These are tools that can help with problems our tests and guides find. Nothing here is required: every fix on this site works without buying anything, and each category lists free or built-in options first.
How we choose and how we are paid
- Every category has a free or built-in option, and free options are always listed before paid ones.
- Affiliate links are labelled. A green "No commission" tag means we earn nothing if you use it. An amber "Affiliate" tag means we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. A tag is only shown when an affiliate arrangement is actually active.
- Commission does not change test results or the order of free options. A list never contains only affiliate items.
- No affiliate links on scam, phishing, safe-browsing or mobile-safety pages. When you are worried about a message or a link, you should not be shown an offer.
- We recommend a tool only when your result calls for it, for example a private DNS provider after a DNS result, or a password manager if the checkup shows reused passwords, and each recommendation says what the tool does not do.
- Descriptions are short and general. Features and prices change, so check the product's own site before you buy. Last reviewed 2026-10-31.
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VPNs
What it does: Replace the IP address websites see with the VPN's, and encrypt traffic between your device and the VPN. Useful on untrusted networks.
What it does not do: Stop phishing, malware, browser fingerprinting or tracking by sites you log in to. The VPN company can see your traffic instead, so choose one you trust and avoid free services you cannot vouch for.
- Our VPN partnerPaidAffiliate: we may earn a commissionThe VPN we have an affiliate arrangement with. Compare it with the options above before you buy. See the offer
- Proton VPNFree tier and paidNo commissionVPN with a free plan (fewer servers) and paid plans. Visit site
- Mullvad VPNPaidNo commissionPaid VPN that does not ask for an email address to sign up. Visit site
- IVPNPaidNo commissionPaid VPN with a privacy-focused sign-up process. Visit site
Password managers
What it does: Create and store a different strong password for every account, and fill it in only on the right website.
What it does not do: Protect you if you hand a password to a fake site yourself, or if your device is already infected. Pair it with two-step verification.
- BitwardenFree tier and paidNo commissionOpen-source password manager with a free tier and paid plans. Visit site
- KeePassXCFreeNo commissionFree, open-source manager that keeps your passwords in a file on your own device. More hands-on to set up and sync. Visit site
- Proton PassFree tier and paidNo commissionPassword manager from Proton with free and paid plans. Visit site
- 1PasswordPaidNo commissionPaid password manager with apps for common phones and computers. Visit site
Antivirus and device protection
What it does: Scan for known malware and warn about dangerous downloads.
What it does not do: Stop scams, phishing or fake support calls, which trick you instead of attacking the device. Built-in protection is enough for many people; a paid suite is optional.
- Microsoft DefenderBuilt inNo commissionBuilt into Windows. Keep it on and updated before paying for anything else. Visit site
- Google Play ProtectBuilt inNo commissionBuilt into Android phones with Google Play. Scans apps and can warn about harmful ones. Visit site
- MalwarebytesFree tier and paidNo commissionAnti-malware tool with a free scanner and paid real-time protection. Visit site
- BitdefenderPaidNo commissionPaid security suites for several device types. Visit site
Encrypted storage
What it does: Keep files unreadable to anyone without your key, including the storage provider (depends on the product).
What it does not do: Replace backups, protect files you open on an infected device, or recover data if you lose your key.
- CryptomatorFreeNo commissionOpen-source tool that encrypts files on your device before they go to the cloud storage you already use. Visit site
- VeraCryptFreeNo commissionFree, open-source encryption for drives and containers. Powerful but technical. Visit site
- Proton DriveFree tier and paidNo commissionCloud storage with end-to-end encryption, free and paid plans. Visit site
- TresoritPaidNo commissionPaid end-to-end encrypted cloud storage, often used by small businesses. Visit site
Privacy-focused DNS
What it does: Change which company answers your website lookups, and can block known malicious or tracking domains.
What it does not do: Hide your IP address, stop browser fingerprinting, or hide which sites you visit from your internet provider (it can still see the connection).
- Quad9FreeNo commissionFree public resolver run by a non-profit that blocks known malicious domains. Visit site
- Cloudflare 1.1.1.1FreeNo commissionFree public resolver focused on speed, with optional malware-blocking addresses. Visit site
- AdGuard DNSFree tier and paidNo commissionResolver that can block ads and trackers, with a free tier and paid plans. Visit site
- NextDNSFree tier and paidNo commissionConfigurable DNS filtering with a free tier (limited queries) and paid plans. Visit site
Privacy-focused browsers
What it does: Block many trackers by default and reduce some fingerprinting.
What it does not do: Make you anonymous. Logging in, cookies you accept and unusual settings can still identify you.
- FirefoxFreeNo commissionOpen-source browser with tracking protection built in. Visit site
- BraveFreeNo commissionChromium-based browser with built-in tracker and ad blocking and some fingerprinting defences. Visit site
- Mullvad BrowserFreeNo commissionBrowser designed to reduce fingerprinting by making users look alike. Desktop only. Visit site
- Tor BrowserFreeNo commissionRoutes traffic through the Tor network for stronger anonymity. Slower, and some sites block it. Visit site
Browser extensions
What it does: Block ads and trackers, or help manage passwords inside the browser.
What it does not do: Come without risk: every extension can read pages you visit, so install few and only well-known ones.
- uBlock OriginFreeNo commissionOpen-source content blocker for ads and trackers. Works best on Firefox and desktop Chromium browsers. Visit site
- Privacy BadgerFreeNo commissionFree extension from the Electronic Frontier Foundation that learns and blocks trackers. Visit site
- Bitwarden browser extensionFree tier and paidNo commissionFills saved passwords inside your browser (needs a Bitwarden account). Visit site