Feed aggregator

• Big Tech was hit with $3.5B fines over three years, Surfshark found
• Many were fined for using personal data unlawfully
• Enforceability remains a key challenge

Major tech companies have already been hit by fines totalling $3.5 billion for using vast amounts of users’ personal data to train their AI models, raising hopes that the days of AI operating in a regulatory vacuum might be coming to an end.

The figures come from Surfshark, one of the best VPNs on the market, which recently analysed 10 AI-related sanctions imposed on the usual suspects — Anthropic, Meta, Google, Clearview, Apple, Amazon, and OpenAI — between 2022 and 2026.

Disturbingly, nine out of ten fines were imposed for using users’ personal data — including biometric data, copyright-protected content, facial images, and children's voice recordings — without user consent or legal authorisation.

AI violations: which company misused our data the most?

(Image credit: Surfhsark)

According to Surfshark’s study, Clearview AI was the first, in 2022, to be fined a total of around $46 million for collecting facial images for its facial recognition database.

But the pace picked up in 2024, with five new separate fines imposed on Google, OpenAI, Meta, Clearview, and Amazon.

The size of the fines has also increased substantially, signalling a positive shift from regulatory warnings to severe financial consequences. In 2024, Meta was fined $1.4 billion for collecting users’ biometric data without consent, followed by Anthropic in 2025 with a record $1.5 billion for training its AI models using pirated books.

On a different note, the $250 million fine imposed on Apple in 2026 for AI misleading marketing practices might signal that current AI advertisement tactics might also soon become a thing of the past.

"This could be only the beginning," says Dr. Luis Costa, research lead at Surfshark. "The overarching trend suggests that accountability is catching up with innovation, and the industry must re-evaluate both how it builds AI and how it markets it."

The industry must re-evaluate both how it builds AI and how it markets it

Dr. Luis Costa, Surfshark

While regulations and authorities seem to be starting to catch up and match their punishments with Big Tech's wrongdoings, the findings continue to raise serious questions about the risks users face when using these AI platforms.

"Firstly, the scale of unauthorised data collection is unprecedented: 90 per cent of AI-related fines imposed since 2022 relate to the use of data without the necessary consent," Costa explains.

"Second, this harvesting often targets highly sensitive, unchangeable data, as seen in Meta’s $1.4 billion biometric settlement and Amazon’s fine over children’s voice recordings," he adds.

It also remains alarming that many companies fail to adequately inform the public about how their sensitive data is used, leaving consumers oblivious to the fact that their personal information is permanently baked into commercial AI models.

Better enforceability is needed

Additionally, while these fines may seem exorbitant, it is worrying that the financial impact of such punishments rarely acts as a deterrent to these large technology companies, whose market capitalisation runs into the hundreds of billions of dollars.

In its research, Proton previously found that the $7.8 billion in privacy and competition fines imposed on Big Tech in 2025 could be collectively paid by these firms in less than a month.

However, Costa argues that the issue is more complex and regulators might be working toward targeted changes. "First, regulators are escalating the financial stakes, shifting toward massive penalties like Anthropic's $1.5 billion and Meta's $1.4 billion settlements."

Additionally, a major challenge right now is actually enforceability — particularly as some companies have already been exploiting loopholes to avoid paying fines. Clearview AI, for example, managed to avoid paying $105 million in fines imposed by four different European regulatory authorities by arguing that it did not fall within European jurisdiction.

"Even if these early fines are manageable for tech giants, their real value lies in establishing the firm legal precedents that will govern how AI must operate in the future," Costa concludes.

Sorry Sony (and Bose, and AirPods) I know the best earbuds I've ever tested — and they're a Technics product called the EAH-AZ100.

I know, try to see past the immediately forgettable name, because once you get past that alphabetty spaghetti, there's a seriously good set of earbuds in a great little offer here.

Do you like my lead image? I just went out into the full glare of the sun on the hottest recorded UK day in June — for a full three minutes — to get it, to prove I'm using them right now. I also snapped the photo above because the most-asked question I get when I tell people I'm TechRadar's Audio Editor is 'What are the best earbuds with noise cancelling?'

Take note of the subtle shift in phrasing there; not the best noise cancelling earbuds — no, the best current earbuds with noise cancelling. They're quite different things actually, because one can be read as 'I just want the closest thing to actively-generated silence I can get, in a small box please', whereas this specific question above prioritises sound quality, but adds ANC because it is a desirable extra. And I love that.

Anyway, people want a definitive answer and leave the complicated reasoning to Scarrott. Obviously I'm flattered, because it means they trust my judgement (well done there. I do know my stuff). But I've already spilled the answer above: it's these Technics buds, and has been for quite some time.

They came out in January 2025, and they're built on the original May 2023-issue EAH-AZ80, which were also excellent. And both products are somehow still the only earbuds on the market able to offer multipoint to three devices simultaneously, rather than two. Think it's a small perk? Try it for two weeks, then give them back to me. You won't be able to…

Today's best Technics EAH-AZ100 deal

A new lowest-seen price! The excellent EAH-AZ80 that came before this model basically tore up the rule book on sound quality and features in wireless earbuds – and the AZ100 are even better. Released in January 2025, these little beauties are still the only earbuds to offer multipoint to three devices simultaneously, plus excellent sidetone tech for hearing your own voice in calls, as well as some of the most neutral and detailed audio in an even smaller, even more premium-feel design. Oh, and this deal is £17 cheaper than our price trackers have ever seen. Highly recommended. View Deal

Look, the Technics EAH-AZ100 are still sitting pretty at the top of my guide to the best earbuds for a reason. They're incredibly secure and comfortable to wear; Technics pioneered a 'concha fit' design (which initially looks a little deep for a top-plate, but works beautifully), and it's a trick several rivals soon adopted in a post-AirPods-stem market, whether they'd choose to admit it or not.

They also offer LDAC support, which is one of my favourite hi-res wireless codecs and a simple route to better-quality audio streaming for Samsung and Sony smartphone owners.

And did I mention the call handling? It's excellent. Technics deploys both its known Sidetone tech (to slightly amplify your own voice, so it's not muffled by the buds in your ears as you talk) plus its newer proprietary JustMyVoice technology here, which captures your speech while simultaneously suppressing background noise.

Noise cancelling is also very good, but best of all, though, is the sound. As we enthused in our Technics EAH-AZ100 review, the soundstage is neutral and natural, yet simultaneously expansive, engagingly dynamic, and energetic.

I've used the EAH-AZ100 earbuds practically every day since they launched. Before that, I'd used their older siblings every day, and let me tell you: they're the best. I say this as someone with much of the consumer earbuds oeuvre at their disposal (I'm not bragging, it's work — my job is to review earbuds and headphones), so I do know the best from the also-rans.

Yes, I typically prefer over-ears for sound quality, but when running around, earbuds are more portable — especially in a UK heatwave where those ear cups can get a little hot. And in an in-ear design, I love the sonic performance of these buds, especially when the Prime Day deal is this good.

Did you struggle to sleep in the heat last night? What you need is a super-quiet fan, and you're in the right place to find one in the Amazon Prime Day sales. We test dozens of fans here at TechRadar, and I've put together this collection based on brands and models we know are dependable and effective.

• Check out all Amazon's Prime Day fan deals

When choosing a quiet fan for your bedroom, take a minute to think about the space. Will you be keeping the fan on your bedside table? If so, a fan with a rechargeable battery might be the best option, letting you run it all night while leaving plug sockets free for phone chargers. If you want to blow a blanket of air over your bed, consider an adjustable-height fan that you can direct at your duvet.

Some of the best fans have been selling out extremely quickly in the Prime Day sale, for obvious reasons, but all these deals are still in stock at the time of writing so grab one before they blow away on their own.

Amazon Prime Day quiet fan deals

Levoit makes some of the best value fans we've tested here at TechRadar, and this is an exceptional deal for one you can control with either a remote or a smartphone app. It's hit a record-low price for Prime Day 2026.View Deal

Another super quiet fan from Levoit, this model is specially designed for night time, with adjustable height to direct airflow at your bed. At under £80 it's one of the cheapest fans from a reputable brand this Prime Day.View Deal

Dreo's air fans and air circulators have been selling out fast during the current heatwave, but you can still grab a great deal on this oscillating standing fan, which can drop as low as 20dB at night and includes a useful timer.View Deal

I'm a big fan of SwitchBot's smart home tech and this near-silent desk fan will play nicely with all your other smart devices. It's rechargeable so you can keep it on your bedside table even if there's no plug socket available.View Deal

I'm relying on a Dimplex fan to keep me cool at night, and this versatile desk/standing fan should do the job for you as well. At under £100 it's a great Prime Day deal, and will serve you well for many heatwaves to come.View Deal

Be prepared

The current heatwave might have broken by the time your new fan arrives, but it's still a good idea to grab one during the Prime Day sales. As we've seen, the weather forecast can change within the space of a week, so it's never a bad idea to have one handy and ready to go next time the mercury rises.

Buying a fan now also means you won't be in such a rush. If you're in a hurry, it can be tempting to grab anything that has a good review, but not all fans are suitable for all rooms, so it pays to take some time now and make sure you're making the right choice.

The latest fans can move a large volume of air much more easily than older models, and are more energy efficient as well, which will keep you cooler and reduce your energy bills in the long term. That's not necessarily something you have time to think about if you're rushing to pick up a fan — any fan — in a sweat-soaked panic.

More Prime Day deals in the UK

• Amazon Prime: sign up for a 30-day free trial
• Amazon Devices: Fire TV, Ring & Blink from £24.99
• Amazon Haul: up to 30% off
• Apple: AirPods Pro 3 for a record-low price
• Appliances: up to 45% off Ninja, Tefal & Sage
• Beauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-B
• Essentials: household goods from under £10
• Fashion: up to 50% off
• Father's Day: up to 50% off gifts & drinks
• Headphones: up to 50% off
• Laptops: from £149.99
• Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £125
• Toys: up to 25% off Lego and Tonies
• TVs: from £129.99
• Vacuums: up to 40% off Eufy & Roborock
• Wearables: Garmin & Huawei from £36.99

• Sony is going all out for GTA 6 marketing
• The PS5 homepage, PS Store, and PS App have been updated with a GTA 6 theme
• Pre-orders have officially begun

Sony has gone full Grand Theft Auto 6 marketing mode as pre-orders for the most anticipated game of all time officially begin.

The wait is finally over, GTA 6 pre-orders are now live, and in anticipation of the game's release later this year, Sony is showing that it definitely has a favorite by updating the PlayStation 5 homepage, PS Store, and PS App with a new GTA 6 theme.

Now, when players boot up their PS5, they're greeted by a full-screen animation of the game's logo, before it fades into an ad for the game on the console's welcome hub.

When navigating to the PS Store, the background now features co-protagonists Jason and Lucia, and the "Must See" UI has been updated with purple boxes that provide details on the Ultimate Edition, trailers, the Vintage Vice City and GTA+ pre-order bonuses, and a way to pre-order.

GTA 6 is now the first thing you see when you boot up your PS5, they made an entirely new UI for this, insane. pic.twitter.com/xmz8h6RLzIJune 24, 2026

As spotted by Shinobi602, Sony has also updated the PS App logo with GTA 6 branding. Instead of the blue icon, it's been replaced by the game's sunset theme and palm trees.

It's clear that Sony is going all out to maximize the GTA 6 marketing, and it's not even a first-party exclusive.

It also shared in a post yesterday that "thanks to a close partnership" with the studio, "GTA 6 will play best on PS5" and take advantage of PS5’s features "to deliver a deeply engaging single-player experience."

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

GTA 6 officially launches on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X and Series S, and will cost $79.99 / AU$129.95 / £69.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 / AU$159.95 / £89.99 for the Ultimate Edition. Pre-loads begin on November 12.

It's also confirmed that physical copies won't have a disc and only include a digital download code in the box.

As both a hardcore gamer and an audio geek, I used to spend a lot of time agonizing over whether to invest more money on a gaming headset or whether I could spend more on a great pair of headphones to cover both my hobbies. If you find yourself in the same boat, it's your lucky day: I'm here to help you make that decision and, with some of the great deals available this Prime Day, I can help save you some cash to boot.

• View the full Amazon Prime Day sale

I've been reviewing audio gadgets for many years now and have reviewed a bunch of gaming headsets in my time at TechRadar. What I've found is that headphones absolutely can do double duty as an alternative to a dedicated gaming headset, but you really need to consider what kind of features are the biggest priority for you personally.

Gaming headsets vs headphones: which should you buy?

When it comes to gaming headsets, there are a few kinds of features you can expect. Low-latency connectivity will often set these apart from wireless headphones, nixing any lag and ensuring you can respond to gunshots and monster cries quickly.

I've always found specific gaming sonic profiles super useful as well — headsets that can boost footsteps are fantastic for FPSes, for example, making it harder for people to sneak up on you. Pick up the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro for $167.94 at Amazon (was $329.99) and you can experience both of these features in spades.

Gaming headsets have historically been way ahead of the curve in terms of battery life. That's partly because not all of them offer ANC and some wireless headphone brands have really caught up in this area. For example, you can get the Sennheiser Momentum 4 for $179.55 at Amazon (was $299.99) and they offer up to 60 hours with ANC on, which is seriously competitive.

But I wouldn't say headsets get the upper hand on every front, with some areas being more of dead heat. I've not always found gaming headset's boom mics to be higher quality than the built-in call mics on higher-end headphones. But some offer fold-to-mute functionality that makes it easier to mute yourself when you want some privacy, for example the Corsair HS55 Surround v2, which you can pick up for $39.99 from Amazon (was $59.99).

Meanwhile, while many headsets these days offer spatial audio, so do a good proportion of high-end headphones — honestly, both camps contain great examples with deeply immersive audio and yet there are also plenty of headsets and headphones that promise spatial effects that sound pretty mono-directional. The absolute undisputed champ here is also on offer right now: you can buy the Apple AirPods Max 2 for $399 at Amazon (was $549).

For me, traditional headphones get the edge over a gaming headset in a couple of key areas. Headphones tend to offer superior music playback, as they've been engineered with that in mind — I know, I know: 'thanks Captain Obvious' — so they tend to handle soundtracks and your fave tunes better.

On top of this, they can also come crammed with innovative features. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM6 offer nice touches like speak-to-chat for automatic transparency mode during conversations and head gestures for accepting and rejecting calls. If you're keen to try out some of these cutting-edge advances, you can currently grab the Sony WH-1000XM6 for $378 at Amazon (was $459.99).

Ultimately, whether you need a dedicated headset or you can get away with using the same pair of headphones for listening to tunes and gaming will depend on the features you most rely on. Fortunately, there are so many great Prime Day deals available on each right now that no matter which choice you make, you can be sure you'll get it for a bargain price.

Headsets for gaming

HyperX Cloud III S Wireless

Corsair HS55 Surround v2

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Pros

• Excellent sound quality
• Very detailed audio
• Long battery life
• Extremely versatile with multiple connectivity

Cons

• Eye-watering price tag
• ANC isn’t the best
• Non-intuitive physical controls

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro — PlayStation Version

Pros

• Battery life for days, literally
• Incredibly clear mic audio
• Beautiful stitching and finish
• Great sound reproduction
• Multi-device compatibility
• Comfortable and adjustable

Cons

• Physical chat mix control only on Xbox version
• No wired operation on consoles
• Synapse software required to get the best out of the mic

Beyerdynamic Tygr 300 R

Pros

• Best-in-class audio quality
• Comfortable as heck
• Robust cable
• Open back design great for single player

Cons

• Expensive
• No replaceable cable
• No built-in mic

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

Pros

• Incredible audio quality
• Flawless active noise canceling
• Excellent build quality and comfort
• Versatile connectivity options

Cons

• Average sounding microphone
• Expensive

Headphones for gaming

Sony WH-1000XM6

Pros

• Class-leading noise cancellation
• Excellent audio performance
• Super lightweight and comfortable
• Highly intuitive touch controls
• They're foldable again!

Cons

• Price increase over previous model
• Battery life is nothing special
• Still not waterproof
• Some may find them to be a tad bulky

Apple AirPods Max 2

Pros

• Even better active noise cancellation
• Live Translation that's easier to use than on Apple's earbuds
• Adaptive Audio means meatier, punchier sound than the originals
• Even head-tracked Spatial Audio feels more accurate and crisp

Cons

• Battery life hasn't been improved
• That flimsy 'headphone bra' case remains
• Still very iOS-only (Android owners need not apply)
• No wireless hi-res codec support still

Sennheiser HD 599 SE

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Pros

• Predictably brilliant noise cancellation
• As comfortable as these things ever get
• Balanced, energetic sound

Cons

• Not quite the perceived value of some rivals
• Humdrum control app

Nothing Headphone (a)

Pros

• Great sound that's a big upgrade over Headphone (1)
• Fantastic on-ear control options and app
• Gigantic battery life

Cons

• Still heavy, with a strong clamping force
• Some rivals offer better sonic detail
• No auto-pause feature or case

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Pros

• Neutral, crisp, detailed sound
• Excellent ANC and transparency
• Incredible battery life even with ANC deployed

Cons

• A little plain aesthetically
• Design doesn't fold up into the headband

More Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Back-to-school tech: 48% off laptops, headphones & tablets
• Cheap TVs: Samsung, Sony & LG from $89.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Smartwatches: up to $250 off Garmin & Apple
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

More Amazon Prime Day deals in the UK

• Amazon Prime: get a 30-day free trial
• Amazon Devices: Fire, Ring & Blink from £13.99
• Apple: up to 33% off AirPods & Apple Watch
• Appliances: up to 45% off Ninja & De'Longhi
• Fans: from £20
• Headphones: up to 50% off Beats & Sony
• Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £79.99
• Vacuums: up to 40% off Shark & Roborock
• Wearables: up to 30% off Garmin & Oura

Two major earthquakes in Venezuela have killed at least 164 people and left hundreds injured. And, President Trump canceled the signing of a massive bipartisan housing bill yesterday.

(Image credit: Manaure Quintero)

HoneyBook is a comprehensive client management platform that helps small businesses streamline their operations. It combines the functionality of a CRM with invoicing, contract management, scheduling, and more into one easy-to-use package.

The CRM platform is designed to handle the full client lifecycle, from initial contact through project completion and payment. You can manage all client communication, share files and proposals, get contracts signed, send invoices, and collect payments without leaving HoneyBook.

Where this CRM really shines is its powerful automation features. You can set up customized workflows to automatically move projects forward, send reminders, and follow up with clients. This allows small teams to operate efficiently and stay on top of all their client relationships.

HoneyBook CRM core capabilities

(Image credit: HoneyBook)

HoneyBook is an accounting tool with a basic CRM, designed to enhance business operations for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. It offers essential CRM functions like contact management, an intuitive sales pipeline, and automated workflows to reduce manual tasks.

HoneyBook also offers user-friendly contact forms, which effortlessly capture lead information and create new contacts and projects in your pipeline. Plus, it provides tools for important administrative tasks such as invoicing, contracts, and scheduling.

Its interactive smart files let you combine actions like service selection, contracts, and invoicing for a smooth client experience. Automated payment reminders help ensure timely payments. You can create professional invoices, set custom payment plans, and collect payments online through credit card or bank transfer - all within HoneyBook.

Legally vetted contract templates are customizable with project details, pricing, and e-signature options. Scheduling is managed through a personalized client portal that syncs with your Google or iCloud calendar, preventing double-bookings. All client communications are organized within the relevant project for easy reference.

While not as advanced as specialized solutions, HoneyBook offers basic tools for tracking performance insights. You can monitor key metrics like conversion rates, project value, and payment status. However, I hope that future updates will enhance the reporting functionality with more CRM-specific KPIs.

But, HoneyBook focuses primarily on client projects. It lacks traditional CRM features such as lead scoring, opportunity tracking, territory management, or sales forecasting. However, for service-based businesses, HoneyBook's workflow is ideal for managing client engagements from start to finish.

I’m also impressed by HoneyBook's mobile apps for iOS and Android, which provide full functionality for working on the go. You can send invoices, receive payments, and manage projects from anywhere. Desktop users will benefit from Gmail and Calendly integrations.

How easy is HoneyBook CRM to use?

(Image credit: HoneyBook)

HoneyBook provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to get up and running quickly, even for those without prior experience using a CRM. The clean, modern design is simple to navigate, with features logically organized in the left sidebar and settings accessible from the top menu.

To help new users get started, HoneyBook offers a helpful 30-minute Quick Start onboarding session that covers the key areas to focus on for setting up your account. There are also on-demand video courses available with over 50 step-by-step lessons.

I really like how the drag-and-drop pipeline tool makes it a breeze to customize your sales stages and client flow. You can easily create custom contact fields, email templates, questionnaires and contracts to streamline your processes. The visual pipeline view provides a great snapshot of where each lead/client is at.

HoneyBook also provides strong accessibility options, including a high contrast mode and the ability to navigate most of the interface using just a keyboard. The forms and client portal are mobile-responsive and look great on smaller screens.

While the breadth of features may seem overwhelming at first, most users report feeling comfortable with the core functionality after just a few hours of exploring and watching tutorials. The average time to get fully up and running seems to be around 2-4 weeks, factoring in time to thoughtfully configure your account, import data, and test your workflows.

Overall, HoneyBook is one of the most user-friendly CRM options I've come across for small businesses and freelancers. The modern design, strong customization options, and well-produced help resources make it accessible to a wide range of tech comfort levels. While it may take a few weeks to fully optimize your account, the core features can be learned in a matter of days, enabling you to start seeing the benefits quickly.

HoneyBook CRM integrations

When it comes to integrations, HoneyBook offers a solid set of capabilities that allow it to connect with the other tools small businesses rely on.

The CRM provides several pre-built integrations out of the box, including ones for QuickBooks accounting, Gmail for email, Calendly for scheduling, Facebook, and the popular automation platform Zapier. These native integrations make it easy to sync data and automate workflows between HoneyBook and these key external systems.

For custom integrations, HoneyBook also provides a full-fledged API. Developers can use the API to build integrations that allow reading and writing data between HoneyBook and virtually any other application. The company provides comprehensive API documentation and code samples to help with the integration process.

In testing out some of HoneyBook's built-in integrations, I found the data syncing between apps to be fast and reliable overall. Connecting a new app is also a straightforward process from the integrations settings page.

One potential downside is that, while HoneyBook offers a Zapier integration, it does not appear to directly integrate with some other popular iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) vendors like Make. However, Zapier alone enables support for thousands of integrations.

HoneyBook also provides some nice features to make managing integrations easier for non-technical users. The ability to retrieve your API key and manage 3rd-party app connections from the integrations dashboard is convenient.

Overall, HoneyBook covers the bases well in terms of supporting integrations. The combination of key direct app integrations, Zapier support, and a full API provides ample options for connecting data and workflows with external tools. While a few more iPaaS integrations would be nice to see, HoneyBook still offers solid capabilities for most small business integration needs.

How good is HoneyBook CRM support?

When it comes to customer support, HoneyBook has received mixed reviews.

The company offers live chat and email support channels, but does not provide phone support, which some customers find frustrating. Response times can vary, with some users reporting prompt and helpful replies while others have experienced delays of hours or even days to hear back, especially on weekends.

On the plus side, many users praise the friendliness and attentiveness of HoneyBook's support team when they are able to connect. The live chat tends to be the quickest way to get answers. I also found out that HoneyBook provides a fairly robust library of self-service resources, including a searchable knowledge base, tutorials, and webinars to help users troubleshoot issues on their own.

However, the quality and consistency of live support seem to be hit or miss. In my research, I came across a number of complaints about "pass-the-buck" responses and difficulty getting timely help with urgent problems. One reviewer even called it the "worst customer experience ever." Yet others rave about how HoneyBook's excellent support has made their lives easier.

Overall, HoneyBook appears to be working to provide solid customer service, with a capable and caring support staff. But the lack of live phone support and inconsistent response times are definite drawbacks compared to some other CRMs. The company could improve by expanding real-time support options and ensuring more reliable follow-up.

For many satisfied HoneyBook users, the support is good enough, and the product's benefits outweigh any frustrations. But if reliable and always-available customer service is a top priority for your business, it's worth carefully evaluating the support limitations before committing to the platform.

HoneyBook CRM pricing and plans

Plan

Starter

Essentials

Premium

Price

$29/user/month

$49/user/month

$109/user/month

Best For

New businesses, low client volume

Growing businesses, increased efficiency

Established businesses, advanced needs

Features

Unlimited clients/projects

Invoicing and payments

Basic reporting

All features from Starter plan

Automations

Scheduling tool

All features from Essentials plan

Priority support

Advanced reporting

Limitations

No automations or scheduling tool

Limited reporting capabilities

May be costly for very small businesses

HoneyBook offers three main pricing plans to fit the needs and budget of different types of businesses. The Starter plan at $29 per month, billed annually, provides the core CRM features like unlimited clients and projects, invoicing, contracts, and a client portal. This is a great entry-level option for solopreneurs just getting started with a CRM system. However, it's worth noting that HoneyBook heavily restricts the backend on this tier: it limits the system to a single user profile and completely disables native automated workflows and interactive scheduling widgets.

For growing businesses that need more advanced features, the Essentials plan at $49 per month (billed annually) adds a lot of valuable capabilities. Automated workflows, scheduling, QuickBooks integration, and support for up to 2 team members can really streamline operations. Plus you can remove HoneyBook branding and access more robust reporting.

Larger teams will appreciate the Premium plan at $109 per month annually. It supports unlimited team members for collaboration and introduces priority technical support, advanced profit-and-loss reporting frameworks, and multi-company account toggles, letting you run entirely distinct brands out of a single centralized administrative dashboard.

You can start with a 7-day free trial to test out if the platform is a good fit before committing. While this is still less than the industry standard, having a free trial at all is a welcome feature that new users will appreciate.

Across all plans, you'll pay less on a monthly basis by choosing annual billing, which effectively gets you two months free compared to the month-to-month prices. Keep in mind the listed prices don't include applicable sales tax. But overall, HoneyBook's pricing is very competitive and transparent, without a lot of confusing add-ons or upcharges that some other vendors tack on.

My take is that HoneyBook provides a lot of value for the cost, especially for small businesses and self-employed professionals looking for an intuitive all-in-one system to manage their clients and business. While it may lack some of the deeper customization of pricier CRMs, the thoughtful feature set and interface you get for the price make it a compelling option in my book.

How we tested HoneyBook

At TechRadar Pro, our business software assessments go significantly deeper than simply summarizing marketing spiel. To truly evaluate HoneyBook's capabilities as a unified client relationship and cash-flow engine, our analysts put the platform through a practical testing process designed to replicate the day-to-day operations of an independent, service-based business.

Our CRM testing methodology looks at the platform's end-to-end client lifecycle tracking, smart file architecture and document stitching, workflow automation, AI efficiency loops, and the mobile ecosystem. Altogether, we try to assess more than just the core capabilities - but niche features and new developments too.

HoneyBook CRM review: Final verdict

After thoroughly evaluating HoneyBook, I've found it to be an excellent all-in-one CRM solution for small service-based businesses, freelancers, and independent professionals. The platform shines in its ability to streamline the entire client lifecycle, from initial contact to invoicing and payment.

HoneyBook's intuitive interface and robust feature set make it accessible to entrepreneurs and small teams without extensive technical expertise. And while larger enterprises with complex sales cycles may require more advanced CRM capabilities, HoneyBook is perfectly suited for small service providers looking for an affordable, user-friendly system to nurture leads and manage client engagements from start to finish.

Several utilities allow you to reassign mouse buttons or change a scroll wheel's behavior.

The post 5 Best Software to Map Mouse Buttons for Custom Controls in 2026 appeared first on TechRepublic.

In this installment of NPR's Word of the Week, we go to camp: from 16th-century military lodgings to the wilderness adventures of the 1880s designed to turn boys into "manly men."

(Image credit: Joshua Bickel)

A Trump executive order pushes involuntary treatment for homeless people; the VA denies that would include homeless vets.

(Image credit: Scott Olson)

World Cup games are underway in Philadelphia. Long before Americans caught the world's soccer craze, Ukrainian migrants made Philly a soccer town. Today, the sport helps sustain their culture.

(Image credit: Rachel Wisniewski for NPR)

President Trump blew up what could have been a win for his party — and he did it to force lawmakers to pass an elections overhaul bill that has been all but doomed in the Senate.

(Image credit: Laura Brett)

Psychotherapist Merle Bombardieri has been helping couples with this conundrum for decades. She shares four exercises to bring clarity to the situation — and find a solution that minimizes regret.

Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. '/>

A confusing patchwork of state laws began to take shape hours after the Supreme Court ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022. Here's where things stand now on the abortion issue.

(Image credit: Jacquelyn Martin)

Foreign-owned businesses have been attacked, migrants driven from their homes, and several killed. A leading xenophobic group has given all undocumented immigrants until June 30 to leave the country.

(Image credit: Themba Hadebe)

So You Want to See the President! Click to enlarge.'/>

So You Want to See The President! depicts a procession of visitors waiting to see Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The original 1943 Rockwell suite of illustrations goes on public view Thursday in D.C.

(Image credit: Bruce M. White)

Fertilizer prices have gone down with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the prospect of a U.S.-Iran peace deal. But struggling American farmers won't likely see any relief for months.

(Image credit: Kirk Siegler)

Operational performance is becoming just as important as investment performance in private credit.

As fundraising slows and investor expectations increase, firms are facing growing pressure to modernize the IT infrastructure supporting their portfolios.

In fact, transparency and faster reporting are becoming top priorities.

Without such capabilities, funds can’t clearly see across their own portfolio, amplifying stress when markets are less forgiving.

Especially as private credit scales and operational diligence become more central to allocation decisions, such back-office issues become something more structural.

Fortunately, managers that properly invest in their operational foundations now, will be better equipped to manage the increasing demands facing the private credit industry moving forward.

Analyzing Operational Pressures

Private credit is operationally intensive. And many firms never built systems to match the increasing complexity of their portfolios as they grew and evolved. Instead, operations are often spread across legacy servicing platforms, spreadsheets, email-driven workflows, and disconnected internal tools, leaving firms without a single real-time view of portfolio data.

Most loan servicing operates on cycles such as monthly reconciliations, quarterly reporting, and batch-based payment processing. This model reflects the constraints of legacy systems and manual workflows. Data must be collected, validated, and processed in stages. Consequently, funds often view their portfolios through periodic snapshots rather than in real-time.

Many funds also maintain parallel spreadsheets to verify their servicer's calculations. Known as shadow booking, this redundancy has no other purpose than to increase control. Ultimately though, it’s a sign of mistrust in the data provided, and the underlying calculations are often difficult to inspect. When discrepancies arise, they are discovered after the fact and require manual investigation, often across multiple systems.

These realities of the private credit industry are now colliding with a more competitive fundraising environment. Even if their underlying deals aren't catastrophic, private credit funds begin to look fragile if they cannot perform operationally well under increasing pressure.

Not surprisingly, many private credit firms are looking to AI to address these issues. But automation software alone cannot repair broken operational foundations. The critical question becomes whether their infrastructure is actually prepared to support the AI model they choose to use.

AI Alone Is Not the Answer

AI agents can execute operational work reliably while platforms can provide real-time visibility and full auditability. The pieces are in place. But there’s a pattern in how AI projects fail in the finance industry that's worth naming and it's almost never the model that's the problem.

What’s often missing is the infrastructure surrounding the model - the systems, workflows, data access, permissions, and controls that allow AI to operate reliably inside real financial processes. Otherwise known as the harness. Generic AI tools don’t know what a rate notice is.

They don't know that a prepayment request triggers a multi-step workflow across every syndicated entity on a facility. They don't know the difference between a funded tranche and a committed-but-undisbursed revolver, or why that distinction matters for how a payoff figure should be calculated.

This lack of operational context is also one of the biggest reasons AI hallucinations occur in finance. The majority of hallucinations aren't random malfunctions, they're a context problem. The AI model wants to give an appropriate answer. When it doesn't have access to the specific data it needs, it reasons from what it does know and produces something plausible.

Private credit portfolio data isn't embedded in any public language model. If the harness doesn't provide it, through tools, memory or real-time data access, the model will fill the gap with something that sounds right. Which, in a financial operations context, is a real problem.

The fix isn’t a better model. It’s a harness that gives the agent access to the right data, at the right moment, with the right tools and controls to retrieve it.

The firms that focus on building operational systems that provide context, transparency, audibility and human oversight will receive the greatest value from its AI investments. In private credit, the long-term advantage may not come from adopting AI faster than competitors, but from building the infrastructure, or the harness, capable of supporting it responsibly and at scale.

Establishing New Competitive Differentiators

As these operational systems mature and advance, they will also reshape what excellence actually looks like inside private credit firms. Responsiveness won't be a differentiator. It will be assumed. Real-time and instant delivery will be the new baseline.

This is because most routine interactions will no longer require human involvement. With real-time systems, shared data layers, and automated workflows, information will be directly accessible and continuously updated. What previously required a request and response cycle will be resolved at the source.

As a result, the role of the servicer shifts. They are no longer measured by how quickly they process or reply, but by how well they handle what cannot be automated - exceptions, edge cases, and judgment calls.

This is why the next generation of private credit leaders may look fundamentally different from the firms that defined the industry’s earlier growth period. Capital access and underwriting expertise will remain essential, but operational execution is becoming increasingly strategic.

Most funds are using general-purpose AI for ad-hoc analysis or are in a holding pattern. A small number are starting to build their own and discovering how much harder it is than first expected. The funds that move first on specialized operational infrastructure will have an advantage that compounds. Not because they picked the right model (the model will keep getting better and cheaper regardless), but because they built or adopted the right harness, trained it on the right context, and gave it the controls that make it trustworthy at scale.

In many ways, private credit firms are evolving into operational organizations as much as financial organizations. The ability to manage workflows, data, oversight, and execution will become a defining part of a firm’s competitive performance.

We feature the best personal finance software.

This article was produced as part of TechRadar Pro Perspectives, our channel to 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/pro/perspectives-how-to-submit

At least 32 killed and 700 injured after two earthquakes hit Venezuela, Trump and Senate GOP face off in tense meeting, a top general is expected to retire, joining a number of Pentagon shakeups.

Launched in 2013, Agile CRM is a comprehensive platform built for small and medium-sized businesses. By combining sales, marketing, and customer service into one integrated system, it aims to simplify operations and boost efficiency across various business processes.

When I first looked at Agile CRM, I was struck by its affordability and the range of features it offers. The CRM platform provides a free plan that supports up to 10 users, which is more generous than many of its competitors in the small business space.

However, as I dug deeper into Agile CRM's capabilities, I found that its user interface and overall user experience could be seriously improved. While the platform offers a lot of features, it's not always easy to find what you need, and the experience can feel a bit clunky compared to established CRMs.

Agile CRM core capabilities

(Image credit: Agile CRM )

Agile CRM offers a complete set of core capabilities that cover the essential functions of customer relationship management. I found the contact profiles to be quite detailed, allowing me to store and organize a wealth of information about customers and prospects. 360-degree contact views provide a holistic picture of each relationship, including communication history, deals, tasks, and more.

When you're managing leads, Agile CRM includes a lead scoring feature that automatically rates contacts based on their interactions and attributes, helping prioritize follow-ups. I appreciate the ability to create custom deal milestones and stages to match my specific sales process. The visual pipeline view makes it easy to drag and drop deals between stages and get a quick overview of the sales funnel.

I can easily see the value and probability of deals in each stage, which aids in forecasting. The system also allows for multiple pipelines to be created, which is useful for managing different products or sales processes.

Sales forecasting is adequate but not exceptional. Agile CRM's system provides basic revenue projections based on deal values and probabilities. However, I found the forecasting tools to be somewhat limited in the way they handle recurring revenue and deal probability. For small businesses with straightforward forecasting needs, it should suffice, but larger organizations may find it lacking.

Reporting in Agile CRM shows both strengths and weaknesses. The platform offers a good selection of pre-built reports covering sales, marketing, and service metrics. I also appreciate the ability to create custom reports and dashboards to track specific KPIs. However, the depth of data analysis and visualization options falls short of what some competitors offer.

Agile CRM's mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, provides a seamless experience for managing contacts, deals, and tasks on the go. I found the app to be responsive and well-designed, offering most of the core functionality of the desktop version. The ability to access and update CRM data from anywhere is very useful for field sales and remote work.

Unlike some CRM systems that treat marketing as an afterthought, Agile CRM offers robust tools for email marketing, landing page creation, and campaign management. I was impressed by the drag-and-drop campaign builder, which allows for the creation of multi-step marketing workflows. The system includes ticketing, knowledge base, and customer feedback tools, allowing businesses to manage customer support directly within the CRM.

But perhaps most interestingly, Agile CRM offers gamification features to motivate sales teams. While not a core CRM function, I found this to be an interesting addition that can help drive engagement and performance among sales reps. The system allows for the creation of contests and leaderboards based on various sales metrics.

How easy is Agile CRM to use?

(Image credit: Agile CRM)

Agile CRM balances functionality and simplicity, mainly targeting small businesses. I found the dashboard clean, intuitive, and minimalistic — which avoids overwhelming new users. There's a prominent left-side menu for quick access to contacts, deals, and marketing, pretty standard for a CRM.

A drag-and-drop interface makes navigation even easier. It's particularly impactful when using the marketing automation module, where creating multi-step workflows is made significantly easier through visual campaign builders.

But the learning curve for Agile CRM can vary depending on your familiarity with CRMs. There are lots of customization options, so you can tailor the interface to your specific needs. This includes the ability to create custom fields, modify layouts, and set up personalized dashboards with custom KPIs. But while these options enhance flexibility, they can also add complexity for users who are less technically inclined.

For accessibility, Agile CRM supports keyboard navigation and has readable font sizes. But, I didn't find any mentions of screen reader compatibility or advanced accessibility options in the documentation.

Onboarding and training resources are available, though they may not be as comprehensive as those offered by some larger providers. Agile CRM provides a knowledge base, video tutorials, and webinars to help users get started. However, I also found that the depth of these learning resources varies from one topic to another.

I like how Agile CRM aids in the learning process with context-sensitive help. As users navigate through different sections of the software, relevant help articles and tips are often displayed, providing guidance at the point of need. This can reduce the time spent searching for information, accelerating adoption.

Despite the positives, however, many users have reported that certain aspects of the software feel clunky or dated compared to more modern CRMs. Agile's attempt to pack a wide range of features into a single platform sometimes results in a less polished user experience.

Agile CRM integrations

Agile CRM offers solid integration capabilities, allowing users to connect the platform with a wide array of third-party applications and services. There are three ways you can do this: using pre-built connectors for various applications, through an iPaaS vendor like Zapier or Make, or by building custom integrations using the API.

Agile offers direct connections to popular business tools across various categories, including email services like Gmail and Microsoft 365, social media platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn, and ecommerce solutions like Shopify and WooCommerce. These are quick to set up and easy to modify.

Agile CRM integrates with web tracking and form integration tools, which is great for improving customer engagement. You can also plug into various telephony services, including Twilio and RingCentral.

For users requiring connections beyond the native integrations, Agile CRM provides support for multiple iPaaS vendors. Through Zapier, users can connect Agile CRM to over 1,000 more SaaS applications, enabling complex automation workflows across multiple platforms. Support is also available for Make (Integromat) and Webhooks.

Agile CRM also offers an open API, which provides developers the ability to create custom integrations to extend the platform's functionality. API documentation appears comprehensive, allowing for deep integration with external systems and powerful custom widgets within the interface.

During my testing, I found that data syncing with third-party platforms was mostly reliable. Agile CRM supports real-time and scheduled syncing options for most integrations, allowing users to choose the most appropriate method for their needs.

But while Agile CRM's integration features are generally strong, I did notice some limitations. The depth of integration can vary significantly between different connected apps. Some integrations offer solid two-way synchronization, while others may be more limited in scope.

How good is Agile CRM support?

Agile CRM provides a varied approach to customer support, combining live assistance with self-service options. Email support is clearly the main live support channel. Plus, there's a strong self-service resource ecosystem to help new users get acclimated to the CRM.

Email support system is fairly responsive, although response times can differ. In my research, I found that most users claim to receive initial replies within 24 hours, which is acceptable but not outstanding in the industry. More complex issues often take longer to resolve, sometimes requiring several days of communication.

Phone support is also available, even if not easily accessible. Usual support hours are 09:00 am to 05:00 pm EST, with additional scheduling options also available. But the real problem is the availability of agents, which can make it difficult to get urgent assistance.

Agile CRM makes up for limited live support options with a strong self-service ecosystem. The knowledge base is comprehensive and well-organized, covering topics from basic setup to advanced features. Articles are generally clear, often enhanced with screenshots or step-by-step guides.

In addition to the knowledge base, Agile CRM provides video tutorials and webinars. These resources are especially helpful for users who prefer interactive learning. The tutorials cover various platform aspects, from initial setup to advanced features, offering a solid foundation for new users and a reference for experienced ones.

A community forum enables users to engage with each other, share experiences, and offer solutions to common problems. While evaluating Agile CRM, I observed active participation from both users and staff on the forum, which seems to serve as a feedback channel and a support resource.

User testimonials about support quality are mixed. Some users commend the helpfulness and patience of support staff, especially for complex issues. However, other testimonials indicate inconsistencies in support quality, with some users frustrated by response times or the depth of assistance.

Agile CRM pricing and plans

Plan

Free

Starter

Regular

Enterprise

Price

$0/user/month

$8.99/user/month

$39.99/user/month

$64.99/user/month

Best For

Individuals or very small teams just getting started with a CRM.

Small businesses looking for an affordable all-in-one CRM solution.

Growing businesses that need advanced marketing automation and customer support features.

Large enterprises requiring unlimited contacts, custom reporting, and dedicated support.

Features

Basic contact management

Deal tracking

Email campaigns

2-way email integration

Marketing automation

Helpdesk

Custom deal tracks

Advanced automation workflows

Social media monitoring

Unlimited contacts

Custom reporting

Dedicated account rep

Limitations

Limited to 1,000 contacts and 1 campaign workflow.

Caps at 10,000 contacts and 5 campaign workflows.

Supports up to 50,000 contacts and 10 campaign workflows.

Higher price point may not be suitable for smaller businesses.

Agile CRM employs a tiered subscription-based pricing model, offering four distinct plans to cater to businesses of varying sizes and needs. The pricing structure is designed to scale with the growth of a company, starting with a free plan and progressing through increasingly feature-rich paid tiers. Even so, navigating their pricing sheet requires drawing a sharp line between long-term annual contracts and standard month-to-month agreements, as skipping the annual commitment forces a steep price hike of up to 40% across all paid tiers.

At the base level, Agile CRM provides a remarkably robust Free tier that accommodates up to 10 users and 1,000 contacts. While it provides core utilities like contact databases, deal pipelines, lead scoring, and appointment scheduling link structures, it is heavily restricted behind the scenes. Free users are locked down to exactly one plugin integration and are barred from building automated, multi-step marketing campaign workflows.

The Starter plan, priced at $8.99 a user per month, marks the beginning of the paid offerings. It increases the contact limit to 10,000 and introduces additional features like two-way email integration, custom deal milestones, and social monitoring. This plan provides good value for small businesses looking to expand their CRM capabilities beyond basic contact management.

Moving up the ladder, the Regular plan is priced at $39.99 per user per month with annual billing. This tier supports up to 50,000 contacts and includes more advanced features such as marketing automation, custom deal tracks, and mobile marketing. The plan seems to strike a balance between functionality and cost, making it suitable for growing small to medium-sized businesses.

At the top end, the Enterprise plan is offered at $64.99 per user per month with annual billing. This plan provides unlimited contacts and access to the full suite of Agile CRM features, including call recording, custom reporting, and role-based access control. While the Enterprise plan is the most expensive, it offers the most comprehensive set of tools for businesses with complex CRM needs.

There’s a significant discount offered for annual billing across all paid plans. The savings range from 33% to 40% compared to monthly billing, which could be a substantial incentive for businesses to commit to longer-term subscriptions. Agile CRM also offers volume discounts for businesses requiring a large number of user licenses, though the exact terms of these discounts are not publicly disclosed.

As for trials, Agile CRM provides a 14-day free trial of their paid plans, allowing users to test the full feature set before making a purchase decision. This trial period, combined with the free plan, gives potential customers ample opportunity to evaluate the system's fit for their business needs.

How we tested Agile CRM

At TechRadar Pro, our business software evaluations are built on extensive, hands-on stress testing rather than just vendor feature lists. To truly understand Agile CRM’s balance of advanced automation and legacy interface design, our analysts subjected the platform to rigorous testing criteria that mirrored a real-world multi-channel marketing and sales drive.

Our CRM testing methodology is built on evaluating Agile’s advanced automation engine, auditing the platform’s connectivity options and integration functionality. We assessed the platform's UI layout across daily workflows and looked at Agile's support channels. And for every factor, we looked at how they performed across different pricing tiers - and whether we think users get value for money.

Agile CRM review: Final verdict

Agile CRM remains a highly compelling option for budget-conscious small to medium-sized businesses looking for heavy-duty functionality without a premium price tag. Its primary strengths lie in its exceptional affordability and strong scalability, offering a highly capable free tier for up to 10 users alongside intensely competitive paid plans. For a lower-tier CRM, it packs a surprisingly robust punch, featuring advanced tools like multi-step marketing automation and sales gamification that you normally have to pay a premium for elsewhere.

However, the platform's biggest bottleneck is its user experience. The interface is undeniably dated, sluggish, and clunky, which robs those powerful automation features of some of their appeal. Additionally, live support is notoriously limited, leaving you heavily reliant on their self-service knowledge base to navigate the UX hurdles.