Need a browser to handle sensitive information? A secure and encrypted browser like Vivaldi might just be what you’re looking for.

Vivaldi might not be one of the most popular browsers, but if you’re after a feature-loaded option, it's a must-try. The browser is created by former Opera developers, and aims to add unique features and functionality on top of its Chromium-base.

It's also fast, responsive, and incredibly light on your system. Read till the end to find out more about Vivaldi and see if it's the best browser for you.

Vivaldi browser: Features

The best thing about Vivaldi is its tag management features. For starters, you can put inactive tabs on hibernation mode to save battery and free up more space. For managing multiple tabs, Vivaldi offers a separate set of features. You can open them in a split-screen view to see multiple pages at once. Or, you can also group similar tabs together in a two-way stack, keeping your workspace clean and clutter-free.

Say you want to access all the tabs you opened in one particular session — Vivaldi allows that by giving you the option to name each session. Once done, all you have to do later is type in a particular session’s name, and the tabs will be in front of you. It's the perfect feature for both students and working professionals who work on the same topic on a long-term basis.

Vivaldi comes with a built-in ad blocker, so it offers a calm and peaceful “Reader View.” This basically means that you can cut through all the unnecessary notifications, ads, and floating windows to concentrate on your work and enjoy nothing but the content you’re looking for online. It can also hide the irritating cookie banners and popups on most websites.

You can also use its “Break mode” that fades content and pauses any playing media to help you take your eyes off the screen, and relax. It also includes a mail client, calendar, and a feed reader. They are disabled by default, but you can enable them from the settings.

If you want to watch a video as you work or browse the internet, Vivaldi will put that on a floating window. Of course, you’ll be able to adjust the position of this small window so that you can look at it and still see what’s playing on the screen behind it. This facilitates multi-tasking too.

Vivaldi’s installation sharing is another benefit of using this browser. No need for multiple installations for different users — after you create a user profile, you can share the installation with other users.

If you want to check social media feeds or chat with someone as you work, you can add additional web panels on the side of the screen. If not, this space will be occupied by the default menu that lets you manage your bookmarks, downloads, and more.

The sidebar also includes a Notes feature, as well as a Translate tool. Like any modern browser, Vivaldi also has a Sync feature that allows you to synchronize bookmarks, history, passwords, open tabs, and more with other Vivaldi installations.

Another interesting feature is its support for mouse gestures. Thanks to this feature you can perform common tasks such as open and close tabs, open a link in a new tab, reload page, and more with a flick of the mouse. The browser ships with several default gestures, and you can also define your own.

Vivaldi browser: Privacy

Vivaldi does pretty well in terms of privacy and security. It doesn't track your browsing history, and according to its privacy policy, it doesn't profile and track users, nor does it collect and sell user data.

If you use the Sync option, your download history and other browser data will be synced to other devices via an encrypted channel. As already mentioned, there’s also a built-in tracker and ad blocker, plus the ability to disable all cookies from third-party sites. Also, like most of its peers, Vivaldi supports private browsing and has a very capable password manager as well.

Together, these features protect you from trackers and potential hackers who might want to break into your system.

Vivaldi browser: Ease of use

Vivaldi is quite easy to use. It’s Chromium-based and made using the latest algorithms, so the user interface won't take too long for you to master. The same goes for the Vivaldi mobile app, which is quite similar to the web version in terms of aesthetics and appeal and is just as easy to use.

After installation, it takes through an onboarding process that helps you import bookmarks and other data from other browsers, choose a theme, and more. By default it places tabs at the top, but you can also place them on the left, right, or at the bottom of the window.

The best thing about the browser is its fully functional sidebar. Besides providing easy access to the browser’s downloads, history, and bookmarks, you can also access all of Vivaldi’s most used tools from here.

We particularly like how the browser’s design is customizable, and you can experiment with multiple themes of your choice.

Vivaldi browser: Competitors

Vivaldi faces tough competition from Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Opera, to name a few.

The biggest drawback of Vivaldi is that it's relatively new to the market. On the other hand, browsers like Opera, Firefox, and Chrome have been around for a long, long time. They have a strong hold over the market, making it difficult for new browsers like Vivaldi to break in.

The browser has also deliberately avoided jumping on the AI-bandwagon with its CEO saying that AI isn't a priority for them.

Vivaldi also doesn’t have extensions of its own. Instead it points users to the ones on the Chrome Web Store, thanks to its Chromium base. But this comes with a caveat—not all extensions designed for Chrome will work flawlessly on Vivaldi.

However, on the flip side, Vivaldi not only includes a free VPN like Opera and Edge, but its implementation, courtesy of ProtonVPN, is uncapped. That said, the VPN facility is currently only available on the desktop version.

Also, Vivaldi is one of the few browsers that provides a commendable environment to foster work and efficiency — it offers a separate set of task management tools that helps you manage your tabs and keep your workspace clutter-free.

Vivaldi browser: Final verdict

People who enjoy feature-rich browsers will certainly enjoy Vivalidi. After all, there’s just so much to do.

For example, it makes browsing multiple tabs more efficient through the Tab Stacking feature — group two or more tabs of the same subject together. You can also send the inactive ones into hibernation mode to save battery and CPU power.

On top of all this, Vivaldi also comes with a built-in tracker and ad blocker, which, to be fair, are available on most browsers. That said, their presence is certainly appreciated. One protects you from malicious websites that collect user data, while the latter blocks annoying pop-ups and ads that might otherwise disrupt your experience.

All said and done, thanks to the inclusion of an email client, and a feed reader, Vivaldi is designed for people who want to use their web browser for more than just browsing the web.

Also check out our roundup of the best anonymous browsers.

Online courses have been a game changer for me since my University days. In this day and age, we have the advantage of numerous platforms to choose from, and Udemy is one of them. Udemy is one of the best online learning platform that offers various courses to develop new skills or enhance existing ones. Udemy’s founder Eren Bali grew up in a small village in Turkey with little opportunity to learn. In his quest to find learning opportunities online and make knowledge accessible to all, Udemy was founded.  

• Interested in Udemy? Check out the website here

To put it in a simple way, imagine Udemy as a virtual school where instructors from around the world create and offer video lessons, quizzes, and assignments. You can choose topics from its vast course catalog ranging from programming and business to photography and personal development. And to top it all off, you can learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere. We’ve also tested the best online courses and online class sites. 

Udemy: Plans and pricing

Udemy offers three distinct plans to cater to various needs. If you’re looking to develop a new hobby, learn a new skill, or simply want to try something new, then the Personal plan is an ideal choice. The Personal plan is $19 per month and you gain access to over 11,000 courses across a wide range of topics. 

Next up is the Team plan which is designed for groups of 5 to 20 people and costs $360 per user annually. This plan is ideal for organizations aiming to enhance team skills and efficiency through structured learning and development. While it includes the same course access as the Personal plan, it also offers additional features such as analytics and adoption reports. However, the price difference between these two options is quite big so if you’re not looking for analytical reports, you are better off with the Personal plan since both these options provide the same number of courses. Both plans offer a 7-day free trial.

The third plan is targeted towards smaller organizations. This plan grants access to over 25,000 top-rated courses and includes dedicated customer support, customizable content, and hands-on tech training as add-ons. It encompasses all the features of the Personal and Team plans but adds more tailored support and resources to meet the needs of a larger workforce. The pricing for this plan is not available on the website so you will have to enquire with the sales team.

Even though Udemy offers well-structured plans, if you’re hesitant about long-term commitment Udemy also allows you to purchase individual courses with lifetime access. This option lets you explore specific subjects at your own pace and you can decide if the platform suits your learning needs.

Udemy: Features

Creating an account on Udemy is straightforward and free. Once your account is all setup you answer a few questions to receive personalized course recommendations based on your interests, desired skills, and preferred certificates. When I specified my job as a writer the dashboard promptly suggested popular writing courses tailored to my profession. 

For Learners

Once you find a course of interest, you have the option to either purchase it individually or you can opt for a monthly subscription. The only difference between these options is that the subscription would give you access to multiple courses without the need to pay for each one separately. Each course listing includes a ‘what you’ll learn’ section and a detailed breakdown of the content. A notable feature here is the ability to preview some video lectures before purchasing, so you can assess if the course is a right fit for you. All the courses are also accessible via the mobile app and can be downloaded for offline viewing. Learners have a personal dashboard where they can manage courses, add items to their wishlist, and even set reminders for their learning goals.

For Instructors

Now let's take a look at Udemy from an instructor’s perspective. As an instructor, you can utilize resources provided by Udemy to design engaging courses. And to top it all off, Udemy has introduced a new instructor challenge. This initiative incentivizes timely course publication by promoting your course on Udemy’s social media if published within 45 days. Instructors also benefit from being part of an instructor community where they can network, share insights, and learn from peers. Marketing insights are available to help instructors choose relevant topics for their courses. 

Even though we found the course catalog to be diverse, it is worth noting that anyone can become an instructor on Udemy so the quality of courses varies significantly. Some courses may lack depth or professional quality. Upon completion of the course, the learner receives a certificate of completion. Unlike some other platforms like Coursera, Udemy’s certificates are not accredited by universities or institutions, which might reduce their value for some learners seeking formal recognition. This also means that Udemy does not offer any structured degree programs.

Udemy’s content is meticulously organized into categories. Each course is categorized by subject such as business, technology, arts, and more. Within these broad categories, there are sub-categories and specific topics. Each course features user reviews and ratings so learners can access the relevance of the courses. The course length is also varied. Some courses we looked at were 3 hours long, while others were more comprehensive lasting 11 hours. Overall, we found the interface easy to navigate, allowing seamless switching between learner and instructor dashboards.

These are the best laptops for students on the market.

Udemy: Support

Udemy’s support options are quite limited. They don’t offer email or phone support, instead, users have to rely on the Help Center. The Help Center is accessible to both learners and instructors. While there is a chatbot option, it is somewhat hidden. You need to click on a few links to access it. Despite these limitations, we found the Help Center to be quite useful for immediate support. The FAQ section is quite comprehensive and there is a separate section for searchable topics like account profiles, refunds, and more, providing users with detailed information and assistance. 

Udemy: Final verdict

As someone who enjoys enrolling in online courses, I found Udemy to be an accessible learning platform. The extensive course catalog can be overwhelming with so many options to choose from. But if you’re looking for a very specific type of course, rest assured you will find it on Udemy. Pro tip: once you have decided on the topic, check out the popular courses for that category. For those seeking formal academic recognition or degree programs, alternatives like Coursera may be more suitable.  

Udemy: Also consider

Brave is a unique browser that puts a strong emphasis on privacy. While you can equip the popular web browsers to thwart unwanted information leaks, the Brave web browser ships with privacy strengthening features built right into its core.

A relatively new entrant, the Brave browser was only founded in 2016. But thanks to its unique set of features, the browser has emerged as one of the most promising entrants in the industry and has amassed over 70 million users in less than a decade.

Besides its strong emphasis on privacy, another interesting feature in Brave is that it offers users the option to earn cryptocurrency by viewing privacy-respecting ads.

If you want to know more about how Brave can transform the internet for you, read on.

Brave browser: Features

It’ll be in fact a folly to look at Brave as just another web browser. Instead, think of it as an ecosystem of apps and services.

Along with the list of recently visited websites, you can also ask the browsers to enable the Brave News service.

One prominent component of that ecosystem built into the web browser is Brave Rewards, which again you can enable from the dashboard. When toggled, Brave Rewards will display the occasional, unobtrusive advert. In return however, if you view enough of them you’ll be rewarded in Brave’s native cryptocurrency, the Basic Attention Token. You can then pass these over to your favourite content creators.

Also, by default the browser uses Brave Search, which is the browser’s privacy-centric search engine. You do however get the option to switch to any of the other popular options. Another interesting feature is its ability to display vertical tabs.

The privacy offered by Brave is simply unparalleled. It clearly states on its website that it isn’t in the business of selling user data. In fact, it actively fights trackers, malware, hackers, and anyone who might try to break into your system through the browser.

Brave will let you know exactly how many ads and trackers it's blocking every day. Along with that, you’ll also get to customize your browser’s shield settings. For example, if you want to keep the ads coming in from a website you’re familiar with and block the ones from the rest, you can adjust those settings accordingly.

For additional security, Brave offers a built-in VPN and firewall. While most other browsers with VPNs limit their functionality to masking IPs alone, Brave goes a step ahead and encrypts everything you do online. In short, there’ll be no way to trace back any activity to your account.

Brave also includes a privacy-focused video conferencing feature called Brave Talk. You can use it to make free, unlimited one-to-one video calls, without creating a separate account. The browser also integrates Tor to help you browse the internet anonymously.

It also includes a webpage translation function, and will help you find archived versions of missing web pages thanks to its integration with the Wayback Machine service.

If you don't like the default design of the browser, you’ll have plenty of options to experiment with the colors and the background. By default, the browser displays random images as the background, but you can add images from your system, edit, crop, or resize them and turn on the dark/night mode to protect your eyes during long working hours.

Reading a report or blog is highly convenient and quick with Brave’s Speedreader feature. All unnecessary visual elements are removed upon activating this feature, and only pure content is filtered out and displayed in a simpler format. Reducing design elements also helps the page load faster, which further reduces the reading time.

And keeping up with the times, Brave also includes an AI assistant called Leo that can summarize web pages, answer questions about content on a web page, and more.

Besides the Brave-specific functionalities, the browser has all the features you’d expect from a mainstream web browser. As it’s based on Chromium, the browser is compatible with all the extensions in Google Chrome’s Web Store. Oh, and it’ll hide those irritating cookie consent notices.

Brave browser: Privacy

After reading through Brave’s privacy policy and observing its performance over the years, it's safe to claim that it's a privacy-friendly browser. As per its policy, it doesn’t store your data, track your activities or sell details about you to any third party.

Brave also supports fingerprint randomization, which essentially makes you appear different to all websites, further thwarting any tracking attempts. There’s also its Tor mode for anonymous browsing.

If you want more robust privacy, you can use Brave’s built-in VPN to keep all your online activities anonymous.

Speaking of built-in tools, Brave also offers integrated ad blockers and tracker blockers so that it becomes impossible for any third party to monitor your web history or disrupt your experience with annoying pop-ups.

Also, since it's a Chromium-based browser, you can look up Brave’s code any time you want and come up with your own ways to make it more secure.

Brave browser: Ease of use

Whether you are an experienced campaigner or a newbie, getting started with Brave shouldn’t pose a problem. On first run the browser offers to import settings and bookmarks from other installed browsers.

The interface of the Brave browser is quite similar to Chrome, so if you’re familiar with the latter, getting started with Brave will be a piece of cake for you.

The main page is quite simple and clutter-free. Brave’s dashboard proudly displays the number of trackers and ads it has blocked, and the bandwidth and time this has saved.

If you want to enroll in the Brave Rewards program to earn some extra tokens, simply click on the red triangular icon on the right side of the search bar to get started.

Next to it is the Shields icon that’ll give you details about the trackers, ads, and other nefarious privacy-intruding elements that it has blocked. You can enjoy the protection as is, or customize it using this icon.

Most useful functions, such as the VPN are also within reach and can be toggled with a single click. Some, such as the Talk video conferencing tool, don’t take much effort to get going.

Brave browser: Competitors

Brave is rather new to the market, just like Vivaldi. Its lack of experience puts it at a disadvantage, especially against big tech companies like Google and Microsoft, which are dominating the industry.

However, there are more than a few reasons why Brave could be your next default browser. Firstly, unlike Chrome, Brave is renowned for the tight security of user data. It not only comes with a built-in tracker blocker and ad blocker but also disables bad cookies by default.

On top of that, its privacy policy page confirms that it neither collects your data nor sells it to any third party.

Brave is also the only well-known browser that lets you earn rewards and tokens for watching privacy-respecting ads. The money you earn from these ads can then be forwarded anonymously to creators you want to support through its own payment portal called Brave Payments.

On the downside though, Brave doesn’t have the same extensive portfolio of extensions that you’ll find on some of its peers like Chrome. And while its ad-blocking can be a boon to privacy conscious users, it’ll cause issues on certain websites.

Also, while it does ship with a VPN, unlike VPNs in Opera and Edge, Brave VPN is a paid subscription service that offers a 7-day free trial. It’s also currently not available on the Linux version of the browser.

Brave browser: Final verdict

Although Brave is relatively new to the market, its new-age features and adaptive design have given a glimpse into its potential.

Brave offers some unique features like no other browser. For example, it lets you earn rewards by watching privacy-respecting ads, which you can then donate to support your favorite creators.

Also, it deletes all bad cookies and prevents any unauthorized third-party software from tracking by default. This means that even before you configure its settings, Brave will ensure that all your online activities are safe from day one.

All things considered, if you value your online privacy and can live with the occasional site breakage, you can’t go wrong with Brave.

Also check out our roundup of the best anonymous browsers

Individuals are likely acquainted with Microsoft's prominent collection of productivity software, Microsoft 365.  

It encompasses widely recognized applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as lesser-known products including Outlook, OneNote, and OneDrive.

For a considerable duration, Microsoft Office has served as the established benchmark for productivity software, a position it continues to hold. Nevertheless, there have been notable shifts within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem

Microsoft has shifted its focus away from standalone products and toward a subscription-based pricing model centered around Microsoft 365. This strategic move reflects Microsoft's vision for Microsoft 365 as a cohesive ecosystem, designed to provide a comprehensive digital workplace solution for businesses. With Microsoft 365, organizations gain access to a wide range of integrated applications and services, including communication tools, cloud storage, backup, syncing capabilities, and productivity apps. This holistic approach streamlines workflows, enhances collaboration, and empowers businesses to operate efficiently in the digital age.

Within this extensive analysis, we investigate the comprehensive aspects of the suite's primary platforms and engage in a discourse on the potential benefits of investing in Microsoft 365 for your organization's operational needs.

In our evaluation, we believe it to be the best office software, but if you’re not convinced, you might want to check out our guide to the best alternatives to Microsoft 365.

Microsoft 365: Plans and pricing

Microsoft 365 pricing is straightforward, and there are several options for businesses. Here’s a concise overview of the Microsoft 365 business plans and their pricing:

The lowest plan is Microsoft 365 Business Basic which has a cost of $6.00 user/month with an annual subscription. It includes web and mobile versions of Office apps, 1 TB of cloud storage, and Microsoft Teams.

Moving up is the Microsoft 365 Business Standard which comes in at $12.50 user/month with an annual subscription. This plan includes everything in Business Basic, plus desktop versions of Office apps and additional tools like Microsoft Loop and Clipchamp.

At the top of the tiers is Microsoft 365 Business Premium at $22.00 user/month with an annual subscription. It offers advanced security, device management, and more, on top of all features in Business Standard.

Also, there is the Microsoft 365 Apps for business which runs $8.25 user/month with an annual subscription. This plan provides desktop versions of Office apps and 1 TB of cloud storage.

Also note that all plans come with the option to try free for one month.

Microsoft 365: Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is arguably the most widely recognized of the Microsoft 365 platforms and is considered by many to be the quintessential word processing application

Over the course of time, Microsoft Word has consistently been recognized as one of the premier applications for writing across a wide range of genres. The software's extensive array of functionalities, encompassing a broad spectrum of templates, ensures versatility for users. Furthermore, its stellar performance and reliability align with expectations for a product developed by Microsoft. In essence, for individuals seeking to compose or modify text-based documents, Microsoft Word offers a comprehensive suite of capabilities that cater to diverse requirements.

The platform offers unparalleled collaboration and review capabilities, rendering it an optimal solution for teamwork within organizations, particularly when integrated with OneDrive and the comprehensive Microsoft 365 suite. Multiple individuals are empowered to co-author documents, access historical iterations of files, monitor changes, and provide real-time feedback to collaborators. OneDrive facilitates the seamless distribution of links to colleagues, ensuring the allocation of appropriate permission levels within a Word document. 

Another notable strength of Word lies in its robust sharing and exporting capabilities. Users are empowered to export documents into a diverse range of file formats, encompassing OpenDocument Text (.odt), Portable Document Format (PDF), and Microsoft Word Format (.docx). Each of these formats enjoys widespread support, significantly reducing the likelihood of encountering compatibility issues. This feature sets Word apart from competitors such as Apple Pages, which has consistently faced challenges in ensuring seamless compatibility.

While a comprehensive listing of all of Word's extraordinary capabilities is beyond the scope of this document, several notable features include the integration of speech-to-text, automatic translation, and the immersive reader mode. The inclusion of three-dimensional graphics further distinguishes Microsoft Word from its competitors. 

While the platform does have some annotation and drawing functionalities, Word operates most effectively in the context of text-based projects. Should you seek to engage your creative side, Microsoft OneNote would be a more suitable option to explore. 

Microsoft Word applications are accessible across a multitude of platforms, encompassing Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. Despite its optimal functionality being realized on desktops and iPads, its mobile applications offer utility for making necessary last-minute revisions to documents while in transit or for promptly recording significant ideas.

For an in-depth analysis of the platform's advantages and disadvantages, explore our recently revamped Microsoft Word review. 

Microsoft 365: Microsoft OneNote

OneNote, a digital notebook application developed by Microsoft, has been specifically designed to accommodate the note-taking requirements of both academic individuals and professionals. While its user interface presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and the software boasts a remarkable array of functionalities, it has not achieved the same level of popularity as other platforms such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Nevertheless, OneNote has secured a dedicated user base among students and academic professionals. It is our belief that OneNote ranks among the most effective note-taking platforms available, and we assert that it is underutilized within business and organizational contexts.

One of OneNote's primary strengths lies in its robust organizational capabilities. The software employs a hierarchical structure, wherein top-level parent categories are termed "notebooks." Within each notebook, users can create sections and subsequently individual pages. Our extensive experience with various note-taking applications has led us to conclude that OneNote is the most proficient solution for maintaining the organization and coherence of one's thoughts and ideas.

Another noteworthy strength of OneNote is its seamless integration with Microsoft OneDrive, ensuring that users have access to their notes, sketches, and brainstorming sessions across all their devices. This integration is facilitated through the utilization of cloud synchronization technology. The availability of the software on various operating systems, including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, Windows, and Android, further eliminates any potential obstacles to file accessibility. Additionally, a web-based application is provided for note-taking while on the move.

OneNote also excels in facilitating the sharing of notes with colleagues or clients. The software allows users to invite others to view and edit notebooks, irrespective of whether they possess a Microsoft 365 subscription. Furthermore, it provides the capability to export specific pages in PDF format, which is particularly useful for attaching notes to emails in Microsoft Outlook.

The user interface of OneNote is both aesthetically appealing and feature-rich. It empowers users to engage in a wide range of activities, such as writing and highlighting text, sketching freehand, inserting images, graphs, stickers, and equations, and even incorporating audio clips into their notes. These functionalities, along with numerous others that cannot be mentioned due to space constraints, contribute to OneNote's status as one of the most powerful note-taking applications available in the present year.

Our comprehensive OneNote review explores in detail the reasons why OneNote stands out as an exceptional tool, and it provides insights into how organizations can harness its potential within their operations.

Microsoft 365: Microsoft Excel

The mere mention of Microsoft Excel can elicit a range of emotions, from enthusiasm to apprehension. Nevertheless, we believe that Excel should not be perceived as a daunting tool. Its user-friendliness and capabilities may surpass initial expectations. With just a few hours of dedicated training, individuals can acquire the confidence necessary to create and utilize advanced spreadsheets effectively.

Microsoft Excel offers a vast capacity, allowing users to work with over 17 billion cells in a single spreadsheet, significantly exceeding the 5 million cells available in Google Sheets. This immense computational power makes Excel an ideal choice for large organizations with extensive databases seeking a robust solution.

Furthermore, Excel boasts an extensive library of functions, currently exceeding 475, which provide users with versatile data manipulation and visualization capabilities. These functions enable the extraction of rich insights from data. Additionally, experienced users can create and implement their own macro functions using VBA code, extending the functionality of Excel even further.

Compatibility is not a concern with Microsoft Excel, as it is available on various operating systems. Users can conveniently export their spreadsheets in multiple formats, including Microsoft (.xlsx), OpenDocument Spreadsheets (.ods), and Portable Document Format (.pdf). It is also possible to access Excel documents on alternative platforms such as Google Drive.

While Excel offers numerous advantages, it is not without limitations. Despite the recent introduction of co-authoring functionality, this aspect remains a notable area for improvement. Real-time collaboration requires all users to possess a Microsoft 365 subscription and the latest version of Excel, which may hinder collaboration with external parties. However, when co-authoring is feasible, it is reliable, responsive, and immensely beneficial.

Read our full in-depth Microsoft Excel review.

Microsoft 365: Microsoft OneDrive

Cloud storage has exploded in popularity in recent years, and OneDrive is Microsoft’s entrant in this fiercely competitive market. It is among the best cloud storage platforms for both consumers and businesses.  

The platform provides a secure repository for critical data and documents. Its user-friendly interface simplifies navigation and utilization. It offers thumbnail previews for various file formats, while the intelligent AI search capabilities facilitate efficient retrieval of desired information.

OneDrive's true distinction lies in its comprehensive integration with all other Microsoft 365 applications. This seamless integration transforms Microsoft 365 into a comprehensive ecosystem of digital productivity, surpassing the limitations of individual applications.

Firstly, OneDrive prioritizes security. All files are encrypted during transmission and when stored, making it more secure than many competitors. Even in the event of data theft or interception, the encrypted nature of the files renders them indecipherable.

Microsoft elevates security even further with the introduction of Personal Vault, a sub-folder that provides end-to-end encryption for highly sensitive files. This ensures that no one, including Microsoft, can access or decrypt this data.

Administrators have the ability to enhance account security by implementing two-factor authentication and mandating periodic password changes for employees. This advanced security architecture instills confidence in businesses of all sizes to entrust their essential documents and files to OneDrive.

Furthermore, OneDrive is characterized by its ease of access and utilization. Reliable apps are available for various devices, complemented by a responsive and well-designed web app. This web app ranks among the most impressive cloud storage web apps in our evaluation.

The platform seamlessly integrates with all other Microsoft 365 applications. It serves as the default save location, facilitating real-time collaboration among colleagues. As changes are made on one device, they are simultaneously reflected on all connected devices. This functionality elevates OneDrive beyond a mere cloud storage platform, positioning it as a cloud-syncing platform.

Collaboration is further enhanced through the sharing of files and folders using customized links. These shared items are organized within a dedicated folder on the OneDrive home screen of both users. This feature makes Microsoft 365 an ideal solution for organizations that emphasize team-based work.

If you want to know more, read our full in-depth OneDrive review.

Microsoft 365: Microsoft PowerPoint

For over two decades, PowerPoint has been instrumental in assisting individuals from elementary school children to Fortune 500 executives in creating compelling and engaging presentations. Our conviction remains that it stands as the optimal platform for presentation creation, and we shall elucidate the reasons behind this assertion.

PowerPoint proffers a plethora of tools designed to stimulate inspiration. The most notable among these is Microsoft's comprehensive collection of templates, which are provided at no cost to Microsoft 365 subscribers. Additionally, corporate personnel have access to the presentation coaching tool, which furnishes advice and feedback concerning the pace and style of their presentations.

Another potent feature, also available in Microsoft Word, is the capability to insert and manipulate three-dimensional images. Three-dimensional files can be rotated, inverted, or tilted to maximize their utility within a presentation. This distinguishes PowerPoint from the vast majority of its competitors.

As with other Microsoft 365 applications, users are empowered to collaborate and provide feedback in real-time. Integration with OneDrive renders it an ideal solution for designing and managing presentations within a business context.

However, it is imperative to acknowledge a limitation: collaboration on PowerPoint is feasible solely through the web-based application, precluding the desktop and mobile versions of the software. This constitutes a relatively significant limitation and is somewhat disappointing considering the platform's exceptional performance in all other categories.

If you’re itching to know more about the platform, our Microsoft PowerPoint review was recently updated and explains everything you need to know about the software.

Microsoft 365: Microsoft Teams

Teams, the newest addition to the Microsoft suite, is arguably the most significant. In essence, Teams amalgamates audio and visual conferencing capabilities akin to Skype with workplace communication tools similar to Slack. It serves as a centralized platform for coordination and communication, integral to business efficiency in an increasingly remote work environment.

Like OneDrive, Teams is designed to act as a cohesive element, integrating various applications and features of Microsoft 365. It leverages cloud-based technology to facilitate collaborative, real-time work across multiple platforms.

The video conferencing capabilities of Microsoft Teams are substantial, enabling employees to organize and conduct individual conversations or company-wide meetings. Furthermore, it accommodates webinars and information sessions with up to 10,000 participants. During calls, participants benefit from features such as screen sharing, call recording, live captions, background blur technology, and chat functionalities.

Alongside video conferencing, communication channels allow users to engage in group discussions focused on specific topics, such as project-based teams, company-wide announcements, or social events. This approach ensures that conversations remain relevant, enabling employees to compartmentalize and streamline their communications.

There’s so much to know about Microsoft Teams that we couldn’t list it all here. However, our in-depth Teams review does the job for us. 

Microsoft 365: Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook, a key component of the Microsoft suite, has been instrumental in assisting users in organizing their emails for several decades. Although it may not possess the same level of popularity as Google's Gmail or Apple's Mail, we posit that it is one of the most effective email clients available, particularly for individuals who utilize other Microsoft 365 applications.

Spam and malware blockers are incorporated into the software, which is a standard feature of most email clients. Businesses can also leverage group inboxes, which facilitate the sending and receiving of emails from a single email address by multiple employees.

One feature that we find particularly advantageous is the categorization of emails into distinct folders: the focused inbox and the other inbox. The focused inbox collates messages that the platform's algorithms deem to be of particular importance or urgency, enabling employees to prioritize and respond to the most critical emails promptly.

Moreover, Outlook has been meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate with other Microsoft 365 applications. Consequently, for those seeking a straightforward, integrated, and responsive email client, Microsoft 365 is a highly recommended option.

Read our full Microsoft Outlook review.

Microsoft 365: Support

Concerning customer support, Microsoft excels in the industry. Notably, even with its consumer plans, the company consistently exhibits promptness in responding while also displaying diligence in troubleshooting issues. In our experience, when using the online chat window to contact the company, we received a response and answer to our question within just a few minutes.

Although some applications provide users with the ability to access support directly through the application, we recommend utilizing the Microsoft support website. This comprehensive resource includes how-to guides, video tutorials, and community forums, offering solutions to virtually all potential issues. In our evaluation, it is the most effective online support center encountered in this software category, with a considerable emphasis on business-specific advice and assistance.

Businesses can also contact Microsoft through telephone and online chat, with premium plans offering an understandably more timely and responsive service. Moreover, Microsoft's knowledgeable technicians and cybersecurity experts are available as part of the advanced cyberthreat detection services included in premium plans.

Microsoft 365: Final verdict

We firmly believe that the digital ecosystem of Microsoft Office 365 Business is the optimal office software available, and we trust that you will concur.

This office suite adroitly combines multifaceted document creation and productivity applications, such as Word, OneNote, PowerPoint, and Excel, with the potent capabilities of cloud technology in OneDrive. Furthermore, it is imperative to highlight Microsoft Teams, the definitive all-in-one digital communications platform designed to ensure that your employees operate with the utmost efficiency.

We have also meticulously outlined the several subscription options available to businesses. There is an appropriate plan for every organization, irrespective of size, whether it be a compact team of five individuals, a multi-location workforce comprising fifty employees, or a vast enterprise encompassing hundreds or even thousands of personnel.

We list the best Microsoft Office alternatives.

Mozilla Firefox was introduced in 2004 and hit 100 million downloads in less than a year after launch. However, things began to go downhill for it after Google Chrome was launched and heavily promoted in lieu of Firefox.

Still the default web browser on virtually all Linux distros, Firefox, at one point, had over 350 million users. But its market share has now dropped significantly, pushing it to the fourth spot behind Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.

Although Chrome might have gained immense popularity, the speed and security provided by Firefox remain unbeatable to date.

If you’re looking for a privacy-friendly browser that’s lightweight and kind on your system, read on till the end, as we believe Firefox might just be the best browser for you.

Mozilla Firefox: Features

Firefox has been proven to use less memory than Chrome, for a majority of users. When using multiple apps along with Firefox, they won't lag or freeze, which is a common problem with other slow browsers.

Firefox uses the bare minimum memory so that it works fine without slowing down the entire system. It also automatically blocks ad trackers and third-party cookies from collecting your personal data.

Like most other popular browsers, Firefox also has its own built-in password manager.

As you create a new account on a website, it’ll ask whether you want to save its credentials or not. If you do, the next time you log into that account, it’ll give you the option to autofill the password on your behalf.

Firefox offers much more security and privacy than any other browser. There’s the Private Browsing mode that deletes your history and cookies after every browsing session. Each time you close the tab, all links that could trace back to your searches will be erased automatically.

While many other browsers let you bookmark your favorite websites, Firefox goes a step ahead and lets you create separate folders. You can customize the names and categorize similar links into the same folder. This way, you’ll save a lot of space, plus it'll be much easier to look for the bookmarked page.

You can also pin tabs in Firefox to keep your favorite and often visited websites, like email, always open. The browser will also notify you when the content of a pinned tab is updated, for instance, when you get a new email.

Firefox's built-in language translator lets you translate the web pages in the results into 100 different international languages of your choice — a truly global browser that erases language barriers.

Firefox also has a built-in screenshot tool that gives you several options for capturing a web page. Using this feature you can save the entire page, including the sections that aren’t visible without scrolling.

It also includes the Pocket app by default. You can use it to save content as you browse the web and access it later, even when offline.

Like some of its peers, Firefox also has a PDF reader that’s good enough to eradicate the need for having a dedicated app, for most users.

Most web browsers can pop out videos into their own individual floating windows, thanks to a feature called Picture-in-Picture mode. However, Firefox’s implementation offers more functionality than many of its peers. You can turn it on by clicking the Picture-in-Picture button when you hover over a video.

Firefox is indeed a highly functional and powerful web browser, but there’s always room to improve, right? That’s why it lets you add extensions to the default browser to make your life easier.

Mozilla Firefox: Privacy

We cannot emphasize enough that Firefox is one of the most secure and privacy-friendly browsers out there.

Even on its FAQ page about privacy, you’ll see that it has addressed the issue and stated that Firefox neither sells your data nor buys it from other parties. It wants you to have a truly authentic and unbiased browsing experience.

On top of that, while other popular browsers such as Chrome are swimming in privacy violation lawsuits, Firefox has hardly ever landed in any such scandal.

If you’re still unsure about how safe it is, you can use its Private Browsing mode, which automatically wipes off every trace of your browsing session once you close the tabs.

Firefox also has a Forget functionality that you can use to wipe your recent browser activity. When used, the “Forget” button can help you quickly delete the last five minutes, two hours, or 24 hours of activity.

Security advocates will also appreciate the fact that Firefox automatically tries to upgrade any images, audio and video content from HTTP to HTTPS if they are embedded within an HTTPS page. If they do not support HTTPS, they will no longer load.

Firefox users on MacOS and Windows can also tweak Firefox to ask for a device sign in, such as your operating system password, fingerprint, face or voice login, every time you access and fill in stored passwords.

Mozilla Firefox: Ease of use

One of the most important features of a good browser is a simple user interface so that everyone, regardless of their technical expertise, can use it. Thankfully, Firefox flairs quite well in that department.

The design of the main page is a lot like Chrome. It has the search bar in the center of the page, and the tabs are lined up horizontally at the top, which makes the first few steps simpler.

Firefox also offers a high level of customization. You can, for instance, change the appearance, layout, and functionality of the browser with lots of themes and add-ons. While this is possible with other browsers as well, the ability is implemented more extensively in Firefox.

In the same vein, while not as large as Chrome's extension store, Firefox still has a wide variety of extensions available for added functionality.

New users will also appreciate Firefox’s strong default privacy features that’ll help them stay safe straight out of the box. Firefox is also hailed for being one of the first browsers to rope in accessibility features.

Mozilla Firefox: Competitors

Firefox might not be as popular as Chrome or Edge, but it certainly stands out with a few unique features under its belt.

For example, it's one of the few browsers that automatically blocks trackers from collecting your personal data. At a time when the market leader, Chrome, is accused of selling consumer data, Firefox is your best bet for safety.

Also, compared to Chrome, Firefox takes much less memory space, which in turn, helps it run faster. On top of that, using Firefox does not affect the speed or performance of any other apps you might be running simultaneously.

Firefox not only uses the Google Safe Browsing database but also automatically blocks pop-ups. You can also add more extensions to keep away ads and trackers. Since these things are known to hide malicious links, blocking them will also reduce your overall vulnerability.

On the downside though, unlike some of its peers like Opera and Edge, Firefox does not have a built-in VPN. Similarly, its AI assistant, Orbit, is also available as an extension, and isn’t part of the browser.

Mozilla Firefox: Final verdict

Firefox, one of the best web browsers in the industry for a long time, is certainly a great choice for any internet user. It comes with a diverse range of features, beats popular peers like Chrome and Safari in terms of privacy, is easy to use, and is also lightning-quick.

Plus, it doesn't ask for too much space either, so you don't have to think twice before installing it. What's more, Firefox also has multiple customization options — whether you want to stick to the default theme or experiment with a thousand other themes, the choice is yours.

Also check out our roundup of the best anonymous browsers.

Edge is Microsoft’s latest web browser, and it looks its best when you use it as it was intended to be used: by running Bing, which is Microsoft’s search engine.

Microsoft Edge is undoubtedly the second-biggest fish in the pond, as of now. But it offers virtually everything users need to put up a tough fight to its long-time competitor, Google Chrome.

After dragging its feet with Internet Explorer, Edge is Microsoft’s best answer to the competition. It has all the features and enhancements users expect from a modern web browser. Windows users swear by Edge’s speeds and performance improvements. With the introduction of AI-powered functionalities on Edge, the user experience is way more personalized than before.

For the ones looking for a reliable browser that comes with security, user data privacy, and an easy user interface, Edge is a great choice. If you want to know more about the browser and how it can make a difference to your online experience, read on!

Microsoft Edge: Features

Microsoft Edge offers one of the fastest browsing experiences in the industry, thanks to its performance features such as “Sleep Tabs”. Thanks to this feature, Edge will put the tabs that haven't been used in a while to sleep, opening up more space and power for your CPU and RAM so that they can take on the active tabs.

Edge is also one of the quickest browsers as far as launching is concerned. That’s because it uses a special feature called “Startup Boost.”

Whether you’re opening the browser from the main menu, taskbar, or a link, the Edge window will open up almost instantly, whereas Opera and Safari usually take a lot longer.

So if you’re in a hurry to look up something or open a link, Edge won't stand in your way. This feature is available on all current versions of Windows.

Edge is highly battery-efficient. Microsoft is constantly working to optimize energy usage so that Edge can function on minimal battery power.

Current tests show that Edge’s efficiency mode helps you save up to 25% of your battery life. Features like putting your tabs to sleep further contribute to it. Even for your active tabs, Edge uses a rather tiny portion of the battery to keep them running in the background.

With Edge’s Clarity Boost protocol, all the visuals on your screen look much clearer and life-like. For avid gamers or movie enthusiasts, this feature is a huge win. Currently, this feature is available on devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Speaking of gaming, if you’re looking for a browser that’s masterfully crafted for gamers, Edge is a must-try. With its “Efficiency mode”, Edge keeps your PC running fast and smooth even when you’re playing a demanding game.

The Efficiency mode is turned on by default. But if you want to turn it off, go to “Settings,” click on “More,” select “System & Performance” and turn off the “Improve your PC gaming experience with efficiency mode” setting. However, if you’re keen on getting the best browser performance, we don't recommend turning it off. After all, it's not going to take up any extra power or space.

When comparing Microsoft Edge and Chrome for gaming performance, most benchmarks favor Edge primarily due to its integration with the Windows operating system. This is even true for machines with less powerful hardware since the browser tends to use less system resources than its peers.

Also of note are Edge’s AI features, primarily the “Copilot” functionality. When enabled by clicking its icon, you can interact with Copilot using natural language. You can ask it to summarize the content of a page, ask questions about the content of a web page, and more. Copilot can also help you compose social media posts and emails.

Microsoft Edge: Privacy

Microsoft Edge comes equipped with several privacy-enhancing features. For starters the browser ships with three Tracking Prevention mechanisms to block trackers from tracking your movement through the web.

By default, the browser uses the Balanced Mode where it blocks trackers from websites you haven’t yet visited. If you are truly paranoid about tracking, you can toggle the Strict Mode, which will block a majority of the trackers, but could potentially degrade the browsing experience on some websites.

Some users prefer to use the Strict Mode of tracking when using the browser’s InPrivate browsing mode. This is similar to the Incognito mode in other browsers, and prevents the browser from storing any browsing history, or cookies.

Additionally, you can also choose to clear all cookies and block all or certain websites from saving cookies during browsing sessions. Remember however that while this does enhance your privacy, it can also potentially prevent some webpages from displaying correctly.

The browser’s headline privacy protection feature is the “Defender Smartscreen”. It helps you stay away from malicious websites and can also block phishing and malware attacks.

Edge also includes 5 GB of free VPN data protection that renews every month. The protection obscures your location and IP address, and kicks in automatically when you connect to an open Wi-Fi network or visit a non-HTTPS secured website.

Talking of visiting insecure websites, you can use Edge’s “Enhanced Security Mode” that automatically applies stricter security settings on unfamiliar sites. The opt-in feature isn’t enabled by default, but will adapt to your browsing habits once you toggle it.

The browser also includes a Password Monitor that alerts you if any of your saved passwords have been exposed in a data breach anywhere.

Microsoft Edge: Ease of use

If you’re not a fan of complex browsing applications, you’ll certainly appreciate Edge’s simple interface. The biggest advantage here is that Edge comes pre-installed on most devices running Windows 10 and 11. This means that you won't have to go through the hassle of downloading and setting up a new browser.

Once you open the browser, you’ll have everything you’ll need at your fingertips. Granted, at first, it might be a little overwhelming because there are too many options, but you’ll soon get the hang of it.

You can also ask Edge to display Vertical tabs. This is a space saving functionality that puts tabs on the left side of the screen instead of across the top.

You can also use the browser in the “Immersive Reader” mode that makes the text easier to read by removing all distracting elements from the webpage. There’s also the AI-powered “Read aloud” feature that helps you listen to the content on a webpage in multiple languages. You can control the pace of the speech, and even the voice accent.

There’s also the Collections feature using which you can collate webpages, images, text snippets, and more from different websites into a single location. This comes in handy when you’re researching on the web for a holiday, or planning an event.

Microsoft Edge: The competition

Edge and Google Chrome are the two most popular browsers, and although they share a lot of similarities, many people consider Edge to be easier to use.

This is primarily because of features like vertical tabs, Collections, Immersive Reader, and a whole gamut of AI-powered functionalities. Edge has also been designed to be familiar to Windows users with a similar design philosophy, giving it an advantage over its peers.

What’s more, Edge is also faster than Google Chrome. When it was initially launched, Microsoft claimed that it was 112% faster than Chrome. While we cannot confirm that exact number, tests run by Avast show that Edge is faster than Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and many other popular browsers.

It's also the default browser for Windows, unlike others like Opera or Mozilla Firefox, which have to be downloaded and installed separately.

That said, Opera does outperform Edge in some parameters, particularly VPN. While Edge's VPN has a limited monthly data allowance and automatically connects to the nearest location, Opera bundles a more flexible free VPN with no data cap. Another potential downside is that Edge doesn’t offer as vast a selection of extensions as Google Chrome.

However, in short, if we consider its ease of use, speed, features, and overall performance, Edge is by and large at-par, if not ahead, of most of its competitors.

Microsoft Edge: Final verdict

Considering all the reviews, facts, and results from our own evaluation, we find Microsoft Edge to be a good browser and certainly worth your time.

Thanks to its beginner-friendly yet uncompromising nature, it's the perfect browser for people who aren't-tech savvy. Another point to consider here is that it’s the default browser for Windows, so you won't have to put any effort into setting it up.

As the cherry on top, the Edge browser is battery plus internet usage efficient. For people who are constantly on their laptops/computers, a power and data-saving browser is a must-have. No matter how many tabs you have running at any given moment, Edge will always minimize power usage.

We've listed the best business VPN.