Express VPN speedsAlthough fast enough for almost any online activity, ExpressVPNs speeds aren't quite as fast as some of its competitors, based on our latest speed tests. In 2024, we measured a 24.8% average speed loss with ExpressVPN. This is still fast, considering many VPNs can slash your internet speeds by 50% or more. We saw better speeds from NordVPN (11% speed loss) and Surfshark (17% speed loss). Still, ExpressVPNs speeds were largely consistent and aligned with our expectations across protocols and server locations.Overall, we registered the fastest speeds through ExpressVPNs proprietary Lightway protocol on MacOS (7% speed loss). On the other end of the spectrum, the slowest speeds we measured were through OpenVPN on Windows, at a 48% speed loss. Overall, speeds were generally faster with relatively close server locations like New York and the UK, and slower to distant locations like Australia and Singapore. Either way, ExpressVPNs speeds were still fast enough for general browsing and data-intensive activities like streaming, gaming and videoconferencing, especially if you use Lightway.Privacy and transparencyWe did encounter DNS leaks on Windows while split tunneling was enabled, but Express immediately disabled the feature after confirming it. The company then published a blog post outlining the issue, and shortly rolled out a fix, after which we detected no leaks. The leaks were concerning, but the swift, decisive response from ExpressVPN was illustrative of the companys commitment to transparency and user privacy. The companys latest independent audit is slated to be published soon, building on its industry-leading audit count. ExpressVPN says it collects no logs, a claim bolstered by a 2023 no-logs audit by KPMG.Nettitide performed a penetration test of ExpressVPN's Windows app in April 2024, and Cure53 audited the company's browser extension in 2024. In July 2024, ExpressVPN published a detailed transparency report showing the number of DMCA requests, warrants from government institutions, and civil/government/law enforcement requests it received, but because Express doesn't log information (as audits confirmed), the company didn't have any information to share with authorities.In addition to its transparency efforts, ExpressVPNs privacy protections are top-notch and forward-thinking. The provider upgraded its proprietary open-source Lightway VPN protocol with Quantum Protection to help guard against future threats from quantum computers, along with encryption enhancements to better protect against threats like eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. ExpressVPNs TrustedServer technology elevates the protections of the traditional RAM-only server architecture by reinstalling the entire software stack with every reboot. UsabilityIn addition to offering excellent privacy protections, ExpressVPN delivers the most consistent and streamlined VPN app experiences across platforms. Its minimalist interface is simple to use, whether youre an advanced VPN user or if youve never used one before. The app settings are easy to navigate and finding a server location is straightforward. We like how the app always connects in a snap, which isnt always the case with other VPNs -- like Surfshark -- which often struggle to connect immediately on the first attempt.Alongside its VPN offering, ExpressVPN's plans all include a password manager, ad blocker and tracker locker, with the one- and two-year plans bundling ID alerts and ID theft insurance. The two-year package throws in data removal services.If you want the best for streaming, ExpressVPN is a good bet because it effortlessly unblocks all sorts of streaming content, including Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. We were able to access foreign content libraries, like Egypt Netflix, that rivals NordVPN and Surfshark couldn't load. In our August testing, it also improved its streaming capabilities on Apple TV, where it previously struggled with Netflix. The provider also offers eight simultaneous connections, which is slightly less generous than Proton VPN or NordVPNs 10 simultaneous connections but considerably less than the unlimited simultaneous connections allowed by others like Surfshark, PIA and IPVanish. If youre not satisfied with the service, you can request your money back within 30 days of your purchase.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereMarvel Rivals developer NetEase Games has apologised to its 20 million-strong playerbase after accidentially banning thousands of players at the turn of the New Year. In a recent ban wave, countless players were banned from the popular hero shooter by mistake.With Season 1 coming soon, bringing the Fantastic Four and a brand-new Vampire-themed map, theres a lot for players to look forward to. Of course, they have to be able to play the game to actually enjoy it.NetEase apologises for Marvel Rivals bansIn a statement on Discord, NetEase explained that many players who were not cheating in Marvel Rivals were unfairly banned from the game. The studio explained that some players who were playing via compatibility layersfor example, those on the Steam Deckwere banned by accident.We sincerely apologize for this situation and want to assure you that we do not and will not ban players who are playing fairly and without cheating, the studio said. We have identified the specific reasons behind these false bans and have compiled a list of affected players.Those who were affected by the recent ban wave and werent actually cheating should see their bans revoked in the coming days. Of course, some affected players may not be unbanned, but those few are encouraged to reach out to the games support helpline.On launch, Marvel Rivals was praised for its rapid cheat detection feature with players being banned almost immeditaely after a report. With other Chinese games, such as Delta Forces Team Jade, having dedicated cheat detection teams, its no surprise that cheating is being taken seriously.However, unlike some popular games such as Call of Duty, Marvel Rivals isnt afraid to admit faults in its system. While many of these bans did occur for players gaming through Linuxs Proton compatibility layer, which often triggers anti-cheat, other players were also affected.For more Marvel Rivals news, read about the leaked Ultron character coming in a future update, or read about the leaked Capture the Flag mode which could be hilariously unbalanced.Marvel RivalsPlatform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Fighting, ShooterSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereMarvel Rivals gameplay has swiftly emerged as a fierce battle, inviting players to embody their beloved heroes and villains to outsmart and overpower their rivals. Every day, gamers are discovering innovative strategies to leverage hero abilities, turning even the most well-balanced characters into formidable powerhouses.From web-slinging ambushes featuring Spider-Man to the Hulks earth-shattering ground pounds, players are continually discovering strategies to gain the upper hand. These strategies frequently arise from relentless experimentation, as players test the boundaries of their heroes capabilities.In a recent revelation, a Rivals player has discovered an ingenious strategy to take down The Punisher, whose infamous turrets are known for dominating the battlefield. Confronting him as an enemy, this tactic effectively disables his turrets, stripping away one of his primary strengths of locking down areas. However, it comes with a twist.Marvel Rivals player uses Captain Americas shield to block The Punishers turret sightsA recent clip posted on X by Marvel Rivals Media showcases user Luckycluver taking on a competitive game while playing Captain America. As the match approached its climax, the player made a daring jump to the enemy teams Punisher, positioning themselves directly in front of the Culling Turret, ready to mount an offensive.Captain Americas shield blocks The Punishers line of sight with the turrets. Image by Luckycluver.In a tense moment, the user was observed nodding Caps head as The Punisher attempted to line up a shot on the enemy team, only to be thwarted by Caps shield, which obstructed his line of sight. In a strategic move, Luckycluver positioned Captain Americas shield in front of the turret, ready to deflect any incoming fire from The Punisher.This strategy hinges on having a Tank capable of deploying a shield, such as Doctor Strange, Groot, or Magneto. Captain Americas shield may only boast 400 health, but Doctor Strange comes in strong with 600. Meanwhile, if utilized effectively, Groot can completely immobilize The Punisher with his formidable walls.However, its important to remember that the blockade wont hold for long if your opponents Punisher takes an aggressive stance, as opposed to the clip above. If youre on the hunt for heroes that surpass The Punisher and have the potential to stand its turret, be sure to dive into our comprehensive tier list available right here. Marvel RivalsPlatform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Fighting, ShooterRelated TopicsMarvel Rivals Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereDead By Daylight is poised to have its biggest year yet since it originally came out all the way back in 2017. There are two massive crossovers already confirmed for 2025, meanwhile, there are a host of alleged leaks online that have the community excited. One of the confirmed collaboration chapters for Year 10 is Five Nights At Freddys, and there are new DBD leaks online that claim to reveal the long-awaited FNAF chapter killer and survivor. Make sure to redeem the January 2025 codes before they expire, and you will also want to claim the remaining Bloodpoints as part of the Bone Chill event daily logins. In addition, make sure you get the Bloodpoints BeHaviour Interactive is offering as compensation for DBD Mobile shutting down. The Five Nights At Freddys collaboration is arguably the most highly-anticipated crossover in all of Dead By Daylight, and there are new leaks online with supposed details about the killer, survivor, and more. Dead By Daylight leaks claim to reveal Five Nights At Freddys killer and survivor On the LeaksDBD subreddit, a screenshot has been shared of alleged Dead By Daylight leaks discussed on Discord. They claim that the Five Nights At Freddys Chapter will have a map, that Michael Afton is the survivor, and that Springtrap is the killer. In addition, its claimed that Springtrap has a jumpscare ability, stalks players with an axe in hand, and is named The Animatronic. Its also claimed that the Five Nights At Freddys crossover will include a Tome. Alongside this alleged leak from Discord, X user FNaF4DBD posted the emojis of a bunny, axe, and more that seem to hint at the leaks being true. Image credit: @FNaF4DBDFNaF4DBD discussed accurate leaks with Ruthless about the Chapter 34 killer being a female with a pet companion. This doesnt mean theyre right about the FNAF Chapter, but they have been correct with one noticeable instance in the past. In addition to the alleged FNAF killer and survivor leaks, the Discord post also claims the following for future Dead By Daylight collaborations: Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul will have the tentacle grapple Kanekis name will be The Ghoul The Freddy rework will likely have a Robert Englund skin The Indoraptor can turn invisible The Indoraptor will have a survivor and map Terrifier is wanted by BHVR Predator, Slenderman, and Candyman are not coming anytime soonKaneki from Tokyo Ghoul is leaked as the paragraph licensed killer for March, meanwhile, The Indoraptor would be the Jurassic World killer rumored for the summer. Remember that these are only leaks rather than anything official, so they could be completely bogus. The Robert Englund skin seems unlikely as Dvveet previously told fans not to expect much from the upcoming Freddy rework in January. We would love the claim about Terrifier to be true, especially with the series director teasing multiple exciting projects and crossovers. For more Dead By Daylight content, check out ourranking of the top 10 DLC expansions to buyalong with a ranking of thebest killer perksandbest survivor perks.Dead by DaylightPlatform(s):Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, Survival Horror7VideoGamerRelated TopicsDead by Daylight Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

Meghan Markle is ringing in the New Year by going back to her roots. On Thursday, Markle announced via Instagram that she is returning to the realm of lifestyle and home content with a new Netflix show titled With Love, Meghan. For the uninitiated, the Duchess of Sussex ran The Tiga food, travel, fashion, and beauty blogfrom 2014 until she became a royal in 2017. The new eight-part series, in which the Los Angeles native shares cooking and hosting tips, will drop on the streaming platform on January 15.In the shows trailer, Markle engages in various Martha Stewartesque activities, including whipping up a garden-to-table veggie tray, arranging flowers, baking a cake, and harvesting honey. Ive always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it, she reflects via voice-over. The show was shot at an $8 million farmhouse thats just a few miles down the road from the $14.65 million Montecito, California, dwelling she shares with Prince Harry and their two children. In a later clip, the former actor sums up what seems to be the shows general philosophy: Were not in the pursuit of perfection, were in the pursuit of joy. Love is in the details.Markles show will include guest appearances from actor Mindy Kaling, makeup artist Daniel Martin, and chef Alice Waters, among others.Photo: Courtesy of NetflixThat credo is further reiterated in a Netflix press release shared by People. Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected, the statement reads. She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, the garden, and beyond, and invite you to do the same. Prince Harry, television titan Mindy Kaling, Markles former Suits costar Abigail Spencer, and chefs Roy Choi and Alice Waters are among the guests featured in the trailer.The day before announcing her newest endeavor, Markle returned to Instagram for the first time since 2018 under the sleek handle @meghan. But all of this begs the question: When is that American Riviera Orchard jam dropping?

We, AOL, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. When you use our sites and apps, we use cookies to:provide our sites and apps to youauthenticate users, apply security measures, and prevent spam and abuse, andmeasure your use of our sites and apps If you click 'Accept all', we and our partners, including 238 who are part of the IAB Transparency & Consent Framework, will also store and/or access information on a device (in other words, use cookies) and use precise geolocation data and other personal data such as IP address and browsing and search data, for personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, and audience research and services development. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy & cookie settings' or 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy.

In a nutshell: The average American spent $42.38 per month on streaming-based subscriptions in 2024. That works out to just over $500 per year - or around $30,000 over a lifetime - but is actually less than the previous year by a significant margin. According to Review's annual State of Consumer Media Spending Report, the average American spent 23 percent less on streaming subscriptions in 2024 than in 2023.Streaming services are a way of life for millions seeking their entertainment fix. The sheer number of services available to choose from makes it easy to keep up with current shows or rewatch your favorites on your own time, but too much of a good thing can sometimes backfire as some are finding out.Of those surveyed, 27.8 percent said they are experiencing streaming fatigue - or the feeling of being overwhelmed by the growing number of streaming apps on the market. And with the cost of goods and services at an all-time high, it's hitting folks in the wallet as well.The report additionally found that the average American has two streaming subscriptions, and watches three hours and 49 minutes of content each day. More than a quarter of subscribers - 26.5 percent - share subscriptions with others to save on cost although with recent crackdowns on password sharing, that might not be an option for much longer.As such, Reviews recommends downsizing the number of subscriptions you pay for each month or spending more time using free services if you're looking to cut down on costs in the New Year. For example, you could stagger subscriptions by signing up for a service temporarily to watch a specific show or movie and canceling when you are finished. It's also wise to keep an eye out for free trials, discounts, and limited-time streaming deals like those occasionally offered from Internet and mobile providers. // Related StoriesI'm planning on cutting my live TV service in the next few weeks once college football wraps up and look forward to the extra savings each month.

Pass My RideYo dawg, Call of Duty Black Ops 6's Squid Game crossover comes with a premium battle pass on top of another battle pass, so you can battle pass while you battle passActivision clearly shares the add-on philosophy of Pimp My Ride's Xzibit.Image credit: Activision News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Jan. 3, 2025 Who doesn't love a battle pass? Well, hopefully you if you're planning on hopping into Call of Duty Black Ops 6's Squid Game crossover event, which kicks off today, January 3, and will run until January 24.You see, it technically comes with not one, but two battle passes, a regular one and a premium one, all stocked with goodies that'll inform the person you're virtually shooting in the face that you like TV shows about red light, green light. Is that too much battle pass for even the hardcore CoD crowd who're well used to battle passes by this point? Well,it seems like that depends on who you ask.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. First of all, the deets. As the blog post announcing the event's arrival revealed, it's bringing the likes of a new Red Light, Green Light multiplayer mode, and its inevitable zombies sibling, Dead Light, Green Light.As you battle through matches, you'll progress through the Squid Game Event Pass - which has two diofferent tracks to it. THere's a regular free one, anmd a premium one, which costs 1,100 COD Points, which is equivalent to $9.99/8.39. The premium one includes stuff like the "Front Man" operator as its ultimate mastery reward, while the free one includes a couple of Squid Game player operator skins, in addition to other goodies. To see this content please enable targeting cookies."While every player can progress and unlock items along the Free reward track, a second Premium reward track in the Event Pass offers even more," Activision writes, "Purchase the Premium track to access the ability to unlock additional themed rewards, including the instant reward 'High Authority' XM4 Assault Rifle Blueprint plus Blueprints for the Knife, GS45 Pistol, and Saug SMG as well as a Concussion Grenade Equipment Skin, a Finishing Move, the 'Throwdown' Emote, the 'Whos Left' Talking Gun Screen, and more!"Are players happy with the idea of this being a thing for the first time. Well, plenty on Twitter and Reddit aren't with one user on the latter having joked: "We got battle passes in between battle passes now."On the other hand, some players look to be happy to write off this premium track as just something folks should not bother buying if they're not a fan of it, rather than something to get too annoyed about. As ever, the debate as to whether microstransactions are ok if the items being kept behind them are just cosmetics has been invoked."The content included in the premium pass is as much or more than some of the 2400+ CoD Point bundles in the store currently," wrote user SuperRSM, "Paying 1100 and having to play the game some feels more reasonable to me than a lot of whats offered in the store. They could have added this as a $20-30 bundle in the store and no one would bat an eye. Just treat it like a store bundle and decide if its worth it to you."It's worth noting that the Squid Game event is coming with a few store bundles in addition to these passes - a Pink Guards Tracer Pack, The VIPs Tracer Pack, and the Young-hee Tracer Pack. The prices of these don't appear to have been revealed yet.Do you like the idea of battle passing while you battle pass? Let us know below!

Jump up, jump up and get down.Updated with Antonblast. Enjoy!With so many excellent platformers on Switch, picking the best can be hard. The genre has a strong pedigree on Nintendo systems going back to Super Mario Bros. on NES (which you can find on Switch along with several of its celebrated sequels via Nintendo Switch Online).Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Weve seen a handful of AirPod-charging iPhone battery cases come and go over the years. Artronics new earbuds take a different approach, with a slim charging case that snaps directly to the back of MagSafe-compatible phones.The Komutr buds were announced on Friday, a few days ahead of their CES 2025 debut. In a sea of fully wireless earbuds, the 0.47-inch charge case is the true standout feature. Unlike other takes on the category, these buds wont actually charge the phone its more about the convenience of having them with your phone at all times.ArtronicImage Credits:ArtronicThe case sports a flip-up lid, allowing for the buds removal while still attached to the phone. The lid also doubles as a kickstand for watching videos. The buds themselves are rated at up to 10 hours battery life and triple that when the case is factored in.The company says there will also be adjustable options for smartphones without MagSafe capabilities, but wheres the fun in that? Preorder opens January 15, and the buds start shipping in May, priced at $129.