MakeUseOf
Depends
Confidence: Medium
MakeUseOf is a free, ad-supported tech publication owned by Valnet . read it for how-tos and reviews, but there is no tool to buy.
New check
Comparison
MakeUseOf vs How-To Geek
MakeUseOf and How-To Geek both land on Depends.
How-To Geek
Depends
Confidence: Medium
Read it free as a starting point for tech how-tos . that's a fine default.
| Compare | ||
|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Depends | Depends |
| Best for | Casual tech readers | Non-technical users wanting step-by-step fixes |
| Who it's not for | Buyers seeking software . it is a publication, not a tool | Anyone shopping for actual software . this is editorial content, not a tool |
| Privacy | No known breaches; one community-reported XSS disclosed via Open Bug Bounty.⁵ | No known public vulnerabilities found in the sources reviewed.11 |
| Support quality | No user-support evidence found | No support channel; editorial publication |
| Public sentiment | Public user reviews are sparse and fragmented, with Trustpilot and ReviewStream entries plus a Reddit antivirus thread debating site safety.³ | Longtime fans enjoy the newsletter, but some Reddit users claim quality dropped after the 2023 Valnet acquisition.16 |
| Biggest gotcha | Sponsored content mixed with editorial via NetLine and TradePub offer networks. | Premium price and terms aren't visible in reviewed sources . verify before subscribing12 |
Pick MakeUseOf when
- Casual tech readers
- Quick how-to answers
- Pre-purchase product research
- Free downloadable guides
When MakeUseOf is not a fit
- Buyers seeking software . it is a publication, not a tool
- Teams needing anything deployable or integrable
- Anyone expecting vendor support or an SLA
- Readers wanting ad-free, deep research
Pick How-To Geek when
- Non-technical users wanting step-by-step fixes
- Casual gadget shoppers needing review guidance
- Windows, Android, and privacy quick answers
When How-To Geek is not a fit
- Anyone shopping for actual software . this is editorial content, not a tool
- Pros needing primary vendor documentation for critical fixes
- Buyers expecting support, SLAs, or an account manager
- Teams evaluating a deployable product
Sources
- MakeUseOf - A Valnet Publicationvalnetinc.comofficial
- How We Test and Review Products at MakeUseOfmakeuseof.comofficial
- Trustpilot reviews of makeuseof.comtrustpilot.comreview
- makeuseof.com is malware? : r/antivirusreddit.comreview
- makeuseof.com Cross Site Scripting vulnerability - Open Bug Bountyopenbugbounty.orgsecurity
- MakeUseOf - Glassdoor employee reviewsglassdoor.comreview
- MakeUseOf acquired by Valnet - Crunchbasecrunchbase.comnews
- MakeUseOf - Bias and Credibilitymediabiasfactcheck.comnews
- Submit to MakeUseOf - Directory Review (DR 87)scrolllaunch.comnews
- Why is makeuseof.com banned in Pakistan?reddit.comreview
- How-To Geek - We Explain Technologyhowtogeek.comofficial
- Premiumhowtogeek.comofficial
- Product Reviewshowtogeek.comofficial
- About | How-To Geekhowtogeek.comofficial
- Valnet Inc. Completes the Acquisition of How-To Geekbusinesswire.comnews
- Wow an all time low for HowToGeekreddit.comreview