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Appy Pie website builder review 2024
6:22 pm | May 29, 2024

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

Founded in 2015 and based in Noida, India, Appy Pie offers a platform that empowers individuals and businesses to create apps and websites without the need for traditional coding expertise. Their services span app building, website creation, chatbot development, live chat software, and business process automation tools — including an AI website builder launched in 2023.

AI automates routine tasks, analyzes user data, and delivers personalized experiences to keep visitors engaged. Appy Pie lets you “turn your text into a website in seconds”, automatically generating a custom website with its own design and content, based on your inputted instructions.

What we liked about Appy Pie's AI website builder is its ease of use. Even if you lack coding skills, you can create a website that looks great on any device. The platform offers a wide range of customizable templates, themes, and design elements. Plus, AI optimization and analytics features allow you to tweak your website's performance.

However, there are quite a few aspects we didn’t like as much. For example, the user experience could stand to improve quite a bit, with certain templates looking a bit dated. Also, while the platform offers a free tier for its app builder, the website builder is locked behind paid plans only.

Overall, we liked Appy Pie for its powerful text-to-website AI platform. But free website builder plans are non-existent and the UX can stand to improve, not to mention that prices can add up quickly when you’re looking to build something complex. You should also know that Appy Pie’s support team is divided into web and mobile, with one team directing you to the other if your query doesn’t line up with their expertise. 

Appy Pie plans and pricing

screenshot of Appy Pie website builder pricing

Appy Pie's pricing structure is super simple and easy to understand.  (Image credit: Appy Pie )

Appy Pie provides both monthly and annual billing options, with the latter offering discounts of up to 30%. Its plans are essentially divided into two categories, depending on whether you wish to build web apps or mobile apps. For the AI website builder, Appy Pie offers two plans: Start and Grow. 

Start, which costs $18/month, is “perfect for a personal project.” It comes with unlimited bandwidth, SSL security, and 50 GB of online storage space. However, it forces you to display ads on your website and does not come with instant live chat support.

Grow, which is priced at $36/month, is the true “premium plan.” It comes with unlimited storage, premium support, and completely ad-free experience for your website visitors. It also offers advanced analytics and SEO features for web developers looking for a bit more freedom. There’s contact forms for collecting data, promotional pop-ups for displaying offers, and the ability to send push notifications to devices.

Appy Pie’s app builder, which is separate from the website builder, follows its own distinct pricing structure. It comes with three plans: Basic ($16/app/month), Gold ($36/app/month), and Platinum ($60/app/month). Prices are on a per-app basis, with additional charges for publishing your apps to different app stores. There’s no hosting available with these plans. There’s also live chat and a chatbot solution available as paid add-ons.

These prices are hardly the most competitive, but they won’t break the bank unless you’re looking to build something really complex. We think that the forced advertisements in the Start plan are a little unfair, especially given that the entry-level plan is already pretty barebones to begin with. While the Grow plan is more feature-rich, it still displays the company branding unless you sign up for a paid add-on to remove it. Ultimately, this is a major downside to Appy Pie, as the majority of the best website builders remove all or most branding and ads for paying customers. 

Appy Pie website builder features

screenshot of Appy Pie website builder features

Appy Pie offers plenty of features and tools.   (Image credit: Appy Pie)

While it lacks the polish of some of the more established AI website builders, Appy Pie still offers a comprehensive list of features for individuals and businesses looking to build an online presence. Here are some that stood out to us:

AI-powered design

Appy Pie's AI algorithms analyze user preferences and provide intelligent design suggestions, helping users create visually appealing websites effortlessly. From color schemes to layout options, AI guides users in making informed design decisions that align with their brand and target audience.

Drag-and-drop functionality

The platform's drag-and-drop functionality allows users to easily customize their websites by adding, removing, or rearranging elements with just a few clicks. This intuitive approach eliminates the need for coding skills, making website creation accessible to everyone.

Responsive layouts

All websites created using Appy Pie's website builder are automatically optimized for various devices, ensuring a seamless user experience across desktops, tablets, and mobile phones. This responsive design feature helps businesses reach a wider audience and improve their online presence.

Ecommerce capabilities

Appy Pie's website builder offers powerful e-commerce features, enabling businesses to create online stores, manage inventory, process payments, and handle shipping. With built-in SEO tools and marketing integrations, users can effectively promote their products and drive sales.

Multilingual support

The platform supports the creation of multilingual websites, allowing businesses to expand their reach and cater to a global audience. Users can easily add and manage content in multiple languages, enhancing their website's accessibility and user engagement.

Appy Pie website builder: Setup

Appy Pie has a simple registration process that has you entering your name, email address, and password to sign up for an account. After that, a brief onboarding sequence guides you through the platform’s key features and functionalities. Once done, there are two ways to start building your first website with Appy Pie.

screenshot of Appy Pie website builder

Using the text-based AI website builder allows you to simply describe the type of website you want.  (Image credit: Appy Pie )

The first option is to use Appy Pie’s text-to-website tool. All you have to do is enter a prompt describing the kind of website you’d like to build into the ChatGPT-like interface. Appy Pie then creates a fully-featured website tailored to your instructions within a matter of seconds. You can further customize your website using the recommendations from the AI-powered design assistant, which can suggest colors, fonts, layout options, and much more.

screenshot of Appy Pie website builder

Once you input information on the type of website you want, the AI works quickly to produce a bespoke template.  (Image credit: Appy Pie )

Your second option is to use one of Appy Pie’s pre-existing templates to build a website similar to any other website builder. There are more than 10,000 free templates available on Appy Pie’s database, all of which have been generated using AI. Pick one that feels closest to your requirements, then customize it using the AI design assistant that Appy Pie offers.

The platform provides a range of settings and options to help you fine-tune your site's appearance and functionality. You can easily adjust colors, fonts, and layouts, as well as integrate various features such as contact forms, social media links, and e-commerce capabilities. AI-powered tools offer intelligent suggestions and automations to enhance your website's performance and user experience throughout the website building process.

Appy Pie handles all technical aspects such as hosting, security, and software updates, allowing you to focus on creating and managing your content. It also provides built-in analytics and SEO tools to help you gauge the performance of your website. The platform undergoes regular updates to keep up with current design trends, with new features being added every now and then.

Appy Pie help and support

screenshot of appy pie website builder support page

Appy Pie offers plenty of support options.  (Image credit: Appy Pie )

Appy Pie provides multiple support channels for its AI website builder, including live chat, email, and phone support, which are available 24/7. Users can also access an extensive library of FAQs, video tutorials, and help center articles to find solutions to common issues.

Appy Pie's support team is known for its quick response times and efficient problem-solving. Many online reviews praise the company's customer service, highlighting the support team's helpfulness and knowledgeability. Customers appreciate the support agents' friendliness and willingness to go above and beyond to resolve issues and provide guidance.

We found Appy Pie’s dedicated customer service to be a pleasant surprise, especially compared to other parts of the platform like user experience or pricing. Still, you should know that the support team is divided into two camps: web and mobile. If you don’t contact the right department the first time around, they may have to redirect you to get your issue resolved.

Appy Pie website builder review: Final verdict

As far as AI website builders go, you could do worse than Appy Pie. We especially liked its text-to-website tool and AI-powered design assistant, but felt that the user experience could still stand to improve a bit. Our most significant gripe with the platform is its pricing structure, with no free plan to speak of and forced advertisements and branding even with paid subscriptions. 

Still, we liked how responsive and helpful the support team is. This is also one of the few AI website generators with multilingual support, which is a major plus. Ultimately, the choice depends on your own priorities as a developer, as well as your overall budget.

TeleportHQ website builder review 2024
2:03 pm |

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

TeleportHQ is a low-code front-end development platform that simplifies the process of creating, maintaining and publishing user interfaces for desktop and mobile devices. Founded in 2017 by Paul Brie, this open-source project aims to centralize the whole process of creating websites while leveraging the power of AI to improve data visualization and code generation.

With TeleportHQ's AI website builder, you can go from a simple description to a fully functional website in minutes. The platform uses advanced ChatGPT technology to generate unique code for your website based on your prompts. What's really exciting is that you can even create websites from hand-drawn plans — simply create a basic sketch of your website layout on the TeleportHQ platform and the vision API will generate your design in minutes using AI-generated code.

We liked that TeleportHQ offers a flexible, collaborative solution for front-end development teams. It enables seamless collaboration between designers and developers, with features like a built-in Figma integration that lets you export frames as HTML. The ability to export your final code in nine different JavaScript frameworks is also a huge plus, allowing you to share your website code via React, Next, Gatsby, Vue, Nuxt, Gridsome, Angular, Preact, or HTML.

However, we also found that TeleportHQ has a steeper learning curve compared to some of the best website builders. The editor and user interface can be challenging to get a grasp of, and once you have generated your AI website pages, it's complicated to customize specific page elements. 

TeleportHQ is an advanced AI website builder best suited for users with intermediate to advanced web development experience, especially agencies looking to leverage AI to bring their clients' website ideas from concept to reality. While it offers cutting-edge AI-driven web development capabilities, the complexity of the platform may be overwhelming for complete beginners.

TeleportHQ plans and pricing

screenshot of teleporthq pricing page

With a simple pricing structure, it is easy to find what you are looking for.  (Image credit: TeleportHQ)

TeleportHQ offers a flexible pricing structure divided into three separate tiers — Free, Professional, and Agency. Each tier comes with incremental benefits and features, with a few limitations imposed on the entry-level plans.

First comes the free website builder plan, which is ideal for those just starting out or looking to explore the capabilities of TeleportHQ. With this plan, users can create up to 3 projects, access 10 code views or downloads, and collaborate with an unlimited number of team members. The Free plan also includes access to real-time collaboration features, free ready-made templates, community support, and basic hosting under the TeleportHQ domain.

For teams and individuals requiring more advanced features and collaboration tools for complex projects, TeleportHQ offers the Professional plan at $18 per editor per month (or $9 per editor per month with an annual subscription). This plan includes all the features of the Free plan, plus unlimited projects, unlimited code views or downloads, unlimited view-only collaborators, the ability to upload videos, private projects, and dedicated customer support. 

Agencies and brands dealing with a high number of projects, more domains, or unique hosting needs can opt for the Agency plan, which offers custom pricing tailored to their specific requirements. This plan includes all the features of the Professional plan, along with publishing on 10+ custom domains, custom storage options, custom bandwidth on demand, and integration with Vercel.

TeleportHQ also provides dedicated support and training from their specialists via video call for users who need technical assistance with their projects. The pricing for this service ranges from $80 for a 1-hour session to $480 for an 8-hour session, depending on the level of support required. It also offers sizable discounts from time to time, making the upgrade from a free plan much easier.

TeleportHQ website builder features

screenshot of teleporthq features list

TeleportHQ several AI powered tools.  (Image credit: TeleportHQ)

With its AI-powered tools, no-code interface, and seamless integrations, TeleportHQ empowers designers and developers to collaborate on web apps ranging from simple to advanced. Here’s a look at some of its best features:

ChatGPT website builder

TeleportHQ's AI website builder leverages the power of OpenAI-generated code to revolutionize the way websites are created. Simply input a description of your desired website, and the AI will generate a responsive layout within seconds, allowing you to customize and refine the design to perfection.

Figma integration

Seamlessly convert your Figma designs into functional code with TeleportHQ's Figma plugin. Export frames as HTML and CSS, and import them directly into TeleportHQ for further customization and development, streamlining your workflow and ensuring consistency between design and code.

Collaborative workspace

You can foster seamless collaboration between designers and developers with TeleportHQ's shared workspace. Work together in real-time, leave comments, and manage version control effortlessly, ensuring that everyone stays on the same page throughout the project lifecycle.

Flexible code export

TeleportHQ allows you to export your final code in nine different JavaScript frameworks, including React, Next, Gatsby, Vue, Nuxt, Gridsome, Angular, Preact, and HTML. This flexibility ensures that you can integrate your work seamlessly with your preferred tech stack and deploy your site instantly.

Advanced customization

Take full control over your website's design with TeleportHQ's advanced customization features. Modify layouts, adjust padding and margins, set background images, and fine-tune text styles using the intuitive Style Inspector Panel and CSS Classes, ensuring pixel-perfect results across all devices.

TeleportHQ website builder: Setup

screenshot of TeleportHQ AI website builder

Once you input your email and password, you can start building your website straight away.  (Image credit: TeleportHQ)

New users can sign up for a free account directly on the TeleportHQ website by providing their email address and creating a password. Upon registration, you are guided through an intuitive onboarding process that introduces the platform's key features and capabilities. This includes an overview of the drag-and-drop editor, design tools, and the collaboration features that enable seamless teamwork between designers and developers.

For first-time users, TeleportHQ offers a library of professionally designed templates that serve as a starting point for creating stunning websites. These templates can be easily customized using the visual editor, allowing users to adjust layouts, colors, fonts, and other design elements to match their brand or personal style. The platform also provides a range of pre-built UI components, such as buttons, forms, and navigation menus, which can be dragged and dropped onto the canvas to quickly build out pages.

Configuring a project in TeleportHQ is equally user-friendly. The platform lets you set up your project settings, including domain configuration, hosting options, and code export preferences. TeleportHQ offers free hosting on its own domain, as well as the ability to connect custom domains for a more professional look. You can also choose to export your code in one of nine different JavaScript frameworks, ensuring compatibility with their preferred tech stack.

As you continue to work with TeleportHQ, you'll find that the platform is designed with a focus on ease of use. The visual editor provides a real-time preview of the website, allowing users to see changes as they make them. The platform also offers advanced features like custom code scripting, which enables you to add interactive elements and dynamic functionality to sites.

TeleportHQ takes care of code minification, image compression, and CDN integration through its AI-generated code, ensuring that websites load quickly and perform well across all devices. The platform also makes it easy to collaborate with team members, with features like real-time editing and commenting, version control, and granular permissions.

TeleportHQ help and support

TeleportHQ offers a comprehensive Help Center with frequently read articles, tutorials, and guides covering various topics, from getting started with AI website generation to advanced features like CMS integrations. For more personalized assistance, you can reach out to the support team via live chat and email whenever you want.

The company also has an active community on Discord where users can ask questions, share tips, and get help from both the support team and other users. However, some users suggest that support responsiveness could be improved, with a few queries going unanswered for days.

While the documentation is extensive, navigating it to find specific answers can be challenging at times. Dedicated customer support and an account manager are available for paying customers on higher-tier plans, which can help ensure more timely and efficient resolution of issues.

TeleportHQ website builder: Final verdict

Unlike most AI-powered website builders, TeleportHQ takes a strong low-code approach to web development, using OpenAI algorithms and ChatGPT to generate the code powering your website. This allows for more in-depth customization, since you have the option to customize the code however you like. 

Of course, TeleportHQ is not just for professional developers. With features like Figma integration, it’s meant to serve as a collaborative hub where both designers and developers can interact with each other to create the perfect website. We especially like how this platform balances a more developer-friendly approach while still remaining accessible for non-technical users.

B12 AI website builder review 2024
12:27 pm |

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

B12 is a powerful AI platform with a focus on speed and support, blending the power of artificial intelligence with a human touch to help professional service providers create polished websites. Founded in 2015, the company's mission is to be one of the best AI website builders, alongside being an all-in-one platform that enables professionals and businesses to attract, win, and serve clients online.

In just 60 seconds, B12's AI engine generates a personalized website draft tailored to your industry, complete with relevant copy, images, and page layouts. This gives you a solid foundation to build upon. From there, you can customize your site using the drag-and-drop editor, or lean on their team of design and copywriting consultants to refine your site to perfection.

We were impressed by the quality of the AI-generated website drafts and how B12 equips you with an array of tools to engage visitors and run your business. Contact forms, online scheduling, invoicing, and email marketing features are seamlessly integrated. It also offers free hosting, a custom domain, and built-in SEO. The level of support offered by B12 is on par with a professional web design agency, unlike most no-code website building software.

On the downside, B12 comes off as a bit more expensive than some of the best website builders. While comprehensive, the sheer number of features could overwhelm some users. The platform is also geared towards service-based small businesses, so it may not be the best fit for every type of website. For example, there is no support for the best ecommerce platform integrations like Shopify.

We found B12 to be a compelling option for service providers and small businesses that want a full-featured website without spending countless hours building one from scratch. The level of support it offers, complete with consultants to help design and write your website content, is a true differentiator. Though it may not be for everyone, B12's a platform worth considering if you’re a service provider looking for a premium service and don’t mind the higher price point.

B12 plans and pricing

screenshot of B12 website builder pricing page

(Image credit: B12)

B12 follows a straightforward pricing structure with a focus on transparency, eliminating the need for add-ons or tacked-on hidden fees. While it may seem more expensive compared to some competitors, it’s worth remembering that this is a focused solution for service providers that also comes with the added benefit of human consultants, which is not very common in the website builder space.

The entry-level plan, called Starter, is free and allows users to build their own website, intake clients, and receive online payments. But, like most free website builder plans, this option includes B12 branded banners on the site and invoices. Basic, priced at $49 per month or $42 per month when billed annually, includes features like a custom domain, online scheduling, and client intake forms, without any platform branding.

For more established businesses, the Professional package at $199 per month or $169 per month when billed annually, offers additional features such as email marketing, contact management, contracts, and eSignatures. It also provides a higher level of support.

The most comprehensive plan is the Advanced package, priced at $399 per month or $339 per month when billed annually. This plan is best suited for businesses with staff or regular collaborators, as it includes access for up to 5 team members and premium features to ensure efficient operations.

B12 also offers a limited-time promotion allowing users to try the platform for $1 per month for the first three months. All plans also include online scheduling, invoicing, and payments, which are often add-ons charged separately by other website builders.

B12 website builder features

screenshot if B12 website builder features

(Image credit: B12)

With its bevy of tools and expert support, B12 simplifies the process of creating, launching, and managing a website. It has a range of specific offerings that cater specifically to service-based businesses. Here’s a look at some of its standout features.

AI-generated website draft

B12's AI technology instantly generates a personalized website draft tailored to your industry in just 60 seconds. This draft includes relevant content, images, and a layout optimized for your business, providing a solid foundation to build upon.

Customizable design

Using the user-friendly B12 Editor, you can easily customize your website's design, color scheme, and content to match your brand. Alternatively, you can collaborate with B12's team of professional designers and copywriters to refine your site further.

Client engagement tools

B12 offers a suite of integrated tools to help you engage with clients and manage your business more efficiently. These include contact forms, online appointment scheduling, invoicing, and email marketing features, all seamlessly integrated into your website.

SEO optimization

From the start, B12 websites are search engine optimized to improve your online visibility. The platform also provides website analytics, allowing you to track your site's performance and make data-driven decisions to enhance your online presence.

Expert support and maintenance

B12's team of web design, copywriting, and SEO experts are available to help you create, launch, and maintain your website. This ongoing support ensures that your site remains up-to-date and optimized for the best chance of success.

B12 AI website builder: Setup

screenshot of B12 AI website builder

(Image credit: B12)

To begin, you'll need to register for an account on the B12 website. The registration process is quick and easy, requiring only your basic information and a valid email address. Once your account is created, B12's onboarding process will guide you through the initial setup, helping you familiarize yourself with the platform's features and capabilities.

When using B12 for the first time, AI-powered systems will generate a personalized website draft based on your industry and preferences. This draft serves as a starting point for your website, which you can then customize using the B12 Editor. The editor allows you to modify your site's design, color scheme, and content to align with your brand and vision. If you need assistance during this process, B12's team of design and copywriting experts is available to help you refine your website.

Configuring your B12 website is simple, thanks to the platform's user-friendly interface. You can easily add and manage pages, integrate your social media accounts, and set up essential features like contact forms and online scheduling. B12 also offers a range of built-in tools to help you engage with your audience and run your business more efficiently, such as email marketing and invoicing.

The platform is designed to grow with your business. You can easily update your website's content, add new features, and expand your online presence as needed. B12's team of experts is always available to provide support and guidance, ensuring that your website remains up-to-date and optimized for success.

Maintaining your website is a breeze, thanks to the automatic software updates and security measures. B12 takes care of the technical aspects of running your website, allowing you to focus on growing your business. With its comprehensive suite of tools and dedicated support team, B12 can help you create and manage your AI-powered website with ease.

B12 help and support

screenshot of B12 website builder support page

(Image credit: B12)

Customers can reach B12's dedicated Customer Success team through multiple channels, including chat, email, and scheduled phone calls. The support team is available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm ET, and strives to respond to inquiries within one business day.

B12's support team is known for its efficiency and customer-friendly approach. They take the time to understand each customer's unique needs and provide personalized assistance. When scheduling a call, the support team member reviews the customer's site beforehand to identify potential issues and formulate solutions, resulting in faster resolution and more thorough answers. Many reviews highlight the excellent work of individual team members, citing their expertise and dedication.

In addition to direct support, B12 offers a comprehensive Help Center with articles and guides covering various topics, from getting started with the platform to advanced features like email marketing and integrations. The self-service resource allows customers to find answers to common questions and learn the best practices for using B12's website builder.

B12 AI website builder: Final verdict

B12 is a premium AI-powered website builder designed specifically for service providers. While it isn’t a good fit for professionals or businesses outside this demographic, it still manages to carve out a niche for itself with its feature-rich platform and excellent support.

We really like the level of support on offer here, with the option to consult with dedicated design, copy, and marketing experts to help take your website to the next level. The level of dedication towards customers really is on par with a professional web design firm rather than a software-as-a-service company. However, if you’re looking for strong ecommerce features or just something at a lower price point, this may not be the platform for you.

Hocoos AI website builder review 2024
11:49 am |

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

Founded by Tibor Madjar and Meir Amzallag in 2020, Hocoos is a London-based company that has quickly made a name for itself in the world of AI-powered web design. It’s a cutting-edge AI website builder with a focus on speed and efficiency, although the lackluster free plan is nothing to write home about.

When you dive into the Hocoos AI website builder, you'll be impressed by its user-friendly interface and the speed at which it generates stunning, personalized websites. By answering just 8 simple questions about your business, Hocoos' AI algorithms get to work, crafting a unique site complete with relevant text, images, and design elements.

The platform also offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to fine-tune your site's appearance with custom color palettes, font pairings, and image filters. Another standout feature is the AI-powered content creation tools. The AI Writer can help you overcome writer's block by generating relevant content for your website. The AI Image Completion tool automatically enhances and completes images, ensuring that your site is visually captivating.

While it excels in many areas, Hocoos has a few caveats you should also consider. Its free plan, for one, is extremely limited — without the ability to even customize your subdomain URL. Moreover, the platform's customization options, while extensive, may not provide the level of control that some developers and designers have come to expect.

Overall, Hocoos is an impressive AI website builder that offers a quick, easy, and efficient way to create professional-looking websites. We like that it also includes an AI-driven blog builder and an AI store builder, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to establish a strong online presence. However, it does not offer the same level of customizability as a full-fledged web design tool like Webflow, Editor X, or Framer. 

Hocoos plans and pricing

screenshot of hocoos pricing page

(Image credit: Hocoos)

Hocoos offers a straightforward and transparent pricing model that caters to different user needs. The platform provides both a free plan and a premium plan, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

The free plan is ideal for personal projects or for those who want to try out the platform before committing to a paid subscription. It includes free website hosting, a limited booking system, a blog (without AI blogging capabilities), 15 image uploads, and 20 uses of AI content generation. While the free plan has some limitations, it still allows users to create a basic website and explore the platform's features.

For those who require more advanced features and functionality, Hocoos offers a premium plan at $15 per month (billed monthly) or $150 per year (which includes two bonus months). The premium plan includes a comprehensive set of features, such as a free custom domain name, free website hosting, online payments, access to over 600,000 stock images, unlimited image uploads, unlimited AI features, a custom email address, and email marketing capabilities.

Unlike many other website builders that offer tiered pricing with varying levels of features, Hocoos provides access to all of its features under an affordable premium plan. This eliminates confusion and ensures that users have access to the full range of tools and capabilities without any hidden costs or upgrade requirements.

Hocoos's pricing is highly competitive when compared to other AI website builders in the market. We think that the platform's combination of advanced AI features, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive set of tools at a pocket-friendly price point makes it an attractive option for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to establish a professional presence.

Hocoos website builder features

Hocoos is a powerful AI website builder that simplifies the process of creating professional websites. With its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and AI-powered tools, Hocoos empowers users to build stunning websites tailored to their unique needs.

AI website creation

Hocoos' AI wizard creates custom websites in minutes by asking users a series of simple questions. The AI generates a unique website complete with content, design, and images based on the user's answers, streamlining the website creation process and saving time.

Drag-and-drop editor

The Hocoos AI Website Builder features an intuitive drag-and-drop editor that allows users to easily modify text, swap photos, add new sections, and customize their website's appearance. The editor provides a wide range of customization options, including unique color palettes, custom fonts, and an extensive image library.

AI content creation

Hocoos offers a suite of AI-powered tools to enhance the website building experience. The AI Image Completion tool automatically enhances and completes images, while the AI Content Creator generates engaging, relevant content for pages, widgets, and blog posts.

Ecommerce and booking

Hocoos enables users to set up online stores and booking systems with ease. The platform provides features such as product pages, inventory management, multiple payment methods, and a unified app to control every aspect of the business.

Blogging and marketing

Hocoos offers a powerful AI-driven blog builder that creates engaging blog posts designed to captivate readers. The platform also provides marketing features, such as email marketing, SEO tools, and analytics, to help users grow their online presence and make data-driven decisions.

Hocoos AI website builder: Setup

screenshot of hocoos website builder website editor

(Image credit: Hocoos)

Getting started with Hocoos AI Website Builder is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly interface and streamlined setup process. To begin, simply visit the Hocoos website and click on the "Create My Website" button. You'll be prompted to enter your email address, which will serve as your login credential for future access to your account. 

Once registered, Hocoos' AI-powered onboarding wizard will guide you through a series of eight simple questions about your business, such as its name, location, purpose, and unique aspects. Your answers will help the AI generate a tailored website that aligns with your brand and goals. After completing the onboarding process, Hocoos will create your unique website in a matter of seconds.

The platform's intuitive drag-and-drop editor allows you to customize your website's layout, colors, fonts, and content to your liking. You can also take advantage of Hocoos's extensive image library and AI-powered tools, such as the AI Image Completion and AI Content Creator, to enhance your website's visual appeal and engage your audience. 

You can easily connect your custom domain, enable online payments through popular gateways like PayPal and Stripe, and access marketing tools to promote your website. The platform also offers a range of features and integrations to help you grow your business, such as setting up an online store, creating a blog, and managing bookings.

Hocoos handles all the technical aspects, such as hosting, security, and updates, allowing you to focus on growing your business. You can easily make changes to your website's content and design using the user-friendly editor, ensuring that your site remains fresh and up-to-date.

Hocoos support

screenshot of hocoos website builder support page

(Image credit: Hocoos)

While it does not provide detailed information about support hours, Hocoos emphasizes that its customer support team is 100% human. Unfortunately, the only way to contact the support team is through a form on the company website, with no other options for real-time support like phone or chat. While that’s hardly a perfect situation, this isn’t uncommon among web development startups working with small teams. 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t get much better from there. Due to the platform's rapid growth and the unexpected volume of support requests, users have reported issues with response times, particularly after upgrading to premium plans. While there are instances where the CEO reached out directly to resolve persistent customer issues, the support infrastructure is a bit of a hit and miss overall.

While there is room for improvement in terms of response times and transparency about support availability, Hocoos seems to display a customer-centric approach, actively implementing feedback to enhance its current support services. Per company responses to user reviews, it's also in the process of expanding its support team and improving help documentation.

Hocoos AI website builder: Final verdict

As far as AI website builders go, Hocoos presents as a feature-rich solution with a lot working in its favor. Its arsenal of tools for creating, maintaining, and expanding your online presence, coupled with the extremely reasonable price point, makes it a great choice for users who haven’t created a website before. 

However, power users may not find a lot to love here. Not only is the free plan extremely limited, but manual customization is a bit of a challenge even on the premium plans. This, along with the lack of proper support infrastructure for diagnosing and fixing technical issues, makes it a tough sell for complex websites and large organizations.

Adobe Lightroom Mobile (2024) review
6:59 pm | May 28, 2024

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

Adobe Lightroom is a very good tool to organize and edit your photos and videos. We’re big fans of Adobe’s professional photography software - you can see what we thought in our Adobe Lightroom review - but can you really slim down that feature-rich experience for mobile devices? 

We put Lightroom for iOS and Android to the test to see if it’s the best photo editor for photographers using phones and tablets.  

Adobe Lightroom Mobile: Pricing & plans

Adobe Lightroom Mobile during our review process

The Generative AI tool to remove unwanted objects from your shot works impressively well, even if it’s still in ‘Early Access’ (Image credit: Adobe)
  • A free sample is good, but the best tools are always hidden behind a paywall. Still, the full features come bundled with a subscription to the desktop version of Lightroom, so that’s got to be a plus.

The good news is Lightroom Mobile can be downloaded for free, but its feature-set is limited. You have the ability to organize and share your photos, as well as use most editing tools, but the juiciest ones are restricted behind a paywall.

Any Adobe subscription that includes the main Lightroom application includes the mobile version too, and unlocks all of its features. $10 a month on a yearly contract gets you either Lightroom with 1TB of online storage, or 20GB bundled with Photoshop, while $20 a month includes everything: Lightroom, Photoshop and 1TB cloud storage. 

Alternatively, you can subscribe to the Creative Cloud All Apps plan, which bundles Lightroom for mobile and desktop alongside Photoshop, premiere Pro, InDesign, and more. For an individual, this costs $60 a month on a one-year contract. However, prices vary if you're an individual, student, business, or university, and whether you pay monthly or annually. 

  • Pricing & plans: 4/5

Adobe Lightroom Mobile: Accessing media

Adobe Lightroom Mobile during our review process

Lightroom Mobile’s sliders are easy to use and even get out of the way as you’re performing alterations (Image credit: Adobe)
  • It’s easy to choose how much of your device’s media to share with Lightroom, all your shots saved on Adobe’s servers are but a tap away, and you can get inspiration via the community tab.

As with all mobile apps, Lightroom needs to ask you for permission to access the images stored on your device. You’re free to deny this, grant it full access or limit it to just a select few, safe in the knowledge you’re able to grow or shrink that list in the future.

In addition to that, any media you have saved on Adobe's servers can be accessed via the ‘Lightroom' tab at the bottom of the interface when browsing through your collection. This integrates perfectly with all versions of Lightroom, meaning you can effortlessly bring in media from any device, knowing you'll be able to work on it on any machine logged in to the same Adobe ID. This is a huge plus, and can be a wonderful time saver, giving you great flexibility with your workflow.

Finally, there's the Community tab, which not only lets you explore other people’s work, follow specific artists, and grab inspiration from them, but you can also save their color correction parameters as presets, which you can use for your own images, and customize them to suit your needs.

  • Score: 4/5

Adobe Lightroom Mobile: Interface & experience

Adobe Lightroom Mobile during our review process

The interface automatically analyses your image and offers a selection of presets it thinks would help improve your shot - should you wish to use one of them (Image credit: Adobe)
  • A great interface, well designed, simple to use, with a wealth of powerful tools at your fingertips. What’s not to love?

Lightroom Mobile's interface is incredibly polished and easy to understand. Once you've selected an image to work on, the majority of the screen will be taken up by it, with a sidebar on the right offering you a list of tools broken down by category: edit, presets, crop & rotate, remove, masking, lens blur, and version history.

Essentially, anything you can do on the desktop version of Lightroom, you can do on a phone or tablet, offering you immense versatility. Let's just take a look at a handful of features that really impressed us.

Let’s start with some well thought out interface touches: when you’re in the process of changing a parameter, the whole editing sidebar disappears, allowing you to focus on the image while dragging that slider left or right. Release the slider and all the tools reappear instantly. It’s subtle, well implemented, and a great way to remove any distraction from precision work.

The Presets are a nice inclusion, although there are so many to choose from. What we liked was that the software analyzes your photo and offers you a choice it thinks would suit your composition well. You don’t need to go with that selection of course, but considering the sheer volume of available presets, it’s nice there’s a feature that can help you narrow down your search, should you want it. It’s also possible for you to create your own presets, defining a unique look which you can use again and again.

Adobe Lightroom Mobile during our review process

The masking tools are amazing, work great, are easy to use and supremely powerful - what more could you ask for? (Image credit: Adobe)

The mask tools are, for us, probably the most impressive in the range. Making particular changes to a specific part of an image was something you most likely would’ve gone to Photoshop to perform, but no longer. With these masks, you can perform such alterations without needing to leave Lightroom. Yes, Photoshop is included with certain subscription packages, including Photoshop for iPad, but isn’t it better if you can just remain in a single app and keep on working uninterrupted? We think so, and clearly, so does Adobe.

You get to add as many masks as you need to an image, and make use of special algorithms to automatically select the sky, a person, a specific color range, or the shot’s luminance. Then, any changes you make will only affect the area selected by the mask. Adding or removing sections is as easy as tapping on the relevant menu. You can create incredibly unique looks that way, and it’s so easy to use, it’s almost effortless.

And finally a quick word on the Lens Blur: it uses AI algorithms to create an artificial depth of field to your image, blurring our sections while keeping others in sharp focus. Again, the interface is very easy to master, with a graphic slider to help you select how much of the foreground or the background to keep in focus, a crosshair to be more specific about your selection, a slider to select the amount of blur, and a choice of five lenses. It’s as easy as pointing and clicking.

  • Score: 5/5

Should I buy?

Adobe Lightroom Mobile during our review process

The blur tools use AI to create an artificial depth of field. You have a choice of lenses, can alter the strength of the blur and easily select which part of the image you wish to focus on (Image credit: Adobe)

Buy it if...

You like to edit your images on the go, enjoy a clean, easy to use interface that’s quick to master, love being able to work on the same image both on your mobile device, and your computer.

Don't buy it if...

The power Lightroom Mobile offers is too much for your needs, you don't want to subscribe, or you just want the best Adobe Lightroom alternatives


We tested the best photo editing PCs and the best laptops for photo editing and these are our top picks for photographers. 

Adobe Lightroom (2024) review
6:36 pm |

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

Adobe Lightroom is a tool designed to organize and edit your photos. This might make it sound like it’s nothing more than a souped up organizational app that comes bundled with your computer, but as you’d expect from Adobe, it’s much more powerful than that. We wanted to see what one of the best photo editors offers professional photographers today - so, we put it to the test.  

Adobe Lightroom: Pricing & plans

Adobe Lightroom during our review

If you need to make complex alterations, Photoshop is just a right-click away for subscribers (Image credit: Adobe)
  • Adobe offers a good number of Lightroom subscriptions - but no local storage on the standalone 1TB plan

Lightroom used to be an app you paid for, before adding a complementary subscription plan. Now, as with most of Adobe’s professional offerings, you only have the option of subscribing - either as a standalone plan or as part of the Creative Cloud All Apps package, which bundled in Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and more. 

The CC All Apps prices vary depending on whether you opt for a yearly contract, choose to go on a month by month basis, and if you’re an individual, student, teacher, or business. Taking the individual as an example, this will cost you $60 a month on a one-year contract.

A single subscription to Lightroom is $10 a month, which includes 1TB of online storage. And you’ll also find a Lightroom and Photoshop combo for the same price, although your online storage would drop to 20GB unless you opt for the terabyte subscription. 

There’s one thing you need to be aware of though: the 1TB Lightroom-only subscription option doesn’t allow you to work with photos stored locally. It’s cloud-based all the way. The other options include an offline facility.

  • Pricing & plans: 3.5/5

Adobe Lightroom: What is It?

Adobe Lightroom during our review

Adobe Lightroom lets you make advanced color adjustments to get your photo to look just right (Image credit: Adobe)
  • An excellent and versatile application designed to help you organize, catalog, edit and share your work.

The reason why Adobe includes so much bundled storage with a Lightroom subscription is because it’s primarily designed to work online: you upload your media and work from there. This has the advantage of granting you access to your library wherever you might be, and on whichever machine you happen to be logged into. This is undeniably an advantage, but you can also opt to keep your data safely on your own machine should you prefer, by switching from ‘Cloud’ to ‘Local’ on the left sidebar (and you’ve chosen the proper subscription of course). Even better, you can choose which photos or videos to keep locally, and which to send to the cloud, giving you the most control over your work, and offering you the best of both worlds.

The Local side of things grants you access to your entire hard drive, so if you’ve organized anything into specific folders there, you’ll find it all replicated within Lightroom. Click on a folder from the sidebar and if it contains any images, they’ll show up at the bottom of the interface.

To the right are all the tools available to you to make alterations to your photos. Everything is neatly divided by category, including a large selection of presets, the usual colour adjustment curves and parameters, cropping, healing brushes, masking, and a very handy version history of all the changes you made to an image, enabling you to roll back the clock if needed.

Adobe Lightroom during our review

Lightroom also has a community center, where you can follow your favorite artists, and contribute to the platform (Image credit: Adobe)

All of this is fantastic, and makes for an extremely powerful cataloging and editing application. It’s safe to say that most of the tweaks you need to make can be done without ever having to leave Lightroom, although Photoshop is but a click away (as long as you subscribe to it as well).

The left sidebar also gives you access to the ‘Community’, where you can see other people’s works, follow your favorite photographers, and even contribute yourself. It’s a great way to draw inspiration from others, or just ignore it completely if that’s not your kind of thing. Above it, is ‘Learn’, a place filled with tutorials to help you make the most of Lightroom.

In addition to that, there’s an app for mobile use (for both Android and iOS), as well as a web version, so wherever you are, as long as your photos are stored online, you can view, edit and share your work with ease. You can see what we thought of the app in our Adobe Lightroom Mobile review.

  • Score: 4.5/5

Adobe Lightroom: What’s new?

Adobe Lightroom during our review

Lightroom has a wealth of presets, each with a slider, enabling you to alter their intensity, some of which are AI-driven (Image credit: Adobe)
  • Lightroom is constantly being updated, offering ever more useful and advanced tools to your arsenal.

As it’s been a while since we last looked at Lightroom, a lot has changed, and the pricing structure mentioned above is just the tip of the iceberg. We thought we’d highlight a handful we found interesting and useful.

We discussed the Masking tool’s location in the interface earlier, but being able to make changes to specific areas while leaving the rest untouched is one more reason not to have to pay a visit to Photoshop!

You’ll find a series of different ‘adaptive’ presets available. These use AI to analyze and modify a specific portion of your photo, such as the sky, someone’s clothes, their teeth, etc. and make pre-defined alterations to them. The seven blur presets are designed to help you subtly blur your image’s background, for instance. You also have control over your presets as they now have sliders to allow you to tweak the intensity of the effect you’re adding.

Cameras can do more than taking photos: they can also record videos, and Lightroom’s been able to edit those since 2022, from the basics, such as trimming, flipping and rotating, to color correction. As of May 2024, you can also make use of curves when altering your clips. You also have the ability to extract and export still frames.

Would it surprise you to know that AI is creeping more and more into the tools you use everyday? The Denoise feature is AI-driven for instance (only available if you’re working with Bayer and X-Trans mosaic RAW files), and the content-aware heal tool can do some moderately interesting work, but it’s nothing next to the new Generative Remove (currently in Early Access). It does an incredible job not only at removing an unwanted part of an image (the standard heal tool could do that already), but the generated background fill is truly incredible. We tried it on a person in front of the sea, or flecks of bamboo off of fur, and the results were astounding. We also went a little too far by trying to remove the entire foreground and those results were more comical than anything else, so use it in moderation. For an early access feature, and for detailed work, we were most impressed.

  • Score: 4.5/5

Should I buy?

Adobe Lightroom during our review

The latest tool (currently available in Early Access), uses AI to remove objects from a photo, expertly filling in the background; we were very impressed by the results (Image credit: Adobe)

Buy it if...

You’re a photographer, you need advanced tools to alter your images and videos, you need to be able to access a community, and work on your computer, tablet and the web.

Don't buy it if...

You're not interested in a subscription or you're ideally looking for the best Adobe Lightroom alternatives


We tested out the best photo editing PCs and the best laptops for photo editing and these are our top picks. 

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw / i-SENSYS MF754Cdw review
5:47 pm |

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

Type: color A4 laser multifunction printer

Functions: Print, scan, copy, fax 

Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet 

Data storage slots: USB Host    

Print speed: 35ppm (mono) 

Paper capacity: 250 + 50 sheets 

Print quality: 1,200 x 1,200 dpi

Scan quality: 600 600 dpi 

Apple AirPrint: yes 

Consumables included: 4x toner cartridges (2,100 mono pages, 1,100 color) 

Dimensions/Weight: 425 x 461 x 430 mm (WxDxH) / 23.6kg

If Canon’s latest laser all-in-one looks pretty stylish for an office printer, the spec sheet looks even better. With a print speed of 35ppm, auto duplex scanning and a customizable touchscreen, this premium MFP (multifunction printer) is already one of the best laser printers for small and medium-sized businesses. The Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw is called the Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw in Europe and as I happen to be testing the UK model, I’ll go with that product name throughout this review, but the US variant is identical aside from the plug.

The Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw is a four-in-one, so it can print, copy, scan and fax and it’s aimed both at the individual and a shared office. Like all the best small business printers, that means it’s compact and thoughtfully designed, while having a rapid print speed and a high recommended monthly duty cycle of 40,000 pages. There’s no inbuilt NFC, but otherwise, this feature-rich desktop printer lacks nothing in terms of connectivity or functionality. 

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw: Design & build

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

Multifunction laser printers are too often the office eyesore, but not so this classy and compact Canon model. It’s a little smaller than its predecessor and all of its comparable competitors without sacrificing features. The 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) on top is a particularly neat design. Despite the size, there’s plenty of room for paper with the main tray holding 250 sheets and the MP tray and ADF each holding another 50. The output tray can hold 150 sheets which is twice the capacity of the outgoing Canon model. You can also expand the paper input capacity by adding a second drawer beneath the first. The PF-K1 Paper Feeder accessory costs around US$249.99 (£150) and holds another 550 sheets of Letter or A4 paper.

The Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw has the same form factor as just about every other laser all-in-one printer with the ADF on top, a glass scanner beneath this, the main paper in-tray at the bottom and the out-tray in the middle. Canon has improved on its previous design by moving the MP tray to the front for faster loading of special media such as headed letter paper and envelopes.

You’ll find connections for Ethernet, USB and fax modem cables at the rear and a USB Host port conveniently located at the front for walk-up printing from a USB flash memory drive. The 12.7cm touchscreen LCD is also very user-friendly with its tilting panel and customizable display. Overall, the design is excellent and the build quality feels pretty strong too. It already looks like a dangerous rival to the Brother MFC-L8690CDW

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw: Features & specifications

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

The Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw is a 4-in1, which means it can send or receive a fax in addition to duplex printing, duplex scanning and copying. At 35ppm, the print speed for single-sided printing is fast while the first print out time (FPOT) of 7 seconds is similarly impressive. It scans quickly too. But what’s more significant is that it can scan both sides of a document automatically. Single pass 2-sided scanning is a trick only the more expensive machines can manage.

As mentioned, you have plenty of paper capacity here, with the opportunity to expand by adding an optional second in-tray. It can print on any size paper in Letter or A4 format but only up to 200 g/m² in weight. In other words, it can’t print on thick card. It also has decent capacity for toner with the high-yield cartridges being able to print up to 5,500 color pages and 7,600 black. However, the bundled setup cartridges only contain enough toner for 1,100 color pages and 2,100 black. Canon-branded cartridges for this printer are not cheap, so the CPP (cost per page) is slightly above average for this category of laser printer, unfortunately. 

The Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw has all the features you could ask of an enterprise-level MFP with the exception of an NFC (near field communication) module. That’s a nice feature to have in a shared office environment where workers can call down personal print jobs using their NFC enabled ID cards, but it’s probably not a deal-breaker for most. Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi Direct and AirPrint compatibility is built, there’s a USB Host port, Ethernet port and a fancy five-inch touchscreen. This interface can be customized so that your most frequently used functions appear on the first page of the menu system. 

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw: Setup & operation

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

The Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw comes with a very hefty setup guide, but don’t worry, you won’t need it. The toner cartridges come pre-installed, so it’s really just a case of filling the paper tray, plugging in and following the setup instructions that appear on the display. The touchscreen is large so entering your wi-fi password is quite easy. However, it’s also overly sensitive and I found it difficult to scroll through the menu without selecting options by accident. 

Laser printers need to get up to operating temperature before they can print, and in this case, that takes 14 seconds, which is about average. Printing and scanning is fast, so it’s a satisfying printer to operate. There’s also a good companion app called Canon PRINT for iOS/Android that simplifies remote printing and scanning via the cloud. 

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw: Performance

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

The Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw performed very well in all of our tests. I found the given print rate of 35ppm for simplex pages to be pretty accurate. Duplex printing is also fast with the paper being turned quickly and quietly and without any paper jams during the test. Draft mode gives the fastest print speed and uses significantly less toner, but the printouts are so pale, they’re hard to read. In regular mode, both color and monochrome pages print at the same speed, as with all lasers, and both look pleasingly bold and detailed.

Pages of text appear consistently crisp and easy to read at very small point sizes, while mixed color documents really grab your attention with their bright colors and professional finish. Laser printers rarely do justice to photographs, but the Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw fares better than most. Overall, the print quality is very good. 

The ADF is also a pleasure to use, thanks to its speed, capacity and its duplex scanning mode. The only slightly irritating thing about the Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw is the sensitive touchscreen which makes it too easy to select the wrong thing. Otherwise, it put in a very strong all-round performance. 

Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw: Final verdict

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

As a compact AOI for the home office, or a speedy do-it-all printer in a shared office, the Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw does not disappoint. One of the best printers of its class, it’s sleek enough to fit conveniently into any stylish office, while having the speed and paper capacity to meet very high print demands. And don’t forget that you can add a second paper tray to boost that capacity by 550 sheets. It’s also bursting with useful features such as automatic duplex scanning and a 50-sheet ADF. The customizable 5-inch touchscreen is a good size, but a little too sensitive, while the inbox startup cartridges are a little light on toner. What really sells this printer though, is its excellent print quality. If you print and scan frequently and you demand a professional finish, then this is the printer for you.  


Looking for your next printer? We compared the best Canon printers 

Original Prusa XL review
4:55 pm |

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

The Original Prusa XL is a colossal machine packed with innovative features that firmly place this filament multi-changer at the top of the desirability list. However, unlike the ultra-speedy Bambu machines with their multifilament AMS system, which tends to scatter filament offcuts everywhere, the XL is far more refined. Prusa Research has departed from the traditional single-head design and has opted instead for a multi-head approach. Although head swapping takes a few seconds, it's considerably faster than the filament switching used by most other systems.

While the multifilament ability should be a major feature of this machine, it is actually the sheer scale that makes it stand out. The print area is one of the largest of its type, and with Prusa Research and their machines now having an extensive reach into both the professional and enthusiast markets, this machine truly excels in terms of scale and features.

The Original Prusa XL is undoubtedly a pro-level machine, and this updated CoreXY printer marks a significant departure from the company's standard Cartesian design. The results are superb, but as with any large-scale 3D printer, the importance of the procedure cannot be overstated.. If everything is set up correctly, it's just a matter of ensuring your filament is in good condition, and the machine will handle the rest; if your filament is in the slightest bit out of condition, then the results, as with any of the best 3D printers, will be out.

Original Prusa XL: Design

Original Prusa XL

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

As already mentioned the Original Prusa XL represents a significant departure from the company's tried and tested Cartestian bed-slinger design. Instead, it adopts the CoreXY mechanism and the latest firmware supporting input shaping, pressure advance, and precise stepping. The two standout features of this printer are its multifilament capability and its size. Although available in one--, two--, or five-head configurations, opting for at least two heads is highly recommended, with the option to add the remaining heads as the budget allows. In this 3D printer, review we've been able to go all out with the five head model.

This printer reflects Prusa Research's evolution as a major player in the open-source community. While the machine is available and nearly ready to use, it is also available as an open-source project, with files accessible on printables.com. Currently, there is no bill of materials, and purchasing the machine directly is likely easier and more cost-effective.

Design-wise, the XL is considerably larger than the MK4 in both physical size and print area—360 x 360 x 360mm compared to the MK4's 250 x 210 x 220mm. The CoreXY design features a rising build platform and a distinctive belt system. Notably, the machine includes an array of five-tool heads fitted to the back, a departure from the single-head MMU3 multifilament kits for the MK3 and MK4. This new design utilizes a single carrier that picks up one of the five-tool heads, uses it for printing, and then returns it before swapping to the next, minimizing filament waste between swaps.

Filaments are neatly installed on the side of the machine, fed through filament sensors, and then into the tool heads, allowing for easy changes and updates. Each filament has its own sensor system to detect issues. If a head blocks, it can be taken out of action for repairs or replacement without pausing all work—a major consideration for businesses.

Original Prusa XL

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The print platform features the usual flexible bed to aid print removal, with different textures available. The heated bed underneath is segmented, heating only the necessary sections to save energy. Should any section malfunction, it can easily be replaced. Prusa offers a wide range of accessories and replacements, ensuring minimal downtime.

The control board maintains a slightly larger, initially analogue display with a click-and-rotate dial for navigation. While the dial approach is functional, you can switch to a touchscreen with a more modern interface through the interface.

For loading files, the printer supports direct wireless connections via the excellent PrusaSlicer software or through a USB key. Networking set-up requires some effort, but detailed instructions are provided, and once connected, the connection is strong and reliable.

Despite its size, the XL's footprint is surprisingly small, thanks to side-mounted reel holders. This set-up conserves desk space compared to other multifilament systems including that of the MMU3 and MK4, making its overall space requirement comparable to much smaller machines.

Original Prusa XL: Features

Original Prusa XL

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Feature-wise, the Original Prusa XL 3D printer stands out in the professional market with a unique approach that contrasts with the more refined and less modular designs typically seen. This adaptability, informed by extensive feedback from both enthusiasts and professional users, makes the XL a product shaped by actual user needs and demands.

The base model is relatively affordable, starting at around £2,000/€2,000, with the price increasing depending on the number of tool heads selected and additional future accessories, such as a full enclosure. This flexibility will be particularly appealing to professional outfits, as it enables you to tailor the machine to specific requirements. Additionally, as a Prusa Research system, it supports third-party updates and upgrades that are available for download from printables.com, allowing further customization.

At the core of the XL is a modular system that supports up to five independent tool heads. This set-up not only enables the use of up to five different colours of the same material or various materials in one print but also promises future expandability for specialist heads and is compaitible with the superb E3D V6. 

One of the standout features, besides the five-tool heads, is the substantial build volume of 360 x 360 x 360 mm, making it one of the largest available for the price. The printer also features a selectively heated bed with 16 individually controlled segments. This design not only reduces power consumption when printing smaller objects but also enhances the machine's ability to manage different materials by providing precise temperature control for multiple models made from various materials.

Specs

Print Technology: CoreXY
Build Area: 360 x 360 x 360 mm (14.17 x 14.17 x 14.17 inches)
Minimum Layer Resolution: 0.4 nozzle that comes with the machine, the minimum is 0.1mm with a 0.25 nozzle, the minimum layer height is 0.05mm
Maximum Layer Resolution:  0.4 nozzle that comes with the machine, the maximum is 0.25mm with a 0.8 nozzle, the maximum layer height is 0.55mm
Dimensions: 800×800×900 mm (31.49" ×31.49’’× 35.43") side spool holders and top enclosure cover (Future addition)
Weight: 25.3Kg
Bed: Modular segmented heatbed with 16 individually controlled segments
Print Surface: Removable magnetic steel sheets with different surface finishes
Software: PrusaSlicer
Materials: Supports a wide range including PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, and more
Print Speed: 400mm/s

First-layer printing is crucial, especially with multiple heads. The XL incorporates an advanced calibration system that includes fully automatic mesh bed levelling and skew axes compensation to ensure high precision. While the machine was pretty solid over the two-month testing period, we got into the procedure of calibrating the machine at the start of the week, which helped to ensure generally trouble-free printing.  

The printer also includes several advanced features that are more common, such as power panic recovery, filament sensors, and advanced motion algorithms (Input Shaper and Pressure Advance), which are essential for maintaining high print speeds without compromising quality.

Like other PRUSA printers, the XL comes with removable magnetic steel sheets tailored for different materials, and a dab of glue stick is included for more challenging prints. The machine boasts wide material compatibility, and an enclosure is forthcoming to maintain a stable printing environment, which is especially beneficial for specialized materials. Although details about the casing are yet to be announced, the enclosure may include features like a heated environment with filters and possibly a filament drying chamber to enhance its utility further.

Original Prusa XL: Performance

Original Prusa XL

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

It's important to note that the Original Prusa XL is a large-scale printer. Yet, it manages to maintain the precision typically seen in much smaller machines; essentially, it's a big little printer. When conducting benchmark tests with a single head, the machine focuses its heating and operations on a small area, achieving the speed and precision that one would expect from smaller counterparts.

A key to this high level of performance is the weight and rigidity of the XL, which significantly reduces the shake or wobble that can affect lighter, smaller models. This stability is crucial for effectively handling the speed and power of the motors and filament delivery. Initial tests displayed impressive accuracy, although there were some issues with surface finish and filament stringing in the first large print, this turned out to be due to the use of an older, exposed filament that was sat around for testing. After switching to a fresh reel, the surface quality of subsequent large-scale prints significantly improved, showcasing the importance of using well-maintained materials.

The environment and material handling are critical for the XL. Similar to best practices emphasized by teams like CEL-UK, maintaining filaments in optimal condition is vital. Once the enclosure is integrated into the system, it should further stabilize print conditions and enhance quality control. All subsequent prints in the workshop, using fresh or dried filament, showed that while small prints were not drastically different, the surface quality of larger prints was noticeably better.

Original Prusa XL

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The XL's performance is exemplary when printing with a single filament. The PrusaSlicer software offers comprehensive control over settings, allowing adjustments across three user modes tailored to different levels of experience. Switching to dual-filament printing for support and main build structures, the XL showcases its capability to handle complex models that might be challenging or frustrating on other machines.

The real advantage of multifilament printing isn't just the ability to use multiple colours; it's the capacity to combine different materials in a single print. For instance, PRUSA Research provides a test model of a small protective box, where the main body is printed in PLA, the locks are PETG, and the rubber weather seal is made of a flexible material. This multi-material approach allows the entire box to be printed as one piece but with functional diversity, such as lever locks and a watertight seal.

Continued tests utilizing mixed materials demonstrate the system's versatility, enhancing what can be achieved with the printer. The XL excels in overall print quality and speed, benefiting from the CoreXY mechanics. Filament swaps are notably quicker than other systems, and the print quality remains distinctly Prusa, achieving the highest benchmark results recorded to date at a perfect 30.

Original Prusa XL: Print quality

Dimensional accuracy - score of 5 

Target 25 = X: 24.94mm / 0.06mm Error | Y: 24.90mm / 0.10mm Error 

Target 20 = X: 19.88mm / 0.12mm Error | Y: 19.89mm / 0.11mm Error 

Target 15 = X: 14.97mm / 0.03mm Error | Y: 14.93mm / 0.07mm Error 

Target 10 = X: 9.90mm / 0.10mm Error | Y: 19.85mm / 0.15mm Error 

Target 5 = X: 4.91mm / 0.09mm Error | Y: 4.89mm / 0.11mm Error 

X Error Average = 0.08

Y Error Average = 0.108

X&Y Error Average = 0.094

Fine Flow Control - score of 5 

Fine Negative Features - score of 5

Overhangs - score of 5 

Bridging - score of 5

XY resonance - score of 2.5

Z-axis alignment - score of 2.5

Adding up the totals gives a final score of 30 out of 30.

Original Prusa XL: Final verdict

Original Prusa XL

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

While the Original Prusa XL's cost may make it beyond the reach of many hobbyists, the MK4 and MMU3 options well-serve the enthusiast market. The XL, however, is primarily aimed at professionals or enthusiasts looking to upscale their projects. The design of the XL nods to the build-it-yourself ethos of the open-source community but presents a more refined version that can be tailored to user specifications.

Addressing some of the smaller concerns with the XL, one notable issue is the absence of an enclosure. Although one has been announced, details regarding its features—such as heating, filtration, or an integrated filament drying station—are still pending. Additionally, some standard features commonly found in enthusiast machines, like a camera for remote monitoring and a touchscreen interface, are not included but can be retrofitted with some technical skill, guided by online tutorials.

Another point of critique involves the tool head mounting system. Initial installation can be challenging, and while the tool heads generally secure in place adequately, the fittings may not feel robust over time, raising concerns about long-term reliability.

These are all but small issues, and in reality, the XL is a robust machine offering significant adaptability for both individuals and businesses. Out of the box, even as a single-head printer, it ranks among the largest and best solutions available in this price range. The multifilament capabilities and the efficient operation of the tool heads set it apart from competitors, including the ultra-fast Bambu machines, which target the enthusiast sector directly rather than professional.

The XL is unmatched in terms of accuracy and speed in its category. With the forthcoming enclosure and potential additions like a touchscreen and camera, the Original Prusa XL is poised to set a new standard for FFF printers in its price range, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking top level performance and adaptability.

Should You Buy the Original Prusa XL?


We've also tested out the best laser engravers

Visual Composer review 2024: A free website builder dedicated to WordPress
1:38 pm |

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

In our detailed Visual Composer review we explore this top website builder tailored specifically for WordPress users. Visual Composer stands out as a versatile and powerful plugin that lets businesses and creative individuals build stunning and highly functional websites without any coding knowledge. As a WordPress plugin, it seamlessly integrates with the platform, offering a simple drag-and-drop interface for building and customizing web pages.

Our expertise in site building and WordPress plugins allows us to provide trustworthy advice on Visual Composer's capabilities and features. With years of experience in evaluating website builders and design tools, our insights aim to guide readers like yourself in making smart decisions about their online presence.

Throughout our review, we explore the features and functionalities of Visual Composer, including its drag-and-drop interface, templates, and integration with WordPress features. We also highlight the benefits of using Visual Composer for businesses of all sizes, especially for small startups. Whether you're a web wizard or a business beginner, our review reveals how Visual Composer can take your site to the next level.

Visual Composer: Features and tools

screenshot of Visual Composer homepage

Visual Composer helps you builder powerful websites on top of the WordPress CMS  (Image credit: Visual Composer )

From drag-and-drop functionality to customizable templates, we'll cover everything you need to know to make the most of this powerful WordPress plugin. Let’s start with the editor. 

Drag-and-drop editor

screenshot of Visual Composer theme builder

The website editor is easy to use with a simple menu. (Image credit: Visual Composer)

Visual Composer proudly touts its drag-and-drop editor as the pinnacle of site creation tools, providing a user-friendly experience for all. With over 500 content elements ready for use, including text, buttons, maps, images, videos, galleries, and grids, crafting visually stunning web pages becomes almost effortless.

We've found that the editor's flexibility makes it easy to organize elements within rows, allowing you to create layouts that look good on any device, whether it's a desktop or a smartphone. The best part is that you don't need to be a coding whiz to make it happen. Thanks to drag-and-drop functionality, designing your dream site is easier than ever.

screenshot of Visual Composer website builder

Simply select the elements you want to include on your website and Visual Composer does the rest for you.  (Image credit: Visual Composer)

This site builder also impressed us with its live frontend editor, giving us the power to tweak our site in real-time and see the changes immediately. This eliminated the hassle of constantly switching between editing and preview modes, making the process much smoother. Plus, seeing how our changes would appear to visitors helped us fine-tune our site in any way we wanted.

When it comes to making quick text tweaks and edits, Visual Composer has got you covered with its inline editor. We liked how easy it was to activate the editor - just a simple double-click on any text element and boom, you're ready to make changes right on the page. No more digging through endless menus or settings.

Meanwhile, Visual Composer's Theme Builder, available with premium/paid plans, puts you in the driver's seat of your site's design. With it, you can craft custom layouts for every part of your site, from individual pages to archive displays. Once you activate one of the premium plans, the addon seamlessly integrates into your dashboard menu for easy access. Within the Theme Builder, you can unleash your creativity, designing unique headers, footers, and sidebars. Starting with pre-designed content, you can tweak and polish your layout until it's just right. Plus, you can incorporate various elements to add dynamic flair to your design.

screenshot of Visual Composer website editor

Although simple to use, the website editor offers a great level of flexibility.  (Image credit: Visual Composer)

Visual Composer's tree view editor felt a bit like working with the layer panels in design software like Photoshop. This hierarchical view gave us a clear picture of our site's structure, making it super easy to manage elements and layouts. Whether we were tinkering with a simple portfolio or a massive e-commerce site, the tree view editor gave us a bird's-eye perspective that made handling even the most complex projects pretty painless.

All in all, we found Visual Composer to be a trusted ally for crafting WordPress sites. Its robust feature set has streamlined everything, from simple tweaks to complex projects. While newcomers might find the UI overwhelming at first, its intuitive design ensures that users quickly become proficient. Being able to effortlessly create and customize rows, along with simple content editing, has changed how we work.

Templates

screenshot of Visual Composer support page

Visual Composer offers 200+ templates. (Image credit: Visual Composer)

When exploring Visual Composer's templates, we found tons of options tailored to different sites, available in both the free and paid versions. We enjoyed the convenience of the free version's basic page builder templates, perfect for single posts and pages. However, upgrading to a paid version unlocks a whole world of possibilities, including theme and popup builders, font and role managers, and an extensive library of industry-specific templates.

With a collection of over 200 templates, Visual Composer has something for everyone. While some templates may take a bit longer to load, they’re all customizable so you can make your site uniquely yours.

Another feature we enjoyed was the Global Templates add-on, which allowed us to seamlessly integrate pre-built templates across multiple pages. This saved us countless hours of manual updates, ensuring consistency and coherence across our site. The Visual Composer Hub  - a cloud library of elements - served as our gateway to a rock-solid collection of templates, including pages, headers, footers, sidebars, and blocks.

You can boost your customization options with premium features like global templates, template widgets, block templates, site layouts, and export/import functionality. This allows you to create a site that perfectly matches your vision.

Integrations

screenshot of Visual Composer plugin options

Seamlessly expand the capabilities of your website with integrations.  (Image credit: Visual Composer)

Visual Composer works smoothly with different WordPress plugins and web design tools, allowing you to add smart features and functions to your site easily. Whether you need to manage custom field data with Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), optimize your site for search engines with Yoast SEO, or create dynamic content with Toolset, Visual Composer has got you covered.

The plugin also works without problems with popular e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce, making it easy for you to set up and manage online stores directly from your WordPress dashboard. Plus, with support for translation plugins like TranslatePress, you can effortlessly translate your site into multiple languages and reach a worldwide audience.

If you're a developer looking to extend Visual Composer's capabilities even further, the plugin's comprehensive public application programming interface (API) provides you with the tools you need to create custom elements and integrations for your specific requirements. Whether you're building a custom theme or developing bespoke tools for your clients, Visual Composer's API empowers you to take your projects to the next level.

Insights and analytics

Visual Composer Insights acts like having a personal analyzer for your site's content, offering much-needed feedback on SEO, performance, and accessibility. It checks multiple aspects of your content, such as title length, content length, paragraph size, and more, helping you create content that ranks higher, loads faster, and is more accessible to users. With Insights, you can easily spot errors, warnings, and success indicators, ensuring your site meets the highest standards.

On top of this, Visual Composer’s Notification Center provides curated links to useful articles and tutorials, offering helpful resources to upgrade your site-building experience.

When it comes to tracking your site's performance, integrating Google Analytics is a smart move. We've found it invaluable for gaining insights into our site visitors' behavior, tracking their interactions, and identifying the most valuable content. While connecting Google Analytics to WordPress can be challenging - there are two main methods: using a plugin or adding the code manually - it’s worth the effort.

Visual Composer pricing and plans

screenshot of Visual Composer pricing page

With plenty of plan options, it is easy to find one that works for you.  (Image credit: Visual Composer)

To kick things off, let's begin with a brief look at the pricing structure before we explore the details of each plan.

It’s time to explore what Visual Composer's site builder packages have in store for you.

Free

If you're just starting out or want to explore the platform, you can begin with the forever-free plan. No credit card is required, and you'll have access to essential features like ten templates, 30 content elements, a user-friendly page builder, some customization options, Insights analytics, API access, and an archive page editor for creating custom archive page templates.

Single

For individuals or businesses with one site, the “Single” plan is a superb option. It includes all the features of the free plan, plus over 300 content elements, more than 200 templates, a font manager, theme builder, popup builder, free stock images, and premium customer support.

Plus 

If you’re planning to manage multiple sites, the “Plus” plan might be the right fit. Supporting up to five sites, it offers the same features as the “Single” plan but with the convenience of managing multiple sites from one dashboard.

Accelerate

If you need to manage even more sites, consider the “Accelerate” plan. It supports up to 20 sites and includes all the features of the “Plus” plan.

Agency 

For agencies or businesses with extensive site management needs, there's the “Agency” plan. With support for up to 1000 sites, it offers the same features as the “Accelerate” plan but at a new, lower price.

Lifetime 

If you prefer simplicity and value long-term solutions, the “Lifetime” plan offers a compelling option. Ideal for managing projects without the hassle of recurring subscriptions, this plan provides a single-site license with lifetime updates and two years of support. With a comprehensive suite of features including a drag-and-drop builder, diverse content elements, and premium support, this life-long plan ensures that your site remains up-to-date and fully functional in the long run.

Hosted 

On the other hand, if you're seeking a hassle-free solution that takes the complexity out of site hosting and management, the “Hosted” plan might be the perfect fit. It comes with advanced features like high-performance setup, auto-healing technology, free SSL and CDN, and more. With this hosted solution, you can focus on growing your online presence without getting bogged down by technical stuff.

While Visual Composer doesn't offer a trial, they do provide a free version to get started. Plus, there's a 30-day refund policy for premium subscription purchases, so you can try it out risk-free.

Visual Composer: Help and support

screenshot of visual composer support page

Visual Composer is there to help when you need support.  (Image credit: Visual Composer)

When it comes to support, Visual Composer has your back with a solid range of options. With paid plans, you receive premium customer support, ensuring prompt assistance whenever you encounter a snag.

Their dedicated help center is like a goldmine of resources, packed with step-by-step guides covering everything from downloading the site builder to mastering templates and pop-ups. Whether you're new or experienced, their expert team is there to tackle any questions or concerns you might have.

They've got options like email support, forums, and ticket systems ready for you to reach out to (unfortunately, no phone support for real-time assistance). Plus, they've loaded up tutorial videos and detailed how-tos to walk you through every nook and cranny of the platform. No matter which package you go for, Visual Composer is all about making sure you're never left hanging when you need a hand. 

Visual Composer: What’s not included? What could be better?

As we near the end of this Visual Composer review, it's important to point out areas where the platform may fall short and improvements could be made. While this WordPress site builder boasts an impressive range of features, there are certain tools and functionalities that some users might find lacking.

For instance, despite its user-friendly interface, we've noticed occasional sluggishness in the editor interface, which can impact workflow efficiency. Meanwhile, the absence of a free trial option may put off potential users who prefer to test a platform before committing to a subscription.

If you’re in search of a robust free website builder, Elementor emerges as a compelling alternative to Visual Composer. It offers a comprehensive free version packed with powerful features and flexibility, making it an attractive choice without the need for a premium subscription. Elementor offers a free plan that includes over 40 widgets, more than 30 templates, and essential add-ons like video, text editor, headings, and image boxes. In contrast, Visual Composer's free plan provides only basic features.

On the other hand, Divi presents an attractive alternative for users prioritizing front-end visual editing and seamless design customization. It boasts an intuitive front-end visual editor, allowing users to edit their sites in real-time. Its extensive library of over 800 pre-designed layouts, along with new layouts added weekly, caters to various themes and industries, making it a popular choice among WordPress users.

Another noteworthy competitor is Oxygen, which offers a unique blend of user-friendly features and developer-friendly elements. With a drag-and-drop editor, flexible layouts, and a custom header builder, Oxygen caters to both non-programmers and developers proficient in HTML, CSS, PHP, and JS. Unlike other builders, Oxygen's one-off price starting at $129 includes lifetime support and updates, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term use.

While Visual Composer is one of the best WordPress website builders out there, trying out other options can help you find what works best for you and your online project. 

Visual Composer review: Final thoughts

To wrap things up, Visual Composer’s site builder offers a robust toolkit for creating stunning, dynamic, and engaging sites. Throughout our review, we delved into its user-friendly interface, colorful collection of content elements and templates, and powerful customization options. We highlighted its strengths, such as the drag-and-drop editor, theme builder features, and premium customer support. However, we also addressed some potential drawbacks, including occasional interface lag and a slight learning curve for some newcomers.

If you’re intrigued by Visual Composer, we suggest delving into its features and capabilities to see if it meets your needs. Even though it has its flaws, Visual Composer provides a powerful platform for crafting polished sites without any coding know-how. Don’t forget to check out the free version as well - it's a great way to get a feel for what Visual Composer has to offer.

In summary, Visual Composer holds its ground in the world of site builders, striking a superb balance between ease of use, versatility, and features. While it may not be flawless, its wide range of tools and options empowers you to design and personalize your sites to your liking

Kanary data removal service review
12:56 pm |

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

In 2024, Kanary is one of a number of the best data removal services, which play a fundamental role in keeping your personal information out of the wrong hands, such as data brokers that buy and profit from data.

For the uninitiated, data removal services come in a few different forms but their task is essentially simple: scan the web for your personal data (think address, email, phone number, and so on) and, either automatically or manually, remove that data from data brokerages, social networks, search engines, and so on. 

There are a lot of companies that offer such services, and today we're looking at Kanary, one of the most well established and reliable services on the market. 

We'll get into the nitty gritty below, but Kanary offers a free trial (which then turns into a free tier subscription) and two paid tiers of its data removal services that offer different levels and specifications, including the ability to add custom domains and emails to speed up removals. 

In 2024, keeping your online data safe should be of paramount importance, and we recommend checking out the best VPNs, the best password managers, and the best antivirus software to help prevent anything untoward happening. 

We also recommend checking out rival data removal services like DeleteMe, Mozilla Monitor Plus, and Surfshark Incogni to make the best choice for your needs, be that a wider range of data brokers targeted or a corporate plan. 

Kanary

(Image credit: Kanary )

Kanary: Pricing and plans

As we mentioned above, Kanary offers two paid tiers and, at the moment, a fairly generous 14-day free trial that includes three removals, which will then turn into a free tier subscription if a user decides not to pay. 

The Premium tier is split into monthly and yearly payment plans, albeit with one difference: the monthly plan does not include free custom domain and email to speed up removals. 

Kanary charges $16.99 per month or $179.88 per year, which translates to $14.99 per month, but that will, of course, be billed yearly. Each tier lets users add family members, for $7.49 per month on the yearly plan and $8.49 on the monthly plan. 

Finally, Kanary offers an Enterprise plan, which costs $179.88 per year per user and adds a ton of different features that we'll get into below. 

These prices are fairly towards the high end of the range for data removal services, although the addition of a limited free tier and, on top of that, a 14-day free trial are nice perks that can at least offer a feel of the services, and remove at least some data from brokers and other online services. 

Kanary

(Image credit: Kanary)

Kanary: Basic features

Kanary has a really helpful explanation of how its service works on its website, and we'll break down the main themes here, on top of some other notable features. 

Upon becoming a Kanary member, the service begins scanning the web to identify where your data is located and who has been storing it. That process can take anywhere from two to 14 days, and includes removing users from Google Search, and asks for your preference on data on Facebook and other websites. 

Between days four and 14, Kanary is still scanning the web and removing any data automatically that falls within its scope. On day 15 (or maybe sooner), Kanary will generate a dashboard to show removals, pending removals, and its overall progress. 

By day 30, Kanary says there should be around a 60% removal success and the software will continue to rescan and check for your data out there. Users can initiate a new scan sooner than 30 days, but Kanary recommends waiting for the dust to settle first.

Between day 31 and 45, Kanary estimates there will be an 80% removal success rate, as the service focuses on the "toughest removals" and its support team investigates websites that are not responding to removal requests. By day 90, you will likely be looking at a 95% to 100% removal success rate as Kanary's software and its staff work their magic.

Beyond the 90 days, Kanary will continue to scan every month and resurface old exposures to fix them promptly, and users can track pretty much everything on the main dashboard.

It's pretty much simple, and we found Kanary to work as advertised. The company publishes a helpful website on its Privacy & Security philosophy that offers a lot of details for those interested. 

Kanary

(Image credit: Kanary)

Kanary: Enterprise features

Kanary also offers a tier for businesses, which provides a pretty similar set of features to the personal plans but with some additions geared towards enterprise. 

The high-end service comes with 256-bit encryption and multi-factor authentication, the ability to set up accounts within five minutes, and dedicated support, to make sure that your needs are met quickly and easily. 

Kanary works by searching and removing content related to employees at a business, like it does with personal data. You can find out more about its enterprise tier on its website

Kanary: Support

Like its peers, Kanary offers a good range of support documentation, including a helpful blog with tips on everything from Google data removal to deleting popular social media services like Instagram and LinkedIn. 

There's also an FAQ with a lot of basic questions about how the service works, and the company publishes a long list of all of the websites Kanary removes from. 

On top of that, Kanary offers email support, as you would expect. 

Kanary: The competition

There are a number of high quality data removal services available right now from a range of companies, some independent and some part of larger organisations. 

DeleteMe, for example, is a veteran of the data removal game having been launched in 2011, and includes a lot of great features, including support for up to 750 data brokers (albeit with some available on on expensive plans). The company charges $129 per year for its basic plan. 

Mozilla Monitor Plus, too, is a great option that is developed by the same people as Firefox, meaning you can rely on its quality and robustness. Monitor Plus costs $8.99 per month. 

Honourable mentions should also go to Surfshark Incogni, PrivacyBee, IDX, and Hello Privacy, all of which offer data removal services to a high standard and are worth checking out to match your specific needs. 

Kanary

(Image credit: Kanary)

Kanary: Final verdict

In our testing, Kanary worked well and deserves to be up there alongside the best data removal services around in 2024. With the crisis of data brokers and the abundance of personal data we (accidentally) leave across the web, there has never been a better time to get a handle on your online footprint. 

It's worth checking out Kanary's competitors like DeleteMe and Mozilla Monitor Plus, especially if you have a specific use case in mind, or to just make sure you're getting the best value. 

Covering hundreds of data brokers, plus Google, Facebook, and other social networks, Kanary is a solid option, and the $16.99 per month tier, while not cheap, offers a wide range of features.

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