Microsoft’s Excel is cost-effective and easy to use, which are major draws for public sector organizations and small businesses. However, Excel has been under the spotlight over the last few months after the data breaches at the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) saw personal information inadvertently exposed in spreadsheets shared as part of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

The fear of another high-profile incident was so great that in September, UK regulator the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued a warning against using Excel spreadsheets when responding to FOI requests.

There’s no doubt Excel is a flexible tool for data management and analysis, but its openness can lead to security concerns and leave it vulnerable to breaches of regulation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Many public sector organizations are currently using Excel to manage and analyze their data. What are the risks and benefits of each approach?

How easy is it to use Excel for data analysis?

Excel is well-known and has been around for a long time so ease of use is one of its biggest benefits, says Katie McCullough, CISO at Panzura. “Virtually everyone knows how to navigate an Excel spreadsheet and that's a huge plus when you're trying to implement a system across an organization with varying levels of technical skill.”

Excel enables a variety of data manipulations and calculations, which is why it's often leaned on for data analytics, says McCullough. It’s also specifically aimed at business users and the best Excel courses can teach employees how to use the software to dramatically improve their efficiency at work. However, she says, Excel’s accessibility can be a “double-edged sword”. 

When using the tool for data management, Excel's openness can lead to significant security concerns, says McCullough. “When you're handling sensitive public sector data, the unstructured nature of Excel can make it difficult to maintain control over who has access to the information and how it's being altered.”

Auditability can also be a challenge. “If you can't track the provenance of the data or the changes made to it, you're going to run into problems when you need to substantiate your findings or decisions, says McCullough. “While Excel is a powerful tool for analysis, its use for managing data – especially sensitive information – requires careful consideration of these inherent risks.”

While sensitive data can be easily stored in Excel spreadsheets, this can be hard to do in compliance with data protection policies and procedures. Indeed, Excel was never designed as a data management tool: It is “simply too easy” for users to expose sensitive information to unintended audiences, says Nelson Petracek, CTO at business planning company Board International. 

“Data is not managed in a way that is easily controlled or secured, and users can hide information via hidden tabs and columns, embedded data elements, formatting – or even by moving it to an area outside of the normal viewpoint,” Petracek says.

“This makes it difficult to determine if sensitive data exists in a workbook or Excel application.”

Security in Excel is typically set at a workbook or worksheet level, which is “simply not a fine enough level of granularity to ensure proper data security and privacy”, adds Petracek. “It is also easy to send files over insecure channels, lose track of versions, or for files to be sent or carried outside of an organization’s firewall.”

The risk of Excel macros

Another security issue that has already been the subject of a warning by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is macros. These are action scripts used to automate tasks in Excel and are often helpful for obtaining insights within the software. But they can also negatively impact security as Blake Jeffrey, general manager, security and identity at Intelliworx, tells ITPro. “Macros are often created for legitimate reasons, but they can also be used by attackers to gain access to or harm a system, or to bypass other security controls.”

At the same time, building a proper data governance strategy and meeting compliance checks can be a challenge with Excel, says Jeffrey. “Excel lacks the specific features needed to manage complex tasks related to GDPR for example, such as data mapping, consent management, and data subject access request handling.”

The issue is not unique to UK organizations, as the US is impacted by security and data protection concerns too. “In the US and UK, public sector organizations often deal with sensitive data and Excel may not provide the level of security required,” says Jasmine Harrison, account manager at Data Protection People. 

Regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) “emphasize stringent data protection measures”, she points out.

Beyond regulation, Microsoft’s own guidance recommends using Excel for data analysis and its software Access for data management – but this is frequently ignored. Experts say Access is a more structured and secure database management system. However, Excel's familiarity and popularity can make it the go-to choice, even when it's not the best fit for data management, says Harrison. 

Excel is also readily available as part of the Microsoft Office suite that most organizations already have, McCullough points out. This means that despite the best intentions of Microsoft's guidance, the “convenience and familiarity of Excel” often leads to its use in scenarios better suited for a dedicated database management system such as Access. But this doesn’t make Excel the best option for database costs, performance, and value in the long run.

Alternatives to Excel for data management

It’s clear Excel is not fit for purpose when it comes to storing sensitive data, but what’s the alternative? While there are other options available, many of the pitfalls are the same, says McCullough. “It’s important to weigh the options against the risks, especially given the recent ICO guidance. The ICO emphasizes the importance of data integrity and security, which are critical for any organization, regardless of size.”

For smaller organizations, the key is to find solutions that maintain the simplicity and user-friendliness of Excel while offering enhanced security and data management features, says McCullough. 

Google Sheets is one alternative to Excel. “It's a familiar spreadsheet environment with the added advantage of automatic Google cloud storage and version control, which is not a perfect solution, but can help with data integrity,” McCullough says. It also allows for easier control of user access, which she says “aligns somewhat” with the ICO's emphasis on data protection.

While other options are available, the likes of OneTrust might be too expensive for smaller organizations, says Harrison. With this in mind, she recommends alternatives such as DataWise, which “may be more budget-friendly in comparison”.

However, it's not just about picking a different spreadsheet tool: Organizations must understand the need for structured data management practices, says McCullough. “Even with alternatives such as Google Sheets, the principles of good data management are the same – knowing where your data is, who has access to it, and ensuring it's backed up and recoverable in the event of an incident.”

To protect your company from the next big data breach, it’s important to assess the tools you use for data management. Ease of use or employee familiarity should never come second to proper data controls.

Both Google and Microsoft have now revealed their respective AI productivity tools, Duet AI and Copilot, with each set to become embedded within all the apps with which workers will have become familiar.

Many will have become familiar with generative AI over the past few months in the form of chatbots such as ChatGPT or AI art, but what these products offer is AI tips, drafting, and reformatting as built-in features of productivity software.

Each one comes with powerful abilities, with some crossover between the two, but they also come with their own unique advantages.

Duet AI vs Copilot: Automatic text generation

Large language models (LLMs) have become known for their powerful text generation abilities, and both Duet AI and Copilot draw on this heavily.

At Google I/O, Google showed Duet AI being used to generate a job description from scratch, using the input ‘Job post for a regional sales rep’. This can then be edited by the user for maximum accuracy.

With an emphasis on company-wide consistency, Microsoft has shown off Copilot’s ability to not only generate text based on prompts but also produce documents based on the format of files named by the user.

The AI tool was shown to draw in relevant images from similar files, such as product images or company designs in line with a brand identity, and include information from other files specified.

In contrast, Duet uses its neural model to power tone and style suggestions, which could prove more useful for individual users rather than in line with corporate style guides. The tool is capable of altering writing to sound more professional in multiple languages, including Spanish and Japanese.

Duet AI vs Copilot: Email

Microsoft’s recent Work Trend Index showed that the busiest 25% of email users can spend up to 8.8 hours per week drafting and organizing their inboxes, revealing an area prime for AI time-saving.

Both 365 Copilot and Duet AI are also capable of organizing and summarizing users’ inboxes, though Copilot is the only one of the two that has been shown to actively push emails to the top of an inbox that it has deemed the highest priority.

Duet AI uses ‘Sidekick’, a tool that appears in a sidebar across the Google Workspace to offer Duet prompt suggestions. 

In a demonstration at Google I/O, Sidekick was asked a question about the contents of a Google Sheets document linked within an email, and was able to provide a short natural language summary in answer from within Gmail.

Both AI tools will also be capable of completing these functions on mobile. Google has highlighted this as a particularly useful feature for productivity, as drafting long responses on a phone keyboard can provide difficult.

A point to stress is that Copilot is capable of summarizing messages within both Outlook and Teams, a feature that could put it slightly ahead of Duet AI’s capabilities here.

This is because companies that use the Microsoft suite are almost guaranteed to make use of Outlook for their email purposes and Teams for instant messaging and large chats between teams. 

Businesses that use Google Workspace will use Gmail for their emailing but are by no means guaranteed to be using Gmail’s in-built chat functions for day-to-day comms with coworkers. 

Other apps such as Slack may fulfill this function instead, and while Salesforce has revealed ChatGPT for Slack this is less of a unified AI experience than that offered by Copilot.

With access to the Microsoft Graph, Copilot is also capable of providing users with summaries of talking points from a meeting by drawing on the automatic transcript of a Teams call or suggesting key points to meet for an upcoming meeting based on a KPI PDF.

Duet AI has not demonstrated this ability as yet, though a brief demo in the product announcement video showed that the AI can make summaries of video calls made in Google Meet, including checklists and key topics discussed.

Duet AI vs Copilot: Meetings

Both AI tools have also been shown as powerful assistants for preparing meeting slides, resources, and notes.

Copilot is capable of generating an entire presentation based on a natural language prompt, and can draw on OneDrive for images based on the context of the prompt. These can be fine-tuned after the fact for greater accuracy, and Copilot can also tweak settings such as slide transitions.

Duet AI can perform a similar task, with Google having promised AI-generated images in Slides alongside videos and audio. At present, only the first has been shown in a demonstration but this could prove a powerful advantage over Copilot if realized in time.

With Sidekick, users can also create speaker notes for a Google Slides presentation based on the content within each slide.

Duet AI vs Copilot: Spreadsheet automation

Both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel already contain many powerful features to save workers time, including macros, and Google has added no-code machine learning to Sheets via an extension.

What both Duet AI and Copilot bring to spreadsheets is a contextual understanding of data, as well as powerful formatting and cell generation abilities based on natural language prompts.

Duet AI can produce sheet templates and plans from prompts, which could prove decisive for cutting down the time required to receive insights from data.

Google has also stated that Duet AI can assign labels to cells within a sheet based on context, which could free workers from manual data entry.

For Excel, Copilot can be used to analyze and identify trends across a massive amount of data, and also project data for the future based on “what if” questions.

A helpful feature of Copilot is that it can explain the calculations behind its projections. This is a step towards keeping AI output explainable, which is especially important for tasks such as financial projections or targets that will have real-world implications.

Duet AI vs Copilot: Availability

Google and Microsoft have taken different approaches when it comes to the rollout of their respective AI productivity tools.

For Duet AI, Google is rolling the tool out in a staggered manner to early testers in its Workspace Labs program.

Google told The Verge that Write in Gmail is available in Workspace Labs at the time of writing and further Gmail features will be rolled out by the end of the month. 

Features such as intelligent classification in Sheets will not be available until later in the year.

This early difference in approach could be telling for the future strategies of each company, with Google aiming for a business/consumer mix and Microsoft doubling down on corporate AI adoption.

This is further shown by the fact that only organization admins are able to apply for Workspace Labs and Google Bard access, while the chatbot is generally available to individual accounts.

Comparing the new-look Google Workspace and Microsoft 365

Both Google and Microsoft have radically overhauled their product strategies in the past six months, with Workspace and Microsoft 365 guaranteed to heavily involve generative AI by the end of the year.

As evinced by the feature comparisons, users may find that Duet AI and Copilot can perform many of the same functions in practice, though individual outputs will vary as a result of the different foundation models the AIs use to generate their respective outputs.

One edge that Google Workspace has over Microsoft 365 is its inherent collaborative and sharable nature, which comes about as a result of it being always online, which could compound the inherent productivity boost of the AI tools.

Though Microsoft 365 may not have the free accessibility of Google Workspace as it is often associated with desktop apps rather than online resources like Docs, it makes up for this in cohesion. 

As mentioned with the example of Teams versus Slack and other business communications apps, businesses may find themselves having to learn two different AI systems simultaneously, as opposed to Microsoft’s unified delivery.

It can be tempting to label every new kind of automated technology tool as something that's entirely never-before-seen. This is especially tempting with innovations in the artificial intelligence (AI) sphere. Although ChatGPT, and other forms of generative AI, may be grabbing the headlines, based on the breadth and depth of use cases, text-generating chatbots have been around for a while and have come to define the customer experience.

Currently, interactions between chatbots and humans mostly happen in the customer service space, and these interactions are mixed. While in some cases, chatbots can helpfully surface the answer to your pesky question that's buried deep within a website's FAQs, a lack of nuance and context defines most interactions, and they serve as a frustrating barrier before the inevitable phone call with a human operator.

ChatGPT, meanwhile, offers far more depth, and possibilities in this space, due to the way the system's been engineered. Yes, it’s still a chatbot and will certainly exhibit some flaws that won’t make it suitable for all use cases, but Open AI’s ChatGPT could revolutionise the interactions between people and machines in all kinds of instances.

When were the first chatbots used?

The history of chatbots can be traced all the way back to Alan Turing in the 1950s. After the advent of his Touring Test, the first chatbot that we can confidently identify, as Greek researchers did in a 2020 literature review, was created in 1966. That bot, named ELIZA, combined pattern matching with pre-written responses and was the first attempt at identifying whether a human audience could tell if a bot speaking to them was, in fact, automated. The notion of AI, labelled as such in the mid-fifties by a group led by researcher John McCarthy, would formalise the field as an area of study.

The first time AI was used within a chatbot environment came in the late 1980s. Although we can’t go back in time and speak to Turing or McCarthy, it’s fair to say that neither probably conceived of tools like Siri and Cortana being ubiquitous in our current moment. OpenAI’s entry into the market in 2015 is remarkably recent, with its technologies leaving significant impressions on enterprises in such a short space of time.

How do ChatGPT and other chatbots work?

To understand the difference between ChatGPT and other types of chatbots it’s important to recognise that, while they’re often grouped together for convenience, the term is not ubiquitous. To further complicate things, tech companies might be unable to adequately define the different chatbots they’ve developed, of varying sophistication and application.

For simplicity's sake, let’s first divide chatbots into two camps. The first, rules-based chatbots, are what they say on the tin: an if-this-then-that system governs their behaviour. They are not, as a rule, adapting or thinking for themselves. One example of a rules-based system would be the pop-up you see if you accept Facebook’s invitation to message a business page and are confronted with prompts asking if you’re looking for information like an establishment’s hours or current array of product listings.

The other broad category is AI-powered chatbots. These interfaces rely on natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning rather than pre-programmed chains of responses. These are smart tools to the relatively analogue chatbots of old. From this point, they’re often characterised by either their use case or where they appear. There are also so-called hybrid bots, which use some elements of both rules-based architecture and AI.

What makes ChatGPT so different to chatbots?

There are so many cautionary tales in this space, including Microsoft’s Tay experiment or Meta’s BlenderBot 3. Where previous attempts at generative AI chatbots quickly devolved into chaos, ChatGPT is programmed in such a way as to reduce the sorts of verbal implosions that led to their downfall. In a few words: it is discerning. According to OpenAI, this has been done through reinforcement learning from human feedback, a process in which the bot’s dataset – in this case, an adapted version of sibling product InstructGPT’s – is reinforced via humans.

“We trained an initial model using supervised fine-tuning: human AI trainers provided conversations in which they played both sides – the user and an AI assistant,” the organisation has previously said in blog post. “We gave the trainers access to model-written suggestions to help them compose their responses. We mixed this new dialogue dataset with the InstructGPT dataset, which we transformed into a dialogue format.”

Microsoft's Tay attempt was almost like leaving a chatbot to learn from an angry pack of wolves with problematic intentions – in this case, social media users. ChatGPT’s initial training was more like a university programme with very defined parameters. The bot, which has its own set of ethical concerns, is currently in a research release phase.

What does ChatGPT mean for the future of human-machine interactions?

When comparing ChatGPT with other chatbots, it’s important to make clear distinctions and not get sucked into what can only be described as a fervent hype machine.

The history of both AI and chatbots is long, winding, and complicated. While generative AI is the new and shiny trend, ChatGPT is just one example of a chatbot that people might interact with now and in future years. This is only one example of an AI-powered textual generation tool, for instance, with OpenAI also working on GPT-4, and other models sure to dazzle the market in future.

It’s too early in the release cycle for ChatGPT to say, for sure, how many businesses might adopt it or integrate its technology into their own tools and services, but a handful of companies have already begun exploring integrating this technology. What’s clear, for now, is the global enterprise landscape is on notice regarding the potential impact of generative AI tools like ChatGPT.

The pathways into cybersecurity careers are as varied as the types of threats cyber security staff will face.

Qualifications are available from institutions of all types and at all levels, with cybersecurity certificates and degrees the most sought after – although there are also plenty of shorter courses for those who need to brush up or upskill to a new role

Cybersecurity certifications can lead to some of the highest paid jobs in IT, but along with degrees in cybersecurity, they have their pros and cons.

It's challenging enough to decide which path to take in your career, so we've compared cybersecurity certification vs degree to give you a better idea of what is most suitable for achieving your goals.

Cybersecurity certification vs degree

Certifications and degrees in cybersecurity are geared towards IT professionals who'll operate at different levels and have different career goals, with each type leading to different kinds of experience.

If you're hoping to attain skills in a niche area or address specific cybersecurity issues but you've already worked in the area for a few years, a certification might be for you.

They tend to be less expensive and usually impose less of a drain on your time, which makes them an attractive choice if you're already working, although more advanced certification courses that include work experience components are available too.

However, certificates are also a useful route for those looking to switch careers to cybersecurity. Although certificate exams require learning a syllabus, there are plenty of short courses available that will take someone with little to no knowledge of IT or security and equip them with all the tools they need to sit specific certificate exams.

If you want to approach cyber security from the ground level – for instance if you've just graduated – an undergraduate or postgraduate degree can be a better path following more generalised study in computer science.

If you pursue a cyber security degree there's also a higher chance your course will include real world experience like an internship inside an IT organisation. The advantages of doing so (on-the-ground experience in a live environment) are obvious, but you should also remember it can lead to more opportunities in cyber security leadership positions, such as management and research.

The following are some common cyber security certifications.

Examples of cybersecurity certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Provider: ISC2

The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) offers this certification, recognised all over the world, for IT staff with at least five years experience in information security. 

You'll learn about everything from access control and network security to risk management and more.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Provider: EC-Council

The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) offers this certification for IT professionals who want to understand (and beat) the latest dangers to come from the world of hacking.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Provider: ISACA

The Information Systems Audit and Control Association's (ISACA) cybersecurity certification gives you an understanding of the information security framework of an organisation where you'll learn management, design and oversight of a company's entire cybersecurity stance.

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Provider: ISC2

Also from ISC2, this course will certify you to manage the security of cloud computing systems, a skill that is in incredibly high demand and will applicable in most workplaces.

CompTIA Security+

Provider: CompTIA

This globally recognized certification will provide you with a foundation-level understanding of risk management and network security and will prepare you for several pathways into information security. It's one of the most popular security certifications and is often the first that learners acquire in order to prove foundational knowledge.

Examples of cyber security degrees

University of Bristol: Computer Science with Cyber Security

Cybersecurity is about policy as much as technology, and a degree such as this one recognizes and includes the administrative responsibilities you'll face, giving you a solid grounding in security methodologies.

King's College London: Cyber Security MSc

With strongly practical elements, this degree is about the technical aspects of cybersecurity, but includes the theory about how they're applied.

The main differences between a cybersecurity certification vs degree

The quality and depth of the course content, the qualification level you'll have when you graduate and the areas you're likely to find work in all vary depending on whether you pursue a certification or a degree.

Some employers favour certifications because they contain more direct experience with cyber security systems and scenarios. If you intend to focus on a specific technology niche or architecture, certification courses also tend to concentrate on skillsets and domains that are narrower than courses that cover theory about the entire field.

Certification will also give you the chance to stand out in a very crowded employment market, and if you're already working in the field it won't only be more affordable, it usually takes less time than a full degree.

1. Type of training

A certification often contains more practical components like experience in the industry as a placement or intern, so you'll be exposed to the latest systems and methods as they evolve and graduate with experience in more specific technologies or domains.

By contrast, a degree covers the overarching principles in and theory behind cybersecurity as a whole. You'll graduate with a deeper and wider understanding of the field and get the chance to focus subsequent training or career opportunities on the segments of the industry that interest you.

2. Study duration

Overall, you'll spend fewer hours engaged in actual study in a certification than you will with a degree. Because certifications focus on a specific area or technology they're mostly shorter, whereas degrees are a full time commitment that can last up to four years.

3. Cost of training

Certifications can cost far less than an entire cybersecurity degree simply because of the time and materials needed to complete them. As an example, a typical CISSP certificate exam costs £585, whereas you can pay up to £37k for a full undergraduate degree over four years – quite a difference even when you consider student loan and finance choices.

4. Level of qualification

If you're looking for a job in a particular cybersecurity area, a certification will signal demonstrable expertise to employers. But if you're looking further down the road towards more advanced opportunities in a broader area, potential employers will favour a cybersecurity degree.

5. Future job prospects

As always, you'll get the job you've trained for. A certification will get your foot in the door of a specific cybersecurity field that matches your course content, but a degree will widen your search potential in case you decide to go into other fields like R&D or the administration or management of cybersecurity methods.

Certifications in cybersecurity have both potential upsides and downsides.

Pros and cons of taking a cybersecurity certification

Pros:

• Certification in cybersecurity is often a much shorter process
• Training usually costs far less than a full degree
• Certificates are highly-specialized, and clear signal to employers that you know your stuff
• Generally considered an easier way into the industry, particularly for those switching careers

Cons:

• Some employers will need cybersecurity generalists, which specialist certificates may not provide
• Specialized certificates make it harder for those new to the industry to explore a wide variety of topics
• You may need to train for multiple certificates in order to make up for a lack of a degree

Pros and cons of taking a cybersecurity degree

Pros:

• Degrees typically have far better support structures than those offered by shorter courses and certificate programs
• Degrees provide solid foundational knowledge, making it more likely that you will fit the requirements for a wider pool of jobs
• Universities tend to have strong links with employers
• The broad knowledge degrees provide allows you to make more informed choices when it comes to specializing

Cons:

• A degree requires an enormous amount of commitment, both in terms of cost and time
• Degrees tend to be more static and less reactive to emerging trends, compared to specializing with certificates

Cybersecurity certificate vs degree: Which is better?

The question is simple, the answer – less so. It depends completely on you, your goals and your starting point. 

If you know the basic best practices and theory of the cybersecurity field and want to expand your practical skills in a specific niche, a certification is ideal. You will spend significantly less money on training and you will be able to bypass much of the introductory teaching that's associated with degrees, allowing you to get that certificate much quicker.

If you're starting out and want the broadest possible education about the area, or if you're not sure what specific career path you want to take, a degree will give you a solid foundation upon which to expand skills in the areas that most interest you, and when you figure those areas out, opportunities for advanced career goals will already be more accessible at your employers of choice.

Of course, this is just general advice. If you're new to cybersecurity, there are plenty of shorter courses available designed for those with zero knowledge of the industry that will prepare you for certificate exams. These are a great way to slowly build up your knowledge, although they require a bit more self discipline and won't be able to offer the same levels of support you will receive undertaking a full degree.

We live in a wireless age, and this direction of travel is clear no matter where you look. This is typified by hardware manufacturers phasing out the trusted Ethernet port in modern razor-thin laptops and 2-in-1s. The latest Wi-Fi 6E connections, too, let us stream hundreds of megabytes a second through the air – and next year we expect to see the first Wi-Fi 7 chipsets, promising speeds of up to 40Gbits/sec.

With all this data swirling around us, traditional cabled connections may seem old-fashioned to the point of obsolescence. While Ethernet can’t match the go-anywhere convenience of wireless networking, it still has several advantages over Wi-Fi, and there are five reasons that, for many enterprise users, it will always be the superior option.

Ethernet vs Wi-Fi: Why Ethernet wins over Wi-Fi

1. Ethernet is simpler

You can’t beat Ethernet for simplicity. Just run a cable from one socket to another and boom, the connection is made. Assuming the devices at either end are correctly configured then the link speed, addressing and routing should all be sorted out automatically.

Configuring Wi-Fi, on the other hand, might be a far messier process and the complexity of this often depends on whether your physical space demands a mesh network or a Wi-Fi extender. Routing cables throughout the premises, on the other, to all terminals is a relatively more straightforward operation.

You don’t need to worry about keeping up with the latest high-end standards either: a £5 cable is all you need to get the fastest speeds. There’s no confusion about different plugs and sockets, as with USB. With the exception of high-end enterprise-grade hardware, all Ethernet links use standard RJ45 connectors, with handy plastic latches to ensure the cables can’t be accidentally yanked out.

2. Ethernet is more secure

Although the latest WPA3 wireless security protocol makes it all but impossible for an intruder to spy on your Wi-Fi connection, not all devices support it – and even if a spy can’t get into your wireless network, they can infer things from its name, signal strength, traffic patterns and so forth. That said, the forthcoming protocol might also be susceptible to future attacks, according to research published in 2020, who discovered a set of Dragonblood flaws in 2019.

With Ethernet, however, there’s no way for anyone to snoop on your data unless they can gain access to the physical cables and connectors. To succeed in an attack, a cyber criminal would need to plug a device into your network physically, while data transmitted through Wi-Fi networks are more susceptible to interception.

3. Ethernet speeds are quicker

Ethernet is almost always faster than wireless. The latest Wi-Fi routers provide high speeds over a short distance but carry your laptop into the next room and performance quickly drops off. A gigabit Ethernet connection can reliably keep up a data rate of around 100MB/sec over any length of cable, up to a huge 100 metres – and there are variants that can go far faster.

Ethernet ports on most devices use the IEEE 802.3ab standard, also known as GbE, which supports a speed of 1Gbit/sec. It doesn’t mean data transfers at that rate, though, with a gigabit Ethernet link actually conveying roughly 920Mbits/sec of usable data. That’s much better than wireless connections, though, where real-world performance rarely approaches 50% of the speed on the box. Many businesses working with big data sets and hosted applications are already using 10GbE, while data centres and supercomputing clusters have options ranging from 25GbE all the way up to 400Gbits/sec, too. Work is even underway on finalising the 800GbE and 1.6TbE standards.

Using Ethernet connections is particularly favourable if there are multiple devices located around an organisation that frequently back up to shared destinations or NAS devices. Sharing larger files between users, too, such as media or massive datasets, might be tricky over Wi-Fi if there’s a lot of activity simultaneously.

4. Ethernet connections are more reliable

Wi-Fi does allow for more convenience for those moving around a space, such as employees who frequently hot-desk or like to move between workspaces. This is particularly apparent in the age of hybrid work. Moving between sites, especially in an office set up with a mesh Wi-fi network might see the connection drop temporarily, if not properly configured. There might also be blind spots. Accessing networks at the edge, too, can be temperamental. It’s also not uncommon for a router to go down and require resetting for no initially obvious reason.

Ethernet connections, meanwhile, require people to stay in one location for continuous online access, but they provide a rock-solid, consistent connection, with only tiny variations in the data rate compared to wireless. Environmental interference is a non-issue, and you don’t normally need to worry about network congestion either. Wireless routers, on the other hand, have to divide up their bandwidth between any number of clients, every Ethernet connection represents a dedicated full-speed lane.

5. Ethernet carries lower latency

As well as higher headline speeds, Ethernet has much lower latency than wireless connections. Signals travel much faster through cables than through the air, where they’re prone to interference. On many networks, it’s common to see a higher ping time when pinging a router from a laptop connected over Wi-Fi; but for that to plummet when connecting through an Ethernet cable. Among the advantages, like smoother videoconferencing sessions, it can have a subtle effect on how snappy and responsive your system feels when you’re accessing local networked resources.

When you’re asked to think of a location without internet access, you might imagine a secluded rural area far away from the nagging email inbox that plagues your working week. What might not have come to mind is your second bedroom, home office or even dead zones in your workplace.

Businesses hoping to resolve drops in signal, or improve network coverage, might wish to explore adding either a mesh network or a Wi-Fi extender to their setup. Both systems, however, suit slightly different purposes. Whether seeking to boost the network at your home office – or your large enterprise – it’s worth considering whether mesh Wi-Fi is better than an extender, and which you should buy for your purpose.

What is a Wi-Fi extender?

A Wi-Fi extender – sometimes called a Wi-Fi repeater – takes your existing wireless signal and expands its range. Often just a plug-and-play solution, although some also have ethernet compatibility, the extender improves Wi-Fi coverage, but not necessarily speed.

Different from a mesh Wi-Fi system, where one device is, in effect, its own router (also known as a node), extenders are meant to be a cheap and simple solution to a pesky dead zone in your home or business. It’s, therefore, often suited more to home office networks than larger office buildings, although could well be useful for small businesses hoping to improve their network coverage.

What is a mesh network?

Mesh Wi-Fi systems, on the other hand, comprise a core router and a number of nodes. These nodes, which look like many home assistant devices we’re used to seeing, pave the way for quicker speeds and simpler expansion of the network.

Wi-Fi extenders in your home are not chained together like a mesh system would be. A mesh network’s devices are constantly communicating with each other, while a Wi-Fi extender is only communicating with your router.

How do these two technologies work?

At its core, a Wi-Fi extender takes the original signal from your router and sends it to places that were previously unreachable. Oftentimes, this means the extender creates its own network name rather than being integrated into something like a mesh. When you’re connecting to an extender, you’re not connecting directly to your main router. This can mean some juggling when you decide how to connect your devices.

On the other hand, a mesh system uses algorithms to communicate not just with a router, which acts as a hub, but between each node. This is how they collectively share the load as your network needs change. These mesh networks are often deployed in large public spaces like a university, office buildings or sports complexes, and are meant to provide seamless connectivity across a large space with a significant number of users. Where the extender plays the role of an amplifier, the mesh network acts like a whole orchestra.

Is a mesh network better than a Wi-Fi extender?

In terms of costs, setting up a Wi-Fi extender is cheaper, on average, than establishing a mesh network. There are fewer moving parts, it’s less of a technical exercise, and it fits into a consumer niche that demands low prices. Wi-Fi extenders also tend to be simpler to connect – sometimes with a one-button configuration or a simple app integration – but they’re less user-friendly in a large space.

Using an extender is preferable when you’re working in a small space, or connecting devices you know won’t be moving around the space much. This is because the repeater tends to appear as a separate entry in a device’s list of networks it can connect to. Users, therefore, may experience brief connectivity drops as a device switches between the different networks if it moves through the space. These aren’t issues that arise with a mesh network.

The main disadvantage of a mesh network is its price and complexity. While a repeater isn’t all that complex, a mesh network’s nodes are like a series of routers. If setting up your router gave you a headache, then setting up a mesh network might take a little bit of getting used to. Along with that complexity, however, comes an increased level of security and stability. If a Wi-Fi extender has an error – or loses connectivity – devices connected to it likely won’t be smart enough to switch back to your original router and will lose access to the internet.

Who is each of these technologies best suited for?

When it comes to deciding between a Wi-Fi extender and a mesh network, it comes down to individual needs. If you have a small dead zone in your home or business – or if you need Wi-Fi in an upstairs room – then a simple Wi-Fi extender is likely the best solution. If, however, your large business is looking for broad coverage in an expansive space – say, a warehouse or large office building – then extenders are unlikely to meet your needs.

When choosing between these two options, like with any other IT purchasing decision, it’s important not just to think of sunk costs. A key aspect of this decision is rooted in time. If you think a mesh network will be too complex and create too many concerns for your small team, then perhaps a repeater is the choice. If a repeater, however, means losing connection every time you switch which room you’re working in, a mesh system may be for you.

A business that needs a Wi-Fi network – and has both a large space and a fair amount of foot traffic – is going to be better served using a mesh network. A small company or remote worker, on the other hand, might be better served by a Wi-Fi extender. A mesh network, while it seems intimidatingly complex, offers a better user experience in spaces that put a heavy workload on their internet system. However, there’s no need to make a mountain out of a molehill if an extender will do the trick.

Data is among the most valuable assets many organisations have, and if you have the right training there's a world of high paying, challenging work waiting for you – two of the most prominent are data scientist and data analyst.

And while the two have some similarities, the common pathways into careers in each area can be quite different, and candidates have a wealth of choices around types of study. The responsibilities and workloads of each are different, as are the further career prospects.

Two of the most popular career paths in data are those of the data scientist and data analyst. While similar in nature, on the face of it, they have varying routes of entry – including data science courses, data science bootcamps, as well as university degrees. They also have differences in terms of roles and responsibilities, as well as varying career prospects.

What does a data scientist do?

Online information systems are coming into being and growing so fast, the need to analyse data is exploding. In 2023, we're set to produce 120 zettabytes of data, up from 97 zettabytes last year and set to be outstripped next year with 147 zettabytes, according to Statista.

But companies and organisations that collect that data have to store and action it in particular ways for it to have any value. Enter the data scientist, who sets up frameworks for others to synthesise and extract insight from the data that's been gathered.

A data scientist combines computer science and mathematics to do this, with a particular focus on statistical tests and distributions. The companies that collect data need to ask it questions, and the data scientist figures out how best to frame the question and translate the answer. Like any business asset, data can be used to provide a financial or social advantage, and the data scientist helps to reach that goal.

Data science is the art of collecting, collating, processing, analysing and interpreting data in both structured and unstructured environments, creating frameworks that standardise it for further interrogation. Their arsenal includes machine learning or AI, data mining, statistical algorithms and more to 'smooth' data into a comprehensible form.

What does a data analyst do?

A data analyst takes a dataset from multiple sources, cleans it, and reorganises it for analysis. The tools of the trade include automated systems for unearthing unstructured data as well as stripping out or fixing corrupted or garbled files.

Whether it's designing and building an analytics system or delivering results from the analysis performed, a data analyst can enter the process anywhere along the workflow (or perform it entirely), including training other staff in conducting analyses that relate to their own business units.

A data analyst also needs to be a presenter, putting reports and summaries of results and interpretations into formats executives or other stakeholders can digest.

What skills do data scientists and data analysts need?

Data scientist skills

As with other scientific fields, a qualified data scientist is usually at least a holder of a Master's degree or PhD, and typically an expert in both technical and non technical principles.

The non-technical skills include critical thinking – clients and employers will have specific questions the data needs to answer, and the data scientist must structure the workflow so the available information can do so in direct relation to the industry or company concerned.

Data scientists also need to be competent communicators, able to put arcane concepts into relatable language for other business units, and the ability to think on your feet to solve problems as they come up is critical.

When it comes to the more technical aspects of the job description, the data scientist needs to know how to prepare datasets for the best analysis tools and methods. They need to know how to write effective code to do so, applying maths, statistics, and machine learning on a daily basis.

It also calls for a thorough understanding of database programming languages like Python, R Programming, SQL, Scala, MongoDB, MySQL, and more.

Data analyst skills

The responsibilities of a data analyst have some overlap with those of a data scientist. The data analyst similarly needs to be proficient in maths, which is applied more to the modelling and analysing of data once it has been prepared for treatment (possibly by a data scientist).

Every data analyst needs to have a deep knowledge of the various techniques needed to clean data, so analysis produces the best possible results, calling for high attention to detail.

When a project is complete, they then need similar interpersonal skills as a data scientist in order to communicate and present work to colleagues, particularly the ability to create visual or graphical representations of findings.

Formats and frameworks data analysts need to know include statistical programming languages like R or Python, data management, machine learning/AI, and systems like SQL.

Data science vs data analysis: Training pathways and career prospects

It's easy for outsiders to confuse the two professions because both are concerned with properly preparing and interrogating data for organisational insight. But there are quite stark differences.

Firstly, the data scientist is a more senior position, with more generalised responsibility in applying programming knowledge to create data models used for multiple purposes. A data analyst, by contrast, designs examinations of the data according to the established aims of other business units.

A career in data science

Becoming a data scientist will usually start with a degree in a computing, statistical, or scientific field, which will prepare you for the generalised knowledge of data science.

Depending on your area of focus, industry or the employer(s) you want to target, data analysis certifications like the CAP or vendor-specific study (Cloudera Data Platform Generalist Certification, Microsoft Azure Data Scientist Associate, SAS Certified Big Data Professional, etc) can be a good next step to specialise further.

According to Payscale.com, the salary range of a data analyst in the UK in 2023 is around £22K-£44k, with an average of £29,699. For data scientists, the range is £28k-£62k, with an average salary of £41,483, although seniority or further specialisation can put you over the £100k mark.

A career in data analysis

To many, the best way into data analysis is to get an entry-level job in the  field, giving you invaluable exposure to datasets and the tools you'll apply to them from real-world business processes.

You don't strictly need qualifications in maths or statistics to find work as a data analyst, but it certainly won't hurt to have them. Once you have a foot in the door, further training to boost your knowledge is common, and that can only expand your career advancement possibilities.

That might mean anything from the entry-level Associate Certified Analytics Professional (ACAP) to the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP), a vendor and technology-agnostic qualification that's more specialised and suits data analysts further into their careers.

There’s never been a better time to carve out a good career in cyber security. The dangers and threats to an organisation’s infrastructure are increasing all the time, with both cyber security analysts and engineers standing on the front line.

These professionals are battling all manner of threats – from ransomware to distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks – with cyber criminals turning the screw on businesses. While there may be a wealth of learning and training opportunities available, in the form of university degrees, certifications and online cyber security courses, there are several paths one can traverse.

Although there are similarities between cyber security engineers and cyber security analysts, for instance, they are two distinct career pathways. Those embarking on either route should make sure they’re best suited to that particular career, given their slightly different requirements, expectations and future cyber security career prospects.

What does a cyber security engineer do?

A cyber security engineer is responsible for creating and deploying highly secure networks that protect an organisation from potential cyber security breaches. Such professionals will most likely be found in larger organisations, and businesses that often have to deal with highly sensitive data.

The duties of a cyber security engineer include carrying out assessments and penetration testing while identifying system and network vulnerabilities. This comes alongside developing and deploying security measures to protect systems, networks and data. They must also be able to troubleshoot and detect unlawful access, as well as offer solutions regarding an organisation’s infrastructure.

An engineer must also ensure that suitable security controls are reliably in place to protect their organisation’s data and infrastructure.

What does a cyber security analyst do?

A cyber security analyst helps to protect an organisation from cyber attacks and unauthorised access. To do this, analysts must predict and defend against cyber threats, and respond to security breaches as and when they happen.

The duties of a cyber security analyst include monitoring network traffic for security incidents and events, investigating incidents, and responding to events as they happen. They must compile comprehensive incident response reports, deploy and run firewalls, manage encryption programmes, optimise other security software and patch vulnerabilities.

They may also develop and support best practice for information security, perform threat research, and conduct recurring risk assessments and penetration tests.

What skills do cyber security engineers and cyber security analysts need?

A cyber security engineer should have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or another related field of study. They should also have a comprehension of cyber security methodologies and practices.

Professionals in this field must also have the aptitude to assess system changes for security implications, and the awareness to make recommendations to enhance the security posture of an organisation. They should also have an understanding for emerging trends and hacking techniques in the wider realm of cyber security.

Among the technical skills a cyber security engineer should have is expertise in Java, Python, .NET, C++, bash, and PowerShell as well as knowledge of the TCP/IP stack, and the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. This is the conceptual model that standardises connections between computers.

Like cyber security engineers, it’s recommended that a cyber security analyst has a bachelor’s degree in an IT or a tech-related field. While there is on-the-job training, analysts should, as a prerequisite, be very familiar with the core IT platforms that a prospective employer is using, what their weaknesses are and how best to overcome them. They should also know how systems within an organisation influence the overall security posture.

Cyber security analysts should also have skills in languages such as JavaScript, Shell, Python, C++, and more programming languages, to give them an understanding of written code, enabling them to find threats and deal with them in any form. An emerging form of ransomware, for instance, are those written in Rust, with analysts required to keep on top of developments like this.

Cyber security analysts should be able to think like a hacker when it comes to gaining access to infrastructure, so any qualifications in ethical hacking can help to diversify their knowledge and comprehend threats to defend systems proficiently.

The soft skills a cyber security analyst should also have include good written and verbal communication skills. They should be able to lead and follow in teams, and work with other departments to deploy security solutions across the wider business.

What are the differences and similarities between cyber security engineers and analysts?

Both cyber security engineers and analysts are responsible for preventing data breaches and securing infrastructure and systems, so it may seem there’s a fine line between the two roles. The essential difference between the two, though, is that while security engineers design and deploy security architecture, security analysts oversee the network and other operations to detect and thwart breaches.

Another key difference between the two is that while a cyber security engineer prepares infrastructure to be defended against in an attack, a cyber security analyst is looking for weaknesses in that defensive posture in order to make it less vulnerable.

There are several key similarities between the two as well. Both engineers and analysts contribute in all facets of a company’s data security planning and operations. They must also both stay abreast of the latest trends in information and network security to stay one step ahead of hackers. Analysts, too, need to keep up with developments as their responsibilities include advocating security improvements to management and senior IT staff.

They also both need good analytical skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and original thinking. Both roles also need capabilities in documenting, shaping, and communicating an organisation’s security policies.

How do training and learning pathways, as well as career prospects, differ?

For cyber security analysts, training can often take place while on the job. There are several industry-related qualifications that analysts can take, such as the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), the Certified Professional (CCP) scheme, or Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP). Those wanting to move onto leadership, management and supervisory roles can undertake a qualification such as the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification.

For cyber security engineers, meanwhile, although the job requires some years of working in cyber security, there are several qualifications and certifications they can take to improve their career prospects. These can be qualifications such as Certified Network Defender Certification, ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification, and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

Starting salaries for cyber security analysts typically range from £25,000 to £35,000 per year, while more experienced and senior cyber security analysts can expect to earn anything up to £60,000. The average starting salary of a cyber security engineer, meanwhile, is £43,000, according to Technojobs. This rises to £68,750 for a mid-level position and £85,500 for an engineer at a high level.

Nuance's Power PDF is aimed directly at the market-leading Adobe Acrobat, but with a slant towards small office use. As such, it aims for a smoother workflow of documents for Internet use and archival.

Ease-of-use often comes down to familiarity with the interface. Where Adobe's designs have become the de-facto standard for graphics applications, for business tools Microsoft is the default. Since Office 2007, that default has used a ribbon, which is what Nuance's Power PDF adopts. The big advantage of the ribbon is the quick access to a large number of tools and options, without mining down through menus.

For example, to extract a page from a multipage PDF in Acrobat Pro XI, you need to show page thumbnails, right-click on the thumbnail of the section you want and select Extract pages from the menu. In Power PDF, Extract pages is on the Home ribbon; just click it.

Both of the programs include Optical Character Recognition (OCR), so both can be used to convert scans and image PDFs into searchable ones. Once searchable PDFs are available, both applications can also search them, but Power PDF includes 'Look Like Search', which can discover particular formats of text.

It offers pre-defined profiles for emails, dates and phone and credit card numbers, and it's possible to create your own patterns for specific text or numbers. It gives a lot more flexibility in finding information within a PDF.

Both applications can be used to annotate PDF documents with sticky notes, but Power PDF can do this from speech, as well as a keyboard. Using Dragon Notes, part of the stable of Nuance's speech recognition tools, you can quickly mark up documents for review or instruction. This is of most value to those who use speech recognition in other contexts, too.

Using a PDF creator for archival is a lot easier if you can automate the process. Both applications support batch processing and do it in much the same way, by offering a selection of operations, from which you build a custom list to complete the task you want to automate. Acrobat Pro XI still has the more comprehensive list of commands, including adding text, images and backgrounds, and applying encryption during a batch run.

Power PDF has a useful extra feature, though, where you can set up a Watch Folder. The application then monitors the named folder and automatically converts files to PDF – Normal or Searchable Image – and stores them in a second named folder. This is a useful set-and-forget feature, if you have a lot of regular archives to generate.

Document assembly is easy in both programs, with drag and drop creation, using thumbnails of the pages you want to add. Pages can be reordered in the same way and both PDF Portfolios and the earlier PDF packages are available. PDF and PDF/A are supported, with several levels of conformance.

Even with its advantages, Power PDF remains a lot cheaper than Adobe Acrobat XI. The standard version of Acrobat XI costs £279, while Power PDF Standard is £80 - more than 70 percent cheaper. Acrobat Pro comes in at £449, while Power PDF Advanced, costs more than 65 percent less, at £140.

ARM has announced its first 64-bit processor offerings, the high-end Cortex-A57 (which will replace the A15) and the Cortex-A53 (which supersedes the A7).

Given that we have yet to see the first Cortex-A15 and Cortex-A7 devices on the market, it is highly probable that we won’t see hardware based on the A57 and the A53 until 2014, at the very least.

During a presentation by ARM's European VP of Strategy, Ian Drew, a slide showing the relative peak performances of the contemporary ARM cores was displayed, one which gives us an insight into what can be expected from future ARM architectures.

What we already know

According to ARM's slide, jumping from a Cortex A8 (65nm) to a Cortex A8 (45nm) will improve relative performance by about 70-75 per cent, thanks to massive increase in clock speed from 600MHz to 1GHz.

Jumping to a dual Cortex-A9 configuration increased the relative performance by around 2.5x compared to the 45nm Cortex-A8. Taking a closer look, we can trace this evolution to three factors: the doubling of cores, a 25 per cent increase in DMIPS performance, and a lower node potentially resulting in the higher clock speed. Yet moving to a 32nm quad-core Cortex-A9 set-up (like the Exynos 4 Quad found on the Galaxy S3) boosts performance by some 25 per cent, a surprising low improvement that we fail to explain.

However, swapping the A9s for two A15s and two A7s nearly doubles the performance at equivalent core count. The A7 is 50 per cent more powerful than the A8, while the A15 is 40 per cent more powerful than the A9. A smaller manufacturing process means that an increase in clock speed is also expected. The A15 is expected to run at up to 2.5GHz while the A7 will run at clock speeds higher than 1GHz on 28nm.

The second generation Cortex-A57 and Cortex-A53 will add another 50 per cent performance increase on a 20nm node, with 16nm and 14nm geometries thought to be in the pipeline. Casting an eye forward, that would almost certainly entail another bump in processing speeds.

So, compared to a 600MHz Cortex A8 (similar to the Exynos 3110 found in the Apple iPhone 3GS, launched in June 2009) etched on a 65nm processor, a 20nm quad-core A57/A53 combo will perform 16.5x faster, while consuming around 30 per cent more energy. But like we said earlier, the first products featuring this turbo-charged architecture aren't expected until 2014, roughly five years after the first Cortex-A8 products appeared.

Performance gains

ARM didn’t post any disclaimer in the presentation deck and we’re almost convinced that the figures were not obtained at constant speeds, so it should be noted that our performance estimates are purely theoretical.

Performance gains on the A57 and A53, the company disclosed yesterday, were down to improvements in the SIMD engine and architecture with a wider pipeline, as well as improvements in the way data is handled in cache.

In other words, expect a bigger performance delta between existing 32-bit products and 64-bit offerings once 64-bit codebase has successfully evolved into the mainstream in a few years' time.

As one of the two heavyweight email providers and a viable contender for the top spot, it’s no surprise that Gmail is a hugely popular personal email service for the average user. As part of Google’s business-focused workspace offering, however, Gmail has plenty to offer for larger-scale company use as well. 

Google Workspace, a collection of productivity programs that includes Calendar, Meet, Docs, Forms, and many others, has a lot going on in terms of enhancing productivity - in this article, we’ll be focusing on how to get the most out of just one of its offerings, Gmail.

1. Custom @yourcompany addresses

Giving your business email addresses the personal touch means avoiding the typical ‘@gmail.com’ ending, and you can do just this in Gmail. With Gmail for business, you can create custom addresses for everyone in the business that end with a more professional-looking ‘@yourcompany.com’.

That being said, you will need to own the domain attached to this bespoke email ending. Other than that, though, it's a simple process to link the two, and you also gain the added ability of mailing list creation. You can set up, for example, ‘IT@yourcompany.com’ such that any emails sent to this address get redirected to everyone in the IT department.

2. Set up Google’s ‘help me write’ tool

Your team can deploy Google’s ‘help me write’ tool within Gmail if you have access to Google Workspace Labs, trimming the time it takes to complete lengthy admin tasks. This can aid the efficiency of the business as a whole by helping teams stay on top of communications.

Use this AI feature to draft all sorts of generic email messages or responses, such as introductions to business contacts, meeting invitations, team agendas and project priority announcements, and much more. 

3. Email organisation

Gmail offers all of the basic organizational tools that come as part of most email clients, granting you the ability to sort mail into folders or use labels. Emails can be given multiple labels too, allowing for categorization that can keep emails in your inbox when needed. 

With tools that are neither overbearing nor lacking in power, you can also use Gmail to categorize via the filter function. These filters are designed to catch and organize emails based on sender, receiver, or subject matter, redirecting them to specific folders in the process. 

Recovering deleted emails is also a straightforward affair using Gmail’s built-in tools, though it will only keep deleted emails on the system for up to 30 days. Following that, users have to refer to Gmail’s support page. 

4. Integration with desktop clients

Google has yet to release a desktop client for Gmail, meaning the full Gmail interface can only be accessed through a web browser or on the mobile app. Luckily, there's a simple solution to this issue, as integration with existing desktop apps is a breeze. 

For those who prefer using a desktop client, Gmail can be used seamlessly in apps such as Mozilla Thunderbird or Microsoft Outlook. Changes made to a Gmail account within an external desktop client will take effect immediately in the web browser version of Gmail, as is the case for the inverse of that process. 

5. Get your agenda directly to your inbox

Constantly finding yourself running late for meetings? Well, Gmail can help with that too. Allowing you to go one step further than a simple pushed notification from Google Calendar, you can get your entire schedule of day events emailed directly to your inbox through Gmail. 

Once set up in the ‘event notifications’ page in Google Calendar, users won't need to spend any more time setting up individual reminders or searching through daily timetables to see what’s on the agenda for the day. 

6. Calls and chat within Gmail

Google Chat and Google Meet, both major features of the Google Workspace platform, are baked into Gmail, allowing for an enhanced level of workflow. Chat, which enables text-based messaging between team members, and Meet, a video-calling platform, are both accessible right from the web browser. 

Below the column which includes all of your email folders, nearer the bottom of the screen, some buttons allow a user to either set up a new meeting or join an existing meeting, as well as start a text chat conversation. On an email exchange with a client and need to fact-check something with a colleague? Send a chat instantly without needing to leave Gmail. 

7. Smart suggestions

Writing emails can take up a great deal of your time, but Gmail’s smart suggestions can speed up the process by predicting what you want to write. For example, if you start writing “My address is,” Gmail will load up your address. Simply press Tab to accept the suggestion.

There are also smart replies: if someone asks if you can attend a meeting on Monday, a possible reply offered will be “Monday works for me”. Its predictions aren’t always accurate, but you can edit the suggestions to add further information or personalise them.

8. 99.9% guaranteed uptime

With such a sizable infrastructure of servers, Google is a frontrunner in being able to deliver consistent, robust service across its platforms. Gmail, for example, doesn’t have scheduled downtime periods and offers a guaranteed 99.9% uptime - that equates to nothing over 45 minutes of downtime per month.

If this uptime drops below the figure Google claims, then the firm will tag three days worth of service onto a user’s Gmail contract. This increases to an add-on of seven days if uptime dips under 99%, and 15 days if uptime drops under 95%. 

9. Undo send

We’ve all written and sent off an email in a hurry, only to immediately notice that we’ve misspelled the recipient’s name or got our figures wrong. In 2015, Google added the useful Undo Send feature to Gmail.

After pressing send, an option to undo appears on screen for a short while, during which time Gmail holds off on actually sending the email. You can set this length of time to five, 10, 20, or 30 seconds. After undoing, you can go back into your draft and make changes before resending.

10. Third-party app integration

It’s possible to integrate a range of third-party apps into Gmail. For example, with the DocuSign extension, users can sign documents sent to them and immediately create a reply with the signed document attached.

Another useful extension is Dropbox for Gmail, which allows you to share Dropbox files directly through Gmail and save received attachments to your Dropbox account. Other popular Gmail add-ons include Asana, Trello, Zoom, and Todoist.

If you’re looking for an email solution to suit your business’s needs, then Gmail is well worth considering, as it comes with an impressive range of features. Plus, it’s easy to migrate your emails from another system or synchronise your Gmail account with desktop apps.

Further reading

For more information on getting the most productivity out of your email communications, check out our best email clients guide. Or, if you’re not a Gmail or iOS user and want to know about your options, you might like this best email client on Windows guide.

Anytime you share your credit card number, address, or even your name online, you become vulnerable to identity theft. Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for new ways to steal your personal information, in order to engage in fraudulent activities like maxing out your credit cards or stealing your tax refunds.

Even the most careful online users are vulnerable to data breaches, making identity theft protection essential.

In this article, we’ll compare two of the best identity theft protection services available, pitting LifeLock vs Identity Guard. We’ll take a look at the features, performance, support, and price of each, so you can find the best product for your identity theft protection needs.

Features

LifeLock is part of Norton AntiVirus, a well-known name in antivirus protection. That means that with most levels of LifeLock, you also get the anti-malware services of Norton 360 - a crucial component of identity theft protection, since cybercriminals can obtain your information through malware attacks.

Identity Guard also offers a virus scanning component with some of its services, but unfortunately, it is only for PCs, whereas Norton 360 is also compatible with Macs and mobile devices.

Both LifeLock and Identity Guard offer the standard identity theft protection services: monitoring databases, the web, and the dark web for your social security number and other private information. They both provide ID verification, alerting you of potentially malicious activities such as applications for a new credit card in your name.

Both will monitor your credit reports to alert you of any changes. Both will even help you replace or cancel credit cards if your wallet is stolen.

The main difference between the features of LifeLock and Identity Guard lie in the services they provide if you do become a victim of identity theft. If identity theft is detected, Identity Guard will appoint you a personal case manager so you won’t be stuck dealing with the problem on your own. They also offer up to $1 million of identity theft insurance, including stolen fund reimbursement, for all customers.

LifeLock also offers reimbursement for funds stolen due to identity theft, but the level of reimbursement varies depending on your membership level. Standard LifeLock customers only have access to $25,000 of stolen funds reimbursement. Only with the most expensive membership - LifeLock Ultimate Plus - does LifeLock match Identity Guard’s stolen fund reimbursement amount.

But this doesn’t necessarily make Identity Guard the clear winner. LifeLock offers other reimbursement features, such as personal expense compensation and coverage for lawyers, that could make up for the lower stolen funds reimbursement figure. Plus, with the benefit of Norton 360’s trusted antiviral scanning, we think LifeLock just beats Identity Guard when it comes to features.

Performance

LifeLock is extremely easy to set up, requiring just a few minutes and a valid ID and credit card. If you have been a Norton customer in the past, you will find the interface familiar and easy to navigate, although it is intuitive even for new users.

LifeLock customers can either log in to their account on the LifeLock website, or download the mobile app, available on both iOS and Android. The mobile app enables LifeLock users to receive fraud alerts on the go, so you don’t have to waste any time before taking action to protect your accounts.

One important time-saving feature of the app is the ability to contact LifeLock Member Services with an in-app calling service, meaning if there is an issue, you won’t be fumbling around trying to figure out who to call.

Like LifeLock, Identity Guard is very simple to set up and start using. Identity Guard also offers users the option to log in to the website or download a mobile app for iOS and Android. While Identity Guard and LifeLock offer comparable features on their browser login pages, we found that the LifeLock mobile app was better designed and more intuitive to use.

Support

As mentioned above, Identity Guard assigns users a personal case manager to work with them if they experience any identity theft issues. While this can be a nice benefit - saving users the time of having to explain their problem over and over again to a new customer service rep - it doesn’t make up for the one glaring problem with Identity Guard’s user support: it’s not available 24/7.

While Identity Guard’s monitoring services work around-the-clock, its customer services team is only available from certain hours Monday through Saturday, and not at all on Sundays.

Unfortunately, this means that if you experience an issue late at night or early in the morning, you’ll have to wait for Identity Guard’s business hours to deal with it—potentially costing you crucial hours.

LifeLock, however, offers 24/7 customer support. Cybercriminals don’t operate on normal business hours, and you never know when a security breach will happen. For the added peace of mind of knowing you won’t have to wait for help if you need it, we think LifeLock offers greater user support.

Pricing and plans

Identity Guard offers three levels of plans: Value, Total, and Ultra. The Value plan offers standard monitoring and data breach notifications at either $8.99 a month, or $7.50 a month billed annually. The Total plan adds credit monitoring and costs $19.99 a month, or $16.67 a month billed annually.

The Ultra plan adds monitoring of your bank accounts and credit cards, and for criminal activity associated with your name. The Ultra plan costs $29.99 a month, or $25 a month when billed annually. All of Identity Guard’s plans, even the Value plan, offer $1 million of identity theft insurance—a bargain if lost fund reimbursement is most important to you.

LifeLock offers four levels of plans. The Standard plan includes only LifeLock’s monitoring services without Norton 360, and costs $9.99 a month for your first year (or $8.29 a month annually.) LifeLock Select adds Norton 360 for up to five devices at the same price as the Standard plan for the first year. Both plans offer $25,000 of stolen fund reimbursement.

LifeLock Advantage ups that to $100,000 and enables you to secure up to 10 devices with Norton 360 for $17.99 a month for your first year (or $14.99 a month annually). LifeLock Ultimate Plus adds three-bureau credit monitoring, Norton 360 on unlimited devices, and $1 million in stolen fund reimbursement for $25.99 a month for the first year, or $20.99 a month annually.

It’s important to note that all of LifeLock’s plans renew at a higher price after the first year, so if you’re looking for long-term coverage, make sure the second-year price is within your budget.

Verdict

If you’re only looking for basic identity theft monitoring and reimbursement insurance, Identity Guard’s Value Plan is a great option, providing far more in stolen fund reimbursement than the equivalent LifeLock plan.

However, we believe the extra security of Norton 360, plus the access to 24/7 customer support, makes LifeLock the superior choice for greater peace of mind when it comes to securing your identity online. If you want more details on either service, please read our LifeLock review and our Identity Guard review.

If you buy things online, post to social media, or even file your taxes over the internet, you could be vulnerable to identity theft. Even users who are careful to only share their data on secure, trusted websites could be victims of data breaches undertaken by cybercriminals eager to max out your credit cards, or make fraudulent purchases in your name.

That’s why having the best identity theft protection service is essential for anyone who shares information online. In this article, we’ll compare two options for identity theft protection: IDShield vs LifeLock. We’ll look at their features, performance, support, and cost to help you find the best identity theft protection.

Features

Both IDShield and LifeLock come with the basic features you will need to monitor your information online: social security number monitoring, dark web monitoring, and alerts if there are unusual changes to your credit reports or bank accounts. Both even offer lost wallet assistance, helping you change or cancel your credit cards in case of a stolen or misplaced wallet.

IDShield users can choose between one-bureau credit monitoring or the more comprehensive three-bureau credit monitoring, whereas most LifeLock plans only offer one-bureau monitoring. IDShield comes with a few bonus features that LifeLock is missing, like social media scanning and reputation management. If you’re job hunting and want to ensure you’re making the best digital first impression possible, this is a useful tool.

LifeLock is part of Norton AntiVirus, a familiar and trusted name in antivirus protection. That means that with most levels of LifeLock, you’ll also have access to the scanning, privacy, and anti-malware services of Norton 360. Since one way cybercriminals can access your private information is through malware attacks, the added protection of Norton 360 is a huge benefit of LifeLock.

Another crucial benefit of the best identity theft protection services are the features and assistance they provide if you are the victim of identity theft. One unique feature offered by IDShield is access to in-house licensed private investigators to assist you in restoring your identity.

IDShield also offers unlimited consultations with identity theft specialists who can answer all your questions. Plus, every IDShield plan comes with $1 million in protection to cover stolen funds, legal fees, and other expenses. Only the most expensive level of LifeLock, LifeLock Ultimate Plus, matches IDShield’s stolen fund reimbursement.

The lower levels of LifeLock only offer between $25,000 and $100,000 of stolen fund reimbursement—but LifeLock also offers up to $1 million of coverage for lawyers and experts at all levels.

Overall, the core components of IDShield and LifeLock are pretty comparable, with IDShield offering a few more extras that may or may not be relevant to you. To us, however, IDShield’s handful of extras don’t compare to the security advantages of bundling LifeLock with Norton 360.

Performance

LifeLock is easy to set up, requiring answers to a few simple questions, a valid ID, and a credit card.

Once purchased, LifeLock users can either log on to their account via LifeLock’s website, or download the LifeLock mobile app for iOS or Android. With the LifeLock mobile app, you’ll receive alerts of fraudulent activity on your mobile device, enabling you to take action right away to protect your accounts.

Like LifeLock, IDShield also offers users the ability to log in to their account either from the web or on the go with an iOS or Android app. When you log in, your most recent credit score is front and center, as well as any new alerts that you may need to review.

If space on your phone is at a premium, you might want to go with IDShield, as the app takes up on only 29MB of space on an iPhone versus LifeLock’s 82MB. However, both apps and web interfaces are intuitive and easy-to-use. When it comes to performance, both LifeLock and IDShield offer comparable experiences.

Support

You never know when an attack on your identity may occur, and a key component of identity theft protection is knowing someone will be available to assist you, day or night.

LifeLock offers 24/7 support to its members, with priority support offered to Ultimate Plus members. In the event of identity theft, LifeLock also offers its members access to identity restoration specialists. Additionally, the LifeLock app features an in-app calling service connecting you to LifeLock Member Services, meaning if you do encounter an issue, help is right at your fingertips.

IDShield also offers 24/7 access to customer service. Like LifeLock, IDShield has identity restoration services for its members. IDShield offers a few extras when it comes to support, like the in-house private investigators and unlimited consulting mentioned above.

IDShield also makes it easy to contact their user support directly through their app, with a prominently-placed, hard-to-miss green button. Overall, IDShield and LifeLock both offer comprehensive, easy-to-access support for their members.

Pricing and plans

IDShield offers an Individual plan and a Family plan. With both options, users have the ability to select either one-bureau or three-bureau credit monitoring—meaning there are four total levels of plans.

IDShield’s Individual plan will cost you $13.95 a month for one-bureau credit monitoring, or $17.95 a month for three-bureau. The Individual plan only covers one person. The Family plan, however, covers one individual, a spouse or domestic partner, and up to 10 dependent children.

The Family plan is $26.95 monthly for one-bureau credit monitoring, or $32.95 a month for three-bureau credit monitoring. IDShield also offers users a free 30-day trial, so you can see if you like the service before committing.

LifeLock’s plans and pricing are a bit more confusing, offering four levels of support depending on your needs. The most basic, the Standard plan, includes just LifeLock’s monitoring services without Norton 360. The Standard plan costs $9.99 a month for your first year, or $8.29 a month if you choose to bill annually.

LifeLock Select includes Norton 360 for up to five devices at the same price as the Standard plan (all of LifeLock’s prices increase after the first year.) Both of these plans offer up to $25,000 of stolen fund reimbursement.

LifeLock customers looking for more stolen fund reimbursement might also want to opt for the LifeLock Advantage Plan, which offers up to $100,000 and Norton 360 protection for up to 10 devices. The Advantage Plan is $17.99 a month for your first year, or $14.99 a month billed annually.

The most comprehensive LifeLock plan is LifeLock Ultimate Plus, offering three-bureau credit monitoring, up to $1 million in stolen fund reimbursement, and Norton 360 protection for unlimited devices. LifeLock Ultimate Plus is $25.99 a month for the first year, or $20.99 a month if billed annually.

When it comes to pricing and plans, it’s nice that LifeLock offers a discount to users who pay annually, and a discount for your first year. But the 30-day free trial of IDShield is hard to beat.

Verdict

Ultimately, we think the extras IDShield provides - like social media monitoring - simply don’t stack up to the added benefits of bundling LifeLock with Norton 360. The most basic LifeLock with Norton 360 package, LifeLock Select, is cheaper for an individual than IDShield for the first year, and not significantly more expensive after.

For us, LifeLock is the superior choice for greater peace of mind when protecting your identity online. If you want more details, please read our LifeLock review.

Modern website builders make it possible for anyone with access to a computer and the internet to create their own online presence. Wix and Weebly have long been two of the world’s most popular and best website builder platforms, and they both host tens of millions of sites across the world.

But giants can rise and fall quickly in the digital world, so our Wix vs Weebly comparison aims to shed some light on both platforms. We compare their user interface, prices, main features, and more to help you decide which (if either) is the top website builder for your needs.

Wix

Wix: top builder for customisation and flexibility

Wix provides users with advanced tools, the biggest template library in the sector, an exceptional choice of editors offering customisable site creation, and great support. The full builder is included with the free package; paid upgrades remove ads and add extra features, with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Weebly

Weebly: easy-to-use ecommerce leader

Weebly focuses on beginner-friendly site creation, with vibrant designs and high-level ecommerce tools. Those with little experience can create attractive ecommerce sites with top-notch templates and some of the best online features available.

Wix vs Weebly: What we compared

• User interface and setup
• Pricing
• Ecommerce
• Templates
• Marketing tools
• App marketplaces
• Developer tools
• Which is best for me?
• What our reviewers said
• Alternatives to Wix and Weebly

User interface and setup

To get started with either Wix or Weebly, you will need to create a free account and select a plan. Or go with a free trial if you’re not quite sure which platform to use.

Wix provides two site creation options when you begin. The first, Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence), will direct you to a short questionnaire, and develop a template based on your answers. You can then edit the template and populate it with your own content, but design flexibility is limited.

The second option, Wix Editor, offers more extensive drag-and-drop website editing, although it is also based on a template that you choose yourself. The user interface can feel a little cluttered at times, but the sheer editing power on offer is excellent. You will have access to pixel-perfect customisation, so you can create exactly the look you’re going for.

Weebly only has a basic section-based editor. A few years back, it was one of the best around. However, many other platforms have since eclipsed it, and it’s somewhat confusing and limiting compared to many competitors. It’s easier to use than Wix, but even Wix ADI offers better customisation options.

Pricing

Both Wix and Weebly offer free-forever plans that can be used to test their respective editors. But both have constraints, including the inability to connect a custom domain, restricted storage and bandwidth, and limited features.

Wix's pricing plans

Wix has four website plans ranging from £4 to £21 a month. These are great for standard websites that don’t need online selling capabilities. It also boasts three specialised business and ecommerce plans, which cost from £15 to £27 a month. Custom enterprise-level solutions are available for larger businesses with more advanced requirements.

Weebly's pricing plans

Unlike Wix, Weebly has no enterprise-level solutions. Its three premium plans range from £9 to £28 a month. All three come with decent ecommerce tools. Weebly is clearly cheaper than Wix, but Wix’s plans are much more inclusive and offer better value for money.

Ecommerce

Both Wix and Weebly offer some level of ecommerce support. Weebly enables online selling with all of its plans, and it’s known as one of the best online store builders available. It’s now owned by leading payment processor Square, which should give you confidence in its payment gateways.

You will have access to a range of tools, making ongoing management simple and hassle-free. For example, even the free plan comes with a built-in shopping cart, inventory management tools, an automatic tax calculator, and Square gift card functionality. With a higher-end plan, you will have access to everything from product reviews to discount coupon and abandoned cart email tools.

Wix’s online store tools are certainly functional, but they just can’t compare to Weebly’s. You will have to pay at least £15 a month to access even basic ecommerce tools, which is almost as much as Weebly’s most expensive plan.

On top of this, all Wix plans come with limited storage space (20GB to 50GB), which could restrict the size of your store. Automatic sales tax is only available with a maximum of 500 transactions per month, and product reviews are only available via a third-party app.

Weebly clearly takes the points here.

Templates

With pre-designed online templates, you can create a new website in a matter of hours. All you need to do is tweak the layout and populate it with your own content.

Wix offers loads of templates, with more than 800 different designs in its theme library. These are heavily categorised, enabling you to pick one that’s suited to your exact industry. For example, there are templates for different types of educational establishments, online stores, businesses, and portfolios.

Weebly, on the other hand, only has 40 or so themes. However, these are professionally built and continually updated to incorporate modern design principles.

Wix’s large template library is excellent and just gives it the lead here, but Weebly’s designs are nothing to be laughed at either.

Marketing tools

Wix offers a small selection of native marketing tools. Its email marketing tools, for example, enable you to create custom emails with a drag-and-drop editor. There are a few automation tools, and everything is tracked with the integrated email campaign analytics.

It also provides tools to help you design social media graphics. You can integrate your Facebook marketing account, and Wix will recommend the optimal settings for your website. The blogging tools are functional, but don’t expect too much more on the marketing front without an extension.

Weebly’s marketing tools are comparable to Wix’s. Its email builder works in a similar manner, and the integrated Weebly Promote platform enables you to track your campaigns. As with Wix, you can add extra functionality by installing an extension from the Weebly App Center.

App marketplaces

Both Wix and Weebly have excellent app marketplaces with hundreds of extensions. These are useful, as they enable you to add extra functionality to your website. Many are free, but both platforms have a large selection of premium options as well.

The Weebly App Center, for example, contains 380 different apps. Some of these have been developed by the Weebly team, but many come from third parties. The apps are cleverly grouped to help you find what you want.

For example, the top of the App Center contains obvious links to app bundles for driving sales, boosting your socials, or growing your audience. Weebly will even recommend a selection of useful apps for your site.

Wix also has hundreds of apps in its App Market. These aren’t grouped as cleverly as those in Weebly marketplace, but it’s still quite easy to find relevant options. For example, you could use the search bar at the top of the page. We tested it, and a simple search for “bookings” threw up 36 excellent results, and it would have been hard to choose among them.

It’s hard to separate Wix and Weebly here, as both have excellent app marketplaces.

Developer tools

The standard Wix Editor comes with loads of developer tools, including the ability to add your own custom code if required. You can also create your own custom web apps through Wix’s Velo development platform, deploying them to your website as required.

Weebly enables you to add custom HTML code, but there are few other developer tools. Wix clearly stands out here, but Weebly’s lack of developer tools won’t be a problem for the average website builder user.

Which website builder is best for me?

Wix and Weebly are two extremely popular website builders, but they are far from equal. Wix stands out on almost every front, although Weebly’s affordability and excellent ecommerce features are attractive.

For starters, both of Wix’s website building interfaces are more powerful than Weebly’s. Wix Editor provides excellent design flexibility, while Wix ADI is great for those with less experience. Wix also has a much larger template library and advanced developer tools. However, when it comes to marketing and app marketplaces, it’s hard to separate the two platforms.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly online store builder, Weebly could be a good option. But we’d recommend using Wix for virtually any other sort of website.

Wix and Weebly features

What our reviewers said

Wix

“Wix is perfect for creatives, small businesses, and beginners alike. It uses a drag-and-drop interface, so you don’t need any coding skills, and with Wix ADI, getting a site up and running is child’s play. Templates come with dummy text and images in place, and all you need to do is replace them with your own personalisation.”

• Score: 4.5/5

Weebly

“Weebly is easy to use, so we’d recommend it to beginners. The WYSIWYG interface is simple to understand … If you can make a PowerPoint presentation, you can make a Weebly website … Weebly offers most things you could want from a website builder, and it’s easy to use. But some other website editors offer more features and better designs for a similar price.”

• Score: 3.5/5

Alternatives to Wix and Weebly

Wix and Weebly are both decent options, but they can both be a little difficult to use, and both have their flaws.

If ecommerce is your main focus, we’d suggest considering Shopify. It’s arguably the world’s most popular online store builder, and it comes with loads of tools that beginners can take advantage of. There’s an excellent 14-day free trial, but its premium plans are quite expensive when compared to most other alternatives.

Another great option is Bluehost’s WordPress website builder. This is only compatible with WordPress, but it’s great for those with a little more technical knowledge that would like to take advantage of the platform. It’s also very affordable, with prices starting from just a few pounds per month. There are loads of attractive templates, and it’s one of the most beginner-friendly options we’ve seen.

Speaking of beginner-friendly options, it’s hard to look past GoDaddy when it comes to ease of use. This web industry giant offers a basic but very intuitive builder. It doesn’t even come close to Wix in terms of design flexibility, but it enables you to get online in just a few hours if you’re in a hurry.

Further reading on website builders and web hosting

If you would like to find out more about free alternatives to Wix and Weebly, read about the best free website builders on the market. You might also be interested in our guides to the best ecommerce website builders, and the best small business website builders.

When looking to build a website, choosing the best website builder that fits your requirements can be a long, time-consuming process: largely because there are so many options available. There are some that clearly stand out however, and identifying these should be quite easy, allowing you to narrow your choice down to a few specific builders.

In this guide, we compare three of the leading providers, Wix vs Squarespace vs Weebly, in order to help you determine which is best suited to your needs. Wix offers some of the best design flexibility, Squarespace has extremely attractive templates, and Weebly comes equipped with powerful ecommerce tools.

Wix

Wix: the best all-round website builder

Wix is one of the best website builders because it offers a wide degree of flexibility, hundreds of templates, and an incredibly user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface. The full website builder is included with the free package, while paid upgrades offer ad-free, feature-packed site editing, plus a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Squarespace

Squarespace: leading on support and professional design

Squarespace’s professional templates and impressive native integrations build on powerful ecommerce integration. High-quality sites can be made without much experience, and design flexibility is matched by excellent and responsive support, across price plans stacked with advanced features.

Weebly

Squarespace: leading on support and professional design

Squarespace’s professional templates and impressive native integrations build on powerful ecommerce integration. High-quality sites can be made without much experience, and design flexibility is matched by excellent and responsive support, across price plans stacked with advanced features.

Wix vs Squarespace vs Weebly: Features

Each builder specialises somewhat in terms of the main features offered. Wix comes with an impressive selection of editing features, including a drag-and-drop builder that lets you place individual design elements exactly where you want them. It also has a large template library, with over 500 fully customisable, mobile-optimised templates.

Those wishing to add extra features to their site will love the Wix App Market, which includes a selection of add-ons that you can use to improve your site’s performance and functionality. With Wix, you will also have access to a powerful analytics portal and a range of social sharing tools, among other things.

Weebly’s focus on ecommerce means that most of its main features are related to online store building. Unless you’re planning to create a huge store, you will find everything you need here. Additionally, it comes with a native mobile app that lets you edit and manage your site directly from your mobile device.

Its attractive, professionally-designed templates are among the best in the industry, and all users have access to the comprehensive App Center. Like Wix, it also comes complete with a range of statistics, alongside powerful SEO tools, to help you build an audience.

Squarespace has two very noteworthy features. The first is that its templates exceed even Weebly’s. They are extremely attractive and regularly updated, and there’s something for every use case. The other standout feature meanwhile is its huge range of native integrations.

While Wix and Weebly use app markets to provide extra functionality, Squarespace has focused on adding almost everything you could ever need as a native feature. In saying that, you can still link to a range of third-party platforms, including social media sites and payment gateways.

All things considered, Wix just takes the points here. All three platforms are backed by exceptional features, but Wix’s flexible editor and powerful analytics just give it an edge.

Wix vs Squarespace vs Weebly: Performance

In order to compare performance, we decided to look closely at both the editing interfaces and the overall performance of sites built with each platform.

As we’ve already noted, Wix has arguably the most powerful editor in the business. There are actually two different versions available: the Wix ADI, or artificial design intelligence, and the Wix Editor. Wix ADI is better suited to those with less experience, as it does a lot of the hard work for you. Simply answer a few questions, and you will be provided with a personalised template that’s tailored to your needs.

With the Wix Editor, you can select a template and start customising instantly. The range of editing tools on offer is truly amazing: you can personalise just about everything you can think of, from your global color scheme to main fonts, and everything in between. It's a little confusing to start with, but you should get the hang of it quite quickly.

Meanwhile, Weebly’s editor is much less powerful, but it’s also “idiot-proof” in a sense. It uses a drag-and-drop customisation method, but you can only move different website elements into pre-defined positions. Weebly comes with fewer design features than Wix, but it is quite easy to get used to.

Squarespace’s editor, though, just doesn’t compare. While you will have access to a great selection of editing tools, the interface is confusing unless you have web experience, and you will have to spend a significant amount of time getting used to it. However, when it comes to the performance of sites built with these three platforms, Squarespace actually excels.

This is because Wix sites tend to be quite large and cluttered, which means they load very slowly, and Weebly isn’t a whole lot better. In the end, Wix and Squarespace split the points here. The performance of Wix’s editor excels, but Squarespace sites definitely load faster after you make them live.

Wix vs Squarespace vs Weebly: Support

Wix offers a range of support services, including live phone and email support, along with an active social media presence and a detailed knowledge base. Weebly is very similar, with phone, email, and live chat support options. Its team is also active on social media, and its Help Center comes with a selection of great self-help resources.

Finally, Squarespace has 24/7 email and live chat support, along with an extensive Help Center and an active community forum. Although it’s hard to separate the three providers here, Weebly just comes out ahead because of the range of support options it offers.

Wix vs Squarespace vs Weebly: Pricing and plans

Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace actually have quite similar pricing structures. Both Wix and Weebly offer a limited free forever plan, while Squarespace has a 14-day free trial available with all of its paid plans.

Wix has seven paid plans. Four of these are targeted at standard websites, with prices ranging from £4 to £21 a month. The other three are designed for business owners and ecommerce, and they cost between £15 and £27 a month. Weebly is slightly cheaper, with four paid plans ranging from £4 to £28 a month. And finally, Squarespace has four plans costing between £13 and £37 a month.

Ultimately, Weebly just comes out ahead here due to its limited but functional free plan, and its slightly lower-priced paid plans.

Wix vs Squarespace vs Weebly: Verdict

At the end of the day, it’s very hard to recommend a winner in our Wix vs Squarespace vs Weebly comparison. Each of these builders is suited to different uses, making it hard to say that one of them is the best overall option.

Ultimately, Wix is the best choice for those looking for a flexible website builder that allows full customisation. Weebly is a great option for ecommerce and highly attractive designs, while Squarespace stands out due to its long-term performance and impressive range of built-in features.

The bottom line here is that you need to make sure you identify your long-term needs, and do an adequate amount of research, before you commit to any of these website builders. Otherwise, you might find yourself stuck with an option that isn’t quite right.

Further reading on website builders and web hosting

Should you go for Wix, it's worth reading our step-by-step guide explaining how to build a website on Wix. You can also learn more about the company in our our interview with Wix's Head Product Manager Michal Bignitz.

If you choose Squarespace, see how to make a website with Squarespace for details on how to create your site.

It’s common to see people who are entering the website building space for the first time comparing providers, like GoDaddy vs Wix. These are clearly two of the world’s best website builder platforms, but a lot of people don’t realise that they are very different.

GoDaddy is quite a basic platform that aims to support rapid site creation, which makes it a great option for beginners looking to get online fast. Wix is slightly more complex, offering a high level of design flexibility that makes it a great option for those looking for advanced customisation tools.

Here, we’ll go into the finer aspects of both platforms, outlining their pros, cons, and why you should or shouldn’t be using them.

• GoDaddy: top for beginners, with excellent support
  GoDaddy boasts top-notch customer service, a beginner-friendly editor, and very competitive prices. The user-friendly website builder provides 24/7 phone and live chat support, alongside a great collection of self-help resources, and a range of reasonably-priced plans for different levels of website creation.
• Wix: best for flexibility and customisation
  Wix offers advanced tools, the largest template library available, an exceptional editor with high levels of customisation, and comprehensive support. Its full website builder is included with the free package; upgrades provide an ad-free experience plus a raft of extra features; and there's also a 14-day money-back guarantee

What we compared

In order to gain a clear idea of the ways GoDaddy and Wix perform when lined up next to each other, we compared the two platforms in a number of different categories.

GoDaddy vs Wix: User interface and setup

GoDaddy has a simple and intuitive user interface. To set up a new website, you will need to create an account, answer a few simple questions, and select from the designs provided by the AI assistant. The editor enables you to customise various aspects of your site, but it’s very basic.

For example, you will be constrained by the overall layout of your theme. You can add and remove sections, but these can’t be personalised on any notable level. Text and color options are quite limited, and you will have trouble if you want to fine-tune your design.

On the other hand, Wix offers two editors. Like GoDaddy, Wix ADI uses artificial design intelligence to provide a personalised template. Wix ADI is also quite basic, and it’s designed for beginner-friendly site editing. It has limited design flexibility, and you will be somewhat confined by the layout of the section-based templates.

The Wix Editor is much more powerful. It boasts a pixel-perfect drag-and-drop interface, enabling you to place elements exactly where you want them. This can be a little overwhelming due to the huge number of tools available, and it will certainly take some time to get used to.

GoDaddy vs Wix: Pricing

GoDaddy and Wix both offer a free-forever version that enables you to create a basic site without spending anything. However, both of these are ad-supported, and you will be stuck with a branded subdomain and a notable lack of business or ecommerce tools.

GoDaddy's pricing plans

GoDaddy’s premium plans start at £7.99 a month. There are four subscription options available, including a high-end ecommerce plan for online store creation. Discounts are available for the first year, and you will pay more with month-to-month payments than an annual term.

Wix's pricing plans

Wix offers four professional website plans, which range from £4 to £21 a month, along with three business and ecommerce plans starting at £15 a month. It’s slightly more expensive than GoDaddy, and there’s no introductory discount. As with GoDaddy, the exact amount you pay will depend on your subscription term.

*All prices in the table are the monthly equivalent of an annual subscription

GoDaddy vs Wix: Ecommerce

GoDaddy and Wix both have decent ecommerce tools, enabling you to create a simple online store to sell both physical and digital products. Note, though, that neither offer the level of service that dedicated ecommerce platforms such as Shopify do.

With GoDaddy, you will be able to add unlimited products to your store. However, product layouts are rigid, and customisation is difficult. GoDaddy’s store does enable you to sync with various third-party marketplaces, such as Amazon and eBay, enabling streamlined inventory and order management.

This is something that Wix and many other basic ecommerce platforms don’t include without add-ons or extensions.

Wix, on the other hand, stands out as better for those who want to sell subscriptions or digital products due to its built-in subscription management tools. The product layouts are much more flexible, and you will benefit from a cleverly-designed management panel.

Both builders enable you to sell via social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, and both include advanced tools such as abandoned cart recovery and automatic tax calculation.

GoDaddy vs Wix: Add-ons

Wix is the clear leader here, with numerous add-ons available through the Wix App Market. Here, you will find options for everything from advanced social media marketing to dropshipping and collaboration. Many products are free, but others require a subscription or a one-off license purchase.

In addition, many of Wix’s apps are available with its free plan. There are industry-specific options, such as the Wix Restaurants Orders app, which is designed specifically for restaurants that want to allow online ordering. Other apps, such as Wix Bookings or Wix Forum, are much more generic and can be used by websites of all shapes and sizes.

GoDaddy doesn’t have any sort of app store or app market. There are no add-ons available to extend the functionality of your site, which means that you will be stuck with the platform’s native functionality.

GoDaddy vs Wix: Blogging tools

Wix and GoDaddy both offer decent blogging tools, although Wix’s clearly stand out as superior.

For starters, GoDaddy’s blog manager enables you to write and publish posts, but that’s about it. You can add images and feature images, add categories, and schedule publishing. Layouts are pre-coded, though, and you will be effectively limited to your theme’s built-in blog design. You can’t even add tags to your blog posts for easier navigation.

Wix’s blog manager is much more advanced. You will have access to many more formatting and customisation options, and you will be able to personalise your entire design in the Wix Editor. There are tools for search engine optimisation (SEO), adding tags, and even for translating your posts into different languages. You can even monetise your content by adding paywalls for exclusive pieces.

Both platforms support email subscriptions, comments, and social media sharing. Wix also has built-in blog analytics, and it even enables you to connect a WordPress blog or another Wix blog or so you can import posts.

GoDaddy vs Wix: Media management

As expected, Wix and GoDaddy both enable you to upload and add images and videos to your website.

GoDaddy’s media management tools are a little basic, but you can do most things you will need to. You can upload photos and videos from your computer, connect your Instagram or Facebook account, or browse a large stock photo library. There’s also the option to import videos from YouTube and Vimeo, along with a native image editing tool.

Wix’s media management tools go a step further. As with GoDaddy, you will be able to upload from your computer or choose from a stock media library. You can connect to Facebook and Instagram here as well, along with Google Photos and Google Drive. On top of this, Wix has its own photo studio and video creator that you can use to customise your media.

Overall, Wix is the clear winner here as well.

GoDaddy vs Wix: SEO

GoDaddy has very limited SEO tools. The base plans enable you to add basic meta titles and meta descriptions to your site’s pages. High-end subscriptions come with access to additional SEO tools, but there’s really nothing too special here.

Along with this, GoDaddy websites tend to be quite slow and poor-performing, which certainly isn’t great for SEO. However, Wix websites suffer from a similar fate, which means that there’s little to separate the two on that front.

Where Wix does excel is with its built-in SEO tools. For starters, the Wix SEO Wizard is designed to help you develop a clear SEO plan, outlining recommended actions to boost your search engine rankings.

Sitewide and page-specific SEO settings can be specified. There are various URL management tools and an XML sitemap, and you can even access and edit your Robots.txt file to instruct search engine crawler bots on the best way to index your site. Again, Wix’s more advanced SEO tools make it a clear winner in this category.

GoDaddy vs Wix: The verdict

GoDaddy and Wix both bring plenty to the table. GoDaddy is much more basic, and it’s much better suited to those who want to get a simple site online in a short amount of time. On the other hand, Wix is great for those who are looking for a little more design flexibility and more powerful tools.

Both platforms come with similar pricing, although GoDaddy does just sneak ahead here. Wix’s editor is much more powerful than GoDaddy’s, but it’s also a little more complicated to use.

Wix clearly offers more integrated tools and features, including excellent SEO, media management, and blogging tools. GoDaddy falls behind in all of these categories, although it does offer decent ecommerce features, particularly for those who want to connect their social media stores to their website. Wix is great for selling recurring subscriptions, and extra functionality can be added via the Wix App Market.

Both platforms are certainly worth considering, so we’d recommend testing them out before committing to either option.

GoDaddy vs Wix: key features compared

What our reviewers said

GoDaddy

“It’s an excellent choice for beginners and those with little website-building experience. The editor is extremely simple and, although it offers limited design flexibility, enables users to create an entire site in just a few hours.”

• Score: 4/5

Wix

“Wix is perfect for creatives, small businesses, and beginners alike. It uses a drag-and-drop interface, so you don’t need any coding skills, and with Wix ADI, getting a site up and running is child’s play. Templates come with dummy text and images in place, and all you need to do is replace them with your own personalisation.”

• Score: 4.5/5

Alternatives to GoDaddy and Wix

HostGator is a popular alternative, particularly for those looking for a balance of power and low prices. Like Wix, it offers drag-and-drop design flexibility, but it’s significantly cheaper. It’s much more powerful than GoDaddy, but it’s still easy to use, and it’s backed by the power of one of the world’s leading web hosting providers.

Another popular option is Squarespace, which is known for its professionally designed templates and built-in business tools. It is a little complicated to get started with when compared to GoDaddy and Wix, but its integrated marketing tools and other native features make it stand out as unique. These include the ability to add external collaborators, a wide range of third-party integrations, and built-in business analytics.

If you want to build an ecommerce store, Shopify could be your best option. It’s known as the world’s leading online store builder, and it offers some of the best beginner-friendly store management tools we’ve seen. GoDaddy and Wix do enable stores, but their tools are much more basic.

Further reading on website builders and web hosting

It's worth checking out our guide to creating a small business website; explore the top tools needed; and discover the foundations of a successful small business site. Once you've found the best website builder, and are looking for cheaper hosting, look into the best cheap web hosting for your next project, or even the best free web hosting if you're on a tight budget. If you're searching for hosting for a small business website, take a look at the best web hosting for small business.

A company's website is an integral and essential element of a business, and in our digital age, even more so. A key part of having a website is choosing the best web hosting service to host your site with (as well as the best website builder to construct it with), and this can be difficult with so many web hosts available.

One way to approach this process is by reading guides discussing different elements of web hosting, whether you're looking for the best web hosting, the best free web hosting, the best unlimited hosting, or the best cloud hosting. It's also advisable to read reviews of web hosts, and then put a shortlist together, before deciding on the web hosting provider that seems like the best fit for you and your business.

The next step is to decide on the right type of hosting that you need, and different websites require different solutions, with it being important to choose the correct one for your business. These can range from standard, unmanaged hosting through to dedicated, high-end and managed servers.

Here, we compare managed vs unmanaged hosting, and explain the differences between the two, as well as why - ultimately - managed hosting is the better option for businesses.

Managed vs unmanaged hosting: What’s the difference?

There are many components involved in running a web server, from the hardware to the operating system and various software tools. A managed hosting plan has a selection of additional “management” features installed, ones that are aimed at helping your website run easier. Managed hosting plans also usually offer more in the way of technical support.

Unmanaged hosting plans, in contrast, don’t offer any (or few) of these extra features. You’ll get a basic server with the operating system installed, and that’s about it. It will be up to you to install everything else, such as basic software required for running a website, like Apache, Ngnix, or PHP.

Unmanaged plans are cheaper because the hosting provider doesn’t do as much of the work. Not all hosting companies offer managed solutions, but if you want to spend more time on creating content for your website than on the nitty-gritty details of running a server, it is worth finding one that offers this type of service. It could save you time and money.

What benefits can managed hosting offer to my website?

We've outlined a number of points that illustrate the benefits of managed hosting below.

Backups

Backups are an extremely important part of running a website. Without any, you risk losing your site completely if disaster strikes. If you’ve chosen a good web hosting company, check that it provides daily backups and keeps them for at least a week, if not longer.

If an incident occurs that stops your website from functioning, the web host will be able to restore your site’s files and database from those backups.

Technical support

Technical support is a crucial component of what hosting providers offer. If you ever need help, you want to know that there will always be a team of people who are ready to respond. Even before signing up, you can get a gauge on how good a provider’s support will be by contacting their team via phone, live chat, or email to see how they respond.

If you get prompt and efficient answers from the pre-sales team, it’s a good indication that the technical support will offer a similar standard of service.

Routine operations and maintenance

A fully managed service should take care of everything that goes on behind the scenes to keep a website running. Such tasks include keeping the operating system up to date and secure and customising the server to your exact requirements if you request it. It also can help with installing third-party applications, talking to your website developers about any technical issues, and offering recommendations on how to improve your site’s performance.

A good hosting plan should include monitoring of the server and website and the ability to respond quickly to any issue. It should also have a migration service to help you move your website from your current provider, if you have one.

Web security

Web security is just as important as support when it comes to web hosting. A fully managed hosting plan should have a full suite of security features, such as installing a local firewall as standard, actively scanning your website for malware, and blocking unauthorised attempts to log into the website’s control panel.

Another good reason for considering a managed hosting solution is if your website runs on older software that can’t be upgraded or has other special requirements. With a managed service, the hosting company should be able to configure a server to your liking. When assessing providers, it’s a good idea to ask if support is offered for third-party companies.

This way, if you’re using specialised software from a third party and need assistance with technical queries, you can request help from your hosting company.

Further reading on web hosting

Learn more about anonymous hosting, another option for you to improve your site's privacy, and discover the best anonymous hosting solutions. It's also worth learning how your web hosting impacts security, and if you're looking for a domain, find out how to choose a domain name for your website and what to consider when choosing a domain name.

Would you like to find out more about dedicated servers vs VPS hosting? Most of the best web hosting providers offer some form of both dedicated server and VPS web hosting.

VPS (virtual private server) hosting is designed for small business sites that have outgrown standard shared hosting. It involves the allocation of a dedicated amount of server resources, including storage and bandwidth, to your site, so that your website won’t ever be affected by other sites sharing the same server.

Dedicated servers offer a more advanced hosting option that’s best for large, high-traffic websites. They provide a set amount of server resources and involve the use of a single physical server. In general, dedicated servers offer better security, and their generous resource allocation is great for large, content-rich sites.

In this guide, we compare the differences between the two in terms of their prices, performance, scalability, and various other features.

Dedicated servers vs VPS: What we compared

In order to compare dedicated servers vs VPS hosting, we analysed various aspects of both services.

• Pricing
• Performance
• Security
• Scalability
• Configurability
• Conclusion

Dedicated servers vs VPS: Pricing

Price is an important consideration when selecting the right hosting for your business, and it plays a big part in comparing dedicated servers vs VPS. On average, VPS solutions are significantly cheaper than dedicated servers. However, these lower prices tend to come with fewer features and fewer server resources, so you will need to find a balance.

Popular host Liquid Web, for example, offers high-quality VPS and dedicated server solutions. Its VPS plans range from £53 to £118 a month for fully managed hosting. Linux and Windows operating system options are available, and you will be able to add extra server resources if required. The most expensive VPS plan comes with 16GB of RAM, 200GB of SSD storage, and 10TB of bandwidth.

On the other side of the equation, Liquid Web’s dedicated servers range from £138 to £447 a month. The cheapest dedicated server plan is comparable to the most expensive VPS option, with 480GB of storage, 16GB of RAM, and 5TB of bandwidth. The amount of resources you get obviously increases with the more expensive plans.

The bottom line: VPS hosting is best for those on a budget, but a dedicated server may be the right option for those who are happy to pay slightly more for extra resources.

Dedicated servers vs VPS: Performance

Both VPS and dedicated server hosting are high-performance options when compared to cheaper, and often poorer-quality, shared hosting. Average business users will find more than enough power in a low-end VPS plan, but dedicated servers are undoubtedly more powerful.

To illustrate this point, we compared InMotion Hosting’s base VPS plan with its base dedicated server plan. The cheapest VPS plan comes in at £16.29 a month, and includes two CPU cores, 2GB of RAM, 45GB of storage, and unmetered bandwidth.

In comparison, the cheapest dedicated server option starts from £71.32 a month. It includes four CPU cores, 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and 15TB of bandwidth. It’s clear that this correlates to significantly more power than the corresponding VPS option offers.

Note, though, that even a basic VPS subscription will offer great performance for the vast majority of websites. If you’re a small to medium business owner, VPS hosting should be more than good enough. Dedicated servers are usually only required for very large websites with millions of visitors a year.

Dedicated servers vs VPS: Security

Both VPS and dedicated server hosting are very secure options. In general, though, dedicated servers offer higher protection.

This is due to the way VPS and dedicated servers are set up. With VPS hosting, you will receive your own virtualised server, which involves an allocated number of server resources and amount of processing power. However, you will still be sharing the larger physical server with other websites, which can leave you vulnerable if they aren’t following the correct security best practices.

As the name suggests, you will be the only person or organisation using a dedicated server. This means that there’s no risk of security breaches through third parties. Of course, both dedicated servers and VPS hosting enable you to install and manage your own security software. Since you will still have a high level of control over your security, there’s really nothing to worry about if you do decide to use a VPS.

Dedicated servers vs VPS: Scalability

As your website grows, you may need to add more storage, bandwidth, RAM, or other resources to deal with increased visitor and transaction numbers, along with a possible increase in the amount of content on your site.

VPS hosting clearly stands out as easier to scale, as you can usually add or remove resources with the click of a button. On the other hand, dedicated servers have a fixed amount of resources, and adding extra can be difficult or even impossible without migrating to a new server.

As an example, InterServer offers leading scalable VPS hosting solutions. Its flexible, cloud-based hosting starts at just £4.89 a month. This gets you one “slice,” which includes one CPU core, 2GB of RAM, 30GB of storage, and 1TB of bandwidth. Additional slices can be added for £4.89 each a month, enabling access to up to 16 CPU cores, 32GB of RAM, 480GB of storage, and 16TB of bandwidth.

Dedicated servers vs VPS: Configurability

VPS and dedicated servers both offer excellent configurability, but there are a few small things to mention here. For starters, the majority of VPS hosting solutions come with preinstalled software, and at least some level of technical management by the provider. This can be constraining if you would like to install certain types of software or configure things in a specific manner.

On the other hand, many dedicated servers come as what’s known as bare-metal servers. These are basically empty servers without an operating system or any pre-installed software. You can install anything you require, and the configurability on offer is excellent.

It is worth noting that VPS and dedicated server hosting are both available in managed and unmanaged forms. Managed solutions will generally be less flexible, especially if they don’t come with full root access.

For maximum configurability, ensure you go for an unmanaged VPS or dedicated server option that offers full root access. But at the same time, note that you will need a decent level of IT skills to work with unmanaged hosting like this.

Dedicated servers vs VPS: Conclusion

Dedicated servers and VPS hosting are both great options for businesses. The difference lies in the size and style of business they are suited to. VPS hosting is significantly cheaper, much more scalable, and comes in both managed and unmanaged forms. This makes it better for small, growing businesses with tighter budgets.

Dedicated servers are much more expensive. However, they tend to come with significantly more server resources and are usually more configurable than their VPS counterparts. Dedicated servers are also slightly better for security and performance, although they lack scalability. They are best for established businesses looking for an advanced hosting option for a large and/or high-traffic website.

Further reading on web hosting and website builders

Check out our guide to managed vs unmanaged hosting to find out which is best suited to your needs, and discover the best VPS hosting or best cloud hosting services. If you're looking to create a new website, make sure you look over the best website builders before making your choice.

If you want to launch an online store, Shopify and BigCommerce are two of the best website builder platforms for the job. Both platforms offer a wide range of ecommerce tools, including marketing and analytics features to help you scale your business. In this article, we’ll compare Shopify vs BigCommerce to help you decide which ecommerce builder is right for you.

Shopify

Shopify: a market-leading ecommerce builder

With over 1m merchants across 175 different countries using the service, Shopify is ideal for ecommerce sites. In addition to a wide range of third-party apps, its clutter-free interface and built-in shopping cart and checkout manager include additional marketing and security tools.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce: premium online store builder

BigCommerce's drag-and-drop builder is supported with cutting-edge ecommerce tools, such as payment gateway options, app integrations and plug-ins, SEO analytics, and adaptive themes. A simple, clean editor and top-level resources make it a leading option.

Shopify vs BigCommerce: What we compared

We took Shopify and BigCommerce for a spin to compare how easy they are to use, what features they offer for online businesses, and what each platform could do better. Specifically, our guide will cover:

• User interface and setup
• Pricing
• Templates and site design
• Sales channels
• Marketing campaigns
• Sales analytics
• App marketplaces
• Which platform is best for me?
• What our reviewers said
• Alternatives to Shopify and BigCommerce

User interface and setup

Shopify and BigCommerce are easy to get started with. You don’t have to do any website design if you don’t want to, or even pick a theme at first. Instead, you can jump right into adding products, setting up your shipping and payment preferences, and linking any other sales channels you have.

We found Shopify’s dashboard to be slightly easier to navigate, in part because it’s less crowded with options. However, BigCommerce’s dashboard is pretty straightforward, too, and offers a very similar menu to what you’ll find in Shopify. Both platforms offer setup checklists to help you launch your online store.

Once your store is up and running, the BigCommerce dashboard effectively serves as an analytics overview. Shopify’s dashboard, on the other hand, offers tips, tutorials, and information about new features once the setup checklist is gone.

Pricing

Shopify and BigCommerce compete closely on price. Both platforms offer three pricing tiers with nearly identical subscription costs, plus enterprise options with pricing by quote only.

There are some important differences in what you get with each platform’s basic and mid-tier plans. For example, BigCommerce offers unlimited staff accounts with all plans, while Shopify limits you to just two staff accounts with a Basic Shopify plan. On the other hand, abandoned cart recovery is included with all Shopify plans, but requires a Plus or Pro plan at BigCommerce.

Another key difference is that Shopify charges an extra transaction fee if you decide to use a payment processor other than Shopify Payments. The fee is 0.5% to 2% of purchases depending on your plan. BigCommerce enables you to use any of more than 55 payment processors, with no additional transaction fees.

Shopify vs BigCommerce: pricing compared

Templates and site design

Shopify and BigCommerce both offer templates to help you design your online storefront. At Shopify, there are 10 free templates and more than 90 paid templates. At BigCommerce, there are 12 free templates and more than 170 paid templates.

Neither platform’s website builder is especially adept compared to design-first builders like Squarespace or Wix. However, they offer a reasonable amount of flexibility for customising the look of your store.

In Shopify, the content elements on your site are largely controlled by your template. You can toggle elements on and off, and move sections of your pages up or down, but there’s no way to drag and drop individual content elements around your page.

BigCommerce offers a bit more control, since you can select individual elements such as text boxes, images, and buttons and drag and drop them around your pages. However, some sections of your page are controlled by your template and can’t be modified, only toggled on or off.

Overall, we prefer BigCommerce’s site builder to Shopify’s, but neither platform puts a big emphasis on design.

Sales channels

One of the great things about Shopify and BigCommerce is that each platform enables you to add multiple sales channels to your account. Linking your sales channels enables you to manage all of your online sales in one place, simplifying inventory, shipping, and accounting.

On Shopify, you can add accounts from Google Shopping, Facebook, Pinterest, and eBay, as well as integrate your point-of-sale platform if you have one. Shopify also offers more free sales channel integrations through its app marketplace, including for Amazon and Walmart.

On BigCommerce, you can add accounts from Walmart, Facebook, Amazon, eBay, Wish, and Mercado Libre. Clover is currently the only point-of-sale platform supported. Paid apps enable integration with Instagram and Pinterest.

Marketing campaigns

One major difference between Shopify and BigCommerce is in the degree of marketing features the two platforms offer. Shopify has built-in tools for creating email, SMS, and online ad campaigns, whereas BigCommerce does not.

On Shopify, you can create email marketing campaigns using a simple newsletter builder. The builder comes with hundreds of free templates. You won’t find advanced features like A/B testing, custom scheduling, or personalised discount codes, but you can segment your customers into lists for better targeting.

Shopify also enables you to set up SMS text campaigns as well as Facebook, Pinterest, and Snapchat ad campaigns right from your dashboard.

Importantly, BigCommerce does offer automated transactional emails that are sent to customers in response to purchases. You can also find third-party email marketing integrations in both the Shopify and BigCommerce app stores.

Sales analytics

Shopify and BigCommerce each offer impressive analytics dashboards, with a lot of options for digging into your traffic and sales data. Both dashboards are easy to use, and offer excellent data visualisation.

Shopify offers two unique analytics features. First, the platform enables you to track sales that result directly from your marketing efforts. For any email, SMS, or ad campaign, you can see how much revenue the campaign generated and which products were purchased.

Second, Shopify offers custom reports. You can build your own charts and filtered views to get more insights into your top-performing products and biggest customers.

BigCommerce doesn’t have the same flexibility, but some of the pre-made reports are worth noting. For example, BigCommerce offers a merchandising report that enables you to see how your discounts and promotions are generating revenue. There’s also an in-store search report that makes it easy to see what customers are looking for when they explore your shop.

App marketplaces

Both Shopify and BigCommerce offer extensive app marketplaces for adding more tools and features to your online store. The Shopify App Store has more than 4,200 apps, while the BigCommerce Apps Marketplace has more than 800. In both stores, you’ll find free and paid apps.

The app marketplaces are important because they offer a huge variety of ways to scale your business and customise the platforms. For example, apps on both platforms offer shipping and logistics services, advanced marketing and merchandising tools, and accounting features.

There are also apps to customise your checkout experience, build mobile apps, and integrate physical stores into your online sales.

Which platform is best for me?

Shopify and BigCommerce compete closely for the attention of online business owners, and the two platforms have a lot in common. Both offer unlimited products, advanced selling tools, and app marketplaces to help your business scale.

That said, Shopify is slightly better suited for businesses that are scaling up quickly. That’s because it offers a wider range of apps, built-in marketing tools, and more flexible sales reporting. While you can certainly add marketing and analytics tools in BigCommerce through its app marketplace, having these features baked in from the start can make a big difference for your business.

BigCommerce is somewhat better suited for online businesses that have a lot of staff, or that want to use a payment process other than Shopify Payments. The fact that all BigCommerce plans come with unlimited staff accounts and zero transaction fees, regardless of what payment processor you use, is a big advantage for this platform.

Shopify vs BigCommerce: main features compared

What our reviewers said

Shopify

“There’s a reason why Shopify is the world’s most popular ecommerce platform. It’s beginner friendly, easy to use, and has excellent online selling tools. In addition, it comes with a 14-day free trial, a selection of online store templates, and streamlined store management features."

• Score: 4.5/5

BigCommerce

“This builder is right up there with the best online store creators in the world. It’s a little more complicated than competitors like Shopify, but it’s great for those looking for a scalable solution with great design flexibility. Noteworthy features include a small but decent app library, a suite of SEO tools, zero transaction fees, an advanced mobile management app, and a suite of third-party marketplace integrations.”

• Score: 4.5/5

Alternatives to Shopify and BigCommerce

If Shopify and BigCommerce aren’t quite what you’re looking for, there are plenty of alternatives available.

One of the best is Squarespace, which combines moderately advanced ecommerce features with best-in-class website design features. Squarespace offers beautifully-designed templates, and a site editor that’s much more flexible than what either Shopify or BigCommerce offers.

You won’t have the ability to integrate multiple sales channels, but Shopify does include email marketing tools and a handful of extensions for managing your business. Squarespace ecommerce plans start at £24 a month.

Another option worth considering is WooCommerce, an ecommerce platform built specifically for WordPress websites. WordPress offers virtually unlimited flexibility when it comes to designing your online storefront, but it’s not as easy to use as Shopify and BigCommerce are.

WooCommerce is free, but the cost of running an online store can add up quickly since you’ll need to purchase a lot of third-party apps.

Further reading on website builders and web hosting

If you want to learn more about website builders, check out our guides to the best small business website builders and the best ecommerce website builders. We’ve also reviewed the best free website builders for individuals and small businesses on a tight budget, and profiled the best web hosting services in case you're looking for an alternative route to websites.

Shopify and WooCommerce rank among the best website builder platforms as the most popular ecommerce solutions on the market—but they’re not that alike. Shopify is an all-in-one, fully-hosted ecommerce platform, whereas WooCommerce is an open-source ecommerce plugin built on the WordPress CMS.

We wanted to find out which one offered the best way to build and grow your online store, so we tried out both, and put together this in-depth comparison of Shopify vs WooCommerce. Read on to learn everything you need to know to decide which is the best for your business.

Shopify

Shopify: the best ecommerce website builder

Shopify is designed for constructing ecommerce sites, and boasts over 1m merchants in 175 different countries as users. Among its top features include an extensive range of third-party apps, clutter-free interface, a built-in shopping cart and checkout manager, and marketing and security tools.

WooCommerce

WooCommerce: ecommerce sites for WordPress

WooCommerce is one of the most powerful online store builders available, designed for exclusive use with WordPress. It brings flexibility and design freedom, alongside advanced inventory management, and a range of marketing and order management tools, alongside further customisation via the Extensions Store.

Shopify vs WooCommerce: What we compared

To find out which is best, we compared the performance of Shopify and WooCommerce in all the most important areas. Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll cover:

• User interface and setup
• Pricing
• Ecommerce features
• Apps and extensions
• Design and customisation
• Marketing tools
• Support options
• Which product is best for me?
• What our reviewers said
• Alternatives to Shopify and WooCommerce

User interface and setup

You don’t have to be a tech whiz to set up your online store with either platform. However, if you don’t already have a WordPress site, you’ll find Shopify easier to get started with.

Unlike WooCommerce, Shopify is a fully-hosted ecommerce platform, which means once you sign up, everything you need to create your store is included right out of the box. You don’t have to worry about things like hosting your site, installing software, or managing security and backups—Shopify takes care of it for you.

All you have to do is follow the simple setup wizard, and within a few clicks, you’ll be in your store’s dashboard area. The interface is super straightforward and easy to navigate. You can access everything you need from the sidebar.

For example, you can click the products tab to add new products to your catalogue, or the analytics tab to view important metrics about your business.

With WooCommerce, there are a few more steps in the process. It isn’t a standalone platform—it’s a plugin—so you’ll need to set up a WordPress site before you can use it. And because WordPress is a self-hosted platform, you’ll also need to purchase web hosting separately and install the core WordPress software.

The good news is that once you’ve done all that (and installed and activated WooCommerce), things get simpler. Like Shopify, WooCommerce provides a handy setup wizard to guide you through basic configuration, and will turn your site into a fully-functioning online store in a few clicks.

This interface should be intuitive enough if you’re experienced with WordPress’s backend. If not, there may be a bit more of a learning curve than with Shopify. Everything you need is accessible through the WooCommerce plugin section in the WordPress sidebar.

From there, you can add products, set up payments and tax, personalise your store, manage orders, and everything else involved in running an ecommerce business.

Pricing

Pricing is one of the key features that really set Shopify and WooCommerce apart. The biggest difference is that WooCommerce is free, whereas Shopify is paid.

The cheapest Shopify plan, Shopify Basic, starts from £19 a month. With this, you'll have everything you need to start an online store bar a domain name, which usually costs upwards of £7 a year. As you scale your business, you'll need to upgrade to a more expensive plan, which will allow you to increase the number of staff accounts and inventory locations. This will also help you to reduce fees.

Although WooCommerce is a free plugin, it doesn't include anything you'll need to actually get your site up and running. You'll need to purchase a domain name and WordPress hosting at a minimum, and you may want to consider premium themes, extensions, and plugins that will all add up.

Depending on your hosting package and what kind of add-ons you need, this will probably be in the region of £10 to £20 a month.

Once you take these things into account, Shopify and WooCommerce are neck and neck when it comes to price. Shopify is simply more expensive because it's an all-in-one solution, whereas WooCommerce is just one piece of the ecommerce puzzle.

Shopify's pricing plans

Ecommerce features

As you’d expect, both Shopify and WooCommerce come with a wide range of ecommerce features to help you run and manage your online store.

Both platforms support physical and digital product sales, and make it easy to add and customise your product list. They also both come with integrated checkouts, shopping carts, and payment gateways, plus support for coupons and discount codes, and all the other features needed to sell products online.

Aside from that, each platform also comes with all the tools you need to manage your site, including a wide range of inventory and order management tools. You can add shipping rules and SKUs, calculate tax, and more.

Apps and extensions

If you want to add extra functionality to your store beyond what’s included in the core features, you’ll typically need to install third-party extensions—and this is where WooCommerce really shines.

Because WooCommerce is open-source and built on WordPress, there are a seemingly endless number of third-party add-ons available. You’ll find over 59,000 free plugins in the WordPress.org plugin library, plus many more premium plugins available through third-party sellers.

Some examples include LiveChat for WooCommerce, which allows you to add a chatbox to your website and offer customers real-time support; and Subscription Essentials, which enables you to set up recurring payments and sell subscription products.

Shopify also has its own app marketplace where you can download useful add-ons. However, with around 6,000 apps in total, it’s not nearly as extensive as the WooCommerce/WordPress plugin library.

Design and customisation

Shopify provides a selection of high-quality store themes that you can use to lay the design foundations of your site.

Once you’ve chosen a theme, you can customise it in Shopify’s built-in site editor. You can drag and drop elements in from the sidebar to change the design, but it’s fairly limited, and not as flexible as website builders like Wix or Elementor. If you need more flexibility, you’ll need to install a third-party builder app.

Unlike Shopify, WooCommerce isn’t an all-in-one ecommerce platform, so it doesn’t take care of the design part for you—it just provides the ecommerce functionality. You take care of the design yourself through WordPress. You’ll first need to install a WordPress theme, and then customise the design either by making site-wide changes in the customiser, or by using a drag-and-drop page plugin like Elementor.

WooCommerce is compatible with most themes, but for best results, you should choose one designed to integrate well with it. You can’t go wrong with any of the options in the WooCommerce theme store.

Marketing tools

Both Shopify and WooCommerce provide access to plenty of marketing tools that can help you drive traffic and sales, including abandoned cart recovery emails, automations, ad campaign tools, SEO, and more.

However, with WooCommerce, you’re going to be heavily reliant on third-party plugins. Shopify includes more marketing tools out of the box.

For example, Shopify Email is a powerful email marketing tool that Shopify users can get started with for free (up to 2,500 emails). It lets you build stunning emails using pre-made templates and a visual, drag-and-drop editor.

On the other hand, to send out newsletters with WooCommerce, you’ll need to integrate your store with third-party email marketing solutions like MailChimp or Campaign Monitor.

Support options

If you're looking for an ecommerce product that offers comprehensive support options, Shopify is the best choice.

As it’s a paid product, Shopify has a support team available to help customers via live chat 24/7. You can also contact the support team by email for less urgent queries. Additionally, you can get help from the Shopify community, or search the extensive help center for the information you need.

Unlike Shopify, WooCommerce is free and open source. Therefore, there are no dedicated support options available from the WooCommerce team. If you need support for WooCommerce issues, the best way to get it is to pick the brains of community groups on forums like Reddit and Facebook.

Thankfully, WooCommerce is so popular that the community surrounding the plugin is thriving, and finding free help and guidance is pretty easy. If you purchase premium extensions for WooCommerce, you can also usually get dedicated support from the extension developer.

Which product is best for me?

Shopify and WooCommerce are both great options for building your online store. However, the best one for you will depend on your business needs.

If you're new to the world of ecommerce, and you want to start a site from ground zero, Shopify is probably the way to go. The all-in-one package means you have everything you need to get your site off the ground for an affordable monthly price.

On the other hand, if you already have an established WordPress site and you want to add ecommerce functionality to it, then WooCommerce is your best option. It’s free, powerful, and offers unparalleled flexibility and control.

Shopify vs WooCommerce: main features compared

What our reviewers said

Shopify

“Shopify offers excellent value for money. Its cheapest Basic Shopify plan comes in at $29, which may seem a little expensive at first glance, but it has an excellent range of online selling tools.”

• Score: 4.5/5

WooCommerce

“WooCommerce clearly sits in elite company among the few top ecommerce platforms in the world. It’s used in combination with WordPress.org, the world’s most popular content management system (CMS), and is designed for those who want to create a highly personalised online store.”

• Score: 4.5/5

Alternatives to Shopify and WooCommerce

WooCommerce and Shopify dominate the ecommerce industry. However, they're not always the best choice for every business. The good news is that there are more options available.

When it comes to ecommerce tools, the next big name to consider is BigCommerce. BigCommerce is comparable in price and features to Shopify. However, it offers a little more flexibility than Shopify when it comes to product design.

Additionally, features like customer reviews and real-time shipping come as standard, whereas you have to pay extra for an app to access these features in Shopify. Thus, BigCommerce can be the cheaper option depending on your business needs.

Another option to consider is Wix. If you're a complete newbie when it comes to website building, Wix can be more user-friendly than WooCommerce and Shopify. It is complete with a super-simple drag and drop builder and over 800 templates.

It also has some useful ecommerce features that are comparable to WooCommerce and Shopify, making it a great option for ecommerce beginners.

Further reading on website builders and web hosting

Keen to learn more about ecommerce website builders and plugins? We’ve reviewed the best small business website builders, and the best ecommerce website builders, If you're just starting out, learn how to build a site from scratch. Wondering whether you need a website for your small business? Look at why you need one; see some top tips for creating a small business website; explore the top tools needed; and discover the foundations of a successful small business site.

Choosing the best website builder for your needs can be quite difficult, especially if you don’t have much experience in the web design field. There are numerous different options, and many of these are targeted at specific uses or skill levels, like focuses on ecommerce or small business.

In our Wix vs Shopify comparison, we take a close look at these two extremely popular but fundamentally different website creation options. They are used by webmasters across the world, and both are backed by a suite of advanced tools designed to streamline the user experience.

Wix is arguably the most powerful website builder in the world. The design flexibility on offer has to be seen to be believed, and there are more than 500 attractive templates that you can base your site on. It also offers a selection of ecommerce and other advanced tools, enabling you to create virtually any type of site.

Shopify, on the other hand, is designed solely for online store creation. It offers industry-leading ecommerce tools, versatile shop management features, an excellent third-party app store, and numerous other things that make it the most popular online store builder available.

Continue reading to find out more about Wix vs Shopify, how they are different, and which option you should use for your next project.

Wix

Wix: top for customisation and design flexibility

Wix offers three online store plans with advanced tools, the largest template library filled with versatile options, an exceptional editor offering high levels of customisation, and comprehensive support. Its full website builder is included with the free package; upgrades provide an ad-free experience plus a raft of extra features; and there's also a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Shopify

Shopify: clutter-free and feature rich store builder

With over one million merchants across 175 different countries using its software, Shopify helps create online stores in minutes, via an extensive range of third-party apps and a clutter-free interface. A built-in shopping cart and checkout manager add to other excellent tools for marketing and security.

Wix vs Shopify: Features

Both Wix and Shopify offer a leading selection of advanced website and online store creation tools. Shopify focuses almost solely on the ecommerce side of the equation, while Wix comes with a wide range of different features designed to help you create a unique, powerful site.

Below, we’ve compared each platform’s offerings in a number of important areas. However, we’ve focused on ecommerce-related tools, as Shopify isn’t a realistic option for anything other than creating an online store.

Ecommerce

As you can probably imagine, Shopify offers some of the most advanced ecommerce tools we’ve seen. Here, you will find virtually everything you need to create and manage a successful online store.

For starters, it comes with versatile payment options, including the ability to accept transactions through more than 100 different gateways. You can set flexible, location-based shipping rates, enable automatic abandoned cart recovery campaigns, and add extra functionality by connecting third-party apps.

There are also numerous other advanced tools, including access to the Shopify fulfillment network for streamlined order management.

Wix also offers a selection of ecommerce features. These are a little on the basic side when compared to those offered by Shopify, but it remains an excellent option for small stores. Dropshipping is fully reported, you can offer subscription-based products, and there’s an attractive dashboard for streamlined store management.

Blogging

Regularly adding new content to your blog is an excellent way to drive traffic to your online store, and Wix clearly excels here. It enables you to add a new blog section to your store, and there’s a great selection of tools to help you get the most value from it.

For one, you can add multiple contributors, categorise posts to ensure readers can find them easily, schedule future posts, and create restricted content that can only be accessed via a member’s area. The management tools are versatile and powerful, and there’s excellent built-in analytics functionality that you can use to monitor blog engagement.

On the other hand, while Shopify does let you add a blog, don’t expect anything too fancy. There are no analytics tools, blog management is more than a little complicated, and the editor is basic, to say the least.

Templates

Both Wix and Shopify offer a decent selection of templates that you can use as a basis for your online store. Once again, though, Wix stands out as excellent here, with more than 500 designs to choose from.

These aren’t all built with online stores in mind, but a quick search reveals 122 ecommerce-optimised templates, which is still a great number. Some of these are quite basic, but you should be able to find something that meets your needs.

On the other hand, Shopify offers 85 themes. At first glance, this appears to be a great selling point, however, only nine of these are free. The rest come with a pretty hefty price tag—in the region of £147 to £286. It’s worth noting that Shopify enables you to upload your own custom themes, which will appeal to some users.

Social media

The growing popularity of social media means that it’s a valuable sales channel that’s not to be ignored. Shopify features advanced social media integrations, allowing you to connect your store to Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Tumblr, and more. You can also connect to third-party marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon, which is nice to see.

Wix also enables you to connect your store to various third-party platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and eBay. However, it doesn’t offer as many integrations as Shopify does, and they are significantly harder to set up and manage.

Wix vs Shopify: Performance

To compare the performance of the Wix and Shopify website builders, we created a simple online store with each and documented the process.

Wix was the clear winner here, with its advanced website builder and artificial design intelligence (Wix ADI). You can choose to use the Wix Editor, which is a little confusing but offers excellent design flexibility, or Wix ADI, which is more beginner-friendly but offers limited customisation options.

We used the Wix Editor, as it enabled us to create the exact store we wanted. To get started, simply open a new account, follow the prompts to select a template, and add basic information. You will then be able to access the editing interface, which is excellent, to say the least.

There’s a selection of editing tools on the left of the screen. To add new design elements, simply select them and drag them to where you want. You can drop things into pixel-perfect positions, and you can adjust layout settings by selecting an element and using the built-in editing menu.

What’s more, there’s an advanced Layers menu that enables you to view the different elements on each page. You can also use this to re-order design sections. Switch between mobile and desktop views for streamlined editing, add new pages with the click of a button, and customise product and category pages to ensure you get the look you’re going for.

Unfortunately, Shopify’s store editor just can’t compare. It is quite easy to use, but it’s also very basic and has limited design flexibility. On the plus side, you will have full code access, which means that you will be able to add custom snippets to fine-tune your theme. You can also upload tailored themes for a truly unique look.

When you open a new Shopify account, your store will be created automatically. You can edit it by heading to the "Online Store" tab and clicking the "Themes" option. Customise everything from your global color and font settings to your written and visual content, but don’t expect too much flexibility in terms of layout.

The menu on the left of the screen contains all of the editing tools available. It may take you a little while to get used to these, but you shouldn’t have any problems once you’re familiar with them.

Ultimately, though, Wix makes it much easier to create a custom site with the exact appearance you require.

Wix vs Shopify: Support

Having access to high-quality customer support is crucial if you’re planning to create an online store. After all, time is money when you’re running a business, and any issues with your store could lead to lost sales and a decrease in revenue. With decent support services, you should be able to resolve problems in a fast, efficient manner.

Unfortunately, though, Wix really doesn’t offer the level of support we would expect from an industry leader. There is a great selection of self-help resources available via the Wix Help Centre, but technical support options are limited at best. 24/7 customer care is available with all paid subscriptions, but this is limited to email—which can be slow—and live chat.

On top of this, the live chat agents can be a little unresponsive, and they don’t always have great knowledge about more technical topics. The high-end VIP plans come with priority support, which unlocks phone service and automatically bumps you to the front of the line.

Meanwhile, Shopify’s support team tends to be responsive and helpful. Phone, email, and live chat options are available, and you can expect a fast answer to your questions. When we tested the live chat, we were connected with an agent within seconds. There are numerous self-help resources, and you will find Shopify tutorials and guides spread across the web.

Wix vs Shopify: Pricing and plans

Both Wix and Shopify offer a selection of subscription options. Wix also has a free-forever plan that you can use to test the platform, but you won’t be able to sell products without a premium subscription. It also offers a 14-day money-back guarantee on its paid plans: Shopify’s 14-day free trial is similar, enabling you to test it without being able to accept orders.

Of Shopify's pricing plans, the cheapest Shopify Lite plan starts at £5 a month, but this is a little deceptive. It doesn’t actually give you access to the store builder. Instead, it enables you to add a "Buy" button to an existing website.

The Basic Shopify plan (£19 a month) provides full access to the store editor, along with all the basic tools. These include abandoned cart recovery, support for unlimited products, multi-channel selling, and more. Discount codes and gift codes are also supported, and you can manually create orders where required.

Upgrade to the Shopify (£49 a month) or Advanced Shopify (£259 a month) plans for more advanced tools and lower transaction fees. There’s also a Shopify Plus option which starts at £1,600 a month. This is designed for enterprise-level stores and includes a commission-based price structure.

Wix, on the other hand, is significantly more affordable. There are four website plans, which range from £4 to £21 a month. However, you will have to go for one of the three Business & eCommerce options if you would like to create an online store.

These start at £15 a month for a Business Basic subscription. With this, you will have access to 20GB of storage, unlimited product listings, abandoned cart recovery, and various other basic ecommerce tools.

Upgrading to the Business Unlimited plan (£20 a month) adds a suite of other features, including shipping discounts and multi-currency support. Or, go for the Business VIP option (£27 a month) for priority support, customised reports, and more.

There are also custom enterprise-level options available for larger stores. All premium plans come with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Wix vs Shopify: Verdict

Wix and Shopify are among the top-rated online store builders in the world, and for good reason. They both bring a lot to the party, and both are excellent options for different reasons.

For one, Shopify boasts some of the best ecommerce tools we’ve seen, along with advanced third-party integrations. There’s also a huge app market that you can use to add extra features to your store. Wix certainly comes out ahead on the blogging front, though. And its template library is significantly larger than Shopify’s.

When it comes to customer service, Shopify wins. Its support team is fast and responsive, and you shouldn’t have any problems resolving issues in a timely manner. Wix is cheaper than Shopify, but both providers have powerful base plans that come with full ecommerce support. In addition, Wix’s Editor is way ahead of Shopify’s.

All things considered, it’s impossible to declare a clear winner in the Wix vs Shopify battle. Shopify is certainly an industry leader when it comes to creating a scalable online store, but Wix doesn’t do terribly on the ecommerce front either.

Where Wix really shines is in its versatility. It’s clearly a better option for any website that’s not an online store, as Shopify is specifically targeted at ecommerce and ecommerce alone.

Further reading on website builders and web hosting

Read our interview with Wix's Head Product Manager Michal Bignitz; learn how to build a website on Wix and how to build a website with Shopify, and take a look at how to build an ecommerce website. It's also worth looking at the best web hosting services, in case you have more advanced web experience and want a more customizable site creation process.

Shopify and GoDaddy are two of the best website builder platforms, and for good reason. As our Shopify vs GoDaddy comparison shows, both are beginner-friendly, well-suited for certain types of websites, and backed by loads of extra features.

Shopify, for example, is arguably the most popular ecommerce website builder in the world, and its online store management tools are excellent. GoDaddy, on the other hand, is better suited to beginners who want to get a site online with a minimum amount of fuss.

Below, we take a closer look at every aspect of these two platforms to help you decide which is the best website builder for your next project.

Shopify

Shopify: leading ecommerce website builder

Shopify is a frontrunner when it comes to ecommerce sites, boasting over 1m merchants in 175 different countries. It offers a wide range of third-party apps, a clutter-free interface, a built-in shopping cart and checkout manager, and a series of other useful marketing and security tools.

GoDaddy

GoDaddy: beginner-friendly, reliable builder

GoDaddy is one of the go-to options for simple website creation, offering competitive prices and excellent 24/7 phone and live chat support. Its editor is user-friendly for novices, and a wide array of self-help resources assist users across the board.

Shopify vs GoDaddy: What we compared

• User interface and setup
• Pricing
• Ecommerce
• Templates
• Reporting and analytics
• Marketing tools
• App marketplace
• Which is best for me?
• What our reviewers said
• Alternatives to Shopify and GoDaddy

User interface and setup

The Shopify dashboard has a great selection of tools, but we found it a little complicated to get started with. The store editor is designed for beginners, but it’s also quite complex, and you won’t have great design flexibility.

For example, your layout will be largely constrained by the template you’re using. You can modify these constraints by editing your theme’s code, but this requires a high level of technical know-how. But if all you want to do is create a basic store based on a template you like, you shouldn't have too much trouble.

Like Shopify, GoDaddy is designed for beginners. However, it does a better job of being a beginner-friendly website builder, and it’s an industry-leading option for those looking for simplicity and ease of use.

All GoDaddy websites are also somewhat constrained by the theme that they’re built on. Unlike Shopify, GoDaddy doesn’t provide code access, which means that you really can’t fine-tune your design. But it’s easy to get the hang of, and you don’t need any tech or coding skills to use it to its full potential.

Pricing

Shopify’s pricing plans

Shopify has three standard plans, with prices ranging from £19 to £259 a month. Even the Basic Shopify plan comes with everything you need to build your first store, so there’s no need to spend too much.

There’s also a Shopify Lite plan that costs £5 a month, which enables you to add a buy button to an existing website, along with Shopify Plus for custom high-end ecommerce solutions. You can test the platform with a 14-day free trial before committing to a subscription, and there’s a 10% discount with annual subscriptions.

GoDaddy’s pricing plans

GoDaddy’s prices are much more affordable, ranging from £4.99 to £13.99 a month with an annual subscription, or £7.99 to £19.99 a month if you pay monthly. The cheapest plans are best for small business and personal websites, while the more expensive plans add ecommerce, marketing, and online booking tools.

There’s also a 30 to 40% discount available with annual subscriptions, and a free-forever plan that you can use to test the platform.

Ecommerce

Shopify and GoDaddy both offer ecommerce functionality, but that’s where the similarities end. Shopify, for one, is known as one of the best online store builders in the world. It offers an industry-leading range of tools and features, and everything it does is done with ecommerce in mind.

For example, Shopify has excellent product and order management portals. There’s a great analytics and reporting section, and there are loads of advanced tools that enable you to sell gift cards, add discount coupons, and send out abandoned cart emails.

GoDaddy, on the other hand, offers quite basic online selling tools. Despite this, it still offers everything you need to create a basic store, making it a viable option for those who only want to sell a small number of products.

One thing we liked was GoDaddy’s support for digital sales. You can also integrate with third-party marketplaces like eBay and Amazon—as you can with Shopify—and there are loads of marketing tools to help you boost your success.

Templates

GoDaddy offers only 22 different design templates. When combined with the limited design flexibility of the GoDaddy editor, it’s easy to see how constraining this is. All are compatible with ecommerce, though, which is good to see.

Shopify performs significantly better here, with a larger native template library. Here, you will find 85 designs built specifically for ecommerce. However, only nine of these are free. The remaining 76 are available with a one-time payment, and prices range from £147 to £286.

Shopify also enables you to upload custom themes. You can develop a theme yourself, or you can purchase one from a third-party marketplace. If you search the internet, you will find thousands of Shopify store themes.

Reporting and analytics

Like most leading online store builders, Shopify features an excellent selection of reporting and analytics tools. You can access these from both the mobile app and the web dashboard, and they can provide valuable insights into your business’s success.

For example, the main dashboard shows important metrics such as total sales, store sessions, conversion rate, and average order value. You can head into the analytics tab to create custom reports and view more detailed statistics. There’s even a tool that enables you to track the success of your marketing campaigns.

GoDaddy’s analytics tools are more basic. It does track metrics such as visitor number, acquisition streams, and sales. However, there are no advanced reporting tools, and it doesn’t come close to Shopify’s analytics portal.

Marketing tools

Both Shopify and GoDaddy have a versatile range of marketing tools to help you grow your business. Shopify comes with built-in blogging tools around which you can create a content marketing strategy. It also comes with a selection of SEO tools to help you gain a decent search engine ranking.

On top of this, Shopify offers a range of email marketing tools through Shopify Email. There’s a built-in Google Smart Shopping tool that you can use to advertise your products, and the Facebook ads integration is excellent.

GoDaddy doesn’t disappoint here either. Its blog manager is much more powerful than Shopify’s. It also boasts SEO and email marketing tools, as well as a custom content creator for building social media posts.

Furthermore, GoDaddy’s marketing planner enables you to keep track of your campaigns. There’s an integrated booking and appointments tool, and you can connect your social media accounts for streamlined social media marketing.

App marketplace

GoDaddy has no app marketplace or anything of the sort that would enable you to add functionality to your website through third-party or native extensions.

Shopify, on the other hand, has an excellent App Market. Here, you will find add-ons relating to everything from email marketing to visitor tracking and regulatory compliance. Some of these are free, but many of them are only available with a premium subscription—and it’s worth keeping some room in your budget for them!

For example, a quick search for the term marketing revealed 1,995 results. The top results included apps by well-known companies such as Klaviyo, Push Own, Privy, and Sendinblue. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding something that meets your needs.

Which website builder is best for me?

Shopify and GoDaddy are among the best website builders, but they are very different platforms.

Shopify is an excellent online store builder, and it comes with ecommerce and reporting features to match. There’s an excellent selection of templates to choose from, its App Store is huge, and you will love the built-in marketing tools. Its prices are a little high, though.

On the other hand, GoDaddy is great for basic websites. It lacks the advanced ecommerce tools, template library, and analytics that Shopify has, but it still offers enough for small business and personal sites. On top of this, GoDaddy is much more affordable than Shopify.

The bottom line: Shopify is an excellent option for online stores, and GoDaddy is a leader for basic, hassle-free site creation. But we’d suggest looking elsewhere if you want to build a large website that doesn’t focus on ecommerce.

Shopify vs GoDaddy: features compared

What our reviewers said

GoDaddy

“The GoDaddy website builder certainly doesn’t have the power or design flexibility of competitors like Wix or the Gator Builder, but it remains an attractive option nonetheless … We highly recommend considering GoDaddy if you’re looking for a basic website builder that enables you to get online fast, but don’t expect too much editing power or design flexibility.”

• Score: 4/5

Shopify

Shopify is by far the world’s most popular ecommerce platform, and one would expect it to offer excellent service across the board. Our analysis revealed a few small flaws, but we didn’t come across any major deal-breakers … After all, there’s a reason why Shopify is so popular among online store owners and digital entrepreneurs.”

• Score: 4.5/5

Alternatives to Shopify and GoDaddy

Shopify and GoDaddy are both highly-rated, popular options. But they are far from the only website builders on the market, and many people will be better served by one of the alternatives.

For example, Wix is a better choice for those who want more design flexibility. Its ecommerce offerings can’t compare to Shopify’s, and it’s a little harder to use than GoDaddy, but the customisation tools on offer are among the best available.

Another great option is HostGator’s Gator Builder. It’s very competitively priced, and it’s backed by the power of one of the world’s best hosting companies. On top of this, the Gator Builder is the only option that comes even close to rivaling Wix in terms of design flexibility.

Alternatively, you might like to harness the power of the WordPress and WooCommerce combination. WordPress is known as the world’s most popular CMS, and WooCommerce is a leading open-source ecommerce program that’s among the most powerful we’ve used.

Further reading on website builders and web hosting

You can find out more about GoDaddy in our GoDaddy web hosting review, and see where it ranks among the best web hosting services. On the building side, our articles detailing how to make a website with GoDaddy and how to build a website with Shopify give step-by-step guides to site creation with either platform.

If you want to launch an online business, Squarespace and Shopify are two of the best website builder options available. The platforms take very different approaches to design, selling, and more, so it’s important to fully understand what they have to offer.

In this article, we compare Squarespace vs Shopify head-to-head, to help you decide which website builder is right for you.

Squarespace

Squarespace: top for templates and tools

Squarespace's visually-appealing designs are well suited to small business sites, and it also offers ecommerce tools. With over 500 professionally-designed templates, Squarespace also provides native tools designed for businesses, alongside options for extra customisation.

Shopify

Shopify: the top ecommerce site builder

Shopify is ideal for building ecommerce websites, and over 1 million merchants in 175 different countries use it. An extensive range of third-party apps, a clutter-free interface, and a built-in shopping cart and checkout manager are supplemented by additional security and marketing tools.

Squarespace vs Shopify: What we compared

We dove deep into Squarespace and Shopify to determine what these platforms offer for website designers and business owners. Here’s what we’ll cover as part of our comparison:

• User interface and setup
• Pricing
• Site builders
• Ecommerce
• Marketing tools
• Traffic and sales analytics
• Apps
• Which platform is best for me?
• What our reviewers said
• Alternatives to Squarespace and Shopify

User interface and setup

Setting up your site is relatively easy with both Squarespace and Shopify.

For Squarespace, you’ll select a template from a library of around 110 options organised by category. The back-end dashboard consists of a simple menu in which you’ll find options for designing your site, setting up your online store, analysing visitor traffic, and more. Squarespace also offers a checklist to help you get your site up and running.

Shopify doesn’t require you to choose a template before you get to your dashboard. The dashboard menu is set up similarly to the one in Squarespace, but the menu items are more business-focused than design-focused.

For example, while menu items for discounts and customers are secondary items in Squarespace, they’re primary menu items in Shopify. That makes these functions easier to access in Shopify.

To modify your site’s design in Shopify, you first need to preview your site and then open the page editor. Once in the page editor, you can change your template and customise your content.

One other aspect of Shopify’s menu that’s different is a section labeled "Sales Channels". Here, your Shopify website is just one channel. You can add Google Shopping, Facebook, eBay, and other online marketplaces to Shopify to manage all of your online sales in one place.

Squarespace, in contrast, doesn’t have any comparable options for integrating sales made on other platforms.

Pricing

Neither Squarespace or Shopify have a free plan, but they each offer several pricing options. At Squarespace, the Personal plan doesn’t include ecommerce support, but all other plans do, and enable you to add unlimited products. All Shopify plans support ecommerce with unlimited products.

Squarespace's pricing plans

Squarespace’s most expensive plan costs £37 a month, whereas Shopify’s mid-tier plan costs £49 a month. In addition, features like selling subscriptions require paid add-ons at Shopify. Squarespace can be much cheaper if it offers the features your business needs.

Shopify's pricing plans

*In addition to any credit card processing fees

Site builders

One of the biggest differences between Squarespace and Shopify is the capability of their website builders.

Squarespace offers an intricate drag-and-drop website builder, with 110 professionally-designed templates and tons of design flexibility. Shopify’s builder offers around 100 templates—only 10 of which are included with your plan—but limits how much control you have over your design.

With Squarespace, you can drag and drop content elements like images, galleries, videos, text boxes, buttons, products, testimonials, and much more. The platform also offers page sections, which include multiple prearranged content elements to help you design your site more quickly.

What’s even better is that templates in Squarespace are extremely customisable. You can change everything from font styles to menu colours to the shapes of call-to-action buttons. If you can’t find a setting you want, Squarespace enables you to dive into your site’s CSS to make changes to your site’s design.

In Shopify, page sections are defined by your theme, and you can toggle them on or off or move them up or down your page. Each section can have up to three content elements, and you don’t have much control over how they’re arranged. Options for adjusting your template’s style settings are somewhat limited, but you can access your template’s CSS.

Ecommerce

Squarespace and Shopify each boast a wide range of features for online businesses.

Both platforms allow you to sell an unlimited number of physical and digital products and gift cards. You can customise your products with text, images, and videos and create an unlimited number of variants. Both also enable you to add shipping rules and SKUs for inventory management.

Squarespace and Shopify each offer abandoned cart recovery. This feature requires an Advanced Commerce plan in Squarespace, but is standard for Shopify. In addition, both platforms offer discounts, but Shopify gives you more options for tailoring which products and which customers qualify for offers.

Shopify also goes further than Squarespace in a few key areas. For example, Shopify enables you to group products into collections, which isn’t possible on Squarespace. In addition, you can automatically track inventory transfers from suppliers or between physical stores, so that you always know what quantity of each product you have on hand.

Marketing tools

Both Squarespace and Shopify offer built-in email marketing tools to help you reach customers. You have access to dozens of email templates, and the ability to segment your customers into groups. Neither platform offers advanced features like A/B testing, but Squarespace enables you to schedule campaigns ahead of time.

While Squarespace’s outbound marketing features are limited to emails, Shopify offers integrated ad building tools for Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat. You can also launch SMS marketing campaigns.

What really sets Shopify apart from Squarespace when it comes to marketing is that Shopify makes it easy to track the impact of your campaigns. You can see how much revenue is directly attributable to your marketing efforts.

There’s also a marketing dashboard, so you can monitor all of your ongoing campaigns and see how recipients are responding to them. This offers critical information about which of your campaigns to double down on if you have leftover money in your marketing budget. It can also offer insights into what discounts or offers might drive sales.

In Squarespace, you can track how many recipients click a link in your emails, as well as how many visitors to your site were directed there from a specific link. However, determining whether an email campaign translated into sales on your website requires some detective work using Squarespace’s analytics tools.

Traffic and sales analytics

Shopify also offers more tools than Squarespace for analysing your web traffic. Both platforms let you see how many visitors you’ve had, what pages or products they’ve viewed, and what sources your traffic is coming from.

Shopify also enables you to break down your statistics into customers who made a purchase versus those who did not. You can even create custom reports to dig further into your sales, top customers, and more. Better yet, Shopify can incorporate sales data from across all of your different sales channels, and all of your data can be exported to Excel or Quickbooks.

Squarespace, on the other hand, doesn’t offer custom reports, sales channel integration, or data exports. However, you do have the option to integrate Google Analytics, which offers custom reports and data exports.

Apps

Squarespace and Shopify each offer third-party apps to help expand the functionality of your site. On Squarespace, the apps can be useful, but they aren’t essential for many businesses. On Shopify, you’ll need paid apps even for somewhat basic features, like selling subscriptions and enabling customer reviews.

The Shopify app marketplace is massive. It contains more than 4,000 apps, compared to only 28 in the Squarespace marketplace. Squarespace’s apps are limited to shipping, accounting, and a few dropshipping options. Shopify offers hundreds of apps for dropshipping, return shipping, and logistics alone.

Which platform is best for me?

Squarespace and Shopify are powerful platforms with a lot to offer for businesses.

Ultimately, we think Squarespace is the better platform if you want to focus equally on your site design as well as selling online. Squarespace can also be a good choice for small businesses that don’t have many products, or that are in the early stages of ramping up.

Shopify, on the other hand, is the platform of choice for businesses that are growing rapidly, and want to take advantage of advanced marketing and analytics tools. Shopify is also the better choice for businesses with multiple sales channels, including physical stores.

Squarespace vs Shopify: main features compared

What our reviewers said

Squarespace

“Squarespace's ecommerce features feel well thought out. It’s not quite as powerful as a dedicated ecommerce solution like Shopify, but it’s close. You get inventory management, order management, flexible product variants, customisable checkout, customer accounts, and member-only pages.”

• Score: 4/5

Shopify

“Shopify is by far the world’s most popular ecommerce platform, and one would expect it to offer excellent service across the board. Our analysis revealed a few small flaws, but we didn’t come across any major deal-breakers. For one, Shopify offers excellent value for money. Its cheapest Basic Shopify plan comes in at $29, which may seem a little expensive at first glance, but it has an excellent range of online selling tools.”

• Score: 4.5/5

Alternatives to Squarespace and Shopify

Squarespace and Shopify bring a lot to the table for online businesses. However, if neither platform offers exactly what you need, there are alternatives available.

Another website builder that’s worth considering is Wix. Like Squarespace, it puts website building and design flexibility first and foremost. Wix offers a drag-and-drop editor and more than 800 templates. However, Wix offers somewhat more business features than Squarespace.

You’ll find a larger app library for marketing and shipping, as well as more advanced sales analytics tools. Wix still isn’t quite as capable as Shopify for scaling your business, but it’s close.

You might also consider BigCommerce, a Shopify competitor with very similar pricing. BigCommerce isn’t quite as easy to use as Shopify, but it gives you a little more control over your product design. In addition, BigCommerce makes some features that require apps in Shopify—like customer reviews and real-time shipping quotes—standard.

BigCommerce could be a better choice if you find that Shopify app costs are piling up quickly for your business.

Further reading on web hosting and website builders

Once you've found the best website builder, and are looking for cheaper hosting, look into the best cheap web hosting for your next project, or even the best free web hosting if you're on a tight budget. If you're searching for hosting for a small business website, take a look at the best web hosting for small business.

Do you want your site to focus on European and UK customers? Ensure your chosen host is among the best European web hosting providers. Finally, if you've got a WordPress website or are looking to create one with one of the best WordPress website builders, the best WordPress hosting is ideal and is provided by many of the best web hosts.

The best website builder enables anyone to create a feature-packed website in next to no time, with no coding experience needed. For a few pounds a month, you’ll generally get access to a suite of features, including professionally designed templates, drag-and-drop editing capabilities, and ecommerce tools to help you create a fully functional online shop.

But there are also several free website builders on the market that can help you get a simple site off the ground. Are these free options any good for businesses, though? And are they as simple to use?

In this article, we compare a couple of the top providers' free and paid plans, to help you decide which works best for your business. We consider the features, performance, support, pricing, and plans of each, so you can determine whether you need to stump up for a subscription or can get by without paying.

Free website builders vs paid: Features

Although all free website builders will come with basic tools for creating a site, you’ll likely find that they lack the advanced features needed for managing and growing a business online. We took a look at some of the noteworthy tools offered by Wix and Weebly’s popular free and paid website builders.

Domains

In most cases, you cannot connect a custom domain name when you opt for a free website builder, leaving you with a URL that looks unprofessional. For instance, if you choose Wix's free plan, your URL will read something like www.yourwebsite.wixsite.com—casting doubts on your business's credibility.

By comparison, Wix's paid plans enable you to connect an unlimited number of Wix-purchased domains and six domains from other builders to your site, as well as a custom domain name.

Website editors

Generally speaking, free website builders will allow you to use a drag-and-drop editor to create your site. Wix’s editor stands out as excellent within the website creation market. But if you prefer a hands-off approach that necessitates the use of intuitive tools like AI builders, such as Wix Velo and Wix ADI, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan. Both of these handy features can completely build your website for you once you’ve entered some basic details.

Templates

When it comes to templates, generally speaking, there's not much difference between free and paid website builders. Taking Wix as an example again, it offers all of its over 500 professionally designed templates for free. Weebly does the same, giving users access to all of its 40-plus templates free of charge.

Ecommerce

If you’re looking to set up an online store, you’ll most likely find that ecommerce features—or at least the advanced tools—aren’t supported by free website builders. You can use Wix’s free plan to set up an online store and list products, but you won't be able to receive online payments unless you upgrade to a paid plan.

Paying for your service enables you to offer subscriptions, source and dropship products, manage your inventory and even automate your taxes. So it’s certainly worth considering an upgrade if your primary goal is to sell online. Take a look at our guide to the best ecommerce website builders to find out which vendors are best.

Integrations

Third-party integrations help to enhance the functionality of your site. Unfortunately, free website builders tend not to offer much in the way of plugins or third-party integrations. They’re also light on things like analytics tools which can be incredibly valuable to businesses of all shapes and sizes. But you’ll get more with paid plans.

Case-in-point: Wix’s premium plans give you access to over 200 applications, including HubSpot, PayPal, and Mailchimp, which can all help you grow your business.

Free website builders vs paid: Performance

You’d expect premium plans to perform far better than the free services on the market. To test this theory, we compared the performance of Wix and Weebly’s free and paid plans.

Customisability

First of all, although both Wix and Weebly offer users access to their editors, there are some restrictions with the free plans in terms of customisation tools. As mentioned earlier, you won’t be able to add various features, including apps and integrations, to your site unless you pay for your service.

What’s more, it’s not necessarily that clear which features are available for free when you start building your site. So you may find you’re in the thick of it with your site’s design before you realise that you can’t add certain essential functionality.

Furthermore, free website builders tend to place adverts on your site. These ads are not only intrusive, but also slow down your website’s loading speed, making the user experience less than ideal.

Storage and bandwidth

Another consideration is the amount of storage and bandwidth you get with both free and paid-for plans, as this will affect how much content you can put on your site and how fast your website loads. Generally, free website builders have limited storage and bandwidth.

Wix’s free website builder, for example, packs only 500MB of storage and 500MB bandwidth, whereas its seven premium plans come with storage ranging from 1GB all the way up to unlimited.

Weebly doesn't offer much storage for free either. You'll get 500MB without a subscription, but its Professional plan gives you unlimited storage. If your site is content or media-heavy and needs to run fast, you may find you’re limited by the restrictions imposed on the free offerings.

Free website builders vs paid: Support

Generally, free website builder plan users can access a knowledge base of self-help resources. This includes handy articles, how-to guides, and tutorials. But priority support typically only comes with paid plans⁠—as is the case with Wix and Weebly.

While Wix and Weebly both offered email support with their free plans, we found they had fairly slow response times. It took two to three business days to get a response from each provider. Paying customers, on the other hand, are promised a response within one business day. In addition, those who subscribe to a paid plan get phone and live chat support, allowing them to access assistance in real-time.

Free website builders vs paid: Pricing and plans

A free website builder is just that: free for as long as you use it. However, these budget-friendly site creation tools come with limitations that might affect the performance of your business website.

Paid-for website-building platform prices will vary. Wix has some of the best plans on the market for businesses. The Business Basic plan (£15 a month) gives users unlimited bandwidth, 20GB storage, a raft of third-party integrations, and ecommerce features such as abandoned cart recovery, unlimited products, and sales on social channels.

If you want additional features such as dropshipping, subscriptions, multiple currencies, and priority customer support, you can go for the Business Unlimited plan (£20 a month) or the Business VIP plan (£27 a month) that offers the entire suite of tools and features available.

Small and medium-sized businesses could benefit from Weebly’s Business plan, starting at £18 a month. With this, you’ll get plenty of attractive templates, advanced site analytics, password protection, and a host of ecommerce features such as inventory management, digital goods, and a shipping calculator.

Free website builders vs paid: Verdict

The paid website builders we looked at offer a lot more business value than their free counterparts. This doesn’t mean free website builders are not helpful. For example, if you are a small business owner or a freelancer and you just need to get a simple site off the ground quickly and cheaply, a free website builder can help you get your name and services out there.

However, as your business grows you’ll need advanced features that are only available with paid plans. If you want more control over your site’s design and functionality, we’d recommend going with a paid website builder such as Wix or Weebly. They’re feature-rich and have the functionality you need to build a robust site that can handle thousands, if not millions, of visitors.

Further reading on website builders and web hosting

We compared Wix vs Weebly, and Wix vs Squarespace vs Weebly, if you want to find out more about their features. If you're still keen to go with a free website builder, make sure to check out our guide to the best free website builders and how much it costs to build a website.

If you’re new to building websites, your best option for getting started might be to use a website builder. The platforms considered the best website builder are not only usually extremely user-friendly, but you also won’t need any technical experience or knowledge to use them, and anyone can get a site online in hours.

With so many platforms available, you need to be able to find one that meets your needs. However, we've done the hard work so you don't have to, and have analysed three leading builders, pitting HostGator vs IONOS vs GoDaddy. All three companies regularly rank among the best web hosting services, but each also provide website builders that compete with platforms focused entirely on site building.

We focused on how the three builders stack up against each other in terms of main features, prices, performance, and more. Read on to see how they compare.

• HostGator: strong templates and comprehensive support
  Popular web host HostGator's Gator Website Builder uses a drag-and-drop interface to create simple, mobile-friendly websites. Over 200 completely customisable templates are available, allowing for endless personalisation, while a generous support package and free analytics provide further functionality.
• 1&1 IONOS: easy-to-use builder with two options
  One of the largest web hosts in Europe, 1&1 IONOS' website builder (available as either MyWebsite Now or MyWebsite Creator) features a wide selection of templates and great functionality for all businesses, with its drag-and-drop editor featuring a built-in targeted content system.
• GoDaddy: a simple builder equipped with powerful analytics
  The company's website builder is simple and easy-to-use, with no third-party app market or add-ons meaning in-house features provide compatibility and security. Excellent support and powerful analytics allow beginners to focus on important elements via the customisable drag-and-drop builder.

HostGator vs IONOS vs GoDaddy: Features

We’ve looked at and compared some of the main features of these three website builders. Note, though, that each builder is suited to different users, and therefore places more emphasis on certain features. Both IONOS and GoDaddy come with a full SEO toolkit that’s designed to help you boost your search engine rankings. HostGator also offers some SEO tools, though they are quite basic to say the least.

All three website builders allow you to build some form of online store. Unfortunately, GoDaddy’s ecommerce features are very basic, and we just can’t recommend using them. HostGator’s Gator Builder comes with everything you will need for a basic ecommerce site, and it’s much cheaper than GoDaddy or IONOS. IONOS meanwhile offers great ecommerce features, though they obviously don’t compare to industry giants like Shopify.

IONOS includes either five or 10 professional email addresses with its hosting plans, depending on which one you use. GoDaddy allows you to send marketing emails through your management dashboard, although you will be limited to just 100, 500, or 25,000 sends a month with its plans. Unfortunately, HostGator doesn’t offer any sort of email marketing features or a professional email account.

All three website builders come with a selection of templates that offer a neat starting point for your new site. GoDaddy’s template library is quite small, and its designs are simple, but they are perfect for beginners who just want to develop an attractive online presence. HostGator comes with hundreds of advanced designs that are heavily categorised according to the type of website they are made for. IONOS meanwhile only has 17 templates, which is quite disappointing.

HostGator vs IONOS vs GoDaddy: Performance

We briefly tested the performance of each builder to help you decide which one is best suited to your needs. For starters, the GoDaddy builder is extremely basic, but this will be a positive for some. It allows you to choose a template, rearrange your design slightly, and customise your written and visual content.

You can choose global color schemes and font pairings, but don’t expect to be able to personalise your layout very much. In saying that, it’s a great option for those who want to get online quickly. It’s extremely easy to use, and even those with absolutely no website building experience should have no trouble creating a new site within a couple of hours.

The IONOS editing interface is slightly more advanced, but you will still be restricted to pre-coded element positions. Like GoDaddy, it uses a block-based editor, which allows you to add and remove sections as required. However, your site’s appearance will be largely dictated by the template you choose. Content can be customised by clicking on it and following the prompts. Global design settings including colors, fonts, and element spacing can also be modified, but don’t expect too much power.

Meanwhile, the Gator Builder’s editing interface is significantly more advanced than either GoDaddy’s or IONOS’s. It uses a drag-and-drop editing style, which allows you to place different design elements exactly where you want them. On top of this, you will have the ability to customise every aspect of your website.

Every element (think text boxes, media, buttons, and more) can be edited individually, and you won’t be restricted to global font or color settings. What’s more, HostGator’s templates are excellent, which means that, on top of everything else, you should be able to find a great design to get started with.

Overall, HostGator clearly takes the points here, although some users will like the simplicity of IONOS and GoDaddy’s editors.

HostGator vs IONOS vs GoDaddy: Support

IONOS’s live support services include 24/7 phone and email. Unfortunately, it has no live chat, but its knowledge base contains a selection of self-help resources that are cleverly categorised and aimed at beginners. GoDaddy offers 24/7 live chat, and phone support, although the lack of email ticketing is slightly concerning. Like IONOS, it comes with a range of tutorials and technical documentation, and there is also an active community forum and various FAQs.

HostGator also has live chat and phone support, but no email ticketing options. Its knowledge base is very impressive, and the support team really knows their stuff.

HostGator vs IONOS vs GoDaddy: Pricing and plans

HostGator is clearly the cheapest option. It has three website builder plans, with prices ranging from £3.15 to £7.56 for an initial subscription. The cheapest Starter plan includes a free domain name and SSL certificate, full analytics, and great customer support.

Upgrading to a Premium plan will give you priority support, while the eCommerce plan allows you to sell online. There is no free trial or free forever plan, but you will benefit from a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Meanwhile, GoDaddy has a basic free forever plan and four paid plans. Its prices are quite high, ranging from £7.99 to £19.99 a month for standard website plans. The eCommerce plan costs £19.99 a month and comes with very limited tools.

IONOS has three plans, and the two cheapest differ in the level of customisability you get, costing £9 a month and £15 a month. The more expensive ecommerce plan variants of these three cost £19, £25, and £50 a month. All three options are free for the first month and only £1, £5, and £10 a month for the first year or six months (the latter two), allowing you to test the builder and then cancel your subscription if required.

HostGator is clearly the best choice if low prices are your main focus, although the lack of a free forever plan or free trial is slightly concerning.

HostGator vs IONOS vs GoDaddy: Verdict

If you’re looking for a basic option that offers very simple if somewhat limited editing, GoDaddy or IONOS could be a good choice. HostGator’s Gator Builder is certainly the pick of the three overall, though. It’s backed by a range of advanced features, boasts a powerful editor, is very well priced, and offers excellent support services.

If you’re looking for a strong all-round website builder, the Gator Builder is a great option, but remember: at the end of the day, the best website builder for you will depend on your needs.

Further reading on website builders

You can read other comparisons of leading website builders in our features pitting WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace; Wix vs Shopify; Wix vs Squarespace; GoDaddy vs Wix; Wix vs Squarespace vs Weebly;

Using the best website builder for your business site can save you a huge amount of time and money. Website building platforms allow you to launch a professional website in hours and on a budget, where hiring a developer or web design agency might have previously cost thousands.

Many also include in-built hosting from the best web hosting services, as well as content management systems, which can make updating and populating your site with content as easy as sending an email. Here, we provide a direct comparison of WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace, exploring their respective features, customer support, and pricing plans, to help you determine which is best for your website and business.

WordPress

WordPress: the top choice for blogging and beginners

WordPress.com is the best builder for blogging, offering a great selection of templates, a clear but simple interface, and a comprehensive range of tools. Its competitive paid plans provide added extras including enhanced support and access to a large template library.

Wix

Wix: the best all-round choice

Wix is one of the best website builders, as it offers a wide degree of flexibility, hundreds of templates, and a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. Its range of pricing options are fair too, with the full website builder included with the free package, upgrades providing ad-free, feature-packed site editing, and a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Squarespace

Squarespace: leading on support and professional design

Squarespace’s professional templates and impressive native integrations build on powerful ecommerce integration. High-quality sites can be made without much experience, design flexibility matched by excellent and responsive support, and priced plans stacked with advanced features.

WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace: What do they offer?

Before we dive in, it’s worth understanding the background of these platforms. WordPress is by far the most popular provider, and is estimated to power 42.1 percent of the world’s sites, or 708 million sites. It comes in two forms—WordPress.org and WordPress.com.

However, the “real” WordPress is WordPress.org, an open-source content management system that requires self-hosting via the best WordPress hosting platforms. When people talk about WordPress, they usually mean this, and it is what we’ll discuss. It has incredible customisability, although its user interface feels slightly dated.

Squarespace and Wix, on the other hand, are website builders, operating as a kind of one-stop shop for all your website creation needs. They include web hosting, a wide range of sleek and modern templates, drag-and-drop design creation tools, and maintenance of your site as standard. Therefore, they have a much shallower learning curve than WordPress.

Every time someone accesses your URL, they will be redirected to your site, the data for which is stored on your web host. Squarespace and Wix are hosted website builders, which means they handle the hosting in-house. WordPress is a self-hosted platform, however, so you’ll need to set up your own host.

Self-hosting is more complicated, but allows you greater control over your storage space, traffic capability, and pricing. Some of the best web hosting platforms also offer a bespoke WordPress linking service to make the process easier. We've gone into features in more detail below, specifically website building elements and ecommerce.

WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace: Features

WordPress offers unlimited customisability when it comes to design, allowing you—or your hired freelancer or agency—to endlessly tinker with your site’s coding. Thousands of free and paid-for WordPress themes instantly allow you to change the styling and layout of your site without affecting its content.

When it comes to designing your site, WordPress allows you to add page builder plugins, such as WP Page Builder, Beaver Builder, or Divi. These often come with free templates and can allow you to construct pages with a drag-and-drop tool, making the design process more similar to what you might experience with Wix or Squarespace.

Squarespace doesn’t let you build a site from scratch in the same way as WordPress, but its templates are stunning and simple—ideal if your business has a visual product. Squarespace’s design tool can take some getting used to and tends to constrain you to your template’s parameters, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing if you don’t want to make major adjustments.

Wix is certainly the easiest platform for beginners to use, and offers more than 500 templates. Its drag-and-drop editor makes the design process incredibly intuitive. There are two forms of Wix to choose from: Wix ADI and Wix Editor. The former uses AI to generate a site for you, whilst the latter allows you to build a site manually.

Wix ADI is quick and easy to use, but uses predetermined content and sections. The editor, on the other hand, is more customisable, but makes it difficult to change your template after your site is set up.

WordPress was originally designed as a blogging site builder, and its content management system is second to none, allowing you to add video, images, and third-party apps with just a few clicks.

Squarespace’s content management system almost rivals WordPress. It includes categories (a way of organising your posts) and post scheduling, as well as a live preview of your site as you write. Wix, on the other hand, is more limited and doesn’t, for example, allow for custom layouts. But if you just need a simple blog with images, text, and video, it won’t let you down.

There have been some reports that Wix’s ecommerce functionality can impact on performance, but overall its offering is impressive, even including an all-in-one management tool to help you keep track of sales and shipping progress.

Squarespace also comes into its own in this area. Its ecommerce solution has all the features a professional store would need, including coupons, no transaction fees, and product image zooming.

WordPress doesn’t offer any kind of built-in ecommerce functionality, so you’ll need to import a plugin, the best of which is arguably WooCommerce. Totally free and easily scalable, it has a large community of developers to help get you set up and is owned by the same company as WordPress.

WordPress’s incredible array of functionality makes it the best platform in terms of features. Whilst it does have a steeper learning curve, the ability to make your site do almost anything is worth the time and effort.

WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace: Support

Squarespace and Wix both offer customer support, as well as support forums, articles, and video tutorials. In fact, it’s pretty difficult to split them—whilst Squarespace offers 24/7 email support, Wix has phone lines where you can actually speak to someone, so it depends on your communication preference.

Both are undoubtedly better in this regard than WordPress, however. As it is open-source, WordPress is free to use, but offers no customer support. Your only option is to head to a public forum or go the DIY route with a YouTube tutorial. Plus, because your host is separate from the platform with WordPress, there’s always a risk of going round in circles when trying to find the source of a problem.

WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace: Pricing and plans

WordPress is free, but almost always comes with unavoidable costs worth being aware of. First, you’ll need to find a web host. They massively vary in terms of price and add-ons, but a solid solution for a site with less than 10,000 users per month can be found for around £2.50 to £7.50 a month.

Plugins, which are additional bits of code to enhance your site—for example, to let you run ads—are usually free, but can cost £100 and can be charged as a one-off or recurrently. Whilst WordPress.com used to have a somewhat basic offering, it now has four tiers of business and ecommerce plans. Beware—on the free plan, your site will have “wordpress” in the URL, and adverts that you won’t earn anything from.

WordPress design templates vary in price from free to thousands of dollars, but we’d recommend a solution in the £15 to £35 range, where you’ll find lots of attractive options for a reasonable cost. Overall, then, you’re looking at around £150 to £200 for a respectable WordPress site over the course of the first twelve months.

Squarespace and Wix both have recurring payment plans which include a domain, hosting, and web design as standard, and offer various pricing structures depending on your needs. Sites on Wix’s Basic plan include ads, so this isn’t really a serious option for a business site.

Their first professional offering is the Unlimited package, for £11 a month, which offers 10GB storage and more than £75 worth of advertising vouchers as a sweetener. Squarespace’s Business plan chimes in at £21 a month, and has both unlimited bandwidth and storage and a free email address for the first year.

In both cases, you’ll pay around 20 percent less if you decide to pay annually rather than monthly. All included, Squarespace and Wix tally to around £175—over the course of the first year—for the kind of site a small- or medium-sized business will require.

WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace: Verdict

Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress all allow you to make a professional website without breaking the bank. If you’re happy to spend a little more and invest some time into learning how to manage your site, then turn to WordPress, as its level of customisability is immense.

With a whole ecosystem of freelancers, agencies, and third-party content available to help, you’ll be able to build something that exactly suits your needs. However, if you want a professional-looking website made quickly, Wix and Squarespace are fantastic options.

In our view, Wix’s slightly more intuitive design process makes it marginally stronger for small and medium-sized enterprises than Squarespace—unless your business requires a particularly artistic design. That’s where Squarespace comes into its own, with templates that are, visually speaking, the best on the market.

Further reading on website builders

Make sure to read our interview with Wix's Head Product Manager Michal Bignitz, and check out our buying guides for the best small business website builders, the best ecommerce website builders, and the best free website builders.

If you're looking to make your website live, you'll need some form of web hosting.

The best web hosting services provide the required infrastructure, including storage, bandwidth, and a suite of other features to get your website up and running, once you've used one of the best website builders to put it together.

In your search for hosting, you'll likely come across two terms: web hosting and WordPress hosting. Web hosting is an umbrella term that covers all kinds of hosting, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated server hosting, and cloud hosting.

WordPress hosting also falls under this general term, but it’s a type of platform-specific hosting optimised for WordPress sites. With WordPress powering over 40% of all websites on the internet, it's certainly an option worth considering. But should you go for web hosting or the best WordPress hosting for your site?

In this web hosting vs WordPress hosting comparison, we'll compare their features to help you decide which one to go with. Although performance, support, and pricing depends largely on the provider you choose, we’ll give you an inkling of what you can expect with each type of hosting.

Web hosting vs WordPress hosting: Features

Often, web hosting – including WordPress hosting – comes with included features such as a free domain, SSL certificates, email accounts, marketing features, and ecommerce features. But there are some key differences worth noting between general web hosting and WordPress hosting.

One key feature of WordPress hosting is that it only works for WordPress-based sites. In other words, if you're using CMSs like Drupal, Magento, Joomla, Squarespace, or Dreamweaver, you shouldn’t choose WordPress hosting. However, most web hosting options can run WordPress with ease. So general hosting gives you far more flexibility in selecting a content management system.

One thing that stands out about WordPress hosting is that it usually comes with the WordPress software pre-installed on your server. You won’t have to work through potentially confusing or difficult installation processes like you often have to with shared or other hosting, making dedicated WordPress hosting an attractive option for newbies.

With managed WordPress hosting, you will generally have full technical support, with a team on hand to install updates, including updates for your WordPress software and security patches. Such updates ensure that your website is robust and secure. This feature is particularly helpful if you aren’t tech-savvy, and don’t want to manually handle such updates.

Other web hosting options can also offer some form of automatic updates, although you often have to go for more expensive plans to access these. Additionally, third-party integrations help you extend the functionality of your website. Thankfully, most web hosts have a wide range of third-party apps and widgets, including themes and plugins, to help you customise your site.

WordPress hosting is somewhat more limited than most other forms because it can’t be used with other CMS or site creation platforms. However, WordPress itself has a vast library of plugins, themes and third-party apps and widgets that you can avail of.

Web hosting vs WordPress hosting: Performance

Your website’s performance affects everything from your brand reputation to sales. Any website that takes more than a few seconds to load is sure to turn visitors away. In some cases, WordPress hosting can offer a higher level of performance compared to general shared hosting options.

First, a WordPress host’s entire tech stack is typically designed to make your WordPress site perform better, whether we’re looking at uptime, page load times, server responses, or something else.

With WordPress hosting, you’ll get WordPress-specific caching that saves your data in the form of static files, so that your site can load faster. While other hosting options generally offer some kind of caching, they are not often WordPress-centered by default, and they tend to be a tad slower.

However, you can use a CDN to improve the performance of your website, whether you're using WordPress hosting or web hosting. CDNs store your website’s images, videos, and pages across several data centers. That way, the distance between a server and a user is reduced, and a single-point failure in one server doesn’t affect the performance of your website.

It is important to note that even the most basic shared hosting can be configured to run a WordPress website in a fast, efficient manner. This will take a fair amount of work, though.

Web hosting vs WordPress hosting: Support

Unsurprisingly, the level of customer support you get depends on the kind of web hosting you choose. People on shared plans typically get access to a knowledge base, in addition to phone, live chat, and email support. But response times, especially by email, can be slow.

Higher paying customers, like those on VPS and dedicated hosting plans, often get priority customer support. Some hosts even offer a strategic team on standby (24/7) to help you address issues quickly.

The advantage of choosing WordPress hosting, especially managed WordPress hosting, is that you get a support team who are experts in WordPress. Managed WordPress hosting allows you to focus on your business, while the support team undertakes proactive monitoring to identify issues as soon as possible.

Take Kinsta's top-level WordPress team, for instance. They check the status of the websites they host every two minutes; that amounts to a whopping 720 checks each day. So they'll notice and get right on top of any website issues before you even know it.

Web hosting vs WordPress hosting: Pricing and plans

Web hosting prices vary widely depending on the kind of site you want to run and the extra features you need. Shared hosting, the cheapest of the lot, ranges anywhere from less than £1 to £15 a month, or even higher.

For instance, InMotion Hosting's shared plans start at £2.03 a month, and can go as high as £10.59 a month. Meanwhile, Bluehost's plans range from £2.34 a month to £11.08 a month.

VPS hosting can be much pricier, although low-end plans come in at less than £5 a month. However, the price can go as high as £50 a month, or even higher. For example, Bluehost's entry plan for VPS hosting costs £15.08 and the highest plan costs £47.64. Expect to pay at least £60 a month for dedicated hosting, increasing all the way to £300 a month depending on the extra features you choose.

WordPress hosting also has an extensive pricing structure. You can get it as cheap as basic shared hosting in many cases, and prices can reach thousands per month for custom enterprise solutions. InMotion's WordPress hosting starts at £3.25 a month, but you have to be ready to pay for two years.

WP Engine has one of the more expensive managed WordPress hosting plans we found, with costs rising to about £151 a month.

Web hosting vs WordPress hosting: Verdict

Which is best: web hosting or WordPress hosting? The short answer is that it depends. If you are running a WordPress site, choosing WordPress hosting is a no-brainer. You'll get better features, higher performance, and more effective support.

That said, several web hosts offer WordPress-focused hosting packages that are worth looking at. Although these packages are not WordPress hosting, they have features tailored for good performance of WordPress sites. However, if you are running your website on other CMSs, we recommend choosing from the wide range of web hosting options out there.

For small businesses and people building their first site, shared or WordPress hosting will likely be your best bet. If you want more space, bandwidth, and control over your website, choose between VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and cloud hosting.

Further reading on web hosting and website builders

Check out our guides to the best unlimited web hosting, and the best VPS hosting. If you’re still unclear about why you need hosting, you can find out more in our article asking what is web hosting?

If you're considering the best WordPress hosting for your WordPress site, make sure to look at our listicles outlining seven great reasons to choose managed WordPress hosting, and the four S's of managed WordPress: security, scalability, speed, and service.

In years gone by, businesses would have been able to choose from a wide range of different software solutions, assessing the best email provider, document editor, storage system, and so on. This has all changed, however, with the introduction of holistic productivity suites, such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, previously known as G-Suite. These productivity suites integrate all of these products into a combined plan.

One might interpret these solutions as attempts from Microsoft and Google to lock customers into their particular product ecosystem and maximize their spend. If this is a serious concern for you, there are definitely standalone alternatives, both free and paid, available that you can mix and match to your heart’s content. 

Be warned, however, there are clear advantages for users who opt for Microsoft or Google’s unified plans, such as the litany of features and applications already integrated into the applications, as well as the lower overall cost of subscribing to a single plan. In this article, we will be comparing Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace, putting the two productivity suites head to head to judge their features, performance, support, and pricing.

• Microsoft 365 - the top choice for desktop software
  Boasting the world’s most popular office software suite, Microsoft 365 includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Outlook, Onedrive, and Teams through their desktop, mobile, or web apps. Simultaneous collaboration is made possible through real-time coauthoring, and one-hour support response for critical issues comes as standard in each of the three Microsoft 365 business plans. 
• Google Workspace - superior online suite and user-friendly
  One of Google Workspace's best features is its simplicity, all of its editor products Docs, Sheets, and Slides are refreshingly easy to use, also offering real-time coauthoring. Gmail, Meet, and Chat, give you access to your emails, video calls, and instant messaging via your browser. The online functionality in Workspace is simple and hard to match, with the support response time varying from one to four hours depending on which plan you choose.

Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace: Features

Both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer pretty slick solutions for documents, spreadsheets, and presentation. Microsoft’s Word, Excel, and PowerPoint have been the default choice of office software for a number of years, and it's tough to beat them in terms of the maturity of their feature sets. All three are accessible via their desktop, mobile, and web apps, with real-time coauthoring available on the desktop apps.

Google Workspace’s competing products are Docs, Sheets, and Slides. While they don’t have the same depth as Microsoft’s offering in terms of their features, they do bring a refreshing simplicity and ease of use, and still offer more than enough power. Like Microsoft's 365 suite, Docs, Sheets, and Slides all offer real-time coauthoring, but unlike the Office apps, they can only be accessed through a web browser or their mobile apps. Although they are designed to be used in the web browser, all three allow for offline editing, and the edits sync with the server as soon as you're back online.

Both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer a custom business email service, meaning each user can have an address using your organization’s domain. Just like other office apps, Microsoft gives users the option to access their email via the Outlook app or web browser, whereas Workspace users will have to settle for Gmail in the browser as there is no desktop app available (although you could always connect your Gmail account to third-party products like Outlook or Thunderbird).

Microsoft Teams is included in Microsoft 365 and can be used for video calls with up to 300 users, as well as instant messaging between teams or individuals. Google has two separate team communication services, Meet and Chat, which split these functions into two solutions, again only available through your browser (although handily both can be accessed from the Gmail interface). These are slightly more limited than Teams as they only allow 100, 150, or 250 users in a meeting depending on your plan.

Both services also provide cloud storage, online calendars, form creation, and team sites, whereas Microsoft 365 also bundles in Publisher for PC users and the database app Access, and Google has now an alternative for either. 

Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace: Performance

With respect to online stability, both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace provide a 99.9% uptime guarantee. This means that if you find that you cannot use parts of the productivity suite for 45 minutes in a month you’ll get a credit from Microsoft or Google. In reality, both options are very stable and very rarely go down.

In terms of ease of use, the simplicity of Google’s browser-based solution is tough to match. Every element of Workspace interacts with each other seamlessly, meaning you can access your files in the cloud and text chats from within the Gmail interface. Gmail also includes a number of handy time-saving features, such as smart suggestions, undo send, and the ability to organize emails using labels and folders. In comparison, Microsoft’s email interface looks a bit outdated and could do with a refresh.

Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace: Support

With both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, there are online help centers and community forums where you can find answers to many technical issues. You also have the option to contact tech support via phone, email, or text chat.

Every Google Workspace user can access the standard support system, which guarantees a four-hour response time to high-priority issues. For the added price, the more premium plans will get you enhanced support down to a one-hour response time. Microsoft’s support, on the other hand, offers a one-hour response to critical issues on all price plans. Accordingly, if timely technical support is a top concern for you, we would recommend going for Microsoft 365. 

Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace: Pricing and plans

There are four options available for Microsoft 365 business users—Business Basic, Apps for Business, Business Standard, and Business Premium. The Basic plan costs £4.50 per user a month and includes the web and mobile Office apps, business email, calendaring, and 1TB of storage. Apps for Business is £7.90 per user per month and offers simply the desktop apps with premium features plus 1TB of storage. Standard costs £9.40 per user a month and adds the desktop versions of 365 apps plus webinar and attendee registration and reporting tools, as well as customer appointment management. Finally, Premium costs £16.60 per user a month and adds advanced security and device management.

With Google Workspace, again there are three main plans—Starter, Standard, and Plus. Starter costs £4.14 per user a month and includes all document editing apps, business email, and 30GB of cloud storage per user. Standard costs £8.28 per user a month and includes 2TB of storage per user. Business Plus costs £13.80 per user a month and includes 5TB per user of storage, plus upgraded security and management controls. There's also an Enterprise-level plan, but you'll need to contact Google's sales team for pricing.

So, both options have similar pricing structures, though the main difference is that while Google has very limited storage on the cheapest plan and more storage as you go up, Microsoft includes the same amount of storage on each plan.

Microsoft’s Basic plan is the cheapest option overall, and if 1TB is enough for you and you don’t need the desktop apps, it may also be the best. If you want to pay a bit more for a Standard plan, your decision is between whether you want the desktop apps that come with Microsoft or the extra terabyte of storage that comes with Google Workspace.

Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace: Verdict

Both Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are comprehensive and cost-effective software options for running a small or medium business. They have similar pricing structures, and the elements included in each are actually quite similar—both have impressive email, documents, storage, calendaring, and video calls, among other functions.

A main difference is that, while most of Google’s functions are accessed via web browser, Microsoft’s are available as desktop apps. Google’s system is seen by some as more modern and integrated, but it can be easier and more organized to use separate apps for separate functions. If you prefer to use desktop apps, Microsoft 365 is definitely the better option for you.

That said, though Microsoft is catching up, Google’s online features are slicker, with many useful time-saving features built in, and the integration across the whole suite works very well. Thus, if you don’t mind not having desktop apps, Google Workspace is a very good option for modern small to medium businesses.

It's more important than ever to use unique passwords for each separate online account, but without managers it can be virtually impossible to remember hundreds of different logins. By locking all logins behind one master password, you'll only need to remember one login to keep your accounts safe and secure.

The best password managers store all login credentials for multiple sites and platforms in one secure location, locked behind a master password. In comparing two leading managers—Bitwarden vs LastPass—we aim to help you decide which is right for you.

Both platforms offer solutions for individuals, families, and teams, top-tier security features, and integration with a wide range of devices.

• Bitwarden: secure, open-source management
  As an open-source password manager, Bitwarden is free for personal users, and offers a Premium account and business plans for more tools. Its tools and features include a secure password generator, 2FA, vault health reports, and encrypted file attachments.
• LastPass: a versatile manager with great options
  Cross-compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS, LastPass' versatile password manager provides free and paid options. Its solid interface and range of 2FA options add to a free version supporting unlimited passwords with a built-in password generator for stronger logins.

Bitwarden vs LastPass: Features

Bitwarden and LastPass both provide basic features you would expect from a password manager: password storage, a password generator, a way to securely share login information with other users, and even 1GB of file storage with the paid levels.

Crucially, both services enable users to save unlimited passwords on their account and sync them across all devices, even with their respective free plans. You can also store more than just passwords—both platforms support encrypted notes, credit card and bank account information, and more.

Both services also appear on our list for the best free password managers on the market, but they're certainly not equal. LastPass’s free service is lacking in a few key areas when compared to Bitwarden. While Bitwarden users can sync their passwords across multiple devices, LastPass users at the free level are restricted to one device, meaning you won’t be able to access your account on both the mobile app and your desktop. LastPass users can, however, switch their permitted device up to three times.

While neither service stores users’ master passwords to protect their privacy, Bitwarden users have the additional security option to self-host their passwords on their own server. For the security obsessed, this is an excellent feature. It's an open-source product, which gives it an additional security edge. Its source code is available in its entirety online, meaning it can be easily audited by third-party security experts. LastPass doesn’t face the same external scrutiny, although the company has an incredibly secure encryption system and has never reported losing user data.

These two password managers also offer a number of features for businesses. LastPass enables administrators to configure single sign-on for more than 1,200 popular business apps. All single sign-ons are trackable for added security. LastPass also gives your IT department control over more than 100 customisable security policies to implement user access management to different vaults.

Bitwarden stands out for enabling businesses to self-host their own passwords on their server. This comes with added responsibility, but it can be a major advantage if you don’t want to trust your company’s security to a third party. Plus, administrators get access to vault health reports that highlight weak passwords and audit logs to keep track of who is accessing what passwords.

We should be clear that LastPass’s security should more than suffice for the average user, but Bitwarden’s heightened measures and its ability to sync on more than one device make it the winner when it comes to features.

Bitwarden vs LastPass: Performance

With both Bitwarden and LastPass, it’s easy to set up an account and get started storing your passwords within seconds. Both Bitwarden and LastPass users can access the service via a web browser or mobile apps for iOS or Android, and both are available as desktop apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Bitwarden also has a desktop application, but we found the web app was simpler to use; although LastPass has slightly more features to make accessing your accounts more efficient.

They each offer browser integrations for Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, and Edge (Bitwarden also has an extension for Tor). Helpfully, the browser extensions can be used to auto-fill credentials whenever you log into a website.

With LastPass, we found the mobile app slightly more straightforward than the web version, with tools like the password generator housed in a more intuitive location. With Bitwarden, we found little to distinguish the web and mobile versions. Both are light on extraneous features, making them extremely easy to navigate.

What we like about LastPass though is that the web and desktop interfaces are virtually identical. Everything you can do with the browser extension – including generating passwords and creating an unlimited number of new data categories—you can do with the desktop apps. That’s not true for Bitwarden, as the desktop apps don’t include password sharing features or the random password generator. One critical thing to note is that the Bitwarden desktop app doesn’t support two-factor authentication.

Where LastPass trumps Bitwarden in terms of ease of use is its password sharing feature. LastPass allows its users to share any password between each other, and it will appear in their vault just like a regular password. When sharing passwords, you can set privacy controls to determine whether the recipient can see it or not, enabling you to grant someone access to an account without them ever knowing your credentials.

Bitwarden is geared more towards businesses than individuals in this sense. You can share passwords with members of your organisation, but it’s worth noting that free users are limited to two-person companies only. Plus, the requirement to set up your organisation before you can share login information makes it a bit clunky.

Bitwarden does offer a way to send a secure text with login details, but this feature isn’t the most intuitive, and also requires you to share the actual password, which users may not be comfortable with. One critical thing to note is that the Bitwarden desktop app doesn’t support two-factor authentication.

That said, Bitwarden does have a trick up its sleeve: a command line tool. This works across operating systems, and allows you to integrate your password manager into complex scripts. You can also use it to generate new random passwords for all your accounts in the event of a data breach.

Overall, the two are comparable when it comes to use and performance, except for password sharing, where LastPass is the winner.

Bitwarden vs LastPass: Support

Neither LastPass nor Bitwarden stand out for their customer support. That’s not entirely surprising for Bitwarden since it’s an open-source project. Because it's open-source software, it has a particularly active community forum where users can ask questions of each other and request features from the development team. You can also contact Bitwarden by email, or search their FAQs database.

LastPass similarly offers a searchable FAQ database, a community forum, and support by email, although email support for free users ended in May 2021. Only business customers can access LastPass phone support. But we’d expect more from LastPass considering that it’s a widely used commercial software. Both platforms provide support by email only, and you have to jump through quite a few hoops to reach the contact form on LastPass’s website.

The good news is that both user forums are very active. You can post a very specific question and get an answer back within just a day or two. For basic setup and customisation questions, you’ll find a user guide on LastPass’s website and a set of basic tutorials on Bitwarden’s website.

Overall, the level of support between the two is comparable, although Bitwarden’s open-source nature means it’s easier to request features and to give feedback to the developers.

Bitwarden vs LastPass: Pricing and plans

Compared to any other password manager, we’d say that LastPass is cheap. But Bitwarden, as an open-source project, charges incredibly low subscription rates that few commercial competitors can match.

Both managers rank among the best free password managers, and with LastPass’s free plan, one user can store unlimited passwords on a single device. It has few restrictions for free users—the main feature missing is one-to-many sharing, which you might need for working in a team. If you want access to LastPass on unlimited devices, you will need to upgrade to its £2.60 a month Premium plan. LastPass’s £3.40 a month Families plan ups the number of users to six.

For businesses, LastPass has three plans depending on how many users you have, whether you need user access management, and whether you want single sign-on for popular apps. For £3.40 per user a month, there's an MFA plan with no password management features; for £5.10 per user a month, a Teams plan for businesses of 50 or fewer; and an Enterprise plan for businesses of more than 50.

Bitwarden’s free plan similarly limits sharing, but little else, and enables unlimited password storage on unlimited devices. Individual plans are significantly cheaper than LastPass’s, starting with the Premium plan at just £8.13 for the entire year, including a few extras like reports on your password strength and 1GB of free storage. For £32.51 a year, the Families plan will provide storage for up to six users.

Bitwarden has a free plan for businesses, but it only covers two users. The rest of the business pricing is comparable with LastPass. For £2.44 per user a month, businesses can have unlimited user accounts via the Teams plan, and for £4.06 per user a month, you can access some additional security features and the option to self-host via the Enterprise plan.

Bitwarden vs LastPass: Verdict

Overall, both Bitwarden and LastPass are strong choices for password managers with a lot in common. For most individual users, we think Bitwarden might be the better option, and it's significantly cheaper for families and businesses.

For individual users looking for a free service, Bitwarden’s ability to sync to multiple devices is a big feature that is missing from LastPass. For individuals looking for a paid service, to integrate a password manager into complex command line scripts, or host their own password database, Bitwarden offers a comparable product to LastPass at a significantly better price. And while both services are secure, Bitwarden offers a few security extras that edge out a victory in that regard.

However, if your primary reason for seeking out a password manager is to securely share passwords, LastPass makes it easier for both sender and recipient. While we feel Bitwarden is the overall winner, both services are worth checking out. LastPass may be a better option if you prioritise ease of use or if your business wants to enable single sign-on for increased productivity. And since both offer a free option, you can easily give them a try and see which one you prefer.

Further reading on password managers

Find out more about LastPass in our interview, and discover if it or Bitwarden rank among the best password managers for business in our buying guide. Should the worst happen and you need to recover a lost password, ensure you're using one of the best password recovery tools to do so. If you've got a new password but don't know if it's strong enough, try out some free platforms to test password strength.

Using a password manager enables you to create strong and unique logins for each and every account, while keeping track of them all via a single encryption key and master password.

For businesses in particular, the best password managers for business can be a bulwark against data breaches and financial loss.

When it comes to the best password managers, comparing LastPass vs Dashlane means evaluating two of the most popular tools on the market. Each brings handy features and tools to the table, and with hacks and online attacks on the rise, it’s more important than ever to protect accounts with a password manager.

Wondering which is better for you? We’ve compared LastPass vs Dashlane, putting the two platforms head-to-head in terms of pricing, features, support, and more.

• LastPass: versatile manager with top free option
  LastPass offers versatility, strong security via 2FA, and a user-friendly interface. Offering cross-platform compatibility for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS, its top-notch free version supports unlimited passwords and offers a built-in password generator.
• Dashlane: great features and plans on offer
  Dashlane's password manager offers a wide range of top tools across platforms, including desktop applications, bulk password changes, an unlimited VPN, multiple monitoring options, and more across free, premium, and premium plus plans.

LastPass vs Dashlane: Features

Both LastPass and Dashlane cover all the basic functions that you need in a password manager. The two platforms each offer a random password generator and auto-fill capabilities when you log-in to an account. Plus, you can store far more than just online account information. LastPass and Dashlane both hold encrypted notes, credit card and banking information, and license numbers.

The two password managers also have some key business features in common. Individuals can seamlessly share passwords within teams, and administrators can access security dashboards to monitor access to different account keys.

LastPass goes a few steps further for individuals and businesses, though. The software includes emergency access with all individual plans, ensuring that a trusted family member or friend can always access your encrypted information. Business users get access to SSO for more than 1,200 pre-integrated applications, which makes logging into frequently used software much more efficient.

Dashlane also offers emergency contacts, but it does take a more holistic approach to security than LastPass. In addition to keeping passwords safe, Dashlane offers a VPN for online privacy, credit monitoring to protect your identity, and insurance if your identity is stolen. Business admins also get a customised security dashboard that highlights users with weak passwords so that corrective measures can be taken.

LastPass vs Dashlane: Performance

Both LastPass and Dashlane work across all your devices. The two offer apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers as well as iOS and Android mobile devices.

Dashlane also has integrations for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, while LastPass offers integrations for those browsers plus Safari and Opera. Browser integrations are required to auto-fill your username and password when logging into online accounts.

For both LastPass and Dashlane, the browser extensions will also ask whether you want to save login information whenever you manually enter your account details. This makes it relatively easy to grow your password manager database over time, as opposed to entering all passwords at once when you first download the software.

The user interfaces are almost indistinguishable, and both are easy to use. You’ll find a menu on the left-hand side of the apps containing your password categories, and your list of accounts appears in the centre. Both Dashlane and LastPass enable you to create an unlimited number of categories to organise your passwords, notes, and other account information using the desktop and mobile apps.

LastPass vs Dashlane: Support

When it comes to customer support, Dashlane wins out handily over LastPass. Dashlane makes it easy to get in touch by email or live chat, with the support team available from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday (Eastern time). You’ll also find a large online knowledge base with detailed tutorials explaining how to set up and troubleshoot your password manager account.

For premium accounts, LastPass offers phone and email support, though you have to jump through a number of hoops on its website before you’re taken to a contact page. There is an online user manual you can turn to, but it’s not nearly as comprehensive as Dashlane’s resource pages.

The good news is that LastPass has a user forum that’s very active, so you can often get answers to niche questions within one or two days.

LastPass vs Dashlane: Pricing and plans

For the majority of users, LastPass is less expensive than Dashlane. That said, it’s worth comparing how the two companies’ plans stack up in detail.

To start out, both LastPass and Dashlane offer free tiers for individuals, and rank among the best free password managers as a result. There’s no limit to how many passwords you can store with LastPass, but Dashlane restricts you to 50 entries and only lets you use the software on a single device.

Paid plans start at £2.60 a month at LastPass or £3.24 a month at Dashlane. Dashlane’s Premium plan is a pretty good deal in that it comes with a VPN, although for the most part it just removes the limits on how many passwords and devices you can have. LastPass Premium doesn’t offer much beyond the Free plan except for group password sharing.

Notably, LastPass and Dashlane also offer family plans for up to six users. LastPass’s plan costs £3.40 a month, while Dashlane’s plan costs £4.87 a month.

Dashlane's Teams plan costs £4.06 per user a month, while its Business plan includes nearly all of the software’s features for £6.50 per user a month. LastPass has multiple options ranging from £3.40 per user a month to £5.10 per user a month, depending on whether you want single sign-on, customisable security policies, and unlimited users.

LastPass vs Dashlane: Verdict

For the majority of individuals and business users, we think LastPass is a better password manager software than Dashlane. It offers cheaper individual, family, and business plans, plus doesn’t put many restrictions on its free offering.

While LastPass and Dashlane have many features in common, like single-sign on, LastPass offers more customisation for business teams. Dashlane could be worthwhile if you want to pair a VPN or identity monitoring with account security, but the software seems to focus on these offerings at the expense of being a more versatile password management solution.

Further reading on password managers

You can read our LastPass password manager interview and our Dashlane password manager interview with leaders of the two companies, in which they discuss successes, challenges, and aims for the future.

Should the worst happen, and you need to recover a lost password, ensure you're using one of the best password recovery tools to do so. If you've got a new password but don't know if it's strong enough, try out some free platforms to test password strength.

It’s no surprise that the market for the best password managers is competitive, and with numerous options available, comparing Dashlane vs 1Password means discussing two of the most respected and most popular services on the market.

With weak, re-used, and unsecure passwords attractive to hackers looking to steal sensitive data from small businesses, it's imperative that you ensure you've got a password manager that can protect and administer your important logins.

In comparing Dashlane vs 1Password, we examined both providers' major features, specifically focusing on how suitable they are for businesses, and seeing whether they're among the best password managers for business. We also looked at their value for money, performance, and customer support, to help you decide which, if either, is right for your business.

• Dashlane: top manager with outstanding features
  Dashlane is a cross-platform password manager with neat desktop applications, and comes with the ability to change website passwords in bulk. Available in free, premium, and premium plus plan options, paid features include an unlimited VPN service, dark web monitoring, identity theft insurance, and credit monitoring.
• 1Password: excellent security across varied plans
  A manager with apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile operating systems, 1Password includes support for 2FA and AES 256-bit encryption. Its plans for individuals, families, teams, and enterprises include file storage, team password administration, keylogging protection and security breach alerts.

Dashlane vs 1Password: Features

Both providers offer all the standard features you would expect from a password manager: namely, the ability to remember and create strong passwords, and then to store these in personalised or shared vaults.

One feature that sets Dashlane apart, however, is its Smart Space Management (SSM) functionality. When you purchase a professional plan, you’ll receive access to its personal plans as an additional incentive. Through SSM, users can create separate environments for personal and business needs. As a business owner, you can monitor these professional spaces, but your employees will retain control over their personal information.

Although 1Password does not explicitly offer an equivalent feature, users who sign up for its Business plan receive family accounts for all their members. This would enable employees to create separate accounts for their personal needs, and keep control over their personal passwords.

If you’re concerned about the threat of hacking, you’ll probably be pleased to note that Dashlane offers dark web monitoring, which will scan cyberspace to check for compromised personal information related to your email addresses. Should you learn your data has been stolen, you can take immediate action by changing any affected passwords.

It is important to note that, although 1Password does not explicitly advertise dark web monitoring, it does offer many of the same services under different labels. Through its Watchtower security system, for example, users can receive alerts and run reports to check whether any of the websites they regularly visit has been subject to a data breach.

Determining which solution offers the best password management features will, of course. depend on your business’s specific requirements. However, we believe Dashlane offers superior services when it comes to usability.

Dashlane vs 1Password: Performance

Setting up an account with either provider takes just minutes and, as soon as your account is up and running, you can begin inviting other users to join your account.

Although both providers offer perfectly serviceable user interfaces, Dashlane does have the edge in this category. The company (quite correctly) claims that its unique data-driven interface is one of its most attractive features, marketing itself as the only password manager to offer a reporting dashboard that enables you to monitor password hygiene across your network.

The program can then propose targeted areas for improvement, which may be focused on particular teams or employees. Bear in mind, you’ll need to add at least five users to your account before you can gain meaningful insights, which could mean the solution isn’t ideal for small businesses.

As well as offering downloadable solutions on all major operating systems, both Dashlane and 1Password provide extensions on the most common browsers. When we tried to use 1Password’s browser extension, we found its layout a little difficult to navigate, although we found its downloadable version more than adequate.

Both solutions are also available as mobile apps for both Apple and Android devices. Again, Dashlane has a slight advantage in this department, with its mobile solution being sleek and intuitive, as well as offering a seamless transition from the desktop version.

In our view, Dashlane is the winner here: although 1Password’s interface is certainly adequate, it is nowhere near as easy to navigate as its rival’s.

Dashlane vs 1Password: Security

In terms of security, both Dashlane and 1Password operate on the basis of end-to-end encryption. This means all information relating to your account is encrypted on your devices before being transmitted to your provider’s servers. So, even if hackers were to breach the company’s server, they would not be able to decode your password, and your security would remain intact.

Likewise, both solutions employ AES-256 bit encryption, which means they will scramble your information into the smallest possible pieces of computer data.

1Password goes a step further by operating a secure remote password system, which will authenticate a user’s login credentials without sending these via the internet. While most websites send passwords to a server during the sign-on process, 1Password uses what is known as a secret handshake protocol to authenticate passwords before this information is transmitted, which reduces the risk of third parties intercepting these details.

In our opinion, 1Password takes the prize for its additional security features.

Dashlane vs 1Password: Support

Both Dashlane and 1Password offer 24/7 email support for users who have a question or concern about their accounts. Unlike its rival, Dashlane also offers a live chat option, which is available from 9 am to 6 pm EST, Monday to Friday.

We contacted each of the providers via email, and received polite and efficient responses from both, although our follow-up query with 1Password went unanswered after several days.

Overall, we believe Dashlane offers superior levels of customer support by virtue of its online chat feature. Although neither company offers telephone support, this is not uncommon with password managers.

Dashlane vs 1Password: Pricing and plans

If you’re looking to keep costs down, both companies offer plans at the lower end of the cost scale. Of 1Password’s plans, its £16.21 a month Teams package provides unlimited shared vaults and 1GB of document storage per user for up to 10 users. At £4.06 per user a month, Dashlane’s Team plan offers many of these same features, but you’ll also benefit from advanced reporting features.

Should you wish to implement more advanced password management features, 1Password’s £6.49 per user a month Business plan includes logs to monitor password activity. With Dashlane’s £6.50 per user a month Business plan, you’ll receive all the features of its more affordable plan, plus single sign-on functionality, enabling you to validate multiple devices via a single ID.

If you work in a large organisation, 1Password’s Enterprise plan, which is priced according to a user’s requirements, includes a dedicated account manager and tailor-made setup training. Both companies offer free trials of their business plans and, in each case, these last 14 days.

The winner? While there is little between the two in terms of cost, 1Password may be the slightly cheaper of the two providers, but we believe Dashlane offers users more for their money.

Dashlane vs 1Password: Verdict

It’s safe to say that both Dashlane and 1Password are strong propositions for small business owners. But, like any purchasing decision in tech, choosing a password manager will ultimately depend on your specific needs.

In terms of usability, we believe Dashlane is the stronger product, with a number of its features - such as SSM and a data-driven interface - being especially valuable in a professional context. Simply put, the solution feels as though it has been designed with business users in mind, rather than simply being an expanded version of its personal plans.

That said, 1Password also has plenty to offer small business owners. As well as ticking all the boxes for business use, security features such as secure remote passwords should provide ample reassurance to entrepreneurs seeking a robust solution.

If you’re still undecided, it could be worth signing up to a free trial with each of the providers before making a decision on which best matches your requirements.

Further reading on password managers

Want to learn more about Dashlane? Take a look at our Dashlane password manager interview, where we discussed the company's successes, challenges, and plans for the future.

Should the worst happen and you need to recover a lost password, ensure you're using one of the best password recovery tools to do so. If you've got a new password but don't know if it's strong enough, try out some free platforms to test password strength.

With users needing to sign into dozens of different sites daily and on multiple devices, unique password requirements including length, numbers, capital letters, or special characters can make everything much more difficult.

The best password managers have ensured that remembering your passwords, a relatively straightforward matter with fewer online accounts, is now no longer a complex problem.

We have elected to compare 1Password vs Bitwarden, two leading password managers, to assess the advantages and disadvantages each provider offers, in order to assist you in determining which is right for you or your business.

• 1Password: secure, multi-platform manager
  1Password offers cross-OS support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as apps for mobile OSs. It supports 2FA, and offers AES 256-bit encryption across individual, family, team, and enterprise plans. Tools include file storage, team password administration, keylogging protection, and security breach alerts.
• Bitwarden: open-source, secure service
  Bitwarden offers open-source password management, with a free personal plan as well as a Premium package, alongside business plans. Among its top features are 2FA, a secure password generator, encrypted file attachments, and vault health reports.

1Password vs Bitwarden: Features

Each application has deep tools for password generation and management. Regardless of which platform you choose, you’ll be able to sync passwords across all your devices, generate passwords for new accounts, and more. 1Password supports password recovery for up to 365 days, making it easier to avoid losing important information.

Furthermore, both providers use a master password to protect your account. While this improves security, it also removes the traditional “forgot your password” process that you may be accustomed to on other sites. You may be able to recover the account—by accessing a device that can sign in automatically, for example—but losing access is a real possibility if you forget your master password.

Neither 1Password nor Bitwarden is limited to passwords. You can enter other pieces of information, such as credit cards, notes, and contacts. These can also be securely shared with other users in your family or organisation. Unfortunately, neither platform supports information sharing outside of its own family and team subscriptions.

1Password vs Bitwarden: Performance

Bitwarden and 1Password are accessible online, but you can also download applications for a variety of devices. 1Password offers apps for Linux, Chrome OS, macOS 10.13 and later, iOS 12 and later, Windows 7 and later, and Android 5.0 Lollipop and later, along with a command line tool. Browser extensions are also available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Brave.

Similarly, Bitwarden provides apps for Linux, Windows 7, 8, and 10, macOS 10.10 and later, iOS and Android, and command line, as well as browser extensions for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Vivaldi, Opera, Tor Browser, Microsoft Edge, and Brave.

Both platforms have straightforward interfaces, although 1Password looks slightly more modern. They also have similar functions. With 1Password, you can create individual vaults for different types of information (home and work, for example). Bitwarden’s folders serve the same purpose.

1Password vs Bitwarden: Support

Each platform provides thorough responses to common questions and issues through the Help page. 1Password has separate articles for each application, along with a full section for teams and businesses.

Additionally, both 1Password and Bitwarden have active community forums where you can get a more personalised response. If you’re using 1Password, you can contact the team directly via email or Twitter. Email support is available 24/7. Business subscribers get VIP support, and Enterprise users gain access to a dedicated account manager.

Bitwarden also states that premium users get priority support, but it doesn’t clarify the difference between regular and priority. Free members can still email the support team for help, which is surprisingly good service for non-paying users. Neither provider appears to offer phone or live chat support.

1Password vs Bitwarden: Pricing and plans

Both Bitwarden and 1Password offer separate subscriptions for individuals and businesses. That said, only Bitwarden provides free access, and ranks among the best free password managers with its service. Free Bitwarden users can sync passwords to an unlimited number of devices, store an unlimited number of passwords, and generate new passwords when creating accounts.

At £8.13 a year, Bitwarden Premium for individuals adds priority support, 1GB of storage, and other features. You can add up to five family members with a family account for just £32.51 a year.

Bitwarden has two business plans, namely Teams and Enterprise. Teams costs £2.44 per user per month, and Enterprise £4.06 per user per month. Teams subscribers get priority support, 1GB of storage, support for up to five users, and more. Enterprise introduces user groups, enterprise policies, and directory link, among other features.

1Password offers a 30-day free trial rather than ongoing free access. Subscriptions cost £2.43 a month for individuals and £4.06 a month for families of up to five people. For organisations, the Teams plan (limited to 10 employees) costs £16.21 a month, while Business costs £6.49 per user a month. Both 1Password and Bitwarden offer custom Enterprise solutions for larger companies.

1Password vs Bitwarden: Verdict

Bitwarden and 1Password are two of the top password managers available, and it’s tough to pick a clear winner when both options have so many features. Bitwarden’s free plan is hard to beat, and there are extensions for a wider range of browsers.

Furthermore, Bitwarden is an open-source platform that’s substantially more affordable. On the other hand, 1Password looks slightly sleeker, and offers a native app for Chrome OS.

With that in mind, the best option ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. We hope that this article gave you the information you need to identify the right password manager for you or your business.

Further reading on password managers

Test your password strength with a selection of free tools; and if you've happened to lose important passwords, use the best password recovery tools to try and save the day. If you're set on buying a password manager for your company, make sure to peruse the best password managers for business before you sign up.

Microsoft is one of the best cloud storage providers, and offers some of the best cloud storage for business too. But before you can dive into Microsoft cloud storage, you have to choose between two different products: OneDrive and Azure.

Microsoft OneDrive is a file storage service that integrates with the Microsoft 365 productivity suite. Employees can collaborate in real time on documents in either web or desktop versions of apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Plus, employees get their own cloud storage vault where they can keep their files.

Microsoft Azure, on the other hand, is a comprehensive cloud hosting service that enables you to store files, run servers in the cloud, and much more. It’s best suited for developing software, running big data analyses, or handling massive databases for the apps your business runs on. Azure storage is more expensive than OneDrive, and doesn’t integrate with Microsoft 365 apps.

In this guide, we’ll cover how OneDrive and Azure work with productivity tools like Microsoft 365, how file sharing and collaboration work, and how data is stored in the cloud on the two platforms. Whereas OneDrive for Business is best for businesses that simply want to enable cloud storage and file sharing using Microsoft 365 apps, Azure is best for businesses that want a scalable and highly advanced cloud computing platform.

• Microsoft OneDrive: collaborative software and storage
  OneDrive provides close integration with Windows and Microsoft 365, allowing for real-time file collaboration and automatic backups. A straightforward and intuitive interface require little guidance, and comprehensive and responsive support is available to assist with anything more complex.
• Microsoft Azure: idea for storage for large businesses
  Azure is a leading choice for larger businesses that require more from cloud backup and cloud storage. It has a huge network of data centers around the world, and as a result is highly scalable, easier to use than the competition, and with cheaper storage costs.

Microsoft cloud storage: What we compared

We compared Microsoft OneDrive and Azure not just on their file storage capabilities, but also on the totality of what these two services are capable of. We’ll cover the following topics:

• User interface and setup
• Pricing
• Microsoft 365 integration
• Cloud computing
• Data storage and redundancy
• File sharing and collaboration
• Alternatives to OneDrive and Azure
• Which service is best for me?
• What our reviewers said

User interface and setup

It’s relatively easy to get started with OneDrive. You can add employees to your business account using their email addresses, and each employee gets their own dashboard. The dashboard is accessible on the web, as a desktop app, or as a mobile app.

OneDrive also integrates with the Windows File Explorer, enabling you to access your OneDrive cloud storage alongside files stored locally on your computer.

Azure is a bit more complicated to set up. Once you sign up, you can access the dashboard—called the Azure Portal—over the web or through desktop and mobile apps.

The Azure Portal starts out empty, but there’s a list of all the services available in Azure on the left-hand side of the screen. You can add modules from this list to the Portal to build a custom dashboard and access Azure’s tools. You’ll need to find the Azure Active Directory module and use that to add employees to your business’s Azure deployment.

Within the Portal, you can set up custom dashboards that display your virtual machines, storage systems, and more. To create a new cloud storage space, you can browse the available storage types in the left-hand services menu, and launch a new storage container from there.

Pricing

It’s tricky to compare pricing between OneDrive and Azure because they use completely different pricing schemes. OneDrive charges a flat monthly fee per user, starting from £5.99 a month for 1TB per user.

Azure operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. You’re charged based on the amount of data you have stored, what type of cloud servers your data is stored on, and how often you make changes to your files. To give a rough estimate, storing 1TB of data with Azure typically costs around £20 a month.

You can also reserve storage with Azure for up to three years at a time. This results in a larger upfront bill, but Microsoft offers discounts of up to 38% for these extended contracts.

Microsoft cloud storage: pricing plans compared

Microsoft 365 integration

One of the major differences between OneDrive and Azure is how they integrate with Microsoft 365, Microsoft’s productivity suite, which includes apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook.

OneDrive is baked into all Microsoft 365 apps. In any of these apps, you have the option to save files directly to your OneDrive storage, and you can set up syncing so that changes are saved to the cloud in real time.

Even better, it’s possible for multiple people to work on a file simultaneously if it’s stored in the cloud. That’s true whether you want to use Microsoft’s online office apps or the desktop versions of apps like Word and Excel. So, multiple employees can collaborate on a document without running the risk that multiple divergent copies will be created.

Azure, on the other hand, doesn’t offer special integrations with Microsoft 365 apps. You’ll need to save files created in Microsoft 365 to a storage container in Azure manually. Alternatively, you can work on a Microsoft 365 deployment inside the Azure cloud, and save files directly to Azure’s storage containers, but this requires you to first set up a virtual machine in the cloud.

In addition, you must be online at all times to use Microsoft 365 apps with Azure, whereas you can work offline with OneDrive, and files will save to the cloud automatically when you reconnect.

Cloud computing

Microsoft Azure is a comprehensive cloud computing platform, not just an online cloud storage service. In fact, cloud storage in Azure is designed to interface with the virtual machines, workflows, and software development environments you create on the platform. This enables you to run big data analyses or to access information databases when running applications in the cloud.

Some of the features Azure offers in this respect include virtual Windows and Linux machines with scalable computing power, premade AI models for analysing data, and developer tools for building apps in the cloud. Azure also offers a content delivery network and tools for enabling single sign-on for your employees.

OneDrive, in contrast, is simply a cloud storage service. You can move files around in the cloud, but that’s it. Any computing tasks that cannot be done using the online Office 365 suite must be done on your local network.

Data storage and redundancy

The process for backing up files is somewhat different between OneDrive and Azure.

With OneDrive, there are no choices that you need to make about how your files are backed up. Microsoft automatically stores your data in multiple data centers for redundancy. Files are saved in “hot” storage, meaning that they can be accessed from anywhere in the world immediately.

OneDrive has an SLA of 99.9%, meaning that Microsoft guarantees that it will have no more than five minutes of downtime a month.

With Azure, you have a number of choices to make about how to store your data. Azure offers the Files module for storing file libraries, the Blob module for storing unstructured data and SQL databases, and the Tables module for storing NoSQL databases. On top of that, you’ll need to decide whether your data is stored “hot” for active use or “cold” for archival purposes.

You also get to choose the primary data center region your data is stored in with Azure. Of course, all data is backed up to multiple data centers for redundancy. Azure comes with an SLA of 99.99%, meaning that it experiences less than 30 seconds of downtime per month.

File sharing and collaboration

Both OneDrive and Azure enable you to share files both inside and outside your organisation.

With OneDrive, file sharing is relatively simple. You can select any file or group of files and share them via a link or invitation. In addition, you can password-protect shared files or set an expiration date on sharing links. Administrators have the option to limit sharing of certain types of files outside your organisation.

With Azure, files are by default accessible to anyone with access to your business’s Azure Portal. It is not possible to create personal, employee-specific file storage systems within Azure. However, you can control access to files using the Azure Active Directory module. This module also lets you invite guest users from outside your business to access specific files for collaboration.

Alternatives to OneDrive and Azure

If OneDrive and Azure aren’t a fit for your business, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. However, you’ll still need to make the same decision as to whether your business needs a cloud storage platform like OneDrive or a cloud computing platform like Azure.

OneDrive’s main competitor is Google Drive, which is part of Google Workspace. Just as OneDrive integrates with Microsoft 365, so Google Drive integrates with Google productivity apps like Docs, Slides, Gmail, and Calendar. However, it’s worth pointing out that Google Workspace only includes web-based apps, whereas Microsoft 365 apps are available in both web and desktop versions.

Google Workspace plans start at £4.14 per user a month, and include 30GB per user, so you won’t get as much storage per dollar as with OneDrive. The main reason to go with Google Workspace is if you prefer Google’s productivity suite to Microsoft’s.

An alternative to Azure for cloud computing is Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS is years ahead of Azure in deploying advanced computing resources, including quantum computing applications. It also offers ultra-cheap storage through AWS Glacier, a service for long-term storage of rarely accessed data. For businesses with a lot of data, AWS can be cheaper than Azure, and offers a wider variety of big data analysis pipelines.

Microsoft cloud storage: The verdict

OneDrive and Azure are very different Microsoft cloud storage platforms that serve different purposes. OneDrive is a file storage platform that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 productivity apps. Azure is a cloud computing platform that’s designed to facilitate big data analysis, software development, and cloud server deployment.

For businesses that simply want to store files in the cloud to promote collaboration, and reduce dependence on physical hard drives, OneDrive is likely to be the better choice. It’s very easy to use, and if your business uses Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, or Teams, you likely already have access to OneDrive. OneDrive makes file sharing simple, and employees can even edit files at the same time.

For businesses that currently operate in the cloud or want to take advantage of cloud computing, Azure may make more sense. While it’s more complicated to set up than OneDrive, Azure makes your data available to applications and workflows running in the cloud. With Azure, you can flexibly access as much computing power as you need to analyse big data or develop your own custom applications.

Microsoft cloud storage providers, compared

What our reviewers said

• “OneDrive has almost everything you want in a cloud storage platform. It's affordable and highly secure, with robust encryption frameworks. Business customers also get access to a wide range of compliance and auditing capabilities...Deep Microsoft 365 integration makes OneDrive perfect for working online, and it is our top pick for businesses wanting a premium digital workspace and communication ecosystem.” Score: 4/5

Further reading on cloud storage

Choosing between Microsoft OneDrive and Azure can be a fork in the road for your business. Ultimately, which is better comes down to whether you just want cloud storage for business or a full-fledged cloud hosting service.

If you’re thinking about migrating your entire business to the cloud, make sure you set yourself up with a roadmap for success. Should you be fixed on cloud storage, make sure whichever option you go for ranks among the best secure cloud storage and the best encrypted cloud storage.

There are a plethora of options when it comes to storing your files and data in the cloud. That's a good thing, as having various choices allows users to find the best cloud storage that caters to their needs. It can, however, make the process of selection a little daunting—which is where we come in.

Microsoft, a household name in tech hardware and software, joined the cloud-wagon in 2007, offering OneDrive to the world. Since then, it has come a long way, and what was once a good solution for personal users is now also an attractive option for businesses via OneDrive for Business.

For its part, IDrive came to life way back in 1995. Originally, it was designed for the tech-savvy business user who needed a robust backup solution for their system. Today, however, iDrive offers features such as file sharing and file synchronisation across multiple devices, making it more appealing to the commercial market.

So, with both OneDrive and IDrive commonly appearing amongst the leading options available, which one is right for you? Looking at everything from features to affordability, we'll help you decide in this IDrive vs OneDrive head-to-head.

• IDrive: the leading cloud storage provider
  IDrive delivers huge amounts of cloud storage for incredibly reasonable prices. Supporting unlimited devices, it provides an extensive file versioning system, alongside competitive prices and other top features. For these reasons, it ranks first in our premium list of the best cloud storage providers.
• Microsoft OneDrive: collaborative storage and software
  Microsoft OneDrive is naturally tightly-integrated with both Windows and Microsoft 365, meaning it offers real-time file collaboration and automatic backups. A straightforward and intuitive interface requires little guidance, while its comprehensive and responsive support is able to assist with anything more complex.

Check out this exclusive IDrive cloud storage deal:

• IDrive: get the best cloud storage for only £3.27
  For a limited time, get 10TB of cloud storage for only £3.27 for the first year! This cloud storage plan from IDrive gets you 10TB alongside multi-device backup, the IDrive Snapshots recovery tool, and the IDrive Express backup and restoration physical storage component.

IDrive vs OneDrive: Features

Here, we break down the key features offered by both services, analysing which one does what better, and suggesting how important this should be in your decision-making. IDrive and OneDrive both come with an integrated desktop app that makes backing up your files to the cloud effortless. There is, however, a distinct difference between the two in this area.

IDrive can perform a sector-level backup, which allows you to back up your files, system settings, application data, and operating system. You can do this across multiple computers, so if one of your machines malfunctions, you can restore your full system on the replacement computer.

OneDrive, however, only allows users to create a file-level backup, meaning you can’t back up your full system. Should one of your computers break down, you’ll need to reinstall data such as applications and system settings to get up and running on your new device.

Through its Files On-Demand feature, OneDrive also enables you to free up space on your computer by only storing your files in the cloud. You can access and work on these files pretty much as normal, but you’ll need to be connected to the internet to do so. Unfortunately, this isn’t a feature that IDrive offers.

To finish, for personal use, OneDrive ticks many boxes, but for businesses looking for an in-depth backup solution, IDrive has to be the go-to choice.

File versioning allows users to access previous versions of edited files. OneDrive and IDrive both offer this feature, but IDrive offers a more detailed service. The company allows access to up to 30 older versions of files for an unlimited time, while OneDrive gives access to 25 older versions for only 30 days.

Creating and sharing files inside a cloud storage provider allows for better productivity and more seamless collaboration between users. When it comes to integrated applications such as a word processor and spreadsheet creator, OneDrive begins to push ahead of IDrive—although it's hardly a fair race at this point.

Because Microsoft already has its own productivity tools, it's able to easily integrate them into its OneDrive software. That means multiple users can collaborate simultaneously on files created in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, for example, leading to a more efficient workflow. There are also integrations with other Microsoft apps and tools, depending on the selected plan.

In contrast, IDrive doesn't offer any native productivity tools, meaning users have to create documents outside of the IDrive platform. This makes it harder for multiple users to collaborate on and edit documents together.

It’s essential however that your files and data are protected by strict privacy and unbreakable security. Here’s where IDrive starts to make some real ground on OneDrive. The two are pretty much even on the security front. They offer industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption for your files, both in transit and at rest.

Other security measures such as two-factor authentication and the option to create your own encryption key are available on both services. But this is where IDrive begins to move ahead.

IDrive is a zero-knowledge provider, meaning it doesn’t store your encryption key on its servers. Only the person who created the key will have access to it, as well as the data it's protecting. That ranks it highly among the best secure cloud storage and the best encrypted cloud storage providers, as a result.

On the other hand, OneDrive stores encryption keys on its servers, opening up the opportunity for potential access by third parties. This means that if there were ever a data breach, a hacker might be able to read your files. This would be impossible with IDrive, as even if a hacker did gain access to its servers, they wouldn’t be able to decrypt and thus read your files.

Both services allow you to add specific files and folders to the cloud through their synchronisation feature. By syncing files, users can access their data across multiple devices. If you’re using a different computer, for example, you can log into each application through your browser to access your files.

OneDrive and IDrive have mobile applications, allowing you to upload, download, and access files from your smartphone or tablet. Both services also let you create a link for specific files and share it with others, a common feature in cloud storage providers.

Like OneDrive, IDrive claims it offers “collaborative access to files.” However, during IDrive testing we were only able to control the amount of time the link remained active, and how many times the shared file could be downloaded. There was no option to set editing permissions for other users, a feature that is available with OneDrive.

Although IDrive has made strides with its cloud service, it still has some catching up to do. Another limiting feature is that it only backs up files 4GB or smaller (if you need to back up large files, IDrive sends out a physical hard drive). OneDrive, however, can back up files of up to 250GB in size.

IDrive vs OneDrive: Performance

Both IDrive and OneDrive have impressive performance in terms of usability and speed, featuring a simple and intuitive user interface.

OneDrive is exceptionally stripped down, existing simply as a folder on your desktop rather than a standalone application. IDrive acts very much in the same way, but also offers a separate desktop application (here you can program automatic daily and weekly backups). Uploading files to the cloud from our desktop was extremely easy. We simply had to drag and drop the files we wanted to back up into each cloud service’s designated folder.

We also tested both services' web-browser applications. OneDrive’s application was far more responsive, and navigating through it was straightforward. At times, we found IDrive’s web-browser app unresponsive, often experiencing crashes or longer loading times when navigating each tab.

In terms of speed, we put both programs to the test with an internet connection offering 100Mbps download speeds and 15Mbps upload speeds. We backed up 7.2GB of data (including photos, documents, music, and video) to each service. IDrive did okay, taking one hour and 43 minutes to complete the upload, while OneDrive took quite a bit longer at two hours and 29 minutes.

IDrive won the race again when downloading the same files, taking only 16 minutes to complete, while OneDrive's download took 24 minutes. This isn’t the worst performance, but remember to factor in differing times dependent on the speed of your internet connection.

IDrive vs OneDrive: Support

With a company as large as Microsoft, we'd expect it to offer the best-in-class support for OneDrive. Sadly, that's not the case. Users do have access to the community forums, which cover many of the more commonly asked questions. If you want to speak to a member of the specialised support team, however, your options become rather limited.

There's no telephone support, which is frustrating, nor is there an option for live chat. Users instead have to make do with sending an email. When testing the response times, we received support within nine hours of our original query.

On the flipside, IDrive does all of the above, and does it exceptionally well. You can call its technical support team and its billing department from inside and outside the United States (offices are open Monday to Friday, 6:00AM to 11:30PM PST). We received immediate assistance when using the live chat, and waited for only three hours for a response to our email query (wait times will differ depending on your time zone).

IDrive vs OneDrive: Pricing and plans

Both services offer 5GB of free storage, as well as a good range of plans for both personal and business use. For personal use, IDrive offers two plans: Personal 5TB (£65.25 a year) and Personal 10TB (£81.67 a year). That's extremely affordable, and should appeal to anyone working with large files.

IDrive is currently offering the 10TB plan for a hugely discounted price of £3.27 for the first year — this is one of the most affordable high-capacity plans available across cloud storage, though you need to prove you're using a competitor as part of the signup.

There are Team plans inbetween for five to 35 users and computers, ranging from 5TB at £81.67 a year up to 35TB at £574.15 a year.

Business users have more options when it comes to plans, six in total. They start from 250GB (£81.67 a year), and go up to 12.5TB (£2,461.99 a year). You can also add multiple users to your selected plan, making it much easier to manage backups and share files.

Microsoft uses its range of productivity tools as leverage when it comes to its plans. Its basic personal plan is £1.99 a month, offering 100GB. Move up to the next option, at £59.99 a year for 1TB, and you'll also be able to use office apps such as Word and Excel.

For business use, if you want a fully inclusive Microsoft experience, you'll need to pay £9.40 a month per user (paid annually). With that, you get 1TB, access to Microsoft 365, and the use of apps such as Sharepoint, Teams, and Yammer. On the budget end, you can pay £3.80 a month per user for 1TB, but won’t have access to any of the other features.

It's a shame neither provider offers an unlimited storage option. Still, both services remain affordable and competitive in price. If you don't need a fully integrated experience with a range of productivity tools, then we feel IDrive edges it here in terms of finding the overall balance between cost and features.

IDrive vs OneDrive: Verdict

In many ways, this head-to-head is like comparing apples and oranges. Both OneDrive and IDrive exist in the same family (that is, cloud storage), but they're also extremely different. IDrive offers a complete backup solution, while OneDrive is instead focused on storage, productivity, and collaboration.

For the personal user, we'd suggest going with OneDrive, especially if you use a Windows laptop or PC, where it comes preinstalled. It's easy to use, and many of your contacts will use it too. That's not to say IDrive is a bad option: it's just not quite on the same level as its rival when it comes to collaboration, syncing, and sharing.

But for the business user, including those who are self-employed, it becomes a little tricker to suggest the best option. Without a doubt, IDrive takes the crown for better privacy and security, as well as more backup options for your system. If, however, you want to use integrated productivity tools, collaborate on a project, and back up your most important files, OneDrive is the winner.

Further reading on cloud storage

Make sure to read some of our other comparison features to get an insight into how these platforms shape up against other competitors, including IDrive vs Backblaze; OneDrive vs Dropbox; OneDrive vs Azure; and Google Drive vs OneDrive; pCloud vs Dropbox; and Google Drive vs Dropbox.

The importance of backing up your files and data is constantly increasing in our ever-growing digital world. Early adopters of online cloud storage will remember the days when options were scarce. That's not the case today, with more companies than ever competing to be the best cloud storage service.

Two popular cloud platforms, IDrive and Backblaze, tend to lead the way when it comes to offering reliable cloud backup solutions for your files and data. Neither may be mainstream, but they offer more than many of the household names, especially when it comes to security and privacy.

Because both services are go-to options, choosing which one to use may feel difficult. To help, we're going to break down and compare many of each service’s core features. From price to performance (and everything in between), we will identify a clear winner in this IDrive vs Backblaze head-to-head.

• IDrive: get the best cloud storage for only £3.27
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  ExpressVPN is offering free unlimited cloud backup courtesy of Backblaze for a whole year with its annual subscription. Secure, business-grade online backup for everyone, no strings attached.

IDrive vs Backblaze: Features

Both IDrive and Backblaze come with features that will appeal to different audiences. Ultimately, they both offer online backup for your files, but the way they do it isn't the same. IDrive has opted for a more feature-heavy approach to its services, whereas Backblaze favors simplicity, offering a more streamlined user experience for ease of use.

With IDrive, users can enjoy a range of backup types that Backblaze doesn't offer. The former allows you to make image-based cloud data backups (IDrive clones your hard drive, giving you a complete recovery option in the future). You can also back up your servers and create a hybrid backup through the cloud and an external hard drive. At the request of its users, IDrive also sends out a physical hard drive to perform local backups.

Although Backblaze lacks some key backup features, it does offer something different when it comes to recovering your files. Users have the option of mailed recovery, which means Backblaze will post out a USB drive containing your backup should your current machine malfunction. The amount of time it takes to recover an online backup is extremely short too, something we will go into in more detail shortly.

File synchronization is available across multiple devices for IDrive users. Uploading and downloading files wasn't difficult, nor was sharing a file with an authorised third party.

For a more mainstream cloud experience, Backblaze does offer what it calls B2. This feature allows users to upload specific files to the cloud, such as photos and videos. You can only use B2 through the web-based app, resulting in a less fluid and synchronised user experience.

Both services offer file versioning, which allows you to recover deleted files or older versions of modified backups. Backblaze, however, only offers file versioning on backups for up to 30 days (users can pay an extra £1.64 a month for extended file versioning). IDrive, on the other hand, allows users to recover deleted or modified backups indefinitely across all its plans for no extra cost.

IDrive and Backblaze are compatible with both Mac and PC, and IDrive also works on Linux-based systems. They both have a mobile app. However, Backblaze only allows users to download their files with the app, while IDrive offers more functionality because of its ability to upload and sync data from a mobile device.

Regarding security, both services have measures in place to ensure your data remains safe. They both have AES 256-bit encryption for your files once they've reached their servers, and offer a secure SSL connection when transferring data to the server. 2FA is available for both services, making it harder for third-party access, should your password get into the wrong hands.

IDrive is a zero-knowledge provider, which means only you, the user, can access your information and opt for the service provider to be excluded from access. This plus the other security elements mean it ranks highly among our lists of the best secure cloud storage and the best encrypted cloud storage.

Sadly, Backblaze doesn't offer the same level of privacy and security. For the average user, this shouldn't be a deal-breaker. But for those that need peace of mind that their files have the most stringent security protecting them, IDrive leads the way for overall privacy features.

IDrive vs Backblaze: Performance

Performance-wise, there are a few key factors we're going to consider, and usability is our first port of call.

Backblaze's user interface is extremely minimal, coinciding with its feature-thin service. The advantage of that is that using the desktop app feels smooth and straightforward. It's easy to navigate through the multiple tabs inside the app, and due to the simplistic layout, it's also easy to understand what each tab allows the user to do.

IDrive offers a similar user experience, again offering a clean layout with its desktop app. As with Backblaze, IDrive clearly divides its services into sections, making it simple to navigate between each function.

Both services give you control over when and how often you back up your data. Although both have the option of daily backups, IDrive also offers weekly backups of your files.

When restoring your files, the approach between the two is slightly different. IDrive users can restore their data directly through the desktop app. On the contrary, Backblaze users have to go through the web-based application to restore their information (or pay £155.13 to be sent the aforementioned hard drive containing their data).

Time is of the essence in our vastly growing digital world. So we tested both online backup solutions to see how fast they can back up and restore data, using an internet connection that has 100Mbps download speeds and 15Mbps upload speeds.

We backed up 7.2GB of data (including photos, documents, music, and video) on each server. When using IDrive, it took one hour and 43 minutes to complete the upload. Performing even better, Backblaze took only 53 minutes to complete the upload.

Backblaze also won the race when it came to restoring the files, taking just shy of 11 minutes to fully restore them. IDrive wasn't too far behind, taking around 16 minutes to complete a full restore. Speeds will, of course, differ depending on your internet speed.

IDrive vs Backblaze: Support

IDrive offers fantastic customer support. Users can either call, email, or use live chat when they need assistance. There's a contact number for calls made both inside and outside the United States. The technical support team is available Monday to Friday, from 6:00am to 11:30pm PST.

When testing the live chat, a team member attended to us immediately, with no wait time whatsoever. We tried it again to see if we were lucky, and the support team repeated the same level of immediacy. Live chat is available 24/7, which is also a nice feature.

When it comes to Backblaze's customer support though, it's a little underwhelming. Our first issue is the lack of direct telephone support, meaning users will have to make do with online support only. Backblaze does have live chat support. However, it's only available between 9am and 5pm PST, and is closed every other Wednesday.

When testing the live chat, we only waited one minute before being connected to a team member. Email support is also available for those who can wait. We sent an email to Backblaze’s support team, and received a response to our query within six hours.

For something as sensitive and important as your files and data, having an easily accessible and efficient support team is essential. We can't fault IDrive for what it offers. However, Backblaze has some catching up to do if it wants to appeal to more users.

IDrive vs Backblaze: Pricing and plans

For pricing, both services offer good value for money. In terms of options, IDrive has nine different plans available, whereas Backblaze has gone for a one-size-fits-all approach, offering just one backup plan. Users can pay for the available plans on a monthly, yearly, or two-yearly basis.

For personal use, three plans are available with IDrive: Basic, Personal 5TB (£65.25 a year), or Personal 10TB (£81.67 a year). The free plan offers 5GB of storage, which will be fine for those looking to back up a minimal number of files. Heavy users and those looking to make full system backups will need to turn to the paid plans that offer more storage space.

IDrive is currently offering the 10TB plan for a hugely discounted price of £3.27 for the first year — this is, for our money, the most affordable high-capacity cloud storage plan available. You need to prove you're using a competitor as part of the signup, though. All personal plans are only available to one user; for multiple users on one plan, you'll have to select a plan from the business options.

For business use, IDrive offers a more incremental approach to its plans across its Team and Business models. Team plans cover from five to 35 users and computers, while Business plans cover unlimited users and devices. The Team plans range from 5TB at £81.67 a year up to 35TB at £574.15 a year. The most affordable Business plan provides 250GB (for $81.67 a year). At the other end, for 12.5TB, users must pay £2,461.99 a year. Thankfully there are four other options in between, making IDrive appealing to a wider range of users. It's worth regularly checking IDrive's website, as it's usually offering large discounts off these prices.

Backblaze's one plan for all asks users to pay £4.92 a month or £49.25 a year. No matter what subscription fee you choose, you will gain access to an unlimited amount of storage space—£4.92 a month for unlimited storage is outstanding value, especially if you're a single user.

It's important to note that, unlike IDrive, Backblaze doesn't have the option to add multiple users to one account. If you're a business user, you'll need to purchase multiple accounts for multiple users, which is far from ideal. There's no free option available with Backblaze either. However, you do have access to a free 15-day trial before deciding to pay for a subscription.

Because of the diversity of its plans, IDrive is the better option for business users. Also, having the ability to add multiple users to one account shouldn't be overlooked. It will make user management far more fluid and straightforward, especially compared to Backblaze’s limited one-user per account model.

But for the individual user whose primary concern is cost, Backblaze is the way to go. Not many other services can compete with that level of value, more so when offering unlimited storage space.

You can also take advantage of a deal between Backblaze and ExpressVPN, whereby you can get Backblaze for free for a whole year when you sign up to ExpressVPN.

IDrive vs Backblaze: Verdict

We can see why both IDrive and Backblaze are attractive options for those looking for a reliable online backup solution. They're both easy to use, come with features that set them apart from the mainstream, and offer superb value.

When it comes to our head-to-head, IDrive is our clear winner for all types of users. Its range of plans means there's something for everyone, and the number of backup options means no stone is left unturned when protecting your data.

While Backblaze offers a streamlined service, it's at the expense of features we would much prefer to have. Not only does it fall short when it comes to backup options, but it also lets itself down by not offering the same robust level of security and privacy as its competition.

So, if you're looking for a service that ticks plenty of boxes—and ticks them well—overall, IDrive is the best path to take for both the personal and business user.

Further reading on cloud storage

Read some of our other cloud storage comparisons between leading providers, including: OneDrive vs Azure; Google Drive vs OneDrive; IDrive vs OneDrive; Google Drive vs Dropbox; OneDrive vs Dropbox; and pCloud vs Dropbox.

By protecting premises and assets, the best business security systems provide business owners with peace of mind. The DIY security systems offered by SimpliSafe and Ring are excellent options for those looking for cost-effective ways to keep their premises safe.

In this SimpliSafe vs Ring comparison, we’ll compare the features, performance, support, and pricing plans of these two leading providers so that you can decide if these security systems are good solutions for your business security needs.

SimpliSafe vs Ring: Features

DIY security systems are popular for their easy set-up and installation. With SimpliSafe, all you’ll have to do is unbox and plug a base station into a standard AC outlet. Step-by-step instructions will also be provided for you to know where and how to place sensors and other pieces of hardware. You won’t need to have a toolbox ready with SimpliSafe’s peel-and-stick sensors.

Ring’s alarm system is just as easy to install, and to set up the base station, all you need to do is plug it into a power outlet and connect it to a Wi-Fi network. Like SimpliSafe’s sensors, Ring’s other components—contact sensors, motion detectors, range extenders, and keypads—use easy peel-and-stick installation.

For business owners who would rather leave it to the professionals, both SimpliSafe and Ring offer professional installation. Depending on the device in question, Ring’s installation fees range from $34.99 to $249.99. SimpliSafe, on the other hand, charges $79 for installation.

Connectivity

To operate your Ring device, you’ll have to make sure that it is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. If you’d like a cellular backup system to roll in when your Wi-Fi goes offline, you’ll have to sign up for the service’s Protect Plus Plan at an additional $10/month.

SimpliSafe’s base station conveniently features a built-in cellular connection which is used to control sensors and communicate with the provider’s monitoring service. In other words, you do not need access to a Wi-Fi network for SimpliSafe’s system to work. Even if you lose power, SimpliSafe’s cellular monitoring enables you to stay connected. Those who prefer to connect their system to a Wi-Fi network can still choose to do so. This feature is great for business owners who are concerned about unstable Wi-Fi connections.

Mobile application

Both SimpliSafe and Ring offer mobile applications that enable you to remotely control your security devices. On both apps, you’ll be able to toggle your system on and off, view footage of anyone entering or leaving your premises, check your event log, and more. If your mobile phone runs out of battery, you can access your account and devices through a separate online portal that both providers offer.

Business owners will appreciate that Ring’s app allows you to designate the levels of access you would like each employee to have. If an employee is assigned a guest profile, they’ll be granted limited access to the app. You’ll still be able to provide them with a unique access code (on the app) for them to arm or disarm your system through Ring’s keypad.

The added level of control that Ring’s app provides makes it the one to beat. Furthermore, it is free to use for all of Ring’s customers. SimpliSafe, on the other hand, offers its app only to users who pay for Interactive Monitoring—a paid monitoring plan that you can add on to your system.

SimpliSafe vs Ring: Performance

Communication range

Long-range communication is vital for a security system’s performance. Ring’s system employs Z-Wave technology, which supports communication of up to 250 feet. While that is more than adequate for most business owners, it may be unsuitable for those with larger premises.

These users will find SimpliSafe’s base station, which can reach up to 100 sensors that are 400 to 500 feet away, more suitable. The sensors remain connected across rooms on different levels and work through thick walls found in certain commercial spaces.

Device integration

Because Ring is owned by Amazon, its security systems integrate well with Amazon devices, including Echo Show, Echo Spot, Echo speakers, FireTV, or FireTablet. Additionally, on the Ring’s Works with Ring collection, you’ll find a bunch of smart devices that integrate seamlessly with your Ring security system. Some examples include smart locks, light switches, smart outlets, and sirens.

Like Ring, SimpliSafe offers device integrations. But you’ll find that Simplisafe integrates with far fewer devices—Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Watch, and August smart locks. Moreover, device integration is only available with the service’s Interactive Monitoring plan.

SimpliSafe vs Ring: Support

SimpliSafe users can contact support via email and phone (8am to midnight ET). You can also hop onto SimpliSafe’s user forum to share your questions with other users or navigate a Help Center with general questions and dedicated sections with guides for each of SimpliSafe’s products.

While adequate, SimpliSafe’s customer support can’t beat Ring’s 24/7 phone support. Users can also access live chat support (5am to 9pm MST), community boards, guides, video tutorials, and FAQs on Ring’s website.

SimpliSafe vs Ring: Pricing and plans

Packages

Depending on your business type, you can choose from four of SimpliSafe’s packages. At $155, the Business Essentials package comes with basic hardware like a base station, motion and entry sensors, and a keypad. One tier up, the Office System ($236) throws in an extra panic button. Likewise, SimpliSafe’s Storefront System ($260) and Restaurant System ($293) includes additional hardware such as Glassbreak sensors and a key fob.

Compared to SimpliSafe, Ring’s packages are pricier. An eight-piece Business Alarm Security Kit suitable for businesses with up to four entry points and motion detection for one hallway costs $249.99. Ring’s other business package will cost you $349.99 and features two additional indoor cameras for video monitoring.

Contract length

With both providers, you’ll not be tied to any long-term contract and can choose to cancel your subscription at any time. You’ll also have the option to sign up for a monitoring plan. Ring’s Basic Protect Plan ($3 a month) allows you to save and share videos and view snapshots that were captured throughout the day.

Monitoring options

The Protect Plus Plan ($10 a month) includes 24/7 professional monitoring for your Ring Alarm and extended warranties for your devices. If you choose not to sign up for a monitoring plan, you’ll still enjoy basic features like mobile notifications, live video feed, and lifetime theft protection.

As with Ring, if you choose to forgo a SimpliSafe monitoring plan, you’ll still get basic features like live video feed. To unlock more features, choose among three of SimpliSafe’s business monitoring packages. The priciest Interactive Monitoring plan ($24.99 a month), provides 24/7 monitoring from SimpliSafe’s control center, priority police dispatch, HD live view on all cameras, and unlimited camera recordings among other features.

For $14.99 a month, the Standard Monitoring plan does away with Visual alarm verification. In other words, when your alarm is set off, SimpliSafe’s team at the monitoring center will dispatch the police without visual evidence of what set the alarm. Response times will therefore be slower.

Finally, SimpliSafe’s Self-monitoring plan ($9.99 a month) offers HD live view on all cameras and unlimited camera recording. In the event of a break in, you’ll have to contact the police on your own.

Pricing verdict

In terms of pricing, there isn’t a clear winner—while Ring’s hardware is more expensive than SimpliSafe’s, its monitoring packages are more affordable. With multiple hardware and monitoring packages to choose from, both providers are great for users with different needs and budget constraints.

SimpliSafe vs Ring: Verdict

With a variety of pricing packages for different hardware and monitoring plans as well as fuss-free installation and set-up, both SimpliSafe and Ring are easy to recommend.

SimpliSafe, with a longer communication range and built-in cellular connection, is the better choice for business owners with larger premises or premises that receive poor Wi-Fi signals.

That said, users who prioritise device integration will enjoy Ring’s seamless integration with multiple smart devices. Particularly, if you’re already using a range of Amazon devices, Ring’s security system will be a great addition to your business. Those who are frustrated by SimpliSafe’s lack of a free app for all users and 24/7 phone support will also appreciate that Ring provides all users with both.

Further reading

If you're looking for other business security options, then check out our guide to the best security systems for business. And you can find out more about SimpliSafe in our full SimpliSafe review.

With the best security systems, business owners can rest assured that their physical premises are secure at all times. In our SimpliSafe vs ADT comparison, we take a look at two of the most popular security companies today.

SimpliSafe is known for its affordable business security systems, which tend to be on the basic side but remain a great choice for small businesses. ADT offers more advanced custom solutions for those with more specific requirements, and it’s a little more expensive. Let’s see how the two stack up against each other.

What we compared

We’ve analysed various aspects of these two security system providers to help you determine which (if any) is best for your business.

• User interface and setup
• Pricing
• Professional monitoring
• Industry-specific solutions
• Fire protection and monitoring
• Mobile app
• Access controls

User interface and setup

Getting started with SimpliSafe is an intuitive, straightforward process. Once you’ve purchased and received your base station, simply plug it into a power socket. Clear setup instructions are provided, and the sensors and other hardware are designed to be installed without any fancy tools or equipment.

An ADT system will take a little longer to get up and running. You will need to consult with the sales team, who will help you develop a custom solution for your business. Setup will depend on the exact system you require, but it shouldn’t be too difficult with the assistance of professional installation technicians.

Both ADT and SimpliSafe have attractive mobile apps for iOS and Android devices that enable you to control and monitor your security system remotely.

Pricing

Both SimpliSafe and ADT have somewhat complicated pricing models incorporating one-time hardware costs, recurring subscriptions, and monitoring fees if applicable.

SimpliSafe’s hardware packages start from $155 with the Business Essentials bundle. This comes with a base station, keypad, and motion sensors. There’s a $79 installation fee if you would like professional installation. Full monitoring starts at $0.83 a day, although basic, video-free monitoring is available from $0.50 a day. There are no long-term contracts or high cancellation fees. You can also create your own custom system layout if required, which will come with a custom price.

On the other hand, ADT lists three business packages on its website, but you will have to contact the company for a custom quote based on your exact needs. A closer look at the company’s terms and conditions reveals that prices start at $49 a month with a 36-month contract. Cancellation fees are high, and the hardware may or may not be included in your monthly package.

Professional monitoring

Both ADT and SimpliSafe can provide fully monitored business security systems with 24/7 external monitoring by company staff.

SimpliSafe’s monitoring solutions stand out as excellent. The company aims to provide video evidence of any intrusions, enabling emergency services personnel to act rapidly and with proof. When a perimeter breach or intrusion alert is received, the alarm will continue until it’s confirmed as received. You will be called to ensure it’s not a false alarm, and the police will be dispatched as soon as possible.

ADT’s monitored solutions are equally impressive, with a selection of perimeter and interior monitoring products available. All alerts are relayed via the ADT mobile app, and 24/7 monitoring is performed by the company’s response team. Flood protection and temperature-control monitoring are also available.

Industry-specific solutions

ADT specialises in industry-specific security solutions tailored to your exact needs. It offers packages for retail, food and beverage, manufacturing, and health businesses, among others.

For example, ADT’s food and beverage solutions include access control and temperature control hardware that’s designed to help you meet your regulatory requirements. You can set the system up to alert you immediately if there are major problems with, say, a walk-in freezer.

SimpliSafe’s solutions are much more basic, though it does offer a small number of industry-specific solutions targeted at restaurants, retail storefronts, and offices with sensitive equipment. SimpliSafe offers base-level system components, but don’t expect anything too fancy here. It’s clear that ADT stands out well above SimpliSafe in this regard.

Fire protection and monitoring

None of SimpliSafe’s standard packages include fire protection and monitoring. You can add smoke alarms to a custom system if you would like to, but this is as far as SimpliSafe’s fire protection services extend.

ADT, on the other hand, provides comprehensive commercial fire alarm monitoring services. It offers specialised hardware and a highly-trained response team, enabling you to rest assured that your business premises are fully protected at all times. The company aims to help you maintain regulatory compliance, and you can even have an existing system inspected if required.

Once again, ADT clearly stands out as the winner here.

Mobile app

ADT and SimpliSafe both offer excellent mobile apps, and it’s hard to separate the two.

ADT’s app is available for Android and iOS. It offers great functionality, including standard features such as the ability to remotely arm or disarm your system and climate control tools. You can manage multiple locations at the same time, set up alerts for security events, and view live and recorded video footage from any of your cameras.

SimpliSafe is also available for Android and iPhone users. Like ADT’s app, SimpliSafe’s enables you to control access to your property remotely, disabling and arming your system with the click of a button. Create alerts for specific security events, and view live video feeds from your cameras. You can also save video clips for later viewing.

Access controls

ADT offers advanced access control solutions. You will be able to create access permissions for customers, staff, and anyone else who needs temporary or permanent access to your business premises. You can also limit access to certain parts of your business, restrict access to sensitive documents or controlled substances, and create temporary permissions for one-time visitors.

SimpliSafe doesn’t offer any specific access control solutions. Access to your premises is via the built-in keypad, which means that anyone requiring access will need to know your security code. They do offer a key fob that can be used to arm and disarm the system.

Which security company is best for me?

SimpliSafe offers affordable security solutions that can be rapidly deployed. You can add and remove components to build your own system, and it has the basics covered. However, there are few specialised solutions for things like fire monitoring or access control, which means that SimpliSafe is best suited to small businesses looking for an out-of-the-box solution.

ADT is much more advanced, offering custom solutions for businesses of all sizes. It’s a great choice for businesses requiring more flexibility, as you will get exactly what you require. Temperature, fire, and moisture monitoring are available, and the company’s access control solutions are sophisticated.

What our reviewers said

SimpliSafe

“It’s an excellent choice for small to medium business premises and offices, and would suit places like restaurants, medical practices, law firms, real estate developers, home offices, and smaller retailers. All in all, we were very impressed by SimpliSafe and highly recommend the system.”

• Score: 4.5/5

ADT

“ADT is probably best for businesses who have specialised security needs like access control or EAS, or those who want the most comprehensive custom-built system and service. If you run a small office, store, or home office and you don’t have a huge budget, then ADT probably isn’t the best value choice for you.”

• Score: 4/5

Alternatives to Simplisafe and ADT

Vivint is a popular security company offering advanced business security solutions. It’s great for those looking for powerful video monitoring, and its camera hardware stands out as some of the best on offer. Professional installation is required and prices are a little high, but Vivint could be worth considering if you’re looking for an advanced alternative to ADT.

FrontPoint is best suited to those looking for a budget-friendly DIY security system. It boasts a decent selection of hardware, enabling you to customise your system in the same way SimpliSafe does.

More on business security

Be sure to take a look at our guide to the best security systems for more information. You may also like to see how SimpliSafe stacks up against popular competitor Ring in our SimpliSafe vs Ring comparison.

Vivint and Ring are security system companies that offer security solutions for businesses. This Vivint vs Ring comparison will help explain the differences between them and which is best for a variety of scenarios and use-cases.

Both Vivint and Ring made our list of the best security systems for businesses, and with good reason. They offer flexible, cost-effective solutions for protecting an office space, restaurant, storefront, or other small- or medium-sized business (SMB) space. Each has something unique to bring to the table, though, so read on to see which is best for your business.

What we compared

For a full comparison of Vivint and Ring, we looked at a variety of factors, including the setup and installation process, pricing, and a number of business features. Here’s the full list of comparisons:

• Installation and setup
• Pricing
• Apps and user interface
• Multiple users and groups
• Sensors and cameras
• Access control

Installation and setup

Vivint and Ring take different approaches to installation and setup.

Vivint offers professional installation, which is a good option for larger businesses with, for example, multiple locales or more complex security needs. Vivint’s professional installers will help you decide the best layout for all the different components of your security system, like cameras, motion detectors, and glassbreak monitors, so everything is covered properly.

Installing security for multiple properties can also be time-consuming, in which case it can be easier to simply pay for a professional service.

Ring for Business, on the other hand, was designed for DIY installation. Smaller businesses may prefer this, as it’s one less expense to consider and, with more basic security needs, installation can be a painless and quick experience. It also means you don’t have to make an appointment. You can simply set up your system at your own convenience (at night, for example).

This is a good solution for small restaurants, single-office spaces, and simple storefronts, where the exact location of monitors and sensors is less important.

Pricing

Pricing for security systems can be broken down into three costs. Hardware and installation, which are up-front costs (but can be paid over a period of time), and monitoring costs, which usually come in the form of a monthly or annual subscription, often with a contract.

Hardware

Vivint offers pricing by quote only, so you’ll need to call the company and explain your security needs for a precise cost evaluation. Our own research revealed the following prices, but keep in mind they might vary slightly based on your needs and region. Vivint requires a minimum equipment purchase of $599.99 with every contract and offers financing options for hardware costs.

Ring offers several business packages, plus the ability to build your own security system by adding components. The 8-Piece Business Alarm Security Kit costs $249.99 and includes a Ring base station, keypad, four window/door sensors, a motion detector, and a range extender. For $349.99, you get two cameras. The prices for individual elements are given in the table below, although buying in bulk can be cheaper (like a six-pack of contact sensors for $99.99).

Installation

As already mentioned, Ring for Business is designed for DIY installation. However, there are professional installation options available. Installing a first device, like a doorbell or camera, costs $99. Each additional device then costs $35. For businesses requiring many sensors and devices, this can add up quickly.

Installation costs for Vivint are included in the monthly subscription, with a minimum $29.99 a month service agreement and at least $599.99 equipment purchase. Otherwise, the costs vary from $49 to $199.

Ongoing costs

There are three monthly subscriptions available with Vivint. It’s not possible to purchase a Vivint security system without a monthly subscription. The basic $29.99/mo subscription includes mobile access to your system, entry, smoke, and CO detection, medical pendant support, and professional monitoring.

At $39.99 a month, Smart Monitoring adds smart device integration (like smart plugs, lights, and thermostats), while the $44.99 a month Smart Video Monitoring plan adds video surveillance.

Ring has three protection plans. The free plan includes basic features like motion-activated notifications, real-time video, and two-way talk. The Basic plan, at $3 a month, includes video history, saving and sharing, plus snapshots throughout the day, person detection alerts, and rich notifications.

For $10 a month, the Plus plan adds an extended device warranty at 10% off future Ring purchases (a good deal for expanding businesses). Finally, the Protect Pro plan includes 24/7 Professional Monitoring, a valuable addition for businesses of all sizes.

Apps and user interface

Both Ring and Vivint apps are well-noted by users, at 4.5/5 on average between iOS and Android users. The apps enable you to:

• Arm and disarm your system
• Lock and unlock doors
• Adjust lighting and temperature
• Control smart devices (like wall plugs) and appliances
• View, record, and share video from multiple cameras and locations
• Add users and guests

In reality, very little differs between the Ring and Vivint apps. However, Ring does stand out with one advantage, which is the Neighbors feature.

With a growing community of Ring users and collaborations with local law enforcement agencies, you can get real-time crime and safety updates in your neighborhood. Businesses can thus be alerted to nearby break-ins, for example, or a fire that might threaten a warehouse or storefront. It’s a surprisingly innovative and useful addition to the Ring offer.

Multiple users and groups

Businesses will want the ability to add users to the system so that employees, managers, and others can access secure areas and arm and disarm the system as necessary.

Vivint offers rudimentary support for multiple users. From the app, you can add new users, define them as a Guest or Admin (able to create new users, change system settings, and configure automation rules), grant mobile access and change mobile device permissions (to specific settings), allow PIN access and define a PIN, and determine what locks and systems the PIN can be used on.

Likewise, Ring allows you to create “Shared Users,” who are able to answer and receive alerts from smart doorbells or motion-triggered cameras, view stored videos, turn on and off notifications for their own device, save and share videos, use smart locks, and arm or disarm the system.

Both are suitable for small businesses, although medium and larger businesses may want to check out ADT or SimpliSafe, both of which offer more advanced multi-site management options.

Sensors and cameras

Vivint and Ring offer a variety of sensors and cameras, including smoke, temperature, carbon monoxide, flood, and door and window sensors, motion detectors, floodlights, smart locks, smart plugs, and thermostats. Ring doesn’t have a glassbreak detector, but you can pair it with Alexa Guard, and the smart assistant will listen for glass breaking and send you a notification.

There are also many “Works with Ring” devices to extend Ring’s offer, including garage door openers, fob readers, and water shut-offs.

Ring’s outdoor cameras boast 1080p HD resolution with 8x digital zoom, a built-in spotlight, and night-vision, plus a 3–6 month rechargeable battery. Vivint’s outdoor camera also records at 1080p HD resolution, with 3x optical zoom, and a light and speaker to alert people to its presence (a useful preventative feature). Both cameras have a 140º field of view.

Both indoor cameras feature a 120º field of view, two-way audio, and night vision. The Vivint indoor camera also features “privacy mode,” allowing you to disable video streaming and custom motion zones so you can avoid triggers for repetitive or expected motion.

Access control

Vivint and Ring both offer smart locks that can be controlled by smartphone or via keypad or keyfob. For Vivint, up to 30 keypad codes can be assigned, with scheduled codes for different times of the day or days of the week. Ring’s smart lock options are third-party, but you can still assign different codes to users.

However, these access control options are only useful in the context of a standard door with a deadbolt mechanism. This should be fine for many businesses, including restaurants and storefronts, but more complex access control can be found, for example, with ADT.

Which security system is best for me?

Vivint is the more expensive option, but it’s better suited to businesses with more complex or multi-site security needs. The free risk assessment and professional installation is preferable for large sites or complex floor plans.

Ring is a simpler and less expensive solution, with DIY installation that will appeal to many small-business owners. It also has very affordable monthly plans, with monitoring starting at just $20.

What our reviewers said

Vivint

Best for

• Central smart hub for easy access
• Wide range of features and devices

“Although Vivint is first and foremost a home security provider, the options for businesses are great. The ability to deploy an army of sensors on every window and door could be a big selling point for business owners with large premises. This, coupled with the ease of the Vivint Smart Hub, really simplifies the job of monitoring security.”

• Score: 4.5/5

Ring

Best for

• Relatively low cost for starting infrastructure
• Easy installation
• Neighbors feature adds local security alerts

“Ring for Business by Amazon covers all the basics for small businesses, with a variety of sensors and cameras, plus useful business features and access to the Neighbors app.”

• Score: 3.5/5

Alternatives to Vivint and Ring

ADT has been mentioned as an alternative a few times throughout this comparison. It offers highly customisable security solutions with advanced access control, intrusion detection, and an app built for businesses.

Another DIY alternative is SimpliSafe. It offers outstanding customer service (J.D. Power ranked it #1 for DIY home security satisfaction) and it boasts slightly better reviews online. SimpliSafe also comes with a three-year warranty on its products as standard, whereas Ring only offers extended warranties with pro plans.

SimpliSafe and Vivint offer business security systems with cameras, door locks, and multiple sensors, all managed from a central application. Both made our list of the best security systems for business, but each has unique features that will appeal to different businesses and use cases.

In this SimpliSafe vs Vivint comparison, we look beyond pricing to see which product stands out for which business situations. After reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of SimpliSafe and Vivint’s offering and the relative strengths and weaknesses of each regarding installation and setup, user interface, business features, and more.

What we compared

SimpliSafe and Vivint both made their names in home security, but business security needs are a little different. We’ve compared the following elements for a better understanding of how SimpliSafe and Vivint differ on key business features:

• Installation and setup
• Pricing
• Apps and user interface
• Users and groups
• Sensors and cameras
• Access Control

Installation and setup

This is one area where SimpliSafe and Vivint differ significantly.

SimpliSafe offers a DIY business security solution. The various elements have been designed for simple, straightforward installation. Sensors and monitors, for example, come with an adhesive backing to be fixed to windows, doors, and walls. All the products are wireless and pair with the central SimpliSafe Home Station.

DIY installation has a few advantages. It’s less costly, of course, but it can also be a more flexible solution, as you don’t need to make and honor an appointment. It’s especially practical for small businesses with just a few rooms, like a small restaurant or local shop. SimpliSafe does offer a $99 professional installation option but notes that 97% of their customers choose to do their own installation.

For larger businesses, Vivint’s professional installation may be better suited. When securing a large working space, professional experience and expertise can be invaluable (knowing where to place sensors and cameras for the greatest coverage, for example). The larger and more complex your business space, the longer it will take to set everything up, too. In that case, paying for a professional to come in and do the job quickly without taking time away from your own staff can be well worth the additional cost.

Pricing

When purchasing a business security system, there are three main costs to think about: hardware, installation, and ongoing costs.

Hardware

Because Vivint offers custom-built solutions to businesses, you’ll need to call for a quote. Prices may vary by region. However, based on our research and as demonstrated by the table below, Vivint is more expensive when it comes to hardware than SimpliSafe and other competitors. Additionally, certain Vivint products, like cameras and door locks, only work with certain plans (see below).

Installation

Installation costs for Vivint start at $49, but may be higher depending on the size of your business area and the complexity of the system. SimpliSafe, as mentioned, is designed for DIY installation, so for most users there are no costs unless they choose the $99 professional installation option.

Ongoing costs

Vivint offers three monitoring plans, and it’s not possible to purchase a Vivint system without monitoring. The first, Smart Security, costs $29.99 a month and supports a variety of sensors. Smart Home, at $39.99 a month adds support for smart devices like door locks and thermostats.

Only the Smart Home Video plan at $44.99 a month allows for the use of video surveillance with one of Vivint’s inside or outside cameras. Each additional camera costs $4.99 a month (in addition to hardware costs).

SimpliSafe offers two monitoring packages. The Camera Recordings Only plan costs roughly $10 a month (33¢ a day) and includes unlimited camera recording for up to five cameras. The 24/7 Professional Monitoring package costs $25 a month (83¢ a day) and includes 24/7 police, fire, and medical dispatch, unlimited camera recording, and 24/7 flood and extreme temperature monitoring).

Overall, Vivint is significantly more expensive than SimpliSafe. The quality of the products and the professional installation make this a good option for businesses with larger budgets and more complex security needs. Vivint contracts start at four or more years. Smaller, budget-conscious businesses may want to opt for SimpliSafe’s less expensive service.

Apps and user interface

The Vivint and SimpliSafe apps are similar in features. Both enable you to arm and disarm your security system, lock and unlock smart doors, open and close garage doors, view live camera feeds and record footage, use two-way audio through cameras, and control smart devices like lights and thermostats.

Both apps have good ratings from iOS users (4.6 for Vivint; 4.8 for SimpliSafe) and Android (4.4 for both) and support basic security notifications for alarms, motion detection, and two-way cameras.

Vivint has some additional features that businesses may find useful. For example, the app will notify you if the lights have been left on or if the temperature can be lowered because nobody is in the office. It will also alert you if doors or windows have been left open. In addition, you can add custom rules to, for example, unlock all your doors when the fire alarm goes off for easier evacuation or turn on the lights when motion is detected.

The SimpliSafe app, however, has better support for multiple locations. Its Property Management Dashboard gives you a quick overview of all your work sites, plus the ability to arm and disarm systems or individual elements.

Users and groups

SimpliSafe and Vivint each have basic support for additional users; neither supports user groups (something offered, for example, by ADT Commercial).

SimpliSafe differentiates users into two levels: Master and User. The PINs for both types allow users to arm and disarm the system or specific elements, but only the Master PIN grants access to the home station’s settings. Each PIN can be assigned a name or unique identifier (like an employee number). A third PIN can be used in duress to send an instant notification to SimpliSafe for help (it also disarms the system to fool anybody who might be coercing you).

In much the same way, the Vivint app allows you to add users and create personalized PIN codes to unlock doors and disarm security systems. Users can be made Admins to have full control over the system.

Sensors and cameras

The SimpliCam records at 1080p, 30 frames per second (FPS) and includes night vision, which makes it a perfectly good camera for most business security needs. It lacks a microphone for two-way communication, though, and its field of vision is only 120º, which means you’ll need a greater number of cameras to cover a given surface area when compared to Vivint’s 155º field of view for indoor cameras and 140º for outdoor cameras. Vivint also sports 1080p resolution and 30 FPS recording.

Beyond cameras, both Vivint and SimpliSafe offer a wide variety of sensors, including motion sensors, fire, CO, smoke, leak, temperature, motion, and glass break detectors.

Access control

Vivint and SimpliSafe support access control in a rudimentary but effective fashion. This is one area where the home-security roots of each are apparent. Smart door locks are available from both providers, although only Vivint supports a garage door opener. Mechanics, car shops, and small businesses that receive deliveries from semi-trucks can all benefit from this feature.

As mentioned above, individual employees can be assigned their own codes for more granular access control, and both Vivint and SimpliSafe offer keyfobs. In both cases, however, they can only be used to arm and disarm an entire system, and not to grant access to a specific area.

Which security system is best for me?

SimpliSafe is budget-friendly and offers a variety of sensors. It’s simple to set up, with inexpensive monitoring, and you can personalize your system or buy a package for more savings. It’s a good choice for small businesses with just a few rooms and uncomplicated security needs.

Vivint offers a more premium service. Its security products are top of the line, with useful features for businesses, and it comes with professional installation. It’s well suited to medium-sized or larger businesses with more complex security needs.

What our reviewers said

SimpliSafe

Best features

• Affordable
• Very easy to set up and use
• No contract required

“SimpliSafe is an excellent choice for small to medium business premises and offices, and would suit places like restaurants, medical practices, law firms, home offices, and smaller retailers.”

• Score: 4.5/5

Vivant

Best features

• Central smart hub for easy access
• Wide range of features and devices

"For a complete system that enables you to connect with every smart security device in your premises from a single point, you probably won't find it better than Vivint.”

• Score: 4.5/5

Alternatives to SimpliSafe and Vivint

For larger businesses and those with industry-specific needs such as hospitals, warehouses, and food preparation facilities, ADT offers more advanced business features, including sophisticated access control and user groups.

Frontpoint is a good alternative to SimpliSafe which also features DIY installation. Individual elements are slightly more expensive, but it has some inexpensive security packages starting at just $99. It also boasts a 5-star TrustPilot rating and an A+ rating from the BBB.

In this SimpliSafe vs Nest head-to-head, we dig into two providers that offer modular security solutions for homeowners and small- and medium-sized businesses.

While SimpliSafe made our list of the best security systems for business, Google discontinued its Nest Secure security system in 2020 and no longer offers many of the elements businesses will be looking for, like door sensors or motion detectors. This review will focus on the Nest products available for purchase at the time of writing, which does not include Nest Secure.

But that doesn’t mean the results of this comparison are a foregone conclusion. Nest offers cameras, smart locks, and a smart smoke detector. In this article, we’ll compare SimpliSafe and Nest from a professional perspective, to see which business situation would benefit most from each system.

What we compared

There’s more to security systems than just sensors and cameras. We also look at the ease of setup and use, pricing, and a variety of features that will help businesses make the most of each system.

• Installation and setup
• Pricing
• Apps and user interface
• Users and groups
• Sensors and cameras
• Access control

Installation and setup

Both SimpliSafe and Nest are sold as DIY systems, which means you’ll do the installation yourself (or by hiring a third-party installer through services like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack). Fortunately, both are easy to set up.

The SimpliSafe help center has useful guides that explain in detail how to install the individual elements of your alarm system. Many of the parts, like contact sensors, come with an adhesive back. You won’t even need to break out a screwdriver.

SimpliSafe products will need to be paired with the base station before being installed. This usually involves pressing a button on the side of the sensor or device (similar to entering “pairing mode” on a Bluetooth device). The base station will detect the new device and guide you through setup.

Installation of Nest’s cameras and smoke detectors is also very easy. Like with SimpliSafe, product pages include helpful guides and videos for easy installation. Cameras and detectors need to be paired with a smartphone using Android or iOS. Simply scan the QR code on the back of the product to begin syncing.

In both cases, installation of individual elements will only take a few seconds or minutes. There’s no clear winner here. True, SimpliSafe products need to sync first to a central alarm system, and can only then be controlled through the app, but this extra step is hardly a deal-breaker.

Pricing

If all you need is a camera, Nest is less expensive than SimpliSafe. A Nest camera comes in at $179.99, while the SimpliCam costs $199.99, and at 1080p vs. 720p respectively, it’s arguably a better camera.

The Nest smoke alarm ($119), which detects both smoke and carbon monoxide (CO), is more expensive than the SimpliSafe smoke ($29.99) and carbon monoxide ($49.99) detectors combined. Likewise, SimpliSafe smart locks start at $99 each, whereas the third-party Yale Lock for Nest costs $249.

That said, all SimpliSafe systems start with the home station and keypad, which cost $184 together. A Nest Cam, smoke alarm, and lock would cost $547. A SimpliSafe system with station and keypad (required), single camera, smoke and CO detectors, and smart lock comes to $434. So even with more components, SimpliSafe is less expensive.

The comparison stops there, as Nest doesn’t offer any additional sensors or accessories. Compared to other full-service security systems, however, SimpliSafe is about on par with competitors.

You can check out these comparisons to see how SimpliSafe stacks up:

SimpliSafe vs ADT

SimpliSafe vs Vivint

SimpliSafe vs Nest

Apps and user interface

The Nest app is simple by design but boasts some sophisticated software under the surface. You can use the Nest app to adjust the thermostat, view live and recorded Nest Cam video, communicate with individuals with the camera’s two-way talk function, and receive alerts from the Nest Protect smoke detector.

For all its greater complexity, the SimpliSafe app is also very easy to navigate and use. It has an overall rating of 4.7/5 from iOS and Android users. The SimpliSafe app includes all the features of the Nest app, plus all the security features you might expect: you can arm and disarm your system, add users, create PIN codes, and grant access to specific areas.

Importantly, the SimpliSafe app is also built for multi-site businesses. The Property Management Dashboard can be used to monitor and control multiple locations at once. Arm and disarm remotely, manage codes for each site, set custom sensor settings, check battery levels, and more.

Users and groups

Nest offers three user levels: Owner, Full Access, and Home Entry. Individuals with Full Access can control all products in the app, change settings, view account and activity history, and invite others to share access, but cannot change billing or subscription settings. Home Entry users can be assigned a PIN for the Yale Lock.

SimpliSafe offers three levels of PINs to differentiate users: Master, User, and Duress. The Master PIN can be used to arm and disarm the system and is required to access the keypad's settings. User PINs do not allow access to the settings. They can be named to keep track of who armed or disarmed the system at what time. The Duress PIN sends an instant notification to SimpliSafe to alert the authorities. It will also disarm the system to fool intruders who may be coercing you to act.

Overall, SimpliSafe’s users and group options are more extensive than Nest’s and better suited to most business environments.

Sensors and cameras

As mentioned above, Nest now only offers cameras and a smoke and CO monitor. It also pairs with the Yale Lock.

Nest’s camera boasts 1080p resolution at 30 FPS, night vision, two-way sound with noise-canceling, and a 130º field of vision. The SimpliCam also records at 1080p, 30FPS, and includes night vision. There’s also a microphone, but no speaker, which means no two-way communication, and the field of vision is only 120º. This means that, overall, Nest Cam is slightly better.

However, SimpliSafe’s selection of sensors and accessories blows Nest out of the water. In addition to the base station and wireless keypad, which are included with all setups, SimpliSafe offers contact sensors, motion sensors, outdoor and indoor cameras, a glass break sensor, panic button, detectors for smoke, CO, temperature, and water, plus keyfobs for employee access.

Nest may have a better camera, but SimpliSafe has all the sensors you need to keep standard, small- and medium-sized businesses secure.

Access control

Nest pairs with the Yale Lock to offer rudimentary access control. Individual users can each get their own passcode. Nest can automatically lock your door when you leave your business with your phone, too.

SimpliSafe’s access control is also limited to smart locks. It works with both a keypad and fobs, which are useful for employees and can be safer than using keycodes, which are easily shared or observed. Employees can also download the app to lock and unlock specific areas.

True, both fall short of the advanced access control offered by, for example, ADT, but with keyfob access, SimpliSafe comes out slightly ahead in this category.

Which security system is best for me?

Since Google took Secure off the market, its security offering is minimal. If all you’re interested in is a smart lock, a camera to watch your office or workspace, and a good smoke detector, Nest will do the job (although it’s still more expensive than a similar SimpliSafe setup.)

In reality, most businesses will probably want to go for SimpliSafe. It offers a much wider array of sensors, full security features including an alarm and optional 24/7 Monitoring and police dispatch, keyfobs for access control, glass break sensors for storefronts, and a business-oriented, multi-site application. It’s reasonably priced and offers regular sales and discounts. A solid choice for most small- and medium-sized businesses.

What our reviewers said

SimpliSafe

Best for:

• Affordable
• Very easy to set up and use
• No contract required

"SimpliSafe is an easy and budget-friendly way to protect your business. While the hardware may cost more than the competition, the monthly monitoring fees are very affordable, and the smartphone app offers you great flexibility.”

• Score: 4.5/5

Alternatives to SimpliSafe and Nest

There are a number of good alternatives to SimpliSafe and Nest. For larger businesses or those in industries with very specific and robust security needs, like hospitals, secure server farms, and government sites, ADT provides industry-specific solutions and is a trusted name in commercial and enterprise security.

For businesses on a tight budget, Lorex offers thousands of high-end security products at low cost. There are no monthly fees (thus no 24/7 monitoring), but you can take advantage of volume discounts for multiple locations and specialty pricing for partners (it’s free to sign up).

ADT and Vivint are two of the biggest names in security, and both made our list of the best security systems for businesses available today. Security systems like ADT and Vivint help businesses monitor locations for break-ins, fire or flood, employee safety, and more. In this article, we compare ADT vs Vivint from a professional point of view, focusing on the factors businesses will care about most.

ADT is a veteran of the security domain, but recently expanded its business offering with ADT Commercial. The sheer range of physical and cybersecurity solutions, including advanced access control, is impressive. Vivint also offers custom systems for businesses, albeit much simpler ones which are particularly well-suited to small businesses with a single location.

Keep reading to learn more about each security system and which use cases each is best suited to.

What we compared

There’s more to security systems than just sensors and cameras. We also look at the ease of setup and use, pricing, and a variety of features that will help businesses make the most of each system.

• Setup and user interface
• Pricing
• Sensors and video surveillance
• Access Control
• Automations
• Cybersecurity

Setup and user interface

With both ADT and Vivint, installation of your system will be performed by a specialist. The cost and duration of installation will vary depending on the components you’ve chosen for your business and the number of locations you have, but you can estimate around 2 to 4 hours per location. In both cases, once the hardware installation is complete, everything is managed from a single iOS or Android app.

Both apps enjoy high ratings from Android and iOS users, although ADT comes out slightly ahead with an average rating of 4.8 (ADT) compared to 4.5 (Vivint). In each case, the app enables you to arm and disarm your entire system or single points, adjust lighting and temperature, control door locks, and see the health of your devices.

For larger businesses, though, ADT’s eSuite account management dashboard allows you to monitor multiple locations and gain insights into activity, like the number of break-ins, dispatches, fires and hold-ups over a given period. The suite integrates with ADT’s access control systems and security systems, and boasts 2-factor authentication, user groups, location management and keypad code management. ADT is a clear winner here for larger businesses.

Pricing

As far as hardware is concerned, solutions for both ADT and Vivint are offered on a per-quote basis. You’ll need to reach out to each company for a personalized quote based on your business’s needs.

ADT plans and pricing

Vivint plans and pricing

It’s worth noting that ADT has a particularly long contract length, starting at 36 months. Vivint, on the other hand, offers month-by-month pricing. In both cases, you’ll need the most expensive package to get video surveillance, arguably one of the most important elements for a business.

Sensors and video surveillance

Both Vivint and ADT offer a variety of sensors and video cameras for surveillance.

Both companies offer cameras with 1080p HD video recording and live streaming, plus night vision for dark or low-light conditions. You can also find cameras with two-way intercoms and floodlights. In this regard, the offer is quite similar.

Likewise, both Vivint and ADT offer door and window sensors and motion sensors, with wired and wireless options. ADT’s motion sensors cover a slightly smaller area (35’ x 40’) than Vivint’s (40’ x 50’), which means that more ADT sensors would need to be installed to cover the same surface area.

Vivint and ADT also both offer carbon monoxide, water and leak, smoke, and temperature sensors. However, with its Commercial offering, ADT also supports electronic article surveillance (security tags on clothing, alcohol, etc.), skin temperature monitoring (to reduce the spread of disease), and occupancy management. Many of these services are actually provided by third parties, but ADT will coordinate everything seamlessly so you only have to deal with ADT itself.

Access control

Most businesses need to both monitor and control who has access to stock and storage, archives, offices, and more. Vivint offers door locks with a touchscreen panel that can be controlled by smartphone, tablet/computer, and keyfob. Up to 30 unique keypad codes can be assigned, and you can also customize codes for specific days and times.

ADT pulls ahead here by offering everything Vivint does, plus keycard readers and intercoms designed for business use. ADT also offers visitor management, allowing you to identify and log individuals entering protected areas. ADT Commercial also offers vaults and locks, bulletproof glass, hold-up and duress buttons, and cash processing equipment.

Automations

Vivint offers some automations, mostly designed for home use. However, these will also work well in a small business setting. Vivint users can set up automatic lighting, door locking (and unlocking during a crisis), and temperature control.

However, once again, ADT’s business and commercial offer here is far more extensive. Like Vivint, ATD offers automated climate and lighting controls, but adds smart plugs for turning off appliances and devices remotely.

Cybersecurity

If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for security and cybersecurity, ADT is probably better suited to your needs. ADT offers managed (third-party) cybersecurity solutions with firewall (including installation), content filtering, weekly reports, and add-on products like email security and VPN services. Vivint does not offer digital services.

Of course, businesses can also keep these services separate. There are many excellent VPNs for businesses and antivirus software with built-in firewall protection available for business today. However, it can be simpler for IT departments to deal with just one provider like ADT, especially if the’yre also responsible for the technology supporting your business’s physical security.

Which security service is best for me?

Smaller businesses will find the straightforward solutions offered by Vivint attractive in both their simplicity and pricing. These solutions will be sufficient for small offices and commercial or retail spaces, with easy setup, monitoring, and an intuitive app.

However, larger companies will benefit greatly from ADT’s bespoke business and commercial solutions, which boast better access control, cybersecurity, and automations.

What our reviewers said

Vivint

“Although Vivint is first and foremost a home security provider, the options for businesses are great. The ability to deploy an army of sensors on every window and door could be a big selling point for business owners with large premises. This, coupled with the ease of the Vivint Smart Hub, really simplifies the job of monitoring security.”

• Score: 4.5/5

Read our full Vivint review.

ADT

“ADT is probably best for businesses who have specialized security needs like access control or EAS, or those who want the most comprehensive custom-built system and service… like those needed by pharmacies, automotive businesses, and retail.”

• Score: 4/5

Read our full ADT review.

Alternatives to ADT and Vivint

Businesses have a few options for security systems. SimpliSafe is one great alternative for small businesses, with pre-built kits, no contracts, and phone support all starting at $10 a month.

Vivint allows customers to pay for infrastructure over a longer period of time, but at just $489 for SimpliSafe’s Haven plan with four door sensors and temperature and smoke sensors, most businesses will be fine paying Simplisafe’s costs upfront.

For businesses keen on a DIY solution, Frontpoint was our top pick. Its plans are straightforward, if a little pricier than competitors’, but you save on professional installation. You can also build your own plan with components that fit your budget.

Again, ADT will be better for enterprises, but small businesses and storefronts will enjoy the flexibility with Frontpoint.

More on business security

Proper business security doesn’t stop with surveillance and intrusion detection. Cybersecurity is equally important. Choose from among the best password managers for businesses to control access to information among employees and boost security with stronger passwords across users. The best business VPNs can provide an extra layer of security, too.

ADT and Ring are both among the best security systems for business, but their respective offers are quite different. ADT offers a huge array of sensors and solutions, requires professional installation, and is particularly well-suited to large or multi-location businesses, while Ring for Business offers a DIY, modular approach to security that will undoubtedly appeal to small business owners and single-store retailers and restaurateurs.

In this article, we take a closer look at ADT vs Ring, comparing the most important business features and providing the best use cases for each.

What we compared

Here are the factors that we took into consideration for this comparison:

• Installation and setup
• Pricing
• Apps and user interface
• Sensors and cameras
• Users and groups
• Access control

Installation and setup

This is one area where ADT and Ring for Business differ substantially.

Installation of an ADT security system will be performed by a professional after a free risk-assessment. You’ll work with an ADT representative to build a custom solution for your business. A security professional can also come and do an on-site assessment. The system will then be installed by an ADT professional. This is a good solution for more complex security needs.

Ring for Business offers a DIY solution in addition to professional installation. You can call the company to discuss your needs and get recommendations on the kind of hardware that you should get.

For many smaller businesses, the ability to self-install can be preferable: you can do it on your own time, rather than having to schedule somebody to come in, and you save on installation costs. If your security needs are simple, self-installation may be more convenient.

Pricing

ADT's pricing plans, compared

Pricing for ADT can be obtained by calling for a quote. According to the website, small business solutions are available from just $2 per day. Larger and multi-site businesses, however, will have to coordinate with ADT based on their needs and budget. For example, a residential ADT package that includes 24/7 alarm monitoring, a digital keypad, three door or window sensors, motion detector, alarm siren, backup battery, wireless remote, and window decals costs $9 per month.

Businesses should expect an upfront cost for hardware and ongoing costs for monitoring and maintenance. ADT contracts start at three years, which may be too long for small businesses looking to start out with a new security system.

Ring for Business's pricing

Pricing for Ring for Business is given on the website. An eight-piece Business Alarm Security Kit containing a Ring base station, keypad, four window or door sensors, motion detector, and range extender costs $249.99 or $349.99 with two cameras. You can also build your own solution by buying parts individually. A six-pack of contact sensors costs $99.99, motion detectors cost $29.99, keypads cost $49.99, and smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors cost $34.99.

For $20 per month, the Ring Protect Pro plan gets you video history, saving and sharing, smart alerts and responses, 24/7 professional monitoring, alarm cellular backup, Alexa Guard Plus, a three-year extended warranty on hardware, and 10% off further Ring products (a great bonus for small but growing businesses whose security needs may expand with the addition of a new location or workspace).

Apps and user interface

The ADT app is one of the highest-rated apps on the market, with an impressive score of 4.8/5 from both iOS and Android users. The Ring for Business app has a slightly lower but still good rating of 4.5/5.

Both apps enable you to arm and disarm a system, lock and unlock doors, adjust lighting and temperature, view and record video from multiple cameras and locations, and add users and guests.

In addition to its app for small and medium-sized businesses, ADT offers the ADT Commercial eSuite for larger businesses. It allows for rich analytics and deeper integration with existing systems. It’s been designed for multi-site businesses, especially those spread across a large geographical area.The eSuite activity dashboard summarizes key information and offers rich analytics, like event types per region or time period. You can create complex automated schedules, test and see the health of remote systems, and more. It’s available on desktop and mobile.

Users and groups

The Ring app has simple shared access. You can add Shared Users, who can view and download videos but cannot remove devices or change settings. Shared users can also be assigned their own code for alarm keypads to arm and disarm and for the Z Lock to access controlled areas.

The ADT app offers more advanced user settings. The basic app enables you to create users, define what keypads and locks they have access to, and generate a keycode. ADT Commercial eSuite goes much further, with user groups, advanced permissions, automations, and onboarding and offboarding for controlled access areas.

Sensors and cameras

Both ADT and Ring have a huge range of sensors and cameras. The Ring store also has convenient bundles that enable you to save money when buying a new system or multiple sensors or cameras. You’ll find smoke, temperature, flood, carbon monoxide, door and window sensors, as well as motion detectors, flood lights, smart locks, and smart plugs for each solution.

There are also many “Works with Ring” devices to extend Ring’s offer, including garage door openers, fob readers, and water shut-offs.

ADT Commercial works with various third parties to offer a nearly unlimited number of sensors and cameras to match just about any business situation, including electronic tag sensors for clothing and retail shops, occupancy management cameras, and fire suppression solutions. Complex businesses, like pharmaceutical companies, factories, hospitals, and government sites, will want ADT’s expertise and flexibility.

Access control

ADT offers several access control solutions. With ADT Commercial, there’s a virtually unlimited number of ways that keypads and fob readers can be integrated into doors, vaults, hatchways, etc. Large businesses with complex access control needs, like in health or IT, will find everything that they need here.

Ring for Business’s access control solutions are much simpler. Smart door locks are available through third parties, like the Yale Real Living Assure Lock SL with Z-Wave Plus ($219.99). You can assign different codes to different users and lock and unlock from the Ring app. It works with a deadbolt mechanism, though, so it’s only suitable for traditional doors. It works well to protect an office or backroom.

Which security system is best for me?

Large or multi-site businesses or those with complex or particular security needs will find a good partner in ADT. ADT Commercial is especially well-suited to retailers, restaurant chains, hospitals, government offices, banks, industrial sites, pharmaceutical companies, and transportation companies. Its small business solutions are quite comprehensive, though, and shouldn’t be disregarded outright. Professional installation is required, and contracts start at three years, although there is a six-month money-back guarantee.

Ring for Business is a simple DIY solution that will appeal to small, single-site businesses that need basic security coverage. Access control is limited, but there are plenty of different sensors and cameras to keep your site safe, and the app is simple to use. Pricing is transparent and cost-effective. It’s a good choice for small businesses looking for simple, trustworthy security.

What our reviewers said

ADT

“ADT is a solid and reliable choice for both small business and large commercial enterprises. It’s also a good pick for industry-specific security solutions, like those needed by pharmacies, automotive businesses, and retail. […] ADT provides outstanding features and excellent customer service, and its hardwired systems are ultra-reliable.“

• Score: 4/5

Read our full ADT review.

Ring

Best for

• Relatively low cost for starting infrastructure
• Easy installation
• Neighbors feature adds local security alerts

“Ring for Business will appeal most to small business owners with a single office or storefront. Initial infrastructural costs are relatively low, with a business kit starting at $249.99 […]. The interface is well thought-out and includes useful business features like employee access management and individual keypad codes. “

• Score: 3.5/5

Read our full Ring for Business review.

Alternatives to ADT and Ring

For small businesses, SimpliSafe is a good alternative. Pricing starts at just $10 a month with a basic hardware kit that’s suitable for businesses and available at $259 for small spaces. True to its name, SimpliSafe offers simple, straightforward, DIY security, much like Ring. The only big downside is that it doesn’t integrate with Z-Wave or IFTTT, which Ring does.

For businesses on a budget, Lorex is an affordable solution. There are no ongoing costs (although this does mean there’s no monitoring service). There are thousands of sensors, cameras, and accessories, with a focus on commercial properties, like warehouses, and small businesses, like retail shops. Lorex partners (a free service) get reduced pricing, dedicated support, 60-day returns, and volume discounts for multiple locations.

When it comes to the consumer, the choice over whether to buy a laptop or a desktop is a simple one. It's down to personal preference and there isn't really a way to highlight a clear winner to everyone.

However, from a business perspective, your choice can have much wider ramifications. Kitting the workforce out with business laptops is generally more friendly to a hybrid work model, with flexibility being at the heart of every decision. Desktops are very much stationary machines, and may seem a tad old fashioned in a modern business context, but they may, in fact, be the best solution open to you.

Laptops vs desktops: What's the difference?

Although it's pretty obvious from a consumer perspective, the difference between a desktop and a laptop will be more nuanced for businesses, particularly as any decision will have a knock-on effect for other considerations down the line.

The desktop is a stationary computer that will sit next to, on top of, or under one desk in the office, and will likely not be moved until it's broken or replaced. The whole setup will be spread across multiple devices and peripherals, including a dedicated business-class monitor, webcam, keyboard, and mouse. As such, desk type and size are a big consideration if you're rolling out desktop PCs.

Laptops, on the other hand, are all-in-one computers that have the screen, keyboard, processing hardware, and mouse functions bundled into a single device. Offices that allow staff to use laptops usually have bare desks and more choices around seating plans and hotdesking practices. People can usually take their laptops anywhere in the building, rather than sticking to a specific seat and cubicle. Docking stations are now commonplace in offices, allowing staff to plug in their laptops to access additional functionality, whether that's ethernet internet connections or external monitors.

Price is also a factor as the cost of a laptop is generally higher than what you would pay for a similarly-specced desktop, at least initially. For example, a 24in iMac with 8GB of RAM and a Magic Keyboard will start at £1,249, whereas a Macbook Pro (13in) is roughly £100 more. Of course, the decision to provide workstations with external monitors can drive up the overall investment.

Where a desktop might incur more cost is its capacity for an upgrade, but these might not be necessary depending on your business needs. You can increase GPU and CPU specs and customise most components at will, but, regardless of how much investment you feed into a desktop, it will remain a stationary machine that may limit your office in terms of seating and remote working.

Laptops vs desktops: Is a laptop better than a desktop?

For the average business, the additional flexibility, ease of use, and capacity to support remote working make laptops by far the most common choice. In terms of logistics, they're by far the most sensible option, as you can easily ship a pre-configured laptop to an employee, while still having the option of supplying additional hardware if necessary.

However, from a performance perspective, desktops offer the best return on investment, typically allowing you to access far more powerful components at a cheaper price. For example, when similarly specced, a laptop will almost always be more expensive than a PC - you're essentially paying for the extra flexibility.

The same is true for external hardware, such as monitors. A laptop is limited by its size to weight ratio, and so ultra-portable laptops generally favour smaller screens with less advanced display technology. However, moving to a dedicated monitor opens up a much wider choice of technology, whether that's larger screen sizes, higher resolutions, or faster refresh rates. You may even be able to push your luck and source some pretty powerful display tech - as those who use a gaming monitor for work can attest.

Easier access to components makes desktop PCs an ideal choice for any employee involved with demanding tasks, such as creating projects using the Adobe software suite. These tend to place huge strain on system RAM and CPUs, something which you can easily compensate for by upgrading a desktop PC on the fly. Laptops are comparatively limited in their flexibility, and if a laptop is not powerful enough for a task, it will typically mean refreshing the device for something newer.

The wider availability of cheaper and smaller components may eventually make desktop PCs entirely obsolete in the workplace. However, it's fair to say you'll be powering your business on both types of machine for the foreseeable future.

When it comes time to purchase a printer, all IT leaders want to make the right decision. Much like refreshing user devices, this is a purchase that only comes around every few years – or longer, depending on organizational strategy – and one that must be based on careful consideration of costs, longevity, and print quality.

Two of the most popular printer types for business are LED and laser printers. Both use toner instead of ink, unlike inkjet printers.

Overall, LED and laser printers tend to remain a more common feature in your office setting

Of course, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all hardware and whether LED or laser printers are perfect for your business will largely depend on your unique organizational needs. To get a better idea of which could be best, we’ve listed the key differences between the two printing technologies.

Are laser printers best?

Laser printers have become the go-to choice for enterprise printing for a few, key reasons.

First and foremost, laser printers reproduce graphics and the printed word with incredibly sharp detail. Businesses looking for the top quality in printing could do worse than investing in a range of new laser printers.

Laser printers also come with a lower price tag than some alternatives, such as inkjet printers, as they use powdered toner which is cheaper in bulk. Laser printers work by beaming patterns onto a positively-charged drum, leaving behind a negative charge in the shape of what is being printed. This attracts the toner, which sticks to the drum that is then rolled over the paper itself.

Crucially, the laser is directed by a moving mirror, which spins to direct the laser onto different sections of the moving drum to control where on the page toner is placed.

However, leaders should note that the initial cost of laser printers can be higher than LED printers, even though the cost disparity is narrowing. If you’re comparing LED printers to inkjet printers in an environment where hundreds of sheets of paper are printed per week, the up-front investment could be outweighed by savings in the long run. But in comparison to LED, the math is harder to figure.

With our best practice guide on reducing print costs, a laser printer can still be a very shrewd investment.

It’s worth noting that size can be an issue with laser printers, largely due to the drum and laser setup, unlike LED printers which have fewer moving parts and are therefore comparatively compact. If you’re short on space in your office, you’re best advised to seek out a more compact printer.

Are LED printers best?

LED printers also use a drum and mirror to transfer toner to a page using electrophotography. The key difference is they use an array of LEDs instead of a laser, which strobe an image onto a positively-charged drum – creating a focused, negative charge that attracts toner in a specific shape to reproduce the user’s words and images.

Because LED printers don’t use a laser, they don’t require a spinning mirror. Instead, the LED array spans the full width of the drum, with individual LEDs activating when required to determine where toner is placed on the page. This makes them more compact, quieter, and easier to maintain as they contain fewer moving parts. This means there are also fewer printer problems to troubleshoot with LED printers.

All of this is to say that LED printers come with some significant benefits over laser printers.

But be in no doubt: there are some downsides to LED printers. Because they also rely on internally producing intense light to attract toner to the paper, they draw a significant amount of energy. Businesses looking to roll out many LED printers will see their bills rise as a result. That said, LED printers are still more energy efficient than laser printers.

What LED printers struggle to compete with laser printers on is quality. Indeed, they can be less dependable overall for detail and consistent print results, as the quality of LEDs varies slightly within the array producing uneven light distribution across the drum. Laser printers produce sharper text and graphics overall.

Which produces higher quality prints?

Enterprises that print a lot of client-facing materials may be particularly concerned about the quality of work produced by their printers.

Top of the range laser and LED printers are both capable of rendering images at up to 1,200 dots per inch (DPI).

This is what makes it a very difficult decision when choosing between an LED or laser printer: there’s no clear winner in terms of image quality. From a customization and flexibility perspective, however, LEDs use a fixed drum, meaning they cannot vary in resolution.

Conversely, laser printers have resolutions that can be changed based on your individual needs. If it’s flexibility that you’re seeking, even on a minute level, then our recommendation is to choose a laser printer on this occasion.

Paper quality is also a consideration here. Ultimately, the quality of paper you’re using has a tangible impact on the quality of prints. Both of these devices work best with heat-resistant paper and there are a range of options here for businesses.

Similarly, paper also comes in a range of grams per square meter (GSM) and so anything above a certain thickness is likely incompatible with either.

Is an LED printer better than a laser printer?

Both LED printers and laser printers have their clear pros and cons. As we’ve covered throughout this article, both kinds of printer can deliver at the enterprise level.

What’s clear is that for enterprises looking to complete regular, large print jobs to a high standard, these are the kinds of printer to go for, certainly compared to inkjet devices.

Over the long term, LED printers have a slightly longer shelf life. This is purely because they have fewer moving parts – so if you’re looking to cut down on replacement costs, LED printers may be right for you. On the other hand, if you want the best detail possible, laser printers are the ideal choice.

When looking out to start a career in the tech industry, many people go down the route of taking a computer science degree. This tends to put one in good stead for being hired, given the range of skills developed throughout the course as well as the prestige of having a good degree on your CV.

However, degrees are not the only option when it comes to learning the skills needed for a job in the field of tech. Coding bootcamps, in which participants enroll for a few concentrated months to learn essential skills in a particular area of computer science, can also be a great way to train for a role in the tech world.

One might assume that the competition isn’t particularly close, but in addition to taking a much shorter period to complete, the depth of information offered at bootcamps can give their participants a competitive edge against computer science graduates.

Studies also show that the hiring rate for those finishing computer science degrees versus those finishing bootcamps is a lot closer than one might expect.

A recent LinkedIn survey using data from Burning Glass Technologies found that the top four tech bootcamps in the US all had hiring rates in related fields of at least 80% within a year. This is higher than the computer science departments at famous universities such as Stanford, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the California Institute of Technology.

What is a coding bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is a short course, usually around four months in length, which gives you lessons on a specific coding language, skillset or other such practical information within the computing field. These can include web development, UX/UI design, and data science.

Which teaches more?

A bootcamp can also offer more specialised knowledge on an area within computer science, and in a fraction of the time. For example, if one is seeking to learn web development, with an aim to apply the skills practically (for example, within a small business) there may be no need to branch out into the plethora of areas that a computer science degree also covers.

Of course, there are numerous factors backing a full computer science degree, and it’s impossible to name all the opportunities one might be given while studying at university. There is definitely a lot to be said for the opportunities for personal growth and networking available here, not to mention the topic areas that a degree will offer students that they might not otherwise have considered.

Which is more convenient?

Boot camps are arguably able to tailor their content more easily and within shorter time frames than a computer science degree. There is no doubt that given the course structure of any university degree has to be determined before commencement in September, and is rarely changed until the academic year has ended sometime in June or July, boot camps that may only run for several weeks have far more frequent opportunities to assess and alter their content.

This gives coding bootcamps more opportunities to capitalise on new IT trends and technologies, taking advantage of their increased agility to provide training in more modern capabilities.

On the other hand, universities can be some of the most cutting-edge research institutes in the country, and often boast academics who - alongside their taught seminars - are among the leading experts in their field.

With this in mind, one can see how computer science degrees can offer students information they are unlikely to be able to access anywhere else. The same is also true of university library access, with many institutions having an unparalleled breadth of information available to students through their library portals.

Another advantage to coding bootcamps is that they demand less commitment from participants. Once one starts a degree it is very difficult to leave the program, and if one does then one has to wait at least until the new intake of students in September to restart the degree from scratch.

In contrast, a 2019 report found that coding bootcamps only last four months on average, making them far less of a commitment than university courses and also allowing participants who do wish to drop out to quickly rejoin the program after a few months away.

Which is cheaper?

For the most part, this is a simple question to answer, although there are a few qualifying factors that quite dramatically change things for students depending on where they live.

The average coding bootcamp cost in the US is $13,584, which is far less than the $46,497 per year that US computer science students can expect to pay. At more prestigious universities, costs can be even higher, with MIT charging $77,020 per academic year.

However, in the UK the calculations run a little differently. Coding bootcamps can cost between £5,000-9,000, less than the £9,250 per year for a full time degree course that current computer science undergraduates can expect to shell out.

However, with the UK's student loan programme, none of the tuition fees are necessarily presented as an up-front cost to university students. Instead, students take out loans from the Student Loans Company, and pay them back as a percentage of their earnings once their salary goes above a certain pre-tax threshold.

With this in mind, prospective UK students are faced with a choice between lower up-front costs and larger debt at university, leaving the choice up to personal preference and consideration of the aforementioned pros and cons.

Conclusion

There are a number of reasons why someone might take either a computer science degree or a coding bootcamp. For price and convenience, bootcamps generally have the edge. There is also a strong argument for bootcamps as a factor for driving employability, with hiring statistics painting a good picture of the quality of skills one might learn at a coding bootcamp.

On the other hand, the benefits of a university degree in computer science are hard to quantify but nonetheless broad, from the networking and research opportunities one is afforded, to the potential for personal growth and discovery of a particular field of interest. For US students, the main hitch is the cost, which is admittedly eye-watering at some of the higher-regarded institutions.

When people talk about writing code on a computer, the terms ‘coding’, ‘programming’ and ‘scripting’ are often used interchangeably. In fact, most people aren’t aware that there are subtle but important differences between the three activities. But just what are they?

What is coding?

Put simply, coding is the act of inputting commands into a computer in a language that it can understand. At the smallest level, computers process everything in binary — 1s and 0s — also called machine code.

Far back in computer science history, there was no other way in which users could write code, but quickly programming languages were written to give programmers a far more user-friendly coding experience.

Today, almost all code is written in one of many programming languages, which have their own libraries, documentation and syntax.

All of the most popular programming languages have their differences, with more or less overlap between them, and it takes time to learn how to use each one effectively.

When you strip each one down to its core, however, all each does is interface with a computer on its own terms, while simultaneously allowing a user to create commands in a way that they can understand and easily remember.

What is programming?

If coding is translating intention into language that computers can understand, programming can be understood as taking this language and making it into a comprehensive list of instructions.

Every decision you make on your computer, whether it’s right-clicking or pressing ‘search’ on Google, sets in motion a chain of code that varies in complexity depending on the demands of the user.

Usually, these chains have been written line-by-line in code inside a program called a compiler, which translates the program from the language in which it was written into machine code that the computer can run as a cohesive program.

Very recently, AI models have reached a point where they are beginning to be able to overtake humans in writing programs of their own, but this is still far from proven technology.

What is scripting?

Scripting is typically used to automate a process that would otherwise be undertaken by a human operator. Some programming languages are considered good scripting languages, with a prime example of this being Python. This is due to its ample documentation, speed, and intuitiveness.

Unlike programs, which are compiled into machine code by a compiler, scripts are usually run by something called an interpreter. This runs the program line-by-line from the source code, with no translation of the script into any other code.

The benefit of scripts is that they are much easier to understand for beginners, as they are generally laid out in a more easily digestible format. On the other hand, scripts can only run on a computer that has the right interpreter installed.

The rollout of Windows 11, earlier this year, has given system administrators and IT managers a lot of food for thought. Many businesses probably feel like they only just finished upgrading to Windows 10 (and indeed, many have).

Windows 10 was previously billed as the “last” edition of the venerable operating system, so it’s quite possible that quite a few hearts sank when the announcement came. With Windows 10 being developed alongside Windows 11 until October 2024, there’s no huge rush, but when the time comes, you have one important decision to make – Windows 11 Home or Pro?

Since the heady days of Windows 7 and its whopping six basic editions, Microsoft has been working on keeping the choice simpler – there are two basic options for most Windows laptops and desktops, namely Windows 11 Home, and Windows 11 Pro. But are they really all that different? Do you or your team actually need to go Pro? We’ve taken a look at the differences so you can judge for yourself.

Are there only two editions of Windows 11?

Technically, there are actually more than two versions of Windows 11, however the others are aimed at specific use cases; there’s a stripped down version for the education sector, pitched as a rival to Google’s Chrome OS, and specific editions for IoT and embedded devices. We’re not really worrying about those here, as our focus is on the difference between the two primary retail editions.

A third edition called “Windows 11 Pro for Workstations” is aimed at high-end machines, such as those used by graphic designers and game developers, and for the purposes of this article, we’re folding that into Windows 11 Pro. We’re also not considering the stripped down “S Mode” as this can be switched on and off regardless of which licence you choose and shouldn’t be a buying consideration.

Windows 11 for home workers and small businesses

Although this article is primarily aimed at business users, first a quick word about individuals, sole traders, and smaller businesses. Do you need Windows 11 Pro? Unequivocally, you don’t. Although so-called “upgrade culture” tells us that only the version with all the whistles and bells will do, the same logic doesn’t apply to Windows.

Most of the differences we’ll be talking about are completely irrelevant unless you’re working in an enterprise environment. Windows 11 Home is the right version for you if you use your machine in isolation, and you’re missing nothing by opting out of the pro version.

Windows 11 Home vs Pro: Security features

When it comes to security, both Windows versions offer basic device encryption as standard, as well as tools like Find my Device and Secure Boot. They also both offer the standard internet protections you'd come to expect, such as firewalls and network protection.

The extra features in Windows 11 Pro fall into two basic camps: security, and deployment. In terms of security, there are two extra features – BitLocker Encryption, and Windows Information Protection (WIP). Both are aimed primarily at home workers and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) users as part of Microsoft’s attempts to embrace the “new normal” of work.

BitLocker

BitLocker is a full volume encryption feature to prevent unauthorised access to data held on the hard drive of lost and stolen machines. It has been around since the days of Windows Vista.

When activated, it uses the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), a separate chip in the individual machine, to encrypt the hard disk sector by sector. The decryption cypher is kept completely separate to the BIOS, and is only released when the user either types a code at the pre-boot stage, types in their Windows PIN, or uses a USB stick – this can either be a conventional type, or for extra security, a FIDO standard two-factor authentication key.

Without the key, the entire drive is locked down with banking grade 256-bit AES encryption, making it nigh-on impossible to crack. Think of it like ransomware in reverse – the computer gets locked down and the thief or finder can only access the disk with the correct key. While this could be considered a handy feature for the average users, with so many other security options included in Windows already, unless your users keep extremely sensitive information on a drive, and more importantly, the device is portable (ie a laptop), it’s a “nice-to-have” and not necessarily a justification for the additional cost of the Pro Edition.

Windows Information Protection

The second security feature is Windows Information Protection (WIP), previously known as Enterprise Data Protection (EDP). This is a sort of “safety net” to ensure that in the event that computers that are introduced to the network environment, such as BYOD machines, these don’t leak sensitive data due to the lack of other safeguards.

It’s not aimed at stopping hackers, but rather it protects what Microsoft refers to as “honest employees” from accidentally transferring data onto the local drive, or an external USB stick. It works best in conjunction with a second feature installed on Windows Azure-based servers called Azure Rights Management, which helps identify what is considered sensitive in the first place. While it has some protection without Azure, the two tools complement each other well, giving system administrators granular control about what is safe to transfer and what isn’t.

Windows 11 Home vs Pro: Network Deployment Enhancements

The biggest difference between Windows 11 Home and its Pro Edition is the massive feature-set focusing on deployment to networks.

Overhauled for the new hybrid working culture, it’s these features that will primarily decide if you should go Pro or not. If the features in the next few paragraphs don’t mean anything to you, then you probably don’t need Pro at all.

Assigned Access: This allows sysadmins to select which apps an individual machine can use. It can be configured for a whole machine, or for particular users, letting the same computer act as both a personal and a business machine, without compromise.

Dynamic Provisioning: Allows organisations to setup machines with specific permissions and levels of security from an administration app, with the admin then able to apply the exact same settings to every machine with one click, rather than on a machine-by-machine basis. This can either be done through the cloud, or from a USB-stick.

Enterprise State Roaming: Offers Azure users a way of offering a virtualised experience that is echoed on any machine, effectively making any enrolled machine their work computer, with minimal configuration. This is only available to organisations with specific Azure licences.

Group Policy: This is the classic deployment tool, giving all users access to the same files, printers and other peripherals, when paired with a Windows Server.

Kiosk Mode: This locks down machines for use as public information terminals, such as tourist information points and building sign-in points. This can be done individually, or through cloud deployment through mobile device management (see below).

Microsoft Store for Business: This is a configurable version of the standard Microsoft Store, which can allow employees to download only the apps you want them to – for example an administrator can set it not to offer any games, or alternative OS sub-systems like Linux and Android.

Mobile Device Management: A way of securing individual devices through a range of third-party apps. Microsoft offers its own InTune package, but if you’re using a third-party server environment, most are based on the MDM protocol. This is where some businesses could trip up – you may think that your vendor has you covered and therefore you don’t need this feature – however, it is a dependency for many deployment environments and therefore it should be ignored with caution.

Active Directory and Azure Active Directory Support: These tools are another popular way of provisioning, allowing a single log-in across all Windows devices, with the same access to data and peripherals. They are required for Windows Server and Windows Azure based systems, respectively.

Windows Update for Business: This gives the system administrator complete control over when and if certain updates are deployed to enrolled devices. Microsoft’s track record on releasing bug-free updates is less than stellar, so this can be a great way of delaying the rollout of updates that could do more harm than good. Equally, it significantly simplifies the deployment when the time comes, allowing every machine in the fleet to receive the update with a few clicks.

Is there anything missing in Windows 11 Pro?

The short answer is no. There are no ‘cons’ to using Windows 11 Pro.

That said, both versions have all the new front-end whistles and bells, such as enhanced game support, access to the Android sub-system, deep integration with Microsoft Teams and Microsoft’s built-in security and anti-malware services. In fact, for the end user, Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro are almost imperceptible.

Just as the “Pro” versions of modern smartphones often offer features that many users will never use, Windows 11 Pro only really offers advantages to machines being used in enterprise network environments.

Plus, Windows 11 Home can be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro by purchasing an upgrade key. So before you commit to paying extra, consider if Windows 11 Home is actually the right version for your business too. You may be pleasantly surprised.

After a somewhat limited initial release, Microsoft has announced that it considers Windows 11, the latest version of its venerable operating system, ready for general deployment. Yet, that doesn't mean it's right for every business.

So, before taking the plunge, it's worth asking: Is Windows 10 or Windows 11 the best operating system for your business? Let’s take a look at how things stand right now, and what the pros and cons of making the change are.

Can my business upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 at all?

The first, rather large caveat is that although Windows 11 is ‘ready’, that only applies to a limited range of Windows laptops and desktops. If your office inventory is more than a couple of years old, there’s a good chance that there’s no official upgrade path.

Windows 11 only appears as an upgrade option for computers running recent chipsets. In addition, they need hardware assisted security - that is to say support for UEFI firmware, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, and support for secure boot. On top of that, your machine needs to have at least 4GB RAM installed and a whopping 64GB of spare storage to run the upgrade.

It may be that a machine is capable of meeting these criteria, but has them switched off by default. That could mean rooting around in the BIOS of each and every machine to activate them, so you’ll want to be confident it’s worthwhile to make the change. It could even require BIOS updates, which are time-consuming, not to mention nerve wracking.

Is Windows 11 better than Windows 10?

The short answer is that Windows 11 is a primarily cosmetic change for the average user, so it's not necessarily a better operating system for most.

Windows 11 begins to move the Windows environment towards its Fluent Design standards, which better integrates Universal Windows Platform apps alongside traditional Win32 programs, and introduces a few consumer nice-to-haves.

Business users will need a more compelling argument, and there’s been a lot of work under the hood that will help workflows and improve security too - so let’s dive into that.

Windows 11's new business features

Microsoft could clearly see which way the wind was blowing, even before COVID-19, because much of the new stuff is aimed at helping system administrators manage workforces who have moved to part-time and home working.

The biggest boost in this regard is that deployments of upgrades, patches, and software can all be managed in the cloud. That means you can continue to service, upgrade, monitor, and protect machines that haven’t been on company property in months.

For teams, there’s... Microsoft Teams, which has finally superseded Skype for Business, with tight integration in Windows 11. If your company is already invested in Slack, or another collaboration suite, this probably won’t sway you, but if you’re still using Skype for Business, or even still straggling with Lync, both these products have reached end-of-life, so there’s a strong argument for killing two birds with one stone with a Windows 11 deployment.

Azure Virtual Desktop is another new addition with Windows 11 that could be game changing for businesses that use virtual apps. Unlike Windows 10 environments, it allows virtualised apps to appear seamlessly alongside those on the local machine, which can save a lot of time on the phone trying to explain the difference to your co-workers.

But perhaps the biggest advantage to Windows 11 is what hasn’t changed. Anyone who remembers mass deployment of Windows Vista (which admittedly, most companies didn’t bother with) or Windows 8 (an OS so bad that many businesses paid to downgrade back to Windows 7) will be delighted to hear that in terms of driver and software compatibility, the move from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is almost flawless. In theory, after upgrade, there shouldn’t be any aftercare to get printers working or afternoons of wrangling with mysterious Windows 11 BSOD incidents - though of course, your experience may differ.

Aside from this, businesses can also choose between two versions of Windows 11, Windows 11 Home or Pro. These are the two most basic options for most Windows laptops and desktops, but make sure you research carefully to find out which is right for your organisation. There are a few differences between Windows 11 Home vs Pro but, depending on your business's size or goals, you might find you don't need to change at all.

What does Windows 10 have that Windows 11 doesn't?

Surprisingly, Windows 11 drops the universal Timeline feature introduced only a couple of years ago. The feature, which allowed users to check their activity from all their devices, going back up to 30 days, was much delayed and is either proving too much for Microsoft developers to maintain, or simply wasn’t as popular as they hoped.

Also gone is Tablet mode - which made touchscreen navigation on tablets easier by reverting to the Windows 8-esque tiled interface. Of course, touchscreen compatibility is very much front and centre of Windows 11, but there’s a more consistent experience between tablet and desktop instances, with a focus on making touchscreen use easy in any context, not just in tablet mode.

But the biggest potential showstopper for business users is that Windows 11 no longer includes Internet Explorer, which was replaced by the first version of Microsoft Edge alongside the Windows 10 launch, but continued to be bundled in the background. If your business is still relying on webapps that require Internet Explorer, there is a compatibility tab option in the newer Chromium-based Edge, which is now Microsoft’s recommended browser. However, experience tells us that compatibility modes are rarely as effective as the native app, so if your webapps are business critical, you may find that this is a good reason to hold off on the Windows 11 journey.

Should my business update Windows 10 to Windows 11?

That really depends on the circumstances at your company. It’s quite clear that Microsoft is trying to make the transition as easy as possible this time, but nevertheless, it’s always a massive undertaking for any IT department, so think carefully before you commit to what will always involve a certain amount of upheaval.

You may also find yourself doing a lot of hand holding in the early months as there are other smaller changes, too numerous to list here, which will involve some training.

For instance, the shortcut for the Settings interface has been removed from the default Start Menu, making it a little harder for most users to find their way around. It may make sense not to put such options in front of employees, but everyone needs to access the menus from time to time.

Other omissions that might lead to extra support tickets are down the the interface – for example, wallpapers and themes no longer transfer between different machines, and the taskbar can no longer be moved to different parts of the screen - it’s firmly wedged to the bottom of the screen, for the first time. However, most of these are cosmetic in nature, and Microsoft may end up reverting some of these changes if the community kicks up enough of a fuss.

There are also a plethora of Windows 11 problems that users will run into from time to time, many of which are unique to the new operating system, and so you may need to update staff support material if a migration does happen.

What's most important is that Windows 11 should easily fit into your company's domains and environments, which makes upgrading a far more attractive proposition than previous newly-hatched Windows iterations have offered. In fact Windows 11’s biggest advantage is that its ability to integrate into organisational structure is the best yet.

However, the biggest hurdle you're likely to encounter is Microsoft's fairly narrow criteria for running Windows 11, as detailed above. Technically, there are ways to install Windows 11 on a machine that doesn't meet the requirements, but this will bypass all of the OS' various security improvements, which makes it unsuitable for professional environments.

As an example, for this Windows comparison, we tested a five year old, top-of-the-range Lenovo Ideapad for compatibility. It failed the Windows 11 requirements check on three counts, namely the chipset isn’t currently supported, secure boot was switched off by default, and even if it was, the TPM is version 1.2 with no paths for upgrade available. There’s plenty of life left in our test machine, which has more than enough processing power and RAM to run Windows 11, in theory, but seems doomed to end its days on Windows 10.

So unless you replace your hardware inventory very regularly, the idea of the upgrade might be moot from the start.

What if my business can’t upgrade to Windows 11?

If your machines aren’t ready for Windows 11, and can’t be updated, don’t panic.

Windows 10 will remain in development alongside Windows 11 until October 2025 and it's likely that Microsoft will widen the deployment to older chipsets that meet the other criteria between now and then.

Even if Microsoft keeps the criteria narrow, you will likely be ready to upgrade your device fleet by 2025, if not earlier, at which time you can simply opt for devices that are Windows 11 ready.

When looking to invest in new laptops for your business, there are a slew of options out there on the market.

Whether you’re looking for machines that will suit a large organisation, or a device for a small business, selecting the appropriate technology and features is paramount to maximise productivity.

With Windows laptops and Apple’s MacBook range, we have two of the most popular device pools on the market, with both promising an array of capabilities for the modern workforce. It can be a difficult choice to make, and both could make sense depending on your priorities.

So, if you’re undecided on whether to opt for a Windows laptop or a MacBook, we run through some key factors below to help you on your way.

Operating system and security

Apple famously likes to keep things on-brand and in a uniform order, so it’ll come as no surprise that its MacOS underpins everything a MacBook has to offer. A robust and speedy operating system, MacOS provides a platform that is intuitive to navigate for beginners and seasoned business users alike.

It’s particularly popular among the creative industries but its strength against malicious software such as viruses and malware also make the platform a solid option for other sectors too.

By contrast, Microsoft’s offering perhaps offers a system that is more familiar, thanks to how ubiquitous Windows machines have been over the years – but the platform is generally considered to be more susceptible to security breaches and malicious software. That’s largely due to the greater number of Windows machines in use, with hackers often targeting the biggest pool of devices.

Of course, responsible business users will want a robust cyber protection software installed regardless, with such large amounts of data being processed on the device or across the wider network.

Windows and MacBook applications

When it comes to applications and software, MacBooks really shine and it's easy to understand why they’re so popular for creative tasks. From video editing tools such as Final Cut Pro, to photography processing platform Aperture, there’s a slew of dynamic options for creative businesses, large and small.

With that said, there are an untold number of apps out there that will run on both MacBooks and Windows laptops – so that shouldn’t be too much of a stumbling block if Windows favours other needs across the business.

One of the stalwarts of the workplace, for example, is the Microsoft Office suite of productivity apps, which is available and optimised for both types of devices. That covers your typical word processing, spreadsheets, database management tools, and a whole load more.

Elsewhere, popular software such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign – tools often used for marketing purposes – are available regardless of the device(s) you opt for.

Networking and connectivity

With the shift to the cloud accelerating in recent years, both Windows laptops and MacBooks offer very similar functionality in terms of networking, connectivity, and file sharing. As long as there are suitable connections available, access to cloud-based software and storage systems is a breeze for both types of machines. It also means that file-sharing between the two platforms is easier than ever – so organisations can even implement a mix of the two to maximise functionality across the workforce.

For businesses, Apple provides a Business Manager tool to enable centralised management of connected devices across an organisation. Windows also offers easy network management of connected Windows 10 devices.

When it comes to physical connections with other tech, Windows laptops generally offer far more flexibility, at least out of the box. Depending on the model and price point, Windows machines can ship with a far greater number of USB and USB-C ports, as well as HDMI, SD Card, and Ethernet ports, all built into the device. This makes Windows machines somewhat easier to use initially.

Apple typically opts for a streamlined approach to ports, resulting in a far sleeker looking design. Users are instead encouraged to use USB docks to access additional ports. Modern Macbooks ship with multiple USB-C ports, including at least one that’s Thunderbolt compatible for quick charging.

If you’re looking to switch to the latest MacBooks, it’s important to note that you will likely need to source these additional adapters and docks, especially if staff already use USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, or older Thunderbolt 1 and 2 connections, as Apple does not provide these out of the box.

Comparing battery life across laptops and MacBooks

Like most Apple products, MacBooks are well known for having excellent battery life, making them an attractive proposition for the modern hybrid workforce. Apple’s 14- and 16-inch variants promise 17 and 21 hours of video playback, respectively, while both feature a fast-charging capability that provides 50% charge in just 30 minutes.

It’s tricky to compare that with Windows laptops due to the sheer number of options out there on the market, which creates added flexibility, but also plenty of complexity for businesses. Battery life will vary significantly across brands and models, but there are a number of solid options that can provide lengthy power on the go.

If battery life is one of your key factors in deciding which type of device to opt for, it's essential to compare the MacBook alongside a range of Windows devices to see how they stack up.

Models and pricing

As software differences have evened out, the deciding factor for many is the cost. And there’s no getting around it: Macs are a pricey option. The 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at £1,299, while the 14-inch offering begins at £1,899.

The MacBook Pro 16-inch laptop starts at £2,399 and goes up to a whopping £3,299, depending on the device specifications. Obviously, the costs of the latter would soon pile up if you’re kitting out a larger workforce. The slimline MacBook Air can also be found starting from £949.

That’s not to say there aren’t expensive Windows laptops out there too – the Dell Precision 7760 Data Science Workstation will set you back a cool £4,655, for example - but the difference lies in the number of options on the market at various price points.

Brands such as HP, Dell, Acer, Lenovo and Asus all offer a range of devices and specifications suited to different budgets and use cases. You can buy a capable Windows laptop for as little as £299, which will comfortably tackle everyday business use. Many of these companies also offer models comparable in spec to the MacBook Pro for around £800-£900.

Windows laptops vs MacBooks

There was once a time when the differences between Macs and Windows laptops would be noticeable enough to make this decision tougher. However, with the widespread migration to the cloud, the truth is that both avenues serve up options that will tick most boxes.

The rise of cloud-based applications and tools has ramped up the convenience factor for end-users, taking some of the weight out of the software side of the decision. These days, the consideration revolves more around security, hardware, cost, and even style.

If you’re after a stylish and secure device that can add some power to creative tasks, then a MacBook has you covered. If you’re looking for a more affordable, customisable platform that the user base will need little familiarising with, a Windows laptop may be the best option.

Many businesses find themselves implementing a hybrid mix of the two across their organisation, allowing them to get the best of both worlds. Ultimately, that decision would largely come down to budget, size of the workforce, existing skill sets of staff, and the business’ existing device management system – but, whatever route you go down, there are some fantastic options on the market.

When it comes to running a business of any size, having a robust IT platform is essential if you hope to maximise productivity.

Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system underpins many organisation’s IT operations and offers a number of features and tools to help drive day-to-day business tasks. The platform has found the sweet spot between retaining the familiarity of previous Windows iterations, and the successful addition of modern features.

The OS offers three main versions: Home, Pro, and Enterprise. Choosing between these can be a little confusing as there are many overlapping features, but choosing the right one will provide the foundations for a fruitful and secure IT setup.

We take a look below at the key features that each one provides and how they stack up against each other to help you make the right call for your business.

How Windows 10 licencing works

Windows Home users that decide that the Pro version is more suited to their business needs can simply upgrade from their current version at any time.

However, while Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro are distinct variations of the OS, Windows 10 Enterprise is effectively an additional licence that builds upon the Pro version to make it more suitable to larger organisations. In order to utilise this add-on, you must first have an active Windows 10 Pro licence.

To confuse things further, there are two Enterprise subscription options available – E3 and E5 – and they essentially pack in more advanced security features and functionality across the IT ecosystem. With E3, for example, Windows 10 Enterprise can be deployed on up to five devices per user covered by the licence.

With these Enterprise licences, Microsoft says its aim is to provide small- and medium-sized businesses with flexible access to Windows 10 Enterprise features, which are unavailable in the Pro version.

Windows 10 Security features

With the ever-increasing risk of malicious software attacks, security is perhaps the most important element for a business when deciding on which operating system to implement.

Windows 10 Home edition covers the basics suitable for individual users and even some small businesses - including features such as Windows Hello, device encryption, firewall and network protection, and more.

Windows 10 Pro, which is geared more towards business use, offers more on top of that, throwing in BitLocker device disk encryption, which helps protect key business information – including when devices may be lost or stolen. It also offers Windows Information Protection (WIP) for defence against potential data theft across enterprise apps, Assigned Access 8.1, as well as Windows Hello for Business.

Windows 10 Enterprise Edition includes all the features above but with additional perks to further help mid-to-large size IT teams and organisations. Ultimately, this version has been designed to protect multiple endpoints, as well as enable centralised efficient software deployment, principally through its ‘Guard’ branded tools.

One such tool is Credential Guard, which leverages features such as Secure Boot and virtualisation to protect important data, only allowing access to privileged users. It’s a handy business tool as it blocks malicious software from accessing sensitive information through use of virtualisation-based isolation, helping to prevent credential theft attacks such as Pass-the-Hash and Pass-the-Ticket.

It does this by safeguarding NTLM password hashes, Kerberos Ticket Granting Tickets, as well as sensitive domain credentials stored by applications.

To complement Credential Guard, Windows 10 Enterprise also offers Device Guard, a group of hardware and software features that work together to allow only trusted apps to run on a device.

Usually, applications are trusted unless security software actively blocks them. Device Guard essentially flips this logic on its head with a zero-trust approach, and restricts Windows 10 only allowing apps to run that have been authorised by the business’ code integrity policies.

Enterprises can implement and manage Device Guard easily through Group Policy settings, Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager, Windows PowerShell, and Microsoft InTune.

Additionally, with the Enterprise E5 licence, businesses can also leverage Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, an endpoint security platform design to help tackle and prevent advanced threats across user devices.

Below is a selection of the key security features found with each version of Windows 10.

Windows 10 Productivity tools

In terms of productivity features, all three of these Windows 10 versions largely offer the same range of applications and tools, including Microsoft Search in Windows 10, the Microsoft Edge browser, Microsoft’s Cortana voice assistant, and access to OneDrive cloud storage options.

There’s also the familiar Microsoft 365 family of productivity apps – which include the likes of Word, Excel and PowerPoint – as well as Microsoft Whiteboard, OneNote, and Windows Ink.

With Microsoft 365, Home and single users can either create a free Microsoft account or sign in with an existing one to get started. For businesses, Microsoft offers three subscription plans:

• Business Basic (£4.50 user/month)
• Business Standard (£9.40 user/month)
• Business Premium (£16.60 user/month)

With the latter, you get the whole package, including advanced security and device management features not present with the Basic and Standard subscriptions.

For those that just require the apps, there’s also Microsoft 365 Apps for business at a cost of £7.90 user/month, providing desktop versions of the classic Office apps, file storage with 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage, and cross-device availability for up to five devices per user.

As Microsoft 365 is delivered as a service, these tools are available across all versions of Windows 10, with Enterprise editions of the operating system naturally allowing for greater centralised control of app visibility for its end users.

Elsewhere, Windows 10 Enterprise users also get access to SMB Direct for transferring large amounts of data with minimal CPU usage, as well as persistent memory for the most demanding apps and data.

Windows 10 Management tools

Alongside security, deployment of software and updates is a crucial part of running a successful IT department. Naturally, this is where the Pro and Enterprise versions come into their own, offering a host of features that are not present on the Home edition.

Both of these versions offer an array of management and deployment tools, which include Mobile Device Management, shared PC mode, Windows Hello Management, a kiosk mode, and more.

With the Enterprise licences, businesses also get access to a number of other features to help manage their IT landscape. These include Application Virtualization (App-V), which is designed to make applications available to end users without installing that software directly on their device.

There’s also User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) for capturing user-customised Windows settings and storing them on a centrally managed network file share, while the Managed User Experience helps customise a Windows device user’s interface to restrict it to a certain task – particularly ideal for training purposes.

Windows 10 Design and navigation

All three of these Windows 10 versions offer a design that’s at once familiar to the end user and an improvement over older iterations of Microsoft’s operating system. The customisable Start Menu and taskbar offer quick access to applications either via alphabetical listing or a quick search feature.

Those familiar with previous Windows versions will feel comfortable navigating the file system, control panel and all the usual options. For IT professionals, security and deployment features are robust and easy to deploy for those with the know-how, thanks to the plethora of tools available.

The cross-device connectivity is also fluent and intuitive, allowing for easy access to files and tools whether signed in to a laptop, desktop, tablet, or mobile, and regardless of the OS variant that’s running.

In terms of installing OS and system updates, the businesses-orientated editions of Windows 10 can utilise the Windows Update for Business service, which allows updates to be deployed from a central console.

Essentially, though, if users can find their way around one version of Windows 10, they’ll have little trouble navigating other versions thanks to the platform’s familiar design and uniformity. There’s very little difference between Home, Pro, and Enterprise in terms of design.

Instead, the key differences are found in the management tools available and security functionality offered by the licence in play - making those elements of greater importance for businesses.

Windows 10 Home vs Pro vs Enterprise

As its name suggests, Windows 10 Home is a great option for sole or home use, offering crucial security features to protect personal data or private work information. If you run a small, self-employed business, its features can help you get the most from your day-to-day activities.

Windows 10 Pro ramps things up and its more advanced selection of features and tools make it better suited to helping small- and medium-sized businesses. Security is placed at the forefront of its functionality to ensure data is protected and users can get the most from their productivity apps.

For larger organisations that require more robust and intricate security across a greater number of endpoints, Windows 10 Enterprise subscription options represent the best way of keeping business and personal data secure and ensuring the safe deployment of key software and updates.

Additionally, users who are considering upgrading to Windows 11 should be aware that Microsoft has also introduced Windows 11 Home and Pro to its new operating system. Since Windows 10 is being developed alongside Windows 11 until October 2024, there's no rush to currently change. Despite this, when the time comes, businesses will have to choose between Windows 11 Home vs Pro depending on their teams' needs.