We're now into July, which means we've done six full months of testing here at Tom's Guide in 2026. From coffee machines, through to vacuums, gaming handhelds, laptops and phones — not only is it our job to put tech through its paces, it's what our journalists, editors and contributors love to do.

I'm Pete, Senior Reviews Editor here at Tom's Guide, and I head up our reviews coverage on site. My team of dedicated reviews writers alone have lab tested and reviewed hundreds of products already this year, with the wider Tom's Guide editorial team having testing dozens more. If you've not had your finger precisely on the pulse of the latest tech this year, well, I don't blame you — it's hard to keep tabs on everything. That's why we exist.

To help, I've gathered the Tom's Guide team's favorite products from 2026 so far. Obviously, I can't fit everything into a single article, so I asked our subject experts across the site to give me their top picks, too. I've also curated the top five highest scorers, which stand above the rest. Every product on here has been tested by us, hands-on, as part of a full, extensive review.

Read on to see the tech Tom's Guide loved in the first half of 2026.

Tom's Guide's Top 5

Every product on this list has scored at least four stars, earning our TG Recommended or Editor's Choice badges. But there are five products on this list that scored our full five stars after testing. These are the best of the best so far this year. To save you some time, here are the links to our reviews.

• DJI Osmo Pocket 4 review ★★★★★
• 007 First Light review ★★★★★
• KitchenAid Artisan Plus review ★★★★★
• Gozney Dome XL Gen 2 review ★★★★★
• Samsung S95H OLED review ★★★★★

Keep reading to see the rest of our top tested picks for 2026.

AI

Rokid Glasses

After 5,000 miles in the Rokids, we were seriously impressed
Score: ★★★★☆

The best smart glasses without a display are cool and all, but their features are usually rather limited to just asking questions about what you see. The Rokid Glasses proved to me that adding a screen turns that superpower into an ambient computing platform — offering features only when you need them and disappearing into the background in some stylish specs.

With that display, you get real-time conversation translation with text subtitles so you’re not having to try to listen to your smart glasses talk over the person in front of you. And the multi-modality unlocked by asking a question and just getting answers you can see makes them much more subtle. Not to say they’re perfect — the camera quality for snapping pictures suffers in low light and some features are very China-specific (like Alipay). But arm these with Google Gemini in setup, and they’re a genuinely helpful companion on your face for a decent price.

Jason England, Managing Editor, Core Tech
Read Jason's full Rokid Glasses review

Cameras & drones

GoPro Mission 1 Pro

GoPro's return to form in the action camera game
Score: ★★★★½

After years essentially re-releasing the same Hero cameras with minor tweaks, GoPro has finally pushed itself. The Mission 1 Pro is pricey, but it’s the first GoPro I’ve been excited about in a while. It seriously impressed me with its powerful and versatile video credentials in testing, namely open gate 8K and a wealth of shooting features that make it ideal for its target market: professionals. Thanks to revised processor architecture and a shiny new battery, I managed to extract unparalleled battery life and thermals versus other action cameras in my standardized battery tests. GoPro is back!

Pete Wolinski, Senior Reviews & Cameras Editor
Read Pete’s full GoPro Mission 1 Pro review

DJI Osmo Pocket 4

The best all-around tool for content creation
Score: ★★★★★

I awarded the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 our full five stars in my review, and that’s because I literally couldn’t find anything wrong with it. Aside from the fact that it’s not available in America (yet?) due to tariffs and DJI’s ongoing feud with the U.S. government. The Osmo Pocket 4 improved on its predecessor in every single way that mattered: video, stabilization, storage, thermals, battery life, and more. If you’re after a single tool for professional-looking content creation, I really can’t think of anything better to recommend.

Pete Wolinski, Senior Reviews & Cameras Editor
Read Pete’s full DJI Osmo Pocket 4 review

DJI Avata 360

Although a little late to the 360 party, DJI absolutely smashed it
Score: ★★★★½

The DJI Avata 360 does exactly what you want a drone to do: make flying fun. It stakes its claim as the best 360° drone around (granted, there are only two at the time of writing, but still!) and its twin lenses capture every single angle in 8K at 60fps. 120MP hi-res stills, user-friendly editing software, and exceptional build quality make it the drone to buy today. It also undercuts its main competitor, the Antigravity A1, and with dual ways to fly (FPV and with a standard controller), the Avata 360 is versatile and oh-so-powerful. Every day I still think about it — and as someone who’s tested many, many quadcopters, that’s saying a lot.

Nikita Achanta, Senior Reviews Writer
Read Nikita’s full DJI Avata 360 review

Computing & gaming

MacBook Neo

Our favorite budget laptop, literally ever
Score: ★★★★½

Value for money in laptops has become a bit of a running joke this year (thanks, RAMageddon). But of all the companies building notebooks, I didn’t anticipate it would be Apple to deliver the goods and give you an honest-to-god well-priced system. Yes, there’s been a $100 increase recently, but even with that, the premium aluminum build quality, great display, tactile keyboard and zippy performance of that A18 Pro makes for a great system for the day-to-day essentials.

I must admit, to see Apple actually having fun with colors in its MacBooks is a refreshing change from the blacks and silvers of its more expensive lineage. All of this comes together into a laptop that has terrified the budget Windows laptop market, and the best ultra portable we’ve tested this year.

Jason England, Managing Editor, Core Tech
Read our full MacBook Neo review

Asus Zenbook Duo (2026)

Dual OLED panels = chef's kiss
Score: ★★★★½

Yes, this is a dual-screen OLED beauty of a premium laptop; Asus has really paid attention to the design and ergonomics of a system like this. But the real superpower is what lies inside that shell. Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (codenamed Panther Lake) has been a truly generational moment for Team Blue in its Windows laptops, and it comes down to huge updates to both the performance and power efficiency.

Those new CPU cores and efficiency architecture they’re built onto gives this a gargantuan battery life that would make a MacBook blush, while the superpowered GPU (alongside XeSS 3) gives this some serious gaming laptop chops too. Usually, you had to be considerate of just what you wanted to do with your Windows laptop and decide on the strengths and compromises around that. With anything that sports an X9 chip like this, though, that’s no longer a compromise you have to make.

Jason England, Managing Editor, Core Tech
Read Jason's full Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) review

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

A true next-gen gaming handheld
Score: ★★★★☆

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ delivers the performance jump I’ve been waiting years for. With Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme chip, games are pulling a 20 to 30+ FPS advantage over AMD Z2 Extreme handhelds. Battery life gets a big boost too. I could hit the same performance as the Z2 Extreme at half the power consumption. Combine that with its major redesign bringing more Xbox-like controls, better haptics, and its large 8-inch 16:10 display, and you’re getting, in my opinion, one of the best handheld gaming consoles of 2026.

Paul Antill, Video Producer
Read our full MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ review

007 First Light

Forget GoldenEye: this is the best Bond game ever
Score: ★★★★★

Gamers are being treated to a licensed games renaissance right now. The days of cheap cash-ins launched to coincide with a new blockbuster movie are over. But even in this golden era for video games based on popular media franchises, 007 First Light surpasses expectations.

Forget GoldenEye, First Light is the best James Bond game ever. With its ludicrously cinematic gameplay, compelling narrative that focuses on a younger Bond (played by Patrick Gibson), and deep commitment to authenticity, 007 First Light is easily the best thing to come out of this long-running spy series in 20 years, movies included. There’s a reason it was only the second video game I’ve given the full five stars. Whether you’re a longtime Bond fan or a newcomer, 007 First Light is quite simply unmissable.

Rory Mellon, Senior Entertainment Editor
Read Rory's full 007 First Light review

Epomaker Glyph

Nikita's dream keyboard
Score: ★★★★½

I’ve tested close to 100 keyboards in my time as a reviews writer, and it isn’t often that I get to proclaim, “I’ve found my dream keyboard.” Ever since I tested the Epomaker Glyph, it hasn’t left my desk, and it’s my daily driver when I’m at the office. Typewriter-like aesthetics, a return lever that acts as an Enter or Backspace key, beautiful RGB lighting, a creamy sound profile, and a typing experience that’s nothing short of stunning — all of these characteristics come together to deliver what’s probably the best mechanical keyboard I’ve used for typing. I’m a speed demon when I’m bashing out 109 words per minute of this thing.

Nikita Achanta, Senior Reviews Writer
Read Nikita’s full Epomaker Glyph review

(A note from Nikita's editor, Pete: "I can confirm, the Glyph genuinely hasn't left her desk!")

MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36

Pro performance for under $1,000
Score: ★★★★½

It’s no secret that MSI knows how to make a great gaming monitor, and its MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 is one of the most beautiful displays I’ve ever tested. Blistering 360Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time for buttery smooth gameplay? Check. Ridiculously accurate colors and wide color coverage? Yep. AI sleep and wake features that are actually useful and not just a gimmick? Oh yeah. And all of this is packed into a sleek design with plenty of ports. Not much to complain about here, really.

Nikita Achanta, Senior Reviews Writer
Read Nikita’s full MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 review

Viture Beast AR glasses

Beast by name, beast by nature
Score: ★★★★½

I’ve traveled the world testing all of this year’s biggest AR glasses releases, and Viture Beast stands head and shoulders above the pack as the best I’ve used this year (so far). There’s three reasons why: picture quality, comfort and features. Viture’s color science and fidelity really shines in those micro-OLED displays with a massive 58-degree field of view. There’s a little edge fringing on the sides, but given the massive vision field, it’s unlikely you’ll notice it. And this is packed into a nice-feeling pair of glasses with a soft-touch coating that sits gently on your ears with optimal weight balance. Cap it all off with plenty of customization built in, plus the SpaceWalker app for multi-monitor home office setups, and the Beast are…well…pretty beastly for work and play.

Jason England, Managing Editor, Core Tech
Read Jason's full Viture Beast review

Fitness

Fitbit Air

The best Whoop alternative, and subscription-free
Score: ★★★★☆

The Fitbit Air is my fitness tracker of the year so far. Discreet and distraction-free (no screen), this is a fitness tracker that's easy to use, lightweight, and oh-so-comfortable. Just $99 and subscription-free for core features, it offers a week of battery life and covers all the holistic metrics you'd expect from a modern device, like heart health, sleep quality, daily movement, and workouts. For most people, this is the best screen-free fitness tracker you can buy, and the new Google Health companion app makes viewing all your health data a dream.

Jane McGuire, Managing Editor, Fitness
Read our full Fitbit Air review

Salomon XT-6

Hike, shop or relax in comfort and style
Score: ★★★★½

The Salomon XT-6 shoes have become a staple in my closet. Whether I’m heading to the store or hitting up a challenging trail on the weekend, I know I’ll be supported. I wore these hiking sneakers on a city break, where I clocked over 93,000 steps and didn’t have a single complaint. Not only that, the multidirectional lugs kept me stable on even the trickiest terrain, as I hiked in mud, over rocks, and through water.

On top of their technical ability, the XT-6s are a fashion statement, worn all over New York by fashion-forward celebs; these shoes have earned a coveted spot in my daily rotation — although you’ll find me cleaning the mud off them after each adventure.

Ashley Thieme, Staff Writer
Read Ashley’s full Salomon XT-6 review

Homes

Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless

A powerful cordless Dyson that's perfect for pet owners
Score: ★★★★☆

I’ve tested my fair share of Dyson vacuum cleaners in my time, but I must say that the V16 combines all of my favorite features in one cleaner. First, its upgraded ‘Fluffy Cones’ head is designed to be used on both carpets and hard flooring without the need to swap over attachments. This is a great time-saver, and lets me quickly zip around my home without pausing. Perhaps my favorite feature is the dust-detecting green light which reveals those hidden dustballs lurking underneath furniture and in corners. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to store, which is why it’s now my go-to for daily maintenance, and why I awarded our Editor’s Choice badge.

Cynthia Lawrence, Homes Editor
Read Cynthia’s full Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless review

KitchenAid Artisan Plus

The latest version of KitchenAid's legendary mixer, and the best one yet
Score: ★★★★★

I got to test KitchenAid’s newest stand mixer, the Artisan Plus, and it’s even better than I imagined. I’d been happily using KitchenAid’s Artisan stand mixer as my go-to appliance for a good few years, and I really didn’t see how it could be improved, but it has. It may only seem like a few tweaks, but they have made a big difference. From the sliding speed control that just glides, to the in-bowl light, which illuminates the mix — and let's not forget the double-edge flex beater that cleans the bowl as it sweeps past— I loved it so much during testing that I gave it a 5-star rating.

Camilla Sharman, Staff Writer
Read Camilla’s full KitchenAid Artisan Plus review

Gozney Dome XL (Gen 2)

The undisputed king of pizza ovens
Score: ★★★★★

If you’re a dedicated — and I mean dedicated — at-home pizza maker, the Gozney Dome XL (Gen 2) is the closest you’ll come to actually building a pizza oven from scratch. It can run on either gas, wood, or charcoal, has dual temperature probes, and is big enough to fit a 16-inch pie with room to spare. I loved its easy-to-ready displays, and the design of the oven is just gorgeous, too. Yes, it’s huge and it’s expensive (I’ve made equally good pizzas in much cheaper ovens), but this is the oven that’ll signal you’re the real pizzaiolo in your neighborhood.

Mike Prospero, U.S. Editor-in-chief
Read Mike’s full Gozney Dome XL (Gen 2) review

Fellow Espresso Series 1

Beginners or pros, coffee snobs or otherwise — this one is for everyone
Score: ★★★★½

When Fellow designed the Espresso Series 1, it looked at the other espresso machines out there and thought, “I’m going to do something different.” And different the Espresso Series 1 is. When I tested this machine, I loved that it provided coffee-snob-approved features while still being usable for complete beginners. On top of having a litany of customization options on the machine itself, I loved having the app, which walked me through how to make every type of coffee ever invented. You may think this is too ambitious, but for me, the Espresso Series 1 hits all its marks and comes out victorious.

Erin Bashford, Senior Reviews Writer
Read Erin’s full Fellow Espresso Series 1 review

Phones

Apple iPhone 17

A surprisingly solid update over the previous generation
Score: ★★★★½

Apple launched more new phones than in any previous year, but the iPhone 17 remains my favorite for several reasons. One thing that makes it stand out is that it finally got a long-overdue upgrade to a 120Hz refresh rate, making its screen look even more fluid than before in testing. On top of that, I really love how it didn’t get a price hike and still managed to get double the starting storage.

John Velasco, Senior Phones Editor
Read John's full iPhone 17 review

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The phone that'll get better over time
Score: ★★★★½

When it comes to Android phones, nothing caught my eye more than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung’s flagship received all the iterative updates it deserved, but one particular new feature stood out most: the Privacy Display. It works like magic, making the screen look dark when someone tries to peek at it from the side. You can even customize it to block out specific parts of the display — like when you’re messaging someone. This exclusive feature is what sets it apart from everything else.

John Velasco, Senior Phones Editor
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review

Sleep

Saatva Zenhaven Mattress

What you should be sleeping on in 2026
Score: ★★★★½

The Saatva Zenhaven latex mattress blew our socks off during testing, thanks to its naturally cooling and supportive sleep feel for eco-conscious shoppers. Handcrafted in the US from (mostly) organic materials, the Zenhaven boasts a flippable design with a different tension on each side: Luxury Plush and Gentle Firm. We appreciated how one side boasted more cushioning for side sleepers, while the unyielding feel of the firmer side best-suited back and stomach sleepers. At $3,549 at full MSRP it’s a splurge, but cheaper during Saatva mattress sales. However, it’s worth noting that latex mattresses can last up to 20 years, so we think it’s worth the investment.

Nicola Appleton, Sleep Editor
Read our full Saatva Zenhaven Mattress review

Fitnexa SomniPods 3

If you struggle sleeping, these earbuds are for you
Score: ★★★★☆

The Fitnexa SomniPods 3 are compact sleep earbuds that helped me sleep better in even the most disruptive environments (like my neighbor's son playing basketball at unsociable hours). Fitted with built-in white noise, excellent active noise cancelation, plus sleep tracking features, they’re an easy recommendation for any troubled sleepers. But the real stand-out feature for me is the Fitnexa app. Here, your own AI coach waits for you, ready to provide personalized advice based on your sleep tracking data, activity logs and food diaries. The info isn’t quite on par with a qualified sleep professional but thanks to the wealth of data to draw from, it was pretty spot on in testing, helping take the SomniPods from sleep earbud to all-round sleep enhancer.

Ruth Jones, Senior Sleep Writer
Read Ruth's full Fitnexa SomniPods 3 review

Smart home & security

Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+

A fantastic way to improve security on a budget
Score: ★★★★☆

Blink has long been one of our favorite budget smart home brands, and its newest battery-powered video doorbell furthers its reputation as a value leader. The Battery Doorbell 2K+ delivered very good 2K video in our testing — not the tops, but for a sub-$100 device it was more than acceptable. And, while it runs on AA batteries, they’ll last up to two years on a charge. You can also use this video doorbell without a subscription (you’ll need to purchase a separate adapter), but Blink’s subscription price is relatively affordable.

Mike Prospero, U.S. Editor-in-chief
Read our full Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ review

TV & Audio

Samsung S95H OLED

Supreme picture quality, even in bright rooms
Score: ★★★★★

I’ve tested countless TVs, but the Samsung S95H is the first unit in several years that truly surpassed all my expectations. It completely shatters the familiar rules of OLED, obliterating ambient glare and delivering an unprecedented, jaw-dropping brightness in the self-emissive category. Even the floating metal bezel (a design choice I fully assumed I'd hate) adds a striking, premium presence I grew to love. Between its breathtaking performance and how seamlessly it transitions into a decor piece via Samsung Art Store support, this is a flagship that stands as a definitive standard-bearer.

Kate Kozuch, Managing Editor
Read Kate's full Samsung S95H OLED review

AirPods Max 2

Everything is dialed up to 11
Score: ★★★★½

It’s impossible to be a tech lover and not have strong opinions about Apple’s new AirPods Max 2. Some people love them, some people hate them, but I’m firmly in the first camp. The AirPods Max 2 are headphones that know what they’re about, and they’re not apologizing for it. With gorgeous anodized aluminum ear cups and an all-metal headband, they’re not the lightest cans in the world, but the sound more than makes up for it.

Every detail is clear, mids are melodic and vivacious, and the bass is balanced, rich, and warm. Of course, you’ve also got industry-leading smart tech features like Live Translation and integrated Siri, but Apple users looking for the best headphones need look no further than Apple’s own.

Erin Bashford, Senior Reviews Writer
Read Erin’s full Apple AirPods Max 2 review

Beyerdynamic Amiron ZERO

Open earbuds that make no sacrifices
Score: ★★★★½

The Beyerdynamic Amiron ZERO have completely changed the way I think about open-earbuds (and I’ve tested a lot). Up until testing the ZEROs, I’d accepted that if I wanted ambient awareness, comfort and stability while working out, I’d need to sacrifice sound quality — but they prove that’s not the case. They provided me with the detailed listening experience I love from Beyerdynamic’s other headphones, without compromising bass performance, delivering perfectly balanced sound. I wear them when I’m working, running, or hiking in the rain (thanks to IP54 durability). They’re the only open earbuds I’ve tested with no compromises.

Ashley Thieme, Staff Writer
Read Ashley’s full Beyerdynamic Amiron ZERO review

JBL Xtreme 5

The party speaker for summer 2026
Score: ★★★★½

The JBL Xtreme 5 came, it saw, and it conquered. JBL really understood the assignment with the surprise follow-up to 2024’s Xtreme 4. Everything about the Xtreme 5 oozes confidence: the deft, controlled bass that’ll have your floorboards shaking and your bones quaking; the literally unbeatable IP68 rating that protects it against rain, sand, and drops; the gorpcore, utilitarian design; and of course the rugged 24-hour battery life. This is the party speaker of 2026. I’ve tested hundreds of audio products and Bluetooth speakers, but the Xtreme 5 is a special one.

Erin Bashford, Senior Reviews Writer
Read Erin’s full JBL Xtreme 5 review

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In the words of Jerry Seinfeld, "I am the master packer," and you can be one, too. My secret to lugging the essentials with ease, whether by air, rail, car, or sea, can be summed up in two words: packing cubes.

Not only do packing cubes help keep you organized, but many of them also compress, allowing you to maximize your travel wardrobe while minimizing precious luggage real estate.

Below are the five packing cubes I absolutely swear by, time-tested again and again on countless excursions. I use these bad boys every time I leave home for more than a day trip, and I'd honestly be lost trying to pack without them.

My favorite cheap packing cubes

The Amazon Basics 4-piece packing cube set is a remarkably well-priced deal on a tough-built set of cubes in a variety of sizes. While there's no expansion/compression feature, the overall design is certifiably resilient; I've filled my Amazon Basics Cubes to the max, with no signs of bursting seams or failing zipper tracks. The front is also partially meshed, so you know exactly what's in each cube.

My go-to compression cubes for clothes

One step up from the Amazon Basic packing cube bundle, we have this fantastic REI three-piece set. What sets the REI version apart from the Amazon option is an extra zipper on each cube that lets you expand the space, fill it, then compress it back down; something I find incredibly handy.

Similar to the Amazon version, the REI cubes feature a meshed front to see what's inside. More importantly, based on my years of field testing, REI's cubes are built to last the long haul just as well, if not better than the Amazon cubes, no matter how much clothing you manage to stuff inside over and over again.

Upgraded compression cubes

I recently got sent a set of Wandrd packing cubes, and I'm impressed. Sure, they're a bit pricier than the REI option, but they also have more features, including an additional rear pocket for dirty laundry.

The front, meanwhile, is entirely mesh. The medium and large-sized cubes offer expansion/compression zippers, though the smaller cube does not. Like the REI cubes, the build quality on these is fantastic. The zippers feel durable, the stitching doesn't pull, even when filled to the brim, and a well-placed carry handle only adds to the versatility.

A near-perfect tech pouch for essentials

The Domke Tech Pouch has a ridiculous amount of places to organize and store all your mid-sized and smaller essentials. The photo nerds out there probably recognize the Domke name; the brand has long manufactured some of the most beloved over-the-shoulder camera bags in existence.

IMHO, the Domke's tech pack deserves just as rabid a cult following. It opens up butterfly-style, revealing all sorts of zippered mesh pockets. However, hidden behind those, you'll find additional storage, secured via velcro, for particularly valuable bits you'd like to keep safe and out of sight.

The best packing cube for content creators

You'll find a lot of brands out there that make padded packing solutions for photographers and videographers. I should know, I spent over a decade reviewing camera gear, including packs and bags.

However, no solution has impressed me more than the Wandrd Essential Plus Camera Cube. It features a rigid exterior with ample internal padding, plenty of padded velcro organizational pieces, a hearty zipper to keep everything tightly sealed, and mounted D-rings on the exterior that let you turn it into a standalone camera bag with the addition of a carrying strap.

Better yet, if you have a Wandrd backpack, like the Wandrd PRVK Zip I just reviewed while in Spain for two weeks, the Camera Cube features a secondary quick-access zipper that works with the quick-access functionality on the backpack, allowing you to deploy your camera at a moment's notice.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just spent two weeks in Spain with this backpack — here's why it's a near-perfect travel companion
• The 55+ best travel gifts for 2026 — gadgets and gear for wanderlust in your life
• I climbed Seattle's 'Twin Peaks' to test the world’s most compact full-size binoculars — and I was amazed by what I saw

We're only a few days away from Valentine's Day, and it's when we want to shower our loved one with flowers and chocolates, and take them out to a fancy restaurant. But sometimes, you need to book weeks in advance to get a table at yours or your partner's favorite restaurant. That's why staying in is a great idea as you can avoid the dinnertime rush. Want to make it romantic? Light some candles, order your favorite takeaway, and play some video games.

I love gaming and it's one of my favorite things to do whenever I have time to spare. My partner, on the other hand, isn't big into gaming, and a couple of years ago, I finally convinced her to try a few couch co-op games on the Nintendo Switch — and we love playing them together. Regardless of whether your partner is a gamer or not, there are plenty of two-player games to enjoy (you don't need to be a pro gamer for that).

My personal top picks are Untitled Goose Game, where two players must work in tandem to unleash chaos upon a small town, and Overcooked, where you must prepare dishes on time to avoid burning down the kitchen. There are plenty more couch co-op and two-player games on the Switch, so read on to find out (and some are currently discounted too!).

Quick links

• Untitled Goose Game: was $27 now $24 @ Amazon
• Overcooked! All You Can Eat: was $39 now $33 @ Amazon
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder: was $59 now $49 @ Walmart
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: was $59 now $48 @ Walmart
• Luigi's Mansion 3: was $59 now $51 @ Amazon
• Super Mario Odyssey: was $59 now $49 @ Amazon
• Unravel Two: $19 @ Walmart
• Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics: $48 @ Amazon
• It Takes Two: $39 @ Amazon

Best couch co-op games for Valentine's Day

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CES 2026 might be almost over, but there are still tons of exciting innovations to uncover, particularly in the world of projectors. While Micro RGB and RGB Mini-LED TVs stole the limelight this year, these projectors stand out in the home cinema market, offering massive screen sizes and intriguing new features..

From the Aurzen ZIP Cyber Edition (a portable EV projection companion), to AWOL Vision's Aetherion series (a next-level 4K powerhouse), there's a ton of upcoming devices to track if you're a fan of laser projectors.

AWOL Vision Aetherion series

AWOL Vision might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about projectors, but its new Aetherion series could end up including some of the best projectors to launch this year. What sets them apart is AWOL’s proprietary PixelLock technology, which aims to maintain the clarity of a 4K image on larger screen sizes.

This issue can be a pain point on some projectors, largely due to pixel density. Pixels typically follow screen size, meaning a larger image taps larger pixels and fewer Pixels Per Inch (PPI). This can lead to a lack of sharpness and degradation in image quality.

Both the Aetherion Max and Aetherion Pro put these concerns to bed thanks to a complicated projector system that offers superior 4K preservation — even at 200 inches.

Aurzen ZIP Cyber Edition

Despite its small, cellphone-like appearance, the tri-fold Aurzen ZIP projector still offers quite a punch with 720p resolution and a screen size up to 100 inches. The relatively low resolution might be a letdown for some, but for a far-throw projector you can fit in your pocket, it's certainly pretty nifty.

The Aurzen ZIP launched last year, but this is the first time it’s leaping over the pond for a U.S. release. The Cyber Edition also adds a tasteful retro-futuristic flair to the device — I’m a sucker for clear-body tech products, and the ZIP Cyber Edition nails the aesthetic.

Aurzen positions the ZIP Cyber Edition projector as a “flexible companion for EV owners on the road,” making those long drives feel far more cinematic. It offers up to 1.5 hours of battery life with USB-C fast charging, and can even mirror your devices without Wi-Fi using AirLink One-click. If only I had one for my road trips back in the day.

XGIMI Titan Noir Max

Meet the crème de la crème of 2026 far-throw projectors. This spider-bot lookalike is XGIMI's new Titan Noir Max. It's a fitting name for such a feature-rich projector that packs some of the most advanced specs I've seen.

For starters, thanks to its new IRIS system, it offers a contrast ratio of 10,000:1. XGIMI aptly cites that it isn't so much "about deeper blacks or brighter highlights, but mood, emotion, and immersion that improve real-world viewing."

It's built on a double-laser design with SST-enhanced DMD architecture that allows it to beam out images with higher light tolerance and thermal power. XGIMI has yet to announce official brightness metrics, but seeing as the XGIMI Titan offers around 5,000 ISO lumens, I'm willing to bet the Noir offers the same (if not potentially more).

Of course, you can expect the full range of HDR support, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HDR10. IMAX Enhanced is also along for the ride. Gamers get up to 240Hz at 1080p, plus VRR and ALLM ensure console gamers get 4K/120Hz support.

Samsung Freestyle+

Samsung might design some of the best TVs in the market, but it's also bringing some heat in the projector market in 2026. Allow me to take a moment to gush over Samsung’s newest design: the Freestyle+.

As the name suggests, the Freestyle+ is the next iteration of the Samsung Freestyle, offering improved brightness (up from 220 ANSI lumens to 430 ISO lumens) and a simplified setup process. Samsung calls it AI OptiScreen, though there is minimal AI involved. The system employs several features, including Screen Fit, Real-time focus, Wall calibration and 3D Auto Keystone, ensuring the projected image holds up on practically any surface.

This isn’t exactly revolutionary for projectors, as several models employ similar features, but from the demos I’ve seen of the Freestyle+, it’s pretty intuitive and works almost instantly.

Let's say someone bumps into the projector while walking around the room. The Freestyle+ instantly detects the anomaly and fixes the image. That’s hard to come by when sifting through projectors.

Overall, the projector industry's focus this year seems to be on elevating software rather than hardware. This could be a major development for the market, so long as prices come down over time.

Check out our CES 2025 hub for all the latest news from the show as it happens. Follow the Tom’s Guide team in Las Vegas as we cover everything AI, as well as the best new TVs, laptops, fitness gear, wearables and smart home gadgets at the show.

And be sure to check out the Tom's Guide TikTok channel for all the newest videos from CES!

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I love my record player — and I love all the little accessories I've got to go with it. Perhaps it's the cool record weight I use to make sure my vinyl stays in place during playback, or maybe its the slick slip mat that stops extra movement, but there's something about a fully loaded deck that gets the musical blood pumping like little else.

You don't have to spend a lot either. There are plenty of options out there to maximize your vinyl experience that cost under $100 — although there are some great products that cost a bit more. Maybe you need to keep your vinyl clean, or perhaps you need to store your precious records. Here are some great options to go with the best record players.

I'm an ex-barista and now a professional espresso machine reviewer, so I've spent a ridiculous amount of time making coffee both behind a bar and in the comfort of my kitchen. All that coffee experience means that I also know how hard mastering the craft is. Yeah, I'm pretty good at making coffee, but I wouldn't say I've mastered it, even though I've been doing it for years.

At home, I use my Breville espresso machine (the $499 Bambino Plus, which is the most affordable model on this list, and the best espresso machine IMHO), which my inexperienced boyfriend can use, too. I've also had a De'Longhi La Specialista Opera, and have tested a Breville Oracle Dual Boiler at home, both of which he loved using too.

If you're a complete beginner, you might be wondering why there are no Nespresso coffee machines on this list. Well, that's because they're bad not espresso machines. The best Nespresso machines are a completely different type of machines, but are generally easier to use than espresso machines.

Before we start, jargon buster!

I use a few coffee nerd terms in this article. The most common is portafilter, which is the metal contraption (basket) where you put the coffee grounds. It looks like this.

There are two types of portafilter: on the left is a dual-walled, which is a pressurized basket. This basket type forces the coffee through a tiny hole and aerates it as it extracts, which obliterates delicate notes and complex flavors. Ideally, you don't want this.

On the right is a single-walled portafilter, which you do want. This portafilter helps the coffee extract with the desired delicate aroma you'll expect from specialty coffee shops.

Next: a grinder is the most important part of making coffee. Two of these espresso machines have grinders built in, so you don't need to worry. I think beginners can do well with a bean-to-cup espresso machine. The grinders in these machines don't tend to perform as well as separate grinders, but having too many moving parts can be too confusing for beginners.

If you decide to go for a machine sans-grinder, I'll recommend the Baratza Encore ESP, which is the most affordable decent espresso grinder I've ever used.

The long and short of it is this: coffee is a really confusing hobby at first. There are so many contradictory and opinionated people in the coffee world, so I know it can be overwhelming. Some people will tell you not to buy a bean-to-cup, but I think they can be a decent introduction into home espresso making without making you count clicks on manual grinders or start talking about microns.

(I told you — confusing.)

The smallest option: Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus is the smallest — and most affordable — option on this list. It's also my personal espresso machine, so I can attest to how instantly usable and manageable it is.

At $499, it's a considerable amount of money, but this is relatively low for an espresso machine. Some machines go for up to $5k, so $500 doesn't feel as bad by comparison.

I've got a 2,500-word review on the Breville Bambino Plus, but I'll give you a quick run down here.

The machine is so easy to use because everything you need comes in the box — a single-walled portafilter, non-flimsy tamper, and milk jug being the most important things. Some budget brands (coughCasabrewscough) don't ship milk jugs with espresso machines, so you have to go out and buy one separately before you can use it.

Once you've got everything unboxed, it's as simple as putting 18g of finely ground coffee in the single-walled portafilter, tamping as hard as you can, and putting the group handle in the group head. Then you press double shot (or single, but you should only put 12g of coffee in and make sure you've got the right portafilter basket!) and watch the honey-colored liquid pour.

The steam wand is also easy to use. It has four holes, so is more powerful than single-holed steam wands, but isn't too aggressive in its aeration. Yes, you'll have to concentrate while you're using it for the first few times, but isn't that the joy in taking up a new hobby? You get to go back to school for a while.

The Bambino Plus has an auto-steaming feature, too, which makes it even easier to use. All you have to do to activate this is fill the milk jug, put it on the drip tray over the 'auto milk' sensor, and the machine will do everything else for you.

But despite all these user-friendly features, I think the number one reason is the Bambino Plus's size. Or, lack thereof. You don't have to clear a space in your kitchen to fit this tiny little machine. It could easily fit next to the kettle or air fryer, and that makes it super beginner-user-friendly in my book.

The cheapest bean-to-cup option: De'Longhi La Specialista Opera

So this is the espresso machine I used to use. And don't get me wrong, I loved it. But it was simply too big for my kitchen, which is why I swapped it out for the Bambino Plus.

If you've got the space, though, the La Specialista Opera is a great mid-range beginner option. Thanks to the built in grinder, you don't need to fork out an extra $200 on a budget grinder (or $600 on a high-end grinder). So, while the La Specialista Opera's price might make your eyes bulge like a cartoon cat, it's actually not that much higher than a Bambino Plus + grinder (about $700).

So the main thing that jumps out as a "beginner-friendly" feature is the smart tamping system. Unlike the Bambino Plus, you don't have to tamp manually on the La Specialita Opera. This results in less mess, more straightforward usage, and less confusion about tamping pressure or angles.

Beginners sometimes wonder what on earth tamping should actually do, so the La Specialista Opera takes that worry out of the equation. The machine sorts out everything for you.

Once you've got your coffee tamped on the smart tamping system, all you have to do is put the group handle in the group head and press the single or double shot button. You'll get a delicious barista-quality drink in seconds.

When I was testing this machine last year, I loved playing around with all the different settings. The La Specialista Opera can make cold brew and 'cool espresso', which sounds like it shouldn't taste good, but it actually kind of... does?

The steam wand is a little low lying, which was my only downside when reviewing the machine last year, but I was able to use it with just a little re-angling of my body during steaming. And the best part for beginners? The steam wand stays cool during use, so if you accidentally touch it (been there, done that) then it — hopefully — won't burn you.

Obviously test this on your model. Please don't trust me wholeheartedly with your finger skin.

The oh-so premium option: Breville Oracle Dual Boiler

Alrighty, this is the most premium machine on this list and the most expensive espresso machine I've ever used.

But that's for a reason. The Breville Oracle Dual Boiler is an absolute Titan. It's a behemoth. It's a beast. It's all of the hyperbolic nouns that mean "this is a big machine".

As with all the machines in Breville's Oracle range, the Oracle Dual Boiler is kind of an automatic and manual machine in one. It has an auto mode and a manual mode, so the automatic mode could be used while you're getting to grips with the machine, then you could switch to the manual mode once you feel more confident with coffee-making.

The Oracle Dual Boiler is, for all intents and purposes, the easiest espresso machine I've ever used. But the price isn't exactly conducive for complete beginners: why would you spend $3k on your first espresso machine?

Yes, it's a premium machine. I'm fully aware of that, and the price means I could never buy it for myself. But that doesn't mean it's a bad machine, or a user-unfriendly machine.

Actually, it's the most user-friendly machine I've ever used.

As I mentioned above, I reviewed the Breville Oracle Dual Boiler last week and gave it 4 stars. There are so many things to love about the Oracle Dual Boiler: the full-color touchscreen that makes you feel like you're using the newest smartphone; the auto-milk-frothing function that works well for beginners; the fact that the machine grinds, doses, tamps automatically, so you don't have to mess around with coffee grounds or measuring or weighing anything.

You can select your drink using the touchscreen; the machine will tell you exactly how to make it. This is ideal for beginners who might not know the difference between a cafe crema and a long black (a cafe crema is a supersized lungo shot, and a long black is an upside-down Americano), but who want to learn.

There are tons of options, including an espresso martini and even hot chocolate, so you'll be the master of the coffee world in no time.

Finally, there's one more reason why I think the Oracle Dual Boiler is great for beginners. The Oracle Dual Boiler is, you guessed it, a dual boiler machine, which means you can steam milk and make espresso simultaneously. This is ideal if you've got loads of people to make coffee for in quick succession, as you'll be able to make drink after drink without the boiler giving up.

This also means you don't have to 'purge' the boiler or prevent it from overheating, which is a major downside of many budget espresso machines I've tested (coughCasabrewscough). You won't have to learn any annoying quirks to use the Oracle Dual Boiler, which is great for your frustration levels.

The secret fourth option: De'Longhi Stilosa

So the reason why this machine isn't on the main list is that the U.K. and the U.S. models are different, so I can't say for certain that it's easy-to-use. In the U.K., the Stilosa comes with single-walled portafilters, whereas in the U.S. it doesn't.

As a result, if you were to use this in the U.S., I'd recommend making a secondary purchase to get a bottomless portafilter accessory, which immediately makes it not beginner friendly. If you have to purchase something to make a machine usable, it's therefore not usable out of the box.

However, if you want to save as much money as possible, I wholeheartedly recommend the Stilosa. With an extra $30 or so, you'll be able to make coffee worthy of a Bambino Plus on a $149 machine.

In the U.S., the Stilosa requires an extra purchase to make "technically" perfect coffee: a bottomless portafilter.

Thankfully, you can get a third-party bottomless portafilter for just $29 on Amazon. With this accessory, the machine will cost you $178, which is still $321 cheaper than the next cheapest model on this list.

So, with the Stilosa and a bottomless portafilter, you'll be able to make barista-quality coffee for just $178. This is an unbelievably low price for an espresso machine of this quality. There was a reason I was shocked during my testing period with the Stilosa: it's simply marvelous.

More from Tom's Guide

• You might be using your espresso machine wrong — I'm an ex-barista and here's what you need to do
• I'm an ex-barista — here's my top 3 espresso machines for every budget
• I'm a barista and I ditched my Breville Bambino Plus for this $129 espresso machine — is the $370 saving worth it?

I'm an ex-barista and now I review espresso machines for a living. Hard life, I know. I've tested everything from $3,000 dual-boiler coffee machines from Breville (Sage in the U.K.) to $99 super-budget espresso machines you can only really buy at Amazon.

All this testing and tinkering, though, means I've got a thorough understanding of what makes an espresso machine good. And, most importantly, which espresso machines are actually worth your hard-earned money.

I've had a long, hard think about it, and I've finally decided on the three best espresso machines for each budget. There's an affordable option, a mid-range option, and a premium option in this list.

1. Best budget espresso machine

This is the best budget espresso machine: the Casabrews 3700 Essential. While my review isn't yet live, I have completed my testing and written the full piece. Here's a sneak peek: I awarded the 3700 4 stars.

There's a lot to like about this machine: its compact 5-inch size, its powerful(ish) steam wand, and its low-profile design. It's also not as ugly as you might expect from a $129 (but often $99) espresso machine.

The price, though, is by far the best part. The Casabrews 3700 Essential is just $129, but regularly discounted to just $99. At this price point, there's very little competition. It's 3700 Essential or bust.

A word of warning: the Casabrews 3700 Essential only ships with dual-walled portafilters (which pressurize the coffee during extraction and make it taste bad, in short), but Casabrews sells a bottomless portafilter (which doesn't pressurize the coffee and therefore makes it taste good) for $38 on Amazon. Unfortunately, it also doesn't come with a milk jug, but you can get a Casabrews milk jug for just $15 on Amazon.

If you get the 3700 Essential with the $38 portafilter, that's still only $137, which is a huge saving versus alternative machines. If you add on the milk jug, that's still only $153.

The 3700 is the best cheap espresso machine on the market, but it's not perfect. Unfortunately, you'll have to spend a little more to get technical perfection, which brings me to my next model.

2. Best mid-range espresso machine

There's very little competition. At this point, I'm not really sure why other manufacturers bother. The Breville Bambino Plus (Sage Bambino Plus in the U.K.) is, hands down, the best mid-range espresso machine money can buy.

This is my personal favorite espresso machine, and I use it every single day. Of all the machines I've tested, this is my top pick.

The Bambino Plus has a PID controller, which is basically a temperature regulator inside the machine. The PID controller ensures all the water is at the optimal temperature to prevent coffee from tasting burnt or weak.

This is a premium feature, and it's always nice to see affordable(ish) machines with this technology.

While you can't customize your extraction temperature to the degree like you can on my premium pick below, the Bambino Plus doesn't really need that feature. Every shot of espresso I pull on this machine is delicious, delectable, decadent, divine. It's just so good.

It's not just good at making espresso, though. The steam wand is one of the most powerful I've seen on a home espresso machine. It has 4 holes to create the perfect 'vortex' in milk. Other cheaper espresso machines (like some Casabrews and Gevi models) suffer from weak steam wands, but the Bambino Plus is capable of steaming fluffy, textured milk worthy of a specialty cafe.

I will never give up my Bambino Plus, and I can't recommend it enough.

3. Best premium espresso machine

Alright, I know for most people this espresso machine is a pipe dream. But if I had a) space and b) money, this would be the machine I'd get. I love my Bambino Plus, but the Smeg EMC02 (also known as the Smeg Semi-Professional espresso machine and Mini Pro in the U.K.) is on another level. The Smeg EMC02 was made with La Pavoni, which is the brand that (apparently) invented espresso as we know it. How cool is that?

When I was testing this espresso machine back in April, one of my colleagues said the latte I gave him was the "best coffee I've ever had." I'm not gonna brag, but come on. That is a pretty great soundbite.

In my 4.5-star review of the Smeg EMC02, I praised almost everything about it. Firstly, you can select the extraction temperature to a degree. Secondly, it has a built-in timer, and you can adjust pre-infusion and infusion to your heart's desire. Thirdly, the steam wand is the closest I've ever gotten to a commercial steam wand (well, since I was a barista).

As the Smeg EMC02 has three boilers, it can switch from espresso to steam and back to espresso again with no heating-up time. You could even extract espresso and steam milk simultaneously.

The group head is designed to look like an iconic E61, although it's not actually an E61; it's electric. This means while it heats up in minutes rather than hours, it does get very hot to the touch. That's perhaps my only negative feeling towards the EMC02, and it's not even that negative. Just don't be silly like me and touch the massive hot piece of metal.

More from Tom's Guide

• You're probably using your espresso machine wrong — I'm an ex-barista and here's what you need to know
• I'm a barista and I ditched my Breville Bambino Plus for this $129 espresso machine — is the $370 saving worth it?
• I've been testing the new Breville Oracle Dual Boiler — here's my first impressions of this $3,000 espresso machine

I love headphones. They're one of my favorite ways of listening to music thanks to their immersive soundscapes and, when compared to earbuds, less invasive fits. They also provide better sound at lower prices than cheap speakers.

The best noise-canceling headphones are the pinnacle of the form factor, letting you listen to your music without disturbance in even the busiest of environments.

But which model should you be buying based on your given budget? It's easy to say what the best headphones are, but not everyone is looking at the $400-$500 price range. To help you out, I've selected my favorite headphones in a range of different budgets.

$50-$100 — 1More Sonoflow Pro

The 1More Sonoflow Pro are a very solid set of cans that won't set you back a huge amount of money. At $87, they're about as cheap of ANC headphones you can buy before you get to the stuff that's best left in the Amazon warehouse.

Their design isn't unique, but there are some nice color options to choose from plus the carrying case is a nice addition often not found at this price point. They're built well too, and feature some solid cushioning for a pretty comfortable fit.

They sound excellent for the price and rival some expensive options from more premium manufacturers. Get some music playing and the ANC is robust enough to silence a keyboard, a busy office, or an air conditioning unit.

For $80 the Sonoflow Pro feel like a bargain. If you're in the $50-$100 price bracket, these are the cans for you.

$100-$200 — Sennheiser Accentum Wireless

The Sennheiser Accentum are a wonderful pair of headphones at a very good price. They're the step up in ANC and sound quality that you'd expect by breaking the $100 barrier, although thanks to some fairly consistent deals, you'll often find them for much less than their $189 MSRP.

The battery life is exemplary. With ANC turned on, you'll get 50 hours of staying power in return, meaning they last longer than pretty much any of the top headphones you can buy today.

Overall, they're a great pair of headphones if you're looking to grab something in the $100-$200 space, although I'd perhaps recommend waiting for them to appear in a deals event like Prime Day. Or just buy them at the time of publishing — there's a very solid deal on them at the moment.

$200-$300 — Cambridge Audio Melomania P100

This is a great option if you've got more than $300. They sound unlike anything else in the sub-$400 price bracket, packing in a spacious stereo soundstage that's incredibly immersive. They're one of my favorite pairs of headphones of all-time as a result, and I might even recommend them over something more expensive.

Battery life is exemplary, coming in at 60 hours with ANC turned on, and the noise cancelling itself is very good considering it's Cambridge Audio's first attempt at over-ear headphones.

I did find the headband a bit stiff, but it wasn't enough to dull the luster of what are some of the best headphones I've ever tested. In the $200-$300 price bracket, they're a must-buy.

$300-$400 — Marshall Monitor III

As a guitarist, I have a big soft spot for anything that comes out of a Marshall design room. I've loved the brand's amplifiers for a long time, and that love's only compounded when I gaze upon its consumer audio gear.

The Monitor III ANC headphones are, I think, my favorite Marshall product, thanks to their features and battery life that make them a more compelling option than some of their more established competition.

They have a 'rock n' roll' sound signature that's more heavily weighted towards fans of guitar and bass-heavy music, but almost everyone is going to be well-served by their top-notch audio quality. The earcups have been specially engineered to be as comfortable as possible as well, and I've been able to wear them for hours and hours on end as a result.

This is the price bracket when some of the Sony and Bose flagships start to appear to try and vie for your attention, but I'd still argue the Monitor III are a better bet in the $300-$400 space.

$300-$400 — Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5? What about the WH-1000XM6? Don't get me wrong the new headphones are good, but the older model is still a better buy. They sound better in some ways, the noise canceling is not far off, and the feature set is almost identical.

For $50 less than their newer cousin you get a fairly similar pair of cans. I actually really like their ANC, even if it isn't quite as good as the Bose alternatives. Color selection is nice too.

This is on the top end of the $300+ price band, but they often drop in price to find themselves closer to the lower end. Either way, they're a classic option at this price point for very good reason.

$400-$500 — Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

The PX7 S3 are the best headphones that you can buy right now, without a question in my mind. They outperform the XM5, XM6, and the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with some of the best sound around and a supremely comfortable fit, all while featuring a standout luxury design.

The ANC is very good, and the protective case that comes in the box is one of the best around, too. There are some features that remain "coming soon," like spatial audio, but the package as it stands is a truly epic pair of headphones.

If you're shopping for headphones in the $400-$500 price bracket, you're in the perfect spot. This is the point when anything more expensive becomes more focused on sound quality rather than features.

$400-$500 — Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

For a very long time, Bose's best noise cancelers had a permanent place in my backpack. Their noise canceling is simply better than anything else you can buy right now, keeping out the world and everything that might disturb you. It's remarkable to this day, and it still wows me whenever I put them on my head.

They sound pretty good too, although not as good as the Bowers & Wilkins reccomendation that I've made above. With some quick EQ changes you can get them sounding great though.

It's an alternative option to the headphones above, and it's the very best way to block noise no matter where you are. They're comfy, they look good, and feature a very useful app — a great way to spend $449.

$500-$700 — Focal Bathys

The Focal Bathys contain some excellent features if you're an audiophile looking for your next pair of wireless headphones. An excellent, comfortable fit is first on the menu thanks to Focal's use of plush foam and luxurious leather. That also means these are no-go for vegans — sorry, guys, no luck beyond $550 for you.

Sound is the name of the game here, and to that end, they absolutely succeed. They sound heavenly, with an audiophile sound signature that's just as interested in giving you plenty of bass as it is providing excellent detail. The DAC mode steps things up, enabling more high-definition playback.

Competition from Bowers & Wilkins and Bang & Olufsen is strong at this price point, but the Bathys provide a wonderful experience that's well-worth the high sticker price. These are my pick for the $500-$700 price point.

$700+ — Dali IO-8

This is a money-no-object pick for all intents and purposes — the Dali IO-8 are a truly game-changing pair of headphones. They sound immaculate, balancing impeccable detail with incredibly articulate and full-sounding bass for a sound signature that's unlike just about anything else you can put on your head.

They're small, so large heads might not like them much, but they're otherwise a comfortable pair of headphones. ANC isn't the name of the game, but it's more than serviceable, and to me, the lack of an app makes them super simple to use.

They're an incredibly expensive, that's for sure, but they're easily some of the best wireless headphones you can buy when you start to look at the really big bucks.

Want to spend even more and get even better sound? Look at the mind-blowingly expensive Dali IO-12. Your ears will thank you, but your wallet will scream.

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I’ve been testing and reviewing running watches for a decade and one thing I’ve noticed in that time is that I get a lot more people asking me which one to get during the summer.

Which makes sense, right? There’s no better time to start running or do more running than when the weather is warm and the days are long.

I’m always happy to give advice because it’s not easy to pick a running watch these days. Not only are traditional sports watch brands like Garmin, Suunto and Coros releasing more devices than ever, but smartwatches from the likes of Apple and Samsung have improved their run tracking a lot in recent years.

Our full round-up of the best running watches available contains a multitude of options to suit different people, but for me it usually boils down to three main options when I’m suggesting a watch.

Those are the top option overall when if money is no object, the greatest value running watch and the one I’d recommend for beginners. Here’s what I consider to be my top trio right now.

My top three running watches

Specs compared

Best overall: Garmin Forerunner 970

The top-end of Garmin’s range is confusing, with the latest models like the Garmin Fenix 8, Enduro 3 and Forerunner 970 competing with each other and older watches like the Garmin Epix Pro, Forerunner 965 and Fenix 7 Pro.

I think it’s important to say that for the most part, these watches offer a very similar experience in terms of their features and design.

The day-to-day sports tracking on all of them is excellent, and while the latest models have a few more bells and whistles, any of those older watches is worth looking for in the sales.

However, we’re not walking about bargain-hunting right now, and the Forerunner 970 stands out from the pack of Garmins because it has all the latest features in an impressively light and slim design that I think is better for runners than the bulkier Fenix 8.

The design is also durable thanks to a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal screen — the latter is a key upgrade on the Forerunner 965, which I scratched— and the Forerunner 970 also has a built-in flashlight and a mic and speaker.

I’ve had the Forerunner 970 strapped to my wrist since it launched and have run a couple of hundred miles with it including several races, and the accuracy can’t be faulted. I have a lot of watches to pick from at home, and the Forerunner 970 is the one I use for my own marathon training.

It also introduced some new features for runners to Garmin’s range, including an estimate of your running economy and tolerance in terms of the training load you can handle.

Plus, it's a very good-looking watch, in my opinion, with a bright AMOLED display that rivals what you get on any of the best smartwatches.

Despite this impressive screen, the battery life is still four or five days with the screen always-on when running every day, which is good — though Garmin does offer watches with much longer battery life like the Enduro 3.

Compared to the value and beginner watches I’ve picked out, the upgrades you get with a top-of-the-range device like the Forerunner 970 are a bigger, better screen, a more durable design, more training analysis features, offline maps and better navigation tools.

Best value: Coros Pace 3

Value can be a tricky thing to nail down with running watches, because if a watch doesn’t do what you want or need it to, it’s not good value, no matter how cheap it is.

I think the Coros Pace 3 is the watch that offers the best balance of features and price for most people, but you might find that there are others that suit you better, especially in sales.

For $230 you are getting a watch that offers dual-band GPS tracking that’s as accurate as on watches that cost over $1,000, and Coros offers the same training analysis and advice across its range, so the Pace 3 is as good as the flagship Coros Vertix 2S watch on this front.

While the all-plastic design of the Pace 3 might not suit everyone’s taste and it’s not as hardy as a metal, I like the small and lightweight watch, and it fits well on smaller wrists.

The Pace 3 also comes in a range of colors and with different bands — I’d get a nylon band myself, they’re more comfortable than the standard silicone one.

For such a small watch the Pace 3’s battery life is sensational. It routinely lasted me five or six days on a charge even with heavy use, and I wore it for a 50-mile ultramarathon during testing without any fear it would run out of juice during the race.

Part of that long battery life is down to the memory-in-pixel screen, which is not as bright as an AMOLED watch, but it’s still easy to read in all conditions.

Whether you’re a new runner or a veteran, the Pace 3 will tick all the boxes you really need from a watch, and it does so at a great price. I’ve recommended it so often it’s become a regular sight on the wrists of people at my running club.

Other watches I consider great value include the Suunto Run, an impressive entry-level AMOLED watch, and the Garmin Forerunner 965, which isn’t cheap but is more affordable than most top-end Garmins with maps, especially in sales.

Best for beginners: Garmin Forerunner 165

I think one of the best things about modern running watches is the amount of guidance they can offer new runners to help them get off to a great start with the sport.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 exemplifies this through daily suggested workouts, easy-to-understand training analysis, and even full training plans for events you can follow on your wrist.

All of these can help you avoid the biggest pitfall for new runners, which is going too hard, too soon. This can risk injury or just make running feel like too much of a slog to carry on with, whereas a slow and steady introduction to the sport will hopefully create a long-lasting love for it.

These are features available across Garmin’s range, but the Forerunner 165 is more affordable, especially as it often features in sales now for $50 less than its MSRP.

It comes in two models, one with music and one without. The music feature allows you to store MP3 files and sync over playlists from streaming services including Spotify, so you can run without your phone and listen to audio if you like.

The lightweight plastic design is comfortable to wear 24/7 and there are some attractive colors to pick between in the Forerunner 165 range. The watch has an AMOLED screen and is stylish enough to wear outside of runs in my opinion, though I’m not necessarily a great barometer for style.

While I recommend the each to new runners in particular, it has enough features for more experienced runners too, which I think is important — this isn't a watch you'll have to ditch a year after starting running because it doesn't do enough.

Conversely, it also offers a lot outside of running, being a great activity and sleep tracker that also with a wide range of sports modes and some handy smart features including contactless payments alongside music.

So if running doesn't take for you, and as much as I love it, I know it isn't a sport for everyone, the Forerunner 165 will still be a useful watch to have on your wrist.

That's one reason I also rate the Apple Watch Series 10 as a great beginner running watch, because although it's not as sporty as the Forerunner 165, it's still a great tracker and has lots of appealing features outside of running too.

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When your headphones die, it can often be a mission to try and work out what new pair you should pick up. One of the best ways to narrow down the search is to nail down your budget — that way, you can maximise the value of your headphone purchase, without spending too much.

Sometimes that budget stretches to the $499 sticker price of the AirPods Max. Sometimes it doesn't. And sometimes, you're looking to go all-out for the crème de la crème of audio gear and the AirPods Max simply won't cut it.

Whether your budget is tight or large, there are plenty of options to spend your money on. To make life even easier, I've got here 5 budgets and 5 pairs of the best headphones to fit them.

$50-100 — JLab JBuds Lux

JLab is well known for making some excellent headphones at bargain prices — and the JBuds Lux sit pretty close to the top of the pile.

They forgo some luxuries like a protective case, but they more than make up for it with some solid battery life, good comfort, and extra features that outperform headphones that are even twice the price.

For $79 they're something of a steal. Our reviewer, Erin, particularly liked the sound quality of the JBuds Lux, thanks to some lovely detail to the sound. ANC is excellent for the price, and they're built much better than you might expect.

They more than prove that you don't have to spend hundreds upon hundreds of dollars to net yourself a great pair of headphones.

$100-200 — Soundcore Space One Pro

The $100-200 price range is jam-packed with excellent headphone options — but our review Erin was bowled away by the Soundcore Space One Pro when she got the opportunity to give them a test. They step up the design and the features from the previous model — the only thing missing in the package is a carrying case.

They're very comfortable, with great padding on the earcups and headband. They fold up super small, so you can fit them in even the tightest of bags and packs.

Sound is very good, and the ANC does a great job at silencing the outside world for long-haul flights or quick bus trips to work.

$200-400

I love every second I spend with the Marshall Monitor III. I love the way that they look, I love the way that they sound, and I've found I can wear them for super long periods of time without any problems at all. ANC is good too, and I think they're some of the coolest looking headphones that you can buy today.

Most people are going to be interested in their incredibly impressive battery life, however. They last for 100 hours if you leave ANC turned off, and if you turn noise canceling on they last for 70 hours. They are, in fact, the current battery life Tom's Guide record holders. For $150 less than the AirPods Max, they're a spectacular option.

$400-600 — Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

Now we're in the AirPods Max's price territory, and yet, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 are the most impressive headphone launch of the year in my mind. They take a winning formula, and then slim it down and improve in some key areas to make a set of cans that take the fight to the more established competition. When I tested them earlier this year, I was incredibly impressed.

The ANC is now comparable to similarly priced headphones, they're incredibly comfortable, and the battery life is more than enough for most of your daily applications. It's the sound that really wins the day here though. They've got plenty of detail, but they also manage to be a lovely warm listen as well.

$600-1000 — Dali IO-8

When I tested these headphones last year they just about fit into the budget — although since then there have been... happenings which have jacked up the price. The Dali IO-8 are still a pretty special pair of headphones if you've got a bit more money to spend.

They sound sublime, with one of the best sound signatures I've heard in a pair of wireless headphones. They're comfortable too, and their physical controls are top notch. They're not for vegans — all of the padding is leather and there are no alternative options — but they are spectacular for the price.

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Last year, I backpacked across Asia for two months, and it was the best time of my life. My boyfriend and I started in South Korea (where we'd just spend two years teaching English to kindergarteners), and traveled to Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand before heading back home to the U.K..

The picture you see above is us on the summit of Mt. Batur in Indonesia — look at the clouds! They're so beautiful they don't even seem real. But also... look at my shoes.

I'm wearing my Merrell hiking boots (that I love, don't get me wrong). This was a major error — they took up so much space in my luggage and I only wore them a couple of times because it was just way too hot.

So I though I'd compile everything I learned while traveling Asia, so you don't make the same travel tech mistakes as me. Please learn from my oopsies.

Tech travel mistake #1: I took my laptop

Why was this a mistake? Because I have a MacBook Pro M1 14-inch, which weighs about 3.5 pounds, give or take. That is pretty heavy when you're trying to save as much weight as you can for airplane luggage.

What should you do instead? You should definitely take an iPad or just your phone instead. Booking tickets and managing itineraries might be a little tricky on a phone, though, so I'd recommend taking one of the best tablets. I have an iPad 2021 (I took that too!) and I wish that had been the only computer I'd taken.

Tech travel mistake #2: I took headphones and earbuds

Why was this a mistake? It's all about saving space when you're traveling. What was the point of taking a pair of headphones and earbuds? I never wore the headphones either, because I couldn't be bothered to dig them out of my backpack.

What should you do instead? Take the smallest earbuds you can find. I loved the ANC on my AirPods Pro 2 when I was on flights. I can also recommend the Bose QuietComfort earbuds, because the ANC is second-to-none. Alternatively, the Sony WF-C710N could be a good, cheaper option, with great ANC for just $119.

Tech travel mistake #3: I took physical books

Why was this a mistake? I guess you're noticing a theme here... taking books was a fool's error! Why did I fill my backpack with paper books when I'm going to be carrying my luggage around? I ended up leaving some at a hotel's book swap.

What should you do instead? Definitely use the iPad or tablet you're going to take to read books, or get a Kindle. The best Kindles can be as affordable as $159 these days. I recommend the Kindle Paperwhite (2024): it has an awesome 12-week battery life and is even IPX8-rated so you'll be able to keep reading at the pool without stress.

Tech travel mistake #4: I took hiking boots

Why was this a mistake? For some reason, I took my Merrell hiking boots. Don't get me wrong, I love my Merrell hiking boots — they are some of the best hiking boots. But they are so big and so heavy. They took up loads of space in my luggage, and I only wore them once because they were so heavy — I resorted to my Teva hiking sandals the rest of the time.

What should you do instead? You should get a pair of really good trail running shoes and use them for both walking shoes and hiking boots. I have the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX right now, but I also like the look of the Merrell Moab 3 for something more hardy. If I'd taken these instead, I would've had more space in my luggage, my feet wouldn't have got so hot on hikes, and I would've been able to squeeze a run in, too.

Tech travel mistake #5: I didn't take a neck pillow

Why was this a mistake? For obvious reasons, I wanted to get some shut-eye on various travel days. I traveled by plane, boat, bus, and train on my 2 months in Asia, and I had to suffer through all of them by resting my cheek on the window and begging sleep to come.

What should you do instead? You should definitely get a good travel neck pillow. A travel pillow is essential for sleeping on planes. Tempur-Pedic's travel pillow is $69 and is super plush, which will help you sleep on public transport.

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Summer travel is upon us, and so is the stress of planning and executing the perfect trip. While delays and mishaps are always possible, you can hit the road prepared thanks to help from mobile apps.

Making sure your phone is equipped with everything from travel planners to route mappers, you can ensure that your vacation runs smoothly from the moment you start booking your travel to the time when you finally return home.

To start, there are a few general types of apps you’ll want to download, the details of which will vary based on your specific travel plans. If you’re flying, it makes sense to install the app of your airline of choice so that you can easily check your flight status, access your boarding pass, track your luggage, and connect with customer service. With the app for your preferred hotel chain, you can manage your stay, redeem rewards, request amenities, and even unlock your room in some cases. If you have a vacation rental, through an outfit such as Airbnb or VRBO, be sure you have the app for access to your booking details and easy communication with hosts.

You should also have a ride hailing app — such as Uber or Lyft — that provides service at your destination, and if you’re driving, research which apps are used for paid street parking (ParkMobile, for example) so you don’t have to spend time downloading and entering your payment details once you arrive. DoorDash or GrubHub can be useful for perusing and comparing menus in advance for food allergies and dietary restrictions.

But beyond those basics, a few other apps can come in handy whenever you hit the road or take to the skies. Here are five other travel apps you should have on your phone now.

Wanderlog

Wanderlog is an all-in-one travel planner for everything from creating an itinerary to tracking expenses. Start building your trip with the basics — where and when — then invite travel companions if you’re planning a trip with other people.

Other Wanderlog tools let you add reservation details, explore restaurants and attractions, make a packing list, and create a budget.

The app’s basics are free, while a Pro subscription ($39.99/year) includes extras like live flight updates, route optimization, offline access, and syncing with Google Maps and Gmail to automatically pull in reservation details from confirmation emails. If you’re road tripping, you can map your route and add roadside attractions and pit stops in Wanderlog.

Speaking of which, Roadtrippers is another popular route planner that shows you interesting stops along your way, but the Android app has enough negative reviews to where I would suggest just using the sites web-based tools or turning to Wanderlog as my mobile trip planner.

Download Wanderlog: Android, iOS

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a search engine for flights, hotels, and car rentals that prioritizes good deals, so you can browse or search cheap options or set up alerts for price drops on your desired itinerary. This can be useful whether you’re planning in advance or need a last-minute reservation mid-trip.

Note that unlike online travel agencies (OTAs) — which generally allow you to book within their app — Skyscanner redirects you to the airline, hotel, or rental agency to complete your reservation. While this is an extra step up front, it avoids potential pitfalls of OTAs, like confusing booking and cancellation policies and generally worse customer service if something goes awry.

Download Skyscanner: Android, iOS

iExit

If you find yourself asking, “Where is the nearest…” in the middle of a road trip, iExit is likely to have an answer. The app uses your device’s location to display upcoming interstate exits and their amenities, from the basics like hotels, restaurants, and gas stations to banks, auto shops, grocery stores, and tourist attractions.

You can view fuel prices and lodging rates and get distances and directions to destinations listed. Use iExit to help you decide when and where to stop without having to search for a specific location or scroll around a map.

Download iExit: Android, iOS

CityMapper

CityMapper is a journey planner that helps you navigate public transportation in major metro areas around the world — handy if your next trip to the big city doesn’t include a rental car. Y

With CityMapper, you can get real-time arrival, departure, and location data for buses, trains, subways as well as turn-by-turn directions with options for walking, bikeshare, and scooter rental. The app will also notify you of upcoming turns and stops, track service alerts, and calculate travel time so you can select the best route to your destination.

Download CityMapper: Android, iOS

Google Translate

If you don’t know the language at your destination or are traveling to a region where multiple languages are spoken, add Google Translate to your device to facilitate communication. The app can translate from typed text, photos, or real-time bilingual conversations as well as instant camera feedback — pointed at signs, for example — and text inside other apps.

To get started, choose your primary language and select the language to translate to from the more than 100 available in the app dropdown. Check Translate offline to download for offline use. (Not all languages have this feature.)

Download Google Translate: Android, iOS

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When I first got my griddle, I thought I could get by with just a spatula, some basic culinary skills, and knowing how to season a flat-top grill. Thanks to social media, I’d seen enough examples of people making fajitas and smashburgers on their Blackstones, right?

But after cooking almost exclusively on an outdoor griddle for the last year — the 5-star Weber Slate 36, to be specific— I’ve learned that having the right accessories is crucial to a positive experience. This was the result of testing dozens of tools, and while I found more than a few flops, I also discovered some add-ons that make owning a griddle totally worth it.

So if you’re a beginner to griddle cooking, and aren’t sure what to get next, here’s the gear I’d recommend to every griddle cooker. Many of my picks are from Weber to complement the Weber Slate, but Blackstone or Traeger Flatrock also offer in-brand accessories that are worth checking out. Otherwise, these are the best griddle accessories I use all the time, whether I’m cooking for two or feeding a crowd.

Be sure to check out the rest of our Get Grillin' week for more tips on mastering the art of cooking in your backyard.

1. Quality Spatula Set

If you buy one accessory for your griddle, it should be a proper spatula set. I’m talking about heavy-duty, stainless steel, diner-style spatulas that can actually stand up to the heat and surface of a flat top. The plastic or nylon flippers from your kitchen aren’t going to cut it. Look for options with a beveled edge, a comfortable grip and sensible size relative to your griddle’s cooking area.

I started with a budget set from Amazon that worked fine, but once I upgraded to the versions in Weber’s and Blackstone’s respective accessory lines, it put the cheap versions to shame. Knowing what I do now, I would’ve invested in a quality set from the jump.

As a bonus, I use my spatula to clean down the surface while the griddle’s still warm, so unless you’re really into single-purpose tools, I think you can skip buying a dedicated scraper.

2. Squeeze bottles

Once you start keeping squeeze bottles near your griddle, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Most griddle cookers will want to keep two on hand: one filled with high-heat oil (like avocado or vegetable), and one with water.

The oil bottle lets you grease the surface quickly and evenly, while the water bottle is key for everything from steaming eggs under a dome to loosening up stuck-on bits during cleanup.

Unlike investing in quality spatulas, you don’t need anything fancy here. Just grab a two-pack of basic plastic bottles with caps.

3. Melting dome

If you’re planning on making anything melty, a dome is 100% worth it. But a melting dome is great for more than just cheeseburgers and cheesesteaks. It’s also great for cooking eggs, reheating leftovers, or finishing thicker foods with steam and indirect heat.

I started with a lightweight aluminum dome from Amazon that did the job a few times, but the handle wasn’t very user-friendly in an environment that’s hot and greasy. So eventually upgraded to Weber’s basting dome because it can apply the steam-cooking effect to a larger quantity of food at once. It’s a little pricey, but I use it all the time and greatly appreciate that it’s dishwasher safe.

4. Burger press

I’ve yet to meet anyone with a griddle who didn’t plan on making smashburgers. They are one of life’s greatest joys, after all. In order to properly indulge, you’re going to need a burger press.

A burger press is a game-changer for making perfectly shaped patties that cook evenly every time. You can use a spatula to smash, but a press helps you get that ideal thin, flat patty without all the mess or uneven thickness.

As a smashburger aficionado, I tested out a couple of different presses, and found that the aptly-named Burger Iron is my favorite. Stick to stainless steel — even though they look cool, I would avoid the cast-iron versions of burger presses as they’re prone to rust.

5. Heavy-duty paper towels

Everyone will find their own tactics for cleaning and maintenance on their grill, but chances are, your method will involve paper towels. Paper towels help capture excess oil, wipe down leftover residues, and dry up any remaining water from the cleanup process.

I went through quite a few regular paper towel rolls in my year manning a griddle before discovering Scott Shop Towels. These are basically heavy-duty paper towels that hold up a lot better than Bounty. In other words, it takes fewer Scott Shop Towels to get the job done.

With these accessories, you should be set up for success with your griddle cooking journey. If you’re just getting started, you truly don’t need a ton of gear, but the right basics go a long way.

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An achy neck, discomfort and dead legs, sleeping on a plane, bus or train is no easy feat. But after several long haul flights and countless early morning commutes, I've mastered an on-the-go sleep routine.

My friends say they don't particularly enjoy my company on flights — not because I'm a restless traveller or relentless yapper, but because I simply sleep through. I rarely stay awake from take off to landing and I have a handful of sleep products to thank for my ability to drop off in the sky, on the tracks or on the road.

With Memorial Day sleep sales on the horizon, now is a great time to think about which gadgets to snap up for peaceful travels this summer. From SOMO's acupressure sleep mask to Tempur-Pedic's travel pillow and a trusty Kindle, here are the essentials I won't travel without...

1. A good light-blocking eye mask

Your body clock can be thrown all over the shop while traveling, meaning you'll often need to sleep while it's still light outside. Light pollution on an aeroplane can also be distracting, whether it's the flashing lights of the wings or the individual reading lights, making it difficult to sleep.

For this reason, I'm always sure to pack a comfortable sleep mask. My current favorite is the SOMO Sleep Fitness mask, which is made from a butter-soft material and uses acupressure to help you relax.

The eye mask is fitted with a disk between the eyebrows, which gently applies pressure to the Yin Tang acupoint. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this relieves anxiety and reduces restlessness — a dream mid-flight.

The digital Aura Sleep Mask ($229 at Aura) and Bob and Brad eye massager ($49.99 at Amazon) are two other reliably calming eye masks I'd suggest.

2. A reliable travel pillow

If I had to pick a favorite on-the-move sleep essential it would have to be a reliable travel pillow. Getting comfortable on-the-move without somewhere to rest your head is near impossible.

Adding cushioning around your neck for you to rest your head, travel pillows do wonders. It also saves you slouching onto the person next to you (a situation no one wants.)

A good pillow for travelling is one that's portable and, like this year's best pillows, supportive. Trust me when I say an infinity pillow or suitable travel pillow will be your wisest-selected travel companion.

The Tempur-Pedic travel pillow below is a plush option, or you can shop more affordable travel pillows at Amazon. For example, this Napfun neck pillow is 28% off now at $15.86 (was $21.99).

3. Sleep headphones or earplugs

Blocking out cabin or carriage noise is essential if you want to drift off on a plane or train. Depending whether you prefer a lullaby or complete silence to fall asleep, you can chose between headphones or noise-cancelling earplugs.

While standard quality headphones can do the trick, specialised ultra thin headphones can be more comfortable to doze in.

My sleep-inducing sound track tends to include binaural beats or a sleep podcast, which help me relax when afflicted by the anxiety that can sometimes come with travelling.

4. An enjoyable read

For entertainment and relaxation, you'll always find a book (or rather a Kindle) in my carry-on luggage. I prefer a light-hearted read, be it an Emily Henry romance or trending best seller, while travelling as these feel-good stories set the perfect holiday tone.

Alternatively, I'll pick up a magazine at the airport to be inspired travel destinations. In the same way reading at bedtime can help you relax, I find reading mid-flight can have a similar effect. After a chapter or two, you'll be snoozing into your neck pillow.

A Kindle is the travel essential for book-lovers. If you're looking for recommendations, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is our top-rated e-reader of the year.

5. Compression socks

Compression socks can help you sleep better on a flight by improving blood circulation, reducing swelling, and potentially alleviating leg fatigue and discomfort.

By applying graduated pressure to your legs, especially at the ankles, these socks help blood flow back to the heart more efficiently, which can improve your comfort while sitting in an upright position in tight plane and train bays.

In a more comfortable position, you're more likely to sleep longer and get better sleep quality on a long flight, helping you feel more refreshed when you land at your destination.

These days it can feel like everything your home requires power, from small things like the chargers for our phones and lamps to bigger appliances like TVs and dishwashers.

All of those plug-ins draw power and energy, sometimes unnecessarily. With that in mind, it’s worth reassessing how to reduce our energy consumption. Fortunately, there’s a lot we can do our own, plus some helpful products out there that make it easy to manage your energy use even when you're out of the house all day.

And coincidentally, these changes should save you buck or two in the long run on your energy bills. See my tips for cutting down on energy usage below.

Use Eco mode on your appliances

Probably the easiest change you can make at home is to check whether your major appliances have an 'eco' mode. Most of the best dishwashers come with an eco or power mode that saves energy. Although eco mode does tend to take longer than some of the more powerful modes (up to four hours in some cases) running your dishwasher overnight or during the day when the power draw on your local system isn’t as high is a win-win move.

On the other hand, while the some of best washer machines and best dryers do have an eco mode, it’s not as common in the US as it is in the UK. If you don’t have a machine with eco mode you can replicate it by running your wash at lower temperatures and adjusting the rinse cycle to reduce water consumption. We recommend this for your every day loads, more soiled or stained clothing will likely require stronger settings.

You could also hang dry your laundry during the warmer months just to avoid using the energy of a dryer.

Look for Energy Star badges

The Energy Star program is meant to make it easier for you to identify appliances that meet energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. Next time you go shopping for appliances, look for the blue energy star logo.

The program covers a variety of categories from some of the best refrigerators and clothes dryers to coffee makers and smart thermostats. The standards differ among the various categories.

As we discovered, Energy Star products save energy and are more efficient than non-Energy Star versions. If you need to replace a device in your home, look for that blue logo.

Upgrade to smart light bulbs...

This one seems simple and harkens back to the days of our mothers telling us we don’t live in barns, but it is important for saving energy: Turn your lights off when you're not using them.

One way to be more mindful about leaving the lights on is to upgrade to smart light bulbs which are powered by LEDs that are cheaper to run and reduce energy consumption compared to halogen bulbs. Combining the bulbs with the best smart home devices can help you set timers and alarms so that the lights go off when you’re not in the room or not at home.

Smart light bulbs aren't as expensive as you'd think these days, either.

... and smart plugs

When it comes to some appliances like TVs or speakers, it is common for people to leave them in standby mode. This means that the device is constantly draining energy since it’s never technically turned off.

These ‘phantom loads’ can drain your wallet as well. A relatively inexpensive smart plug may be the answer. The best smart plugs make your home more energy efficient by plugging ‘dumb’ appliances like fans and or stick lamps into a power outlet. Controlled through an app or a compatible smart home platform, you can set timers or just turn off your dumb appliances, similar to your smart lighting.

Otherwise, just make sure you turn off your appliances when not in use.

Install a smart meter

Another way to maximize your energy usage is to actually understand how much energy you're using in the first place. Consider having a smart meter installed in your home to help you establish the basis of your current usage, and then get some tips on how to make your numbers go down.

Some utility companies are actually pre-installing them in homes, but there are third-party smart energy meters available like the Sense ($299 on Amazon). The meter can track which appliances are using the most electricity and during which times of the day, so that you can instead use them when the grid demand is lower or simply see what things in your home are sneakily using a lot of energy.

Switch to a smart thermostat

On a simple level, turning your thermostat up or down a couple degrees depending on if its summer or winter will help you save energy. But one of the best smart thermostats like the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium or Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) will help you save energy in the long run as it can track your patterns and the weather and make suggestions on what temperature you should actually set your thermostat.

Depending on the season, you might also consider want to consider smart air conditioners or the best space heaters, which you can control with apps or smart home hubs. These devices can be used in single rooms making it more efficient than trying to heat or cool the whole house.

Check your insulation

Speaking of regulating your home's temperature, something that constantly drives up energy usage and utility bills are rooms and windows that aren’t well insulated. Keep drafts out by knowing how to insulate your windows, or use a simple draft stopper to banish chills from doors and windows. In the summer it should help keep cooled air from escaping as well.

For your attic, you’ll want to insulate the space as its where a significant chunk of heat can escape from your home. You’ll need to make sure you have a minimum R-value (the effectiveness of the insulation) of 49 in colder climates and 30 in hotter areas.

And while your assessing your insulation needs, it's also a good time to check that pipes and vents around your home are properly sealed.

Invest in a new TV

Although saving money might be on your mind, investing a new TV could result in some long-term savings. Thanks to higher efficiency standards that originated in the EU, newer TVs on the market are significantly better than the sets you have that are several years old. In fact, we ran the numbers and found that OLED TVs and Samsung's Neo QLED TVs are among the most energy-efficient sets.

That said, OLED TVs are still very expensive, even some of the best OLED TVs will cost closer to $1,500 than comparable-sized Mini LED sets. Still, if you’re looking to save energy, an OLED TV will not only look good but will be a bit more energy efficient.

Clean your vents and radiators

For anyone who's home has radiators and vents, when was the last time either was properly bled or cleaned? Cleaning air vents regularly is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality and maintaining the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.

The same goes for your cleaning your dryer vent. A blocked dryer vent could result in you needed multiple cycles to get your clothes dry. Not only will this use additional energy, but it will likely cause damage to your machines, requiring pricey repairs or replacements.

Unplug chargers, unused devices

Let's end on a simple tip that everyone can start doing today: unplug devices that you aren’t using or turn off the power strip so that you aren’t continually drawing sips of power to a device that isn’t being used.

The biggest example is phone chargers, most people don’t unplug them from besides their nightstand. But phone chargers still use power and drain electricity even if a phone isn’t plugged in. Always unplug your charger once your phone is at full battery. Or you can use a smart plug, like I suggested above.

At the end of the day, like when you were told to put your toys away, if you aren’t using it, unplug it. Save some energy.

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It's that time of year again as college basketball teams gear up for another exciting season of March Madness. Instead of drafting a bracket with all my main picks this year, I decided to put together a list of the best TVs for the courtside craze.

When looking for a TV ideal for basketball — or sports in general — you'll want to find one with advanced motion processing. Basketball especially has tons of motion, which will require a display that can handle the cross-court action without stuttering and blurring.

Another ideal feature to have for sports is strong upscaling. Although we typically bemoan the ways TV brands are going all-in on AI, upscaling does serve a practical purpose for broadcast TV that's relegated to 1080p.

That's what makes these following sets the final four picks and total buzzer beaters ahead of the Madness to come. I've listed a few discounts of my own below, but you can always check out our March Madness TV sales for even more savings.

Samsung S95D OLED TV - Premium OLED

There are few if any other displays that can call themselves the stand-out picks among the best OLED TVs, but the Samsung S95D OLED is no doubt one of them. Just look to our Samsung S95D OLED vs LG G4 OLED faceoff to see the victor, it's clear as day.

Beyond its wide range of features (see: stellar anti-glare coating) and incredible specs (up to 1,777 nits of brightness in HDR), the Samsung S95D OLED makes itself known as the undisputed king for March Madness primarily for one thing: excellent multi-viewing capabilities.

Here, the S95D shines by allowing you to play up to four games at once. And while the LG states the G4 OLED can do similar multi-viewing, there's tons of threads across Reddit claiming it's middling at best — and often doesn't work.

It's the best way to watch March Madness, especially while the 55-inch Samsung S95D OLED TV is $1,897 at Amazon right now.

Sony Bravia 9 Mini-LED TV - Premium Mini-LED

Mini-LED TVs are ever on the rise right now and they offer stellar performance at unbeatable prices. It's not cheap, but the Sony Bravia 9 serves as another excellent March Madness pick due to its ability to offer some of the highest brightness of any TV we tested in the last 12 months.

In our Sony Bravia 9 review, we raved on its improved design and incredible brightness. We measured it at 2,980 nits in a 10% window, which is bonkers and better than many of its rivals.

It also comes equipped with an ATSC 3.0 tuner, which might not be a huge win for the March Madness games right now, but could be for future series. CBS is currently available in Chicago on Nextgen TV, which could mean more major sports broadcasters will join and spread availability in the future.

That being said, it all still comes at a cost. Even at a discount, the 65-inch Sony Bravia 9 Mini-LED TV is $2,798 at Amazon right now. It's not quite the buzzer beater of a deal, but it will make for one incredible window into the games — after all, it is the king of Mini-LED TVs.

LG B4 OLED TV - Value OLED

Even in the face of the LG C5 OLED and G5 OLED launch this month, I'd still be buying the LG B4 OLED TV for its utter value. When it's on sale, the 48-inch version is the cheapest OLED TV you can buy — but even the larger 77-inch LG B4 OLED can be found for $1,596 at Amazon.

The B4 excels as a March Madness TV particularly because of its 120Hz refresh rate and natural colors. Like most of LG's 2024 TV lineup, the B4 is also equipped with a stellar chip (Alpha 8) that brings serious AI upscaling to the platform.

The B4 is a value OLED for a reason, however. There's several features you'll be without, namely a good sound system and ample glare mitigation. One of the best soundbars can definitely help in that department if you're worried about audio.

The bright side here is that you can also rest easy knowing the B4 OLED will see webOS updates for the next five years, even if the new and improved B5 OLED could be the value of the year. Plus, there's the 65-inch LG C4 OLED TV for $1,496 at Amazon if you want a little extra juice.

Hisense U7N Mini-LED TV - Budget 75-inch Mini-LED

Many TVs from the 2024 Hisense lineup offer excellent viewing potential for March Madness. It's quite telling given that Hisense is in league with the NBA, just look at its massive 110-inch Championship Edition Mini-LED TV.

But of all its incredible Mini-LED TVs, the Hisense U7N is my top pick for March Madness. Why? Well, it's got serious value and some of the best specs at its price point. Plus, you can get the 75-inch Hisense U7N Mini-LED TV for $898 at Amazon. That's a steal and a half, making it the perfect big-screen buy for March Madness.

If you want to take your TV game to the next level, check out the flagship Hisense U8N Mini-LED TV. Though slightly more expensive, it does similarly offer some incredible specs at an unbeatable price. Right now, you can get the 75-inch U8N Mini-LED TV for $1,297 at Amazon.

That's a slam dunk for an XXL screen with tons of features, if you ask me.

More from Tom's Guide

• TCL just dropped one of the best-looking QLED TVs of the year — and it reaches a super-bright 3,000 nits
• Forget OLED — I saw Sony’s RGB Mini-LED tech up-close, and it looks like the next-gen TV to beat
• Now is the worst time to buy an LG C5 OLED — here's why

If it’s been a long time since you bought a new car, then you’re in for quite a few surprises if you opt to upgrade to an electric car or hybrid.

I’ve tested more than 30 electric vehicles in the last year alone, ranging from all-electric models to PHEVs (plug-in electric vehicles) that offer both gas and electric power.

On the one hand, I test them out to see how they handle and to see which are the most efficient EVs — but I also take great pleasure in uncovering their coolest features.

From assisted cruise control that takes control of the steering wheel for you, to a futuristic looking holographic display, you’ll be mesmerized by what you might find.

These are the coolest features I’ve discovered testing out 30+ electric cars in the last year.

Massive frunk in the Ford F-150 Lighting

Looking to make an impression putting groceries into your car or perhaps being the talk of the crowd at a tailgating event? Well, the Ford F-150 Lightning has a massive sized frunk that opens like it’s a transformer. It’s so large that you could even stuff Ninja’s FrostVault Cooler and other grilling accessories with room to spare.

Cadillac Lyriq's super cruise control system

Most electric cars come with your base cruise control system, but the Cadillac Lyriq takes a huge leap with its Super Cruise Control system. Not only will it apply the necessary braking and acceleration to maintain its cruise control speed, but it will also overtake the slower car in front of you by automatically switching lanes on its own.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N simulated engine sounds

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N makes me feel like I’m in my 20s again because it satisfies that need for speed itch in me with its sporty design and turbocharged acceleration. It completes the experience by adding simulated engine noise to make me feel that I’m revving up the engine.

Lucid Air Pure roll out display

Sure, it’s one of the most efficient EVs I’ve tested in the last year by achieving an efficiency of over 4 mi/kWh, but the Lucid Air Pure features a roll-out display that can stow away when you don’t need it with a swipe gesture. There's something satisfying about this mechanically movement.

Rivian R1T high quality cameras

Often overlooked by most EVs I’ve driven, but having high quality cameras are important — and the Rivian R1T proves that.

It has the highest quality cameras I’ve seen and they’re littered all over the pickup truck, offering exceptional dynamic range that allows me to see every detail while parking its massive size.

The cameras also help out with assisted cruise control to better react to road conditions.

Holographic cluster display in the Genesis GV70

This is one of the coolest features without question that I’ve seen in an EV today because it makes me feel like I’m Robert Downey Jr. inside of the Ironman suit.

At first it looks like the Genesis GV70 has an ordinary cluster gauge display just like in any other EV, but enabling a setting transforms it into a holographic display that adds depth to the gauges — much like watching a 3D move, but without the glasses.

Volvo XC40 crash detection system

The last thing I expect testing out a car is getting into a potential fender bender. When a car in front of me suddenly slammed its brakes, I had very little time to react — but the Volvo XC40 Recharge’s crash detection system came to the rescue

Not only did it automatically react by applying a hard brake, but the seatbelt around me tightened up quickly to keep me in my seat.

Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Rear seat entertainment system

Some might think this is a novelty, but the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV offers integrated screens on the back of the front seats to provide passengers with entertainment.

In addition to private listening by pairing your favorite set of Bluetooth headphones, they’re powered by Amazon Fire TV to access your favorite streaming services while on the go.

Unconventional door handles on the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally

While most premium electric vehicles have flush door handles to match their slick aesthetics, the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally employs a different implementation. Not only is the handle designed differently, but opening the door is achieved by pressing on a nearby button.

Digitally adjusting air vents with the Rivian R1T

Another cool feature in the Rivian R1T is the digitally controlled air vents. Honestly, it took a while for me to realize how to adjust the direction and its flow, but I found it super convenient to manipulate through the main touchscreen display.

Just select which one and the direction, then the Rivian will automatically adjust it for you.

Frameless side mirrors of the Polestar 2

This one’s another one of those aesthetic designs that instantly grabs attention. While driving the Polestar 2 for a week, I look over and realize its unique side mirror design. Not only does it have the most recognizable blind spot alert lights, but the frameless design gives it that extra futuristic appeal that makes owning an EV special.

Visual lighting sequence with the Acura ZDX Type-S

Many cars I’ve tested have a special show when unlocking them with the FOB, but the Acura ZDX Type-S has the most over-the-top one that I’ve seen.

It first starts with the front hood illuminating, which then proceeds to turn on the novel Acura logo lights on the sides of the SUV — and it all culminates with the headlights turning on.

Stunning lights of the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe

You know what screams cool? Piercing ambient lights all around the interior space.

That’s exactly what you get with the BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe, complete with lighting accents that make for an inviting feel while driving. If that’s not enough, it also has the coolest headlight and taillight designs I’ve seen.

Lexus RZ 450e electronic moonroof sun shade

Sunroofs are cool and all, but they can become problematic because of how the closing/opening mechanism can degrade over time — which is why fixed ones are an alternative.

The coolest thing about the sprawling panoramic roof with the Lexus RZ 450e isn’t the breathtaking views of the sky it offers, but how it can go from opaque to transparent with a click of a button.

Kia EV9 animated headlight accents

Arguably one of my favorite EVs, the Kia EV9 is like the Swiss Army Knife of EVs with its myriad of premium features. Most notably, its coolest feature is the customizable LED patterns of its headlights. You’ll have your choice, but these animated patterns provide a subtle accent to its piercing headlights.

Lexus TX550H+ headlight washers

All cars have windshield wipers to clean off the glass from debris, but not all have washers for their headlights. The Lexus TX550H+ does exactly this by spraying cleaning solution all over the headlights to ensure there’s no debris whatsoever on them to keep the brightness as potent as possible.

Rivian R1T gear tunnel

As if the Rivian R1T doesn’t have enough features, it distinguishes itself from everything else with its gear tunnel that runs the entire span of the car right below the rear seats.

This literal tunnel can be used for storage, which adds to its utility. You could easily store several sleeping bags in there, or a tent all rolled up for a weekend getaway.

More from Tom's Guide

• I test drove a Lucid Air Pure for an entire day — it has better range as my gas-powered car
• Sorry, EVs — I test drove my first PHEV and it’s the perfect blend of electric and gas power
• I tried this thermal camera to make my nighttime driving safer — and it's a game changer

At Tom's Guide, we test several products every week. Some are so good that they instantly put a smile on our faces, while some aren't, so much so that we can't wait to box up the product and put it away. But that's our job: thoroughly testing the good, the bad and the ugly to help inform you, dear reader, of what counts as a worthy investment and what doesn't.

I'm Nikita, a reviews writer here at Tom's Guide, and my team and I test and review products day in, day out, to tell you what's worth buying and what to avoid. This week, I tested a screen-free digital camera that made me want to ditch my smartphone the next time I go on vacation, and a split ergonomic keyboard that revolutionized the way I work. My caffeine-fuelled colleague Erin went hands-on with a pour-over and a kettle — a real treat for her as an ex-barista, although the kettle left her feeling blue. Our reviews editor, Pete, took the Sony A7CR mirrorless camera out for a spin to see if it's still worth it in 2025.

And of course, the iPhone 16e was announced last week so our phones editor, John Velasco, put the latest Apple smartphone through its paces.

If any of these products catch your fancy or you've been struggling to decide whether they're worth the money, we're here to help make that decision easier. Read on to see what we reviewed this week, and don't forget to check out last week's round-up.

What Tom's Guide tested this week: Highlights of the week

iPhone 16e ★★★★

The iPhone 16e presents bargain hunters with a conundrum — at $599, it's not as cheap as the iPhone SE (2022) it replaces, but it's still a $200 discount off the standard iPhone 16. And it's capable of supporting all of the Apple Intelligence features you can use on more expensive iPhone 16 models.

There's only one rear camera — a 48MP shooter — but don't let that fool you into thinking this isn't one of the best camera phone options. When we compared photos shot by the iPhone 16e to ones captured by the regular iPhone 16, the cheaper model had the better image in a surprising number of scenarios.

That said, you are sacrificing features for the iPhone 16e. You lose the flexibility of an ultrawide camera, the phone isn't MagSafe compatible, and you get a notch in the front display instead of Apple's dynamic Island feature. Personally, I would pay up for the iPhone 16 at that point, but people on a strict budget will find a lot of value with the iPhone 16e and its Apple Intelligence features.

By John Velasco — Read John's full iPhone 16e review.

Epomaker Split65 ★★★★½

Full disclosure: I write upwards of 8,000 words a week. Having been in this role nearly a year(!) now, I've come to realize the importance of having one of the best mechanical keyboards. And not just any mech keeb — an ergonomic one. When you type as much as I do, you realize that few things in life are better than a split keyboard. Enter the Epomaker Split65.

The Split65 is — you guessed it — split right down the middle and the two modules are connected by a 13-inch cable, so you can place them any way you like. Within an hour of using the Split65, I noticed I was sitting more upright than usual, and that’s because I’d separated the modules just enough that my hands naturally fell on the keys without me having to adjust my posture to suit.

Oh, and if you want to use the Split65 as one unit, both halves magnetically snap together — the connection between them is also reassuringly firm, ensuring they don’t unintentionally separate.

Now, I'd be lying if I said I was bashing out 100 words per minute as soon as I started using the Split65. There's a bit of a learning curve. At the end of eight hours, I was doing 86WPM, which isn't bad at all. The responsive stock Wisteria switches are lovely to type on, and require just 45g of force to register a command — that's why you can type quicker than usual on these.

If you have a sedentary job — sitting for long periods of time — then you need an ergonomic keyboard, and I can't think of a better one to recommend than the Split65.

Kalita Wave ★★★★

As someone who goes to bed excited for her morning pour-over (or espresso — depends on the day), I’m always looking for new ways to switch up my routine.

I’ve tried a huge range of methods: V60, Chemex, AeroPress, just to name some of the most iconic. As a vocal critic of cafetiere, anything that ensures I don’t have to resort to that is a good job well done.

The Kalita Wave is a unique pour-over method: instead of the inverted pyramid shape of the V60 or the hourglass shape of the Chemex, it’s a mug-topper (aka dripper) with a flat base. This flat base means that the coffee grounds spend longer infusing with water, which gives an intense flavor.

I would recommend using the Kalita Wave if you love the taste of deep, strong coffee, or if you have a penchant for a specific type of bean. There’s less wiggle-room than a V60, AeroPress, or Chemex — if you’re using old, stale, or low-quality coffee, you’ll be able to taste it. You’ve been warned!

I tested the stainless steel model of the Kalita Wave, which is $44 — pretty pricey for a pour-over dripper, I know. However, it looks the part, with sleek, corrugated metal and a nice embossed ‘Kalita’ logo.

The filters are $10 for a pack of 100, which works out at 10 cents a filter. This is pricier than Hario (by 1 cent) and cheaper than Chemex (by 1 cent). I would recommend only using Kalita-branded filters, as they have the same flat bottom as the dripper itself. Off-brand filters will not fit the device properly, and may result in an uneven, badly-brewed drink.

The Kalita Wave suits those who love the bold taste of coffee, and will be making no more than 750ml at a time. This could be my new daily driver — I just need to get some uber-delicious beans to go with it.

By Erin Bashford — Read Erin’s full Kalita Wave coffee dripper review.

Sony A7CR ★★★★

I love my job — and I’m not just saying that in case the Editor-in-Chief is reading. As the cameras editor here at Tom’s Guide, I get paid to spend my time walking around taking photos.

And let me tell you: walking around Chicago’s Loop in 85°F and glorious sunshine, with nothing to do but photograph incredible architecture with the Sony A7CR, really takes some beating.

Now, onto the actual camera. The A7CR was released in 2023, and I was intrigued to see how this compact powerhouse held up today, and whether it was still worth spending, oh, basically $3,000 on.

With 61MP to play with, IBIS and Sony’s legendary AF system, all packed into a body not much bigger than an APSC Sony A6700, it definitely packs a $3K-worthy punch. I mean, just look at how sharp the image below is of Chicago’s Union Station.

You can crop right into the Stars and Stripes and it still looks like a full resolution photo. I had no complaints about handling, even dragging this camera around a city during a heatwave, nor the images that resulted.

Doubtless, the A7CR is an excellent mirrorless camera. But I’m still a bit confused about who it’s really for. It has the sensor, “R” moniker and price tag of a camera aimed at professionals or serious enthusiast photographers, yet it only has a single SD slot. That’s the trade off for its compact size, of course, but will be worrying to pros (with paying clients) who will be concerned about SD failure.

Its screen and EVF are also relatively low resolution, which I’m not sure was an absolutely necessary compromise to hit its diminutive form, and is instead more a way to differentiate the A7CR from the full-size (and not that much pricier) A7RV. If you’ve got 61MP at hand, you’ll want an EVF that can do it justice.

Regardless of its flaws, the A7CR is an epic camera, and the performance to size ratio is really something to behold. I had to give it back to Sony, of course, but I already kinda miss it.

By Pete Wolinski — Read Pete’s full Sony A7CR review.

Camp Snap ★★★★

A screen-free digital camera? In 2025? "You must be joking!" I hear you say. I am not, in fact. We've become so reliant on our smartphones for photography — I know I have — that we often forget to live in the moment, especially when we're on vacation. Personally, I'd like to take a photo and then forget about it until I'm back at my desk. And that's what the Camp Snap Screen-Free is for.

Okay, it doesn't take the best photos but that's not it's purpose. This camera costs just $65, and it's charm lies in the lo-fi photos it takes. Think film photos but not on film. It's a simple point-and-shoot camera that's made for travelling and vacationing, and its control scheme (two buttons, literally) is so straightforward that literally anyone can use it.

The Camp Snap is a lot of fun. I even got everyone in the office involved! Pete went out to do some architecture photography while Harry at our sister site TechRadar used it to shoot photos of his partner around Bath, U.K. You can see the photos in my full review.

This is the perfect compact digital camera for those looking to ditch their smartphone or just have some fun without reviewing the photos they've taken right after they've done so.

Wacaco Cuppamoka ★★★★

Pour-over lovers who also happen to love outdoor adventures, let me put you onto something awesome: the Wacaco Cuppamoka. This handy little product is basically a Hario V60/Kalita Wave + insulated travel mug in one.

Using the Cuppamoka is simple: you simply scoop in as much medium-ground coffee as you want, and fill the mug with your desired amount of water. I like a 1:16 ratio, but people who like an intense coffee flavor might go for a 1:15 instead.

The beauty of the Cuppamoka is that it’s as versatile as it is convenient — if you’re only making one brew at a time, that is. If you want to make multiple coffees for a group, sorry, buddy — you’re out of luck here.

The 11 ounce size means this is firmly a single-serving sized cup. But hey, it’s only $34. Maybe your hiking group could all buy a personal Cuppamoka? Problem solved.

Cleanup is super easy, even if you’re out in the wild. Wacaco’s filters are compostable, meaning you could let nature do most of the legwork. Hey, the coffee grounds will even fertilize plants, so you’re actually benefiting the environment.

Wacaco also provide a disc ‘collecting’ tray, where you can lay the filter during brewing. The leakproof lid truly is leakproof — I shook the Cuppamoka (over the sink) for over a minute and it didn’t explode or release even one drop of water.

The Cuppamoka is a great little gadget for those who need fresh coffee even when they’re out of the house. I recommend it to everyone with a penchant for camping.

By Erin Bashford — Check out Erin’s full Wacaco Cuppamoka review.

What Tom's Guide tested this week: Lowlight of the week

Hario V60 Buono kettle ★★★

Please don’t misunderstand me — the Hario V60 Buono gooseneck kettle is not an inherently bad kettle. It’s simply overpriced for what it is. However, if you’ve got money to spare and not too fussed on technical specifications, the aesthetics and pouring feel of the V60 Buono will satisfy you enough.

I gave this specialty coffee kettle three stars for a few reasons: it doesn’t have a specific temperature setting, there’s no live temperature dial, and there’s no hold temperature setting.

I’ve tested (granted, pricier) gooseneck kettles with all three of those features. It’s difficult for me to recommend the V60 Buono as a great product when it lacks one of the core features of specialty coffee gear: precise temperature.

Specialty coffee enthusiasts will know that coffee needs to be brewed at no hotter than 200°F, otherwise the coffee will taste burnt. However, unless you have a food thermometer to hand, you’ll be playing a guessing game if you use the V60 Buono.

However, the pouring feel is intensely satisfying, and the rustic all-metal kettle looks the part. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this kettle in a rustic hipster cafe somewhere on the West Coast in 2012.

It’s easy to maintain a flow rate of under 5g/s, which is a requirement when making quality pour-over coffee. But without a precise temperature gauge? It all feels a little useless. What’s the point in controlling flow to the millilitre when your water might be too hot for the coffee in the first place?

For a basic kettle, the Hario V60 Buono could have been a decent option. It’s not priced as a basic kettle, though — it’s over $80. And for that reason, I could only award this product a 3* rating.

By Erin Bashford — Read Erin’s full Hario V60 Buono gooseneck kettle review.

More from Tom's Guide

• AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 GPUs revealed — everything you need to know
• Huge Amazon headphone sale on Bose, AirPods and Beats — 13 deals I’d shop now from $19
• iPhone 17 Pro Max — all the rumors so far

Since starting my role as a reviews writer here at Tom’s Guide, I’ve reviewed a steady stream of around 2-3 homes products a week. I’ve got my hands on some of the best Instant Pots, including the Wi-Fi enabled multi-cooker I’ll discuss later, and a range of Nutribullets, which I think are the best blenders around today.

Not just those gadgets — I’ve also played with the best air fryers, and best electric kettles, including two specialty coffee and tea kettles. And possibly my favorite part of all — I’ve got stuck in with all of the best coffee makers, and consumed a horrendous amount of coffee. Sorry, cardiologists.

But even though I've used so many kitchen gadgets I've lost count, I only reach for a select few on a daily basis. One of my favorite appliances isn't mentioned here, my beloved De'Longhi La Specialista Opera, but that doesn't mean it's not my favorite espresso machine — it's just in a league of its own.

I've laid out the five products I still use every day, which I hope will help you cut through the noise and find the best gear for your kitchen.

Instant Pot Pro Plus

I don’t know what I’d do without my Instant Pot Pro Plus — I use this at least three times a week. I meal-prep multiple servings at a time, and this multi-cooker helps me cook large quantities without laboring over a stove. Somewhat surprisingly, I can even control the Pro Plus from my phone!

What makes it so good?

• Remote cooking
• Meals in 10 minutes, rice in 1 minute
• NutriBoost for ultimate healthy food

Instant Pot makes loads of great products, but there's a reason the Pro Plus is my favorite. Being able to check on my food from another room is so reassuring — I just have to get out my phone. The Instant Pot app notifies me when the Pro Plus is releasing steam, and I don't even have to be connected to my home Wi-Fi to use the remote features, meaning I can monitor my dinner from the office.

If, like me, you're short on time but don't want to sacrifice healthy homemade meals, I can't recommend the Instant Pot Pro Plus more. It's an utter lifesaver, and means I never go hungry, even when I really, really can't be bothered to cook.

Nutribullet Pro 900W

The Nutribullet Pro 900W is probably the joint-top-most-used gadget in my whole kitchen. My boyfriend and I both drink an unholy amount of smoothies, so there’s nothing better than the Nutribullet Pro 900W to help us live our best healthy lives.

What makes it so good?

• Reliable and powerful
• Capable of making smoothies, dips, sauces, soups
• Comes with sippy lids and handled cups

Some blenders are lackluster. Some blenders are weak. Some blenders are counter-intuitive. But not the Nutribullet Pro 900W. This fantastic blender can make hummus in seconds, and delightfully thick fruit mixture perfect for smoothie bowls. I rarely need to add extra liquid, even when I'm pushing the Nutribullet Pro 900W to the brink.

Other blenders can only make watery smoothies, but not this one. I had my last Nutribullet from 2016-2024, and now my parents use it because I got an upgrade. If you only buy one blender, make it the Nutribullet Pro 900W.

Hario V60 Dripper

When I want a quick, simple coffee, I always look to my Hario V60 Dripper. As much as I love espresso drinks, sometimes I’m just in the mood for an easy pour-over coffee, and my V60 never lets me down.

What makes it so good?

• Simple, easy-to-use, quick-to-master
• Compostable, cheap paper filters
• Compatible with most mugs

I use the Hario V60 Dripper almost every day when I want a quick and easy coffee. Although I love my De'Longhi La Specialista Opera espresso machine, sometimes I've got an insatiable hankering for a black coffee, and when I do, there's nothing like the Hario V60.

Its filters are compostable and just 9 cents per filter. I mastered the V60 in just a few days with the help of the best coffee scales, which enabled me to measure the specific ratio of coffee:water.

For people who love the pure taste of coffee, I can't recommend the Hario V60 enough. It's a whizz to use, super easy to clean up, and the best part? It's only around $10.

Philips 2000 Series air fryer

Although it’s only been a couple of weeks since I unboxed my Philips 2000 Series air fryer, I’ve loved every minute of it. I can’t stop, won’t stop, watching my food through the little window.

What makes it so good?

• Basket window to prevent burned food
• Grease reduction tech
• Rapid cooking

When I was testing this air fryer, I cooked a whole chicken (2.3 pounds!) in just 38 minutes. I was so shocked that I had to check it with my cooking thermometer in three separate places. Although it felt like a truth to ridiculous to be believed, the thermometer doesn't lie.

I also cooked fries from scratch in just 18 minutes, and frozen salmon in 10 minutes. Every time I use this air fryer, I'm gobsmacked at how fast and efficient it is. If I didn't have my Philips 2000 Series air fryer and my Instant Pot Pro Plus, my life would be 100 times more difficult.

Ninja Precision Temperature kettle

As someone who drinks an embarrassing amount of tea and coffee, I need my kettle to be good. Thankfully, I’ve got a stellar one: the Ninja Precision Temperature kettle. This handy appliance has never let me down,

What makes it so good?

• Rapid boil — 1 cup in 50 seconds
• Precision heating, from 104°F-212°F
• 6 presets

I'm not just a coffee nerd — I'm also a semi-experimental home chef (I remind myself of the time I almost poisoned my boyfriend with triple-Scotch-Bonnet chili con carne).

So I need a versatile kettle that can make excellent specialty drinks and also be the best kitchen assistant around. Thankfully, my beloved Ninja Precision Temperature kettle always has my back. It can boil 1 cup of water in just 50 seconds and takes under 5 minutes to boil its entire 60-ounce capacity.

Whether I'm cooking pasta and need to boil water quickly, or preparing gallons of soup in my Instant Pot, the Ninja Precision Temperature kettle always makes light work of the task.

When I'm making specialty drinks, I can heat water to the exact degree required by my drink. For example, some ceremonial-grade matchas require 140°F and most coffee requires 200°F.

I've reviewed well over fifty kitchen appliances now, but these are the five that have earned a permanent place in my home. There's no need to own multiple blenders, or a horde of kettles — you only need one perfect product.

I can never go wrong with these select few gadgets.

More from Tom's Guide

• Philips 2000 Series Air Fryer review: I’m only using this type of air fryer from now on
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There are lots of reasons why I love my job. As a reviews writer, I get to test some of the latest and greatest tech peripherals — and some that are not so nice, too, of course. But you know one of the biggest reasons I love this job? I get to test the best instant cameras nearly every week.

As an instant photography aficionado and the in-house instant expert at Tom's Guide, I truly believe we're in the golden age of photography. Over the past couple of years, we've seen some fantastic cameras from the likes of Polaroid, Fujifilm and Lomography. Instant photography has come a long way from just being take-a-photo-and-the-camera-will-print-it — like the lovely Fujifilm Instax mini 12. Now, you get hybrid instant cameras that let you print photos from your smartphone, like the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo.

Given the many, many cameras to choose from, consider this a rundown of the best of the best; a recap of the ones that have marked the beginning of the golden age of instant photography. I've used and tested all of these, so let me take you through the highlights.

Fujifilm Instax mini 12

Let's take it all the way back to where it began: analog instant cameras. Now, these have been around for a while, and these are the classic instant cameras that let you shoot and print within seconds. And there's no better analog instant camera to buy right now than the Fujifilm Instax mini 12.

My first instant camera was the Instax mini 8, and the latest iteration is even better. The Instax mini 12 proves that there's beauty in simplicity. It's a straightforward camera to use with just a few controls, and it takes gorgeous, detailed photos in nearly all conditions.

I absolutely loved the photos I took with this camera. Everything, like shutter speed and exposure, is handled automatically so all you need to do is point and shoot. And boy does this camera cope well in nearly all lighting conditions.

The Instax mini 12 has redefined analog instant photography. In my opinion, it's going to take a lot for another contender to emerge, especially at the low sub-$100 price.

One thing I would change with the Instax mini 12? Shots taken in very sunny conditions tend to be overexposed. If Fujifilm — or Lomography or Polaroid, for that matter — can come up with a fix, you know I'll happily spend my hard-earned money on it.

Fujifilm Instax mini Evo

Let's talk about hybrid instant cameras now. These cameras do what analog ones do: take photos. But they take things to the next level with an added screen and the ability to choose the photos you want to print. What's more, you can print photos from your smartphone.

As a result, it's hard to resist the hybrid instant camera's charms — especially the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo's.

This is one instant camera I've bought with my own money, because I fell in love with it when I used it to snap my vacation last year. The Instax mini Evo works fantastically in all lighting conditions, and it has the best low-light performance I've seen from any instant camera I've tested.

The camera has a dial which lets you choose from 10 filters — monochrome, sepia, and more — and another dial which gives you access to 100 lens effects — like fisheye and double exposure. You essentially get 100 different combinations, for any scenario you can think of. Printing from your smartphone is a walk in the park too.

You can tell Fujifilm has put a lot of love into the Instax mini Evo. As hybrid instant cameras go, this is the crème de la crème. And though it's a few years old now, this is innovation at its finest.

Fujifilm Instax mini LiPlay

2-in-1 instant cameras let you take and print photos from both the camera and your smartphone, so how about 3-in-1 cameras? The Fujifilm Instax mini LiPlay piqued my interest when I first heard of it, because this instant camera doubles (or triples) as an audio recorder, and it lets you add QR codes to your prints — how crazy is that?!

Originally launched in 2019, Fujifilm updated the Instax mini LiPlay last year and introduced a fresh new matcha green colorway. The camera looks gorgeous and takes equally beautiful photos. It does what the Instax mini Evo does but gives you the added ability to record short voice notes which can be accessed by others via a simple QR code.

When I was introduced to the world of instant photography, I didn't think I'd see the day when they made a 3-in-1 instant camera, and here we are. The Instax mini LiPlay is a great example of the ever-evolving aspect of not just instant but photography overall. What's next? An instant camera that lets you sniff the prints and smell where the photo was taken?

Polaroid Now Gen 2

One of the charms of instant photography lies in the imperfection of prints. If you're using an analog camera, you won't be able to see the photo before it prints, and I think there's a lot to be said about it. That's exactly how Polaroid describes the Polaroid Now Gen 2: beautifully imperfect.

This is an analog instant camera but with autofocus, so it effortlessly combines a vintage shooting experience with modern features. While photos taken on Fujifilm Instax cameras are sharper, the beauty of Polaroid film lies in its retro aesthetics. It's a camera that invokes waves of nostalgia, and it looks good while doing so.

I picked the Polaroid Now Gen 2 as an example of the ever-changing world of instant photography because of its two-lens AF system, as not many other analog instant cams have that. As a result, you get more clarity, and you can rely on the Now Gen 2 to effectively capture people's faces.

Fujifilm Instax Wide 400

Okay, I know this list has been dominated by Fujifilm Instax cameras but this is the last one, I promise. Wide format film is very popular and rightly so. It captures a lot more of the scene to give you more context, and the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 does so really well.

Despite its large size, the Instax Wide 400 is a brilliant camera in many ways. It's got an ergonomic design which makes handling and pressing the shutter button much easier, and the photos it takes come out detailed and sharp.

You lose out on a few features though, like a double-exposure mode, but honestly, the Instax Wide 400 doesn't give you much else to complain about.

Mini film is loveable but not for everyone, while wide film is loved by every one of my friends and coworkers. The Instax Wide 400 comes with a tilt adjustment accessory and a macro lens attachment, both of which work extremely well.

As instant cameras continue to evolve, the Instax Wide 400's prints retains a retro look which I think is grounding in a way. Should Fujifilm ever come out with an Instax Wide 500 — which might be a while away — I hope they keep the ergonomic design!

Looking ahead...

This has already been a great year for instant photography, thanks to the release of the hybrid Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo. We're only a few months into 2025, so who knows what will come next? No matter what instant camera is announced, you know I'll have you covered with my in-depth reviews, so keep an eye out.

In the meantime, don't forget to peruse our best instant cameras guide if you're looking to buy one. Until the next time!

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Quality sleep is essential for your health and wellbeing. And while there's plenty you can do to improve your sleep without spending a cent, I've found some really cool gadgets that can help you fall asleep faster, sleep better, and stay asleep through the night.

Over the past six months my fellow writers and I have been on the hunt for good sleep tech, which includes the best mattresses with the latest cutting-edge cooling tech, to noise-masking sleep earbuds.

While there were many gadgets we didn't like (looking at you, mouth tape), there's some sleep tech that I now swear by for a better night's rest. Here are my picks from the gadgets I've tried and love so far...

Better sleep Tech: Gadgets I recommend

Whether you’re struggling to snooze due to stress, a snoring partner, light pollution or an out-of-whack sleep schedule, here are the products that can help put your restless nights to bed...

1. Sleep tracking smart rings

From in-bed sensors to smart rings, I've tried a lot of sleep tracking methods and one of my favorites is the Oura Ring 3 (read our Oura Ring 3 review for more), which you can get for $249 (was $299) on sale at Oura now.

This silver ring, worn by A-list wellness fans including Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow, is designed to sit comfortably on your finger throughout the day and night, and as such, its less prominent (and therefore potentially less distracting to your sleep) than wrist-worn sleep trackers.

It collates sleep metrics including your sleep efficiency, overnight heart rate and heart rate variability to give you a sleep score, as well as amount of REM sleep and deep sleep and your sleep latency.

While testing the Oura Ring 3 I have found it keeps me accountable when I'm aiming for a consistent sleep schedule. And recently, after tracking my rest, I've managed to get an impressive sleep score of 100.

• Read more: World Sleep Society officially backs sleep trackers — but it comes with a warning

2. Smart eye masks

Eye masks are great if light pollution is keeping you up at night, but if you're experiencing eye strain or want some extra help falling asleep, smart eye masks have additional technology to help you. We've tested both the Bob and Brad Eye Massager and Aura Smart Sleep Mask, and think they're worth considering for any nighttime routine.

If you're staring at a computer most of the day or having to focus during regular long drives, you may be putting strain on your eyes. This is where the Bob and Brad heated eye mask (which you can buy for the reduced price of $69.99 (was $74.97) at Amazon now) can help.

This gadget effectively blocks out light, while providing a combination of heat, pressure and acupressure (you can choose from two heat settings and three compression levels) to help ease symptoms of puffiness and dry eyes (an effect of eye strain).

Similarly, the Aura Sleep Mask (available for $229 at Aura) is a breathable, cushioned mask packed with tech to block out light and provide personalized light and sound therapy.

The mask has Bluetooth-enabled speakers and you can customize audio-visual dreamscapes in the compatible app, picking from nature sounds, guided meditations, ASMR, and much more. There's even a sunrise alarm feature, giving you the option to be woken up gradually using light.

3. Sleep headphones

If you need complete silence to lull you to sleep, a quality pair of sound-reducing ear plugs, aka some of the best sleep headphones, will be your favorite thing to take to bed.

We love the Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs, which you can buy for $29.95 at Amazon now. Our main tester noted that these soft silicone ear plugs remained comfortable all night long and credited them for drowning out enough noise to help her sleep next to a nightclub and her snoring other half.

On the flip side, recent research from Talker Research, commissioned by Newsweek, shows that the sound of silence keeps 38% of Americans awake at night.

So, if you'd rather drift off to calming sounds, a pair of sleep headphones, like the Philips Sleep Headphones currently available for $216 (was $270) at Kokoon, can help.

With super thin earbuds, these headphones are connected to a small control panel that sits at the nape of your neck. They connect to your phone, so you can turn on a guided meditation, binaural beats or a soothing symphony as you fall sleep.

4. Smart beds

If you're really looking to invest in your sleep and learn more about what happens to your body overnight, a smart bed is a great investment. Built with world-leading sleep technology, the best smart beds and mattresses are engineered to help you tackle your sleep woes, be they night sweats, back pain or a restless partner.

Sleep Number mattresses for example all come with dual adjustable firmness, making them a great choice for couples with different firmness preferences, sleep styles or body weight as you can customize the pressure relief on each side of the bed.

Although they're the most expensive sleep tech in this round-up, typically requiring a budget upwards of $1,000, smart beds give you a personalized sleep experience night after night, along with sleep tracking analysis.

Some even offer additional features like snore detection, zero gravity positions, massage and silent alarms.

5. Sunrise alarm clocks

Obviously alarm clock are meant to wake you up rather than send you to sleep, but smart versions of this product are now incorporating wind down features too.

Take the best sunrise alarm clocks for example, including the newer Hatch Restore 3 ($169.99 at Hatch), Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake Up Light ($219.99 at Phillips) and Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300 ($159 at Lumie). These sunrise simulating lights also have sunset simulation and relaxing audio features to help you drift off.

Plus, waking up to the simulated sunlight (rather than darkness and the sound of an alarm) will help regulate your sleep-wake cycle, which can lead to falling asleep faster in the evening, waking up more easily in the mornings and sleeping deeper through the night.

3 top tips to help you sleep better at night

The products above can help improve your sleep quality, but there are other ways to sleep better that won’t cost you anything...

1. Clean up your sleep hygiene

One part of good sleep hygiene is literally cleaning your sleep space. Regularly cleaning your mattress will make sure dead skin cells, dust mites, sweat and body oils don't build up, which can cause skin irritations, allergies and respiratory issues that will disturb your sleep.

Practising good sleep hygiene also means optimizing your sleep environment by keeping it dark, cool, quiet and comfortable, and practicing healthy habits like limiting stimulants such as caffeine late in the day, getting regular exercise and exposing yourself to ample daylight.

2. Maintain a regular sleep routine

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, where you go to sleep and wake up at roughly the same time, can help you sleep more efficiently and improve your sleep quality.

This is because it will help regulate your circadian rhythm (that's your natural body clock) and help you to release melatonin (the sleepy hormone) at the right time in the evening so you can doze off more easily, and prompt your body to release cortisol in the morning so you can feel alert and awake.

3. Limit screens before bed

Nearly all sleep advice, including that from the CDC, advises against screen use in the lead up to bedtime.

This is because the blue light that is typically emitted from a screen suppresses melatonin, delaying sleep onset. Instead of nighttime smartphone scrolling, add a calming activity like reading, meditation or stretching to your bedtime routine for better sleep quality.

Here at Tom's Guide we've been hard at work all week reviewing tech, from some of the best soundbars through to the one of the best smartwatches for Android: the latest OnePlus Watch 3. I even got my hands (literally) on a manual coffee grinder from Wacaco, so every day has been arm day this week. Thankfully, almost everything we've reviewed this week has earned a decent score, which makes me happy — firstly, because we love great tech here; but also because testing cruddy gear isn't usually the most enjoyable experience.

I'm Pete Wolinski, reviews editor here at Tom's Guide. Me and my team of tech experts review tech products all day every day, thoroughly testing them to find out whether they're worth the money, or whether you should avoid them altogether. Maybe you'll see something here you've been eyeing up, and our analysis can help you make your decision. We'll link full reviews to everything we cover here so you can get the full lowdown.

Without further ado, here is what the Tom's Guide reviewing team tested this week.

What Tom's Guide tested this week: Highlights

Sony HT-S2000 ★★★★½

As someone who watches way too much TV and plays a lot of video games, I need a sound system that makes me feel like the Avengers are fighting in my living room. My TV’s speakers can be described as ‘okay’ at best, so my solution? Hooking up the Sony HT-S2000 to my 43-inch screen, and when I tell you this soundbar blew me away, I mean it. With Dolby Atmos support, it felt like I was back in the theatre, watching Top Gun: Maverick again and hearing jets like they were whoosh-ing right past me.

For $499, and sometimes down to $298 (like, right now), the 3.1-channel HT-S2000 comes with a built-in subwoofer for booming bass. But dialogues sounds crystal-clear too, as I found while watching Interstellar — and yes, I did cry when Cooper was listening to his children’s messages. And the HT-S2000 played a big role in that, ensuring I heard Cooper’s soft cries clearly as Hans Zimmer’s brilliant OST reached its crescendo. Also, with three bass levels and dedicated Night and Voice Modes, you can customize the kind of sound you want. I love heavy bass, so I turned the bass up to max which made explosions and loud sound effects sound mind-blowing — even when you aren’t watching Atmos content.

If you can’t afford the likes of the Sonos Arc Ultra, the HT-S2000 is a superb alternative that doesn’t break the bank. It has completely transformed the way I consume media — how am I supposed to go back to my TV’s built-in speakers now?!

By Nikita Achanta — Check out Nikita’s full Sony HT-S2000 review.

OnePlus Watch 3 ★★★★½

The first OnePlus Watch was a bit of a mess, and the OnePlus Watch 2 managed to turn things around for the company’s wearables. And now the OnePlus Watch 3 has arrived to deliver the last little bit of refinement needed to make this one of the best smartwatches you can buy.

Compatible with any Android phone, the OnePlus Watch 3 offers users a handsome steel/titanium design, a big and bright display and all kinds of workout and sleep tracking options, and all for a below average price. Where the watch excels is its battery life, which can last between five and 12 days depending on how heavily you use it. The ability to track your heart health or take an overall picture of your wellbeing with the 60-second check-in feature are novel features that other smartwatches don’t offer.

Other than this being a non-starter for iPhone users, the OnePlus Watch 3 may not be a good choice for users who want a more compact wearable, or one with cellular connectivity. Other than picking one of two colors, the 46.6mm WiFi version is the only one that’s available. The lack of sleep apnea, fall detection or crash detection, features found on rival smartwatches, may also be a deal-breaker, but OnePlus has at least announced sleep apnea detection is on the way pending regulatory approval.

Most smartphone brands also make smartwatches these days. But the OnePlus Watch 3 has a lot going for it that could make going outside your usual ecosystem the smartest option for you.

By Richard Priday — Read Richard's full OnePlus Watch 3 review.

Corsair M75 (Mac) ★★★★½

MacBooks have been my daily driver at work and at home since 2013, and I’m no stranger to the (small) world of Apple gaming. With Apple finally bringing AAA titles to its lineup, it’s only fitting that there be a minimalist-looking gaming mouse to go with the just-as-elegant MacBook/iMac, right? Enter the Corsair M75 for Mac.

Retaining many of the features as the original M75, the Mac variant comes in a stunning Glacier Blue colorway — or in white, for all the boring people out there. I only kid, of course, but the Glacier Blue does look like a beaut. The mouse’s prowess lies in its 26,000 DPI which can be changed on the fly with the button on its underside. And the 1,000Hz polling rate ensures you don’t encounter any latency issues in the likes of Counter-Strike 2 or Lies of P. Also, you can enable angle snapping via iCUE: vertical movements are negated if you move your mouse horizontally, so chances of under or over-shooting a target are minimized. This is a solid peripheral that has potential to be the best wireless gaming mouse for Mac.

The M75 (Mac) is fitted with responsive optical switches too, and the mouse itself is mighty comfortable, with wide buttons and a matte-finish body that feels soft in my hand. Oh also, the buttons on the side? They’re magnetic so you can swap them out with the extras in the box, depending on the texture you want. I loved testing the M75 (Mac) so much that it’s become part of my home office.

By Nikita Achanta — Read Nikita’s full Corsair M75 (Mac) review.

Deezer ★★★★

\Amongst the ever-widening breadth of music streamers, Deezer feels like one of the more interesting ones. I, for one, wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did, given it lacks the incredibly hi-res streaming capabilities of the likes of Tidal and Qobuz, my current most used musical companions.

What I found was a platform that oozes character and style, with a color scheme and design that speaks to my inner clubber and gig-goer. It’s brash, neon purple, and has a personality that’s all its own when you look at it next to the likes of Spotify and Apple Music.

My Deezer highlight are the social features. Sharing playlists and listening to music with your friends is great fun, and then there are the extra music quizzes that test your knowledge compared to the rest of the Deezer userbase. It’s loads and loads of fun, and really gives Deezer something over the competition.

Look, I’m not going to say that I’ve switched from my personal favorite streamers — the streaming quality is good, not incredible, and the library isn’t as big as my chosen options. But I did think about it, and I have my eye on Deezer to see what kind of updates it might bring to the table.

By Tammy Rogers — Read Tammy’s full Deezer review.

Wacaco Exagrind ★★★★

I gotta admit, I didn't have particularly high hopes for the Wacaco Exagrind. See, I'm one of those espresso nerds who has invested a great deal of his time and money into coffee gear — lucky that I get to test some of the best espresso machines and best coffee grinders around then, huh. As such, I know that a coffee grinder is the single most important piece of kit in your brewing arsenal, and that good ones often don't come cheap.

Now, the Wacaco Exagrind is cheap, or at least affordable — as far as premium hand coffee grinders go anyway. At $119, it's lower mid range versus the benchmarks in this arena: the Commandante C40 ($329) and the 1Zpresso K-Ultra ($259). For that price, I was expecting middling espresso performance and a grinder that's better suited to brew methods with cruder grind requirements: pour over or French press. How wrong I was.

The Exagrind isn't perfect. I'll start by saying that. It showed a little inconsistency in our grind tests, but nothing major, and its spread of grind sizes was more or less in the region it should've been. It also demonstrated a bit of retention and some static/clumping, too. But again nothing major.

In absolutely everything I threw at it, though, the Exagrind held its own. Espresso, Turkish coffee, French Press, Chemex, V60, Aeropress: the little Exagrind's 38mm steel conical burrs produced the goods. It features easy and very precise adjustment, excellent build quality, and is small and light enough to take on your travels (which I did). It was also perfect for use with certain Wacaco espresso makers, particularly the Nanopresso, whose portafilter basket lines up precisely with the Exagrind's grounds chamber. Sure, if you want the best of the best, you'll need to spend a little more, but if you want a totally capable and versatile hand grinder that'll suit almost every style of coffee you can imagine, and you don't want to break the bank, the Exagrind is a solid choice.

By Pete Wolinski — Read Pete's full Wacaco Exagrind review.

Also tested

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It's been a varied week here in the Tom's Guide testing lab. I mean, it usually is to be fair, but this week has been especially diverse. We had our hands on some of the latest and best vacuum cleaners from Dyson and Dreame; through to perhaps the best webcam for conferencing from Insta360; and onto a ferocious elite keyboard from Lemokey, to rival the best gaming keyboards from Wooting, Corsair and NuPhy.

I'm Pete Wolinski, reviews editor here at Tom's Guide. Me and my team of tech experts review tech products all day every day, thoroughly testing them to find out whether they're worth the money, or whether you should avoid them altogether.

Without further ado, here is what the Tom's Guide reviewing team tested this week.

What Tom's Guide tested this week: Highlights

Dyson Gen5detect ★★★★½

Sometimes a brand’s reputation precedes it. Oftentimes, this reputation paves the way for a major letdown, because can a product truly ever fulfil a customer’s wildest expectations?

Well, no, but the Gen5Detect comes pretty darn close. The vacuum has two detachable cleaning heads, one for general cleaning and one with a green laser that illuminates every speck of dust on hardwood floors. The Gen5Detect easily converts into a handheld vac and has a built-in crevice tool, a combination tool (like a wider crevice with a brush), a hair screw tool for removing trodden-in pet hair, and a low reach adapter that enables the vacuum to bend like an acrobat.

The Gen5Detect is also extremely quiet, reaching just 65dB in ‘Eco’ mode. This is a vacuum that (hopefully) won’t wake up your kids early in the morning, so you can clean in peace. I was able to clean my whole house (granted, a one bedroom apartment) without the battery running out: on ‘Eco’ mode, it reaches 70 minutes, and 45 on ‘Auto’. This is considerably higher than other budget options, which normally top out at 60 minutes on ‘Eco’.

But why didn’t it get 5*, if it’s so good? Well… it’s almost $1,000. The Gen5Detect is one of Dyson’s priciest vacuums. It works hard to justify that price, of course, but there are still cheaper options out there. Even so, I can’t get over how good this vacuum is. I’ve ruined myself for any other vacuum now, and it’s all the Gen5Detect’s fault.

By Erin Bashford — Read Erin's full Dyson Gen5detect review.

Lemokey L5 HE ★★★★½

If you haven't heard of Lemokey, it's the still-infant child of keyboard giant Keychron. If you haven't heard of Keychron either, they're an incredibly popular manufacturer of high end custom keyboards. Keychron makes some of the best mechanical keyboards around, but its products to far have primarily been aimed at the productivity market, with macOS bias, typing keycaps and poll rates capped at 1,000Hz.

You can game on Keychron boards, sure, but they're not bespoke gaming keyboards as you'll finds from Wooting or Glorious. Keychron therefore decided to spin off a gaming brand not too long ago, to shake off its rep for productivity decks and become a bonafide gaming manufacturer, too. And thus: Lemokey was born.

The problem, though, has been that Lemokey boards still haven't really been that competetive for gaming. They've simply been reskinned Keychron boards with Windows bias and Cherry keycaps. They've been well behind the elite magnetic gaming keyboards like the Wooting 80HE or NuPhy Air60 HE, despite boards like the Lemokey P1 Pro costing more than both. With the Lemokey L5 HE, though, everything has changed. This board represents Lemokey's coming-of-age, and I love it.

The Lemokey L5 HE sports Lemokey/Keychron's own magnetic switches, bringing a host of the zeitgeist's must-have gaming features, including rapid trigger, adjustable 0.1mm actuation, and Last Key Prioritization (A.K.A 'Snap Tap'). Not only that, but it also features 8K poll rates to minimize missed inputs, epic build quality (as we always expect from high end Keychron/Lemokey boards) and bags of customzation potential.

And it's that last part that really sets the Lemokey L5 HE apart in the industry right now. See, its switches are new, and as such you will find more gaming features on the Wooting and NuPhy boards I mentioned above (not that most people will use all those features, and if they do they risk getting kicked from online games by automatic input detection). But what no other elite gaming board on the market offers right now is quite the same level of mod-ability. The L5 HE features dual mounting capabaility, meaning you can switch between top or gasket mounting depending on what you prefer. It uses a standard PCB layout, unlike the Wooting 80HE, which will make finding aftermarket parts easier, and runs open source QMK firmware, fully customizable via the excellent Lemokey Launcher web app. This is the gaming keyboard for elite gamers that want to mod!

By Pete Wolinski — Read Pete's full Lemokey L5 HE review.

Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat ★★★★½

I’m Tom’s Guide’s in-house instant cameras expert, so I know what makes these nifty devices good and what makes them bad. As analog instant cameras go — simply take a photo and the camera will print it — I can’t think of a better one than the Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat, especially if you like mini prints.

The Lomo’Instant Automat looks gorgeous. It’s available in 12 colorways and they’re all inspired by artists from around the world, like Gustav Klimt and Henry Steiner, so the cameras are adorned in their artwork. Also, thanks to the high-quality plastic used, this instant camera feels premium and not plasticky at all. And the photos it takes? Detailed, sharp and with faithful color reproduction. You also get three attachable lenses (fisheye, wide-angle and close-up) with the camera and all of these work very well. You can feast your eyes at the sample images in my full review.

My favorite instant camera is the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo but it’s a hybrid (an instant camera and a smartphone printer all in one), but I didn’t really have a favorite analog instant camera until the Lomo’Instant Automat came along. I’ve used it in public and I’ve never received so many compliments from a stranger. If you’re an artist or an art lover and have been thinking about taking up instant photography as a hobby, there’s no other instant camera I’d recommend than the Lomo’Instant Automat.

By NIkita Achanta — Check out Nikita’s full Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat review.

Epomaker RT100 ★★★★½

I’m a simple woman: give me a keyboard with a screen that I can display GIFs on and I’m happy. So when the Epomaker RT100 landed on my desk, I was delighted. Its most attractive feature is its detachable screen — which Epomaker described as a “mini smart TV.” You, of course, can’t watch TV on it; technology hasn’t come that far yet! But you can display GIFs and static images on it, and it will also show you some useful information, like the temperature outside and the RT100’s battery level. Look, if I can stare at Kathryn Hahn while doing my work, I’m not complaining.

But this is a powerful keyboard for typing too, so I can be productive at the same time. It offers a soft typing feel and it’s fully hot-swappable. I tested the stock Sea Salt silent switches which are so quiet that your coworkers won’t hear you typing away. And its 95% layout, which includes a full row of Function keys and a number pad, help you get any type of work done.

The RT100 is built really well and sports a lovely retro design, so it successfully combines the vintage aesthetic with modern features. It’s quickly become my new favorite keyboard and my daily driver when I’m at the office. It’s a winner on all fronts, and if the word ‘whimsical’ was a keyboard, it would be the RT100.

By Nikita Achanta — Read Nikita’s full Epomaker RT100 review.

Branch Four Leg Standing Desk ★★★★½

Over the past four years, I’ve reviewed all of the best standing desks in a variety of sizes, finishes and styles. However, up until now, all of them featured your typical two-leg design with wider feet to hold them firmly in place. That all changed recently though when I had the chance to review the Branch Four Leg Standing Desk.

In addition to sporting four legs and a quad-motor design with a separate motor for each one, this desk looks more like a table and can easily blend in with the rest of your furniture. Another reason for this is that it has an integrated control panel inside the desktop itself instead of on the edge like with most other standing desks.

The Branch Four Leg Desk is available in two sizes (48 x 27 inches, 59 x 27 inches), four finishes and you can choose between white or carbon for its frame and legs. Overall, this desk exudes elegance in a way that I haven’t seen with the other desks I’ve reviewed before. As such, it wouldn’t look out of place in a living room or even a kitchen if you don’t have a separate room available for your home office.

Starting at $949, The Branch Four Leg Standing Desk is on the more expensive side but even then, it costs half as much as Herman Miller’s recently announced Spout Sit-to-Stand Table. If you want a stylish standing desk that doubles as a table that you’ll be able to use for years to come thanks to its 10-year warranty, the Branch Four Leg Standing Desk is one of the best I’ve tested yet and I still find myself doing a double take when I walk by it as it really does look that nice.

By Anthony Spadafora — Read Anthony's full Branch Four Leg Standing Desk review.

Insta360 Connect webcam ★★★★

The Insta360 Connect does what no other webcam does. It is in a league of its own. This behemoth is a whopping 27 inches long, has 14 microphones, and two cameras. It’s designed for medium-sized conference rooms, and performs that one role incredibly well. The webcam — sorry, video bar — is one of the only webcams of this caliber we’ve ever seen at Tom’s Guide.

If you’re an office manager tasked with updating the conference room video calling system, there’s no better option than the Insta360 Connect. But be warned — it’s expensive. This video bar webcam is $1,999.

But with that high price, you get a range of premium features. Built into the Insta360 Connect is a variety of useful modes, including: gallery, speaker tracking, and whiteboard. Gallery mode is excellent for large conferences with many speakers, as it displays every person on one screen and highlights their picture teal if they start speaking. Speaker tracking would make more sense for conferences with few speakers, as it takes a second to move to a new speaker. Whiteboard mode is excellent; it creates a separate whiteboard layer and superimposes this on the screen, so if someone or something obscures the whiteboard, it’s still legible.

The question is not, “Is this a good camera?” It is, “Do I have $2k to spend?” If the answer is yes, then this is the webcam for you.

By Erin Bashford — read Erin’s full Insta360 Connect review.

Wacaco Minipresso GR2 ★★★★

Outdoor enthusiasts who crave fresh espresso deep in the Bornean jungle or summiting Mount Everest: your prayers have been answered. The Wacaco Minipresso GR2 is an engineering marvel, in both looks and performance. Sure, you could take a Thermos on treks, or a V60. But does a V60 stack inside itself like a caffeinated Russian doll? I didn’t think so.

While the Minipresso GR2 looks a little daunting right off the bat, it’s actually pretty simple to master. I had to grind my coffee beans superfine (espresso grind) to get the optimal texture from the GR2 and use 200°F water (not boiling). Although Wacaco recommends 8g of coffee for 60ml of water, I recommend trashing those instructions and experimenting with ratios. The traditional espresso radio is 1:2, so I’d recommend starting with the maximum 12g espresso and stopping extraction once you get 24ml of espresso.

The espresso tastes floral and delicate, with none of the bitterness you’d expect from traditional espresso. Contrary to what you might think, this isn’t due to the coffee beans. Espresso is actually extracted in thirds: first, acidity, second, sweetness, and third, bitterness. If you follow this 1:2 ratio and cut extraction off before it can reach bitterness, then you’ve got yourself a sweet and sour espresso, perfect for waking you up on a trek. I can’t wait to plan my next adventure just so I can use this in the wild.

By Erin Bashford — read Erin’s full Wacaco Minipresso GR2 review.

What Tom's Guide tested this week: Lowlights

3Dconnexion CadMouse Pro Wireless ★★★

I have a sedentary job, which means I spend most of my workday sitting at my desk, so of course I need an ergonomic mouse to ensure I don’t develop any repetitive strain injuries (RSI) in my wrists. The 3Dconnexion CadMouse Pro Wireless is a mighty comfortable mouse, thanks to the angled shape where your thumb naturally rests on a slight slope, creating a more natural hand posture. I used the mouse for six straight hours and felt no pain or discomfort.

Winner, right? Not really. Don’t get me wrong; the CadMouse Pro Wireless is great for architects and designers who work with 3D models on computer-aided design (CAD) software. That’s because the mouse has a dedicated middle-click button designed to execute specific functions in over 235 different applications. But this button also poses a steep learning curve, as you’ll have to train your ring finger to press the right-click button.

Not just that, but the CadMouse Pro Wireless is also a fingerprint magnet. The buttons quickly became shiny when I was testing the mouse, and a bit of a germaphobe, I didn’t like this one bit. There’s also no compartment to store the dongle on the mouse itself, and there isn’t an onboard DPI selector which means you have to heavily rely on the mouse’s companion software to change the pointer’s speed.

I can’t imagine spending $119 / £99 on the CadMouse Pro Wireless. Its glaring issues, sadly, keep it from earning a permanent spot on my desk — no matter how comfortable it is.

By Nikita Achanta — Read Nikita’s full 3Dconnexion CadMouse Pro Wireless review.

EZVIZ RS20 Pro ★★★

What do you get when you combine a cute little robot vacuum with a big mess? An even bigger mess. Although I had a great time with the EZVIZ RS20 Pro when it came to maintenance cleaning, it let me down as soon as it was faced with something a little more daunting than dust and hair.

As we do with all robot vacuums, I put the RS20 Pro through a series of pretty challenging tests. I spilled 20g of Cheerios and cat litter over my kitchen floor and asked the RS20 Pro to get cleaning. While it appeared to do a pretty good job right off the bat, when the robot vacuum tried to empty its chute, it got blocked. I had to manually remove Cheerios from the base station dustbin, which wasn’t a pleasant experience. I tried to remove the blockage from inside the vacuum itself, but the cleaning chute was far too small.

Then, the next day, the RS20 Pro promptly deposited the aforementioned 20g of Cheerios and cat litter right back onto my kitchen floor. If I hadn’t had my trusty Dyson Gen5Detect on hand, I don’t know what I would’ve done.

But don’t get me wrong — for maintenance and scheduled cleaning rounds, the RS20 Pro is a good option. Just don’t expect it to be able to do anything more than that. And for £799? I think I’ll just stick to my Dyson.

By Erin Bashford — read Erin’s full EZVIZ RS20 Pro review.

What Tom's Guide tested this week: Also tested

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You know it's been a good week at work when our expert reviewers rave about the products that hits their desk. We love reviewing the good, the bad and the ugly because we want to help you make the right decision by weighing up the pros and cons. But we'd be lying if we said it didn't bring us joy to test 4* or 4.5* products.

I'm Nikita, a reviews writer here at Tom's Guide, and my team and I test and review products day in, day out, to tell you what's worth buying and what to avoid. This week, we were in for a treat. Three products earned the coveted Editor's Choice award. Erin, our in-house audio expert, got to test the Soundcore Space One Pro headset which she liked so much, she almost ditched her beloved AirPod Pro 2s. I got to test the Sony ZV-1F, one of the best cameras for vlogging, and I was very impressed with its pro-level capabilities on a budget.

Erin also reviewed a men's hairdryer which puzzled her at first but once she tested it, she couldn't help but award it 4*. And I got to spend some time with an all-metal keyboard.

Have you been thinking of buying any of these? Fret not, we're here to help make that decision easier. Read on to see what we reviewed this week, and don't forget to check out last week's round-up.

What Tom's Guide tested this week: Highlights of the week

Sony ZV-1F ★★★★½

Stepping up from smartphone photography can seem daunting because of how expensive the best cameras seem at first. And you have to consider a few things: what kind of sensor do you want? 4K or 8K video? And does it fit your budget? Well, Sony's come up with a solution: the Sony ZV-1F. This is the perfect vlogging camera for beginners on a budget, thanks to its straightforward control scheme. It's so easy to use and makes the transition from smartphones to cameras seamless.

Why I loved the ZV-1F even though it isn't weather-sealed and don't have in-body image stabilization, you ask? First, it would be unreasonable to expect those features for just $499. What you do get, though, is a compact and portable camera that you can easily slip into your pocket, and vlogging-specific features, like Product Showcase. You can see how this works above. The camera focuses on the subject closest to the lens, blurring everything else, making this camera perfect for product unboxing videos and reviews.

You also get a useful Background Defocus button which, in simple terms, creates a bokeh effect. You'll usually find these features (that make content creation easy) in pricier Sony cameras, like the ZV-E10 II ($999) or the a6700 ($1,400), so I love that the company isn't skimping on quality at lower prices.

Of course, you get 4K/30P video which is smooth and stable thanks to Active SteadyShot (electronic stabilization), 20.1MP detailed stills, 10 Creative Looks (filters) to experiment with, and the ability to shoot in S-Log 3 to capture a wider dynamic range for more freedom in post-production. I love this small, cutesy camera — this is vlogging extremely simplified.

Soundcore Space One Pro ★★★★½

What elevates a pair of mid-range headphones from 'meh' to excellent? I’ve reviewed countless mid-range cans at this point, but none stick out to me as much as the Soundcore Space One Pro. Sure, JBL’s offerings in the mid-range over-ears are fine, there have been some Baseus and EarFun headphones that were downright laughable, and a set of budget JLabs I actually really commended.

However, none of them come close to the Space One Pro. Soundcore (Anker’s offshoot audio brand) has really outdone itself here: not only do the headphones look a treat and feel comfy as heck, they also sound like much, much pricier cans.

So often, wireless headphones are so pumped up full of bass that you lose a lot of clarity, and some tracks and genres tend to feel muddled. Not on the Space One Pros though. Whether I listened to the world’s haziest shoegaze track or an electro-pop hit with layered synth notes, I could hear every sonic vibration in my soul. Not only do these headphones sound great, but they come with a truckload of features: LDAC and aptX support, a great personalized EQ (that actually makes music sound good), 60 hour+ battery life, and wired playback.

It’s a no-brainer for me: these could be some of the best mid-range headphones on the market today.

By Erin Bashford — Read Erin’s full Soundcore Space One Pro review.

Keychron Q7 ★★★★½

I'm a nerd (surprise!) and get excited when one of the best mechanical keyboards hits my desk. This week, the Keychron Q7 won me over with its all-metal construction and super smooth, super soft typing experience. The 'board is made of full CNC machined aluminum which means it's heavy, weighing 4.01lbs. But that's okay — I don't plan on going travelling with it anyway. And its full-metal construction makes it a robust piece of machinery which is made better with the double-gasket design and layers of acoustic foam which eliminates metallic pings.

This is a 70% keyboard so it's best-suited to casual gaming, especially with its 1,000Hz polling rate. Whether I was taking down monsters in Lies of P or executing perfectly timed headshots in Counter-Strike 2, I could fully rely on the Q7 — and there weren't any latency issues or missed inputs.

Typing is my bread and butter and boy is the Q7 stunning to type on. The new OSA-profile double-shot PBT keycaps make it very comfortable to type on, and the super responsive Gateron G Pro Red linear switches are rapid and work like a charm. If there's only one keyboard I had to use for the rest of the year, I'd happily answer with, "The Q7" — for now, at least.

By Nikita Achanta — Read Nikita's full Keychron Q7 review.

Heist 3.0 Men’s Hair Dryer ★★★★

Although dubious what makes this a men's hair dryer (Heist has claimed it’s because the dryer is oriented towards short hair and focuses on scalp protection), the Heist 3.0 Hair Dryer is an objectively good one. The 3.0 is an ionic dryer, which means it emits positive and negative ions during heating to tame static hair and control flyaways.

During testing, this resulted in smooth, silky hair. Not only does it tame frizz adeptly, it also makes light work of drying an entire head of hair. I’ve got quite fine hair and it took me from sopping wet to about 80% dry in under ten minutes. When I tested this on my boyfriend, it took me 10 minutes to dry a quarter of his hair — but he has thick, dense, low-porosity hair. He has about as much hair in a square inch of his scalp as I have on my whole head.

So while I’m pretty certain that this hair dryer is not solely for men, merely marketed towards men, it does perform exceptionally well. While designed for short hair (which women can have), it works on both short and long barnets, and I had a fantastic time testing this ionic dryer.

By Erin Bashford — Read Erin’s full Heist 3.0 Men’s Hair Dryer review.

Bose QuietComfort (2024) ★★★★

This review is from a couple weeks ago but was missed in the weekly round-ups. Back in 2021, I owned a pair of the original Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, and I loved them to death… until I lost the charging case on a train and found out that I couldn’t order a replacement.

Four years later, I’ve had the pleasure of testing the 2024 iteration and I don’t want to use any other pair (as of now). The new QuietComfort Earbuds are fantastic all around, offering best-in-class active noise cancelation, outstanding sound quality with basslines you can feel in your jaw, and comfort for hours. That QuietComfort moniker is no joke!

Unlike most earbuds, the QuietComfort Earbuds sport a rounded design with rubber bands that make them very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. They have a solid 8.5-hour battery life, and come with a very detailed companion app to customize them to your liking.

But the main event is the sound quality and ANC, and boy do they sound mindblowing across a range of genres. Thumping basslines, crystal clear vocals, balanced lows, mids and highs make the QuietComfort Earbuds hard to beat.

The ANC is fantastic too, and it drowns out most sounds — say goodbye to getting a headache on a busy commute.

This isn’t to say the earbuds are perfect, and there are a few factors that kept the QuietComfort Earbuds from earning the Editor’s Choice award. Sorry audiophiles, there’s no support for aptX or lossless. The charging case feels a little flimsy which is disappointing considering these earbuds cost $179. Also, they’re too sensitive to voice commands, which I ended up disabling altogether.

They’re still awesome though, and I think it’ll be a while until I find a better pair.

By Nikita Achanta — Check out Nikita's full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) review.

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Super Bowl 2025 is finally upon us, but there's just enough time to nab yourself that new big-screen 4K TV before it starts. To help you make the decision faster than you can say "Patrick Mahomes", I've put together all my favorite sets for the big game set across a variety of different panel types, prices, and use cases. After all, you're going to want the best possible seat in the house that suits your actual viewing conditions — and we know just where to look.

To get the clearest, best picture possible to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles you'll want a display with ample motion processing support. It doesn't necessarily need to be one of the best OLED TVs, but if you want incredible image quality, especially for those last-minute Hail Mary's and fast-paced inside runs, these models prove the most suitable.

But it's not just the main event that's important. Several viewers will be tuning in primarily to watch the hilarity unfold out of the many Super Bowl 2025 commercials. In that case, you're not really going to need a super premium TV, just one that fits well enough among the best 55-inch TVs. Plus, there's also the Super Bowl halftime show led by Kendrick Lamar, which may require an ample-enough speaker system, and I know just the set fit for it.

Read on below to find the best TV that's right for you for this year's Super Bowl. You don't need to go all out, like either of the NFL teams on show, but we run the gamut in terms of display type and price so you can slot in the Super Bowl TV of your dreams.

Best Super Bowl TV over 85-inch

Hisense U9N Mini-LED TV

Announced quite abruptly last year as a top-tier flagship under the 2024 Hisense TV lineup, the Hisense U9N is your ticket to big-screen Super Bowl 2025 action. It's only available in a 75-inch and 85-inch option, proving that TVs are getting bigger by the year. The U9N is a shining beacon of this new growing fad, leveraging a 144Hz refresh rate on a QLED panel with Mini-LED backlighting for superior picture quality.

The U9N will ensure the Super Bowl looks crisp and smooth. Like many a Hisense Mini-LED TV, it comes equipped with incredible color and brightness metrics and a powerful processor. It's also equipped with one of the most bombastic speaker systems in the market thanks to its 82W output on 4.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos audio. That's floor-shaking performance on a TV that can hit over 5,000 nits of brightness in certain scenarios.

If you want a big screen for the big game, this is the one to buy.

Best Super Bowl TV if you're watching by yourself 

TCL QM8 (2024)

So you're not exactly filling your apartment or home with a ton of people and just need a worthy dsiplay that will grant you just the right amount of performance for the Big Game? Well, say hello to the TCL QM8, TCL's flagship offering last year that's usually so well-priced it's hard to ignore. I mean, we're talking under $1,000 for its 65-inch model, making it ideal for someone who wants to see the game in all its glory without having to forsake next year's season tickets.

What stands out on the QM8 is a its included ATSC 3.0 tuner. Few TVs came equipped with the spec last year, which nets you access to 4K broadcasts via NextGen TV. This will give the QM8 some legs well past Super Bowl 2025, so you're not just upgrading your living room display for one night of football glory. And if 4K broadcasts weren't enough, the QM8 is built on Google TV, home to a multitude of free content to enjoy.

Over-the-air TV has never looked so good.

Best Super Bowl TV for a huge party 

Hisense C2 Ultra

Who wouldn't want the watch Super Bowl 2025 in a movie theater? Until Regal Cinemas or AMC figure out a deal with the NFL Network, the Hisense C2 Ultra is your best bet for replicating it at home. It's built on a tri-laser far-throw system, offering a screen size up to 300-inch at a whopping 3,000 ANSI lumens. That means you'll be more than adequately covered against ambient lighting.

Hisense rates the C2 Ultra with a 25,000-hour lifespan. That's more than enough time to get your money's worth out of this $2,000 platform well past closing time on Super Bowl LIX. As one of the best projectors we've ever tested, the C2 Ultra will also grant you exceptional picture performance. Just make sure to get rid of the untasteful motion smoothing that's enabled out of the box.

It's not quite there in terms of audio, but you can easily pair this up with one of the best soundbars for that extra oomph when Kendrick comes on.

Best Super Bowl TV for a dedicated home theater 

Panasonic Z95A OLED TV

As my personal favorite TV of 2024, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Panasonic Z95A OLED TV, it's such a fantastic display (minus its Fire TV interface). It set a bang for Panasonic in its return to the US market last year, and what makes it so special is its audio system with tons of user control baked into it. Forget the soundbar or sound system at home. Meet your Super Bowl 2025 home theater icon.

Built on LG's MLA Gen 2 OLED panel, the Z95A looks impressive with brilliant color control, covering over 135% of the Rec 709 gamut in standard content. It's also got a stellar anti-glare coating, keeping ambient lighting at bay so you can see catch those fast-paced picks when they happen.

It's one of my personal favorite OLED TVs because of its intense audio performance, rocking a 160W output on a 5.1.2-channel system. That's totally bonkers, but even better is its Soundscape Pro feature, which lets you fine tune the sound in a variety of ways.

The catch? The Panasonic Z95A is only available in a 65-inch configuration, making it a touch boy for those looking to get in on the XXL TV craze. Even so, it's slew of premium features and incredible performance, especially in motion processing and brightness, set it at the top-spot for Super Bowl 2025 TVs. No soundbar required.

Best Super Bowl Value OLED TV 

LG B4 OLED

The LG B4 OLED TV is one of the cheapest OLED TVs from 2024, taking up many similar elements on offer on the LG C3 OLED TV, one of our favorite 2023 displays. As a remarkable OLED for gaming, the B4 will serve as a valiant Super Bowl TV with incredible motion processing, vibrant colors, and rich blacks for all-around coverage.

Thanks to its range of sizes available, you can get the B4 OLED to meet practically any need when it comes to Super Bowl fun. It's kitted out with four total HDMI 2.1 ports to make it one of the best HDMI 2.1 TVs, plus a 120Hz panel is ideal for most TV buyers. It foregoes HDR10+ support, but you won't have any need for this when it comes to Super Bowl 2025 anyway, as there are few HDR feeds out there, aside from Xfinity TV's Dolby Vision and Atmos supporting broadcast.

There are a few value-oriented OLEDs out there, including the Sansui OLED TV, but if it were my money, I'd be putting it on the B4 OLED for Super Bowl 2025 — and the Eagles, if you were wondering what team I support.

Best Super Bowl TV for the outdoor gazebo 

LG CineBeam Q

Not every Super Bowl 2025 enjoyer will be at their home safe and sound. Maybe you're watching at the park or somewhere else outside. In that case, I recommend another option among our best projectors, the LG CineBeam Q. This little bad boy is one serious performer, offering 4K visuals with strong contrast and color. Oh, it weighs just over three pounds.

This RGB laser projector can hit a screen size of 120-inch, but don't expect it to be a powerhouse. It spits out an image at 60Hz with all but a mere 3W speaker system. That's not quite bone-shaking, but the CineBeam Q still delivers in its extreme portability. It also runs on webOS like many of the best LG TVs, offering you access to tons of free content and all the best streaming services, so even when the Super Bowl's over you still have a slew of awesome content to enjoy.

The LG CineBeam Q will set you back $999, which is pretty expensive for a portable projector. There are certainly cheaper portable projectors out there, but none of them have this level of performance.

Best OLED Super Bowl TV 

Samsung S95D OLED TV

Maker of some of the best TVs, Samsung knows just what it takes to deliver excellent picture quality for the Super Bowl. Its S95D OLED TV is one serious display. It sports a 144Hz refresh rate with one of the lowest input lags in all our our testing at just 9.2ms. It's shining feat is an anti-glare coating that ensures that you can watch the Super Bowl without any interruptions from ambient lighting. Say goodbye to glare.

You will be sacrificing Dolby Vision, though, which might be something worth considering. But if you're happy to let that slide, the S95D does have some of the best color and contrast on an OLED, and don't even get me started on its bonkers brightness. In a 10% window, we tested the S95D at 1,777 nits in Filmmaker mode, making it one incredible OLED.

Starting at $2,397 for its 55-inch model, the S95D proves the best OLED for Super Bowl 2025 for its Object Tracking Sound+ feature and Motion Xcelerator. It's also equipped with one of the most bombastic speaker systems with a 70W output on a 2.1.2 channel system. That'll put Kendrick Lamar and SZA right in your living room.

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For the first 24 years of my life, I lived hours from the nearest IKEA. The first time I visited one shortly after my recent move to Philadelphia, it changed my life. I had become cynical after years of buying cheap, cruddy hardware for my home from places like Walmart, and I had largely avoided investing in new stuff that I thought would lead to more clutter. That changed when I saw the brilliance of IKEA's business model: less is more. By putting the burden of assembly on the customer, IKEA can charge far less for some of the finest furniture you can buy on a budget.

Since I learned what the coveted IKEA experience is truly like, I've been on a mission to outfit my home with more of the brand's home organization gear. Yesterday, I set out to find whatever I could to help me organize my embarrassingly cluttered home office. My strict budget was $150.

As daunting a task as that may sound without context, it's actually pretty easy to fill a cart at IKEA with a budget that low. You have to take your time to dig around and find everything in one of their enormous stores, but if you're willing to give yourself the day, you will be rewarded with a wealth of quality accessories for your home.

At the end of the day, I made nine purchases during this visit to IKEA, and I stuck to my budget religiously. Keep reading to see what I bought and how I plan to use it.

1. DRÖNJÖNS Letter Tray 2-pack – $8.99

Early on in my search, I knew I needed to find something that would allow me to store small documents to which I need quick access. For example, I'm getting ready to file my taxes soon, and I want somewhere to slip all the appropriate paperwork as I receive it so it's not just sitting out on my desk.

This two-pack of letter trays was a great deal. Not only do I get twice as much space to store files, but I can also stack them on top of each other to save space on my desk (my original goal).

At the moment, this is going to sit empty on my desk, but I imagine it will fill up quickly when the busy season of paperwork comes around. All of my insurance, car payment, and student loan paperwork needs attention at the same time each July, and this will likely be packed full when that time comes.

2. DRÖNJÖNS Magazine File 2-pack – $9.99

These magazine holders were right next to the letter trays I just mentioned, and they reminded me that I've been looking for a place to store all my previously published work from my past life as a print contributor. I also keep a book of crossword puzzles on me at all times, and now I have somewhere to put it when I'm not using it.

Just like the letter trays, these holders can actually slot into each other to save space. This somewhat defeats the purpose of purchasing a two-pack when you do this, but I also couldn't find any nearby options to purchase a single holder on its own. At least not one that I liked as much as these.

3. FLÖNSA Pegboard – $8.99

For the longest time, I had a pegboard near my desk that was covered top-to-bottom in little keepsakes. Most of these were small photos of friends, notes from my mother, and tiny tchotchkes that reminded me of good times. Unfortunately, my last one turned into mulch after a few too many moves.

This pegboard is a bit smaller, but it works just the same. I didn't hesitate for a moment before loading this thing up with my old souvenirs. For those that didn't make it on here, I'll find a new home soon.

Two things that I thought were especially nice about this board: it came with its own pins, and it has a flat back to which I could stick some command strips and eschew any more unnecessary holes in my wall.

4. FLOTTILJ Desk Lamp – $9.99

My apartment is already filled to the brim with lamps from testing all of the best desk lamps, but I couldn't stop myself from picking up this cute little guy when I saw that it was only $9 (and available in blue).

This was the first piece I bought that actually required some assembly. It didn't take too many steps, and it only required a screwdriver, but it did explain the low price.

Now that it's all together and I've secured a bulb for it, this thing is punishingly bright. It'll make a good light source if I'm ever tinkering with small parts from my bike, and I'm eager to see how long the bulb lasts before burning out.

5. SOLHETTA Lightbulb for Desk Lamp – $5.99

One thing you have to be careful about when looking for lighting solutions at IKEA is the lack of included lightbulbs. They're easy to find, as they're typically only a few aisles away, but they do incur an extra cost. Thankfully, this one was only $5, but I do have to count it as a purchase item.

As mentioned already, this bulb is insanely bright. Almost too bright. That said, I was happy to see that it came in a warm tone, because I detest using cool-colored LEDs in my home.

6. RUNDBAL Storage Box w/ Lid – $2.59

I can't say I had much of an idea what to do with this bin when I bought it, but I figured it would be a nice place to contain the miscellaneous clutter that always seems to make its way onto my desk. I must be a sleepwalker, because I constantly walk into my office and find gloves, hats, and bike lights scattered all over my desk with no memory of putting them there. Maybe they'll stay in this bin if I keep the lid on.

One thing you have to look out for with products like this one at IKEA is that the bin and its lid were in different places on the shelf. This is probably for the sake of storage efficiency, but it's easy to miss the bonus goodies if you forget to look for them.

If you do forget to grab one piece of a multi-piece product, the checkout computer will let you know. An easy way to know if you're missing a piece is to check for big yellow numbers near the barcode.

Interestingly, I can't seem to find a link for this bin online, which suggests to me that I stumbled upon some old stock. Nothing else was this cheap. It pays to spend more time looking around.

7. VESKEN Shelf – $11.99

Now we're getting to the real meat of my shopping excursion.

As long as I've lived in my current apartment, I have severely underutilized vertical space for storage. I get a lot of natural light, which has made me wary of blocking too much of it out with shelves. Unfortunately, having stuff all over the place with nowhere to put it is just as demoralizing as a dark room.

One place that has been particularly overrun is my bathroom, in which I've been using an old shelf a friend gave me to store my toiletries. My problem with it is that it's too wide and too short, so I wanted to move it to my office where there's room for it and find a taller, slimmer shelf for my bathroom. This shelf I acquired yesterday works perfectly.

It's still not the most glamorous storage solution I've tried, but I'm not exactly on a mission to make my bathroom look like a throne room. I'm just happy to have everything off of my sink, and I'm even happier to have a clear walkway to my cat's litterbox.

Now, my old shelf is in my office to the left of my desk, and I'm using it to store even more little bits of décor as well as a few pieces of cycling gear, such as tools and my mountain biking helmet. It's a nice pop of color that the room needed, and it's one less disorganized pile of stuff on my floor.

8. As-Is TROTTEN File Drawer – $54.99

The best part of going to IKEA in the flesh is the opportunity to peruse the As-Is section at the end of the store, which is where they showcase blemished or returned products that they're selling for a discount. If I have any large furniture to pick up from the warehouse area, I always scan this area beforehand to make sure I'm not missing out on an opportunity to spend less on what I was just about to buy.

Lo and behold, I found a file drawer I was originally planning to buy new for a sweet 50% discount. It's certainly not perfect —the drawers are slightly askew in the frame — but I don't think it's anything anyone will notice unless they really poke around in my stuff. How hypothetically rude!

9. Lunch – $14.84

If you thought I wasn't going to celebrate that killer As-Is find with some lunch, you're kidding yourself. As long as I've been shopping at this IKEA, I've been diligent about taking advantage of the restaurant on the second floor. Not only was I able to knock out a few hours of work, but I also got to go hog wild on the free refills at the soda machine and indulge in some of the best food a furniture store can offer.

Normally, I get the Swedish meatballs, but my editor put me onto the salmon fillet, and I think it's just as worth the hype. The lemon-dill dressing with which they coated this plate is to die for, and I intend to figure out how to replicate it at home with haste.

The view isn't the most stellar from the South Philly location (I highly recommend going to Newark to watch planes take off from the airport instead), but at least the SS United States is hanging out nearby. I hear it's headed to Florida in the coming years, so I have to give myself some time with it before it goes.

Overloaded but under budget

Any time I have to take multiple trips back to my car to carry everything I bought inside, I consider it a serious day of shopping.

In total, I spent $137.44, landing me safely below the budget I set out to enforce. If it weren't for that As-Is find, I'd be in much hotter water, but the cheap furniture gods were looking out for me today.

To all of you who don't live near an IKEA, I strongly encourage you check it out the next time you find yourself in the radius of one. Even if you don't have the same luck I did, you're bound to save a huge chunk of change on supplies you didn't even realize you needed. And if all else fails, you can always get some meatballs.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 home office layout ideas to refresh your workspace for the new year
• How to make your home office cozier for winter
• 7 must-have gadgets for working on the go — make anywhere your home office

It's been a busy week for us over on the Tom's Guide reviews team (well, it's always busy to be honest), but quite a varied one! We've been hard at work testing out some of the best electric kettles around, while also testing one of the best drones we've seen in a while, as well as a slew of awesome (and not so awesome) mechanical keyboards.

I'm Pete, the reviews editor here at Tom's Guide. Me and my team of expert review writers spend all day every day rigorously testing out tech to help our readers decide what's worth buying and what isn't. Given we test so much, we like to round up the best and worst here, to help you quickly see what we see. Maybe you've been eyeing up something on this list for a while, and this could be the clincher!

Our favorite product this week was easily the Ninja KT200 precision kettle. This is the second week in a row that staff writer Erin Bashford has awarded full 5 stars! Letting the show down, though, was a frankly overpriced productivity keyboard from Razer, the Pro Type Ultra, which only managed 2.5 stars from our writer Nikita Achanta.

Thankfully, though, we tested more that we loved than we didn't. Read on to see the highlights.

What Tom's Guide tested this week: What we loved

Ninja Precision Temperature Kettle ★★★★★

The Ninja Precision Temperature kettle received a 5 star rating from me, and those don't come easy (even though the Shure MV7i scored top marks last week, too).

I use a kettle every single day. Whether it’s for brewing my breakfast tea, prepping my ceremonial-grade matcha, or topping up americanos made on my De’Longhi La Specialista Opera espresso machine, I’m always reaching for my kettle. So I needed one that did it all.

And boy, does the Ninja Precision Temperature do it all. For starters, it’s a treat for the eyes. I tested the matte black version, which looks oh-so-sophisticated on my kitchen counter. The standard-size spout is precise and leak-proof, and actually works wonders with my Hario V60 dripper. Its cord tucks away neatly under the base and the black exterior is mostly splash-proof.

Not only does it look good, but it works so well that I barely even noticed it. You can choose from six preset temperatures or choose your precise temperature in 5° increments. For some delicate green teas, 140°F is enough. For pour-over coffee, you’ll want max 200°F. The Ninja makes that a breeze. It’s quiet, too — the only time you’ll hear the Ninja kettle is its finished-boiling jingle.

The Ninja Precision Temperature is a perfect kettle in every way. I’ve reviewed countless homes products now, and this is the only one I can’t fault. Trust me — it’s just as good as you’re dreaming about.

By Erin Bashford — Read Erin's full Ninja Precision Temperature Kettle review

Epomaker Ajazz AK820 Pro ★★★★½

It’s been a keyboard-heavy week for me and I’ve tested the good, the bad and the ugly. And the Epomaker Ajazz AK820 Pro very easily falls into the first category. No, scratch that. The Ajazz AK820 Pro is great and it didn’t take long for it to become one of my favorite mechanical keyboards.

It packs a punch as it offers premium features at a low price. For just $68(!), you get a hot-swappable keyboard whose stock switches are super responsive and double-shot PBT keycaps which make typing for long hours feel effortless. And if you’re into casual gaming between bursts of writing, the Ajazz AK820 Pro boasts great gaming performance too, so it’s ideal for a couple of rounds of Counter-Strike 2.

Another thing I love about the Ajazz AK820 Pro is its design. I tested the white purple variant which looks gorgeous. I’m an emo kid at heart but sometimes, bright colors win me over. It also comes in black if you can’t stand colors that pop. The only thing that kept this keyboard from getting the Big Score is its TFT screen which, in theory, is able to display GIFs and static images but I wasn’t able to do it. Still, 4.5 stars and the coveted Editor’s Choice award was (easily) warranted.

By Nikita Achanta — Read Nikita’s full Epomaker Ajazz AK820 Pro review

DJI Mic Mini ★★★★

I spent a good chunk of my week putting the DJI Mic Mini through its paces. The Mic Mini is an entry-level microphone aimed squarely at new and intermediate content creators. It's the little sibling of the feature-packed DJI Mic 2, which I reviewed this time last year and absolutely loved — if I could only have one mic for life, it'd be the Mic 2.

The Mic Mini is 'mini' in a few ways. There's obviously its size — this thing is absolutely tiny (and more than a little cute), meaning it can be mounted virtually anywhere with its clip or magnetic mounts. The price isn't large either, as this microphone starts from just $59, which is ideal for new content creators on a budget. It's modular though, so you can buy only the elements you need, whether that's just a single transmitter (TX), or an additional receiver (RX) unit.

The Mic Mini is also tiny in terms of its features, offering a stripped pack user experience and feature set. While that sounds bad, it isn't: this is a microphone aimed at people who want to plug and play and aren't fussed by complicated settings.

The Mic Mini features some very, very nifty features that you won't get from its direct competition, the Rode Wireless Me. Firstly, it's truly wireless with DJI devices, as you can hook up the TX unit directly to the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro (currently the best action camera you can buy), DJI Osmo Action 4 and DJI Osmo Pocket 3. To other cameras like the GoPro Hero13 Black, or to smartphones, it can hook up via Bluetooth. This makes it an incredibly versatile system.

The Mic Mini also boasts two levels of noise cancellation, which can help tidy up noisy indoor or outdoor environments to keep the focus on your voice. Audio quality is generally pretty decent too, although if you shoot in extremely loud environments or wide dynamic ranges, you'll want the more powerful DJI Mic 2 thanks to its 32-bit float recording. Make no mistake though: for the money the Mic Mini punches well above its weight.

By Peter Wolinski — Read Pete's full DJI Mic Mini review

Acaia Pearl S ★★★★

Acaia is a big name in the world of coffee scales. I’d go so far as to say it’s the name in coffee scales. So, as Tom’s Guide’s resident coffee expert, I was beyond excited to get my hands on a testing specimen of the iconic Pearl S scale.

But why is the Pearl S so iconic? Well, Acaia has thought of everything. Do you want to practice flow rate consistency? There’s a mode for that — complete with a real-time flow rate monitor that tells you if you’re too fast or too slow. Do you want to listen to classical music while weighing out your coffee? I mean, it doesn’t sound particularly good through the Pearl S’s tiny speakers, but you can. I grooved to ‘Greensleeves’ while using the Pearl S, and I have no regrets.

Not only is the Pearl S the most intuitive coffee scale I’ve ever used, it’s also innately user-friendly. With the companion app, you can customize every aspect of the scale, whether that be its wakeup message, sound effects, or the modes you want available on the scale. But what makes the Pearl S so good is it literally teaches you how to make coffee. On the Brewguide app, you can peruse a library of recipes and load them into the scale, which then completes a step-by-step routine in real time.

But why not five stars? If it’s so good, why doesn’t it have a perfect score? Well, it’s really expensive. $220 expensive. It's difficult to give a perfect rating to a coffee scale with such a high price point when the Pearl S isn’t waterproof — I’ve used $50 scales that are water-resistant, and this is a major downside versus rivals like the Felicita Arc.

However, this is the finest coffee scale I’ve ever used. I simply wish it wasn’t so tear-inducingly expensive.

By Erin Bashford — Read Erin's full Acaia Pearl S review

DJI Flip ★★★★

As a licensed drone pilot and aerial photography enthusiast, I’m a sucker for a good drone. DJI had a busy 2024 and shows no sign of slowing down this year as it launched the DJI Flip on Tuesday, and it’s been the highlight of my week. Or the month just gone, as I’ve spent the past few weeks testing this sub-250g drone.

The Flip looks like the bigger version of the DJI Neo. The difference is that its propellers fold downwards to resemble bicycle wheel spokes — or a droid from Star Wars, which I prefer. Equipped with propeller guards, the Flip is designed to instill more confidence in novice pilots. But its biggest selling points are its photo and video capabilities. A three-axis mechanical gimbal keeps footage stable while a 1/1.3-inch CMOS captures detailed 48MP stills and gorgeous 4K/60fps video. I also love its QuickShot modes where the Flip automatically records short videos which can then be shared instantaneously on social media — that’s perfect for content creators.

And boy is this drone easy to fly! You can use either an RC-N3 or an RC-2 touchscreen controller to control it. Just remember that because it’s so lightweight, it’s prone to strong gusts of wind. Also, obstacle avoidance is limited to front-facing only, so you’ll need to be a little careful. Regardless, this might be the ultimate drone for beginners.

By Nikita Achanta — Read Nikita’s full DJI Flip review

Fellow Stagg Kettle ★★★★½

Gooseneck kettles are a bit of a celebrity in the world of specialty coffee. Everyone loves them, everyone wants one, and they’re eternally cool.

I firmly believe that the Fellow Stagg gooseneck kettle is one of the best — if not the best — goosenecks on the market today. Yes, it has a painfully small capacity (just 30 ounces, enough for a 6-cup Chemex), but are you really preparing coffee for more than six people at a time? If you are, there are other options, but for most, the Stagg is the pinnacle of usability.

The Stagg boils its full capacity in around five minutes and maxes out at just 69dB. And when it comes to pouring, you’ll never feel anything like it. I’m not even exaggerating. In testing, I was able to get the flowrate down to just 1.5g/s for ultimate precise pouring. At maximum speed, the Stagg reached 25g/s. This controlled precision makes it unbeatable for pour-over enthusiasts, whether that’s a V60, Chemex, Kalita, or any other small-name brewer.

If you want a gooseneck kettle and you’re serious about coffee, there’s nothing better than the Fellow Stagg.

By Erin Bashford — Read Erin's full Fellow Stagg EKG kettle review

What Tom's Guide tested this week: What we didn't love

Razer Pro Type Ultra ★★½

Razer is associated with gaming peripherals, and they make some fantastic ones. The Razer Pro Type Ultra feels like an anomaly, a pure white keyboard with white backlighting swimming in a sea of RGB-themed powerhouses. Sadly, it doesn’t live up to the standards set by the likes of the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%. Don’t get me wrong; the Pro Type Ultra is great to type on and sports a minimalist design that would fit right into any office. But its flaws are too jarring.

This is an expensive keyboard, costing $159. If it was cheaper, around the $100 mark, I wouldn’t have minded its flaws as much, but at its retail price, I want a keyboard where I have to nitpick to find issues. The Pro Type Ultra is fitted with ABS keycaps that feel cheap and aren’t as durable as PBT ones. Considering that the very cheap Epomaker Ajazz AK820 Pro sports PBT keycaps, I’m taken aback that Razer’s offering doesn’t. Also, the keys make metallic pings when they’re pressed, making for a frustrating experience. But hey, it’s got a very comfy cushioned wrist rest! But it can’t be attached to the keyboard so I found myself unintentionally knocking it about.

At the end of the day, I don’t see the upside of investing that much money into this keyboard when there are cheaper alternatives available.

By Nikita Achanta — Read Nikita’s full Razer Pro Type Ultra review

Also tested this week

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• How to turn off Apple Intelligence on your iPhone

If you're like me, you love working out of cafes. The warmth of other people can be wonderfully conducive to increased productivity, the coffee is better than what I can make on my own, and it gets me out of the house, which is something I'm trying to do more often this year.

I luckily don't need much to get out the door and trundle down to one of the coffee shops in my Philadelphia neighborhood. But the gear I do bring with me is crucial for getting the most out of working at a tiny table in a room full of talkative people.

From a quality laptop to noise-cancelling headphones to a spacious bag, these are the five most important things I take with me to make the most of the experience when I'm working away from home.

1. A long-lasting laptop

Unless you've somehow figured out how to haul your desktop setup into your favorite study alcove inconspicuously, investing in a good laptop probably sounds like a given. But the emphasis on "good" cannot be overlooked. That's why I'm starting this off by mentioning the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4.

My work benefits from having multiple windows visible at the same time, so I prefer to use a laptop with a large screen. A 16-inch screen might dominate a cafe table, whereas a 14-inch model is a great balance of portability and screen real estate (and price). On top of that, the M4 is available with an optional nano texture display for eliminating glare which prevents pesky window light from making your work unreadable.

On top of spatial concerns, there's also the question of the best laptops for battery life. How long will you need to go without a recharge if someone decides to camp out at the one table with outlets for 8 hours? Luckily, we managed to get up to 18 hours when we tested the M4.

If you're not a fan of the Apple mousepad (that would make two of us), you can also invest in a trackball mouse that gives you full use of a proper mouse without requiring room to move around on your tabletop. This is also a great option if you're trying to work on a plane and don't have a surface to put a mouse on at all like the tray table that folds down from the seat in front of you.

2. Noise-cancelling headphones

I've learned a lot about people's lives from accidental eavesdropping in cafes — it's amazing what folks are willing to talk about at full volume in a room packed with strangers. To avoid this tantalizing interruption, I always throw on a pair of noise-cancelling 'phones the moment I'm situated with my drink. My pair of choice at the moment is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

The QuietComfort's noise cancellation works by recording the ambient sounds in a room and emitting the "opposite" sound waves to cancel it out. This means that all the sounds of grinding beans, clinking mugs, and conversations about someone's in-laws all drown out relatively seamlessly. You have to invest in the best noise-cancelling headphones to get the most out of this effect, but it's well worth it and headphones with this technology have come down significantly in price in recent years.

3. A portable mug

Whether you're headed to a coffee shop or to a park to work on a nice day, it's not a bad idea to have a reusable, sealable container for your warm beverage of choice. If you're at a cafe, you can help reduce waste by avoiding paper or plastic cups. Regardless of your location, it's also a safety measure that can keep your liquids contained on what is often a precariously small table.

I like the Yeti Hotshot at the moment for its compact size and ease of use. It's also insulated, which means you can really milk your hot coffee for a few hours and avoid looking like you're loitering. Of course, it's not a bad idea to give your local cafe some business every few hours to, but plenty of people can't stomach a new cup of coffee every 90 minutes. Certainly not me.

I also prefer to keep my travel mugs small enough to fit in the bottle cage of a bike, since cycling is my preferred means of transportation. If you have a good backpack (we'll get to that shortly), a smaller mug like the Hotshot can also fit quite cozily in its side pockets.

4. A spacious, protective backpack

As a certified hipster, I often rock nothing more than a tote bag when I'm carrying my laptop around. But if I'm riding my bike or the weather turns sour, I prefer to use a full backpack. The best laptop bags are waterproof, which can protect your electronics from nasty weather, and they often also have a padded compartment into which you can slip your laptop worry-free.

One of our top picks is the Stuart and Lau Capstone, which one of our staff took to CES this year to store all of his electronics. It's sleek, it's waterproof, and it has all kinds of compartments for keeping your gear close but separated.

There are plenty of good designs for laptop backpacks, but I prefer a roll-top style for most applications. My top pick is Chrome Industries' Barrage backpack, which features both a roll-top and a few side pockets. Better yet, it has an exterior net that's great for holding things that won't fit inside your bag. Sometimes, I swing by the grocery store on my way home, and that's where my food goes.

The Barrage has a simple design, it affords you the freedom to change the size of your bag without too many fussy straps, and there's effectively nowhere for water to leak in unless you find a way to damage it.

5. A charger for multiple devices

As mentioned previously, outlet real estate can be a challenge when you're sharing a tight space with loads of other people. That's why, when you finally score one, it's best to maximize the power you can get out of it.

If you've never tried a GaN (Gallium nitride) charger before, let me be the first to tell you about them. In essence, they have the power output to charge multiple devices simultaneously and rapidly, and they're small enough that they won't overcrowd a standard two-socket wall outlet. One of our favorites is the UGREEN Nexode 65W charger, which has two USB-C ports and a USB-A port to charge multiple devices simultaneously. It's even powerful enough to replace your laptop charger, and it's a fraction of the size.

If you travel for work, a GaN charger also makes a great multi-purpose power station when you're on a plane, in your hotel, or otherwise displaced and in need of some extra juice.

6. A portable monitor

This one might get you some sour looks in a cramped cafe, but if you have the real estate to lay out a second display, you can maximize your screen space without needing to invest in a whole new computer.

We tested and reviewed the UStation Delta from UPERFECT last year, and that dual-screen portable monitor tripled our display area. It folds up like a laptop, and you can slip it in your backpack next to your computer with ease as well as connect and power it using a single USB-C cable. But for an even more affordable model, check out this 15.6-inch portable monitor ($82, Amazon) from UPERFECT that's just as easy to stow away.

7. A reliable VPN

Can you trust your local cafe's internet? The short answer: you probably shouldn't at least for anything sensitive. You never know who else could be on the network looking to gain access to your devices and steal sensitive information from them.

A good VPN (Virtual Private Network) nips that right in the bud though by encrypting your internet traffic as it passes from your laptop to the cafe's router. They're also just as easy to use as one the best mobile hotspots, but they don't take up any space in your bag.

Right now, our top pick for the best VPN is NordVPN, which allows you to access just about any streaming service without worrying about location-related lockouts. It's also incredibly fast, offers some of the most anxiety-relieving privacy of all the VPNs we've tested, and it's both easy to use and incredibly cheap — think less than $4 a month. And if you decide you don't like it in the first 30 days, you can expect a full refund to make its way into your account.

For an even cheaper option, you can also take a look at Surfshark, which is just a shade above $2 a month and offers much of the same security and privacy features.

Speaking of privacy, if you're worried about people peeking over your shoulder, you can also invest in a privacy screen, which is a filter you can place over your laptop screen to stop anyone who isn't directly in front of your display from seeing what you're working on. If you handle sensitive information for a living, this could be a critical add-on for your computer. Luckily, it's not too hard to find an affordable screen for most laptops, including the aforementioned MacBook Pro M4.

Mobility doesn't mean mediocrity

Ultimately, you may not be perched perfectly atop the best office chair when you're working away from home, but there's no denying that there's a different kind of coziness that comes with working in fresh scenery. All that matters is that you have the means to get that work done effectively.

You may not need everything I've compiled here to have a successful workday at your favorite cafe, but these are unquestionably the best places to start looking for your next upgrade as well as some of my favorite devices to have on hand whenever I decide to leave my home office behind for the day.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to soundproof your home office
• I just tested one of Amazon's cheapest office chairs and it's better than I expected
• How to work comfortably when you’re visiting home for the holidays

CES 2025 is winding down, but the innovative magic it heralds will ring true throughout the year, and there's no better place to witness these tech advancements than in the many awesome projectors soon to hit shelves.

It's taken quite a while for projectors to reach the mainstream, and they are still limping on in the face of ever-advancing displays. When a good 4K projector often comes in at $3,000 plus, it proves rather difficult to recommend against any of the best OLED TVs.

But in 2025, several projectors are inviting exciting upgrades to give the conventional TV market a run for its money — even as TVs are getting bigger and bigger. From Hisense to Formovie, there's a lot to look forward to this year. Let's see just what these next-gen projectors have in store for 2025.

LG PF600U 3-in-1 projector

Have you ever thought to yourself, "I wish my lamp doubled as a 1080p projector"? Well, LG thought of one even better and decided not only to make a dual projector-lamp combo, but also give it a beefy Bluetooth speaker, as well. Meet the LG PF600U 3-in-1 projector, the answer to the age-old question: Why the heck not?

Part mood lamp — hitting five levels of brightness on nine different colors — and part Bluetooth speaker, corralling a set of stereo speakers with passive radiators, this 1080p projector has everything you need baked into it. With its 110-degree tilting head, the LG PF600U makes its dual-sided nature as a projector and lamp all the more streamlined. Plus, webOS baked-in means you have access to all of your favorite content across the best streaming services.

Sure, it might only hit 300 ANSI lumens, according to LG, but what lamp do you know offers a projected screen size ranging from 30 to 120 inches?

Formovie Theater Premium

Following nearly three years of silence, Formovie is finally bringing its Theater back in a whole new advanced chassis. Called the Formovie Theater Premium, this refresh on the 2022 4K UST projector is yet another stunning entry into the market.

It offers improved brightness, up from 1800 to 2200 ISO lumens, with Google TV fully baked into the system. The original Formovie Theater ran on Android TV 11, which doesn't support Netflix (among other things), so the introduction of Google TV brings a world of change to this platform. And a pair of second-generation Bowers & Wilkins speakers brings that oomph where it counts most.

Despite launching in 2022, the original Formovie Theater was one of my favorite gadgets of 2023 and I still occasionally use it when not testing new TVs. Like most projectors, the new and improved Theater Premium sports an exceptionally high price tag at $2,999, but at least it's launching $500 cheaper than its predecessor.

Xgimi Ascend

Xgimi's Ascend is an all-in one system that combines a rolling Ambient light-rejecting (ALR) screen with the Aura 2 to deliver one of the most sophisticated projector systems on the market. If you don't know what an ALR screen is, they typically enhance the picture quality quite a bit when used with a projector, significantly diminishing major problems with glare if watching in a sun-lit environment.

But the Xgimi Ascend isn't just a floor-rising ALR screen. It's also kitted out with an integrated Harman Kardon speaker system, ensuring you get movie theater quality audio while also saving your entertainment setup some space. We don't know what pricing looks like just yet, but I can assure you the Ascend won't come cheap — provided by the fact that it might well require the additional purchase of an Aura 2 or compatible UST projector.

Hisense L9Q

Taking just one look at the Hisense L9Q and you can already tell this thing belongs in a museum. It's crafted to look as impressionable as it is full of awesome surprises, like up to a 150-inch screen size at an ANSI-rated 5,000 lumens of brightness.

That's nothing to scoff at, though pricing on the Hisense L9Q will definitely make or break it. One thing that stands out on this UST projector is a purported 110% coverage of the BT.2020 color gamut, with many of the best TVs barely ever hitting past 80%. But, of course, Hisense has shoved a 6.2.2 surround sound system into this beauty of a projector, the first of its kind, one that supports both DTS Virtual X and Dolby Atmos.

While it might have Google TV, that's not even the most awesome part. Hisense has gifted the L9Q an ATSC 3.0 tuner, allowing you access to NextGen TV with 4K broadcasts. Very few 2024 TVs or even 2025 TVs will have this spec, making the L9Q a projector worth looking forward to — though, unfortunately, we don't have an official release date yet

Valerion VisionMaster Max

Never heard of Valerion? I didn't either, but the company is actually sister to AWOL Projector, dedicated specifically to designing far-throw models, like its new VisionMaster Max. It offers some serious firepower most especially against many alternative projectors on this list, as it can shoot a 4K image at up to 300 inches and is rated at 3,000 ISO lumens of brightness.

What really stands out on the VisionMaster Max is its Enhanced Black Level (EBL) technology, which aims to bring out more depth in darker scenes. And it's even got several gaming treats, like sub-4ms of input latency in 1080p at 240Hz, which isn't too common on premium projectors.

The VisionMaster Max also comes equipped with several smart home features, which are amplified thanks to its 4GB of RAM and 128GB of ROM (Read-only memory). Plus, with Google TV, you not only have access to all of your favorite streamers but also a slew of free content, which you'll probably be watching most after dropping $3,999 on this projector.

JMGO OS2 Ultra

With its N1 Ultra sitting at the top of our best projectors lineup, you already know JMGO's next design will be incredibly enticing. But instead of offering a slew of advancements that might drive up the price, JMGO instead set out to deliver one of the smallest UST projectors built on Google TV.

Despite its size, measuring about the same as a shoe box, the OS2 Ultra offers up to a 100-inch screen size on a 4K resolution. JMGO claims it can hit an estimated 2,500 ISO lumens, which is pretty respectable for such a little machine. It also spits out an image at a throw ratio of just 0.18:1, which means it needs just a little under 6 inches for its 100-inch screen.

The JMGO OS2 Ultra won't be released until the final quarter of 2025, and pricing has yet to be announced, so you'll be waiting a bit before getting your hands on this tiny beast of a 4K projector.

Dangbei MP1 Max

Although I personally like UST projectors a bit more over the far-throw models, Dangbei makes some of the best versions in this category, and its new MP1 Max is a shining beacon of this. Pushing out a purported 3100 ISO lumens on its new Qualas laser technology, the MP1 Max adds a whole new dimension to the projector setup.

Dangbei has kitted the MP1 Max out with some of the most advanced specs, leveraging an integrated gimbal stand that allows you up to 130 degree vertical tilt and 360 degree horizontal rotation, plus a dual speaker system offering 12W each on a 750ml sound chamber. It'll run on Google TV, but will only have two HDMI ports, one being eARC.

Like many on this list, the Dangbei MP1 Max doesn't have an official price yet, but you can bet it won't be cheaper than any of the best LG TVs.

Check out our CES 2025 hub for all the latest news from the show as it happens. Follow the Tom’s Guide team in Las Vegas as we cover everything AI, as well as the best new TVs, laptops, fitness gear, wearables and smart home gadgets at the show.

And be sure to check out the Tom's Guide TikTok channel for all the newest videos from CES!

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Here at Tom's Guide, our job is to help you find the tech you want at the best price. I'm Pete Wolinski, and I'm the reviews editor here at Tom's Guide, leading a team of expert reviewers testing products all week long, from the best microphones through to the best mechanical keyboards, evaluating whether they're worth your hard-earned cash.

Each weekend we round up the best and worst from our week of in-depth testing and reviewing, to help you see what we see. Maybe you'll find something here you've been pondering over, and this article will help you make up your mind to take the plunge or give it a miss.

This week, without doubt, our favorite product was the new Shure MV7i microphone, which we awarded a full five stars. Despite being pricey and coming without a stand, the MV7i is a pro mic through-and-through, wowing our writer (and microphone expert) Erin Bashford.

Luckily, there were no real howlers this week, with no products earning below 3.5 stars (that means it's a decent product, but there are better alternatives for the money). The Corsair K65 Plus, reviewed by Nikita Achanta, therefore takes the unfortunate spot in our roundup of things we didn't love. It's an OK keyboard, but doesn't justify its high price with ABS keycaps and limited customzation, especially versus the competition.

Those aren't all, though, so read on to see what our writers and editors thought of this week's standout reviews.

What Tom's Guide tested this week: What we loved

Shure MV7i ★★★★★

Brand new this week, the MV7i from Shure is perhaps the most versatile option out there. The MV7i is an upgraded version of the already-great Shure MV7+ microphone. What are those upgrades, I hear you ask? I hope you’re sitting down, because this is a big one. The MV7i isn’t just a microphone, it’s also a virtual audio interface. So not only can you use the MV7i as a bog-standard podcast mic, content creation mic, or music mic, you can also use it with a secondary microphone or instrument.

The Shure MV7i has an XLR and ¼” TRS input so you can plug in compatible instruments and mics, completely negating the need for a physical audio interface. The MV7i connects to your laptop with a USB-C cable, and with that laptop you can access Motiv Mix. What makes this application software so good is that as soon as you think you’ve found all its features, you discover heaps more. Shure’s proprietary features like the ‘Real-Time Denoiser’ and ‘Digital Popper Stopper’ are second-to-none at minimizing ambient noise and curbing your plosive pops. Not only do you get access to these excellent features, you get the brand-new ‘SmartGate’ technology, which intelligently listens for crosstalk and increases or decreases the volume of the respective mics.

All in all, the MV7i is a one-of-a-kind mic with patented software and classic perfect Shure sound.

By Erin Bashford — Read Erin’s full Shure MV7i review.

Kodak Ektar H35 film camera ★★★★½

Film photography has been all the rage for a few years now, and most people I know own either a disposable or reusable film camera. I’ve reviewed some great products this week but the Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame takes the cake. It’s one of the best film cameras out there, and it costs less than $50 too.

I love how stupidly easy the Ektar H35 is to use — it’s basically foolproof — which makes it perfect for those just starting out in film photography. But I’d recommend every film photographer to keep this reusable camera in their arsenal. It uses just half a frame which means it essentially doubles the shot-count. If you’re using a 24-exposure roll, you get 48 exposures (and 36 becomes 72). This means film and processing costs aren’t very high either.

One of the best aspects of the Ektar H35 is that you can create diptychs with it. Tell a story in two photos and you’ve got yourself a visual storytelling tool. The photos turn out fantastic with plenty of detail, and you get a built-in flash to aid you in dimly lit environments, making the Ektar H35 easily my favorite film camera yet.

By Nikita Achanta — Read Nikita’s full Kodak Ektar H35 review.

Wooting 80HE ★★★★

The Wooting 80HE is the most powerful keyboard on the market — at least that I can think of, and it's my job to review keyboards all day! There are a lot of great Hall Effect keyboards out there, offering many of the features you'll find on the 80HE, but no rivals tie everything together like this board.

Adjustable actuation; quad actuations per key; rapid trigger; numerous customizable SOCD resolutions such as 'Snap Tap', 'Rappy Snappy' and 'Mod Tap' (if these silly names mean nothing, check out my review linked below where I explain them); 8K polling; and a gamepad mode. The list of features is unparalleled.

This board is also a dream to type on, sounds great, is well-crafted with premium packaging, and comes with a fantastic (I'd even say 'best-in-class') companion app for granular levels of customization.

So why only four stars and not five? Well, it ain't perfect. It uses an odd 80% layout and its Lekker V2 switches come in only two flavours, and there is currently limited compatibility between various magnetic switches and sockets in the wider market (that's not just Wooting's problem), so customization options are limited if you want to do some serious modding. It's wired-only, so not the most portable, and while I think it justifies its price well, you can get almost all the gaming features (save a Gamepad mode) from the NuPhy Field75 HE or Air60 HE for cheaper.

Still, the Wooting 80HE is an epic board, and definitely one to consider if you need a high performance gaming deck.

By Pete Wolinski — Read Pete's full Wooting 80HE review.

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds ★★★★½

I’m an avid gamer and you can usually find me sinking hours into RPGs on my PS5. But you know what makes gaming even better? A fantastic pair of gaming earbuds that creates immersive soundscapes — and the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds do just that. These earbuds are super comfy. Each bud weighs just 0.18 ounces so you don’t even feel them in your ears, and they’re great for long sessions.

Their biggest selling point, though, is the 100+ game-tailored presets you get via the companion app and the neodymium magnetic drivers that make gaming more immersive. They also feature 360° spatial audio which is amplified further on the PS5 as it supports Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio. This means that you can select the Ghost of Tsushima preset, for instance, and you’ll be engulfed in the sound of the wind and running water behind you. Want to use them for music? No problem, vocals sound crystal clear and you can truly appreciate heavy basslines.

Not a lot of gaming headsets feature ANC but the Arctis GameBuds do, and it’s mighty effective. The earbuds have a great seal and combined with ANC, they block out most sounds. I love these so much — if there’s just one pair of gaming buds you’ll need, it’s the Arctis GameBuds.

By Nikita Achanta — Read Nikita’s full SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds review.

What Tom's Guide tested this week: What we didn't love

Corsair K65 Plus (Mac) ★★★½

When I unboxed the Corsair K65 Plus for Mac, I loved the design and gorgeous new glacier blue colorway — but don’t judge a book by its cover, as they say. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few things this keyboard does very well. It’s fitted with Corsair MLX linear switches which are highly responsive and contribute to a beautiful typing experience. I could use this keyboard for typing for days and not get tired of the sound and feel. These switches also deliver a great gaming performance.

But an aspect of this keyboard that struck me was its harrowing price. It costs $179 and is available in the U.S. only. For a keyboard that costs a premium, the least I expected were PBT keycaps, but the K65 Plus uses ABS keycaps. These tend to get shiny over time, and I noticed my fingerprints an hour into testing. You could pick up a fantastic magnetic keyboard for less, one that works like a charm with macOS — like the Keychron K2 HE.

Another let down is the iCue companion software which hasn’t added any new features since we tested the original K65 Plus. It was just one thing after another that led me to giving this keyboard three stars only.

By Nikita Achanta — Read Nikita’s full Corsair K65 Plus (Mac) review.

Also tested this week

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There's a lot to keep track of at CES: TVs, cars and AI (so much AI), but the latest innovations in smart home devices are always a huge draw. Homes are becoming increasingly complex places with a myriad of different products and platforms handling cleaning, entertainment, climate control and security.

Sure, there's the obvious hardware that makes an appearance in Vegas each year, like the 7 best robot vacuums we've seen, but there's also been a plethora of new products to serve those aforementioned sectors.

The Tom's Guide team has been walking the show floor for the last week and has been documenting their findings on our rolling live blog. So here are my seven picks of the most intriguing smart home gadgets we've seen at this year's show.

1. Lockly Styla

This smart lock is the obvious first pick for the best smart home innovation as we awarded it the best smart home device in this year's Tom's Guide CES Awards. Although we'll have to test it ourselves to see if it merits a place on the list of best smart locks, it's certainly one of the best-looking we've ever seen on first inspection.

The smart lock uses several different mechanisms for unlocking: A 2K security camera at the top, a doorbell button, a keypad with numbers that change position to deter thieves, an RFID reader and a fingerprint reader inside the handle (your index finger naturally touches it when taking hold) and a standard key lock.

The price is likely to be the most off-putting feature of this device, as it will cost a hefty $699 when it goes on sale. But as you'd guess from the name, this is a fantastic-looking device, and the elongated bar form factor will look great on a sleek, modern front door.

2. SwitchBot K20+ Pro

There are a lot of robot vacuums to choose from at CES, but one of the most interesting from a smart home perspective is the SwitchBot K20+ Pro. Why? This little robovac can dock with many accessories — a fan, an air purifier, a security camera, and an iPad holder, for example. This gives it enormous potential to be something of a smart home jack-of-all-trades.

For example, you could use it as a standard robot vacuum but then have it serve double duty as a patrolling sentry by attaching the security camera while you're out of town on a trip. What's more, because SwitchBot is opening up the underlying ecosystem, FusionPlatform, to third parties, we could have a whole family of attachments and automations to make this product even more useful in the future.

Pricing for the vacuum or the various modules has not been announced, but the company hopes to release some or all of the kit in May or June 2025.

3. Samsung Vision AI

Artificial intelligence had to make an appearance on this list at some point, and Samsung's announcement of Vision AI at CES 2025 had the company proclaiming it would create "adaptive, intelligent companions to simplify and enrich daily living."

While the primary usage seems to be putting it into the company's TV sets, it's also being used in more conventional smart home tech. Samsung is putting Vision AI into the Samsung Bespoke Smart Fridge from last year. The result is a refrigerator that can scan its own contents and analyze what’s there to figure out what you’re running low on. Helpfully, Samsung also announced a new partnership with Instacart, allowing said fridge to prompt you to easily order more groceries if it thinks you’re running low. All the information is displayed on the 9-inch screen on the front of the fridge.

Vision AI lets the fridge recognize “up to 37” different kinds of food, including fresh fruit and vegetables. So, you'll soon have no excuse for not eating your recommended daily veggies.

4. Bird Buddy Petal camera

Want to know the kinds of insects that are making themselves at home in your yard? You'll want to check out the new Petal camera from Wonder — the company known for the Bird Buddy smart bird feeder.

The Petal uses a 4K, 12MP camera atop a flexible "stem" that will identify the insects that land nearby thanks to an AI the company calls Nature Intelligence. You'll get a notification on your phone when the camera spots something interesting, and you can interact with a chatbot to learn more about it, for example, whether you've got carpenter bees in your yard.

One neat feature is that you can accessorize the camera with a solar "leaf" that keeps its battery charged while interchangeable lenses will give you different views of these little botanical visitors.

According to Wonder, the Petal will be available in spring but pricing is yet to be announced.

5. AI Motion Pillow

One of the most significant uses of your home is sleep. There's been a whole heap of sleep-related tech on show at CES 2025, but the AI Motion Pillow will interest anyone who has to deal with snoring in the bedroom. The device uses high-quality memory foam and AI to try and position your head to prevent or stop snoring.

There are a lot of anti-snoring solutions out there but this is interesting because it's a non-invasive design. The smarts are in a small white box called the AI Motion System, which records sleep time and snoring to build a pattern. From there, it starts to learn when you start snoring and activate airbags inside the pillow to gently alter head position to stop it from happening.

6. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential

Take a look at the best smart thermostats you can buy and you'll see the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium tops our list. However, the downfall of the product is its $250 price tag — which was just addressed at CES 2025 with the introduction of the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential.

At $129 it's nearly half the price of the Premium model with only a few small trade-offs — like being made of plastic rather than nickel. Despite this, it retains one of the company's best features: compatibility with Ecobee's remote sensors so you can monitor the temperature and occupancy in multiple rooms to better manage how hot or cold you want your house.

This gives Nest a run for its money and is scheduled to go on sale in March at all major retailers. It'll also come with a 3-year warranty and is Energy Star certified.

7. Ring Smart Smoke Alarm

Ring is synonymous with smart home tech, but while it made its name in video doorbells, it's now branching out into smoke alarms. Announced at CES as part of a partnership with Kidde, the company's first smoke alarm will notify users in the event of a fire in their home.

If it picks up smoke, the detector will blast out a siren and send an alert to the Ring app. For additional safety, customers can sign up for a 24/7 Smoke & CO Monitoring service, where an agent will contact any emergency contacts you have in your Ring app, as well as the local police and fire departments.

The Ring Smart Smoke Alarm will be available in April exclusively through The Home Depot and will retail for $54.97. If you want to sign up for the monitoring service, that will be available on April 2 for an additional $5 per month.

More from Tom's Guide

• CES 2025 Day 4 — the new gadgets you've got to see
• Samsung's latest fridge uses AI to keep your food fresh for longer — here's how
• A content creator’s guide to surviving CES 2025: what’s in my tech bag

Updated to include pricing and availability and pricing for the LG B5 OLED.

LG's got a lot cooking for 2025, and it's all here on display at CES. In addition to announcing several new home appliance upgrades, like a fridge with a transparent OLED screen, LG has finally given us our first look at its 2025 TVs, and wow — they are impressive.

At the forefront of its new designs are the LG M5 and G5 OLED TVs, which in a stunning turn of events, will drop the gen-two MLA (Micro Lens Array) panel in favor of LG Display's four-stack OLED technology. The more value-friendly C5 and B5 OLEDs will also be returning in the same sizes as last year.

LG's QNED lineup is also seeing some major updates. The poster child for these advancements is the new QNED9M, a Mini-LED TV that will use LG's Zero Connect box for wireless connectivity.

At the forefront of these TVs are a slew of AI upgrades that will bring picture enhancements, sound improvements and even easier search parameters through the use of a Large Language Model.

LG has also saddled up with Microsoft, not just to bridge Copilot AI into its TVs, but to also bring Xbox Game Pass into its Game Optimizer ecosystem.

Check out the full 2025 TV lineup below, and stick to Tom's Guide, as we'll be updating this page regularly as further information rolls out.

LG 2025 TVs: OLED lineup

LG M5 OLED

Tom's Guide managing editor Michael Desjardin best explains the M5 OLED as "in its own class." The flagship design sits outside of the reach for most consumers, but its wireless technology is finding its way onto other, more accessible LG TVs.

This year, the M5 uses LG's Gen2 Alpha 11 processor on a 144Hz refresh rate, (which is quite a shame given the G5's 165Hz spec). As mentioned previously, both premium OLEDs are dropping the MLA panel this year and using a four-stack panel technology that LG says offers much higher brightness.

Here are the M5 OLED TV sizes LG has announced so far: 97", 83", 77" and 65".

LG G5 OLED

For many people, the G5 OLED is the crème de la crème of OLED TVs in 2025. While it might technically sit below the M5 in terms of price and lineup structure, it's one of the most advanced sets from LG this year.

The G5 OLED will be one of the few TVs that will sport a 165Hz refresh rate (Samsung's S95F is another), which introduces a whole new spec for gamers. Although niche, it should give users of the best gaming PCs some leeway with higher frames, but it won't mean much for console gamers (so don't go buying a G5 OLED just for your PS5 Pro).

With 2025 being the year for cheaper OLED TVs, a wider range in offerings for the G5 plus the move to four stack panel production could mean far more competitive pricing for this range, but we'll have to wait and see for official MSRP.

Here are the G5 OLED TV sizes, prices and availability LG has announced so far:

LG C5 OLED

Like its predecessors, the C5 is set to be a value-packed OLED powerhouse. It leverages LG's Alpha 9 gen8 processor with a full suite of HDMI 2.1 ports. It features a 144Hz refresh rate with LG's Brightness Booster technology, but as was the case last year, the added brightness will only be available in the 55-, 65- and 77-inch models.

While we don't yet know official pricing on the C5 OLED, you can expect it to be pretty competitive. One of our biggest complaints about the C4 OLED was its relatively high pricing against its 2023 counterpart, so it will be interesting to see where LG slots this year's mid-range OLED.

Here are the C5 OLED TV sizes, prices, and availability LG has announced so far:

LG B5 OLED

There's little known about LG's next-generation B-series OLED, but we do know it will come equipped with a 120Hz WOLED panel. Like the QNED series, the B5 will use the Alpha 8 gen two chip and, like the rest of the LG TV lineup, not feature an ATSC 3.0 tuner for NextGen TV.

Here are the B5 OLED TV sizes LG has announced so far: 97", 83", 77", 65", 55" and 48".

LG 2024 TVs: QNED series 

LG QNED9M

Beyond OLEDs, LG is also offering a string of LCD designs labeled under its QNED evo TVs. It's here where the QNED9M reigns supreme, offering enhanced colors and brightness via LG's Dynamic QNED Color Solution.

As its flagship QNED, the QNED9M corrals a wide range of premium features, main among them being wireless Zero Connect box support. This makes the QNED9M almost entirely wireless aside from its power cord. In addition, it offers a 144Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync Premium and its a8 AI processor will allow for some serious AI upgrades.

Thus far, LG has only officially announced the QNED9M within this lineup, but you can expect to see a range of similar offerings from last year, including refreshed versions of the QNED90T, QNED85T and QNED80T. The entire lineup will use the a8 chipset, which LG claims offers 70% improvement over last year and will span across a wide range in sizes from 40 inches to 100 inches.

LG 2024 TVs: lifestyle series

LG PF600U 3-in-1 projector

Serving as three functions in one design, the PF600U might well be one of the weirdest products on display at CES 2025, but that's not a bad thing. As a projector it offers 1080p resolution with a purported 300 ANSI lumens and a screen size range of 30-inch to 120-inch. Beyond that, it also offers five levels of brightness with nine colors on a 110-degree tilting head, plus a set of stereo speakers with passive radiators should set it far apart from many of the best cheap soundbars.

LG CineBeam S

If its 3-in-1 wasn't enough, LG has yet another projector in store for consumers in the PU615U, otherwise known as the CineBeam S. This ultra Short Throw (UST) projector combines portability with massive screen size, offering 40 to 100 inches on a 4K resolution that weighs all but a mere 5.5 pounds. LG says it hits 500 ANSI lumens, which isn't particularly ideal for those living in more ambient-lit environments, but its extreme portability should go a long way.

LG has not specified on price or availability just yet, but more information on both projectors should be released in the next coming weeks.

More From Tom's Guide

• LG debuting 98-inch QNED TV at CES 2024 with huge AI picture upgrades
• LG’s 'smartphones on wheels' is an exciting glimpse into the future of the car
• LG M3 OLED review: The wireless TV future is here

Every year at CES, there's a fleet of new robot vacuums that are announced which promise to keep your home cleaner, avoid objects, and pick up dirt and mop your floors better than before. However, at CES 2025, it feels like there's been a leap when it comes to innovation in robot vacuums.

From models with claws to ones that can (sort of) climb up stairs, here are the seven robot vacuums that intrigued me the most at CES 2025. Which of these will make our list of the best robot vacuums? You'll have to wait until we test them later this year.

Roborock Saros Z70

Yes, the best robot vacuums can avoid your dirty socks and shoes, but what if it could actually pick them up and put them away? That's what the Roborock Saros Z70 can do: It has a retractable arm and claw that identifies objects on the floor, grabs them and moves them aside.

The robot can lift items up to 10.5 ounces (300 grams), and will even be able to move them to an area you designate. When we saw an early demo, the Roborock Saros Z70 didn't perform perfectly, but we can't wait to see the finished product later this year.

The Z70 is a hybrid robot vacuum and mop, with two mopping pads that can raise themselves when the robot is on carpet. It comes with a docking station with reservoirs for both clean and dirty water, as well as a dustbin that can hold up to 120 days worth of debris.

Roborock hasn't announced a price yet for the Saros Z70, but it should launch in May or June of 2025.

SwitchBot K20+ Pro

What if your robot vacuum could do more than vacuum? That's the idea behind the SwitchBot K20+ Pro. This diminutive robovac can dock with a number of accessories — a fan, an air purifier, security camera, and iPad holder to name a few — so you can get more use out of the device. And, the company is opening the platform for third parties to make their own accessories.

The robot vacuum itself is pretty tiny. In fact, it's one of the smallest robot vacuums we've ever seen. Its small size means there's no mopping function, but we imagine that it will be offered as an add-on at some point in the future.

Pricing for the vacuum or the various modules has not been announced, but the company hopes to release some or all of the kit in May or June 2025.

Eufy Clean E20

Even the best robot vacuums can't clean your couch cushions, which means you'll also need a stick vacuum handy. But what if your robot vacuum could do both? The Eufy Clean E20 could be one of the most practical robot vacuums to come out of CES; its suction unit can detach from the robot vacuum itself, and be connected to a stick vacuum tube attachment to turn it into a handheld vacuum.

You don't get a built-in mopping function as you do with other robot vacuums, but for those with limited space and budgets, this combo unit, which goes on sale February 10 for $549, could be just the thing.

Narwal Flow

When it comes to vacuuming and mopping, it's always tricky to get to the very edges and corners of your rooms. The Narwal Flow has a clever solution: a rotating mop that extends out the side of the robot to better get those crevices. However, it isn't the only robot vacuum with this feature: Both the Switchbot S20 Pro and the Ecovacs X8 Pro Omni, which were also announced at CES 2025, have a similar roller that pops out the side and retracts when not cleaning the periphery of your room.

But the Flow has a few other neat features, such as both a clean and dirty water tank in the robot itself, so it doesn't have to return to its base station as often to swap out the dirty water. It also has two RGB cameras and an AI chip that can detect more than 200 types of objects, so as better to avoid things like shoes, socks, and toys.

The Narwal Flow will be released mid-2025; pricing has not been announced.

Dreame X50 Ultra

The Dreame X50 Ultra can go where no robot vacuum has gone before: Up stairs. Ok, up a small threshold, but hey, it's something!

When the X50 encounters a rise in elevation — say, a chair leg or platform — it can raise up a few inches and lift itself over or onto the higher level. While it can only surmount a rise of around 2.5 inches (6 cm), it could be useful for those who have higher transitions between rooms, but still want them both cleaned.

In addition, the X50 Ultra works as both a vacuum and a mop, can detect up to 200 types of objects, and has a detangling brush built in to keep hairs from getting wound around its rollers.

The Dreame X50 Ultra will be available on Dreame's website and Amazon starting February 14 for $1,699.

Eureka J15 Max Ultra

It's a given that the best robot vacuums can detect objects in their path and avoid them, so they don't get tangled on cables or caught on stray wires. However, the Eureka J15 Max Ultra has a special talent: Thanks to a dual camera system (an infrared camera and a full HD camera) which lets it create 3D images, it can detect clear liquids on your floor. When it does, the robot will automatically lift the roller brush and engage its mopping system to clean up the mess. No more crying over spilled water!

Beyond that, the J15 Max Ultra's mops and side brush extend out the sides of the vacuum to sweep debris more effectively and to clean harder-to-reach areas. To avoid getting hairs tangled in the roller brush, the J15 has a "FlexiRazor" — sort of like an electric shaver — that cuts hairs into smaller pieces so they can be vacuumed into the base.

The J15 Max Ultra will be available in May or June for $1,299.

Dreame prototype

Dreame also previewed its own robot vacuum with a claw attachment; this model is just a prototype, and the company doesn't have any firm plans on when it may come to market.

Dreame's claw is a little beefier than Roborock's, and it can lift objects up to 14 ounces in weight. Its AI-driven camera also remembers what it can — and can't — pick up, so as to save it time as it goes about your house cleaning up after your laziness.

In addition, the Dreame robot vacuum comes with two attachments that snap onto the end of the claw, so you can better clean crevices. One is a sponge for sopping up spills, and the other is a bristly brush for cleaning up cobwebs and the like.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best robot mops
• Best robot vacuums for pet hair
• Best cheap robot vacuums

CES 2025 is going strong, and at the forefront of the show are the many enticing new displays set to hit store shelves later this year. There's no denying that TVs are getting bigger, and there's no better proof than the many 100-inch plus models scattered about the trade show floor.

While "AI Everywhere" was last year's CES tentpole theme, display manufacturers are still vying to pack as many AI features as possible into their TV innovations. Samsung and LG both are key drivers in this space, leveraging not just enticing new software suites but big-name collaborations with tech powerhouses like Google and Microsoft.

There's also some major design changes gracing many of our favorite displays. For instance, Samsung's taking a more lifestyle approach to its 2025 TV lineup, while LG's dropped the gen two MLA panel from its new M5 and G5 series OLED TVs. Hisense even has a new (and spectacular) MicroLED design that's consumer-ready — but most certainly won't come cheap.

Samsung's beloved The Frame returns this year with a whole new model in The Frame Pro, a stunning reimagining of the art deco style concept that's taken the TV industry by storm. TCL's also back with its QD-Mini-LED screens headed up by the glorious QM6K TV. These and many more among the best TVs of CES are paving the future of display innovation, all of which you can experience for yourself below.

LG M5 OLED TV

LG's no stranger to a gorgeous design ethos, which is codified best of all in its new M5 OLED TV. LG's flagship 2025 display sports a slew of advanced features, but what makes the M5 OLED stand out is its Zero Connect Box that essentially makes it wireless aside from its power cord.

As noted above, LG is dropping its MLA panel in favor of a multi-layered OLED panel that it's claiming is 40% brighter than its predecessors. LG's also put the Gen2 Alpha 11 processor into its new M5 OLED, gifting it some serious AI enhancements, like AI Search, AI Voice ID, and plenty more that will make home entertainment all the more streamlined.

Panasonic Z95B OLED TV

Panasonic's awesome Z95 series returns as the Japanese TV manufacturer aims to once more sweep the US market following an eight year hiatus. The Z95B OLED TV is its newest flagship, which will be dropping LG Display's MLA panel in favor of a four stack process and an RGB tandem OLED panel. Panasonic says it offers 40% better light efficiency, plus a new ThermalFlow cooling system should boost performance.

Like last year's Z95A OLED TV, which was one of our favorite TVs of 2025, the new Z95B will also be kitted with its own bombastic sound system. A 30W internal woofer with the addition of line array, up, and side-firing speakers, all built out with Dolby Atmos support, already marks the Z95B among the best OLED TVs.

While other premium OLEDs are getting the 165Hz treatment, the Z95B will be sticking with 144Hz in 2025. This a huge misstep, as the spec is largely intended for PC gamers who want the most amount of frames and buttery smooth gameplay, but the Z95B should still deliver just as well with its AMD FreeSync Premium support and revamped True Game Mode.

LG G5 OLED TV

Although it might be missing its MLA panel, LG's new and improved G5 already looks like the OLED to beat this year. Mirroring Samsung's S95F, the LG G5 OLED also comes equipped with a 165Hz refresh rate in tandem with the aforementioned multi-layer OLED panel, which could prove game changing for the OLED market.

In his first look of the M5 and G5 OLED TVs, Tom's Guide managing editor Michael Desjardin says that the G5's "spectacular highlights are at least as bright as the G4's." It, too, will have LG's a11 chipset, which will gift it serious legs with an integrated Large Language Model.

You can expect to see the G5 OLED in the same range of sizes available for the LG G4, now broadened to include the smaller 48-inch spec, which might become one of the best TVs for gaming if the price is right. We don't have any official numbers just yet, but more information should be unveiled as CES 2025 continues into the week.

Hisense 136MX MicroLED 

You don't often see consumer-ready MicroLED screens these days, as the market is simply not ready for these very expensive designs. just look to the biggest players in the market, as earlier this year both Samsung and LG started to rethink their MicroLED TV strategy.

Still, Hisense has an eye for innovation, and its new 136MX MicroLED TV is one with some incredible promise. It's built with a 120Hz panel featuring over 24.88 million microscopic LEDs for superior picture quality that was once hailed as the OLED killer. Like its 116UX, the 136MX will also hit a purported 10,000 nits of peak brightness and will only be available in its 136-inch size.

Most interesting of all is this MicroLED TV's new interface, which will run on Hisense's proprietary VIDAA OS. You can expect similar functionalities seen on some of the best TVs in the space, including FreeSync and ALLM support, HDMI 2.1 connectivity, Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos, WiFi 6E, and so much more.

While we don't yet have any official information on pricing, you can bet this behemoth of a display will cost quite a penny. For perspective, Samsung released several new MicroLED TVs last year starting at $110,000.

Samsung S95F OLED TV

The hotly-anticipated 2025 refresh of the Samsung S95D OLED TV has finally been unveiled at CES. For its OLED lineup, Samsung's skipping the E nomenclature and jumping straight to F with its new Samsung S95F holding up the flagship position as one of the most advanced TVs to grace the scene.

With a 165Hz refresh rate, Samsung's NQ4 AI Gen 3 processor, and a second-generation glare-free panel, the new and improved S95F is a true beaut to behold. Samsung's claiming it can hit a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and it will have more AI features than you can count on two hands.

TCL QM6K QD-Mini-LED TV

TCL's once again betting big on its QD-Mini-LED technology, which finds its way on the QM6K. This 144Hz screen boasts some serious upgrades over the competition, leveraging TCL's new Halo Control Technology Suite and High Contrast HVA panel.

In this way, the TCL QM6K is the pinnacle of TCL's display technology. At the forefront of this innovation is the structure of the backlighting, which allows the QM6K as much as 86% improvement in backlight uniformity and 67% better control of blooming.

TCL also claims its new HVA panel works to deliver a static contrast of up to 7,000:1, citing it as "5X better than competitors." TCL has also ramped up its Game Accelerator feature, which now allows for up to 288 VRR. A 2.1-channel Onkyo speaker also means you won't need to pair it with one of the best soundbars, either.

But best of all is the QM6K's price, which starts at just $749 for its 50-inch screen. It's also available to buy today, gifting you one of the most advanced Mini-LED TVs yet before CES has even concluded.

Samsung The Frame Pro

Samsung's created a beast with its The Frame TV as rival brands from TCL to Hisense are knocking off the design, but Samsung's got a way to put the kibosh on its copycats. Meet the Samsung Frame Pro, a stunning new entry in Samsung's lifestyle lineup that fuses Mini-LEDs with a 144Hz refresh rate to deliver an experience that belongs in a museum.

The Frame Pro will also utilize Samsung's Wireless Connect Box, which is typically relegated to only its flagship models. Of course, The Frame Pro also sports Pantone's ArtfulColor validation, so you know you're getting top-notch color performance that would rival a Jackson Pollock painting.

Taking lessons learned from last year's S95D, Samsung's also kitting out its 2025 Frame and Frame Pro with an anti-reflective coating and matte finish, which makes it truly look like an empty canvas. Through the Art Store, you'll be able to fill that canvas with a library spanning over 3,000 different paintings and art exhibited across the world.

Hisense 116UX Mini-LED TV

Hisense is setting a new bar for Mini-LED TVs, and it's putting this exciting new technology to the test with the crazy big (and bright) 116UX TriChroma TV. It redefines the way we look at Mini-LED TVs, using a bespoke RGB Local Dimming concept that, according to Hisense, allows it to hit 97% of the BT.2020 Gamut. That's markedly better even than some of the best OLED TVs.

Much like its MicroLED counterpart, the Hisense 116UX will only be available in a 116-inch configuration, as it leverages the Hi-View AI Engine X, Hisense's most powerful processor yet. To make it even more enticing, the 116UX comes built on a 6.2.2 multi-channel surround sound system with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual X support.

Hisense makes some bold claims for its 116UX, chief among them a peak brightness output of up to 10,000 nits. We'll have to wait until we can test the set before we can verify that claim, but Hisense is no stranger to crazy bright TVs, evidenced by its U9N Mini-LED TV that has a peak brightness of over 3,000 nits.

Pricing on the 116UX TriChroma TV has yet to be revealed, but you can imagine it will be, like the MX MicroLED — pretty expensive even in the face of Hisense's value-intensive designs.

Check out our CES 2025 hub for all the latest news from the show as it happens. Follow the Tom’s Guide team in Las Vegas as we cover everything AI, as well as the best new TVs, laptops, fitness gear, wearables and smart home gadgets at the show.

And be sure to check out the Tom's Guide TikTok channel for all the newest videos from CES!

More From Tom's Guide

• I'm the first to see Hisense's 'consumer ready' 136-inch MicroLED TV up close — and it's simply jaw-dropping
• Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025: Likely dates, Samsung Galaxy S25 launch plans and more
• I just went hands-on with these breakthrough smart glasses with an invisible display — and I’m shocked

Here at Tom's Guide, it's our mission to help you find the best tech at the right price. That naturally means we need to test and review a lot of tech, and we're blessed that some of those products are incredible. The flip side of the coin is that we also have to suffer through some of the worst tech you can buy. But it's worth it!

I'm Pete, and I head up the reviews team here at Tom's Guide. It's my team's job to test and review products day in, day out. And it's what we love to do. To help you see what we see all in one place, each weekend we'll be rounding up the best and worst from the last week of testing and reviewing. Maybe you'll see something here that you've been mulling over, and this article will help you make up your mind to buy or skip.

This week, starting Monday 16th December, we were lucky enough to test mostly fantastic products, from the latest Insta360 action camera with its powerful video credentials through to a feature-packed electric toothbrush that talks to you (which is kinda creepy, if we're honest). Our staff writer Eve Butt was the only team member with a sub 3* product this week. But she also got to test out a 5* set of gaming earbuds, which kinda made up for it.

Here's what our writers and editors thought of this week's standout reviews.

What Tom's Guide tested this week: What we loved

Final VR500 gaming earbuds ★★★★★

I’ve never really considered earbuds to be an option for gaming audio, let alone a wired pair, until I came across the Final VR500.

With perhaps the most immersive 3D audio I have experienced on any pair of headphones, let alone earbuds, the VR500 seriously impressed me with how well they bring the world of in-game audio to my ears. I don’t think I’ve ever been more immersed in the relaxing countryside sounds of Baldur’s Gate 3, or the horrors of the Western Front in Battlefield 1.

For those looking for a pair of earbuds to elevate their competitive gaming experience, look no further. Identifying footsteps and getting the drop on the enemy team in Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant has never been easier than with the VR500.

While they aren’t necessarily designed for music and multimedia, they still hold up as a great pair of headphones for listening to your favorite songs. Louder and more chaotic tracks felt intensely layered and I loved being able to hear different instruments as if I was literally in the middle of a live performance.

The truly mind-blowing thing is that these earbuds cost under $35, and I’ve seen the price go much lower. Amazing performance aside, these are comfortable and sleekly designed earbuds which are mindblowing value for money. My message to you is this: maybe give that game on the Steam Christmas Sale a pass, and pick up the Final VR500 earbuds instead — you won’t regret it.

By Eve Butt — Read Eve's full Final VR500 earbuds review.

Sansui 55" 4K OLED TV ★★★

I came into this review really wanting to enjoy this budget OLED TV as, after all, cheaper OLEDs is much better for the industry. While I still do think OLEDs are going to get cheaper, do I think a $799 OLED from a distributor like Sansui is worth the investment? Only if you're willing to live with the myriad concessions.

While the 55-inch Sansui OLED TV does come equipped with Google TV, it's incredibly sluggish and even mundane tasks take far too long to take effect. You could always pair the Sansui OLED TV with something like the Roku Ultra (2024) or even the Google TV Streamer if a sluggish interface is of concern, but if you're going to spend an extra $100 why not just buy the $999 LG B4 OLED TV?

The Sansui OLED TV actually uses a WOLED panel made by LG Display, which can be found on both the LG B4 OLED and Samsung S85D OLED TVs. It commands a 120Hz refresh rate with a range of HDR certifications that includes Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. That's not too shabby for just under $1,000.

It's when you look at its metrics where the true story unfolds. Not only does it forego any major screen tearing technology, like FreeSync or G-Sync, but it also has a 21.2ms input latency, which we like to see under 10ms. That's atrocious for any serious gaming, especially for such titles like Armored Core 6 or Black Ops 6.

Do yourself a favor and get the LG B4 OLED instead. It's built on webOS 24, runs much smoother, and has many more gaming features (like a 9.2ms input latency and a Game Dashboard).

By Ryan Epps— Read Ryan's full Sansui OLED TV review.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 ★★★★

While I didn't dislike the original Insta360 Ace Pro, it didn't bowl me over when it launched in 2023. It was competing primarily against the GoPro Hero12 Black, but cost $50 more than the GoPro — it's always a pretty bold move to charge more for an action cam than GoPro, which let's face it, sets the benchmark. The justification for this price were the camera's Leica lens, which wasn't any sharper than other action camera lenses, and 8K recording, which is a bit of a gimmick given 4K is where YouTube and most monitors max out. I felt it wasn't worth the spend versus the competition.

The new Ace Pro 2 competes with this year's GoPro Hero13 Black and the best action camera you can buy, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. And I like it a whole lot more. Still present are the 8K and same Leica lens, but Insta360 has now dropped the launch price by $50 versus the original, to $399. So you're no longer being charged a premium for relatively pointless features.

The Ace Pro 2 sports a redesigned microphone assembly featuring a wind guard, meaning internal audio is surprisingly clean. If you do want to hook up a mic, it supports wireless connection external mics, including to the epic DJI Mic 2 (DJI is insta360's arch-rival). Audio is something online creators really care about, so these upgrades are great to see.

4K looked incredible and stabilization was fantastic in testing, as was build quality and the camera's smartphone app. This is all par for the course from Insta360. If you're shopping for a new action camera over the holidays, this is definitely one to buy.

By Pete Wolinski — Read Pete's full Insta360 Ace Pro 2 review.

Oclean X Ultra S ★★★★

As someone who’d been metaphorically limping along with an ancient Oral-B toothbrush desperate to start its retirement, I practically jumped at the chance to review a brand-new AI-enabled smart toothbrush. The Oclean X Ultra S toothbrush is just that — and for only $129.

Not only does this toothbrush look incredible, it also works like a charm. There’s a seemingly endless amount of custom cleaning modes (literally, you can customise your own personalized cleaning style) and a massive 40-day battery life. However, there’s one aspect of this toothbrush that has me quaking in my boots.

It talks to you in a creepy robot child voice. Now, I’m not sure why Oclean decided to use a child AI vocal command instead of an adult AI, but whatever the reason, it’s weird. The X Ultra S announces things like “Switch area” and “Excessive force” in the voice of a first grader. It’s enough to be the start of a low-budget horror movie.

Thankfully, you can switch off this AI voice, so the toothbrush doesn’t have to soundtrack your nightmares. With the AI child voice disabled, do I recommend this toothbrush? Yes, 100%. I’ve already sent my Oral-B brush into its long-overdue retirement.

By Erin Bashford — Read Erin's full Oclean X Ultra S review.

Kodak Ultra F9 35mm ★★★★

I’m a photography aficionado so whenever a camera lands on my desk and I get to review it, I can’t help but smile. So of course, my favorite product that I’ve reviewed this week is a camera — a 35mm film camera, to be precise. The Kodak Ultra F9 is one of the best film cameras out there, and it costs just $49.

This reusable film camera is incredibly easy to use so it’s perfect for those just starting out in film photography because it handles everything on its own — I’m talking about shutter speed, exposure, and more. So if you aren’t familiar with the semantics of photography, don’t fret. And the photos it captures? Stunning.

The beauty of film cameras is that you have to wait until they come back from the lab to see the results, and it’s well worth the wait. The Ultra F9 captures great retro photos in bright conditions (albeit with some chromatic aberration). Did I mention that buying film is quite cheap too?

Sure, low-light performance isn’t the best and the viewfinder is a little small, but it costs less than my weekly grocery shop! For $49, I really can’t complain about this camera.

By Nikita Achanta — Read Nikita's full Kodak Ultra F9 review.

What Tom's Guide tested this week: What we didn't love

Cherry K4 V2 ★★½

To put it simply, the Cherry K4V2 is everything I don’t like about gaming keyboards. When gaming, I at least need my keyboard to nail all of the basics, let alone give me game-winning features — sadly, the K4V2 falls at the first hurdle, and there aren’t even any standout features worth sticking around for.

You might be drawn in by the moderately low price of the keyboard. Although it retails for $119 from Cherry, you can pick up the wired mechanical keyboard for under $80 on Amazon, which is a mid-range price in the enthusiast keyboard world. It might sound like a decent deal at first, but the various issues make the keyboard pale in comparison to other boards in this price range. I quickly found myself reaching for the embrace of my nearest, dearest Redragon K673 budget keyboard after only a few days of testing the K4V2.

The main feature of the board, and the reason for the ‘V2’ in the name, are Cherry’s MX2A red switches — the most recent iteration of their iconic MX switches. While the performance wasn’t terrible, I found in my testing that there was a scratchy feeling to each keystroke. When the main selling point of the switch is smoothness, this was pretty disappointing to see (or feel).

And that was just one part of a bigger picture: this is a very cheap feeling (and looking) gaming keyboard. Whether it's the off-white color of the plastic Retro case, the cheap and glossy ABS keycaps or the dull and offputting sound of the keys, there aren’t many joys to be had with the Cherry K4V2.

By Eve Butt — Read Eve's full Cherry K4V2 TKL review.

Also tested this week

More from Tom's Guide

• Millions stolen from LastPass users in massive attack — what you need to know
• 11 iOS 18.2 features to try on your iPhone first — that aren't Apple Intelligence
• Millions of Netflix users just got an exclusive freebie that you can download right now

Premium gadgets are one of the easiest ways to experience a little bit of luxury in your life. Whether they cost a couple hundred dollars or a couple thousand, there are all sorts of brilliant products out there that can make every day feel fancy.

From designer collaborations with tech brands, to coveted self-care tools, to high-end home appliances that feel futuristic, we’ve come up with the ultimate list of luxurious gadgets you can get. Believe it or not, many products are available from major retailers you probably already shop at, and they might not cost as much as you’d expect from the ‘luxury’ category. After all, luxury is a feeling — not a price tag.

That said, we’ve also included some incredible big-ticket items that any technophile will appreciate. Who wouldn’t be amazed by a $200,000 folding TV, right? Check out all our favorite luxurious finds below.  

C-Seed M1 Folding TV

Having a 165-inch MicroLED TV might sound luxurious enough, until you learn there’s a 165-inch MicroLED TV that folds like an accordion to stow away out of sight. The C-Seed M1 is the TV that’s there you want it and gone when you don’t, unfolding and folding on command. So, not only do you get the vivid and detailed viewing experience of a massive MicroLED TV, but you don’t have to compromise on it blocking your view or being an eyesore in your living room when it’s not in use. 

Lelit Bianca V3 Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

Your espresso machine should make a statement, not just with the quality of the coffee it makes, but how good it looks in your kitchen, too. That’s why we love the polished stainless steel and walnut-accented Letit Bianca V3. This dual-boiler espresso machine lets you control everything from the flow rate of the water, the brew temperature, and pre-infusion time. Despite its classic look, an OLED display lets you see exactly what’s going on inside. We especially like the 2.5-liter water reservoir, which can be moved to either side of the machine, to better fit in your coffee bar. 

Leica M11 Rangefinder Camera

You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but Leica’s M11 Rangefinder Camera boasts an updated full-frame 60MP BSI CMOS sensor, an expanded ISO range (64 to ISO 50,000), dual memory options (64GB internal and an SD card slot), and a larger battery good for up to 700 shots. Even better: you no longer need to remove the entire base plate to change it. 

Also new to the series is stabilized live view magnified mode, which helps you better get the perfect shot. Of course the camera boasts Leica’s classic styling, which is as gorgeous as it is functional. 

Robosen Flagship Megatron

The Robosen Flagship Megatron isn’t your kid’s Transformers toy. It’s a voice-activated robot that automatically converts from a tank to a 20-inch tall Megatron, complete with multiple programming modes and integrated LEDs. The limited-edition Robosen Flagship Megatron celebrates 40 years of Transformers, and to make the occasion extra special, original voice actor Frank Welker recorded 270+ original lines for this bot. While we think the Flagship Megatron is the most luxurious of the lot, Robosen also makes Elite Optimus Prime and Grimlock variations that any Transformers would be glad to own.

Apple Watch Hermes Edition

Smartwatches are great, but they may prevent you from wearing a traditional designer watch. You get the best of both worlds with the Apple Watch Hermes Edition — a sleek fitness tracker with designer sensibilities. This collaboration between Apple and Hermes features a stainless steel case (either in polished silver or space black) and a special Hermes watch face that standard Apple Watch users can’t access. What’s more, it’s compatible with a collection of beautifully-crafted bands in a selection of Hermes signature colors. 

Garmin MARQ Captain

The Garmin MARQ Captain is about as luxurious as a smartwatch can get. At $2,200 the MARQ Captain is a big step up from the GPS watches Garmin is best known for, catering to boating enthusiasts. With regatta timer markings and a ceramic bezel inlay, this watch looks like it belongs on a captain’s wrist. Meanwhile, chartplotting tools and integration with your boat’s compatible device turns the watch into a command center for any upcoming adventure. If there’s a feature to enhance your boating experience, the Garmin MARQ Captain has it.

Vespa Elettrica Scooter

Vespa’s Electtrica Scooter is the sexiest electric moped you’ll find. For $7,999, this beautiful electric scooter delivers the Vespa experience with the convenience of charging for up to 62 hours of range. The Elettrica’s 4.2kWh battery is pretty considerable, too. It’s one of the more user-friendly mopeds out there as well — the digital dashboard delivers everything you need to know during your ride.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95

When it comes to premium noise-canceling headphones, look no further than the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95. These $1,000 cans are crafted with titanium, lambskin leather and memory foam, making anything you’re listening to feel luxurious. With the brand’s most  advanced adaptive active noise cancelation (ANC) and up to 38 hours of battery life, you’ll be able to enjoy the quiet on long trips or in your home office alike. But most importantly, your music will sound incredible in terms of depth and sound stage. You’ll be able to identify instruments with clear separation and refined accuracy, as though you’re in the studio at the time of recording.

Unistellar eVscope 2

Unistellar has a great selection of luxury telescopes, but the most luxurious of them all is the Unistellar eVscope 2. Touted as the “pinnacle of smart telescopes,” the eVscope 2 has more features than you ever thought you needed for exploring the sky. It’s integrated with a celestial database to help you identify over 5,000 objects, and you can use a compatible smartphone to log all your finds with pristine detail.

Vestaboard

Finding smart home devices that elevate rather than spoil your design aesthetic isn’t easy. That’s precisely why we love the Vestaboard. This gadget is inspired by old train station time boards, with split-flap modules that can spin into any text or color design. You can either customize the messaging on your own, or use one of the Vestaboard’s compatible apps. Some of our favorites display sports scores, the current song playing on Spotify, and a family-friendly word scramble game. Mounted on your wall, the Vestaboard is equal parts conversation starter and sophisticated decor. 

Herman Miller Eames Executive Chair

If you’re living a luxurious lifestyle, there’s a good chance you’re working hard at the office. Whether it’s an executive penthouse or a classy home office, the most premium desk chair you can get is the Herman Miller Eames Executive Chair. This timeless piece of furniture tilts, swivels and is height adjustable like a normal office chair, but the quality upholstery and 12-year warranty tell you this is the only office chair you’ll ever need. Sure, you can get plenty of good office chairs for under $5,000, but your derrière deserves the best.

Osaki Pro Escape 4D Massage Chair

Yes, a live-in masseuse would be a game-changer, but the Osaki Pro Escape 4D Massage Chair is definitely the next best thing. This all-encompassing massage chair will scan your body and tailor your experience to your dimensions, kneading your daily aches away. Infrared heat therapy will help relax your muscles while zero gravity reclining ensures you can completely chill out. It even has Bluetooth speakers so you can listen to your favorite tunes during your session. While there are all sorts of home massage chairs out there, it doesn’t get more luxurious than the Osaki Pro Escape 4D Massage Chair.

AWOL Vision Vanish Laser TV

When it comes to a premium home movie theater experience, it’s hard to beat the AWOL Vision Vanish Laser TV. For a cool $15,000, this all-in-one entertainment unit delivers a 100-inch, 4K image that’s guaranteed to impress. The best part? The motorized projector screen unfurls from the cabinet, so it’s out of sight when you’re not watching anything. The projector itself is integrated in the cabinet so it almost looks like the projection stems from thin air. The result is a big-screen viewing experience that feels luxurious from start to finish.  

Technogym Kinesis Personal

For a truly luxurious gym experience, Technogym’s Kinesis line of home gym equipment is precisely what you’d expect celebrities to own. The mirrored finish of the Kinesis Personal cable machine is simply stunning. Honestly, it looks more like art than a cable machine, but sure enough it has an integrated resistance system and adjustable cable handles so you don’t have to deal with any awkward or unsightly attachments. It connects to Technogym’s training platform so you can follow along with programs and monitor your progress, plus it syncs with other Technogym products in case you plan to build out an entire home gym.

Dyson Airwrap

One of the most coveted self-care products in the world is the Dyson Airwrap, a $600 hair styling system that delivers salon-like blowouts from the comfort of your own home. Alongside the styler, you'll get six styling attachments, a Dyson comb, a storage bag and a storage case — basically, everything you’ll need to make sure your hair looks fabulous. But proceed with caution, once you own one Dyson hair tool, you’ll want to own them all.

Samsung Odyssey Ark

If you want your gaming setup to ooze luxury, there’s no better monitor to use as the centerpiece than the Samsung Odyssey Ark. It’s essentially a 55-inch curved TV mounted on a rotating stand, offering the ultimate immersive experience. You can turn it vertically to cockpit mode, stacking all the different inputs and apps you’d want accessed easily. We recommend pairing the Odyssey Ark with some compatible smart lights, syncing them to your gameplay to design the gaming space you’ll never want to leave. 

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker

Why spend $630 on a countertop ice maker when your refrigerator has a perfectly fine one? That’s exactly what someone who hasn’t experienced the luxury of GE Profile’s Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker would say. Consider yourself warned: once you’ve enjoyed the texture of this nugget ice, made in as quickly as 10 minutes, you’ll never want a refrigerator ice cube again. Whether it’s for soda, coffees, cocktails, or just a cool glass of water, these crunchy nuggets of compacted ice flakes are the definition of “the good ice.”

Dacor Four Bottle Built-In Dual Zone Wine Dispenser

You could shell out thousands for a fancy wine fridge, but the Dacor Four Bottle Built-In Dual Zone Wine Dispenser takes things to the next level by dispensing you a glass (or four) of your favorite vino. This appliance keeps your wine chilled to the optimal temperature, while the argon gas technology makes sure the bottle’s natural flavor and aroma are maintained for up to 60 days. It’s seriously like a soft drink machine, but for wine. 

Gozney Dome

Look, if you want to become a true pizzaiolo, consider getting a brick pizza oven professionally installed. But if you want a more accessible answer that still makes pizza nights at home feel (and taste) luxurious, the Gozney Dome pizza oven is the best it gets. Although suited for many styles of outdoor cooking, pizza making in the Gozney Dome is something special. You can use wood or gas to fuel the flame, and you’ll enjoy perfectly cooked 16-inch pies within minutes. The only downside is that your neighbors simply won’t be able to stay away from the smells and flavors of your backyard. 

Weber Summit Grill 2024

The most luxurious outdoor appliance for the master griller is the 2024 Weber Summit Grill. There are two elements that elevate the latest Weber Summit unit from your basic grill. First, it offers a top-down infrared broiler unlike anything you'll find in the current grill market; and second, it's powered by a digital control system that makes grilling more intuitive and modern. Take our word for it, glazed salmon never tasted so good.

Victrola Stream Carbon

There’s something luxurious about a premium vinyl set up, but if you’ve already treated yourself to a Sonos sound system, it might be time to add the Victrola Stream Carbon to the mix. Not only is this modern-looking record player easy on the eyes, but it can sync to your Sonos system over Wi-Fi to cast your vinyls to any Sonos speaker in your home — no unsightly cables needed. It works seamlessly without compromising the distinct sound of vinyl, which is why it’s one of our favorite gadgets on this list.

Kohler Numi 2.0

A toilet might not sound luxurious, but the Kohler Numi 2.0 is not your average toilet. It’s part modern sculpture, part bidet, and part party-starter with integrated LED lights and speakers. Motion-activated opening and closing of this heated toilet will make any trip to the bathroom memorable, while Amazon Alexa can make any adjustments you need hands-free. Is it necessary to spend $8,625 on the ultimate smart toilet? Probably not. But if you cherish your time on the throne, it’s well worth the investment.

Sleep Number i10 smart bed

Considering the importance of sleep, and how much time of your life you spend in bed, it’s important to have a mattress that meets your needs. But needs may change, and if you share a bed, each sleeper’s needs might be different. The Sleep Number i10 can automatically adjust its firmness on both halves of the mattress based on your movements, and even give you a report of your sleep quality through a connected app. This smart mattress is designed to help you get the best rest possible, and we can all agree it’s hard to put a price on that.

Therabody Theraface Mask

Beauty tech is almost always luxurious, but if you want to feel like you’re experiencing an expensive facial treatment at home, the Therabody Theraface Mask is a $599 gadget worth getting. This FDA-cleared LED mask supports Red, Red + Infrared and Blue light therapy that has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark spots within a few months when used daily. All Therabody products offer some degree of luxury, but the Theraface Mask definitely takes the crown.

YSL Rouge Sur Mesure Custom Lip Color Creator

Luxury isn’t buying designer lipstick — it’s making your own shades of design lipsticks. The YSL Rouge Sur Mesure Custom Lip Color Creator developed by L’Oreal lets you create custom lip colors on demand, either pulling from a suggested color wheel or using your smartphone’s camera to match the shade perfectly to your outfit. You can either design your new signature color or make a new one daily. 

When it comes to this year's iOS 18 update, Apple Intelligence features and the ability to customize your iPhone's home screen may be grabbing all the attention. But quietly, the upcoming iPhone software update seems to be adding a lot of features focused on boosting your productivity.

From enhancements to existing apps to the arrival of an entirely new iPhone app meant to help you more easily manage passwords, there's a lot of new capabilities in iOS 18 specifically designed to make it easier to do things. And it's something you'll get to experience for yourself soon enough, as the iOS 18 public beta arrives in July, ahead of a full release later this year.

Even better, with a few exceptions which we'll note below, these productivity features will be included for anyone running iOS 18. That's not the case with Apple Intelligence, which will be restricted to iPhones running an A17 Pro chipset or later — that's basically just the iPhone 15 Pro models at this point.

Not everyone will want to download the iOS 18 beta at this point, but when you do try out the software update for the first time, here are the productivity-enhancing features you can enjoy, based on what we've seen from iOS 18 preview.

Safari Highlights

One of the big changes in Safari is a new highlights feature that calls out relevant information as you browse web pages. Say you look at the website for a restaurant — Safari in iOS 18 can show a map with the restaurant’s location and buttons for directions or calling when you visit a restaurant’s website.

The Safari Highlights feature can call up info on people, music, movies and TV shows, though info on the latter could be restricted to the U.S. for now.

Reminders in Calendars

When it's time to create a reminder tied to a specific day, you don't necessarily need to drop what you're doing and head over to the Reminders app. Now you're able to schedule a reminder in Calendar using the same approach that you schedule an appointment or an event.

The best part of this integration is its two-way sync: to-dos from Reminders appear in Calendar on their due date, and tasks from Calendar show up in Reminders. No matter which app you spend more time in, you'll never miss a to-do again.

Audio transcripts in Notes

Speaking of app integrations, the Notes app adds its own recorder app in iOS 18 — saving you from having to jump over to the Voice Memos app. 

The feature doesn't stop there. You can also get a real-time transcription of the recording to appear in your note, so that you can search for specific words and phrases. You can spruce up the transcript using Notes' formatting tools, as well.

You will need an iPhone 12 or later to make this feature work, but if you've got the necessarily hardware, your Notes app just became a lot more capable.

Phone call transcripts

The Notes app isn't the only one to feature an integrated recorder. That capability is coming to the Phone app as well in iOS 18. The inclusion of a recorder means that you'll be able to record phones, and you can get a transcript of those recordings as well. 

Not only will this be available in English for the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore, but also in Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese and Portuguese.

Math Notes

Jumping back to Notes, that app also benefits from integration with the Calculator app in iOS 18. That essentially allows you to put math formulas into your notes, with the solution appearing automatically.

The most eye-catching implementation of this takes place on iPads running iPadOS 18, where you can sketch out a formula using your finger or an Apple Pencil, and the solution appears in what looks to be your own handwriting. This feature also works on iPhones with iOS 18, though it’s harder to use due to the smaller screen size compared to tablets.

A more phone-friendly instance of Math notes involves typing out formulas, and having the calculator provide the answer. The example Apple gives in its preview is a list of expenses that are totaled up at the end; the total automatically adjust as you change the numbers that make up the formula.

Scheduled text messages

iOS 18 Messages introduces a number of changes, including text animations, RCS support and the ability to turn any emoji or sticker into a tapback. But from a productivity standpoint, the highlight with Messages is the ability to schedule texts.

The feature targets those times when it's too late to send a text, but you don't want to have to remember to send that message at a more appropriate time. Scheduled texts can also come in handy for timely reminders or for reaching out to people at a specific time. Whatever the reason, you'll find the Send Later command in the same Plus (+) menu where you can text photos, send Apple Cash payments or use the Check In feature

The new Passwords app

iOS 18 adds just one new app, but it has the potential to be a real time-saver. Passwords expands on Keychain's capabilities by giving you a place to store passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes. 

You're able to quickly find those things with search tools that can filter accounts by whether you created them recently, credential type, or whether the account is in a shared group.

Passwords is going to work across Apple's platforms, so the passwords on your iPhone will sync securely with the ones on your Mac, iPad or other Apple device. AutoFill automatically adds passwords to the app.

Privacy & Security settings redesign

If Passwords aims to simplify password management, Apple's also making changes in the Settings app of iOS 18 that look to more efficiently manage your Privacy & Security preferences. You have greater control over what you're sharing with apps, by managing the ones that can access your iPhone's data, location, camera and microphone.

From the looks of a screenshot provided by Apple, the biggest change to Privacy & Security settings appears to be some text letting you know how many apps have full and partial access to data from a particular setting or app.

Inbox categorization in Mail

Even with iOS 18 arriving in the fall, at least one productivity feature will be coming a little bit later. Mail is getting a revamp in the form of categorized inboxes, tapping into machine learning to separate your email into different categories.

A Primary inbox will contain time-sensitive messages as well as mail from family and friends. Other categories include Transactions (receipts and invoices), Promotions (messages pertaining to sales) and Updates for newsletters and the like. You'll apparently still have access to a unified inbox view if you want. And should messages get sent to the wrong category, you can reassign them, teaching Mail the proper categorization going forward.

More from Tom's Guide

• iOS 18 — our 9 favorite new features coming to your iPhone
• iOS 18 has convinced me to upgrade, but not to an IPhone 15 Pro
• iOS 18 Control Center — 5 biggest changes

iOS 18 is shaping up to be one of the biggest upgrades Apple has rolled out in several years, with a huge number of extra features, upgrades and customization options on the way. It makes other software upgrades, like Android 15, look positively boring by comparison.

Of course, new features aren’t all made equal, and they can range from something as major as Apple Intelligence to something as basic as adding statistics to the Journal app. So which iOS 18 features should you be the most excited about? Here are our picks for the top iOS 18 features.

Apple Intelligence

The biggest new feature coming to iOS 18 is Apple intelligence, and it isn’t even a close contest. To the point where we have to bundle everything together to make it fair on the rest of iOS 18’s incoming upgrades. AI is going to have limited reach on the iPhone, since it’ll be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 series. But that doesn’t make it any less exciting.

Features coming as part of Apple Intelligence include image generation (aka Image Playground), access to ChatGPT, a new image editing tool called Clean Up, custom Genmoji, AI summarization, proofreading, smart replies and more. The best part is most of it will be running on your device, rather than some random cloud server. Be sure to check out our list of the top Apple Intelligence features to find out more about everything it will be able to do.

All New Siri

While related to Apple Intelligence, the all new AI-infused version of Siri is a key part of the iOS 18 upgrade. And frankly it is something that is long overdue. This new version of Siri will be smarter than ever, and capable of responding to a lot more than individual queries. This new Siri is conversational and contextual, meaning it can understand follow-up questions and responses — making the interaction seem more natural in the process.

On top of that, Siri will be aware of what’s happening on screen to better help it understand how to help you, and will let you send commands by typing instead of using your voice. What’s really cool is that Siri will be able to control actions in various apps, saving you the effort of having to do the whole thing yourself. While that’s likely to be quite limited at first, Apple is giving developers the chance to add that functionality to their own apps as well.

Apple Photos redesign

Apple Photos was never going to win any beauty contests, which is why we’re glad Apple is revamping the whole app into something (hopefully) better. Tabs are out, in favor of a new unified screen that gives you access to everything without having to jump back and forth. 

Your Photo Library is now split into Photos and Collections), while a new carousel feature lets you see featured and favorite photos at a glance. Essentially, iOS 18 is going to make finding photos a lot easier, and much nicer to look at in the process. Apple Photos will also tie into Apple Intelligence, with features like the Clean Up image editor being available in the app. For more, see our guide to all the iOS 18 Photos features. 

iPhone Mirroring on Mac

Given how tight-nit the Apple ecosystem is, it’s no surprise that Apple is upgrading the Continuity feature to support iPhone mirroring. This feature beams across a virtual version of your iPhone to a connected Mac or Vision Pro headset, letting you control your mobile device without actually having to touch it. In fact,the phone doesn’t even need to be unlocked for the link to work.

That means you can keep your iPhone in your bag or pocket and still get things done through another device — using either the keyboard and mouse or visionOS’s motion controls. Better still, you can drag and drop content from your iPhone onto your Mac, and pump the iPhone audio through your Mac’s speakers. It’s a wonder Apple didn’t do this sooner.

Locked apps

We store a lot of sensitive and private information on our phones, and the last thing we want is for someone to have access to that when we’re not looking. iOS 18’s Locked apps feature lets you keep those apps extra secure, in the event that someone stumbles across your unlocked phone or manages to get past your lock screen.

Plus, if there are apps you’d rather people don’t know you had, iOS 18 will also include a locked folder for hiding those apps from prying eyes. Locked and hidden apps are more or less treated like they’re not there, suspending all notifications and not having any details show up in search or Siri recommendations.

Messaging via Satellite

There are plenty of places where data and phone signals don’t reach, which is why Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite is so important. But it was restricted to emergency communication only, and that’s something Apple is changing with iOS 18. This time anyone with an iPhone 14 or newer will be able to send text messaging (with emojis if you want them) to anyone via a satellite link. 

The key difference is that this service is available in non-emergency situations, too. So if you’re hiking in the wilderness and need to text your roommate asking them to buy eggs on the way home, you won’t have to wait until you return to civilization. The system works just like regular iMessage, but it’s limited to text-based communication only. No voice notes or video calls are allowed. (For more on the changes to the iPhone's built-in messaging app, check out our guide to iMessage on iOS 18.)

Tap to Cash

Apple Pay and Wallet are getting a bunch of little upgrades with iOS 18, but none of them are quite so impressive as Tap to Cash. This feature utilizes the NameDrop system that debuted on iOS 17, letting you send Apple Cash to your fellow iPhone users by tapping the top of your phones together.

This should make it significantly easier to settle bills and other financial scores, even if Apple Cash is the only payment system supported right now. Especially since it doesn’t share any personal information. Though, like other instant Apple Cash transfers, we’d assume that there will be fees associated with this particular service.

Customizable Control Center

Of the myriad of personalization options in iOS 18, the customizable Control Center is arguably our favorite. Because it finally lets you have a say in what the pull-down menu finally has to offer. You choose what appears, how big the buttons are and fine-tune that menu to match your own personal tastes.

On top of that, there are two more screens featuring revamped media and smart home controls. These are essentially quick-access widgets you can get to from anywhere on your phone, and with the same customization options as the main Control Center screen.

RCS Messaging

After years of resisting, Apple is finally improving the state of iPhone-to-non-iPhone communication by adding RCS. While it’s not going to be as robust as iMessage, it means significant improvements to the way you text and communicate with Android users. 

The biggest upgrades include end-to-end encryption and the ability to send photos and videos at full quality — no compression required. It also means you should have read receipts, the ability to send Tapback-style reactions and can add Android users to group chats without the whole thing breaking down.

More from Tom's Guide

• iOS 18 is getting a huge upgrade with reminders — what you need to know
• Apple Watch X new renders just tipped the biggest Apple Watch ever
• iPhone 16 just tipped for massive performance boost that beats iPad Pro M4

Let’s make one thing clear — we like mobile apps. They make our live easier and our iPhones and Android devices more fun to use. We’d even go so far as to say that some apps are absolutely essential to our daily lives.

And yet, that doesn’t mean we don’t also get irritated by some of the recurring annoyances that mar many an otherwise fine mobile app.

From intrusive ads to impenetrable interfaces, there’s an entire laundry list of grievances we could assemble about today’s apps. But when we talked about our biggest gripes, these seven irritants stood out from the rest.

These are the biggest app annoyances currently plaguing our mobile devices.

Free-to-play games

I’m the most casual of gamers, so maybe the world at large has long made their peace with free-to-play games on their mobile devices. But nothing is turning me from a casual gamer into a nope-not-at-all gamer faster than the scourge of these freemium offerings.

I understand that people want to get paid for their work. Heck, I’m willing to pay people a mutually agreed upon one-time fee in exchange for goods and services. What I cannot abide, though, is someone constantly approaching me, hat-in-hand, suggesting that I pony up for something that will make the game slightly more playable. Perhaps the quality of gameplay is something that should have been worked out before I downloaded your app.

The worst kind of model is when you’re peppered with microtransactions that promise to boost your chances against other opponents. Games should be won or lost based on skill and strategy, not on who’s willing to run up the largest credit card balance for the tainted taste of victory.

To my mind, “free to play” has come to mean “costly to enjoy.” There’s no type of app out that I steer any wider away from. — Philip Michaels

Subscription models

While we’re on the subject of dubious payment schemes, let’s talk about the increasing number of apps that use subscription models instead of one-time payments. My colleague John Velasco wrote about his problems with subscription-based apps recently, so I’ll sum up his criticisms, with the bottom line being that when multiple apps charge you a monthly or annual rate, those costs really start to add up.

In many cases, you’re not even paying for new features — just for the ability to keep using features that you’ve gotten accustomed to. Subscription rates also rarely follow the laws of gravity, in that they nearly always go up, but never drop back down.

Part of the problem here is the way mobile app stores were set up many years ago, where developers could charge a fee for their initial release, but subsequent updates were expected to be freebies. It would be preferable to switch back to the pre-App Store model where you paid a set fee for a specific software version, and upgrade fees for future releases. (Or, if you didn’t pay for the upgrade, you simply went on using the version you had, without any new capabilities.) We’d sure like to see Apple and Google adopt that approach, rather than have more developers turn to subscription models in order to guarantee any future revenue. — PM

Separate mobile and desktop apps

Not only do apps increasingly charge subscriptions, but for a lot of the video and photo editing tools on my phone, I’m now paying for features I’ve already paid for with the desktop version. The desktop subscription doesn’t cover the mobile app, and it feels like it should via some sort of bundle.

I use a bunch of tools that are part of CyberLink’s Director Suite 365 package on my laptop, paying $29.99/month for access. If I want to then use the mobile versions of PowerDirector or PhotoDirector, that’s a separate charge. What I’d like to see is an agreement covering both versions. — John Velasco

Over-the-top file sizes

Freeing up space on your phone can be a challenge sometimes, but it’s made worse by the fact some apps are far larger than they have any right to be. I’m not talking about apps that end up being larger because you’ve downloaded or saved stuff, like my 5.5GB Audible library. I mean apps that are large simply because they are. 

My biggest pet peeve used to be Paramount Plus on iPad, which took up 600MB by itself — never mind any of your offline downloads. Recently, the Paramount has shrunk down to 483MB, which is a lot more manageable, even if it’s still larger than Disney Plus and Netflix combined (425MB). There’s absolutely no need for that, if you ask me. 

And Paramount Plus is far from the only offender. Uber Eats needs 383MB, YouTube is 291MB and my robot vacuum control app is 402MB. 

On their own, these file sizes are manageable, but throw in dozens of other apps and things start taking up a lot of space and it makes me wonder where all that data is coming from. —Tom Pritchard

Constant notifications

Mobile apps are an attention game, where developers have decided that if my eyeballs aren’t glued to their app, they are somehow losing. This is the only explanation I can think of that justifies all the notifications constantly making my phone ping.

Some notifications are good. When I have a Lyft driver arriving, I want my phone to tell about it. But I am less interested in hearing about new promotions with the ride-sharing service — a distinction Lyft is either unable or unwilling to make. Similarly, I don’t want to hear from Instagram… well, ever. But that’s not stopping the social network from letting me know when a mid-grade starlet has a new Insta story to share.

Yes, you can manage notifications from within the Settings app on your phone. On my iPhone, for example, I can send non-urgent notifications to the land of wind and ghost that is the notifications summary feature. But particular push apps? Those get deleted straight away. — PM

Begging for reviews

Another bad habit of particularly needy apps is the near-constant requests for reviews. Again, we understand that it’s the cost of doing business in the mobile app world, where high user ratings mean an elevated place in app stores. And we’re happy to do our part to help — most of the time. 

But sometimes, we don’t want to break our flow to pause and write a five-star review. (And sometimes, that review is not going to be five stars, if we’re being honest.) And so we tap the Not Now button, only realizing far too late that we’re going to get inundated with review requests from now until we finally cave and tap out that review.

Here’s a humble request — in addition to that Not Now button, add an opt-out button. It would be a indication that you respect the app users’ time and you don’t want to stand in the way of them enjoying your app. — PM

Inconsistent feature rollouts

It's exciting when an app you regularly use gets a big new feature added. But what's less exciting is when that feature  — say, body temperature measurements for the Thermometer app on the Pixel 8 Pro — isn't available in your country. Or when the update takes place on the company's servers rather than on your phone, meaning it can be days or weeks between a new ability being launched, and it actually being available for you to try. 

It feels much better as a user to have a solid guarantee of when a feature will be usable, rather than the all-too-common uncertainty of when it'll be ready for you and your device, if at all. — Richard Priday

More from Tom's Guide

• Mobile apps have taken a turn for the worse in the past year — here's why
• iPhone Live Photos are easy to combine into a single video— here’s how to do it
• New report puts Android vs iOS security to the test — here’s the winner

If you're considering trail running but aren't sure about the necessary gear, we've got you covered. Trail running differs significantly from road running, as it's less about finishing quickly or maintaining a consistent pace and more about navigating technical terrains, demanding a different set of skills and gear.

Whether you're a novice runner exploring trails for the first time or a seasoned road runner seeking a new challenge, you're not alone in venturing onto the trails for the first time. According to Strava, a popular fitness tracking app, the number of people uploading trail runs increased by 16% in 2023 compared to the year before.

To ensure you're fully equipped and feeling pumped to tackle the trails, here are the five essential items we recommend packing before leaving home for your next outdoor adventure. 

1.  The right shoes 

We highly recommend you invest in a pair of the best trail running shoes rather than standard running shoes. Trail trainers are designed to offer superior traction, stability, and protection on diverse and rugged terrains, unlike regular running shoes. 

They typically feature an aggressive outsole with deeper lugs, which helps to ensure a stronger grip when encountering uneven surfaces such as dirt, mud, rocks, and roots on the trails.

 2. Hydration & food 

Hydration is key for all types of runners as you lose electrolytes through sweat when you run and need to replenish them in order to avoid dehydration. Hydration is especially important for hitting the trails due to the longer durations and mix of weather conditions you can expect to encounter.

It’s worth getting your hands on some electrolyte drinks or electrolyte supplements that can be dissolved in your water. Doing so will help prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased performance.

It's worth experimenting with different electrolyte drink options on your shorter runs to ensure they agree with your body — after all, you won't find many bathrooms or toilets on the trails.

You can easily carry your water and electrolyte drinks in one of the best hydration backpacks, which are game changers when hitting the trails. Designed to carry your water supply in a non-obtrusive way, many models feature things like straws for convenient, hands-free hydration. 

You should also pack your favorite fueling snacks or energy gels to sustain energy levels during your trail runs.

3. Suitable clothing 

Trail running exposes you to a variety of weather conditions and it seriously pays to prioritize comfort and practicality over looking cool when it comes to dressing for a trail adventure.

It will help to focus on moisture management, weather protection, and freedom of movement when selecting your trail running gear. Here are some key considerations to guide your choices. 

Opt for moisture-wicking t-shirts and either shorts or leggings to keep sweat away from your skin. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and can cause chafing and discomfort.

Layering is essential. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer regardless of the temperature. In colder weather, add a lightweight insulating layer, or opt for a breathable outer layer to shield yourself from wind and rain.

Don't forget sunscreen, even on overcast days the UV rays can penetrate clouds. Similarly, wearing a cap will also provide sun protection and guard against flying debris.

You might also find it worthwhile considering wearing compression socks or calf sleeves to reduce blisters, swelling, muscle fatigue, and to aid post-run recovery.

 4. Navigation 

It’s easy to get into trouble out on the trails and this is where a navigation tool can help you find your way back to familiar terrain or help people find you if needed. 

Planning your route before heading out is wise; while trail running offers adventure, it's important to have a rough idea of your route and to inform someone of your plans.

For navigation, you can opt for traditional printed trail maps for preplanning, though they may not withstand wet weather during the run. Alternatively, GPS devices like the best sport watches equipped with location-tracking functionalities allow trail runners to track their real-time location, navigate preloaded routes, and mark checkpoints along the way. 

Additionally, various trail navigation apps are available for smartphones, some of which can sync with your smartwatch.

5. Emergency essentials 

Hopefully, you won’t find yourself in any serious trouble out on the trails but as with any sport, there are risks that come with trail running. Although it's an extra thing to remember, packing a compact first aid kit with essentials like antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and bandages can be a lifesaver.

You should always aim to carry a fully charged cellphone with emergency numbers saved, including local emergency services and contacts for friends or family. 

At some point in your trail running adventures you may end up running in low-light conditions or unexpected darkness so consider bringing a small flashlight, headlamp, or portable lantern for navigating in low-light conditions or unexpected darkness.

Additionally, a whistle is a small but very helpful item to carry on you to help draw attention to yourself if you have a fall or become stuck in any tricky terrain and if running in remote areas where water sources are available but not guaranteed safe to drink, consider carrying water purification tablets.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 hiking gear essentials I recommend for the ultimate outdoor adventure
• I just ran my first trail marathon — here’s the gear I used
• These 5 eco-friendly outdoor clothing brands make it easy to repair and recycle your old clothes

It's safe to say it's been a long time since an iOS software update generated as much anticipation as this year's upcoming iOS 18 release has. We're a little less than two months away from a preview of the software — and many more months away from its full release — but iOS 18 is already being touted as one of the most significant updates in Apple's history.

That's mainly because Apple is likely to rely heavily on artificial intelligence for many of iOS 18's upgrades as the company looks to play catch-up with other tech giants already incorporating AI more aggressively into their products. Rumored changes to iOS 18 include large language modules (LLM), generative AI features and a revamped Siri that can respond to more complex requests.

While AI figures to grab the spotlight in any iOS 18 discussion, it's not the only change to keep an eye on — and we're not talking about the rumored redesign of Apple's iPhone software that's also apparently in the works. iOS updates bring new features to existing apps, and though Apple may be concentrating on system-wide improvements this time around, iOS 18 still figures to offer its share of app-specific updates.

We're already hearing about enhancements and new capabilities coming to your favorite built-in iPhone apps as part of iOS 18. And while some of those features figure to be part of Apple's AI push, others are the kind of improvements you'd see in any ordinary iOS update.

Expect more details to emerge as we approach WWDC 2024 and the anticipated preview for iOS 18. But here are the rumored app updates that have caught our eye so far.

iOS 18 Notes

Of all the apps set for an update in iOS 18, we probably have the most detailed information about Notes, thanks to a report from Apple Insider. Apple's note-taking app should add at least two significant capabilities — the ability to include voice recordings in a note and calculator integration.

In iOS 17's Notes, you can add pictures and video, make sketches and even scan documents, but you can't embed an audio recording. That's expected to change with iOS 18, where a recorder would be embedded into the Notes app. Possible use cases include recording lectures or meetings supplemented by typed-in notes or pictures of a whiteboard that amplify what's being said in the recording.

Fewer details are available about the rumored calculator integration coming to Notes, but basically, it sounds as if the feature will allow the app to display mathematical notations. While that may not interest you, it certainly is to scientists, engineers and academics. And as Apple Insider pointed out, it would also mirror similar capabilities already included in Microsoft's OneNote.

iOS 18 Maps

After iOS 17 added the ability to download offline maps, iOS 18 appears to be on tap to add another capability found in other mapping applications to Apple Maps — the ability to create a custom route. Nicolás Alvarez spotted the code for the feature, and MacRumors says it's confirmed that custom routes are coming.

With custom routes, you're not limited to taking the suggested routes that Maps generates when you enter your starting point and destination. For example, when I take a road trip, I'm not always a fan of the auto-generated route Maps comes up with to get me from my home to the freeway — presumably, with custom routes, I'll be able to tweak the directions to take my preferred route. It also sounds like a feature that will come in handy if you'd like to swing by a point of interest that's not necessarily on the route Maps has suggested.

The changes to Maps in iOS 18 may not end there. There's also rumors of topographical maps coming to the app. Those are already available to Apple Watch users, and this addition would merely extend the feature to the iOS, macOS and visionOS versions of the Maps app.

iOS 18 Messages

We know that Apple is adding support for the Rich Communication Service (RCS) standard to the iPhone this year—the company has already said as much. We're guessing that RCS support will arrive as part of the iOS 18 update.

This won't mean an end to the green bubble-blue bubble split, as Apple isn't planning on updating its own iMessage platform. Rather, RCS support will merely be added to messaging services on the iPhone, with that support bringing a number of improvements to interplatform texting, particularly in group chats. The addition of RCS means features like emoji reactions, real-time read receipts and typing indicators will now be available when you message your Android pals.

iOS 18 Music

Now, we're moving into areas where fewer details are available about Apple's plans — just rumors indicating that some sort of improvement will be coming to these apps in iOS 18. In the case of Apple Music, the rumored new feature involves Apple's AI efforts.

Specifically, Bloomberg has reported that AI-generated playlists are coming to Apple Music. Because that's the extent of the reporting, we don't know specifics. Still, we'd assume that you'll be able to provide specific prompts for the kinds of songs you want to hear — either music from a particular genre or songs that match your current mood — and Apple Music will assemble a playlist. We'd also assume that feature will be tied to Apple Music's subscription service, though that's just a guess on our part.

iOS 18 Pages and Keynote

These are two separate apps, but we're lumping them together here because 1) they're both on tap to get similar AI-powered improvements, and 2) there's not much in the way of details about the extent of those changes.

Nevertheless, the Pages word processing tool and the Keynote presentations app are both tipped to adapt generative AI for iOS 18. According to reports, that will mean an AI-powered writing assistant and help with deck creation for presentations. It sounds a lot like what Samsung added to its smartphones with its Galaxy AI features, which include tools to rewrite texts based on different tones and auto-formatting for notes powered by AI.

iOS 18 Freeform

Freeform debuted as part of the iOS 16.2 update, giving you a tool for cross-platform collaboration on your Apple devices. The app looks to be getting a new navigational feature in iOS 18, at least if initial reports prove accurate.

Specifically, MacRumors claims that Freeform will add a new feature called Scenes that will let users designate specific sections of their whiteboard as a scene. Doing so will allow them to more easily jump back to that scene should they find themselves working elsewhere in the app.

iOS 18 Safari

Annual iOS updates usually introduce new capabilities to the Safari web browser, and it sounds like this will once again be the case for iOS 18, even if details are pretty sparse about the new additions. 

We once again turn to code found by Nicolás Álvarez that indicates Safari is getting an AI-powered browsing assistant and encrypted visual search as part of the iOS 18 update. We assume the former feature will be able to summarize the contents of websites, which is not unlike a similar capability offered by Galaxy AI. The latter addition sounds like enhanced privacy to searches.

iOS 18 app outlook

That's just a handful of the rumored changes to apps that have emerged thus far. While AI-flavored enhancements will garner most of the attention with iOS 18, we're certain that more apps will see updates of their own and that some of the apps listed here are in line for additional improvements. We'll find out for certain on June 10 when WWDC 2024 gets underway with Apple's opening keynote about the software updates it plans to introduce later this year.

More from Tom's Guide

• iOS 18 — this is the biggest AI move Apple needs to make
• Here are the customization features I want to see in iOS 18
• iOS 18 device support details leak — will your iPhone be able to upgrade?

OpenAI’s Sora is a groundbreaking AI-driven video generation tool that has garnered significant attention since its initial announcement last year. Even in its 'Turbo' form at sora.com, limited to up to 20 seconds of video at 1080p it brings improved realism and motion compared to others.

The platform enables users to create videos from text prompts, images, or existing videos, offering a suite of features designed to enhance creativity and streamline the video production process.

Numerous key features include the ability to remix, meaning users can modify elements within a video using natural language commands, allowing for intuitive adjustments and creative experimentation. The re-cut feature allows users to isolate impactful frames and extend them to build complete scenes, providing greater control over pacing and emphasis.

Users can also create loops, or seamless, repeating video clips, ideal for dynamic visuals or background animations. Additionally, users can combine two videos into one cohesive clip, enabling unique compositions and transitions.

The Storyboard feature gives users the opportunity to organize and edit sequences on a personal timeline, facilitating structured storytelling and project planning. Style presents are predefined aesthetic templates to achieve specific looks, such as "Cardboard & Papercraft" or "Film Noir," enhancing the visual appeal of videos.

There are some limitations to the Sora rollout though. Unless you want to spend $200 per month on ChatGPT Pro you'll only get 50 videos per month for $20 per month and they will be limited to 720p and 5 seconds duration. You can't create video of people without a Pro plan and it isn't available in the EU or UK.

Sora is currently available to ChatGPT subscribers in the U.S. and many other countries. However, it is not yet accessible in the European Union, United Kingdom, or Switzerland due to regulatory considerations. OpenAI has implemented safeguards to prevent misuse, including visible watermarks and metadata to indicate AI-generated content, as well as restrictions on uploading certain types of content.

The release of Sora represents a significant advancement in AI-driven content creation, providing users with powerful tools to transform their creative visions into dynamic video content.

Alternatives to Sora

Since Sora was first announced the entire AI video landscape has changed with the launch of three big Chinese models and major upgrades to the likes of Runway and Pika Labs. We've also seen newcomers like Haiper and Luma Labs Dream Machine enter the space, as well as the open-source Mochi-1.

All of the platforms have their own unique features, models have their own quirks and capabilities and they all come at different price points. Some are almost indistinguishable in performance to what we're seeing from Sora Turbo, others have a more consumer focus.

1. Runway

Runway is one of the biggest players in this space. It was the first to launch a commercial synthetic video model and has been adding new features and improvements ever since. This includes very accurate lip-synching, motion control and the recently launched Act-1 for 'puppetering AI people'.

With the launch of Gen-3 you can now create videos starting at ten seconds long. Since the launch of Gen-3 as a text-to-video model Runway has added image and video-to-video as well as clip extensions and lip-synching.

In September 2024, Runway partnered with Lionsgate, providing the studio with access to its generative AI tools. This collaboration aims to integrate AI into the creative process, assisting in tasks such as storyboarding, background scenery creation, and special effects, thereby streamlining production workflows and reducing costs.

In an increasingly crowded market Runway is still one of the best AI video platforms, and on top of generative content it has good collaboration tools and other image-based AI features such as upscaling and text-to-image.

Runway has a free plan with 125 credits. The standard plan is $15 per month.

2. Luma Labs Dream Machine

Luma Labs unveiled Ray2, its latest generative video model. Ray2 offers "fast, natural coherent motion and physics," providing users with more realistic and fluid video outputs. Trained with ten times more computational power than its predecessor, Ray1, Ray2 significantly increases the success rate of producing usable, production-ready videos, making video storytelling more accessible.

Last year, Dream Machine seemingly came out of nowhere earlier this year offering impressive levels of realism, prompt following and natural motion. It also has an initial 5-second video generation. keyframes and extensions.

The latest version goes beyond simple video generation, turning Dream Machine into a creative partner. It is a chatbot-style interface where you can collaborate with the AI on creating images, videos and projects.

The quality is just as good as its always been with a significant improvement in visual realism thanks to the new Photon AI image generator. It can use this to create the videos or you can still give it an image of your own.

Other features such as prompt enhancement and keyframes are still very much in place, allowing you to use images at different points in the generation process.

Being able to extend clips is also particularly powerful in Dream Machine as this allows for character following and fresh scenes. It continues from the final frame of your last video and you can change the motion description for each extension.

Dream Machine has a free plan with 30 generations per month. Lite Plan is $9 per month for 3,200 credits, 1080p video and high-resolution images but it is non-commercial.

3. Kling

Kling AI is a Chinese generative video product from video platform company Kuaishou, its features include longer video generations, improved movement, better prompt following and multi-shot sequences.

Its interface is simple and easy to learn, offering image-to-video and text-to-video with automatic upscaling options and clips starting at 5 or 10 seconds.

I've used it to make multiple videos and in every case it captures human and animal motion in a way no other platform I've tried has achieved. It also seems to be able to depict emotion with both camera movement and within the characters it generates.

The company recently added lip-syncing and clip extensions. With clip extensions, you can define how to extend the clip or leave it automatic. There are also new community features to showcase the best output.

Building upon the previous version, Kling AI released version 1.6 in January 2025, offering substantial improvements:

Enhanced Realism: The new model delivers more lifelike visuals, with smoother motion and more accurate representations of subjects and environments.

Extended Video Length: Users can now create videos up to 10 seconds long, providing more flexibility for storytelling.

Improved Character Consistency: The update includes features that significantly enhance character consistency across frames, ensuring coherent and stable representations throughout the video.

Advanced Camera Movements: The platform now supports more dynamic and realistic camera movements, adding a cinematic quality to the generated videos.

Kling is free to use with 66 credits per day and between 5 and 10 credits per generation. There isn't a subscription plan as such but it offers memberships starting at $10 per month for 660 monthly credits.

4. Hailuo MiniMax

Hailuo MiniMax launched earlier last year and very quickly became one of the best text-to-video artificial intelligence models on the market, offering realistic motion and high-quality video rendering. It has since launched image-to-video, text and sound generation models as well as a fresh interface.

It has been continuously improved since it launched and in a short time has quickly become one of the most realistic models on the market. It is particularly good at depicting human emotion.

The new interface includes a side menu with options to explore other users' clips, as well as a simple way to generate videos. One of my favorite features is image-to-video live which allows you to generate animations and anime.

In January 2025, MiniMax released and open-sourced the MiniMax-01 series, which includes two models:

MiniMax-Text-01: A foundational large language model (LLM) capable of processing up to 4 million tokens in its context window, equivalent to a small library's worth of books.

MiniMax-VL-01: A visual multimodal model designed to handle both text and visual inputs, enhancing the platform's versatility.

Hailuo Video gives you a handful of videos for free and the ability to buy extra credits. The base plan is $9 per month for 1,m000 credits, no watermarks and bonus credits for daily login.

5. Haiper

Haiper takes a slightly different approach from other AI video tools, building out an underlying model and training dataset that is better at following the prompt rather than offering fine-tuned control over the motion.

In January 2025, Haiper released the Haiper AI Video Art Generator app on the App Store. This application enables users to transform their videos into artistic creations using Haiper's AI technology, providing a new avenue for creative expression.

These updates reflect Haiper's commitment to advancing its platform and providing users with enhanced tools for creating high-quality AI-generated videos.

Prompting is easy and it was the first to add a floating prompt box over the top of the underlying videos — something copied by OpenAI with Sora.

It offers text-to-video, text-to-image, image-to-video and templates where you can meme-ify your ideas including a kissing and Great Gatsby offering.

Haiper You get 100 credits for free and for $10 per month, you get 1,500 credits to use on the latest model as well as unlimited generations on the previous model.

6. Pika

Pika is an AI-driven video generation platform that enables users to create dynamic videos from text or image prompts and generate videos with smoother motion and more lifelike visuals. It offers a range of features designed to enhance creativity and streamline the video creation process.

Users can transform textual descriptions or images into engaging video content.
Cinematic Camera Controls let users aply advanced camera movements to add a professional touch to your videos.

The latest from Pika includes, Pikadditions, which allow users to Integrate unique elements into existing videos, allowing for the addition of surprising and fantastical components to enhance creativity.

Each video generation consumes a specific number of credits, depending on the model and features used. For example, using the Turbo model for image or text-to-video generation costs 5 credits per video.

Pika You get 150 credits for free and for $8 per month (billed yearly), you get 700 monthly credits with the ability to roll-over video credits and access to Pika 1.0, 1.5, 2.1, and Turbo models, plus faster generation times. Users also have the option to download videos without watermarks.

Honorable mention: Genmo Mochi-1

All of the models above are their own dedicated platforms with additional features and pricing structures. Mochi-1 is an open-source model that has been adapted and refined by the community since released by Genmo.

The model allows for fairly quick video generation and can run on a high-end gaming PC — the others all run on the cloud. It can also be customized and adapted to work for specific brands and requirements.

Genmo plans to release Mochi 1 HD before the end of the year, which will support 720p video generation with enhanced fidelity and even smoother motion. Additionally, they are working on image-to-video capabilities and improving the controllability and steerability of the models to provide users with more precise control over their outputs.

For those interested in exploring Mochi 1's capabilities, Genmo offers a hosted playground where users can generate videos from their own prompts. Developers can also access the model's weights and source code through platforms like Hugging Face and GitHub.

These developments position Mochi 1 as a leading tool in AI-driven video generation, providing users with powerful resources to create high-quality, realistic videos efficiently.

Mochi-1 is available for free at Genmo.ai or to download and run yourself.

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