Ryan L. Clancy
Ryan L. Clancy is a writer at All About Cookies who brings a working engineer's perspective to consumer technology and digital security — explaining how products actually function under the hood rather than relying solely on feature lists and vendor claims.
At All About Cookies, Ryan has written more than 220 articles across VPN, streaming, parental controls, and antivirus verticals, personally testing more than 20 products on Mac and iPhone, with a focus on VPNs and parental control software.
Ryan holds a Master of Engineering (M.Eng) from the University of Limerick, where he also earned his undergraduate engineering degree, and spent more than five years as a practicing mechanical engineer and engineering manager on commercial and residential projects in New York City. That technical foundation gives him a unique vantage point on the infrastructure behind the products he covers: VPN encryption protocols, streaming platform architecture, parental monitoring app behavior, and the network-level mechanics most consumer security writers treat as a black box.
He founded Mechanical Engineering HQ, a technical content agency that produces engineering and technology content for global clients, and has written about technology and digital security for publications including Forbes, Engineering360, and MakeUseOf. He is based in New York City.
- Forbes
- Engineering360
- MakeUseOf
- VPNs
- Streaming
- Parental Controls
- Ad Blockers
- Antivirus
- Master of Engineering (M.Eng) from the University of Limerick
- Mac or PC: Mac
- Android or iOS: iPhone
Ryan L.'s Latest Articles
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Speed Up Your Downloads: Top 5 Fastest Torrenting Clients of 2026
Explore our expert picks for the fastest torrenting clients, ensuring quick, efficient, and secure file sharing for all your downloading needs.
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CactusVPN Review 2026: A Competitive VPN Service
CactusVPN combines robust security features and fast speeds with competitive pricing, but its inconsistent performance may not work for privacy-minded users.
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The Best Web Browsers for Privacy 2026
We’ve picked the top web browsers that are tailored for diverse privacy needs — from Opera's versatile functionality to Mullvad's focused tracking protection.
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The Best VPNs for the Netherlands 2026
For the Netherlands, ExpressVPN excels in security and streaming, CyberGhost offers the best value, and PIA stands out for customization and advanced features.
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The Best Parental Control Apps of 2026 (Independently Tested)
We tested the best parental control apps for keeping your kids safe online and compared security features like screen time management, message monitoring, web content filtering, location tracking, and more.
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The Best Browsers With a Built-In VPN 2026
Explore Opera for everyday ease, Aloha Browser for mobile security, and Epic Privacy Browser for ultimate privacy — the best browsers with integrated VPNs tailored for every user.
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The Best VPNs for South Korea 2026
Discover the top VPNs for South Korea in 2024: NordVPN for its extensive server network, Surfshark for budget-friendly options, and ExpressVPN for high-speed streaming.
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Want To Use A VPN on Your Smart TV? Here's How (2026 Guide)
Discover the steps to enhance your smart TV's functionality and security with our comprehensive guide on installing a VPN.
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The Best VPN Free Trials 2026
Explore the best VPN free trials of 2026 — from NordVPN's iron-clad security features, through ExpressVPN's lightning-fast speeds, to CyberGhost's industry-leading extended trial — and find the perfect fit for your online privacy needs.
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The Best VPNs for FanDuel 2026
Place sports bets privately and securely while traveling. Explore the best VPNs for FanDuel: NordVPN for security, CyberGhost for pricing, and ExpressVPN for top-tier speed.
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Bitdefender VPN vs. NordVPN 2026: Budget-Friendly vs. Feature-Rich
Explore how Bitdefender VPN's straightforward features and affordability stack up against NordVPN's extensive features and robust performance, tailoring your choice to your specific online needs.
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The Best VPNs for Nintendo Switch 2026
Want secure gaming without fear of hackers discovering your IP address? Want to bypass network restrictions and game anywhere? Discover the ideal VPN for your Nintendo Switch.
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How a VPN Can Help You Avoid NBA League Pass Blackouts
Explore the world of unrestricted NBA streaming by learning how to effectively use a VPN to bypass League Pass blackouts and enjoy every live game.
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Is Crypto.com Safe? A Crypto Exchange Security Review
Explore our in-depth analysis of Crypto.com's security features, user responsibilities, and best practices to ensure your crypto trading experience is as secure as possible.
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How To Block Twitter (X) Ads in 2026
Explore the world of ad blockers, privacy browsers, and X settings to transform your X feed into a sanctuary free from intrusive ads.
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The Best Free VPNs for Torrenting 2026
Discover the best free VPNs for torrenting. Whether you prioritize blazing-fast connections, seamless streaming, or ironclad security — our top picks have you covered.
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mSpy Review 2026: Parental Control or Surveillance Scout?
We tested mSpy on our own device to uncover the thin line between surveillance and safety, so you can decide if this tool aligns with your parental control needs.
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CyberGhost vs. Private Internet Access 2026: Which VPN Steals the Spotlight?
Dive into our in-depth comparison to determine whether CyberGhost’s user-friendly and streaming-optimized features triumph over PIA’s family-friendly and expansive server network.
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TotalAV vs. Bitdefender 2026: Do You Need Superior Mac Protection or Security on a Budget?
Dive into our in-depth comparison to discover whether TotalAV's user friendliness or Bitdefender's cost effectiveness suits your digital safety needs better.
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The Dark Side of Email: The 7 Worst Email Providers for Online Privacy
Popular email providers aren’t perfect when it comes to safeguarding user privacy; here we uncover the top alternatives for secure spam-free communication.
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ZoneAlarm Antivirus Review 2026: Is Your Digital Life Fortified?
ZoneAlarm's firewall is impressive, its malware and phishing protection leave much to be desired.