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a day ago
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- Tom's Guide
New on Netflix in July 2025 — every movie and show coming this month
Netflix has announced everything coming to the streaming service in July 2025, and there are some heavy hitters. It wasn't too hard to find five must-watch shows and movies that you need to add to your watchlist. First up is "The Old Guard 2." This superhero movie is the sequel to 2020's "The Old Guard," which we ranked number 78 on our list of the top 100 superhero movies. Starring Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman, it's undoubtedly the top title this month. Then there's "The Sandman" season 2, which is arriving in three waves this month for a bittersweet series finale. If you watched the first season of the DC Comics adaptation in 2022, you'll know that this show isn't one to miss. Aside from these top picks, I've got the full slate of everything new to Netflix this month listed below. Plus, we have a roundup of what's leaving Netflix in July 2025, so you have one last chance to watch. Here's everything coming to — and leaving — Netflix this month. "The Old Guard 2" has Charlize Theron reprising as Andromache of Scythia (known to her friends as Andy). She's the leader of a group of immortal soldiers who are mercenaries for hire. But immortality gives you a lot of time to make enemies, and Andy has made a powerful one in Quyhn (Ngô Thanh Vân) — a fellow immortal whom Andy left to drown for eternity 500 years early. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Quyhn has finally escaped her watery prison, though, and she's looking for payback. She's not the only one targeting Andy and her soldiers, either. Discord (Uma Thurman) is hunting her down and she's the first of the immortals, so there's no tougher foe out there. Stream on Netflix starting July 2 "The Sandman" was a favorite of a few of us here at Tom's Guide (myself included) when it came out in 2022. So when it was renewed relatively quickly later that year, I was excited for more. Since that announcement, though, Netflix has also decided to cancel the show, making season 2 its final season. This was in no small part due to the allegations of sexual assault against Neil Gaiman, who created "The Sandman" and was an executive producer on the Netflix series. Despite this bittersweet ending, it does look like Netflix spared no expense for Lord Morpheus's (Tom Sturridge) last hurrah, and the trailer brings back some familiar faces. I'm personally most excited for the return of The Corinthian (Boyd Holbrook), who was the main villain of season 1. Volume 1 drops six episodes on July 3, with Volume 2 dropping the final five episodes of season 2's main storyline on July 24. A series finale special episode will arrive on July 31, bringing the show to a close. Stream Volume 1 on Netflix starting July 3 "Too Much" stars Megan Stalter as Jessica, who leaves New York for London after a bad breakup. There, she meets Felix (Will Sharpe), an indie musician who is not the Hugh Grant type she was hoping to meet, but he might just be the right person for her right now. This show was one of my most anticipated Netflix shows of 2025 when the year started, and it still is. Stalter has been great in "Hacks," I've loved Sharpe in "The White Lotus" season 2 and "A Real Pain and while show creator Lena Dunham isn't always everyone's favorite, there's no denying that she's created brilliant TV before. Stream on Netflix starting July 10 "Happy Gilmore" is likely on Adam Sandler's Mount Rushmore of greatest performances. The ice hockey player turned professional golfer was iconic in the 90s and it still is today. At least, that seems to be what Netflix is counting on, as "Happy Gilmore 2" looks like more of the same as the first movie based on the official trailer. This sequel is set 30 years after winning the Tour Championship in the first movie, and has a retired Happy needing to return to golf to pay for his daughter Vienna's (Sunny Sandler) ballet school. But a familiar face in Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) is standing in Happy's way, and is on a quest to take back his title. Stream on Netflix starting July 25 "Untamed" is a new Netflix miniseries created by Mark L. Smith, who most recently was part of the team behind "American Primeval," a miniseries from Peter Berg that debuted on Netflix earlier this year. So it's safe to say that the creative team behind this new thriller set in Yellowstone National Park has some familiarity with the expanse of the wild American West. In this murder mystery, a woman's death in the national park has federal agent Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) looking for answers. To find them, he will need to go into the depths of the park, where the only laws that rule are the laws of nature. Stream on Netflix starting July 17 JULY 1 "Attack on London: Hunting The 7/7 Bombers" (GB) (Netflix documentary) Insider accounts and never-seen-before footage tell the story of the 7/7 bombings on London's transport network in 2005 — and its explosive aftermath. "Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel" (GB) (Netflix documentary) Featuring tell-all interviews with insiders and former staff, this exposé traces American Apparel's journey from fashion phenomenon to financial flop. JULY 2 "The Old Guard 2" (Netflix film) Andy and her team of immortal warriors fight with renewed purpose as they face a powerful new foe threatening their mission to protect humanity. "Tour de France: Unchained" season 3 (GB) (Netflix documentary) In a thrilling 2024 Tour de France, larger teams dominate while smaller ones struggle to survive — and recent injuries cast a long shadow for some. JULY 3 "Countdown: Taylor vs. Serrano" (Netflix sports series) Narrated by Uma Thurman, the film follows Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano's intense journey and preparations as they train for their historic trilogy fight, airing live on Netflix on July 11th. "The Sandman" season 2 volume 1 (Netflix series) A reunion of the Endless thrusts Lord Morpheus onto a perilous path, where a fateful choice makes him the target of a relentless quest for vengeance. JULY 4 "All the Sharks" (Netflix documentary) All the Sharks is a thrilling new competition series where four teams of passionate shark experts embark on the ultimate adventure to find and photograph the most sharks. Racing against time - and each other - teams dive deep into the world's most spectacular shark habitats, all in hopes of winning a $50,000 prize for their chosen marine charity. Over six action-packed episodes, they'll travel from the crystal-clear Caribbean waters to the mysterious depths of the Pacific where they'll come face to toothy face with incredible species like the critically endangered Great Hammerhead and the remarkable walking Epaulette Shark. Blending breath-taking visuals, "fin-tastic' shark facts, and stunning underwater encounters, All the Sharks is a fun, fast-paced journey into the misunderstood world of sharks —showcasing why these incredible creatures are more vital to our planet now more than ever. JULY 5 "The Summer Hikaru Died" (JP) (Netflix anime) Six months ago, Hikaru vanished for a week. Now, as his best friend Yoshiki senses something amiss and confronts him, the harrowing truth emerges. JULY 8 "Better Late Than Single" (KR) (Netflix series) Ready to step into the dating world, lifelong singles get expert help for style, health and confidence. Will they manage hiccups on their way to love? "Nate Jackson: Super Funny" (Netflix comedy special) Sharp jokes meet savage roasts as Nate Jackson blends his infamous crowd work with takes on topics from judgment-free gyms to catfishing. "Quarterback" season 2 (Netflix sports series) From stunning wins to crushing losses, the hit series returns to give viewers exclusive, unprecedented access to Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins and Jared Goff on and off the field during the 2024-25 NFL season. "Trainwreck: The Real Project X" (GB) (Netflix documentary) A night of drunken chaos rocks a quiet Dutch town in this shocking documentary about a teen's birthday invite that accidentally went viral on Facebook. JULY 9 "Building The Band" (Netflix series) Building the Band brings together talented singers for a truly unique competition show where building the perfect band is all about chemistry. The singers are in complete control as they seek to form their very own bands in individual 'booths' without ever seeing each other. All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection and chemistry. What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play? With incredible performances, emotional stakes, and one big goal—to find the next great music band—the stage is set for an unforgettable experience. "The Gringo Hunters" (MX) (Netflix series) A top Mexican police unit hunts U.S. fugitives fleeing across the border, grappling with lies and crime in this gripping series based on true events. "Under a Dark Sun" (FR) (Netflix series) On the run from her troubled past, a young mother is accused of killing her new boss at a flower farm just before discovering he's actually her father. "Ziam" (TH) (Netflix film) In a fight for survival against a horrifying army of zombies, a former Muay Thai fighter must use skill, speed and grit to save his wife — and his life. JULY 10 "7 Bears" (FR) (Netflix family) Forget the Seven Dwarfs — here come the 7 Bears! This lovable pack of furballs is putting a fuzzy twist on the classic fairy tales you thought you knew. "Brick" (DE) (Netflix film) When a mysterious brick wall encloses their apartment building overnight, Tim and Olivia must unite with their wary neighbors to get out alive. "Leviathan" (JP) (Netflix anime) Set in an alternate steampunk past, an Austrian fugitive prince and a Scottish airman in disguise embark on an unexpected quest to prevent a world war. "Off Road" (IL) (Netflix series) Two Israeli actors embark on an unforgettable road trip across Central Asia to learn more about themselves and the people they encounter along the way. "Too Much" (GB) (Netflix series) When a heartbroken New Yorker moves to London hoping for a love story, she falls for an indie musician who's anything but the typical romantic hero. JULY 11 "Aap Jaisa Koi" (IN) (Netflix film) Shrirenu lives by tradition. Madhu lives unapologetically. When their paths cross, a tender romance unfolds — awkward, sweet but shadowed by patriarchy. "Almost Cops" (NL) (Netflix film) When an overeager community officer and a reckless ex-detective are forced to team up, plenty of chaos ensues on the streets of Rotterdam. "Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3" (Netflix live event) Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano headline a historic all-women's boxing mega-event from Madison Square Garden. Presented by Most Valuable Promotions. "Tyler Perry's Madea's Destination Wedding" (Netflix film) Madea packs her best floral dresses and a whole lot of chaos when the Simmons family heads to the Bahamas for her grandniece's whirlwind wedding. JULY 14 "Apocalypse in the Tropics" (BR) (Netflix documentary) When does a democracy end, and a theocracy begin? In Apocalypse in the Tropics, director Petra Costa takes us on a decade-long journey through the spiritual and political upheaval of Brazil. What begins as a search for signs of life in a fragile democracy transforms into a deeper inquiry into the seductions of power, prophecy and belief. Costa gains extraordinary access to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, former President Jair Bolsonaro and the nation's magnetic televangelist Silas Malafaia. More than a chronicle of political change, Apocalypse in the Tropics is a cinematic investigation of the fault lines that emerge when religion fuels political ambition. With the savage clarity that defined her Academy Award–nominated The Edge of Democracy, Costa documents a time of kaleidoscopic confusion and fear with intimate observational filmmaking that braids together the personal, the historic and the mythic. As faith shifts from private refuge to public battleground, Brazil holds a mirror to a world where democracies are being tested by the power of prophecy. "SAKAMOTO DAYS" season 1 part 2 (JP) (Netflix anime) Once the greatest hitman of all, Taro Sakamoto retired in the name of love. But when his past catches up, he must fight to protect his beloved family. JULY 15 "Trainwreck: Balloon Boy" (GB) (Netflix documentary) A homemade flying saucer lifts off, and a 6-year-old boy might be inside. National panic ensues — but what truly happened? This documentary investigates. JULY 16 "Amy Bradley Is Missing" (Netflix documentary) This true-crime series investigates the 1998 disappearance of a 23-year-old woman from a Caribbean cruise and her family's tireless search for answers. JULY 17 "Catalog" (EG) (Netflix series) A recently widowed workaholic clumsily navigates life with his kids, guided by his late wife's online tips. Can he ace this crash course in parenthood? "Community Squad" season 2 (AR) (Netflix series) During the election campaign, the Urban Guard expands and Felipe is recruited by Intelligence. The city isn't ready — but neither are they. "UNTAMED" (Netflix series) A character-driven mystery-thriller that follows Kyle Turner (played by Eric Bana), a special agent for the National Parks Service who works to enforce human law in nature's vast wilderness. The investigation of a brutal death sends Turner on a collision course with the dark secrets within the park, and in his own past. JULY 18 "Almost Family" (BR) (Netflix film) A Brazilian dad meets his match in his daughter's Argentine in-laws — where a trip to Bariloche spirals into a comedy of local pride and competition. "Delirium" (CO) (Netflix series) When his wife Agustina falls into delirium, a professor delves into her dark past to piece together her story and uncover the cause of her madness. "I'm Still a Superstar" (ES) (Netflix documentary) This documentary explores Yurena's meteoric rise to fame as Tamara, the media frenzy she faced in the 2000s and the present-day lives of her TV rivals. "Superstar" (ES) (Netflix series) Set deep in the chaos of the early 2000s, this series reimagines the life of pop icon Tamara — and her metamorphosis into Yurena — as never seen before. "Vir Das: Fool Volume" (IN) (Netflix comdey special) Whether it's the police, the evil eye or a badly timed lost voice, comedian Vir Das explores how embracing foolishness has led him to shared happiness. "Wall to Wall" (KR) (Netflix film) A man who poured his life savings into a new apartment discovers its walls are full of disturbing noises, hostile neighbors and unsettling secrets. JULY 19 JULY 21 JULY 22 "Trainwreck: P.I. Moms" (GB) (Netflix documentary) This tell-all documentary investigates an early 2000s reality show about private eye moms and the drug scandal that sabotaged the series and its stars. JULY 23 "Critical: Between Life and Death" (GB) (Netflix documentary) From critical emergencies to the operating room, this documentary series follows London's trauma units as they treat the most severely injured. "Letters From The Past" (TR) (Netflix series) When a young woman discovers a long-buried secret about her past, she must trace back a collection of letters to their writers to uncover the truth. JULY 24 "A Normal Woman" (ID) (Netflix film) When an unidentified disease starts to upend her life, a socialite must unravel the mystery behind it — before her whole sense of self falls apart. "Hitmakers" (Netflix series) Creativity and ego collide in this all-access reality series that follows a group of gifted songwriters as they pen hits for music's biggest stars. "My Melody & Kuromi" (JP) (Netflix anime) When My Melody's visit to the Cloud Kingdom leads to a whirlwind of trouble, can she, Kuromi and their friends save their home before it's too late? "The Sandman" season 2 volume 2 (Netflix series) A reunion of the Endless thrusts Lord Morpheus onto a perilous path, where a fateful choice makes him the target of a relentless quest for vengeance. JULY 25 "Happy Gilmore 2" (Netflix film) Happy Gilmore returns! "Trigger" (KR) (Netflix series) As illegal firearms flood into a gun-free South Korea, a resolute cop and a cunning arms broker find themselves at odds in a tense showdown. "The Winning Try" (KR) (Netflix series) Ju Ga Ram used to be a rugby player who was the hope for Korean rugby. He had talent and star potential, but a drug scandal ruined everything. JULY 28 JULY 29 "Dusty Slay: Wet Heat" (Netflix comedy special) In this hour-long comedy special filmed at the Walker Theatre in Chattanooga, TN, Slay's signature working-class comedy takes center stage. "Trainwreck: Storm Area 51" (GB) (Netflix documentary) When 20-year old Matty Roberts creates a Facebook event inviting people to storm the classified Air Force facility Area 51 in the Nevada desert, the post quickly goes viral, with hundreds and then thousands saying they'll join the event that stated 'They can't stop all of us'. "WWE: Unreal"(Netflix sports series) For the first time ever, step into the WWE writer's room and outside the ring with your favorite WWE Superstars, where the drama is just as intense offstage as it is under the spotlight. JULY 30 "Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes" (Netflix documentary) From Emmy-winning and Academy Award nominated director Joe Berlinger, this chilling new chapter of Conversations with a Killer delves into one of the most infamous cases in American history: the 44-caliber killer, David Berkowitz. "Unspeakable Sins" (MX) (Netflix series) A woman trapped in a controlling marriage finds solace in a secret affair with a younger man until it spirals into a dangerous game of survival. JULY 31 "An Honest Life" (SE) (Netflix film) When a cynical law student in search of inspiration joins a band of anarchists, he becomes entangled in a web of crime where he is more pawn than player. "Glass Heart" (Netflix series) An aspiring drummer suddenly loses her spot in the band. But when a brilliant musician recruits her for his new band, her life takes a passionate turn. "Leanne" (Netflix series) When her husband leaves her for another woman, a resilient Southern mom starts over with the support of her loving but unfiltered family. "Marked" (ZA) (Netflix series) Desperate to pay for her daughter's life-saving surgery, devout ex-cop Babalwa turns to an unholy savior to help her plan a daring heist. "The Sandman" season 2 special episode (Netflix series) In this standalone episode, a journalist whose work has left him feeling hopeless about the world has a life-altering 24 hours after crossing paths with Death on her day off. Leaving 7/1/25 "13 Going on 30""28 Days""3 Ninjas: Kick Back""Annabelle""Colombiana""Constantine""Couples Retreat""Crazy, Stupid, Love.""Do the Right Thing""Draft Day""Dune: Part Two""Friends with Money""Geostorm""Get Him to the Greek""Hotel Transylvania""Hotel Transylvania 2""I Know What You Did Last Summer""Loudermilk" seasons 1-3"The Net""The Nun""Obsessed""Ocean's Eleven""Ocean's Thirteen""Ocean's Twelve""Resident Evil: Retribution""Runaway Jury""Sicario: Day of the Soldado""Sisters""Twilight""The Twilight Saga: New Moon""The Twilight Saga: Eclipse""The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1""The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 2""The Wonder Years: Seasons 1-2" Leaving 7/3/25 "Insecure" seasons 1-5 Leaving 7/4/25 "80 for Brady" Leaving 7/5/25 "The Addams Family" Leaving 7/8/25 "This Is Us" seasons 1-6 Leaving 7/13/25 "Life or Something Like It" Leaving 7/15/25 "Barbie" Leaving 7/16/25 "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" Leaving 7/22/25 "Call My Agent!" seasons 1-4 Leaving 7/25/25 "Scream VI" Leaving 7/26/25 "Wynonna Earp" seasons 1-4 Leaving 7/28/25 "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" Leaving 7/30/25 "The Kingdom" LAST CALL - NETFLIX GAMES Leaving 7/2/25 "Carmen Sandiego""Hades" Leaving 7/15/25 "Battleship""Braid: Anniversary Edition""The Case of the Golden Idol""CoComelon: Play with JJ""Death's Door""Diner Out: Merge Cafe""Dumb Ways to Survive""FashionVerse: Fashion Your Way""Ghost Detective""Katana ZERO""Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed""Ludo King""Monument Valley""Monument Valley 2""Monument Valley 3""Rainbow 6 SMOL""Raji: An Ancient Epic""The Rise of the Golden Idol""Spongebob: Bubble Pop""TED Tumblewords""Vineyard Valley" Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made. Here's what he's been watching lately:
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
I built a black-and-white gaming desk setup that feels clean, calm and completely me — and it has a secret weapon that makes it all work
Depending on how you configure it, your desk setup can be a productivity powerhouse, your little getaway spot at the end of the day or even better, both. Over the past few years at Tom's Guide and even before, I've built all sorts of different desk setups. While some were to showcase a particular product like one of the best standing desks, I've put together others just to try out a different monitor configuration like when I built a stacked monitor setup, then a traditional dual monitor setup and most recently, a triple monitor setup. Along the way, I've mastered cable management and found a few key accessories that I now try to incorporate into every desk setup I build. However, while I've created desk setups around new products I've tested and different monitor configurations, I have yet to put together one based on colors alone. Aesthetics plays just as big of a role in desk setups as cable management does and I've always really liked the incredibly clean look you get from white devices and accessories. I do like a bit of contrast though, which is why I decided to build a black-and-white desk setup that's as nice to work at as it is for playing games after a long day. To that end, I've quietly been collecting white devices and accessories for almost a year now. Thanks to the Corsair Platform:4 Elevate Desk I'm currently testing out, I've finally been able to do just that. Here are all the devices I used in this desk setup, why I chose them and how they work alongside one another along with this desk's special feature that ties everything together. This sit-stand desk is designed with gamers and streamers in mind and is available in all-black, natural wood with white legs or dark wood with black legs. Its modular T-channel rail system lets you mount the included monitor arm along with all sorts of other accessories and it also has a built-in cable management tray and an in-desk storage compartment. The Corsair Platform:4 Elevate Desk ($999, Corsair) is a solid sit-stand desk with unique features like its modular T-channel rail system and in-desk storage compartment. However, if you want to take full advantage of it, I highly recommend pairing it with the company's Multi Frame Pegboard ($299, Corsair). Not only does this give you four feet of pegboard for storage and hanging accessories but you also get a large shelf for up top and two smaller shelves for on the sides. As I'm using this desk setup for both work and gaming, I figured having my controllers and headsets hung up on the pegboard made a lot of sense. This way, I can focus on the task at hand while working and when I need some motivation, I can look up at them and know that I can play some games as soon as I'm done. Given that I have a white Xbox Series X on the left side of the desk and a PS5 Pro on the right, I hung up the headset and controller for each console on their respective side of the pegboard. Corsair does provide plenty of hooks with its Multi Frame Pegboard to help you organize things. However, to keep my Sony Pulse Elite headset and my Razer BlackShark V2 headset from stretching out, I'm using an old magnetic NZXT Puck (split in two) to attach them to the pegboard. I am using Corsair's hooks to hold my DualSense and Xbox controllers though. At first, I thought the controllers might wobble a bit up there but even when moving the desk away from the wall, they haven't budged or fallen down yet. Another useful feature of the Corsair Platform:4 Elevate Desk is its built-in storage compartment. On its far left side, there's a USB-A and USB-C port to charge devices like your controllers or a pair of the best wireless headphones right at your desk. Surprisingly, these ports aren't connected to the desk at all. Instead, there's a separate USB-C port on the bottom that you can plug into your PC or into a power strip. I always use one of the best surge protectors in my sit-stand desk's cable management tray to prevent devices from coming unplugged as my desk adjusts. Due to its proximity, I plugged the storage compartment directly into the surge protector to power it. However, for fast charging, I ran a separate cable from the 20W USB-C port on the heavy duty Anker 351 Power Strip ($30, Amazon) I'm using under this desk, threading it up through the holes at the back of the storage compartment. When I'm done charging, I just tuck that cable back under its lid to keep it close but out of sight. Though I do like the Corsair Platform:4 Elevate Desk's built-in storage compartment, its placement on the desk is a bit awkward. If it was closer to the front of the desk, there'd be plenty of room underneath your monitor to store your laptop or in my case, to set up one of the best mini PCs like the Mac mini M4. Given that I wanted to use this desk setup for both work and gaming, I had to get a little creative when it came to where I put my PC. Corsair does sell optional desk extensions that go on the sides of the Platform:4 Elevate Desk and are the perfect size for one of the best gaming PCs. However, my review unit didn't come with any as I prefer narrower desks like this 47-inch model since they're easier to move and rehome once I'm done with them. At first, I considered taking the large shelf off the top of the desk's pegboard and mounting it on the side like you would with one of the desk extensions (which I might still do one day). Fortunately, I then had a realization that would allow for a clean, clutter-free desktop while still incorporating a PC into this setup without adding anything on the sides. Unlike with some of the other standing desks I've reviewed, the Platform: 4 Elevate Desk has a wider 29-inch cable management tray. Even with my 13-inch long surge protector and the various power bricks for the devices on my desk tucked inside it, I still had plenty of room on the right side of the tray for a mini PC. I took stock of the dimensions of several of the mini PCs I have on hand before deciding to use the Geekom A6 with this desk setup as it's even smaller than the Mac mini M4. Plus, with an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor with Radeon 680M integrated graphics and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, it's more than powerful enough to handle my day to day workload, which mainly consists of writing and editing in Chrome with more tabs than I like to admit open simultaneously. To ensure the A6 had plenty of airflow for its vents on either side, I attached the cords running from the left side of the desk to the back of the cable management tray. Likewise, since it doesn't draw too much power, I usually leave it on or put it to sleep when I'm not using it. This way, I don't have to reach underneath my desk to reach its power button. Even if you don't spring for Corsair's Multi Frame Pegboard, the Platform:4 Elevate Desk comes with a monitor arm in the box. Instead of clamping it to the back of the desk like with many of the best monitor arms, it attaches to the modular T-channel rail system instead. It's worth noting that there are a ton of compatible accessories (both first and third-party) that can attach to it, such as the Elgato Prompter or the Key Light which are particularly useful, for streamers and content creators. When attached to the T-channel rail system, you can easily slide the included monitor arm to the right or left side of the desk to get it in the exact position you want. It's a well-built monitor arm that's easy to adjust but there's just one problem: the cable channel underneath it isn't all that big. It's fine for running one or two cables from your monitor but that leaves just enough room for a single HDMI cable and your display's power cable. However, this is a common problem with most monitor arms. Besides not having enough room for multiple cables, one reason I've started using monitor stands instead of arms with my desk setups is that the cables that come with most devices just aren't long enough. For instance, with the Secretlab Magnus Pro standing desk's monitor arm, I ended up just buying longer cables. However, as I planned to use the Platform:4 Elevate Desk with multiple consoles and a PC, I opted for an HDMI switch instead. Given that the white MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED monitor I'm using with this desk setup has a refresh rate of 240Hz, I couldn't use just any HDMI switch. As I'm partial to Ugreen's GaN chargers and cables, I decided to pick up its most advanced HDMI switch yet. The Ugreen 8K@60Hz HDMI Switch 5 in 1 Out ($69, Amazon) may have 8K in the name—despite the best 8K TVs being few and far between—but it also supports 4K at 240Hz along with HDR10+. This made it perfect for this desk setup as the Xbox Series X and PS5 can do 4K at 120Hz with room to grow if I do decide to add a powerful gaming PC to it later on. Remember that storage compartment at the back of the Platform:4 Elevate Desk? Well, there's just enough space between it and the rear edge of the desk for this HDMI switch to sit on top. It needs to be out in the open as well, since in addition to a button for switching inputs, it also comes with a remote that requires line-of-sight to its IR sensor. With the Platform:4 Elevate Desk, Corsair also includes a small tray you can mount on the desk's T-channel rail system. To keep my desktop clear, however, I mounted it on the right side of the desk to store my remotes and the controller for the Quntis RGB Pro+ Monitor Light Bar I have on top of my display. You get another one with the Multi Frame Pegboard, so I put that on the left side of the desk and placed a phone stand and a coaster there to keep them out of the way as well. Like most of the best gaming monitors, the MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED doesn't have built-in speakers. This is probably for the best as they would add extra bulk and take away from the monitor's incredibly thin profile. Given that the BlueAnt Soundblade I bought recently is a soundbar that's designed to go under your monitor and would block the Platform:4 Elevate Desk's storage compartment, I decided to pick up a pair of the best computer speakers for this desk setup. Although computer speakers are available in a variety of sizes and form factors, very few come in a clean white package to match the rest of the accessories on my desk. At CES 2025 in January, I spoke with Kanto's director of marketing, who generously offered to send out a pair of the company's bookshelf speakers for one of my desk setups. I reached back out to him when I was finally close to having everything I needed for my black-and-white desk setup and he sent over a pair of Kanto Ora speakers along with the company's subwoofer, the Kanto SUB8. As I've used a pair of older AudioEngine A2 speakers at my main desk setup for years now, it was a welcome change to try something more modern. Besides their wide soundstage and detailed sound, I really like how compact the Kanto Ora speakers are. They also offer multiple connection options including Bluetooth, USB-C and stereo RCA inputs which really came in handy for using them with the Xbox and PS5 Pro on top of my desk and the mini PC underneath it. Even though I already had them raised up to ear level on the two small shelves that come with Corsair's Multi Frame Pegboard, I put a pair of Kanto's S2 Tilted Desktop Speaker Stands ($29, Amazon) underneath them. Not only does this help reduce unwanted vibrations and resonance, but it also angles the speakers upward while making them appear as if they're floating on top of the shelves. The right Kanto Ora speaker has all the input ports on the back which is why I put it on the same side as my PS5 Pro. Unlike the Xbox Series X, the PS5 can be connected to external speakers via USB or over Bluetooth. Unfortunately, Microsoft left the Xbox Series X a bit shortchanged, as it lacks audio output via USB or Bluetooth. For that reason, I had to pick up an RCA to 3.5mm audio cable and run it to the headphone jack on the MSI gaming monitor. This did mean that I had to manage a few extra cables but to keep everything neat and tidy, I ran all my cables along the backside of the Multi Frame Pegboard's frame and the T-channel rail where I have the monitor mounted. Now with everything set up and all my cables managed, it was finally time to try out my new black-and-white desk setup. Even with more and more Xbox games coming to PlayStation, I still prefer having the option to play on either console. Having their respective controllers and headsets on either side of my desk setup just like the consoles themselves, really simplifies things. If I want to play PS5 games, I just grab the DualSense above the console or vice versa for the Xbox controller on the other side of my desk. The games I played on the PS5 Pro with the MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED monitor looked great and with the Kanto Ora speakers connected via USB, they sounded fantastic too. With the added bass from the Kanto SUB8, I played this way during the day, but at night, I switched to the Pulse Elite headset. Given that I'm not using that much space on the desk's T-rail system, I've started using it as a place to store the various USB dongles for my PS5 accessories like that headset. Even though I love all the extra graphical power in the PS5 Pro, there's still one area where the Xbox Series X has it beat: Quick Resume. I play a lot of single-player, story-driven games but I keep coming back to the skateboard sim Session. With Quick Resume, I can jump out of a game like Metaphor: ReFantazio and pick up right where I left off in Session without missing a beat. What's more, Quick Resume even works when you lose power or your Xbox gets unplugged. In addition to playing games at my new black-and-white desk setup, I've been doing a fair bit of work here. In fact, I've written this entire story at my new desk setup, both while sitting in one of the best office chairs and while standing up. Like I mentioned before, I can't get over how well Corsair's pegboard holds everything in place as the Platform:4 Elevate Desk goes up and down. The same stability applies to the included monitor arm; the MSI monitor has only moved ever so slightly, and then only when I've really slammed down on my keyboard's of my keyboard, I decided to pick up the Monsgeek Fun 60 Ultra ($80, Amazon) for this desk setup as I wanted to give magnetic key switches a try and this all-white version perfectly matches the rest of the aesthetic I'm going for. As for my mouse, I'm using a trackball mouse from the Japanese company Elecom. After using a regular mouse for years, I've found that trackball mice are easier on my hands and wrists, plus Elecom's are incredibly easy to customize thanks to the latest version of its Mouse Assistant software. Since my HDMI switch still has two free ports, I could theoretically add an additional two devices whether they be computers or game consoles. I recently bought a Nintendo Switch 2 which I was previously using with this monitor as part of another desk setup. It could easily end up being incorporated into this one though. Likewise, while Windows 11 works well enough, I have been using macOS on my Mac mini M4 more often lately and if I can comfortably fit one mini PC in the Platform:4 Elevate Desk's cable management tray, who's to say I couldn't make room for another down there. Alternatively, if I wanted to go all out, I could always add some of Corsair's desk extensions to this desk setup. That same T-channel rail system is also present on the sides of the Platform:4 Elevate Desk, so adding extra desk space with one or even two extensions would be easy enough. That way, I could have a full-blown gaming PC and not just a mini one, though I know from experience that white PC parts are harder to find and also carry a premium price. I've built a lot of desk setups over the years and with each one, I've seen how much better I have gotten at managing cables, picking devices that work well with one another and choosing the right accessories to tie everything together. This black-and-white desk setup is no different and to date, I think it's my best one yet. In fact, I'm seriously considering moving this one out of my office and into our game room to replace my current dedicated gaming setup. Even though collecting all of the different white devices and accessories for this particular desk setup took quite a bit of time—just about 8 months in fact—seeing everything come together has been really rewarding. As for putting Corsair's Platform:4 Elevate Desk together, that part was easy. Instead, it was the Multi Frame Pegboard that proved the most difficult. From there, it was just a matter of deciding what needed to go where, making sure I had the right cables to connect everything and most importantly, enough cable ties to give this desk setup the clean, clutter-free look I was going for. I'm still not quite sure exactly what I'll do with my next desk setup but if you have any ideas or a particular theme or configuration you'd like to see me tackle next, let me know in the comments below. As for those speakers where my gaming chair's headrest should be in the photo above, you'll have to stay tuned since that story is coming up next.
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
I review OLED TVs for a living — and this 3-year-old Sony is still one of my favorites I'd buy
There has been no shortage of excellent TVs that've launched in 2025. Specifically when it comes to new OLEDs, the Samsung S95F and LG C5 are among the best TVs ever tested here at Tom's Guide. But newer doesn't always necessarily mean better. In fact, when it comes to recommending premium TV picks to friends, family and readers, it's a 3-year-old set that's often at the top of my list. I'm referring to the Sony A95L, a flagship QD-OLED TV originally released back in 2023 that you can still buy brand-new today. Yes, Sony technically replaced the A95L with the 2025 Bravia 8 II OLED TV. But the successor only comes in 55- and 65-inch configurations. To accommodate those looking for bigger screens, Sony decided to keep the 77-inch A95L in its QD-OLED lineup. And there are a few reasons I think that was a pretty smart move, especially considering I recently introduced it into my own living room. When it originally launched, the A95L set a new standard for premium OLED TVs. It combined Samsung's QD-OLED panel technology with Sony's best-in-class Cognitive Processor XR. The result was a TV with unmatched color volume, excellent peak brightness for HDR content, near-perfect motion handling, and Sony's signature cinematic image tuning. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. I don't think anyone in the TV community was shocked when it won the Value Electronics annual TV Shootout event, being crowned the 'king of 4K TVs' by a panel of reviewers and display experts. At the time, it felt like this OLED was in league of its own. The Sony Bravia A95L is a QD-OLED TV that excels with every kind of content, every time. In our Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED TV review we said the Editor's Choice TV offers superlative picture and top-notch sound. That clear distinction is why I think, a few years later, it remains a great choice. Our lab tests confirmed near-100% coverage of the P3 color gamut and outstanding Rec.2020 performance when it comes to HDR. Simply put, the A95L didn't leave much room for improvement. Sony A95L Sony Bravia 8 II HDR Brightness (10%, in nits) 1215 1584 UHDA-P3 Gamut Coverage 99.95 100 Rec. 2020 Gamut Coverage 89.41 90.55 Input Lag (ms) 16.1 16.3 The new Bravia II did rise to the occasion with a healthy degree of upgrades, but it's not nearly enough to render the A95L irrelevant as we've seen some other TV manufacturers do with the progression of their OLED lineups year over year. As the close test results above show, the A95L doesn't make customers sacrifice quality much for prioritizing a larger screen size. And if those customers happen to be gamers like me, the A95L offers 4K at 120 Hz, VRR and Auto Low Latency Mode over two HDMI 2.1 ports, plus PlayStation-specific features that optimize HDR and picture modes on the fly. Input lag measures a smooth 16 ms, and for me, the gaming experience has only increased my appreciation for the A95L as my console's monitor. It's rare to recommend a three-year-old TV, but the A95L is that kind of product. It's a no-compromises display with longevity built in, especially if you're serious about upgrading your home theater space and have an appetite for a big-screen gaming TV. Sony's TV division has always prioritized picture fidelity over flashy upgrades, and the A95L is a testament to that approach. Even in 2025, it remains one of the most visually stunning displays you can buy. It may not be new, but it's still among the best — as long as 77 inches fits your wall and your budget.
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
We asked cybersecurity experts to build a privacy toolbox for $10 per month – here's what they came up with, and more
Our online data is being collected all day, every day. Whether it's browsing the web, watching our favorite shows, or online shopping, everything we do online can be tracked, used to push ads, sold on, or even used to scam us. This all sounds very doom and gloom, but there are actions you can take to protect your personal information. For the Tom's Guide VPN team, the best VPNs are always our first port of call for digital security, but they are just one piece of the privacy puzzle. VPNs, the best antivirus software, the best password managers, secure browsers, authenticators, the best encrypted messaging apps, and data removal services can all be used to take back control of your data. You could spend hundreds of dollars on tools like these, but you don't have to. So we asked the Tom's Guide VPN and Security teams to build a collection of privacy bundles for all eventualities – here's what they came up with. NordVPN Plus: get a $20 Amazon gift card + 4 months freeNordVPN is our #1 VPN. It's fast, secure, private, and great for streaming. What you'll get... • Protection for up to 10 devices• Speeds of 950 Mbps+• Streaming service unblocking• Post-quantum encryption• Threat Protection Pro• NordPass password manager• 30-day money-back guarantee• $20 Amazon gift card (for a limited time only)• 28 months protection for $3.76 per month ($105.36 up front pre-tax) Every tool we recommend here is reputable and will protect your data – that's for sure. But not every product will be right for you. We've therefore tried to include a range of different products, at different prices, allowing you to decide what's best for you. No matter what privacy bundle you want to create, a VPN is a must have in all of them. VPNs protect your privacy online by routing your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel. Your data is kept safe from hackers, third-parties, and your ISP and the most private VPNs will never log, store, or share your browsing data. Many leading VPNs include password managers and antivirus in their plans, so it's worth comparing all the features offered and see which plan is right for you. VPNs aren't a silver bullet – but they're a perfect first step into improving your online privacy. They also don't have to cost the world, and I think most people will find at least occasional use for one. Our top picks: NordVPN: from $2.91 per month. Our top-rated VPN. A great all-purpose option with lots of added extras. Surfshark: from $1.99 per month. An excellent bargain alternative that also offers antivirus as an add-on. ExpressVPN: from $4.99 per month. More expensive, but includes a huge amount of privacy extras for no extra cost. Scams and threats from hackers are unfortunately commonplace on the internet – but antivirus software acts as a powerful shield against these dangers. The software can scan your device and its files for malware, warn you about suspicious links, block sites, and detect data leaks. It can't protect you if you give away your information but it'll do its utmost to warn you before that happens. If you weren't already aware, the computing world is full of potential threats: malware, infostealers, ransomware, phishing attacks and more. Whether you don't know what any of that means, don't want to deal with it or want to make sure you have the best protection against all of it, you're going to need an effective antivirus software. Our top picks: Bitdefender Total Security: from $4.17 per month. Effective, real-time, malware and phishing protection. It can scan your system and is easy-to-use. Norton 360 Deluxe: from $4.17 per month. Security giant with a feature-rich offering, including a decent VPN. Malwarebytes Plus: from $2.81 per month A cheap, light, alternative for those looking for basic malware protection without the fuss. Weak and re-used passwords are a significant reason people get hacked – 123456 is currently the world's most popular password. You might struggle remembering multiple passwords but a password manager takes all the hassle out of account security. Password managers generate and store secure, complex passwords so you never have to worry about passwords again. From email to Netflix, bank accounts to fitness devices, smart home cameras to social media accounts, everything needs a password – a strong, unique password. And to keep them all safe, secure and easy to access your best bet is to use a password manager. Our top picks: 1Password: $4.99 per month. Total password protection which includes Travel Mode, security monitoring, and 2FA and passkey support. Bitwarden: Free. Sync an unlimited number of passwords with this completely free service. Premium plans with more features are also available. NordPass: from $1.29 per month ($3.76 per month w/ NordVPN Plus). Easy-to-use, mobile friendly app from the NordVPN team. Great features, including biometric support. Google Chrome dominates the browser market, but it's a privacy nightmare, riddled with trackers and it simply loves your data. There are alternatives that don't collect your data, block ads and trackers, and are way more privacy-focused. Browsers vary in their speed, features, and usability but there will be a Chrome-alternative for everyone. A chunk of secure browsers utilise Chromium (what Google Chrome is built on) so you'll find these more familiar and easy-to-use if you enjoy Chrome's design. Many also come with in-built ad-blockers, VPNs, and password managers – plus a lot of them are free. Break free from Google Chrome with a secure browser. You'll say goodbye to cookies, trackers, and ads whilst maintaining the sleek design you're familiar with – they're really customizable too. Our top picks: Brave: Free. Based on Chrome, but is privacy-focused and dedicated to ad and tracker blocking. Vivaldi: Free. Hugely customizable to suit any need, and has partnered with Proton VPN. Tor: Free. A secure browser veteran, whose decentralized networks takes you into the world of anonymity. Your data isn't just at risk when browsing the web – it's when you message too. WhatsApp, iMessage, and Messenger are three of the most popular apps, but none of them protect your privacy. WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted, so your message content can't be seen, but it collects and shares your metadata and has recently introduced ads into its app. Secure messaging apps encrypt your messages, collect little to no metadata, and some don't even require a phone number to use. Like secure browsers, encrypted messaging apps are the perfect way to break free from the status quo and reclaim control of your data. They're easy to use, boast strong privacy and security, and many are free. Our top picks: Signal: Free. A popular, open-source, app that keeps little to no metadata. A phone number is required though. Session: Free. Highly private, Signal-based app which operates a decentralized network and requires no phone number. But it can be a little buggy. Threema: $6 one-off payment. An open-source and audited messaging service which doesn't require a phone number. A one-off payment of $6 is its biggest downside. Fed up with spam calls and emails? Then you might want to explore data removal services. These tools search the records of data brokers for your information and send removal requests on your behalf. Brokers then have to delete records of your data and you should see a reduction in spam over time. Combining a data removal service with other privacy tools mentioned here should mean there is less of your data available to profit off. Data removal services can be purchased on their own, but they are included in some premium VPN plans. Clicking "Accept" on cookies is often the easy way out. However, this lets data brokers build up a huge amount of data on you. You can certainly send deletion requests yourself, but using a data removal tool to automate that job is well worth the time and hassle it saves. Our top picks: Incogni: from $8.29 per month ($3.99 per month w/ Surfshark One+). Developed by the team behind Surfshark, Incogni is a affordable and effective – and one of the few to cover the UK, Canada, and Australia. Optery: from $3.99 per month (but free basic plan available). Provides tons of detail and what information it has helped delete, but only covers the US. PrivacyBee: from $8 per month. With over 850 data brokers on its books, Privacy Bee has the widest reach – but again, it's US-only. Protecting yourself online doesn't have to break the bank. This is the best privacy toolbox for (well) under $10 per month. Total Cost = $3.99 per month The best cheap VPN is Surfshark. Surfshark One+ is just under $4 per month and you'll get the fastest VPN on the market, which doubles as the best streaming VPN, protection for an unlimited number of devices, and high-level security and privacy. Surfshark One+ includes its own award-winning antivirus which can scan your device, protect your webcam, monitor for data leaks, and offers real-time protection. You'll also get a full Incogni subscription – saving you a chunk of cash. The data removal service will scan data brokers for your data and send out deletion requests on your behalf. There's no password manager with Surfshark, but Bitwarden offers a truly free unlimited version of its services that allow you to sync as many passwords as you want. The free, open source tier is very secure and provides useful included features like autofilling, secure-note storage and sharing. It has browser extensions for popular, and lesser used, browsers and apps for desktop and mobile. You'll also get secure cloud storage, two-factor authentication and health reports to alert you to weak, or exposed, passwords. Brave, Vivaldi, Opera, DuckDuckGo, and Firefox are all free, so the secure browser is up to you. They're designed with privacy in mind and come with some great additional features. You'll be able to block ads, trackers, and cookies, allowing you and your data to break free from the clutches of Google Chrome. Almost all the best encrypted messaging apps are free. Signal is our favorite and it's very popular, open-source, messenger service. Session and Wire are some other free encrypted messaging apps. Your best bet is to try them all out and see which one you like best. If you want a best-in-class privacy toolbox, then you won't go far wrong with these products. For your VPN, we'd recommend NordVPN. It's the best overall VPN, fast, secure, and unblocked all the streaming sites we tested it with. You can protect up to 10 devices on one plan and its extra features include Threat Protection Pro, the NordPass password manager, and encrypted cloud storage. Total Cost = $21.21 per month Two-year NordVPN plans, covering NordVPN Plus and above, are currently on offer, in one of NordVPN's best ever deals. Plans come with free Amazon gift cards – between $20-$50 – as well as four extra months of free protection. Threat Protection Pro is a threat protection feature, not an antivirus. It's the best VPN malware protection and is great to have, but we'd still recommend a dedicated antivirus. NordPass is one of the best password managers and if you just want password generation, storage, and 2FA, this will do the job – but it's not "the best." Bitdefender has made the top of our antivirus software picks because of its great value, quality real-time protection against malware and threats. Its quick and custom scans learn your computer's file structure and the Advanced Threat Detection can monitor your system for suspicious activity in real-time to stop infections before they occur. The interface is clear and efficient to use, there's a firewall, and webcam protection. You'll also get a free VPN and a secure browser, but you'll likely want alternatives to these. If you want more than NordPass, 1Password is our top choice. It's accessible on a variety of platforms and has a Travel Mode feature that can hide your passwords at international borders. The "masked" email addresses feature is a privacy bonus and there's autofill and passkey support. Security monitoring tools will list weak or reused passwords, and alert you about unsecured or breached websites and logins. 2FA, mobile app PIN unlock, and biometric login are also present. Secure browsers are more of a personal preference. Your browser of choice depends on speed preference, how much customisation you want, and whether you like the Chromium design. Brave and Vivaldi are two great privacy-focused choices. Brave has in-built ad, tracker, and fingerprint blocking and its Chromium design is compatible with most sites. Vivaldi is a little slower, but is far more customisable and comes with email and calendar features – as well as Proton VPN Free built-in. Both are free and will protect your privacy far better than Google Chrome. For a data removal service, it's Incogni. Incogni is very easy to use and comes included with the NordVPN Ultra and Surfshark One+ plans. It's cheaper than a lot of alternatives, but the range of data brokers isn't huge. Incogni is also unavailable outside of the UK, US, Canada, EU and EEA areas, and the Isle of Man. Signal is the best encrypted messaging app out there. It's free to use, end-to-end encrypted, open source, and records a very limited number of metadata. Signal is the most popular WhatsApp alternative, but you do have to sign up with a phone number. All of these products will protect your online privacy, but in this bundle we'll detail some tools that have the highest levels of privacy – and even some that delve into the world of anonymity. Total Cost = $21.27 per month Mullvad VPN is one of the most private VPNs available. Mullvad is a no-logging VPN and its privacy policy goes into specific detail of the types of data it collects and for what purpose. Mullvad VPN is open source so you can examine it for yourself and it protects your data with post-quantum encryption. You can even pay for Mullvad in cash and its €5 per month price (approx $5.82) never changes. Mullvad also launched its own secure browser. Proton Pass is an encrypted password manager and Proton makes privacy its mission. It uses AES-256 encryption and is open source. It's zero-knowledge, so only you can see your passwords and it supports biometric logins. There's 2FA, passkey support, and account recovery capabilities. Tor is a decentralized network, run by volunteers, that focuses on anonymity and privacy. The Tor Browser routes your traffic through three relays before connecting to the internet. The website, and anyone watching, will see a connection from Tor and not your IP address. There's no browsing history and cookies are only valid for one session. Fingerprinting is prevented as all users look the same and your traffic is encrypted at each relay. Because of the relays, Tor is a much slower browser than others, so you may find it harder to use on a day-to-day basis. For messaging apps, we're going with Session. It's based on Signal but has more privacy-focused features. You don't need an email or phone number to sign up – instead you get a random Session ID. Like Tor, it's decentralized and your messages are end-to-end encrypted. Almost no metadata is collected and it's been audited. Session isn't as popular as Signal, and there have been reports of bugs. But as an app, it's the most private. It's a little trickier to recommend truly private antivirus software and data removal services. Incogni was developed by the team behind Surfshark so there is an element of data privacy to its offerings. It has fewer partners than its competitors and its privacy policy is clear about how it uses your data. It also doesn't sell your personal data. However, it shares data with the likes of Google Analytics and does need your details to operate its service. Norton 360 Deluxe is not only an excellent antivirus, it boasts some handy privacy features too. You can monitor the dark web for names, your social security number, or email. It can't compete with the market leaders, but Norton's VPN is solid and has had its no-logs policy audited. If you want any privacy issues fixing automatically, you'll need to pay $109.99 per year for Norton's Privacy Monitor Assistant add-on – and that's quite a considerable downside. It's not just your desktop that requires privacy protection, it's your mobile too. NordVPN has great iPhone and Android apps. They might be a little complex for absolute beginners, but if you're familiar with VPNs then you shouldn't have any trouble. NordPass is the best password manager for mobile. It's intuitive, simple, and is included with all NordVPN plans except NordVPN Basic. Total Cost = $5.01 per month Bitdefender Mobile Security offers its top-tier antivirus in mobile form, for both Android and iPhone. It's fairly cheap and has a tonne of security features. One of which is app lock which can turn off apps that may pose a security risk. Again, secure browsers are a personal preference. Although I use Brave on my laptop, I prefer Vivaldi on my phone. I enjoy Vivaldi's UI a little more and its customization options mean I can set it up exactly how I want it. There are no mobile apps for data removal services, so we haven't recommended one for this bundle. You may not want to subscribe to or purchase a wide range of apps. So if you're after convenience, consider Proton Unlimited. Total Cost = $9.99 per month For $9.99 per month, you'll get Proton VPN, Proton Pass, Proton Drive, Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, and Proton Wallet. Everything is end-to-end encrypted and the interconnected ecosystem works seamlessly and is perfect for breaking away from Google. Antivirus isn't offered, so you would need to purchase that separately. Proton VPN does include NetShield but this is a threat protection and isn't quite as good as others offered by VPN providers. Vivaldi has partnered with Proton to include Proton VPN Free as an extension. It's one of the best free VPNs available and will slot nicely into your Proton arsenal.
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Don't sleep naked — 7 top tips for sleeping better in a heatwave
As soon as the summer heat hits many of us are tempted to lift the blinds, throw open the windows and strip off. But your neighbors won't be the only ones grateful you kept the curtains closed and your clothes on — your sleep might thank you for it as well. The best tips and tricks for sleeping in the heat often appear to go against common sense. But to keep your room cool it really is better to shut the windows and curtains. Below we're rounding up all our most effective (and most unexpected) sleep tips to use next time the heatwave is keeping you up. We often assume opening a window will help a room cool down by allowing fresh air in. But during a heat wave, the air flooding through your open window is hot, causing the overall temperature indoors to rise. Keep the heat outside by shutting your window during the warmest part of the day. You can open it in the evening when the temperatures have dropped. While we do recommend opening your curtains first thing in the morning (the light helps get your body clock going) once you've enjoyed your share of sunlight, it's time to close them back up. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Closing the curtains or blinds means you avoid the warming effect of the sun glaring directly on your (hopefully closed, see the tip above) window. When the sun starts to sink and the temperatures are trending downwards, you can open back up again to help cooler air circulate. We're fans of PJs on the Tom's Guide sleep team (pajamas are a must when testing a new mattress) and we generally wouldn't question what you choose to wear to bed, whether it's a Dickensian night gown or opting to be completely in the buff. But while the temptation is to strip off in the summer, you can actually sleep cooler in a heatwave by putting clothes on. Sleeping naked causes warm sweat to stick to your skin, which heats you up. Pajamas, on the other hand, soak up the sweat to cool you down. Our Sleep Editor thought wearing socks in the heat sounded "repulsive" but after trying this tip out, she had to agree that wearing socks can help you sleep cool. Wearing socks does warm your feet but this in turn causes the blood vessels there to dilate. This tells your body it's time for heat to start moving outwards, lowering your overall temperature. By the way, we're not talking about the gross, sweaty socks you've been wearing to walk about in the summer heat. Keeping those on all night is bad for your mattress (and your feet.) Change into a fresh pair of socks made from breathable materials. A warm shower before bed is a relaxing way to slip into your bedtime routine and to wash away the pollen, sunscreen or even self tan that might ruin your mattress. And in summer, it might also help you sleep cool. Although the heat of the shower warms you up initially, once you step out of the spray your body temperature drops, making you feel cooler before climbing into bed. This can help with the production of sleep-inducing hormones. Expert advice says that to make the most of the temperature regulating effects of a warm shower, ideally time it for about an hour ahead of your bedtime. The top sheet, or flat sheet, is already a controversial bedding item (some think they are unnecessary), and when you're stifling in the summer heat adding an extra layer to your bed set up seems like the opposite of a good idea. However, sleeping with a top sheet (and just a top sheet) in summer provides a breathable covering that feels cozy but not warm. If you're one of those people that needs to feel tucked in to go to sleep, ditching your blankets and duvet and opting to sleep with just a top sheet in summer may be the perfect solution for even a warm night. Yet another win for the unfairly maligned flat sheet... ... but not for hot water. Sorry for the bait and switch, but in summer, you might want to turn your hot water bottle into a giant ice pack. Simply fill your water bottle with water and pop it into the freezer. When it's time for bed your hot water will provide an immediate hit of cool. The perfect temperature for sleep is considered to be around 65 to 70 °F (18 to 21 °C) and if a summer heatwave has transformed your bedroom into a sauna, you might find it impossible to drift off. The tips above can help fight rising temperatures in your bedroom (and prevent you from making the some cooling mistakes) but for a long-term solution, consider investing in the best cooling mattresses. These mattresses use everything from heat wicking materials (such as GlacioTex or Phase Change Material) to high-tech active cooling (such as the Eight Sleep system) to keep your the right temperature. Cooling bedding can keep you cozy but not warm, while switching your pillow can help those who feel like they're always searching for the cold side.
