Phoenix is a fast and intuitive web browser designed explicitly for mobile devices, and supports both Android and iOS. Developed by CloudView technology in 2016, Phoenix is best known for simplifying watching and downloading videos online.
Whether or not Phoenix can be your next default browser will be answered today — read our guide till the end to know everything about its features, disadvantages, privacy policies, and more.
Phoenix browser: Features
Phoenix supports video downloads in multiple formats and from multiple sites.
Say you want to know which videos are downloadable on a site — you don't have to click on them individually to check.
Phoenix has a smart video detection feature that automatically points out downloadable videos and leads you to them. However, this feature doesn't work on YouTube owing to Google Play’s privacy policy.
The browser also has a “data saver” feature that the developers claim will compress web pages before they are displayed on your device, in order to reduce the amount of mobile data used while browsing the web.
Another benefit of using Phoenix is its built-in video player. No more hopping onto your gallery to play a video you've downloaded — play the video directly on the browser and lock the screen to avoid disturbances.
Using the video player you can control playback speed, and it also supports a picture-in-picture mode to play videos outside the browser over other apps.
The Phoenix browser comes with an incognito mode, which allows you to browse the web privately without saving your browsing history, cookies, or cache.
Phoenix’s interface is a treat to the eyes. Its web view is built on Chromium, just like Chrome and Edge. This means that when you load a new site, all the elements of that site are displayed without breaking the site design.
The browser also lets you take custom screenshots of the web page. You can take a custom-sized picture by dragging your mouse and then annotating the picture right after. Unlike other browsers, you won't have to go back to the gallery for the edits.
(Image credit: Phoenix)
Phoenix ships with a built-in ad blocker that keeps away ads, pop-ups, and annoying notifications. The ad blocker also keeps track of the number and type of ads it has blocked, and the amount of mobile data saved, as well as other details.
(Image credit: Phoenix)
Talking of built-in apps, the browser also has a fully functional file manager that you can use to view all kinds of files including PDF and Word documents, Excel sheets, PowerPoint presentations, and a lot more.
The app also has some PDF tools that’ll help convert images, Word files, and PowerPoint presentations into PDF documents.
Phoenix browser: Privacy
When it comes to privacy, Phoenix pretty much covers the basics. For starters, it has an incognito mode that you can use to prevent the browser from logging your data and search history.
Its builtin ad blocker will also help boost your privacy by discarding any tracking scripts, cookies, and other data-gathering elements on web pages. This can substantially limit the amount of information websites and advertisers can collect about your browsing habits.
You can also use Phoenix to clean junk files from your mobile, as well as all kinds of browsing data, such as cached images and videos, along with cookies and browsing history, and more. As an added bonus, it can also help free up space by helping find and remove videos, large files, and WhatsApp data.
(Image credit: Phoenix)
Phoenix browser: Ease of use
Phoenix browser has a clean interface, with a search bar in the middle of the interface and pinned websites below it. At the bottom, you get buttons to launch the file manager, switch tabs, and more.
Its file manager is also pretty intuitive to use. It gives easy access to the downloaded files, as well as the PDF tools. There’s also a find function to help find files.
You also get buttons to quickly access all audio files, video files, documents, images, and more, and can easily clean browsing data, and more with a single tap.
The ad blocker is enabled by default, which is a plus. That said, you do get the option to disable it for specific websites using its icon next to the address bar.
(Image credit: Phoenix)
Phoenix browser: Competitors
Phoenix is one of the few mobile browsers that has interesting features such as a very helpful video downloader, and a fully functional file manager.
It also ships with a built-in ad blocker, much like Opera and Brave.
On the downside though, unlike its popular peers, be it Chrome, Edge, or Safari, Phoenix is ad-supported, and will occasionally display full-screen ads.
Also, when it comes to other browsers like Avast, Opera, Mullvad, or even Firefox, Phoenix gets a lower rank in terms of user privacy. All these browsers offer extra privacy in some way or the other, such as with a built-in VPN. However, all that Phoenix has to offer for free is an ad blocker.
Need a top VPN for 360-degree security? Check out our guide to the best VPN.
Phoenix browser: Final verdict
Phoenix is a pretty decent browser. Sure, it doesn't drop jaws in any parameter, be it privacy or features, but it does a little bit of everything, which makes it the perfect solution for those looking to replace their default mobile web browser.
The built-in ad blocker, combined with the “data saver” functionality, is a boon for those who want to save mobile data. Its activated-by-default nature will also appeal to privacy conscious users.
Phoenix’s download manager is ideal for those who regularly download videos on their mobile. In the same vein, the file manager and its productivity features also make it an interesting option for those looking for such functionality.
If you care for any of these features, and can live with its shortcomings, you should take Phoenix for a spin.
Maxthon was designed to support blockchain apps and make it easier for users to access them. Released in 2002, this Chromium-based browser works on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Currently, it's available in 55 different languages.
The browser is best known for its rich catalog of features. It might not be as popular as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, but it can stand up to these stalwarts in terms of features.
In this review, we have covered everything about Maxthon’s features, competitors, and pros and cons so that you can decide for yourself whether it's the best browser for you.
Maxthon: Features
Maxthon comes with a built-in notepad called “Maxnote” that can be used to take notes as you browse, copy information, web addresses, and images, and arrange them on different platform devices.
The Passkeeper is a password manager that helps you save passwords, usernames, and other login credentials in one click. The next time you try logging in, Maxthon will automatically offer to auto-fill the details on your behalf.
Maxthon’s most unique feature is the “Snap Screen.” This box selection tool lets you select a particular area of the screen to take a screenshot. With most other browsers, you’ll have to take a screenshot and then crop it in the gallery. However, with Maxthon, you can directly crop the desired area before taking the snapshot. If you want to capture the whole screen with a click, go for the “Snap Page” option.
If you want to run a quick background check on certain images, videos, or music, Maxthon’s resource sniffer will be your friend. Within seconds, this feature will extract the URL of any digital asset and lead you to it. The only issue is that this feature is only available in the desktop version.
Maxthon is also one of the very few browsers that supports customizable mouse gestures for common functions, such as switching tabs, and scrolling pages.
Another benefit of using Maxthon is “Tab Grouping.” This feature lets you group tabs on similar topics together to create a more harmonious workspace. After all, if you’re working on multiple topics and have multiple tabs open, keeping track of each page without proper categorization can be challenging.
If you have a lot of tabs open at once, you can also put the inactive ones to sleep. This will prevent your system from lagging or going into overload.
The browser also offers a free VPN as an optional extension that you can add while installing the browser. However, you’ll have to agree to occasionally share your computer’s free resources and your IP address, to use the feature.
Maxthon also has a “Reading mode” that removes distracting elements from a webpage. You can also consume the content using the “Read aloud” function that’ll convert the text on the web page into speech.
The browser also includes a free trial of an AI chatbot. You can also use it to download any video on any webpage. This functionality too is implemented as a free trial.
The headline feature of the browser is its support for blockchain apps, thanks primarily to the inclusion of a blockchain wallet and identity manager called VBox.
(Image credit: Maxthon)
Maxthon: Privacy
Maxthon, like most browsers, mentions in its privacy policy that it doesn’t disclose user data to any third party apart from certain special scenarios, such as legal cases.
They also say they collect usage data to improve user experience and browser functionality. But they claim to anonymize the data and ensure that it can’t be used to identify individuals.
Maxthon Browser also claims that it is equipped with robust anti-phishing mechanisms to help protect users from fraudulent websites that trick you into revealing personal information. However there’s no option to tweak, or customize, or even disable this protection in the browser’s settings.
Also, the browser, like virtually all its peers, allows you to browse the web in the Incognito Mode. A more robust option is its VPN service. However, using that will expose your IP address and even use the free resources on your computer, nullifying its existence for many users.
Maxthon: Ease of use
You are asked to sign in/create a Max account when you launch the browser for the first time. This will help sync the browser data across installations. But if you don’t want to use this feature, you can choose to sign in with a guest account.
Also, while its dashboard follows the design philosophy of most web browsers, Maxthon has a rather busy interface.
The dashboard has a dozen pinned websites and you can add and remove them as per your needs. There’s also a search bar, which defaults to Maxthon’s Google-powered MaxAsk search engine. You can of course switch to other options such as Bing, and DuckDuckGo, without much effort.
Some unique Maxthon features, such as Read aloud, Reading mode, Snap Screen, MaxNote, and AI chat, are all easily accessible either from the address bar at the top, or the left sidebar.
The dashboard displays random wallpapers by default, but you can tweak this behavior to display a local image, or none at all. You can also show and hide all the other elements in the dashboard.
You can enable/disable and tweak all of Maxthon’s features from inside a dedicated section in the browser’s neatly arranged Settings section.
Maxthon: Competitors
Maxthon was founded way before Chrome and Edge, which is why it enjoys a user base of over 100 million users in 140 different countries.
As an old and experienced player in the market, Maxthon is aware of what users want, which is evident through its smart features.
For example, it comes with a useful screen-splitting feature that gives you two interfaces to work with at the same time. This feature is a godsend for multi-tasking fans.
Another benefit of using Maxthon over Chrome and Edge is it doesn't track your behavior. It might collect basic, non-personal data such as your time and frequency of browsing, but it’ll never spy on your online activities.
Maxthon follows Edge’s footsteps to optimize speed and performance and puts inactive tabs to sleep. The logic here is quite simple — the more open tabs you have, the heavier it is on your system. But when you put inactive tabs to sleep, it’ll free up a lot of space and CPU power which can then be used to support other apps and processes.
In terms of security though, Maxthon is clearly defeated by the likes of Firefox, Opera, and Tor. Although it does bundle a free VPN, its riders make it a no-go for privacy-conscious users.
Maxthon: Verdict
Maxthon is a good browser for those who care for its built-in blockchain wallet and identity manager. It's not the best browser in the market in terms of performance or security, but when it comes to features, Maxthon is up there with the best.
That said, some of its interesting features like the FreeVPN and the AI chatbot are only available as free trials.
All things considered, Maxthon is a good option for those interested in its blockchain-friendly features. The browser has all the features you’d expect from a modern browser, but none of them unique enough to help it stand out from the crowd.
Proton has established itself quite successfully in the world of security products. You may have heard of its offerings in the encrypted email and VPN industries. Well, it also has a superb answer to the best password managers in the form of Proton Pass.
This handy password manager promises end-to-end encryption for all your passwords, ensuring your sensitive data remains secure even from Proton itself. It supports 2FA, encrypted notes, and even email alias generation - all packed into Proton's signature user-friendly interface. And just like all of Proton's offerings, its open-source and regularly audited by security experts.
But does Proton Pass live up to its reputation for privacy and ease of use? With competition from established players, can a relatively new password manager carve out a space for itself? Let's take a look.
Proton Pass: Plans and pricing
(Image credit: Proton Pass)
Proton Pass offers a range of pricing options to suit different needs. The Free plan provides a solid foundation with unlimited passwords, support for passkeys, and two vaults, all protected by end-to-end encryption. For users seeking enhanced privacy and convenience, the Plus plan, priced at $2.99/month with an annual subscription, unlocks access to the Proton Sentinel service, unlimited hide-my-email aliases and premium support.
The Proton Pass Family plan is $4.99 per month, when paid for a year, and it allows up to six people to experience everything the Proton Pass Plus offers.
Those who want a comprehensive suite of privacy tools can opt for Proton Unlimited at $9.99/month with an annual subscription, which includes all Proton services like Mail, VPN, Drive, Calendar, and Pass.
(Image credit: Proton Pass)
The Business plans start with Pass Essential that costs $1.99/user/month when paid for a year (yearly total $23.88/user). It includes all the essential password management features such as the ability to store unlimited passwords, passkeys, notes, and credit card details, a built-in 2FA authenticator, and unlimited email aliases.
For larger organizations that need support for single sign-on (SSO), and detailed activity logs, there’s Pass Professional that costs $4.49/user/month with an annual subscription (yearly total $53.88/user). You’ll have to pay for a minimum of three seats for both Pass Essential and Pass Professional plans.
(Image credit: Proton)
Proton Pass: Setup
Here’s an overview of how to set up Proton Pass.
First and foremost, it's important to have a Proton account. If you still need to create one, visit the Proton website and sign up for an account. Once you've registered and verified your credentials, you'll need to enable two-factor authentication (2FA), which is where Proton Pass comes into play. Two-factor authentication adds a level of security by requiring your password and a unique code that you can access only at the time of login.
To set up 2FA and Proton Pass, log in to your Proton account and navigate to the security settings page. Here, you will find the option to enable two-factor authentication. Click on it, and you'll be prompted to download a two-factor authentication app if you haven't already. Proton recommends using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator, Authy, or FreeOTP, which you can download from your mobile app store.
After installing the authenticator app on your smartphone or tablet, the next step is to link it to your Proton account. Within the Proton security settings, a QR code will appear on the screen. Open your authenticator app and use its 'Scan QR code' feature to scan this code. This will automatically add your Proton account to the app and generate timed, one-time passcodes.
The Proton security settings page will also provide you with a recovery code. Writing this down or printing it and keeping it somewhere safe is crucial. This code is a lifeline for instances where you might lose access to your second-factor device. With your authenticator app now synced, your Proton Pass is effectively set up. When you log in to your Proton account, you will enter your password and the unique code displayed in your authenticator app.
(Image credit: Proton)
Proton Pass: Interface and performance
The Proton Pass interface is a masterclass in minimalist design, reflecting Proton's philosophy of providing simple yet powerful security solutions. Activating two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Proton account reveals a clean and intuitive dashboard that seamlessly blends user-friendliness with robust security.
Navigating to 2FA settings is effortless, with clear instructions and visuals guiding you through the setup process. The prominent display of the QR code for your authentication app ensures quick and easy account linking. Proton Pass excels in its handling of the recovery code, prominently showcasing it during setup and stressing its importance for account recovery. This thoughtful design prioritizes user understanding and preparedness.
Once set up, using Proton Pass becomes second nature. The login process is streamlined, requiring your password and 2FA code in a clear, two-step sequence. Input fields are unambiguously labeled and positioned for a frictionless experience. This commitment to simplicity extends throughout the interface, minimizing distractions and cognitive load to ensure a smooth and efficient authentication process.
The aesthetic minimalism of Proton Pass isn't just about visual appeal; it's a deliberate strategy to enhance usability and encourage secure practices. By prioritizing clarity and ease of use, Proton Pass empowers users to take control of their online security without unnecessary complexity.
(Image credit: Proton)
Proton Pass: Security
Proton Pass takes a multi-layered approach to security, aiming to protect your passwords and sensitive data with the strongest possible safeguards:
End-to-End Encryption: This is the cornerstone of Proton Pass's security. All your data, including passwords, usernames, notes, and even website addresses and metadata, is encrypted on your device before it's sent to Proton's servers. This means that no one, not even Proton themselves, can access your information in its unencrypted form.
Zero-Knowledge Architecture: Proton Pass operates on a zero-knowledge principle. This means that your encryption keys are generated and stored only on your device. Proton has no access to these keys, further ensuring that they cannot decrypt your data.
Strong Encryption Algorithms: Proton Pass uses both asymmetric and symmetric encryption algorithms to secure your data, including AES256 and OpenPGP. These are industry-standard algorithms known for their resilience against brute-force attacks and other security threats. Proton Pass also encrypts stored passkeys using Curve25519.
Open Source: Much of Proton Pass's code is open source, allowing security researchers and the community to audit it for vulnerabilities. This transparency helps ensure the integrity and security of the software.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Proton Pass supports 2FA, adding an extra layer of security to your account. This requires a unique code from your authentication app in addition to your password when logging in, making it much harder for unauthorized access. As an additional bonus, Proton Pass also offers an in-app authenticator and will let you know when 2FA can be enabled on any of your stored accounts.
Password Generator: Proton Pass includes a strong password generator that can create complex, unique passwords for each of your accounts, reducing the risk of password reuse and vulnerability to breaches.
Breach & Dark Web Monitoring: Proton Pass can monitor your accounts for data breaches and alert you if your information is compromised. This allows you to take immediate action to protect your accounts.
Proton Sentinel: For users in need of extra protection, Proton Pass also offers protection from it's Proton Sentinel high-security program which includes additional security protections, enhanced visibility into security logs, 24/7 suspicious login monitoring using both AI and human detections, and automatic security specialist referral for all account security support requests.
Hide-my-email Alias: Proton Pass also makes your email more secure by offering a fully integrated email masking tool that allows you to customize your masked domain and alias, and allows you to forward mail that is sent to your masked email to multiple inboxes.
Secure sharing: Outside of secure sharing with other Proton users, you can securely share vaults, links, and files with non-Proton users.
Secure payments: Proton Pass will let you securely store an unlimited amount of credit cards.
In summary, Proton Pass employs a comprehensive suite of security measures to safeguard your sensitive information. Its focus on end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge architecture, and open-source practices makes it a highly secure choice for password management.
Proton Pass Business: Team and Admin Features
Proton Pass Business offers adequate team management and administrative capabilities.
As is the norm for such offerings, Proton Pass Business offers a web-based centralized admin console for managing users, controlling permissions, and monitoring password health, and user activity.
Your users can use the platform to create organization-wide, or department, and team-specific vaults to share credentials, and other secure data. Users can share the vault with other users in the same team or department, with granular access permissions.
By default, the invited users can only view the items in a vault, but they can also be given Edit permissions to create, delete, and export items in the vault, or Manage permissions to grant, and revoke access to a vault to other members.
As an admin, you can prevent users from sharing vaults with others who aren’t part of your organization. In addition to vaults, you can also prevent your users from sharing individual items, and stop them from exporting their data as well.
If you do allow sharing of individual items, your users can share passwords, and other sensitive information, such as secured notes, with their colleagues.
They can also share these with anyone, even if they don’t use Proton Pass, with Secure Links. The feature helps create unique, expirable links to your login credentials, secure notes, and other items. You can set the expiration date from anywhere between one hour up to 30 days, and even restrict the number of times the recipient can access the link (from one to as many).
That said, you can’t control which devices can access company vaults. Neither can you restrict access by IP address.
You can use Proton Pass Business to define password policies. The platform gives you the ability to enforce password complexity requirements, including the ability to customize minimum and maximum password length, and whether they should include numbers, special characters, and uppercase characters.
(Image credit: Proton Pass)
One interesting option is the ability to ask the platform to help your users generate memorable passwords. That said, unlike some of its peers, the platform doesn’t allow admins to enforce a password rotation policy on its users.
Another strong security feature is the ability to require all your users to use 2FA. If you don’t want to force this upon them, you do have the option to gently remind them (via email) to enable 2FA on their own.
(Image credit: Proton Pass)
The platform also lets admins forcefully logout users after the expiry of a configurable idle period, which can range from one minute to one hour. Here too we miss a failed login attempt feature that you get with some of its peers, which locks accounts after detecting suspicious activity, like a number of failed logins.
(Image credit: Proton Pass)
Talking of suspicious activity, Proton Pass Business gives users access to a Pass Monitor feature that monitors the dark web for leaked passwords, and more. Business users are also enrolled in the Proton Sentinel program, which helps detect and stop unauthorized attempts to break into your account, even if the attackers have the correct password.
Finally, the platform offers detailed activity logs that help give visibility over all kinds of user activity, such as any changes made to passwords and vaults. The platform is pretty comprehensive in its logging, and tracks about two dozen events, for everything from invitations, and vaults, to individual items, and secure links.
Proton Pass Business: Integrations and Compatibility
If you are a Pass Professional user, you also get support for SSO and SCIM integration. Proton Pass Business plugs into all the mainstream identity providers (IdPs) like Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, and Google Workspace to streamline user lifecycle management.
Finally, as we have mentioned earlier, Proton Pass is also deeply integrated into the Proton ecosystem of services, including Proton Mail and Calendar, Proton Drive, Proton VPN, and Proton Wallet. As an admin you can control which of these services can users in your organization access.
Proton Pass Business: Ease of Use and Deployment
The admin panel of Proton Pass Business is clean, and fairly intuitive.
The first order of business is user provisioning, and the platform offers adequate options to help admins add (and later remove) team members.
(Image credit: Proton Pass)
Admins can invite members by sending them an email. You can also directly create a password for them, instead of sending them an invite, and then share the password with them using other secure means. The platform also offers bulk user import through CSV files.
In the same vein, the process of enabling SSO for the supported IdPs is also fairly intuitive, and is well documented. Once added, you can give admin privileges to other users, although only the primary admin can edit the plan of the organization.
Admins can track the activity of their users through the Reports section. It offers a Pass Monitor report that tells you the number of reused, weak passwords, if the passwords were found in any breach, and other details, for every user. Then there’s the Usage report that tells you the total number of items a user has access to, the number of vaults they own, and have access to, and other details, again for every user.
Finally, there’s the Activity Logs section that logs all user events along with their time, the user account that it happened on, the type of event, and the IP address the activity originated from.
You can filter the logs by email or IP address, event type, and date range. You can also click on a time or event entry to filter by that timestamp or event type. Both the reports, and the activity logs can also be exported as a CSV file.
Proton Pass: Customer support
(Image credit: Proton)
Like any other company, Proton has a wealth of online guides to help you set things up and carry out basic troubleshooting and other issues. There are also helpful tabs on the latest Proton Pass updates and guides to enhancing personal privacy.
Getting in touch is easier than with some bigger companies, as there’s a clear form that’s easy to find, though responses will be by email rather than live chat. As more Internet users begin to question and value their privacy, turning to Proton and other security-focused products, we can only hope that the company invests in multi-channel support, be it live chat, social media support, or a phone number. Fortunately, it looks like all customers, free or paid, are treated equally.
Proton Pass: The competition
Proton Pass is not short of competition, and frankly the password management market is fairly saturated. However, Proton's open-source basis and wealth of security tools and features make it a very strong contender.
It's rivals include the likes of NordPass, which offers more competitive pricing with a similar feature set. For business oriented customers, 1Password is slightly more expensive but offers 24/7 support, however a business looking for a dedicated suite of secure business products may benefit from signing up to the full Proton Business Suite to access Mail, Calendar, VPN, Pass, and Drive for just a few extra dollars per user per month.
Proton Pass: Final verdict
Proton Pass simplifies strong security with its intuitive two-factor authentication (2FA) interface. Setting up 2FA is a breeze, thanks to clear instructions, a streamlined recovery process, and an uncluttered dashboard. While Proton Pass makes robust cybersecurity accessible to everyone, deciding whether to use it depends on your specific needs.
If you regularly handle sensitive information, Proton Pass provides a significant security boost, protecting your account from potential breaches. However, if you rarely deal with sensitive data or find 2FA workflows disruptive, alternative security measures might be sufficient.
Ultimately, choosing Proton Pass is about your commitment to online security. It's an extra step in your authentication process, but one that significantly strengthens your defenses and protects your digital identity.
Choosing a password manager is a crucial step towards safeguarding your digital life. With so many options available, it's essential to prioritize features that guarantee both security and a seamless user experience. Here's a breakdown of key factors to consider:
Security is Paramount:
Robust Encryption: Look for a password manager that employs industry-leading encryption standards like AES-256. This ensures your sensitive data remains unreadable even if a breach occurs.
Zero-Knowledge Architecture: Prioritize providers who utilize a zero-knowledge model, meaning they cannot access your encrypted data or master password. This puts you in complete control of your information.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for an added layer of security. This requires a unique code from your authentication app in addition to your master password, making it significantly harder for unauthorized access.
Open-Source Options: Consider open-source password managers. Their transparent code allows for community scrutiny and independent security audits, ensuring higher trustworthiness.
Usability Matters:
Intuitive Interface: A user-friendly interface is essential for effortless password management. Look for features like easy navigation, clear organization, and a straightforward password generation process.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensure the password manager seamlessly integrates across your devices (desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets) and various operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).
Auto-fill and Password Generation: These features streamline your online experience. Auto-fill automatically populates login credentials, while the password generator creates strong, unique passwords for each account.
Beyond the Basics:
Password Health Check: A good password manager should assess your existing passwords for strength and identify any weak or reused ones, helping you improve your overall security posture.
Breach Monitoring: Some password managers offer breach monitoring, alerting you if your credentials are compromised in a data breach. This allows for swift action to secure your accounts.
Secure Sharing: If you need to share passwords with family or colleagues, look for secure sharing features that maintain encryption and control over access.
Provider Reputation and Support:
Reliable Customer Service: Choose a provider with responsive customer support to assist you with any issues or questions.
Regular Updates: Frequent updates demonstrate the provider's commitment to security and addressing potential vulnerabilities.
By thoroughly evaluating these factors, you can select a password manager that not only protects your digital identity but also simplifies your online experience. Remember, a good password manager is an investment in your online security and peace of mind.
Monday CRM is a customizable sales platform that aims to streamline the entire sales cycle, from lead capture to deal closing. As part of the broader Monday.com suite of work management tools, the CRM integrates seamlessly with Monday's other offerings while also functioning well as a standalone solution.
What immediately stood out to me during my review of Monday was its playful and vibrant interface — a stark contrast to the simple spreadsheet-like design of many of the best CRM platforms. But don't let the playful exterior fool you. Under the hood, Monday CRM packs some serious power and flexibility.
The platform allows you to tailor pipelines, data fields, automations, and more to match your unique sales processes. Collaboration is a core focus, with tools for communicating with both colleagues and clients. Dashboards and reporting features give you real-time visibility into sales performance. In this in-depth review, I'll share my firsthand experience using Monday as a CRM, examining its key features, ease of use, pricing, and more to help you determine if it's the right fit for your sales team.
At TechRadar Pro, we recognize that your CRM is the engine of your business. Our experts don’t just read feature lists. We perform hands-on, multi-day testing to see how these platforms perform in the real world. For our Monday Sales CRM review, we navigated the entire user journey - from importing complex datasets to building custom automation sequences and testing the platform’s AI capabilities.
This review, like all of those we undertake, is 100% independent. We never accept payment for product rankings or positive coverage, ensuring our verdict is based solely on a platform's usability, performance, and value.
Monday.com CRM: Core capabilities
(Image credit: Monday.com)
As I explored Monday’s core capabilities, I found that it provides a solid CRM foundation with contact and account management. I found it easy to centralize all customer data, including contact details, communication history, and associated deals, in one place. I liked how the ability to create detailed customer profiles helps build a 360-degree view of each account.
Capturing leads from various sources and tracking them through the sales funnel felt intuitive. I appreciated being able to customize lead stages and create multiple pipelines to match my unique sales processes. A drag-and-drop interface made it simple to move deals between stages as they progressed.
For those worried about using a workplace management platform for sales forecasting, Monday.com thankfully has you covered. By setting probability percentages for each deal stage, I could generate revenue projections and understand my pipeline's health at a glance. The ability to track actual revenue against forecasted amounts added an extra layer of insight.
Monday.com’s no-code workflow automation builder comes with templates for beginners, making it easy to implement automation without requiring extensive technical expertise. I was able to set up various automated workflows, such as assigning leads to specific team members based on criteria or sending follow-up emails after a certain period of inactivity. These automations saved considerable time and ensured consistent follow-up processes.
Monday offers a wide range of pre-built dashboards and reports covering sales activity, team performance, revenue trends, and more. I found the reports visually appealing and easy to understand and I liked the ability to drill down into individual metrics, which provided granular insights. However, I did find the report customization options somewhat limited compared to other CRMs that I've used.
Monday’s mobile app provides a dedicated on-the-go experience with access to all key features. Being able to manage my pipeline, log calls, and view reports on the go was incredibly convenient. The app's interface was intuitive and optimized for mobile, making it a seamless extension of the desktop platform.
In the last few months, Monday has also introduced a range of AI-enabled features to its CRM platform. For example, AI-powered email composition was particularly impressive, helping me draft personalized emails quickly based on context and previous communications. Another nice addition was the AI-driven insights and suggestions, such as identifying the best times to contact leads or highlighting deals that may need attention. But while these features were generally helpful, I found that the AI capabilities are still evolving, occasionally producing suggestions that weren't quite on target.
However, I did identify a few areas for improvement. The platform currently lacks some advanced features like territory management and sales coaching tools that are found in more enterprise-focused CRMs. Additionally, while the reporting is solid overall, I would have liked to see more flexibility in creating custom report templates. Despite these limitations, I found that Monday’s core features are still strong enough to carry it through as a strong CRM.
At the end of the day, Monday's core capabilities are robust and comprehensive, making it a strong contender in the CRM market. While there are some areas for improvement, the platform can still be a valuable asset for sales teams across small, medium, or large enterprises.
How easy is Monday.com CRM to use?
(Image credit: Monday.com)
During my time with the CRM, Monday’s customizable dashboards and drag-and-drop functionality made it simple to tailor the CRM to my specific needs and preferences. I found that I could easily create custom pipelines, add new data fields, and rearrange components to optimize my workflow without any coding knowledge.
There’s an extensive library of pre-built templates, covering a wide range of sales processes and industries to provide a solid foundation for users to build upon. I was able to quickly set up my CRM by selecting a relevant template and then fine-tuning it to match my unique requirements. This significantly reduced the time and effort needed to get started with the platform.
Monday’s no-code automation builder is once again a feature worth mentioning, because it offers an easy way to reduce the non-essential tasks on a sales manager’s plate, making the user experience that much more intuitive. It’s sleek, responsive, and customized to the needs of most modern businesses.
During the onboarding process, Monday offers a comprehensive knowledge base filled with articles, video tutorials, and step-by-step guides that cover every aspect of the CRM. I found these resources useful when I needed to learn how to perform specific tasks or troubleshoot issues. Additionally, Monday also provides webinars and live training for users who prefer a more hands-on learning approach.
Overall, the learning curve for Monday CRM is relatively gradual, thanks to its intuitive design and helpful resources. As a relatively new user, I was able to navigate the platform and perform basic tasks within a matter of hours. The visual nature of the interface, with its color-coded pipelines and clear data organization, made it easy to understand the flow of information and take action accordingly.
What's more, earlier this year, Monday introduced a significant UI update to combat tab fatigue. This included a new global navigation tab, which displays the last seven items (boards, dashboards, or docs) you visited across the entire Work OS, not just the CRM. It's also now possible to use the Monday AI assistant to generate content and instantly turn that output into a work doc with one click. This is particularly useful for drafting custom proposals or internal post-mortems after a deal closes.
But while the CRM is relatively straightforward to use and offers a high degree of flexibility, more complex configurations require a deeper understanding of the platform's capabilities. In these cases, I had to spend more time exploring the knowledge base and experimenting with different settings to achieve my desired outcomes.
Another area where Monday CRM could improve is its mobile app experience. While the app provides access to essential CRM features on the go, I found that some functionality was limited compared to the desktop version. For example, certain customization options and reporting features were not available on mobile, which could be inconvenient for users who heavily rely on their smartphones for work.
Monday.com CRM integrations
(Image credit: Monday.com )
With over 200 pre-built integrations and a powerful API, Monday.com seamlessly connects with a wide range of popular business applications, ensuring a smooth flow of data and streamlined processes across the organization.
For starters, Monday’s app marketplace offers a diverse range of pre-built connectors, covering essential integration categories such as communication, collaboration, marketing, finance, and development. Popular tools like Slack, Gmail, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook are all supported. The ability to sync meetings, automate emails, and receive notifications directly in Monday significantly streamlined my daily tasks and reduced the need to switch between multiple applications. For instance, I could receive Slack notifications for important CRM updates or access Google Drive files directly within the CRM interface.
In cases where a pre-built integration was not available, Monday CRM's open API proves very valuable. Thanks to the well-documented API, you can develop your own integrations from scratch using common programming languages. While the API documentation is well-structured, however, this is something that only professional developers should attempt because of the steep learning curve.
If you can’t find a pre-built connector for your application but aren’t confident enough to code a custom integration from scratch, Monday offers another option — Zapier. Zapier acts as a bridge, connecting Monday with over 2,000 other apps, vastly expanding the possibilities for automation and data sharing. I was able to create complex workflows and automate repetitive tasks across multiple applications without any coding knowledge.
While the integration capabilities are generally impressive, however, I did encounter a few limitations. Some advanced features, such as custom field mapping and bi-directional data syncing, were not available for certain integrations. Thankfully, these instances were relatively minor and did not significantly impact the overall functionality of the platform.
How good is Monday.com customer support?
Monday offers a comprehensive range of support channels, ensuring that users can get help whenever they need it, through whichever method they prefer. It boasts a robust knowledge base filled with articles, video tutorials, and step-by-step guides covering every aspect of the CRM. The documentation is well-organized, easy to navigate, and regularly updated to reflect the latest features and enhancements.
Monday.com also operates an in-app learning center that’s meant to help you familiarize yourself with the platform in a more contextual setting. Being able to learn the ropes without having to leave the CRM is a welcome addition in my book, since it reduces the need for back and forth and the cognitive workload from having to cross-reference tutorials with the in-app interface.
In addition to the knowledge base, Monday provides a community forum where users can connect with each other, share best practices, and seek advice from experienced practitioners. I found the community to be active and supportive, with users readily offering their insights and solutions to common challenges.
When it comes to live support, Monday offers multiple channels, including phone, chat, and email. Its average response time has been well within industry standards, with most questions being addressed within a matter of hours. The platform boasts an impressive average resolution time of 1.67 hours, which is among the best in the industry.
However, there are a few things that could stand to improve. Currently, phone support is only available during limited hours, which may be inconvenient for users in different time zones. Monday could also stand to benefit from more one-on-one training and certification programs for new users, which would be helpful in boosting user adoption after implementation. Currently, these programs are only accessible to enterprise customers.
Monday.com CRM pricing and plans
(Image credit: Monday.com)
Plan
Basic
Standard
Pro
Enterprise
Price
$12/user/month
$17/user/month
$28/user/month
Custom quote
Best for
Small teams starting with CRM
Growing teams needing automation
Sales teams requiring advanced features
Large organizations with complex needs
Features
Unlimited customizable pipelines; Contact management; Basic lead tracking
Two-way email integration; AI email generator; Custom CRM automations
Sales forecasting; Mass email capabilities; Advanced analytics
Lead scoring; Enterprise-scale automations; Advanced security features
Limitations
Limited automation and integration options
Restricted to 250 automation actions per month
Some advanced features still unavailable
Pricing may be prohibitive for smaller teams
Monday offers four distinct pricing tiers: Basic, Standard, Pro, and Enterprise, with prices ranging from $12 to $28 per month when billed annually. Note that per user prices are actually lower, but Monday requires that you buy at least 3 seats to be able to access its CRM platform. While this shouldn’t be a problem for most organizations, solo entrepreneurs or startups with one-person sales teams may not be the intended demographic for the platform. Annual billing also provides an 18% discount on each plan, so monthly subscription costs are typically higher.
In terms of value for money, Monday’s feature set is quite comprehensive, even at the lower pricing tiers. The Basic plan starting at $12 per user per month includes unlimited customizable pipelines, contacts, and boards, as well as templates for lead, contact, and deal management. This is a solid foundation and helps make Monday.com one of the best CRM for start ups.
As you move up the pricing tiers, the feature set expands significantly. The Standard plan at $17 per user per month introduces advanced account, contact, and deal management, two-way email integration with Gmail and Outlook, and custom CRM automations. For businesses with more complex needs, the Pro plan at $28 per user per month offers sales forecasting, email tracking, mass email capabilities, and increased storage and integration actions.
However, some advanced features, such as Monday’s lead scoring, team goals, and advanced analytics, are only available on the Enterprise plan. Recently, Monday has added more granular enterprise-grade security to this plan - another selling point - including tighter board structuring and SAML-based synchronization. It is worth noting, however, that the Enterprise plan requires contacting Monday for a custom quote, but it’s only suitable for large organizations anyway. While this is not uncommon for enterprise-level CRM solutions, it may be a barrier for smaller businesses that need access to certain advanced capabilities.
When you compare the per-user pricing, Monday’s costs are actually much lower than those of competitors like Freshsales and Salesforce. However, the lack of a single-user purchase option does little to highlight the additional affordability. Still, Monday offers discounts for students and nonprofits, which is a nice touch. Additionally, the company provides a 14-day free trial of the Pro plan, allowing potential users to test out the platform's features before committing to a paid subscription.
How to pick
For an organization, selecting a CRM is a high-stakes decision that shifts the focus from features to operational fit. When evaluating a platform like Monday Sales CRM, the first thing to do is to define your operational North Star. Before looking at demos, identify your primary bottleneck. Do you want high-volume prospecting, stronger relationships, or more accurate forecasting?
Another aspect to consider is ease-of-use. Even the most powerful CRM is a liability if your sales reps refuse to use it. During a trial, have a senior sales rep try to log a call and update a deal stage. If it takes more than three clicks or requires a manual, the platform will likely fail in your organization.
Finally, calculate a 24-month financial path. Try to avoid the starter trap where CRM prices start small but quickly ramp up as your business grows. Don't just look at the immediate budgetary fit - but what this might look like in the future. When evaluating if Monday.com is the right fit for your business, remember to consider all the above.
How we choose
Choosing the right CRM is more than just a software purchase - it is a foundational business decision. When we select and rank platforms like Monday Sales CRM, our editorial team follows a strict evaluation framework designed to filter out marketing hype in favor of operational reality. Our picking process is built on a number of core benchmarks: agility, AI capabilities, pricing, and interoperability.
We prioritize CRMs that can be deployed in days, not months. Moreover, in today’s market, we no longer recommend CRMs that offer only basic data entry. To make our list, a CRM must feature autonomous AI agents - tools that don't just suggest text but can actually perform tasks, such as cross-referencing prospect data or updating pipeline stages automatically.
In addition, we penalize platforms with hidden costs, such as predatory seat-minimums or expensive API access fees. We look for a clear, predictable growth path where a small business can scale from a free tier to a professional tier without a 500% price jump.
Finally, we believe that a CRM should act as the brain of your tech stack. We pick tools that offer deep, bi-directional integrations with the tools you already use - like Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365 - ensuring that data flows freely without manual export/import cycles.
By using the above criteria, we ensure that a recommendation for Monday Sales CRM isn't just about its famous interface; it’s about its ability to handle complex, AI-driven workflows while remaining accessible to a non-technical sales team.
Monday.com CRM review: Final verdict
Monday’s core CRM capabilities are comprehensive and well-implemented, providing users with powerful tools for managing contacts, leads, and opportunities. While some advanced features are reserved for higher-tier plans, the overall functionality is impressive, even at lower price points.
An intuitive design, coupled with extensive onboarding resources, ensures a smooth learning curve for new users. The visual interface, with its color-coded pipelines and drag-and-drop functionality, makes it easy to navigate and understand complex sales processes at a glance.
It’s not without its faults — some essential features like sales coaching tools, custom reporting templates, and custom field mapping for integrations are sadly missing from the platform. Although there's always room for improvement, I believe that Monday.com is a highly functional and useful CRM whether you’re a small business, a medium-sized organization, or a large-scale enterprise.
Monday.com FAQ
Is Monday.com a CRM or project management tool?
The truth is that Monday.com is a work operating system that offers several specialized products. While you can use the Work Management product for projects, the Monday Sales CRM is a standalone product with features specifically for lead tracking, email integration, and sales forecasting.
What integrations does Monday offer?
Monday Sales CRM has expanded its ecosystem to offer 200+ native integrations and thousands more through third-party connectors. The platform's strength lies in its "No-Code" integration builder, which allows you to create "recipes" in seconds (e.g., "When a lead is created in HubSpot, create a row in Monday").
How does Monday’s AI compare to HubSpot or Salesforce?
Monday's AI has certainly evolved beyond a chatbot. While Salesforce (Agentforce) and HubSpot (Breeze) are often seen as being more enterprise-ready for complex data modeling, Monday AI is praised for its accessibility. It employs AI Blocks that allow non-technical users to build automations - like summarizing a meeting and automatically updating a status column - without needing a developer.
How does Monday handle accounting and invoicing?
Although Monday is not an accounting tool, it has strong Quote-to-Cash integrations. Today, many users ask how to sync it with Xero or QuickBooks. While it can generate quotes and track payment statuses via integrations, it does not handle tax filing or deep ledger accounting natively.
Minecraft Hosting Pro is a well-established Minecraft server hosting provider with that rare thing -- a free plan to try out its services. It's one of the best Minecraft server hosting providers around with some great features and good reliability. I've taken a deeper look at what it provides and how well it works, so you know if it's the Minecraft hosting service for you.
I've looked at the price, the level of service, the features, and simply how comfortable it feels to use. In no time, you'll get an informed outlook on what to sign up for. Minecraft Hosting Pro offers servers scattered across the world so it should suit many people's needs. It has all the essentials like extensive support, DDoS protection, and much more.
What is Minecraft Hosting Pro?
Minecraft Hosting Pro is a hosting service designed specifically for Minecraft servers. It allows you to host your own Minecraft servers, providing you with the necessary infrastructure to run the game smoothly and efficiently.
Minecraft Hosting Pro takes care of all the technical aspects of server hosting, including server setup, maintenance, and updates, so that you can focus on enjoying the game. With Minecraft Hosting Pro, you can create your own virtual worlds, invite friends to play, and customize your gaming experience to your liking.
(Image credit: Minecraft Hosting Pro)
Features
Minecraft Hosting Pro offers a wide range of features to ensure the best experience for gamers. The first of these is DDoS protection, which helps keep your server online even when it's under attack. Also, the instant setup feature ensures that your server will be up and running in a matter of seconds, although free game plans may be temporarily unavailable during peak weeks.
Minecraft Hosting Pro also boasts 24/7 ultra-low latency, which means that your server will have a 99.9% availability rate and will be monitored by server status. With free subdomains and domains available, it's easy to connect to your server without using any ports.
Another feature is the automatic backups that are available daily and manually for seven days, with the ability to create and restore your data to any backup point in your control panel. The dedicated support team is also available to answer all your requests, and you can contact them by opening a ticket via email.
Minecraft Hosting Pro also offers unmetered storage, which means that you can enjoy unrestricted access to disk space without worrying about your map or file size. The company also uses bare-metal hosting to ensure that resources are not lost and that high performance is maintained from hardware. All machines are always used under 60% charge, with enough available power for peak usage, and the company is fully transparent about its back office.
The one-click setup feature ensures that you can get direct access to all Minecraft server versions, plugins, mods, and modpacks. With web FTP and client options, file access, uploading, and editing of configuration files is fast and easy. The low latency server design, testing, and assembly using the latest AMD Ryzens CPU with high clock speed and NVMe hard drives ensure high TPS and lag-free servers. You can choose between 1 core to start your Minecraft server or up to 6 cores for highly populated or modded servers.
(Image credit: Minecraft Hosting Pro)
Server management
Minecraft Hosting Pro offers server management to ensure that your Minecraft server runs smoothly. The company has data centers located in Europe, North America, and Australia, which ensures low latency for global locations. With an average uptime of 99.9%, you can be assured that your server will be online and accessible to players.
The company has servers located in Buffalo, New York (ny.mchost.pro), Los Angeles (la.mchost.pro), Dallas, Texas (da.mchost.pro), and Miami, Florida (ny.mchost.pro) in North America. In Europe, it has a server located in Paris, France (eu.mchost.pro), and in Australia, the company has a server located in Sydney (au.mchost.pro).
(Image credit: Minecraft Hosting Pro)
Interface in-use
The interface in use for Minecraft Hosting Pro is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward, allowing you to manage your server with ease. Upon logging into your control panel, you will be able to launch commands on your server and check the server activity in real-time through the console. The console allows you to interact directly with the server via specific commands for the version, plugins, and mods installed.
You can access the live console via the control panel and you can as well use the console with your mobile device. The control panel offers several other features, including the ability to monitor the server status, CPU, and memory usage. You can also manage, upload, and download server files through the web FTP without the need for an FTP client. The online file manager offers direct file access to edit your server settings, making it easy to customize your server.
Minecraft Hosting Pro offers a one-click installer that allows you to install multiple versions of Minecraft, including modpacks, with ease. You can also manage player whitelists, operators, and bans through the control panel, providing you with complete control over your server.
(Image credit: Minecraft Hosting Pro)
Pricing
Minecraft Hosting Pro offers a range of pricing plans to suit the needs of different users, from those looking for a basic free plan to those running large communities with extensive mods/plugins. The seven different plans provide varying levels of features, resources, and pricing, ensuring that users can find a plan that fits their specific requirements.
The free plan is a great option if you want to test the service without any charges. It comes with 1 core of the CPU Ryzen 3900X, 3072 MB RAM, unlimited SSD NVMe storage, 1 GBit/s network, and is suitable for up to 4 players. This plan is ideal for small private servers or those who want to try the service before committing to a paid plan.
The Iron plan starts at $6.75/month and is perfect for those who want a more advanced plan with additional resources. It comes with all the features in the free plan, 2 cores of the CPU Ryzen 3900X, and unlimited players. This plan is a good fit for small to medium-sized servers.
The Prime plan, which starts at $9/month, is suitable for medium-sized servers with additional resources. It includes all the features of the iron plan plus 4096 MB RAM, 3 cores of the CPU Ryzen 3900X, and unlimited players.
The Ultron plan is perfect for anyone looking for high performance and power. It starts at $13.5/month and includes all the features in the prime plan plus 6144 MB RAM, 3 cores of the CPU Ryzen 3900X, and unlimited players. This plan is suitable for larger servers with heavy usage and lots of plugins/mods.
The Lara plan is designed for medium-sized servers and starts at $18/month. It comes with all the features in the ultron plan, plus 4 cores of the CPU Ryzen 3900X, 8192 MB RAM, and unlimited players. This plan provides users with additional resources to run their server smoothly.
The Orion plan, which starts at $22/month, is suitable for large servers running vanilla PaperMC/Spigot. It includes all the features in the lara plan plus unlimited players and 14336 MB RAM. This plan is designed for heavy usage and can handle a large number of plugins/mods.
The Thanos plan is the most advanced plan and starts at $36/month. It comes with all the features in the orion plan plus 20480MB RAM, and unlimited players. This plan is recommended for larger community servers that require a lot of resources to run smoothly.
(Image credit: Minecraft Hosting Pro)
Support
Minecraft Hosting Pro offers email support as the primary mode of communication with its support team. However, the lack of a live chat or phone support system can be a concern for users who require immediate assistance or those who prefer a more convenient mode of communication.
The email support offered by Minecraft Hosting Pro is available 24/7, and its support team is responsive and knowledgeable. When you send an email on issues related to server setup, installation, and configuration, the support team will respond within 48 hours. During our test, we sent an email regarding the cancellation of our subscription plan and we got a response within a few hours after submitting our inquiry.
While email support can be sufficient for anyone who is not in a hurry to get their issues resolved, it may not be ideal for those who need immediate assistance. The lack of phone support or live chat feature can also be a disadvantage for users who prefer to have a more personal touch when it comes to customer support.
It's worth noting that Minecraft Hosting Pro does not have a knowledge base or a FAQ section on its website. This means that you may have to rely solely on the support team for any questions or issues you may encounter. While this may not be a big concern for experienced users, it can be a challenge for beginners who need more guidance and support.
Overall, while Minecraft Hosting Pro's email support is said to be helpful and responsive, the lack of other modes of communication and a knowledge base can be a disadvantage for users who require immediate assistance or more comprehensive support.
Alternatives to Minecraft Hosting Pro
Apex Minecraft Hosting is a popular alternative to Minecraft Hosting Pro. It offers reliable and high-performance servers with a variety of hosting plans to choose from. Its customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any issues you may have. Apex Minecraft Hosting also provides a user-friendly control panel that allows you to manage your server settings and files easily.
Shockbyte is another alternative to Minecraft Hosting Pro that is well-known for providing affordable Minecraft hosting services. It offers multiple data centers located across the globe, which means that players from all over the world can enjoy low latency and fast server speeds. Shockbyte also provides you with a control panel that enables you to easily manage your Minecraft server settings and files.
BisectHosting is a popular Minecraft hosting provider that offers reliable servers at affordable prices. BisectHosting offers a variety of hosting plans that are suitable for both small and large Minecraft servers. Its offers 24/7 customer support to its subscribers.
Nodecraft is another alternative to Minecraft Hosting Pro offering a wide range of hosting plans to choose from, including modded Minecraft servers. It provides you with a powerful control panel that enables you to easily manage your server settings and files. Nodecraft also offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email with servers located in multiple data centers across the globe, ensuring fast server speeds and low latency for players.
Is Minecraft Hosting Pro right for you?
If you are someone who is looking for a reliable and cost-effective Minecraft server hosting service, then Minecraft Hosting Pro may be a good option for you. The service provides a free plan that allows you to test the service before committing to a paid plan, which is a great way to ensure that the service meets your requirements.
However, if you require real-time support through live chat or phone, then Minecraft Hosting Pro may not be the best option for you, as the service only offers support via email. This can be a challenge for users who need urgent help or have technical issues that need immediate attention.
GG Servers promises to provide a reliable and high-performing game server. As is customary, I've focused on its Minecraft offerings to see if it can compete with the best Minecraft server hosting but it also supports other games.
The service provides a user-friendly control panel, robust infrastructure, and its near essential list of supported games.
I tested GG Servers, exploring its key features, pricing options, performance, and overall value. Whether you are a seasoned gamer or just getting started in the world of online gaming, my GG Servers review will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your game server hosting needs.
What is GG Servers?
GG Servers is a web hosting service that specializes in providing high-quality and reliable game servers for online gamers. It offers a wide variety of hosting plans that are tailored to meet the specific needs of different games and gamers. GG Servers' servers are optimized for performance and reliability, ensuring that gamers have a smooth and uninterrupted gaming experience.
(Image credit: GG Servers)
Features
GG Servers offers a comprehensive set of features that make it a good choice if you're looking for one of the best Minecraft server hosting services on the market. One of the standout features is the free DDoS protection that comes with all services, ensuring that your server remains online and accessible at all times. This is a crucial feature for any online service, as DDoS attacks can be extremely disruptive and damaging.
Another key feature of GG Servers is the use of NVMe SSD storage, which is standard across all services. Premium services take this a step further with unmetered usage of NVMe SSD storage, providing lightning-fast access to your server files and data. The powerful processors used by GG Servers are also notable, with CPUs that excel in single-core performance. Standard services offer up to 4 GHz, while premium services go up to 5 GHz, ensuring that your server can handle even the most demanding workloads.
GG Servers also offers a global network of server locations, allowing you to choose the one that provides the best ping and performance for your needs. The ping.ggs.gg tool makes it easy to test your ping in all locations, and the Minecraft server itself includes a compass in the lobby server where you can choose your preferred location and test your ping on it.
In addition to these core features, GG Servers also provides a free subdomain, 1-click modpack and plugin installs, and a powerful and easy-to-use Multicraft panel. This panel allows you to manage all of your Minecraft servers with ease, providing full FTP file access and access to your console and chat. Also, the unmetered SSD and NVMe storage, as well as full FTP and MySQL database access, make GG Servers an ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich Minecraft server hosting solution.
(Image credit: GG Servers)
Server management
Server management is a crucial aspect of any online service, including Minecraft servers. With so many different options available, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to managing your server. Thankfully, GG Servers offers a range of powerful tools and features that make server management easy and efficient.
One of the key considerations when it comes to server management is uptime. After all, if your server is down, your players won't be able to access it. GG Servers boasts an impressive overall uptime of 99.9121%, which is well above the industry average. This high level of uptime is achieved through a combination of automated DDoS protection, powerful processors, and reliable SSD and NVMe storage.
Another important factor to consider when managing your server is location. GG Servers has a global network of server locations, with servers located in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. This ensures that you can choose a location that provides the best possible ping and performance for your players, no matter where they are located.
In North America, GG Servers has servers located in Virginia, Canada, and Oregon. These servers are all equipped with the latest hardware and software, providing lightning-fast access to your Minecraft world. In Europe, GG Servers has servers located in Frankfurt, London, Roubaix, and Finland. These servers are ideal for players located in Europe and nearby regions, with low latency and high performance. Also, in Asia, GG Servers has servers located in Singapore, which are ideal for players in Southeast Asia and nearby regions. And in Oceania, GG Servers has servers located in Australia, providing fast and reliable access to your Minecraft world for players in Australia and New Zealand.
(Image credit: GG Servers)
Interface in-use
The interface of GG Servers is highly intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for even beginners to manage their Minecraft servers. The highly customized version of the Multicraft control panel is accessible from the server panel, which is the main landing page for your account. From here, you can easily navigate to your servers, profiles, open tickets, and log out.
The server panel is designed to give you easy access to all of the features and tools you need to manage your server. This includes full FTP file access, which allows you to easily upload and manage files on your server. You can also access your console and chat directly from the control panel, giving you complete control over your Minecraft world.
One of the best things about the interface on GG Servers is that it is highly customizable. You can change the appearance of your panel, choosing from a range of different themes and colors. You can also customize your files, console, installers, and tools, making it easy to create a panel that is tailored to your specific needs.
In addition to the highly customizable interface, GG Servers also offers a range of 1-click modpack and plugin installs. This makes it easy to add new features and functionality to your Minecraft server with just a few clicks.
(Image credit: GG Servers)
Pricing
GG Servers offers a wide range of hosting plans to suit every need and budget. All of its plans come with a range of features, including unmetered SSD storage, anti-DDoS protection, and powerful processors.
Its pricing starts with the Stone plan, which offers 1024 MB of RAM, 12 player slots, and unmetered SSD storage, starting at $3.00/month. The Coal plan comes with all the features in the Stone plan, with the addition of 2048 MB of RAM, 24 player slots, and starts at $6.00/month.
The Iron plan offers 3072 MB of RAM, 36 player slots, and all the features in the Stone and Coal plans, starting at $9.00/month. The Gold plan comes with 4096 MB of RAM, 48 player slots, and all the features in the Stone, Coal, and Iron plans, starting at $12.00/month.
If you need even more power, the Lapis plan offers 5120 MB of RAM, 60 player slots, and all the features in the Stone, Coal, Iron, and Gold plans, starting at $15.00/month. The Redstone plan offers 6144 MB of RAM, 72 player slots, and starts at $18.00/month.
The Diamond plan comes with 8192 MB of RAM, 96 player slots, and starts at $24.00/month. The Emerald plan offers 12288 MB of RAM, 144 player slots, and starts at $36.00/month. If you need the ultimate in server power, the Amethyst plan offers 16384 MB of RAM, unlimited player slots, and starts at $48.00/month.
GG Servers also offers the Beacon plan, which comes with 32768 MB of RAM, unlimited player slots, and starts at $96.00/month. This plan is designed for those who need the highest levels of performance and reliability for their Minecraft servers.
Support
GG Servers provides 24/7 customer support to ensure that its users receive the necessary assistance whenever they need it. The company offers live chat, ticket, and email support for its customers to reach out and ask for help.
Additionally, GG Servers has a vast collection of over 200 articles in its database that cover a wide range of topics related to game server hosting, making it a valuable resource for users who need more information. For security purposes, GG Servers offers pin support to its users for verification.
Alternatives to GG Servers
Hostinger is a web hosting company that also offers game server hosting services. It provides servers for popular games such as Minecraft, Counter-Strike, and Team Fortress 2, with features like DDoS protection, automatic backups, and easy server management through a custom control panel. Another option for game server hosting is Apex Hosting, a company that focuses on Minecraft server hosting. Apex offers a range of plans to fit different needs and budgets, including modpacks and custom server setups. Apex Hosting also has a user-friendly control panel, 24/7 support, and a community forum for customers to share knowledge and resources.
GameServers.com is a veteran in the game server hosting industry, having provided services since 2004. It offers servers for over 200 games, including popular titles like Rust, ARK: Survival Evolved, and DayZ. GameServers.com provides features such as DDoS protection, custom control panels, and global server locations to cater to different player bases. If you're looking for a more niche game server hosting provider, Nitrous Networks might be a good fit. It specializes in hosting servers for games like Garry's Mod, Team Fortress 2, and Conan Exiles, with plans that include easy setup, automatic mod installation, and custom configuration options. Nitrous Networks also has a ticket-based support system and an extensive knowledge base for troubleshooting.
Shockbyte is a game server hosting provider that offers servers for Minecraft, Terraria, and Valheim. Its plans come with features like unlimited slots, DDoS protection, and a free subdomain. Shockbyte also has a user-friendly control panel, live chat support, and a 100% uptime guarantee to ensure that players have a smooth gaming experience.
Is GG Servers right for you?
Whether GG Servers is the right choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. One of the advantages of the service is that it provides powerful and secure game server hosting, with features such as DDoS protection and a variety of server locations. Additionally, GG Servers use powerful server hardware, which can improve the performance and stability of your server.
Another advantage of GG Servers is their good server availability, which ensures that your game server is accessible and online for your players. However, it is worth noting that its unlimited databases feature is only available in premium packages, which may be a disadvantage for users who require more databases.
Furthermore, its unlimited slots feature is only included in the unlimited plans, which may limit the scalability of your server if you choose a lower-tier plan. However, you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of GG Servers against your specific requirements to determine whether they are the right game server hosting provider for you.
Nodecraft is a relatively new company which focuses on providing a friendly gamer aesthetic to all your hosting needs. It's already one of the best Minecraft server hosting providers thanks to offering some unique features compared to the competition.
I've focused on Minecraft here but Nodecraft also provides support for many other games like Rust, Valheim, and Enshrouded. Nodecraft has quickly gained a reputation for providing reliable and user-friendly server hosting solutions.
Here's a deeper look at what makes Nodecraft stand out among a growing crowd of game server hosting. It's not perfect but it's worth checking out.
(Image credit: Nodecraft)
Nodecraft features
One of the standout features of Nodecraft is its backup system. With this system, you can create an exact copy of your server's files, including player data, configurations, and maps. This allows you to test new configurations without risking your current setup. In addition, Nodecraft's backup system allows you to instantly load a previous backup if something goes wrong with your server. This can be a real lifesaver for gamers and developers who want to ensure that their game server is always running smoothly.
Nodecraft's real-time console is another standout feature. The console provides direct access to logs, admin commands, and other useful utilities. Kicking players, assigning admins, and monitoring performance can all be accomplished right in your browser. What sets Nodecraft's console apart is that it is directly streamed from the server to your browser within milliseconds. Behind the scenes, NodePanel scans this output for events such as player joins, server crashes, and other useful information to provide you with a real-time glance at what is going on in your server.
Security is a top priority for Nodecraft, and the company has created a system that allows you to generate a new login for each FTP session. This information is easily hidden from the overview for added security and privacy. This feature ensures that your files are as safe as possible while still allowing you to manage them efficiently.
Nodecraft's web-based file manager streams files from your server directly to your browser. You can edit, upload, and manage files without the need for downloading or using confusing software. This feature makes it easy for you to manage your files.
With NodePanel, all of your services exist with one singular login. Access everything under one account, directly at Nodecraft. No separate logins, no additional subdomains, and no hassle. This feature makes it easy for you to manage your accounts and services without having to remember multiple logins and passwords.
Nodecraft's servers are built with game server performance in mind. The company uses an Intel Xeon E-2174G or equivalent processor with a speed of 3.8+ GHz. Additionally, each server has 64GB ECC RAM for high-speed performance and stability.
Nodecraft uses enterprise-grade solid-state drives (SSDs) to power all customer game servers, ensuring lightning-fast performance. Also, Nodecraft's DDoS protection and high-performance network are built to withstand attacks and ensure that your game server is always up and running. Nodecraft's entire infrastructure is built on top of a Linux ecosystem which ensures that your game server runs smoothly and efficiently.
(Image credit: Nodecraft)
Server management
Server management is a crucial aspect of game server hosting, as it directly impacts the player experience. Nodecraft offers a wide range of server locations, spread across North America, South America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. This ensures that players can enjoy low-latency, high-performance gaming experiences, regardless of where they're located in the world. In North America, Nodecraft has server locations in Washington, California, Colorado, Texas, Chicago, Atlanta, Florida, Canada, and Washington, D.C.
This extensive coverage ensures that players on the continent can find a server location that's closest to them, thereby reducing latency with improved game performance. Moving to South America, Nodecraft has a server location in São Paulo, Brazil. This location offers gamers in the region access to a low-latency server that is optimized for high-performance gaming. In Europe, Nodecraft has server locations in Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Romania. This coverage ensures that players in the region can access servers that are closest to their location and as such, minimize latency and offer improved game performance.
Also, in the Asia-Pacific region, Nodecraft has server locations in Israel, Singapore, Australia, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. With server locations spread across the region, players can expect low-latency gaming experiences. Having server locations in multiple regions is a critical feature for any game server hosting provider, as it ensures that players can enjoy optimal gaming experiences.
(Image credit: Nodecraft)
Interface in-use
The Nodecraft control panel provides a user-friendly interface for managing your game servers. The Interactive GUI has been designed to make it easy for anyone, regardless of their technical knowledge, to modify server settings with ease. The panel is intuitive and visually appealing, with a clean and simple layout that allows you to quickly navigate through the different sections. This interface can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, making it convenient for you to manage your servers on the go.
The Nodecraft Interactive GUI provides a wide range of options that allow you to customize your game server to your liking. For instance, you can use the interface to change the server's game settings, such as difficulty level, game mode, and more. You can also upload mods, maps, and plugins with ease through the built-in file manager. Additionally, the panel allows you to monitor server performance metrics like CPU and memory usage, so you can optimize your server for better performance.
If you prefer to modify server settings manually, Nodecraft also offers access to all of the server's game files. This means you can use an FTP client to connect to your server and edit configuration files directly. Advanced users who prefer to use command line tools like SSH can do so as well. Nodecraft provides a wide range of tools to cater to different user preferences and technical abilities. Overall, the Nodecraft control panel is user-friendly for managing game servers, however, it may be overwhelming for beginners.
(Image credit: Nodecraft)
Pricing
Nodecraft offers four different pricing plans to fit a variety of needs and budgets. The first plan is the most basic plan, which starts at $9.98 per month. This plan includes 3 save and swap servers, 2GB of RAM, 10GB of SSD storage, 20GB of cloud backups, unlimited player slots, automation and tasks, one-click installer, free subdomain and dedicated IP, and DDoS Guard protection. The most popular plan is the second pricing option, starting at $19.98 per month. This plan offers 3 save and swap servers, 4GB of RAM, 20GB of SSD storage, 40GB of cloud backups, and all the other features included in the Nano plan.
The third pricing plan starts at $29.98 per month. This plan offers 5 save and swap servers, 6GB of RAM, 30GB of SSD storage, 60GB of cloud backups, and all the other features included in the first two plans. From there, you can create your own server if you need more. All of these plans come with the option to add additional resources for an additional fee, including more RAM, SSD storage, and cloud backups. Nodecraft also offers a 7-day money-back guarantee, so if you're not satisfied with the service within the first week, you can cancel and receive a full refund.
(Image credit: Nodecraft)
Customer support
Nodecraft offers a variety of support options to assist its customers with issues or questions they may have. One of the easiest and most convenient options is their live chat feature, which is available on their website 24/7. While testing this out, I was connected with a support representative and receive real-time assistance with a question I had about setup. If you prefer to speak with someone directly, Nodecraft offers phone support during its support hours of 12:30 AM - 09:00 AM. For less urgent matters, customers can also send an email to support@nodecraft.com. Nodecraft's support team aims to respond to all emails within 24 hours, although response times may vary depending on the volume of inquiries.
In addition to these support options, Nodecraft also offers an extensive knowledge base that contains helpful articles and guides on a variety of topics, such as server setup, game configuration, and troubleshooting common issues. You can browse the knowledge base to find answers to your questions or learn more about the features and capabilities of Nodecraft's platform.
Alternatives to Nodecraft
Shockbyte offers affordable Minecraft server hosting with instant setup, a user-friendly control panel, and 24/7 customer support. It has servers in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Singapore. Shockbyte offers plans starting at $15/month for a server with 1GB of RAM.
Apex Hosting is a Minecraft server hosting provider that offers a wide range of plans to fit different needs and budgets. Apex has servers located in North America, Europe, and Asia and offers features such as DDoS protection, and automatic backups.
GameServers is a Minecraft server hosting company that provides reliable and affordable game server hosting for a variety of games, including popular titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Team Fortress 2, and Garry's Mod. GameServers offer a range of plans with various features and benefits to suit different needs and budgets.
GTXGaming offers Minecraft server hosting services for a range of popular games, such as Garry's Mod, ARK: Survival Evolved, and Conan Exiles. It has servers located in multiple regions for low-latency gameplay, and its control panel allows for easy server customization and management. It also offers 24/7 customer support.
BisectHosting is a popular Minecraft server hosting provider that offers affordable and reliable hosting for a variety of games, including Minecraft, Ark: Survival Evolved, and Rust. BisectHosting offers a user-friendly control panel and 24/7 customer support. Pricing starts at $7.99/month for a server with 1GB of RAM.
Is Nodecraft right for you?
Nodecraft may be right for you if you prioritize DDoS protection, low latency, 99.9% uptime, and data centers around the world. Its excellent support through calls, emails, and live chat, as well as a free trial and money-back guarantee, can also be appealing. However, if you prefer a user-friendly control panel, note that Nodecraft's built-in control panel may be difficult to understand at first.
Personal data is constantly at risk, and bought, sold, and traded by data brokers faster than most people realize. As privacy concerns reach new heights, data removal services have become essential tools for managing one’s digital identity.
Incogni, developed by Surfshark (a major name in VPN and cybersecurity solutions), and now operates as a standalone product. Incogni automates the process of removing your personal information from hundreds of data broker sites. Instead of sending deletion requests manually, a task that could take hundreds of hours, Incogni does it for you, tracking progress and maintaining removals over time.
If you’re serious about data privacy and want a stress-free way to minimize your online footprint, Incogni is one of the best data removal services of 2026.
Incogni: Plans and pricing
(Image credit: Future)
Incogni’s pricing is structured around individual and family plans, with clear differences between Standard and Unlimited tiers. For individual users, the Standard plan can be billed monthly at about $15.98, or annually at $95.88, which works out to roughly $7.99 per month and offers the best value if you plan to commit long term. This plan includes automated data removal from a large network of data brokers, regular progress tracking, and access to the main dashboard features.
For users who want more control over specific sites, the Individual Unlimited plan is available as an annual subscription at approximately $179.88 per year, or about $14.99 per month at effective pricing. The main advantage of this tier is the inclusion of custom removal requests, which lets Incogni pursue takedowns from sites that are not already in its standard broker database, making it better suited for people with a larger or more complicated online footprint.
Families can opt for the Family Standard plan, which covers up to five people under a single subscription and is billed annually at around $191.88, or about $15.99 per month when averaged over the year. This plan essentially extends the benefits of the individual Standard tier to multiple household members at a lower per-person cost. For the most comprehensive option, the Family Unlimited plan costs about $275.88 per year (roughly $22.99 per month effective) and adds custom removal capabilities for every account member, along with priority support for more complex removal needs.
Across all tiers, Incogni typically includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving new users a risk-free window to test how effective the service is for their situation. The service can also be purchased as part of the Surfshark One+ bundle, which combines Incogni with Surfshark’s VPN and other cybersecurity tools; this bundle can sometimes reduce your overall spend compared to buying each product separately, making it appealing if you are building a broader privacy and security stack.
Incogni: Features
(Image credit: Future)
Incogni centers its service on automated, law-backed data removal from a large and growing network of data brokers. It leverages major privacy regulations, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and similar frameworks in supported regions, to compel brokers to delete your personal information rather than merely suppress it.
Once you subscribe and authorize Incogni to act on your behalf, the platform immediately begins sending opt-out and deletion requests to over 420 broker sites, covering both public people-search finder sites and non-public marketing, recruitment, and risk-assessment databases.
The service is designed to be as hands-off as possible. After the initial wave of requests goes out, Incogni tracks responses, flags which brokers have confirmed removals, and keeps resending requests where necessary so your data does not quietly reappear months later.
Users receive weekly progress updates that summarize how many requests were sent, how many are still pending, and how many have been completed, which makes it easy to see tangible results without digging into technical details.
The dashboard also shows which types of information each broker is likely to hold—such as contact details, demographic data, or behavioral profiles—so you have a clearer picture of exactly what is being removed.
On higher-tier Unlimited plans, Incogni adds custom data removal, allowing you to submit specific URLs or sites that fall outside the standard broker list and have Incogni’s privacy team pursue those removals on your behalf. This is particularly useful for obscure people-search sites, marketing lists, or niche industry databases that are not widely covered by competing tools.
Taken together, the combination of extensive broker coverage, recurring automated removals, weekly reporting, and custom requests makes Incogni a robust, low-effort way to continuously chip away at your digital footprint.
Incogni: Setup
Getting started with Incogni takes just minutes. After signing up:
You authorize Incogni to act on your behalf under applicable privacy laws.
The system automatically begins sending removal requests.
You’ll start seeing activity updates within a week.
During the first month, most initial removals are completed, while older or unresponsive brokers are automatically followed up on. Weekly progress reports make it easy to stay informed without micromanaging.
Incogni: Ease of use
Incogni’s web-based dashboard keeps things simple. The clean interface highlights:
Total removal requests sent
Brokers contacted
Status updates (pending, confirmed, or completed)
Even non-technical users can easily navigate the platform. Incogni’s automation eliminates the need for manual contact with brokers—making it one of the most user-friendly privacy tools in its class.
One limitation, however, is that Incogni doesn’t yet offer a mobile app, unlike competitors like Optery, which recently introduced one. Still, for desktop users, it offers one of the most intuitive setups available.
Incogni: Security and privacy
Incogni adheres to strict privacy standards. It collects only minimal personal data (such as your name and email) required to submit opt-out requests.
Communication between you, Incogni, and data brokers is encrypted. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands—an EU nation with strong GDPR protections—which ensures compliance with international privacy law.
Incogni also emphasizes transparency: users can see when and where requests are made and which brokers comply. There’s no data sharing or resale of customer information.
Incogni: Support
Incogni provides a mix of direct and self-service support options and has made noticeable improvements over time. For users on the Unlimited and Family Unlimited plans, live phone support is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., particularly helpful for real-time assistance with specific data removal issues or account questions.
All users can reach the team via email, with Incogni typically indicating a response time of around 24 hours. There is also a dedicated support portal where you can submit and track requests online, rather than relying solely on inbox communications.
On the self-help side, Incogni maintains a searchable Knowledge Base that covers common questions, troubleshooting topics, and explanations of how the service works, along with a blog that publishes broader privacy tips and product updates.
There are also detailed opt-out guides that explain how to manually remove your data from various people-search and data broker sites, and these guides can be accessed without an active subscription, adding value even for users still deciding whether to sign up.
However, Incogni does not yet offer live chat support, and while email and phone coverage are generally sufficient, some users may find the lack of instant messaging or extended-hours phone lines slightly limiting compared to competitors that have invested heavily in real-time, multi-channel support.
Incogni: The competition
Incogni competes with several leading data removal services:
(Image credit: Future / Incogni / DeleteMe)
DeleteMe – Offers deeper manual intervention and reports but costs more (around $129/year per user). Excellent for users who prefer human-handled removals.
OneRep – Strong focus on U.S. people-search sites with visual proof of removals, but less global coverage. Offers a limited free trial.
Optery – Very transparent, showing screenshots of exposed data. Has a free scan tier, though many removals require manual steps. Better visibility, less automation.
Privacy Bee – Adds dark web and Google Maps house-blurring tools but costs more and requires user input.
Aura – Combines identity theft protection with broader cybersecurity tools, but its data removal tracking isn’t as detailed as Incogni’s.
Incogni stands out for global reach, affordability, and hands-free automation, although some competitors offer more visual feedback or bundled extras.
Incogni: The verdict
Incogni delivers one of the most efficient and accessible data removal services available in 2026. It automates a complex process while keeping users updated at every step. For those who want stronger digital privacy without manual oversight, Incogni offers exceptional value — especially on annual plans.
While improvements could include a free trial or a mobile app - its automation, breadth of coverage, and consistent success in data removal make it a top pick for anyone serious about protecting their personal information online.
If you’re a small business that has fewer employees than a large corporation then some of the best payroll software out there might seem a little more than you need.
However, SMEs need to be just as lean and efficient, if not more so, than those larger outfits, so having the right payroll and HR package can still be money well spent. Something our best HR software guide underlines only too well.
Breathe HR has been designed with SMEs firmly in mind, with features and functions that will allow you to save time, get administrative tasks done more efficiently and keep your employees feeling valued.
It’s been successful in attracting over 16,000 UK SMEs and has served them well to date with a cloud-based, GDPR-complaint solution with maximum data security.
It’s also a great package for ensuring your data is kept safe and secure. If you’re not convinced then it’s possible to try Breathe as part of a free 14-day trial.
The Breathe HR pricing structure is based on a per organisation arrangement, rather than the per person route favourite by some software vendors. This in itself makes Breathe HR a practical and easy-to-fathom solution, which doesn’t have the convoluted structuring that some larger and better known rivals tend to have.
As mentioned above, if you’d like to explore its capabilities then Breathe HR is available, complete with all the features, free for 14 days.
The first step is to choose a plan suited to the size of your business: 1-10 people (Micro), 11-20 (Starter), 21-50 (Regular), 51-100 (Pro), 101-150 (Premium) or 151-200 (Plus).
Pricing for these sits at £22, £39, £89, £159, £369 and £525 per month, and remember, that’s for the business, not per person. This actually makes it pretty cost-effective compared with other options, which either charge a per-person rate or a nominal per-person rate on top of a company subscription.
There are also discounts available for annual commitments, where you’ll pay around 10-11 months’ worth for 12 months’ access.
Four separate add-ons are also available for extra monthly charges: Rota, Time & Attendance (£10), Learn (£12), Recruitment tracking (£21) and Expenses management (£12).
(Image credit: Breathe HR)
Breathe HR: Features
Although Breathe HR is aimed more at the small business community, that doesn't mean that it’s lacking in any department. In fact, Breathe HR is literally bursting with lots of features and functions, all within the framework of a simple to use system.
All the essentials are there, like employee records, document and policy management, holiday, leave and absence tracking and analytics-backed reporting.
It lets you tackle all of those everyday HR tasks like rotas and shift planning, with support for clocking in and out, timesheets and the ability to manage staff availability. The built-in overlapping shift detection is also a pretty neat feature, helping to iron out any potential mistkaes.
The software can also be integrated with the Breathe API and Xero Payroll, which broadens both its reach and appeal still further.
Drill down inside those core features and you’ll find that Breathe HR can facilitate quick and easy staff and holiday planning, track employees holidays and monitor absenteeism.
Handling personnel is easy using the simple power of Breathe HR (Image credit: Breathe HR)
There’s scheduling for working out rotas, team management tools and a way of forecasting salaries too. You can also manage payroll, track performance and carry out both location and Covid 19 management as and when it’s needed.
Time is always money in the world of the SMEs, so it’s also good to know that Breathe HR can handle time logging, time tracking and there’s a time clock system for covering all bases during work time and shifts.
Office administrators as well as bosses will also love the HR dashboard alongside the HR database that comes as part of Breathe HR while easy document management extends the appeal.
Of course, you also have all the boring stuff like performance management, setting and tracking objectives, one-to-ones and continuous feedback. Of course, workers hate this, but combining all of these into one slick HR platform makes it easier to get the job done, reducing the amount of time workers and managers have to spend on tedious tasks.
Any company that has employees is duty bound to ensure they have security first in mind when it comes to protecting data. You’ll find that Breathe HR meets all the criteria for ensuring personnel records are handled discreetly and behind a secure curtain.
This includes having a two-factor authentication system in place for all users. Breathe HR also has a dedicated page on its website, where it is possible to drill down and check all of its security credentials.
Breathe HR: Ease of use
If you’re running a business then one of the biggest chores for anyone is getting to grips with a new software package. However, Breathe HR has been designed and engineered specifically for SMEs and as a result of that it is very easy to master.
The overall design and layout is quite minimalist, with a solid use of colour in all the right places.
Getting to grips with menus and other features and functions is surprisingly straightforward. At the same time, Breathe HR never looks or feels like it’s too basic.
Small business owners should find it carries out all of their everyday HR management tasks with aplomb. The software should become even better once the integration with Xero Payroll comes to fruition too.
On the whole, users note solid performance, and that could be from the fact that Breathe uses redundancy in its UK data center strategy to ensure real-time backup and limited downtime in the event of any failure.
Not only is the mobile experience easy to use for employees who want to request time off, but managers can also approve it on the go. By removing some of the layers between request and approval, this makes for an overall slicker operation at the company-level.
However, from the administrative side, some note that reporting and document management features edge more towards the basic end, so if you’re a bigger company in need of a more complex system, Breathe HR might not be the one.
Breathe HR has powerful reporting functionality too (Image credit: Breathe HR)
Breathe HR: Support
Breathe HR offers an easy way to get in contact via the chat interface built into the application, as well as email support.
Self-service modes include a knowledge base with help articles and guides, but we also love the video webinars published which help users who prefer to learn visually or those who need guiding through some parts of the platform.
The UK-focused company has UK-based hosting and support, which is really helpful for SMEs who need that extra layer of regulation understanding and data protection.
You'll get the usual level of support options from Breathe HR (Image credit: Breathe HR)
Breathe HR: Final verdict
Overall, Breathe HR looks to be an excellent and very cost effective option for anyone running a smaller outfit, with up to 250 employees.
The fact that it now has strengthened intgrations with Xero mean you can run your payroll, bookkeeping and HR systems in tandem without any technical limitations.
Breathe HR is well-suited to UK-based SMBs who would benefit from built-in compliance with local regulations, and it proves HR software doesn’t need to be as complicated as it used to be.
A comparable alternative to Breathe HR is Gusto, which lets you handle HR but has payroll functionality as part of the package too.
Business owners are always on the lookout for better, more efficient ways to do things. When it comes to accounting, payroll and all of those other daily admin tasks, a solution like the high-profile QuickBooks makes a lot of sense.
However, it’s now possible to supplement this with Intuit Online Payroll. The two can work in unison to make one of the best payroll software options currently on the market.
The combination allows you to do a little bit of everything, which is exactly what business owners are looking for in these challenging times.
Intuit is a big corporation and its software is all-encompassing, meaning that business owners can carry out a lot of their workflow within one integrated package.
Using QuickBooks and Intuit Online Payroll as one entity can therefore allow your company and its employees to enjoy much more simplified processes.
This review aims to drill down into just how well the software integrates and discover if it provides all of the value that Intuit’s high-profile marketing suggests.
Intuit is always running money-off deals across its entire portfolio of business-focused software, with a current 50% off for 3 months being fairly typical.
There’s a free trial too, which might help seal the deal. Meanwhile, plans are plentiful and varied, depending on your needs.
While Payroll Core and QuickBooks Simple Start used to kick off the range, Payroll Core + Simple Start is the latest iteration – a combination of the two, at $88 per month plus $6.50 per employee per month.
Payroll Core + Essentials only adds a few more features for $125 per month, while Payroll Premium + Plus is a much fuller package, but for a $203/month premium.
Thankfully, that $6.50 per person monthly fee is the same across all packages. Some companies think it’s okay to charge more when paired with higher tiers, so we appreciate Intuit’s standardized pricing here.
Three separate Payroll-only plans – Core, Premium and Elite – are available for $50, $88 and $134 per month, but they lack bookkeeping. QuickBooks Online users can also add payroll at any time from their accounts.
(Image credit: Intuit)
Intuit Quickbooks Payroll: Features
What you get in terms of the pairing of QuickBooks and Payroll will obviously depend on which of the packages you head for.
Before, there were Core and Simple Start plans – now, the two have merged into Payroll Core + Simple Start. This plan comes with full-service payroll, 1099 E-File and Pay, next-day direct deposit and plenty more.
All plans can also track income and expenses, organize receipts, invoice and accept payments, track business miles, send estimates and manage 1099 contractors.
Despite being primarily a payroll suite, there are also some HR functionalities, like team management, health benefits and an employee portal.
Higher-tier plans add support for more users, sales channels and even inventory tracking.
(Image credit: Intuit)
In essence then, all plans come with unlimited payroll run capability, the power to calculate paychecks and all applicable taxes, as well as offering ease and convenience thanks to automated processing for taxes and their associated forms.
Companies with employees to consider will find the workforce portal very practical, while the coverage of the software extends to all 50 US states.
Similarly, there is extensive reporting on offer while the ability to manage garnishments and any or all deductions offers the final icing on the cake.
So important is security to Intuit that it actually has an entire security center, dedicated to keeping the entire product suite and its customers safe and secure. Intuit invests lots of money in ensuring its systems have multiple layers of security.
Using the software on a daily basis, you also soon realise just how well it has been engineered, with lots of potential obstacles in place that could foil the likes of scams and phishing attacks.
Intuit Quickbooks Payroll: Ease of use
One of the most appealing things about QuickBooks and the Payroll packages Intuit offers is the ease of use that comes with it all.
There’s no doubt that Intuit’s UX teams and engineers have worked long and hard to create products that just work.
The interface experience is invariably a good one no matter where you happen to be inside the suite of software, with a clever use of fonts, colour (mostly green) and graphics.
If you already use Intuit software, you’ll know how easy it is to use, and you should have no learning curve adopting its Payroll software.
Using Intuit Quickbooks Payroll is made easier thanks to a great interface (Image credit: Intuit)
If you’re moving from a different provider or new to payroll altogether, Intuit’s software strikes a good balance of surfacing just the right amount of control while maintaining a pretty simple interface. Others in this space might look cleaner and slicker, but that comes at the cost of reduced one-step functionality (fewer of Intuit’s features are buried beneath multi-step processes).
Dealing with normally stressful matters such as payroll is nowhere near as complicated as it used to be, but Intuit makes the job even simpler. Expect lots of automated tasks, plenty of one-click solutions and a healthy supply of practical benefits such as the ability to carry out powerful reporting without become broken in the process.
What you also get with this software is the ability to use it anywhere, with cloud convenience and plenty of mobile or tablet-focused tools that mean you don't have to lug the office laptop everywhere.
Intuit Quickbooks Payroll: Support
As you’d expect from a company the size of Intuit, if you’re looking for support then there is plenty on offer.
Certain plans, like Payroll Premium and Elite, offer 24/7 expert support for an upgrade, which is better than having to wait for office hours if you run around the clock.
Customers can use the support hub as their first port of call for everyday questions. There’s a chunky selection of toolbar options to choose from, such as getting started and dedicated topic sections covering core tasks including banking, invoices, taxes and more, plus a healthy training area too.
Intuit also has a healthy community, which is great for networking with likeminded business people who can often supply answers to any kind of question.
Naturally, you can also get directly in touch with support staff, but what is also of added value is the way the Intuit site can hook you up with a QuickBooks Certified Pro Advisor, which is a real boon if you’re ever feeling bogged down by the weight of office administration. There’s even a live chat function to do that immediately if matters are pressing.
You'll get the usual level of support options from Intuit Quickbooks Payroll (Image credit: Intuit)
Intuit Quickbooks Payroll: Final verdict
It’s really easy to see why Intuit still manages to rule the roost with so many businesses opting to use its suite of products.
If you’re looking for value then pairing QuickBooks with the Payroll package can solve a lot of headaches. This is a streamlined solution with plenty of potent features and functions that enable quick and easy management of office tasks.
We see it best suited to SMEs and businesses with relatively standard payroll needs, where its relatively affordable pricing and advanced options offer a good breadth of functionality.
Support is generally good and performance is great, plus it forms part of a much wider QuickBooks ecosystem. That means if you’re already using some of the company’s software, you’ll be able to share data between apps.
If you’re not entirely smitten with QuickBooks Payroll, although there’s a trial that lets you see its potential before committing, there are also plenty of alternatives like Gusto.
Anyone needing a muscular HR and payroll solution will find it hard to miss the appeal of Sage Business Cloud Payroll, which comes with the same sort of features as those found in Intuit’s suite of products.
