Best Solid State Drive For Mac

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An external hard drive or SSD (which stands for Solid State Drive) is a device that can be easily plugged into your machine, giving you almost-instant storage space, without having to prise open your computer and make complicated upgrades. Why Samsung T5 portable SSD is the most demanding drive is the amazing speed, security it provides to the professionals are ready to spend good amount for this shock-resistant solid state drive as it’s not included in the inexpensive drives instead top drive in expensive drives list.

The Rundown

• Best Overall: Western Digital My Passport at Amazon, “Offers outstanding performance that rivals that of pricier competitors.”
• Runner-Up, Best Overall:Samsung T5 SSD at Amazon, “The all-metal, shock-resistant enclosure is rugged and portable.”
• Best for Business:WD 8TB My Book Desktop at Amazon, “Offers far more capacity than more portable drives for far less cash.”
• Best Splurge:Seagate Backup Plus Hub 6TB at Amazon, “This drive offers a lot of capacity and it’s fast and flexible.”
• Best for Gaming:U32 ShadowUSB at Amazon, “A USB 3.0 device that has plug-and-play compatibility with the Xbox One.”
• Best for Apple:LaCie Rugged 2TB Thunderbolt USB-C at Amazon, “Super fast drive that can handle plenty of bumps, rain, and bounces.”
• Best Portability:Toshiba Canvio Advance at Amazon, “Users delight in the small size, transfer speeds, and cool running temperature.”
• Best Durability: Silicon Power 1TB Rugged Armor at Amazon, “Offering a tough exterior with a shockproof design.”

Our Top Picks

Best Overall, Best for Fast Transfers: Western Digital My Passport

4.2

What We Like

• Excellent storage capacity for the price

• Encryption built-in

• Automatic backup

What We Don't Like

• Slower than a portable SSD

• No fancy features

My Passport is an inexpensive drive, but it offers outstanding performance that rivals that of pricier competitors thanks to a 3.0 USB port and excellent disk controller. This drive allows a maximum transfer speed of 174 MBps read, and 168 MBps write. It’s available in sizes ranging from 1 TB to 4 TB. Our tester thought it was a great overall value for the price: 'If you're on a budget and looking for a cheap and cheerful storage solution, the My Passport isn't very fancy but it does a reliable job of storing your precious files,' he said.

Runner-Up, Best Overall: Samsung T5 Portable SSD

What We Like

• Compact design

• Lightning fast transfer speeds

• Compatible with multiple devices

What We Don't Like

• Smaller storage space

• Outdated aesthetic

• Pricey

The Samsung T5 Portable DDS is on the pricey side (especially in the larger capacities), but the speed and security it comes with are worth it for those looking for durable performance. Weighing less than 2 ounces, the all-metal, shock-resistant enclosure is very portable. What really makes this device stand out, though, is its super-fast transfer speed, with up to 540 MB/s thanks to the SSD design, making it ideal for transferring giant files like 4K videos. Our tester, agreed, raving that its speed was 'unbeatable.' The T5 connects to just about anything, too, with its USB 3.1 Type-C and Type-A ports and works with Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Plus, integrated AES 256-bit hardware encryption ensures the safety of your data.

Best for Business: WD 8TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive - USB 3.0

What We Like

• Automatic backup system

• Fantastic storage capacity

• Above average transfer speeds

What We Don't Like

• Needs external power to function

• Limited portability

The My Book Desktop External Hard Drive from Western Digital, while large, fits the bill for business owners in need of serious space: It comes in 3, 4, 6, 8, or 10TB varieties and offers Western Digital’s own backup solution for Windows users. It’s also compatible with Time Machine for Mac users (though you may need to reformat). It has 256-bit AES hardware encryption for strong security and has both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports to connect to a wide range of computers. You'll have to rely on the device's wall-based power supply, but according to our tester, that’s worth the trade-off for this spacious vault that holds your invaluable digital data: 'Though it's not really a portable hard drive,' he explained, 'it's definitely the best option if you want a static drive that sits on your desk storing and backing up your files in a secure manner.'

Best Splurge: Seagate Backup Plus Hub 6TB STEL6000100

4.6

What We Like

• Massive capacity

• Great value for size

• Solid speed

What We Don't Like

• A few interrupted connections

• Must reformat for Mac OS

If cost is no concern, we recommend taking a close look at the Seagate Backup Plus Hub. It houses SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) drives, which allow more physical bits of memory in the same space without decreasing the size of the bits. This drive offers a lot of capacity — available in 3TB, 4TB, 6TB, and 8TB versions — and is fast and flexible. Our testers appreciated the two extra USB ports on the front where you can charge other devices while you work. One of our reviewers reported that it took 12 minutes to do a 9 GB transfer, which equates to a write speed of about 107 Mbps. “It feels like a good value to me,” one of our testers said.

Best for Gaming: U32 ShadowUSB Hard Drive

3.6

What We Don't Like

• Limited color options

This USB 3.0 connective device has plug-and-play compatibility with the Xbox One, which means your gaming console will immediately recognize the drive as soon as it’s plugged in. Our testers took advantage of the drive’s 1TB capacity by storing Forza Horizon 3, Titanfall 2, Halo 5, Sea of Thieves, Fortnite, PUBG, and Madden 19 — and didn’t experience a single issue. If you plan to use this device to store more than just games, 1TB is large enough to hold 650,000 photos, 250,000 songs, and over 500 hours of video. The small black device is stylish and even comes with a three-year warranty.

Best for Apple: LaCie Rugged 2TB Thunderbolt USB-C Portable Hard Drive

What We Like

• Extremely durable

• Integrated connecting cable

• Large capacity

If you’re looking for a Mac-friendly external hard drive that’s built for durability, take a look at LaCie’s Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C portable hard drive. With its distinctive rubber bumpers and brushed aluminum chassis, the drive offers drop resistance up to 5 feet, crush resistance that can withstand up to a 1-ton car, and IP54 water and dust resistance. You’ll never worry about losing your connecting cable, either, as this series of hard drives, available in 2 to 5 TB capacities, have an attached USB cord in your favorite flavor (USB-C, USB-C Thunderbolt, Thunderbolt, or USB 3.0). It's fast, too, with up to 510MB/s with the SSD version and up to 130MB/s with the HDD version.

Best Portability: Toshiba Canvio Advance 3TB Portable Hard Drive HDTC930XR3CA

What We Don't Like

• Must reformat for Mac OS

Not much bigger than a deck of cards, Toshiba’s Canvio Advance portable hard drive offers 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 3TB models to fill with as much media as can fit. It plugs into your Mac or PC with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. Some customers report seeing around 110 Mbps of throughput when using a USB 3.0 port. It also features an internal shock sensor that will make sure your data isn’t corrupted if the drive is jostled while in use. Users delight in the small size, fast transfer speeds, and cool running temperature of this little portable drive.

Best Durability: Silicon Power 1TB Rugged Armor A60 Military-Grade

What We Like

• Water resistant

• Drop-proof and shockproof

• Reasonable price

Silicon Power’s Armor A60 external hard drive, in 1, 2, or 5 TB versions, is no joke, offering a tough, drop-proof (up to 4 feet) exterior with a shockproof design andIPX4 water-resistant protection. The textured casing is also scratch and slip-proof with a silicon bumper around the sides. The A60 reads and writes super fast thanks to the USB 3.0 cable, which conveniently affixes to the drive itself, and is compatible with Mac and PC devices courtesy of the FAT32 file system. While there might be higher performing everyday options, for photographers and others looking for a device that's adventure compatible, the A60 is a perfect choice.

FAQs

Why would I need an external hard drive?

External hard drives provide portable storage space for files, allowing you to increase the total storage of your computer, share files between computers, or simply keep backed-up files secure in case something happens to the originals. If your computer is slowing down or you’re getting warnings about low storage space, it might be time to invest in an external hard drive to free up some space on your computer’s internal hard drive.

What’s the difference between a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid-state drive (SSD)?

You’ll find external hard drives in HDD and SSD versions, and they both perform the same function—with a few distinct advantages. HDDs have been around much longer and stores files by way of a spinning electromagnetic disk, whereas SSDs rely on flash memory chips for storage and therefore have no moving parts. This means SSDs are usually faster, more dependable, and more expensive. You can get much more storage for a fairly cheap price with an HDD.

How are external hard drives powered?

Some external hard drives get their power from the computer itself transmitted over the data cable, and others require the additional power from an AC outlet. All external hard drives connect to the computer either by USB, FireWire, eSATA, or wirelessly, and this connection type is directly linked to transfer speed.

Digital storage is changing. Internal storage drives are getting bigger, cloud storage is getting cheaper, and USB drives are getting less common. But that doesn’t necessarily negate the need for a good external hard drive — in fact, sometimes they’re the best way to go.

Buying a hard drive isn’t as simple as purchasing the first (or cheapest) one you see. There are a number of factors to consider when buying an external storage drive, and the kind of drive you ultimately end up buying could dictate what you’re able to do with it.

So what should you keep in mind? For starters, you’ll want to decide between a hard drive and a solid-state drive, both of which offer some major advantages and disadvantages. You’ll also want to think about drive speed, hard drive format, connectivity, and special protection features.

Before diving into our guide, there are a few terms you should know. You'll most likely be deciding between a drive of multiple gigabytes (GB), or multiple terabytes (TB). One terabyte is 1,000 gigabytes, and one gigabyte is 1,000 megabytes (MB). An MP3 file takes around 3.5MB, meaning that one gigabyte can store around 285 songs. One HD movie takes up around 3.5GB — so one terabyte can store 285 HD movies.

Here’s everything to consider when buying an external drive.

Storage Size

The most important thing to consider is the size of your drive. We’re not talking how physically big, but rather, how much storage you want. It’s hard to recommend a storage size because it varies from person to person and largely depends on what you plan on storing. A good rule of thumb, however, is to determine how much storage you think you’ll need and then buy a drive that’s double.

If you plan on storing documents only, you probably don’t need much more than 80GB. If you’re storing a small to medium music collection and photos, then up to 256GB should be fine. For storing movies and other video content, the amount you need could range into the multiple terabytes, especially if the movies are in 4K. Ultimately, it’s always good to get more storage than you think you’ll need — even if it means shelling out more money.

Types of External Drives

Next, it’s time to decide on the kind of storage drive you want. There are two main types of external storage drives, and while they ultimately serve the same purpose, the way they store files is markedly different.

Traditionally, if you wanted a storage drive it meant buying a hard disk drive. There are some advantages and some disadvantages to this. For starters, hard disk drives have been around for quite some time, so they’ve become relatively cheap. They function by storing files on an electromagnetic disk that spins around and is read by a moving arm.

Because of those moving parts, they’re much more likely to break with a lot of movement. The speed of a hard disk drive is essentially dictated by how fast the electromagnetic disk spins, and they're generally slower than solid-state drives. (We’ll get more into the different speeds later.) Hard disk drives are the way to go, however, if you want a lot of storage at a cheap price and don’t plan on moving them a lot.

Solid state drives do away with the moving electromagnetic disk, and replace it with what’s called “flash storage.” That’s the same kind of storage that’s used in smartphones, RAM in computers, and, these days, many of the internal storage drives in computers. Solid-state storage essentially uses microchips to store information, and as a result, there are no moving parts. That means there’s a lower failure rate, higher speed, and simply better overall performance. In particular, that means they’re great for running software or an operating system off of.

Of course, there is a downside to all of those advantages — and that’s price. Solid-state drives are much more expensive than hard disk drives, and while they are going down in price, you simply can’t get multi-terabyte solid-state drives without spending at least a few hundred dollars.

Performance

There are a few things that can affect the performance of a hard drive beyond simply what type of hard drive it is. That’s truer of a hard disk drive than a solid-state drive, but solid-state drives still have performance-related metrics that you should pay attention to.

The transfer speed of a hard drive largely has to do with the type of connector that the hard drive comes with. Newer connection standards have higher transfer speeds. The term “transfer speed” is technically a little misleading, as it doesn’t really dictate exactly how fast a hard drive can transfer files to and from your computer. Instead, it tells you how fast a hard drive can theoretically transfer files, based on the connection protocol the hard drive uses.

In the past, the connector was the main limiting factor in how fast a drive could transfer files: USB 2.0 hard drives, in the real world, could transfer data at up to 20 MB/second, while FireWire 800 drives limited things to 85 MB/second. These days, the newer USB 3.0 standard allows for data transfer at up to 460 MB/second, while Thunderbolt allows for speeds of over 1GB/second. Because of that, the connection type isn’t the bottleneck. Instead, the speed is dictated by how fast the hard drive can read and write data, which is referred to as the read/write speed.

Read/write speeds refer to how quickly a hard drive can access the files stored within it — not how quickly those files are transferred to or from a computer. The “read” speed refers to how quickly a hard drive can access a stored file, while the “write” speed refers to how quickly a drive can save a new file. Given the development in transfer protocols, read/write speeds are a much better indicator of how fast your hard drive will be able to actually transfer files than “transfer speed,” especially when it comes to hard disk drives.

Read/write speeds change a lot depending on whether it’s an HDD or SDD, and even within those categories there can be some variation. As mentioned, HDDs have a spinning disk inside of them, and the rate at which drives can access data depends on how quickly that disk spins. Commonly, drives spin at 5,400RPM, or rotations per minute, and drives at that speed generally have a read/write speed of around 100MB/s. Some HDDs have a physical speed of 7,200RPM, which allows for a slightly faster read/write speed of 120MB/s.

Read/write speeds can vary a lot with SSDs, but typically they range from 200MB/s at the slowest to multiple GB per second at the fastest. If all you’re doing is transferring files, then any of those speeds should be more than enough, but if you’re using your drive to store software or your operating system, then something on the fast end might help. In that case, look for speeds of 500MB/s or more.

Other Features and Considerations

While the type of hard drive and performance of the hard drive are perhaps the most important factors to consider, there are a few other features to keep in mind.

While most consumer-level hard drives connect to your computer through a USB cable, some offer network connectivity instead, meaning you can access your hard drive from any computer or phone that’s on the same network. That can be pretty helpful for those who have multiple computers set up and simply want to use an external hard drive to back up files and transfer files between computers.

You can actually give any external hard drive network features by simply plugging it into your router — providing your router has a compatible port on it — but it will require a little more tweaking to get set up properly. Still, special network-connected drives have some advantages. For example, so-called “Network Attached Storage” or NAS, can be used as a media server by apps like Plex, while standard router-connected drives aren’t necessarily able to do so. NAS is a little more expensive, but it’s also often expandable thanks to extra slots in the enclosure, which can accept more actual hard drives.

Check out our guide to the best NAS (Network Attached Storage).

The kind of port or ports that your hard drive uses to connect to a computer is very much linked to transfer speed. Most hard drives connect to a computer through a form of USB. That could mean the now-outdated USB 2.0 or the newer USB 3.0 or USB 3.1, and if it is USB 3.1, it could also connect through the newer USB-C connector, while still using the USB 3.1 standard.

Other ports, which are increasingly less common, include FireWire 400 and FireWire 800, though fewer and fewer computers support those ports, so you should be wary of that when purchasing.

We recommend looking for a hard drive with USB 3.1 support and a USB-C connector, especially if your computer is relatively new. It might mean having to buy an adapter to use with your current computer that may not have USB-C, but it means that when you upgrade to a new computer, your external hard drive will stay usable.

Check out our guide to the best USB-C adapters available.

External hard drives come in a few different formats, though it’s very easy to reformat a hard drive if you happen to buy the wrong kind. Hard drive formats are largely linked to the operating system that you’re going to be using the hard drive with. Here’s a quick rundown.

NTFS is the most common format for new external hard drives and can be used with Windows computers. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work as well with any other operating systems. Macs can read NTFS-formatted hard drives, but can’t write to them.

HFS+, which stands for “Hierarchical File System,” is a hard drive format that works much better with Macs, and it’s an improvement on the older HFS format in that it can support larger file types. Unfortunately, HFS+ drives don’t really work with Windows computers. HFS+ drives are the way to go for those who plan on using them with Macs that are running slightly older versions of macOS.

APFS is a newer hard drive format that works with Mac computers, but it only works with Mac running macOS High Sierra or newer. Like HFS+ drives, APFS drives can’t be read by Windows computers.

exFAT is essentially a mix of NTFS and FAT32, an older drive format that’s not used much anymore. There are a number of advantages to exFAT drives — namely that they can be recognized by both Windows and Mac computers, so if you need support for both, it’s worth formatting your drive to exFAT.

If you’re not sure what hard drive format to go for, then go for exFAT, since it works with most operating systems. Most hard drives come in NTFS, though, so you may need to buy one and then reformat it. Keep in mind it's not as easy to reformat a HFS+ or APFS drive if you need to use it on Windows.

The physical size of an external hard drive doesn't necessarily translate to the amount of storage space, particularly with the advent of flash storage. You really only have a say in the physical size of a hard drive when it comes to solid-state drives, as there are standard sizes for hard disk drives. Hard disk drives’ spinning disks can come in either 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch sizes. A standard size for a portable hard disk drive, for example, is the Western Digital Elements 2TB hard drive, which comes in at 4.35 x 3.23 x 0.59 inches. Smaller desktop hard drives come in at around 7 x 5 inches and range up from there.

Solid-state hard drives can be much smaller, making them much more portable. The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD, for example, comes in a size of 3.79 x 1.95 x 0.35 inches — a fairly average size for solid-state drives.

External hard drives can come with features designed to keep files more secure, which might be important if you plan on using yours to store sensitive information. For example, some hard drives offer password-protection by default, meaning you can easily set a password to keep all your files safe. Some also offer high-level encryption, rendering your files useless to those who don’t have your password, even if they manage to somehow hack into the drive.

A hard drive buffer is essentially storage that exists between the computer and the actual storage in a hard drive. Files stored by the hard drive in the buffer can be accessed far quicker than those stored in the main storage of a hard drive, and the bigger the hard drive buffer — sometimes called the cache — the better the overall performance the drive is likely to have.

Generally speaking, you really only need to care about the size of the buffer if you plan on running software from your hard drive. If all you’re doing is storing files, the type of drive and the speed of the disk will be much more important.

If you do feel as though you need a hard drive with a larger buffer, then we recommend getting one with at least a 64MB cache, though those with 128MB and even 256MB are pretty common, too.

Price

Depending on the type of hard drive and the amount of storage you opt for, the price can vary drastically.

Hard disk drives, as mentioned, are much cheaper than solid-state drives, so if you need a lot of storage at a reasonable price, a HDD might be the way to go. You can expect to pay around as little as 3 cents per GB for a HDD.

On the other hand, it's not uncommon to see a solid-state drive that runs into 25 cents per GB. Lower-capacity SSDs might range up to 40 cents per GB, while 2TB SSDs might come at 20 cents. Of course, that still makes for a drive that costs hundreds of dollars.

Conclusion

While there's a lot to keep in mind when buying an external hard drive, hopefully, this will help you narrow down your selection. Our overall recommendations? If you want lots of storage at a reasonable price, and don’t plan on moving your hard drive around a lot, go for an HDD. If you want fast performance and either don’t need a lot of storage or are willing to spend more, then an SSD is your best best. In both cases, it’s a good idea to find a drive that supports USB 3.0 or later, and a USB-C port might be helpful depending on whether your computer has a USB-C port.

There are a few brands that have built a reputation for quality external hard drives, including Western Digital, SanDisk, and Seagate. It’s often worth buying a hard drive from a reputable brand, as smaller companies may not offer much in the way of support for faulty drives.

Rest assured, no matter what your needs are there’s likely a hard drive out there for you, and hopefully purchasing is a little easier with your new-found knowledge of their key features.

It's a Great Time to Go for a Drive

In an era when Apple charges 99 cents per month for 50GB of iCloud storage and Google offers 100GB of free storage for two years with the purchase of a new Chromebook, mainstream external hard drives might appear less essential than they once were.

But modern external drives are faster, more stylish, and often more durable than their counterparts from a few years ago. They're ever cheaper and more capacious, too. For about $50, you can add a terabyte of extra storage to your laptop or desktop by just plugging in a USB cable.

Choosing an external drive isn't as simple as buying the most expensive one you can afford, however. The capacity and type of storage mechanism are the two most important factors to consider, and each one will increase or decrease the cost dramatically depending on your needs. Other factors include the physical size of the drive (is it designed to be carted around or to sit on your desk?), how rugged it is, the interface it uses to connect to your PC, and even what colors it comes in. This guide will help you make sense of all the options. Here are the key questions to ask as you shop.

The Need for Speed: Hard Drive or SSD?

Solid-state drives (SSDs) have fewer moving parts than traditional hard drives, and they offer the speediest access to your data. Unlike a conventional disk-based hard drive, which stores data on a spinning platter or platters accessed by a moving magnetic head, an SSD uses a collection of flash cells—similar to the ones that make up a computer's RAM—to save data.

Just how much faster is it to access data stored in flash cells than those stored on a spinning platter? Typical read and write speeds for consumer drives with a single spinning platter are in the 100MBps to 200MBps range, depending on their USB interface and whether they spin at 5,400rpm (more common) or 7,200rpm (more expensive and less common). External SSDs offer twice that speed and sometimes much more, with typical results on our benchmark tests in excess of 400MBps. Practically speaking, this means you can move gigabytes of data (say, a 4GB feature-length film, or a year's worth of family photos) to your external SSD in seconds rather than the minutes it would take with an external spinning drive.

Not only is it faster to read and write data stored in flash cells than those stored on a spinning platter, but it's also safer. Because there is no spinning platter or moving magnetic head, if you bump the SSD while you're accessing its data, there is no risk that your files will become corrupted and unreadable.

While external SSDs are now readily available and cheaper than they were a few years ago, they're not a complete replacement for spinning drives. Larger external drives designed to stay on your desk or in a server closet still mostly use spinning drives, taking advantage of their higher capacities and lower prices compared with SSDs.

Physical Size Matters: Desktop or Portable Drive?

If you have a large photo or video collection—perhaps you are a photo or video editor, or maybe a movie buff—you'll likely need several terabytes of space in which to store it. So your best option is a desktop-class drive. We define these as having one or more spinning-platter drives inside and requiring its own dedicated power cable. Of course, in this scenario, your files are going to have to stay at your desk.

A desktop drive with a single platter mechanism inside will typically use a 3.5-inch drive inside and will be found in capacities up to 12TB, and most are roughly 5 inches tall and 2 inches wide. In addition to storing large media collections, these drives can also serve as inexpensive repositories for backups of your computer's hard drive that you schedule using either the software that came with the drive or a third-party backup utility.

The next size up for consumer desktop drives is about the same height but twice as wide to accommodate additional drive mechanisms in the chassis, such as with the Western Digital My Book Duo. These larger drives are more expensive but also much more capacious; the highest-capacity current models employ two drives for up to 20TB of storage. Note: In the case of these and single-platter-drive products, you're not meant to swap out the drive or drives inside.

The largest desktop drives are often much, much larger than the first two categories, so large that you'll want to stick them under your desk or in a dedicated server closet. They're mostly intended for professional use in editing studios, surveillance control rooms, and the like. Their defining characteristic is the ability to swap drives in and out easily, so they provide quick access to the drive bays at the front of the device. Most are sold without drives included, so you can install any drive you want (usually, 3.5-inch drives, but some support 2.5-inchers). Their total storage capacities are usually limited only by their number of available bays and the capacities of the drives you put in them.

At the other end of the physical-size spectrum are portable drives, some of which now use an SSD inside instead of a spinning platter to save space, as well as to increase throughput and durability. These drives can be truly tiny, weighing just a few ounces and with their largest sides measuring less than 3 inches long, like with the Samsung Portable SSD T5. Others use spinning platters and are a bit larger, like the LaCie Porsche Design Mobile Drive, but they still fit easily in a purse or even a coat pocket. Portable drives get their power from the computer to which you connect them, through the interface cable, so there's no need for a spare wall outlet.

Need Redundancy or Extreme Speed? Consider a RAID

If you buy a larger desktop drive with two or more spinning platters, you'll almost certainly have the ability to configure the drive as a RAID array using included software. Depending on which RAID level you choose, you can prioritize capacity, speed, or data redundancy, or some combination thereof.

A collection of spinning drives configured with a RAID level designed for faster access can approximate the speeds of an SSD, while you should consider a drive with support for RAID levels 1, 5, or 10 if you're storing really important data that you can't afford to lose. Hit the link above for explanation of the strengths of each RAID level.

What Interface Should You Look For?

How an external drive connects to your PC or Mac is second only to the type of storage mechanism it uses in determining how fast you'll be able to access data. Unfortunately, these connection types are constantly changing, and the internet is littered with outdated references to legacy interface types such as eSATA and FireWire.

Right now, the fastest mainstream connection type is Thunderbolt 3, which is handy assuming you have a newer laptop or desktop with a Thunderbolt 3 port. All late-model Apple laptops have them, but they're much scarcer on Windows machines. This interface uses a USB Type-C connector and offers blazing throughput of 40GBps. As an added bonus, a desktop drive that supports Thunderbolt 3 might also come with additional DisplayPort and USB connections that allow you to use the drive box as a hub for your keyboard, mouse, monitor, and other peripherals.

You'll really only see the speed benefits of Thunderbolt 3, however, if you have a drive that's SSD-based, or a RAID array. If you'd rather save money than time transferring your data, if you're buying a desktop drive with a single platter-based mechanism inside, or if you have a PC that lacks Thunderbolt 3, you'll want to make sure your drive has a USB connection. Nearly every recent drive we reviewed supports USB, and the same goes for laptops and desktops.

Not all USB ports are created equal, though. The most prevalent is the standard rectangle shape (called Type-A) that's been present on devices for decades. The oval-shaped Type-C connector is quickly gaining traction, though. It's capable of supporting the USB 3.1 standard in addition to Thunderbolt 3, though most Type-C ports include only the former. If you buy a drive with a Type-C cable, make sure it also includes a cable with a rectangular Type-A plug if your PC lacks a Type-C port. Otherwise, you'll need to buy a separate cable or adapter.

Do You Need to Go Rugged?

If you carry your drive around frequently, you'll want to pay attention to how rugged the drive is. Some models include plastic bumpers, and some even meet military standards for shock and dust protection. (Look for support for specifications such as IP67 or IP68.)

And of course, if you're carrying your drive around with you, you want it to look nice. Some, like the Samsung T5, come in multiple colors, while others, like the ADATA SD700, are super-slim and ready to be tossed in a pocket.

Perhaps the only thing you don't need to pay much attention to is the warranty. If your drive breaks because you damaged it, the warranty likely won't cover it. Even if the drive fails because of a manufacturing defect, most warranties simply replace the drive and don't cover the cost of recovery services that attempt to rescue your data from the broken drive.

Let's Look at the Top Models We've Tested...

Also know that you can find external drives that do way more than just store your data. Some include SD card readers to offload footage from a camera or drone in the field, while others have built-in Wi-Fi and can double as an all-in-one home media server. Some of that kind even come with extra-large batteries that can charge your smartphone while you're on the go.

To get you started in the right direction toward the right add-on backup/storage solution, below are 10 of the best drives we've tested of late, at a variety of prices and capacities. Some are SSD-based, while others are platter.

Best External Hard Drives Featured in This Roundup:

Best Solid State Drive For Macbook Pro

• CalDigit Tuff Review

  
  MSRP: $179.99
  

  Pros: Rated to survive 4-foot drops. Certified waterproof and dustproof. Comes with USB 3.0 and USB-C cables.

  Cons: Warranty limited to two years. SSD option is still unreleased.

  Bottom Line: Not only is the CalDigit Tuff a rugged hard drive designed to survive extreme conditions, it's also a terrific value.

  Read Review

• Western Digital My Book Review

  
  MSRP: $249.99
  

  Pros: Comes in a variety of large capacities. Three-year warranty.

  Cons: Requires external power adapter.

  Bottom Line: With a full 8TB for less than $250, the 8TB version of the Western Digital My Book is a deep well of affordable storage for your photos, music, videos, and more.

  Read Review

• ADATA HD830 External Hard Drive Review

  
  MSRP: $109.99
  

  Pros: IP68 resistance to water and dust. Highly crush-resistant chassis. Aggressive price for capacity, build. Two colors to choose between.

  Cons: On the heavy, bulky side for some. Only waterproof and dustproof when the USB cover is closed. Could use a Type-C cable.

  Bottom Line: It's brawny, but the ADATA HD830 offers superior protection and value for the money in a rugged external platter-based drive.

  Read Review

• LaCie Mobile Drive Review

  
  MSRP: $94.95
  

  Pros: Slick, faceted design. Solid-feeling aluminum enclosure. Useful LaCie Toolkit software handles backup and restore, as well as mirroring. On-the-mark performance.

  Cons: A little hefty. Toolkit utility requires a download.

  Bottom Line: A metal-skinned gem of a platter hard drive, the LaCie Mobile Drive looks great and performs on point. It's geared to macOS users, but it will please anyone with an eye for style in their gadgets.

  Read Review

• Samsung Portable SSD T5 Review

  
  MSRP: $799.99
  

  Pros: Excellent performance. Includes USB 3.0 and USB-C cables. Compact. Android-, Mac-, and Windows-compatible.

  Cons: While a comparable good per-gigabyte value, the drive itself is expensive.

  Bottom Line: Samsung's Portable SSD T5 drive has a speedy USB-C interface, plenty of reliable storage, and it takes up about as much room in your pocket as a short stack of credit cards.

  Read Review

• Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch Review

  
  MSRP: $89.99
  

  Pros: Fabric-covered enclosure. Small and light. Seagate Toolkit provides handy backup/recover functions, as well as mirroring. Data protected by password and AES-256 hardware encryption.

  Cons: Fabric cover a bit slippery to grip. Seagate Toolkit a separate download.

  Bottom Line: Combining on-point performance and strong encryption, Seagate's Backup Plus Ultra Touch portable drive is a great choice for everyday backups and security-first use alike. Plus, a fabric coat adds appeal.

  Read Review

• Akitio Thunder3 RAID Station Review

  
  MSRP: $369.99
  

  Pros: Excellent connectivity options and transfer speeds. Solid build quality and attractive aluminum finish. Easy disassembly. Cooling fan can be disabled. No software required for Macs. Hardware RAID controller.

  Cons: Expensive. SATA interface limits read/write speeds. Only 27W of power delivery.

  Bottom Line: With its wealth of ports, the Akitio Thunder3 RAID Station is both a connectivity hub and a capacious external hard drive for multimedia content creators.

  Read Review

• Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC Review

  
  MSRP: $129.99
  

  Pros: Built-in USB cable. Ruggedized. Dust and water resistant. Hardware encryption. Mac and PC format utility.

  Cons: NFC card is easy to lose. Doesn't unlock via smartphones.

  Bottom Line: The 1-terabyte Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC has a built-in cable you can't lose, a rugged chassis that will survive a rough daily commute, and an NFC card and reader add some security to this portable hard drive.

  Read Review

• Samsung Portable SSD X5 Review

  
  MSRP: $699.99
  

  Pros: Extremely fast data transfer speeds, thanks to Thunderbolt 3 and PCIe NVMe interfaces. Multiple capacity options. Sleek design.

  Cons: Expensive. Heavy. No USB support. Difficult to connect to Windows PCs.

  Bottom Line: The sleek, expensive Samsung Portable SSD X5 offers the fastest single-drive external storage money can buy, but it's suited mainly to well-heeled content-creation pros using late-model Macs.

  Read Review

• Western Digital My Passport Wireless SSD Review

  
  MSRP: $499.00
  

  Pros: Durable. Built-in SD card reader and USB port. Plex support. Doubles as a power bank.

  Cons: Expensive. No Thunderbolt support.

  Bottom Line: The Western Digital My Passport Wireless SSD is pricey, but this feature-packed drive can do much more than just wirelessly transfer files.

  Read Review

v

Best Solid State Drive For Macbook Pro Late 2011

v

Best Cyber Security Software For Mac

Best Antivirus Software’s of 2018 #1 Norton By Symantec Norton is the most preferred best antivirus software die to its detection and blocking malware threats, tools and features which provide on all-round internet security. ESET security is one the best antivirus software for Mac to protect you over the internet. The security suit comes with three different packages basic, Pro and multi device security. ESET gives you cast iron protection against malware and keep your Mac tuned to the best performance. Norton is the most preferred best antivirus software die to its detection and blocking malware threats, tools and features which provide on all-round internet security. This antivirus protects you from viruses, identity theft, spam and danger from the social media. Find the best Network Security Software for your business. Compare product reviews and features to build your list. And networks. JumpCloud manages users and their systems whether Mac, Linux, or Windows and provides access to cloud and on-prem resources such as Office 365, G Suite, AWS, Salesforce, and Jira. By Horangi Cyber Security.

• Best Internet Security For Mac
• Best Computer Security Software

Even you are an ultra-scrupulous in the way you handle potential threats, some infections just can’t be prevented without taking help of a dedicated Mac Security Software. Some might consider the fact that Apple Machines don’t get viruses; however, the truth is they are just less targeted than Windows, but not immune from malware or other infections.

So, stop being sassy because your Mac might get hit with Trojans, Malware, Ransomware and other types of malicious content. We don’t mean to intimidate, but we want our users to stay safe & protected from rogue infections that might harm their machines with malicious content.

List of Contents

So, better not to wait until it’s too late! Here’s introducing some of the Best Antivirus Software for Mac that are absolutely essential for your Apple device

The 10 Best Mac Antivirus Software In 2019

Let’s look at some of the most ideal Antivirus programs for Mac:

1. Systweak Anti-Malware

Systweak Anti-Malware would be our first choice, because of the bunch of robust functionalities it provides in one package. It’s a resourceful software that keeps you safe from all online threats. It efficiently detects & quarantines suspicious & unwanted content that may pose a threat to your Mac. It’s powerful scanning algorithms makes it easy to fight off the infections in few moments. It comes loaded with tons of features which makes it the Best Security Software for Mac

Why Choose Systweak Anti-Malware for Mac?

Light as feather on system resources, the software offers great performance boost & usability.

FEATURES

Easy to set up & intuitive interface.

Complete malware protection for your mac.

Various scanning methods, so that no threats are left behind.

Powerful mac OS virus scan that detects & removes every types of malicious content in no time.

Noticeable performance boost, just after the first scan.

Protect your mac from adware, spyware, and other viruses.

24*7 Experts Assistance.

Its virus database gets updated regularly to make sure that your machine is always safe.

Automatic Schedule Scanning option.

Systweak Anti-Malware is the easiest, fastest & most effective way to provide best-in-class threat protection.

Download Now for ultimate security!

Read Also:Best Mac Cleaner Software to Optimize your Mac

2. Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9

Intego is another excellent piece of best virus protection available for you Mac. It comes with ‘Real-Time & On-Demand’ antivirus & anti-malware shields to safeguard your machine against all types of cyber-attacks. The software is also equipped with ‘Intelligent Firewall for Home & Hotspot Network Protection’ to block unsolicited visitors accessing your personal information. You can also connect your mobiles, tablets & other devices via USB to let Intego scan for malicious content.

Why Choose Intego Mac Internet Security?

Despite its robust feature set, the program manages to cram all its functionalities into a compact dashboard.

FEATURES

Real-time & On-demand Mac antivirus & anti-malware shields.

Mac Cleaner to speed & organize your system.

Parental Control features like website/application blocking.

Personal backup feature to securely store your data & prevent it from data loss.

Anti-phishing tools to check unsafe emails & attachments.

3. Sophos Antivirus For Mac

Sophos is a complete security suite designed for Mac, loaded with lots of features, the software has very high accurate detection rates. But at the same time, the scanning process is quite time-taking than other tools mentioned here. It’s full system scan takes lots of time, however the software has the least impact on the system’s operation.

Why Choose Sophos Antivirus For Mac?

The software has an amazing protection score, with its On-demand scanning option user can initiate a scan anytime.

FEATURES

Extremely fast mac antivirus scan & has a great reputation among tech experts.

Real-time protection features.

Ransomware monitoring, Webcam protection & live support features.

Parental Control options to block inappropriate websites viewing.

Doesn’t use up lots of memory or CPU.

The software is available for free trial with all the features, after then you can purchase its premium version for $35.

4. AVG AntiVirus For Mac

AVG is another brand well-known in the antivirus world. Its newest update comes with a modern interface and work effectively as well in comparison to its predecessors. Once you install the tool, a systemized dashboard is presented in two main panes. First one ensures basic protection on web & email. Second one comes equipped with advanced options that you can enable by purchasing the full suite.

Why Choose AVG AntiVirus For Mac?

If you have primary requirements of providing basic protection to your Mac, then it’s free antivirus would work for you. If you want to have features like privacy protection or safety for online transactions, then choose its full suite package.

FEATURES

User-friendly interface.

Full Scan, individual file scanning & customize scanning options are available.

Real-time protection by finding & remove new threats as they arise.

You can scan your mobile devices connected through USB.

Despite of having several functionalities in one package, what we didn’t like about it, is its in-program ads & heavy system performance impact.

5. Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac

Bitdefender is well-liked & reputable virus protection for Mac. It comes with advanced cybersecurity technologies that gives users complete immunity to enjoy the online world to the maximum. Claims to provide 100% threat detection rate and we truly agree to it. It proffers ultra-fast scanning that blocks and removes annoying adware, giving you the optimized speed & fast mac performance.

Why Choose Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac?

The antivirus program is all updated with new Internet-born dangers, so wherever they may come from, Bitdefender is all set to give instant protection with no extra tweaks.

FEATURES

User-friendly & easy-to-use.

Comes with multi-layer Ransomware protection tool.

Offers One-Click optimization feature to clean up mac & fix minor issues.

Capable of scanning Windows malware as well.

Premium version comes with Bitdefender VPN & Anti-Phishing protector to keep you out of danger.

Bitdefender AntiVirus for Mac offers free 30-day trial as well, so that once you get satisfied with its functioning, you could go for the full version.

6. Norton Security Premium

If you’re really concerned about Internet nasties, then try using Norton Security Premium for accurate virus protection. It offers 2GB of automatic online backup, so you can securely store your data and prevent it from data loss due to Ransomware or hard drive failures. Offers 100% guarantee, the moment you install the software, a Norton expert gets connected to you to help you keep your machine infection-free or give you a refund.

Why Choose Norton Security Premium?

Norton Security Premium is an optimum solution to give complete protection & take care of your online privacy & personal information.

FEATURES

Gives all-round protection against adware, spyware and other online threats.

Ideal virus protection tool for Beginners.

Offers Parental Controls, Password Manager, Mac Optimization tools, Email & Spam Blocking features.

Provides real-time protection against existing & upcoming threats.

Secures multiple devices with a single subscription.

This top antivirus for mac is well-known for providing comprehensive protection with robust tools to help you safely explore the Internet.

Read Also:Best Adware Remover Tools For Mac

7. Avast Free Antivirus For Mac

Avast is an old name in the field of providing best security solutions. Its Mac OS X Antivirus program is one of their highly-rate protection tools that comes with robust features to provide an excellent secure wall around your mac. The software offers several scanning options to improve Mac’s security; Quick Scan, Full Scan, Network Security Scan, Scanning for removable volumes & more.

Why Choose Avast Antivirus For Mac?

With its excellent phishing protection, the software claims to catch 99.9% of all malware!

FEATURES

Not only easy-to-use, but it’s very light in weight. Hence, has very low impact on system resources.

Comes with Password Manager.

Provides Ransomware shield.

Offers Wi-Fi Security Scan and Wi-Fi Intruder Alerts, so that your Mac doesn’t get connected to compromised networks.

Anti-Malware security plus web & email shields for all-round protection.

Their most common pricing plan runs $39.99 per year for one license & $59.99 for three. Quite expensive mac OS X antivirus tool!

8. Kaspersky Internet Security

One of the most famous antivirus protections for mac, Kaspersky is a robust program for keeping your system safe & virus-free. Installation might get little tricky at first, but it proficiently manages to remove or quarantine eight out of ten viruses. It offers Scheduled Scanning feature, but it’s not activated by default.

Why Choose Kaspersky Anti-Virus?

Though it offers a huge range of features, it makes the interface a bit cumbersome to navigate if you’re searching for a particular tool.

FEATURES

Amazing virus detection rate.

Comes with ‘Safe Money’ feature to secure online payments.

Offer features like Parental Control, Lock Down Webcam & Website Blocking from tracking.

Noticeable performance boost on Mac.

Mix-and-match protection on your Mac, PC, Android & iOS devices with single subscription.

The software is much more than just a Mac antivirus, it offers a lot more options to secure your digital life as well.

9. Avira Antivirus Pro

Quite a budget option among all the antivirus programs for Mac. Unlike other standard mac security software that are clubbed with numerous features, Avira takes a simpler & light-weight approach to provide ultimate security & protection to users. Along with powerful antivirus scanner, it comes with Smart A.I that makes sure that no latest threat can target your system.

Why Choose Avira Antivirus Pro?

Avira offers a bunch of features that makes it one of our best picks in the category.

FEATURES

Real-time protection to detect viruses & other infections.

Capable of finding & removing Windows threats as well.

Interface is admirably compact & clutter-free.

Comes with Scheduled scanning, so you can set automatic scanning on daily or weekly basis.

Offers strong protection against Phishing & Malicious URLs.

PUA Shield to detect unwanted apps that are hidden on your system.

Effortless to use, Aviara is surely one of the easiest ways to ensure security & privacy online!

Read Also:Best Security Tips And Tricks To Secure Your Mac

10. Cylance Smart Antivirus

Cylance Smart Antivirus is a light-weight best security software for Mac. The software works Artificial Intelligence algorithms to identify threat proactively. Unlike other standard antivirus program for Mac, it doesn’t have a ‘Scan’ button, all you have to do is install the application and leave it running. It works in real-time and detects all the upcoming issues as & when arises.

Why Choose Cylance Smart Antivirus?

It automatically blocks the malicious content before they can cause any damage to your Mac.

FEATURES

Straightforward user-interface. Ideal virus protection tool for Beginners.

Works with AI algorithms, hence you can be ensured of ultimate threat detection.

Instant download & rapid protection.

Flexible packages, according to user needs & requirements.

Pricing options are quite simple, it offers three purchase plans which varies according to the number of devices. Personal Plan: for ‘one’ device around $29, Household Plan: for ‘five’ devices for around $69 & Family plan for up to ‘ten’ devices for $99.

Read Also:Top 3 Recent Mac Malware Threatening Security

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Do You Know If Your Mac Is Infected With A Virus?

Before proceeding with the ultimate solution to protect your Mac from infections. You should keep in mind the following signs that point out whether your system has a malware or not. If your machine is not displaying any of below mentioned signs, then there’s nothing to worry about.

• Your Mac Starts Behaving Erratically

Your machine suddenly becomes sluggish or laggy in everyday use.

• Unexpected Advertisements

All web pages are overlaid with adverts.

• Mac Machine Become Slow For No Reason

Your machine constantly gets slow, even when no program or apps are running.

• Unwanted Pop-ups

All of a sudden, new icons, toolbars & extensions starts popping on your device which you don’t even remember installing.

If you think a Mac malware is making its way onto your system, then it’s time to take an immediate action!

Why Do You Need A virus Protection Software For Your Mac?

Mac malware could be distributed through different ways. The most recent & vulnerable ones are, by way of ZIP file email attachments, through ‘meltdown & spectre flaws’ found on Intel chips & via hijacking DNS servers.

However, the most reliable way of detecting these issues & protecting your device effectively is by using a dedicated Mac OS X Antivirus tool that does the task in short Mac antivirus scan!

• Might seem obvious, but worth emphasizing! Using an antivirus programs for mac will provide an anti-malware & anti-spyware guard against all types of infections including viruses, worms, adware, trojan, rootkits and much more in few clicks.
• A dedicated Mac security software would run a diagnostic scan that detects & removes suspicious files & apps in few moments.
• The best antivirus software for mac will constantly monitor all new downloads & keep users safe while online.
• A top antivirus for mac will be equipped with several scanning options so that no malicious content could hide on your system.
• Provides an advanced protection that catches emerging threats & defend against them in no time.
• An ideal virus protection for mac will ensure an all-round malware protection for your Mac.

Now, that you’ve understood the essential need of a Mac Security Software, it’s time to look at the best ones that are all set to provide you with the supreme protection!

How To Manually Remove Viruses From Mac?

There are numerous ways to remove infections from Mac, but it can be a time-consuming and tedious task at the same time.

1. Clear Browser Extensions

If you’re using Safari, then go to the Menu > click on ‘Preferences’ > A new window will appear > open ‘General’ tab > Check your Homepage is set default > go to Extensions tab > Find & remove malicious extensions.

Some Common Malicious Extensions are: FlashFree, GoldenBoy, News Ticker Remover, Shopper Helper Pro, Shop BRAIN, Mac Global Deals, MacSaver, MacVX, MacPriceCut.

2. Uninstall Malicious Apps

Open Finder > Click on Applications > A list of all the apps installed will be displayed > scroll through the list and locate any spiteful name > right-click to ‘Move to Trash’.

Some Common Malicious Apps are: MacCaptain, Photo Zoom, PalMall, MacSmart, MacSter, MacXcoupon, Extended Protection, WeKnow, MacSaver, MacDeals, SveOnMac.

3. Enter Safe Mode

Entering into safe mode will help your Mac machine to perform ‘checks’ and only lets trustworthy apps & programs to load. If any malware is set to load automatically, this will prevent the infection to do so.

If you have a very nasty virus, killing it manually would be very time-consuming and there’s no guarantee that it would surely be removed. However, with the help of Best Antivirus Software for Mac you can be completely ensured of total safety with enhanced mac’s performance & all-round protection for your machine from future threats as well.

Conclusion:

You don’t have to be a computer genius to stay protected on Macs. Just keep in mind the following things to not get easily prone to viruses or other infections.

• Keep a tight lock on your Mac. Use strong passwords!
• Disable automatic file opening after downloads.
• Always keep your Mac apps & OS X software updated.
• Install applications from only Mac App Store.
• Maintain healthy browsing habits.
• Secure your webcam & microphone.

Above all, using a determined antivirus software for Mac will ensure that your Mac always stays away from rogue infections and will only help in boosting its performance, along with maintaining a secure wall around your device!

Kaspersky Total Security

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Norton 360 Deluxe

All Windows systems need antivirus software, even if it's free antivirus software. The Windows Defender software built into Windows 10 has gotten much better, but it still can't quite match the best third-party paid offerings. We believe it's worth paying for Windows antivirus software because you'll get the best protection coupled with the latest updates and the most useful features.

Our top pick overall is Kaspersky's Windows antivirus lineup, which combines excellent malware protection with a moderate system impact, a full slate of extra features (such as a hardened web browser, webcam protection and file encryption) and an easy-to-use interface.

Right behind it are Bitdefender, whose cheapest paid product is the best bargain in antivirus software, and Norton, which offers excellent protection with optional identity protection. Trend Micro and McAfee also have very good malware protection, but had a heavier impact on system performance; ESET's protection is a half-step below the rest.

MORE: Best Antivirus Software and Apps

Latest Security Alerts and Threats

— A new browser exploit kit targeting Windows uses 30 different languages infects legitimate websites and tries to get visitors to install fake Adobe Flash, Google Chrome or font updates. When run, the 'installer' actually installs a remote-access tool. ADVICE: Use robust antivirus software and don't trust pop-up windows telling you to update Flash, Chrome or fonts.

— Google pushed out an emergency patch for its Chrome browser for Windows, macOS and Linux after a vulnerability was found that could let a malicious website take over a computer. ADVICE: Copy and paste 'chrome://settings/help' into your Chrome address bar to make sure your browser is updated to version 76.0.3809.132.

— Diagnostic software loaded onto most Lenovo Windows computers made between 2011 and 2018 could be used to hijack a PC. ADVICE: Uninstall Lenovo Solutions Center from your Lenovo PC., and run Windows antivirus software.

The best Windows antivirus software overall

Kaspersky Total Security

Reasons to Buy

loaded with extra features

Reasons to Avoid

Kaspersky's Windows products have excellent malware-detection scores and a light-to-moderate system-performance impact, the two most important criteria in our rankings. The basic program, Kaspersky Anti-Virus, has dedicated ransomware protection, a virtual keyboard and a convenient online account portal. But at this price level, it's beaten by Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, which has even more features.

Kaspersky Internet Security is our top choice among the midrange packages. It has parental controls, a secure browser, anti-theft protection for laptops, webcam protection and a VPN client that kicks in when you connect to an open Wi-Fi network. It also includes software for macOS, Android and iOS.

The premium antivirus suite, Kaspersky Total Security, adds backup software, file encryption, a file shredder and a password manager. It's our favorite among all the premium security suites.

Strong protection on the cheap

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Reasons to Buy

light system load

Reasons to Avoid

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is our top choice among basic antivirus products. It has nearly perfect malware-detection scores and a very light system performance impact, and it also offers the most value, with a password manager, a secure browser, VPN client software, a file shredder and protection against encrypting ransomware. It also automatically stops scans if it senses you're playing a computer game.

The midrange Bitdefender Internet Security adds parental controls, file encryption, webcam protection and a two-way firewall, while Bitdefender Total Security tops off the lineup with an anti-theft feature for laptops and a system optimizer. The best deal is the Bitdefender Family Pack, which puts Total Security on up to 15 devices for (a frequently discounted) $120 per year.

A security and privacy Swiss Army knife

Norton 360 Deluxe

Reasons to Buy

identity-protection options

Reasons to Avoid

skimps on security features

Norton 360 Deluxe

$59.99

All of Norton's antivirus products offer excellent malware protection, and the once-crushing system-performance load is now much lighter. But Norton's packages come with fewer security features than competing products, even after a recent overhaul that resurrected the old Norton 360 nameplate and added identity-protection options and unlimited VPN service.

The bare-bones Norton AntiVirus Plus has a password manager, but no webcam protection. You'll get that, plus a VPN client and more online storage, with the otherwise identical Norton 360 Standard. Norton 360 Deluxe adds parental controls and licenses for up to five devices, plus more online storage.

For an extra $50 per year, you can gets Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, which adds LifeLock identity protection plus even more storage space. Topping out the list are Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage and Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate, which expand the identity-protection services but offer the same malware-protection features as Norton 360 Deluxe. If you're looking for just an antivirus solution, however, even a midrange Bitdefender or Kaspersky package will give you more useful security tools.

Flawless protection, but a heavy load

Trend Micro Maximum Security

Reasons to Buy

some useful tools

Reasons to Avoid

lacks some extra features

Trend Micro Maximum Security

$49.95

Trend Micro offers very good malware protection, but its detection engine creates a heavy system-performance impact. Its entry product, Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security, is pretty basic in terms of extra tools. Parental controls and a system optimizer and file shredder come with the midrange Trend Micro Internet Security. The top-end Trend Micro Maximum Security adds a password manager, a secure browser and file encryption, but none of Trend Micro's programs include a two-way firewall.

Lots of devices covered for low fee

McAfee Internet Security

Reasons to Buy

great password manager

Reasons to Avoid

lacks some useful security tools

McAfee® Internet Security

McAfee's malware detection has improved greatly in the past couple of years, but it still slows down PCs a lot during scans. Despite that, McAfee AntiVirus Plus is a bargain; $60 per year buys software for up to 10 (in fact, it's unlimited) devices, whether they run Windows, OS X, iOS or Android, and the software comes with a file shredder and a two-way firewall. (A single-device license costs $40.)

McAfee Internet Security adds one of the best password managers in the business, but to get parental controls, you'll have to spring for the 10-device license of McAfee Total Protection or its sibling McAfee LiveSafe, which comes pre-installed on many new PCs. The multi-device licenses of those two security suites also come with an identity-protection service, but none of the McAfee products have a secure browser or webcam protection.

Nothing fancy

ESET Smart Security Premium

Reasons to Buy

firmware scanner

Reasons to Avoid

no software for other platforms

ESET Smart Security Premium

$59.99

ESET is one of the biggest antivirus names in Europe, but while it has a moderate system-performance load, its malware-detection rate isn't as spectacular as those of the other antivirus brands on this page. The entry-level ESET NOD32 Antivirus is easy to use but has few useful extra tools. ESET Internet Security adds a network scanner, webcam protection, parental controls and a hardened web browser.

The top-billed ESET Smart Security Premium tosses in file encryption, a virtual keyboard and a password manager. To get software for multiple platforms, you'll need the ESET Multi-Device Security Pack, which oddly offers the midrange Windows product instead of the premium one, but does include antivirus software for Linux.

Antivirus Buying Tips

The truth is that any of these six brands will protect your computer from infection very well. But before you buy antivirus software, you have to figure out what you will use it for.

If you have children at home, then you'll want to consider the various brands' midrange antivirus products, most of which include parental controls. Do you want an all-encompassing security solution? Many of the top-priced, premium products include backup software and VPN accounts. Or are you a techie who understands the risks? A low-priced basic program might be all you need.

Then you'll have to determine how many machines you need to protect. Got a single, solitary PC? Most vendors offer single-device licenses. Got a desktop, a laptop, a tablet and a smartphone? Multi-device, multi-platform licenses are available for most midrange and premium packages. Does your whole family need to protect its devices? Some vendors offer plans that cover 10, or an unlimited number of, devices on multiple platforms.

But the days when you could walk into a store and pay a one-time fee for an antivirus product are long gone. All the vendors now sell their software licenses as yearly (or multiyear) subscriptions. You'll always be getting the latest software, and you can download and install the software straight from the internet. But you'll be paying again every year.

MORE: How to Buy Antivirus Software

Antivirus Pricing and Features

You don't have to spend a lot for antivirus software. Many products are sold online for much less than their list prices. But each brand offers at least three configurations of features and pricing -- basic, midrange and premium -- with every step up adding more features to the one before.

Think of antivirus packages like cars at an auto dealership. You can get a base-model Toyota Camry that has few extra frills but will get you from place to place just fine. For a few grand more, you can buy a Camry with satellite radio, but no heated side-view mirrors, alloy wheels or in-car Wi-Fi hotspot. Or you can spend a lot more to get a loaded Camry with all the fixin's.

Like automakers, antivirus makers hope you'll spring for extra options, whether you need them or not. The one thing you can't trade up to is a bigger engine -- all the Windows antivirus products in a given brand's lineup will use the same malware-detection engine and provide the same level of essential protection.

The basic rung of antivirus software is usually just called 'Antivirus' or some variant of that, and list prices for subscriptions are $40-$60 per year per PC. The software will have essential malware protection and possibly a few extra features, such as a password manager or a two-way firewall. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus provides the best bang for the buck at the basic level, with more useful features than rival brands' products.

Midrange antivirus software packages are frequently nameplated as 'Internet Security.' They generally add parental controls, some of which are very good, plus a few other features such as webcam protection. Midrange packages more likely to come with multi-device licenses than basic antivirus products, and will often include antivirus software for Macs and Android devices. (The iOS 'antivirus' apps aren't worth paying for.)

Listed yearly subscription prices for midrange antivirus packages start in the $60-$80 range per machine, but you can pay less if you're patient as online prices will change. Our pick of the litter is Kaspersky Internet Security, which covers multiple platforms and has almost everything you'd want.

At the top of the heap are the premium antivirus 'security suites,' which toss in all the extra security tools an antivirus brand can offer, such as password managers, VPN client software, backup software, online storage and even identity-protection services. (Not every antivirus brand offers all of these tools.)

The idea is that a premium antivirus suite can be a one-stop shop for all your security needs. List prices for premium packages start at $80-$100 per year, but make sure those extra security tools you'll be paying for are tools you'll actually use. The password managers in security suites are often quite good, but the online storage can be paltry and the VPN services generally don't give you much data before you have to pay for more.

How We Test Antivirus Software

Our evaluations are based on four different criteria: malware protection, performance impact, extra features and ease of use and of installation. How good is the program at detecting and removing malware? How much do scans slow down the computer's performance? Does the program have any additional tools, and are they useful? Can you easily navigate, and easily understand, the program interface? Most antivirus programs have user-friendly interfaces, but we'll ding one if it's too hard to find important tools.

All of our Windows antivirus tests are performed on the same Asus X555LA laptop running the latest mainstream build of 64-bit Windows 10 home, with an Intel Core i3 processor, 6GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive containing 36GB of files.

To assess a program's impact on system speed, we use our custom OpenOffice benchmark test, which matches 20,000 names and addresses on a spreadsheet. The longer it takes the laptop's CPU to complete the matching task, the heavier the performance impact.

For malware-detection scores, we use the most recent available testing results from four independent testing organizations: AV-TEST in Germany, AV-Comparatives in Austria, SE Labs in England and our own labs in Utah. Each lab regularly subjects the major antivirus brands' products to stress tests involving hundreds of previously unseen pieces of malware and thousands of instances of known malware.

Editors' Note: Why We Still Recommend Kaspersky

Best Internet Security For Mac

Kaspersky antivirus products have been banned from U.S. government networks, which we can understand. Because the company is Russian, using its software would create an unacceptable risk for persons and organizations involved in national security and critical infrastructure.

Best Computer Security Software

However, we think Kaspersky software is perfectly safe for home users. We've seen no evidence to convince us otherwise. Kaspersky researchers are well respected throughout the antivirus industry, and the company has publicly exposed Russian cyberespionage campaigns as well as American ones.

Best Programs For Mac 2015

So you came out of the holidays with a new Mac! Congratulations! Now, whether it’s a MacBook or 27-inch 5K iMac, we’ve got you covered with the best picks for apps, utilities, tools, and everything else to get the most out of your new computer.

1. Spotify
2. Best Programs For Mac Book Pro
3. Best Programs For Mac 2013

We've rounded up our favorite and most-used apps and utilities for the technology we use every day. Check out our picks for iPhones, Android phones, PCs, Macs, and game consoles. We've also listed our favorite games for iOS and Android from this year.

The Lifehacker Pack is an annual snapshot of our favorite, essential applications for each of our favorite platforms. For our always-updating directory of all the best apps, be sure to bookmark. What would you folks recommend for the best software packages for Mac -- free and also paid? I've heard there are some nice programs designed for the Mac. I'm interested in various things with decent GUIs, including things such as engines to analyze games and positions, playing games against the computer, learning, etc. Editor's note: This story was originally published on April 27, 2015 and has since been updated to add new advice and tips for speeding up your Mac computer. Look no further than our list of the best Mac apps available around the internet, from excellent productivity tools to social media apps, entertainment, and security software! Whatever you need.

1Password

1Password is an essential purchase. Password managers are no longer an optional utility; they’re a must-have way to safeguard the many accounts you use online. 1Password remains the de facto choice because it’s secure, frequently updated with new features, offers convenient syncing over iCloud or Dropbox, and works across Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android. Download it. Try it. Buy it. It’s worth it.

Pixelmator

Pixelmator can do probably 90 percent of the things you’d want Photoshop for, all at a fraction of the price. It’s one of the best Mac-only apps you’ll find (well, there’s also an iOS version), and regularly gets better with new updates that add even more features to what’s already there. Need great image editing software? Look no further.

Google Photos

Sure, if you’ve got a Mac, you might already be satisfied with Apple’s own Photos software. But Google has become our favorite thanks to unique features like automatic GIF creation — seriously, they can be a welcome, heartwarming surprise — and amazingly powerful search, which doesn’t require any extra effort on your part. There’s not much work to do here; download the app, point it to where your photos are, and rest assured that they’re stored safely in the cloud.

Backblaze

But you should also think about putting everything else in the cloud, too. Having a Time Machine backup on an external hard drive is critical, but what if your house burns down or your stuff gets stolen? Backblaze is a great service that can safely put everything on your Mac in the cloud. If disaster strikes, you can download individual files or even have them send you everything on a USB drive. For all that peace of mind, the cost is pretty cheap, too.

Spotify

Apple wants you to use its own streaming music service, but your friends are all using Spotify, right? Thankfully Spotify’s Mac app is pretty good and does everything you need it to without annoying obstacles or bugs. Could it be better? Sure, but anything beats having to open iTunes.

Dropbox

Dropbox remains the best tool for syncing files and folders across every device you own. It’s getting a bit stale in terms of new features, sure, but the reliability and ease of use still qualify Dropbox as a must-have app for your new Mac.

Fantastical 2

Several successful iPhone apps have also made a name for themselves on OS X. Fantastical is one of those, offering a tremendous calendar experience that beats what Apple gives you out of the box. The ability to use natural language, means scheduling meetings and to-dos really can’t get much easier.

Tweetbot

Twitter’s official Mac app was actually updated this year, but considering how rarely new features come along, you should just keep avoiding it. Just as on iOS, Tweetbot for Mac is the best third-party app you can get for keeping up with all that’s happening in your timeline.

Evernote

Evernote’s going through a bit of a rough time on the business side, but the company’s core app is still an essential productivity tool. Take pretty much anything you want on your Mac — notes, to-do lists, web links, photos, etc. — drop it into Evernote, and you’ll be able to access it from your smartphone, tablet, or any other device that has its own Evernote app. (It’s just a shame we couldn’t include Skitch on this list with its uncertain future.)

Spotify

GIFBrewery

There’s no better way of wasting time than making your own GIFs, and GIFBrewery is one of the easiest ways of doing so on your Mac. Why bother with work? Go ahead and try your hand at making the next viral moving image.

Best Programs For Mac Book Pro

Transmission

If you’re someone who still turns to Bit Torrent for downloads, Transmission is your best option for a Mac app. It’s clean, lightweight, and fast — pretty much all the things you’d want in a single-task utility like this one. It has also been around forever and gets regular updates, so you can count on support for a long time to come.

Best Programs For Mac 2013

More from The Verge

Best Free Games On Mac For Steam

Content delivery service Steam is a real money-spinner for Valve, prompting publishers like EA to shy away from it in pursuit of their own system. That doesn’t mean there aren’t a couple of free gems in the service, and all you need is a Steam account in order to play.

• Best Free To Play Games On Steam For Mac
• Top 10 Best Free Games On Steam

The game is lightweight and a perfect pick to refresh your mind. So, these were 10 best Mac games on Steam. Apart from this you can choose from more than 6000 games on the store but if you are a beginner then first you should choose from top 10 Mac games for free. With this now Mac lovers will also have better gaming experience than ever before. Here are our picks for the best Mac games of 2018, including titles such as The Banner Saga 3, Fortnite, and Donut County.

The service is free to use and no credit card or other payment information is required for a bog-standard account. Those of you who already have Steam up and running can install any of the games below in a flash via the [Install] link which launches the Steam client.

If you don’t have Steam yet, you can click here to grab the auto installer and register a free account. Let the games begin!

War Inc. Battlezone [Install] [View on Steam]

Released in July this year, War Inc. Battlezone is a free-to-play online third person shooter that features both 8v8 and 16v16 shoot-outs. Of course, being free-to-play means there are additional perks to be earned from registering a paid special account (such as the ability to host your own games).

Still, the free option’s not bad either. With no time limits, a proper server browser, XP to earn and a nice big unlock tree to climb there’s enough here to keep your average shoot ‘em up fan interested. It’s not bad to look at either!

Note: If you’re having trouble downloading War Inc. Battlezone then this is probably due to regional restrictions enforced by Steam.

Global Agenda: Free Agent [Install] [View on Steam]

Ah, don’t you just love futuristic post-war dystopia? How about frantic MMO goodness? Jolly good, because that’s just what Global Agenda: Free Agent delivers.

What’s more the free-to-play model is very lenient indeed – all game content can be accessed without any payment whatsoever. If you do indeed decide to pay, your account is updated to Elite Agent status which accelerates your rate of progression (more XP, essentially) and provides access to an in-game auction and mail system.

The game is FPS by nature, with RPG elements like character upgrades drizzled in an online co-op sauce. Did I mention the jetpacks? Tribes and Team Fortress fans might want to check this one out!

The Cat And The Coup [Install] [View on Steam]

Here’s a game with a difference – a documentary game, following the assassination of Iran’s first democratically elected Prime Minister in which you play… a cat.

As a feline it is up to you to guide the PM through significant events in his life by doing typical cat things like knocking over objects and scratching your owner. I think this is one of those games that should be played rather than described.

CrimeCraft: Bleedout [Install] [View on Steam]

Taking the frantic FPS genre, applying RPG and MMO elements and sticking it all back together seems to be pretty trendy these days, and CrimeCraft: Bleedout is another of these offerings. Set in Sunrise City, a near-future metropolis recovering from the collapse of the global economy, Bleedout features online 20v20 player vs player multiplayer, a dearth of typical MMORPG elements (crafting, guilds, missions, trading etc…) and a single player campaign to boot.

You’ll need to pay in order to access the full campaign, but basic online multiplayer and the first episode of the single player story is available completely free – for as long as you like!

Champions Online: Free For All [Install] [View on Steam]

Ever fancied donning a lycra playsuit and prancing around like you own the place? Sounds like you’ll get on fairly well with Champions Online, a free comic-book themed MMORPG. Undoubtedly going head-to-head with the likes of DC Universe Online (another free-to-play title), Champions Online requires no subscription and allows you to progress up to level 40 for free.

Of course once you’ve hit the level cap you’ll need to cough up the cash, but there’s plenty of opportunity to decide if you like the game. Choose your superpowers, choose your costume and explore some distant realms in this huge MMORPG.

Freebies We’ve Mentioned Before

We’ve already mentioned a couple of the best free Steam games here at MakeUseOf, but I can’t resist highlighting these quality free titles for those who missed them first time round:

Alien Swarm [Install] [View on Steam]

Check out our full review of Alien SwarmAlien Swarm - A Top-Down Open-Source Shooter By ValveAlien Swarm - A Top-Down Open-Source Shooter By ValveRead More, a free top-down shooter straight from Valve.

Moonbase Alpha [Install] [View on Steam]

NASA’s flagship online lunar experience invites you to team up and work efficiently to repair Moonbase Alpha. I reviewed this game last yearBecome A Virtual Astronaut With NASA's Free Moonbase Alpha GameBecome A Virtual Astronaut With NASA's Free Moonbase Alpha GameRead More, and it’s a blast.

Spiral Knights [Install] [View on Steam]

Best Free To Play Games On Steam For Mac

Reviewed earlier this yearSpiral Knights – A Free Browser-Based Massively Multiplayer Role Playing Game From SegaSpiral Knights – A Free Browser-Based Massively Multiplayer Role Playing Game From SegaSince the passing of the Dreamcast, Sega is a company that has had to adapt to survive. No longer able to compete in the hardware market, Sonic's forefathers turned their heads solely to the software...Read More, Spiral Knights is a fast-paced co-op MMO experience that is totally free to play, with optional paid items for those who are happy to pay.

Team Fortress 2 [Install] [View on Steam]

Top 10 Best Free Games On Steam

What more can be said about TF2? The sequel to one of the greatest Half-Life mods of all time is now completely free5 More Free Action-Packed Shooter Games [Windows]5 More Free Action-Packed Shooter Games [Windows]Gung-ho shooters, both first-person and third-person have been the bread-and-butter of a lot of gamers' diets for well over a decade now. The genres have been the driving force behind many advancements in graphics, physics...Read More. Capture the flag mayhem we can all enjoy!

TrackMania Nations Forever [Install] [View on Steam]

Fancy building your own tracks, sharing them with friends then gloating because you’re 10 seconds faster than your friends? I’m going to be bold and call TrackMania Nations Forever a classic. It’s Scalextric for the broadband generation!

Conclusion

Phew, that’s a lot of free games. Of course there are thousands of titles on the Steam platform, and 99% of them cost real money. On the upside there are always deals on a handful of Steam titles, check out the store for this week’s hottest special offers. If you’re looking for top rated games on the Steam platform (usually at pretty good prices) then check out this list too.

Any favourite free Steam games from this list? Any paid Steam games you’re passionate about? Let off steam in the comments!

1. Team Fortress 2 is linking to TrackMania Nations Forever. Cheers for the list.

2. Also note that, with the release of TF2, most if not all Source mods can be played for free.

Best Neutral Mac Lipstick For Dark Skin

Thankfully, things are rapidly changing: Fashion and beauty brands are realizing that nudes aren't a one-size-fits-all concept, offering more options for more complexions. But for those who are still hesitant — especially those that fall on either side of the complexion spectrum —should rest easy, because picking out the right nude from modern options is as simple as looking in the mirror. 'Your nude should look like it could be your own — just a bit rosier and warmer,' Barose instructs. 'On darker skin, I go a bit more bronze berry, so it looks fresh and healthy.not pale and flat.

• Lipstick For Dark Skin Tones
• Lipstick For Olive Skin

Lipstick For Dark Skin Tones

The right nude should make you look fresh, not dull.'

Lipstick For Olive Skin

The perfect neutral lip shade should flatter your skin tone and light up your face, not drain it of life. So we hit up the pros to find the formulas red-carpet regulars swear. What others are saying 'The best MAC neutral 4 coloured skin. Lipsticks in Brave, Honey Love, Twig, Velvet Teddy' 'It's no secret that MAC Cosmetics has a solid reputation for their lipstick.

Best stock tracking software for mac. It allows you to record time spent on different work assignments, create clients’ profiles, and organize your data into folders. The app counts time expenses with a timer.

Best Software For Organizing Photos Mac

• Photo Management Mac

By using it correctly, one can turn a vortex of illegible data points hovering in one’s head into a decent framework which can be executed upon. Basically, you start with a central idea and then build branches around it. Thus you are creating visual connection and establishing a relationship between the data points, making it easier to remember and organize them.

Top 10 Best Photo Management Software Reviews 2018 Posted by Winnie to Photo Management| Last Updated on Dec.13, 2017. Here is a complete list of 2018 best 8 photo management software for Mac or Windows, which makes photo organization and management easily, namely sorting photos, editing pictures, and backing up photos without a hassle.

As always, there are tons of apps which can help you do that on your Mac. We scoured through them and found the 9 best Mind Mapping Apps for your Mac: 1. IMindMap Very rarely we come across a tool which is leaps and bounds better than its competitors. IMindMap is a part of that rarity. Using this software is pure pleasure. It is packed with features and yet is so simple that even a child can get started. You start by creating a central idea and then create branches by just hitting enter.

The branches are colour-coded and contain text input. You can attach images, videos, links, and notes. The best part is that attachments (even the videos) open in a pop-up window hence they do not require you to leave the app. My favorite feature of this app is “idea capture”. When you are in the idea capture tab, there are no distractions. You just type and hit enter to capture an idea and repeat the process until you are done. The ideas are captured in bubbles connected by a line which organizes them as sub-branches of a single branch.

There is also an inbuilt tab where you can brainstorm to come up with new ideas. It looks like a board with sticky notes attached to it. You can create sticky notes and move them between different categories. All in all, this is the best Mind mapping tool you can buy today. None of the others come even close to it when it comes to functionality and features.

The only negative I could find about this software is its load time. It takes a few second to load up when you launch it, however, after it loads there is no lag what-so-ever.

Photo Management Mac

A premium product like this commands a premium price. But if you purchase it, you won’t regret your decision. Install: (Starts at ) 2. MindNode If you want a software which will not put a hole in your pocket and yet can fulfill most of your needs, MindNode is the one for you. It has a beautiful UI and works buttery smooth. If you are just starting out, MindNode will help you learn the basics of the mind mapping technique without in your face instructions.

Select New Screen Recording. The simplest way to do this is to right-click on the QuickTime Player icon in your Dock and choose New Screen Recording from that menu. Now that you have installed the app on your Mac, you can start recording screen and audio. To do so, just follow the steps below: First, press and hold “Option”,. 10 Best Screen Recording Software for Windows or Mac If you are planning to record something from your screen or from a part of your screen then you can use these amazing screen recorders for it. Not only they provide recording option but takes care of later on use too like video editing and sharing too. Best screen recording for mac that record the sound too. But do not worry, this passage will list the best 10 screen recorders for Mac, and you can download the one you are most interested to record your own screen video. QuickTime Player (Free) QuickTime, owned by Apple, is rated as one of the most powerful screen recorders for Mac with built in media player. One of the widely-used screen recorder for all mac users, Screenflow allows its users to do quality screen recording and even includes editing of desktop videos like cropping, zooming and even panning out that gave this recorder a professional and production like features.

Best Pokemon Emulator For Mac

1. Best Pokemon Emulator For Android

Contents • • • • • • • • • • Android Emulator for PC With more than 2 Billion active monthly users! Android has become a benchmark to the Techno world! Android has proven to be a massive name under the umbrella of technologies today. Henceforth, Android development is all set to reach the pinnacle! This pinnacle is a dream if there were no Emulators. An Android Emulator is a tool which models an actual Android device on a PC, enabling us to use all the Android applications on a Computer.

Best Pokemon Emulator For Android

Best Method to Play Pokemon on Computer, Laptop (Windows 10, Windows 7, windows 8 and all other Windows versions) Note: If you are using Android 6 or above, try Fly GPS Apk (search on google). Just download Kega emulator on your computer and start playing some of the classic gems from the golden era of gaming. Compatibility: Windows, Linux, Mac. SEE ALSO: 10 Best Sandbox Games Like Minecraft. The software mentioned above are only emulators and these don’t come with any type of games or software.

From the testing of the applications to gaming, emulators simulate the Android device in an unbelievable way! There are umpteen emulators available on the Internet, making it hard to choose the best one! HowTechHack is here, to answer the query, with the list of Top Android Emulators for PC in 2017. 6 Best Android Emulator for PC & Mac 2018 I have seen many sites are sharing the guide on pc emulator for android apk but our mission is different. Is providing you the best Android Emulator for PC. Not the regular garbage which you find on other sites. Hence, you can install the android emulator in windows 7 & 10 also.

You can easily free download these emulators from the below button. List of 6 Best Android Emulator for PC & Mac 2018: – Sr. Android Emulator Name Compatibility 1. BlueStacks Windows 10, 8,8.1, 7 and MacOS X 2. Remix OS Player Windows 7, 8, 10 3. Nox App Player Windows 7, 8, 10 4. MEmu Windows- Vista, 7 SP1, 8.1 and Windows 10 5.

Genymotion Linux, Windows 10, 8.1, 8 and 7, Mac OS 6. Droid4X Windows 10, 8,8.1, 7, Vista and MacOS X 1. BlueStacks – Android Emulator System Requirements: At least 2GB RAM. A reserved disk space of 4GB for App data on Hard Disk.

Operating System: Windows 10, 8,8.1, 7 and MacOS X Bluestacks is one of the oldest and very first member of the Emulator family, known for its simplicity or soberness. About 90% of the Android Applications are supported on BlueStacks.

Best transcribing solution for mac. How it Works: • We will email your license code to you instantly. • into InqScribe ( InqScribe separately).

Blue Stacks offers multi gesture support, full-screen mode for most of the applications (make it apt for gaming and screening videos) and even compatibility for Android TV. Due to inbuilt Google Play Store, one can download apps directly from the Google Play Store. BlueStacks wasn’t made for testing Android applications, so testing Android applications may disappoint you! Adding more to it, there is no support for Linux and discrete lags could be witnessed. Remix OS Player System Requirements: At least 4GB RAM.