Articles by Mike Williams, Lead security reviewer

Mike is a lead security reviewer at Future, where he stress-tests VPNs, antivirus and more to find out which services are sure to keep you safe, and which are best avoided.

After graduating with a degree in Computer Science, Mike's career began as a lead software developer in the engineering world, where his creations were used in the Quality Control departments of big-name companies from Rolls Royce to British Nuclear Fuels and British Aerospace.

Always keen to learn what's happening under the hood, Mike also developed a number of low-level Windows troubleshooting tools. He began using these to help others on CompuServe's forums, writing guides to solve tricky problems, and getting to know some surprising forum regulars including Harry Potter actor Miriam Margolyes (great fun, and even 30 years ago, an experienced web user with more computers than she could count).

Future's .net magazine editor Richard Longhurst noticed Mike's work, and invited him to write a regular Q&A feature, with useful advice on solving reader's technical troubles. Reviews and features for other print magazines followed, then TechRadar, with Mike eventually taking up writing full-time. But he still keeps a foot in the software development world, and has developed an automated VPN speed test system, a ransomware simulator for antivirus testing, and assorted smaller tools to help deliver more detailed and accurate reviews.

When the workday is over, Mike can often be found cooking stir fries, exploring local woodlands or exploring his family history, where he's unearthed everything from a Netflix mini-series-worthy murder mystery to a possible connection with Pocahontas (no, really!).

Articles by: Mike Williams

PrivadoVPN Free apps running on an open laptop and a mobile, lying on a desk.

The best free VPN in 2025

By Dan Sung last updated 11 July 25

Updated With so many scams, only the best free VPNs are worth your time. Find out how PrivadoVPN and Proton VPN's free tiers compare to all the rest, and read our top tips for the best VPN alternatives.

ExpressVPN apps running on a laptop and mobile during TechRadar's testing

ExpressVPN review – an unrivaled, but costly, security suite

By Sam Dawson last updated 7 July 25

Updated In our complete ExpressVPN review, we get under the hood of one of the biggest names in VPN to see if it really lives up to the hype.

The best Germany VPN

By Aleksandar Stevanović last updated 7 July 25

VPN Discover today's five best VPNs for Germany and secure your online privacy whether you're at home in Deutschland or just visiting.

The best VPN for Apple TV in 2025

By Rob Dunne, Mike Williams last updated 3 July 25

VPN Here's how to watch your favorite online content worldwide on your favorite Apple devices. All you need is a trusty Apple TV VPN.

Parental Control Kroha review

By Mike Jennings last updated 3 July 25

Kroha handles call and SMS monitoring well, but if you need more than that, you're better off elsewhere.

mSpy parental control software review

By Mike Jennings last updated 3 July 25

mSpy provides excellent monitoring but you'll likely find a cheaper solution with more features elsewhere.

Boomerang Parental Control software review

By Mike Jennings last updated 3 July 25

Boomerang sports some smart features, but the iOS app is underpowered compared to the Android version.

Kidslox parental control software review

By Mike Jennings last updated 3 July 25

Kidslox allows for keeping track of your child's screen time and app usage, but its web filtering falls short.

WP Engine review

By Mike Williams, Richard Sutherland last updated 2 July 25

Updated WP Engine provides hosting optimized for WordPress with loads of features

Mobicip parental control software review

By Mike Jennings last updated 2 July 25

Mobicip handles the basics well, but if you need advanced parental control features you're better off elsewhere.

Microsoft Family Safety parental control app review

Microsoft Family Safety parental control software review

By Mike Jennings last updated 2 July 25

Microsoft Family Safety runs on multiple platforms besides Windows 11 but you'll need a premium account to try out all its features.

Google Family Link parental control software review

By Mike Jennings last updated 2 July 25

Google’s parental control app for Android and iOS is a freebie, but don’t expect too much here.

Norton Family parental control app review

Norton Family parental control software review

By Mike Jennings last updated 2 July 25

Norton Family allows parents to keep tabs on their children across an unlimited number of devices.

A Mac on a yellow background with "best Mac VPN" overlaid

The best Mac VPN in 2025

By River Hart last updated 30 June 25

Updated Macs aren't totally immune to online threats and snooping. Luckily, today's top Mac VPNs can supercharge your online security.

Graphic of a laptop, monitor and smartphone with the word VPN at the front

The best cheap VPN service in 2025

By Rob Dunne last updated 30 June 25

Updated There's no need to skimp out when it comes to a cheap VPN service, with prices starting from less than $2 per month.

Opera VPN review

By Mike Williams last updated 30 June 25

Updated Opera VPN Pro is nicely user-friendly, but sadly, there are good reasons to give this VPN service a miss.

Mozilla VPN review

By Mike Williams last updated 30 June 25

Updated Mozilla VPN's commitment to privacy is laudable, that's for sure.

Various devices streaming content with a streaming VPN

The best streaming VPN in 2025

By Rob Dunne, Mike Williams last updated 12 June 25

Updated Only a few VPNs can unblock streaming sites reliably. I've compared the best streaming VPNs in 2025 so you can access Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more.

Malwarebytes Premium Security review

By Mike Williams published 3 June 25

Malwarebytes Premium Security offers a good upgrade for existing Malwarebytes users, but struggles to match up to the competition in some areas.

The best antivirus software in 2025: top picks ranked and reviewed for PC

By Benedict Collins last updated 30 May 25

Updated Looking for the best antivirus? I've tested and ranked all the best antivirus available today

Bitdefender Antivirus review

By Mike Williams last updated 30 May 25

Updated Bitdefender Antivirus has something for all your 2025 security needs, with lots of premium features in every subscription.

Hide.me Free VPN

By River Hart, Mike Williams last updated 28 May 25

Review Hide.me Free is one of the more generous free VPNs in the market – but how well does it protect your data? We put it to the test to find out.

I’ve tested and reviewed 7 of the best small business website builders in 2025

By Owain Williams last updated 16 May 25

Updated I’ve tested out the best small business website builders featuring user-friendly interfaces, customizable templates, and powerful features.

Windscribe Free VPN review – a fast, but clunky, free VPN solution

By River Hart last updated 16 May 25

Review Windscribe VPN’s free tier boasts a generous monthly data cap and great speeds, but it’s not without its hangups. Here’s everything you need to know.

Windscribe VPN review

By Mike Williams last updated 16 May 25

Updated Windscribe provides plenty of features, and a superb free plan.

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