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The midrange VPN provider market is a hotly contested one, with lots of great providers both free and paid jostling for position. VyprVPN is a provider that you might not be immediately familiar with, but it’s been around since 2010, which is longer than some of the biggest and best VPNs in the market.

We last reviewed VyprVPN back in 2023, and found it to be a decent enough option, but there were some caveats we hoped that the provider would improve. Has anything changed in the two years since? Sadly, yes, and not for the better, with a number of features being removed or limited.

We’re going to look at whether this venerable VPN provider is still one you should trust with your online privacy.

Features

VyprVPN is not the most feature-packed provider on the market, but it has enough to satisfy users who need a basic product to keep them safe online.

There’s public Wi-Fi protection, which will automatically boot the VPN if you connect to an unsecured network, very useful for business travellers and people on holiday, as the free hotspots in hotels, airports, and cafes are often frequented by opportunistic cybercriminals.

Android and desktop users get a far wider range of features and customization options than their iOS counterparts. The iOS client features almost no additional features, not even a kill switch, which will cut your internet connection in the event of your VPN dropping out, making sure that you don’t leak any unprotected information.

Some features are standard across all apps, such as public Wi-Fi protection, the ability to automatically reconnect the VPN if the connection is dropped, a choice of VPN protocols including IKE v2, OpenVPN, WireGuard and VyprVPN’s own “Chameleon” obfuscated protocol which is designed to be used in environments where VPN use is heavily monitored and/or blocked.

(Image credit: Shaun Rockwood)

There’s also the option to choose between an “Advanced” connection, where you pick the server you want to connect to each time, or “Quick Connect,” where the VPN automatically picks a server from a region you choose in advance. Keep in mind, however, that there’s no way to pick a UK server with this option. Presumably, it gets lumped in with the “Europe” region.

Non-iOS users get more options, including split-tunneling, which VyprVPN calls “Connection per App”, the ability to choose the DNS server you want to use, including VyprVPN’s open zero-log VyprDNS, and the ability to have the VPN automatically start and connect when the device boots up, ensuring that you never end up browsing the net unprotected.

Features score: 4/10

Server network

VyprVPN currently offers 73 different locations to choose from around the world, with a decent spread of countries on offer. Its site claims that it has 96 servers, but that’s just not what we see in the app, which would suggest this is another area where VyprVPN has gone backwards in its offering.

Where VyprVPN further struggles compared to other providers is that almost all of these countries only have a single server. This means if you really need to access a particular piece of geo-locked content in, for example, the UK, and that particular server doesn’t work for you, then there are no other locations to try.

The only exceptions to this are the USA and Australia, which both have multiple locations – 8 in the USA and 3 in Australia.

Server network score: 4/10

Apps

Some VPN providers spend a huge amount of time on their Windows app to the detriment of other platforms, but VyprVPN has done a good job of making sure that all mobile platforms match their desktop counterpart.

The macOS and mobile apps look and feel almost identical to the Windows version, right down to the color scheme and layout.

Linux users are, as often happens, left with only a CLI setup option rather than an app, and even then, it’s tailored for only specific versions of Ubuntu. So, if you’re a Linux novice, you might be better off elsewhere.

The Apple versions of the app are rather bare-bones compared to the other options – disappointing news for folks on the hunt for an iPhone VPN. Some of that is down to Apple restricting access to the underlying operating system rather than any fault on the part of VyprVPN, but Apple isn’t entirely to blame here.

Other offerings from companies like Sufshark offer automatic connection, a kill switch, and even an Apple-friendly form of split-tunneling/whitelisting, so there are plenty more functions that could be here, but VyprVPN has seemingly chosen not to include them.

VyprVPN has done a good job of keeping its app clean and simple to use on all platforms, though the blinking snake eyes and pulsing ring while connected won’t be to everyone’s taste and can be rather distracting if you leave the app on screen.

Apps score: 5/10

Ease of use

VyprVPN’s apps are easy to use and some of the best beginner VPNs we've come across. There are two buttons, one showing the location you’ve picked, and the other that says Connect/Disconnect, and that’s it.

It’s not quite as foolproof as the big, friendly power button that so many other providers use, but it’s nice and straightforward.

It would have been nice to see a convenient drop-down of locations to pick from; instead, this is on a separate tab. That said, if you click on a new location, then it automatically connects the VPN, which is nice to see and makes trying out new servers a simple process.

(Image credit: Shaun Rockwood)

The settings screen is cleanly laid out, with a small explanation for what each setting does to help newer users understand just what they’re changing, though, for some reason, the automatic reconnect description seems to be truncated on iOS devices, with the last word missing.

There’s even a small icon in the top right of the screen that shows you useful information about your VPN connection, including the status, how long you’ve been connected, what your VPN IP address is, and how much data has been uploaded and downloaded, which can be very useful for those traveling overseas on a data-limited connection.

Ease of use score: 6/10

Speed and performance

To measure how a VPN provider stacks up in the real world and where it places in our fastest VPN rankings, we measure download speeds multiple times, with multiple speed test sites and apps. These include SpeedTest, Cloudflare, and Measurement Lab, used across multiple sessions in US and UK locations.

VyprVPN’s WireGuard speeds were remarkably solid for much of our testing. We regularly saw speeds over 600 Mbps when connected to the UK, USA, Europe, and even the Japanese location, which is quite impressive as servers in Asian locations are often substantially slower than those in the Western parts of the world.

The same can’t be said for VyprVPN’s OpenVPN speeds. While it’s accepted that OpenVPN will always be slower than WireGuard, the results we saw were still far slower than we would expect.

UK speeds often dipped below 40 Mbps, US servers returned around 40-60 Mbps, and Asian speeds fluctuated between 25-40 Mbps. These results are similar to what we saw the last time we reviewed this provider, so while there’s been no improvement, the speeds haven’t gotten any worse, either.

(Image credit: Shaun Rockwood)

To put these speeds into context, 4K streaming, for instance, requires connection speeds of 25 Mbps. So while you could stream high-def content with VyprVPN, you wouldn’t be able to do too much else without potentially encountering problems with buffering or the image quality suffering.

Connection speeds are important for downloading and streaming media, but another important factor is latency or “ping”. Your ping is a very important factor in online gaming as it measures the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the game’s server and back again. In other words, this is the amount of time it takes the game to fire your weapon after you click your mouse or tap on the screen.

Ping is measured in milliseconds (ms), and you want to always try and connect to a server that offers you the lowest ping possible. The lower your ping, the faster your in-game actions are received by the server, resulting in smoother and more accurate gameplay. If you’ve ever been in a multiplayer game and seen someone jerking when they move or seeming to teleport back and forward, that’s someone with a very high ping suffering from what’s commonly known as lag.

Speed and performance score: 6/10

Unblocking

Unblocking streaming services in other countries with VyprVPN is a bit of a mixed bag. We had some success in testing, with VyprVPN working with Disney+ in both the UK and the US.

Amazon Prime Video was a bit more hit-and-miss in both the US and the UK. We could stream most content, but not all. We had similar problems the last time we reviewed this provider, and it looks like these issues still persist. We had no luck with Netflix UK/US, too, and BBC iPlayer simply refused to load. All in all, VyprVPN isn't a viable streaming VPN.

VyprVPN fares better as a torrenting VPN. There are no specific servers for streaming or torrenting, so you can use whichever is closest to you. In testing, we were able to access common torrenting sites and download torrent and magnet files without issue. Connection speeds while downloading torrents were fine. Nothing spectacular, but they were quick enough to get the job done.

Unblocking score: 4/10

Privacy and Security

While better than some of the lesser-known VPN providers out there, VyprVPN could do a whole lot better when it comes to the security and privacy of its users. It’s a good thing to see it offering up-to-date VPN protocols, like WireGuard, as well as giving users the ability to choose from a variety of other options to fit their needs.

The WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols are supported across all platforms, and VyprVPN even has its own custom VPN masking protocol called Chameleon that can help bypass aggressive VPN blocking. VyprVPN even has its own private DNS servers you can use to make sure you’re leaving as little of a digital footprint as possible.

Unfortunately, that’s all the VPN offers. There’s no malware or ad blocking, no antivirus, no website filtering, no TOR over VPN, or even multi-hop servers.

VyprVPN does, at least, protect user data with strong encryption capabilities. It supports the industry-standard AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy. This is a technique that ensures that a different encryption key is used every time a connection is made, so even if an attacker did somehow obtain an encryption key, they would only be able to access data in that particular session before the key was rendered useless.

The company has also undergone a third-party audit, which was carried out by Leviathan Security. We always love to see a VPN provider willing to undergo an audit, as it shows the provider is serious about its privacy claims. It is, however, a shame that VyprVPN hasn’t had another audit carried out since this was completed back in 2018. That’s 7 years ago, and a lot has changed in that time.

Privacy and security score: 5/10

Track record

The biggest change with VyprVPN happened back in 2023. The company is now owned by Certida and is incorporated in the USA. Previously, it was based in Switzerland, so this is a loss in terms of user privacy and consumer protection.

The company also didn’t make any real effort to inform its users about this change, with nothing being published on the website to reflect the change of owner or location.

This seems to have gone hand-in-hand with a reduction in the level of service the company offers, with apps and support for NAS devices and routers vanishing from the company website (although the support portal still has manual setup instructions for routers) along with a reduction in the number of simultaneous connections for new users, dropping from 10 to 5, and URL filtering disappearing from the app as well.

All this means that while the price has remained unchanged, you’re paying the same amount for fewer features.

Track record score: 4/10

Customer support

VyprVPN has a dedicated support portal, where a knowledge base provides setup instructions, troubleshooting guidance, and specific advice for various device types, but it’s not the most coherent or up-to-date offering we’ve ever tried to use.

For example, on the front page there’s a link to the 'VyprVPN forum', but when you click on it, you get an 'Error 404: Page Not Found' error message. That dead link has been there since we last reviewed this VPN provider in 2023, suggesting there’s not a lot of active maintenance of the support site going on.

The rest of the support portal is quite well stocked with helpful content, though it would be nice to see the articles go into more depth to help users troubleshoot their problems. Some of the articles are little more than a couple of lines long, with not even a screenshot to help beginner users find their way..

If you can’t find what you need on the portal, there’s an AI support bot that can help out and point you to useful support topics. If you’d rather not use it, then you also have the option to send a message to the support team to ask for help, or to chat live with a support engineer if you need assistance then and there.

Customer support score: 1/10

(Image credit: Shaun Rockwood)Pricing and plans

VyprVPN offers three straightforward price plans. There are no other tiers, and you don’t get any additional features if you pay more money. Its prices are comparable to other mid-range VPN providers such as Proton or Windscrib,e and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not the right option for you.

• 2 years - $72
• 1 year - $60
• 1 month - $10

(Image credit: Shaun Rockwood)

On the sign-up page, there’s some confusion over what you get for your money, with the main VyprVPN page stating you get 10 simultaneous connections, but the “Choose a plan” page states it’s only 5. On reaching out to support for clarity, we were informed that users who have signed up previously get 10 connections while new users get only 5.

This is not clearly stated anywhere on the main VyprVPN page, and even checking the support portal leads you to an article that tells you to contact the support team to verify how many connections are included in your subscription. This information should be front and center and clearly stated. It shouldn’t be something we have to dig to try and find.

Pricing and plans score: 5/10

Should you use VyprVPN?

As a VPN provider, VyprVPN’s overall offering is fine. It’s solidly average, and that’s both a strength and a weakness. If you need a VPN that won’t break the bank and has decent abilities for torrenting and unblocks the streaming sites you use, as well as offering adequate download speeds, then VyprVPN has you covered.

The problem is that so do dozens of other providers, some of which cost less and offer better features.

VyprVPN doesn’t do enough to make itself stand out in a market crowded with providers all eager for your money, and lets itself down in a number of ways. The features it offers seem to have diminished over the years rather than evolving; it’s unclear about the things it supports, and it doesn't make enough of an effort to keep its website up to date with accurate information about its product offering.

To sum up, VyprVPN isn’t a bad VPN, but it’s not a particularly good one either.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

AI is no longer just a buzzword. The manufacturing industry has reached a stage where both the technology and the mindset exist to embrace real, practical applications of AI and create tangible value on the factory floor.

For many manufacturers, that journey doesn’t require starting from scratch. In fact, it can start with the data humming quietly inside the ERP software you already trust every day.

By turning that wealth of real-time production, inventory, and supplier data into fast, predictive insight, manufacturers can cut waste, dodge disruptions, and outpace competitors – all without ripping out existing systems.

In other words, the path to an AI-powered factory floor begins not with wholesale reinvention, but with smarter use of what’s already at your fingertips.

With that in mind, here are five practical ways manufacturers can start unlocking that value, without needing to reinvent the wheel.

1. Tap into real-time data for faster, smarter decisions

ERP systems hold a wealth of real-time operational data. AI can analyze this information quickly, helping manufacturers optimize daily processes like procurement, inventory planning, and customer service.

To make the most of this data, manufacturers don’t need to start from scratch. With AI tools like dashboards, real-time alerts, and insights built right into existing systems, it’s easier to spot trends, track performance, and act on changes as they happen. Instead of digging through reports or jumping between platforms, teams get the information they need right when they need it, helping them make smarter, faster decisions with more confidence.

For example, with embedded tools in place, AI can forecast demand patterns and suggest order schedules, helping avoid stockouts or excess inventory that ties up cash. It can also consolidate customer data across touchpoints, providing clearer insights into behavior and preferences, supporting better service and more targeted communications.

When used well, AI turns existing data into a powerful decision-making engine.

2. Make small tech enhancements that deliver big gains

Rather than undertaking a full system overhaul to benefit from AI, many manufacturers have turned to optimization and focusing on enhancing the tools they already have in place, through the form of “micro innovations.”

By making small, targeted upgrades to existing systems, manufacturers can deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and performance without disrupting day-to-day operations. On the factory floor, we’re seeing smart tech guide workers through complex tasks, improve workforce scheduling, and streamline everything from planning and forecasting to last-mile delivery.

These “micro-innovations” are easier to roll out and less risky than large-scale digital transformation, making them a practical choice in today’s cautious investment climate. And by improving what’s already in place, manufacturers can unlock more value with minimal disruption and less cost.

3. Free up teams by automating manual tasks

AI’s real strength lies in removing the repetitive jobs that eat up time and limit productivity. From processing supplier quotes to managing documents, many of these tasks can now be handled by AI tools, freeing up staff to focus on higher-value work.

For example, instead of manually sorting through customer records or tracking down compliance paperwork, AI can surface the right information instantly. This not only saves time but reduces the risk of errors. It also improves employee experience, as teams spend less time on admin and more time doing work that adds real value.

Manufacturers can take advantage of these efficiencies by applying AI to the systems they already use every day. Rather than building something new, it’s about enhancing what’s already in place. That way, IT automation becomes a practical, accessible step in the broader AI journey, not a major leap.

4. Focus on clear, practical use cases

The most effective AI projects start with a clear problem to solve. Whether it’s improving customer service, reducing waste, or managing risk in the supply chain, the best results come from targeted, purpose-driven use cases.

Manufacturers can start by looking at the everyday problems that slow things down, like repetitive tasks, frequent errors, or processes that take too long or cost too much. Once those pain points are clear, it’s easier to work backwards and see where AI could help. It’s also worth speaking to the people on the ground — they usually know exactly where things get stuck and where small improvements could make a big difference.

For instance, one practical use case is demand forecasting — analysing historical trends, seasonal shifts, and supplier timelines to ensure the right stock is in the right place at the right time. Another is improving visibility by merging data across departments to build a clearer, shared picture of operations.

Starting small and staying focused is the best way for manufacturers to prove value quickly and build momentum for wider AI adoption.

5. Build confidence with governance and control

AI is a powerful tool, but it must be implemented responsibly. Manufacturers operate in complex, often highly regulated environments, and any AI system must align with strict data access, compliance, and security standards.

That means AI tools should respect user permissions and keep data contained within trusted environments. Just as importantly, outputs need to be monitored and validated, ensuring humans stay in the loop, particularly when decisions carry operational or financial risk.

Strong governance builds trust. And when teams trust the technology, they’re more likely to use it — and use it well.

The future starts with what you already have

Many manufacturers already have what they need to start unlocking the benefits of AI — a lot of the tools, data, and systems are often already in place. The key is taking that first step.

By focusing on small, high-impact opportunities and making better use of the data already at their fingertips, AI becomes less of a leap and more of a natural next move.

You don’t need a big bang strategy. Just the right tools, clear priorities, and a willingness to start.

We list the best business plan software.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Commentary: In the age of Gemini, non-Google AI looks increasingly like early Android bloatware.

Marvel Rivals Summer swimsuit skins are here, adding in beach-ready outfits for a selection of Heroes – and yes, that includes The Thing in a Speedo. There's a whole bunch to unlock for free, as well as a Premium upgrade that gives you access to more rewards.

I've now played hundreds of hours of Marvel Rivals since launch, and have been impressed by just how frequently it manages to completely overhaul the Competitive Mode meta. Every month or so, a new Hero is added, bringing in new ways to take down enemies and providing even more possible Team Up combinations. It's speedy updates like these that have landed Marvel Rivals firmly on my list of the best PC games to play in 2025.

Now that the Summer skins have arrived in Marvel Rivals, I'll lead you through the new swimsuit outfits on offer. Some are locked to store purchases, while others, like Luna Snow's new Cool Summer skin, can be earned via a new mini Battle Pass. Here's what you need to know.

Marvel Rivals Summer skins list

(Image credit: NetEase)

Marvel Rivals Summer skins are now in the game. You can check out the list below to see what's been added before I go into some more detail on each of the new skins.

• Psylocke - Breezy Butterfly (Store on July 17 at 10PM ET/July 17 at 7PM PT / July 18 at 3AM BST)
• Loki - Robe of Relaxation (Store on July 17 at 10PM ET/July 17 at 7PM PT / July 18 at 3AM BST)
• Thor - Worthy Waves (free Battle Pass reward)
• Luna Snow - Cool Summer (premium Battle Pass reward)
• The Thing - Sunshine Thing (premium Battle Pass reward)

As you can see, some of the Summer skins need to be purchased from the Store, while others are part of the new mini-Battle Pass. In the Battle Pass, there are free rewards as well as an optional premium rewards track. Thor's Summer skin is a free reward, while Luna Snow and The Thing can only be earned by purchasing the premium pass.

Marvel Rivals Psylocke Summer skin

(Image credit: NetEase)

Psylocke's Summer skin is called Breezy Butterfly. There are two additional color swap variations: Moonlit Mirage and Violet Veil. At present, these can only be purchased from the store as part of the Breezy Butterfly Bundle. You will then need Unstable Molecules to unlock the alternate colors. Available in the store on July 17 at 10PM ET/July 17 at 7PM PT / July 18 at 3AM BST.

Marvel Rivals Thor Summer skin

(Image credit: NetEase)

Next up is Thor, who gets the new Thor - Worthy Waves skin. This one has a single color variant: Thor - Worthy Waves (Azure Skies), which must be purchased with Unstable Molecules. The skin itself is available as part of the free rewards track in the new event pass.

Marvel Rivals Luna Snow Summer skin

(Image credit: NetEase)

Luna Snow - Cool Summer is a premium reward in the new event pass. You'll need to upgrade the standard pass to be able to earn it. There are two color variants: Radiant Radiance and Prismatic Pulse. As with other color swaps, you'll need Unstable Molecules. Some can be earned via the main Battle Pass, and some in the premium event pass.

Marvel Rivals The Thing Summer skin

(Image credit: NetEase)

Well, Marvel Rivals players, I hope you're happy. The Thing gets his Speedo on in the The Sunshine Thing skin, which can be earned via the premium event pass. This one doesn't have color variants, which is probably fair given just how little actual clothing is on show here.

Marvel Rivals Loki Summer skin

(Image credit: NetEase)

Finally, there's the Loki - Robe of Relaxation skin, which sees the God of Mischief donning a rather fetching summer hat. This one has the Tidal Trickery color variant. You'll be able to pick these up in Store on July 17 at 10PM ET/July 17 at 7PM PT / July 18 at 3AM BST.

Marvel Rivals Summer Special event rewards

(Image credit: NetEase)

Now, let's take a look at the full list of rewards available in the Summer Special event mini-pass. I've indicated which rewards are free and which ones require the premium upgrade to earn.

• Page One: Sunshine Thing skin(premium), Loki Mood Bundle, Sunshine Thing Spray, Sunshine Thing Nameplate, 200 x Unstable Molecules, It's Readin' Time Emote, Psylocke Emoji Bundle (premium)
• Page Two: Worthy Waves Spray, Worthy Waves Nameplate, Throg Emote, Thor - Emoji Bundle (premium), 200 x Unstable Molecules, Maritime Mischief MVP, Worthy Waves skin
• Page Three: Cool Summer Spray, Cool Summer nameplate (premium), Frosty Fortress Emote, Luna Snow Mood Bundle (premium), Summer Spectacular Gallery Card, Frozen Flow MVP(premium), Cool Summer skin (premium)

These rewards can now be earned in-game and will leave on August 15, 2025. Upgrade to the premium track to keep the event pass for good, giving you more time to earn rewards.

You Might Also Like...

• Here's when to expect the next season of Marvel Rivals
• Marvel Rivals Crosshairs explained
• Marvel Rivals Mutant list: here's all of the playable Mutant Heroes

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Thursday, July 17 (game #501).

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #502) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Abracadabra!

NYT Strands today (game #502) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• SORE
• VILE
• SPITE
• SAILED
• SLIP
• CAMP

NYT Strands today (game #502) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 8 letters

NYT Strands today (game #502) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 4th row

Last side: right, 1st row

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #502) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #502, are…

• ESCAPE
• LEVITATE
• MULTIPLY
• DISAPPEAR
• TRANSFORM
• SPANGRAM: ITS MAGIC

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 2 hints

I found today’s search incredibly hard. And that’s despite the fact that the very first word I saw on the board was magic (it took me a little bit longer to spot ITS MAGIC).

Ever since Penn & Teller and more recently David Blaine, magic has changed from sheer wonder to curiosity over how a trick is done – we are far less likely to accept that some supernatural power is at play than previous generations, or to accept the mystery.

Because of this I struggled to think of any words that could be connected to magic. And then when I did take a hint and the letters were highlighted I struggled to find words within the twists and turns. Had Strands made them DISAPPEAR somehow? 

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Thursday, July 17, game #501)

• BOXES
• MEZZANINE
• LOBBY
• BALCONY
• WINGS
• ORCHESTRA
• SPANGRAM: THEATERS

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Thursday, July 17 (game #767).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #768) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• SEE
• SPOT
• RUN
• CATCH
• COBRA
• SLIDE
• GUITAR
• STRING
• BLANKET
• BRIDGE
• EEL
• COW
• STREAK
• NOTE
• WHEEL
• SERIES

NYT Connections today (game #768) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: Order
• GREEN: I spy
• BLUE: Stretch
• PURPLE: Precede with an energetic word

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #768) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: SEQUENCE 
• GREEN: PICK UP ON 
• BLUE: YOGA BACKBENDS
• PURPLE: ELECTRIC -___

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #768) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #768, are…

• YELLOW: SEQUENCE RUN, SERIES, STREAK, STRING
• GREEN: PICK UP ON CATCH, NOTE, SEE, SPOT
• BLUE: YOGA BACKBENDS BRIDGE, COBRA, COW, WHEEL
• PURPLE: ELECTRIC -___ BLANKET, EEL, GUITAR, SLIDE

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 1 mistake

I was going great guns today until I hit a brick wall with eight words remaining.

I attend a very basic form of yoga – basically it’s for people incapable of doing real yoga – and the teacher will occasionally mention things like the warrior or BRIDGE, but I think the COBRA, COW and WHEEL must be for the more advanced stretchers. I’m still annoyed I didn’t spot the connection, though.

Instead, thinking that SLIDE and GUITAR were connected I somehow fudged a group together with EEL and BRIDGE and after getting one away got the purple group correct without knowing what the connection was. I had to google electric slide to find out it’s a line dance.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Thursday, July 17 game #767)

• YELLOW: MEDDLE NOSE AROUND, POKE, PRY, SNOOP
• GREEN: WORDS AFTER "NO" TO MEAN "IT'S ALL GOOD" BIGGIE, HARD FEELINGS, SWEAT, WORRIES
• BLUE: SUPER__ GLUE, MARIO WORLD, PAC, POWER
• PURPLE: ENDING WITH FISH CAMISOLE, CAPE COD, DRUM AND BASS, WU-TANG

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Thursday, July 17 (game #1270).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1271) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1271) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.

Quordle today (game #1271) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1271) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1271) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• C

• F

• F

• T

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1271) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1271, are…

• CINCH
• FOYER
• FUDGE
• TAFFY

I feel as if Quordle is playing mind games with me. Yesterday, I had a choice between power and FOYER for one of my words and I picked power, today it was exactly the same but I picked foyer.

This moment of slightly askew deja-vu was followed by two chewy food substances that are bad for your teeth TAFFY and FUDGE. Both items that I will now be craving until tomorrow’s game.

Daily Sequence today (game #1271) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1271, are…

• CLEAN
• SASSY
• HOLLY
• EMBER

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1270, Thursday, 17 July: CRESS, TABOO, POWER, HATER
• Quordle #1269, Wednesday, 16 July: UNCLE, NADIR, REMIT, BROOM
• Quordle #1268, Tuesday, 15 July: VILLA, FLECK, TIGER, CRANE
• Quordle #1267, Monday, 14 July: SURGE, PIZZA, PAPER, POPPY
• Quordle #1266, Sunday, 13 July: KAYAK, DECRY, RUDDY, HATER
• Quordle #1265, Saturday, 12 July: WREAK, NANNY, CLASP, STAIN
• Quordle #1264, Friday, 11 July: LAPEL, DRAIN, FROND, GROSS
• Quordle #1263, Thursday, 10 July: CROSS, WHEEL, UNDID, PENCE
• Quordle #1262, Wednesday, 9 July: SHIRE, SIXTH, SINGE, IMAGE
• Quordle #1261, Tuesday, 8 July: PLIED, PRANK, GAWKY, OXIDE
• Quordle #1260, Monday, 7 July: DROLL, TRUCE, TWIRL, SINCE
• Quordle #1259, Sunday, 6 July: AMPLY, SPAWN, EXTOL, RIDGE
• Quordle #1258, Saturday, 5 July: HAVEN, SNAKE, DREAM, TORUS
• Quordle #1257, Friday, 4 July: FAVOR, SKUNK, GAWKY, FLUFF
• Quordle #1256, Thursday, 3 July: DANCE, EYING, GLAZE, EGRET
• Quordle #1255, Wednesday, 2 July: INANE, SCOUR, ELITE, ULCER
• Quordle #1254, Tuesday, 1 July: REBAR, YEARN, FORTH, CROWD
• Quordle #1253, Monday, 30 June: INGOT, INFER, TAPIR, CLUED
• Quordle #1252, Sunday, 29 June: MIRTH, APTLY, SCRUB, SMACK

Astrill VPN sets itself apart from the big names in our best VPN rankings by offering specialized features that bypass internet restrictions. However, it's not cheap, and prices start at an eye-watering $30 per month.

There's a reason for the hefty price tag, though. Astrill VPN targets a niche market of folks who need advanced obfuscation technology rather than more casual users.

Astrill VPN's proprietary protocols are designed to bypass network restrictions, making it one of only a handful of reliable China VPNs. However, its dated interface, limited global server coverage, and high price point make it a tough sell if you’re looking for basic protection or streaming capabilities.

Features

Astrill VPN distinguishes itself with a specialized feature set designed primarily for unblocking websites in particularly restrictive internet environments. Beyond standard AES-256 encryption and DNS leak protection, Astrill offers two proprietary VPN protocols: OpenWeb, which disguises VPN traffic as regular web browsing, and StealthVPN, an advanced obfuscation protocol engineered to bypass sophisticated censorship systems through deep packet inspection avoidance.

We found that both are significantly faster than the industry darling, OpenVPN, but they cover your browsing traffic first. This means that you'll have to fiddle around with settings if you want OpenWeb to cover all of your internet connection and not just your browser.

Astrill VPN's premium tier offers a VIP package with multi-hop connections and priority servers (limited to 100 GB monthly per server), as well as optional dedicated IP addresses for more reliable access to services that block shared VPN IPs.

Both features require additional payment beyond the standard subscription. Business plans that include centralized management capabilities for organizations with 10+ users are also available.

The client includes customizable split tunneling for routing specific apps or websites through or around the VPN, and an "App Guard" kill switch on desktop platforms that can selectively block the internet connection for specific applications when disconnected. Unfortunately, this feature is absent from the iOS and Android apps.

Astrill’s "VPN Sharing" feature allows your primary VPN device to function as a VPN hub for other connected devices, essentially acting as a proxy for devices that can’t load a full VPN client onto them. Pretty handy if you’ve got IoT devices you’d like to keep protected. There’s also support for ASUS Merlin and DD-WRT routers with a control applet that simplifies VPN management.

Despite these strengths, Astrill VPN lacks increasingly common features like Smart DNS for streaming devices. There is an ad-blocker available with the OpenWeb protocol, although this seems to be an instance of AdBlock Plus baked into the app. We found that the biggest issue with Astrill VPN is that the service limits you to just 5 simultaneous connections (with only one router connection permitted), which feels particularly limited compared to competitors offering 8-10 devices (or Surfshark’s unlimited connections).

Features score: 4/10

Server network

Astrill VPN's server network is somewhat modest compared to the likes of NordVPN. The service offers strong coverage across the United States, with servers spanning both East and West coasts as well as several states in between. There’s also decent representation in Western Europe, including multiple locations in the UK, France, and Germany.

However, Astrill VPN’s coverage of Africa, Asia, and South America leaves plenty to be desired.

One unusual aspect is that Astrill VPN is among the few VPNs still offering servers in Russia. That’s a double-edged sword given the potential security risks that have led many providers to withdraw from the country. Considering that these are physical servers, not virtual ones, you may wish to think twice before connecting.

The real issue we had with the servers while testing out Astrill is that server labeling is inconsistently applied, with some locations clearly marked by city while others are just labeled with numbers. Frankly, it’s a confusing experience when you’re trying to place your pin on the map.

Server network score: 6/10

Apps

Astrill VPN provides clients for all major platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

The Windows, macOS, and Linux clients feature a minimalist, black-and-white interface that feels decidedly dated with a design reminiscent of the early 2000s. The desktop app is surprisingly compact, occupying just a small corner of the screen and remaining tethered to the taskbar by default. While this space efficiency might appeal to some users, it can feel cramped and limited compared to modern VPN interfaces.

The Windows client provides the most comprehensive feature set, including the unique "App Guard" kill switch that allows users to specify which applications should lose internet access when the VPN disconnects. While this is useful for isolating specific applications like torrent clients, it’s less intuitive than the system-wide kill switches offered by other VPN providers.

The mobile VPN experince is somewhat more modern, particularly on Android where the app features a dark blue interface that feels more contemporary than its desktop counterpart. The core functionality remains similar with a large connect button, protocol selection, and server menu.

That’s where the positives end, however, as both the iOS and Android apps feel like a cut down version of the full Astrill app. Notably, the iOS app lacks WireGuard support, offering only TCP and UDP connection options for OpenVPN. While both mobile apps provide options to keep the VPN connected when the screen is off and auto-reconnect if the connection drops, they lack the proper kill switch feature that's available on desktop platforms.

Apps score: 5/10

Ease of use

Despite its dated appearance, Astrill VPN provides a relatively straightforward user experience. The installation process is simple, and the main dashboard, while not visually impressive, places essential functions front and center making it difficult to miss the primary connect button.

The client also has a built-in speed test tool that allows you to check ping times and connection speeds to nearby servers before connecting, which is a useful feature for optimizing performance. However, our testing revealed discrepancies between Astrill VPN's internal speed measurements and actual performance when connected.

Advanced configuration options are accessible through dedicated menus, including privacy settings for DNS leak protection and WebRTC leak fixes. The organization is logical, if not particularly elegant, making it functional but lacking the polish of VPN providers like ExpressVPN.

Ease of use score: 7/10

Speed and performance

Astrill VPN delivers adequate, if not exceptional, performance for everyday browsing and streaming. In our testing, we recorded speeds of around 56 Mbps while connected to Astrill's UK VPN server over OpenWeb, compared to 70 Mbps on our test connection without a VPN.

That’s a 20% speed reduction. With WireGuard, this rose to 60Mbps, whereas our OpenVPN speeds were only 45Mbps.

The service's built-in speed test tool suggested performance comparable to our base connection speeds, but our real-world testing with independent tools showed this to be somewhat optimistic. Nevertheless, the speeds we achieved are more than sufficient for 4K streaming on services like Netflix, which requires only about 25 Mbps.

How we perform speed tests

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

We test from two different virtual PCs, one in the UK and one in the US. We’re expecting big things out of NordVPN, as both of these servers have a 1 Gbs connection. You can find out more in our VPN testing methodology.

Connection times are almost instantaneous through OpenWeb and StealthVPN, though we found they were unusually long through OpenVPN. You also can’t change your location without disconnecting from OpenVPN first, which made testing servers for our streaming setup a tedious process.

The VIP package promises enhanced speeds through priority servers and we found this was the case, boosting our download speed to 68Mbps. However, given the additional cost on top of an already premium price, the standard servers should be adequate for your needs unless you’re specifically looking for one of today's fastest VPNs.

Speed and performance score: 5/10

Unblocking

Astrill VPN has mixed streaming capabilities based on our recent testing. The service successfully allowed us to access US Netflix, but our experiences with regional Netflix content was a mixed bag. Unfortunately, we couldn’t watch content in Canada, UK, Japan, or Australia, so it's not exactly the best Netflix VPN on the market.

The VPN's performance with other streaming platforms is inconsistent. Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ worked on the American servers we used, although we had to go through multiple server locations before finding one that works. We also found that BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video simply wouldn’t work no matter what we did.

When Astrill VPN does successfully connect to streaming services, the video quality is generally good. We were able to stream in HD and 4K without significant buffering. However, we did find that loading times when using the base tier of Astrill VPN could occasionally be a little longer than we’d like.

For torrenting, Astrill supports P2P on many of its servers (marked with a star in the server list) and delivers reasonable speeds. The port forwarding feature available with StealthVPN enhances torrent connectivity, though the lack of a kill switch on mobile platforms is a significant drawback if you’re looking for the gold standard of torrenting VPNs.

Unblocking score: 3/10

Privacy and Security

On the technical side, Astrill VPN offers strong encryption through AES-256 standards and supports multiple protocols including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and proprietary offerings: OpenWeb and StealthVPN.

The latter two are specifically engineered to bypass sophisticated censorship systems in restrictive regions like China. The desktop applications feature comprehensive leak protection, with our testing confirming no DNS, IPv6, or WebRTC leaks when using the WireGuard protocol. Astrill VPN also provides built-in leak testing to check whether you’re exposed, but we’ve used third party tools to verify the results.

Astrill VPN makes strong claims about its privacy practices. Based in the privacy-friendly Lichtenstein (outside the Five Eyes surveillance alliance), Astrill should be well-positioned to protect user data.

As far as data retention goes, Astrill VPN states clearly in its privacy policy that it does not collect or store users' internet traffic, immediately deleting it from servers and removing IP addresses from connection logs as soon as sessions end. It claims to use RAM-only servers, which should completely wipe all networking data as soon as they’re unplugged. Therefore, if Astrill VPN’s servers are seized it’s unlikely law enforcement would be able to find any useful information about the provider's users.

However, we’ve found several concerning statements in the privacy policy. The service keeps records of users' last 20 connections, including connection time, duration, country, device type, and application version. While Astrill VPN claims this data is kept strictly for support purposes and is deleted after 30 days (or upon request), this is a level of logging that we’re not completely comfortable with.

Perhaps more worrying is that Astrill VPN's privacy policy hasn't been updated since May 2018. That’s an exceptionally long period without revision in the VPN world. Additionally, Astrill VPN has not commissioned any third-party audits to verify its privacy claims, making it difficult to independently confirm its practices.

Privacy and Security score: 3/10

Track record

Astrill VPN has been operating since 2009, making it one of the oldest active VPN providers in the industry today. It has traditionally positioned itself as a specialized VPN provider with a focus on bypassing censorship. In particular, Astrill VPN has built a reputation for consistently working in heavily restricted regions like China, where many VPN providers struggle to maintain reliable access.

However, Astrill VPN has not been as proactive as its competitors in demonstrating any security claims through independent audits or transparency reports. We’re also unimpressed with their current privacy policy, which has been gathering cobwebs since 2018.

At the very least, we can say that Astrill VPN has maintained a relatively low profile for the last few years. It hasn’t suffered from any major security incidents that we’re aware of, although without an independent security audit it’s difficult to say how secure its server architecture really is.

While Astrill VPN has made some notable contributions to the VPN industry with not one but two different proprietary obfuscation protocols, we get the sense that the service is a little outdated and hasn’t quite kept up with the modern feature set you’d get from a top-tier VPN.

Track record score: 4/10

Customer support

One thing we can’t fault Astrill VPN for is the level of customer support on offer. Astrill VPN claims that it provides 24/7 live support. This matches up with our experience, as we found that all of our interactions with Astrill VPN’s support were resolved very quickly by knowledgeable support agents.

Beyond live assistance, Astrill VPN maintains an extensive knowledge base in wiki format that goes well beyond basic setup instructions. The documentation covers everything from standard installation guides to advanced topics like DNS cache flushing, third-party client setup, router configuration, and even tutorials on BitTorrent and remote desktop support.

There are also plenty of video tutorials on the site in addition to written documentation. We found they were easy to follow and clearly showed how to activate individual features on Astrill VPN, which might be necessary given that the UI can be a little intimidating at first glance. Overall, top marks for customer support, arguably on par with some of the top-tier VPNs out there.

Customer support score: 10/10

Pricing and plans

Astrill VPN's pricing structure is significantly steeper than industry standards, starting at $30 per month for a monthly subscription. Even ExpressVPN, which is one of the most expensive options that regularly features on our best VPN lists , starts at only $15 monthly.

Longer subscriptions reduce the monthly cost somewhat: a one-year plan brings the price down to $15 per month ($180 annually), while a two-year commitment costs $12.50 monthly ($300 billed every two years). Even with these discounts, Astrill VPN remains substantially more expensive than competitors offering similar or better features.

The "VIP" add-on package increases costs further, adding $10 per month for just 100 GB of data on priority servers and multi-hop connections. We should point out that many competitors, including Surfshark, offer multi-hop in their standard packages for no additional charge. Astrill VPN does also offer private IPs as an add-on from $5 per month, which is a pretty reasonable price for your own dedicated IP that only you can use.

On the plus side, Astrill VPN does offer a wide range of payment options including major credit and debit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, and Bitcoin and Monero. It’s always good to see cryptocurrency payment options which provide a little bit more privacy when purchasing a VPN subscription, especially given that Monero is considered nigh-untraceable.

Pricing and plans score: 5/10

Should you use Astrill VPN?

After some extensive testing, we've concluded that Astrill VPN occupies a very specific niche in the VPN market. If you’re consistently encountering VPN blocks from your ISP or at your workplace, Astrill might work where other VPNs don’t thanks to an almost swiss army knife-like set of VPN protocols and options.

Similarly, if you’re working in a heavily censored region of the world like China, Astrill VPN is definitely worth checking out. There are also a few server location options, like Russia, that you won’t find on most VPN server lists, although that’s up to you to decide whether that’s a good thing or not.

Unfortunately, you’re paying a heavy premium to get access to these features. If you’re not interested in obfuscation, there isn’t much else there that justifies Astrill VPN’s $30 a month base price.

The dated VPN interface doesn’t exactly help matters either, and you might find yourself hitting against the upper limit of Astrill VPN’s simultaneous device connections pretty quickly. We’ve found that providers like ExpressVPN or NordVPN offer more polished experiences with broader server coverage at significantly lower price points.

Overall score: 52/100

Astrill VPN alternatives

1. NordVPN – from $3.39 per month
The best VPN overall
NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs you’ll find on the market. The massive network of 7,200+ servers across 118 countries ensures you'll always find a fast connection nearby, too. It’s perfect for preserving your internet privacy, as an independently audited no-logs policy and Panama jurisdiction means your data is kept truly private. Subscriptions start at $3.39/month (2-year plan), backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

2. Surfshark – from $1.99 per month
The best cheap VPN (and also the fastest)
Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription, making it perfect for households with multiple devices. Nexus technology adds multi-hop capabilities through all 100+ locations on Surfshark’s server infrastructure, as well as a rotating IP feature that keeps internet services from being able to track you. Surfshark delivers premium features at a budget-friendly $1.99 per month on its 2-year plan. Every subscription includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

2. ExpressVPN – from $4.99 per month
The best VPN for beginners and the most secure
When speed and reliability matter most, ExpressVPN delivers. ExpressVPN uses the proprietary Lightway protocol to offer lightning-fast connections perfect for streaming and gaming across 105 countries. User-friendly apps make protection simple on everything from smartphones to routers. While pricier at $4.99/month on a two-year plan, what you get is a premium service with 24/7 live chat support, as well as a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee just in case you’re not happy with the service.View Deal

Your gut microbiome plays a powerful role in everything from digestion and immunity to mood and overall health.

• A new Garmin update addresses ghost touch issues
• Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 watches have been affected
• Users are still reporting bugs in the software

If you own a Garmin Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970, keep your eyes open for software version 6.18: the patch is rolling out now and addresses problems with ghost touches on the recently launched wearables (where a press is registered on screen even though it's not been touched).

The update was spotted by Notebookcheck, and you can see the official listings for the update here and here. The change log says the update "reduces the occurrence" of ghost touches rather than eradicating them – so it seems the issue might not be fully fixed.

Your watch should get the update automatically, but you can run a manual check too, as long as your device is online: from the main menu, choose System > Software Update > Check For Updates to see if it's available.

It's not clear just how many of the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 watches have been affected by this. We didn't report any problems in our Garmin Forerunner 570 review, describing it as "a marvel of a running watch".

It's a bug's life

The Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 launched in May (Image credit: Garmin)

However, while the ghost touch issue may be getting closer to being resolved, it seems the 6.18 software update has introduced several new bugs that users of the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 are now trying to bring to Garmin's attention.

It seems that some users are having issues with their watch freezing right after the PIN code is entered to unlock it. Another user says that scrolling isn't working properly when trying to reach the Glances screen.

There's also a Garmin support thread on altimeter issues with the Forerunner 970: the thread was only started a couple of days ago, but it's not immediately clear if these problems are related to the 6.18 update that's just been rolled out.

The best course of action if you own one of these smartwatches is to keep them updated to the latest software version, and if you do experience bugs, check the Garmin support forums – where it should also be said there are plenty of users not having issues with their devices or the new update.

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• Researchers found evidence of Joke Screenmate malware hiding on DNS servers
• Joke Screenmate is a harmless, prank malware
• There are ways to defend against it

Hackers found a way to hide malware in the Domain Name System (DNS), cleverly evading detection and flying under the radar. This is according to security researchers from Domain Tools who, in a recent blog, detailed how they discovered the Joke Screenmate malware hiding on DNS servers.

DNS is essentially the internet’s address book, turning readable domain names (such as techradar.com) into IP addresses that computers use to locate services. DNS records come in various types, including TXT records, which are usually used to store descriptive text.

However, as Domain Tools explained, cybercriminals found a way to slice up malware into small encoded fragments, and place them into a DNS TXT record under different subdomains. It’s essentially a digital jigsaw puzzle scattered across different addresses. On its own, each part is harmless, but when reassembled, it forms a malicious file.

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Joke Screenmate

By using scripting tools, threat actors query the DNS records and reconstruct the malware without triggering the usual security alarms, and since DNS traffic is typically trusted, it doesn’t raise any suspicions.

In their writeup, Domain Tools researchers described finding Joke Screenmate, a program that triggers fake system errors and causes erratic cursor behaviors. But perhaps more alarmingly, they found a PowerShell stager, a script that can download and execute more destructive malware.

While the attack technique is perfidious, there are ways to defend. Cybersecurity teams should implement DNS traffic monitoring, looking for unusual patterns and repeated TXT queries. They can also use tools that inspect DNS records beyond simple resolution functions, and should maintain threat intelligence feeds that include malicious domains and subdomains.

So far, there were very few examples of in-the-wild abuse, apparently, but since the technique seems to be rather simple to pull off, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see it become more popular in the coming months.

Via Tom's Hardware

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• Intel is laying off another 5,000 workers after 20,000+ already left earlier this year
• Non-core roles in California and Oregon are most at risk
• Declining market dominance is largely to blame

Intel is planning to lay off a further 5,000 workers, mainly across California and Oregon, as part of its broader effort to reduce headcount by about 20%, reducing costs and improving profitability.

The company has already made a series of layoffs affecting around 20,000 workers this year alone, with Intel's new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, citing the firm's declining x86 market dominance, its weak presence in the GPU market, and underwhelming performance from its foundry services.

The latest redundancies were confirmed via Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notices, which are required for large-scale job cuts.

Intel continues to lay off tech workers

The majority of workers affected in the most recent headcount reduction will be from California (2,000) and Oregon (2,500), but several hundreds are also expected to lose their jobs in Arizona and Texas. Israel is also seeing job cuts.

It's believed that non-core departments, like HR, marketing, and admin, are most at risk, with hardware teams appearing mostly unaffected. Intel says it's working to become a leaner, faster, and more efficient company.

Although tech layoffs remain common in 2025 as AI efficiency gains let firms produce more output with fewer people, Intel's cuts are unusually deep. Huge streamlining efforts are underway: "Many teams are eight or more layers deep, which creates unnecessary bureaucracy that slows us down," Tan wrote in an April staff memo.

With the new leader at the helm, teams are also being asked to reduce and remove any unnecessary meetings, keeping attendees to a minimum, in order to ensure that more time is being spend on productive work. Workers will also be expected to attend the office at least four days per week beginning in September 2025.

Despite a seemingly endless spectrum of challenges, Intel's most recent quarterly revenue remained flat year-over-year.

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1960s pop star Connie Francis has died. The first female singer to chart a number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, she sold over 40 million records before the age of 25.

The best free games in 2025 provide a crucial resource for those who love the pastime but don't enjoy spending large amounts of money after every new release.

Thankfully, there are tons of superb games that you can play for free. Many of these entries also grace our lists of best FPS games, the best RPGs, or the best multiplayer PC games. It just proves that if you're careful, you don't have to spend money to have fun.

However, it is important to understand that while these games are all free-to-play, some may include microtransactions or in-game purchases for optional content. This won't affect the fun, but it is worth knowing before you dive in.

So, if you're looking for something new to enjoy by yourself or with friends without cashing out any money, then check out this list, where we have gathered all the best free games that are worth playing.

Best free games 2025

(Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment)17. Overwatch 2

Hitting its stride

Excellent refinementsThree new heroesNew maps, mode, and graphical boostMicrotransactionsDoesn't justify the '2'Why we love it

"Overwatch 2 isn't quite a sequel, nor is it a patch – but it is brilliant. A whip-smart reinvention of what came before, breathing life into the franchise and reminding us why we loved it in the first place." - Patrick Dane, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.

Overwatch 2 has really course corrected since its difficult launch. The main question that Blizzard had to answer was whether Overwatch 2 was necessary, whether one of the most influential games of all time really needed a sequel. Currently, it's in the process of answering that question, and all signs point to yes being the resounding answer echoed back by the players. A shot in the arm came from Marvel Rivals, which notably took up all of the air in the hero-shooter space late in 2024. Overwatch 2 has since returned fire, with the best run of seasons yet.

As players grow tired with other ongoing live service games, it appears that Overwatch 2 is the place they always return to. It's a flawless online experience, with a huge variety of characters that still feel distinct and original. The recent addition of Perks has really freshened things up, and the ranked meta is noticeably less toxic than in the lobbies of Overwatch 2's direct competitor. Better yet, it's free to play, and fairly welcoming to new players. Give this one a try, even if you've fallen off of Overwatch in the past.

(Image credit: Riot Games)16. Valorant

Agent under fire

Why we love it

Valorant continues to evolve and grow over time, managing to stay up to date thanks to new Agents, and a vibrant competitive scene. Despite being a very e-sports heavy shooter, Valorant is surprisingly friendly to new players. If you're looking to dip your toe into a tactical FPS, this is the one to try.

Valorant is a surprisingly approachable tactical FPS, at least when compared to its competitors. By offering over 25 Agents to choose from, the game does a great job at encouraging experimentation, and at rewarding a variety of play styles. Whether you want to rack up kills, protect your teammates, or seek out opponents to mark them on the map, there's an option for you.

For a game with such a heavy competitive-focus, Valorant is also a great entry point for those looking to try out a more e-sports friendly game. It's free too, and you'll unlock a handful of Agents from the get-go. Unlock more just by playing to get a wider selection, each with their own abilities and skills. If you're into shooting games, the thrilling 5v5 matches of Valorant are sure to keep you busy for a while.

(Image credit: Bungie)15. Destiny 2

Light vs. dark

Why we love it

Destiny 2 has really proven itself over the years, with a constant stream of updates giving players more and more reasons to keep playing. The base experience is free as well, meaning you can get a taste for yourself, before deciding to dive in further. If you do decide to play Destiny 2, there's hundreds of hours of excellent FPS gameplay to enjoy, with some of the best art-direction in the business.

Destiny 2 now features a frankly dizzying amount of content. Thanks to years and years of updates from Bungie, including 2024's excellent The Final Shape, players have been coming back again and again to continue the story. It's a real achievement when you consider just how much has been added on top of the base game, with the base experience even being free-to-play these days.

As an FPS, Destiny 2 is absolutely fantastic, providing a modernized version of what Bungie accomplished with the Halo series. Destiny 2 is a very different beast to the studio's early work, however, paving the way for games as a service and the rise of always-evolving online experiences. Destiny 2 is one of the ones to really get this new model right, using post-launch updates to further an ongoing story, and give players new reasons to play.

(Image credit: NetEase)14. Marvel Rivals

Team-up!

Why we love it

"With 33 Heroes to play as, best-in-class presentation bookending matches, and a free-to-play monetization model, Marvel Rivals is almost too good to be true. There’s balancing issues, and some core problems with the way objectives play out, sure, but given that Marvel Rivals has only just launched, the future is very bright indeed. For now, you’ll be able to jump in and have fun, whether you’re looking for competitive challenge, or casual fun." - Jake Green, TechRadar Gaming contributor.

Marvel Rivals has seen huge success since launching at the tail end of 2024. With 39 Heroes to choose from, each with distinct abilities and play-styles, there's plenty to keep you busy as you get to grips with the flow of the game. Essentially, this is a more action-packed Overwatch, with added character variety, largely in the form of melee brawlers. As you push the payload and hold objectives, you'll need to work with your team, filling your role and adapting to the other team's composition.

If that all sounds a bit much for you, worry not! Marvel Rivals is a very easy game to enjoy as a more casual gamer. Characters like Punisher are perfect for beginners, with a third-person shooting style of play. If you're not feeling one Hero, however, you can simply jump to another, and there's plenty of depth with each one for those looking for a more competitive edge.

(Image credit: Ubisoft)13. Brawlhalla

Epic platform-fighting fun

Why we love it

"Brawlhalla offers a huge amount of fighters to experiment with, with many of them needing several hours to get to grips with. Others are easier to grasp immediately, with powerful and intuitive special attacks and platforming abilities. It's genuinely surprising that Brawlhalla is free to play, especially given how smooth the online experience is these days" - Jake Green, TechRadar Gaming Contributor.

Brawlhalla is a hidden gem, one that can be picked up for free on a whole host of platforms. Nowadays, there's a huge roster of characters to choose from, including tie-ins like SpongeBob, Darth Maul and even WWE resellers like Xavier Woods and John Cena. With these characters come themed stages to battle around, and an awesome soundtrack to keep things bumping.

There's real care put into each and every fighter in Brawlhalla, and several different play-styles to master. Unlike other platform fighters, Brawlhalla offers a silky smooth online experience, meaning you can easily jump in with up to eight players online. There's casual, ranked and private matches to choose from, and loads of options to cater your experience.

(Image credit: Valve)12. Counter-Strike 2

A fresh coat of paint

Why we love it

"This is essentially the same game that's been beloved by players for years at this point, but with a shiny new coat of paint. While it can be a bit tricky to get into, it's a real blast once you learn the ropes. Simple, yet surprisingly deep, Counter-Strike 2 is a shining example of why the FPS genre continues to be so popular." - Jake Green, TechRadar Gaming Contributor.

Counter-Strike 2 takes the iconic FPS and gives it a much needed spruce up. In the process, CS:GO has been shuttered, but there's still plenty to love here. If you're a newbie, it's well worth trying out CS2, given how it's been subtly modernized to be more in line with its competitors. It is an inherently difficult game to learn, however, so be aware that it may take a little while for the game to click fully.

The great thing about CS2 is that it's free to play, meaning you can try it out and see for yourself whether it's for you. Ultimately, this is a very pure FPS experience, where skilled players will excel.

(Image credit: Activision)11. Warzone

Be the last one standing

Why we love it

Warzone has managed to stand tall above many of its competitors. Namely, this has been due to smart tie-ins with each year's major Call of Duty release, keeping things fresh even years after launch. The gunplay is tight, and the large Battle Royale maps are some of the best-designed in the business. Check it out if you're a fan of FPS games.

Warzone is still trucking along, managing to stay competitive with its major rivals Fortnite and Apex Legends (more on those later). In terms of gunplay, it's the best in the business, integrating excellent sound design, and a wide range of weaponry to choose from. While it's gone through a few different versions over the years, the main thing keeping the game fresh these days is the introduction of new modes and maps. There's also annual major updates to bring it in-line with the Call of Duty game coming out that year, the latest being Black Ops 6.

Whether you want the slow and methodical pace of the full Battle Royale mode, or something snappier in Rebirth Island, there's plenty for players to enjoy here. Unlike other Call of Duty games, it's also free to play, making it easy to try out for yourself. There are micro transactions galore, however, so be aware that there's a lot of pressure to spend your real money once you load into the game.

(Image credit: Psyonix)10. Rocket League

Off the wall fun

Why we love it

Rocket League is one of the best competitive games available to play right now. The skill and mechanics make this game uniquely entertaining.

Rocket League presents a combination of arcade-style soccer and vehicular chaos in a bright, frantic battle to be the best team. Putting you in a 1v1, 2v2, or 3v3 battles, you will need to learn how to master the simple controls and use each environment to your advantage to score goals before the timer runs out.

With regularly changing seasons, Rocket League offers in-game cosmetic items for your vehicle to unlock as you progress, alongside several game modes to work toward. For a casual player, there are plenty of opportunities to play matches either with your friends or online, but if you're looking for more competition, ranked game modes let you put your skills to the test.

(Image credit: Grinding Gear Games)9. Path of Exile

A dark fantasy action RPG

Why we love it

If you're a fan of epic RPGs then this is a game that you need to check out. The various skills and resources that you can access is varied and exciting.

Path of Exile is a fantastic action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Within this title, you'll be challenged with playing as one of seven classes that you will need to master in order to fight your way through ancient Gods and evil forces.

As you battle your way through the game, you'll unlock new skills and collect randomly generated items to assist your journey through various dungeons, caves, and outdoor areas. Up to six players can play together, too, making it one of the best co-op games if you're looking for a multiplayer experience without breaking the bank.

(Image credit: Epic Games)8. Fortnite

A tense competition to come out on top

Increased resolution and draw distance from Switch 1Mouse controls are a great fitThe closest thing to an endless amount of content you can getCross-progression from other platformsMouse control setup and buttons are a bit awkwardSometimes the new seasons are real badNintendo's restrictions make the V-Bucks transfer awkwardWhy we love it

"Beneath all of the dances, the skins, and the Battle Pass, Fortnite Battle Royale is an excellently designed, ever-shifting platform of a game that respects a player's time whether they choose to spend money or not. There's enough of a learning curve to keep us coming back time and time again, while also being a fun place to play a quick game with a friend. It truly is a modern marvel." - Lloyd Coombes, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.

For players looking for a tense battle royale, Fortnite ticks every box. Esteemed as one of the best shooters, you'll battle online against up to 100 players with a variety of weapons and gear at your disposal. As the storm closes in, you'll need to protect yourself from the environment while chipping away at your competitors in order to come out on top.

Constant updates also keep the in-game content exciting, and new weapons, locations, and events are hosted to keep you engaged. Whether you want to play solo or experience the title with a squad of up to four players, Fortnite is worth picking up if you haven't already.

(Image credit: EA)7. Apex Legends

The next evolution of Hero Shooters

Why we love it

If you're looking for a mix-up between Counter Strike 2 and Overwatch 2, then look no further. Apex Legends regularly receives major updates, adding in new Legends, and even new maps. Its easy to get into, with heaps to discover as you master the game.

Apex Legends offers a tense, team-based experience if you want a more tactical shooter. Offering a variety of heroes to select from, all boasting different skills to utilize when facing your enemies, you'll need to navigate different maps and work efficiently as a team to get the most kills before the end of a round.

There are also various game modes that you can enjoy. Whether you love the chaotic violence of Battle Royale or just want an arena to show off your skills, there's Team Deathmatch, Control, and Gun Run.

Apex Legends is constantly being upgraded with quality-of-life improvements as well as various new heroes and expansions to the lore, so it's a great free-to-play game to jump into at any time.

(Image credit: Mediatonic)6. Fall Guys

A family-friendly slice of fun

Why we love it

Fall Guys is a ton of fun whether you're alone or with friends. The colorful and exciting maps provide adequate challenge without you having to break too much of a sweat.

In this charming, brightly-colored platformer, you can up to 60 players go head-to-head in a variety of obstacle courses in a frantic competition to win the crown. Throwing in a mix of team-based mini-games, fast-paced puzzles, and a lot of platforming luck, Fall Guys is a slice of friendly competition worth playing if you need a pick-me-up you don't have to pay for.

There are a variety of game modes and events to take part in, alongside a standard 'show' which you can face either alone or in a squad of up to four players, meaning there's always fresh content to enjoy with your fellow beans.

(Image credit: Embark Studios)5. The Finals

Enter the arena

Why we love it

The Finals is a high stakes fast-paced FPS game which allows players to change the environment to their liking, whether you want to alter, exploit, or right out destroy your surroundings, it's all up to you.

The Finals is a new multiplayer FPS games which sees groups of three enter a virtual arena which is changeable. The end goal is to make it through escalating tournaments right to the very end, with lasting fame as your prize.

The fast-paced action in The Finals, as well as various builds and destructible environments, make it an excitingly unique experience. It also encourages building gameplans and coordination amongst your playgroup, meaning you can put a unique spin on the action.

If you're looking to jump on a new FPS with your mates and don't want to commit any cash to the cause yet, then this is a fantastic option.

(Image credit: HoYoverse)4. Honkai: Star Rail

A space fantasy RPG for gacha fans

Why we love it

The vast world in Honkai: Star Rail is exciting and easy to explore. The various characters are also a bonus in this dungeon-crawling world.

Honkai: Star Rail is a gacha space fantasy RPG, with a huge variety of eclectic characters to collect, and tense, turn-based combat. There's a huge world for you to explore, and elements of dungeon-crawling keep you and your in-game companions on your toes. You'll need to make sure the characters you've chosen to accompany your journey are as strong as possible to prevent your team from getting knocked down by the enemies you're bound to meet along the way.

If you're looking for one of the best RPGs to sink your time into which typically strays from the tense competition of free games like Fortnite and Valorant, Honkai: Star Rail might be worth trying out.

(Image credit: Nuverse)3. Marvel Snap

A card collecting battler for Marvel fanatics

Why we love it

Marvel Snap is a brilliant game to have if you're always on the go. Getting to play it when you're at a lose end is refreshing and fun.

If you're hunting for an exciting mobile game, Marvel Snap is the perfect addition to any card game lovers' library. This strategic card collector offers you a deck inspired by Marvel characters with different powers and abilities you'll need to harness to outsmart your opponent to come out on top. It takes minutes to learn, yet there are hours of fun embedded in its vibrant animations and exciting mechanics.

Each match lasts three minutes, so the game is incredibly pick up and play when it suits you. In addition, success is rewarded through new cards to help bulk out your roster with the best characters in the MCU. Marvel Snap is also available on PC if you wanted a slightly larger screen to play on.

(Image credit: Riot Games)2. League of Legends

A team-based competition of defense

Why we love it

The countless unique characters breath incredibly life into League of Legends. The lore and stories behind the game is also one to be admired.

League of Legends takes the cake as one of the best team-based games, putting two teams of five against each other in a desperate attempt to protect their side of the map. Although the premise is pretty simple, the excitement comes through its cast of over 150 unique champions with different playstyles and abilities which help you become the most powerful team on the field.

Because of how many champions there are to choose from, you'll be able to find a character to suit how you like to play, and in-game events alongside alternative game modes will keep things fresh no matter how many hours you pour into it. The bustling community of League of Legends players means there's always a team waiting for you, too.

(Image credit: Electronic Arts)1. The Sims 4

A social simulator for the ages

Why we love it

The skies the limit for The Sims 4. The customizing and ability to create whatever scenarios suit you best mean that you can have endless fun here.

The Sims 4 is one of the best social simulation games, and since October 2022, it's entirely free to play. Use your creativity to bring characters to life, build houses, develop relationships, and watch your virtual family thrive. Although the entire game is single-player, you'll quickly find yourself slipping into Willow Creek or Oasis Springs for hours on end.

Of course, if you're looking to take your experience one step further with expansion packs and DLC you'll need to start paying, but the base game still has hundreds of hours worth of content to keep you and your Sims family entertained.

Best free games 2025: FAQ

(Image credit: Electronic Arts)What free games are coming out in 2025?

There are multiple free upcoming games that are worth keeping an eye on. For one, there's a new Fortnite chapter to enjoy, as well as a series of updates to Warzone that'll tie into Black Ops 7, expected in October/November 2025.

What is the best free game?

Deciding on which free game is the best of the best is down to personal preference and which genre you're looking to pick up, really. Most free games have active communities due to offering a fantastic experience at no charge, which can be a fantastic way to tell how good a game is.

Many players would suggest that games with huge player bases like Fortnite or League of Legends are the best free games, but at the end of the day, it's down to what you like more than anything else.

How we made our best free games list

Our list of the best free games is designed to show the variety of free games across all platforms, and how there are multiple games you can enjoy without having to buy any additional content.

Our team of experts at TechRadar Gaming has spent hundreds of hours testing the best free games so we know which ones to recommend, whether that's going head-to-head for the crown in Fall Guys, or pouring thousands of hours into Fortnite. We've ensured both experts and new players have been diving into different genres as well to see how the user experience is for players with all sorts of backgrounds.

Because of this, we've tried to include everything from tactical shooters to social simulators in our list of the best. In addition, we've included titles that can either be enjoyed solo or with a couple of friends for those game nights where you can't decide on what to play.

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