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Auvik is a cloud-based network monitoring solution that aims to simplify network monitoring and management. The final goal of the entire platform is to increase your efficiency as you support your network. By creating a physical and logical map of your network (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.) you will get automatic network monitoring for all mapped devices.
While there are metrics that you can track out of the box, it would be helpful to have a greater level of customization when it comes to this aspect, but by no means are the out-of-the-box KPIs bad. Its monitoring capabilities also extend out to devices like PCs, phones, and printers. Auvik has the capability to provide services to multiple separate networks, enabling administrators handling various independent clients to merge all of their networks into one account, thereby simplifying management.
Auvik's pricing may be opaque but at least there's a free trial (Image credit: Auvik)
Plans and pricing
When we head to the pricing tab to navigate the company website, it isn't very reassuring to see that we need to exchange our company credentials- including a business email- in order to get the pricing info.
If you want to get the exact pricing, which is custom-made, you will have to go through their sales channel. There is a calculator on their website (which sometimes freezes), in which you can calculate an approximate amount of money you will have to pay for the services. Remember that the services are charged per device, and a minimum device number is 5, regardless if you have less than that. We’ve managed to get a rough calculation of $25 per device license, making the service quite pricey.
We would appreciate a few tiers of plans, that would help less advanced users know exactly what they’re getting and how much it will cost. Playing gymnastics with the calculator or going through the sales team, is not something we find amusing.
Detect issues, know what's on your network and manage it over the cloud with Auvik (Image credit: Auvik)
Features
Auvik is designed to monitor your network for events, and provide alerts that can be used preconfigured (with 50 available), or even customized for your needs. The included alerts are based on the best practices from the industry, and range from informational to emergencies. With the custom options available, administrators can also select the frequency to receive the alert.
With Auvik in action, much better control of the network can be performed. Administrators gain access to real time network metrics with data on topology, config history, and device performance, that not only gives a snapshot on current performance, but also can be compared as this data gets stored for years back for comparison purposes. Insights then get revealed, such as if the poor performance is due to the IDP or the internal network, or if the SSL VPN has reached the license limit by tracking the number of simultaneous VPN licenses in use.
Support
Auvik offers a range of resources and tools to assist users in maximizing the platform's support capabilities. These resources include online manuals, a knowledge base, and a user community forum. Additionally, Auvik provides round-the-clock email support and phone assistance during business hours. It sets itself apart by prioritizing partner support and offering a range of services and tools to aid partners in achieving success. These include a partner site, co-branded marketing materials, and dedicated partner assistance.
Auvik also provides an extensive knowledgebase with plenty of useful articles (Image credit: Auvik)
You have the option of sending a message if you didn’t find an answer to your question in the extensive knowledge database, or if you simply want to get in touch and discuss some specifics. On the support part of the page there is also a prominent support number, so you can always pick up the phone and dial their support for any issues you may have. When it comes to configuration issues, we would recommend consulting the knowledge database or simply the extensive forum, prior to calling support, as you may be directed to the manuals first.
Final verdict
Auvik is a comprehensive network management platform that is packed with various features that aim to help IT professionals manage their networks more easily and faster. The network mapping and management capabilities offer enhanced visibility, and it is fairly easy to set up.
While some parts are more difficult to configure, overall, we would argue that the platform is designed for ease of use. However, its scalability and performance are really good, allowing you to effectively monitor large networks.
The pricing aspect could have been done better, but perhaps that comes down to personal preference in the end. Support is fairly decent, with a lot of documentation available on the forums and knowledge base. Therefore, if you’re looking for a powerful network management platform, Auvik could be the solution for you, just keep in mind you will have to pay for the powerful feature set.
AVG Driver Updater is a device management tool made by AVG Technologies, a company based in the Czech Republic. The company is most famous for itsantivirus software, but it has other product lines, such as itsdriver updater.
AVG Technologies is a leading software company that has existed for three decades. It’s a subsidiary of Avast Software, an organization known for a family of solutions across the Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS operating systems - again, largely focusing on security matters.
This review will take a look at AVG’s Driver Updater specifically taking into account a variety of factors, including the program’s features, user interface, customer support, compatibility, and pricing.
(Image credit: AVG)
AVG Driver Updater: Plans and pricing
The AVG Driver Updater costs $40 per year, which works out to be quite expensive compared to similar products on the market. There’s a free trial version, but it has just a few features compared to the paid version and lasts only a month. Thus, the paid version is the practical option to make the most of the driver updater.
If you do sign up for the paid plan, it’s important to be aware that after your first year is complete, your subscription will automatically renew at the full price annually. Your bank account will automatically be charged for a one-year period, so make sure you are happy to continue subscribing before AVG automatically renews. You will receive an email reminder of your subscription ending up to 65 days in advance but if you don’t want to be charged, make sure you cancel your subscription at least 35 days before your current plan ends. There is also a free trial period of 15 days, however, which you can sign up for without entering any credit card details.
(Image credit: AVG)
Features
AVG Driver Updater contains a number of features to keep your system using the latest drivers and running smoothly:
(Image credit: AVG)
Real-time Scans
You can scan and update your drivers in real time as you perform other functions on your computer. Many driver updaters lack this feature, which means you can carry on with your work, which AVG Driver Updater operates in the background.
Scan Scheduling
You can set schedules and intervals for the AVG Driver Updater to run automatic scans of your PC’s drivers and produce reports. This feature ensures convenience and keeps you always in the loop regarding your driver updates.
Large Driver Database
AVG’s Driver Updater checks your drivers against a database of over 50 million drivers. Such an extensive database contains virtually any driver you may need, making it your one-stop shop for driver downloads and updates. Computer drivers come in various types, including printer, scanner, audio card, video card and graphics card drivers. Whatever driver you are looking to update, AVG will probably be able to find it.
AVG Driver Updater is also especially good if you’re a big consumer of video or gaming content. The updater can optimize your gaming and streaming experience by giving you access to the latest audio and graphics driver downloads.
Driver Backup and Restore
You can backup your drivers with AVG’s Driver Updater and restore them when required. This feature is critical because some driver updates can cause performance issues on your PC. You don’t need to panic in such a case when the software lets you backup and restore older versions of your drivers to avert the issue.
(Image credit: AVG)
Installs Official Drivers
AVG’s Driver Updater can download and install authentic drivers from over 1,300 leading technology brands.
Neat User Interface
This tool has a very well-organized user interface that makes it easy to use and navigate through. It’s uncluttered, and all the functionalities are visible to the user. This neat interface ensures that anyone can use the driver updater regardless of their technical knowledge or experience.
Compatibility
AVG’s Driver Updater is compatible with Windows 7, 8/8.1, 10, and 11.
(Image credit: AVG)
Interface and in use
The interface of this driver updater is very organized and user-friendly - right from the downloading and installation phases. To download AVG Driver Updater, go to the official website and get the executable file (.exe), either for the free or paid version. Then, run it.
After installing and launching the software, you’ll see the friendly, uncluttered interface we’re talking about. There are clear buttons for whichever function you want to pick, with no complexity or opportunity for confusion.
(Image credit: AVG)
Support
AVG offers customer support through email, live chat, and telephone. You can contact the support team directly via phone or live chat for instant answers or use email and wait for a while. The telephone support varies depending on the country you’re calling from, but it’s generally reliable. Due to customer traffic, the live chat and telephone customer support may be unavailable at certain times.
However, there are also a number of tutorials and guides on AVG’s site in case you run into problems. The AVG Driver Updater FAQ will hopefully resolve your issue if it’s a common problem, including how to install and use the driver updater, as well as the usual troubleshooting.
The competition
There are many other competing driver updaters on the market. A few examples are the Ashampoo Driver Updater and Auslogics Driver Updater. AVG’s parent company, Avast, also has its driver updater that’s almost identical except for the name.
Compared to Ashampoo and Auslogics, AVG is the much more expensive option. It costs $40/year, while Ashampoo costs $19 and Auslogics $11.50 for the same period. While all of them have similar functionality, AVG's driver updater certainly draws from an impressively wide database of drivers - more than 50 million, in fact - so if you do need to update a driver, chances are AVG's updater will locate it. The support you receive, both before and after you've updated your drivers, is also impressive.
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Final verdict
AVG’s Driver Updater is a dependable tool for keeping your device drivers healthy and improving your PC’s performance. It’s easy to use and has all the necessary functionality you'd expect from a driver updater. Although it is relatively expensive compared to the competition, it does come from a well-respected brand and take the manual burden out of searching for new drivers.
AVG Driver Updater is a device management tool made by AVG Technologies, a company based in the Czech Republic. The company is most famous for itsantivirus software, but it has other product lines, such as itsdriver updater.
AVG Technologies is a leading software company that has existed for three decades. It’s a subsidiary of Avast Software, an organization known for a family of solutions across the Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS operating systems - again, largely focusing on security matters.
This review will take a look at AVG’s Driver Updater specifically taking into account a variety of factors, including the program’s features, user interface, customer support, compatibility, and pricing.
(Image credit: AVG)
AVG Driver Updater: Plans and pricing
The AVG Driver Updater costs $40 per year, which works out to be quite expensive compared to similar products on the market. There’s a free trial version, but it has just a few features compared to the paid version and lasts only a month. Thus, the paid version is the practical option to make the most of the driver updater.
If you do sign up for the paid plan, it’s important to be aware that after your first year is complete, your subscription will automatically renew at the full price annually. Your bank account will automatically be charged for a one-year period, so make sure you are happy to continue subscribing before AVG automatically renews. You will receive an email reminder of your subscription ending up to 65 days in advance but if you don’t want to be charged, make sure you cancel your subscription at least 35 days before your current plan ends. There is also a free trial period of 15 days, however, which you can sign up for without entering any credit card details.
(Image credit: AVG)
Features
AVG Driver Updater contains a number of features to keep your system using the latest drivers and running smoothly:
(Image credit: AVG)
Real-time Scans
You can scan and update your drivers in real time as you perform other functions on your computer. Many driver updaters lack this feature, which means you can carry on with your work, which AVG Driver Updater operates in the background.
Scan Scheduling
You can set schedules and intervals for the AVG Driver Updater to run automatic scans of your PC’s drivers and produce reports. This feature ensures convenience and keeps you always in the loop regarding your driver updates.
Large Driver Database
AVG’s Driver Updater checks your drivers against a database of over 50 million drivers. Such an extensive database contains virtually any driver you may need, making it your one-stop shop for driver downloads and updates. Computer drivers come in various types, including printer, scanner, audio card, video card and graphics card drivers. Whatever driver you are looking to update, AVG will probably be able to find it.
AVG Driver Updater is also especially good if you’re a big consumer of video or gaming content. The updater can optimize your gaming and streaming experience by giving you access to the latest audio and graphics driver downloads.
Driver Backup and Restore
You can backup your drivers with AVG’s Driver Updater and restore them when required. This feature is critical because some driver updates can cause performance issues on your PC. You don’t need to panic in such a case when the software lets you backup and restore older versions of your drivers to avert the issue.
(Image credit: AVG)
Installs Official Drivers
AVG’s Driver Updater can download and install authentic drivers from over 1,300 leading technology brands.
Neat User Interface
This tool has a very well-organized user interface that makes it easy to use and navigate through. It’s uncluttered, and all the functionalities are visible to the user. This neat interface ensures that anyone can use the driver updater regardless of their technical knowledge or experience.
Compatibility
AVG’s Driver Updater is compatible with Windows 7, 8/8.1, 10, and 11.
(Image credit: AVG)
Interface and in use
The interface of this driver updater is very organized and user-friendly - right from the downloading and installation phases. To download AVG Driver Updater, go to the official website and get the executable file (.exe), either for the free or paid version. Then, run it.
After installing and launching the software, you’ll see the friendly, uncluttered interface we’re talking about. There are clear buttons for whichever function you want to pick, with no complexity or opportunity for confusion.
(Image credit: AVG)
Support
AVG offers customer support through email, live chat, and telephone. You can contact the support team directly via phone or live chat for instant answers or use email and wait for a while. The telephone support varies depending on the country you’re calling from, but it’s generally reliable. Due to customer traffic, the live chat and telephone customer support may be unavailable at certain times.
However, there are also a number of tutorials and guides on AVG’s site in case you run into problems. The AVG Driver Updater FAQ will hopefully resolve your issue if it’s a common problem, including how to install and use the driver updater, as well as the usual troubleshooting.
The competition
There are many other competing driver updaters on the market. A few examples are the Ashampoo Driver Updater and Auslogics Driver Updater. AVG’s parent company, Avast, also has its driver updater that’s almost identical except for the name.
Compared to Ashampoo and Auslogics, AVG is the much more expensive option. It costs $40/year, while Ashampoo costs $19 and Auslogics $11.50 for the same period. While all of them have similar functionality, AVG's driver updater certainly draws from an impressively wide database of drivers - more than 50 million, in fact - so if you do need to update a driver, chances are AVG's updater will locate it. The support you receive, both before and after you've updated your drivers, is also impressive.
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Final verdict
AVG’s Driver Updater is a dependable tool for keeping your device drivers healthy and improving your PC’s performance. It’s easy to use and has all the necessary functionality you'd expect from a driver updater. Although it is relatively expensive compared to the competition, it does come from a well-respected brand and take the manual burden out of searching for new drivers.
Having a good PDF editor that does more than just open documents on your phone can make life a whole lot more productive and convenient. You have probably been in a situation where you had to make alterations to a PDF file but couldn’t figure out how. There are various ways to do that, but using good PDF software is perhaps the most professional way to do it.
Readdle’s PDF Expert is a software package that lets you do that and so much more - easily one of the best PDF editors for the Apple ecosystem we’ve come across. If you’ve been trying to be more productive, then chances are you’ve heard of Readdle. It has made quite a name for itself in the productivity software market. The software is only available for the Mac, and iOS platforms, and has features like editing, protecting, organizing, and signing PDF documents.
Readdle PDF Expert: Pricing & plans
The iOS version of PDF Expert automatically offers you a 7-day trial, which is trivial to set up and also offers reminders should you wish to cancel before the trial ends.
The subscription will cost you $80 / £73 a year, and will allow you to use the software on any Apple device you own, and of course get all updates, large or small, as they’re released. The software allows you to edit and add notes to PDF files, convert PDFs into other formats, protect sensitive data, sign documents, and add, delete or extract pages.
For those who don’t like to rent their software, there’s also a ‘Lifetime’ offer, a one-off payment of $140. However, be aware it comes with serious restrictions. For one thing, it will only work on your Mac - iOS devices are out of the loop - you may not be able to download future updates without an additional charge, and PDF Expert’s AI co-pilot is unavailable (although those among us who are wary of the proliferation of AI in everything could see this as a positive). If you purchase a subscription, you also benefit from a 30-day money back guarantee.
Scroll down the main page to see a list of all available tools (Image credit: Readdle)
You’d think PDF Expert would mostly be for business people, but since the PDF format has become ubiquitous, being able to manipulate its content, and otherwise interact with such files has become increasingly popular and necessary for most.
If you’ve explored other PDF services, you’ll find many features are standard across the board. So it’s no surprise you’re able to perform various functions with PDF Expert, such as making annotations, rearranging, deleting, or rotating pages, editing existing text, images, and links, protect sensitive information through redaction, or by adding a password to a document, convert files to a Microsoft Office format, scan documents, have the software recognise the text and make it selectable (through OCR), and fill in forms and sign contracts.
As you can see, PDF Expert has numerous features that make it perfect for people who frequently use PDF files. For those who work in corporate, it’s hands down the most affordable and handy PDF software.
You can sync your work to your Google Drive, Apple iCloud, or Dropbox account so that any changes you make on a PDF file are saved to the cloud, and available on all your devices.
Readdle PDF Expert: Interface and in use
Annotations are very flexible - you can even edit your doodle after the fact: changing its colour, size, position, and even opacity (Image credit: Readdle)
We found the interface to be remarkably clean, simple, well designed, and easy to use. The main functions are listed at the top. Just click on the one you need and further contextual tools appear beneath it in a smaller row of icons. The icons don’t have labels, nor do any appear when you mouse over them which is a bit of a shame. But don’t fret: click on any of them to reveal an Inspector sidebar on the right, with the tool’s name at the top, should the icon itself not have been immediately clear (some of them aren’t at first glance).
The home page also contains a number of tools organised by categories, to help you perform the function you need quickly and easily.
Whichever tool you use, you’ll find it very easy to use. The flexibility is impressive. For instance, you can draw on a page, which you’re then able to resize and reposition, even changing your doodle’s colour, line width and opacity.
Edit a PDF’s existing content is remarkably easy. In fact, it’s one of the features that can often trip up such services, but here, access is smooth. The content is broken down into paragraphs which you can select, resize, reposition, and delete. Edit the original words preserves the text’s font, size, and colour (unless you wish to change it of course). The same applies for images.
Although your export options are limited, the process is very intuitive (Image credit: Readdle)
When it comes to exporting a PDF, you have a handful of options open to you, from Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), plain text, RTF or HTML, to converting the document into an image. It’s all done with a handful of clicks.
If you need to fill in a form, you can do more than just entering text and signing (which it does very well). PDF Expert also offers checkmarks, crosses, stamps and even the ability to add images. And as for scanning, we found PDF Expert’s OCR capabilities to be adequate but not stellar. Although we could accept the odd mistake for unusual names, it seemed to even struggle with some simple words, which was a shame.
And finally, we have AI. This feature is currently in beta, and you can explore it for free (as part of your trial or subscription), and although it’s interesting to see it summarise a document, browse through a handful of questions you can ask it about the document, and even ask your own, it feels more of a fun gimmick than anything else. After all, everything must have AI in it now, right? And this style of using AI to simplify a document for easier digestion is something we’ve seen in other competing services, with similar results.
Readdle PDF Expert: Competition
Editing the PDF’s original content is remarkably versatile, simple to use, and powerful - what more could you ask for? (Image credit: Readdle)
PDF Expert’s biggest competitor is, you guessed it, Adobe Acrobat. As the owners of this format, it’s little surprise that most would flock to them for editing services, but there are other options available. Foxit, for instance is an excellent choice, as is Soda, and EaseUS. The best option is to try them all, as they do offer free trials and some even have limited free versions, to see which one would serve you best.
In terms of interface polish, and being able to work on any device within the Apple ecosystem, PDF Expert does shine brightly as one of the best Adobe Acrobat alternatives we've tried.
Readdle PDF Expert: Final verdict
The OCR results were adequate, although we’ve definitely seen better elsewhere (Image credit: Readdle)
Readdle’s PDF Expert is a PDF software that provides you a wide range of tools for editing, organizing, securing, annotating, and converting PDF documents. It is an iOS-only software which works exceptionally well on the Apple ecosystem, giving you the ability to synchronize your documents and all the changes you make on them across all of your iOS devices.
The software makes it very easy for you to navigate through documents and you can open large PDF files in a matter of seconds. That is not something you can do with other PDF editors so if you have been looking for a new PDF software for your company or for your personal use, maybe you should give PDF Expert a shot!
Ashampoo Driver Updater is a device maintenance tool and driver updater for the Windows operating system. Usually, wrong or old drivers are an enemy of every computer system and can lead to system instability, data loss, or even security vulnerabilities.
Ashampoo Driver Updater keeps track of your drivers and ensures they’re updated when necessary. In doing so, Ashampoo can help guard against frequent system crashes and computer errors, allowing you to optimize productivity levels.
Ashampoo is a software company that develops a broad range of software tools. It maintains its headquarters in Oldenburg, Germany. The organization actually offers a range of different solutions outside of its driver updater program, including video editing software, ad blocker tools, and a file manager.
In this review, however, we'll focus on Ashapoo's driver updater tool. We’ll evaluate Ashampoo Driver Updater based on specific criteria, including pricing, features, compatibility, customer support, and user interface.
While Ashampoo Driver Updater may be discounted, you will need to pay extra for premium support (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Ashampoo Driver Updater: Plans and pricing
Ashampoo Driver Updater is available through an annual subscription. It costs $33 for an annual license covering three personal computers in a downloadable format but keep an an eye out for deals, as we’ve frequently noticed the price being cut in half.
Compared to other competing driver updater tools, Ashampoo is not the cheapest. For instance, both IObit Driver Booster Pro and SlimWare Utilities DriverUpdate are more affordable. However, there is a free tier available for users of Ashampoo Driver Updater but they will have to put up with limited functionality. For example, the free version takes longer to scan and update drivers than the paid version. However, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee allowing you to try the software before committing yourself financially.
Wide device and driver support is one of Ashampoo Driver Updater's best features (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Features
Ashampoo Driver Updater has many of the features you'd expect to find in a driver updater software suite including:
Driver Detection
The Ashampoo Driver Updater can scan all drivers on your computer and identify which ones are outdated or not. The scan is rapid and easy to do. If you wish, you can set the driver updater to run a full scan whenever your PC boots up. Also, as soon as you launch Ashampoo Driver Updater, the software will conduct a scan of your PC for hardware and drivers. Once this is complete, you’ll then be presented with a list of both up-to-date and out-of-date drivers, as well as processor and RAM information.
Ashampoo Driver Updater automatically lets you know when driver updates are available (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Automatic Updates
You can update your drivers with the tool after scanning. Ashampoo uses a colour-coding system to quickly inform you of the status of each driver. A green icon signifies that a driver is up to date, a yellow icon is used for drivers that have had an update available for less than 365 days, and a red icon informs users that a driver has had an update available for more than 365 days. You can then either install updates individually or update all of them with a single click.
There are many benefits of updating your device drivers, including:
Fixes wireless connection, sound, and printer issues
Reduces risk of system crashes and freezes
Improves your gaming experience
Fully optimized system usage
You can also backup up your existing drivers (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Driver Backup and Restore
You can save your driver backups to an external hard drive or DVD and restore them when needed. Sometimes, you’ll need previous versions of your drivers, for example, when an update results in failures. If this happens, it doesn’t mean the end of your PC. Instead, you could get the previous version from a backup and restore it with the Ashampoo Driver Updater.
Compatibility
The driver updater is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. This widespread compatibility makes it a very versatile tool. In fact, it is particularly well-integrated with Windows 10, with notifications appearing in the operating system's Action Center.
Interface and in use
It’s easy to download and use the Ashampoo Driver Updater. To do so, start by visiting the company’s official website. You can pay online and download the software or have it shipped to you in DVD format. Picking the DVD format requires an extra payment.
After downloading, run the installer on your computer. The downloadable file is under 100MB, and its installation doesn’t take long from start to finish. After installing, you can open the driver updater and start using it.
Just hit the scan button to have Ashampoo check your system for outdated drivers (Image credit: Ashampoo)
The user interface is clear and straightforward. You have visible options to scan, backup, or restore. After scanning, it’ll show you the drivers that require updates and those that do not. Admittedly, Ashampoo does lack the interface skins and transparencies that come with Obit Driver Booster Pro but although these are nice touches, they are only aesthetic of course.
More practically, there is a settings section with Ashampoo's software where you have the option to auto-scan your drivers every time you launch the software or whenever your PC boots afresh. The software is also multilingual, supporting over two dozen languages.
Ashampoo's free support resources do leave something to be desired (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Support
There are various support options for the Ashampoo Driver Updater, including email, telephone, and live chat. The live chat and telephone support work pretty well, as did the company's email response. However, you also have the option to pay for premium email support that’ll make Ashampoo treat your inquiries as a top priority. This paid option costs $4.95 for two years.
There’s also an online Frequently Answered Questions (FAQ) page you can consult to resolve common problems, as well as a help desk article that runs through the fundamentals like how to conduct a system scan and update your drivers.
The competition
Ashampoo Driver Updater has many competitors, such as IObit Driver Booster Pro and DriverDoc. Despite having similar features, Ashampoo costs $19 for a download and is more expensive than IObit ($11.50). On the other hand, DriverDoc (costing roughly $40) is more costly than Ashampoo but has more features.
Today, there are a plethora of driver updater tools on the market, including the likes of Auslogics Driver Updater, AVG Driver Updater, and many more. Although many of these may beat Ashampoo in certain areas, from power to speed, Ashampoo Driver Updater is a great all-rounder.
Final verdict
Ashampoo Driver Updater is a tool that lives up to its promise. It’s effortless to use and performs its required functions very well. Its main drawback is the cost, as it’s more expensive than many of its rivals, so it may be a good idea to get to grips with the 30-day free trial to see if you really want to sign up for an annual license.
Ashampoo Driver Updater is a device maintenance tool and driver updater for the Windows operating system. Usually, wrong or old drivers are an enemy of every computer system and can lead to system instability, data loss, or even security vulnerabilities.
Ashampoo Driver Updater keeps track of your drivers and ensures they’re updated when necessary. In doing so, Ashampoo can help guard against frequent system crashes and computer errors, allowing you to optimize productivity levels.
Ashampoo is a software company that develops a broad range of software tools. It maintains its headquarters in Oldenburg, Germany. The organization actually offers a range of different solutions outside of its driver updater program, including video editing software, ad blocker tools, and a file manager.
In this review, however, we'll focus on Ashapoo's driver updater tool. We’ll evaluate Ashampoo Driver Updater based on specific criteria, including pricing, features, compatibility, customer support, and user interface.
While Ashampoo Driver Updater may be discounted, you will need to pay extra for premium support (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Ashampoo Driver Updater: Plans and pricing
Ashampoo Driver Updater is available through an annual subscription. It costs $33 for an annual license covering three personal computers in a downloadable format but keep an an eye out for deals, as we’ve frequently noticed the price being cut in half.
Compared to other competing driver updater tools, Ashampoo is not the cheapest. For instance, both IObit Driver Booster Pro and SlimWare Utilities DriverUpdate are more affordable. However, there is a free tier available for users of Ashampoo Driver Updater but they will have to put up with limited functionality. For example, the free version takes longer to scan and update drivers than the paid version. However, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee allowing you to try the software before committing yourself financially.
Wide device and driver support is one of Ashampoo Driver Updater's best features (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Features
Ashampoo Driver Updater has many of the features you'd expect to find in a driver updater software suite including:
Driver Detection
The Ashampoo Driver Updater can scan all drivers on your computer and identify which ones are outdated or not. The scan is rapid and easy to do. If you wish, you can set the driver updater to run a full scan whenever your PC boots up. Also, as soon as you launch Ashampoo Driver Updater, the software will conduct a scan of your PC for hardware and drivers. Once this is complete, you’ll then be presented with a list of both up-to-date and out-of-date drivers, as well as processor and RAM information.
Ashampoo Driver Updater automatically lets you know when driver updates are available (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Automatic Updates
You can update your drivers with the tool after scanning. Ashampoo uses a colour-coding system to quickly inform you of the status of each driver. A green icon signifies that a driver is up to date, a yellow icon is used for drivers that have had an update available for less than 365 days, and a red icon informs users that a driver has had an update available for more than 365 days. You can then either install updates individually or update all of them with a single click.
There are many benefits of updating your device drivers, including:
Fixes wireless connection, sound, and printer issues
Reduces risk of system crashes and freezes
Improves your gaming experience
Fully optimized system usage
You can also backup up your existing drivers (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Driver Backup and Restore
You can save your driver backups to an external hard drive or DVD and restore them when needed. Sometimes, you’ll need previous versions of your drivers, for example, when an update results in failures. If this happens, it doesn’t mean the end of your PC. Instead, you could get the previous version from a backup and restore it with the Ashampoo Driver Updater.
Compatibility
The driver updater is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. This widespread compatibility makes it a very versatile tool. In fact, it is particularly well-integrated with Windows 10, with notifications appearing in the operating system's Action Center.
Interface and in use
It’s easy to download and use the Ashampoo Driver Updater. To do so, start by visiting the company’s official website. You can pay online and download the software or have it shipped to you in DVD format. Picking the DVD format requires an extra payment.
After downloading, run the installer on your computer. The downloadable file is under 100MB, and its installation doesn’t take long from start to finish. After installing, you can open the driver updater and start using it.
Just hit the scan button to have Ashampoo check your system for outdated drivers (Image credit: Ashampoo)
The user interface is clear and straightforward. You have visible options to scan, backup, or restore. After scanning, it’ll show you the drivers that require updates and those that do not. Admittedly, Ashampoo does lack the interface skins and transparencies that come with Obit Driver Booster Pro but although these are nice touches, they are only aesthetic of course.
More practically, there is a settings section with Ashampoo's software where you have the option to auto-scan your drivers every time you launch the software or whenever your PC boots afresh. The software is also multilingual, supporting over two dozen languages.
Ashampoo's free support resources do leave something to be desired (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Support
There are various support options for the Ashampoo Driver Updater, including email, telephone, and live chat. The live chat and telephone support work pretty well, as did the company's email response. However, you also have the option to pay for premium email support that’ll make Ashampoo treat your inquiries as a top priority. This paid option costs $4.95 for two years.
There’s also an online Frequently Answered Questions (FAQ) page you can consult to resolve common problems, as well as a help desk article that runs through the fundamentals like how to conduct a system scan and update your drivers.
The competition
Ashampoo Driver Updater has many competitors, such as IObit Driver Booster Pro and DriverDoc. Despite having similar features, Ashampoo costs $19 for a download and is more expensive than IObit ($11.50). On the other hand, DriverDoc (costing roughly $40) is more costly than Ashampoo but has more features.
Today, there are a plethora of driver updater tools on the market, including the likes of Auslogics Driver Updater, AVG Driver Updater, and many more. Although many of these may beat Ashampoo in certain areas, from power to speed, Ashampoo Driver Updater is a great all-rounder.
Final verdict
Ashampoo Driver Updater is a tool that lives up to its promise. It’s effortless to use and performs its required functions very well. Its main drawback is the cost, as it’s more expensive than many of its rivals, so it may be a good idea to get to grips with the 30-day free trial to see if you really want to sign up for an annual license.
Ashampoo Driver Updater is a device maintenance tool and driver updater for the Windows operating system. Usually, wrong or old drivers are an enemy of every computer system and can lead to system instability, data loss, or even security vulnerabilities.
Ashampoo Driver Updater keeps track of your drivers and ensures they’re updated when necessary. In doing so, Ashampoo can help guard against frequent system crashes and computer errors, allowing you to optimize productivity levels.
Ashampoo is a software company that develops a broad range of software tools. It maintains its headquarters in Oldenburg, Germany. The organization actually offers a range of different solutions outside of its driver updater program, including video editing software, ad blocker tools, and a file manager.
In this review, however, we'll focus on Ashapoo's driver updater tool. We’ll evaluate Ashampoo Driver Updater based on specific criteria, including pricing, features, compatibility, customer support, and user interface.
While Ashampoo Driver Updater may be discounted, you will need to pay extra for premium support (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Ashampoo Driver Updater: Plans and pricing
Ashampoo Driver Updater is available through an annual subscription. It costs $33 for an annual license covering three personal computers in a downloadable format but keep an an eye out for deals, as we’ve frequently noticed the price being cut in half.
Compared to other competing driver updater tools, Ashampoo is not the cheapest. For instance, both IObit Driver Booster Pro and SlimWare Utilities DriverUpdate are more affordable. However, there is a free tier available for users of Ashampoo Driver Updater but they will have to put up with limited functionality. For example, the free version takes longer to scan and update drivers than the paid version. However, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee allowing you to try the software before committing yourself financially.
Wide device and driver support is one of Ashampoo Driver Updater's best features (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Features
Ashampoo Driver Updater has many of the features you'd expect to find in a driver updater software suite including:
Driver Detection
The Ashampoo Driver Updater can scan all drivers on your computer and identify which ones are outdated or not. The scan is rapid and easy to do. If you wish, you can set the driver updater to run a full scan whenever your PC boots up. Also, as soon as you launch Ashampoo Driver Updater, the software will conduct a scan of your PC for hardware and drivers. Once this is complete, you’ll then be presented with a list of both up-to-date and out-of-date drivers, as well as processor and RAM information.
Ashampoo Driver Updater automatically lets you know when driver updates are available (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Automatic Updates
You can update your drivers with the tool after scanning. Ashampoo uses a colour-coding system to quickly inform you of the status of each driver. A green icon signifies that a driver is up to date, a yellow icon is used for drivers that have had an update available for less than 365 days, and a red icon informs users that a driver has had an update available for more than 365 days. You can then either install updates individually or update all of them with a single click.
There are many benefits of updating your device drivers, including:
Fixes wireless connection, sound, and printer issues
Reduces risk of system crashes and freezes
Improves your gaming experience
Fully optimized system usage
You can also backup up your existing drivers (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Driver Backup and Restore
You can save your driver backups to an external hard drive or DVD and restore them when needed. Sometimes, you’ll need previous versions of your drivers, for example, when an update results in failures. If this happens, it doesn’t mean the end of your PC. Instead, you could get the previous version from a backup and restore it with the Ashampoo Driver Updater.
Compatibility
The driver updater is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. This widespread compatibility makes it a very versatile tool. In fact, it is particularly well-integrated with Windows 10, with notifications appearing in the operating system's Action Center.
Interface and in use
It’s easy to download and use the Ashampoo Driver Updater. To do so, start by visiting the company’s official website. You can pay online and download the software or have it shipped to you in DVD format. Picking the DVD format requires an extra payment.
After downloading, run the installer on your computer. The downloadable file is under 100MB, and its installation doesn’t take long from start to finish. After installing, you can open the driver updater and start using it.
Just hit the scan button to have Ashampoo check your system for outdated drivers (Image credit: Ashampoo)
The user interface is clear and straightforward. You have visible options to scan, backup, or restore. After scanning, it’ll show you the drivers that require updates and those that do not. Admittedly, Ashampoo does lack the interface skins and transparencies that come with Obit Driver Booster Pro but although these are nice touches, they are only aesthetic of course.
More practically, there is a settings section with Ashampoo's software where you have the option to auto-scan your drivers every time you launch the software or whenever your PC boots afresh. The software is also multilingual, supporting over two dozen languages.
Ashampoo's free support resources do leave something to be desired (Image credit: Ashampoo)
Support
There are various support options for the Ashampoo Driver Updater, including email, telephone, and live chat. The live chat and telephone support work pretty well, as did the company's email response. However, you also have the option to pay for premium email support that’ll make Ashampoo treat your inquiries as a top priority. This paid option costs $4.95 for two years.
There’s also an online Frequently Answered Questions (FAQ) page you can consult to resolve common problems, as well as a help desk article that runs through the fundamentals like how to conduct a system scan and update your drivers.
The competition
Ashampoo Driver Updater has many competitors, such as IObit Driver Booster Pro and DriverDoc. Despite having similar features, Ashampoo costs $19 for a download and is more expensive than IObit ($11.50). On the other hand, DriverDoc (costing roughly $40) is more costly than Ashampoo but has more features.
Today, there are a plethora of driver updater tools on the market, including the likes of Auslogics Driver Updater, AVG Driver Updater, and many more. Although many of these may beat Ashampoo in certain areas, from power to speed, Ashampoo Driver Updater is a great all-rounder.
Final verdict
Ashampoo Driver Updater is a tool that lives up to its promise. It’s effortless to use and performs its required functions very well. Its main drawback is the cost, as it’s more expensive than many of its rivals, so it may be a good idea to get to grips with the 30-day free trial to see if you really want to sign up for an annual license.
Servicing your clients' needs is key to running a well-oiled business, but what happens when your customer requires attention from the other end of the globe? Sure, you can communicate all day via email or telephone, but sometimes, there’s only so much you can do without looking at the computer screen on the other end of the call.
That’s where remote access tools like ISL Online come in. The saving grace of every IT department is that ISL allows technicians to tap into client workstations from thousands of miles away, making troubleshooting much easier on both ends.
But is it the ideal choice for your needs? Let’s delve into the pros and cons and explore who could benefit the most from ISL Online.
ISL Online provides plenty of features for IT departments looking to offer support to their organization's employees (Image credit: ISL Online)
ISL Online: Features
ISL Online offers advanced remote support and management capabilities, making it ideal for IT professionals who can efficiently manage or troubleshoot remote devices. Large businesses can use ISL Online to support a wide range of technology, ensuring employees can access systems and support regardless of physical location. Educators and IT staff in schools can also use ISL Online to manage and troubleshoot classroom technology or support remote learning environments. Hospitals and clinics can also take advantage of ISL Online’s secure and reliable platform for managing patient data and supporting telehealth services.
An intuitive remote access software suite with numerous ways to connect and support clients, ISL Online offers a number of unique features to best serve the needs of your IT department and loyal customers. Basic tools include remote control, audio and video calls, file sharing, and messaging.
There are also a number of tools to make remote support easier for both clients and IT admins (Image credit: ISL Online)
Once a remote session is active, technicians are presented with a toolbar with quick-click functions for things like screen sharing, requesting control of a client’s machine, an option for transferring the session to another tech, and a button for inviting extra participants to a session.
On the client end, customers are able to accept and deny remote logins (if unattended access isn’t granted). File transfer permissions and storage locations can also be managed on the client side – although a technician can decide where to send files, too.
ISL Online : Types of remote sessions
Technicians can initiate a remote session in numerous ways. The quickest and most efficient way to jumpstart remote access is by downloading ISL Light to the technician and client machines. When fielding a request for remote support, techs can then launch the app and generate a session code that gets pinged to the client machine. After the client grants permission, the remote session can begin. For unattended machines (client machines that techs are automatically permitted to access), clients must have the ISL AlwaysOn app (for Windows and Mac machines) installed.
Once installed, all the technician has to do is find the client computer in the list of available ISL Light devices and click to start a remote session. “ISL Online” is not only the name of the company’s software suite but a remote access option for clients – with the “Online” aspect of the name referring to ISL’s remote site (islonline.net), where clients can enter session codes to enable remote access. While some users have complained of slower tools and extensions during a web session, it’s still a viable option for clients who do not have ISL Light installed on their machines.
(Image credit: ISL Online)
And not to mention that the web portal is extremely easy to use, with options for sorting AlwaysOn clients into custom groups and sharing permissions for other techs.
Remote access can also be initiated through an invite-only email with an attached session code that automatically downloads ISL Light on your client’s machine, as well as a live chat option that plants a chat button on your site that can be used to initiate a remote session.
ISL Online is available on desktop as well as mobile (Image credit: ISL Online)
ISL Online: Platforms
ISL’s range of remote service tools are compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux desktops, as well as iOS and Android devices. As mentioned, in order for a tech to access a client’s desktop or mobile device, all the client needs to do is install ISL Light on their own desktop or mobile device, or head over to islonline.net to start a browser session.
You can sign up for an annual plan or opt for the pay as you go route (Image credit: ISL Online)
ISL Online: Plans and pricing
ISL Online offers various subscription options tailored to meet the remote access needs of businesses and clients. New subscribers can avail a 15-day free trial to test the software. This trial provides access to all essential features, such as remote desktop control, unattended access for client machines, mobile device support, app customization, and maximum security. The only exclusions for trial members are multi-session and premium phone support.
The standard plan includes unlimited users and devices, mobile device support, connections via RDP, user management, device permissions, and standard customization, priced at $34.90 per concurrent user per month.
For a premium plan at $54.90 per user per month, subscribers get all the standard plan features, along with SSO/SAML and premium support.
Companies with smaller footprints may consider the Pay Per Use plan, priced at $125 per 500 minutes over a year. This plan includes all the standard features with multi-session streams charged per minute.
Enterprise plans start at approximately $24,000 per year.
Not only does ISL Online offer end-to-end encryption but its software also has several security certifications (Image credit: ISL Online)
ISL Online: Privacy
ISL Online is dedicated to maintaining robust security measures. In addition to the end-to-end encryption of all transferred data, the platform employs two-factor authentication (2FA), code signing, port filtering, user access management, and an allowlist/blocklist for controlling which machines ISL Online technicians are permitted to access. Furthermore, the client's ISL AlwaysOn app is secured with password protection, and initial session access is restricted to the technician who initiated the call. These measures collectively ensure high security and control over remote access operations.
ISL Online: Pro and cons
ISL Online has its own set of pros and cons that need to be considered.
Firstly, ISL Online is compatible with various platforms such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This cross-platform functionality ensures that users can offer or receive support, irrespective of the operating system in use.
The platform takes security seriously by using industry-standard encryption protocols to safeguard data transmission. This feature is especially important for businesses that handle sensitive information or operate in regulated industries.
ISL Online has an intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate and use. This ensures that both support technicians and end-users can operate the software smoothly without a steep learning curve.
Businesses using ISL Online have the option to customize the software to their specific needs. This includes custom branding options, which can enhance the support experience for customers and reinforce brand identity.
ISL Online is suitable for freelancers, SMBs, and large corporations as it can scale to meet their requirements. Its pricing structure and feature set cater to a broad range of needs, making it a versatile tool for different business sizes and sectors.
However, the pricing for ISL Online might be a hurdle for individuals or small businesses with limited budgets. The investment is substantial, and potential users must weigh the benefits against the costs.
Although the platform is generally user-friendly, some of its more advanced features may require a learning investment. Users looking to leverage the full suite of tools will need to spend time becoming acquainted with them.
ISL Online's free version is quite limited, offering just a brief trial period to test its capabilities. Businesses looking to extensively test the software before committing might find this period restrictive.
RemotePC by iDrive allows access to up to ten Windows and Mac machines with prices starting at only $4/month and includes file sharing from machines and remote drives, and even includes live video support.
Zoho Assist is another worthy contender. Featuring some of the toughest security features on the market and options for remote printing and custom branding, there are numerous subscription options available for whatever your team may require, with prices starting at $8/month for the Zoho Standard plan.
Final verdict
ISL Online provides many powerful remote access tools, offering multiple ways to support clients across different machines and platforms. The platform emphasizes top-notch security features and permissions tools for both technicians and clients, demonstrating ISL's strong commitment to user data security.
While the cost of Cloud-licensing fees may be high, especially for small businesses, ISL's subscription comes with a wealth of tools, extensions, and add-ons, making it a worthwhile investment. New suite users can also benefit from an excellent built-in support team, facilitating successful integration with ISL Online for the user and their clients.
ISL Online is a powerful, versatile, and secure remote desktop service suitable for a diverse audience, from IT professionals to large enterprises. However, potential users should carefully weigh the platform's cons, such as its cost and the complexity of some features, against their specific needs and the benefits it offers. With its security, support, and scalability strengths, ISL Online is a compelling solution for those seeking reliable and professional remote access tools.
Before making your final decision, consider your organization's specific needs, budget, and the level of support and features required. ISL Online might be the comprehensive tool to elevate your remote access capabilities.
What to look for in a remote desktop solution
When searching for a remote desktop software package, it's crucial to prioritize several key features to ensure a smooth, secure, and efficient remote access experience. The first aspect to consider is security. Given the nature of remote access, the software should have robust encryption standards to protect data during transmission. Features like two-factor authentication and multi-level permission settings offer additional layers of security, ensuring that only authorized users can access the system.
Another critical factor is the ease of use. The software should have an intuitive interface, allowing users to connect to remote devices seamlessly without extensive technical knowledge. It is also important that it supports multiple platforms and devices, providing flexibility to access your desktop from various operating systems like Windows, MacOS, Linux, or through mobile devices running iOS or Android.
Performance is equally vital. The software should offer a smooth, lag-free experience, even with low bandwidth, ensuring that tasks can be performed efficiently without frustration. Look for options that provide a good balance between video quality and transmission speed, minimizing delays in rendering graphics or text.
Compatibility with business tools and scalability are other significant considerations. As businesses grow, their remote desktop needs may evolve. A good remote desktop software should easily integrate with existing IT environments and scale to accommodate additional users or workstations without major overhauls.
Lastly, customer support cannot be overlooked. Reliable customer service is crucial, as it ensures that any technical issues can be promptly addressed. Look for software providers that offer comprehensive support via various channels, including live chat, email, and phone.
In summary, when scouting for a remote desktop software package, prioritize security, ease of use, performance, compatibility and scalability, and customer support. Selecting a software with these features in mind will not only enhance productivity but also safeguard your digital assets, ultimately offering a positive return on investment.
Update - November 2025: Any PDF editor, such as pdfFiller, which relies on the web for its functionality, will benefit from improvements to the network, so if you have a good ISP, and a steady and generous bandwidth, you’ll find pdfFiller to be as good as it’s always been: fast and responsive to the point you easily forget you’re working in a browser window.
In terms of features, there's not been any real changes - your workflow is pretty much the same as it was when we last reviewed the software last year.
Pricing remains a sticking point though. Its month-by-month subscriptions are very high, ranging from $20, $30 and $40 for ‘Basic’, ‘Plus’ and ‘Premium’ respectively. Thankfully, its yearly contracts are more in line with the competition (if on the high side for the top end), dropping the cost to the equivalent of $8, $12, and $15 per month.
Original review follows.
pdfFiller is designed to help businesses deal with PDFs documents, from the basics such as splitting or merging files, to converting files to and from that format, editing PDFs, signing them, password protecting them, and more.
pdfFiller is made by airSlate Inc, an American software company. airSlate maintains its headquarters in the city of Brookline, Massachusetts. This service is part of the airSlate Business Cloud, a software suite for enterprises to create and manage documents. We put the latest version to the test, to see how it compares to the best PDF editor software out there.
pdfFiller: Plans and pricing
You can check out the wares by selecting a subscription plan as this grants you 30 days to explore before the first payment kicks in (Image credit: airSlate)
Various options are open to you, all dependent on price, and the more you pay, the more features you get. No free plan though, but a free 30-day trial should help mitigate that
Since pdfFiller is an online service, you get to access its wares via a subscription. There are no free tiers available, but any plan you choose comes with a free 30-day trial, which should give you enough time to kick her tires and see how she runs.
For $8 a month (on a yearly contract), or $20 on a month-by-month basis, ‘Basic’ gives you, well, the basics: you can edit documents, such as erasing sections, highlighting others, merging files, and converting PDFs to Word; you’re able to access your documents online, or through a desktop app (for Mac and Windows), and have the support staff get back to you in a day.
‘Plus’ take it up a notch for $12 a month for a year, or $30 each month. Its additional features include being able to create templates, insert fillable fields, password protect documents, get access to an iOS and Android app, and have customer support get back to you within 30 minutes.
And finally there’s ‘Premium’ which adds the ability to sign docs and get others to sign them as well, offers a library of US legal forms, manage users and permissions, collect payments, set up custom branding, and gets you instant support, all for $15 a month for a year, or $40 each month.
As mentioned above you can explore these features without giving the company your payment details, but rest assured no money will be taken for the first 30 days.
You can check out pdfFiller from airSlate by clicking here.
Score: 4/5
pdfFiller: Interface
The interface may not be original, but it’s clear and simple to understand (Image credit: airSlate)
A busy, yet easy to navigate interface that makes it easy for you to upload your documents, templates and contacts, and have access to them wherever you are, whether through a web browser, a desktop app or through your iPhone or Android device (as long as you’ve chosen the plan that includes those, of course)
Having logged in, you’ll be able to access pdfFiller either online, or by downloading an app. The concept is pretty much the same, as whichever option you use, your documents will be uploaded to pdfFiller’s servers, enabling you to work on them wherever you have access to a computer or web browser.
Upload a document and you’ll be able to interact with it within seconds. In that respect it makes for a great and easy interface: no matter where you are, as long as your documents are with pdfFiller, you’ll be able to get access to them, online or via a dedicated app.
The sidebar on the left lets you see your documents, templates, contacts and more, while the rest of the interface is dedicated to whichever menu you’ve selected in the sidebar. It’s all pretty simple and straightforward.
You’re able to import your contacts from Google or add them manually, and your documents can be uploaded to pdfFiller as mentioned above, or accessed from one of four online storage solutions: Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, or OneDrive. It shouldn’t take you any time at all to understand your way around.
Score: 4/5
pdfFiller: Tools
You have full editing access to a PDF - you can highlight text, redact paragraphs, edit the original content (one line at a time), and so on (Image credit: airSlate)
All the tools are available in one place, which is great for efficiency and eases workflow. They’re all easy to use, and do their job as expected. A great interface, with good, powerful tools
What we really appreciated is the fact that once you’ve opened a document, you can do pretty much everything you need to directly from there. When you consider the fact that many of pdfFiller’s competitors require you to access specific tools one at a time, having to close the document first, and reopen it in that new tool to continue working, being able to do it all in one go sure feels like a breath of fresh air. It feels like the interface is working for you, rather than you having to work against it.
All the tools you’re looking for are there: you can re-order pages, and delete others straight from the thumbnail sidebar on the left. Should you need additional options, select ‘more’ from any of these thumbnails to reveal the ‘rearrange pages’ popup window from which you can also add and duplicate pages, along with what you could already do in the sidebar.
The rest of the tools can all be found at the top of the page, in a row. You can add text boxes, images, ticks and crosses, draw on the page, and more. It’s all very simple: select the tool, and apply it wherever you wish.
And as with true premium PDF services, you’re able to alter a PDF’s existing content, one line as a time. It’s not ideal as we’d prefer services that allow you to select entire paragraphs instead, but it works fine to change the odd word, or fix a typo here and there. Problems can occur should your alterations need to be more extensive.
Signatures are a simple matter of selecting the ‘sign’ tool, and placing it wherever it needs to be on the page. You can even resize it at will.
When it comes to redaction, you have an ‘Erase’ and a ‘Blackout’ tool. They both do the same thing: block out a portion of the text, either in white or black, preventing a reader from seeing those sections, and more importantly, preventing them from selecting the text that is now redacted.
Even better, your modifications are saved automatically which means that you can make changes on one device, and when you check on the other, those alterations are already reflected there. It makes for a seamless experience.
Score: 4.5/5
Should I buy pdfFiller?
Reordering or deleting pages can be done straight from the thumbnail sidebar or via the ‘Rearrange Pages’ section (Image credit: airSlate)
Buy it if...
You’re looking for a powerful and well implemented PDF editing service which you can access online, via a desktop app, or through your iPhone and Android device.
Don't buy it if...
You don’t need so much control over your PDFs, and you certainly don’t want to be saddled with yet another subscription package.
Square POS, or point of sale system, has a long history dating back to 2009. When a then small start-up called Square (co-founded by Twitter’s Jack Dorsey) devised a simple solution that enabled merchants of all sizes to accept payments on their mobile devices.
By inserting its Square Reader into the 3.5mm headphone jack on a smartphone or tablet, the company allowed users to take payments via its app for the first time on a mobile device.
Square turned the POS system industry upside down with the release of its first product a decade ago, and since then the company has produced new hardware and software to further empower small and medium sized businesses.
Indeed, Square POS recently introduced a new self-service ordering feature that can be used by Square Online sellers, particularly those selling food and drink. So, you may be wondering how the firm stacks up against rivals now, and whether or not Square is the right payments solution for your business. Let’s explore these issues in more detail.
Looking for an alternative to Square POS? Competitor POS (point of sale) systems are offered by the likes of Lightspeed POS, EposNow, First POS, and Shopify.
The Square POS system offers a wide selection of payment tech (Image credit: Square)
Square POS pricing
Square may not charge its users a setup fee or monthly fees but it does take a percentage of each transaction with the rate of the transaction depending on which Square hardware product you decide to use. Here are how the prices shape up depending on your choice of hardware:
Customers with a Square Reader and Stand are charged 2.75 % per transaction.
Customers with a Square Terminal pay 2.6 % plus $0.10 per transaction.
Customers with a Square Register pay 2.5 % plus $0.10 per transaction.
All of these charges occur when a customer pays by tap, dip or swipe for payments taken on Square's hardware.
Square’s prices may be higher than other credit card processing companies, but there are no overhead costs to deal with, and all retail and mobile customers get a Square Reader for free. The company does not charge users a monthly fee and there are no monthly minimums to be met, which makes the service a great fit for businesses that only occasionally need to process credit cards.
Available hardware includes user-friendly POS terminals
Square POS setup
Getting started with Square is a straightforward and simple process. First things first, you will need to register on the company’s site where you’ll be prompted to enter your name, email address and some information about your business.
Next you need to provide your banking details including your routing number so that Square can pay you for sales made using its platform, though note that it can take up to a week to verify your bank account. The company will also send you a free Square Reader in the post in seven to ten business days.
New users will have to set up their account on Square Dashboard which serves as the online headquarters for their business. Here, it is possible to add locations, employees, items and more, as well as taking care of the likes of setting up inventory management.
To get started taking payments, though, you have to download the Square Point of Sale app from either Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store depending on your device. Once you’ve downloaded the app, go ahead and sign in to your store (the app also works with multiple stores) and you will be presented with a grid that shows the products you’ve set up on Square Dashboard in the center, with your product categories on the left and the sales receipt on the right.
When you choose a product, a pop-up window lets you specify the size, quantity, taxes and discounts for each item. A button at the top-right of the app labeled Split lets you easily split a bill between customers, and can also come in handy if a customer wants to use several payment methods such as cash plus a gift card.
Once a customer is ready to pay, they can swipe their card or dip their chip depending on which piece of Square’s hardware is being used. If you’re using the app on a tablet, simply turn the device towards your customer so that they can sign and tip, completing the transaction.
The exact setup process will vary depending on which of Square’s systems you’re using, but overall it’s easy enough for any small business owner to get up and running in a short amount of time. The Point of Sale app also guides new users through how to conduct a transaction when they open it for the first time.
Ease of use is one of the most appealing aspects of Square POS (Image credit: Square)
Square POS features
Square POS hardware covers all bases when it comes to taking and processing payments. If you need a fully-integrated point of sale and payments terminal then the Register is ideal, featuring as it does a dedicated customer display. Alternatively, get the Square POS stand and you can simply turn your own iPad into a Square point of sale location.
Meanwhile, the Terminal is a compact device that enables you to accept payments and also print receipts, while the very common readers that are already commonplace offer compact and convenient processing of payments. Square also has numerous accessories to boost the usefulness of its service, with everything from cash drawers and barcode readers through to printers and scales being available.
The Square POS system also bristles with cool features, such as the company’s Card on File which allows users to safely and securely store customer card information. This can be quite useful for repeat customers who are tired of swiping their cards, and because the company hosts and secures this customer data, you are still PCI compliant.
Card on File also works with Square Invoices as well as e-commerce using Square’s APIs. You will have to pay extra to use this feature as Square charges you the keyed entry rate, but it’s still a nice addition.
The Square POS stand is convenient if you use your iPad as point of sale system. (Image credit: Rodnae Productions via Pexels)
Square is also able to operate in an offline mode in the same way that more complex POS systems offer (such as NCR Silver POS). This feature is a godsend for small vendors that need to operate in venues with poor internet connections such as festivals or in remote areas.
Square’s Virtual Terminal gives vendors the ability to enter credit card payments from any internet-connected device with a web browser. This feature is free and retailers only need to pay the processing costs for each transaction just as they normally would. Virtual Terminal can even be used to store card data to charge customers without them having to re-submit their payment information.
Invoicing can be taken care of using Square’s built-in tools, but third-party integration is also supported if you want to use other invoicing software. The company’s invoicing tools support both one-off and recurring invoices as well as installment payments.
There’s even a wide range of templates available for creating contracts with Square POS. Purchase orders, images and other files can easily be attached to your invoices so that you can keep everything neat and tidy in one place.
For merchants that wish to use their funds from Square right away, the company has created the Square Card. This MasterCard debit card gives sellers immediate access to their funds without the need for a bank transfer. The card works at stores, online, and even at ATMs with Square providing an automatic 2.75% discount when you shop with other Square merchants.
As mentioned earlier, Square also recently unveiled a new feature for Square Online sellers that allows businesses to print their own QR codes on signs, tables, menus and so on.
Aimed mainly at food and drink outlets that have suffered badly during the pandemic, it offers a contactless and largely touch-free way of boosting orders. Customers can use Apple Pay, Google Pay or indeed Square Pay to settle up once an order is completed.
Square offers capacity for processing payments when the customer is present
Square POS competition
Square may have shook up the market with its first card reader, but since then other similar services have launched to compete in the mobile payments space. While we could list every one of the company’s competitors, it’s a more worthwhile exercise to highlight a couple of key providers which offer similar solutions geared towards small businesses looking to accept credit cards.
Online payments company PayPal launched its PayPal Here POS service back in 2012. While its Chip Card Reader for $14.99 is not as elegant as the Square Reader, its new Chip and Tap Reader for $59.99 is almost identical to Square’s device, but it comes in black.
PayPal Here simple and versatile payment processing service.
PayPal Here’s standard rate for swipe and dip is 2.7%, although there is an additional cost for processing international cards from outside of the US.
Intuit (of QuickBooks fame) has also released its own mobile payments solution called Intuit GoPayment. If you’re already heavily invested in the QuickBooks ecosystem, then the fact that the company’s mPOS offering integrates perfectly could be a big selling point.
A Windows-only POS system from the accounting software giant, Intuit
The Intuit GoPayment app for Android and iOS is free and the company sends you a free card reader just like Square does. However, you’re probably better off spending $49 for Intuit’s All-in-One reader that accepts chip, swipe and contactless.
Square POS final verdict
Square POS can also be run on your iPad for convenience
The fact that Square provides the necessary software and even the hardware to start accepting card payments means the service’s barrier to entry is quite low. Anyone can register on the site, receive their Square Reader in the mail and start accepting card payments in no time, which is perfect for small businesses looking to try out new ways of taking payments.
However, the company is quite strict when it comes to investigating fraud or other illegal activities on its platform. Just bear in mind this could potentially mean that if a business suddenly starts doing incredibly well, its Square account could be subject to a review, freezing its cashflow.
Mobile vendors or small businesses that want to accept card payments occasionally will likely be quite pleased with Square. However, if your business processes a huge volume of transactions, you’re better off looking for a more advanced POS system better suited to your requirements.
