Articles by Ben Patterson
The best mobile payment apps: We test PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash and more
A new class of money-sending apps makes it easy to send or request cash from your friends. Read on for our top picks.
Venmo review: An app that makes it easy—and social—to split the check
With its huge user base, sleek interface, flexible payment options and agility at splitting bills, Venmo is the peer-to-peer payment app to beat.
Facebook Messenger for payments review: A no-frills way to send cash to Facebook friends
If you're a Facebook user and you enjoy chatting with friends using Facebook Messenger, you're just taps away from exchanging cash with your Facebook buddies.
Snapcash review: Send cash to Snapchatters in a snap, or with a swipe
Snapcash offers the easiest way to send money to fellow Snapchatters, but we're talking bare-bones features here.
Zelle review: Instant cash, as long as you’ve using the right bank
This P2P payment app has an ace up its sleeve: instant and free cash transfers, so long as both the sender and the recipient are customers of participating Zelle banks.
Google Wallet review: Easy money sending and bill splitting, if you’re on iOS
If not for its limitations on Android, Google Wallet would be a strong contender for "Best Mobile Payment App that Isn't Venmo."
Square Cash review: A simple, versatile mobile payment app
It may not be as hip as Venmo, but Square Cash is a solid option for users who want to send and receive cash from virtually anyone.
PayPal review: A safe but costly mobile payment app
PayPal's mobile app makes for one of the more secure ways to send and receive cash from friends or even strangers, but you're on your own when it comes to splitting the bill.
6 great Android features missing from iOS 11
Sure, iOS 11 looks cool, but when you compare it to Android it still comes up short in some key ways, from multiple user profiles to one-touch Google searches. Read all about it here.
5 vital Android settings that save your apps, data, battery and more
These five Android features are essential for your phone, helping you save on battery, data usage and more.
6 ways to make the most of Android’s Clock app
Six eye-opening tips and tricks for the Android Clock app, from setting louder alarm tones to overriding your Do Not Disturb rules.2 easy ways to child-proof your Android or iOS device
Android and iOS devices both have parental controls, but here are ways you can quickly and temporarily lock down your handset, without having to take a deep dive into the Settings menu.
6 ways to make the most of 1Password for iOS and Android
You'll be a happier 1Password user once you master these mobile tips and tricks, from unlocking 1Password with your fingerprint to entering passwords with the 1Password keyboard.
4 easy ways to keep your iCloud password safe
Your iCloud account will be easy pickings for hackers unless you take these few basic security measures.
9 nifty Gboard for Android tricks you need to try
Translate as you type, call up the numeric keypad whenever you want, get a dedicated row of number keys, and more.
6 easy ways to keep your Android phone secure
There are plenty of ways to keep your Android handset safe from the most common security threats, all with a minimum of effort. Read on to learn about the right passcodes, security settings and other safeguards.
6 ways to maximize the Android phone dialer
Rearrange your speed-dial contacts, get phone numbers for nearby businesses, send annoying callers straight to voicemail, duck spam calls, and more.
8 handy things to do with your new Google Assistant
From telling it what to call you to playing tic-tac-toe, here are some nifty ways to get started with your new Assistant.