Shopping Guide | Information

The 6 Best Smart Home Hubs of 2024

　　There are dozens of smart devices—light bulbs, locks, displays, doorbells, security systems, indoor/outdoor cameras, thermostats, appliances, plugs, blinds and shades—that are all vying for a place in your 21st century home. 　　According to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), more than half of the households in the United States own a smart speaker with or without a display. Nearly a third...

The Best Budget Soundbars Under $200 Offer Big Audio Upgrades on a Budget

　　Setting up a true home entertainment area with movie theater-esque furniture and enhanced technology like smart TVs and top-of-the-line projectors can be an expensive process. Your audio setup, on the other hand, doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, thanks to innovations in wireless audio, you can get your hands on a quality soundbar, packed with connectivity features and...

The 6 Best Dolby Atmos Soundbars for Immersive Audio

　　The best TVs offer extraordinary picture quality, stunning color accuracy, and razor-sharp resolution. Unfortunately, even the most expensive models have built-in speakers that produce poor sound, lacking the depth and clarity to complement the exceptional visuals. That’s why investing in a high-quality soundbar, especially one with Dolby Atmos, has become the perfect gift to upgrade your friend or family member's...

The 7 Best USB-C Chargers for Everyday Power

　　USB-C is now the predominant connector for smartphones, tablets, and laptops, changing how we connect, charge, and transfer data across our devices. With its reversible design (no more blindly poking at a port, hoping you have the plug oriented correctly), high-speed data capabilities, and Power Delivery for fast charging, it provides versatility and convenience. The widespread adoption of USB-C reflects...

The Best Wireless Soundbars for Transforming Your TV Into the Ultimate Entertainment System

　　Soundbars have become a mandatory sidekick for just about every new TV out there — after all, these products can significantly amplify onscreen content, making it louder, clearer, and more immersive. Unlike clunky, wired home-theater sound systems of old, a quality soundbar can tangibly improve your listening experience while saving space and money. 　　Unlike complex audio systems that have numerous...

The Best Handheld Game Consoles That Will Make You Ditch the Big Screen

　　Handheld gaming consoles have been around for almost half a century, offering players the opportunity to enjoy solid gameplay in a time and place of their choosing. But the past few years have been monumental for this vibrant product category, thanks to massive leaps forward in hardware specs and design. Powered by cutting-edge processors and graphics, the latest handhelds can...

The 7 Best Flip Phones of 2024

　　Cold turkey may be the best and only way to wean yourself or your kids from a smartphone addiction. There is actually a way to exist these days without a smartphone. Imagine—you can continue to keep in touch in this ultra-connected world via the simplicity of an old-fashioned “feature” flip phone, a clamshell phone with a small, non-touch display and...

The 4 Best Streaming Devices of 2023, According to 50+ Hours of Testing

　　Today’s streaming devices are more than just tools for watching movies and TV shows. They also double as powerful smart home hubs that bring access to virtual assistants from Amazon, Apple, and Google. Translation? These devices help you seamlessly find content, look up important information, and even control connected home appliances, all with the power of your very own voice...

The 7 Best Bluetooth Headphone Adapters for Wireless Listening

　　Just because your new smartphone doesn't have a headphone jack doesn't mean you have to retire your favorite pair of wired headphones. Bluetooth headphone adapters are an easy solution to wirelessly connect your wired headphones or earbuds to your device that lacks a headphone jack. 　　With this convenient battery-powered mobile accessory, all you need to do is plug your wired...

10 MacBook Accessories Our Tech Editor Swears by

　　If you’re a MacBook user or looking for a gift for one, you probably know that just having the computer and a laptop stand isn’t enough to get the most out of an at-home setup. Whether for work, play, or both, the right MacBook accessories can help it charge faster at home or away from a power outlet, hold more...

The 7 Best Intuitive Trackpads to Enhance Your Productivity This 2024

　　To use a trackpad, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with the computer’s operating system, whether it is Windows, MacOS, or both. While trackpads are generally compatible with both, some models may only work with older Windows 10 software and not the latest Windows 11 operating system (double-check what OS the computer is running before buying one). 　　If it’s a Mac...

The 7 Best Samsung Phones of 2024: A Guide to the Latest Galaxy Models

　　Android phones by Samsung have been among the best in their class for well over a decade, offering an amalgam of thoughtful design, top-notch hardware, and performance to match. Samsung was also the first smartphone maker to offer a mainstream foldable smartphone with the introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold half a decade ago. 　　The tech giant kicked off 2024...

The 7 Best Small TVs for Bedrooms, Kitchens, Dorms, and More

　　Every year, TVs get better, brighter, and more capable thanks to innovative new technologies and fierce competition. Even smaller and more budget-friendly models are getting in on the fun, which makes it a great time to upgrade a bedroom, dorm, or kitchen TV – as long as you know where to look. 　　If you’re looking to buy a small TV...