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Webflow website builder review
2:42 am | September 28, 2020

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Building | Comments: Off

Webflow is arguably one of the best website builders for those who want to maintain code-level control over their website - without having to actually write any code. 

This makes Webflow one of the best website builders for agencies and freelancers, allowing users to create highly bespoke sites with practically boundless possibilities. Ideal for building clients' websites tailored specifically to their needs. 

Webflow also offers users access to countless helpful resources. So even if you don't currently have the knowledge and experience you need to use their powerful tools, it isn’t hard to learn everything you need to know. 

So, if you think one of the most flexible website builders might be right for you, read on to discover everything Webflow has to offer. 

screenshot of webflow pricing page

Here's a snapshot of Webflow's plans and pricing (Image credit: Webflow)

Plans and pricing

When you start using Webflow, you’ll have the option to choose between site plans and workspace plans. Site plans are for personal websites, blogs, and small businesses. Within site plans you will have access to both general site options and ecommerce options. Account plans are targeted more towards professionals, making them ideal for agencies and freelancers. 

The Starter plan is their entry level option and is totally free. It includes everything you need to try Webflow. There’s no credit card required for setup and you can use it for an unlimited time. It includes access to a Webflow.io domain, 50 CMS items, and 50 form submissions. 

The Basic plan costs $14.00 per month when you pay annually or $18.00 billed monthly. This gives you everything from the paid plan, plus extra site pages (150) and an allowance of 250K visitors. The CMS plan costs $23 monthly (paid annually) or $28 paid monthly, for this you get 3 website editors, site search, and 250GB of bandwidth. 

The Business plan costs $39.00 per month when paid annually ($49 paid monthly). It includes everything in the CMS plan, plus extra bandwidth (400GB), extra editors (10), and form file upload. For anything above and beyond the Business plan you can contact Webflow for a bespoke package. 

When it comes to ecommerce there are 3 options to choose from. Standard at $29/mo (paid annually) or $49/mo (paid monthly). This comes with 500 ecommerce items, 2000 CMS items, a 2% transaction fee, and all the features of the CMS plan.

Plus is $74/mo (paid annually) or $84/mo (paid monthly). You get 5000 ecommerce items, 10,000 CMS items, and no transaction fee (plus everything from the Business plan). Advanced is $212/mo (paid annually) or $235/mo (paid monthly). This gives you 10,000 extra ecommerce items on top of everything from the Plus plan. 

If you need a workspace plan, you have 3 options. The Starter plan is free and comes with access for one user, unlimited paid hosted sites, two webflow.io staging sites (with 2 pages and 50 CMS items), 2 agency guests, and 2 free commenters.

The Core is $19/mo (paid annually) or $28/mo (paid monthly) plan gives you extra users, staging sites, and commenters, as well as page password protection and the ability to use custom code. The Growth plan is $49/mo (paid annually) or $60/mo (paid monthly) - it gives you more users, unlimited staging sites, and publishing permissions. 

You can also contact Webflow about personalized packages for any needs which exceed these plans.

Here's a picture of a free Webflow template 

Here's a picture of a free Webflow template  (Image credit: Webflow)

Interface

The interface is very easy to navigate - you can access all of the free templates and start using them right away. It’s also easy to find any of the website building tools and features. Everything on Webflow is very well-organized. For example, if you’re looking at templates and want something for a photography portfolio, all you need to do is select free templates and then start searching by category, the style you want, or by features. Tons of examples will show up for you to look through. The organization and free easy access makes finding a template quick and easy.  

Here's an example of the video library in Webflow University

Here's an example of the video library in Webflow University (Image credit: Webflow)

Features

The best feature is the Webflow University 101 Crash Course videos

The videos are designed to teach you how to use Webflow and give you all the tricks to make website building a smooth process. The videos are organized into different lesson categories, and most of them range from 5 to 15 minutes in length. 

Anyone can enrol in Webflow University for free and access all of the videos. Even if you’re using the Webflow free version or just want to learn more about building a website, these videos are a great resource.  

Webflow has a high level of security compared to other web hosts 

Webflow has a high level of security compared to other web hosts  (Image credit: Webflow)

The competition

Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace, are just a few of the top competitors to Webflow. Wix does offer a free trial for an unlimited time, however, it doesn’t even compare to Webflow’s free storage space - Wix includes 50 MB while Webflow offers 10 GB. Also, not many web hosts offer free videos to help you get started. Overall, Webflow does a great job against giant competitors such as Wix and Squarespace. 

Webflow review: Summary

No matter what stage you’re at with building a website, there’s a lot of options on Webflow that could take your website to the next level. The downside is how you can’t export CMS content, however, you will have access to plenty of free materials. Webflow comes with an entire library of video resources, hundreds of free templates, and you can use the free version for an unlimited time. The interface is also very organized - it doesn’t feel like you’re using a cheap web host. Templates look professional and everything is well organized. Overall, Webflow is a great web host, especially if you want to learn new tricks for making website building a lot easier. 

HomeBank personal accounting review
10:53 pm | September 25, 2020

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

HomeBank is a completely free accounting software package aimed at helping people get their personal finances in order and who subsequently want to keep them that way. It features an easy-to-use interface that comes complete with lots of cool visual tools that let you produce charts to illustrate your current state of monetary play. 

Admittedly, HomeBank doesn’t come with quite the same level of sophistication found within rival paid-for applications, but as a quick accounting resource for folks with basic requirements it ticks a lot of boxes. Other comparable products include  Mint, You Need a Budget (YNAB), BankTree, AceMoneyLite, Money Dashboard, Buxfer or Moneydance.

HomeBank

HomeBank can be quickly installed and configured on a Windows machine (Image credit: HomeBank)

HomeBank: Pricing

With no price tag attached to it HomeBank lets you install, launch and use its full set of features without parting with any cash. However, like many software applications that have been developed in this way there’s an invitation to make a donation if you’re pleased with the way if performs. The HomeBank website has a Donate page where a minimum amount of 2€ / 2$ per month is suggested, which seems reasonable enough.

HomeBank

HomeBank's graphical interface makes it perfect for novice users (Image credit: HomeBank)

HomeBank: Features

For a free program the feature set found inside HomeBank is generally impressive. If you’re starting out then it lets you import data from the likes of Quicken, Microsoft Money and other comparable products. However, you’ll find that this does require quite a lot of manual intervention, which is perhaps one of the downsides of a completely free application. 

Bank statements using common OFX/QFX, QIF and CSV formats can be imported too, while HomeBank can also handle multiple currencies. The software can be tailored to work with a variety of different account types including bank, cash, asset, credit card and liability options. 

You can schedule transactions and use a transaction template for simplified workflow. Topping it all off is the range of reporting options that let you turn your finances into a series of visual charts, so understanding your money matters becomes that little bit easier.

HomeBank

Reporting can be done in simple numerical display fashion if preferred (Image credit: HomeBank)

HomeBank: Performance

HomeBank has been honed primarily for Windows users, although it does work on other platforms such as GNU/Linux and can be also be used on Mac OS X with a bit of fettling. Installation on a Windows machine proved largely seamless, with the option to launch on a desktop or a portable or mobile drive being part of the process. 

We did get a random error at the tail-end of setup, however, although the program went on to launch and work as expected. We found one of the best ways to get to know the ropes and see how the software performed with a decent chunk of existing data was to use the test files within HomeBank. This option can be selected when you launch the program initially.

HomeBank

Bar charts give you a brilliantly simple overview of finances though (Image credit: HomeBank)

HomeBank: Ease of use

Launching HomeBank within the Windows environment reveals a rudimentary but practical interface that comes with all of the common tools you’d expect from a basic-level accountancy bundle. 

After a quick familiarization exercise you’ll be able to manage all of the features and functions via a top menu, which takes you into core functions such as money management, the checking of transactions and report generation. 

Just as easy to monitor are the status of your accounts, which are contained in a central screen area, along with a neat visual pane on the right that shows the distribution of your finances. It’s all relatively plain sailing, though does require a bit of time to get fully acquainted with which menu does what.

HomeBank

The pie chart graphics are similarly good on the eye and easy to create (Image credit: HomeBank)

HomeBank: Support

Just like many other free software programs out there, HomeBank doesn’t come with the same levels of support that are found with paid-for applications. There’s a pretty solid area on the HomeBank website that covers most, if not all frequently asked questions, which should be enough to answer most queries. 

While this information of pretty comprehensive, it might be a bit of a handful for less experienced users, although if you’ve got time and a bit of patience you can generally get to the bottom of most HomeBank-related quandaries. Alternatively, you’ll just have to pick your way through the program and basically figure it out for yourself.

HomeBank

Adding data can be a little labour intensive if you do it manually though (Image credit: HomeBank)

HomeBank: Final verdict

HomeBank bills itself as free, easy, personal accounting for everyone and it manages to live up to that without any problems. While it's got a small mountain of useful tools, plus dependable functionality, HomeBank really comes into its own on the reporting front. 

If you get befuddled with figures and find things much easier to digest via a colourful pie chart or an impressive bar graph then you’ll warm to this sizeable aspect of the software. Alongside that, there are powerful menu options that break down all of your spending into neat and tidy categories, so HomeBank is an organizational mini marvel considering it doesn’t cost anything to use.

Buxfer personal finance review
7:15 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Buxfer personal finance is an online package that can be used to pick through your spending activities and help you organize and budget for the future. Along with tackling your personal finances, Buxfer can also be used to keep an eye on all of your bank accounts. On top of that, it can track other financial interests, including investments plus savings too. 

While it is possible to link to your bank accounts Buxfer, the service is not currently set up for the Open Banking scheme, which might make it less of an obvious choice than other comparable products that use a secure API. This feature doesn’t come with the free edition anyway. Indeed, if you’re looking to enjoy all of its power tools then you’ll want to head for the Prime edition of the software, rather than the basic though still pretty appealing free version.

On the competition front check out Mint, You Need a Budget (YNAB), BankTree, AceMoneyLite, Money Dashboard or Moneydance for some comparisons.

Buxfer

Buxfer is controlled via an impressive main dashboard area (Image credit: Buxfer)

Buxfer: Pricing

Alongside a working demo version of Buxfer you can also enjoy its charms with a free basic account edition, which delivers exactly that. However, if you’re looking to squeeze more from Buxfer there are currently four other package options available. 

These start out with Plus, which is $4.99 a month when billed annually, with Pro costing $5.99 per month when billed annually and finally a Prime edition, which will set you back $11.99 per month. As is frequently the case, all prices are lower if you pay annually. 

The more you pay, the more features you get, although the Pilot edition comes pretty well stacked for most average users. At the other end of the pricing spectrum, Prime delivers power tools such as Smart Alerts, the ability to make payments and complex control of investments.

Buxfer

Budgets can be quickly created and controlled using Buxfer (Image credit: Buxfer)

Buxfer: Features

Buxfer’s dashboard area is where you manage all of its tools and functionality. Like other personal finance packages, the layout features a fairly common theme, with core functions laid out in a neat and tidy structure. Along the top of the menu alongside the Dashboard menu there are one-click links to Insights and Budgets along with Forecast and Goals options. Buxfer subsequently allows you to manage expenses, budgets and also forward-looking forecasts all within the main pane. 

Adding accounts and transactions can be done on-the-go via the app, which makes it invaluable, while there’s also compatibility with over 15,000 banks around the world. There’s a reporting option too, which helps build up a bigger picture of your finances. The more feature-heavy paid-for editions mean you’re able to track money, pay bills and also create IOUs amongst other things.

Buxfer

Buxfer can also be easily customized to suit your own needs (Image credit: Buxfer)

Buxfer: Performance

The boffins behind Buxfer have done a fine job of producing financial management software that runs a treat, especially if you’ve decided to add it to your phone. Indeed, both the iOS and Android editions perform very well during day-to-day use. Dipping into the desktop web-browser edition, meanwhile, proves to be a largely fault-free exercise, which is more than ably displayed if you decide to try out the demo version before signing up for a Buxfer account. Not having any software to download means Buxfer relies on connectivity to keep it steaming along.

Buxfer

The forecasting tools within Buxfer are useful for seeing the bigger picture (Image credit: Buxfer)

Buxfer: Ease of use

Fans of simple sign-up procedures will like the way that Buxfer can be accessed using Google, Facebook, Microsoft or Yahoo log-in routes, or by creating an account from scratch after entering an email and password. On the Buxfer home page you can also try out a demo version of the service, which is a great way to familiarize yourself with the options on offer, plus there’s a little guided tour thrown in for good measure. The browser-based dashboard is simplicity itself to get around, while the app editions of the Buxfer service have all been well thought out and robustly engineered too.

Buxfer

The Buxfer app works on both iOS and Android devices (Image credit: Buxfer)

Buxfer: Support

For a free and easy-to-use program, in its most basic edition, Buxfer doesn't need too much in the way of hand-holding to master, which means you probably won't need to contact them. Besides, the website contains a good deal of information and FAQs on core functionality, plus you get a quick whistle-stop tour if you try the demo. You’ll need to shell out for the Prime bundle in order to enjoy live chat and phone support, however, although with that currently being priced at $9.99 per month the cost isn’t exactly prohibitive if you're going to be a heavy user of Buxfer’s services.

Buxfer

Simple tools for creating things like financial goals shouldn't require too much in the way of support (Image credit: Buxfer)

Buxfer: Final verdict

Buxfer is a great solution for organizing your finances and dealing with other less frequently dealt with money matters, all rolled into one handy cross-platform bundle. The app side of things offers most of the appeal, though Buxfer has had lots of love given to its browser dashboard too, meaning it’s a doddle to use in any environment. Buxfer assures users that it calls upon industry-standard security measures to make it safe to use, including 128-bit encryption. 

However, if you need all of its tools and options then head for the Prime edition, which adds in multi-factor authentication, along with live chat and phone support, plus the ability to make payments and carry out full backups. Less demanding users will, however, find the base-level or the budget editions equally as handy.

Buddi budgeting software review
7:08 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Buddi is a personal budgeting software application, which on first impressions as you graze its supporting website looks to be definitely residing at the low-budget end of the spectrum. It is free though, which goes some way to explaining the low-key look that’s on offer, but it's valuable to anyone watching the pennies.

However, spend some time exploring this personal finance and budgeting program and there’s actually quite a lot to like. The good thing is that it’s super easy to use, and seems to have been tailored more towards novice users than high-fliers who are all over their finances. Added to that, Buddi has more than enough features to cover most needs.

Other options out there include Mint, You Need a Budget (YNAB), AceMoneyLite, Money Dashboard or Moneydance if you want to check those out too.

Buddi

Buddi has been nicely designed and offers a full suite of tools (Image credit: Buddi)

Buddi: Pricing

When it comes to what Buddi will cost you then the answer is absolutely nothing, as it’s completely free to use. Understandably though, the developer would appreciate a small donation if you find that Buddi ticks the boxes you need whilst you get your personal finance house in order. Details on how to ping over a goodwill gesture can be found on the Buddi website.

Buddi

You can generate comprehensive reports from with Buddi (Image credit: Buddi)

Buddi: Features

Buddi has been developed as an open source software solution, which means that it comes with an ‘everything on’ build that doesn't skimp on the features, even though it’s free. Buddi can be used on just about any machine, although the trade-off is that it needs to have Java 1.6 or higher installed, which is not to everyone’s taste. 

If it is though then you should be able to run in on Windows, Macs and Linux computers and more besides. The software can be configured for multiple languages too, which opens up its appeal, while it can also be secured during installation if you opt for encryption and password access. 

From there you can spend time configuring the interface that will in turn allow you to create and manage financial accounts, create budgeting categories, enter transactions and also produce accounts. You can also insert scheduled transactions where you need to insert recurring financial events. 

Considering this has been developed via the open source route the features and functions of Buddi are quite impressive, with a workmanlike but effective interface that’s neat and tidy. Buddi can also be supplemented with a few plugins, which have been developed in-house as well as by third parties.

Buddi

Three tabs within the main interface cover core functionality (Image credit: Buddi)

Buddi: Ease of use

Getting started with Buddi is easy enough, although there’s a plentiful supply of online tutorial help that’ll walk you through the interface and features if you’re finding your feet a bit. First task is to set up your accounts and after that you're free to populate your workspace with all of your financial records. 

There’s even the ability to create quite complex records and reports, including colourful pie charts that make sense of all your data in an easy-to-digest fashion. While Buddi appears as though it might be fairly limited in terms of functionality, if you follow the easy-to-use online tutorials you’ll find it’s also great for handling more complex tasks. 

Recording refunds is a good example, which allows you to factor into your finances any items that you might have been taken back to a store. A small point, but useful in gaining a clearer vision of your finances.

Buddi

Buddi works on Windows as well as Mac and Linux machines (Image credit: Buddi)

Buddi: Support

Buddi is open source so unsurprisingly there’s not too much in the way of support in the traditional sense of the word. Nevertheless, the Buddi website is pretty comprehensive in terms of telling you what you need to know about its inner workings. There’s also a general forum too, which is useful for garnering more information, plus tips and tricks about the personal finance software. You can do your bit in return by letting Buddi’s creator know of any bugs you might have encountered along the way.

Buddi

Support for Buddi comes mainly from a forum and a series of guides (Image credit: Buddi)

Buddi: Final verdict

Buddi might have humble origins, but it has grown to be loved by many users who aren't put off by the fact that it requires Java to be installed. Considering it’s an open source product, which also means that it’s completely free to use, Buddi has everything a paid-for off-the-shelf product has and can even be customized further if you’re handy with your coding. 

Anyone after a simple to use but powerful product that can run on just about any platform should give it a go. If you need to get your finances in order and don’t mind the fact that there’s no mobile edition of the app then Buddi is a neat little software bundle.

BankTree personal finance review
7:02 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

BankTree is another one of several personal finance software packages on the market, which allow you to keep tabs on your money with ease. Despite the way that its website doesn't really sell the product quite as well as you might expect, BankTree is powerful, performs well and comes with a wide variety of features that make it appealing to users across the board. 

You can choose from BankTree Mobile for Android and iOS as well as either a desktop downloadable software edition, or an online variation on the theme. This is compatible with any system that supports a web browser. There are trial versions of both packages and a good level of security is built into either option. The competition includes Mint, You Need a Budget (YNAB), AceMoneyLite, Money Dashboard or Moneydance if you want to check those out too.

BankTree

BankTree has a free trial and can then be paid for as an online or downloadable package (Image credit: BankTree)

BankTree: Pricing

You can get the BankTree download for £35 currently, and for that the company says it will provide you with free email support, free updates along with any bug fixes needed to boost the performance of BankTree Desktop Personal Finance Version 3.0. The price allows you to install the software on one computer, although additional installations are priced at just £5, which seems reasonable enough. 

There’s a fully functioning 30-day trial of the software available too, which gives you the ability to road test it first before signing up for the paid-for edition. The other option is to go for the BankTree Online Personal Finance Software package, which is browser-based rather than being downloadable software. 

Pricing for BankTree Online can be broken down into three options. There’s a free trial for 7 days. The ‘value’ Starter package comes in at £3.50 per month or £35 per year, while a Premier option is £4.50 per month or £45 per year.

BankTree

The BankTree dashboard prior to being populated with data (Image credit: BankTree)

BankTree: Features

One of the least appealing aspects of BankTree is the supporting website that delivers your initial taster of what to expect. If you can bear with the slightly annoying web pages though you’ll find that there’s plenty of appeal from the service itself. Fans of downloadable desktop software will be happy with its conventional edition. 

However, the really good stuff comes from within BankTree Online, the personal finance package that works via any web browser and on any platform. It’s got a stack of features that include the ability to setup cash or investment accounts, plus there’s the capacity for importing bank statements from your online bank or other financial packages, including the likes of Quicken or Microsoft Money. Major UK and US banks are supported along with over 2,500 other financial institutions covering 55 countries. 

Once you’ve configured it, BankTree lets you record your income and expenditure, keep an eye on your balances and also budget with precision-level accuracy. There’s also support for multiple currencies, making it appealing to a wider audience.

BankTree

BankTree builds up a comprehensive picture of your finances (Image credit: BankTree)

BankTree: Performance

BankTree Desktop Personal Finance Software can be used on Windows machines, including Windows operating systems including Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. Version 3.0 has been improved and shouldn't deliver any major surprises, while the accompanying app works on both Android and iOS and is also able to work with both the downloadable software and the online system. BankTree also uses 2048 bit encryption and supports two-factor authentication. Expect dependable performance if you’ve opted to go for the Online edition.

BankTree

At the time of writing the BankTree bank sync feature was suspended (Image credit: BankTree)

BankTree: Ease of use

BankTree has a main dashboard area, which might not be the most inspiring of workspaces but does give easy access to all of the features and functions. The menu system is pretty simplistic and allows you to tackle core tasks, such as splitting transactions so you can more accurately file them into suitable categories. When it comes to producing reports then the service is also easy to work with. 

If you want to augment the online service with a more mobile option then the app is ideal, which comes with solid capabilities, though requires some time to get to grips with.

BankTree

BankTree also features cool tools such as a forecasting option (Image credit: BankTree)

BankTree: Support

Rather like its website, the support that comes from BankTree is a little bit of a hotchpotch of ideas. While there is plenty of tutorial support in the shape of instructional videos and suchlike, the documentation proves rather testing to get through. 

The knowledgebase, for example, does have a lot of information lurking inside, it’s just that the delivery is a little bit lacking. The YouTube tutorial videos are rather easier to sit through and there’s one for just about any aspect of the service. 

You’ll find a ticketing system too, for anyone needing to drop the support team a line. You can get ahead of the queue with the £10 premium ticket option, otherwise you’ll have to just wait in line by submitting a free ticket instead. At the time of writing there doesn’t appear to be any phone support available.

BankTree

The BankTree goals tool is also useful for budgeting purposes (Image credit: BankTree)

BankTree: Final verdict

BankTree is a bit of a mixed bag, with numerous positives going for it along with a few negatives that might put off more casual users. The features and interface are all generally good, but some tweaks to the package might make it more widely appealing. Anyone using BankTree for the first time will find that it takes a while to get setup and running. 

If BankTree can do a little bit of fettling to minimize the list of manual intervention needed and spruce up sections of the software then this could become much better than it is currently. It’s worthy of a free trial inspection nonetheless.

AceMoney Lite finance manager review
6:22 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

AceMoney Lite is often referred to as an alternative to Quicken, which is good news if you’re looking for a reasonably potent personal finance software package minus the price tag. There are beefier variants in the portfolio too, but the slimline Lite edition is very dependable.

While it’s not quite as fully featured as something like Quicken, or Microsoft Money, this software solution is ideal for anyone with fairly basic requirements who wants a program with a plentiful supply of money management options. 

It’ll help you tackle home finances, but there are also enough toolbar options inside AceMoney Lite to make it appealing for small business users. However, there are challenges to tackle as you work your way around its rather jaded interface. The competition includes Mint, You Need a Budget (YNAB), Banktree, Money Dashboard or Moneydance if you want to check those out too.

AceMoney Lite

AceMoney Lite is free to use initially with the option to upgrade after 30 days (Image credit: MechCAD)

AceMoney Lite: Pricing

It’s possible to try AceMoney for 30 days free of charge, which involves downloading the software and installing it. You then have the capacity to license your copy later on should you wish to do so. If you like what you see then it’s also possible to opt for the non-Lite edition of the software, which can be purchased for $44.95. There’s also information on uninstalling the software, which might prove useful if you’re not to enamored with what you see.

AceMoney Lite

AceMoney Lite doesn't have the most inspiring of interfaces (Image credit: MechCAD)

AceMoney Lite: Features

In its Lite incarnation you can use AceMoney for up to two accounts, which makes it handy if you’re a couple for example, but want to manage your finances separately. The program does favor US users in the respect that control options are often better tailored to suit that geographical region. 

On top of that, the main dashboard of AceMoney Lite is in need of a makeover. It's got a rather tired feel, which compared to others in this space, leaves you feeling rather deflated after struggling with its functionality for a while. Master the controls and you’ll be able to manage transactions and tracking, but it’s not an easy ride. 

It’s possible to import investment data too, although like many other features in the program, this isn't quite as easy as it could be. There is also the provision for producing limited reports, with the resulting charts coming across as okay but rather basic.

AceMoney Lite

There are plenty of toolbar options within the AceMoney Lite software (Image credit: MechCAD)

AceMoney Lite: Performance

AceMoney Lite is available for Windows machines, while there’s also a version of the non-Lite software for Mac OS. MechCAD Software, the publishers, also have uninstall instructions on their download page, just in case you don't want to keep the software. 

Overall, the software chunters along but taking on complex tasks proves quite laborious and there’s no ability to automatically integrate with your bank accounts either, making the overall effect feel even more clunky. Non-US users will also have to battle against its American-focused controls. 

The Android-only accompanying app isn’t bad at all though, even if it lacks the full compliment of features found inside the main program. A lack of an iOS version will be disappointing to many however.

AceMoney Lite

AceMoney lacks the ability to automatically sync with banks (Image credit: MechCAD)

AceMoney Lite: Ease of use

There is usually a reason for things being cheap and it's generally about what you get in return. While AceMoney Lite ticks a lot of feature boxes, it’s not the easiest of software programs to get to grips with. Even if you’ve got simple financial affairs there's still quite a lot of legwork involved in using the program. This is mainly because there is quite a lot of manual intervention required to get up and running. 

The interface presents you with a plentiful supply of dialog boxes and other user-based challenges just to get your data into the application. Although the initial setup does seem overly complicated things do improve once you’ve got your figures into position. The Android app, while also seeming quite tired, is straightforward, but it too suffers from an outdated feel.

Ace Money Lite

Getting your data into the software is quite labour intensive (Image credit: MechCAD)

AceMoney Lite: Support

If you give AceMoney Lite a whirl then it’s entirely likely you might have to end up stopping by its help hub. There’s quite a lot of online assistance available to users, plus the ability to raise a ticket if the information online can’t resolve your issues. While it appears you can also email the company too, there doesn’t seem to be any phone support on hand. 

Chances are you may find the answers you’re looking for within the help documentation, but not having instant access to live support is possibly one of the reasons why AceMoney Lite is initially free to use.

AceMoney Lite

Support options include a knowledge base and a ticketing system (Image credit: MechCAD)

AceMoney Lite: Final verdict

AceMoney Lite doesn’t seem like a bad proposition prior to downloading it and makes an ideal introduction to the full paid-for version thereafter. Having a downloadable desktop-based finance management package still suits a lot of people, and being able to use one that is so cheap and cheerful might well appeal. 

However, AceMoney Light is not the easiest of programs to navigate and use on a daily basis, even if your financial affairs are quite straightforward. With a rather tired interface, a lack of modern features such as automatic syncing with your bank accounts, plus uncertainty on just how secure it is, AceMoney could do with a refresh. It works, but just how well it works remains to be seen.

BolehVPN review
1:43 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Comments: Off

When you’re protecting your identity and information online, you need the best VPNs to keep activities safe, secure, and secret. 

One popular use is, of course, using a VPN to block geo-restricted content on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and BBC iPlayer  - little wonder, then, that we’ve seen a rise in Netflix VPNs and streaming VPNs.  

The privacy tools are also useful for protecting IP addresses when downloading torrents. VPNs for torrenting prevent your ISP monitoring what you’re downloading. 

When looking for a VPN (even a free VPN), we always recommend looking for one that offers everything - letting you stream geo-locked content, while being the fastest VPNs - without any functional gaps. So, how does BolehVPN measure up? 

Despite having a Malaysian base, the tool’s is jurisdiction is in Seychelles. The VPN has over 65 VPN servers across more than 12 countries, including Germany, Japan, Switzerland, UK, and the US. This is a small number of servers compared to leading VPNs in the market offering thousands of servers. The servers are categorized into three groups, each with advantages and disadvantages, based on their intended use: Fully Routed, Proxied, and SurfingStreaming. 

BolehVPN: Pricing & plans 

(Image credit: Future)

BolehVPN has a 1-day free trial that allows you to test the software before deciding to make a payment, but it is extremely limited, with only 3 servers available at your disposal. It also comes with five pretty flexible subscription plans: weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, semi-annually, and annually.

The costs are

$3.70 a week, $9.99 a month, $16.99 every two months, $44.99 for six months, and $79.99 for the whole year.

All plans give you access to the same features and allow up to three simultaneous connections, which is small compared to the industry standard (5–7 simultaneous connections).

Payment options include credit cards, PaymentWall, PayPal, and cryptocurrency. All plans come with a 14-day money-back guarantee, which is manageable, but the standard in the industry is 30 days. Some other VPNs even go so far as to provide 45-day money-back guarantees. Keep in mind that refunds are not available if you pay with cryptocurrencies.

BolehVPN: Privacy and encryption 

Nearly all VPN providers in this market try to win customers by claiming to have a no-log-in policy, but they don't go as far as to support their claims by having their software audited by an outside auditor.

According to BolehVPN's no-logs policy, none of your online activity, IP addresses, or other data are logged, but according to the privacy policy, BolehVPN has the right to briefly enable logs if it notices suspicious behavior or receives a specific complaint of torrenting or spamming. This is inappropriate because it may compromise your privacy by recording your data. Despite the fact that the company claims they do not share the logged data with outside parties and that they delete the logs once the problem has been resolved, this is still a cause for concern.

The Seychelles Islands are home to BolehVPN's corporate headquarters. They have satellite offices in Malaysia and Hong Kong. These nations are not a part of the 14-Eye Alliance and are not governed by laws requiring the retention of intelligence. Therefore, BolehVPN is not required to provide information to law enforcement.

BolehVPN's log policy is transparent. The VPN provider releases a security canary once per month. This disclaimer serves to safeguard BolehVPN users in the event that the company is mandated by law to remain silent about any searches, seizures of data, or requirements to log. This is good, but we need the credibility of an impartial VPN audit report to support its assertions.

Although the platform is built on the OpenVPN security protocol, it also provides alternative ones, such as L2TP/IPsec, in case your device doesn't support OpenVPN. Additionally, it uses SHA-2 hash authentication, 4096-bit DHE-RSA keys, and 256-bit AES encryption for encryption.

There is a VPN kill switch feature, which safeguards your IP address and ensures your data is not exposed or made visible. The VPN also permits P2P torrenting. Remember, it’s unlawful to download copyrighted files. Also, there were no IPv4, IPv6, DNS, or WebRTC leaks over BolehVPN when we checked for them. 

(Image credit: Future)

BolehVPN: Streaming 

Servers on BolehVPN are separated into three categories based on their intended use: Fully Routed, Proxied, and SurfingStreaming. 

We tested the dedicated streaming servers for US Netflix and BBC iPlayer inside the app, and they functioned well without lagging. Disney+, Amazon Prime, Pandora, and Hulu could all be unblocked, although we found that long-distance servers typically had poor streaming quality.

BolehVPN: Speed and experience 

Depending on the location, connection, and internet service provider, speed can differ from person to person. Fast connections are almost as crucial as the security and privacy of a service. 

Running a series of speed tests, we found BolehVPN’s speeds were irregular. Its long-distance servers gave me contrasting results. like Singaporean servers that provided us with a 32.41 Mbps download speed over an 83.59 Mbps connection When connecting to a distant server, a slower connection speed is typical. The US servers closest to us provided us with a speed of 63.65Mbps. 

BolehVPN: Customer Support  

The support section of BolehVPN offers a number of beneficial installation guides, a help desk area with frequently asked questions (FAQs) and troubleshooting instructions, and email support. Regrettably, there is no live chat option or phone number. 

BolehVPN: Apps 

(Image credit: Future)

BolehVPN runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, iOS, and Android. However, neither iOS or Android has native mobile VPN apps. Sabai Technologies, ASUS, and routers are also compatible with it. Moreover, unlike many other VPNs, there are no browser extensions for top browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Opera.

There is no alternative to configuring the interface of the Windows and macOS apps to connect to a particular server when your computer starts. You must manually choose the best server because the quick connect option that many VPNs provide is not available.

Both the iOS and Android apps for BolehVPN on mobile are very difficult to set up and lack some features, such as the kill switch and split tunneling. All features are available on the Android app, but it has not yet been made mobile-friendly. 

Alternatives to BolehVPN 

CyberGhost

With a user-friendly platform, CyberGhost is one of the best. with a wealth of practical VPN features. The software never causes your computer to run slowly, is easy to use, and is free. In addition, it provides extensive P2P and torrent functionality and gives you access to more than 1200 servers spread across more than 50 nations. Features of the software include web browsing, anonymous browsing, remote access, DNS leak protection, and more. Up to five devices can be used simultaneously under one account. As a result, you can defend your mobile devices and the computers in your home.

Pure VPN 

Aside from unblocking every website we tried, PureVPN has a reasonably large network and offers all of this for some of the cheapest advertised prices available. PureVPN excels at unblocking, has lots of features, and is good value on longer-term plans.

Express VPN

ExpressVPN excels in every area, including speed, security, stable and user-friendly apps, unblocking geo-restricted websites, avoiding censorship, excellent privacy and security credentials, a ton of features, and customer support, so we would suggest it to both new and experienced VPN users.

NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the major players in the virtual private network market. It provides all the security and privacy features that customers should expect from a top-notch VPN. NordVPN is based in a country that values privacy and is incredibly fast and easy to use. 

Verdict

BolehVPN can grant you access to the most well-known streaming services, particularly those that are only available to US citizens. Due to their difficulty in use and navigation, the apps are inappropriate for novice VPN users. 

In addition to having a limited number of servers, they haven't had an independent auditor visit to check their servers for logs, so in comparison to other options, we won't fully recommend this virtual private network. 

Ryze Tello review
8:40 pm | September 24, 2020

Author: admin | Category: Cameras Computers Drones Gadgets | Comments: Off

Editor's Note

• Original review date: September 2020
• Officially out of stock but available online
• Launch price: $99 / £99 / AU$169
• Official price now: $99 / £105 / AU$169

Update: March 2024. When it landed in 2018, the Ryze Tello was a tempting proposition: a bargain drone designed with the help of DJI that’s easy to pilot using your smartphone. While it’s certainly not perfect – especially not in windy conditions – the Tello remains our favourite budget beginner drone today. Thanks to its tiny design and simple interface, it’s still a great choice for pilots who are learning the ropes of drone flight. It doesn’t win any prizes for video quality and is easily blown off course, but it’s hard to critique too much at this price point. Officially out of stock in many regions, you can still pick up the Tello from a number of online retailers. One option is to purchase the drone alone, but we’d suggest looking out for the Boost Combo. In our experience, this is more likely to be discounted in seasonal sales. It also goes some way to addressing the Tello’s short flight time, bundling in three batteries and a charging hub.

The Ryze Tello is the result of a collaboration between leading consumer drone maker DJI and fellow Chinese start-up Ryze. A simple, lightweight and affordable quadcopter, it's clearly pitched at newcomers to the hobby.

Despite its budget-friendly price, it comes with an onboard nose-mounted camera that's capable of capturing 5MP photos and streaming 720p HD video. You also get a reasonable-sounding 13 minutes of flight time per fully charged battery and stability sensors to (theoretically, at least) keep it from drifting off into walls, shrubberies and neighbours’ gardens. 

In other words, it hasn’t been stripped right back to the bone to keep costs low. Even the plastic body, while we wouldn’t call it premium by any means, feels tough enough to survive a bit of rough and tumble.

Ryze Tello

(Image credit: Future)

Flyable via a Wi-Fi-equipped smartphone running the Tello app, the drone has a theoretical control range of 100m, maximum altitude of 30m and maximum speed of 8m/s. The app comes with automatic take-off and landing controls, plus an on-screen twin-stick setup that feels rewardingly responsive. 

The Ryze Tello is a fun drone to fly, particularly if you’re outside with room to spare. It zips along at an enjoyably rapid chop and responds nimbly to the on-screen controls, twisting and turning in the air with surprising grace. 

We should add that all of the above only applies when the weather is playing nice. On a breezy day the 80g drone gets swept away by the slightest gust, and it struggles to move against the wind too, so we wouldn’t recommend flying it in anything but dead calm. 

Ryze Tello

(Image credit: Future)

If you do decide to take it out in blustery conditions, make sure you give yourself plenty of space – otherwise you risk it crashing unceremoniously into a tree or being carried off and lost entirely.

Ryze cites the Wi-Fi range as “up to 100m”, but in practice you’ll likely never see it approach that. The maximum range we could control the drone at was closer to 30-40m, and there are limits on its altitude too: Ryze suggests it can reach heights of 30m, but it seemed more like 10m to us. 

While this range might sound a little restrictive, we think it’s acceptable for a basic budget drone with a simple, forward-facing camera – you’re not going to be using the Tello to capture sweeping aerial landscape photos, but close-range selfies and group shots.

Ryze Tello

(Image credit: Future)

When flying on a calm day or indoors (some prop guards are included for the latter; you may as well keep them attached for outdoor flights too), a pair of downward-facing sensors keep the Tello nice and steady. Take your hands off the controls and it will hover in place rather than drift around. This system is light-based, so only works in bright conditions.

The sensors power one of the Tello’s flight tricks: the ability to hold out your hand and have the drone land on your outstretched palm (do watch your fingers until the props power down, though). You can also use “Throw & Go” to launch the drone: turn the power on, then toss it upwards and away from you in the air, whereupon it’ll engage its rotors and hover in place.

In addition to manual flight controls, a handful of automated modes can be used to perform tricks and capture interesting videos: 360-degree rotations, 'Up & Away' (which flies – yes – up and away from you while facing you) and more. The most interesting is the 8D flips, which makes the drone perform precise flip-over tricks that mirror how you swipe your finger across the screen.

Ryze Tello

(Image credit: Future)

The Tello app is refreshingly simple, with clearly labelled controls and a limited (but not restrictive) set of options. There’s an on-screen battery indicator while flying, plus a built-in warning system that kicks in when power is low, to help ensure you don’t lose the Tello due to it abruptly running out of juice.

Battery life is decent, however: you can get as much as 13 minutes of flight time out of one charge. This does make buying multiple batteries necessary if you’re planning on long sessions, but given the toy-like nature of the Tello we think 13 minutes is perfectly acceptable. One option would be to buy the “Boost Combo” package, which includes three batteries and an external charger able to accommodate all of them at once.

Finally, we should mention the image quality of the built-in camera. It’s not wonderful, in all honestly, lacking dynamic range and, in the case of videos, often subject to extremely noticeable compression artifacts. The method of storage doesn’t help: because videos aren’t stored locally on the drone but beamed directly to your phone, anytime the Wi-Fi connection drops in quality you’ll run into frame rate issues: fly the drone away from you and at some point the video will start stuttering.

Should I buy the Ryze Tello?

Ryze Tello

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Zoho Books review
2:04 pm | September 23, 2020

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Tags: | Comments: Off

Zoho Books is just one small part of a much greater business concern based in India that offers all manner of software for anyone and everyone. With its clean and simple cloud-based interface Zoho Books makes a great cost-effective accounting option if you’re a freelancer, sole trader or someone running a small business

The benefit with Zoho Books is that it’s also quite scalable, so therefore offers beefier versions for those with larger business concerns, or anyone intent on expanding their operations. While the desktop route is a solid one, Zoho Books also has an impressive app presence, making it a good mobile bet too especially if you're constantly on the move.

It's a tax and accountancy software package that sits alongside the likes of competitors FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Business Cloud Accounting, Kashoo and Kashflow.

Zoho Books: Pricing

Zoho Books has, it explains, a pricing plan for everyone and the service has actually become a little cheaper than it used to be for each of the current packages. There’s also a free version for businesses with revenues under $50K per annum.

Standard now costs $20 per organization, per month. For that you get up to 50 contacts (as in the maximum amount of customers or vendors you can create transactions for), 3 users (as in yourself and your accountant) and automated workflows. 

Professional costs $50 per organization, per month up to 5 users while Premium ups that to $70 per month with 10 users and Elite is currently $150 per month, also with 10 users. Naturally, the feature set gets added to with each step up the package ladder. Top of the pile is Ultimate, which is aimed at larger users and offers the ability to invite 15 users and boasts 25 custom modules amongst many other features and functions.

Incidentally, sign up to pay annually rather than monthly and savings can be made on all packages. Zoho does offer additional add-ons, more about which you can glean from its website.

Zoho Books

Zoho Books: Features

Zoho Books might be an affordable cloud-based accountancy solution, but that doesn't make it any less feature-laden. In fact, taking a tour of the package we found that it has a pretty formidable arsenal of tools and options. That includes invoicing estimating, a client portal, the ability to track expenses, carry out billing, track your banking movements, manage projects and keep an eye on your levels of inventory. 

Sales orders, purchase orders, VAT and online payments are all in there too, making Zoho Books fully featured by anyone's standards. Adding additional value is a solid reporting area, the ability to automate your workflow and, finally, enjoy the convenience of having all your documents stored in one place. 

Zoho Books also comes in app form for iOS, Android and Windows. Similarly, you can configure online payments for the likes of Stripe, PayPal, Square and more.

Zoho Books

(Image credit: Zoho Books)

Zoho Books: Performance

During our time using Zoho Books we found the software-as-a-service solution excellent. There are a lot of tabs, menus and other options available and, with a decent internet connection, we could zip around the site without any issues whatsoever. Connecting to financial institutions, which you’ll want to do to bulk up the appeal of your accountancy package, is fast and efficient. 

There’s also the capacity for using any one of many Zoho add-ons to increase the potential of your package. These can be found via the Integrations menu. Performance is further boosted if you choose to dip into the Automation area of the interface, which Zoho Books provides to streamline workflow more efficiently. It’s very worthy of inspection. 

In addition, items called Web Tabs add extra usability within the interface if you want to create and use them to access frequently called-upon features and functions.

Zoho Books

Zoho Books: Ease of use

Setting up Zoho Books could not be simpler. As with all cloud-based services you’ll need to create an account, pick a password and then work your way through the steps. Input your organization’s details, opt in or out of VAT and then pick down through the features checklist. These can be enabled either on or off depending on what suits your needs. 

Usefully, Invoices, Credit Notes, Expenses, Bills, Recurring Invoices and more are available by default in Zoho Books. Press the ‘Get Started’ button and you’ll be read to go. Once you’re inside the dashboard area everything is very self-explanatory, with core menus down the left-hand side and more along the top. Another bonus with Zoho Books is the extensive list of available templates for creating everything from invoices through to customer statements and all points in-between.

Zoho Books

Zoho Books: Support

Zoho Books comes complete with its own free support infrastructure, which arrives via numerous avenues. There’s 24-hour unlimited support 5 days a week and this can be accessed via email, or by using the built-in live chat options. Failing that, Zoho Books issues can be tackled over the phone via a toll free hotline. 

We’re also impressed with the beefy selection of supporting options that can be found via the website. There’s help documentation, FAQs, business guides and forums too, which all add extra weight to the overall support structure.

Zoho Books

Zoho Books: Final verdict

Zoho Books is a fine pay-as-you-go cloud-based accounting option that provides you with many if not all of the tools you’ll need to keep your business accounts in good shape. While the cloud-based desktop route is a great one to take we’re also really impressed with the level of detail applied to Zoho Books range of apps. These have been nicely put together and deliver everything you need to keep tabs on your accounts on the move. 

We also like the way that Zoho seems more than amenable to helping you scale your accounting package too, with larger users being encouraged to contact the company in order to get a solution more accurately tailored to their needs. However, as it stands in any of the more off-the-shelf guises Zoho Books still has plenty to commend.

Canon EOS R6 review
2:40 am |

Author: admin | Category: Cameras Computers DSLRs Gadgets | Comments: Off

Editor's Note

• Original review date: September 2020
• Newer Canon EOS R6 Mark II now available
• Launch price: $2,499 / £2,499 / AU$4,499
• Discounted officially but stock may still available at retailers

Updated: February 2024. According to Canon, the EOS R6 was one of its most popular cameras since its launch, prompting it to release the Mark II version in November 2022. The original EOS R6 has since been discontinued, with listings from Canon's official regional sites either removed or listed as out of stock. That said, some new stock is still available to buy from authorized retailers for about $1,999 / £1,399 / AU$2,800. The original review remains as previously published.

Canon EOS R6: two-minute review

Canon’s new EOS R6 may have been overshadowed by its more expensive EOS R5 sibling, but given its impressive feature set, it might become Canon’s most popular camera. It fills the hole left between the EOS R’s pretty impressive skills and the top-end specs of the EOS R5 (which, admittedly, might be too much of a camera for the average user).

To put it simply, the EOS R6 is essentially a more affordable R5, albeit with a significantly lower sensor resolution and more limited (but still excellent) video recording capabilities. And, despite being classed as an enthusiast-level camera, the EOS R6 comes with features that rival Canon’s professional-level – and extremely expensive – models. All of that adds up to make the R6 one of the best Canon cameras available right now.

Taking a leaf, or two, out of the EOS 1D X Mark III playbook, the EOS R6 inherits the same 20MP sensor resolution as the DSLR but not quite the same sensor. The difference is in the architecture as an upgraded version of Canon’s tried-and-tested Dual Pixel CMOS autofocusing system has been incorporated onto the sensor. This has markedly improved autofocus and tracking performance, with the EOS R6 now able to match, and sometimes outperform, Sony’s Real-Time Tracking Autofocus.

20.1MP is a step down from the 26.2MP pixel count in the EOS 6D Mark II and EOS RP (or the 30MP one in the EOS R), and that’s evident in side-by-side comparisons, although you will have to look really close to be disappointed. However, it’s the dynamic range that’s disappointing – images taken in bright sunlight appear flat, with a lack of detail in highlights and shadows. In comparison, the EOS 6D Mark II performed better in the same situation. That said, image quality is still pretty darn good and shooting with the EOS R6 is an absolute pleasure.

Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable for all-day use, no matter how large or small your mitts are, and you can shoot handheld at shutter speeds as high as 2 seconds and still get remarkably sharp images (provided you have steady hands).

It’s Canon’s first try at in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and, boy, has the company nailed it! It also makes shooting video an absolute pleasure. Yes, there are limitations when shooting 4K footage – and you aren’t going to get the R5’s impressive 8K option here – but Canon has made it very clear that the EOS R6 is first and foremost a stills camera.

Then there’s the marked improvement in speed – while it can’t quite match the 1D X Mark III’s blitzing 16fps burst with the mechanical shutter, the R6 is capable of 12fps bursts. Switch to its electronic shutter and it will match the sports DSLR’s whopping 20fps continuous shooting speed – more than enough for wildlife or sports photography.

Overall, the EOS R6 is a massive upgrade from either the EOS 6D Mark II or even the EOS R and the EOS RP, and is deserving of its place in our guide to the best cameras for photography. But all that impressive performance doesn’t come cheap, with higher resolution full-frame mirrorless models now available at a similar price point.

Canon EOS R6

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Canon EOS R6 review: price and availability

  • Announced July 2020
  • Available right now for $2,499 / £2,499 / AU$4,499
  • Limited stock in most markets

Although Canon announced the EOS R6 (and the EOS R5) in early July, the camera didn’t begin shipping until late August. Even then, there were – and still is – very limited stock reaching retailers worldwide due to the current pandemic affecting supply lines. You may be able to book an EOS R6 with authorized Canon retailers right away, and they will be able to let you know when your unit will ship.

The R6 will set you back $2,499 / £2,499 / AU$4,499, which isn’t cheap by any means. That’s an upper-midrange price tag for a camera Canon has classified as enthusiast-level, but costs about as much as other high-end contenders for the best mirrorless camera crown like the Nikon Z7 or the Sony A7R III, both of which have high-resolution sensors.

That said, given the R6’s feature set, it’s a competitive price point that’s only slightly higher than the $2,299 / £2,349 / AU$3,349 launch price of the EOS R.

Canon EOS R6

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Canon EOS R6 review: specs and features

  • 20.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor
  • IBIS with up to 8 stops of compensation
  • Head- and eye-detect AF for animals

There have been so many cameras aimed at video makers that it’s refreshing to know manufacturers haven’t forgotten stills photographers. Canon’s target market for the new EOS R6 is “photographers more focused on stills” who may want to take videos occasionally, with the camera inheriting some top-end features from the EOS 1D X Mark III, starting with its processor.

Canon’s latest Digic X imaging engine works alongside a slightly redesigned 20.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor that, the manufacturer says, is “similar” to the one used in the sports DSLR. The updated sensor incorporates Canon’s second-generation Dual Pixel autofocus architecture (called Dual Pixel CMOS AF II). This has improved phase-difference detection autofocusing in Live View on the R6, and also allows for faster readout speeds during fast continuous shooting and while capturing 4K video at high frame rates. In theory, this should even reduce rolling shutter distortions when using the sensor-based electronic shutter.

20.1MP might seem like a step down for a camera that’s meant to be an all-rounder, but it’s all about the markedly improved speed. The R6 can shoot bursts of 12fps when its mechanical shutter is in use – a remarkable number for a camera that’s aimed squarely at enthusiasts and hobbyists. If that’s not fast enough for you, just switch over to its electronic shutter and the R6 will match the EOS 1D X Mark III’s top speed of 20fps.

Lower pixel count also means bigger pixels, which translates to better light sensitivity and higher signal-to-noise ratio, giving the EOS R6 a native ISO range of 100-102,400 that can be expanded either side to ISO 50 and ISO 204,800 – a massive step up from the EOS R’s native ISO sensitivity of 100 to 40,000. Canon says the decision to use a lower resolution sensor is also to help event photographers manage their workflow – lower pixel count means the file sizes are smaller, thus speeding up transfer rates.

Canon EOS R6

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The headline feature, though, is the addition of in-body image stabilization, something Canon has historically shied away from. The newly designed 5-axis system, Canon says, offers up to 8 stops of compensation when working in tandem with a stabilized lens, although the shutter speed compensation will depend on which lens is being used. For example, with the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens which has 5-stops of image stabilization, you’ll get 8 stops of coordinated control; however, with the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM lens, which is longer and heavier but has the same 5-stop stability, you’ll get a combined 6.5 stops of stabilization. 

This latter is the lens we used during most of our testing and were able to shoot handheld at a shutter speed of 2 seconds at an effective focal length of 24mm – pretty much matching Canon’s claim. And if you use a lens without IS (like the RF 28-70mm f/2), you’ll still get a full 8 stops of stabilization.

The R6’s autofocus system has also been given an impressive boost. There are 6,072 user-selectable AF points covering 100% of the frame – an improvement over the EOS R’s 5,655 AF point system. Canon also claims the R6 (and the R5) have the “world’s fastest AF for a full-frame camera” measured at 0.05 seconds, although the EOS R also lays claim to the same AF acquisition speed. That said, Sony has beaten Canon with the APS-C format Alpha A6400 that has an AF acquisition speed of 0.02 seconds.

Like the 1D X Mark III, the EOS R6 also has HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) file support. That means images are captured in 10-bit RGB color for wider dynamic range and color gamut. This format also uses a more efficient compression algorithm that saves a lot more information than traditional JPEGs and is a great alternative to anyone who doesn’t shoot in RAW.

In terms of video, the R6 is clearly not competing with the R5. 4K/60p capture is the best you can get here, and in UHD only. There’s no DCI support for a more cinema-like look, but Canon hasn’t designed this camera for videographers. That said, being able to shoot 4K video while utilizing the full width of the sensor is a huge advantage the R6 has over the EOS R and RP.

Canon EOS R6

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Canon EOS R6 review: design and handling

  • Deep, ergonomic grip
  • Joystick multi-controller
  • Dual card slots

Physically, the EOS R6 doesn’t offer a huge size advantage over its 6D Mark II DSLR cousin. It’s only marginally lighter and smaller at 680g (compared to the 765g weight of the latter) and dimensions of 138mm x 98mm x 88mm (as opposed to 144mm x 111mm x 75mm for the 6D II). In real-world use, you’ll barely register the difference. 

Thanks to its deep grip, the R6 is wonderfully ergonomic for holding and using for long periods of time. And for those worried about the elements, the R6 is weather sealed. In fact, the EOS R6 (and the R5) have the option of keeping the shutter closed when the camera is powered off to minimize dust damage, something you can set up within the menu system.

The body resembles the older EOS R in most ways but there are a few obvious differences – the main one being the return of the joystick multi-controller on the camera’s rear. The touch bar on the rear panel of the EOS R was a sore point of contention amongst many users and it’s good to see that it’s gone. The textured joystick is easy to find without taking your eye off the viewfinder. You can use it to find your choice of AF point easily or to navigate the menu system if you’re not keen on Canon’s touchscreen functionality. 

Canon EOS R6

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The other difference on the rear control setup is the return of the Quick Menu (Q) button which was also missing in both the EOS R and the RP. If you’re an existing Canon user, the control layout will, for the most part, be very familiar to you, as will the menu system. For those coming from a completely different system, Canon’s setup has always been very intuitive and easy to use, and just a few minutes spent familiarizing yourself will have you up and running.

On the top, the R6 misses out on the LCD display that’s available on the EOS R and R5 (and also on Canon’s DSLRs) but gets a traditional mode dial that will be familiar to most Canon DSLR users.

The R6 also misses out on the high-resolution viewfinder that’s on the R5, instead getting a 3.69-million dot EVF (matching the EOS R). While a higher resolution EVF would have been grand, there’s absolutely nothing to complain about here – a refresh rate of 119.8fps means you’ll barely notice any blackout.

If you’re not keen on using the EVF, you can always shoot in Live View and frame your image using the 3-inch 1.62-million dot rear touchscreen. This vari-angle display is slightly smaller than the one on the EOS R5, which is 3.2 inches thanks to thinner bezels.

Canon EOS R6

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Another major improvement the R6 brings is dual card slots, both of which support SD UHS-II format. You can record to both simultaneously if you wish or one at a time.

On the opposite side to the memory card slots are all the other ports you’ll need. There’s 3.5mm headphone and mic jacks, a 3.1 Gen 2 speed USB-C port, a micro HDMI port, and an E3 remote shutter terminal. The USB-C port can be used to charge the camera while on the go.

Speaking of charging, both the R6 and the R5 also benefit from a new battery – LPE-6NH – which not only offers better battery life (about 510 shots as per CIPA’s conservative rating) but is also compatible with any Canon body that uses LP-E6N or LP-E6 batteries (like the 6D Mark II, for example).

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Canon EOS R6 review: autofocus

  • 6,072 AF points
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
  • 100% horizontal frame coverage

Like the pro-level 1D X Mark III and the more expensive EOS R5, the R6 is remarkably quick and accurate, with autofocus performance that’s arguably best in class. Starting with subject detection, locking onto a face or eye and then tracking the subject – it was all spot-on pretty much every single time we tested it. 

Bursts of a seaplane flying show every single frame in sharp focus, as does sequences of shots we took of birds. If the animal or person we were shooting turned away from the camera, the R6 promptly increased the focus box size and locked on to the back of the head. In fact, if the subject turned back to face the camera again, the R6 was able to lock onto an eye without so much as a blink.

Canon's AF system is best-in-class and the only time we failed to capture a sharp image is when we ourselves weren't able to keep up with our subjects

Canon's AF system is best-in-class and the only time we failed to capture a sharp image is when we ourselves weren't able to keep up with our subjects (Image credit: TechRadar)

Canon says the animal recognition on the R6 is currently only for cats, dogs and birds, but that doesn’t stop the camera from focusing on anything it thinks is an eye or a head. For subjects as small as bees, the R6 was able to find the insect’s head and stick with it as long as it was on a flower. However, we failed while trying to track the bees as we were too slow to follow the busy bodies, and the out-of-focus images were no fault of the camera but the user's inability to keep up.

Canon’s new Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system allows focusing to be done on-sensor and gives you a whopping 6,072 AF points to choose from – higher than the R5’s 5.940 user-definable points. These points cover the entire horizontal frame and 90% vertically, which is more than what most intermediate-level cameras offer.

Long story short, there’s no other camera in this class that can do what the R6 does in terms of autofocus, at the speed at which it does, and, arguably, at the price point that it does.

Canon EOS R6 review: performance

  • Best-in-class full-frame IBIS
  • Up to 20fps burst speed
  • Improved battery life

With Canon’s latest Digic X imaging engine under the hood, you’d expect the R6 to be a top performer like the 1D X Mark III where the processor debuted. And our tests prove that it is.

The R6 is capable of capturing 5472x3648 pixel images (as compared to the larger 8192×5464 size on the R5) in JPEG or 14-bit RAW files. Compressed RAW is also available, but our file format pick is the 10-bit HEIF. To shoot in this format, you need to enable HDR PQ, which will swap JPEG out for HEIF, and you can convert back to JPEG in-camera as well.

To match the camera’s burst speed, it’s important the R6 have an equally impressive buffer memory. While a lot will depend on the memory card you’re using, the camera handled a burst of about 315 frames during our tests without even thinking about it to a UHS-II SD card. 

In fact, you’ll easily be able to save over 1,000 JPEGs or compressed .CR3 RAW files to a UHS-II card without the camera slowing down. If you’re shooting uncompressed RAW, then buffer depth will drop significantly to 240 consecutive files. Either way, that’s way more than what most people will need.

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 24mm, 1s (handheld) at f/4, ISO 800

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 24mm, 1s (handheld) at f/4, ISO 800 (Image credit: TechRadar)

But it was the image stabilization that we were most keen to test and, boy, did it impress. Paired with the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM lens, which itself has 5-stops of image stability built in, we were supposed to get a total of 6.5 stops of compensation according to Canon’s own claims. That means that at 24mm effective focal length, we should be able to hold the camera for a maximum shutter speed of 2 seconds and, in practice, that worked. The only downside to us capturing pinpoint sharpness was the buffeting wind we were facing. However, 1.6 second shutter speed shot during the same windy evening was perfectly usable.

Canon EOS R6 mechanical shutter (left) vs EOS R6 electronic shutter (right): there's no discernible rolling shutter effect while panning 

Canon EOS R6 mechanical shutter (left) vs EOS R6 electronic shutter (right): there's no discernible rolling shutter effect while panning  (Image credit: TechRadar)

We also tested how the R6’s electronic shutter would handle itself while panning. Rolling shutter effects are common when shooting with a sensor-based electronic shutter but our tests showed no noticeable distortion while panning slowly, but we did see a significant lean when panning faster.

Canon EOS R6 review: image quality

  • Excellent color reproduction
  • Disappointing dynamic range in JPEGs
  • Good ISO performance

Most users would be concerned with the resolving power of the 20MP sensor. As long as you aren’t doing a side-by-side comparison with the R5 – which would be highly unfair – we found the R6 can hold its own. 

Images pop with color without appearing oversaturated, as has always been Canon’s trademark. Details are good for the most part but we did find the R6 struggles during bright sunlight. 

Canon EOS R6 (left) vs Canon EOS 6D Mark II (right): the DSLR captures more details and textures overall, although the R6 resolves the details within the building better

Canon EOS R6 (left) vs Canon EOS 6D Mark II (right): the DSLR captures more details and textures overall, although the R6 resolves the details within the building better (Image credit: TechRadar)

We took a series of shots on a very sunny day only to find images appearing flat, with lack of details. When compared to the EOS 6D Mark II, we found the latter’s 26MP had a touch more detail and texture than the R6, as you can see in the 50% crop side-by-side JPEG comparison pictured above.

While the R6 handled the resolution of the bars through the glass wall of the ferry wharf really well, the 6D II had more detail on the roof of the wharf and the water surface. Even colors on the R6 image appear flatter in comparison to the DSLR. 

That said, these are standard JPEGs – if you shoot HEIF files, the R6’s 10-bit dynamic range will come into play and you’ll be able to capture greater tonal range. Keep in mind that software support for HEIF is still limited, although it is the default file format for Apple’s Photos app, and you can convert all HEIFs into JPEGs in-camera.

Image 1 of 12

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 65mm, 1/400s at f/13, ISO 200

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 65mm, 1/400s at f/13, ISO 200 (Image credit: TechRadar)
Image 2 of 12

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 240mm, 1/350s at f/6.3, ISO 320

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 240mm, 1/350s at f/6.3, ISO 320 (Image credit: TechRadar)
Image 3 of 12

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 240mm, 1/500s at f/9, ISO 200

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 240mm, 1/500s at f/9, ISO 200 (Image credit: TechRadar)
Image 4 of 12

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 240mm, 1/2000s at f/16, ISO 3200

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 240mm, 1/2000s at f/16, ISO 3200 (Image credit: TechRadar)
Image 5 of 12

Canon EOS R6 + RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM | 35mm, 1/250s at f/5, ISO 200

Canon EOS R6 + RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM | 35mm, 1/250s at f/5, ISO 200 (Image credit: TechRadar)
Image 6 of 12

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 240mm, 1/320s at f/7.1, ISO 200

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 240mm, 1/320s at f/7.1, ISO 200 (Image credit: TechRadar)
Image 7 of 12

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 25mm, 1/400s at f/10, ISO 200

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 25mm, 1/400s at f/10, ISO 200 (Image credit: TechRadar)
Image 8 of 12

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 240mm, 1/500s at f/10, ISO 200

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 240mm, 1/500s at f/10, ISO 200 (Image credit: TechRadar)
Image 9 of 12

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 240mm, 1/800s at f/10, ISO 200

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 240mm, 1/800s at f/10, ISO 200 (Image credit: TechRadar)
Image 10 of 12

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 118mm, 1/320s at f/9, ISO 200

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 118mm, 1/320s at f/9, ISO 200 (Image credit: TechRadar)
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Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 24mm, 1/250s at f/8, ISO 100

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 24mm, 1/250s at f/8, ISO 100 (Image credit: TechRadar)
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Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 42mm, 1/500s at f/13, ISO 200

Canon EOS R6 + RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM | 42mm, 1/500s at f/13, ISO 200 (Image credit: TechRadar)

You’ll also find that the camera’s 20MP sensor has enough resolving power to allow for some cropping without excessive loss in quality, provided the image was shot at low ISO. As expected, you’ll find some details being lost at high ISOs, although it was only at ISO 20,000 that we began to see this problem. The R6 also handles noise quite well.

Image 1 of 2

There's still a good amount detail at ISO 10,000...

There's still a good amount detail at ISO 10,000... (Image credit: TechRadar)
Image 2 of 2

..but begin to flatten out at ISO 20,000 although the image is still usable

..but begin to flatten out at ISO 20,000 although the image is still usable (Image credit: TechRadar)

Overall, it’s a very capable camera that produces excellent images, as long as you aren’t looking to print any of them in a size larger than A3.

Should I buy the Canon EOS R6?

Canon EOS R6

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Buy it if...

Don't buy if...

[First reviewed September 2020]

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