Buying Guides
Start-here guides that turn a confusing security decision into a 10-minute read with a clear answer.
ExplainerWhat Happened to CUJO, Akita, RATtrap, Dojo & the Other 'Smart Firewall' Boxes — and What to Buy Instead
We reviewed most of these boxes when they launched. Nearly all are gone — some are bricks. Here is the status of each, why the category died, and what replaced it.
How-ToHow to Set Up a VPN at Home (2026): App, Router or Your Own Server
'Set up a VPN at home' means two completely different things. Work out which one you want, then follow the 10-minute path for it — most people never need port forwarding at all.
ComparisonGL.iNet Flint 3 vs Flint 3e: Which One Should You Actually Buy?
Same chip, same ports, same firmware. The Flint 3e drops the 6 GHz band and most of the flash storage, gains a 4×4 5 GHz radio, and costs $30 less. Here's who wins that trade.
Buying adviceIs Firewalla Worth It in 2026? An Honest Answer by Household Type
No subscription, real blocked-threat counts, and three different boxes — the answer depends on which household you are. We break it down by type.
Network securityHome Network Security: The Complete 2026 Guide
Everything that actually matters, in the order it matters: router hardening, WiFi, guest networks, IoT, and when dedicated hardware earns its keep.
ComparisonGL.iNet Flint 2 vs Flint 3: Should You Upgrade the VPN Router King?
Flint 3 adds WiFi 7, a 6 GHz band and five 2.5G ports for ~$25 more — but the Flint 2 is still the smarter buy for one specific group.
ComparisonFirewalla vs pfSense for Home: The Honest Total-Cost Comparison
We ran both for months: the app-first appliance against the build-it-yourself firewall. The honest total cost — money and hours — decides it.
ComparisonBest Router for Parental Controls in 2026 (Tested by a Parent)
We tested the thing no review tests: whether kids can get around the controls. Free-forever picks first, subscription traps named.
ComparisonFirewalla Gold SE vs Gold Pro: Don't Overpay
Same app, same features, same zero-subscription deal — the $430 gap buys raw throughput. Here's who actually needs the Pro.
Network securityBest Hardware Firewall for Home in 2026 (Actually Tested)
Five boxes ran on our real home network. One clear winner for families, one for tinkerers, one for small business.
Small businessCybersecurity Basics for a Business Under 10 People
A firewall, a password manager, two hardware keys and one pizza-lunch training — real protection without an IT department.
WiFiMesh vs. a Single Router: Which Do You Need?
Half the mesh systems we see were solving a problem one good router would fix. Decide in two minutes by home size, walls and budget.
Getting startedHow to Protect Your Family Online in a Weekend
Five moves, two days, no jargon — in the exact order that removes the most risk first.