If 2020 was a banner year for PC hardware, expectations got here crashing again right down to earth in 2021. The motive? Chip shortages and the availability chain crunch. Simply getting your fingers on new {hardware} proved to be frustratingly tough for many of the 12 months, and even when you possibly can discover one thing to purchase, it usually bought for a staggering mark-up.
But that doesn’t imply PC distributors took their foot off the fuel. We examined some really spectacular {hardware} in 2021, together with blazing-fast next-gen SSDs and notebooks that run laps round yesteryear’s fashions. Are you into streaming video? Hardware that helps you look and sound as spectacular as attainable took main strides ahead in 2021. And this 12 months we’re increasing our record of prime picks to incorporate one of the best software program accessible, as what you utilize all that computing energy for is simply as important.
For this record, we requested PCWorld’s tech specialists to share their favourite picks of their areas of experience. Without additional ado, that is one of the best PC {hardware} and software program of 2021 and 2022. Yes, we’re wanting ahead to subsequent 12 months, as a result of till even newer merchandise start launching in 2022, lots of the wins on this record will stay very related, particularly with no end to the chip shortage in sight.
Best thin-and-light laptop computer: HP Spectre x360 14
PC laptop computer consumers have an embarrassment of riches to pick from, however for most individuals, a 360-convertible is the apex machine. Convertibles are principally indistinguishable from conventional clamshell notebooks, however provide you with all the pliability of a pill as effectively. That means you get contact and even pen assist on prime of the standard touchpad/keyboard combo.
Our decide for one of the best thin-and-light laptop computer simply goes to HP’s wonderful Spectre x360 14, constructed on Intel’s newest 11th-gen Tiger Lake CPU with Xe graphics. It gives display screen choices starting from 1920×1080 IPS to a 3000×2000 OLED show, and with its 66 watt hour battery, you possibly can anticipate all-day battery efficiency. Its fashionable diamond-cut exterior additionally tells the world that you simply really assume in a different way, too. —Gordon Mah Ung
Best gaming laptop computer: MSI GE76 Raider
You know MSI’s GE76 Raider is one thing particular when you’ve gotten none apart from Apple tapping it for comparisons to the hyped-up MacBook Pro with its M1 Max to the GE76. Even higher, Apple really admits that its best possible M1 Max MacBook Pro 16 is slower than the Raider within the comparability.
While we don’t assume the 2 laptops are in the identical class to even benefit the comparability, we’re not shocked Apple centered on MSI’s killer gaming laptop. With its 8-core Intel 11th-gen Core i9-11980HK “Tiger Lake H” processor, Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3080 GPU pushing a smoking 165 watt TGP ranking, and a buttery easy 360Hz gaming panel, this hefty 6.6 pound laptop computer packs some severe gaming and productiveness firepower. Did we point out all of the RGB, too? —Gordon Mah Ung
Best SSD: Corsair MP600 Pro XT
Corsair’s MP600 Pro XT handed our portals somewhat late within the 12 months, however we’re glad it confirmed up. It matches the blazingly quick Seagate FireCuda 530‘s performance, but is slightly less expensive, and more importantly, Corsair’s ultra-fast drive is usually accessible in each 1TB and 2TB capacities. Seagate’s barn-burner is usually briefly provide, tipping the scales in direction of Corsair’s providing within the battle for the best SSD. —Jon Jacobi
Best antivirus: Norton 360 Deluxe
It might not be essentially the most thrilling selection, however Norton’s long-lived security solution stays our prime decide for the best antivirus for Windows. The worth is true, at simply over $100 for a 12 months of Norton 360 Deluxe masking 5 gadgets. The suite gives a great quantity of options, and the safety is top-notch. Norton additionally has all kinds of merchandise to select from, together with Norton 360 for Gamers, which focuses on gamer-centric options like a recreation optimizer and a VPN to guard towards DDoS assaults, that are typically deployed by hackers in sure video games. Above all, Norton is among the extra quiet antivirus options. It simply goes about its enterprise and doesn’t trouble you with too many pop-ups and notifications. Norton merely works and does a incredible job of defending you. —Ian Paul
Best GPU: Ryzen 5000 APUs
Usually, this class known as “Best graphics card,” casting a highlight on one of the best discrete desktop video card launched over the previous 12 months. And positive, a number of new graphics playing cards have been launched in 2021, from 1080p-focused choices just like the Radeon RX 6600 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 to heavy-hitting 4K behemoths just like the $1,200 GeForce RTX 3080 Ti. But the chip scarcity’s results have been felt most acutely within the graphics house, exacerbated by unimaginable demand from crypto-currency miners who use their graphics playing cards to mint digital cash for real-world income. Understandably—although disappointingly—each new graphics card launched this 12 months hit retailer cabinets with staggering worth tags, although in addition they bought out immediately solely to look on second-hand retailers like Ebay and Craiglist at as much as twice the value of these already-inflated MSRPs. Gross.
So, this 12 months we’re switching gears. The finest gaming choice for most individuals with modest budgets isn’t a graphics card in any respect, however the GPU cores built-in into AMD’s game-ready Ryzen 5000G APUs, which stay in inventory in both DIY form and inside numerous prebuilt systems. “You can build a Ryzen 5 5700G machine today and get outstanding CPU performance along with OK gaming performance,” we mentioned in our review. Yes, you’ll must dial down some graphics choices for one of the best efficiency, however you’ll be capable of play esports video games and even triple-A titles at a good clip at 720p or 1080p decision. At $259 for the Ryzen 5 5600G and $369 for the Ryzen 7 5700G, they aren’t precisely low cost, particularly because you’ll additionally want a motherboard to plop them into. But do not forget that you’re getting each a CPU and a doable GPU stand-in for the value. And, hey, they’re really in inventory. —Brad Chacos
Best Thunderbolt Dock: Plugable’s Plugable TBT3-UDZ
Plugable’s TBT3-UDZ is just the very best Thunderbolt dock we’ve seen, ever. Plugable intrinsically understands that Thunderbolt docks are about shows (two 4K60 shows, particularly) and gives two HDMI and two DisplayPort ports to accommodate no matter you’ve gotten in your desk. There’s boatloads of different ports, too, and 96 watts of charging energy to prime all of it off. I completely love this factor.
The catch? It’s extraordinarily arduous to search out. While this mannequin is clearly one of the best Thunderbolt dock, the Plugable TBT3-UDC3 is smaller, cheaper, and barely extra accessible. If you discover one, purchase it. Now. —Mark Hachman
Best USB microphone for streaming: NZXT Capsule
Arguably crucial piece of streaming {hardware} is a great microphone. This 12 months, PC part maker NZXT introduced the corporate’s first microphone to market with the $130 NZXT Capsule, which is useless easy to make use of and sounds incredible. The Capsule is full of killer specs, sports activities a pretty big condenser capsule, and is plug-and-play over an included USB-C cable. The sound profile is on the hotter aspect, with loads of deep vocal replica for booming voices, and clear and even highs for readability. One of one of the best options of this mic is the included removable stand. It’s giant, heavy, tremendous stable, and one thing I might really suggest somebody utilizing (which isn’t all the time the case with these kind of desktop mics). To prime it off, the design is uniquely NZXT, with trademark grided holes on the again and a two-toned white model that makes it very fashionable regardless of its bigger measurement. —Adam Patrick Murray
Best password supervisor: LastPass
There is just no excuse for being lazy about passwords—not when a password supervisor makes utilizing finest practices really easy. LastPass is the gold commonplace in the case of this important position. Install the browser plugin, and LastPass serves as a mixture password generator, password vault, and type filler, saving you the difficulty of memorizing and manually coming into any of your often-used credentials or private data. A Secure Notes function enables you to retailer delicate data, like checking account numbers, related to the varied websites you go to.
The free model is proscribed to 1 system kind—PC or cell. The Premium tier ($3 a month) helps limitless gadgets and gives dark-web monitoring for vulnerabilities and emergency entry to your account. See our full review of LastPass, in addition to our roundup of all password managers. —Katherine Stevenson
Best laptop computer CPUs
It’s been a banner 12 months for laptop computer consumers purchasing for highly effective CPUs due to intense—and we imply intense—competitors between AMD and Intel. We first noticed the 12 months kick off with AMD’s Ryzen 5000 H-class gaming processors arriving to smash a folding chair on Intel’s aged 10th-gen H-class CPUs. AMD then adopted up with its Ryzen 5000 U-class or low-power consumption chips, which battled Intel’s 11th-gen “Tiger Lake U chips” to a stand nonetheless.
Intel’s 11th-gen Core chips maintain the high-ground on calmly threaded duties and efficiency whereas on battery, with Ryzen 5000 U beating Intel’s processors in multi-threaded duties.
And simply when it regarded straightforward to declare AMD’s Ryzen 5000 H-class the winner, Intel hit again with 11th-gen “Tiger Lake H” CPUs that simply barely edge the Ryzen 5000 H chips.
Rob Shultz/IDG
So what’s the winner? There are actually two lessons of laptops at present—actually skinny and light-weight, and actually quick.
For the actually skinny and light-weight class, we’d be torn between Ryzen and Core i7, however the 11th-gen Core got here out final 12 months. That leaves AMD’s spectacular Ryzen 5000 chips as one of the best CPU for skinny and light-weight laptops in 2021. It’s a straightforward one to argue because you’re getting an unheard-of eight cores of efficiency in laptops weighing lower than 3 lbs.
In the need-for-speed class, it’s a really shut race, however we give the nod to Intel’s 11th-gen Tiger Lake H for 2 causes. First, it has the slight edge in efficiency, providing you with a full x16 lanes of PCIe Gen 4, plus assist for PCIe Gen 4 SSDs. It’s merely a richer, fuller function set than AMD’s Ryzen H-class chips. The different motive is the elephant within the room: You don’t purchase a laptop computer CPU with out the remainder of laptop computer round it, and Intel’s Tiger Lake H is just paired with extra laptops with sooner {hardware} than their AMD counterparts. —Gordon Mah Ung
Best Windows backup software program: Acronis True Image
There’s a motive Acronis True Image (just lately renamed Cyber Protect Home Office) has remained our top pick for Windows backup software for years now. It gives all of the performance you’ll anticipate: full, incremental, and differential backup choices—not simply out of your PC, but in addition your telephone and any distant shared networks—to only about any vacation spot of your selecting, together with detachable media. Acronis primarily has all of it. Backups in our checks have been carried out rapidly and with out incident, making this the form of complete, easy-to-use, worry-free expertise you need from a backup program.
As this system’s new title suggests, it gives extra than simply backups. Acronis throws in malware and ransomware safety, too. And in the event you go for the Advanced or Premium tiers, you possibly can anticipate bundled cloud storage and blockchain certification of recordsdata as a part of the combo, respectively. Read our full review. —Katherine Stevenson
Best USB-C dongle: Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB C Hub Adapter
Ordering a USB-C hub is a bit bit like order from an a la carte menu: These slow-speed cousins of Thunderbolt docks are far cheaper and way more ubiquitous, however supply a ton of growth ports for laptops. Anker’s $35 7-in-1 hub gives the whole lot however Ethernet connectivity, however the upgraded 8-in-1 model with Ethernet costs $90, which appears excessive. Go with the $35 mannequin as a substitute. -Mark Hachman
Best sprint cam: Garmin Dash Cam 57 or Nextbase 422GW
This 12 months’s best dash cam is a decide’em between Garmin’s compact, low-profile, set-it-and-forget-it Dash Cam 57 and the ultra-versatile Nextbase 422GW. The Garmin is our selection for most individuals just because it’s straightforward to make use of, has all of the options that people usually want, and hides properly behind your rearview mirror. We additionally love the intelligent magnetic mount.
On the opposite hand, the 422GW is dual-channel cam, providing a modular inside view, a rear window view, and—uniquely—telephoto rearview secondary cameras. Both are available at round $230, however the 422GW’s modules price additional. Quite a bit additional, at $100 apiece. So what sort of sprint cam do you want? This 12 months, each picks could have you coated. —Jon Jacobi
Best VPN: Mullvad
Choosing the best VPN is a troublesome job. Do you prioritize privateness and anonymity, or do you decide one thing that comes loaded with options? For our cash, privateness remains to be the highest consideration in the case of VPNs, which is why we highly recommend Mullvad. Its speeds are inside our prime 10, and of all of the no-logs VPNs on the market, Mullvad has one of the best strategy by far, saving as little details about its clients as attainable. Pricing can be good, and the app is straightforward to make use of. If options are your primary concern, nonetheless, then we’d suggest both NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Both have prime notch speeds like Mullvad, and each assist Netflix abroad viewing. Privacy is nice with these companies, however it merely isn’t as much as the usual of Mullvad. —Ian Paul
Best webcam for streaming: Elgato Facecam
Top streamers use mirrorless cameras related to their PCs, however these setups will be each costly and finicky. Enter streaming {hardware} specialist Elgato, which launched its first webcam in 2021, in search of to convey top-of-the-line digital camera specs and deep controls right down to reasonably priced webcam costs. It succeeded.
At $200, the Elgato Facecam was made with streamers and skilled digital camera customers in thoughts, delivering a novel webcam that rivals one of the best. Elgato centered on the fundamentals with this system and augmented them will killer software program that feels proper at house for individuals who know digital camera lingo like ISO and coloration temperatures. While the 1080p 60FPS sign sounds generic on paper, the picture is nothing however. The Facecam packs a high-end Sony sensor related through an uncompressed sign for low latency and minimal artificing to no matter streaming program you utilize. It’s a premium webcam expertise that isn’t fairly good, however brings the correct issues to the desk. The Elgato Facecam ought to push the trade additional. —Adam Patrick Murray
Best gaming headset: EPOS H6Pro
The EPOS title could also be pretty new to the headset recreation, however the tech and engineering minds behind them aren’t. The EPOS H6Pro is a religious successor to the Sennheiser GSP600/500, a gaming headset that had an uncomfortable and off-putting design for some folks. Luckily the H6Pro focuses on the fundamentals. The smooth low-profile design is light-weight for much less stress throughout lengthy gaming classes, and the audio high quality is great. On prime of that, EPOS gives an open-backed model of the H6Pro, which produces even higher audio high quality on account of its design and is my most popular headset configuration for work/play. There aren’t sufficient open-backed gaming headphones on the market so I’m very excited to have such a fantastic choice with this line.
Pricing is a bit steep at $179, contemplating the headset options an analog-only connection that’s meant to be paired with a pleasant DAC, however in the event you put audio high quality above function units then the H6Pro is a must-try. —Adam Patrick Murray
