Online food delivery company Grubhub has purchased thousands of domain names that resemble those of businesses that are either already on its platform or are trying to be according to a new report from New Food Economy.
The company owns over 23,000 of these look-alike domains that it has set up to resemble landing pages for restaurants on its platform. The sites even have an online ordering form to trick consumers into thinking they belong to the restaurants themselves.
Restaurant owners are up in arms over the discovery and they believe that Grubhub is tricking users that try to visit their sites into ordering on its platform instead.
The company is the largest online food delivery service in the US and is also the parent company to a number of other similar services including Eat24, MenuPages and Seamless. However, rivals DoorDash and Uber Eats have begun to threaten its dominance as they have become increasingly more popular.
Fake sites
All of the domains owned by Grubhub use a similar template and showcase items from the menus of actual restaurants. To make matters worse, some of the fake sites even use photos taken directly from the restaurant’s official website or from other competing delivery services.
The company’s scheme works as such, Grubhub buys domains that are similar to a restaurant’s website and then uses their original logos along with stolen pictures of food to set up a very convincing fake site. These sites also include links where customers can place orders that actually direct them back to one of the delivery services owned by the company.
The fake sites are just another way to earn more commission from restaurants but Grubhub defended its deceptive practices in a statement emailed to New Food Economy, saying:
“Grubhub has never cybersquatted, which is identified by ICANN as ‘generally bad faith registration of another person’s trademark in a domain name.’ As a service to our restaurants, we have created microsites for them as another source of orders and to increase their online brand presence. Additionally, we have registered domains on their behalf, consistent with our restaurant contracts. We no longer provide that service and it has always been our practice to transfer the domain to the restaurant as soon as they request it.”
Restaurant owners who are concerned that their site may have been copied can review the full list compiled by New Food Economy here.
Welcome to our pick of the best mobile hotspots for 4G and 5G mobile data connections in 2019. If you do a lot of travelling and don’t want to put your data or information at risk by relying on open Wi-Fi connections, then you’ll want a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot device.
These hubs allow for several devices to connect to one or more data SIMs – usually 4G ones – to surf privately and safely. Much like a smartphone’s SIM card, these data-only deals allow you access to the internet in complete security. You can use a monthly contract, or use a pay-as-you-go SIM, so you know exactly how much data you are paying for.
The best thing about 4G data is that it is incredibly fast, so you’ll be able to browse the internet as if you were connected to a broadband connection. It means it will also often be faster than free or shared Wi-Fi spots, which usually have data limits and a lot of traffic to deal with.
In 2019, we also expect to see more 5G mobile hubs hitting the stores. 5G is the latest generation of mobile internet, offering speeds that are far faster than 4G data connections. While 5G is in its infancy, there are not currently any 5G mobile hotspots, though the Netgear Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspot is coming out later this year. As soon as 5G mobile hotspots are available, they’ll be included in this list – as long as they are good enough.
Mobile hubs range from a simple one SIM solution with a battery to models that can accommodate 10 different SIM cards, or others that even sport a complete Android operating system.
Below are the best mobile Wi-Fi routers you can buy in the UK, catering to all tastes, from frugal surfers to power users and everything in between.
(Image credit: HTC)
1. HTC 5G Hub
The best 5G mobile hotspot out there
Speed: 5G LTE | Max number of devices: 20 | Features: 7660mAh battery, 802.11 a/b/g/b/ac/ad, microSD slot
Incredibly fast
Large battery life
Expensive
5G sill in its infancy
The HTC 5G Hub is currently the best 5G mobile hotspot money can buy. Sure, there’s not a huge amount of competition out there at the moment, as 5G is still relatively new, but HTC has come out of the gate with a winner. EE, the UK’s biggest network provider, is offering data subscriptions with this hotspot. It’s not cheap – you pay £100 upfront and then £50 a month for 50GB of data – but you are getting a very accomplished bit of kit. It can handle up to 20 wireless devices connected at once, which should be enough for most households, and an Ethernet port for wired devices as well. A powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor powers the device, and there’s a 5-inch HD touchscreen that gives you all the information you need to keep an eye on your 5G network. It also have a large battery life that should keep you going while you’re out and about.
2. TP-Link M7350 V4 4G LTE mobile hotspot
A versatile solution to a simple problem
Speed: 4G LTE 150 Mbps | Max number of devices: 10 | Features: 2000mAh battery, dual band WiFi, microSD slot
Dual band
Fast
Bulkier than most hotspots
No wireless 802.11ac
The TP-Link M7350 is an excellent mobile hotspot, supporting both micro and nano SIM cards, which means it’s almost certainly going to be compatible with a SIM card you already own. It has a small display for informing you about your connection, and it supports dual band Wifi on both 2.4 and 5GHz. It can be accessed by up to 10 devices at once, and performance is very good on 4G LTE. Its battery life is also excellent, giving you around 10 hours of 4G connectivity.
3. EE 4GEE WiFi Mini mobile hotspot
Best in the UK
Speed: 4G LTE | Max number of devices: 10 | Features: 1500mAh battery, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, various data plans
Compact
Good design
Locked to EE network
Again, no wireless 802.11ac support
The EE 4GEE WiFi Mini is one of the better looking mobile hotspot devices on this list, and its compact design means it can be easily carried around with you. The 1500mAh offers up to 50 hours on standby, and up to six hours when connected to the internet. It can support up to 10 devices at once, but it doesn’t have an LCD screen, like the TP-Link M7350, which means it’s not quite as user friendly. You also need to use the EE network, which isn’t too much of a hardship due to EE’s coverage and fast 4G speeds, and the network offers a range of data plans to go alongside the EE 4GEE WiFi Mini. However, if you want something more future-proof, check out the HTC 5G Hub at the top of this list of best mobile hotspots, which is also offered by EE.
4. Netgear AC810-100EUS Aircard mobile hotspot
An excellent mobile hotspot from Netgear
Speed: 4G | Max number of devices: 15 | Features: Removable battery, touch-screen
Up to 15 simultaneous connections
Very good build quality
Pricey
Netgear’s AC810 Aircard is an excellent mobile hotspot that lets you quickly and easily share a fast 4G LTE internet connection with a wide range of devices. Supporting up to 15 devices, this is a very flexible bit of kit, and its 2930 mAh battery is capable of 11 hours operating time and 260 hours when in standby.
An attractive touchscreen gives you all the information you need, and allows you to manage connections and change settings on the fly. It’s put together with a robust build quality we’ve come to expect from Netgear, and in our view this is one of the best Mi-Fi portable hotspots money can buy right now.
5. Huawei E5770 mobile hotspot
Stylish model with a massive battery life
Speed: 4G LTE | Max number of devices: 11 | Features: 5200mAh battery, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, microSD card
Biggest battery we’ve seen yet
microSD card
Expensive
Only Cat-4
The Mobile Wi-Fi Pro from Huawei, otherwise known as the E5770, ticks a lot of boxes for power users. This 4G/LTE model (Cat-4, so only 150Mbps) has one of the biggest batteries we’ve seen on any Mi-Fi device at 5,200mAh. It can even charge another device thanks to a bundled cable that doubles as a stylish strap. Up to 10 devices can be connected with a quoted working time of up to 20 hours.
If that wasn’t good enough, it’s also the only hotspot that we’re aware of that comes with a microSD card slot (sadly taking FAT-formatted cards only) and an Ethernet port. That makes it perfect for small businesses and even, dare we say, a perfect cord-cutting device if paired with the right SIM card.
6. Netgear Nighthawk R7100LG mobile hotspot
Ideal for large groups of users
Speed: 4G LTE | Max number of devices: N/A | Features: Dual band, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, 5 Ethernet ports
Fantastic performer
Bundled app to control router
Very expensive
Needs onerous workaround to be truly portable
This is the antithesis of your traditional pocket-sized hotspot and we’re bending the rules to include it in this article. Behold the Netgear Nighthawk R7100LG, a router with a SIM card slot. Technically, it is not portable as the device requires a mains power supply, but there are potential workarounds if you really want to make this happen.
The Nighthawk is a great solution should you want to offer internet access to a massive amount of users, and indeed storage access as well. It offers Cat 6/LTE (300Mbps), AC1900 Wi-Fi, two USB ports, a free app to manage the router (Genie), four Gigabit Ethernet ports plus open source support and a wealth of security features.
Welcome to our list of the best workstations of 2019. These are the very best, most powerful, workstation machines that can power your business.
These days, the best workstations are around the same size as normal PCs, and offer high quality designs, without sacrificing pure power and performance. Some, such as the iMac Pro and the Surface Studio, are slimline all-in-one PCs that offer brilliant performance whilst not taking up loads of room in your office.
The best workstations can handle any application you throw at it, and they are useful tools for designers, engineers, financial analysts and researchers running more demanding applications, like rendering complex graphics, financial analysis and computations and digital content creation
We’ve rounded up 10 of what we consider to be the best workstations currently on the market – in no particular order – from the main vendors.
From small form factor models to powerhouses, from all-in-ones to one for all, there’s bound to be one for you if you’re in the market.
At the bottom of this page you’ll also find our list of the best online shops for buying workstations – so purchasing the perfect workstation for your business has never been easier!
(Image credit: Future)
1. Corsair One Pro i180
The ultimate workstation
CPU: Intel Core i9-9920X | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 T | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 960GB SSD, 2TB HDD | Communications: Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions (W x D x H): 20 x 17.6 x 38cm
Immensely powerful
Lovely design
Very expensive
Not all components are upgradable
The Corsair One Pro i180 is currently our pick for the best workstation in 2019. Not only is it one of the most powerful desktop PCs we’ve ever used, but it’s also one of the most nicely designed. The dimensions of the Corsair One Pro i180 are 200 x 172.5 x 380mm, which is incredibly compact considering the amount of power it offers. This is a workstation that can easily fit on – or under – a desk, and it looks simply amazing. It manages to keep cool, and most of the components can be upgraded as well, though it’s not as straightforward as in a traditional PC tower. Power-wise it comes with an Intel Core i9-9920X, Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, 920GB NVMe M.2 SSD and 2TB hard drive. That’s some seriously impressive and cutting-edge hardware. But this all comes at a cost. A very, very high cost.
This excellent all-in-one workstation from Dell comes with an imposing 27-inch 4K Ultra HD touchscreen display, as well as a set of six speakers. That makes for the ideal workstation for photographers, video editors and music producers.
The Dell XPS 27 performs admirably against industry-standard graphics-based benchmarks, no doubt thanks to the pacey 3.6GHz Intel Core i7-7700 processor under the casing. And this premium machine also gets premium peripheries in the form of a sleek and stylish wireless mouse and keyboard.
3. Apple Mac Pro
Worth an update
CPU: Intel Xeon E5-1650 v2 | Graphics: Dual AMD FirePro D500 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 256GB SSD | Communications: 802.11ac, Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions (W x D x H): 25 x 17 x 17cm
Ground-breaking design
Very compact
Long in the tooth
Can be tricky to upgrade
An upgrade to the Mac Pro is imminent so you might want to hold on. But when it comes to the quintessential workstation, nothing comes near to this monolith. How Apple has been able to pack so much firepower into such a small volume almost defies the laws of physics. The current model, though, is well past its prime.
It packs a 3-year old Intel Ivy-Bridge Xeon processor with up to 64GB DDR3 ECC RAM and 1TB storage (no RAID option though). Its two AMD FirePro D500 GPUs are likely to be the weakest link in the system, however, and even the top of the range model doesn’t meet the minimum requirements to run the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift VR platform. It’s also far more expensive than a comparable Windows-based workstation.
CPU: Intel Xeon W | Graphics: AMD Vega 64 (16GB HBM2 RAM) | RAM: 128GB | Communications: Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions (W x D x H): 65 x 20.3 x 51.6cm
Most powerful Mac ever
Excellent design
Very expensive
Non user-upgradable
The Apple iMac Pro is the most powerful PC that Apple has ever made, so if you love the design of Apple’s devices, while using its software, then the iMac Pro is an excellent workstation. Its all-in-one form factor gives you plenty of space on your desk, but it is very expensive, which turn some people off.
Microsoft has produced a brilliant all-in-one workstation that rival’s Apple’s iMacs for power and desirability. If you’re wedded to the Windows 10 ecosystem, then this is a great alternative to the iMac Pro. Versatile and forward-thinking, Microsoft’s all-in-one puts the iMac to shame by introducing an all-in-one that can not only replace your lingering desktop tower, but your Cintiq as well.
6. Mac Mini 2018
Same size, way more power
CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i3 – Core i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Storage: 128GB – 2TB PCIe Flash | Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.6cm
Hugely improved specs
Tiny, aesthetic design
Expensive
The Mac mini 2018 has finally been refreshed with modern hardware, bring Apple’s tiniest Mac into the modern age. This thing is filled to the brim with 8th-generation desktop processors, a ton of RAM and some of the fastest SSDs we’ve seen – all while keeping the same beloved form factor. OK, while it’s not as powerful as the other workstations on this list, it has a few tricks up its sleeve which makes this worth considering. First, you can add an external graphics card to the Mac mini for added graphical prowess. You can also chain several Mac minis together and offload tasks onto each machine, making it an expandable – and incredibly versatile – workstation.
7. HP Z240 SFF
Pint-sized power
CPU: Intel Core i7-6700 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 8GB | : | Communications: Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions (W x D x H): 34 x 38 x 10cm
Surprisingly compact and powerful
A plethora of connectors
Card reader is optional
This is HP’s entry level workstation and one which is very keenly priced with a very compact form factor (about 11L). It’s hard to believe that the Z240 has an Intel Core i7-6700 CPU with 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard disk drive. There’s even an optical drive. The company’s engineers have managed to deliver a system that weighs less than 6Kg and somehow has 20 (yes, 20) connectors and expansion slots (not all of them empty of course).
It even has four DIMM slots to take full advantage of dual-channel technology. As for the rest of the HP workstation family, this one comes with the Remote Graphics Software as well as a three-year onsite warranty bundled. The only major compromise is the fact that it will only take low profile graphics cards. HP also offers the option to buy the workstation for as little as £16 per month excluding VAT.
8. Fujitsu Celsius J550
Quintessentially powerful
CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 | Graphics: Nvidia Quadro K2200 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD | Communications: Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions (W x D x H): 33 x 34 x 8.9cm
Very compact
Can take a full-size GPU
More expensive than the traditional equivalent form factor
Limited configurability
The small form factor market is attracting more manufacturers as they are vying to shed the bulky and wieldy image of the traditional workstation. Few, if any, however, can pride themselves on designing and manufacturing their products in the same area. Fujitsu can – take the J550.
It can take a Xeon E3 CPU, a full-size professional graphics card, 64GB of RAM, offering up to 13.5TB storage and nearly 20 ports and expansion slots including quite a few legacy ones. Fujitsu is also the only company to offer a three-year warranty (either onsite or bring-in) across the EMEIA region, which spans across the whole of Europe, into Africa and stretches as far as India.
Let’s say you work on a busy construction site, or maybe you just tend to drop laptops a lot – the best rugged laptops really can make a difference. Even in the most extreme environments, the best rugged laptops are built to last, and will survive all kinds of drops, knocks and spills. But, where are the best rugged laptops? Well, you’ve come to the right place: we’ve scoured the web, looking for the best rugged laptops, and they’ll all handle everything you can throw at them.
The best rugged laptops have been built with rigid and robust cases that can handle high pressure, extreme drops and even exposure to liquid without getting destroyed. To ensure that these laptops can survive, they are subject to hardcore testing, so you can use them in complete confidence that they’re built to task.
So, whether you work on a busy work site, spend a lot of time in the most dangerous places on Earth, or even if you’re just kind of clumsy, we’ll help you find the perfect rugged laptop. We’ve even included our exclusive price comparison tool, so that you can spend less time shopping for the best rugged laptop, and more time saving.
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle anything the planet can throw at it, you’ll want to get your hands on the Dell Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme – it’s all in the name. It is a bit old at this point, but that almost doesn’t matter. It’s still a well-designed rugged laptop that meets military standard requirements. It features a rigid magnesium alloy build, shock absorbent case, is IP65 certified against dust, sand and water – it can even handle extreme temperatures. Like the rest of Dell’s catalog, you can configure the Dell Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme however you feel like – or however you can afford.
This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Panasonic Toughbook CF-33
Dell is a household name when it comes to the best laptops, but it still makes the best rugged laptops right now. For example,the Dell Latitude 14 Rugged is a tough laptop that combines a rigid outer shell with quick components that are powerful enough for the category – including a 6th-generation Intel Core processor and dedicated AMD Radeon graphics. Even the display is decent, rocking a matte finish that makes it comfortable to use outside – probably where it’ll be most used. It’s the less “extreme” version of our number one pick, but its still one of the best rugged laptops on the market right now.
This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Panasonic Toughbook CF-33
If you want one of the best 2-in-1 laptops, but you don’t want something that feels like it’s going to snap in half the first chance it gets – the Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 is for you. This 2-in-1 has a flexibility that most rugged laptops just don’t. If you need something that’s easy to carry while you do stock takes and jot down notes, then tablet mode will work wonders. Then, if you need to type up some documents, you can attach the keyboard and comfortably type away. It may be expensive, but it’s one of the only 2-in-1 laptops that can actually take a beating.
Image Credit: HP
4. HP ProBook x360 11 G1 EE Notebook PC
A sturdy laptop
CPU: Intel Celeron N3350 processor | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500 | RAM: 2 – 8GB | Screen: 11.6inch 1366 x 768 | Storage: 128GB SSD | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, | Weight: 1.35kg | Dimensions: 207 x 302.4 x 19.9mm
Good price
Thin and light
Not as robust as other devices
Underpowered
You might think the HP ProBook x360 11 G1 EE is a normal laptop at first glance. However, once you dive deeper, you’ll see there’s more than meets the eye. While it isn’t designed for big drops and dangerous environments, it’s still one of the best rugged laptops for most everyday users – it’s built to withstand more knocks, drops and liquids than the everyday laptop. This is due to an industrial rubberised body, spill resistant keyboard and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 display. It’s not going to be as robust as some of the other rugged laptops on this list, but it’s easily portable and the screen can be flipped – making it a rugged 2-in-1 laptop.
Image Credit: Lenovo
5. Lenovo ThinkPad 11e
Rugged performance
CPU: Intel Core i3-6100U processor | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 | Storage: 128GB SSD | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, | Weight: 1.5kg | Dimensions: 300 x 210 x 22.3mm
Good performance
Rugged design
Bulky compared to normal laptops
Similar to the HP ProBook x360 we mentioned earlier, the Lenovo ThinkPad 11e is more like a standard laptop that just so happens to be a bit rugged. Still, you can just tell that Lenovo has put effort into the construction of this device, as it includes more robust inputs, and can survive drops of up to 90cm. It also features military specifications, that make this a laptop that can survive the harshest conditions. What’s more, it’s affordable, while still offering enough processing power for everyday tasks.
In this guide we list the very best powerline adapter of 2019. These devices plug in to your home’s power supply and turns it into a high-speed network.
That means you no longer have to worry about an anemic Wi-Fi network struggling to reach one end of the house from the other. Using powerline adaptors, your network data is passed through the wiring within your home, so no distance – and no amount of walls – will affect the strength and speed of your connection.
The best powerline adapters not only ensure that every device in your home or office has access to the internet, they can bring speeds that are not too far off standard wired networks – but without the need to trail Ethernet cables throughout the building.
The best powerline adapters are also incredibly easy to install – just plug one into a power socket by your router or modem, and connect it via an Ethernet cable. Then, place a second adapter where you want to supply the network or internet to, and connect any devices to the second adaptor.
You can add more adapters throughout the building, and their network speeds are much faster than Wi-Fi, and thick walls and floors won’t affect them. You will need the power lines in your building to be in good working order, however. Some Wi-Fi adapters also include Wi-Fi antennae for bringing wireless networks into difficult to reach parts of a building.
Over the years powerline adapters have evolved, and the technology they use these days offer even greater speeds than ever before. So, read on to find out what our picks are for the best powerline adapters of 2019.
1. Devolo Magic 2 WiFi powerline adapter
The very best powerline adapter
Speeds: Up to 2400Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: Wi-Fi, WPS, 128 Bit AES
Very fast data speeds
Mesh Wi-Fi
Expensive
Not backwards compatible
The Devolo Magic 2 WiFi is the latest series of adapters from the German company that allow you to use your home’s power lines to transmit network data. It uses a new standard – G.hn – which promises much faster speeds. In fact, Devolo claims that Magic 2 can reach theoretical speeds of up to 2,400Mbps, a big leap over its last-generation Devolo dLAN 1200+ (below), which was capable of up to 1,200Mbps.
It is expensive, but you get the best powerline speeds we’ve seen so far. It’s also worth noting that because of the new technology, the Devolo Magic 2 WiFi isn’t backwards compatible, so it won’t work with any of the other adapters in this list.
2. Devolo dLAN 1200+ WiFi ac powerline adapter
Super fast with Wi-Fi
Speeds: Up to 1200Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: Wi-Fi, WPS, 128 Bit AES
Very fast speeds
Can broadcast Wi-Fi
Expensive
Only two Ethernet ports
The Devolo dLAN 1200+ WiFi ac is one of the fastest powerline adapters on the market, able to reach speeds of 1.2 gigabits a second – though you should note that you won’t often get those kinds of speeds, as there are numerous factors that can affect powerline speeds.
Still, this is a very fast powerline adaptor, and the fact it can also broadcast dual-band wireless ac networks makes this a very versatile powerline adaptor. The adaptor also has a pass through power port, which means you won’t lose a power socket – just plug other devices into the adaptor itself.
3. TP-Link AV2000 Powerline adapter
Another fast choice with Wi-Fi
Speeds: Up to 2000Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: Wi-Fi, WPS, 128 Bit AES
Very fast
Wi-Fi included
Two Ethernet ports
The TP-Link AV2000 takes the award for fastest power line adaptor, with a maximum speed of 2000Mbps – though of course actual speeds will be lower. Still, it offers fantastic speeds, along with built-in dual band wireless ac networks and a pass through socket.
In the starter kit you’ll get two adapters, one has a single Ethernet port, which you should use to connect to your modem or router, and the second one has two Ethernet ports for connecting wired devices.
4. Asus 1200Mbps AV2 1200 Wi-Fi Powerline Adapter
Great for wired and wireless
Speeds: Up to 1200Mbps | Connectivity: 3 x Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: Wi-Fi, WPS, 128 Bit AES
Good speeds
Wi-Fi
External antennae are a bit ugly
Asus may not be the first company that comes to mind when you think about networking devices, but it makes some very good products – such as the Asus 1200Mbps AV2 1200 Wi-Fi Powerline Adapter.
As the name suggests this is a very fast powerline adaptor that is also able to broadcast a Wi-Fi network as well. Unlike other powerline adapters with Wi-Fi, the Asus 1200Mbps AV2 1200 Wi-Fi Powerline Adapter has external antennae, which allow you to angle them for increased coverage – though it does mean the units themselves look a little bit ugly compared to some of its competitors.
5. TP-LINK AV600 Powerline Adapter Kit
A budget offering
Speeds: Up to 600Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi clone feature
Cheap
Easy to extend Wi-Fi network
Not the fastest
If you’re looking for a nice, cheap but reliable powerline adaptor, than the TP-LINK AV600 is a great choice. It’s a lot less money than many of the adapters on this list, but it still manages to offer plenty of features.
For example, it can broadcast Wi-Fi, and with a Wi-Fi clone button, you can easily extend your existing wireless network. it also features two Ethernet ports, and the second adaptor in the set includes a pass through socket so you don’t lose out on a power socket when using the adaptor. While the 600Mbps top speed isn’t as high as others on this list, it’s still enough to transfer big files and stream media around your home.
6. Devolo dLAN Duo 500 Powerline Adaptor
Another great budget choice
Speeds: Up to 500Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: 128 Bit AES
Cheap
Two Ethernet ports
No passthrough
No Wi-Fi
This is an excellent entry-level power adaptor that does a very good job at transmitting your network traffic over your powerlines. It doesn’t boast the highest speeds, nor does it have Wi-Fi or a passthrough socket, but it does the job well considering the price, and its low cost means it’s easy to add adapters to your network in the future.
Gay dating app Jack’d will pay $240,000 (£189,000) after exposing members’ private intimate photos publicly on the internet.
Anyone with a web browser who knew where to look could access millions of private photos, even if they did not have a Jack’d account.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said the app invaded users’ privacy.
Online Buddies, which owns the app, failed to fix the problem for a year after being warned by a researcher.
Cyber-security researcher Oliver Hough reported the flaw to Jack’d in February 2018 but the company only implemented a fix in February 2019.
Ms James said: “The app put users’ sensitive information and private photos at risk of exposure and the company didn’t do anything about if for a full year just so that they could continue to make a profit.”
The attorney general said she had reached a settlement with Online Buddies, which will pay the $240,000 to New York state.
It has also promised to implement a “comprehensive security programme” to protect its users.
Jack’d has been downloaded more than five million times on the Google Play app store.
It lets members add “private” photos to their profile, which should be visible to only specific people they have chosen to share them with.
However, researcher Oliver Hough found that all the photos shared in the app were uploaded to the same open web server, leaving them exposed.
In February, BBC News saw evidence that private photos were still available on the web.
“They acknowledged my report but then just went silent and did nothing,” Mr Hough told BBC News.
“A journalist contacted them in November and they did the same.”
The company has not responded to a BBC request for comment.
Welcome to our list of the best Bluetooth headsets in 2019. If you need to make and receive phone calls without using your hands – because you’re in a car or at your desk – then the best Bluetooth headsets in this list will prove to be essential bits of kit.
When compiling this list of the best Bluetooth headsets, we made sure we picked the top devices that make taking calls easy and convenient, whether you’re driving, using equipment or typing on a keyboard.
The best Bluetooth headsets are perfect for people who rely on their phone and make lots of calls each and everyday, either on the road, or at the office.
The headsets on this page also offer excellent audio quality, so you can hear your contacts loud and clear. The best Bluetooth headsets should also offer excellent noise cancellation, which means no matter how loud the environment you’re in, the people you’re talking to should be able to hear your voice without any issues.
We’ve collected together the best hands-free Bluetooth headsets that are comfortable to be worn for most of the day, are convenient to be used in a hurry and serve up good audio quality throughout.
But although a good Bluetooth headset can make your constant calling life infinitely easier, once you go out searching for a great headset you’ll find that choosing the best Bluetooth headsets among the myriad knockoffs and imitations can be a pain. And even if there are some devices that look similar, the actual features and functionality can vary wildly.
But don’t worry, below you’ll find the very best Bluetooth headsets currently available, and we’ve used our price comparison tool to help you find the top deals as well.
1. Plantronics Voyager 5200
Great for work and play
Weight: 2kg | Battery life: 7 hours | NFC: No | Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 4.1
Sweatproof
Caller ID
Pricey
The Plantronics Voyager 5200 is one of the very best Bluetooth headsets around, from a brand name that is well respected when it comes to headsets. It’s designed with comfort in mind, so you can wear it for extended periods without it bothering you and it sits securely in place too, so it won’t fall off. It’s also completely hands free, as caller ID will announce the name of whoever is calling you and you can simply say “answer” to take the call. Its noise-cancelling is effective even in busy environments and multiple microphones ensure strong voice quality, for a great all-round Bluetooth headset. Its also coated in sweat proof material which gives it a robustness that other Bluetooth headsets lack.
(Image credit: Sony)
2. Sony MBH22
Smart, simple and reliable
Weight: 9.3g | Battery life: 6 hours talk time / 8 days standby | Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 4.2
Nice-looking, simple design
Easy to use
Better Bluetooth
Only one earpiece size
The Sony MBH20 headset used to sit at this point in our list. It was a simple, easy-to-use headset with good battery life, but it’s since been replaced by the MBH22. Although they both have a similar, simple design, this latest model is packing some newer features.
There are the same minimal buttons, but now there’s a USB Type-C connector instead of an older microUSB port. It’s still a good, comfortable fit although there is only one earpiece, which means that might not be the case for everyone.
You can connect two phones at the same time to switch between calls if you’re that in demand, as well as smart access to Google Assistant and Siri.
3. Plantronics Explorer 500
Compact and discrete
Weight: 7.5g | Battery life: 7 hours | NFC: No | Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 4.1
Very light
Good voice cancelling
No caller ID
Plantronics simply makes phenomenal Bluetooth headsets, which is why it should come as no surprise that this isn’t the first Plantronics headset to make it on the list of the best Bluetooth headsets, and it certainly won’t be the last. The Plantronics Explorer 500 is built to be compact and discreet, but there is a huge amount of tech built into this tiny package, including three microphones and a boom arm for stellar voice quality. Its small size does mean its battery life isn’t exactly on the same level as some competitors, but at seven hours of talk time it’s still very passable.
4. Jabra Stealth
Small and stylish
Weight: 7.9g | Battery life: 6 hours | Wireless range: 10m | NFC: No | Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 4
Comfortable
Nice design
Volume control is fiddly
The Jabra Stealth is one of the nicest designed Bluetooth headsets in our roundup, and not only does it look good, it also feels comfortable to wear. It’s not quite as small and unnoticeable as its name suggests, but with such a nice design, you won’t really mind that much. Perhaps most importantly, sound quality on this headset is excellent, and it does a good job of limiting background noise picked up by its mic as well. This is definitely a Bluetooth headset worth investing in if you rely on voice-free calls.
5. Sennheiser Presence UC
Multi-connectivity headset
Weight: 13g | Battery life: 10 hours | Wireless range: 25m | NFC: No | Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 4.0
Can connect to phone and laptop at same time for easy switching
Good range
Not the most comfortable to wear
The Sennheiser Presence UC is a brilliant Bluetooth headset if you work in a fast-paced environment where you need to multitask, as it has a multi-connectivity feature that connects to both your phone and computer, so you can quickly switch between the two. It has very good sound and recording quality, and talk time is also very impressive. It’s not the most comfortable headset, however, so if you need something that you’re going to wear all day, then something like the Jabra Motion will be better suited to your needs.
6. Jabra Steel
A robust headset for outdoor use
Weight: 10g | Battery life: 6 hours | Wireless range: 30m | NFC: Yes | Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 4.1
Rugged design
Good noise cancellation
Sound quality not the best
No physical volume control buttons
If you work outside in noisy environments, and need a robust Bluetooth headset that can eliminate background sounds, then the Jabra Steel is the best Bluetooth headset for you. Resistant to dust, dirt and water, it can also survive high drops, making it an excellent headset for outdoor use – and it comes with a 5 year warranty as well. It also features aggressive noise cancellation which will make your voice calls nice and clear, even if you work somewhere where there is a lot of background noise. Sadly, though, there’s no physical volume control buttons on the actual headset, which makes it a bit annoying if you need to adjust loudness.
7. Plantronics M70
Small price, big features
Weight: 8g | Battery life: 11 hours | NFC: No | Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 3.0
Low price
Long battery life
Not the most stylish design
Only Bluetooth 3.0
The Plantronics M70 is the successor to the popular M55, and like its forbear, it is a budget headset, but you get a lot for your money. While it doesn’t have a premium build it’s perfectly comfortable to wear, it supports voice commands for truly hands-free use and the sound quality is good, especially when aided by the built in noise-cancelling tech. The M70 also has a DeepSleep mode which activates when it’s separated from a paired smartphone for 90 minutes and leaves it with up to five months of battery life, but simply bring your phone within range and it will quickly wake up again.
This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Plantronics Voyager Edge
8. Jabra Wave
A great Bluetooth headset for chatterboxes
Weight: 13.3g | Battery life: 8 hours | Wireless range: 10m | NFC: No | Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 3.0
Good battery life
Comfortable
Large
Showing its age
With a talk time of over eight hours the Jabra Wave is a Bluetooth headset which just keeps going and going, making it a great choice if you’re going to be away from a charger for an extended period. Its fairly large size means it’s not the most discreet of headsets, but it’s a worthwhile trade-off for all that battery life. It also features strong audio quality and is good at suppressing noise, especially wind. Add to that easy pairing and the ability to connect it to two devices at once and the Jabra Wave is a good option.
This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Plantronics Voyager Edge
