Technology

Best iPhone 7 Plus Cases To Get in 2019

Last updated on August 16, 2019

Best iPhone 7 Plus Cases To Get in 2019

The best iPhone 7 Plus cases can make your phone tougher, prettier, and more stylish. It all comes down to personal needs and preferences. That’s why we decided to list some of the best cases that you can get for your phone right now.

And with that being said, let’s get right into it!

1: Best Case For Everyone: Torras Slim Fit

This is the case that we most commonly recommend on reviews like this one. And what more can you ask? It’s slim, beautiful, cheap, all while offering the basic protection that you’re expecting to find in a phone case.

It’s all-around a great option for your average person since it plays it safe. You can tell that it’s not too serious, too fancy, or anything like that.

One very good thing that slim cases offer that rugged ones often don’t is wireless charging – if you’re into this sort of thing. Speaking of rugged cases, the Torras slim fit may be slightly lacking in terms of protection compared to them. But, with more than 3,800 positive reviews? It’s kinda hard to go wrong with it.

Pros:

Cheap
Slim
Suitable for most people
Very lightweight
Almost counting 4,000 positive reviews at this point
Compatible with wireless charging (Depends on the charger)

Cons:

Protection may be lacking a tiny bit due to the lack of thickness
Doesn’t offer a lot of personality and style

Overall, this is the jack of all trades, but master of none. You get a bit of beauty and a bit of protection, but not the best version of either.

2: Best Stylistic Case: iCare Wallet Case

As good as the Torras Slim may be, there is no doubt that some people may consider it a bit dull and lifeless. For this reason, we thought that adding a more stylistic case with more personality to it is a good idea. Thus, meet the iCare wallet case.

As the name suggests, this one doubles as both a case and a wallet. And it may not be large enough to replace your actual wallet, but it can still be used for storing enough cash or a credit card for a night out or anything like that.

Other than that, it also acts as a kickstand which allows you to just place it on a flat surface and watch a movie, a YouTube video, etc.

Some of our female readers may find it to be a bit too “gentleman” oriented. For this reason, we’re also going to include a similar more lady-like case down below. So, do keep on reading!

Pros:

Adds personality to the phone
Seems to offer a decent amount of protection
Acts as a wallet as well
Can be used as a stand

Cons:

May be a bit too thick for some wireless chargers
Some people may find it a bit too male oriented

3: Best Stylistic Case For Women: Velvet Caviar Butterfly

This is another brand that we regularly recommend. Velvet Caviar offers some of the most beautiful cases around – especially for those that are mostly targeted towards women.

And if the particular pattern is not to your liking, there are tons of others to choose from. All of them are high-quality and we highly doubt that you’ll be able to erase the colors and drawings from the case.

Adding to the list of positives is the fact that wireless charging is supported while the case also offers decent protection against falls. This is definitely one of the best iPhone 7 Plus cases that you can get.

If we have to mention one downside, then that’s definitely going to be the price. One Velvet Caviar case can cost you as much as three “regular” ones. So, do keep that in mind.

Pros:

Adds a lot of personality to the phone
Stylistic
Beautiful
Lots of patterns to choose from
Decent protection
Compatible with wireless charging (Check thickness compatibility on your charger just to be safe)

Cons:

Obviously way too “girly” for most guys
The expensive price tag makes it a tough buy
Doesn’t have as many reviews as other cases and that makes it tough to judge reliability

Overall, if you want something on the cute side, do definitely consider this one!

4: Best Rugged Case: Silk Armor

As far as protection is concerned, this is one of the best iPhone 7 Plus cases that you can get! Not only it’s tough, but the rubber covers on the side should also help a lot with damage absorption.

Pair that tank with a decent screen protector and you’ll be basically holding a multi-tasking rock in your hands. Don’t try to throw it, though. Just to be safe.

Speaking of screen protectors, this case actually comes with two. However, do keep in mind that they do not cover the entire screen. Wireless charging is supported. But, as per usual, check out how much thickness your charger supports before you buy the case.

If there’s one bad thing about it, then that’s probably the price and looks of it. You can usually get it for twice the money that you’d need for a slim case. But, as for the appearance, the weird aesthetics seem to be a recurring theme with rugged cases.

Pros:

Very tough
Includes two screen protectors
Wireless charging support

Cons:

Maybe not the most elegant choice
A little bit pricy

5: Best Transparent Case: Torras Crystal Clear

Some people just want to enjoy the natural beauty of their phone. Others simply love the transparent look. Regardless of the group that you belong to, chances are that you’ll love the Torras Crystal Clear as we believe that it’s one of the best iPhone 7 Plus Cases that you can get!

Much like the Torras Slim Fit, this is a slim case that doesn’t add a lot of bulk to the device. The main difference between this one and most of the other transparent cases is that it doesn’t look like a cheap piece of plastic.

And of course, thanks to its slimness, wireless charging support is a given! Sure. It’s not the fanciest case out there. But, it’s elegant, simple, and it gets the job done. 2,000 Amazon reviewers can’t possibly be wrong.

Pros:

Slim
Simple
Offers basic protection
Compatible with wireless charging
More than 2,000 positive Amazon reviews
Elegant

Cons:

Doesn’t add a lot of character
Not the toughest choice out there

Overall, if you want something simple, but transparent as well, this is probably your best bet.

Best iPhone 7 Plus Cases: Wrapping Up

That’s all we’ve got for now. If you have any other recommendations, then let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below!

How To Safely Buy A Used or Refurbished iPhone 6

Last updated on August 13, 2019

A used iPhone 6 can be much cheaper while still working like brand new. Obviously, though, despite all the advantages that used products deliver, there are many associated risks as well.

You may get scammed, you may have to pay extra money, or you may get a defective product. If you’re new to buying used electronics online, then there a few stuff that you need to know first. With that being said, let’s get right into it!

Used iPhone 6 Buying Guide

Following these steps should provide you with a safe buying experience:

Only buy from reputable and trustworthy sellers/websites
When possible, prefer PayPal over credit/debit cards
Take into consideration any extra charges that may apply
Keep an eye out on the condition of the phone or you may end up getting something defective
Don’t buy a locked device unless you absolutely have to

And that’s all there is to mention as fast as possible. If you want the details, keep on reading! If not, Swappa is our recommended place to purchase a used iPhone.

1: Only Buy From Trustworthy Websites And Sellers

When buying a used iPhone 6 or any iPhone for that matter, you should always only look in trustworthy and reputable websites. And don’t forget to keep an eye out on the ratings of each individual seller under those websites.

The reason is pretty obvious. A very popular platform is much more likely to provide you with a pleasant shopping experience while a less reputable website is more likely to scam you, provide false information about their product, or anything like that.

Do keep in mind that the platform and the individual seller are not the same thing. eBay is a reputable platform, but the guy who uses it to sell a $10 iPhone with no positive ratings isn’t. So, do keep an eye out for that well.

With that being said, some very popular platforms that we recommend are:

Swappa (Highly recommended and trust-worthy)
Amazon
eBay

From all these choices, Swappa is most likely the best one for buying a used iPhone since their quality control is top-notch. Not to mention that their whole platform is focused on selling used devices. So, kinda hard to go wrong with it.

2: Prefer PayPal When You Can

There are a ton of payment methods out there. But, most websites commonly offer either PayPal or credit card as the two main methods of paying.

When possible, prefer PayPal. Not only it’s safer and easier to use, but it also allows you to get a refund in case that something goes wrong. And if you’re right, the seller can rarely do anything about it!

Creating an account and linking it to your bank or card is fairly easy. So, if you haven’t already, do seriously consider making a PayPal account and start using it as your primary payment solution.

And if you don’t feel threatened, do keep in mind that even some of the most popular websites like Wish and eBay are hosting scams.

Take this and this as an example. The GTX 1060, a card that normally costs at least 300 euros, is being sold brand new for 65 and 55. Under the hood, it’s obviously something much, much worse, and this has actually been tested by numerous YouTubers.

If something like that happens on two of the most popular shopping websites in the whole world, imagine how bad the situation can get with less popular platforms that nobody knows.

So, again, when buying something relatively expensive like a used iPhone 6, do try to use PayPal. And if something goes wrong, you’ll at least be able to make a refund claim.

3: Keep An Eye Out For Any Extra (Sometimes Hidden) Charges

Depending on the region that you currently live in and the website’s location, you may have to pay extra charges. Sometimes they show up on the checkout page and sometimes they don’t.

Amazon does that really well. As you can see in the image above, it almost always tells you how much extra money you need to pay for import fees and shipping charges.

However, other websites like eBay almost never do that. So, if you don’t know about it, you may end up having to pay quite a lot of extra money when your used iPhone 6 gets delivered.

More often than not, these extra charges are just import taxes that need to be paid when you buy something from outside of your country. For example, if you’re living in Europe and you buy something expensive from the US, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to pay import fees upon delivery.

Again, some websites like Amazon will recognize that and will allow you to pay everything upon checkout. The only issue is that it doesn’t work with all of them.

Chinese-based websites like Gearbest, Wish, and Ali-Express are often the ones that are most prone to this. The solution? Look for websites that have warehouses on your region.

Do keep in mind that Swappa is based in the US.

4: Don’t Forget About The Condition Of Your Used iPhone 6

When shopping for a used iPhone 6 or any used electronic, always keep an eye out for its condition. It can make the difference between receiving something that’s almost brand new and a broken phone.

First things first, it’s best to look in places where the seller is forced to mention the exact condition of the device. Platforms like Amazon are supposedly only listing items that have passed certain tests and are like brand new, but there are lots of times where this hasn’t exactly worked well.

Platforms like eBay, on the other hand, completely leave everything up to the seller to decide. So, again, look for someone who is trustworthy and mentions the exact condition of the phone.

Swappa is one of the very few websites that actually force all of their sellers to be very specific about the product’s condition. So, they win this round as well.

Now, the exact description differs from website to website. But, generally, this is what you can expect:

Good/Refurbished/Like New/Grade A: These terms are often used to describe a phone that’s almost brand new without scratches or marks
Mint/Fair/Grade B/C: Scratches and other signs of wear/use may be present, but the device works normally
Bad/Damaged/Parts and Repairs only/Grade D: The phone is damaged to the point where normal operation is tough or impossible

5: Prefer Unlocked Devices

A locked iPhone will only work with the carrier that it has been locked down too. For example, if you get a used iPhone 6 that’s locked to Verizon, then you can only use it with a Verizon SIM. Period.

In order to avoid that, either look for an unlocked model or at least get one which is locked down to the carrier of your choice. You can always unlock it later on. But, that costs extra money. So, choose carefully.

Most reputable sellers, including Swappa, clearly mention if a phone is unlocked or not, and which carrier it is locked down to. All you have to do is keep an eye out for that.

Get Refurbished iPhone from Swappa

Safely Buying A Used iPhone 6: Wrapping Up

Overall, when buying a used iPhone 6, look for reputable sellers, prefer PayPal when you can, be careful with extra fees, charges, and taxes, careful with the condition of your phone, and make sure to either choose an unlocked model or one that is locked down to the carrier of your choice.

The Best iPhone X Case That You Can Get (2019)

Last updated on August 5, 2019

Looking for a new iPhone X case? There are a ton of options out there. But, which one is the best? Well, while there is clearly no single perfect option for everyone, there are some cases that are kinda the best for specific types of people.

By taking that into account, we decided to hunt for the best iPhone X case that you can get for each kind of usage like elegance, beauty, toughness, etc. Without any ado, let’s check them out!

1: Best iPhone X Case For Protection: Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro

Obviously, one of the main reasons for buying a phone case is protection; and when it comes to protection, the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro is one of the best choices out there.

Sure. It’s not the most elegant case out there and it’s also not the most beautiful. But, that’s the price you pay for the ultimate level of protection. That being said, there are a few options out there which offer a mix of protection and beauty. But, for now, let’s focus on this one.

One of the advantages that the Supcae Unicorn offers compared to other options is the built-in screen protector and the dust protection system. It basically covers the exposed port with a sort of port flap that you can close and open at will.

This should be helpful for keeping out any dust and water droplets that you may come across on your daily usage.

Last, but not least, Supcase are saying that this case is compatible with wireless charging. However, seeing how thick it is, we’d advise you to take that info with a grain of salt.

Pros:

Quite possibly the best iPhone X case for protection
One of the few choices that can keep out dust and debris so effectively
Nearly a thousand positive reviews

Cons:

Most people may find it rather dull looking
Generally not the most beautiful option out there

Overall, this is one of the best iPhone X cases that you can get right now. It may sacrifice a bit of glamour, but that’s necessary in order to achieve the highest level of possible protection.

2:Best iPhone X Case For Everyone: Torras Slim Fit

This is the second time that we recommend the Torras slim fit as the best all-around choice for your average person. After all, it’s cheap, good looking, and it offers a very simplistic design which is what makes it suitable for so many people.

One very good thing with slim cases, apart from the fact that they are super elegant, is the fact that almost always play well with wireless charging. After all, when it comes to wireless chargers, thickness is the second biggest enemy.

Now, as far as style and personality is concerned, this is obviously not the best case, no pun intended. But, then again, that’s not what the Torras Slim Fit aims to deliver.

This is supposed to be a simplistic option and if that’s what you’re looking for, then it’s definitely one of the best options out there at the moment!

Pros:

Simplistic
Likeable by the vast majority of people
Slim
Cheap
More than a thousand positive reviews
Compatible with wireless charging (Your mileage may vary depending on the charger)

Cons:

Doesn’t offer a ton of protection (Still much better than nothing)
Doesn’t have a lot of personality to it

Overall, if you want something simple that gets the job done, do consider this one!

3: Best Case For An Elegant Look: Spigen Liquid Air

While Torras’ case is kinda standing on neutral ground, the Spigen Liquid Air is focused a bit more on elegance and style. So, if that’s what you’re after, consider this one.

And it’s not just stylish. The Spigen Liquid Air also offers quite a lot of protection with air cushioning along with support for wireless charging, fingerprint-resistant materials, and engravings which assist with grip.

Considering that we can get all of that for a tiny bit more than 10 bucks, this is one of the best bargains out there. And if there’s one case that is coming close to offering the best of all worlds, then this is probably it.

Pros:

Stylish
Elegant
Looks good while also offering decent protection
Allows for wireless charging
More than a thousand positive reviews

Cons:

Not the best option for those who want something colorful

Admittedly, it may be a bit too dark for some people, which is why we’re going to be checking out some more options!

4: Best Fancy Case: i-Blason Cosmo Glitter

Elegance and simplicity are wonderful. But, some people just want a bit of color in their lives. If you’re that kind of person, do definitely consider i-Blason’s offerings!

Just because it’s beautiful, doesn’t mean that it needs to sacrifice toughness for it. I mean, obviously, it doesn’t feel as sturdy as the Supcase Unicorn, but it’s still a decent offering and much better than nothing.

Speaking of protection, this case comes bundled with its own screen protector as well. Though, do keep in mind that the reviewers don’t seem to be particularly fond of it.

While we are on this subject, let’s not forget to mention that at the moment, this almost has 800 reviews with an average rating of 4.3/5. So, that goes to say something about how trustworthy it is!

If there’s one downside, then that would be the price tag. It commonly retails at about 22 bucks, which isn’t horrible. But, considering that most cases sit in the $9/12 range, we just had to mention it.

Pros:

Colorful
Adds a lot of personality to the phone
Tons of positive reviews
Compatible with wireless charging
Comes with a screen protector
Tons of options to choose from

Cons:

A bit expensive compared to other options
May be a bit too flashy for some people

5: Best Girly Case: Velvet Caviar Floral Rose Gold

Here is something to treat our female readers. Not that a man can’t enjoy a cute case. But, just saying.

Velvet Caviar is generally known for making some of the best cute cases out there. The only problem is that they are also some of the most expensive choices. Sometimes, what you pay is really what you get.

Don’t forget that if you’re not a fan of this specific pattern, there are always a ton of other options to choose from. They all share the same design, but different patterns.

This means that you can get the style that is most suitable to your liking while still having access to the same quality standards of Velvet Caviar.

Overall, if you want something cute, do definitely consider this one.

Pros:

One of the best choices when it comes to cute and/or girly designs
Adds a lot of personality to the phone
Great average rating (Not a lot of reviews, though. Possibly because of the unattractive price point)
Stylish
Numerous options to choose from

Cons:

Generally more expensive than other options
Definitely way too girly and/or cute for some people

Best iPhone X Case To Get in 2019: Wrapping Up

In the end, there’s no universal option that will please everyone. That’s why we gathered different choices for different kinds of people. We hope that you were pleased with them and if not, let us know about your recommendations in the comments down below!

Best iPhone 8 Plus Cases That You Can Get in 2019

Last updated on August 2, 2019

A phone case can make the difference between your phone crashing into oblivion and surviving to tell the tale. That’s why we decided to list some of the best iPhone 8 Plus cases that you can get in 2019!

We took numerous factors into consideration like beauty, protection, design, and even the type of person who may be interested in each different case. Without any further ado, let’s get right into it!

1: Best Case For Everyone: Torras Slim Fit

Gur or gal, beauty or toughness, design preferences or not; it doesn’t really make a difference. The Torras Slim Fit is one of the best iPhone 8 Plus cases cause it’s a great fit for everyone!

It offers the best of all worlds with the only issue being that it doesn’t particularly excel at anything. For example, while it offers protection, it’s not exactly a military-grade case. And while it is beautiful, well, let’s just say that there are options with more personality out there. You get the point.

To make it simple, have you ever heard of the saying: “Jack of all trades, master of none?”. Well, this is what the Torras Slim Fit is! And that’s precisely why it’s suitable for so many people.

Pros:

A good fit for most people
Slim
Low profile
Kinda serious/neutral design
Compatible iPhone 7 Plus as well
Getting close to 4,000 positive reviews
Very lightweight
Great for wireless charging

Cons:

Doesn’t offer the best protection out there
People who want more personality may find it boring

Again, it’s a phone case that will satisfy most people. But, for those of you who want more protection, more personality, or both, keep on reading!

2: Best Case For Transparency Lovers: Teras Crystal Clear

No. We’re not Torras fanboys. It just so much happens that they make some of the most popular iPhone cases in the market at the moment. That’s all.

This case is very similar to what we checked out before with the main difference that it’s transparent. So, if you like transparent choices, this is one of the best iPhone 8 Plus cases that you can get in 2019!

The only small drawback is that this option is a tiny bit more expensive. But, a couple more bucks shouldn’t be a huge issue, right? Other than that, there’s also the fact that theoretically speaking, it should be getting dirty a bit easier.

Still, look at the bright side as well. It’s cheap, stylish, a good fit for most people, compatible with wireless charging, and gets the job done.

To sum things up:

Pros:

Supports wireless charging
Slim
Most people find it simple yet stylish
Stands on a middle ground between being simplistic and fancy
Offers a bit of protection
2,000 positive reviews
Compatible with iPhone 7 Plus as well
Lots of color choices

Cons:

The transparent design means that the case may get dirty more easily

3: Best Tough Case: Spigen Tough Armor

Simplistic, slim cases are nice and everything. But, some people like them thick. Some people want more protection – even if that means sacrificing a bit of beauty/slimness. If you’re looking for something like that, then you’ll definitely find the Spigen Tough Armor to be one of the best iPhone 8 Plus cases that you can get.

As you can see in the image above, it’s noticeably thicker and it also looks heavier compared to the rest of our options.

One of the first things that came to mind when we saw this case is wireless charging support. And the truth is that we got mixed opinions on that. Some people said that it worked just fine for them while others said that they couldn’t get it to work. So, it’s kind of a hit or miss situation, depending on your wireless charger.

As for beauty, well, that’s a highly controversial topic. There are those who can’t stand thick cases and there are also those who think that this looks wonderful.

In the end, just pick whatever you like most. Time go over the pros and cons now:

Pros:

Offers more protection than your average case
More than 3,000 positive reviews
Compatible with iPhone 7 Plus
Thick

Cons:

Some people may not like the extra thickness
Wireless charging may not be possible – largely depends on the wireless charger

Overall, if you want something to toughen up your iPhone, do definitely consider this one!

4: Best Stylistic Case: Caseology Parallax

Simplicity is nice and so is fanciness. If you’re a fan of the latter, do definitely consider checking out one of the Caseology Parallax variants!

This case takes style and personalization one step further which is why we consider it to be one of the best cases for iPhone 8 Plus. And if the particular color isn’t to your liking, there are at least 4 more to choose from!

Furthermore, it’s not just beautiful, but it also offers a decent amount of protection. And let me tell you that when it comes to phone cases, that’s a rather rare combination!

One more positive aspect is wireless charging. Most people have confirmed that it works without any issues. However, do keep in mind that your mileage may vary depending on the wireless charger that you’re using.

To summarize:

Pros:

Stylish
Adds character
Generally looks better than other choices while still offering a bit of protection
Nearing 4,000 positive reviews
Numerous color options
Compatible with iPhone 7 Plus

Cons:

May be a bit too fancy for those who want simplicity
Probably not as sturdy as the rugged alternatives

5: Best “Girly” Case: Velvet Caviar Pink Nude Vintage

Most of the cases that we’ve checked out till now are leaning towards elegance and simplicity. That’s something that is mostly enjoyed by guys and that’s why we decided to add something cute for our cute female readers as well. Not that guys can’t enjoy it as well. Whatever floats your boat.

And it’s not just the flower design that you see on the image above. Velvet Caviar has tens of wonderful options to choose from.

Apart from beauty, these cases also offer a decent amount of protection. Not to mention that they should technically allow for wireless charging without any issues. After all, they are relatively slim.

The only downside is the price that they are asking. While most of our options are standing in the $12 range, Velvet Caviar cases generally ask for about $30. Though, do keep in mind that pricing may vary from region to region.

Pros:

Very beautiful
Unique design and paintings
Great option for women
Tons of positive reviews
Slim yet durable
Should work just fine with wireless charging; though your mileage may vary – depending on the wireless charger
Tons of choices
Compatible with iPhone 7 Plus

Cons:

Most guys will find it a bit over the top
May be a bit too flashy for some people
More expensive than other options

Overall, if you are looking for something cute, then this is definitely one of the best iPhone 8 Plus cases that you can get.

Best iPhone Cases For iPhone 8 Plus: Wrapping Up

That’s all we’ve got for now. If you’ve got any other recommendations which you think are worthy of being in this list, then let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section!

Best iPhone Camera Lens To Get in 2019

Last updated on July 29, 2019

The best iPhone camera lens can transform your phone into a DSLR camera. Alright, maybe not a DSLR. But, at the very least, something like a superzoom camera or a macro beast, depending on what you’re after.

For this reason, we’ve gathered some of the best options that are out there in 2019 and we’re going to check them out just now. So, without any further ado, let’s get right into it!

1: Moment Wide-Angle Lens

A wide-angle lens can always help you capture a bit more scenery or fit one more person to the frame. The only issue with external lenses, though, is that they often introduce chromatic aberration which makes the colors look a bit washed out and funny.

Moment, on the other hand, claim that the picture quality is as good as it can get with their lenses. You can take that info with a grain of salt if you want, but do keep in mind that this particular lens is counting more than 3,000 positive reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.6/5.

However, despite being so good, the Moment wide-angle lens has two big cons to it:

It’s vastly more expensive compared to the rest of our options out there
And it also requires a dedicated Moment case to fit it in

So, not only you’ll have to pay a ton of money to get the lens, but you’ll also have to pay more in order to get the phone case that’s essential. And if you’ve got your own case? Well, no choice but to remove it now.

With all of that being said, before buying the lens, make sure that your phone has a compatible phone case to go with it. Otherwise, that’s just throwing about a hundred bucks down the drain.

At the end of the day, we’re not sure if it’s worth spending so much money and getting a new phone case just to capture wide-angle shots. But, we’re damn sure that if you’re after quality wide-angle shots, then this is one of the best iPhone camera lenses!

2: Xenvo Macro + Wide-Angle Lens

Xenvo is currently the number 1 best seller in external phone lenses. If we were to pick a single option as the best iPhone camera lens, then this would probably be it.

While still being considered a premium kit, Xenvo doesn’t cost nearly half as much as Moment’s lens. Not to mention that you don’t need a dedicated phone case to use it either.

This option still comes with two high-quality lenses:

A single wide-angle lens
And a macro one

As mentioned above, wide-angle lenses are just that, wide. Their job is to capture more space and fit it into the photo frame.

Judging from all the positive Amazon reviews, we can safely assume that Xenvo’s wide-angle lens is just as good as Moment’s offerings. No need to take our word for it. Check out some of the reviews for yourself.

As for macro, well, a common misconception is that macro lenses are used for zooming in, which is not the case. If you try to zoom in over the distance with a macro lens, you’ll see nothing but blurriness.

In reality, macro lenses are used for extreme close-up shots. They can be used to capture photos of insects, water drops running on a leaf, the veins of a leaf, and things like that.

So, when everything is said and done, Xenvo offers two high-quality lenses at a rather tempting price point without asking for additional accessories. It’s definitely worth checking it out!

3: Moment Superfish

The Moment Superfish lens aims to deliver 170-degree shots with perfectly flat corners and according to all the reviewers, it does that quite well.

Don’t confuse wide-angle lenses with fisheye ones. At first glance, they may look similar, but they aren’t.

Wide-angle lenses try to take perfectly clear shots without any warpings. Fisheye options, on the other hand, aim for rather warped edges or even a round/circle effect, depending on the lens of your choice.

However, we’re still talking about Moment here. As we previously saw, their lenses do get rather expensive and the Superfish isn’t an exception.

And as if that wasn’t enough, you do still need a dedicated compatible case in order to install it. So, the Moment Superfish may be one of the best iPhone camera lenses out there, but it’s also one of the most expensive ones.

4: Mactrem 9 In 1 Pack

We understand that not everyone is willing to spend nearly a hundred bucks for a single lens. That’s why we decided to add this kit to our collection!

The Mactrem 9 in 1 pack commonly retails at about $30 while offering a ton of lenses in one package. Needless to say that it’s an absolutely great value!

And it may not offer the same quality that other lenses do on the higher end of the spectrum. But, for the price? It’s hard to go wrong.

Now, to be more specific, we’re looking at a package that offers:

A 20X telephoto lens
205-degree fisheye lens
25X macro lens
Wide-angle lens (Screwed together with the macro one)
Universal clip
Tripod (Useful when utilizing the telephoto lens)
Eye cup
EVA bag
Manual (Duh)

That being said, you get 4 of the most popular types of lenses for the price of a single Xenvo macro lens. That’s quite the bargain if you ask me.

And by the way, the telephoto lens is the one responsible for optical zooming over large distances. It’s simple and easy to use, but do keep in mind that the colors may look a bit weird and slightly blurry at times.

The Different Lenses and What They Do

You came here looking for the best iPhone camera lens. And to pick the one that’s the best for your needs, you also need to gain a solid understanding of what the different lens types do.

We did give an explanation above as well. But, if you’re new to this, then all that information can surely get a bit overwhelming.

So, to summarize shortly and simply:

Telephoto: Zooms in over large distances. Not suitable for close-up shots
Macro: Perfect for close-ups. Not suitable for zooming in the distance
Wide-angle: Increases the field of view and fits more scenery into a single shot
Fisheye: Increases the FOV but also adds a warped effect on the corners of the picture

There a few more types that we didn’t encounter in this article like kaleidoscope lenses and similar stuff. However, most people don’t care about these and that’s why we didn’t include them in this list.

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any other recommendations, let us know about them in the comments section down below!

Best iPhone Screen Protector (Various Models)

Last updated on July 26, 2019

Screen protectors seem to be a must-have accessory these days. After all, protecting a device that costs hundreds of dollars is no joke and that’s why so many people want the best iPhone screen protector that they can get.

The only issue is that there are a ton of protectors to choose from with some of them offering different designs and features as well. Some of them are known for toughness, flexibility, blue light blockage, and more.

That’s why we wrote this article; so that we can help you pick the best option. Without any further ado, let’s get right into it!

1: JETech Screen Protector Pack (iPhone 6, 6S, 7, 8)

Buying cheap screen protectors isn’t always the best choice. But, if you only want to avoid getting scratches from keys and stuff like that, sure, why not?

Speaking of toughness, JETech actually claims that this screen protector can offer protection from scratches up to 9H. That’s roughly equal to the damage that knives do.

So, with that being said, we can safely assume that things like keys and coins should pose no threat. Just don’t forget to take any information that merchants and sellers provide with a grain of salt.

While we are still on the subject of toughness, don’t forget that scratch resistance and shock resistance are two very different things. A screen protector can help prevent scratches from objects that grind against the display, but they can’t absorb the vibrations from a fall. Cases are much more effective for that.

As for compatibility, this protector is compatible with the:

iPhone 6/6S
iPhone 7
And iPhone 8

The plus versions and other iPhones are not supported because of their bigger (or smaller) displays. But, no need to worry. We’ll cover those soon enough as well!

Last, but not least, there’s the material. JETech uses tempered glass which can be both a good and a bad thing depending on who you ask. At the very least, it feels very similar to the pre0installed panel of the iPhones.

More on the glass vs plastic protectors at the bottom of this article.

2: Maxboost For iPhone X and Xs

The iPhone X and Xs are not only larger compared to their predecessors, but they also come with a different design. That’s why you need a different set of protectors for them.

Maxboost protectors are kinda mid-range priced. They are neither too expensive or cheap and to be honest, they ofter quite a bang for your buck.

After all, one of the reasons that this is considered the best iPhone screen protector is because of just how reputable it is. We’re talking about more than 12,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.4/5, which is rather impressive.

This is another tempered glass protector with the main difference being that it’s coated with hydrophobic and oleophobic materials. That helps keeping the screen clean from fingerprints, wet marks, sweat, and stuff like that.

Overall, if you’ve got an iPhone X or Xs and you want a mid-range choice that does its job, do definitely consider Maxboost.

3: Purity Glass Protector (Compatible With iPhone Plus Versions)

This is another popular and reliable choice for iPhone lovers. Just like with Maxboost, Purity offers hydrophobic and oleophobic materials in order to keep fingerprints and other types of dirt away from the display.

However, Purity is leaning a tiny bit more towards the budget range. Priced at usually about 5 bucks, it’s one of the cheapest choices of the bunch.

But, don’t let the pricing fool you. It’s still one of the best protectors that you can get and more than 3,000 people can’t possibly be wrong.

Regarding compatibility, Purity can be used with all of the iPhone Plus variants. To be more specific:

iPhone 6 Plus/6S Plus
iPhone 7 Plus
And iPhone 8 Plus

Once more, just like with the rest of the screen protectors on our list, this one uses tempered glass. Seems like the manufacturers are slowly moving away from plastic.

Anyway, if you own one of the iPhone plus versions, this protector is definitely of worthy of your attention.

4: Maxboost Protector With Blue Light Filter (iPhone X/Xs)

Did you know that screen protectors can protect not only your screen but also your eyes? That’s thanks to blue-light filtering technology that can be implemented with glasses, software, or in our case, a screen protector.

Blue light is not only more tiresome for our eyes, but it can also prevent your average person from falling asleep early due to how our brain can get fooled into thinking that we’re looking at sunlight.

A blue light filtering protector like Maxboost’s offering blocks out the blue light emissions from your iPhone so that you can have a more enjoyable experience and get more sleep. So, for anyone who needs natural blue light filtering, this is a very solid option!

However, there is a catch. The reason that these kind of protectors aren’t so popular is because they reduce the overall brightness of the display and they can also alter the colors by making everything look a bit more yellowish.

Maxboost has mentioned that you can expect a 20% brightness drop after installing the protector. So, do keep that in mind.

Regarding compatibility, the particular link above is for the iPhone X and Xs. But, if memory serves right, there are blue light filtering offerings for pretty much any iPhone out there!

5: Omoton Glass Protector For iPhone SE, 5S, 5C, 5

Don’t need that we’ve forgotten about those of you who are still using oldies like the iPhone 5 or 5S. If you own one of these devices:

iPhone 5/5S
iPhone 5C
And iPhone SE

Then this is definitely the best iPhone screen protector that you can get; or at the very least one of the best! It currently has more than 4,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.6/5. Again, so many people can’t possibly be wrong.

In terms of features, it’s more or less on the same page with the rest of the protectors that we checked out today. 9H hardness, an oleophobic layer, and a reinforced tempered glass layer.

Small Side Note

Scratch resistance isn’t the same with shock resistance. There is a good chance that if you drop your phone from a good height, the phone display itself will shatter while the screen protector will feel nothing.

That’s because the strong vibrations from the fall can cause the display to shatter even if it’s being covered by a protector. So, do keep that in mind. And obviously, try not to drop your phone from big heights, or from anywhere for that matter.

One way to kind off solve this is by getting a decent phone case that can absorb strong vibrations. Reinforced cases are usually your best bet for protection. But, they also tend to look a bit ugly. So, try to find a good balance between beauty and protection!

Best iPhone Screen Protector: Summary

That’s all for now. Those were some of the best screen protectors for iPhone devices that we could find at the moment of writing this article. But, if you’ve got any other recommendations, feel free to leave them in the comments down below!

Best Wireless Charger For iPhone X (2019)

Last updated on July 25, 2019

Finding the best wireless charger for iPhone X can prove to be a rather intimidating task. After all, there are so many options out there. Locating the best one is no easy task.

That’s why we decided to make a bit of research and present the best wireless chargers that you can get for an iPhone X right now. So, with that being said, let’s get right into it!

1: Yootech

Yootech offers one of the most popular wireless chargers for iPhones, if not the most popular. With more than 10,000 Amazon reviews and an average rating of 4.3/5, it’s really hard to go wrong with it.

It’s relatively cheap, solid, and does its job just fine. You can choose between the pad version that you can see in the image above and a stand version which holds the phone upright. Both of them do the same job, so, the choice is purely a matter of personal preference. And of course, you can always just get both.

Yootech’s wireless charger doesn’t come with an adapter, which means that you’ll need either your phone’s default charger or a new dedicated one for the wireless stand/pad. Do keep in mind that the 10-watt fast charging mode is not available for iPhone devices. 7.5 is as far as you can get.

According to Amazon reviews, this charger seems to work only with the included micro USB cable. Anything else is a gamble at best. So, do keep that in mind!

Regarding the cases, Yootech says that anything up to 4 mm of thickness should be fine. However, charging without a case often yields the best results.

Overall, if you want something cheap and sturdy that gets the job done without much fluff, then this may be the best wireless charger for iPhone X that you can get.

2:Anker’s Charging Stand

Anker is another solid and reputable name in the wireless charger business. Once again, you get to choose between both a stand and a dock with the choice being mostly a matter of personal preference.

Speaking of reputation, this wireless charger currently counts more than 2,000 Amazon reviews and an average rating of 4.4/5. So many people can’t possibly be wrong, right?

Now, obviously, at this price point, you can’t possibly expect to get an included power adapter. A dedicated one is required and if fast charging is a necessity, then you’ll also need an adapter that can output this level of power.

Though, with that being said, iPhones can only charge wirelessly up to 7.5 watts. So, a quick-charge adapter will probably not help much here. Still, if you know more about this, let us know about it in the comments section!

Regarding the cases, just in case you care, no pun intended, Anker claims that you can charge your phone with an installed case up to 5 mm no problem. That’s a tiny bit thicker compared to Yootech’s offerings. But, always get these kinds of claims with a grain of salt.

So, is this the best wireless charger for iPhone X? Maybe. Maybe not. At the very least it’s one of the best that you can get at the moment that this article was published!

3:

Samsung Wireless Stand (US 2018 Edition)

It’s not possible to mention some of the best wireless chargers in the market and leave this tech-giant out of the picture. Samsung’s wireless stand is definitely a solid choice.

And while Samsung and Apple are competitors, that doesn’t change the fact that this may be the best wireless charger for iPhone X. At the very least, it’s one of the best choices.

The reason that we’re recommending this particular US version is because the other revisions seem to have noticeable worse reviews from users. So, maybe it’s for the best if we play it safe here.

Samsung’s charger is generally a tiny bit pricier compared to its competitors and that’s because it comes with an included adapter. So, if you want to keep a separate adapter for wireless charging while still keeping your phone’s included one on the side, this is probably the best choice.

Some people have complained about the LED light being annoying during the night. But, that’s a matter of personal preference. Speaking of annoyances, certain reviews have also mentioned that they got a counterfeit product. So, keep an eye out for scammy sellers.

As for phone cases, well, Samsung hasn’t mentioned anything about it. But, the buyers are saying that charging is working just fine with a case installed.

4: SodySnay Wireless Charger

This is definitely a little bit different compared to the other options that we’ve checked out till now. SodySnay’s charger allows you to connect 2 phones, an Apple Watch, and the AirPods, all in one pack!

So, if you want one solution for everything, then this may be the best wireless charger for iPhone X that you can get. Now, at this point, SodySnay hasn’t mentioned if the other slots are simply docks for placing your devices or actual chargers. Also, no mention has been made about simultaneous charging of multiple devices at once.

We can at least be sure that the last one is either impossible or will work very slowly as our current charging adapters can barely handle one phone. Let alone two phones along with headphones and a watch.

At the moment, there’s no information about case support. But, we assume that anything that’s not metallic and up to 3-4 mm should be just fine.

5: Hevanto Wireless Pad

Hevanto’s charger offers a somewhat different design. That’s compared to the average wireless charger, at least. And if you’re looking for something that’s a bit more towards the fancy side, then this is quite possibly the best wireless charger for iPhone X that you can get.

It has hundreds of positive reviews, quick charging support, and is overall a very solid choice. Maybe not the most popular charger out there, but the results speak for themselves. Unlike Samsung’s and SodySnay’s offerings, this one doesn’t include a power adapter in the package. So, do keep that in mind!

As for phone cases, Hevanto claims that anything up to 5 mm should be completely fine. And quite frankly, we haven’t seen anything better out there.

Best Wireless Charger For iPhone X: Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. In the end, the choice comes down to personal preference. If you’ve got any more suggestions, anything that we may have missed, anything that may deserve a spot in this list, then let us and everyone else know about it in the comments section. Till next time.

How to Buy A Used iPhone 4: Safe Shopping Tips

Last updated on July 24, 2019

Buying a used iPhone 4 is a great way to save some money while getting the phone that you want. However, the used market can be full of traps where one wrong turn can cost you dearly a number of different ways.

With that being said, that’s why we decided to make this article for you where we explain some things that you need to know before buying a used iPhone or any used electronic for that matter. So, let’s get right into it!

Used iPhone 4 Buying Guide

Amidst all the chaos in the used market, there are primarily 5 things that you need to know before buying a used iPhone 4 or any used electronics:

Your seller
Payment methods
Extra fees and charges
Condition of the item
Locked and unlocked devices

1: Know Your Seller

First of all, knowing that you’re buying from a trustworthy seller is very important. And when we say trustworthy we don’t just mean a big name like Amazon or eBay, but also their individual sub-sellers – the ones that use the platform to sell their products.

Buying from the wrong guy can put you into a lot of trouble. Things like:

Broken products that can’t be returned
Misinformation about the product and its condition (More on that later)
Hidden fees (Also more on that later)
And possibly more

To find the right seller, the first thing that you can do is to look only at reputable platforms like Amazon, eBay, Swappa, Newegg, or anything like that.

When it comes to used iPhones, we generally prefer Swappa because they are the pros of selling used phones. Not only they are extremely reputable and trustworthy, but they also mention every detail that you might need like the condition of the phone, its carrier, and more.

Speaking of information, that’s another important thing that you want to look out for. More on that further below.

2: Choose a Safe Payment Method

Finding a good seller is one thing. How about finding a good payment option as well? There are many people out there who are still shopping online with their credit/debit card without knowing that this poses two big risks:

Identity and banking information theft
Lack of buyer protection

If you got a reputable seller, then you obviously don’t need to worry about identity theft or anything like that. Amazon, Swappa, Newegg, eBay, all these big names can’t potentially risk scamming you.

However, we’re talking about the used market here and there’s no guarantee that someone will not at least try to. For example, take a look at this item. A graphics card that normally costs 300+ euros for 63? And it’s also brand new? Boy oh boy what a crazy bargain this is, right? Except it’s clearly a scam attempt.

And mind you, this is on one of the world’s biggest shopping websites. So, if there are people who are willing to try and scam you on the big platforms, imagine how bad things can get when we’re walking on thin ice with unknown sellers.

A secure payment method like PayPal can help you protect yourself from both scams and identity theft. That’s because if you buy something by using PayPal and you realize that you were scammed, you can always reach out to them, provide proof that this happened, and the seller will be forced to issue a refund. In most cases, it works.

Even when things don’t go according to plan, having a small layer of protection instead is always better than nothing. Because let’s be honest, chances are that our banks are not going to lift a finger in case we buy the wrong item.

3: Watch Out For Extra Fees And Charges

One thing that lots of people don’t know is that you can end up paying extra money upon delivery. So, you basically buy whatever you want, pay for it while thinking that you’re done, and only once your used iPhone 4 arrives at your doorstep you are asked to pay the extra fees and charges.

Not all regions do this. But, the EU is definitely a continent that has this law. It doesn’t apply for every single item. After all, those who check for imports can’t possibly have the time to go through the process of taxing every little thing. And for this reason, only items that have a specific price and above will be checked and will have to be paid for import fees.

Unfortunately, a used iPhone 4 usually costs more than enough to be placed on this range and unless you get lucky, chances are that you’ll have to pay the extra fees for it upon delivery. Of course, that is unless you buy it from a seller who is within your country. That, or someone who is living outside of your country but offers a warehouse that’s inside.

American buyers don’t really have to worry too much about this as the major platforms like Swappa and Amazon all have warehouses within the USA. Just do make your research for the individual states. Just in case.

Apart from that, watch out for the obvious stuff. Shipping costs, standard taxes, anything like this that commonly appears only after you’ve inserted the payment and delivery details. So, don’t be in a massive hurry to press that “buy” button.

4: Watch Out For The Condition Of Your Used iPhone 4

This is another thing that lots of people forget to check out. Sometimes, it’s not even mentioned in the details – in which, case, maybe you should look for another website/platform/seller.

The condition of your used iPhone 4, or any used phone for that matter, reflects the overall shape of the device. Scratches, cracks, broken things, anything like that.

Generally speaking, the more flaws that a phone has, the cheaper that you can get it. And remember: If something looks too good to be true, then it most likely is!

Now, different sellers may use different terms to describe the condition of a device. But, generally speaking, this is what you can expect:

Good/Refurbished/Like New: These terms are often used to describe a phone that’s almost brand new without scratches or marks
Mint/Fair: Scratches and other signs of wear/use may be present, but the device works normally
Bad/Damaged/Parts and Repairs only: The phone is damaged to the point where normal operation is tough or impossible.

Again, don’t forget to read the individual descriptions of your particular seller. He/she may have different conditions in mind when using each and every one of these terms.

5: Watch Out For Carrier Locked Devices

There are numerous countries that offer carrier-locked devices. A carrier-locked phone will basically refuse to work with any other carrier apart from the one that it is locked down to.

For example, if you get a used iPhone 4 that’s locked to AT&T, then it doesn’t matter what you want to use. That phone will only work with AT&T. Period.

And if you happen to do the mistake of falling into that trap, then your only choice is to either use the carrier that you’re locked to or pay for unlocking services to get yourself out of that situation. The last thing that anyone would want after getting a new/used device is to pay extra money just to be able to use his phone.

Thankfully, most reputable sellers always mention if their phones are locked or unlocked and they also mention exactly what carrier they are locked down to. So, keep an eye out for that.

Check out Used iPhone 4 Devices on Swappa

Safely Buying a Used iPhone 4: Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. Hopefully, our little guide helped you out and you’ll be able to buy a used iPhone 4 without anything going wrong. To wrap things up, this is all we talked about and that you need to remember:

Buy from a reputable seller
Choose a safe payment method
Watch out for extra fees and charges
Keep an eye on the condition of the device
Careful with the carrier-locked devices

Best Netflix Alternatives in 2019

Last updated on July 23, 2019

There are numerous Netflix alternatives out there and we’re here today to find the best out of the bunch. I mean, Netflix is a great streaming service. It really is. But, what if you want something different? Something maybe a bit cheaper, free, or with a different selection of movies and shows? So, let’s check out some alternative options.

1: Best Netflix Alternatives For a Subscription: Amazon, Hulu, And HBO

Amazon, Hulu, and HBO are by far the most popular streaming services aside from Netflix. Obviously, most of us already know about them. But, still, we thought that mentioning them is good for starters who are just now getting into streaming. And if you haven’t heard about them, now is your chance to check them out!

First of all, there is Amazon Prime Video which offers a great collection of movies and TV shows like Aquaman, Captain Marvel, Game of Thrones (Along with an HBO sub) and many, many more. The great thing about it is that it goes hand to hand with Amazon Prime which means that you won’t have to pay for two separate services.

Then there is Hulu which has a wide variety of shows to watch from – especially if you include the add-ons that you can use like HBO, Showtime, and more. The only downside of it is that their Android app doesn’t play well with certain devices and that can be an issue. Especially if you consider that more than 60% of people nowadays prefer browsing with their smartphones.

Last, but not least, there is HBO. This is the streaming the service that offers two of the most popular exclusive shows out there:

Game of Thrones
Chernobyl

Exclusives are obviously not exactly a good thing for us, the consumers, but just saying. Prices are not going to be mentioned cause they can wildly differ from region to region.

Best Free Netflix Alternatives: Showbox, Popcorn Time, And Kodi

Not everybody is able or willing to pay for a subscription. Thankfully, there are quite a few Netflix alternatives that are also completely free to use.

Now, some of them are a bit shady and maybe even dangerous for your device’s health, viruses and such, while others, up to a certain point, are completely safe and legal to use. Let’s shart with Showbox.

Showbox is completely free and allows you to watch almost every show and movie that’s out there. However, it has 2 series downsides:

Only available for Android
No official source as of yet

The first downside is somewhat of a problem for PC users and for those who want to watch their shows on a bigger screen. Not really a huge deal. However, the second downside can even prove to be dangerous. After all, download the app from the wrong source and you may get infected with adware or something even worse.

Popcorn Time is a bit more popular and is available for computers as well. While it has a rather big collection of shows and movies, it’s also considered illegal in numerous countries.

Piracy is commonly nothing to be afraid of. But, if you are living in the wrong country and at the wrong time, you’re risking getting fined or even going to jail. More on that later on.

Last, but not least, Kodi. Kodi, by default, offers quite a number of legitimate and legal sources to watch numerous videos. Now, if you want to move on to more questionable add-ons, then that’s your call to make.

Basically, Kodi allows you to use 3rd party sources and that, in turn, makes it practically possible to get all the shows and movies in the world for free. Just not legally. Again, Kodi, by default, is completely legitimate and legal. The 3rd party add-ons are the ones that are questionable.

Consider Using a VPN

Some of the above-mentioned services, including Kodi and Showbox, are considered illegal in numerous countries. Well, to be more precise, Kodi isn’t considered illegal as it is, but that’s a topic for another day.

Usually, pirating movies and shows isn’t something that will get you punished. However, some countries are known for being strict for such matters. Germany is one of the few that can fine you or even send you to prison for piracy.

So, are you going to take the risk? Why not use a VPN? VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It’s a kind of software which conceals your identity and also whatever it is that you’re doing on the Internet from any prying eyes.

That includes your ISP and even the government. Obviously, if you’re going to do something that’s considered highly illegal, then no VPN provider is going to try and hide you from the government/police.

However, for the rest of us normal folk who just want a bit of privacy and security, a VPN is a great solution. Most of them are extremely cheap while there are also a few free choices. We’d recommend against the latter, but, that’s a topic for another day.

There are plenty of choices out there, but ExpressVPN is the one that we’re going to recommend. After all, it has a long-standing reputation for being fast, reliable, affordable, and secure.

So, all things considered, do seriously think about installing a VPN.

Get ExpressVPN From The Official Website

Honorable Mentions

All the services that we mentioned above are some of the most widely known Netflix alternatives, but there’s much more to it than that. Here are some other streaming services that deserve a bit of attention as well:

HooqMubi
Fandor
Crackle
Hotstar
Filmstruck
Sling TV
Tubi TV
YouTube
Pluto TV
Showtime
Pureflix
Pocorn Flix
Viewster
Snag Films

Yes, YouTube is also included. While it’s clearly far from having the biggest collection of shows and movies, you can still find a few stuff there. For example, The Red Pill is only available on YouTube at the moment.

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any other Netflix alternatives to recommend, then let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below!

Proxy Vs VPN – What’s the Difference?

Last updated on July 22, 2019

Can’t decide between proxy vs VPN when it comes to choosing the tool to safeguard your online browsing experience? Here’s everything you need to know about these two services and the uses both of them have to offer.

The inception of virtual private networks took place to fulfil the necessity of securing online activity for corporate and business entities. Over the years, improved infrastructure, faster internet technology, and the growing interest of public has led to widespread demand for VPNs all across the globe. Not only have VPN services become popular for accessing geo-restricted websites and web-based services, but also as a means to protect the user’s data and keep the prying eyes of the federal authorities at bay.

Generally speaking, a VPN service allows you to connect to a remote server, which changes your IP address, thus effectively hiding your location and user activity. However, there is yet another networking technology that allows you to do the same, which is called proxy server. Since proxy servers also allow you to mask your IP address, it would be safe to assume that the two security options are the same. However, taking a closer with proxy vs VPN reveals some key differences between the two, which every user should be aware before they choose either of these services to safeguard their internet browsing experience.

What is a VPN Service?

Imagine your IP address to be a fingerprint through which your ISP, and even government authorities can track your geological location on the map. The way a virtual private network is designed to work is that it allows you to hide the IP address of your device, effectively hiding your location of access as well. A VPN works as a software for your computer, mobile phone, or can even be installed on your wireless router.

A dependable VPN service not only changes your IP address, but secures the network connection as well. The data that is sent out and received by your computer or mobile device when using a VPN service, is first routed to a remote server, which encrypts it. The encrypted data is then rerouted, thus spoofing your location, while ensuring that the browsing data cannot be identified and traced back to you.

Pros of using a VPN:

Premium VPN services offer end-to-end encryption along with a slew of security features that allow you to keep your browsing data on a lockdown.
The ability to change your IP address gives you a way to get past geo-restrictions set by web-based services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
A dependable VPN service would be available not just for the computer, but for mobile phones and media streaming devices as well.
ISP throttling can be bypassed when using a VPN service.

Cons of using a VPN:

Premium VPN services, although worth the added cost, can be expensive to use at times.
VPN services are generally frowned upon by banking and legal authorities due to their close association with hackers.
Data encryption does offer protection, but the time it takes for the data to reach the remote servers and then be encrypted before being transferred, can slow down your connection in certain cases.

What is a Proxy Server?

A means to effectively make your browsing experience anonymous, proxy servers take a simplified approach in comparison to VPN services. Generally speaking, proxy servers were introduced as a means to facilitate browsing privacy by simply acting as an extended bridge between devices and the network. Unlike VPN services which have an entire framework of remote servers that are tied together using a web-based software, proxy servers are fairly lightweight and do not require a software platform to be established.

A proxy server serves just one purpose, which is hiding your IP address, and unlike VPN which requires connecting to a remote server, a proxy can be set up on a local server as well. Proxy servers, being feasible and fairly easy to establish, are large available for free all over the internet, allowing you to access a website or online service outside of your country, with no security protocol in place whatsoever.

Pros of using a Proxy Server:

Public proxy servers, which are easy to obtain online, are free to use and can be accessed at anytime from anywhere.
Simplified setup allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and gain access to regional websites and online services.

Cons of a Proxy Server:

Proxy servers can be run by any entity, who can easily gain access to the data that you’re transferring while using their proxy server.
Most public proxy servers have no form of encryption in place, while leaves you vulnerable to phishing and federal surveillance.
Proxy servers are barely ever established permanently, and can be blocked by websites when flagged.

Proxy Vs VPN – Which one should you choose?

The end-user who is looking for a way to bypass the regional restrictions put forth by their ISP or the government agencies is just looking for a solution that works. In theory, when you compare proxy vs VPN in terms of functionality, both of these services are able to deliver the ability to hide your IP address.

What makes VPNs better

If basic browsing is not your only purpose, and you need more than just anonymity online, a VPN service is required. Apart from barring access of your personal browsing information from prying eyes when you’re connect to a public Wi-Fi network, a VPN service also helps you encrypt every kilobyte of data that is transferred to and from your devices. Whether you want to access your financial information securely, or need multiple layers of security that is enabled at all times, a virtual private network service is what you need.

What makes Proxy better

If you’re looking for a simple and straightforward way to access a website that has been blocked in your region, proxy servers can help you with it. You can turn towards the basic options for a free proxy server that lets you connect instantaneously, regardless of the computer or mobile device you use it from. The process involves no software installation, and can be done for most of your regular browsing needs, such as watching Netflix from another region, or just browsing through regional websites on a public domain.

We Recommend ExpressVPN

If you don’t mind shelling out a few bucks for a VPN service rather than depending on an unreliable public proxy server to mask your IP address, there are plenty of service providers to choose from. We’ve sieved through the market and hand-picked ExpressVPN, not just based on its longstanding reputation in the online web security market, but the number of security and functionality features that it has to offer.

Bypassing Geo-restrictions – Depending on where you live, you won’t be able to access the services online, but ExpressVPN offer you a way around this. Allowing you to connect to hundreds of remote servers across the world, you can choose to log in from more than 60 different locations.

Avoid ISP Logging – Even if a website or service is not barred in your region, the ISP (internet service provider) can still keep an on-file record of the user data. The online activity that you perform on your devices can be logged, which poses not only a privacy treat, but the problem of being fined for unauthorized usage as well.

High-speed Streaming –When you choose a mediocre VPN service that helps you get past the ISP but underperforms in terms of connectivity, you could end up with minutes of buffering, which can impact the browsing experience. With ExpressVPN and its smart filtering of servers that rank highest on the Speed Index, you can choose a network server with the fastest speeds on your computer and mobile devices.

Native Support – The sheer popularity of ExpressVPN not only makes it a viable solution for desktop and mobile devices, but for computers, streaming devices, and even wireless routers. Easily choose your service location, and even monitor your streaming speeds for a surreal viewing experience, all from the official ExpressVPN app.

Final Words

As the treat to privacy grows, and the malicious activities of phishing and data breaches become a common sight, even the end-user is looking to find ways to secure their online browsing experience. The purpose of hiding the IP address of a device is resolved by proxy servers as well as VPNs, but the two technologies perform differently, whereas as one only offer anonymity (proxy), and the other offering you encrypted data transmission as well (VPN).

At the end of the day, the competition between proxy vs VPN boils down to the what serves your need the best. So are you going to choose the affordability and ease of use that comes with setting up a proxy server, even if it does not push forth high-level security? Or would you rather spend a few more dollars but secure your network connection with the best in the business? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section right down below.