Advisorator’s Guides and Tutorials

This collection of in-depth guides will help you get smarter about the most important personal tech topics, from security and privacy to useful apps and tools.

I’ll be keeping these guides up to date and adding new ones over time, so you can always come back and learn something new. While most of these guides are for Advisorator’s paid subscribers, I’ve also made a selection of them available for free.

Got suggestions on what I should cover next or questions about anything you’ve read here? Just send me an email to get in touch.

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Chargers, cables, and power banks: A cheat sheet

Chargers, cables, and power banks: A cheat sheet

How to charge your gadgets efficiently …
How to pick a TV

How to pick a TV

Decipher the jargon and know what you’re looking at …
The ultimate list of awesome apps

The ultimate list of awesome apps

I’ve recommended more than 300 apps in Advisorator. Here they are …
Jared’s essential apps

Jared’s essential apps

Just the apps I rely on the most …
How to pick a data plan

How to pick a data plan

“Unlimited” data plans and “on us” phone deals explained …
What to look for in a laptop

What to look for in a laptop

What I learned as a laptop reviewer …
How I use Vivaldi for better web browsing

How I use Vivaldi for better web browsing

My favorite browser is loaded with useful features …
Web browsers: A field guide

Web browsers: A field guide

For when you want something better than Chrome …
The ultimate AirPods guide

The ultimate AirPods guide

Make the most of Apple’s earbuds with these tips and tricks …
The Complete Guide to Cord Cutting

The Complete Guide to Cord Cutting

Everything I’ve learned from a decade of streaming TV coverage …
How to pick a computer monitor

How to pick a computer monitor

An expert reviewer shares what to look for …
Fix Google Search with these three steps

Fix Google Search with these three steps

Get better results with more privacy …
13 web browser tricks everyone should know

13 web browser tricks everyone should know

Make the most of Chrome, Safari, and other browsers …
How to shop for home internet

How to shop for home internet

Find the best internet service in your area …
How to roll your own ringtones

How to roll your own ringtones

Stand out from the herd and stop using default ringtones …
Facebook website screenshot

Change these 11 Facebook settings

Avoid annoyances and limit data collection …
How to limit iPhone charging levels with a smart plug

How to limit iPhone charging levels with a smart plug

For older iPhones without a limiter setting …
Proton VPN Windows app

Do you really need a VPN?

Separating hype from reality …
CarPlay and Android Auto advice

CarPlay and Android Auto advice

Make the most of your car dashboard setup …
Apple and Google Pay, explained

Apple and Google Pay, explained

How to check out with your phone …
How to actually use a password manager

How to actually use a password manager

… and actually stick with it …
Save money with used tech

Save money with used tech

Get like-new gadgets at huge discounts …
Apple Music app

Spend less on streaming music

How to save on services like Spotify …
The big list of free stuff

The big list of free stuff

Apps, games, music, TV, and more …
Become a Wi-Fi wizard

Become a Wi-Fi wizard

Six steps to troubleshoot router problems …
A field guide to alternative email apps

A field guide to alternative email apps

These apps help you stay on top of your inbox …
Advanced backup tricks

Advanced backup tricks

How to back up your backups, even if your computer’s out of storage …
An awesome email privacy option

An awesome email privacy option

How to make unlimited masked emails for free …
Turn old tablets into picture frames

Turn old tablets into picture frames

This is the best use for an old iPad …
Video Playback Speed Bookmarklet

Browser bookmark superpowers

Bookmarklets: The best browser tool you’re not using …
21 must-know smartphone tips

21 must-know smartphone tips

Hidden features to unlock your phone’s full potential …