPN is one of the fastest-evolving VPNs on the market today. Twelve months ago, it offered only 5 device connections, had several bugs on iOS, and only included a few additional features. Now, you get a full security suite for less than $3.50 per month, and we expect the improvements to keep coming.

That means by signing up now, you could pay $3.49/month for a VPN that looks and feels even better by the time your plan ends. Plus, it'll likely still be cheaper than NordVPN.

If you're unsure, Norton VPN also comes with the benefit of a huge 60-day money-back guarantee. That means you have the best part of two months to decide if you're entirely happy, and if not, you can get your money back, risk-free.

We’ve reached a point where subscribing to all the various video streaming services has become outrageously expensive — so it’s a very welcome move to see Disney+ handing out a generous discount on its annual subscription tiers.

The move is unexpected to say the least and I, for one, am jumping on this opportunity so I can catch up (and rewatch) my favourite shows. In fact, this discount is similar to what we saw during November last year, when Disney+ offered a Black Friday discount, but the subscription tiers were also cheaper at the time (the prices have since gone up).

This offer won't last till Black Friday 2026 though — it's available to new and returning customers only until October 21. So don't miss out.

I’ve previously subscribed to Disney+, but had to cancel because costs began to spiral. Nevertheless, some of the shows I managed to watch earlier this year have made it to my all-time favourites list, and its recent addition of ESPN in Australia and New Zealand (for my fix of NBA and NFL games) means it has also become one of my must-have services. Throw in a still-lengthy watchlist of shows and movies, and the timing of this Disney+ deal couldn’t be more perfect.

If you haven’t subscribed to Disney+ before, the service in Australia and New Zealand isn’t exclusive to the family-friendly content the studio is famous for. Apart from ESPN, the platform has a more diverse library via its Hulu content hub for more grown-up shows and movies, including the historical epic Shogun and the recent revival of Scrubs.

Of course, there’s also Disney properties like Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, 20th Century and classic animation if you’re a fan of those too.

Joining Shogun and Scrubs in my top three favourite Disney+ shows is Andor, a spy thriller set in the Star Wars universe that precedes the events of the original films. Here’s why I recommend watching these shows once you subscribe to Disney+ to make it worth shelling out for a full year.

Shogun (2024-ongoing)

Set in feudal Japan in 1600, Shogun is based on a novel (and later a miniseries in 1980) that’s loosely based on how European interests and internal conflicts brought about the reestablishment of the Shogun as Japan’s main head of state.

It’s a fantastic show for history buffs, but it also has riveting storytelling, brilliant acting performances and, well, a lot (and I mean a lot) of blood and gore. That said, it’s not suitable for younger viewers, but if you’re of appropriate age and interested in the time period, setting and characters inspired by real-life historical figures, you’re in for a treat. We’ve also named it one of the best shows of 2024.

This Disney+ deal comes at a great time, as you’d be able to catch season two, which is likely to premiere sometime in early to mid-2027, and still have plenty of time to watch season one beforehand.

Scrubs (2001-2010, 2026-ongoing)

Hospital dramas have had a recent resurgence in the cultural zeitgeist with the popularity of HBO Max’s The Pitt, and it has also been one of my favourite shows of the past year. On the flipside, the hospital-based sitcom Scrubs has also seen a revival earlier this year, featuring most of the core cast of characters.

First premiering in 2001, Scrubs was one of my favourite shows growing up and I’ve always loved its surreal comedy, slapstick gags and heartfelt moments throughout its original run. The characters are lovable and the jokes still mostly hold up well, making the show a fantastic watch to this day.

What makes the show relevant now is its revival that premiered in February 2026, bringing the characters to the present day. Scrubs has kept the same balance of zaniness and seriousness from the original run, as well as some new characters that are also just as lovable.

All of the original seasons and season one of the revival are readily available on Disney+, while season 2 is already underway with two episodes live and the third premiering on Wednesday, October 8.

Andor (2022-2025)

Andor has made such a big impression on me when I first watched the Star Wars-based show earlier this year — so much so that it has become my most rewatched TV show.

Set in the five years before the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story from 2016 — which itself is a prequel to the classic Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

This show stands apart from the rest of the Star Wars universe as, in my opinion, the best one so far, and I like it so much more than even the original trilogy. The dialogue and writing are the absolute standouts of this show, and the acting, cinematography and soundtrack have made Andor my all-time favourite TV show, beating the likes of other prestige TV dramas like Better Call Saul, Succession and Mad Men on my personal list.

Andor only has two seasons, but I’ve found it to be very rewatchable and this deal on the annual subscription means I can conveniently put the show on whenever I feel like doing another rewatch until I finally get tired of it.

It’s a lot more family-friendly than Shogun above, but the political themes and slow-burn narrative structure mean this show may not be interesting enough for kids despite Star Wars’ reputation as a family-friendly property. I would instead recommend Star Wars Rebels, which is set around the same time frame as Andor.

Whether you’re a Star Wars fan or not, and if you enjoy watching spy thrillers, political dramas and sci-fi with excellent writing and dialogue, Andor is worth your consideration.

And don’t just take my word for it — my colleague Tom Power gave seasons one and two 4.5 out of 5 stars each in his reviews and even named it one of the best shows of 2025, and it has even landed the 32nd spot in the New York Times best TV shows of the 21st century list and even higher at 22 on the readers’ edition of the list.

Also consider

Other TV shows worth considering include some that are in my watch list, including Atlanta (2016-2022), The Americans (2013-2018), Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020) and more. For the ones I’ve already seen, I can also recommend WandaVision (2021), New Girl (2011-2018), The Office US (2005-2013), Parks and Recreation (2009-2015), to name a few.

Celebrity Traitors Season 2 arrives October 1, but if you're travelling and at risk of missing out, you needn't worry.

BBC iPlayer is the free home of the popular UK series, meaning if you're a UK resident on holiday, you'll be stuck without due to the BBC limiting access to only those on home soil. Thankfully, a VPN can fix this, and I've found the cheapest way to ensure you don't miss out on the chaos: PrivadoVPN.

PrivadoVPN ranks among the fastest VPNs we've tested and offers the best free VPN alternative too. But, more importantly, it's also a top streaming VPN for BBC iPlayer.

When I tried using PrivadoVPN to watch the last series of Celebrity Traitors, it was flawless. I connected to a UK server quickly, and never experienced any buffering or dropouts.

What's more, unlike alternatives such as NordVPN, PrivadoVPN costs only $1.11 per month. This means you can get two years of stress-free streaming access for only $30. That's over $60 less than an equivalent NordVPN plan.

PrivadoVPN's streaming performance excels beyond iPlayer too. We put it through rigorous testing with global Netflix libraries, Prime Video, Disney+, and more, and, compared to far more expensive alternatives, it proved effective.

Its biggest hurdle was Prime Video which, like many VPNs, it failed with altogether. Aside from that, it worked with all the global and local streaming services we tested it with, despite its budget price. This is helped by its servers in 49 countries being regularly optimized for streaming.

NymVPN's latest update has shaken up its entire pricing structure. Two-year plans are completely gone, and, oddly, some prices have gone up, but, with the product better than ever before, it may be time to take notice.

NymVPN has rapidly been maturing. Most recently, its v2026.12 update added improved connection stability on WireGuard and a simpler onboarding experience to its deliberately complex VPN architecture.

All the best VPNs use complex security methods to ensure your data is never at risk, but NymVPN's mixnet takes this one step further.

Data you send from your device bounces between five different servers, and is encrypted at each, before exiting at the designated end server. In short, it adds five times the number of steps of additional security to your connection before sending you where you desire online. The idea is that it makes you next to impossible to identify and track.

Before subscriptions to NymVPN were for 1 month, 1 year or 2 years but they company has now switched that around by axing the 2-year plan and adding in a 6 month version.

Monthly plans are comparatively cheap for the VPN industry at $8 per month. That's about half what you'd pay for NordVPN, for example. Equally, at $4 per month, the 1-year plans are also good value.

And the 6-month plan is smack in the middle at $6/month.

Is NymVPN only good for security?

NymVPN's security technology is among the most sophisticated available. There are no other VPNs that run a decentralized noise-generating mixnet, but that doesn't mean that it lacks any of the more consumer-friendly features.

It offers over 70 server locations, split tunnelling capabilities, kill switch protection, obfuscation technology, and streaming unblocking.

When we completed our NymVPN review, back in 2024, at the time of its launch, far fewer of these capabilities were deemed possible. Now, its combination of security and functionality makes NymVPN a must-watch VPN over the coming months.

If you want a more mature product right away, then one of the very best VPNs might suit you better.

NordVPN, for example, performs best for overall performance. Surfshark is the best cheap VPN available, and Proton VPN is the next best thing if you're looking for privacy.

Either way, Nym is a sure-fire up-and-comer, and not a VPN to ignore.

September isn't the greatest month for VPN deals. Black Friday is around the corner and, generally speaking, the big bargains are to be had from late October onwards. But, if you need a subscription now, then, no problem. There are still one or two real deals to be had, including this one from Private Internet Access.

The average base price for PIA sits at $2.18 which very much puts it in the category for a cheap VPN – cheap but very good. That's for the 27-month plan, which then works out as around $57, all in.

Instead, right now, you can pick up this VPN for $1.79 as the lowest per-month price. But, make sure to pay attention because things aren't quite as straightforward as they seem.

This $1.79 per month price is possible because PIA is offering a longer subscription. It's for 39 months, instead of 2 years. So, the overall cost – which, bear in mind, you need to pay up front – is more than the above. It's $69.81.

Now, if you ask me, that's a pretty good deal given that PIA is a TechRadar recommended VPN and that the extra year's service is pretty cheap at about $12.

But, what I really like about this deal is that the auto-renew price is exactly the same. So, no nasty surprises if you forget to cancel in 3.5 years' time.

That's important because, like a lot of subscription services, many of the top VPNs have some eye-watering auto-renew prices. Windscribe, Mullvad and, with this deal, PIA are some of the ones that don't.

PIA is a particularly good choice for people looking to do some torrenting. There are good safety features to keep you protected while you use P2P networks and it's very configurable if you want to maximise you download/upload speeds too.

At this time of year, the only other VPN deal out there of note is Windscribe's Back to School offer which is still live despite the intended September 14 deadline.

But, like we say, if you've got your heart set on a different product, and you can wait another four weeks, you'll probably find more options.

This is one of the best Squarespace discounts I’ve seen in years. Right now, you can save an impressive 50% off your Squarespace subscription with code SQSP50.

To access the discount, simply select an annual plan and then enter the code when you check out.

Squarespace is ranked as one of our best website builders, thanks largely to its excellent design features, business tools, and ease of use. I’ve spent a lot of time using and researching Squarespace over the past 3 years, and this is one of the biggest discounts I have ever seen the platform offer.

Is Squarespace right for you?

Due to a heavy emphasis on website aesthetics, Squarespace is a natural choice for creative types such as photographers, musicians, and artists. However, it is also a favorite among businesses that want a website that really wows visitors.

In recent years, the platform has expanded beyond a simple drag-and-drop website creator, rolling out a full AI website builder along with helpful business tools such as appointment scheduling, memberships, and extensive ecommerce features.

Although Squarespace isn’t the cheapest option on the market, for those who will use at least one or two of its built-in business tools, it offers fantastic value for money along with a name you can trust.

Picking a plan and getting 50% off

Squarespace offers a range of plans spanning from its entry-level ‘Basic’ plan to its premium ‘Advanced’ plan, with the 50% discount only being available on the ‘Core’ plan and above. Although you can sell on all plans, dedicated online stores are better off considering the ‘Core’, ‘Plus’, or ‘Advanced’ plans, all of which offer advanced ecommerce features.

To get your 50% discount, select an annual plan and enter promo code SQSP50 at checkout.

Although this is a good deal, it won’t carry over into your second billing cycle. So, it is important to take some time to assess whether the renewal rate will still work for you once the initial period is over.

Proton's Unlimited plan has dropped $120, making now the cheapest time to ditch Google entirely, should you wish.

The plan includes everything you'd expect from Google's privacy-unfriendly suite: Docs, Drive, Calendar, Mail, Sheets, and so on. But, it also throws in extras such as Proton VPN, one of the best VPNs available, and Proton Pass, a premium password manager which includes the super-handy email aliasing feature.

Normally, the Proton Unlimited bundle costs $12.99 per month over two years, billed as $311.76.

This deal brings a 38% discount, making it $7.99/month. That saves $120, bringing the total 2-year cost to $191.76.

Unlike Google's suite, all of Proton's tools are end-to-end encrypted and ad-free. This means whatever you send, upload, or create is protected from snoopers looking to intercept your information to use maliciously or sell online.

This is the lowest Proton Unlimited price we've seen in 2026 but we don't know how long it'll last. So, if you're interested, sign up now to lock in the deal, and you can always make use of Proton's 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.

While ditching Google entirely might seem scary, Proton is taking steps to make it as simple as possible.

Its 'Easy Switch' tool sits at the heart of this. It allows you to sign into your old email account, from which Proton automatically pulls information such as your emails, contacts, and calendar.

Files aren't quite so slick but Proton has guides for transferring from services such as Google Drive, OneDrive and more to help you get started.

I've used Proton's privacy suite for nearly two years now. Since the addition of Meet and Sheets (alongside Calendar, Docs, Drive, Mail, Pass and Wallet) it now feels more like Google Workspace than ever, and it's all far more secure.

All of the tools included can be signed up for separately. Most are pricey on their own but the Unlimited bundle makes it really good value.

The Legend of Zelda fans rejoice! The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Celebration stream gave us a deluge of announcements all about the iconic action-adventure series, including the reveal of a shiny special edition Nintendo Switch 2 console.

Latest availability

• US: preorder console for $519.99 at Amazon
• UK: preorder console for £499.99 at Amazon
• UK: preorder console + game for £494.85 at ShopTo

We anticipate the console to be in extremely high demand, not only as the first proper special edition Nintendo Switch 2 to hit the market but also thanks to its status as a tie-in with one of Nintendo's biggest franchises.

It's also an absolute stunner, with special green Joy-Con 2 controllers, a gold and black dock, and loads of little details sure to delight Zelda fans.

The Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition system officially launches on October 29, 2026, and pre-orders have been live at various retailers for some time now — and it's already selling out at most stores.

Still, we've put this page together to help you get your hands on the console with any restock and availability updates — plus links to pick up the matching Nintendo Switch 2 Controller and the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake to go alongside it.

The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary Edition console preorders — US

• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at Amazon
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at the Nintendo Store
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at Best Buy
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at Target

The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary Edition controller preorders — US

• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at the Nintendo Store
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder soon at Best Buy

The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary Edition console preorders — UK

• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder for £434 at Currys
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder for £499.99 at Amazon
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition + Ocarina of Time: preorder for £494.85 at ShopTo
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder for £429.99 at Argos
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder for £429.99 at the Nintendo Store
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder for £429.99 at Very
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder for £429.99 at Smyths Toys
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: check stock at the Nintendo Store

The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary Edition console preorders — Australia

• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at the Nintendo Store for $799.95
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at the Nintendo Store for $149.95
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: preorder now for $109.95

Miss the anniversary live stream?

You can check out the video-on-demand version below or keep scrolling for some top questions answered.

FAQ

Price comparison

Here are the latest prices for the regular Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller for the purposes of price comparison.

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launches for Switch 2 on November 5
• The first print run is getting 'special textured foil packaging'
• Preorders are still available at the Nintendo Store and other retailers

Nintendo just gave us a closer look at the upcoming Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in a special presentation to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the series, and at the same time, confirmed the release date.

The big news for collectors, though, is that the first run of the physical edition will feature special textured foil packaging, so here's where you can secure your sparkly copy with a preorder ahead of release on November 5.

The official store opened up preorders first in all regions, and then several other retailers followed shortly after. Stock still seems to be holding well, but I have seen physical copies sell out in some stores, so I'm continuing to keep an eye on availability and share updates for you get.

And while it's extremely unlikely that it will completely sell out ahead of launch, given that the special cover is limited to this initial print run, it's best to be safe if you want to add a copy to your collection.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time preorders — US quick links

• Amazon: preorder for $59.88
• Walmart: preorder for $59.88
• Nintendo Store: preorder for $69.99
• Best Buy: preorder for $69.99
• GameStop: preorder for $69.99
• Target: preorder for $69.99

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time preorders — UK quick links

• Amazon UK: preorder for £59.99
• ShopTo: preorder for £54.85
• Currys: preorder for £54.99
• Argos: preorder for £59.99
• Smyths Toys: preorder for £59.99
• Very: preorder for £59.99
• The Game Collection: preorder for £59.95
• Game: preorder for £54.99
• Nintendo Store: preorder for £58.99

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time preorders — AU quick links

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: preorder now for $109.95
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at the Nintendo Store
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at the Nintendo Store

As for the limited-edition Nintendo Switch 2 console and Pro Controller that were announced during the livestream, preorders for both of those have now started as well, ahead of the launch on October 29. Stick with our coverage through the link above for live updates on availability, as those products are selling out super-fast.

You probably have tens, if not hundreds of passwords floating around across all the online accounts you use every week. In fact, the average person has over 150 passwords. It's not easy to remember them all, making it more attractive to keep them simple and similar - but that can lead to a serious chain of account theft.

That's why password managers like Keeper exist. They generate strong passwords and store them passwords in a secured vault to keep them safe from hackers and prying eyes. They even autofill your credentials to make logging in to your account faster and easier.

Keeper has cut prices on its personal, family, and business starter plans by up to 50%. Keeper regularly scores highly in our reviews, and includes great features across Personal, Family, and Business plans.

Why we recommend Keeper

Our Keeper review highlights the platform's zero knowledge architecture and device level encryption that helps keep your password vault secured against unwanted intrusions.

Where Keeper really shone was in our usability and convenience testing. We loved how Keeper uses biometric security to access your vault, rather than requiring a master password with each log in. By using a facial scan or fingerprint to verify that its actually you accessing your vault, it adds a fast but secure method of verification to ensure its you, and not a nefarious actor.

For households, the Family Plan includes five private vaults, allowing you to quickly share Wi-Fi or streaming passwords using Keeper's shared vaults.

The Business Starter plan covers 5 users, covering an unlimited devices, shared team folders, user activity reporting for IT admins, and a free Family Plan for every team member.

These discounts apply to the first year only, so the value is highest for new customers or anyone switching from a monthly plan. After that, pricing goes back to standard rates.

Windscribe has reduced its annual plan from $69 to $39 upfront ($3.25/month), just in time for the new academic year.

The plan includes unlimited simultaneous connections — a feature missing from competitors like NordVPN or Proton — along with a built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker.

Its user-friendly apps are available across desktop, mobile, and many smart TVs, so it can cover everything you need: whether you're securing public Wi-Fi in the library or streaming back in the dorm.

Crucially, this isn't a first-year teaser rate. You'll be billed $39 every 12 months for as long as you keep the subscription active, avoiding the steep renewal price hikes standard across the VPN industry.

Few premium VPNs match this pricing, particularly when accounting for renewal costs. For example, NordVPN's one-year plans start at $65.88, over $20 more, and renew at $139 per year. It's a similar story when you look at the likes of Surfshark and ExpressVPN, too.

It's also among the fastest VPNs we reviewed during our most recent tests, achieving over 2,000 Mbps over WireGuard. Plus, it reliably unblocks major streaming platforms and bypasses regional internet blocks.

If you're not keen on Windscribe but want to keep top speeds, PrivadoVPN is another top choice that achieved over 2000 Mbps in testing. Equally, for streaming performance, no VPN performed better than NordVPN with global services this time around.

If you want to test it first, Windscribe offers a solid free tier. While bandwidth and server locations are capped, it gives you a risk-free way to test the interface before upgrading.

Surfshark's latest deal shows why it's long been our best cheap VPN. Its One plan, the best-value option, is down to $67.23 for a two-year subscription, saving you nearly $10 upfront.

This is the lowest price we've seen since Surfshark adjusted its prices a couple of months ago and likely the best deal available until Black Friday.

The One plan offers several key features alongside the VPN including Antivirus, Dark Web Monitoring, and Scam Protection. At $2.49 per month, this Surfshark deal is actually $1 cheaper per month than NordVPN’s entry-level tier alone — saving you roughly $27 over the plan.

Tempted? You've only got 3 days left to claim; the offer ends on August 31, when the price will return to $2.79/month.

Surfshark remains among the best VPNs I've tested in 2026. It delivers over 1,000 Mbps download speeds over WireGuard, unblocks most top streaming services with ease, and offers plenty of extra features to protect your data online.

While the recent price hike was noticeable, it remains the best cheap VPN out there. What's more, despite its extensive feature list, the app is simple enough for beginners on any platform.

If you're after superior performance, be prepared for a higher price tag. NordVPN, our best VPN overall, starts at $94.23 for 27 months, $27 more than Surfshark. Meanwhile, Proton VPN is $83.76 for 24 months and ExpressVPN is $83.72 for 28 months, both over $16 more.

While higher-tier competitors offer minor improvements in raw speed, privacy, or unblocking capabilities, you'll rarely notice the difference during everyday browsing. So why pay the extra?

One of the worst parts about getting scammed is the shame, and that shame just plays into the hands of the crooks. If we don't spread the personal stories, then no one gets warned. So, good on Les Howard who told his story of getting QR code scammed to the BBC earlier this week.

Les, quite understandably, feel victim to what's widely known in the security industry as quishing (QR phishing). Les scanned a QR code that he thought was to pay for his parking, downloaded the app, put in his card details and then watched as chunks of cash were removed from his account day after day. Not great.

There are a number of different ways that QR scams work. Les Howard experienced the fake app routine, but it could just have easily been a link to a fake website, mocked up to look exactly like the real one. AI can work marvels these days when it comes to creating duplicate web pages.

You can just as easily get done by the QR scanner apps themselves, which will take a legitimate QR and send you anywhere it wants to, adding all sorts of other links or scraping the details that you send through.

Now, this doesn't mean that we shouldn't use QR codes. We just need to be a bit more careful about it. The two most important pieces of advice are to use the QR scanner that comes baked into your phone's camera app, if you have one, and, second, use a QR code checker app to make sure what you're scanning isn't a scam.

There are free online tools for the job, such as Is This QR Safe and DNS Checker but they also come bundled in with other tools such as antivirus and VPNs. Kaspersky antivirus has a QR code scammer. The VPN to choose to get one is IPVanish.

The IPVanish QR code checker – like all good QR code checkers – loads a live version of the destination page, rather than just relying on domain blacklists that may not be up to date.

It checks all the facets of the page for anything malicious, and follows any redirects that may be trying to throw it off the scent, until it's sure the QR code is safe. If all is well, it presents you with the page and allows you to continue. If not, you'll be told it's a scam code. Pretty simple stuff from the user end.

We rate IPVanish as solid, 4-star VPN. It's only short of the very best VPNs on features like server count and some streaming service unblocking that's not a priority for this use case.

In terms of QR code checking and other security features, it's right up there. So, if you're VPN-curious and definitely want in on a QR code checker, then give it a go.

If a QR code checker is all you want, though, then make sure to take some of those free options above for a spin, instead, before you settle on which one to use full time.

The new Pixel 11 series may be introducing several software improvements to Google's flagship phones, but there's little to be said about online security.

Pixel VPN by Google has been around for years but no major changes have been released recently. So which tool should you pick instead?

The best VPNs are often expensive and have lots of features you might not use. IPVanish, by contrast, is among the cheapest VPNs available, and offers exactly what you need to protect your data online.

It's only $2.19 per month over two years, paid as $52.56 upfront. For that price, you get unlimited simultaneous connections, solid WireGuard connection speeds, and even 3GB of eSIM data to help you travel securely over the summer months.

Having tested IPVanish several times recently, it remains among my favorite Android VPNs to use and recommend to beginners.

The app looks like it could be something out of a Bond movie with its green and black military-like design. You're greeted with a large connect button, easy access to other tools, and VPN settings that are clearly laid out for beginners

If you're after supreme speeds, there may be better options. It achieved 740 Mbps over WireGuard in our May 2026 testing cycle, which is fast enough but slower than the very fastest VPNs.

As a streaming VPN, IPVanish performed solidly. However, we did encounter some issues with Prime Video, US YouTube and Disney+ Canada. That said, it performed far better than many others.

For the absolute best experience right now, your best alternatives are NordVPN, Proton VPN, or Surfshark, though be prepared to pay considerably more for these right now.

Despite the heatwaves, the back-to-school season is fast approaching. Thankfully, ExpressVPN's latest price drop gives you the security you need for longer — and for less — in time for the fall semester.

ExpressVPN's two-year plans now start at only $2.99/month (previously $3.49), equivalent to $83.72 in total. It also now comes with 4 months extra included, saving you $14 over the 28 months.

ExpressVPN ranks as the most secure VPN we've tested, perfect if you're looking to keep yourself safe while diving into research for your latest project.

With a more expensive plan, you can also access secure AI, identity defense tools, password management, and email spoofing capabilities.

The deal means ExpressVPN is currently cheaper than NordVPN and on par with ProtonVPN, both of which are normally cheaper.

That said, this isn't ExpressVPN's best-ever deal. In the past, its price has dropped as low as $2.49/month. However, there's no guarantee these deals will return. The current sale is available until September 9.

I've tested VPNs for years and think ExpressVPN is one of the best options for your studies. Here are a few features you should make sure to check out:

• ExpressKeys: Password management, password health checks, and secure notes storage. Perfect if you need to remember logins for research sites, internal systems, and more.
• ExpressMailGuard: Alias email domain creator. Ideal if you need to sign up for websites for research purposes and don't want to worry about the spam emails once you leave college.
• VPN protection: A secure, encrypted tunnel to the internet. Access servers in 113 countries, stay protected from malicious sites, and protect all your devices, no matter if its for working, gaming, or streaming.

Seeing the red 'limited-time deal' banner on some DDR5 RAM at Amazon should elicit some excitement given the rarity of price cuts lately. But when you click through and see the price for this 32GB Corsair Vengeance kit, you'll wonder if there's genuinely a deal here at all — and other wannabe buyers aren't wholly convinced, either.

"It's 'only' 4x the price it should be," wrote one user named Technikal on HotUKDeals, a community that shares deals from across the web and asks the community to vote whether they think they are hot or cold. "The current average is 5x," he continues, "so, in that sense it's a good deal...I guess."

A muted response, that's for sure. And while it may be true that the deal price of the RAM kit is technically one of the lowest prices available right now, it's so far from the much lower prices we saw before the RAM crisis turned buying memory for your PC into a depressing exercise.

"Blimey, just checked my receipt for mine from 2 years ago - cost £85..." says another HotUKDeals user named Jacko_1975.

In fact, even just a year ago, this very same RAM kit was available for £99.99 when it wasn't even on sale, according to price history information from Keepa.

Given that, it's no surprise that shoppers have reacted negatively to Amazon's flash deal. Unfortunately, though, it doesn't look like things are getting any better when it comes to RAM prices. A report from Samsung suggests the RAM crisis is just getting started, and it could extend to other components in the near future.

If you're looking at these deals and are trying to convince yourself to purchase any RAM in the near future, we've got a PC gaming expert delivering advice on what to do if you're considering buying memory, a GPU, or other components.

Sadly, the news is grim, and these prices could be with us for a while yet. So, yes, it may be difficult to feel happy about seeing supposed RAM deals like this, but from what I'm seeing and hearing, I don't think they're going to get any better, either.

It’s official: TechRadar readers want VPN pricing to change. In a recent set of polls, 54% of TechRadar readers said price jumps were the most annoying part of VPN subscriptions, while a whopping 97% said they’d rather pay a flat fee than a discounted rate that rises later on.

The problem is that many of the best VPNs don’t work this way. Most opt for a reduced rate that increases at the end of the fixed plan. And while some providers offer an end-of-plan offer, it isn’t guaranteed.

One VPN that breaks this mould is Mullvad VPN. It costs €5 per month, every month.

Its price hasn't changed since it launched way back in 2009. What’s more, if you’d like to keep your payment anonymous, it allows cash payments, which require no identification whatsoever.

Mullvad's single price does mean it is more expensive per month than options offering an initial discount. NordVPN, for example, costs $3.49/month initially, over a dollar less, but you're faced with a $80+ price rise at the end of two years, and you pay the whole fee upfront.

Mullvad gives you greater control of your payments; no price rises, and performance that rivaled the very best VPNs in our March 2026 testing.

It achieved 2,308 Mbps using WireGuard in our speed testing, second only to PrivadoVPN. It also proved to be reasonably effective with streaming services. It struggled with Disney+ and Prime Video in some regions, but was flawless with global Netflix libraries and local services such as BBC iPlayer.

Compared to other VPNs, Mullvad does fall short on additional security features. It lacks capabilities such as antivirus, password management, or dark web monitoring to secure you outside of the VPN. For these features, you'd need to look to VPNs such as NordVPN or Surfshark.

Wanna have your own say? The polls are still open, so feel free to leave your vote and let us know why in the comments below.

Multiple studies have found that the average person has over 150 passwords. As a password security expert, I regularly recommend that every single password people use should be both unique and strong - but this adds the problem of being able to remember each one, or store them securely.

Password managers are designed for this exact reason. They store your passwords in encrypted vaults and autofill your credentials as and when you need them. For this very reason, Keeper is one of our most highly rated password managers.

Right now, Keeper has cut prices on its personal, family, and business starter plans by up to 50%, providing an affordable password management solution that can store and generate your passwords, while also providing convenient features for securely sharing regularly used household or business passwords.

Why we recommend Keeper

In our Keeper review, we praised the zero knowledge architecture and device level encryption that helps keep the contents of your personal vault hidden from hackers.

Keeper also scored great marks in our usability and convenience testing. Rather than having to enter your master password each time you need to fill in your credentials, Keeper uses biometric security to access your vault. Biometric security uses a facial scan or fingerprint to verify that its actually you accessing your vault. It's also phishing resistant.

Four households, the Family Plan includes five private vaults, allowing you to quickly share Wi-Fi or streaming passwords using Keeper's shared vaults.

The Business Starter plan covers 5 users, covering an unlimited devices, shared team folders, user activity reporting for IT admins, and a free Family Plan for every team member.

These discounts apply to the first year only, so the value is highest for new customers or anyone switching from a monthly plan. After that, pricing goes back to standard rates.

If you're looking to get ahead for college in the fall, then a VPN is one of the most sensible back-to-school staples to tick off your list now. You're going to spend a lot of time connected to campus Wi-Fi and it's often not as user-friendly as it might seem.

For sure, there can be security concerns when connecting to any form or public network, which a VPN can help with, but its best use at university is to make sure you can access all the content that you usually do at home.

That's because campus Wi-Fi can be very restrictive. These are networks that have to manage huge bandwidth demands, maintain cybersecurity, and also comply with legal requirements.

That means that they often limit access to certain usage-heavy services, and sites and apps that are more in a grey area when it comes to safety and the law. Think video streaming, online gaming and torrenting, for examples, as three activities that you might find curtailed.

But, if you're using a VPN on your device, the campus network in question won't be able to see what internet sites and services you're accessing, so it will be blind to you and your activities.

It will probably be able to see that you're using a VPN, the amount of bandwidth your device is using and what your device is but your online deeds will remain private. So, if you're headed to college this year, you might want to think about getting a VPN.

Right now, IPVanish is a good choice for college students. It does a great job of keeping your digital life private and, just as importantly, it's cheap!

At $2.19 per month, IPVanish is solid, 4-star VPN and is only short of the very best VPNs on features like server count and some streaming service unblocking that's not a priority for this use case.

It does also have a unique privacy feature which may be handy for your browsing too.

IPVanish's Secure Browser is remote browser software that runs on an IPVanish cloud server. The sites and services you then navigate to have no idea about you or your device at all. They only connect with the cloud server.

That means the session cannot be linked with you at all and no trackers, cookies nor anything else can come your way. It also protects you from any malware or any other nasty things that you stumble across. Definitely worth using when you're searching the darker corners of the web.

Along with IPVanish's standard features, that should have you covered for all the college dorm internet use cases you'll have. Give it whirl.

There are some very good and obvious reasons why a VPN should be part of your summer holiday plans.

Anyone who's ever had to rely on crawling hotel Wi-Fi speeds or faced blocks on their regular home streaming services while abroad will understand the frustration, and a VPN is a great solution for both of those.

A VPN will mask your online activities to make sure you can access whatever you like on public Wi-Fi without the network restricting your bandwidth or recording the sites and services you go to.

You can also use a VPN to supply you with an IP address of any country in the world, of course. That means that your device can appear to be connecting from back home and you won't get blocked from accessing iPlayer, Sling or any of your other regular streamers.

All good VPNs offer these things, and for a few dollars a month, it's well worth downloading one for this year's summer vacation.

If you are going to give that a try, then you should have a think about IPVanish. It's a very good VPN – not the best VPN, but a very good one – but the reason it's a good choice for your travels this time is that an IPVanish subscription currently comes with a free eSIM to use for 30 days too.

Compare that to ExpressVPN – the only other recommended VPN company that offers a free eSIM right now. First, ExpressVPN's plans are twice as expensive ($2.19 per month vs $4.49 per month) but, secondly, you only get access to your eSIM for 3 days with ExpressVPN!

Sign up to the IPVanish Essential plan ($2.19 per month) and you'll get 3GB for 30 days. If you go for the Advanced plan ($3.29 per month), then it's 5GB for 30 days.

The other good reason to try Advanced is that it comes with access to a cloud based browser called Secure Browser. This means that you'll do all your browsing and service accessing from IPVanish's cloud servers, instead of your own device, while on shared Wi-Fi networks. There's no way that any restricting network will have any idea of what you're doing and that should mean you're scot-free to access whatever you need with minimal disruptions.

You can read more about IPVanish and Secure Browser here. Have a great vacation and happy travels!

It’s finally here – at 3pm ET / 8pm BST, Spain and Argentina step onto the pitch at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for the 2026 World Cup Final.

Arguably, today’s match is the sporting event of the year – and as such, fans will be tuning in from every corner of the globe.

If you’re hoping to catch the match but want to keep your connection secure, or want to access streams from your home region while travelling abroad, a VPN is a great way to establish a fast, safe connection to your streaming service of choice.

It can be tempting to pick up one of the best free VPNs for your World Cup watch party, but these aren’t always as reliable as their paid counterparts. PrivadoVPN is one of the more cost effective options on the market for a reliable, fast, and secure paid VPN, offering real upgrades over its free counterpart.

Free VPNs come with compromises

Free VPNs include restrictions that aren’t present on their paid counterparts. These might not be an issue for everyday browsing, but can be a real problem for video streaming.

Issues with free VPNs can include restrictive data usage limits, limited server locations or connection to a random location, and slower network speeds.

For crucial sports events like the World Cup Final, the last thing you want to deal with is buffering, a blurry, low-resolution picture, or a connection to the wrong country.

Luckily, upgrading to a paid VPN doesn’t have to be expensive. For a competitive price, PrivadoVPN’s paid edition does away with its free version’s 10GB data cap and ups its single connection limit to 10 devices at once.

Other options

If PrivadoVPN isn’t for you, there are other options on the market. TechRadar’s VPN Editor Rob Dunne has made his pick for the World Cup Final with NordVPN, which tops our list of the best VPNs overall.

If you’re looking to save money, our pick for the best cheap VPN is Surfshark VPN, which offers a comprehensive feature set but isn’t quite as cheap as Privado VPN.

In the past year I've spent tens of hours streaming with VPNs, and one thing is consistently problematic for even the best VPNs — live events.

So, if you're traveling and keen to catch the World Cup final this weekend, you might think you're stuck. Thankfully, NordVPN proved to be the one streaming VPN I tested that consistently performed well in these scenarios.

Over the past year, I've used NordVPN with Peacock, BBC iPlayer, TNT Sports, ITVX, and 7Plus. And compared to any other VPN, it's proved the most effective.

I experienced the least delayed streams, the least buffering, and, most importantly, the fewest complete connection dropouts when using NordVPN. So, while cheaper alternatives such as Norton VPN and Surfshark exist, if you want the most reliable performance, this is where I'd put my money.

If you don't want a long term commitment, you could always choose to pick a monthly plan. For $15, you can watch the rest of the tournament and gain all the additional security benefits that come with a VPN.

You don't need NordVPN's most advanced features to watch the World Cup with a VPN. That's a good thing, as right now its premium plans are considerably more expensive than many other providers.

With long-term plans, Surfshark plans start at $2.49/month, a full dollar cheaper per month; the same goes for Norton VPN. If you're really budget-focused, both PIA and Cyberghost are less than $1.60 per month right now, too.

But, should you choose a NordVPN Plus plan or above, you do get some great perks. NordPass, the best password manager we've tested, cloud storage, dark web monitoring, and more are on offer.

It's worth mentioning that buying the more premium plans monthly will set you back at least $20, so I'd recommend signing up for a longer duration if you prefer these extra features.

We always caveat our VPN speed tests by saying something like "but you only need around a 30 Mbps connection to stream 4K video". The trouble is that it's not always as simple as that when you're watching a UHD stream – particularly for an event as popular as the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The best VPNs offer ultra-fast network speeds that can handle ultra-high definition 4K video streaming – but network traffic spikes can bring this to a standstill.

Events like the World Cup cause traffic surging with some popular ISPs, VPNs, and the streaming services themselves struggling under the capacity stresses of having so many users demanding bandwidth at once. The results are often buffering or a reduction in video resolution at the least. Hence why your 4K football match might look a lot rougher than it should.

Server congestion can also cause packet loss, where packets of data sent through a network are unable to reach their destination, resulting in dropped frames or stuttering.

The solution is a two-parter. Firstly, you want to find a VPN with support for high-speed WireGuard connections that can remain stable under pressure from congestion. Secondly, switch your stream to 1080p, rather than 4K, in order to reduce the bandwidth you require. This should keep frame rates high and buffering to a minimum.

If you’re looking for a new VPN to keep up with the World Cup or watch other major events in 4K, our Norton VPN review found a solid choice with average Wireguard speeds of 1010mbps. What’s more, Norton VPN is currently available for up to 60 per cent off:

If you’re just not willing to step down to 1080p, you might want to look into using a Smart DNS service instead of a VPN. This will allow you to spoof your location on a less crowded server (i.e your home network), but won’t encrypt your data or hide your IP address.

And if Norton VPN just doesn’t float your boat, there are other options on the market. Norton is still slower than many of the best VPNs: ExpressVPN (1177mbps), NordVPN (1249mbps), and Proton VPN (1475mbps) all boast faster speeds. And for those on a budget, Surfshark still reigns as our pick for the best cheap VPN.

If you've survived the first 24-hour gap in this year's World Cup schedule, then it's time to ensure your viewing of the quarter-finals is the best it can be.

The World Cup's mass appeal puts a huge strain on streaming providers. And if you're travelling, you could easily miss out on commentary in your native language or be stuck behind paywalls if you're in the US.

This is where the best streaming VPNs come in handy. They offer high-performance encryption protocols, servers with huge capacity, and all the tech you need to securely watch your regular World Cup coverage from wherever you are.

Right now, the cheapest VPN for this is Norton VPN. It ranks second in our best streaming VPNs rankings, but is a dollar a month cheaper than our top pick — NordVPN.

Norton VPN has servers across 91 countries, speeds of over 1000 Mbps on WireGuard, and hardly struggled with any streaming services we tested.

It's also even cheaper when you pick up a 12-month plan. These now start from only $39.99.

By comparison, a year of NordVPN is $65.88, over $25 more.

So, if you're just after World Cup protection, why spend the extra? You even get AI-powered scam protection, real-time ransomware and malware protection, password management, dark web alerts, and 10GB cloud storage thrown in if you choose a Plus plan (still $15 cheaper than NordVPN).

For the absolute cheapest experience possible, only PIA, CyberGhost, and PrivadoVPN come with our seal of recommendation. These are all under $1.60/month but are far less reliable with streaming services, especially if you're planning to watch live events like the World Cup or Wimbledon.

I hear people all too often tell me that they prefer physical printed books because they like the feel of the paper, the sound of the pages turning, the smell from the ink... Well, if that's what you're focusing on, you really aren't reading, are you? All those should be superfluous if you're deep into a good story.

And given the convenience of an ereader — portable tablet with thousands of titles stored locally, Bluetooth connectivity for audiobooks, the cheaper cost of ebooks, no need for bookshelves that require dusting — you can't convince me that buying one of the best Kindles isn't a good investment.

That's especially true right now since Amazon's Prime Day 2026 sale has seen prices tumble to record lows. In fact, they're even cheaper now than they were on day one of the sale, which has never happened and I've covered every single Amazon sale in Australia since the online retail giant arrived Down Under in 2017.

All the Australian prices listed below are exclusive to Prime members though, so be sure you have a subscription before buying. If you don't, you can sign up now and get a 30-day free trial as a first-time customer, which will cover the entire Prime Day sale. You can cancel any time.

All the Kindle Prime Day deals listed below ship to New Zealand at no additional cost, so do not miss this chance.

With Amazon having ended support for some of its older Kindles, now is a very good time to upgrade or get your first ereader. They even make thoughtful gifts...

• For more deals and discounts, follow my live coverage of the Amazon Prime Day 2026 sale, with offers up to 85% off

Best Prime Day Kindle deals

How many unique passwords do you use to secure every single one of your hundreds of online accounts? If your answer isn't, "I have a strong unique password for every account," then you're among the millions of people at risk of having multiple accounts stolen from just a single password leak. All it takes is the right combination.

But that doesn't have to be the case. Using a password manager to generate and store your credentials is a secure and convenient way to prevent your accounts from being hacked. The best part is, Keeper has cut prices on its personal, family, and business starter plans by up to 50%.

Keeper's password manager offers secured password storage vaults, a password generator that easily complies with password strength requirements, and includes convenient features for privately sharing regularly used passwords - like the one for the Wi-Fi.

Why we recommend Keeper

Our Keeper review found the password manager to be an excellent addition to anyone wanting to improve their personal or household security.

The service uses zero knowledge architecture and device level encryption to keep the contents of your personal vault hidden from private eyes.

Rather than having to enter your master password each time you need to fill in your credentials, Keeper uses biometric security to access your vault. This uses the built in facial scan or fingerprint tech on your device. Keeper will also recognize when you are trying to log in to a website or app, and allow you to autofill the exact credentials you need.

Four households, the family plan includes five private vaults, allowing you to quickly share Wi-Fi or streaming passwords using Keeper's shared vaults.

These discounts apply to the first year only, so the value is highest for new customers or anyone switching from a monthly plan. After that, pricing goes back to standard rates.

Many of the best VPNs come with ad-blockers built in, meaning you can surf the web uninterrupted, but when it comes to watching live broadcasts like the 2026 World Cup online, ad-blockers can bring your entire stream to a standstill.

Those using an ad blocker on a streaming service usually have no problems – until the ad break, when the screen can freeze or turn black.

This is because many streaming sites use server-side ad insertions (SSAI), which deliver ads from the same pre-browser server as the rest of the broadcast, rather than through a third-party domain.

When the VPN’s ad-blocker detects an advertisement, it shuts down the entire viewing experience, rather than only the ads – because the ads and broadcast are coming from the same place. Your ad-blocker can’t tell the difference between the two and calls time on your stream.

Thankfully, most VPNs allow you to disable ad-blocking. So, remember to do that when you're using an ad-funded World Cup streaming service, like ITVX. (It's not a problem on ad-free ones like iPlayer.)

If you don't currently have a VPN for the World Cup, then give Norton VPN a try. It's very good for streaming and has a 60-day money-back guarantee. That's double the length of other VPNs.

It's also more than enough time to cover you for the rest of the World Cup.

It's simple enough to switch off Norton's ad blocker. Go to the settings cog and find the Ad Tracker Blocking toggle. (It's in the VPN preferences tab if you're using a laptop. Then switch it off. Simple.

If you are hesitant to switch off your ad-blocking tools completely, there is a fairly techy workaround if you really want.

While streaming, open your browser’s developer tools and watch the network tab as the stream crashes – this should show you the blocked tracking domain.

You can then add that URL to your ad blocker’s whitelist, which will keep the video running while continuing to block other ads.

It’s worth noting that one of Norton’s competitors, Windscribe, allows users to create custom whitelisting rules by site with its R.O.B.E.R.T tool (yes, that's its actual name), meaning you won’t need to switch off ad-blocking while enjoying a match. Check out our Windscribe VPN review for details.

Most of the best VPN deals are only available on two-year plans. But this time, Windscribe has bucked the trend.

On July 1, the company announced the chance to save $20 when you sign up using the promo code NOBACKDR.

The promo brings the price of its 1-year plan down to $49 — making it nearly $20 cheaper than NordVPN's equivalent one-year tier ($65.88).

Unlike most of the best VPNs, Windscribe only offers one-year and monthly plans. Thankfully, it doesn't impose price hikes at the end of your subscription, unlike NordVPN which rises to $139 after the first year.

In our most recent round of testing, Windscribe proved to be one of the fastest VPNs around, achieving 2263 Mbps using WireGuard. That was only beaten by Mullvad (2308 Mbps) and PrivadoVPN (2334 Mbps).

Its R.O.B.E.R.T phishing blocking tool is also effective, blocking 76% of the malicious links we threw at it. More impressively, it blocked 97% of ads too.

For the moment, its only real weakness is streaming. It couldn't unblock YouTube in the US or Prime Video in Japan at all. It also faced some minor issues with Prime Video US and Canada, and Disney+ in Australia and Japan.

While US YouTube proved tricky for even the best streaming VPNs, this performance isn't as good as we'd expect. So if streaming is your priority, I'd recommend looking towards NordVPN, Norton VPN, or Proton for the time being.

The World Cup's extortionate prices are well documented, but what if you could avoid the highest cost of them all, the ticket?

To access the pivotal stages of this year's tournament, tickets start at over $ 1,000, with some reaching up to $9,000. Luckily, ExpressVPN is giving you the chance to avoid this cost altogether.

Sign up for an ExpressVPN plan between now and July 11, and you'll be entered into a raffle for a chance to win tickets to the quarterfinals, semifinals, or the grand finale.

The longer the plan you choose, the more entries you get. 1-month plans get 1 entry, 1-year plans get 5 entries, and 2-year plans get 10 entries.

It's worth noting that the raffle is only for the ticket. However, the thousands you'll save on the ticket should cover the majority of other expenses you need for this once-in-a-lifetime game.

For the best value, I'd recommend a two-year Basic or Advanced plan. While the 'low' price of a one-month plan might be appealing, it only gets you one raffle entry, and it's a more expensive monthly plan than you'd find from other VPNs.

Picking an Advanced plan is probably the better choice if you fancy your odds of winning.

The 3 days of Holiday.com eSIM access included in Advanced plans means you shouldn't struggle to stay connected while you're out there. Plus you can use ExpressVPN across more devices, and gain access to features such as ExpressKeys, MailGuard and more.

If you're new to VPNs, don't worry. We rate ExpressVPN among the best VPNs for beginners, and it's also the most secure VPN we've tested this year. This means you should be able to get started quickly and never need to worry about your connection again.

Not convinced? Some of the best VPNs are also running superb deals right now, so long as you're willing to sacrifice your chance at a seat at the World Cup. Check out the best VPN deals right now below.

Not all FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage is the same.

For example, in the UK, England vs DR Congo is on BBC iPlayer, and that means you can watch it in glorious 4K UHD, but half of the World Cup games are on the HD-only ITVX streaming service.

But high res football fans, listen up: there is a place you can watch the match at maximum resolution, and all for free too.

The free-to-air CazéTV YouTube channel has the rights to show all of the FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage in Brazil, and in 4K UHD too. So, if you're a Brazil national currently abroad, then you can still access the stream.

Just pick yourself up a VPN, select a server in Brazil and then tune into CazéTV as you normally would back home. If you don't already have a VPN, then give Proton VPN a try.

We continuously test the best VPNs and we rate Proton very highly. It's great for streaming but, the reason we recommend it for CazéTV and Brazil is because Proton has more South American servers than an almost every other VPN provider, so you're not likely to run into capacity issues with other people trying to do the same.

But, just as importantly, Proton VPN also recorded the highest speeds over long distance connections (such as Europe to Brazil) in our recent tests, meaning that you should get a nice, clean, up-to-the-minute stream with no buffering or stuttering.

Proton VPN comes with live chat support just in case you have any difficulties getting connected. It's also one of the most private and secure VPNs out there if you're looking to stay safe online, as well as do some soccer streaming.

There is a free version of Proton VPN but it's the paid one you'll need to get access to the Brazil server and the faster streaming speeds.

VPNs are completely legal to use. They're excellent for streaming your regular shows wherever your travel and providing privacy and protection from prying eyes for all of your online activities.

VPNs offer features and tools to boost your video streaming performance, and some of those are particularly handy if you're planning to watch the World Cup final.

Anyone using a VPN to get around local broadcast restrictions might still encounter problems if the free World Cup streaming service they're trying to use is blocking access from the IP address that their VPN server has issued.

That can happen before you try to stream or even partway through the match itself. Either way, that's a pain and, with some VPNs, that means disconnecting from the server and then trying out a bunch of others until you identify one that works, but some VPN providers can save you the hassle.

We particularly like the technology that Norton VPN has introduced in time for the 2026 World Cup. It's called Manual IP Rotation, and it allows you to ‘rotate’ your VPN’s IP address to another location within the same country, without interrupting the encrypted tunnel you’re streaming through.

Put simply, it’s a one-button solution to streaming services blocking your VPN’s IP. The idea is that you connect once and then never have your World Cup stream interrupted again.

Norton has a 60-day money-back guarantee, so even if you still find that it doesn't work for your needs, you can just get a refund. But do try it out before kick-off just in case, please.

In terms of the competition, Surfshark is our pick for the best cheap VPN service and comes with its own IP rotation system thanks its Nexus technology, which connects all of its VPN servers together in one network.

And if your streaming service has a specific server on lockdown, NordVPN’s massive network of servers could offer a working alternative.

Travelling to World Cup matches shouldn't mean paying huge sums to keep your phone working.

While some domestic add-ons will serve you well enough, what if there was a way to access unlimited data and secure your internet traffic in the process while you watch the World Cup?

An ExpressVPN Advanced plan encompasses five main tools. A VPN, eSIM, password management, Identity protection, and private emails – all for only $3 per month.

That means avoiding US roaming charges and it's also perfect if you want to watch the World Cup matches you're missing from your hotel room without paying for US streaming services because you can tune into BBC and ITV for free, just as you would at home.

ExpressVPN remains the most secure VPN I've tested. Its eSIM, provided by holiday.com, covers 150 countries with unlimited data for 3 days.

ExpressKeys offers unlimited password storage and generation, credit card storage, password health checks, and 2FA. Identity Defender gives you up to $3 million in identity theft insurance, and MailGuard comes with unlimited aliases.

In short, it comes with everything you need to travel to the World Cup this summer without overpaying for your phone.

If, however, you're at the game, you can use the VPN to dodge awful stadium Wi-Fi speeds thanks to separate, encrypted traffic tunneling. You'll also be protected against identity theft in the process, thanks to Identity Defender.

Normally, an Advanced plan would set you back much closer to $4.50 per month, which would then be paid upfront as anything up to $108. Now, it's only $83.72, and it throws in 4 extra months of protection with that cost.

ExpressVPN offers US locations in all 50 states, three Canadian cities, and one in Mexico City. This means no matter the game you're headed to, you can always be protected.

That said, several other VPNs could suit you better. NordVPN and Norton VPN both offer better streaming performance if you want to stream another game while you're travelling, and Surfshark is a cheaper option if you're just after a VPN.

ExpressVPN is, however, the only VPN offering the chance to win tickets to a World Cup match. The promotion has one more day before entries close, and gives you a chance to win tickets to a quarterfinal, semi-final, or even the final.

Be aware, though, that the promotion comes at the expense of ExpressVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you sign up, you're locked in.

If you are looking for a security suite for your team or business, NordLayer may have just what you're looking for - and they currently have a 20% discount code.

The core features include a business VPN, access control & zero trust architecture, threat prevention & intelligence, password management, device protection, and advanced device security.

There are also numerous handy integrations across identity & access management, cloud networks, and cybersecurity.

Today's top NordLayer deal

NordLayer Lite

For small teams looking for an essential layer of business protection, the Lite plan offers all of the core features at $8/month per user.

Network security connection speed is up to 1 Gbps (across all plans) with Shared Gateway locations across 40+ countries , so your security won't slow down your collaboration, business meetings, or general connectivity.

Your network will also be protected with Download Protection, Web Protection, VPN protocol variety to suit your preferences, and the highly efficient NordLynx VPN protocol.

For each license, you get 6 device network connections with multi-platform app support. The Lite plan also features multi-factor authentication and single sign-on, alongside activity monitoring reports to spot any suspicious or unsecured activity.

NordLayer Core

NordLayer Core adds additional functionality across network security, internet access security, network connectors, user authorization & management, and visibility at $11/month per user.

For a start, your team will benefit from a server with a dedicated IP, alongside IP allowlisting and IP-based split tunneling, plus a choice of Virtual Private Gateway locations in 40+ countries. You'll also be able to manually configure your network connections.

Core also adds category-based DNS filtering, custom DNS, and an application blocker to keep your team from accessing disruptive or unsecured apps.

For security, your team will have access to biometric authentication to verify that it is actually your colleagues accessing your network, and not a malicious actor. For additional visibility into the security of your team members, Core adds device posture monitoring.

NordLayer Premium

Premium ups your protection significantly at $14/month per user.

On the network security side, NordLayer offers a Cloud Firewall (FWaaS) and device-level posture security, plus URL-based split tunneling available as a browser extension.

It also adds site-to-site configurations for your network connector, with a Cloud LAN and browser extension for added usability. Premium also adds user provisioning to speed up onboarding for new employees.

• Take a look at our full guide to the best antivirus software

Editor's note: Just a few hours after this feature was written, an Ultimate Edition Upgrade appeared on the PlayStation Store. There's no word on how much it will cost yet, but it looks like fans will at least be able to upgrade their editions. The rest of this article remains as originally published below.

It sounds bizarre saying that I wish I could go back in time and bully my past self into spending more money, but that's exactly what I would do when it comes to Red Dead Redemption 2.

I first bought the cowboy adventure game on sale back in 2020. I can't remember the exact price, but it was something like 30 bucks for the standard version, and about ten more if I wanted the Ultimate Edition instead.

I took a look at what the more premium version offered — an exclusive mission, a cool horse, some new clothing, and some in-game progression boosts, plus a load of content for Red Dead Online — and decided that it wasn't for me. After all, I wasn't entirely sure that I would even enjoy the game or want to explore its multiplayer component.

The problem is that I did genuinely love it, and soon found myself wanting all the extra goodies. The problem? Rockstar offered no way to upgrade between editions. There were no little add-ons that let you pick up each item individually, like you can with most other games.

I was trapped with my standard version, and if I wanted to experience that Ultimate Edition content I would have to buy the entire game again. Obviously, I wasn't going to do that — leaving me bitter and feeling like I missed out.

Learn form my mistake

With the Grand Theft Auto 6 price and editions officially confirmed, I'm urging everyone not to make the same mistake. Like Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA 6 will be available as either a standard edition or Ultimate Edition, with the latter unlocking loads of exclusive content.

It sounds even more significant than what you got with the comparable edition of Red Dead Redemption 2, and includes new vehicles, weapon skins, outfits, and even access to some exclusive locations, such as a beachside garage.

To be clear, Rockstar has not officially confirmed whether it will offer the option to upgrade to the pricier edition down the line. But, after my Red Dead Redemption 2 experience, I wouldn't take the risk.

At $99.99 (UK and Australian pricing has yet to be confirmed), the Ultimate Edition isn't cheap. It's only $20 more than the standard version, though, which goes for $79.99, and that 20 bucks could very well save you from feeling like you missed out in a year's time.

Bear this in mind when GTA 6 pre-orders begin at midnight on June 25 (local time) ahead of the game's launch on November 19 for Xbox Series X and Series S and PlayStation 5.

If you want to keep up with the World Cup wherever you go, or get hold of a secure streaming connection, then you have a few options.

The standard method is to use a VPN on a laptop or mobile device, and then use a HDMI cable to connect the device to your TV and display the image, effectively turning the TV into a monitor.

You could also try wireless casting via AirPlay, Chromecast, or Windows’ Miracast, but the experience is rarely as straightforward as your TV maker or the casting technology pretends it is. It all takes precious fiddling around time and that's time that your World Cup watch party guests will not be willing to wait.

Instead, turn to your hardware and try out your VPN provider's native TV apps or its apps for media streamers like Fire Sticks or Apple TV boxes. For most of these devices, it's incredibly simple to get going. Go to their app stores, find your VPN provider and install.

Then, just set your server location to the UK or Australia or wherever else you need to tune in, as usual, and then head to your regular streaming app – whether that's BBC iPlayer, ITVX, SBS or wherever else you find your free World Cup live streams.

And, if you don't already have a World Cup VPN, then you might want to try Norton VPN at the moment. It's a great streaming VPN and the only one to offer a 60-day money-back guarantee. That's more than enough to iron out any teething issues and will also see you through to the end of the World Cup itself.

Of course, there are other options if Norton VPN isn’t to your liking. ExpressVPN is a solid pick for TV streaming, thanks to support for multiple platforms and intuitive Smart DNS capability – the last of which is a good solution for TVs that don’t support VPNs as standard.

For more alternatives, NordVPN is our choice for the best VPN overall, while Surfshark is our pick for the best cheap VPN but lacks Smart DNS features for Samsung and LG TVs.

As a rule of thumb, if your TV OS is Android TV, you should find it easy to set up the VPN direct on your TV set. If you've got a Samsung or an LG and would rather keep things simple, then your Fire Stick or Apple TV box is best.

Happy streaming!

It's big game time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Scotland take on Brazil on a night which could see the Tartan Army seal qualification to the knockouts – and just because you're a UK expat it doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy watching Steve Clarke's men for free on BBC iPlayer just like you would back in Scotland.

So long as you're a license fee payer, you've every right to enjoy the Beeb's British commentary and support from your sunny spot in Dubai, Saudi, Singapore or wherever else you may be.

Just use a VPN, choose a UK server to connect to in the app, and then head to iPlayer and get streaming straight away, just like everyone else back in Scotland.

If you don't have a VPN, then we recommend NordVPN. We've rated it as the best VPN for streaming as well as the best VPN overall for more than two years now. Sign-up, install it on your laptop and away you go.

NordVPN comes with 24/7 live chat support just in case you have any difficulties getting connected. It also offers a tonne of scam protection features too if that's of interest to you beyond streaming.

VPNs are completely legal to use in all but the most draconian of countries. They're excellent for streaming your regular shows wherever your travel and providing privacy and protection from prying eyes for all of your online activities.

Upgrading any area of one's gaming setup is something I can always get behind, and regardless of budget, need, desire, or platform, I'm often able to find recommendations across all kinds of gear.

Shop more early Prime Day deals at Amazon US

However, audiophile or high-end gaming headsets is one of my favourite areas in which to delve and recommend. We've seen a surge of new products in recent years either targeting the audiophile market directly or at least the audiophile-adjacent, premium and high-end part of the spectrum. As such, there's now a good few products to choose from nowadays.

But there's only a few I recommend over the others. Each offers something slightly different, but all are excellent and are my personal picks for the best audiophile gaming headsets going right now. They're so good, they justify their price tag even when at full price, I believe, too. So if you're looking to enhance your gaming audio ahead of GTA 6 pre-orders starting this Thursday, then check out my recommendations below.

Planar-magnetic drivers FTW

For me, the Audeze Maxwell 2 is the greatest-sounding gaming headset money can buy right now. It is now my default go-to set of cups for all gaming, no matter the genre or type of game I'm playing, and I absolutely love it.

At the core of the headset are its 90mm planar magnetic drivers, which are frankly absurd. I am a big fan of a lot of brands' default audio quality, but I have never had better audio out of the box than the Maxwell 2's. It's the best going right now, and literally can't speak highly enough about it.

The science and philosophy of Audeze really make it exquisite for those looking to get better audio for single-player games, stemming from the company's history in making premium headphones for music and media. The reality is that it is still brilliant for multiplayer games, and you also get some flexibility via the Audeze app for tweaking your own EQ settings if you need to.

There are very few chinks in the armor, but some things to be aware of might be its good but unspectacular mic, and its overall bulkiness — though I think we are all a bit too scared of headsets that are big and that weigh more than others; it's genuinely OK if a headset weighs a few more ounces or grams, don't worry! I really like the chunky feel and slightly heavier feel of the set myself, and find the set incredibly comfortable.

Otherwise, I simply cannot reiterate this again: if you really want to get the best gaming audio, and something that'll make GTA 6 sing beautifully no matter the scenario, then this is the audiophile gaming headset to buy right now.

An Elite experience

While the Maxwell 2 rules on the driver and audio quality front, if you're looking for an audiophile-level, premium headset that offers a complete solution and all the bells and whistles — along with some excellent audio, of course — that you need from a headset on any platform, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is worth considering.

It's pricey, I know, but as I said in my review, it really is the best gaming headset I've ever tested. It simply offers it all in one truly excellent package, from audio quality and versatility — you can use it across every platform, simultaneously — to feature set, build quality, comfort, and microphone performance — literally everything.

If you really want one high-grade headset to rule them all while offering audiophile-level gaming audio, then this is the upgrade to make this year, ahead of GTA 6.

It's an old one, but a great one

The PC38X is a wonderful wired audiophile-level headset which I have loved using on both PC and PS5. It sounds fantastic, and is a pretty no-nonsense gaming headset with genuine pedigree behind it.

You might see it styled as Drop + Epos PC38X or just a Drop PC38X, but whichever title you see it under, I really recommend this as a wired set for anyone who wants to keep things simple and get a brilliant-sounding open-backed set of audio givers.

It is a bit old now, but you know what they say: class and quality endures (or something like that. Now, there is one caveat with this headset, and one that is directly related to it being a slightly older model: its availability is a bit spotty. Our automatic price-finding tool below should surface the headset, however, and I have seen it with my own eyes at Amazon US and Amazon UK this week.

However, if you are looking for some wired audiophile gaming headset alternatives to the PC38X if it's not available in your region, then I have some picks for you too.

The Audeze LCD-GX is an open-back premium set of headphones that have been built for gaming. Channeling all that planar magnetic goodness that the brand is known for, these are a seriously high-end set of cups. The massive 106mm drivers pack an almighty punch and offer immense detail, while it comes with a mic, so it's a genuine wired headset option.

The Sennheiser HD 550s are one of my favorite sets of headphones from recent years, and while they may appear as another headphone offering from Sennheiser, these are definitely targeted at gamers who want higher quality audio. You'll need to buy a mic attachment separately to elevate it to a full gaming headset offering.

The Asus ROG Kithara is another option, and is a recent release into the audiophile market. Developed with HiFiMan, this headset has huge 100mm planar-magnetic drivers (not too dissimilar to the Maxwell 2), an open-backed design, and sounds wonderful.

And while not an audiophile gaming headset in the truest sense, per se, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wired gaming headset is an excellent option for those looking for a complete wired gaming headset experience, with brilliant audio and all the features to boot.

Traveling today comes with a hidden bill that catches many off guard. It isn’t just the price of the flight or the hotel; it’s the steady drain of international roaming fees. Take Verizon’s TravelPass for instance. At $12 a day, this quickly adds up and can turn an exciting 2026 FIFA World Cup trip into an unexpectedly expensive one.

While some travelers rely on public wifi to save, this often means battling sluggish speeds and insecure networks that risk your data. Fortunately, the way we stay connected while abroad is changing. The world’s best VPN services are no longer just encryption tools; they’ve evolved into direct mobile data providers.

By bundling secure VPN access with an affordable eSIM plan, you can skip sky-high carrier fees and stream your favorite shows without geo-blocks. This ensures a secure, seamless connection throughout the tournament without having to worry about surprise bills.

Saily: NordVPN's highly flexible, pay-as-you-go traveler

Saily, NordVPN’s flexible eSIM platform, is ideal for travelers who prefer pay-as-you-go control over their data spending.

Instead of committing to a single monthly plan, you can purchase small 1GB or 5GB allowances exactly when you need them. The setup is refreshingly simple: you install just one eSIM profile on your phone. Once installed, it handles all of your data without cluttering your device with extra apps.

It’s worth keeping in mind that NordVPN and Saily remain separate subscriptions. Though you can link your logins, they don’t merge into a single bill. Instead, you’ll manage them independently, paying strictly for the data you use and the VPN access you need.

Holiday.com: ExpressVPN’s unlimited data premium tier

Subscribing to an ExpressVPN one or two-year Advanced or Pro plans gives you a coupon for Holiday.com, their eSIM partner. This partnership effectively bundles unlimited mobile data into your existing subscription.

However, the setup isn’t fully integrated. You still need to download a separate Holiday.com app to activate and manage your eSIM plan, meaning you’ll be switching between two different apps to stay secure and connected.

Plus, these unlimited data offers are time-capped, at three or five days. If you need more data, you can conveniently top up via the ExpressVPN dashboard.

What if your VPN doesn't do data?

Not everyone wants to switch providers just for a trip. If you’re already loyal to a traditional security suite, you might be disappointed to find they don’t offer cellular data themselves, preventing you from enjoying the convenience of an all-in-one solution.

The process is simple enough but requires a little more legwork. You’d need to purchase a standalone eSIM from a provider like Airalo – one of the best eSIMs for global travel –then manually toggle your VPN app on top of it when you need encryption.

This lets you shop around for the cheapest data plans but with the caveat that you’ll be juggling two separate apps.

Verdict

Choosing the right setup depends entirely on your travel style. Saily takes the crown for budget-conscious fans who want total flexibility; its pay-as-you-go model lets you buy exactly what you need without overcommitting.

On the other end of the spectrum, Holiday.com (via ExpressVPN) is the superior choice if you need a lot of data for streaming World Cup matches.

Other VPNs remain a robust option if device security is your top priority, offering complete control to shop for the best eSIM deals. However, this comes with a trade-off: you’ll be managing two separate subscriptions and apps. For most travelers, this DIY approach isn’t worth the hassle unless you have a specific security preference.

CyberGhost continues to offer one of its best deals while other VPNs raise their prices. You can get a 2-year subscription for $1.59 per month with two months extra — that's $41.34 for 26 months of protection.

Surfshark's recent price jump means plans now cost at least $67.23, $25 more than CyberGhost. Despite this, both VPNs offer more than 100 locations, deliver strong speeds over WireGuard, and have proven solid streaming VPNs.

CyberGhost was around 400 Mbps faster than Surfshark over WireGuard in our most recent tests and it also proved more consistent when streaming Netflix throughout our testing.

Where CyberGhost falls short is its device limit. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. CyberGhost? 7.

This means that if you're trying to secure your entire family you'll likely run out of connections pretty quickly. You can fix this by setting up CyberGhost as a router VPN, but if you're new to VPNs entirely, this is a complex way to start.

Thankfully, if you want to test it out, you get longer to decide than with almost any other VPN. CyberGhost's 45-day money-back guarantee is only bested by Norton's 60-day guarantee. None of the best VPNs offer anywhere close to this, instead giving you only 30 days to decide.

What's the catch?

Aside from the mere 7 connections, there's one other noticeable drawback to CyberGhost — it's got almost no guidance for beginners.

Loading it up on Android, you'll notice no explanations and no guidance on how to use it. If you're looking for a beginner VPN, Surfshark or Proton VPN will be far superior.

These VPNs have extensive help catalogues, explainers across almost every feature, and quick access to support.

It's also worth noting that, unlike VPNs such as NordVPN or Surfshark, there's no additional security features.

CyberGhost's one plan is purely VPN-focused. While you can add other tools for an extra fee, you might be better off choosing a different cheap VPN that gives you access as standard.

Dating back decades, proxies still have a place in today’s ever-expanding internet. Originally designed to improve internet performance and security, a proxy acts as an intermediary between a device and the internet.

And while their VPN cousins have taken much of the spotlight, proxies provide a faster, lighter alternative - not to mention a better fit for tasks like web scraping, SEO monitoring, social media management, and ad verification, to name a few.

So, if you’re looking to get your hands on some of these bad boys, you’ll be pleased to know that DataImpulse is offering +25% bonus traffic for all users. The company specializes in creating custom proxy services for businesses, but individual users can find something for themselves as well who aim to access data from anywhere and collect the data they need.

Why we picked DataImpulse

From easy setup to over 90 million ethically-sourced unique IPs, both newbies and more demanding users will find something that suits their needs.

For starters, DataImpulse’s highly competitive, pay-as-you-go pricing and traffic that never expires make it a great choice if you need low-cost residential or mobile proxies without monthly subscription commitments. A rather big global coverage is available too, with more than 195 locations at your disposal.

The company promises 99.9% uptime for datacenter proxies, and those who pick premium residential proxies will get a personal account manager. To top it all off, regardless of the plan, you’ll get 24/7 customer support. Not saying that you’ll ever need it, but it’s nice to know that DataImpulse has your back, one way or another.

Norton VPN has reduced its price just in time for the 2026 World Cup. With plans starting at $39.99 (£29.99) for one year of protection, it's cheaper than big-name competitors like NordVPN, Proton, and ExpressVPN.

What's more, the company's mid-tier plan (Norton VPN Plus) is now the same price as its entry-level plan. That means you can get the company's AI-powered scam detection tool, dark web monitoring and password manager effectively for free.

Don't let the budget price fool you, either. Norton has quietly become one of the fastest-improving and fastest-performing VPNs of 2026.

In our latest rounds of testing, it topped out at an impressive 1,010 Mbps, proving it's fast enough to stream live tournament matches in HD without buffering or regional blocks getting in the way.

The deal also includes a generous 60-day money-back guarantee. That’s double the standard 30 days you get from other major providers, so you can use it to watch the entire World Cup risk-free and cancel for a full refund if you aren't completely satisfied.

When you commit to a year-long plan, it's important to know the company will keep upgrading its product and Norton is doing exactly that.

Last month, the provider significantly scaled up its infrastructure, expanding its server network to more than 130 locations across 90 countries.

Norton also introduced a Manual IP Rotation feature for its Windows and Mac desktop apps. So, if a streaming service flags or restricts your current connection mid-game, you can swap to a fresh virtual IP address on demand without having to drop your connection or interrupt the live stream.

Norton VPN has also become one of the very best at unblocking popular streaming platforms. It easily clears regional hurdles for major services, unblocking Netflix libraries across the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan.

It also handles Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and US YouTube with ease, letting you watch your favorite home content from anywhere in the world. So if you're traveling to North America to watch a World Cup match, you can keep on top of your favorite shows.

Secretlab has unveiled its first true home office chair. The Atlas is designed for productivity. After going hands-on with the new seat, we have some thoughts. And as TechRadar Pro's office furniture editor, my team and I have tested hundreds of gaming and office chairs - so I've selected the 12 hybrid seats that most impressed me most during review.

You'll spot some game brands here, like Corsair, Razer, and Boulies, who all have a strong heritage when it comes to engineering the best gaming chairs. But I've looked a little further afield, too, with some of the best office chairs we've tested, like the exceptionally adjustable Sihoo seat, and Herman Miller's Logitech crossover. Perfect if you're into the anti-racing seat designs you usually get in this arena.

What I want to see from these hybrid gaming and office chairs are ultra-comfortable builds for work and hours of play time, yet a 'stealth' style that won't look out of place on a video call to your boss. For more information, click 'View details' below each entry to read our review notes.

My top hybrid gaming and office chairs

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is in full swing now. I'm completely hooked, watching every match. And as a bit of fan service, I'm also tracking down the best World Cup eSIM deals for anyone who's heading out to the games.

My team has tested all the best eSIMs for international travel, so I've been checking out what deals every provider is offering as football fever strikes the globe. I've also managed to score some exclusive promo codes so you can save even more.

If you're traveling to the US, Canada, Mexico (or all of them), these are the top pre-paid and unlimited eSIM plans I can find specifically designed for football fans looking to swerve sky-high roaming fees. If you're not heading to the next big match, find out the best places to stream the games with our FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Finder.

Best World Cup 2026 eSIM deals

Best World Cup 2026 eSIM deals for unlimited data

Best World Cup 2026 eSIM deals for multiple countries

Best World Cup 2026 eSIM deals for single countries

World Cup 2026 eSIM deals: FAQs

When does this year's World Cup start and end?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off on June 11, with one of the host nations Mexico playing South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. The final, held in New York, takes place on July 19.

Do all eSIM plans support voice calls?

No. Some providers offer data, and data and call-time plans; however, some only support data plans.

In fact, a survey from eSIM.net (read it here) that recently landed in my inbox suggests that "68% believe all eSIMs support voice calling." And those that do, worry that not having access to calls while abroad might impact banking access, healthcare communications, and travel logistics.

So, definitely check which type you're signing up for before committing to any eSIM.

Can I purchase a World Cup eSIM deal now and activate it later when I travel?

Yes, almost all eSIM providers let you set an activation date, so you can set-up the eSIM at home, and it'll kick in once you land at your destination.

Typically, after purchase, your provider lets you know the activation window - it varies depending on which eSIM service you're using, though.

Are the World Cup eSIM deals available for all countries/regions?

Yes, all eSIM providers offer coverage across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, alongside global plans for frequent travelers.

How can I check if my phone supports eSIM technology?

We've explored how to check if your phone supports eSIM.

On iPhone, follow these steps:

• Go to Settings >General>About
• Look for “Digital SIM” or “eSIM”
• If you see “Digital SIM”, “eSIM”, or an EID number, your device supports eSIM
• Then check if your phone is unlocked
• Go to Settings>General>About>Carrier Lock
• If it says "no SIM restrictions", your iPhone is unlocked and ready for an eSIM

For Android devices, the method can vary depending on the phone and operating system, but the general steps are:

• Go to Settings> Connections (or Network & Internet)
• Look for SIM options
• Tap SIM Manager, Mobile Network, or SIM Cards depending on your phone
• Search for “eSIM”, “Add eSIM”, or “Download SIM”
• If you see “Add eSIM”, “Add mobile plan”, or “Download SIM”, your device supports eSIM
• Make sure your device is unlocked
• In Settings>About phone>Status, look for information on carrier lock

How do I set up and activate the eSIM on my device?

Once you’ve purchased an eSIM, you’ll receive an onboarding email with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to set it up.

If you buy your eSIM directly through the provider’s app, the activation process is even easier as you’ll be guided through everything on screen.

Typically, you’ll be asked to install the eSIM first. After installation, you can activate it in your phone’s settings. Make sure your device is connected to the internet and has enough battery before you begin. Most eSIMs can only be activated once, so it’s important to follow the steps carefully.

Activation usually takes just a few minutes. Once complete, you’ll see the new plan under your mobile services, and you can rename it if you prefer.