Articles by Daryl Baxter, Contributor

Daryl's first writing piece was during his days at Nottingham Trent University in 2012, where his interview with original Tomb Raider composer Nathan McCree was published in the Uni magazine across all its campuses, helping Daryl to discover the career he wanted to follow. Even though he was currently studying (and eventually graduated) a degree in Computer Systems (Networks) at the time.

Daryl is a freelance writer and author of two books—The Making of Tomb Raider and 50 Years of Boss Fights. A third book, the follow up to ‘Tomb Raider’, comes out in 2026. Having worked at TechRadar previously as a software writer from 2021 to 2023, Daryl understands how software can benefit users, as well as having an interest in how accessibility features can benefit others.

With over a decade of experience, his work has been featured in Tom’s Guide, SUPERJUMP, Pocket Tactics, Radio Times, The Escapist, and more.

He also owns Springboard, a copywriting business focused on AI-free work, and publishes a fortnightly newsletter of the same name.

Articles by: Daryl Baxter

A young woman is working on a laptop in a relaxed office space.

Best PC cleaner of 2026

By Daryl Baxter last updated 10 February 26

Updated We list the best PC cleaners, to make it simple and easy to help your computer run faster again.

A header image depicting the best Mac antivirus brands of 2025

Best Mac Antivirus of 2026: Expert Reviews and Top Recommendations

By Benedict Collins last updated 4 February 26

macOS We've tested and reviewed all the best Mac antivirus, so you can protect your Apple device from harmful malware and viruses.

Header image depicting the best android antivirus providers

Best Android Antivirus apps for 2026: Secure Your Data with Expert Recommendations

By Benedict Collins last updated 3 February 26

Updated Android malware and scams aren't going anywhere - make sure your devices are safe with these great antivirus apps.

Best free text-to-speech software of 2026

By Daryl Baxter last updated 27 January 26

Updated We list the best free text-to-speech software, to make it simple and easy to choose a text reader with the features you need.

Close up happy parents with daughter and son using laptop sitting on couch at home. Smiling mother, father and cute children looking at laptop screen using video call. Family having fun with computer.

The Best Free Parental Control Apps in 2026: Expert Recommendations for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android

By Benedict Collins last updated 16 January 26

Updated We've tested and reviewed all the best free parental control apps to help you protect your family online and keep your children safe from inappropriate content in 2026.

Portrait Of Caucasian Handsome Man Using Smartphone in 3D Cyberspace With Animated Social Media Interfaces, Video Games, Viral Videos, Internet Content. Visualization Of Blockchain Technology Concept.

The Best Web Browsers for 2026: Expert Recommendations for a Superior Internet Experience

By Benedict Collins last updated 5 January 26

Updated We list the best web browsers to help your browse the internet and better control your online privacy and security.

Manager is verifying the validity, security, approving requests, quality assurance, investment contracts. Online digital document work, paperless office. online survey. Checking mark up on check boxes

Best file manager of 2026

By Daryl Baxter last updated 8 December 25

Updated We list the best file managers, to make it simple and easy to organize your documents and folders and oversee batch file transfers.

Using Zipped files and folders in Windows 11

Best free WinZip alternative of 2025

By Daryl Baxter last updated 28 November 25

Updated We list the best free WinZip alternatives, to make it simple and easy to scan and organize compressed files without the cost of a software license.

Windows 11 review

By Daryl Baxter last updated 13 October 25

Recommended

Updated Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, and while it gets a lot right, there's still work to be done, even four years after its launch.

Best free YouTube downloader app of 2025

By Daryl Baxter last updated 12 September 25

Updated We review the best free YouTube downloaders for PC and Mac.

Best free streaming software of 2026: stream games like the pros

By Daryl Baxter last updated 24 April 25

Updated We list the best free streaming software, to make it simple and easy to live stream gaming or videos online, for content creators just starting out or when you're working to a budget.

Best free YouTube converter in 2026: enjoy videos offline fast and easily

By Daryl Baxter last updated 24 April 25

Updated We list the best free YouTube converters, to make it simple and easy to save videos to watch offline.

Best free stock video site of 2026: high quality production for less

By Daryl Baxter last updated 23 April 25

Updated We list the best free stock video sites, to make it simple and easy to find copyright-free video clips online.

'We don't intend to just build a product, we want to build a platform' — Backbone CEO on the future of its mobile gaming controller

By Daryl Baxter published 27 March 25

Exclusive We speak with Backbone’s CEO as a new version of its controller is announced, inspired by the original Xbox console, available next month.

visual graphic to represent internet security suites

The best internet security suites for 2025: ranked and rated by experts

By Benedict Collins last updated 25 March 25

Updated Get all-around protection for PCs, Macs and mobiles with one of today's best internet security suites.

Close-up of an artist using Photoshop and stylus on a tablet

Best free Adobe Illustrator alternative of 2025

By Daryl Baxter last updated 18 March 25

Updated We compared the best free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator for creating and managing graphics files without a Creative Cloud subscription.

A close up of a person typing on a MacBook keyboard.

Best free PDF to Word converter of 2026

By Daryl Baxter last updated 18 December 24

Updated We list the best free PDF to Word converters, to make it simple and easy to convert files from .pdf to .docx format.

The best free music downloader apps for your PC 2026

By Christian Rigg, Daryl Baxter, Sofia Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson last updated 18 November 24

The best and easiest free tools for downloading music for your growing collection

Person using a video editor at a computer.

Best free DVD burner of 2026

By Daryl Baxter last updated 18 November 24

We list the best free DVD burners, to make it simple and easy to burn and manage burned DVD disks.

The best free music players 2026: organize and enjoy your digital music collection

By Daryl Baxter, Sofia Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson last updated 18 November 24

Organize and enjoy your music with a free player that offers smart tagging and advanced playback options.

Best free stock photo website of 2024

By Daryl Baxter last updated 18 November 24

Updated We tested out the best free stock photo sites for marketing teams, web designers, and more.

Best free DVD ripper of 2026

By Christian Guyton last updated 7 October 24

Updated We list the best free DVD rippers, to make it simple and easy for making backups of your favorite movies and your most important data.

A person using headphones and alaptop in a study setting.

Best free YouTube to MP3 converter of 2026

By Christian Guyton last updated 7 October 24

We review all the best free YouTube to MP3 converters.

Woman eating popcorn while watching something on her laptop

The best free video players 2026

By Daryl Baxter, Michael Graw last updated 2 October 24

Updated Free video players that can handle anything you throw at them, including 3D video and resolutions up to 8K.

Philips 5400 Series Bean to Cup Coffee Machine on kitchen counter

Philips 5400 LatteGo review: your own personal barista

By Daryl Baxter published 29 September 24

A bean-to-cup coffee machine that's perfect for beginners and lets you save your preferences for consistent results.

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