Technobezz

NYT Pips Hints, Answers and Walkthrough for Thursday, November 12, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Thursday brings a fresh set of NYT Pips puzzles. Today's set builds from compact Easy and Medium boards to a sprawling Hard layout, with 16 dominoes and 20 zones to untangle. We've got quick hints and full solutions for Easy, Medium, and Hard.

How to Play Pips

Pips is a domino placement puzzle where you fill a grid of condition zones. Each zone has a rule you must satisfy using the pip values on your dominoes. The twist: you must use every domino and meet every condition to win.

Zone Conditions:

= All pips in this zone must show the same number
Not Equal All pips must be different numbers
> Pips must be greater than the listed number
< Pips must be less than the listed number
Exact Number Pips must total that exact value
No Condition Free space, any domino value works

Click or tap dominoes to rotate them. Each puzzle has one or more valid solutions. When two zones share the same rule, we number them in reading order, top to bottom.

Today's Easy Pips

The Easy board runs three rows by six columns, with ten open cells and five dominoes to place. Its condition zones: a two-cell zone that must total 9, a four-cell zone that must total 9, a two-cell zone that must total 4, a single cell that must show less than 3. Any other open cell is a free space.

The Easy board. Each tag shows its zone's rule; untagged cells take any pips.

Quick Hint: Start with the two-cell zone totaling 9 on the left. Compare that target with the values available in the domino pool before tackling the four-cell zone that also totals 9.

Today's Medium Pips

The Medium board runs four rows by four columns, with 14 open cells and seven dominoes to place. Its condition zones: a three-cell zone that must total less than 3, a three-cell zone where every pip must match, a two-cell zone where every pip must match, a two-cell zone that must total 9, a three-cell zone that must total 9, a single cell that must show more than 5. Any other open cell is a free space.

The Medium board. Each tag shows its zone's rule; untagged cells take any pips.

Quick Hint: Begin with the three-cell strip across the top, where the entire total must stay below 3. Inspect the partner of each blank end in the pool, because a low half alone does not make its domino safe for that strip.

Today's Hard Pips

The Hard board runs nine rows by nine columns, with 32 open cells and 16 dominoes to place. Its condition zones: a two-cell zone that must total more than 6, a two-cell zone that must total more than 8, a single cell that must show less than 4, three single cells that must total 0, a two-cell zone that must total less than 4, a three-cell zone that must total 3, two two-cell zones that must total more than 7, a single cell that must show less than 5, a three-cell zone where every pip must match, a two-cell zone that must total 6, a two-cell zone where every pip must match, a two-cell zone that must total less than 5, a single cell that must total 6, a single cell that must show more than 1. Any other open cell is a free space.

The Hard board. Each tag shows its zone's rule; untagged cells take any pips.

Quick Hint: The separate two-cell equality zone toward the lower left needs a double. Compare your doubles with the demands of the three-cell equality zone on the right before committing one.

Pips Solutions

Last chance to solve independently: full solutions below

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Easy Pips Solution

Place the 0-6 domino horizontally across the less-than-3 cell and the second sum-9 zone, with the 0 in the less-than-3 cell.
Place the 2-2 domino horizontally in the sum-4 zone.
Place the 1-1 domino horizontally in the first sum-9 zone.
Place the 2-1 domino horizontally with the 1 in the first sum-9 zone and the 2 on a free cell.
Place the 3-6 domino horizontally across the second sum-9 zone and the first sum-9 zone, with the 3 in the second sum-9 zone.

Show the solved Easy board

NYT Strands Sports Edition Hints & Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026 (Puzzle #23)

Bogdana Zujic — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today's Strands Sports Edition is live for Thursday, November 12, 2026 (Puzzle #23). Stuck on today's Strands Sports Edition? We've got progressive hints, from gentle nudges to full solutions, so you can solve at your own pace.

How Strands Sports Edition Works (New Players Start Here)

Strands Sports Edition is the free daily sports word search from The Athletic and NYT Games. It hides sports-themed words inside a 6x8 letter grid. Your mission: find every word connected to the day's theme. Letters link in any direction (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and words can twist and turn. Every letter gets used exactly once.

The spangram is the key word or phrase that captures the theme and stretches across the entire board, touching two opposite sides.

Need a boost? Every three non-theme words you find (four letters or longer) earn a hint that highlights the letters of a theme word. A new puzzle arrives every day at midnight local time.

Theme Decoder

Today's Theme Prompt: "Not even close"

What It Really Means

Look for terms used to describe sporting contests and their results. The vocabulary spans sports rather than belonging to a single game.

Think About...

Language from a football match report.
Vocabulary heard in baseball commentary.
Descriptions in a tennis tournament recap.

Spangram Clues

Orientation: Top to bottom down the board

Letter Count: 10 letters

Starting Zone: Row 8, letter 2

Progressive Spangram Hints

Hint 1 (Gentle): Think about how much control a competitor has over the contest.

Hint 2 (Warmer): The opposition has little say as the stronger side dictates the action.

Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is D, last letter is N

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DOMINATION

Word-by-Word Hints

Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.

Word 1

Vague: A decisive defeat in a sporting contest.

Closer: A crushing defeat, the kind a football report describes when a team is comprehensively beaten.

Letter Clue: Starts with R, 4 letters total

Answer

ROUT

Word 2

Vague: A win with an almost playful sense of ease.

Closer: An effortless victory, as when a tennis player wins comfortably with little resistance. Away from sport, the same word means a playful frolic.

Letter Clue: Starts with R, 4 letters total

Answer

ROMP

Word 3

Vague: A punishing result for the defeated side.

Closer: A severe beating on the scoreboard, leaving the losing side thoroughly outclassed.

Letter Clue: Starts with D, 8 letters total

Answer

DRUBBING

Word 4

Vague: A result defined by what the opposition fails to do.

Closer: In baseball or hockey, a victory in which the opposition never scores.

Letter Clue: Starts with S, 7 letters total

Answer

SHUTOUT

Word 5

Vague: A contest with a leader far beyond reach.

Closer: In racing, this describes a victory achieved far clear of the field. Think of a lead nobody can catch.

Letter Clue: Starts with R, 7 letters total

Answer

RUNAWAY

Word 6

Vague: A sporting success that requires little effort.

Closer: An easy victory against little resistance, expressed through a word suggesting a stroll and a sweet treat.

Letter Clue: Starts with C, 8 letters total

Answer

CAKEWALK

Full Answers

Spangram: DOMINATION

Theme Words:

ROUT
ROMP
DRUBBING
SHUTOUT
RUNAWAY
CAKEWALK

Puzzle Debrief

Difficulty Rating: Medium, with closely related meanings making it harder to separate the answers.

Trickiest Word: DRUBBING is the strongest candidate to stall a solve, with its doubled B easy to overlook while tracing the word.

Our Take: “Not even close” gives this list a clear voice, and DOMINATION brings its emphatic sporting language together. SHUTOUT adds a useful wrinkle: it means keeping the opposition scoreless, which does not require a huge winning margin.

NYT Strands Sports Edition Hints & Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026 (Puzzle #23) - Originally published on Technobezz

Today's Extreme Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today's Extreme Quordle lands with puzzle #836, and familiar vocabulary comes with some stubborn spelling twists. Welcome back, and keep room in your thinking for an unexpected turn.

The Basics (For New Players)

Quordle gives you 8 attempts to crack four five-letter words at once. Each guess applies to all four grids simultaneously. A green tile means the right letter in the right spot, yellow means the right letter in the wrong position, and gray means that letter is not in that particular word.

This is the tighter daily format with more unusual words. The goal stays the same: solve all four quadrants before the guesses run out.

Today's Four-Word Challenge

Work through the quadrants one at a time. Each set of clues moves from broad meaning to letter structure, so stop as soon as a word clicks.

Word 1 (Top-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think of a chimney sweep's clothes after a day at work.

The Category: An adjective describing a surface marked by smoke residue.

The Boundaries: Starts with S, ends with Y.

The Structure: O repeats in positions 2 and 3

The Giveaway: Covered or stained with the fine black powder left by burning fuel.

Word 2 (Top-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Picture a scuffle where the crowd becomes impossible to untangle.

The Category: A noun for a confused fight or chaotic struggle.

The Boundaries: Starts with M, ends with E.

The Structure: E repeats in positions 2 and 4 and 5

The Giveaway: A disorderly fight with participants tangled together in the action.

Word 3 (Bottom-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Something feels off, like a familiar room in an unsettling dream.

The Category: An adjective in the territory of strangeness and the uncanny.

The Boundaries: Starts with W, ends with D.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 2 and 3.

The Giveaway: Strange or unusual, sometimes in a way that feels eerie.

Word 4 (Bottom-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Imagine looking down into darkness and being unable to see the bottom.

The Category: A noun for an immense depth or a seemingly bottomless gulf.

The Boundaries: Starts with A, ends with S.

The Structure: S repeats in positions 4 and 5

The Giveaway: A deep, vast chasm that appears to have no bottom.

Quick-Reference Clues (All Four Words)

Word 1 First Letter: S | Last Letter: Y

Word 2 First Letter: M | Last Letter: E

Word 3 First Letter: W | Last Letter: D

Word 4 First Letter: A | Last Letter: S

Today's Extreme Quordle Answers

Final warning: all four answers are directly below. Scroll only if you're ready.

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Word 1 (Top-Left): SOOTY
Word 2 (Top-Right): MELEE
Word 3 (Bottom-Left): WEIRD
Word 4 (Bottom-Right): ABYSS

Word DNA (Breaking Down Today's Answers)

SOOTY: SOOTY is an adjective meaning covered or stained with soot, the black residue produced by incomplete burning. It fits practical descriptions such as a dirty fireplace or smoke-marked brickwork.

MELEE: MELEE is a noun meaning a confused fight involving a crowd. It can also describe a chaotic scramble, such as a rush of shoppers through a doorway.

WEIRD: WEIRD is an adjective meaning strange, unusual, or uncanny. In everyday conversation, it can describe something as mild as an unexpected noise without suggesting anything supernatural.

ABYSS: ABYSS is a noun for a deep or seemingly bottomless chasm. In figurative use, it can suggest overwhelming despair or a vast gulf between opposing views.

The Difficulty Rating

I'd rate this quartet 4 out of 5 for difficulty within the eight-guess limit. MELEE is the hardest because committing to three copies of E demands a deliberate check; WEIRD is the easiest thanks to its familiar vocabulary and lack of duplicate letters.

SOOTY's doubled O and ABYSS's doubled S make guesses devoted entirely to fresh letters less useful once those boards take shape. WEIRD still deserves a spelling check, since its E comes before its I.

Strategic Insights

Use early guesses to cover A, E, I, and O alongside consonants such as S, T, R, and L. Then follow the strongest board's clues and test Y when SOOTY or ABYSS begins to take shape.

SOOTY repeats O, MELEE uses E three times, and ABYSS repeats S; WEIRD has no repeated letters. Across the boards, E links MELEE with WEIRD, while S and Y link SOOTY with ABYSS.

Tomorrow's Reset

Clear the board from your mind and come back ready for the next four-word challenge.

Extreme puzzle #837 arrives on the next daily reset.

Today's Extreme Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Strands Hints & Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026 (Puzzle #984)

Bogdana Zujic — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today's NYT Strands is live for Thursday, November 12, 2026 (Puzzle #984). Stuck on today's Strands? We've got progressive hints, from gentle nudges to full solutions, so you can solve at your own pace.

How Strands Works (New Players Start Here)

Strands hides themed words inside a 6x8 letter grid. Your mission: find every word connected to the day's theme. Letters link in any direction (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and words can twist and turn. Every letter gets used exactly once.

The spangram is the key word or phrase that captures the theme and stretches across the entire board, touching opposite edges.

Need a boost? Find any 4+ letter word (even non-theme words) three times, and the game reveals a hint highlighting theme word letters.

Theme Decoder

Today's Theme Prompt: "Facing the music"

What It Really Means

Look for names for people who take in a performance, whether through sound, sight, or being there in person.

Think About...

People filling the seats in front of a stage.
People tuning in through headphones or a screen.
People supporting the arts by buying a ticket.

Spangram Clues

Orientation: Left to right across the board

Letter Count: 8 letters

Starting Zone: Row 7, letter 1

Progressive Spangram Hints

Hint 1 (Gentle): Think about who receives the applause-worthy work.

Hint 2 (Warmer): One collective term for the people a performer hopes to entertain.

Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is A, last letter is E

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AUDIENCE

Word-by-Word Hints

Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.

Word 1

Vague: Someone who turns up for live music.

Closer: A ticket holder heading to an arena to hear a band play.

Letter Clue: Starts with C, 11 letters total

Answer

CONCERTGOER

Word 2

Vague: Someone whose ears do the work.

Closer: A radio station addresses this person on the other end of the broadcast.

Letter Clue: Starts with L, 8 letters total

Answer

LISTENER

Word 3

Vague: Someone whose support helps keep the doors open.

Closer: A theater's paying customer or an artist's financial supporter.

Letter Clue: Starts with P, 6 letters total

Answer

PATRON

Word 4

Vague: Someone observing the action from the sidelines.

Closer: A person in the stadium stands who watches the match without playing.

Letter Clue: Starts with S, 9 letters total

Answer

SPECTATOR

Word 5

Vague: Someone taking in entertainment through their eyes.

Closer: A person watching a television program at home.

Letter Clue: Starts with V, 6 letters total

Answer

VIEWER

Full Answers

Spangram: AUDIENCE

Theme Words:

CONCERTGOER
LISTENER
PATRON
SPECTATOR
VIEWER

Puzzle Debrief

Difficulty Rating: Medium, with a musical prompt that opens into a broader set of roles around entertainment.

Trickiest Word: PATRON is the trickiest fit because it can suggest a financial backer or a business customer before it suggests someone attending a performance.

Our Take: The charm of “Facing the music” is its literal turn toward the people facing the stage. AUDIENCE ties together the precise CONCERTGOER and the broader LISTENER, SPECTATOR, and VIEWER, while PATRON adds a useful wrinkle through its connection to support.

NYT Strands Hints & Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026 (Puzzle #984) - Originally published on Technobezz

Today's Chill Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today's Chill Quordle lands with puzzle #836, and familiar vocabulary brings a friendly feel, with a few spelling wrinkles to keep you attentive. Welcome back, and take the hints at your own pace.

The Basics (For New Players)

Quordle gives you 12 attempts to crack four five-letter words at once. Each guess applies to all four grids simultaneously. A green tile means the right letter in the right spot, yellow means the right letter in the wrong position, and gray means that letter is not in that particular word.

This is the roomier daily format with fewer unusual words. The goal stays the same: solve all four quadrants before the guesses run out.

Today's Four-Word Challenge

Work through the quadrants one at a time. Each set of clues moves from broad meaning to letter structure, so stop as soon as a word clicks.

Word 1 (Top-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think anticipation, with your attention fixed on something still to come.

The Category: A verb concerned with expecting an arrival or an event.

The Boundaries: Starts with A, ends with T.

The Structure: A repeats in positions 1 and 3

The Giveaway: To stay ready for someone or something expected to arrive or happen.

Word 2 (Top-Right) Hints

The Vibe: The preparations are over, and the action is underway.

The Category: A verb form describing the start of an activity.

The Boundaries: Starts with B, ends with N.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 2 and 4.

The Giveaway: The past participle of a verb meaning to start, used after has or have.

Word 3 (Bottom-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think of a fortunate break that lands in your lap.

The Category: An adjective in the territory of chance and good fortune.

The Boundaries: Starts with L, ends with Y.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowel sits in position 2.

The Giveaway: Favored by chance, especially when something turns out better than expected.

Word 4 (Bottom-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Picture a welcome at the door and a place set at the table.

The Category: A noun for a person in a social or hospitality setting.

The Boundaries: Starts with G, ends with T.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 2 and 3.

The Giveaway: Someone invited to visit another person's home or attend an event.

Quick-Reference Clues (All Four Words)

Word 1 First Letter: A | Last Letter: T

Word 2 First Letter: B | Last Letter: N

Word 3 First Letter: L | Last Letter: Y

Word 4 First Letter: G | Last Letter: T

Today's Chill Quordle Answers

Final warning: all four answers are directly below. Scroll only if you're ready.

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Word 1 (Top-Left): AWAIT
Word 2 (Top-Right): BEGUN
Word 3 (Bottom-Left): LUCKY
Word 4 (Bottom-Right): GUEST

Word DNA (Breaking Down Today's Answers)

AWAIT: AWAIT is a verb meaning to wait for someone or something. It takes its object directly, so you can write 'await a reply' without adding 'for'.

BEGUN: BEGUN is the past participle of the verb begin, meaning to start. Use it with an auxiliary verb, as in 'the meeting has begun'; the simple past form is 'began'.

LUCKY: LUCKY is an adjective meaning fortunate or favored by chance. In everyday speech, 'a lucky escape' describes avoiding trouble through good fortune.

GUEST: GUEST is a noun for someone invited to visit or take part in an event. It also refers to someone staying at a hotel, where an invitation is not required.

The Difficulty Rating

I'd rate this quartet 2 out of 5 for difficulty. LUCKY is my easiest pick, with its familiar meaning and recognizable CK pairing.

AWAIT is my hardest pick because its second A is easy to overlook while testing fresh letters. BEGUN adds an irregular verb form, while GUEST rewards care with the order of U and E.

Strategic Insights

Use early guesses to cover A, E, I and U alongside consonants such as T, G and N. Once those clues settle, test W for AWAIT and the CK pairing for LUCKY to narrow the remaining boards.

U appears in BEGUN, LUCKY and GUEST, while BEGUN and GUEST also share E and G. AWAIT is the only answer with a repeated letter, using A twice.

Tomorrow's Reset

Take a breath, clear the board from your mind, and come back for the next four-word challenge.

Chill puzzle #837 arrives on the next daily reset.

Today's Chill Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Connections #1250 Hints and Solutions for November 12, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Thursday edition of NYT Connections arrives with puzzle #1250, serving up a grid that rewards a good ear for familiar expressions and a sharp eye for phrase boundaries. Screen memories offer useful clues, but they also make a convincing distraction.

What Makes Connections Tick

For newcomers, NYT Connections presents 16 words that must be sorted into four thematic groups of four. The twist? You're limited to four mistakes, and the color-coded difficulty system (yellow being easiest, purple being trickiest) means surface-level connections often mislead.

Since its June 2023 launch, Connections has carved out its niche in the Times' puzzle ecosystem, standing alongside Wordle and the crossword as a daily ritual for millions of players worldwide. The game's genius lies in its red herrings, words that could fit multiple categories but belong in only one.

Today's Grid at a Glance

Here are the 16 words staring back at you in puzzle #1250:

A seemingly random collection that somehow connects into four perfect categories.

Strategic Hints (No Spoilers Yet)

Yellow Category Nudge: Imagine dialogue delivered with raised eyebrows and theatrical emphasis.

Green Category Clue: Look past the complete expressions and consider what their opening pieces can mean on their own.

Blue Category Hint: A kitchen vocabulary can turn up in some decidedly nonculinary settings.

Purple Category Teaser: Bring some film knowledge, then pay attention to where each expression begins.

The Full Solutions

Last chance to solve independently: answers below

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Yellow ("Gadzooks!"): GOOD HEAVENS, GREAT SCOTT, HOLY SMOKES, JIMINY CRICKET

GOOD HEAVENS, GREAT SCOTT, HOLY SMOKES, and JIMINY CRICKET work as exclamations of surprise, matching the category's theatrical “GADZOOKS!” GREAT SCOTT also creates a tempting Back to the Future connection with DOC BROWN, MARTY MCFLY, and FLUX CAPACITOR elsewhere in the grid.

Green (Starting With Variations): CHANGE PURSE, FLUX CAPACITOR, SHIFT DRESS, SWING SET

CHANGE PURSE, FLUX CAPACITOR, SHIFT DRESS, and SWING SET begin with CHANGE, FLUX, SHIFT, and SWING, words that can describe variation or movement between states. Their complete meanings pull in different directions, so the connection emerges when you isolate the opening words.

Blue (Ending In Ways To Cook Things): ARCTIC CHAR, COMEDY ROAST, DOC BROWN, YOU'RE TOAST

ARCTIC CHAR, COMEDY ROAST, DOC BROWN, and YOU'RE TOAST end with CHAR, ROAST, BROWN, and TOAST, all verbs for cooking or applying heat to food. ARCTIC CHAR supplies a neat double meaning: the full phrase names a fish, while its last word also describes a cooking action.

Purple (Starting With Best Picture Oscar Winners): GLADIATOR SANDALS, MARTY MCFLY, MOONLIGHT SONATA, ROCKY ROAD

GLADIATOR SANDALS, MARTY MCFLY, MOONLIGHT SONATA, and ROCKY ROAD begin with Gladiator, Marty, Moonlight, and Rocky, each a Best Picture Oscar winner. MARTY MCFLY is the sharpest disguise because the full name points to one film franchise while its first word names an entirely different film.

The Verdict

Yellow offers the clearest first foothold because its expressions share a recognizable conversational role. Green demands a more abstract reading, while blue becomes cleaner once you inspect the final words.

The real trap is the Back to the Future cluster of GREAT SCOTT, FLUX CAPACITOR, DOC BROWN, and MARTY MCFLY. It forms a convincing association, but today's solution distributes those entries across all four groups.

Purple is the streak-testing finish: recognizing the opening film titles is only half the job, since the shared award supplies the precise connection. That extra requirement gives this grid a demanding final step.

Reset and Repeat

Take today's split-phrase trick into tomorrow's grid: read each expression whole, then test its beginning and ending separately. Come back tomorrow for another chance to spot the connection hiding inside the wording.

For now, puzzle #1250 is solved. See you at midnight for the next round.

NYT Connections #1250 Hints and Solutions for November 12, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Connections Sports Edition #780 Hints and Answers for November 12, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Thursday edition of NYT Connections Sports Edition arrives with puzzle #780, serving up a grid that tests court knowledge, touchline recognition and your willingness to read a clue as something incomplete.

What Makes Connections Sports Edition Tick

For newcomers, NYT Connections Sports Edition presents 16 sports-themed words that must be sorted into four thematic groups of four. The twist? You're limited to four mistakes, and the color-coded difficulty system (yellow being easiest, purple being trickiest) means surface-level connections often mislead.

Connections Sports Edition brings the same addictive puzzle format to the world of athletics, featuring athletes, teams, sports terminology, and legendary moments. The game's genius lies in its red herrings, words that could fit multiple sports categories but belong in only one.

Today's Grid at a Glance

Here are the 16 words staring back at you in puzzle #780:

A seemingly random collection that somehow connects into four perfect categories.

Strategic Hints (No Spoilers Yet)

Yellow Category Nudge: Think about the labels an individual competitor can inherit from an affiliation.

Green Category Clue: A map can reveal a connection that the playing surface cannot.

Blue Category Hint: Look beyond the athletes to the people directing play.

Purple Category Teaser: Try extending the entries instead of treating each as a complete thought.

The Full Solutions

Last chance to solve independently: answers below

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Yellow (A Western Conference NBA Player): LAKER, ROCKET, SUN, WARRIOR

SUN, LAKER, WARRIOR and ROCKET each describe a player through his team affiliation. The singular wording matters: the category asks for a Western Conference NBA player.

Green (Teams In New York State): BILLS, LIBERTY, ORANGE, SABRES

ORANGE, SABRES, LIBERTY and BILLS belong together as teams in New York State. Geography supplies the link across their different sporting identities.

LIBERTY creates a basketball distraction beside SUN, LAKER, WARRIOR and ROCKET. The New York Liberty play in the WNBA, so a broad basketball connection needs a tighter rule before you commit.

Blue (Premier League Managers): EMERY, LAMPARD, MOYES, ROSE

EMERY, ROSE, LAMPARD and MOYES form the supplied Premier League managers group. This is the surname recognition test, with all four entries read as names.

Purple (_____Board): SKATE, SNOW, SURF, WAKE

SURF, SKATE, WAKE and SNOW each take BOARD after them, producing surfboard, skateboard, wakeboard and snowboard. The shared ending turns four separate entries into equipment names.

The Verdict

Yellow looks like the cleanest opening if NBA affiliations come readily to mind. The trap is letting LIBERTY stretch that precise connection into a loose collection of basketball associations.

Green rewards a geographic reset, while purple becomes tidy once BOARD clicks into place. Blue is my pick for the streak decider because recognizing a surname group still leaves you needing confidence in every entry.

Reset and Repeat

Carry today's BOARD trick into tomorrow's grid: a short entry can be the beginning of a longer word. Come back for another round with fresh eyes and room to change your first reading.

For now, puzzle #780 is solved. See you at midnight for the next round.

NYT Connections Sports Edition #780 Hints and Answers for November 12, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

Today's Classic Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today's Classic Quordle lands with puzzle #1753, and the set blends tangible objects with everyday ideas, giving familiar vocabulary a pleasantly varied workout. Welcome in, and take the hints at your own pace.

The Basics (For New Players)

Quordle gives you 9 attempts to crack four five-letter words at once. Each guess applies to all four grids simultaneously. A green tile means the right letter in the right spot, yellow means the right letter in the wrong position, and gray means that letter is not in that particular word.

This is the original daily format. The goal stays the same: solve all four quadrants before the guesses run out.

Today's Four-Word Challenge

Work through the quadrants one at a time. Each set of clues moves from broad meaning to letter structure, so stop as soon as a word clicks.

Word 1 (Top-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think geography lessons and imaginary journeys around the planet.

The Category: A noun for a spherical object, especially one used to represent our planet.

The Boundaries: Starts with G, ends with E.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 3 and 5.

The Giveaway: A ball-shaped model of Earth showing continents and oceans.

Word 2 (Top-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Picture a plain city wall transformed into a scene full of color.

The Category: A noun for an artwork made directly on an architectural surface.

The Boundaries: Starts with M, ends with L.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 2 and 4.

The Giveaway: A picture painted directly onto a wall or ceiling.

Word 3 (Bottom-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think about what something means to you beyond its price tag.

The Category: A noun in the territory of value, usefulness, and merit.

The Boundaries: Starts with W, ends with H.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowel sits in position 2.

The Giveaway: The monetary value or practical importance of someone or something.

Word 4 (Bottom-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Think of a conversation where nobody softens an uncomfortable truth.

The Category: An adjective describing an open, direct manner of speaking.

The Boundaries: Starts with F, ends with K.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowel sits in position 3.

The Giveaway: Honest and straightforward, even when the truth is awkward.

Quick-Reference Clues (All Four Words)

Word 1 First Letter: G | Last Letter: E

Word 2 First Letter: M | Last Letter: L

Word 3 First Letter: W | Last Letter: H

Word 4 First Letter: F | Last Letter: K

Today's Classic Quordle Answers

Final warning: all four answers are directly below. Scroll only if you're ready.

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Word 1 (Top-Left): GLOBE
Word 2 (Top-Right): MURAL
Word 3 (Bottom-Left): WORTH
Word 4 (Bottom-Right): FRANK

Word DNA (Breaking Down Today's Answers)

GLOBE: GLOBE is a noun meaning a sphere, especially a spherical model of Earth. In everyday speech, "across the globe" also means throughout the world.

MURAL: MURAL is a noun for a picture painted directly on a wall or ceiling. It describes the artwork itself, so a mural can be indoors as well as on a street-facing wall.

WORTH: WORTH is a noun meaning value or merit. The phrase "prove your worth" uses it to describe ability or usefulness rather than a cash value.

FRANK: FRANK is an adjective meaning open, honest, and direct. Calling a discussion frank signals that difficult points were addressed plainly, though it does not necessarily imply rudeness.

The Difficulty Rating

I'd rate this quartet 3 out of 5 for difficulty, with WORTH the hardest and GLOBE the easiest. GLOBE offers a concrete image, while WORTH leaves room for competing guesses such as NORTH and FORTH when only the ending is settled.

MURAL rewards keeping U in your search, while FRANK packs its only vowel between consonant pairs. The vocabulary is approachable, but those shapes can resist a guess built mainly around vowels.

Strategic Insights

Use early guesses to cover A, E, O, and U alongside R, L, and T, then follow each board's strongest clues. That coverage reaches every vowel used in this quartet and tests consonants that help distinguish the answers.

None of the answers repeats a letter internally. R appears in MURAL, WORTH, and FRANK, while GLOBE shares L with MURAL and O with WORTH.

Tomorrow's Reset

Set this board aside and come back for the next four-word challenge with a fresh eye.

Classic puzzle #1754 arrives on the next daily reset.

Today's Classic Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

Today's Wordle Hints, Clues and Answer for #1972 on November 12, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today's NYT Wordle lands with puzzle #1972, and a familiar sound hides a spelling worth checking carefully. Welcome, streak protectors and newcomers, there is room here for a steady, thoughtful solve.

The Basics (For New Players)

Wordle gives you six attempts to crack a five-letter word. After each guess, tiles change color: green means right letter, right spot; yellow signals right letter, wrong position; gray indicates the letter isn't in the word at all. One puzzle per day, shared by millions worldwide. That's the beauty of it.

Created by Josh Wardle in 2021 and now part of The New York Times Games family, Wordle has become a daily ritual for word lovers everywhere. Today's puzzle #1972 awaits.

The Letter Rundown

Today's puzzle breaks down like this:

Vowel Count: 2 vowel(s)
Consonant Count: 3 consonant(s)
Repeated Letters: Yes - the letter A appears twice
Letter Rarity: Mostly common letters, with K the least frequent of the set

The Elimination Game (Progressive Hints)

We've designed these hints to reveal just enough at each level. Stop when you've got it figured out.

Level 1 (The Vibe): Think of something precious getting a closer inspection.

Level 2 (The Category): A noun for a unit used to express the purity of gold.

Level 3 (The Boundaries): Starts with K, ends with T.

Level 4 (The Structure): One letter appears twice, once in position 2 and again in position 4.

Level 5 (The Giveaway): The unit behind the purity marking stamped inside a gold ring.

Quick-Reference Clues

First Letter: K

Last Letter: T

Vowels Present: A

Double Letters: Yes - A

Rhymes With: PARROT, GARRET

Today's Wordle Answer

Final warning: The answer is directly below. Scroll only if you're ready.

---

The answer to Wordle #1972 is: KARAT

Word DNA: Breaking Down Today's Answer

The gold-purity noun names a unit expressing how much of a gold alloy is pure gold. You encounter it when comparing rings or reading a jeweler's description of a necklace.

Origins: The term is a spelling variant of carat, whose history runs through French, Italian, and Arabic to a Greek word for a carob seed. Those seeds were used as small weights.

Word Family: carat, carats

Fun Fact: American jewelry terminology distinguishes gold purity from gemstone weight with different spellings of words that sound identical. That makes meaning a useful spelling check in this puzzle.

The Streak Saver Rating

I rate this a 3 out of 5 for its repeated-vowel and spelling traps. A fills the second and fourth positions, while the initial K demands care if the gemstone-weight spelling comes to mind first.

Finding an A can tempt you to keep searching for a different vowel instead of testing a repeat. Keep another A in contention, then use the board's feedback to check the opening consonant rather than relying on the word's sound.

What This Puzzle Teaches

A confirmed vowel does not settle how often it appears. Keep repeated-letter candidates alive until the feedback rules them out, and check the meaning when competing spellings sound alike.

Tomorrow's Reset

Puzzle #1973 drops at midnight in your timezone, Thursday handing the streak over to a fresh board.

How did your solve go? Did the repeated vowel click first, or did the gold connection guide you home?

See you at midnight for the next challenge.

Today's Wordle Hints, Clues and Answer for #1972 on November 12, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

The Best Headphone and Earbud Deals of Black Friday

Technobezz — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 18:58:56 GMT

Prices checked November 11, 2026, 11:53 PM ET

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, and the early deals have started. 3 headphone and earbud deals are live right now, and every price below was checked against Amazon before it went on this page.

We add deals as Amazon releases them. A deal appears here only while Amazon is selling it at the deal price.

The biggest discounts at a glance

EarFun K2 $14.98
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $339.00
Sony WH-1000XM6 $378.00

Deals on products from our buying guides

3 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Limited time deal

Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones combine adaptive noise cancellation using 12 microphones with up to 30 hours of battery life. They suit commuters and frequent travelers who want a compact magnetic case and folding design for easier packing.

12 microphones
Up to 30 h battery
Foldable design

Worth knowing. Fast charging requires a separately sold USB PD adapter.

$378.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

These wireless over ear headphones combine active noise cancellation and spatial audio with up to 30 hours of battery life. They suit commuters and frequent flyers who want quieter music listening and immersive sound for movies.

Up to 30 h battery
Active noise cancellation
Spatial audio

Worth knowing. Using Immersive Audio reduces battery life to up to 23 hours.

$339.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

Limited time deal

EarFun K2

The EarFun K2 are kids’ Bluetooth headphones with 40mm drivers and a foldable design that packs away easily. They suit children using a tablet for lessons, music or travel, with a built-in microphone for calls.

40mm drivers
Foldable design
Built-in microphone

$14.98

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

More Black Friday deals

How we pick these deals

We start with products we already recommend in our buying guides and reviews, then add Amazon's own Black Friday promotions from well-known brands, and leave out accessories and filler. We check the live price through Amazon before a deal is listed. If the price goes back up or the product sells out, the deal comes off the page.

A product is listed only when Amazon is selling it at a real discount. Any saving shown is Amazon's own figure, and the time under each button is when we last checked that price.

When Black Friday deals start

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving, and Cyber Monday is November 30. Amazon has not announced its 2026 Black Friday dates yet. This section is updated from Amazon's own announcement.

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

Technobezz may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Prices and availability were accurate at the time shown on each deal and can change. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.

The Best Headphone and Earbud Deals of Black Friday - Originally published on Technobezz

The Best Car Tech and Dash Cam Deals of Black Friday

Technobezz — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 17:28:09 GMT

Prices checked November 11, 2026, 11:53 PM ET

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, and the early deals have started. 9 car tech and dash cam deals are live right now, and every price below was checked against Amazon before it went on this page.

We add deals as Amazon releases them. A deal appears here only while Amazon is selling it at the deal price.

The biggest discounts at a glance

Vantrue S1 Pro Max 4K+2.5K $189.99
Ascentiz H Pro $1,099.00
GOOLOO GP4000 Jump Starter $79.99
VTOMAN X7 Jump Starter with Air Compressor $99.99
UREVO Strol 2E Pro $189.99
70mai 4K Omni X800 (Front and Rear Bundle) $299.99

Deals on products from our buying guides

2 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

70mai T800 3 Channel Dash Cam

The 70mai T800 records 4K video front and rear alongside 1080p cabin footage, with HDR across all three channels. It suits rideshare drivers and families who want recordings of both road incidents and activity inside the car.

4K front and rear
1080p interior recording
3-channel HDR

Worth knowing. Parking surveillance requires a separately sold hardwire kit.

Prime member price

$359.99

Not a Prime member? Amazon offers eligible new members a free trial.

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

70mai 4K Omni X800 (Front and Rear Bundle)

The 70mai 4K Omni X800 is a front and rear dash cam with 4K front recording and a rotating lens providing 360° coverage. It suits drivers who want to record the road and turn the camera toward activity beside their car.

4K front recording
Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678
5 GHz Wi-Fi 6

Worth knowing. Front recording drops to 30 fps when using both cameras.

Prime member price

$299.99

Not a Prime member? Amazon offers eligible new members a free trial.

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

Dash cam and car gadget deals

7 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Vantrue S1 Pro Max 4K+2.5K

The Vantrue S1 Pro Max records 4K front and 2.5K rear footage, with STARVIS 2 sensors in both cameras and 5GHz WiFi for transferring clips. It suits drivers who want coverage behind the car as well as ahead.

4K front, 2.5K rear
Dual STARVIS 2 sensors
5GHz WiFi

Worth knowing. 24/7 parking monitoring requires an additional hardwire or OBD kit.

$189.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

VTOMAN X7 Jump Starter with Air Compressor

The VTOMAN X7 combines a portable jump starter delivering 4,250A peak current with a tire inflator rated up to 160 PSI. It suits drivers who want battery starting support and tire inflation in one tool for roadside emergencies.

4,250A peak current
Up to 160 PSI
Up to 10L gas or diesel

Worth knowing. The compressor needs cooling breaks if it gets hot during inflation.

$99.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

VTOMAN Jump 600X (110W solar panel bundle)

The VTOMAN Jump 600X is a portable power station with 600W continuous output and an included 110W foldable solar panel. It suits campers and RV travelers powering laptops, lights and other small devices away from outlets.

600W continuous output
268.8Wh LiFePO4 battery
110W solar panel included

Worth knowing. Total rated power for multiple connected devices should stay within 600W.

Prime member price

$399.99

Not a Prime member? Amazon offers eligible new members a free trial.

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

GOOLOO GP4000 Jump Starter

The GOOLOO GP4000 is a portable 12V jump starter with 4,000A peak current, rated for all gasoline engines and diesels up to 10.0L. It suits drivers who want emergency starting power and USB device charging in one unit.

4,000A peak current
Up to 10.0L diesel
Dual USB outputs

Worth knowing. A wall charger is not included.

Prime member price

$79.99

Not a Prime member? Amazon offers eligible new members a free trial.

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

UREVO Strol 2E Pro

The UREVO Strol 2E Pro is a folding treadmill with up to 12% incline and speeds up to 6.2 mph. It suits standing desk users who want walking during work and light jogging afterward.

Up to 12% incline
0.6 to 6.2 mph
300 lb weight capacity

Worth knowing. Walking mode limits speed to 4 mph with the handlebar lowered.

$189.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

Ascentiz H Pro

The Ascentiz H Pro is a modular wearable hip exoskeleton with 1,000W peak motor power and up to 15.5 miles of assistance per battery. It suits adults who walk independently and want powered support for daily walks, hills and stairs.

1,000W peak power
Up to 15.5 miles per charge
5.5 lb weight

Worth knowing. The charger is sold separately.

$1,099.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

PNY CS900 500GB SSD

The PNY CS900 is a 500GB 2.5-inch SATA III internal SSD with sequential speeds up to 550MB/s read and 500MB/s write. It suits laptop and desktop owners replacing a hard drive for faster startup and application loading.

500GB capacity
2.5-inch SATA III
Up to 550MB/s read

$79.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

More Black Friday deals

How we pick these deals

A product is listed only when Amazon is selling it at a real discount. Any saving shown is Amazon's own figure, and the time under each button is when we last checked that price.

When Black Friday deals start

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

The Best Car Tech and Dash Cam Deals of Black Friday - Originally published on Technobezz

The Best Black Friday Tech Deals

Technobezz — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 11:33:57 GMT

Prices checked November 12, 2026, 12:23 AM ET

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, but some of the biggest tech discounts are already here. 31 big deals on TVs, laptops, desktops, robot vacuums and monitors are live right now, and every price below was checked against Amazon or Dell.com before it went on this page.

A deal appears here only while the store is selling it at the deal price. It comes off this page when its price goes back up or it sells out, and we add more as Black Friday gets closer.

Big deals live right now

Dell 15 DC15250 $399.99 18% off
Shark PowerDetect AV2820S $299.99
iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo with AutoWash Dock $299.99
Samsung Odyssey G5 G51F 32-inch $179.99
iRobot Roomba Plus 575 Combo $499.99
Dreame X60 Ultra Robot Vacuum $999.99
Roborock Qrevo S Pro $399.99
TCL 65QM8L 65-inch TV $997.99

TV deals

8 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

TCL 65QM8L 65-inch TV

The TCL 65QM8L is a 65 inch 4K Google TV combining SQD Mini LED backlighting with a 144 Hz panel for smooth motion. It suits viewers upgrading their main screen for movies, sports and gaming.

65-inch 4K
144 Hz panel
Dolby Vision IQ

Worth knowing. The wireless subwoofer and satellite speakers are optional extras.

$997.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

LG B6 65-inch OLED TV

The LG B6 is a 65 inch 4K OLED TV with over 8.3 million self lit pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. It suits viewers who split their time between movies and gaming, with Dolby Vision and variable refresh rate support.

65-inch 4K OLED
120 Hz refresh rate
0.1 ms response time

Worth knowing. An LG account is required for network based smart services.

$999.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Hisense 75" U7 Mini-LED TV (75U7SG)

This 75-inch Hisense U7 is a Mini-LED 4K Google TV with up to 3,000 nits peak brightness and a native 165 Hz refresh rate. It suits bright living rooms and gamers moving up from an older LED TV.

75-inch 4K Mini-LED
Native 165 Hz game mode
Up to 3,000 nits

$997.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

Sony BRAVIA 6 OLED 65-inch (K-65A60)

This 65-inch Sony BRAVIA 6 is an OLED TV with over 8 million self-lit pixels and four HDMI 2.1 ports that each handle 4K at 120 Hz. It suits movie fans and console gamers who want Dolby Vision and Google TV with Gemini.

65-inch 4K OLED
4x HDMI 2.1, 4K/120
Dolby Vision, Atmos, DTS:X

$1,198.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Sony BRAVIA 6 K-77A60 77-inch

Sony’s 77 inch 4K OLED TV combines over 8 million individually controlled pixels for pure blacks with 4K gaming at 120 Hz. It suits movie fans and console players upgrading their main living room screen.

77-inch 4K OLED
4K at 120 Hz
Dolby Vision and Atmos

$1,798.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

LG C6 55-inch OLED TV

The LG C6 is a 55 inch 4K OLED smart TV with over 8.3 million individually lit pixels and gaming refresh rates up to 165 Hz. It suits movie fans and PC gamers sharing one screen.

55-inch 4K OLED
Up to 165 Hz
Dolby Vision and Atmos

Worth knowing. Reaching 165 Hz requires a PC with a compatible graphics card.

$999.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

Sony BRAVIA 6 K-55A60

The Sony BRAVIA 6 is a 55 inch 4K OLED Google TV with 4K 120 Hz gaming over HDMI 2.1 and Dolby Vision support. It suits movie fans and console gamers who want one screen for streaming and 4K gaming.

55-inch 4K OLED
4K/120 HDMI 2.1 gaming
4 HDMI inputs

$998.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Limited time deal

Hisense 85E7SF 85-inch Mini-LED Fire TV

This 85-inch Hisense E7 pairs a Hi-QLED Mini-LED panel with a native 144Hz refresh rate, so fast sports and games stay sharp. It suits big-room movie and gaming setups, and it supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive and Dolby Atmos on Fire TV.

85-inch 4K Mini-LED
Native 144Hz
Dolby Vision IQ and Atmos

$898.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Laptop deals

6 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Limited time deal

Dell 15 DC15250

The Dell 15 is a 15.6 inch Full HD laptop with an Intel Core 3 100U processor and a 512GB SSD. It is built for everyday computing, with a separate numeric keypad, Express Charge support and Dell ComfortView software.

Intel Core 3 100U
8GB DDR5 RAM
512GB SSD

$399.99

Save $84.99 (18% off)

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Microsoft Surface Pro 13-inch (12th Edition)

Microsoft’s Surface Pro is a Windows 2-in-1 with a 13-inch LCD touchscreen and a 10-core Snapdragon X2 Plus processor. It suits students and mobile workers who want tablet flexibility alongside desktop apps.

Snapdragon X2 Plus
16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
13-inch LCD touchscreen

Worth knowing. The keyboard is sold separately.

$1,249.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1

The Lenovo Yoga 7i is a convertible laptop with a 14-inch OLED touchscreen and an included Yoga Pen. It suits students and everyday users who want one computer for typing assignments, taking handwritten notes and watching videos.

Core Ultra 5 226V
16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
1920 × 1200 OLED, 60Hz

Worth knowing. The 16GB memory cannot be upgraded.

$999.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5a 2-in-1

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5a is a convertible laptop with a 15.3 inch touchscreen and a 360° hinge for laptop, tablet and tent modes. It suits students who switch between typing assignments, taking notes and watching lectures.

Ryzen AI 7 445
16GB DDR5 RAM
1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD

Worth knowing. The glossy IPS screen has a limited 45% NTSC color gamut.

$846.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)

This 13.6-inch MacBook Air pairs the M5 chip with 16GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD, in a body 0.44 inches thin and 2.7 pounds. It suits students and everyday workers who want a light, quiet Mac for classes, writing and video calls.

Apple M5, 16GB, 512GB
13.6-inch Liquid Retina
Up to 18 h video

Worth knowing. It has only two Thunderbolt 4 ports plus MagSafe, so extra devices need a hub.

$1,099.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M5

Apple’s M5 MacBook Air pairs a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with 16GB of unified memory in a portable laptop. It suits students and everyday multitaskers who want a larger screen for assignments, documents and video calls.

15.3-inch Liquid Retina
16GB memory, 512GB SSD
12MP Center Stage camera

Worth knowing. Wired ports are limited to two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe and a headphone jack.

$1,299.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Robot vacuum deals

8 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Limited time deal

Shark PowerDetect AV2820S

The Shark PowerDetect AV2820S is a robot vacuum with a 30 day bagless emptying base and a lifting system that helps it cross thresholds. It suits homes with mixed flooring and owners wanting less frequent dustbin emptying.

30-day self-empty base
HEPA filtration
NeverStuck obstacle lift

$299.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo with AutoWash Dock

The Roomba Plus 405 is a robot vacuum and mop with dual spinning pads and a dock that handles 75 days of automatic emptying. It suits homes with carpets and hard floors, washing and drying its mop pads between cleanings.

75 days of auto-emptying
ClearView LiDAR mapping
4 suction levels

Worth knowing. The dock’s water tanks and robot’s brushes still need regular cleaning.

$299.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

iRobot Roomba Plus 575 Combo

This robot vacuum and mop climbs thresholds up to 35 mm and automatically empties debris for up to three months. It suits busy homes with pet hair, hard floors and rugs that need regular vacuuming and scrubbing.

Up to 3 months autoempty
35 mm threshold climbing
10 mm mop lift

Worth knowing. The dock’s water tanks still need manual rinsing.

$499.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

Limited time deal

Dreame X60 Ultra Robot Vacuum

The Dreame X60 Ultra is a robot vacuum and mop that stands 7.95 cm tall, yet pulls with 35,000 Pa of suction and clears steps up to 8.8 cm. It suits homes with low sofas and beds that want hands-off vacuuming and hot-water mop washing.

35,000 Pa suction
7.95 cm slim body
Clears 8.8 cm steps

$999.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Limited time deal

Roborock Qrevo S Pro

The Roborock Qrevo S Pro is a robot vacuum and mop with 18,500 Pa suction and a dock that empties dust, washes mops and dries them with warm air. It suits busy households managing pet hair across hard floors and carpets.

18,500 Pa suction
Up to 10 mm mop lift
113°F warm air drying

Worth knowing. The Roborock app is required for the product to function as intended.

$399.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Limited time deal

Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal

This robot vacuum and mop combines UV stain detection with targeted scrubbing at 100 strokes per minute. It suits homes with pets and sticky spills, with a base that automatically empties debris, refills water and cleans the mop.

UV stain detection
100 scrubs per minute
Automatic empty and refill

Worth knowing. A full battery charge takes four hours.

$749.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

ECOVACS DEEBOT X12S PRO OMNI

The ECOVACS DEEBOT X12S PRO OMNI is a robot vacuum and mop with 53 AW suction and a 10.6 inch roller continuously rinsed with fresh water. It suits homes combining carpets with hard floors that need regular scrubbing.

53 AW suction
10.6-inch mop roller
15 mm mop lift

$949.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Limited time deal

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra

The Dreame Matrix10 Ultra is a robot vacuum and mop with 30,000 Pa suction and a dock that switches mop pads between areas. It suits homes with pets, carpets and raised thresholds, climbing obstacles up to 3.15 inches and avoiding 240+ object types.

30,000 Pa suction
Climbs 3.15 in obstacles
Avoids 240+ object types

Worth knowing. It connects over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only and is sold for USA use only.

$1,399.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Monitor deals

8 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Limited time deal

Samsung Odyssey G5 G51F 32-inch

The Samsung Odyssey G5 G51F is a 32 inch gaming monitor pairing QHD resolution with a 180Hz refresh rate. It suits players moving from a smaller screen who want more room and smoother gameplay.

32-inch QHD
180 Hz refresh rate

$179.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACMES 27" 1440p Monitor

This 27 inch Fast IPS gaming monitor runs 2560 x 1440 at up to 255 Hz overclocked with a 0.3 ms minimum response time. It suits competitive gamers stepping up from a slower panel who want sharp 1440p motion and a USB Type-C connection.

27-inch 1440p Fast IPS
255 Hz (OC), 0.3 ms
DisplayHDR 400

Worth knowing. The 255 Hz rate is an overclock setting, and 0.3 ms is a minimum.

$199.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Limited time deal

ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG

The ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG is a 26.5 inch QHD QD-OLED gaming monitor with a 360 Hz refresh rate. It suits competitive players who want fast motion handling alongside OLED contrast for visually rich games.

26.5-inch QHD QD-OLED
360 Hz refresh rate
0.03 ms GTG response

Worth knowing. There are no built-in speakers.

$549.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

Limited time deal

Samsung ViewFinity S7 S70H 32-inch 4K

This 32-inch monitor has a 3840 by 2160 VA panel with HDR10 and 99% sRGB coverage, plus TÜV certified Eye Saver Mode for long sessions. It suits home office users and creators who want a sharper, roomier workspace than a 1080p screen.

32-inch 4K UHD, 60 Hz
HDR10, 99% sRGB
HDMI and DisplayPort 1.2

Worth knowing. The stand has no height adjustment or pivot, offering tilt and slight swivel.

$249.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

LG UltraGear 27 inch OLED Gaming Monitor 27GX704A-B

The LG 27GX704A-B is a 27 inch QHD gaming monitor pairing a glossy OLED panel with a 240 Hz refresh rate. It suits PC gamers who want smooth motion for competitive games and deep blacks for cinematic titles.

QHD OLED, 240 Hz
0.03 ms GtG
HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4

Worth knowing. LG warns that brighter display modes can cause burn-in.

$334.70

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Samsung ViewFinity S5 S55GH

The Samsung ViewFinity S5 S55GH is a 34 inch curved ultrawide monitor with QHD resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It suits people who keep multiple work windows open and also want smooth motion for gaming.

3440 × 1440 resolution
120 Hz refresh rate
1800R curved display

Worth knowing. The default refresh rate is 60Hz; reaching 120Hz requires changing the monitor settings.

$279.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

LG UltraGear 32GS60QC-B Curved Gaming Monitor

The LG 32GS60QC-B is a 32 inch QHD gaming monitor with a pronounced 1000R curve and a 180Hz refresh rate. It suits PC gamers moving from a smaller screen who want smooth motion and a more enveloping view.

2560 × 1440 resolution
180 Hz refresh rate
1000R curved screen

Worth knowing. The advertised 1ms response time requires Faster mode.

$179.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Samsung Odyssey G7 G75F 40-inch

Samsung’s Odyssey G7 G75F is a 40 inch curved gaming monitor with WUHD resolution and a 180Hz refresh rate. It suits gamers moving from a smaller screen who want a broader view and fluid motion.

40-inch WUHD
180Hz refresh rate
1ms response time (GtG)

$649.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Dell desktop deals

1 Dell deal in this section, each checked on Dell.com at the time shown. The price on Dell.com at checkout is the one that applies, and Technobezz may earn a commission when you buy through these links.

Dell Tower Plus Desktop (Core Ultra 7 265, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD)

The Dell Tower Plus Desktop in this configuration is $1,549.99 at Dell.

Processor Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 265 (30 MB cache, 20 cores, 20 threads, 1.8 GHz to 5.3 GHz, 65W)
Operating System Windows 11 Home
Graphics Card Intel® Graphics
Memory 16GB: 1 x 16 GB, DDR5, up to 5600 MT/s, non-ECC
Storage 1 TB SSD Gen4x4 TLC

Price at Dell.com

$1,549.99

See it at Dell

Price checked Nov 11, 12:40 PM ET

Deals by category

Each page below is rechecked through the sale and lists only deals that are live.

Deals at other stores

These pages list configurations sold on the maker's or store's own site, priced there and rechecked daily.

How we pick these deals

A product is listed only when Amazon is selling it at a real discount. The Dell section lists Dell's own configurations, checked on Dell.com at the time shown. Any saving shown is Amazon's own figure, and the time under each button is when we last checked that price.

When Black Friday deals start

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

The Best Black Friday Tech Deals - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Midi Crossword Hints, Clues and Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:08:00 GMT

Today's NYT Midi Crossword is live, and the grid mixes everyday knowledge with a visual trick that rewards looking beyond the letters. Come on in, there are friendly footholds among the tougher clues.

How The Midi Works

The Midi is the middle ground between the Mini and the classic NYT Crossword, offering a mid-size grid that takes a few satisfying minutes to clear. Solve the intersecting words, and when the grid is complete, you'll hear a satisfying chime.

New puzzles drop daily. The Midi offers more complexity than the Mini while remaining accessible for solvers who want a quick but substantial challenge.

Quick Scan

In a rush? Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for today's puzzle:

Grid Size: 11x11

Total Clues: 34 (16 Across, 18 Down)

Trickiest Clue: 6D is the toughest vocabulary test, asking for a precise medical adjective rather than an everyday description.

Gimme Clue: 29A is a welcoming gimme, a direct geography prompt with no verbal trick to untangle.

Theme Spotted: "Put on a Happy Face"

Clue Decoder (Hints Only)

Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.

Across Hints

1A. Mazda two-seater
Hint: 1A: Think of Mazda's compact roadster with an open roof. Five letters, starts with M.

6A. Coil of hair secured with a clip
Hint: 6A: Picture a lock wound flat against the scalp and held until it sets. Seven letters, starts with P.

8A. One who takes the stage
Hint: 8A: Think broadly of someone entertaining an audience, whether through music, acting or dance. Nine letters, starts with P.

10A. Train or subway component
Hint: 10A: Think of the passenger compartment coupled to others along the tracks. Three letters, starts with C.

11A. Of the same ___ (similar)
Hint: 11A: The missing noun means kind or sort. Three letters, starts with I.

12A. Understand
Hint: 12A: Use an informal verb for grasping someone's meaning. Three letters, starts with G.

14A. Texter's icon depicted in this puzzle
Hint: 14A: Think of a cheerful digital symbol sent in a message. 11 letters, starts with S.

17A. Exciting play on an ice rink
Hint: 17A: Picture a hockey shooter facing the goalie without defenders intervening after a foul. 11 letters, starts with P.

18A. In the style of
Hint: 18A: Think of a French expression used when imitating someone's manner. Three letters, starts with A.

19A. ___ Moines, Iowa
Hint: 19A: Complete the name of Iowa's capital. Three letters, starts with D.

20A. Commodity measured in barrels
Hint: 20A: Think of the crude commodity extracted from wells and sent to refineries. Three letters, starts with O.

21A. "___ the Great" (children's lit sleuth with a rhyming name)
Hint: 21A: The young detective's name rhymes with the final word of his book series' name. Four letters, starts with N.

23A. Brownish-purple shade
Hint: 23A: Think of a muted hue closer to plum than violet. Four letters, starts with P.

24A. Photographer's request ... and an apt instruction for this puzzle
Hint: 24A: Recall the familiar spoken prompt used to coax a grin before the shutter clicks. Nine letters, starts with S.

28A. Major French city on the English Channel
Hint: 28A: Look to the French port at the mouth of the Seine. Seven letters, starts with L.

29A. Capital of Oregon
Hint: 29A: Think of Oregon's seat of government rather than Portland. Five letters, starts with S.

Down Hints

1D. Former Russian space station
Hint: 1D: Recall the Soviet-era orbital outpost that preceded the International Space Station. Three letters, starts with M.

2D. Where first, second and third base are
Hint: 2D: Think of the inner portion of a baseball diamond. Seven letters, starts with I.

3D. Devoted follower
Hint: 3D: Think of a dedicated disciple or attendant. Seven letters, starts with A.

4D. Entrees stuffed with stuffing
Hint: 4D: Picture the roast birds at the center of a Thanksgiving dinner. Seven letters, starts with T.

5D. Twist one's ___
Hint: 5D: Complete the familiar idiom for pressuring someone into agreeing. Three letters, starts with A.

6D. Kind of care provided to mother and child around the time of birth
Hint: 6D: The medical adjective covers the period surrounding childbirth, both before and after. Nine letters, starts with P.

7D. Toy dwelling made of bricks
Hint: 7D: Picture a miniature home assembled from interlocking plastic building blocks. Nine letters, starts with L.

8D. Actresses Anderson and Adlon
Hint: 8D: The actresses share a given name, and the answer uses its plural form. Seven letters, starts with P.

9D. Celebrate
Hint: 9D: Think of a verb meaning to express great joy. Seven letters, starts with R.

10D. Channel that airs governmental proceedings
Hint: 10D: Think of the public-affairs broadcaster associated with uninterrupted congressional coverage. Five letters, starts with C.

13D. This puzzle's "Put on a Happy Face," e.g.
Hint: 13D: Think of the term for the name printed above a puzzle. Five letters, starts with T.

15D. Biloxi's state, in a mailing address
Hint: 15D: The clue requests a postal abbreviation, so use crossings to check the entry. Two letters, starts with L.

16D. Señorita, in English: Abbr.
Hint: 16D: Think of an abbreviated English honorific placed before a woman's name. Two letters, starts with M.

22D. What the two isolated black squares in this puzzle represent
Hint: 22D: Read the isolated dark blocks as features in a larger drawing. Four letters, starts with E.

23D. Salon treatment
Hint: 23D: Think of a chemical treatment that gives straight hair lasting waves. Four letters, starts with P.

25D. "___-ching!"
Hint: 25D: Supply the opening sound of an imaginary cash register ringing. Three letters, starts with C.

26D. "2001: A Space Odyssey" computer
Hint: 26D: Recall the spacecraft computer that refuses to open the pod bay doors. Three letters, starts with H.

27D. 'Tis the night before
Hint: 27D: Think of the calendar term for the night preceding a holiday. Three letters, starts with E.

Full Answers

Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.

---

Across Answers

1A. Mazda two-seater
Answer: MIATA

6A. Coil of hair secured with a clip
Answer: PINCURL

8A. One who takes the stage
Answer: PERFORMER

10A. Train or subway component
Answer: CAR

11A. Of the same ___ (similar)
Answer: ILK

12A. Understand
Answer: GET

14A. Texter's icon depicted in this puzzle
Answer: SMILEYEMOJI

17A. Exciting play on an ice rink
Answer: PENALTYSHOT

18A. In the style of
Answer: ALA

19A. ___ Moines, Iowa
Answer: DES

20A. Commodity measured in barrels
Answer: OIL

21A. "___ the Great" (children's lit sleuth with a rhyming name)
Answer: NATE

23A. Brownish-purple shade
Answer: PUCE

24A. Photographer's request ... and an apt instruction for this puzzle
Answer: SAYCHEESE

28A. Major French city on the English Channel
Answer: LEHAVRE

29A. Capital of Oregon
Answer: SALEM

Down Answers

1D. Former Russian space station
Answer: MIR

2D. Where first, second and third base are
Answer: INFIELD

3D. Devoted follower
Answer: ACOLYTE

4D. Entrees stuffed with stuffing
Answer: TURKEYS

5D. Twist one's ___
Answer: ARM

6D. Kind of care provided to mother and child around the time of birth
Answer: PERINATAL

7D. Toy dwelling made of bricks
Answer: LEGOHOUSE

8D. Actresses Anderson and Adlon
Answer: PAMELAS

9D. Celebrate
Answer: REJOICE

10D. Channel that airs governmental proceedings
Answer: CSPAN

13D. This puzzle's "Put on a Happy Face," e.g.
Answer: TITLE

15D. Biloxi's state, in a mailing address
Answer: LA

16D. Señorita, in English: Abbr.
Answer: MS

22D. What the two isolated black squares in this puzzle represent
Answer: EYES

23D. Salon treatment
Answer: PERM

25D. "___-ching!"
Answer: CHA

26D. "2001: A Space Odyssey" computer
Answer: HAL

27D. 'Tis the night before
Answer: EVE

Grid Breakdown

Here's what made today's puzzle tick:

Standout Clue: 14A, "Texter's icon depicted in this puzzle," answers SMILEY EMOJI and makes the grid itself part of the clue. With 22D identifying the isolated black squares as EYES, the picture becomes something you read as well as fill.

Wordplay Winner: 24A's SAY CHEESE wins for giving a photographer's familiar request a second job. It also serves as an instruction suited to the SMILEY EMOJI depicted by the puzzle.

Quick Fill: 29A's SALEM is my quickest confident foothold, thanks to its direct capital clue. It anchors the bottom through crossings with EYES, CHA, HAL, EVE and PERM.

Speed Solver Tips

Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:

Fill direct knowledge clues such as MIATA and SALEM before wrestling with specialized vocabulary like PERINATAL. Confirmed crossings give the longer terms a useful skeleton.

When a clue points to something depicted in the puzzle, pause to inspect the whole grid. Here, reading SMILEY EMOJI alongside EYES and SAY CHEESE connects the visual clues more efficiently than treating each as a separate trivia question.

Tomorrow's Puzzle

The specialist vocabulary adds resistance, but the visual payoff gives the grid a warm finish. SAY CHEESE is a satisfying instruction to leave ringing after the final crossing.

See you at the next grid.

NYT Midi Crossword Hints, Clues and Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Mini Crossword Hints, Clues and Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:05:00 GMT

Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and today's grid mixes animal trivia, familiar objects, and a little menu misdirection. Bring your everyday knowledge and let the crossings handle the finer details.

How The Mini Works

The Mini is a compact version of the classic NYT Crossword, typically featuring a 5x5 grid with five Across and five Down clues. Saturdays expand to a larger grid with more clues. Solve the intersecting words, and when the grid is complete, you'll hear a satisfying chime. No streak tracking here, but the built-in timer lets you compete against yourself or challenge friends.

New puzzles drop at 10 p.m. EST on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday's Mini arrives earlier at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.

Quick Scan

In a rush? Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for today's puzzle:

Grid Size: 5x5

Total Clues: 10 (5 Across, 5 Down)

Trickiest Clue: 2D is the trickiest because recognizing the shower accessory leaves a spelling choice for the crossings to settle.

Gimme Clue: 4D is the gimme, with a direct description of the doorway you use to leave a building.

Theme Spotted: None today, straight trivia and wordplay

Clue Decoder (Hints Only)

Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.

Across Hints

1A. Eye color of white tigers
Hint: Think of a clear daytime sky rather than the tiger's pale coat. Four letters, starts with B.

5A. Home to the largest urban zoo in the United States, with "the"
Hint: The clue wants the New York City borough containing the zoo. Five letters, starts with B.

6A. Mayonnaise-like condiment
Hint: Think of a garlicky sauce served with fries or sandwiches. Five letters, starts with A.

7A. Not suited for leadership
Hint: Look for an adjective meaning unsuitable for the responsibility. Five letters, starts with U.

8A. What Chik'n Nuggets and Beyond Burgers lack
Hint: These plant-based substitutes imitate an ingredient from animals. Four letters, starts with M.

Down Hints

1D. Pickle juice
Hint: Name the salty liquid surrounding the cucumbers in the jar. Five letters, starts with B.

2D. Shower scrubber
Hint: Picture a fibrous bath accessory used to exfoliate skin. Five letters, starts with L.

3D. Dark, as a room
Hint: Describe the room's condition when no lamp is switched on. Five letters, starts with U.

4D. Door to the outside
Hint: Think of the sign above a doorway leading out of a public building. Four letters, starts with E.

5D. L. Frank ___, author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"
Hint: Recall the author behind Dorothy's journey along the yellow brick road. Four letters, starts with B.

Full Answers

Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.

---

Across Answers

1A. Eye color of white tigers
Answer: BLUE

5A. Home to the largest urban zoo in the United States, with "the"
Answer: BRONX

6A. Mayonnaise-like condiment
Answer: AIOLI

7A. Not suited for leadership
Answer: UNFIT

8A. What Chik'n Nuggets and Beyond Burgers lack
Answer: MEAT

Down Answers

1D. Pickle juice
Answer: BRINE

2D. Shower scrubber
Answer: LOOFA

3D. Dark, as a room
Answer: UNLIT

4D. Door to the outside
Answer: EXIT

5D. L. Frank ___, author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"
Answer: BAUM

Grid Breakdown

Here's what made today's puzzle tick:

Standout Clue: 5A pairs the zoo-location clue with BRONX, turning a landmark fact into a borough answer. The instruction to supply it with "the" provides a useful grammatical cue.

Wordplay Winner: 8A wins the misdirection prize with MEAT. The nugget and burger names suggest what is on the menu, but the clue asks for the ingredient their plant-based versions leave out.

Quick Fill: 4D, EXIT, is the fastest confident fill because its clue is so direct. It supplies crossing letters for BLUE, BRONX, AIOLI, and UNFIT, giving the right edge a useful foothold.

Speed Solver Tips

Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:

Use crossings to settle spelling variants before committing. Today's shower scrubber is LOOFA, and the final A is confirmed by MEAT.

Read geographic clues for the type of place requested. At 5A, the zoo is the identifying landmark, while BRONX names its home.

Tomorrow's Puzzle

This grid rewards everyday knowledge and careful reading, with LOOFA adding a spelling wrinkle and MEAT delivering the neatest turn. The crossings give you a practical way through both.

See you at the next grid.

NYT Mini Crossword Hints, Clues and Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

The Best Ring, Blink and Security Camera Deals of Black Friday

Technobezz — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 17:29:27 GMT

Prices checked November 12, 2026, 12:54 AM ET

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, and the early deals have started. 11 Ring, Blink and security camera deals are live right now, and every price below was checked against Amazon before it went on this page.

We add deals as Amazon releases them. A deal appears here only while Amazon is selling it at the deal price.

The biggest discounts at a glance

Blink Outdoor 4 camera system (5-pack) $104.99
Blink Outdoor 2K+ (5-camera kit) $119.99
Ring Indoor Cam Plus $24.99
Ring Battery Doorbell 2K $39.99
Arlo Essential Indoor Pan Tilt 2K (2-pack) $33.24
Ring Outdoor Cam 2K Battery $49.99

Deals on products from our buying guides

3 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Ring Wired Doorbell Pro + Indoor Cam Plus Bundle

This bundle pairs a wired 4K video doorbell with a 2K indoor camera, covering your entrance and a room inside. It suits households wanting to check visitors and indoor activity from their phone.

Doorbell 4K video
Indoor camera 2K video
Doorbell up to 10x zoom

Worth knowing. The indoor camera’s lens cover leaves its microphone active unless disabled in the Ring app.

Prime member price

$174.98

Not a Prime member? Amazon offers eligible new members a free trial.

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:54 AM ET

Limited time deal

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam

Ring’s plug-in indoor security camera combines 1080p video with 360° pan coverage controlled from your phone. It suits pet owners who want to look around a room remotely and speak through the camera.

1080p HD video
360° pan, 169° tilt
Color Night Vision

Worth knowing. Reviewing recorded video requires a separate Ring Protect subscription.

$29.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:54 AM ET

Limited time deal

Ring Outdoor Cam 2K Battery

Ring Outdoor Cam 2K Battery is an outdoor security camera with 2K video and up to 6x Enhanced Zoom. It suits homeowners who want to monitor a yard or entrance with flexible battery placement.

2K video
Up to 6x Enhanced Zoom
140° horizontal view

Worth knowing. Replaying recorded video requires a compatible Ring subscription.

$49.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:54 AM ET

Ring doorbell and camera deals

5 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Limited time deal

Ring Battery Doorbell 2K

Ring Battery Doorbell 2K is a battery powered video doorbell with 2K video and up to 6x Enhanced Zoom. It suits households that want to check visitors and speak to them from their phone.

2K video
Up to 6x Enhanced Zoom
Built-in battery

Worth knowing. Recharging by USB-C means detaching the doorbell from the wall, and no cable is included.

$39.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:54 AM ET

Ring Wired Doorbell 4K Pro

This hardwired video doorbell records Retinal 4K video at 2880 x 2880 with a 140 degree view both ways and up to 10x Enhanced Zoom. Two-way talk with Audio+ lets you speak to visitors from your phone, which suits anyone upgrading an existing wired doorbell.

Retinal 4K, 2880 x 2880
Up to 10x Enhanced Zoom
140° view, dual-band Wi-Fi

Worth knowing. Video Descriptions requires a compatible Ring subscription.

Prime member price

$149.99

Not a Prime member? Amazon offers eligible new members a free trial.

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:54 AM ET

Limited time deal

Ring Floodlight Cam 2K (Wired)

The Ring Floodlight Cam 2K is a hardwired outdoor security camera with Retinal 2K video and 2000-lumen motion-activated floodlights. It also adds up to 6x enhanced zoom and a built-in siren, and it suits anyone upgrading a dark yard, driveway or entrance.

Retinal 2K video
Up to 6x Enhanced Zoom
2000-lumen floodlights

Worth knowing. Video history and replay need a Ring Protect Plan subscription, which is sold separately.

$99.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:54 AM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

Limited time deal

Ring Indoor Cam Plus

The Ring Indoor Cam Plus is an indoor security camera that records Retinal 2K video at 2560x1440 and keeps color in low light. It suits homes and businesses that want live view, real time motion alerts and talk back from a phone.

2K video, 2560x1440
115° horizontal view
USB-C powered

Worth knowing. The microphone stays on when the lens cover is closed unless you disable it in the app.

$24.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:54 AM ET

Limited time deal

Ring Spotlight Cam 2K Battery

The Ring Spotlight Cam 2K is a battery-powered security camera with Retinal 2K video and up to 6x enhanced zoom, plus 550-lumen motion-activated spotlights and a built-in siren. It suits homeowners who want a weather-resistant camera for side entrances, walkways and dark corners.

Retinal 2K video
Up to 6x Enhanced Zoom
550-lumen spotlights

Worth knowing. Rewatching past footage requires a compatible Ring Protect Plan subscription, which is sold separately.

$89.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:54 AM ET

Blink camera deals

2 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Limited time deal

Blink Outdoor 2K+ (5-camera kit)

This wireless camera records up to 2K video with Color Vision in low light and runs up to two years on included AA lithium batteries. The 5-camera kit suits owners who want to cover a whole property without running power cables.

Up to 2K video
IP65 weather resistant
Up to 2-year battery

Worth knowing. The two-year battery estimate is based on 1080p video and typical use.

$119.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:54 AM ET

Limited time deal

Blink Outdoor 4 camera system (5-pack)

This Blink Outdoor 4 system includes five wireless 1080p cameras with infrared night vision and up to 2 years of battery life on the included lithium AA batteries. It suits renters and homeowners who want to watch several outdoor spots without running power cables.

5 cameras, 1080p HD
Up to 2 years battery

Worth knowing. Sync Module Core does not include local storage for saving clips.

$104.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:54 AM ET

Arlo and Tapo camera deals

1 deal in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Arlo Essential Indoor Pan Tilt 2K (2-pack)

This two camera set offers 2K indoor video with 360 degree pan, 180 degree tilt and automatic motion tracking. It suits pet owners who want one camera to follow movement around a whole room.

2K video, 12x zoom
360° pan, 180° tilt
Plug-in, dual-band Wi-Fi

Worth knowing. Advanced features like AI detection and 60 day video history need a paid Arlo Secure plan.

Prime member price

$33.24

Not a Prime member? Amazon offers eligible new members a free trial.

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:54 AM ET

More Black Friday deals

How we pick these deals

A product is listed only when Amazon is selling it at a real discount. Any saving shown is Amazon's own figure, and the time under each button is when we last checked that price.

When Black Friday deals start

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

The Best Ring, Blink and Security Camera Deals of Black Friday - Originally published on Technobezz

Home Assistant Connect AUX-2 Adds Audio and Serial Control for $69

Paige Roberts — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 22:53:48 GMT

Home Assistant Connect AUX-2 launches today for $69 / €59 worldwide, giving existing stereos and serial-controlled equipment a way into a Home Assistant setup. Nabu Casa’s box combines audio streaming, two RS-232 ports and Bluetooth hub functions, and can connect a Z-Wave adapter over a home network. It supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), with USB power and Wi-Fi as alternatives.

For music, Connect AUX-2 provides analog and optical digital output through a shared jack, automatically detecting which type of cable is connected. Nabu Casa says the optical connection delivers lossless audio at CD quality, while a serial connection to compatible equipment can handle power, volume and input selection, including waking it from standby. The company puts the box’s power consumption at no more than one or two watts.

Music Assistant brings streaming services and locally stored tracks into a single library for playback through AUX-2. Its Sendspin protocol supports synchronized listening across speaker brands, allowing multiple AUX-2 units to play together or join speakers such as a HomePod or Sonos speaker. Nabu Casa also says AUX-2’s digital-to-analog converter improves on the one in Voice Preview Edition.

The two serial ports can control two devices simultaneously, provided users have suitable cables and add the corresponding Home Assistant integrations. Some equipment requires serial control to be enabled in its settings first. The ports use 3.5 mm connectors, and switches underneath the box let users swap RX and TX functions to accommodate different cable wiring. A $15 RS-485 adapter connected through USB also enables connections to Modbus devices.

Connect AUX-2 can place a Connect ZWA-2 somewhere with network access instead of keeping it beside the Home Assistant system on USB. Nabu Casa recommends a wired connection: its Wi-Fi testing with Connect ZWA-2 showed only a small latency increase, but the company still flags possible instability. Zigbee support through Connect ZBT-2 remains under testing, with Nabu Casa seeking more user feedback before promoting it for everyday use.

The hardware began as a simpler proposal to run Connect ZWA-2 or ZBT-2 over PoE, before Nabu Casa expanded it with serial and audio connections. In June, Home Assistant had outlined how projects from the Open Home Foundation could use proxying to bring older equipment into modern smart-home setups.

Home Assistant Connect AUX-2 Adds Audio and Serial Control for $69 - Originally published on Technobezz

Google Home 4.16 Adds Non-Nest Thermostat Controls on iOS

Luka Berger — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 22:52:19 GMT

Google Home version 4.16 is beginning to roll out today, bringing iOS users more control over compatible third-party thermostats and air conditioners. Google is also updating the early access Gemini for Home voice assistant so speakers and displays can use saved personal details to answer questions about camera history. Google says changes to command processing should also shorten waits when users set timers, create alarms or control devices.

The expanded iOS controls let users manage supported non-Nest climate devices through the Google Home app, matching functionality already offered on Android. Nest Thermostats are getting a control that temporarily stops outdoor temperature information from influencing heating or cooling, while preserving the user's automatic settings for the longer term. Google also says thermostat scheduling banners will show advice that reflects current conditions.

For camera searches, Gemini can draw on details users explicitly saved in Ask Home about relatives or regular visitors. If someone saves their nanny's name as Alice, for example, Gemini may look for a recognized face tagged Alice when asked whether the nanny has arrived. Users can also request Home Brief through a speaker or display to hear a recap of activity at home during their absence.

Smart displays are gaining buttons for positive and negative feedback after most exchanges with Gemini for Home. Google says those responses will help it identify where the assistant needs improvement. It also says the assistant now offers more dependable, personalized suggestions when users ask for help discovering its capabilities.

Google says adults should receive answers to a wider range of general questions, including requests for alcoholic drink recipes, while protections for younger users remain in place. Users encountering inappropriate responses can review Parental Controls & Digital Wellbeing settings alongside the Gemini for Home response filter settings within the Google Home app.

The changes follow the Spring 2026 Update, announced May 5, which expanded automation triggers to include humidity readings, door lock conditions and battery status. That earlier update also brought a Gemini 3.1 upgrade for handling several device commands in one spoken request, with the assistant then in early access across 16 countries and 10 languages.

Google Home 4.16 Adds Non-Nest Thermostat Controls on iOS - Originally published on Technobezz

Brave Search Will Encrypt Result Links to Fight Scraping

Luka Berger — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 22:49:21 GMT

Brave Search will replace direct destination links with encrypted links in the coming days, a change Brave says will curb automated scraping without revealing which result a person clicks. Browsers will retrieve a key, decode the destination and open the site, with Brave promising the same experience when users select results. The company attributes the change to scraping traffic that has brought slower searches and additional CAPTCHAs for users.

For anyone copying a result to save or share, the change introduces a practical drawback: the copied address will point to a redirect rather than the destination site. Those redirects can expire, making them unsuitable for lasting bookmarks, according to Brave. Users who disable JavaScript face a separate privacy tradeoff, because they will get a conventional redirect that lets Brave see the destination they select.

Brave says the pressure increased after Google introduced GOTO, which sends search-result clicks through a Google redirect before opening the destination. According to Brave, that made Google's results harder to scrape, particularly for requests needing fresh results, and pushed some scraping operations toward Brave Search's independent index. Brave reports bursts reaching several thousand requests each second, straining servers and prompting stricter bot defenses that also affect legitimate searches.

The new system gives each result a separate encryption key, which the browser must request from Brave Search before opening that link. The browser masks its request using a random number, allowing Brave to supply the necessary response without identifying the selected result, the company says. Once the browser recovers the key and decrypts the address, it connects directly to the destination rather than sending the visit through Brave Search.

Brave says the cryptographic method, called a partially oblivious pseudorandom function, still lets it identify the originating results page and the time a link was opened. It says the system conceals the particular link selected while allowing it to count key requests for each page. Scrapers seeking every destination would therefore need a separate key request for each result, increasing the cost of bulk collection, according to Brave.

Brave also acknowledges that attackers could exploit the reputation of its redirect links to send people to harmful destinations. Its countermeasures include redirect revocation, expiration controls and an intermediate warning page. For automated access, the company offers the Brave Search API, with personal and hobby access free and commercial access paid.

Brave Search Will Encrypt Result Links to Fight Scraping - Originally published on Technobezz

Google DeepMind’s AlphaGenome 2 Predicts DNA Effects by Cell Type

Felecia Smith — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 22:47:29 GMT

Google DeepMind has introduced AlphaGenome 2, a model designed to predict how differences in DNA affect particular human cell types, helping researchers investigate the cellular origins of disease. The company says it identifies nearly double the number of variants that alter gene expression compared with its previous model. Researchers can access it today for non-commercial work through the AlphaGenome API, while commercial research access is in private preview.

The model was trained using profiles of more than 100 million individual cells drawn from 68 tissues. Its predictions cover hundreds of human cell types, moving beyond the broad tissue-level activity that the original AlphaGenome was built to assess. Google DeepMind says the finer detail can reveal effects in cells relevant to disease that models working with tissue averages would miss.

Google DeepMind says the redesigned architecture also supports predictions for cellular conditions and disease states absent from the model’s training experience. The company positions that capability as a way for scientists to investigate how small genetic differences influence human traits and disease.

Cells share a DNA blueprint, but different types and states activate or silence different genes to perform their functions. A heart muscle cell and an immune cell responding to infection are examples of that distinction. Efforts including the Human Cell Atlas are charting gene expression across millions of cells, while predicting how subtle DNA changes affect that expression remains an unresolved challenge, according to Google DeepMind.

The earlier AlphaGenome Atlas supplied precomputed predictions for all 9 billion possible changes to a single DNA letter in the human genome, with a dataset spanning 1 petabyte. Its website required no coding, and its AlphaGenome Variant Impact (AVI) score combined predictions concerning regions that encode proteins with those that do not.

Google DeepMind launched the original AlphaGenome last year to assess how genetic variants influence molecular activity at the tissue level. The company says that model and AlphaGenome Atlas help researchers select variants for investigation and interpret their effects, supporting work on rare diseases, complex traits and basic biology.

Google DeepMind’s AlphaGenome 2 Predicts DNA Effects by Cell Type - Originally published on Technobezz

Google Brings Gemini Live Conversations to Apple CarPlay

Luka Berger — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 22:46:20 GMT

Google is bringing Gemini Live conversations to Apple CarPlay, letting iOS users discuss their schedules, catch up on email and rehearse presentations by voice from their car. The global rollout starts today for all Gemini users on iOS, covering every language Gemini Live supports.

Drivers need to update their iPhone’s Gemini app, allow microphone access and try Gemini Live on the phone at least once before using it through CarPlay. After connecting the iPhone to the car, they can open Gemini using its icon on the CarPlay display or side rail, then begin another conversation or resume a recent chat.

Google says users can interrupt Gemini with additional information, switch topics or pause a conversation when driving needs their attention. Conversations automatically sync to the iPhone’s Gemini app, preserving summaries, notes and brainstorming in chat history after the drive. The CarPlay expansion follows Google’s introduction of Gemini on Android Auto and vehicles with Google built-in.

Through connections to Google Workspace services including Gmail and Google Calendar, Gemini can summarize lengthy email exchanges, help users discuss a reply and provide a daily brief, according to Google. Drivers can also ask about upcoming appointments and departure timing, seek nearby food recommendations or landmark information, and practice a presentation or explore an unfamiliar subject aloud.

Google previously brought Google Meet to Apple CarPlay with audio-only calls, allowing users to join scheduled meetings through the dashboard while video and interactive meeting tools remained unavailable. That earlier integration limited users to joining existing meetings; Gemini now supports starting a conversation from the CarPlay interface.

Google Brings Gemini Live Conversations to Apple CarPlay - Originally published on Technobezz

Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake Tops 5.2 Million Sales in Four Days

Paige Roberts — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 22:17:29 GMT

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake has passed 5.2 million copies sold within four days, setting a worldwide sales speed record among Nintendo-published Nintendo Switch 2 games. The game launched globally on November 5, returning players to an adventure first released for Nintendo 64 in 1998.

Nintendo says it is also the fastest-selling Nintendo-published Switch 2 game in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. The total comes from Nintendo’s internal figures and combines purchases of physical copies with digital sales, rather than measuring either format alone.

An Opening Measured Against the Original

For comparison, Kotaku puts the Nintendo 64 release at one million copies during its opening week, 2.5 million after three weeks and 7.6 million worldwide two years later. Those historical figures place the remake’s opening four days above the original’s first three weeks of sales.

Players also turned up for the remake’s midnight launch at Nintendo’s New York store, where employees prepared inside as fans queued outside. Musician Jon Batiste attended that event and discussed how Zelda music had influenced him, beginning with Link’s Awakening for Game Boy, in an interview with IGN.

Image: Nintendo

The remake sends Link through Hyrule in two distinct eras, retaining the premise of the Nintendo 64 adventure. Its changes include newly imagined visuals, an orchestral score and voice acting, alongside longer cutscenes and revisions to camera handling and movement controls.

Series producer Eiji Aonuma wanted the project partly to give younger Nintendo developers experience with one of the company’s most influential games. The development group brought together people whose familiarity with the original varied, while Nintendo of America’s localization team also mixed generations.

Image: Nintendo

Nate Bihldorff, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Product Development and Publishing, said those generations brought different perspectives to localization. Some dialogue requires speaking to a character at a particular moment or acquiring an item outside the usual order, making those interactions easy for players to miss.

For buyers, the Nintendo eShop digital edition costs $59.99, and Nintendo also offers a physical version. The ocarina accepts button input, humming or a real instrument played into the Switch 2 microphone. Digital purchases made before November 23 at 11:59 p.m. PT qualify for a Zelda 40th Anniversary digital wallpaper.

Image: Nintendo

The remake forms part of Zelda’s 40th anniversary celebrations, marking the series’ Japanese debut in 1986. Nintendo’s anniversary plans extend to additional games and products.

A concert tour taking the series’ music around the world is scheduled to begin in 2027. The Legend of Zelda live-action film is scheduled for theaters on April 30, 2027.

Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake Tops 5.2 Million Sales in Four Days - Originally published on Technobezz

ROG XBOX Ally X and X20 Get Auto SR Handheld Support With 120 FPS Mode Rolling Out

Paige Roberts — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 22:17:28 GMT

Microsoft released Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) beyond preview on November 10 for ROG XBOX Ally X and ROG XBOX Ally X20, letting owners use it while playing on battery. A new Performance Mode raises its ceiling to up to 120 FPS, although that feature is still rolling out through Windows updates.

The release also extends availability to select Windows Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD Ryzen. During the XBOX Insider preview, handheld owners needed a dock to use Auto SR; Microsoft says demand from players prompted support for the devices’ own screens.

Image: Microsoft

Four Changes For Players

Handheld play: works unplugged using the internal display.
1080p support: accepts games at their existing 1080p resolution.
Performance Mode: raises the previous ceiling of around 60 to 75 FPS to as much as 120 FPS.
Auto HDR compatibility: removes the choice between HDR enhancement and Auto SR.

Image: Microsoft

Resolution And Frame Rate Tradeoffs

Many handheld games default to 1080p because that matches the built-in display. Previously, players had to reduce the game’s resolution before Auto SR would activate, and Microsoft identified that missed adjustment as a frequent reason it stayed off. When connected to a TV or monitor with a higher resolution, Auto SR can upscale the game to as much as 1440p.

Microsoft cautions that 1080p on the internal screen can perform less well than other configurations, while still improving image quality, particularly in older games. In its Rocket League demonstration, the ROG XBOX Ally X averaged 70 FPS with Quality Mode and 115 FPS with Performance Mode, using 720p and high graphics settings. Players can change modes through Game Bar during play and see the frame rate respond immediately.

Auto HDR gives games that lack native HDR brighter highlights and richer colors when used with an HDR display. The combined features support HDR TVs, monitors and the ROG XBOX Ally X20. Auto SR uses both the GPU and NPU for AI upscaling, without developers needing to build support directly into each game.

The base ROG XBOX Ally lacks the NPU required for the feature. Compatibility also has limits: Auto SR works with supported DirectX 10 or newer games, while DirectX 9, Vulkan, OpenGL and native HDR content remain unsupported.

Setup requires current Windows 11 updates, an updated Game Bar and the Auto Super Resolution Package from the Microsoft Store. Controls sit in Game Bar under Widgets > Display > Graphics. Microsoft asks players encountering problems to submit them through Feedback Hub’s Game Performance category with Auto SR in the title.

Handheld operation, 1080p input and the expanded AMD Ryzen support were available from November 10. Auto HDR compatibility follows through Windows updates alongside the higher frame rate option, so those additions can take longer to reach individual devices.

ROG XBOX Ally X and X20 Get Auto SR Handheld Support With 120 FPS Mode Rolling Out - Originally published on Technobezz

Dell Black Friday Deals to Watch in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 22:11:25 GMT

Prices checked Nov 11, 4:20 PM ET

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, and Dell sells many of its laptops in configurations you will not find anywhere else. Below are 3 configurations worth a look for their specs and price, each with the price Dell.com is charging right now.

We recheck these prices every day, and each card shows when we last checked it. Dell's own savings figures are not shown here.

XPS laptops

Dell XPS 14, Core Ultra 5 325, 16 GB, 512 GB

The Dell XPS 14 pairs a Core Ultra 5 325 processor with a 14 inch 1920 × 1200 display that refreshes up to 120 Hz. It suits students and professionals handling documents, browsing and everyday multitasking.

Core Ultra 5 325
16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD
1920 × 1200, 120 Hz

Worth knowing. The display does not support touch input.

Price at Dell.com

$1,699.99

See it at Dell

Price checked Nov 11, 4:20 PM ET

Dell XPS 14, Core Ultra X7 358H, 32 GB, 1 TB

The Dell XPS 14 pairs a Core Ultra X7 358H processor with 32 GB of memory and a 1 TB SSD. It suits professionals and students who juggle documents, research and multiple applications.

Core Ultra X7 358H
32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD
1920 × 1200, 120 Hz

Worth knowing. The display does not support touch input.

Price at Dell.com

$2,399.99

See it at Dell

Price checked Nov 11, 4:20 PM ET

Everyday laptops

Dell 16 Plus, Core Ultra 7 258V, 32 GB

The Dell 16 Plus pairs a 16 inch QHD+ screen with 32 GB of memory and a 1 TB SSD. It suits students and office users juggling documents, spreadsheets and browser tabs.

Core Ultra 7 258V
32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD
16-inch QHD+, 60 Hz

Worth knowing. The display does not support touch input.

Price at Dell.com

$1,679.99

See it at Dell

Price checked Nov 11, 4:20 PM ET

How we pick and price these laptops

We pick configurations from Dell's current lineup for their processor, graphics, memory and screen, and we read each price from Dell.com itself.

Each card shows the price the store listed when we last checked it. We never compare against an estimated value or a list price.

Technobezz may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Prices change often, and the price on Dell.com at checkout is the one that applies.

Dell Black Friday Deals to Watch in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

The Best Laptop Deals of Black Friday

Technobezz — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 18:55:13 GMT

Prices checked November 11, 2026, 11:52 PM ET

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, and the early deals have started. 4 laptop deals are live right now, and every price below was checked against Amazon or Dell.com before it went on this page.

We add deals as the stores release them. A deal appears here only while the store is selling it at the deal price.

Deals on products from our buying guides

1 deal in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M5

Apple’s MacBook Air M5 pairs a 13.6 inch Liquid Retina display with a portable 2.7 pound design. It suits students and commuters who need a laptop for assignments, everyday multitasking and video calls.

16GB unified memory
512GB SSD
12MP Center Stage camera

Worth knowing. It has only two Thunderbolt 4 ports, plus MagSafe charging and a headphone jack.

$1,099.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:52 PM ET

MacBook deals

1 deal in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026)

This 15.3-inch MacBook Air pairs the M5 chip with 16GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD. It suits students and mobile workers who want a big screen and up to 18 hours of battery life.

M5, 16GB, 512GB SSD
15.3-inch Liquid Retina
Up to 18 h battery

$1,299.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:52 PM ET

Dell laptop deals

2 Dell deals in this section, each checked on Dell.com at the time shown. The price on Dell.com at checkout is the one that applies, and Technobezz may earn a commission when you buy through these links.

Dell XPS 16 Laptop (Core Ultra X7 358H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD)

The Dell XPS 16 Laptop in this configuration is $2,469.99 at Dell.

Processor Series 3 Intel® Core™ Ultra X7 Processor 358H (16 cores, 18MB Cache, up to 4.8 GHz)
Operating System Windows 11 Home, Copilot+ PC
Graphics Card Intel® Arc™ graphics
Memory 32GB LPDDR5x, up to 9600 MT/s
Storage 1TB M.2 2230 SSD Gen4x4 TLC

Price at Dell.com

$2,469.99

See it at Dell

Price checked Nov 11, 12:40 PM ET

Dell XPS 14 Laptop (Core Ultra 5 325, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

The Dell XPS 14 Laptop in this configuration is $1,699.99 at Dell.

Processor Series 3 Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 Processor 325 (8 cores, 12MB Cache, up to 4.5 GHz)
Operating System Windows 11 Home, Copilot+ PC
Graphics Card Intel® Arc™ graphics
Memory 16GB LPDDR5x, up to 7467 MT/s
Storage 512GB M.2 2230 SSD Gen4x4 TLC

Price at Dell.com

$1,699.99

See it at Dell

Price checked Nov 11, 12:40 PM ET

More Black Friday deals

How we pick these deals

When Black Friday deals start

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

The Best Laptop Deals of Black Friday - Originally published on Technobezz

Adobe Brings AI Assistants to Photoshop and Premiere in Beta, Expands Firefly

Luka Berger — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:57:59 GMT

Adobe is bringing agents to its creative apps, including a beta Firefly AI Assistant that uses Creative Agent to carry out several steps from a written request. Initial releases started on November 10, 2026, giving users the first tools from the update.

Adobe presented the changes at Adobe MAX 2026 in Miami, TechCrunch reported. Desktop agents, in beta, extend into Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects, InDesign, Frame.io and the Photoshop beta app. In Premiere, their jobs include following a masked subject, applying an effect to several clips and changing exposure or color throughout a sequence.

Controls for Agent Actions

Plan Mode gives users a chance to inspect proposed actions and approve them before an agent proceeds. Model Selector provides a separate control for choosing which AI model handles a particular task.

Customization retains preferences for products and characters, along with brand colors and output formats. Adobe is also previewing always-on agents for organizing assets in the background, checking quality and adapting content.

Local Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations are intended to let outside agents work on native projects while keeping their elements editable. The planned connections cover After Effects, Photoshop, Premiere and Illustrator.

New Editing Tools Across Apps

Photoshop's Relight lets editors reposition lighting, change its size or add it without destructive changes. Generative Restyle offers sliders alongside written style instructions, while Quick Compare shows an edit beside its earlier state. In the Photoshop beta app, Convert to Text Layers turns text embedded in a flattened image into editable text.

Premiere Color Mode launched on November 10, while Generative Remove is entering beta. Its Generative Media Tool brings the creation of music, soundscapes, effects and video into the timeline. Generation in Premiere supports models from Luma, Adobe Firefly, Runway, Google and Kling.

Premiere Mobile gained a licensed music catalog numbering in the hundreds of thousands on November 10. Tracks supplied through partnerships with WMG and UMG are restricted to non-commercial projects. Artist-inspired templates are also being added, with Quick Cuts and AI Assistant still forthcoming.

Firefly Builder can turn descriptions into website, app and presentation prototypes without requiring users to code, though it remains in private beta. Firefly Video can construct scenes and assemble footage, then supply B-roll, captions and transitions.

Firefly Graph lets users build workflows they can use again, while Firefly Design brings print, 3D, animation, illustration and image editing together. Quick Actions provides shortcuts for removing backgrounds and making video thumbnails.

Lightroom is adding Blemish Removal and Glow, plus Open Eyes in beta. The local MCP integrations are set to reach a private beta early in 2027.

Adobe Brings AI Assistants to Photoshop and Premiere in Beta, Expands Firefly - Originally published on Technobezz

Google Tabletop Experiment Builds Shared Trip Plans and Polls

Bogdana Zujic — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:52:15 GMT

Google is introducing Tabletop today, a Google Labs experiment that lets groups create interactive tools such as trip itineraries and dinner polls, then use them together in real time. Access is rolling out through a waitlist in the U.S. for people aged 18 and older.

To build a space, users supply their own files, links and ideas, then ask @tabletop to generate an interactive tool. A starter template offers another way to get a space going without beginning with a prompt. Google’s examples also include tools for splitting expenses and creating tournament brackets.

Once a space is ready, its creator can share an invitation link through a group chat so others can join. Participants can work in the space simultaneously, an approach Google compares to collaborating in a Google Doc.

Google presents Tabletop as a way to coordinate activities including family travel, recreational leagues and potluck meals. People can sign up for the waitlist now, though the announcement does not say when waitlist users will get access.

Google Tabletop Experiment Builds Shared Trip Plans and Polls - Originally published on Technobezz

AirPods Firmware 9B47 Brings Bug Fixes Across Multiple Models

Luka Berger — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:49:58 GMT

AirPods 5, AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max 2 have firmware 9B47 listed as their latest version on Apple’s firmware support page. Apple describes the update as delivering bug fixes and other improvements.

The list also includes AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. For AirPods Pro 2, 9B47 covers the versions with USB-C and Lightning MagSafe charging cases. AirPods Max 1 has separate firmware versions: 7E108 for USB-C and 6F25 for Lightning.

Updates install automatically when the AirPods are charging near an iPhone, iPad or Mac connected to Wi-Fi, within Bluetooth range. Apple’s instructions call for the latest iOS, iPadOS or macOS version, with Bluetooth enabled and the AirPods connected to that device.

For AirPods and AirPods Pro, connect the case to power, place the earbuds inside and leave the lid shut. Keep them within Bluetooth range of the Apple device for at least 30 minutes, then lift the lid to reconnect and check the firmware version. If the earbuds still will not update, Apple recommends resetting them and repeating the process. For AirPods Max, connect a charging cable to the bottom-right earphone and a USB power source, keep the headphones within Bluetooth range, and allow at least 30 minutes before reconnecting and checking.

To check the installed version on an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, select Bluetooth and tap the Info button beside your AirPods, then look under About. On a Mac with current macOS, open System Settings from the Apple menu, select Bluetooth and click the AirPods’ Info button.

AirPods Firmware 9B47 Brings Bug Fixes Across Multiple Models - Originally published on Technobezz

IBM Quantum Nighthawk r3 Targets 520 Qubits and 10,000 Operations

Felecia Smith — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:42:06 GMT

IBM introduced IBM Quantum Nighthawk r3 today, with a design targeting 10,000 accurate quantum operations across 520 programmable qubits for larger, more complex computations. The company plans to join two of the processors in 2027, creating a system with 1,040 qubits. Its existing Nighthawk r2 processor is available now, while the announcement gave no availability date for r3.

The proposed r3 raises the programmable qubit count from r2's 120 to 520, while its operation target compares with more than 7,500 supported by r2. IBM says r3 will carry forward the current processor's speed and square lattice connections, adding 10 links between chips called l-couplers. The design includes 2,034 physical qubits in total, distinct from the 520 programmable qubits.

Nighthawk r2, introduced in September, can produce up to 100,000 samples each second, according to IBM. Customers and partners, including Q-CTRL, have run 34 billion circuits on it, with reported performance gains as high as 19x over earlier IBM quantum processors. IBM attributes part of that speed to technology that resets qubits quickly, shortening the wait between circuit runs.

Among specific workloads, E.ON reported a 15x acceleration for quantum machine learning applied to optimizing energy grids compared with earlier work using IBM Quantum Heron. IBM also reported a 12x improvement over Heron when repeating a magnetic materials experiment conducted earlier this year with Oak Ridge National Laboratory. An Algorithmiq materials simulation ran eight times faster on r2 than the original Heron experiment, according to IBM.

IBM has already tested the connections needed for its planned larger systems, joining Nighthawk r1 processors through four l-couplers this year. That work achieved quantum state transfer fidelity of 99.3 percent, below the company's 99.9 percent target. IBM also joined two cryogenic modules, cooling the combined system to its operating temperature within five days and reaching below 15 millikelvin.

Alongside the processor plans, IBM Quantum Platform now lets users combine quantum workflows with classical computing resources, including newly available high-performance computing capacity. IBM and RIKEN scientists used the environment to run their original sample-based quantum diagonalization workflow roughly five times faster while carrying out 100 times more computations. Cleveland Clinic and RIKEN also used workflow automation to process 608 million samples for biological structure modeling, achieving a reported 33x speed improvement over processing without that automation.

IBM Quantum Nighthawk r3 Targets 520 Qubits and 10,000 Operations - Originally published on Technobezz

Razer | Honkai, Star Rail Collection Has Four Silver Wolf Products

Paige Roberts — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:39:44 GMT

Razer has introduced the Razer | Honkai: Star Rail Collection, a four-product collaboration with HoYoverse that brings Silver Wolf LV.999 artwork to gaming hardware and a chair. The officially licensed range spans a keyboard, a wireless mouse and a wireless headset alongside the chair, giving the collaboration four distinct product categories. Each purchase also comes bundled with Honkai: Star Rail in-game rewards, extending the offer beyond the physical items carrying the character’s artwork. The announcement does not list pricing.

The headset is the Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed - Honkai: Star Rail Edition, which adds an audio detail tied directly to Silver Wolf. Switching it on triggers an exclusive Silver Wolf voice line, making startup part of the character treatment alongside the artwork used across the collection. The keyboard is the Razer BlackWidow V4 TKL HyperSpeed - Honkai: Star Rail Edition, one of the four officially licensed products developed through the HoYoverse collaboration. For the wireless mouse, Razer is offering the Razer Viper V3 Pro SE - Honkai: Star Rail Edition as the collection’s corresponding pointing device.

The seating option carries the name Razer Iskur V2 X NewGen - Honkai: Star Rail Edition, bringing Silver Wolf LV.999 artwork to the chair as well as the peripherals. Razer introduced the collection today, adding Honkai: Star Rail to a collaboration history that already includes Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero.

The four-product count is one fewer than Razer’s earlier Razer│EVANGELION (EVA-01) Collection, which comprised five products. That earlier collection was exclusive to Asia Pacific, a regional restriction attached to the EVANGELION range.

Razer | Honkai, Star Rail Collection Has Four Silver Wolf Products - Originally published on Technobezz

Galaxy S27 Ultra Leak Points to One Fewer Camera as Pro Gains Take Shape

Felecia Smith — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:37:14 GMT

Samsung's Galaxy S27 Ultra could lose its second telephoto camera, leaving one zoom lens on the back. A SammyGuru camera report, relayed by 9to5Google, points to Samsung weighing hardware for four phones: Galaxy S27, S27+, S27 Pro and S27 Ultra.

The Galaxy S27 family is expected in January or February 2027, although the camera claims remain unconfirmed by Samsung. The Pro and Ultra reportedly stand to receive new main sensors, and both could also get upgrades to their selfie cameras.

Base Camera Claims Conflict

For buyers considering the Galaxy S27 or Galaxy S27 Plus, the reports disagree about whether their cameras will change from the Galaxy S26. One account points to continuity across those cameras, while another suggests different hardware for taking selfies and telephoto shots.

The uncertainty also extends to the reported specifications: telephoto resolution figures differ within the underlying camera account. The Galaxy S27 Pro's telephoto sensor identification is inconsistent there, too, leaving that particular hardware claim disputed.

The base models' telephoto and selfie resolutions have also been treated as presumptions, rather than established specifications. Earlier reporting had already suggested that the Galaxy S27 Pro would use distinct telephoto hardware.

Dummies Add Another Uncertainty

Sonny Dickson has shared purported dummy units for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, Pro and Plus, adding physical mockups to the camera claims. The alleged Ultra and Pro units look much alike apart from their size.

The purported Plus unit instead resembles Galaxy S26 designs, while the camera arrangements shown on the Ultra and Pro dummies have been questioned. Ice Universe put the Ultra's rear camera count at three in an August claim.

An earlier selfie-camera leak described square sensors for the Pro and Ultra, allowing portrait or landscape crops without turning the phone. Another earlier report suggested Samsung had dropped variable aperture across the family after judging its benefits insufficient against higher costs and thicker cameras.

The Galaxy S27 Pro is expected to omit an integrated S Pen, giving buyers another reported distinction beyond camera hardware. The series is also rumored to face another price increase.

A separate ETNews report, relayed by Tom's Guide, claims the Pro and Ultra will take 70% of Galaxy S27 production capacity, within a lineup said to total roughly 35 million units. The same claimed breakdown gives the Ultra 18 million, the Pro seven to eight million, and the base and Plus models nine to 10 million between them.

SammyGuru's report also credits the Ultra with 5x optical zoom, against 3x on the Pro.

Galaxy S27 Ultra Leak Points to One Fewer Camera as Pro Gains Take Shape - Originally published on Technobezz

Apple Support Community Blocks New Posts Ahead of Permanent Shutdown

Felecia Smith — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:32:36 GMT

Apple Support Community has stopped accepting new posts ahead of its permanent shutdown on November 20, 2026, ending new conversations in its worldwide peer support forum. 9to5Mac reported that users can no longer submit questions or add replies to existing conversations about Apple products and troubleshooting.

Apple announced the closure on November 10, 2026, and the forums have already switched to a read-only state ahead of the permanent closing date.

What Users Can Still Access

Existing discussions are still available to browse, and users can search those conversations for problems that other community members have previously discussed. Users also retain the ability to indicate that they have a matching problem and to vote on posts during this period before the shutdown.

The sign-in button now takes users to Apple’s internal employee portal when they try to access their account through that route.

The forum’s history reaches back to 1998, when Apple launched Apple Tech Exchange as the earlier version of the service that would undergo several name changes. In 2000, the forums took the name Apple Discussions, more than a decade before the later relaunch under the Apple Support Communities name.

That relaunch happened in April 2011 and brought changes to the interface people used to participate in the forums and read conversations. Members also gained personalized profiles, alongside a reputation system that reflected their contributions to the community rather than simply providing a place to post questions.

The forums adopted the singular Apple Support Community name in 2022, following the earlier period under the Apple Support Communities branding. Apple told MacRumors that its decision to close the service followed an evaluation of its strategy and the needs of its customers.

Where Customers Can Get Help

Apple is directing people who need assistance to the official Apple Support site as the community forum moves toward its permanent closure. Customers can still contact Apple Support for help with their products.

Apple Support Community Blocks New Posts Ahead of Permanent Shutdown - Originally published on Technobezz

Bambu Lab Plans Bambu Circle Pilot in the Netherlands

Paige Roberts — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:28:30 GMT

Bambu Lab plans to start Bambu Circle in the Netherlands, creating a network of authorised local businesses offering printer services, sales and training, with a waiting list already accepting prospective partners across Europe. The company will present the programme at Formnext in Frankfurt am Main, November 17 to 20, alongside its nine-tool H3C printer and R1 laser cutter and engraver.

Bambu Lab says Germany and France will follow in early 2027, while people elsewhere in Europe can also register their interest. Participants will receive training and certification from Bambu Lab, which will oversee the network. Although registration extends across Europe, the initial pilot is limited to the Netherlands, where Bambu Lab says 58% of its surveyed users expressed interest in earning extra income through 3D printing.

The proposed work ranges from servicing machines locally and selling printers and materials on a small scale to producing prints for customers and running educational activities. Bambu Lab says the programme will centre on its own ecosystem and MakerWorld, and it is inviting applicants to propose additional ways to serve their communities. Its stated ambition is to put an authorised partner within an hour's drive of every European Bambu Lab user.

Visitors will also be able to inspect H3C, which Bambu Lab describes as its first third-generation 3D printer. Its Swaptek mechanism uses nine independently heated tools with separate filament routes, and the company claims switches take under six seconds. Attaching an older AMS through the first tool allows a job to use as many as 24 materials.

The H3C introduction earlier this month also included filament storage and drying, with two drying positions that top out at 85°C and can keep running during a print. Bambu Lab also claimed average job completion was more than 10% faster than its preceding flagship.

R1 takes Bambu Lab beyond printers for the first time, using a 55 W CO₂ laser to engrave and cut materials including acrylic and wood. The company specifies speeds reaching 1,000 mm/s and cutting capacity of 20 mm for acrylic or 18 mm for black walnut plywood. Bambu Lab will display its complete machine range at Booth G01 in Hall 12.1, with programme presentations and meetings scheduled on each of the show's four days.

Bambu Lab Plans Bambu Circle Pilot in the Netherlands - Originally published on Technobezz

ChatGPT Plus Free-Year Offer Draws More Than 20,000 Claimants

Luka Berger — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:23:18 GMT

More than 20,000 transitioning servicemembers and veterans have claimed ChatGPT Plus for a year at no cost over the past year, according to OpenAI. The company is continuing related training, with a November 17 virtual session scheduled to last 30 minutes. OpenAI credits ID.me with helping veterans and servicemembers obtain access through the offer.

The subscription effort has reached substantially more people than the accompanying training: OpenAI reports nearly 1,000 military community participants across more than a dozen sessions hosted with its partners. Seven additional trainings are scheduled before the end of the year, the company says. Other upcoming events include an NPower session in St. Louis on November 12 and a November 14 Nashville event involving Veterans Forge and Wounded Warrior Project.

OpenAI describes participants using ChatGPT for interview practice, job searches and translating military experience into language civilian employers can understand. Air Force veteran Tilak Bhatnagar prepared for a dozen interviews and compared job offers using his free subscription before accepting a job with a technology company, according to OpenAI. He also used the conversations to examine his priorities for life after active duty.

Another Air Force veteran, Sadarian Bell, began preparing more than a year before leaving military service and used ChatGPT to turn almost a decade of healthcare experience into a civilian résumé. He practiced spoken interview answers with ChatGPT voice mode, taking questions individually, according to OpenAI. Navy veteran Kelli Ramirez used the tool for organizing book ideas and navigating Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, and has since published two books.

OpenAI Academy recently completed an initial series of six events with Veterans Forge for veterans and military families. A workshop in Reston, Virginia, drew nearly 100 veterans and active-duty servicemembers, while three sessions at the American Legion national convention in Louisville, Kentucky, attracted more than 80 Legionnaires. OpenAI also offers a veterans collection online and a resource called 100 chats for veterans for independent practice.

The military training effort follows OpenAI's November 10 announcement of free practical ChatGPT workshops for caregivers across five U.S. cities. Further military community events are scheduled with NPower in Dallas on November 19 and San Antonio on November 21.

ChatGPT Plus Free-Year Offer Draws More Than 20,000 Claimants - Originally published on Technobezz

ASUS ProArt GR1X Brings Up to 128GB to Local AI Workflows

Luka Berger — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:17:39 GMT

ASUS plans to bring its ProArt GR1X mini PC to the United States on November 18, offering creators up to 128GB of unified memory for running AI tools alongside their projects. At Adobe MAX, the company is demonstrating the machine and its ProArt P16 and P14 laptops with local AI agents connected to Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop through Hermes.

The Windows-based ProArt GR1X uses NVIDIA RTX Spark and a Blackwell RTX GPU with 6,144 cores. ASUS says running creative AI workloads locally lets users retain client footage on their computers and generate content without fees charged by token or individual generation. The company has not disclosed a price.

The November 18 US date follows an earlier global preorder schedule that set availability for October 16. Those October preorders covered the ProArt GR1X as well as the ProArt P16 and ProArt P14, with multiple memory options planned and AI performance rated at up to 1 petaflop.

The laptops combine a Grace CPU with 20 cores, a Blackwell RTX GPU offering up to 6,144 cores, and unified memory reaching 128GB. ProArt P16 weighs 1.77kg, measures 12.9mm thick and carries a 99.9Wh battery, while ProArt P14 weighs 1.48kg, measures 13.9mm thick and uses a 90Wh battery. Their ASUS Lumina Pro OLED display options reach 4K Tandem OLED, with HDR brightness peaking at 1,600 nits and variable refresh rates reaching 120Hz.

For its mini PC demonstrations, ASUS is using the ProArt Display OLED PA27UCDV, a QD-OLED screen combining 4K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. Its two Thunderbolt 4 connections offer Power Delivery reaching 140W, while the portable PA16USV supplies 4K resolution and 12G-SDI connectivity. ASUS is also showing a mobile production setup that connects four displays to the ProArt GR1X for editing and AI work.

Adobe MAX runs November 10 through 12 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where ASUS occupies booth #1100. Other demonstrations use ExpertCenter workstations for projects built in Unreal Engine and Blender, plus ASUS NUC 16 Pro and QN10 systems for photo editing. The photo sessions include Photoshop Generative Fill, retouching assisted by AI and color-managed image review.

ASUS ProArt GR1X Brings Up to 128GB to Local AI Workflows - Originally published on Technobezz

Google Expands Gemini in Gmail Summaries and Drafting to More Users

Luka Berger — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:16:19 GMT

Google is widening access to Gemini in Gmail, bringing email thread summaries and prompt-based drafting to all Workspace users aged 18 and older. The expansion covers work and school accounts, extending tools previously limited to consumer accounts and selected Workspace editions. The rollout began November 10 for both Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains, and features can take up to 15 days to appear.

AI Overview conversation summaries condense the main points and responses in lengthy email exchanges, displaying the summary above the thread. Help me write (non-personalized) can produce a full email draft from a simple prompt or revise text the user has already written. Google describes the tools as a way to reduce the effort involved in managing email and preparing replies.

Eligibility includes all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers and people using personal Google accounts, provided they are at least 18 and have Gmail's smart features switched on.

The expansion follows October's extension of Gmail’s AI Inbox to paid Workspace accounts, where it offers suggested tasks and summaries of email updates. That earlier rollout required users to be in the US and use EN-US, while access for Starter and Education editions was deferred until the coming months.

Google Expands Gemini in Gmail Summaries and Drafting to More Users - Originally published on Technobezz

Football Manager 27 Launches With Game Pass and New Tactical Controls

Paige Roberts — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:13:54 GMT

Football Manager 27 is available now for Xbox on PC, while Football Manager 27 Console has launched for Xbox Series X|S. Both releases are included with Game Pass, according to Xbox Wire. The official page lists the console edition at $59.99.

Tactical Tweaks brings touchline adjustments to both versions. Managers can change the team's playing approach or make individual adjustments without opening the Tactics menu. The system supports responses such as using more width, pursuing a late goal or defending to secure a cup result.

New box attacking instructions let managers tell players to make late arrivals or challenge the defensive line directly. Runs can target the near post, the far post or the centre. Those instructions accompany additional movement animations and revised player running.

A new time-of-day system changes match lighting, shadows and weather as play progresses. Sunsets can unfold during games, alongside visual improvements to stadiums, crowds and surrounding environments.

On PC, Tactical Effectiveness links training to a manager's preferred approach. It assesses players' ability, support for their manager and tactical understanding, while providing details about upcoming opponents. Its information can guide training priorities and recruitment choices. The console edition adds Match Preparation messages, with as many as three sessions for In Possession, Out of Possession and Set Pieces.

Shuffle Draft also arrives in both editions, offering league or knockout competition for two to 32 players. It supports public lobbies, private lobbies and offline matches against AI. Managers choose from sets of 20 players drawn from a selected pool, then pass those sets to the next manager each round. Picks happen simultaneously.

Football Manager 27 Launches With Game Pass and New Tactical Controls - Originally published on Technobezz

Meta Quest Adds Disney+ 3D Movies and Virtual Viewing Environments

Paige Roberts — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:11:00 GMT

Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S owners can now stream selected Disney+ films in 3D and use virtual viewing environments. The additions became available on November 10, 2026, for subscribers in selected countries, according to Disney's announcement.

The virtual settings draw on worlds including Marvel Studios, Star Wars and Pixar. Subscribers can watch movies within those environments on the supported Quest headsets, bringing Disney settings into the surroundings of the viewing experience as well as offering selected films with 3D playback.

Access requires a Disney+ subscription, and the app is available to download through the Meta Horizon Store. For subscribers with a bundle, the Quest version of the Disney+ app also provides access to Hulu programming, alongside the Disney+ viewing features described in the announcement.

Premium subscribers can also watch selected programming with Dolby Vision picture and Dolby Atmos audio on Quest. Availability depends on the region and subscription plan for all three formats: 3D, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. A title featured in the announcement may therefore lack those playback formats in a subscriber's country.

Meta VR Glasses are next in line for Disney+ 3D playback. Disney says that experience will reach the glasses in selected countries at their spring 2027 launch. The announced expansion follows the availability of 3D movies for Disney+ subscribers using Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S.

The glasses will also support Disney+ content in IMAX Enhanced when they arrive. Disney describes Meta VR Glasses as the first VR device certified for IMAX Enhanced, adding that format to the viewing options announced for the upcoming hardware.

Meta Quest Adds Disney+ 3D Movies and Virtual Viewing Environments - Originally published on Technobezz

The Best Gaming Deals of Black Friday

Technobezz — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 18:27:06 GMT

Prices checked November 12, 2026, 1:23 AM ET

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, and the early deals have started. 2 gaming deals are live right now, and every price below was checked against Amazon before it went on this page.

We add deals as Amazon releases them. A deal appears here only while Amazon is selling it at the deal price.

Gaming headset deals

1 deal in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless

This wireless headset runs up to 60 hours per charge and switches between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 with one button. It suits PlayStation and PC players who also want to take phone calls without swapping headsets.

60-hour battery
2.4GHz + Bluetooth 5.3
Retractable ClearCast mic

Worth knowing. The maker says ChatMix is not supported when the headset is used on PlayStation.

$129.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 1:23 AM ET

Gaming keyboard deals

1 deal in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz

This full size esports keyboard pairs analog optical switches adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0 mm with a true 8000 Hz polling rate. It suits competitive FPS players who want Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap.

0.1 to 4.0 mm actuation
8000 Hz polling rate
100M keystroke lifespan

$199.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 1:23 AM ET

More Black Friday deals

How we pick these deals

A product is listed only when Amazon is selling it at a real discount. Any saving shown is Amazon's own figure, and the time under each button is when we last checked that price.

When Black Friday deals start

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

The Best Gaming Deals of Black Friday - Originally published on Technobezz

I Use a 49-Inch OLED Ultrawide Every Day, Here's What Nobody Tells You

Chevaugn Powell — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 16:50:18 GMT

My 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is on for 10 to 12 hours a day, and most of that is work. After 11 months, burn-in, the usual OLED warning, hasn't shown up on it. A warm back panel, a Mac cable quirk and a lot of black bars around video have.

This is the G95SD version, a 49-inch, 32:9 QD-OLED with a 5120 x 1440 resolution, up to 240Hz and an 1800R curve. It's the easiest way to picture two 27-inch 1440p monitors side by side with no bezel between them. I bought mine with my own money for about $1,400, so it's my unit, not a review sample.

You set your windows up once and leave them

Photo: Technobezz

About 90% of my screen time is work: code, writing, design, video editing and spreadsheets. I tile three or four windows side by side and leave them there all day. On a normal day that's a code editor on the left, Technobezz in the middle and our status page on the right. The curve is gentle enough that I can see from edge to edge without turning my head much.

No visible burn-in, and I tested for it properly

The worry with OLED for work is a taskbar or dock burned into the panel. Mine never hide, on Windows or on my MacBook. After 11 months I ran a full-screen color test in a dark room, then boosted the footage to 12 times its normal contrast to hunt for any outline. Nothing showed. That's one monitor and one routine, not a promise for every panel, and the full method is in my OLED burn-in test.

The monitor also does some care on its own. After four or more hours of use, it runs a 10 to 15 minute Screen Optimization cycle when you switch it off, and it needs to stay plugged in at the wall to do it. In the US, Samsung's three-year warranty on this model covers burn-in from normal use.

The back gets warm

Photo: Technobezz

After a long day, the back of the monitor gets warm right behind the logo. It isn't hot enough to worry me and it has never affected the picture, but you'll notice it if you touch it.

Switching modes can make it flicker

Photo: Technobezz

About four times in 11 months, the screen flickered when I switched picture or game modes. Samsung's own Game Mode tooltip warns that the screen may flicker when switching to game mode. Turning the monitor off and on again fixed it every time.

My Mac needed the right cable for 240Hz

The G9's USB-C ports carry data only, so my MacBook Air connects through a USB-C to DisplayPort cable. Over DisplayPort the Mac only offered 120Hz until I switched on Game Mode on the monitor and reconnected the cable. Then 240Hz appeared. On my Windows PC it runs at 240Hz, and I can feel it when gaming or just scrolling quickly.

Video leaves big black bars

Regular 16:9 video plays in the middle of the 32:9 screen with wide black bars on both sides. The smart TV side, with Samsung's Tizen apps and Multi View for two sources, is there, but I barely use it. If you mostly watch movies and TV, a 16:9 OLED makes more sense.

The black and the speakers are better than they need to be

Photo: Technobezz

True black is the part I notice every day. A small white square on a black screen leaves the pixels around it simply off, with none of the gray glow most LCD monitors show. Dark scenes, photo edits and a dark-mode code editor all look deeper. The built-in speakers were a surprise too. Samsung lists 10W of output, and while I use my own speakers most days, these are clearer than they have any right to be.

Is it worth it for long workdays?

For me, yes. I'd give it 9.8 out of 10. If you work long days on one big canvas and burn-in is what's holding you back from OLED, 11 months of taskbars and docks didn't leave a visible mark on mine. If you mostly watch 16:9 video, look closer first.

I Use a 49-Inch OLED Ultrawide Every Day, Here's What Nobody Tells You - Originally published on Technobezz

How Much GTA 5 Cost in 2013 vs GTA 6 in 2026, With Inflation

Elizabeth Kartini — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 16:32:46 GMT

GTA 6 costs $79.99 for the standard edition, $20 more than GTA 5 cost at launch in 2013. Once you account for 13 years of inflation, though, GTA 6 is the cheaper game.

An $80 sticker on a new game can feel steep next to GTA 5's $60. The official prices and the government's own inflation data put that jump in a different light.

What GTA 5 cost in 2013

Christian Bertrand/Shutterstock.com

Grand Theft Auto V launched on 17 September 2013 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Sony's PlayStation Store update that day listed the PS3 game at $59.99 in the US.

What GTA 6 costs in 2026

gguy/Shutterstock.com

On the US Microsoft Store, Grand Theft Auto VI lists at $79.99 for the standard edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. It launches on 19 November on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft says it will also stream to Xbox One through Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Pre-orders on that listing come with the Vintage Vice City Pack and one month of GTA+, for purchases made before 23:59:59 on 19 November.

The inflation math

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks prices with the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). The index stood at 234.149 in September 2013, the month GTA 5 came out. The latest reading, for October 2026, is 337.511.

That means consumer prices, as the CPI-U measures them, rose by about 44% in that time. Run GTA 5's $59.99 through the same index and it comes to about $86.47 in October 2026 dollars.

	Price	Adjusted to October 2026 (latest CPI-U)
GTA 5 (September 2013)	$59.99	about $86.47
GTA 6 standard (November 2026)	$79.99	$79.99 (current price)
GTA 6 Ultimate Edition	$99.99	$99.99 (current price)

So the standard edition of GTA 6 costs about $6.50 less than GTA 5 did in real terms. The sticker price went up by a third, while consumer prices went up by more than two fifths. You can check the numbers yourself with the BLS CPI inflation calculator.

What the numbers leave out

Inflation math compares prices, not paychecks, so $80 can still feel like more than $60 did in 2013. The Ultimate Edition at $99.99 sits above GTA 5's adjusted launch price.

The cost of playing also includes the console. GTA 6 needs a PS5 or an Xbox Series X|S, or the cloud route on an Xbox One. Our guide to expanding PS5 storage also matters here, since Sony asks for at least 212GB of free space for GTA 6.

Our take

If the jump from $60 to $80 put you off, the numbers say GTA 6 is priced below where GTA 5 sat once inflation is counted. The standard edition is the one that compares well. The Ultimate Edition is where the price really climbs, so decide whether its extra in-game items are worth the additional $20.

How Much GTA 5 Cost in 2013 vs GTA 6 in 2026, With Inflation - Originally published on Technobezz

The Wii and PS3 Both Turn 20 This Month, and Each Won a Different Race

Elizabeth Kartini — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 16:31:34 GMT

Twenty years ago this month, Sony and Nintendo launched new home consoles in North America two days apart. By the companies' own numbers, the Wii shipped more consoles and the PS3 shipped more games.

Two launches, two days apart

Sony launched the PlayStation 3 in North America on 17 November 2006, a date it announced that May. Nintendo's sales records list the Wii as released in the Americas two days later, on 19 November 2006.

The two consoles took different approaches. The Wii was built around the motion-sensing Wii Remote. The PS3 combined Sony's Cell processor with a Blu-ray drive and could play many PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games.

The Wii shipped more consoles

Photo: Evan-Amos / Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Nintendo's historical sales data puts the Wii at 101.63 million consoles worldwide, life to date. Of those, 48.64 million went to the Americas, more than any other region Nintendo reports.

Sony lists the PS3 at more than 87.4 million consoles worldwide, as of 31 March 2017. Both are sell-in figures, which count units shipped to retailers or sold directly, so they compare fairly. On those numbers, Nintendo's figure is about 14 million higher. Because Sony's is a "more than" figure, the true gap could be a little smaller.

The PS3 shipped more games

Photo: Evan-Amos / Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Software flips the result. Sony reports more than 999.4 million PS3 games shipped as of 31 March 2019. Nintendo's data puts Wii software at 921.85 million units, and Nintendo notes that its software count includes games bundled with consoles.

On the reported figures, that is roughly 11 games per PS3 shipped against roughly 9 per Wii.

What came next

Sony lists the PlayStation 4 at more than 117 million units as of 30 June 2022, and the PlayStation 5 at more than 100 million as of 10 November 2026.

Nintendo followed the Wii with the Wii U, which sold 13.56 million units by its own count, and then the Nintendo Switch, at 157.20 million units as of 30 September 2026. The Switch 2 had reached 26.35 million by the same date.

If you still use one

Our guides cover a Wii that won't connect to Wi-Fi, a PS3 with no HDMI picture and the PS3 internet browser.

The Wii and PS3 Both Turn 20 This Month, and Each Won a Different Race - Originally published on Technobezz

Every Way to Play GTA 6 on Launch Day, Including on an Xbox One

Bogdana Zujic — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 16:31:28 GMT

You can play Grand Theft Auto VI on 19 November on a PS5, an Xbox Series X or Series S, and even on an older Xbox One through the cloud. A PS4 isn't on the list.

GTA 6 arrives 13 years after GTA 5, and demand is huge. Sony says it's the most pre-ordered game in the history of PlayStation Store. Microsoft says the same about its own store. Both companies opened downloads early so players can be ready to play on launch day.

PS5 and PS5 Pro unlock at midnight in your country

Levon Avagyan/Shutterstock.com

Sony and Rockstar went with a rolling midnight launch. GTA 6 unlocks first in New Zealand at 12:00 AM local time on 19 November, then in each country as it reaches midnight. In the UK that means 12:00 AM GMT, and in the US it means midnight in your own time zone.

Rockstar's page says the game plays best on PS5. It uses the DualSense controller's speakers, haptics and adaptive triggers, plus Tempest 3D Audio. On a PS5 Pro, Sony lists PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) and ray-traced shadows.

Pre-loading opened on 10 November for anyone who pre-ordered digitally. Code-in-box buyers can start the download as soon as they redeem their code. Sony asks for at least 212GB of free space on the console.

Xbox Series X and Series S play it natively

Fanta Media/Shutterstock.com

Both current Xbox consoles run the game from their own drives, and both can pre-install it now. Microsoft calls the Series X the best Xbox experience and the Series S the most affordable way to play natively. Microsoft's launch post doesn't give a separate unlock time for native play, so check the game's page in the Microsoft Store on your console the night before.

Xbox One owners can stream it through Xbox Cloud Gaming

Grzegorz Czapski/Shutterstock.com

Xbox One isn't on Rockstar's list of platforms, but Microsoft says GTA 6 will stream to it through Xbox Cloud Gaming from 1:00 AM ET on 19 November. The streamed version uses Xbox Series S graphics settings, and it lets you play on a console you already own.

You still have to buy the game. Microsoft also says that from 11 November, players in supported markets can buy cloud playtime to stream supported games without a Game Pass subscription. Microsoft adds that cloud availability, purchasing options, supported devices and features may vary by market, so check what your region offers before launch night.

Streaming depends on your connection. If it stutters or won't start, our guide to fixing Xbox Cloud Gaming problems covers the usual fixes, and our Xbox Cloud Gaming status page shows whether the service itself is having trouble.

What to sort out before 19 November

On the US Microsoft Store, the standard edition lists at $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $99.99. The store listing says purchases made before 23:59:59 on 19 November come with the Vintage Vice City Pack and one month of GTA+, which has to be redeemed within 180 days of the pre-order.

Then make room. Sony asks for at least 212GB of free space, so check how much your console has before the download starts. If deleting games isn't enough, our guide on how to expand your PS5 storage walks through adding a compatible M.2 SSD.

Finally, start the download early. PS5 pre-loading opened on 10 November, and Microsoft said the same day that Xbox pre-install is available now.

PS4 and PC owners

Rockstar lists only PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, so there is no PS4 or PC version on its list, and Sony's launch posts don't mention a cloud option for PS4. One route remains for a home that has both consoles. Sony's PS5 FAQ says you can reach a PS5 from a PS4 through Remote Play, so the PS4 can act as a screen for a PS5 in another room, as long as the game supports it.

If launch night goes badly, the problem may not be on your end. Our GTA 6 status page tracks reported problems as they come in, and our earlier report covers when the PS5 pre-download opened.

Every Way to Play GTA 6 on Launch Day, Including on an Xbox One - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Audio Interfaces in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:49:49 GMT

An audio interface is the box that gets microphones, guitars and keyboards into a computer and sends clean sound back out to speakers and headphones. The right one depends on how many sources you record at once, whether you use MIDI gear, and whether the interface needs to travel.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is the best overall pick. It pairs two mic preamps with 69dB of gain, a 120dB dynamic range rating, and Auto Gain and Clip Safe features that help set levels and avoid clipped takes. It suits solo musicians, podcasters and home producers who record one or two sources at a time.

The rest of this list covers more specific needs: on-unit metering and monitoring, MIDI and synth setups, a premium portable option with optical expansion, and an eight-preamp interface for recording bands and drum kits.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen	Two preamps with 69dB gain, Auto Gain, Clip Safe and loopback
Best for on-unit metering	MOTU M2	Color LCD level meters and a 2.5 ms round trip latency rating
Best for MIDI gear	Arturia MiniFuse 2	5-pin MIDI in and out, a USB-A hub and a 5-year warranty
Best premium portable	RME Babyface Pro FS	Bus-powered 24-channel interface with optical I/O and TotalMix FX
Best for recording bands	Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen	Eight mic preamps, dual ADAT, MIDI and a talkback mic

How we chose

We compared the specifications each maker publishes on its product page, including inputs, outputs, preamp gain, dynamic range, connections and power. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon and matched each one to a specific kind of buyer.

The best Audio Interfaces right now

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen - Best overall

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is the most balanced choice here for a home studio or podcast desk that records one or two sources at a time. It has two mic preamps with a 69dB gain range, line and instrument inputs with 62dB of instrument gain, and a 120dB dynamic range rating at up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Auto Gain and Clip Safe are the features that set it apart for newer recordists. Focusrite says Auto Gain sets your levels, while Clip Safe adjusts gain automatically if a signal is in danger of clipping. Two Air modes, Presence and Harmonic Drive, lift the high end or the mid-range harmonics of a source. It is bus powered over USB-C and includes loopback, but no MIDI ports are listed.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Two mic preamps with a 69dB gain range
62dB gain range on instrument inputs
120dB dynamic range
24-bit/192kHz
Auto Gain and Clip Safe
Air modes: Presence and Harmonic Drive
USB-C, bus powered
Loopback
Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite and Cubase LE included

Pros:

Auto Gain and Clip Safe help prevent clipped recordings
Generous 69dB of mic gain for a two-input interface
Loopback makes streaming and podcast setups simpler
Supports Windows on Intel, AMD and Arm64, and Macs with Apple Silicon or Intel

Cons:

No MIDI ports listed in the specifications
Only one headphone output
Two mic inputs are not enough for multi-mic drum or band recording
iPad support is not listed on the product page

Who it is for: Solo musicians, podcasters and home producers recording vocals, guitar or keys who want help setting safe levels.

Skip if: You need 5-pin MIDI for hardware synths, a second headphone output, or more than two mic inputs at once.

MOTU M2 - Best for on-unit metering

The MOTU M2 is aimed at recordists who want to see and hear their signal clearly. A full color LCD shows level meters for all inputs and outputs, and MOTU rates the main outputs at 120 dB dynamic range using ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology. The mic inputs have a measured -129 dBu EIN.

MOTU quotes 2.5 ms round trip latency at 96 kHz with a 32 sample buffer, a figure that matters when you monitor through plug-ins in your software. There is also hardware direct monitoring with a MON button, MIDI in and out, loopback channels, mirrored RCA outputs alongside the balanced TRS pair, and independent 48V phantom power. It is bus powered over USB-C.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Two mic/line/Hi-Z combo inputs
Full color LCD level meters for all inputs and outputs
120 dB dynamic range on main outputs
2.5 ms round trip latency (at 96 kHz, 32 sample buffer)
Balanced TRS outputs plus mirrored RCA outputs
MIDI in/out
Loopback channels
Bus-powered USB-C
MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite 11 included

Pros:

On-unit metering for every input and output
Low quoted round trip latency figure
MIDI in and out built in
RCA outputs make it easy to connect consumer speakers

Cons:

Only one headphone output
The product page does not state a mic preamp gain range
iOS use needs an adapter kit and a powered USB hub
No automatic gain feature is listed

Who it is for: Home producers and streamers who want clear level meters on the box and fast monitoring through their software.

Skip if: You want automatic level setting or a clearly stated mic gain figure before you buy.

Arturia MiniFuse 2 - Best for MIDI gear

The Arturia MiniFuse 2 suits producers who work with keyboards and synths. Alongside two combo XLR and 1/4-inch inputs and two balanced TRS outputs, it has 5-pin MIDI in and out plus a USB-A hub (250mA max) for powering or connecting a small controller.

Arturia rates it at 110dB typical dynamic range (A-weighted) with -129dB typical equivalent input noise and sample rates up to 192kHz. It is bus powered over USB-C, has a stereo virtual loopback channel and a direct mono switch for monitoring, and comes with a 5-year hardware warranty. The bundle includes Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Intro, the Arturia FX suite and Native Instruments Guitar Rig. Arturia also sells a Champagne Edition finish, so check the color on the listing.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Two combo XLR/1/4-inch inputs
5-pin MIDI in and out
USB-A hub (250mA max)
56dB mic preamp gain range
110dB typical dynamic range (A-weighted)
Up to 192kHz sample rate
Stereo virtual loopback
Bus-powered USB-C
5-year hardware warranty

Pros:

MIDI and a USB hub in one compact unit
Rugged aluminium casing for travel
Long 5-year hardware warranty
Software bundle leans toward synth and guitar production

Cons:

56dB mic gain range is the lowest in this list
110dB dynamic range rating is lower than the other picks here
USB hub is limited to 250mA
Only Mac and Windows are listed as supported

Who it is for: Producers with a MIDI keyboard or hardware synth who want audio, MIDI and a USB port in one portable box.

Skip if: You mostly record quiet sources with low-output microphones and want more preamp gain.

RME Babyface Pro FS - Best premium portable

The RME Babyface Pro FS is a premium, bus-powered interface for engineers who want more than a basic two-input box on the road. RME lists it as a 24-channel, 192 kHz USB 2.0 interface with four analog inputs, four analog outputs (two line outputs plus parallel 6.3mm and 3.5mm headphone jacks on outputs 3/4), ADAT/SPDIF optical I/O and MIDI I/O.

Its two digitally controlled preamps run from -11 dB to +65 dB with individually switchable 48V phantom power. RME includes its SteadyClock FS circuit and the TotalMix FX mixer, which runs on an FPGA-based DSP with a 3-band parametric EQ. Line outputs are rated at 115 dB RMS unweighted (118 dBA) dynamic range, and there is a Class Compliant Mode. The 24-channel count includes the optical connection, so the analog count is four in and four out.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

24 channels at up to 192 kHz over USB 2.0
Four analog inputs and four analog outputs
Two mic preamps, -11 dB to +65 dB gain
ADAT/SPDIF optical I/O
MIDI I/O
Parallel 6.3mm and 3.5mm headphone jacks
SteadyClock FS and TotalMix FX
Class Compliant Mode
USB bus power or external power supply

Pros:

Widest mic gain range in this list
Two headphone jack sizes on a portable unit
Optical I/O allows expansion with an external preamp
TotalMix FX offers onboard DSP mixing and EQ

Cons:

Only two mic preamps
RME says it is stable on most USB 2 ports, so some ports may need the external power supply
No automatic gain feature is listed
A premium choice for a two-preamp interface

Who it is for: Mobile engineers and experienced home recordists who want a compact interface with optical expansion, two headphone jack sizes and a DSP mixer.

Skip if: You need more than two mic preamps without adding external gear, or you want the simplest possible setup.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen - Best for recording bands

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is built for recording many sources at once. Focusrite lists 26 inputs and 26 outputs, eight mic preamps with a 69dB gain range and independent phantom power, and a 122dB D-A dynamic range rating at up to 192kHz.

Connections include dual ADAT in and out, S/PDIF, word clock and MIDI, plus a talkback mic and two independent headphone outputs. ADAT carries 16 channels at 44.1/48kHz but up to 8 at 96kHz, so the usable channel count depends on sample rate. It shares Auto Gain, Clip Safe and Air modes with the smaller Scarlett, fits a 1U rack space, and runs from an external 30W power supply rather than USB bus power.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

26 inputs and 26 outputs (ADAT channels vary by sample rate)
Eight mic preamps with a 69dB gain range
122dB D-A dynamic range
Dual ADAT, S/PDIF, word clock and MIDI
Built-in talkback mic
Two independent headphone outputs
Auto Gain, Clip Safe and Air modes
1U rack mountable

Pros:

Eight preamps cover drum kits and full band sessions
Dual ADAT allows further expansion
Talkback and two headphone outputs help in tracking sessions
Highest dynamic range rating in this list

Cons:

Not bus powered; needs its external 30W power supply
1U rack size is less portable than the desktop picks
ADAT channels drop from 16 to 8 at 96kHz

Who it is for: Bands, project studios and drummers who need eight mic inputs and room to expand through ADAT.

Skip if: You record alone, work on a laptop away from mains power, or only need one or two inputs.

How to choose

Count your inputs. Two inputs cover a vocal and a guitar or a two-person podcast. Recording a drum kit or a band at once calls for something like the eight-preamp Scarlett 18i20.
Check the mic gain. Gain range varies a lot, from 56dB on the MiniFuse 2 to 69dB on the Scarlett models and 76dB on the Babyface Pro FS. More gain helps with quiet sources and low-output microphones.
Decide whether you need MIDI. The MOTU M2, Arturia MiniFuse 2, RME Babyface Pro FS and Scarlett 18i20 list MIDI connections. The Scarlett 2i2 does not.
Think about power and portability. Bus-powered interfaces run from a laptop's USB port. The Scarlett 18i20 needs its external power supply, and RME notes the Babyface Pro FS is stable on most, not all, USB 2 ports.
Look at monitoring and loopback. Two headphone outputs help when two people record together, and loopback is useful for streaming and podcasts where computer audio needs to be captured.

FAQ

Do I need an audio interface for a USB microphone?

No. A USB microphone has its own converter built in. An audio interface is for XLR microphones, guitars, keyboards and other analog sources, and for driving studio monitors and headphones.

How many inputs do I need?

Count the sources you want to record at the same moment. A singer-songwriter or podcaster with one guest can work with two inputs, while a drum kit or live band usually needs eight or more.

What does loopback do?

Loopback sends audio playing on your computer back into your recording or streaming software, so you can capture a call, game or music track along with your microphone. The Scarlett 2i2, MOTU M2 and MiniFuse 2 all list it.

What sample rate should I record at?

Many people record at 44.1kHz or 48kHz, and every pick here supports rates up to 192kHz. On the Scarlett 18i20, ADAT channels drop from 16 to 8 at 96kHz, so higher rates reduce the usable channel count.

What is ADAT used for?

ADAT is an optical connection that carries several digital audio channels. It lets you add an external preamp unit for more mic inputs, which is how the Babyface Pro FS and Scarlett 18i20 reach their higher channel counts.

Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026

5 Best Audio Interfaces in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best CPU Coolers in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:49:26 GMT

A CPU cooler has to pass three checks before it does anything useful: it must mount on your socket, fit inside your case, and suit the heat your processor puts out. This list covers big air coolers, a single-tower push-pull design, a low-profile cooler for small cases, and a 360mm liquid cooler, all with mounting support for Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700 boards as well as AMD platforms.

The ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE is the best overall pick. ID-COOLING gives it a 260W TDP rating, pairs six 6mm heat pipes with two 120mm fans, and lists a 157mm height, so it is easy to match against both your CPU and your case.

This page is for desktop builders and upgraders choosing between air and liquid cooling, from small form factor builders who need a slim cooler to people who want a screen on top of the CPU block.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE	260W TDP rating, six heat pipes, and two 120mm fans
Best all-black dual tower	Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black	Seven heat pipes in a 154mm dual-tower heatsink
Best liquid cooler	Corsair iCUE LINK TITAN II 360 RX LCD	360mm radiator with a 5-inch IPS screen on the CPU block
Best single-fan tower	Cooler Master Hyper 212 3DHP Black	Lowest rated fan noise here and a 5-year warranty
Best push-pull single tower	ARCTIC Freezer 36	Two P fans on one tower plus an Intel contact frame
Best low profile	Thermalright AXP120-X67	52mm heatsink and a 15mm fan for small cases

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications, including socket support, heatsink height, heat pipe count, fan speed, airflow and rated noise. We then checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best CPU Coolers right now

ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE - Best overall

The ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE is a large air cooler with a 260W TDP rating from its maker. Its heatsink combines six 6mm heat pipes with a copper base and aluminum fins, and it comes with two 120mm AS-120-K fans that use hydraulic bearings and 4-pin PWM connectors.

ID-COOLING rates the fans from 300 RPM (plus or minus 200) up to 2000 RPM, with up to 58 CFM of airflow, 1.94mmH2O of static pressure and a maximum of 27.2dB(A). Overall dimensions are 120 x 142 x 157mm and the cooler weighs 1190g with its fans, so it needs a case with room above the CPU and a motherboard that can carry the weight.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

260W TDP rating
Six 6mm heat pipes, copper base and aluminum fins
Two 120mm AS-120-K fans with hydraulic bearings
300 to 2000 RPM fan speed range
120 x 142 x 157mm overall dimensions
Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155/1156 and AMD AM5/AM4

Pros:

A published TDP rating makes it easy to match to a CPU
Two fans included
Wide PWM speed range down to low RPM
Broad Intel and AMD socket support

Cons:

1190g with fans is a lot of weight on the motherboard
27.2dB(A) is the highest maximum noise rating among the air coolers here that publish one
157mm height rules out cases with less CPU cooler clearance
ID-COOLING's product page lists no warranty term

Who it is for: Builders with a mid-tower case who want a rated, two-fan air cooler for a high-power desktop CPU.

Skip if: Your case cannot fit a 157mm cooler, or the lowest rated fan noise matters most to you.

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black - Best all-black dual tower

Thermalright's Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black is a dual-tower heatsink with seven 6mm heat pipes and a nickel-plated C1100 pure copper base. The heatsink measures 110 x 125 x 154mm and weighs 765g, which makes it 3mm shorter than the FROZN A620 PRO SE.

Its TL-C12B V2 120mm fan is rated at up to 1500 RPM, 66.17 CFM, 1.53mm H2O and 25.6 dBA, with an S-FDB bearing and a 4-pin PWM connector. Thermalright's page gives the fan specs but does not state how many fans come in the box or give a TDP rating, so check the listing for the bundle before buying.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Dual-tower heatsink
Seven 6mm heat pipes
Nickel-plated C1100 pure copper base
110 x 125 x 154mm heatsink, 765g
TL-C12B V2 fan: up to 1500 RPM, 66.17 CFM, 25.6 dBA
Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5

Pros:

More heat pipes than the FROZN A620 PRO SE or AXP120-X67
Highest rated airflow per fan among the air coolers here that publish it
Lower rated fan noise than the FROZN A620 PRO SE
Black finish suits dark builds

Cons:

No TDP rating on the maker's page
The maker's page does not state the number of included fans
1500 RPM is the lowest top fan speed among the picks that list one

Who it is for: Builders who want a black dual-tower air cooler with a high heat pipe count for a mid-tower case.

Skip if: You want a published TDP rating to match against your CPU, or your case cannot fit a 154mm cooler.

Corsair iCUE LINK TITAN II 360 RX LCD - Best liquid cooler

The Corsair iCUE LINK TITAN II 360 RX LCD is a 360mm all-in-one liquid cooler with a 5-inch IPS LCD on the CPU block. Corsair lists a 720x1280 native resolution and 500 cd/m2 brightness for the screen, which can show CPU temperatures, animated GIFs and iCUE widgets.

It comes with RX360 II Unified Frame RGB fans rated from 400 to 2100 RPM and 10 to 32.8 dBA. The FlowDrive 2 pump uses a three-phase motor and a closed impeller, the copper cold plate arrives with pre-applied XTM70 thermal paste, the tubes are 450mm long, and Corsair backs it with a six-year warranty.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

360mm aluminum radiator
5-inch IPS LCD, 720x1280, 500 cd/m2
FlowDrive 2 pump with three-phase motor
Pre-applied XTM70 thermal paste
Fans rated 400 to 2100 RPM, 10 to 32.8 dBA
AMD AM5/AM4 and Intel LGA 1851/1700
Six-year warranty

Pros:

Screen can show live CPU temperatures or custom images
Moves the heat to a radiator, leaving open space around the CPU socket
Thermal paste is already applied
Six-year warranty

Cons:

Needs a case with a 360mm radiator mount
32.8 dBA is the highest maximum noise rating on this list
Screen and lighting control depend on Corsair's iCUE software

Who it is for: Builders with a 360mm-ready case who want liquid cooling and a display on the CPU block.

Skip if: Your case has no 360mm radiator mount, or you would rather avoid vendor software.

Cooler Master Hyper 212 3DHP Black - Best single-fan tower

Cooler Master's Hyper 212 3DHP Black uses two of the company's 3DHP heat pipes with aluminum fins and a solid copper base that has a larger contact surface. The cooler measures 133 x 86 x 158mm and comes in a matte black finish.

A pre-installed Mobius 120 ring blade fan runs from 0 to 2050 RPM, moves up to 63.1 CFM and is rated at 22.6 dBA maximum, with a Loop Dynamic Bearing and a 4-pin PWM connector. CRYOFUZE thermal paste is included, and Cooler Master covers the cooler with a 5-year warranty.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Two 3DHP heat pipes
Solid copper base with a larger contact surface
Mobius 120 fan: 0 to 2050 RPM, 63.1 CFM, 22.6 dBA max
133 x 86 x 158mm
CRYOFUZE thermal paste included
Intel LGA 1851/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155/1156 and AMD AM5/AM4

Pros:

Lowest maximum noise rating on this list
Fan comes pre-installed
Thermal paste in the box
5-year warranty

Cons:

Only one fan
At 158mm, it is taller than every other air cooler here with a listed height
No TDP rating in Cooler Master's spec list

Who it is for: Builders who want a simple single-fan tower with a quiet fan rating and a long warranty.

Skip if: Your case has less than 158mm of CPU cooler clearance.

ARCTIC Freezer 36 - Best push-pull single tower

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 is a single-tower cooler that comes with two 120mm P fans in a push-pull layout. ARCTIC says the heatsink fins are open at the side so the pull fan can draw in additional cool air, and both fans clip into the heatsink with a click mounting system.

For Intel builds, ARCTIC includes an LGA1851 and LGA1700 contact frame, which it says reduces the mechanical load on the CPU. ARCTIC describes the cooler as multi-compatible with Intel and AMD sockets, and a screwed aluminium cover hides the soldered ends of the heat pipes.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Single-tower heatsink
Two 120mm P fans in push-pull
Fins open at the side for the pull fan
Click system fan mounting
LGA1851 and LGA1700 contact frame
Aluminium top cover

Pros:

Two fans on a single tower
Contact frame for current Intel sockets
Tool-free click fan mounting
Clean top cover over the heat pipe ends

Cons:

A single tower has a smaller fin stack than the dual-tower picks
ARCTIC's feature text names no specific AMD sockets, so confirm yours on the listing
A fan on each side makes it deeper than a single-fan tower

Who it is for: Intel LGA1851 or LGA1700 builders who want a contact frame and push-pull airflow from a single-tower cooler.

Skip if: You want the larger heatsink of a dual-tower cooler.

Thermalright AXP120-X67 - Best low profile

The Thermalright AXP120-X67 is a low-profile top-down cooler for small form factor cases. Its heatsink measures 123.5 x 120 x 52mm, the included TL-C12015 fan is 15mm thick, and the cooler weighs 490g with the fan.

Six 6mm heat pipes run into a nickel-plated C1100 pure copper base. The fan is rated at up to 1800 RPM, 59 CFM, 1.36mm H2O and 26.1 dBA, with an S-FDB bearing and a 4-pin PWM connector. Socket support covers Intel 115X/1200/1700/1851/2011/-3/2066 and AMD AM4/AM5, the widest Intel list on this page.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Low-profile top-down design
123.5 x 120 x 52mm heatsink
15mm TL-C12015 fan: up to 1800 RPM, 59 CFM, 26.1 dBA
Six 6mm heat pipes
490g with fan
Intel 115X/1200/1700/1851/2011/-3/2066 and AMD AM4/AM5

Pros:

Fits cases far too short for a tower cooler
Six heat pipes in a slim heatsink
Light at 490g with the fan
Very broad socket support

Cons:

59 CFM is lower than the 25mm fans on the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black and Hyper 212 3DHP Black
No TDP rating on the maker's page
A 123.5 x 120mm top-down heatsink can crowd tall RAM or VRM heatsinks

Who it is for: Small form factor builders with tight height limits who still want a heat pipe cooler.

Skip if: Your case fits a full tower cooler, since the tower picks have larger heatsinks.

How to choose

Check the socket first. Every pick here supports Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700, but socket lists for AMD and older Intel platforms vary, so confirm yours on the maker's list.
Measure case clearance. Heights on this list run from about 67mm for the low-profile AXP120-X67 (a 52mm heatsink plus its 15mm fan) to 158mm for a tower. Compare the cooler height with your case's maximum CPU cooler height.
Match the cooler to your CPU's heat. A published TDP rating, such as the FROZN A620 PRO SE's 260W, gives you a starting point, though makers do not all rate coolers the same way.
Read noise ratings with care. Makers quote dBA at the fan's top speed, so a fan with a higher top speed can post a higher figure while running quietly at lower PWM speeds.
Plan for liquid cooling. A 360mm AIO needs a matching radiator mount in your case and usually relies on vendor software for lighting and screens.
Leave room for memory. Tall RAM can clash with tower fans and top-down heatsinks, so check your memory height before buying.

FAQ

Is an air cooler or an AIO liquid cooler better?

Neither suits everyone. Air coolers have no pump and no radiator to mount, while an AIO moves heat to a radiator and frees up space around the socket. Your case, your budget and your CPU's heat output should decide.

Do I need a contact frame for Intel LGA1851 or LGA1700?

No, the standard socket mechanism works. ARCTIC includes an LGA1851 and LGA1700 contact frame with the Freezer 36 and says it reduces the mechanical load on the CPU.

Do these coolers come with thermal paste?

Cooler Master includes CRYOFUZE paste with the Hyper 212 3DHP Black, and Corsair pre-applies XTM70 paste on the TITAN II 360 RX LCD. For the other picks, check the listing for what is in the box.

What does a cooler's TDP rating mean?

It is the maker's figure for how much heat the cooler is designed to handle. Ratings are not standardized across brands, so use them as a guide rather than an exact comparison.

How much case clearance do I need for a tower cooler?

Your case's listed maximum CPU cooler height must be at least the cooler's height. On this list, that means 154mm to 158mm for the tower coolers with a published height.

Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026

6 Best CPU Coolers in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Bass Earbuds in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:49:03 GMT

Earbuds that deliver satisfying bass depend on more than a marketing label. Driver design, venting, a tight fit and some control over tuning all shape how much low end reaches your ears, and four of the five makers here describe hardware aimed at that, while Bose relies on CustomTune and adjustable EQ.

The Soundcore Liberty 5 is the best overall pick because it pairs 9.2mm wool-paper diaphragm drivers with bass tubes, adds LDAC and Dolby Audio support, and backs that up with Adaptive ANC, multipoint pairing and up to 12 hours of playback per charge. Soundcore lists Google Fast Pair for quick pairing with Android phones.

This page is for listeners who want fuller bass from a pair of wireless earbuds, whether that means an iPhone-first pick, a personalized sound profile, a secure fit for workouts or a budget pair with boosted bass.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Soundcore Liberty 5	Bass tubes, LDAC support, Adaptive ANC and long battery life
Best for iPhone	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Multiport acoustic design for deeper bass, plus IP57 protection
Best for personalized sound	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)	CustomTune calibration, adjustable EQ and strong ANC features
Best for workouts	Beats Powerbeats Pro 2	Bass-focused venting, earhooks and heart rate monitoring
Best budget	Soundcore P20i	Oversized 10mm drivers with boosted bass and 22 EQ presets

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications, focusing on bass-related design such as driver size, venting and EQ options, along with noise cancellation, battery life, water resistance and fit options. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best bass earbuds right now

Soundcore Liberty 5 - Best overall

Soundcore builds the Liberty 5 around 9.2mm wool-paper diaphragm drivers paired with bass tubes, and it supports LDAC and Hi-Res Audio. Dolby Audio is switched on through the soundcore app, and Soundcore notes that its effect on music depends on source quality and the playback device.

Adaptive ANC 3.0 handles noise cancellation, six mics with AI processing handle calls, and Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint lets it switch between two devices, which Soundcore says works even with LDAC enabled. Battery life depends on ANC: up to 12 hours per charge with ANC off and 8 hours with it on, or 48 and 32 hours with the case. The IP55 rating covers dust and water.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

9.2mm wool-paper diaphragm drivers with bass tubes
LDAC and Hi-Res Audio support
Dolby Audio, activated in the soundcore app
Adaptive ANC 3.0
Up to 12 hours per charge with ANC off, 8 hours with ANC on
Up to 48 hours with the case with ANC off, 32 hours with ANC on
10-minute charge for 5 hours of playback
Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint, IP55

Pros:

Bass tubes are built into the acoustic design
Multipoint stays available with LDAC enabled
Longest per-charge battery figure among these picks
Google Fast Pair for Android phones

Cons:

Battery per charge drops from 12 to 8 hours with ANC on
iPhones do not support LDAC, so that feature only helps with compatible Android phones
Soundcore says the Dolby Audio effect varies with source quality and playback device

Who it is for: Listeners who want a bass-focused all-rounder with high-resolution codec support and long battery life.

Skip if: You use only Apple devices and want iPhone-specific extras such as heart rate sensing, which the AirPods Pro 3 offer.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Best for iPhone

Apple says the AirPods Pro 3 use a new multiport acoustic architecture aimed at deeper bass, a wider soundstage and clearer vocals. A custom driver and amplifier run on the Apple H2 chip, and Adaptive EQ adjusts the sound as you listen.

Battery life is up to 8 hours per charge with ANC on, and the MagSafe charging case uses USB-C. The IP57 rating covers dust, sweat and water for non-water sports and exercise. Five ear tip sizes, including XXS, help with the seal that bass depends on. Heart rate sensing for workouts requires iOS 26 or later, and Live Translation is available in select languages and regions with Apple Intelligence enabled.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Multiport acoustic architecture
Custom driver and amplifier
Apple H2 chip with Adaptive EQ
Up to 8 hours per charge with ANC on
IP57 dust, sweat and water resistance
Five ear tip sizes, including XXS
Heart rate sensing (requires iOS 26 or later)
MagSafe charging case with USB-C

Pros:

Apple specifically designs the acoustics for deeper bass
IP57 is the highest protection rating among these picks
XXS ear tip option helps smaller ears get a seal
Heart rate sensing adds workout tracking

Cons:

Heart rate sensing and Live Translation depend on Apple software and devices
Live Translation works only in select languages and regions
Water resistance is for non-water sports, not swimming

Who it is for: iPhone owners who want deeper bass and Apple's health and convenience features in one pair.

Skip if: You use an Android phone, since several of the standout features rely on Apple devices.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) - Best for personalized sound

Bose's CustomTune calibration adjusts audio playback to the physical shape of your ear and ear canal, and the Bose app adds adjustable EQ for shaping the sound to your taste. Bose Immersive Audio provides spatialized sound, with a Cinema Mode for movies.

Noise cancellation includes Quiet and Aware modes plus ActiveSense adaptive technology. Battery life depends on settings: up to 6 hours per charge, or up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio on, and the wireless charging case holds three full charges. A 20-minute charge gives 2 hours of play. Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint, an IPX4 rating and nine combinations of eartips and stability bands round out the package.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

CustomTune sound calibration
Adjustable EQ in the Bose app
Bose Immersive Audio with Cinema Mode
ANC with Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and ActiveSense
Up to 6 hours per charge, up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio on
Wireless charging case with three full charges, USB-C
Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint
Nine eartip and stability band combinations, IPX4

Pros:

Sound is calibrated to each listener's ears
Adjustable EQ gives direct control over tuning
Wide range of eartip and stability band combinations for a secure seal
Wireless charging case included

Cons:

Shortest per-charge battery life among these picks, and less with Immersive Audio on
IPX4 is a lower water rating than the AirPods Pro 3, Liberty 5 or P20i
No power adapter included

Who it is for: Listeners who want sound tuned to their own ears, plus EQ control and strong noise cancelling features for commutes and travel.

Skip if: Long listening sessions without recharging matter most, since every other pick lists more hours per charge.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 - Best for workouts

Beats says new venting in the Powerbeats Pro 2 improves bass while reducing pressure, and dual-layer drivers aligned to each earbud's nozzle are designed to minimize distortion. Adaptive EQ adjusts the sound based on fit and seal, and the Apple H2 chip supports Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.

Nickel-titanium alloy-reinforced earhooks and five eartip sizes, from XS to XL, are built to keep the buds in place. Heart rate monitoring works with select fitness apps and equipment on Apple and Android devices. Battery life depends on ANC: up to 10 hours per charge and 45 hours with the case with ANC and Transparency off, or 8 and 36 hours with them on. The case supports Qi wireless charging and USB-C, and the earbuds carry an IPX4 rating.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Venting designed to improve bass
Dual-layer drivers
Adaptive ANC and Transparency mode
Up to 10 hours per charge with ANC off, 8 hours with ANC on
Up to 45 hours with the case with ANC off, 36 hours with ANC on
Heart rate monitoring for Apple and Android
Secure-fit earhooks and five eartip sizes
Qi wireless charging case with USB-C, IPX4

Pros:

Earhooks suit running and gym sessions
Bass-focused venting is part of the acoustic design
Heart rate monitoring works on both iPhone and Android
Five-minute Fast Fuel charge gives 1.5 hours of playback

Cons:

One-touch pairing, automatic switching, Audio Sharing, hands-free Siri and Find My are Apple features
IPX4 is a lower water rating than the AirPods Pro 3, Liberty 5 or P20i
Battery per charge drops from 10 to 8 hours with ANC on

Who it is for: Active listeners who want bass-focused earbuds that stay put during workouts and can track heart rate.

Skip if: You dislike earhooks or want a smaller pair for all-day wear.

Soundcore P20i - Best budget

The P20i uses oversized 10mm drivers that Soundcore says deliver boosted bass, and the soundcore app offers 22 EQ presets along with control customization. A gaming mode can be switched on in the app.

Battery life is up to 10 hours per charge and 30 hours with the case. The P20i carries an IPX5 rating, connects over Bluetooth 5.3 and uses two mics with an AI algorithm for calls. The compact case has a lanyard attached, and Find My Earbuds can make a lost earbud emit a sound.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

10mm drivers with boosted bass
22 EQ presets in the soundcore app
Up to 10 hours per charge, 30 hours with the case
IPX5 water resistance
Bluetooth 5.3
Two mics with AI algorithm
Gaming mode and Find My Earbuds

Pros:

Bass-forward tuning at an affordable level
Plenty of EQ presets for adjusting the low end
IPX5 rating handles sweat and splashes
Lanyard case is easy to carry

Cons:

No active noise cancellation listed
Two mics, against six on the Liberty 5
Shorter total battery life with the case than the Liberty 5 or Powerbeats Pro 2

Who it is for: Budget buyers who want bass-heavy sound and simple app tuning without paying for premium features.

Skip if: You need noise cancellation for commutes or flights.

How to choose

Get the fit right first. Bass depends on a good seal, so look for a range of ear tip sizes, such as the XXS option on the AirPods Pro 3 or the nine eartip and band combinations on the Bose.
Look for tuning control. EQ presets or an adjustable EQ let you raise the low end when you want it and pull it back for podcasts or calls.
Decide whether you need ANC. Noise cancellation helps on trains and planes. The P20i skips it, while the other four picks include it.
Check battery life with your settings. ANC and spatial audio features reduce playback time, so compare the figures that match how you will listen.
Match the water rating to your routine. IPX4 handles light sweat and splashes, while IPX5, IP55 and IP57 offer more protection for workouts.
Consider your phone. AirPods Pro 3 and several Powerbeats Pro 2 features lean on Apple devices, while LDAC on the Liberty 5 only works with compatible Android phones.

FAQ

Why do earbuds sound thin when they do not fit well?

Low frequencies need a sealed ear canal. A loose ear tip lets bass leak out, so trying a different tip size is often the simplest fix.

Does LDAC give earbuds more bass?

No. LDAC is a Bluetooth codec that can carry more audio data from a compatible Android phone, but it does not change how the earbuds are tuned.

Can I add bass with an EQ instead of buying bass-focused earbuds?

An EQ can raise the low end, and the Bose and P20i both offer EQ options in their apps. Driver and acoustic design still set the starting point.

Does noise cancellation help with bass?

Noise cancellation reduces steady background noise such as engine rumble, which can make it easier to hear low notes without turning the volume up.

Which of these picks suit running?

The Powerbeats Pro 2 have earhooks for a secure fit. The AirPods Pro 3 carry an IP57 rating for non-water sports, and the Liberty 5 and P20i are rated IP55 and IPX5.

Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026

5 Best Bass Earbuds in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

7 Best Nintendo Switch 2 Controllers in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:48:41 GMT

The Joy-Con 2 controllers that come with a Nintendo Switch 2 are good for handheld play and quick multiplayer, but many players want a full-size pad for longer sessions on the TV. Others need a second set of Joy-Con 2, a controller that also works on a Windows PC, or a wired pad for tournament play.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is the best overall pick. It combines HD Rumble 2, motion controls, built-in amiibo functionality, a C Button for GameChat, two mappable GL/GR buttons and a 3.5mm audio jack. That is the fullest feature list of any controller here, though it only works with Switch 2.

This guide is for Switch 2 owners who want a first controller upgrade, an extra pad for a second player, or something more specialized. The other picks cover Switch and PC play, a second Joy-Con 2 set, long battery life, RGB lighting, turbo functions and wired play.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller	HD Rumble 2, amiibo, GL/GR buttons and an audio jack
Best for Switch and PC	8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller	TMR sticks, switchable triggers, charging dock and Windows support
Best Joy-Con set	Nintendo Joy-Con 2 (L)/(R) Light Purple/Light Green	A full left and right pair with mouse controls and HD rumble
Best battery life	Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller (Starry Dream)	Up to 40 hours per charge with RGB lighting off
Best RGB lighting	Turtle Beach Afterglow Wave Wireless Controller (Blue)	Eight RGB zones, TMR sticks and up to 20 hours per charge
Best for turbo	HORI Wireless HORIPAD Turbo (Black)	Three turbo speeds, two button profiles and button lock
Best wired	HORI HORIPAD Turbo (Black)	Wired connection, rear buttons and adjustable dead zone

How we chose

We compared each controller's published maker specifications, including system compatibility, connection type, stated battery life, extra buttons, and motion and rumble support. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon, then matched each one to a specific kind of Switch 2 player.

The best Nintendo Switch 2 Controllers right now

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller - Best overall

Nintendo's own Switch 2 Pro Controller has the most complete feature list in this group. Nintendo lists HD Rumble 2, motion controls, built-in amiibo functionality, a Capture Button and a C Button that opens the GameChat menu at any time.

It also adds GL/GR buttons that you can map to any button, plus a 4-pole stereo 3.5mm audio jack (CTIA standard) for headphones and headsets. It has an internal lithium-ion battery and comes with a USB-C charging cable. Nintendo says it is only for use with the Switch 2 system, so it will not work as a pad for an original Switch.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

HD Rumble 2 and motion controls
Built-in amiibo functionality
C Button for GameChat
GL/GR buttons you can map to any button
3.5mm audio jack, 4-pole stereo (CTIA standard)
USB-C charging cable included

Pros:

First-party support for HD Rumble 2, amiibo and GameChat
Two extra mappable buttons on the back
Headset jack built into the controller
Capture Button for screenshots and video

Cons:

Only works with Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo does not state battery life in hours
No PC or original Switch support listed

Who it is for: Switch 2 owners who want one full-size controller that supports every first-party feature, from amiibo to GameChat.

Skip if: You also need the controller to work on an original Switch or a Windows PC.

8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller - Best for Switch and PC

8BitDo calls the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth its flagship, and it is the most customizable controller here. It uses TMR joysticks and Hall Effect triggers that switch between linear Hall Effect mode and non-linear tactile mode. There are two back paddle buttons plus remappable R4/L4 bumpers.

It works with Switch 2 on system version 20.1.1 or later after a controller firmware update, with the original Switch on 3.0.0 or later, and with Windows 10 (1903) or later. Connection options vary by platform: Bluetooth for Switch, a 2.4G USB-C adapter for Switch and Windows, and wired USB on all platforms. A charging dock is included, and the controller reconnects automatically when you lift it off. Motion control works on Switch only.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

TMR joysticks
Switchable Hall Effect and tactile triggers
Two back paddle buttons and R4/L4 bumpers
Bluetooth, 2.4G adapter and wired USB (varies by platform)
Integrated charging dock
Adjustable vibration and RGB joystick lighting through Ultimate Software V2

Pros:

Works across Switch 2, Switch and Windows
Deep button, stick, trigger and vibration customization
Charging dock keeps it topped up between sessions
More extra buttons than any other pick here

Cons:

Motion control is for Switch only, not Windows
Switch 2 use requires a firmware update and system version 20.1.1 or later
Customizing it in software needs a wired or 2.4G connection on Windows or macOS
8BitDo does not list battery capacity or battery life

Who it is for: Players who split time between Switch 2 and a Windows PC and want extra buttons and adjustable triggers.

Skip if: You want amiibo support or motion controls on PC.

Nintendo Joy-Con 2 (L)/(R) Light Purple/Light Green - Best Joy-Con set

This Joy-Con 2 set comes with a Light Purple left controller and a Light Green right controller. Nintendo includes both sides along with a pair of Joy-Con 2 straps, so two people can start local multiplayer in compatible games straight away.

Nintendo lists HD rumble plus motion and mouse controls in compatible games. The right controller has the C Button for GameChat. Like the Pro Controller, Nintendo says the set is only for use with Switch 2.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Left and right Joy-Con 2 pair
Light Purple (L) and Light Green (R)
HD rumble
Motion and mouse controls in compatible games
C Button on the right controller
Two Joy-Con 2 straps included

Pros:

Adds a second player for local multiplayer
Mouse controls work in games that support them
First-party HD rumble and motion support
A color option that differs from the standard set

Cons:

Only works with Nintendo Switch 2
Only straps are listed in the box, with no grip
Mouse and motion controls depend on game support

Who it is for: Switch 2 owners who want a second Joy-Con 2 set for multiplayer or a different color.

Skip if: You want one full-size controller for long sessions, where the Pro Controller is the better fit.

Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller (Starry Dream) - Best battery life

Turtle Beach's officially licensed Rematch Wireless Controller has the longest stated battery figure of any pick here that lists one. Battery life depends on the lighting: Turtle Beach states up to 40 hours per charge with RGB off and up to 12 hours with RGB on. This listing is the Starry Dream design, which is one of several designs Turtle Beach sells.

It has TMR thumbsticks, a C Button for GameChat, built-in motion controls and two mappable back buttons. Turtle Beach lists a low-latency wireless range of up to 30 feet, four RGB lighting modes, and compatibility with Switch 2, Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED Model.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 40 hours with RGB off, up to 12 hours with RGB on
TMR thumbsticks
C Button for GameChat
Two mappable back buttons
Built-in motion controls
Up to 30-foot wireless range

Pros:

Longest stated battery life in this guide with lighting off
Works with Switch 2 and all original Switch models listed
Officially licensed by Nintendo
Decorative Starry Dream design with RGB lighting

Cons:

Battery life falls to 12 hours with RGB on
Turtle Beach does not list rumble or amiibo support
Only two extra back buttons

Who it is for: Players who want a licensed wireless pad with a decorative design and long gaps between charges.

Skip if: Rumble or amiibo support matters to you.

Turtle Beach Afterglow Wave Wireless Controller (Blue) - Best RGB lighting

The Afterglow Wave is built around its lighting. Turtle Beach lists eight RGB zones with four preset modes. This listing is the Blue version, and the maker also sells Black, Purple and White.

Below the lights it has the same core features as the Rematch: TMR thumbsticks, a C Button for GameChat, built-in motion controls, two mappable back buttons and a wireless range of up to 30 feet. Turtle Beach rates the battery at up to 20 hours per charge. A 1m USB-C charging cable is in the box, and the controller weighs 0.84 lb.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Eight RGB zones with four preset modes
TMR thumbsticks
C Button for GameChat
Two mappable back buttons and motion controls
Up to 20 hours per charge
1m USB-C charging cable included

Pros:

The most lighting zones of any pick here
Works with Switch 2, Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED Model
Officially licensed by Nintendo for Switch 2
Four color choices from the maker

Cons:

Stated battery life is half the Rematch's best figure
Turtle Beach does not list rumble or amiibo support
Only two extra back buttons

Who it is for: Players who want a bright, colorful wireless controller that also works on an original Switch.

Skip if: You want the longest battery life or rumble.

HORI Wireless HORIPAD Turbo (Black) - Best for turbo

HORI's Wireless HORIPAD Turbo (model NSX-126U) is officially licensed by Nintendo and focuses on button control. A dedicated HORI Button handles turbo, assign and switching between button profiles. Turbo runs at 5, 10 or 20 presses per second, and you can save up to two button profiles.

It has TMR sticks, a gyroscope and accelerometer for motion, programmable rear buttons, a C Button for GameChat, and a button lock that can stop accidental Home or Capture presses. HORI lists a wireless range of up to 33 feet and up to 10 hours of play per charge, and says connectivity and charge time may vary. HORI also states it has no HD Rumble 2 or vibration feedback.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Turbo at 5, 10 or 20 presses per second
Up to two switchable button profiles
TMR sticks, gyroscope and accelerometer
Programmable rear buttons and C Button
Button lock function
Up to 33-foot wireless range, up to 10 hours per charge

Pros:

The most detailed turbo and profile controls here
Button lock helps prevent accidental Home or Capture presses
Works with Switch 2, Switch, Switch OLED Model and Switch Lite
Officially licensed by Nintendo

Cons:

No HD Rumble 2 or vibration feedback
10 hours is the shortest stated battery life in this guide
HORI notes connectivity and charge time may vary

Who it is for: Players of shooters, action games and retro titles who want turbo and quick profile switching on a wireless pad.

Skip if: Rumble matters to you, or you want a long time between charges.

HORI HORIPAD Turbo (Black) - Best wired

The HORIPAD Turbo (model NSX-005U) is the wired version of HORI's Switch 2 pad. HORI pitches the wired connection as giving fast responses and tournament-ready performance, and there is no battery to charge.

It has a C Button, programmable rear buttons and an on-board assign mode for remapping buttons. Turbo has three speeds (5, 10 or 20 inputs per second) plus Turbo Hold. A dead zone setting with three options adjusts how sensitive the analog sticks are. HORI lists compatibility with Switch 2, Switch and Switch OLED Model.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Wired connection
C Button and programmable rear buttons
On-board assign mode
Turbo at three speeds plus Turbo Hold
Three adjustable dead zone settings
Officially licensed by Nintendo

Pros:

No battery to charge or wireless pairing to manage
Adjustable stick dead zone
Turbo and remapping without extra software
Works with Switch 2, Switch and Switch OLED Model

Cons:

The cable ties you to the console
HORI does not list rumble, motion controls or amiibo support
Switch Lite is not on the compatibility list
Cable length is not stated

Who it is for: Docked players and competitive players who want a simple wired pad with turbo and remapping.

Skip if: You play from the couch away from the dock, or need motion controls.

How to choose

Check which systems it supports. Nintendo's Pro Controller and Joy-Con 2 are for Switch 2 only. The HORI and Turtle Beach pads list original Switch models too, and the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 also works with Windows.
Decide whether rumble and amiibo matter. Both Nintendo controllers list HD rumble, and only the Pro Controller lists amiibo. The Wireless HORIPAD Turbo has no vibration at all, and the Turtle Beach pages do not list rumble.
Look for the C Button. The C Button opens GameChat on Switch 2. The Nintendo, HORI and Turtle Beach picks all list one.
Compare battery figures carefully. Stated battery life ranges from 10 hours on the Wireless HORIPAD Turbo to 40 hours on the Rematch with lighting off, and RGB lighting can cut that sharply.
Count the extra buttons. Back buttons and mappable bumpers let you keep your thumbs on the sticks. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 has the most, with two paddles plus R4/L4.
Choose wired for simplicity. A wired pad like the HORIPAD Turbo never needs charging, but it only suits play near the dock.

FAQ

Do these controllers work with the original Nintendo Switch?

Some do. The Switch 2 Pro Controller and Joy-Con 2 are for Switch 2 only. The Wireless HORIPAD Turbo and both Turtle Beach controllers list Switch, Switch OLED Model and Switch Lite. The wired HORIPAD Turbo lists Switch and Switch OLED Model, and the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 supports Switch system version 3.0.0 and later.

What does the C Button do?

On Switch 2, the C Button opens GameChat. Nintendo puts it on the Pro Controller and the right Joy-Con 2, and the HORI and Turtle Beach controllers here include one too.

What are TMR sticks?

TMR stands for Tunneling Magnetoresistance, a sensing method used in the 8BitDo, HORI wireless and Turtle Beach controllers here. Makers promote TMR sticks for precision and durability, and Turtle Beach describes its sticks as anti-drift.

Can I use a Switch 2 controller on a PC?

Of the picks here, only the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 lists Windows support, on Windows 10 (1903) or later. Its motion control works on Switch only.

Do third-party Switch 2 controllers have rumble?

It varies. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 has adjustable vibration. HORI states the Wireless HORIPAD Turbo has no HD Rumble 2 or vibration feedback, and the maker pages for the wired HORIPAD Turbo and both Turtle Beach pads do not list rumble.

Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026

7 Best Nintendo Switch 2 Controllers in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best OLED Monitors in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:48:18 GMT

An OLED monitor lights each pixel on its own, which gives it deep blacks and very fast response times for games, movies and photo work. The trade-offs are cost, how the screen handles room light, and the care that static images need, so the right model depends on your desk, your graphics card and how you work.

The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM3 is our best overall pick. It pairs a 32-inch 4K Tandem QD-OLED panel at 240Hz with DisplayPort 2.1a, HDMI 2.1, 90W USB-C and ASUS OLED Care Pro, which makes it the most complete choice for PC gamers who also edit photos or video.

This guide is for US buyers weighing a 27-inch 4K screen against 1440p models, looking for a no-frills QD-OLED, or ready to move to a 34-inch or 39-inch ultrawide.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM3	32-inch 4K at 240Hz with DP 2.1a, 90W USB-C and OLED Care Pro
Best 27-inch 4K	Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH 27-inch	4K QD-OLED at 240Hz in a compact 27-inch size
Best glossy 1440p	LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B	Glossy 27-inch OLED, 240Hz and DisplayHDR True Black 400
Best no-frills pick	AOC Q27GAZD	Pared-back 27-inch QD-OLED with 240Hz and 99% DCI-P3
Best ultrawide	Alienware 34 AW3426DW	34-inch 1800R QD-OLED at 280Hz with Dolby Vision HDR
Best 5K2K ultrawide	LG UltraGear evo GX9 39GX950B-B	39-inch 5K2K OLED with a 165Hz or 330Hz dual mode

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications, including screen size, resolution, refresh rate, HDR certification, connections, stand adjustment and OLED care features. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best OLED Monitors right now

ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM3 - Best overall

The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM3 puts a 32-inch class 4K Tandem QD-OLED panel (31.5 inches viewable) behind a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time. ASUS lists VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black, HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, and 99% DCI-P3 coverage with Delta E below 2, so it covers both fast games and color-sensitive work.

Connections include DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20, HDMI 2.1 and USB-C with 90W power delivery, enough to charge many laptops over one cable. ASUS OLED Care Pro and a Neo Proximity Sensor, which switches to a black image when you step away, are aimed at protecting the panel, though ASUS notes some care features may vary by model. A BlackShield film over the screen adds scratch resistance, and the stand adjusts for height, tilt and swivel.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

32-inch class Tandem QD-OLED, 31.5 inches viewable
4K (3840 x 2160) at 240Hz, 0.03ms response time
VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black, HDR10 and Dolby Vision
99% DCI-P3, Delta E below 2
DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20, HDMI 2.1, USB-C with 90W power delivery
ASUS OLED Care Pro with Neo Proximity Sensor
Height 0 to 110mm, tilt -5° to +20°, swivel -15° to +15°

Pros:

4K resolution and 240Hz in one large screen
Full-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20 for high refresh at 4K
90W USB-C suits single-cable laptop setups
Wide color gamut with a stated Delta E below 2
Full height, tilt and swivel adjustment

Cons:

Running 4K at 240Hz in games calls for a high-end graphics card
The ASUS page does not state how many HDMI or DisplayPort inputs it has
Some OLED Care Pro features may vary by model, per ASUS

Who it is for: PC gamers and creators who want one premium 32-inch 4K OLED for play, editing and everyday work.

Skip if: Your graphics card cannot push high frame rates at 4K.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH 27-inch - Best 27-inch 4K

Samsung's 27-inch Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH (LS27HG802SNXZA) fits a 4K QD-OLED panel into a 27-inch frame and runs it at 240Hz. Putting 4K on a smaller screen than the 32-inch ASUS gives a denser pixel grid, which suits buyers who want 4K sharpness without giving up desk space.

Samsung lists DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20) and USB-C with 98W power delivery, along with its Glare Free Technology finish and OLED Safeguard+. Samsung's product page gives fewer detailed specs than the other makers here, so response time, HDR certification and stand ranges are not confirmed on it.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch QD-OLED panel
4K resolution
240Hz refresh rate
DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20)
USB-C with 98W power delivery
Glare Free Technology
OLED Safeguard+

Pros:

4K on a 27-inch screen gives dense, fine detail
DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 for high-bandwidth PC connections
98W USB-C power for laptops
Glare Free finish suits rooms with windows or overhead lights

Cons:

Samsung's page does not list response time, HDR certification or stand ranges
4K at 27 inches will usually need display scaling for comfortable text size
Reaching 240Hz at 4K in games takes a powerful graphics card

Who it is for: Buyers who want 4K sharpness and a high refresh rate on a standard 27-inch desk footprint.

Skip if: You want a larger screen for movies and games, or a full published spec sheet before you buy.

LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B - Best glossy 1440p

LG's UltraGear 27GX704A-B is a 27-inch glossy OLED running QHD 2560 x 1440 at up to 240Hz with a 0.03ms response time. It carries VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification and supports both NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

Connections include dual HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, a USB upstream port and two USB downstream ports, which leaves room for a PC and a console at once. The glossy finish is the main difference from the AOC pick, which uses an anti-glare coating, and 1440p is far easier for a graphics card to drive at 240Hz than 4K.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch glossy OLED
QHD 2560 x 1440 at up to 240Hz
0.03ms response time
VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400
NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
Dual HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, USB upstream and two downstream ports

Pros:

1440p at 240Hz is within reach of more graphics cards than 4K
Supports both NVIDIA and AMD adaptive sync standards
Two HDMI inputs plus DisplayPort for multiple devices
Built-in USB hub

Cons:

Glossy screen reflects more room light than an anti-glare finish
DisplayPort 1.4 rather than 2.1
True Black 400 is a lower HDR tier than the True Black 500 picks here
LG's page does not detail the HDMI version or stand adjustment ranges

Who it is for: Gamers who want a fast 27-inch OLED with a glossy finish and a resolution their graphics card can comfortably drive.

Skip if: You work near bright windows or want the extra sharpness of 4K.

AOC Q27GAZD - Best no-frills pick

The AOC Q27GAZD is the most pared-back monitor in this list, with fewer inputs and stand adjustments than the others. It still uses a 27-inch QD-OLED panel at 2560 x 1440 with 240Hz, a 0.03ms GtG response time, 99% DCI-P3 coverage and a 1.5M:1 static contrast ratio, behind an anti-glare finish.

AOC lists 200 nits for full-white SDR and 400 nits in HDR at a 10% window, with an HDR Ready label rather than a DisplayHDR certification. Inputs are one DisplayPort 1.4 and one HDMI 2.0 plus an audio out, the stand tilts only, and a 100 x 100 VESA mount allows a monitor arm. A Low Input Lag mode and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible support cover the gaming basics.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch QD-OLED, 2560 x 1440
240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms GtG response time
99% DCI-P3, 1.5M:1 static contrast
200 nits full-white SDR, 400 nits HDR at 10% APL
DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, audio out
Anti-glare finish, tilt -3° to 21.5°, VESA 100 x 100

Pros:

Core QD-OLED specs without premium extras
Anti-glare finish for brighter rooms
Low Input Lag mode and G-SYNC Compatible support
VESA mount makes a monitor arm an easy upgrade

Cons:

Stand offers tilt only, with no height, swivel or pivot
Just one HDMI input, and it is HDMI 2.0
No DisplayHDR certification, only HDR Ready
No USB ports or OLED care features listed on AOC's page

Who it is for: Buyers who want a 240Hz QD-OLED for a single gaming PC and plan to keep the setup simple.

Skip if: You need several inputs, a USB hub or a height-adjustable stand out of the box.

Alienware 34 AW3426DW - Best ultrawide

The Alienware 34 AW3426DW is a 34-inch ultrawide with an 1800R curve and a 3440 x 1440 QD-OLED panel that Dell says uses QD-OLED Penta Tandem technology with RGB stripe subpixels. It runs at 280Hz, with a 0.03ms GTG response time quoted for its Extreme Mode.

HDR support includes VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 and Dolby Vision HDR, with 99% DCI-P3 coverage and 10-bit color. Ports are two HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4, one USB-C with 15W power, one USB-A downstream and one USB-B upstream, and the stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel and slant.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

34-inch QD-OLED, 1800R curve
3440 x 1440 at 280Hz
0.03ms GTG response time (Extreme Mode)
VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 and Dolby Vision HDR
99% DCI-P3, 10-bit color, anti-reflective finish
Two HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C with 15W power
Height, tilt, swivel and slant, with up to 4.33 inches of height travel

Pros:

Highest refresh rate among the ultrawides here at native resolution
Dolby Vision HDR alongside True Black 500
Two HDMI 2.1 inputs for consoles or a second PC
Fully adjustable stand

Cons:

DisplayPort 1.4 rather than 2.1
15W USB-C is too little to charge most laptops
Games without ultrawide support will show black bars on the sides
The quoted response time applies to Extreme Mode

Who it is for: Gamers who want a curved ultrawide OLED with a high refresh rate and a fully adjustable stand.

Skip if: You want single-cable laptop charging or a flat screen for photo and design work.

LG UltraGear evo GX9 39GX950B-B - Best 5K2K ultrawide

LG's UltraGear evo GX9 39GX950B-B is a 39-inch curved OLED with 5K2K resolution, making it the largest and highest-resolution screen in this list. Its dual mode switches between 5K2K at 165Hz and WFHD at 330Hz, with a 0.03ms GtG response time.

LG lists VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible support, DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20), HDMI 2.1 and USB-C with 90W power delivery. AI Sound, AI Scene Optimization and AI Upscaling also appear in its feature list.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

39-inch curved OLED
5K2K at 165Hz or WFHD at 330Hz (dual mode)
0.03ms GtG response time
VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500
DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20), HDMI 2.1, USB-C with 90W power delivery
AI Sound, AI Scene Optimization and AI Upscaling

Pros:

Most desktop space of any pick here
Dual mode trades resolution for 330Hz in fast games
DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 for high-bandwidth PC connections
90W USB-C for single-cable laptop setups

Cons:

The 330Hz mode drops to WFHD resolution
Driving 5K2K at 165Hz demands a high-end graphics card
A 39-inch ultrawide needs a wide, deep desk
LG's page does not detail curvature, stand adjustment or port counts

Who it is for: Power users and sim or racing gamers who want one very large, very sharp ultrawide in place of two monitors.

Skip if: Your desk is shallow or your graphics card is mid-range.

How to choose

Pick the size and shape first. A 27-inch screen fits most desks, 32 inches gives 4K more room, and a 34-inch or 39-inch ultrawide replaces a two-monitor setup.
Match resolution to your graphics card. 1440p at 240Hz is far easier to drive than 4K at 240Hz or 5K2K at 165Hz, so a high refresh rate only pays off if your card can keep up.
Check the ports you will use. DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 helps at high resolutions and refresh rates, HDMI 2.1 suits consoles, and USB-C wattage decides whether one cable can charge your laptop.
Decide between glossy and anti-glare. Glossy screens reflect more light, while anti-glare or Glare Free finishes are easier to live with near windows.
Read the HDR label closely. VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 is a higher tier than True Black 400, and an HDR Ready label is not a DisplayHDR certification.
Look for OLED care features. Pixel cleaning, screen shifting, proximity sensors and logo dimming help reduce the risk of static images wearing into the panel.

FAQ

Can OLED monitors get burn-in?

OLED panels can retain static images such as taskbars and game HUDs over long periods. Care features such as ASUS OLED Care Pro with its Neo Proximity Sensor and Samsung OLED Safeguard+ are designed to lower that risk, and hiding static elements helps too.

Is 4K worth it on a 27-inch OLED monitor?

4K on a 27-inch screen packs in more pixels than 1440p at the same size, which makes text and fine detail sharper. You will likely use display scaling, and you need a stronger graphics card for high frame rates.

Do I need DisplayPort 2.1?

DisplayPort 2.1 at UHBR20 carries far more bandwidth than DisplayPort 1.4, which matters most for 4K or 5K2K at high refresh rates. It only helps if your graphics card has a DisplayPort 2.1 output that supports it.

Should I get a glossy or anti-glare OLED?

Glossy finishes, like the LG 27GX704A-B's, suit rooms where you control the lighting. Anti-glare finishes, like the AOC Q27GAZD's or Samsung's Glare Free Technology, are better near windows and bright overhead lights.

Is an ultrawide OLED a good idea?

A 34-inch or 39-inch ultrawide gives more horizontal space for games, editing timelines and side-by-side windows. Some games do not support ultrawide aspect ratios and will show black bars at the sides.

Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026

6 Best OLED Monitors in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Walkie Talkies in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:47:55 GMT

A good walkie talkie keeps a group in touch where phones are unreliable: on a trail, on the water, around a campsite or across a job site. The right set depends on how far you need to talk, how wet the radios will get, and whether you want rechargeable packs or batteries you can swap in the field.

The Motorola Talkabout T803 is the best overall pick. It pairs with a phone over Bluetooth for app-based push-to-talk, off-grid group messaging and location sharing, Motorola quotes up to 16 hours of battery life, and the set includes a dual-unit charging tray.

This guide is for US families, hikers, boaters and small work crews who want radios that are simple to set up and use. The other picks cover full waterproofing, multi-day trips, glove-friendly work radios and a basic set for casual family use.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Motorola Talkabout T803 (2-pack)	Bluetooth app features, 16-hour battery and a charging tray
Best waterproof	Motorola Talkabout T605 H2O (2-pack)	IP67 rating, floats with its NiMH battery, NOAA alerts
Best for multi-day trips	Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio (2-pack)	3 to 5 days of quoted battery life in a compact, tough shell
Best for work crews	Retevis RB48 (4-pack)	Large glove-friendly PTT, IP67 and a removable 2000mAh battery
Best for casual family use	Motorola Talkabout T110 (2-pack)	Simple 22-channel radios with easy pairing and AAA power

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications, including quoted range, water and dust ratings, battery type and life, channels and extra features such as weather alerts or app support. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Walkie Talkies right now

Motorola Talkabout T803 (2-pack) - Best overall

The Motorola Talkabout T803 has the broadest feature set in this group. It connects to a phone over Bluetooth 5.2 and works with the TALKABOUT app on Android and iOS, which adds push-to-talk from the phone, off-grid group messaging and broadcast, and what3words location sharing. A do not disturb mode is also listed.

Motorola quotes up to 16 hours of battery life from the included 1300 mAh NiMH packs, which charge over USB-C, and the radios also accept AA batteries. The T803 box adds a dual-unit charging tray to the two radios, two belt clips and two batteries. Motorola rates range at up to 35 miles mountain to valley, 6 miles over open water and 2 miles in a neighborhood, so the lower figures are the ones to plan around in built-up areas.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Bluetooth 5.2 with the TALKABOUT app (Android and iOS)
Off-grid group messaging and what3words location tracking
Up to 16 hours of battery life from 1300 mAh NiMH packs
USB-C charging, also runs on AA batteries
IP54 weatherproof rating
Dual-unit charging tray included with the T803

Pros:

App adds messaging and location sharing without cell service
Longest quoted battery life of the two rechargeable Motorola picks
Charging tray keeps both radios ready
Dual power means AA batteries can stand in on a long trip

Cons:

IP54 is a weatherproof rating, not the submersion-rated IP67 of the T605
App features need a paired phone nearby
Motorola's T803 page does not list channel or privacy code counts

Who it is for: Families and small groups who want voice plus texting and location sharing in one easy, rechargeable set.

Skip if: The radios are likely to be dropped in water; the T605 H2O is built for that.

Motorola Talkabout T605 H2O (2-pack) - Best waterproof

The Talkabout T605 H2O is built for boats, paddling and wet weather. Motorola gives the T600 series an IP67 rating, which it describes as withstanding submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and says the radio floats with the included NiMH battery. A water-activated LED flashlight helps find it after a drop.

It offers 22 channels with 121 sub-codes per channel, NOAA weather alerts, easy pairing to set every radio to the same channel and code, and a Push-To-Talk Power Boost to raise transmit power when needed. The T605 dual pack adds a carry case, four batteries instead of two, and two earpieces. Battery life is quoted at up to 9 hours from 800mAh NiMH packs, with USB-C charging and AA compatibility.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

IP67 rating, submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
Floats with the included NiMH battery
Water-activated LED flashlight
22 channels and 121 sub-codes per channel
NOAA weather alerts
T605 pack includes carry case, 4 batteries and 2 earpieces

Pros:

Strongest water protection among the Motorola picks
Weather alerts suit boating and camping
Spare batteries and earpieces come in the box
FRS unlicensed operation, per Motorola

Cons:

Up to 9 hours of battery life is well short of the T803's 16 hours
Motorola notes it may not float with some AA batteries
Quoted range falls to 2 miles in a neighborhood

Who it is for: Boaters, kayakers and anyone whose radios will get soaked or dunked.

Skip if: You mostly stay dry and would rather have longer battery life and app features.

Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio (2-pack) - Best for multi-day trips

Rocky Talkie pitches the Mountain Radio as a balance of range, battery life and compact size. The headline figure is 3 to 5 days of battery life, which suits backpacking, climbing and ski trips where charging is not an option every night.

The radio uses a tough thermoplastic shell and a shatterproof LED screen. Rocky Talkie quotes range at 1 to 5 miles, a more modest figure than the mountain-to-valley numbers Motorola publishes. The maker's main page lists few other specifications, so details such as a water rating or channel count are not covered here.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

3 to 5 days of quoted battery life
1 to 5 mile quoted range
Tough thermoplastic shell
Shatterproof LED screen
Compact design

Pros:

Multi-day battery life suits trips away from power
Durable shell and screen for rough handling
Compact design

Cons:

Lowest top-end quoted range of the picks that list mileage
No water-resistance rating on the maker's main page
Fewer published specifications than the Motorola and Retevis picks

Who it is for: Hikers, climbers and backcountry skiers who care most about battery life and toughness.

Skip if: You need a published IP rating or the longest quoted range.

Retevis RB48 (4-pack) - Best for work crews

The Retevis RB48 is designed around job sites. It has a large front push-to-talk button plus a side PTT, and Retevis says the big button can be used easily while wearing gloves. Calls can be flagged with vibration and tones, which helps in loud places.

It is a license-free FRS radio with 2W output, 22 FRS channels plus NOAA weather channels, and CTCSS/DCS privacy codes that can be turned off. The IP67 rating covers dust and immersion for 30 minutes in 1 meter of water. A removable 2000mAh Li-ion battery is quoted at about 12 hours of continuous use and charges directly over USB-C, with dual-seat and multi-unit chargers offered as options. This listing is the 4-pack.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Large front PTT plus side PTT
IP67 waterproof and dustproof
2W FRS, license-free
22 FRS channels plus NOAA weather channels
Removable 2000mAh Li-ion battery, about 12 hours of use
USB-C direct charging

Pros:

Glove-friendly controls for construction and warehouse work
Vibration alert helps in noisy environments
Removable battery can be replaced
Four radios cover a small crew

Cons:

Multi-unit charging bases are optional extras
2W FRS output caps its power
Four radios is more than a couple needs

Who it is for: Small work crews, event staff and facilities teams who need rugged, easy-to-press radios.

Skip if: You only need a pair of radios for family outings.

Motorola Talkabout T110 (2-pack) - Best for casual family use

The Motorola Talkabout T110 is the simplest set in this guide. It uses FRS unlicensed frequencies, offers 22 channels with an LCD display, and has easy pairing to set every radio to the same channel and code at once. Belt clips and personalization stickers are included.

Power comes from 3 x AAA alkaline batteries per radio, which are not included but are easy to replace, and Motorola quotes up to 19 hours of battery life. Range is rated at up to 16 miles mountain to valley, 3 miles over open water and 0.5 miles in a neighborhood, which suits campsites, beaches and backyards more than long-distance use.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

22 channels
FRS unlicensed frequencies
Easy pairing
Runs on 3 x AAA alkaline batteries (not included)
Up to 19 hours of battery life
Up to 16 miles mountain to valley, 0.5 miles in a neighborhood

Pros:

Very simple to set up for kids and casual users
AAA batteries are easy to find and swap
Long quoted battery life for a basic radio

Cons:

Batteries are not included and there is no rechargeable pack
Shortest quoted range of the Motorola picks
Motorola lists no water-resistance rating for it

Who it is for: Families who want an easy set for camping, the beach or the backyard.

Skip if: You need waterproofing, weather alerts or longer range.

How to choose

Check the license type. FRS radios can be used without a license in the US. GMRS radios can transmit at higher power and use repeaters, but they require an FCC license.
Read range claims carefully. Headline mileage assumes ideal line of sight, such as mountain to valley. Motorola's own figures drop to 2 miles or less in a neighborhood, so plan around the lowest number listed.
Match the water rating to the use. IP67 covers dust and short submersion, which matters on boats and in heavy rain. IP54 handles splashes and weather but is not meant for dunking.
Pick a power source. Rechargeable packs are convenient at home, while AA or AAA support lets you swap batteries on a long trip. Some radios accept both.
Look at the extras. NOAA weather alerts, vibration alerts, earpieces, charging docks and phone apps can matter more than a few extra miles of claimed range.
Buy the right pack size. Most sets come as pairs, but crews and larger families may be better served by a 4-pack so every radio matches.

FAQ

Do I need a license to use a walkie talkie?

Not for FRS radios, which are license-free in the US. GMRS radios require an FCC license before you transmit.

How far will a walkie talkie actually reach?

Much less than the box suggests in most places. Hills, trees and buildings block the signal, which is why Motorola quotes up to 35 miles mountain to valley for the T803 but only 2 miles in a neighborhood.

Can walkie talkies from different brands talk to each other?

Usually, if both are FRS radios set to the same channel. Privacy code numbering can differ between brands, so turn privacy codes off or match them carefully when mixing models.

Are rechargeable walkie talkies better than battery-powered ones?

Rechargeable sets save on disposable batteries and often include a dock or USB-C charging. Radios that also take AA or AAA batteries are easier to keep running on trips without power.

What does IP67 mean on a walkie talkie?

IP67 means the radio is dust-tight and can survive immersion, which Motorola and Retevis both describe as up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. It does not make a radio suitable for swimming or diving.

Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026

5 Best Walkie Talkies in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Open-Back Headphones in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:47:32 GMT

Open-back headphones leave the outside of each ear cup open, so sound can pass in and out. That makes them a poor choice for a train or an open office, but it is why many people choose them for mixing, long listening sessions at a desk and gaming in a quiet room.

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO is our best overall pick. It weighs 260 g, comes with two sets of ear pads for mixing and producing, and includes a 1.8 m cable plus a 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adaptor, so one pair can cover both studio work and home listening.

This page is for buyers who want a wired open-back pair at home or in a studio. The other picks cover easy-to-drive hi-fi listening, tough daily studio use, home hi-fi, a premium flagship and a gaming headset with a built-in microphone.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Sennheiser HD 490 PRO	Light 260 g build with two ear pad sets in the box
Best for easy-to-drive listening	Meze Audio 105 AER	42-ohm, 112 dB SPL/mW design with a 50 mm dynamic driver
Best for durable studio use	beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X	Replaceable pads, headband and cable on a 48-ohm studio pair
Best for home hi-fi	Focal Hadenys	Aluminum/magnesium dome drivers, 294 g weight and a carrying case
Best premium flagship	Focal Utopia	Pure beryllium drivers with both 3.5 mm and 4-pin XLR cables
Best for gaming	beyerdynamic MMX 330 PRO	Open-back headset with a cardioid condenser mic and console support

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications, including driver type, impedance, sensitivity, weight and the cables in the box, and matched each model to a specific kind of listener. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Open-Back Headphones right now

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO - Best overall

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO takes the top spot because it suits both studio work and long listening sessions. It uses dynamic transducers, weighs 260 g, and ships with two sets of ear pads, one labeled for mixing and one for producing, so you can change pads depending on the job.

Sennheiser lists a 130-ohm impedance, a frequency response of 5 Hz to 36,000 Hz at -10 dB, and sensitivity of 96 dB SPL at 1 kHz/1 mW. The standard box includes a 1.8 m cable and a 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adaptor, and a 3 m cable is sold separately. Sennheiser also sells an HD 490 PRO Plus edition, so what comes in the box depends on which version you buy.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Dynamic transducers in an open-back design
130 ohms impedance at 1 kHz
5 Hz to 36,000 Hz frequency response (-10 dB)
96 dB SPL (1 kHz/1 mW) and 105 dB SPL (1 kHz/1 Vrms)
260 g weight
Mixing and producing ear pad sets included
1.8 m cable with 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm jack adaptor

Pros:

Lightest pick on this list at 260 g
Two ear pad sets come in the standard box
Included adaptor covers both 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm outputs
Wide published frequency response

Cons:

130-ohm impedance and 96 dB/mW sensitivity suggest a phone or laptop may struggle to reach high volume, so an amp or audio interface may help
The 3 m cable is not in the standard box
The open-back design lets sound escape, so it does not suit quiet shared spaces

Who it is for: Producers, mixing engineers and music listeners who want one open-back pair for the studio and the living room.

Skip if: You mostly listen straight from a phone with no amp, or you need a built-in microphone.

Meze Audio 105 AER - Best for easy-to-drive listening

The Meze Audio 105 AER suits listeners who want a hi-fi open-back that is easy to power. Meze lists a 42-ohm impedance and 112 dB SPL/mW sensitivity at 1 kHz. That is the highest sensitivity figure among the picks here that publish one, which suggests it can reach good volume from modest sources.

It uses a 50 mm dynamic driver, velour ear cushions and a self-adjusting spring steel headband that Meze says spreads the weight evenly. The 105 AER weighs 336 g, connects through dual 3.5 mm TS jacks, and is built so it can be taken apart and serviced.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

50 mm dynamic driver
42 ohms impedance
112 dB SPL/mW sensitivity at 1 kHz
5 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response
Total harmonic distortion under 0.1% at 1 kHz
336 g weight
Dual 3.5 mm TS input connector

Pros:

Low impedance and high sensitivity on paper suit phones, laptops and compact DACs
Self-adjusting headband for even pressure
Designed to be taken apart and serviced
Velour cushions surround the ears

Cons:

At 336 g, it is heavier than the 260 g HD 490 PRO
The dual 3.5 mm input means replacement cables need the same dual-jack layout
The open-back design leaks sound to people nearby

Who it is for: Music listeners at home who run their headphones from a phone, laptop or small DAC and want a serviceable design.

Skip if: You want swappable studio pad sets in the box, or a microphone for calls and games.

beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X - Best for durable studio use

The beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X is an open-back studio headphone handmade in Heilbronn, Germany. Its ear pads, headband and cable can all be replaced, and it has a spring steel headband, which makes it a sensible choice for a pair that will see daily use.

Its STELLAR.45 driver has a 48-ohm impedance, 100 dB SPL sensitivity (1 mW/500 Hz) and a 5 Hz to 40,000 Hz frequency response. The detachable straight cables use a 3-pin mini XLR plug at the headphone end and work with 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm jacks. beyerdynamic's North American page lists both a 3 m and a 1.8 m cable, but its global page says 3 m or 1.8 m, so check the listing to see what is in the box. It weighs 345 g without the cable.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

STELLAR.45 driver
48 ohms impedance
5 Hz to 40,000 Hz frequency response
100 dB SPL (1 mW/500 Hz)
345 g without cable
Detachable straight cables with 3-pin mini XLR connector
Replaceable velour ear pads, headband and cable

Pros:

48-ohm impedance is a lighter load than the 130-ohm HD 490 PRO
Key wear parts can be replaced
Mini XLR cable detaches at the headphone end
Handmade in Germany

Cons:

At 345 g, it is heavier than the HD 490 PRO and the Meze 105 AER
beyerdynamic's regional pages describe the included cables differently
The open-back design leaks sound, so it is not for tracking vocals next to a microphone

Who it is for: Musicians, editors and home studio owners who want a tough open-back pair for everyday studio work.

Skip if: Low weight matters most for very long sessions, or you want two ear pad sets in the box.

Focal Hadenys - Best for home hi-fi

Focal designed the Hadenys as an open-back headphone for the home, pairing contemporary design with hi-fi sound. It uses a 40 mm aluminum/magnesium M-shaped dome driver, and Focal says the aluminum makes the dome stiffer and lowers distortion, while the magnesium adds damping.

A magnesium yoke keeps the weight to 294 g, and Focal says the memory foam ear cushions add comfort for long sessions. Impedance is 26 ohms and frequency response is 25 Hz to 22 kHz (±3 dB). The box includes a 1.8 m cable with a 3.5 mm jack, a 6.35 mm adapter and a carrying case.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

40 mm aluminum/magnesium M-shaped dome driver
26 ohms impedance
25 Hz to 22 kHz frequency response (±3 dB)
Harmonic distortion under 0.2% at 1 kHz/100 dB SPL
294 g weight
1.8 m 3.5 mm cable and 6.35 mm adapter
Carrying case included

Pros:

Lowest listed impedance among these picks at 26 ohms
Magnesium yoke and memory foam cushions aimed at long sessions
Carrying case comes in the box
Drivers built on Focal's loudspeaker manufacturing expertise

Cons:

Focal does not list sensitivity on the product page
No balanced cable is listed in the box
The open-back design leaks sound to others in the room

Who it is for: Home listeners who want a stylish Focal open-back for a desk or living room without going up to the Utopia.

Skip if: You want a balanced cable included, or you need a published sensitivity figure to match an amplifier.

Focal Utopia - Best premium flagship

The Focal Utopia is the reference open-back headphone in Focal's range. It is made in France and built around 40 mm pure beryllium M-shaped dome drivers, which Focal likens to the sound of its best loudspeakers. A recycled forged carbon yoke, memory ear pads and a genuine leather headband are meant to spread its weight and keep it comfortable.

It is the best-equipped pick here for cables: a 1.5 m cable with a 3.5 mm jack, a 3 m 4-pin XLR balanced cable, both with Lemo connectors, a 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter and a carrying case. Impedance is 80 ohms, frequency response is 5 Hz to 23 kHz (±3 dB), and it weighs 490 g.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

40 mm pure beryllium M-shaped dome drivers
80 ohms impedance
5 Hz to 23 kHz frequency response (±3 dB)
Harmonic distortion under 0.2% at 1 kHz/100 dB SPL
490 g weight
1.5 m 3.5 mm cable and 3 m 4-pin XLR cable, both with Lemo connectors
Recycled forged carbon yoke and genuine leather headband

Pros:

Balanced 4-pin XLR cable included as well as a 3.5 mm cable
Beryllium dome drivers
Premium materials and made in France
Carrying case included

Cons:

At 490 g, it is the heaviest pick on this list
Lemo connectors mean third-party cables must match that plug
Focal does not list sensitivity on the product page, and this is a premium purchase

Who it is for: Listeners building a high-end desktop system with a balanced amplifier who want a flagship open-back.

Skip if: You want a lightweight headphone, or you will mostly listen casually from a phone.

beyerdynamic MMX 330 PRO - Best for gaming

The beyerdynamic MMX 330 PRO is an open-back gaming headset with a cardioid back electret condenser microphone. beyerdynamic says the open-back design gives a high level of spatial definition, and like the DT 900 PRO X, it is handmade in Germany.

It uses a STELLAR.45 driver system with a 48-ohm nominal impedance, a 5 Hz to 40,000 Hz frequency response and a nominal sound pressure level of 96 dB. It weighs 318 g without the cable and has velour ear pads. Two 3.5 mm stereo jack cables and a 3.5 mm adapter for consoles are included, and beyerdynamic lists compatibility with PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, smartphones and PC.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

STELLAR.45 driver system
48 ohms nominal impedance
5 Hz to 40,000 Hz frequency response
Cardioid back electret condenser microphone
318 g without cable
Two 3.5 mm stereo jack cables and a 3.5 mm console adapter
Listed for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, smartphone and PC

Pros:

Only pick here with a built-in microphone
Wide platform support over 3.5 mm
Velour ear pads designed for long gaming sessions
Handmade in Germany

Cons:

Only 3.5 mm analog cables are listed, with no USB or wireless option
The open-back design lets game audio leak out and room noise in

Who it is for: PC and console players in a quiet room who want open-back sound and a condenser mic in one headset.

Skip if: You game in a shared or noisy room.

How to choose

Accept the sound leak. Open-back cups let sound out and outside noise in, so these headphones work best in a quiet room at home or in a studio, not on a commute.
Match impedance and sensitivity to your source. A low-impedance, high-sensitivity model such as the 42-ohm, 112 dB SPL/mW Meze 105 AER is easier on a phone, while the 130-ohm HD 490 PRO may need an amp or audio interface.
Check the connectors and cables. Look at the plug on the headphone end, such as mini XLR, dual 3.5 mm or Lemo, and whether a balanced cable comes in the box.
Consider weight for long sessions. The picks here range from 260 g to 490 g, and that difference adds up over hours of wear.
Decide whether you need a microphone. Most open-back headphones have none. If you game or take calls, a headset like the MMX 330 PRO saves adding a separate mic.
Look for replaceable parts. Swappable pads, headbands and detachable cables can keep a pair in use for longer.

FAQ

What makes headphones open-back?

The outside of each ear cup is open, often behind a grille, instead of sealed. Sound can move freely through the back of the cup rather than being trapped inside.

Do open-back headphones leak sound?

Yes. People nearby can hear what you are playing, and you will hear more of the room around you. That is the main trade-off against closed-back headphones.

Do I need a headphone amp for open-back headphones?

It depends on the model. Check impedance and sensitivity: lower impedance and higher sensitivity mean a phone or laptop can drive the headphones more easily, while high-impedance models often benefit from an amp or audio interface.

Are open-back headphones good for gaming?

They can be in a quiet room, and some gaming headsets now use open-back designs. You will need a separate microphone unless you choose a headset with one built in.

Can I use open-back headphones to record vocals?

They are a poor fit for recording next to a microphone, because sound leaking from the cups can be picked up in the recording. They suit mixing and editing better than tracking.

Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026

6 Best Open-Back Headphones in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best On-Ear Headphones in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:47:09 GMT

On-ear headphones rest on top of your ears instead of surrounding them, which generally keeps them more compact than over-ear models. This page is for commuters, students, travelers and DJs who want a smaller pair that still folds into a bag and covers a full day of listening.

The Beats Solo 4 is the best overall pick. Beats rates it for up to 50 hours of battery life, and it offers Bluetooth, USB-C wired audio including lossless, and a 3.5 mm analog input in a 217 g foldable design. It suits listeners who switch between iPhone and Android devices and want one pair for everything.

The other picks each cover one specific need: active noise canceling, the longest rated battery life, aptX codec support, and wired monitoring for DJs and broadcast work.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Beats Solo 4	Up to 50 hours of battery plus USB-C and 3.5 mm wired listening
Best noise canceling	Marshall Milton A.N.C.	Adaptive ANC, transparency mode, and LDAC support
Best battery life	Marshall Major V	100+ hours of rated playtime and wireless charging
Best for aptX listening	beyerdynamic AVENTHO 100	ANC with aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive support
Best for DJs	Sennheiser HD 25	Closed-back wired monitoring with a rotating ear cup

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for on-ear headphones, looking at battery life, noise canceling, weight, wired options and Bluetooth codec support. We also checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best on-ear headphones right now

Beats Solo 4 - Best overall

The Beats Solo 4 is the most rounded pick here for people who want one pair of on-ear headphones for phones, laptops and travel. Beats rates it for up to 50 hours of battery life on a single charge, and a quick 10-minute charge gives up to 5 hours of playback. It weighs 217 g, uses UltraPlush on-ear cushions, and folds into a compact form that fits the included soft protective case.

Its wired options are broader than most of this list: a USB-C input for wired playback including lossless audio, plus a 3.5 mm analog input. Beats also lists Class 1 Bluetooth 5.3, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and one-touch pairing on both iOS and Android. The main gap is noise control, since it relies on passive noise isolation rather than active noise canceling.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 50 hours of battery life
10-minute charge for up to 5 hours of playback
Class 1 Bluetooth 5.3
USB-C wired audio including lossless, plus 3.5 mm analog input
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
217 g foldable design with soft protective case

Pros:

Two wired listening options alongside Bluetooth
Long rated battery life with a quick top-up option
One-touch pairing on iOS and Android
Works with Find My or Find My Device, per Beats

Cons:

No active noise canceling, only passive noise isolation
Heavier than the Marshall Major V (186 g) and Sennheiser HD 25 (140 g)
Rated battery life is half the Major V's 100+ hours

Who it is for: Listeners who move between Apple and Android devices and want both wireless and wired options in one foldable pair.

Skip if: You need active noise canceling for flights or loud commutes; the Marshall Milton A.N.C. or beyerdynamic AVENTHO 100 fit that better.

Marshall Milton A.N.C. - Best noise canceling

The Milton A.N.C. is Marshall's on-ear model with adaptive active noise canceling and a transparency mode. Battery life depends on how you use it: Marshall rates it for 50+ hours with ANC on and 80 hours with ANC off. A 15-minute charge adds 9.5 hours of playtime, and a full recharge takes 2 hours.

It is the only pick here with LDAC, alongside SBC, AAC and LC3 over Bluetooth 6.0, plus multipoint connections. Marshall lists 32 mm dynamic drivers, six microphones and a 200 g weight, and a 3.5 mm audio cord is included for wired listening. The product page also promotes replaceable parts, and the design folds for travel.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Adaptive ANC and transparency mode
50+ hours with ANC, 80 hours without
Bluetooth 6.0 with multipoint
SBC, AAC, LC3 and LDAC codecs
32 mm dynamic drivers and six microphones
200 g foldable design with 3.5 mm audio cord in the box

Pros:

Longest rated ANC battery life among the noise canceling picks here
LDAC support for compatible source devices
Wired listening option included
Quick charge adds 9.5 hours in 15 minutes

Cons:

No wireless charging, which the Major V offers
Battery rating drops from 80 to 50+ hours with ANC on
Heavier than the Major V

Who it is for: Commuters and travelers who want noise canceling and transparency mode in a compact on-ear design.

Skip if: You rarely use noise canceling and want the longest battery life; the Major V is rated for 100+ hours.

Marshall Major V - Best battery life

The Marshall Major V is rated for 100+ hours of wireless playtime, the highest figure among these picks. A 15-minute charge gives 15 hours of playtime, a full recharge takes 3 hours, and it supports wireless charging as well as USB-C.

At 186 g it is the lightest wireless pick here. Marshall lists 40 mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, SBC, AAC and LC3 codecs, and Bluetooth LE Audio readiness. A control knob and a customizable M-button handle playback, and a 3.5 mm audio cord comes in the box. There is no active noise canceling.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

100+ hours of wireless playtime
15-minute charge for 15 hours of playtime
Wireless charging
40 mm dynamic drivers
Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, SBC, AAC and LC3
186 g foldable design with 3.5 mm audio cord in the box

Pros:

Longest rated battery life in this list
Wireless charging support
Lightest wireless pick at 186 g
Customizable M-button and control knob

Cons:

No active noise canceling
No LDAC support, unlike the Milton A.N.C.
Full recharge takes 3 hours, longer than the Milton A.N.C.'s 2 hours

Who it is for: Listeners who want to charge as rarely as possible and do not need noise canceling.

Skip if: You ride loud trains or fly often and want active noise canceling.

beyerdynamic AVENTHO 100 - Best for aptX listening

The beyerdynamic AVENTHO 100 is a wireless on-ear model with active noise canceling and a transparency mode. Battery life varies with ANC: beyerdynamic rates it for more than 60 hours without ANC and up to 40 hours with it. A 15-minute charge provides up to 15 hours of listening.

Its codec list includes aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive alongside AAC and SBC over multipoint Bluetooth 5.4, though the aptX formats only apply when the phone or source device supports them. beyerdynamic also lists replaceable ear pads, a foldable housing, app customization, Qualcomm cVc for calls, and a 20 to 22,000 Hz frequency response. At 220 g it is the heaviest pick here.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Active noise canceling and transparency mode
More than 60 hours without ANC, up to 40 hours with ANC
15-minute charge for up to 15 hours
aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC
Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4
Replaceable ear pads and foldable housing

Pros:

Broadest aptX support in this list
Replaceable ear pads
App customization and updates
Fast charge gives up to 15 hours from 15 minutes

Cons:

Heaviest pick here at 220 g
The maker page lists no wired audio input, only USB-C charging
ANC battery rating of up to 40 hours trails the Milton A.N.C.'s 50+ hours

Who it is for: Android users with aptX-capable phones who want noise canceling in an on-ear design.

Skip if: You want a cable option for planes or older audio gear.

Sennheiser HD 25 - Best for DJs

The Sennheiser HD 25 is a closed-back, on-ear monitoring headphone that Sennheiser aims at DJs, broadcast and field recording. A rotating ear cup allows single-ear monitoring, and Sennheiser lists high SPL handling up to 120 dB, passive isolation for loud environments, and durable construction designed for touring use.

It is wired only, with a detachable single-sided cable of about 1.5 m, a 3.5 mm connector, and a screw-on 3.5 to 6.3 mm jack adapter in the box. Sennheiser lists 70 ohms impedance, a 16 to 22,000 Hz frequency response and a 140 g weight, the lowest in this list. There is no Bluetooth and no microphone.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Closed-back on-ear monitoring design
Rotating ear cup for single-ear monitoring
Max sound pressure level of 120 dB
70 ohms impedance, 16 to 22,000 Hz frequency response
Detachable single-sided cable, about 1.5 m
140 g weight

Pros:

Lightest pick in this list
Single-ear monitoring suits DJ cueing
Detachable cable can be replaced
Includes a 6.3 mm adapter for mixers and studio gear

Cons:

No Bluetooth
No microphone for calls
Phones without a headphone jack need an adapter for the 3.5 mm plug

Who it is for: DJs, broadcasters and field recordists who need wired, closed-back monitoring headphones.

Skip if: You want wireless listening or plan to take calls on your headphones.

How to choose

Decide whether you need noise canceling. The Marshall Milton A.N.C. and beyerdynamic AVENTHO 100 have active noise canceling; the Beats Solo 4, Marshall Major V and Sennheiser HD 25 rely on passive isolation.
Read battery figures with ANC in mind. Makers often quote the longest figure with noise canceling off, so check the ANC-on rating if you plan to use it.
Check wired options. Some models include a 3.5 mm cord or USB-C audio, which helps on planes and with older gear, while others list only Bluetooth.
Match codecs to your phone. LDAC and aptX only help when your phone or source device supports the same codec; AAC and SBC are the common baseline.
Weigh the weight. On-ear pads press on your ears directly, so a lighter pair can matter for long sessions. The picks here range from 140 g to 220 g.

FAQ

What is the difference between on-ear and over-ear headphones?

On-ear pads rest on your ears, while over-ear pads surround them. On-ear models are usually smaller and easier to pack, but the pads press directly on the ear.

Which pick has the longest battery life?

The Marshall Major V, which Marshall rates for 100+ hours of wireless playtime. Among the noise canceling picks, the Milton A.N.C. is rated for 50+ hours with ANC on.

Which of these on-ear headphones have active noise canceling?

The Marshall Milton A.N.C. and the beyerdynamic AVENTHO 100. Both also include a transparency mode.

Can I use these headphones with a cable?

The Beats Solo 4 has USB-C and 3.5 mm inputs, both Marshall models include a 3.5 mm audio cord, and the Sennheiser HD 25 is wired only. The beyerdynamic AVENTHO 100 page lists USB-C for charging and no wired audio input.

Is the Sennheiser HD 25 good for everyday phone listening?

It works with a 3.5 mm jack or an adapter, but it has no Bluetooth and no microphone, so it is better suited to DJ, broadcast and recording work than to calls on the go.

Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026

5 Best On-Ear Headphones in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

8 Best Wireless Gaming Keyboards in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:46:46 GMT

A wireless gaming keyboard has to drop the cable without giving up the speed and control that games demand. The boards on this list cover the main choices buyers face: compact 75% layouts, tenkeyless and full-size boards, low-profile designs, adjustable magnetic switches and budget-friendly options.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is the best overall pick. Razer lists 4000 Hz wireless polling, hot-swappable switches, a 2-inch OLED display, a Command Dial and up to 2100 hours of battery life with Power Saving Mode, all in a layout that keeps the function row and arrow keys.

This page is for PC players buying their first wireless board and for anyone moving off a wired keyboard who wants a clear match for their desk size, switch preference and budget.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%	4000 Hz wireless polling, hot-swap switches, OLED display and Command Dial
Best for competitive play	SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3	Magnetic switches with 0.1mm to 4.0mm adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger
Best low-profile	Logitech G915 X LIGHTSPEED TKL	22.6 mm tall tenkeyless board with tri-mode connection
Best for enthusiasts	ASUS ROG Azoth X	Gasket mount, five-layer dampening and hot-swap switches
Best value	Corsair K65 Plus Wireless	Hot-swap 75% board with PBT keycaps and three connection modes
Best full-size	Razer BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile HyperSpeed	Full layout with macro keys, a roller and up to 980 hours in Power Saving Mode
Best 60%	Logitech G PRO X 60 LIGHTSPEED	Compact 60% design with optical switches and KEYCONTROL layers
Best budget	AULA F75 Pro	Gasket-style 75% board with hot-swap sockets, a knob and tri-mode connection

How we chose

We compared each keyboard's published specifications on its maker's US product page, looking at layout, switch type, connection modes, polling rate, battery rating and extra controls. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon and matched it to a specific kind of player.

The best Wireless Gaming Keyboards right now

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% - Best overall

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% fits a long feature list into a compact layout that still keeps the function row, arrow keys and keys such as Delete, Insert, Page Up and Page Down. It connects over Razer HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.1 with up to three devices, or a USB Type-C cable.

Razer lists a 4000 Hz wireless polling rate, and the switches are hot-swappable. This version ships with Razer Orange Tactile Switches Gen-3, and Razer says the socketed PCB accepts most standard 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. A 2-inch OLED display, a clickable Command Dial, a gasket-mounted plate and a magnetic leatherette wrist rest complete the package.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

75% layout with function row and arrow keys
HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.1 and USB Type-C wired
4000 Hz wireless polling rate
Hot-swappable, pre-loaded with Orange Tactile Switches Gen-3
2-inch OLED display and clickable Command Dial
Up to 2100 hours of battery life with Power Saving Mode
Doubleshot PBT keycaps and magnetic wrist rest included

Pros:

4000 Hz wireless polling without an extra booster or dongle
Sockets accept most standard 3-pin and 5-pin switches
Longest battery rating on this list
Wrist rest comes in the box

Cons:

The 2100-hour battery figure applies with Power Saving Mode on
No number pad
Ships with tactile switches, so linear fans would need to buy and fit new ones

Who it is for: PC players who want one compact wireless board with every major feature for gaming and daily work.

Skip if: You need a number pad or want a slim low-profile keyboard.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3 - Best for competitive play

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3 uses OmniPoint 3.0 HyperMagnetic switches with actuation that can be set anywhere from 0.1mm to 4.0mm. That lets a player make movement keys respond to a light touch while setting other keys deeper.

Rapid Trigger, Rapid Tap and Protection Mode are among its listed modes, and settings can be changed through the OLED Smart Display with configs saved onboard. It connects over Quantum 2.0 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth. The Gen 3 comes in more than one size and in wired and wireless versions, so the TKL wireless model is the one that fits this list.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Tenkeyless layout
OmniPoint 3.0 HyperMagnetic switches
Adjustable actuation from 0.1mm to 4.0mm
Rapid Trigger, Rapid Tap and Protection Mode
OLED Smart Display with onboard config storage
Quantum 2.0 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth
Aluminum top plate with sound-dampening foam

Pros:

Per-key actuation tuning suits fast-paced shooters
Rapid Trigger resets a key the moment it is released
Settings can be changed on the keyboard itself
Two wireless modes for gaming and other devices

Cons:

No number pad in the TKL size
Several sizes and wired versions share the Gen 3 name, so the exact model needs checking
The many trigger and actuation settings take time to set up

Who it is for: Competitive players who want fine control over when each key fires and resets.

Skip if: You want a simple board that works the same way out of the box with no tuning.

Logitech G915 X LIGHTSPEED TKL - Best low-profile

The Logitech G915 X LIGHTSPEED TKL is a slim tenkeyless board with a height of 22.6 mm and a brushed aluminum alloy top plate. Its low-profile GL mechanical switches have a 1.3 mm actuation point. Logitech sells it in linear, tactile and clicky versions, and this listing is the tactile model.

It can switch between 2.4 GHz LIGHTSPEED wireless, Bluetooth and wired mode. KEYCONTROL allows up to 15 functions per key, and the board adds LIGHTSYNC RGB, double-shot PBT keycaps, soft-touch media keys and a roller bar.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Tenkeyless layout, 22.6 mm tall
Low-profile GL mechanical switches with 1.3 mm actuation point
Linear, tactile or clicky, depending on version (tactile here)
2.4 GHz LIGHTSPEED, Bluetooth and wired modes
KEYCONTROL with up to 15 functions per key
Double-shot PBT keycaps and brushed aluminum alloy top plate

Pros:

Very slim profile for a mechanical gaming board
Three connection modes
Deep per-key customization
Dedicated media keys and roller

Cons:

No number pad
Low-profile switches have shorter travel than full-height boards
Switch type is chosen at purchase, so the right version needs picking

Who it is for: Players who want a thin, premium-feeling board that also looks at home on a work desk.

Skip if: You prefer full-height keys or need a number pad.

ASUS ROG Azoth X - Best for enthusiasts

The ASUS ROG Azoth X brings custom keyboard build features to a 75% wireless gaming board. It uses a gasket mount with one silicone and four PORON layers, an FR4 positioning plate, a south-facing PCB and hot-swappable ROG NX V2 switches. This listing has the pre-lubricated NX Snow linear switches, and ASUS also offers NX Storm clicky switches.

Connection options are 2.4 GHz SpeedNova wireless, Bluetooth for up to three devices and wired USB. ASUS rates it at 1600+ hours in 2.4 GHz mode with RGB and the 2-inch OLED off. A three-way control knob, an extended silicone wrist rest and three tilt angles are included, and it supports the ROG Polling Rate Booster, sold separately, for up to 8000 Hz.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

75% layout
Gasket mount with five-layer dampening
Hot-swappable ROG NX V2 switches (Snow linear here; Storm clicky also offered)
South-facing PCB and FR4 positioning plate
2.4 GHz SpeedNova, Bluetooth and wired USB
1600+ hours in 2.4 GHz mode with RGB and OLED off
2-inch OLED display and three-way control knob

Pros:

Build details usually found on custom keyboards
South-facing PCB and hot-swap sockets suit switch swapping
Long rated battery life
Wrist rest and three tilt angles included

Cons:

The 1600+ hour figure requires RGB and the OLED to be off
8000 Hz polling needs the booster, which is sold separately
No number pad

Who it is for: Keyboard hobbyists who want a gasket-mounted, hot-swap board that is still built for wireless gaming.

Skip if: You want a number pad or a plain, understated look.

Corsair K65 Plus Wireless - Best value

The Corsair K65 Plus Wireless covers the basics a 75% gaming board needs without moving into the premium tier. It uses pre-lubed CORSAIR MLX Red linear switches with 45g actuation, hot-swappable sockets, PBT dye-sublimated keycaps, screw-in stabilizers and a top-mount plate with two layers of sound dampening.

It connects over 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth or USB, with a 1000Hz polling rate. Corsair rates the battery at up to 266 hours with 2.4GHz and RGB off. A multi-function rotary dial, iCUE software, four onboard profiles round it out, and Corsair sells it as a Mac and PC edition.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

75% layout
Pre-lubed MLX Red linear switches, 45g actuation
Hot-swappable switches
PBT dye-sublimated keycaps
2.4GHz, Bluetooth and USB wired
1000Hz polling rate
Up to 266 hours with 2.4GHz and RGB off

Pros:

Hot-swap and PBT keycaps at a value-focused tier
Three connection modes
Sound dampening and screw-in stabilizers
Sold as a Mac and PC edition

Cons:

1000Hz polling is below the 4000 Hz Razer lists for the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
Shortest battery rating among the picks here that list hours, and it assumes RGB is off
No number pad

Who it is for: Players who want a well-equipped wireless 75% board with hot-swap switches without paying for an OLED screen or magnetic switches.

Skip if: Long battery life with lighting on is a priority.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile HyperSpeed - Best full-size

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile HyperSpeed keeps a full layout with a number pad while staying slim, with an 18.5 mm front height, a 5052 aluminum alloy top case and a top-mounted stainless steel plate. This listing is the full-size version with Razer Low-Profile Green Clicky switches; Razer also offers Orange Tactile and Yellow Linear switches and a tenkeyless version.

It connects over HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth for up to three devices or USB Type-C. Razer rates the battery at up to 980 hours in Power Saving Mode. Polling is 1000 Hz as standard, or 4000 Hz with the Razer HyperPolling Wireless Dongle, sold separately. A clickable multi-function roller, 11 control buttons, 4 macro buttons and Snap Tap, which is off by default, add plenty of control.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Full-size layout (tenkeyless version also offered)
Low-profile Green Clicky switches here; Orange Tactile and Yellow Linear also offered
18.5 mm front height
HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and USB Type-C
Up to 980 hours in Power Saving Mode
1000 Hz standard, 4000 Hz with dongle sold separately
Multi-function roller, 11 control buttons and 4 macro buttons

Pros:

Number pad and dedicated macro keys
Slim front height for a full-size board
Long rated battery life
Textured doubleshot PBT keycaps

Cons:

Green Clicky switches are crisp and clicky, which can be loud in shared rooms
4000 Hz polling needs a dongle that is sold separately
Full-size layout takes more desk space than the compact picks

Who it is for: Players who use a number pad, macros or media controls and want a slim wireless board for gaming and work.

Skip if: You have a small desk or need a quiet keyboard.

Logitech G PRO X 60 LIGHTSPEED - Best 60%

The Logitech G PRO X 60 LIGHTSPEED is the smallest board on this list. Logitech says it was designed with input from esports athletes, and its 60% layout frees up desk space for wide mouse movements. It uses LIGHTSPEED wireless and optical switches, offered in linear and tactile versions; this listing is the linear model.

Because a 60% board drops dedicated keys, KEYCONTROL in G HUB lets players assign functions across multiple customizable layers. A game mode switcher, volume roller and media controls stay on the board, along with LIGHTSYNC RGB.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

60% layout
LIGHTSPEED wireless
Optical switches, linear or tactile depending on version (linear here)
KEYCONTROL with customizable layers in G HUB
Game mode switcher, volume roller and media controls
LIGHTSYNC RGB

Pros:

Smallest footprint here, leaving the most room for a mouse
Shaped by esports player input
Layers make up for missing keys
Volume and media controls kept on board

Cons:

60% layout has no dedicated arrow keys or function row
Reaching missing keys depends on layers set up in G HUB
Linear and tactile versions differ, so the right listing needs choosing

Who it is for: Competitive players who want the most mouse space and a board that travels easily.

Skip if: You use arrow keys, function keys or a number pad often for work.

AULA F75 Pro - Best budget

The AULA F75 Pro is an affordable way into a gasket-style 75% board. It has 80 keys, a gasket structure with five-layer padding, hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches, side-printed PBT keycaps and a multi-function knob. AULA offers several switch options, and this listing uses Reaper switches.

It connects over 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0 or USB-C, and holds a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. AULA lists RGB with 16 preset effects and 10 music rhythm effects, macro programming through its driver, and compatibility with PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, PlayStation and Xbox.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

75% layout with 80 keys
Gasket structure with five-layer padding
Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
Switch options vary by version (Reaper here)
2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C wired
4000mAh rechargeable battery
Side-printed PBT keycaps and multi-function knob

Pros:

Gasket structure and hot-swap at a budget level
Three connection modes
Wide device list, including PlayStation and Xbox
Knob for quick adjustments

Cons:

AULA lists battery capacity rather than hours of use
No polling rate is listed, which makes comparison with gaming-focused rivals harder
Side-printed legends sit on the front of the keycaps rather than the top

Who it is for: Budget buyers who want a hot-swap, gasket-style wireless board for gaming and typing.

Skip if: You want published polling and battery-hour figures or a major gaming brand's software.

How to choose

Pick the layout first. Full-size boards keep a number pad, TKL drops it, 75% keeps the function row and arrows in a tighter frame, and 60% removes both for the most mouse space.
Check the connection modes. Every pick here has a 2.4GHz wireless mode for gaming. Bluetooth is handy for laptops and tablets, and a wired mode helps when the battery runs low.
Read battery ratings closely. Makers quote battery life under different conditions, such as RGB off or a power saving mode, so the numbers are not directly comparable.
Match the switch to your play. Linear switches move smoothly, tactile switches add a bump, clicky switches add sound, and magnetic switches with adjustable actuation suit players who want to tune each key.
Look at polling rate and its fine print. Some boards reach 4000 Hz or 8000 Hz only with an extra dongle or booster sold separately.
Decide if hot-swap matters. Hot-swap sockets let you change switches later instead of buying a new keyboard.

FAQ

Is a wireless keyboard fast enough for competitive games?

Makers build their 2.4GHz modes for gaming, and several picks here list polling rates of 1000 Hz or more. Bluetooth is better kept for laptops, tablets and other secondary devices.

What does polling rate mean?

It is how often the keyboard reports to the computer each second. A 1000 Hz board reports every 1 ms, while a 4000 Hz board reports every 0.25 ms.

What is Rapid Trigger?

Rapid Trigger is a magnetic switch feature that resets a key as soon as it starts to rise, instead of at a fixed point. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3 on this list offers it.

What does hot-swappable mean?

A hot-swappable keyboard has sockets that let switches be pulled out and replaced without soldering. The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, ASUS ROG Azoth X, Corsair K65 Plus Wireless and AULA F75 Pro all list it.

Do wireless gaming keyboards work with consoles?

Support varies by model, so check the maker's compatibility list. AULA lists PlayStation and Xbox for the F75 Pro, while Corsair sells the K65 Plus Wireless as a Mac and PC edition.

Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026

8 Best Wireless Gaming Keyboards in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Gaming Mouse Pads in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:46:23 GMT

A gaming mouse pad decides how your mouse glides and how quickly it stops. The main choices are cloth or glass, a fast or controlled surface, and a pad that covers only the mouse area or the whole desk. This guide is for US PC players who want a pad that suits how they play and the desk they play on, whether that means competitive shooters or a lit-up RGB setup.

The SteelSeries QcK Performance XL Balance is the best overall pick. SteelSeries describes its Balance surface as having medium dynamic friction and measured acceleration. It also has low-profile stitched edges and a non-slip neoprene rubber base, which makes it a sensible all-round cloth pad for players who switch between game types.

The other picks each cover one need: a control-focused cloth pad, a spill-resistant desk mat, RGB lighting with a USB hub, a thin tempered glass mat, and a budget cloth option.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	SteelSeries QcK Performance XL Balance	Medium-friction cloth, stitched edges, and a non-slip base
Best for control	BenQ Zowie G-SR III Large	Controlled glide with a humidity-resistant cloth top
Best spill-resistant	Corsair MM350 PRO Extended XL	Desk-size cloth with a spill-proof, stain-resistant coating
Best RGB	Corsair MM700 RGB Extended	360-degree three-zone lighting and a two-port USB hub
Best glass	Razer Atlas Pro	1.9 mm tempered glass with a low-friction etched surface
Best budget	Logitech G240 Cloth	Simple cloth pad with moderate friction and a rubber base

How we chose

We compared each pad using its maker's published specifications, including surface material, friction, size, thickness, base, and edge finish. We then checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Gaming Mouse Pads right now

SteelSeries QcK Performance XL Balance - Best overall

The SteelSeries QcK Performance XL Balance sits in the middle of the QcK Performance range, which also comes with Speed and Control surfaces. SteelSeries says the Balance version has medium dynamic friction and measured acceleration. It is meant for players who want both glide and stopping power from one pad.

The top is a soft, finely woven fabric with a high stitch count and tight weave. Underneath is high-grade neoprene foam, which SteelSeries says gives the mouse a stable foundation at high speeds with no sensor skip. Low-profile stitched edges are reinforced against fraying, and a non-slip neoprene rubber base keeps the pad in place. This pick is the XL Balance version. Other sizes and surfaces are sold separately and have different specs.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Balance surface with medium dynamic friction
Soft, finely woven fabric top
High-grade neoprene foam layer
Low-profile stitched edges
Non-slip neoprene rubber base
XL size (other sizes and Speed or Control surfaces sold separately)

Pros:

Middle-ground friction suits players who switch between fast and precise games
Reinforced stitched edges are built to resist fraying
Speed and Control versions exist if your preference changes
XL size gives plenty of room for wide arm movements

Cons:

Medium friction is a compromise, so it is not the fastest or most stopping-focused surface in the range
XL size needs a wide desk
SteelSeries does not list a spill-resistant coating among its features

Who it is for: Players who move between different kinds of games and want one cloth pad that does not lean heavily toward speed or control.

Skip if: You want the fastest possible glide, a hard surface, or a pad small enough for a compact desk.

BenQ Zowie G-SR III Large - Best for control

The BenQ Zowie G-SR III is a cloth pad tuned for control. Zowie says its ComfortGlide technology gives a more controlled glide with a subtle "locked-in" effect. The top layer of cloth has enhanced humidity resistance. Zowie says this keeps the surface dry and avoids the sticky glide that trapped moisture can cause.

This listing is the Large size, which measures 470 x 390 mm (18.5 x 15.3 inches) and is 3.5 mm thick. Zowie sells an XL version separately as the H-SR III. Zowie says a tighter surface weave reduces glide inconsistency after frequent use. The pad has stitched edges and sits on a uniform high-density rubber base with medium softness and an anti-slip design.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

470 x 390 mm (Large size)
3.5 mm thick
Cloth top with enhanced humidity resistance
ComfortGlide controlled glide
Tighter surface weave
Stitched edges and anti-slip high-density rubber base

Pros:

Glide is tuned for stopping power and control
Humidity-resistant top is designed to avoid a sticky feel
Tighter weave is aimed at keeping the glide consistent over time
Medium-soft base adds some cushioning

Cons:

The controlled "locked-in" glide is not suited to players who want a speed surface
At 470 x 390 mm, the Large size covers the mouse area but not a full keyboard
The larger XL size is a separate product

Who it is for: Competitive shooter players who care most about stopping power and steady, controlled aim.

Skip if: You prefer a fast glide or want one mat that covers your keyboard and mouse.

Corsair MM350 PRO Extended XL - Best spill-resistant

The Corsair MM350 PRO Extended XL measures 930 x 400 mm, which is enough for a keyboard and mouse together. Its main feature is a spill-proof and stain-resistant coating. Corsair says this coating makes liquids slide off the surface so the pad is easy to wipe clean.

Corsair calls the micro-weave textile surface glide-enhanced and says its dense weave gives a faster, smoother glide. The pad is made of 4 mm thick plush rubber with an anti-skid textured natural rubber base. Anti-fray precision stitching runs around all four edges.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

930 x 400 x 4 mm
Spill-proof, stain-resistant coating
Glide-enhanced micro-weave cloth surface
360-degree anti-fray stitched edges
Anti-skid textured natural rubber base
Model CH-9413770-WW

Pros:

Coating lets spills wipe off the surface
Desk-size coverage for keyboard and mouse
Thick 4 mm rubber adds cushioning
Stitched edges are designed to resist fraying

Cons:

The 4 mm thickness raises your keyboard and wrists more than a thin pad
The fast, glide-enhanced surface is not aimed at control-first players
No lighting or USB extras

Who it is for: Players who keep drinks or snacks at the desk and want a full-desk cloth mat that wipes clean.

Skip if: You want a thin pad or a slower surface built for control.

Corsair MM700 RGB Extended - Best RGB

The Corsair MM700 RGB Extended has a 930 x 400 mm micro-weave cloth surface surrounded by 360 degrees of three-zone RGB lighting. You can cycle through 12 onboard lighting profiles with a button, or create your own in Corsair iCUE software.

It also works as a desk hub. A two-port USB hub lets you connect extra peripherals, such as a headset or mouse. The pad connects with a detachable USB Type-C cable, is 4 mm thick, and has a textured natural rubber base to stop it from slipping.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

930 x 400 x 4 mm
360-degree, three-zone RGB lighting
12 onboard lighting profiles
Two-port USB hub
Detachable USB Type-C cable
Micro-weave cloth with textured natural rubber base

Pros:

Lighting works through onboard profiles without software
USB hub puts extra ports right at the desk
Desk-size surface fits a keyboard and mouse
Detachable cable makes it easier to move the pad

Cons:

Must be cabled to your PC for lighting and the USB hub to work
Custom lighting needs iCUE software
Corsair does not state the USB type of the hub ports

Who it is for: Players building a matching RGB desk setup who also want spare USB ports close to the mouse.

Skip if: You want a pad with no cable or a thinner, plain cloth mat.

Razer Atlas Pro - Best glass

The Razer Atlas Pro is a tempered glass mouse mat with a 9H rating. It is 1.9 mm thick in total: 1.1 mm of glass on a 0.8 mm base. Based on its internal tests as of April 2026, Razer calls it the world's thinnest glass gaming mouse mat.

The glass is micro-etched at 2 micrometers for an ultra-smooth, low-friction surface. Razer says the surface is optimized for optical sensors and resists dirt and scratches. An anti-slip rubber base holds the mat in place. Razer recommends using your Razer mouse's original feet or equivalent PTFE replacements. To clean the mat, Razer suggests gently wiping it with a warm, damp cloth while it sits on a flat, level surface.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Tempered glass with a 9H rating
1.9 mm total thickness (1.1 mm glass, 0.8 mm base)
Surface micro-etched at 2 micrometers
Optimized for optical sensors
Dirt- and scratch-resistant
Anti-slip rubber base

Pros:

Low-friction glass surface for fast glide
Very thin profile keeps the mouse close to the desk
Dirt- and scratch-resistant surface wipes clean with a damp cloth
Tempered glass is built for long-term use

Cons:

A hard glass top on a 0.8 mm base gives very little cushioning
Razer recommends original or PTFE mouse feet, so some aftermarket skates may not suit it

Who it is for: Players who want a fast, low-friction glide and a hard surface that resists dirt and scratches.

Skip if: You prefer the stopping power of cloth or a soft, cushioned feel.

Logitech G240 Cloth - Best budget

The Logitech G240 is a simple cloth pad for players who do not need extras. Logitech heat-treats the cloth at 200°C and says this gives the moderate surface friction that suits high-DPI gaming, with enough resistance for the mouse feet when starting or stopping a rapid movement.

Logitech says the smooth, consistent surface texture allows precise, reliable tracking and is optimized for Logitech G mice. A sturdy rubber base keeps the pad from slipping during play.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Cloth surface heat-treated at 200°C
Moderate surface friction
Consistent surface texture for tracking
Optimized for Logitech G mice
Sturdy rubber base

Pros:

Affordable, no-frills cloth pad
Moderate friction is a middle ground for high-DPI play
Surface tuned for Logitech G sensors
Rubber base keeps it in place

Cons:

The surface tuning claim is specific to Logitech G mice
No stitched edges, spill coating, or lighting listed among its features

Who it is for: Budget buyers, especially Logitech G mouse owners, who want a plain cloth pad with a steady base.

Skip if: You want reinforced edges, a spill-resistant coating, or lighting.

How to choose

Pick a surface material. Cloth pads such as the Zowie G-SR III and SteelSeries QcK Performance have a soft top with some give. Glass pads such as the Razer Atlas Pro are hard, thin, and low in friction.
Match friction to how you aim. Makers describe surfaces as faster or more controlled. SteelSeries sells Speed, Balance, and Control versions of the QcK Performance, and Zowie tunes the G-SR III for a controlled glide.
Measure your desk. A Large pad like the 470 x 390 mm Zowie covers the mouse area only. Extended pads like the 930 x 400 mm Corsair models fit under a keyboard and mouse together.
Check the thickness. Thick 4 mm cloth pads add cushioning but raise your wrists. The 1.9 mm Atlas Pro keeps everything low with little give.
Look at edges and coatings. Stitched edges are built to resist fraying, and a spill-resistant coating like the one on the MM350 PRO makes cleanup easier.
Decide whether you want extras. RGB lighting and USB hubs, like those on the MM700, need a cable to your PC.

FAQ

Is a glass mouse pad better than cloth?

Neither is better for everyone. Glass, like the Razer Atlas Pro, is a hard, low-friction surface that resists dirt and scratches. Cloth pads come in speed and control tunings and usually have a softer feel, so the right choice depends on how much stopping power you want.

What size gaming mouse pad should I buy?

If you only want a surface under the mouse, a Large pad such as the 470 x 390 mm Zowie G-SR III fits that role. If you want the keyboard and mouse on one mat, an extended pad around 930 x 400 mm, like the Corsair MM350 PRO or MM700, covers both. Measure your desk first.

Does mouse pad thickness matter?

Yes, for feel and height. A thicker pad, such as a 4 mm Corsair model, adds more cushion between the mouse and the desk. A thin pad, such as the 1.9 mm Razer Atlas Pro, keeps the mouse lower with little give.

Do RGB mouse pads need to be plugged in?

Yes. The Corsair MM700 RGB Extended connects with a detachable USB Type-C cable to power its lighting and USB hub. It stores 12 onboard lighting profiles, and custom effects are set in Corsair iCUE software.

How do I clean a glass mouse pad?

Razer recommends gently wiping the Atlas Pro with a warm, damp cloth while the mat sits on a flat, level surface.

Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026

6 Best Gaming Mouse Pads in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Phones for Kids in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:46:00 GMT

A child's first phone has two jobs. It has to keep the child in touch, and it has to give the parent a say in who gets through, which apps go on it and where the phone is. Some phones on this list are built for kids from the start. Others are standard Samsung phones for teens who are ready for more freedom.

The Bark Phone (Samsung Galaxy A16) is the best overall pick. Bark says it scans texts, social media and online content and alerts parents to potential issues, its rules are tamper-proof, and parents can manage it from their own Android or iOS phone. It also adds GPS location tracking and a driving lock.

This page is for US parents choosing a phone for a child or teen. It covers kid-focused phones from Bark, Pinwheel and Troomi, and two Samsung Galaxy phones for older teens who need a regular smartphone.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Bark Phone (Samsung Galaxy A16)	Tamper-proof rules, content alerts, GPS tracking and a driving lock
Best for younger kids	Pinwheel Slim 6	Approved contacts only, no social media and no web browser by default
Best for curated apps	Troomi Samsung Galaxy A17 5G	Pre-approved app store and a browser limited to approved sites
Best for older teens	Samsung Galaxy A37 5G	IP68 rating, 5,000 mAh battery and six years of security updates
Best simple teen phone	Samsung Galaxy A17 5G	Large AMOLED screen, Gorilla Glass Victus and long update support

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications and the parental-control features they list for phones a parent might buy for a child. We also checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon, then matched each phone to the age group or family need its listed features suit best.

The best phones for kids right now

Bark Phone (Samsung Galaxy A16) - Best overall

The Bark Phone is a Samsung Galaxy A16 with Bark's monitoring built in. Bark says it scans texts, social media and online content and sends parents alerts for potential issues, so a parent can stay informed without reading every message. Its rules are described as tamper-proof, and parents manage the phone from their own Android or iOS device.

Bark also lists GPS location tracking and a driving lock that pauses the phone when it detects the child is in a moving vehicle. On the hardware side, Bark lists a 6.7-inch screen, 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging, a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, a 50MP triple-lens rear camera and IP54 water resistance. A Bark wireless plan is required to activate the phone.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Samsung Galaxy A16 hardware
Scans texts, social media and online content for potential issues
Tamper-proof parental rules
GPS location tracking and driving lock
6.7-inch screen, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage
5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging

Pros:

Monitoring covers texts, social media and online content in one place
Rules are built to stay locked even if a child tries to change them
Parents can manage it from either an Android phone or an iPhone
Driving lock is a useful extra for teen drivers and passengers

Cons:

Requires a Bark wireless plan to activate
IP54 water resistance, while the Bark Phone Pro on the same page is rated IP68
4GB of RAM, compared with 6GB on the Bark Phone Pro

Who it is for: Parents of tweens and teens who want broad monitoring and alerts on a full smartphone, managed from their own phone.

Skip if: You want to keep your current carrier, or you would rather block social media completely than monitor it.

Pinwheel Slim 6 - Best for younger kids

The Pinwheel Slim 6 is built for children who need a phone for calls, texts and approved apps, but not the open internet. Pinwheel says only approved numbers can call or text the child, and image texting can be allowed for some contacts and not others. It has no social media apps, no web browser by default and no adult apps.

Parents use Pinwheel's Caregiver Portal to set schedules that make the phone act like a basic phone during school and overnight, to see the child's location with alerts when they leave or arrive at a saved place, and to check app safety ratings before adding apps. Pinwheel lists a 6.5-inch HD+ display, a 50MP rear camera with Quad Pixel, 64GB of memory, 4GB of RAM and a 5000 mAh battery, and says the phone is compatible with all major carriers.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Safelist so only approved numbers can call or text
No social media apps, no adult apps and no web browser by default
Schedules for school time and overnight
Location with arrival and departure alerts
6.5-inch HD+ display and 50MP rear camera
64GB memory, 4GB RAM, 5000 mAh battery

Pros:

Tight contact control suits a first phone
Social media is left out entirely rather than monitored
Works with all major carriers, according to Pinwheel
App safety ratings help parents decide what to allow

Cons:

Parental controls run through a Caregiver Portal subscription
64GB of memory, half the 128GB listed for the Bark Phone
HD+ display is lower resolution than the FHD+ screens on the Galaxy A17 5G and A37 5G

Who it is for: Parents of younger kids who want a first phone limited to approved contacts and apps.

Skip if: Your child is an older teen who needs a web browser or social apps for school or friends.

Troomi Samsung Galaxy A17 5G - Best for curated apps

Troomi puts its own safety software on a Samsung Galaxy A17 5G. Parents use the Troomi Parent Portal to set limits, schedule downtime and view real-time GPS location. Troomi offers a curated app store of pre-approved apps, and its Smart Browser lets parents name approved website domains and block the rest. There are no social media apps.

Troomi also supports safelisting of approved phone numbers, email addresses and web domains, and parents can choose whether new contacts need approval. The underlying phone is Samsung's Galaxy A17 5G, which Samsung lists with a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, a triple-camera array with OIS, IP54 protection from water and dust, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Troomi says a new line of service is required.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Curated app store with pre-approved apps
Smart Browser limited to approved website domains
Safelisting for numbers, email addresses and web domains
Real-time GPS location in the Parent Portal
6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display (Samsung spec)
IP54 protection and Gorilla Glass Victus (Samsung spec)

Pros:

Lets a child use the web, but only on sites a parent approves
Pre-approved app store reduces guesswork for parents
Contact approval can be loosened as a child gets older
Larger, sharper screen than the Pinwheel Slim 6

Cons:

Requires a new line of service
Troomi's own pages list few hardware specs
IP54 covers splashes and dust, not submersion

Who it is for: Parents who want a child to have some apps and web access, but only from a list they control.

Skip if: You want monitoring of social media rather than a phone that leaves it out.

Samsung Galaxy A37 5G - Best for older teens

The Galaxy A37 5G is a standard Android phone for an older teen who is ready for more independence. Samsung lists a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, a 5,000 mAh (typical) battery and Super Fast Charging 2.0 that reaches up to 60% in 30 minutes. It is rated IP68, which Samsung bases on lab tests of submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.

The rear cameras are a 50 MP wide-angle, an 8 MP ultra wide and a 5 MP macro. Storage and memory vary by configuration: Samsung offers 128GB with 6GB of memory or 256GB with 8GB, and this listing is the 128GB model. Samsung supports the phone with up to six OS upgrades and up to six years of security updates. Samsung's product page does not list parental controls, so any limits would come from separate tools.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display
IP68 rating
5,000 mAh (typical) battery
Super Fast Charging 2.0, up to 60% in 30 minutes
50 MP wide, 8 MP ultra wide and 5 MP macro rear cameras
128GB with 6GB memory or 256GB with 8GB, depending on model

Pros:

The only IP68 phone here
Long software support suits a phone a teen will keep for years
Fast charging helps between school and activities
Large FHD+ screen for schoolwork and video

Cons:

No parental controls listed on Samsung's product page
The 128GB model has 6GB of memory; 8GB needs the 256GB version
Gives a teen far more freedom than the kid-focused picks here

Who it is for: Older teens who need a full smartphone with strong water resistance and long update support.

Skip if: You want built-in monitoring or locked-down controls without setting up separate tools.

Samsung Galaxy A17 5G - Best simple teen phone

The Galaxy A17 5G is the simpler Samsung choice for a teen who needs a regular phone. Samsung lists a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, a triple-camera array with OIS for steadier video and brighter night photos, IP54 protection from water and dust, and scratch defense from Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

Samsung promises six OS upgrades and six years of security updates, counted from the date of global manufacture in Q3 2025 rather than from the date of purchase. This is the same Samsung hardware Troomi uses, without Troomi's safety software. Samsung's product page does not list parental controls.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display
Triple-camera array with OIS
IP54 protection from water and dust
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
6 OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates

Pros:

Large 6.7-inch AMOLED screen
Gorilla Glass Victus adds scratch defense
Long update window for a lower-tier phone
No kid-phone service required

Cons:

IP54 is a lower rating than the IP68 Galaxy A37 5G
Update window starts from Q3 2025 manufacture, not purchase
No parental controls listed on Samsung's product page

Who it is for: Teens who need a standard phone and parents who want a simple phone with long software support.

Skip if: You want locked-down controls built in; the Troomi version of this phone adds them.

How to choose

Match the phone to your child's age. Pinwheel and Troomi leave out social media apps, which suits younger kids. Bark scans social media and texts and sends alerts, which suits tweens and teens who need more room.
Check the service requirement. Bark requires a Bark wireless plan and Troomi requires a new line of service. Pinwheel says the Slim 6 works with all major carriers, with controls handled through its Caregiver Portal.
Look for controls a child cannot undo. Bark describes its rules as tamper-proof. On a standard phone, controls depend on the separate tools you set up.
Confirm Family Link support on standard Android phones. Google says Family Link lets parents set app time limits, require approval for new apps and locate a child, and that it runs on certain Android devices. Check that your model is supported before you rely on it.
Read the water rating. IP54 covers splashes and dust. The Galaxy A37 5G is rated IP68 for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes in lab tests.
Count the update years. Samsung lists six years of security updates for the Galaxy A17 5G and A37 5G, which matters for a phone that will be handed down or kept for years.

FAQ

What makes a kids phone different from a regular phone?

Kid-focused phones such as Bark, Pinwheel and Troomi come with parental controls built in, such as approved contacts, app approval, location tracking and limits on social media. A regular phone like the Galaxy A37 5G has none of this listed on its product page, so controls have to be added separately.

Do kids phones need a special plan?

Some do. Bark requires a Bark wireless plan to activate its phone, and Troomi requires a new line of service. Pinwheel says the Slim 6 is compatible with all major carriers.

Can I see where my child is?

Yes, on each kid-focused pick. Bark lists GPS location tracking, Troomi shows real-time GPS location in its Parent Portal, and Pinwheel shows location on its Caregiver Portal dashboard with alerts for arrivals and departures at saved places.

Do these phones allow social media?

Pinwheel and Troomi say their phones have no social media apps. Bark takes a different approach: it scans social media along with texts and online content and alerts parents to potential issues.

Can I manage a Bark Phone from an iPhone?

Yes. Bark says parents can manage their child's Bark Phone from the parent's Android or iOS device.

Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026

5 Best Phones for Kids in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Emergency Radios in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:45:38 GMT

An emergency radio has one job when the power and the cell network go down: keep weather warnings and local news coming in. The right one depends on how long it has to run, how you plan to power it, and whether it lives in a kit, on a nightstand or in a pocket.

The Jensen JEP-900 is the best overall pick. It pairs AM/FM and the NOAA weather band with a weather alert, and it can run from a hand crank, a solar panel, USB Type-C or 3 AA batteries, backed by a built-in 8000mAh battery and a 2 Amp USB port for phones.

This page is for US households putting together a storm or outage kit. The other picks cover a compact crank radio, long-range shortwave listening, strong AM reception at home and a pocket-size alert radio.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Jensen JEP-900	Four power options, NOAA weather alert and an 8000mAh battery
Best compact crank radio	Sangean MMR-88	Solar and hand crank power in a rubber-cornered body under a pound
Best for shortwave	C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2	Shortwave with SSB, NOAA alert and aviation band in 6 ounces
Best for home AM reception	C. Crane CCRadio 3	Twin-Coil ferrite antenna, weather alert and long D-battery run time
Best pocket alert radio	Sangean DT-800	Automatic NOAA alert and a built-in battery charger in a 0.29 lb radio

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications, looking at radio bands, NOAA weather alert support, power sources, battery details and extras such as lights and phone charging. We also checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Emergency Radios right now

Jensen JEP-900 - Best overall

The Jensen JEP-900 covers the most ground for a home emergency kit in this group. It pairs a digital AM/FM tuner with 15 AM and 15 FM presets and the NOAA weather band on all 7 frequencies. Jensen says the weather alert switches the radio over to the broadcast when a warning is issued.

Power is where it stands out. Jensen lists a dynamo hand crank, a solar panel, a USB Type-C charging port or 3 AA batteries, along with a built-in 8000mAh lithium-ion battery. A 2 Amp USB port can charge a smartphone, and two side-mounted LED flashlights, an emergency siren, Bluetooth 5.0 and an IPX4 water resistance rating round out the feature list.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Digital AM/FM tuner with 15 AM and 15 FM presets
NOAA weather band on all 7 frequencies, with weather alert
Hand crank, solar, USB Type-C or 3 AA batteries
Built-in 8000mAh lithium-ion battery
2 Amp USB port for phone charging
Two LED flashlights with high, low and flashing modes
IPX4 water resistant

Pros:

Four ways to keep it running during a long outage
Far larger listed battery than the MMR-88's 850mAh cell
2 Amp USB output is the strongest phone charging output on this list
Bluetooth 5.0 lets it play audio from a phone

Cons:

No shortwave band listed
Jensen does not publish dimensions or weight on its product page
IPX4 covers splashes, not submersion
No SAME area coding listed for alerts

Who it is for: Households that want one radio to cover alerts, light and phone charging in a storm kit.

Skip if: You want shortwave reception or a radio small enough for a pocket.

Sangean MMR-88 - Best compact crank radio

The Sangean MMR-88 is a small multi-powered radio for a go-bag or glove box. It measures 5.99 x 3.34 x 2.72 inches and weighs 0.83 lb, and Sangean protects all four corners with shock-resistant rubber.

It receives AM, FM and all 7 NOAA weather frequencies, with 19 station presets. Power comes from a solar panel, a hand crank generator or a rechargeable 18350 lithium battery rated at 3.7V and 850mAh, which charges over Micro USB. Sangean rates playtime at 14 hours. A USB Type-A port provides 5V/0.3A for phone charging, and a triple LED light offers low, high, blinking and SOS patterns alongside a siren. Sangean offers it in yellow and white.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

AM, FM and all 7 NOAA weather frequencies
Solar panel and hand crank generator
18350 lithium battery, 3.7V/850mAh
14 hour rated playtime
USB Type-A output, 5V/0.3A
Triple LED light with SOS pattern, plus siren
5.99 x 3.34 x 2.72 inches, 0.83 lb

Pros:

Solar and crank power need no spare batteries
Rubber-protected corners for rough handling
Light enough for a go-bag
Headphone jack and backlit LCD

Cons:

Sangean lists weather band reception but no automatic alert function
0.3A USB output makes phone charging slow
Small 850mAh battery
No shortwave

Who it is for: Anyone who wants a compact radio that can keep running from sunlight or a crank.

Skip if: You need a radio that sounds an alert on its own while you sleep.

C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 - Best for shortwave

The C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 is the pick for listening beyond local stations. Alongside AM, FM and NOAA weather with alert, it covers shortwave from 1711 to 29999 kHz with single side band and the VHF aviation band from 118 to 137 MHz, with 10 aviation memories that can be scanned for activity.

It is a travel-size radio at 4.8 x 3 x 1 inches and 6 ounces without batteries. It runs on 2 AA batteries, which are not included, and C. Crane rates alkaline run time at about 60 hours on the built-in speaker and 70 hours on earbuds. The box includes earbuds, a shortwave reel antenna, a carry case and a SW wire antenna adapter, and there is a clock with an alarm.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

AM, FM, shortwave with SSB, NOAA weather with alert
VHF aviation band, 118 to 137 MHz
2 AA batteries, not included
About 60 hours on speaker, 70 hours on earbuds (alkaline)
Shortwave reel antenna, earbuds and carry case included
4.8 x 3 x 1 inches, 6 oz without batteries

Pros:

Only pick here with shortwave and SSB
Under 6.5 oz without batteries
Weather alert included
Useful accessories in the box

Cons:

No hand crank, solar panel or phone charging output
Charging optional NiMH AA batteries needs an AC adapter sold separately
Batteries not included

Who it is for: Listeners who want long-range shortwave news and weather alerts in a radio that fits a pocket.

Skip if: You need a radio that can power itself without spare batteries.

C. Crane CCRadio 3 - Best for home AM reception

The C. Crane CCRadio 3 is a tabletop radio built around AM reception. C. Crane pairs its Twin-Coil ferrite antenna with AM from 520 to 1710 kHz, FM, the NOAA weather band on 7 channels with weather alert, and the 2-meter ham band from 144 to 148 MHz.

It runs on 4 D batteries, which are not included, or a 120V AC cord. C. Crane rates run time at about 170 hours at moderate volume with the display light and weather alert off, so expect less with those features on. A 5-inch, 6 watt speaker, Bluetooth receiving for streaming from a phone, and headphone and line out jacks round it out. It measures 11 x 6.5 x 4 inches and weighs about 3.8 pounds without batteries.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

AM, FM, NOAA weather with alert, 2-meter ham band
Twin-Coil ferrite antenna for AM
4 D batteries or 120V AC
About 170 hours at moderate volume, display light and alert off
5-inch, 6 watt speaker
Bluetooth receiving, headphone and line out jacks

Pros:

Long rated run time on D batteries
5-inch, 6-watt speaker
2-meter ham band for listening to local amateur traffic
Works from wall power day to day

Cons:

3.8 pounds without batteries, so not for a go-bag
No hand crank, solar panel, shortwave or phone charging output
Only 5 memory presets per band
D batteries not included

Who it is for: Homes that want a kitchen or bedside radio with strong AM reception and a weather alert that runs a long time on batteries.

Skip if: You need something portable or self-powered.

Sangean DT-800 - Best pocket alert radio

The Sangean DT-800 is a pocket radio that still carries a proper NOAA alert. It receives all 7 NOAA weather channels, and Sangean says the alert plays a very loud tone for imminent extreme weather, police emergencies, child abductions and other critical public alerts. To save battery, you can choose when alerts are active, and the backlight flashes to remind you the alert is on.

It runs on 2 AA batteries, and a built-in charger lets you charge them inside the radio. AM and FM with RDS, 45 presets split across AM, FM and weather, an alarm timer, an AC adapter and a removable belt clip are part of the package. It measures 2.69 x 4.54 x 1.04 inches and weighs 0.29 lb, and comes in dark gray or yellow.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

AM, FM with RDS, NOAA weather on all 7 channels
Automatic public alert weather radio function
45 presets: 20 AM, 20 FM, 5 weather
2 AA batteries with built-in charger
AC adapter and belt clip included
2.69 x 4.54 x 1.04 inches, 0.29 lb

Pros:

Automatic alert in a radio that fits a pocket
Selectable alert times help save battery
Plenty of presets
Runs on common AA batteries

Cons:

No flashlight, hand crank, solar panel or phone charging
1-inch, 100mW speaker is small
Sangean does not say which rechargeable AA type the charger supports

Who it is for: People who want weather alerts on a walk, on a job site or at a campsite without carrying a large radio.

Skip if: You want the radio to double as a light or a phone charger.

How to choose

Plan for how it gets power. Crank and solar radios like the JEP-900 and MMR-88 keep going without spare batteries, while the Skywave SSB 2, CCRadio 3 and DT-800 depend on AA or D cells or wall power.
Look for an alert, not just the weather band. A weather band lets you listen to NOAA broadcasts, but an alert function is what sounds a warning when you are not listening. Check that the maker lists one.
Check phone charging output. A USB port is only as useful as its output. The JEP-900 lists 2 Amps, while the MMR-88 lists 0.3A, which suits small top-ups.
Add shortwave for distance. If local stations go off the air, shortwave with SSB, as on the CC Skywave SSB 2, can pick up broadcasts from much farther away.
Match size to where it lives. A 3.8 lb tabletop radio suits a home shelf, while a sub-pound radio is easier to keep in a go-bag, a car or a pocket.

FAQ

What is NOAA Weather Radio?

It is a network of stations broadcasting weather and hazard information on seven VHF frequencies. Every radio on this list can receive all seven.

Do I need a hand crank on an emergency radio?

Not always. A crank or solar panel helps in a long outage when spare batteries run out, but a battery radio with a long rated run time can work well if you keep fresh batteries on hand.

Can an emergency radio charge my phone?

Some can. The JEP-900 and MMR-88 both have USB output ports, but their listed outputs differ a lot, so check the amp rating if phone charging matters to you.

What is SSB and do I need it?

Single side band is a shortwave mode used for long-range voice traffic. Most households do not need it, but it adds another source of information if local stations are down.

Should I leave the weather alert on all the time?

On wall power, yes. On batteries, an always-on alert uses more power, which is why C. Crane rates the CCRadio 3's longest run time with the alert off and Sangean lets you choose when the DT-800's alerts are active.

Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026

5 Best Emergency Radios in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Short Throw Projectors in 2026

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:45:15 GMT

A short throw projector puts a big picture on the wall from only a few feet away. That makes it a practical fit for apartments, smaller living rooms, game rooms and garage golf bays where a standard projector would need far more distance.

The Epson Home Cinema LS7500 is the best overall pick. It pairs a 3LCD laser engine rated at 3,500 lumens of color and white brightness with manual lens shift, a native 120Hz refresh rate and images up to 300 inches.

This page is for US buyers who want a large screen without a long room. The other picks cover built-in streaming, console gaming, bright rooms, golf simulators and 1080p value.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Epson Home Cinema LS7500	3LCD laser, 3,500 lumens, manual lens shift and 120Hz
Best for streaming	BenQ TK705STi	Built-in Google TV, 4K and 3,000 ANSI lumens for small rooms
Best for gaming	BenQ X500i	4.16ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz and dedicated game modes
Best for bright rooms	Optoma GT3900UHD	4K with a 4,000-lumen rating and a 0.496 throw ratio
Best for golf simulators	BenQ AH700ST	Auto Screen Fit, motorized 1.2x zoom and an IP5X sealed engine
Best value	Optoma GT2300HDR	1080p laser with 3,600 lumens and 100 to 300-inch images

How we chose

We compared the maker specifications of short throw projectors, including throw ratio, brightness rating, resolution, light source, input lag, connections and setup tools. We matched each model to a specific kind of buyer and checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Short Throw Projectors right now

Epson Home Cinema LS7500 - Best overall

The Epson Home Cinema LS7500 is the most complete all-rounder here for a living room or media room. It uses a 3-chip 3LCD engine with a laser array light source, and Epson rates it at "3,500 Lumens of Equal Color and White Brightness." Its 4K display technology puts 8.29 million pixels on screen, with 10-bit color processing for HDR10 and HLG content and a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.

Epson says the short throw lens lets it sit up to three feet closer to the wall, and it supports images up to 300 inches in aspect ratios from 16:9 to 21:9. Manual lens shift of plus or minus 21% horizontal and 59% vertical gives more placement freedom than the two Optoma picks, which list no lens shift. Two HDMI ports support up to 120Hz, one with eARC, and Epson lists ALLM and input lag below 20 ms.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

3-chip 3LCD engine with laser array light source
3,500 lumens color and white brightness
4K display technology, 8.29 million pixels on screen
HDR10 and HLG with 10-bit color processing
Manual lens shift: plus or minus 21% horizontal, 59% vertical
Two HDMI ports up to 120Hz, one with eARC
Bluetooth 6.0 audio streaming

Pros:

Equal color and white brightness rating
Manual lens shift eases placement on a shelf or ceiling
Images up to 300 inches, including 21:9 widescreen
Native 120Hz refresh rate with ALLM for consoles

Cons:

Input lag is quoted only as below 20 ms
Epson's product page does not list a laser life rating or built-in streaming apps
2-year limited warranty, shorter than the 3 years BenQ lists for the TK705STi and X500i
No HDR10+ or Dolby Vision listed

Who it is for: Buyers who want one premium short throw projector for movies, TV and casual console gaming with flexible placement.

Skip if: You play competitive games and want the lowest possible input lag, or you want streaming apps built into the projector.

BenQ TK705STi - Best for streaming

The BenQ TK705STi suits a small room where the projector doubles as the main TV. Google TV is built in, giving access to Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and more, and BenQ rates the 4K UHD projector at 3,000 ANSI lumens from a 4LED light source.

BenQ sums up the 0.8 throw ratio as "0.8 short throw brings 4K big-screen fun to small rooms," with images up to 150 inches. Auto 2D Keystone, digital shift and digital zoom help with setup. For sports and games, BenQ lists MEMC motion smoothing, a Sports Mode, HDMI 2.1 with ALLM and 5 ms input lag at 4K/60Hz, all backed by a 3-year warranty.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution
3,000 ANSI lumens, 4LED light source
0.8 throw ratio, images up to 150 inches
Built-in Google TV
HDMI 2.1 with ALLM
5 ms input lag at 4K/60Hz
MEMC and Sports Mode
3-year warranty

Pros:

Streaming apps built in, no external stick needed
Very low quoted input lag at 4K/60Hz
Auto 2D Keystone simplifies setup
3-year warranty, the longest here, matched by the X500i

Cons:

0.8 throw ratio needs more distance than the 0.496:1 Optoma models
BenQ's page does not list light source life or speaker output
HDR formats are not named on the product page
Lower brightness rating than the Epson and Optoma picks

Who it is for: Small-room households that want a 4K projector with streaming built in and strong gaming specs.

Skip if: Your wall is very close to the seating area, or the room gets a lot of daylight.

BenQ X500i - Best for gaming

The BenQ X500i is built around console and PC gaming. BenQ lists 4.16ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz, 8ms at 1440p/120Hz and 16ms at 4K/60Hz (the TK705STi is quoted lower at 4K/60Hz, 5 ms), along with RPG, SPG and FPS game modes and an FPS Crosshair feature that projects a targeting reticle onto the screen.

It is a 4K UHD 4LED projector rated at 2,200 ANSI lumens with 84% DCI-P3 color coverage. A throw ratio of 0.69 to 0.83 and 1.2x zoom let it project a 95-inch image from 1.44 meters, about 4.7 feet, with the exact distance depending on the zoom setting. BenQ quotes "Up to 30,000-hour life span and no lamp replacement," and eARC passes 7.1-channel and Dolby Atmos audio to a sound system.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution
2,200 ANSI lumens, 4LED light source
4.16ms at 1080p/240Hz, 8ms at 1440p/120Hz, 16ms at 4K/60Hz
Throw ratio 0.69 to 0.83 with 1.2x zoom
84% DCI-P3 color coverage
Dual HDMI 2.0b, eARC with 7.1-channel and Dolby Atmos passthrough
Google-licensed Android TV through the included QS02 dongle
3-year warranty

Pros:

Lowest quoted input lag here at 1080p/240Hz
240Hz and 120Hz modes for PC and console play
Up to 30,000-hour light source life
Zoom adds placement flexibility

Cons:

Lowest brightness rating here at 2,200 ANSI lumens
HDMI 2.0b only, no HDMI 2.1
Speaker output is not listed in watts on BenQ's page

Who it is for: Gamers who want a big screen in a dim game room and care most about response time.

Skip if: The room has a lot of daylight, or you need HDMI 2.1.

Optoma GT3900UHD - Best for bright rooms

The Optoma GT3900UHD pairs 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution with a 4,000-lumen rating, the most brightness offered with 4K resolution in this list. Its DuraCore laser is rated for up to 30,000 hours in Eco mode, and it accepts HDR10 and HLG content.

Optoma calls it "0.49:1 Short Throw: Big Picture, Small Footprint," and the 0.496 throw ratio delivers a 100 to 150-inch image from 3.6 to 5.4 feet away. Input lag is listed at 4.3ms at 1080p/240Hz, 8.6ms at 1080p/120Hz and 16.7ms at 4K/60Hz. There is a dedicated Golf Mode, a 15W speaker and two HDMI 2.0 ports, one with eARC.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution
4,000 lumens
0.496 throw ratio, 100 to 150 inches from 3.6 to 5.4 feet
DuraCore laser, up to 30,000 hours (Eco mode)
HDR10 and HLG
4.3ms at 1080p/240Hz, 16.7ms at 4K/60Hz
Two HDMI 2.0 ports, one with eARC
15W speaker

Pros:

Highest brightness rating among the 4K picks
Shortest throw ratio here, tied with the GT2300HDR
Long laser life rating in Eco mode
Golf Mode makes it a dual-use pick for sim setups

Cons:

No zoom and no lens shift, so placement has to be exact
No built-in streaming apps; Optoma points to an HDMI dongle such as Google Chromecast
HDMI 2.0 only

Who it is for: Living rooms with daylight or lamps on, where a bright 4K picture from a short distance matters most.

Skip if: You want streaming built in or need lens shift to fit an awkward mounting spot.

BenQ AH700ST - Best for golf simulators

The BenQ AH700ST is designed for golf bays. Its Auto Screen Fit feature "Automatically detects and adjusts to your impact screen's aspect ratio," covering 16:9, 16:10, 4:3 and 1:1, and a Golf Mode is included among its picture modes. The 1080p laser projector is rated at 4,000 ANSI lumens.

A 0.69 to 0.83 throw ratio pairs with a motorized lens and 1.2x optical zoom, which helps fine-tune image size without moving the mount. BenQ lists an IP5X dustproof sealed engine that operates from 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, laser life of up to 20,000 hours, HDR10 and HLG modes, and eARC with 7.1-channel audio.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution
4,000 ANSI lumens, laser light source
Throw ratio 0.69 to 0.83, 1.2x motorized optical zoom
Auto Screen Fit for 16:9, 16:10, 4:3 and 1:1 screens
IP5X dustproof sealed engine, 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit
Up to 20,000 hours laser life
HDR10 and HLG, eARC with 7.1 channel

Pros:

Golf-focused setup tools, including square 1:1 screen support
Optical zoom avoids moving the projector to resize the image
Sealed engine suits dusty garages
High 4,000 ANSI lumen rating

Cons:

1080p resolution, not 4K
Quoted input lag of 16.7 ms at 1080p 120Hz is higher than the GT2300HDR's 8.4ms
Laser life rating of 20,000 hours is below the Optoma models' 30,000 hours in Eco mode
Warranty is not stated on BenQ's product page

Who it is for: Golfers building a garage or basement simulator who want screen-fitting tools and a sealed engine.

Skip if: The projector is mainly for movies or gaming in a living room, where a 4K pick fits better.

Optoma GT2300HDR - Best value

The Optoma GT2300HDR keeps the essentials of a laser short throw projector while sticking to 1080p Full HD output. Optoma describes "Full HD 1080p with 3,600 lumens even with ambient light," and the DuraCore laser is rated up to 30,000 hours in Eco mode.

Its 0.496:1 throw ratio projects 100 to 300 inches from about 4 to 11 feet away. It accepts 4K UHD and HDR input, displays HDR10 and HLG content, and lists 8.4ms input lag at 1080p 120Hz. Optoma pitches it for both home entertainment and golf simulators, with two HDMI 2.0 ports and a 15W speaker.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution
3,600 lumens
0.496:1 throw ratio, 100 to 300 inches from about 4 to 11 feet
DuraCore laser, up to 30,000 hours (Eco mode)
Accepts 4K UHD and HDR input; HDR10 and HLG
8.4ms input lag at 1080p 120Hz
Two HDMI 2.0 ports, 15W speaker

Pros:

Laser light source in a 1080p model
Very large maximum image size
Low quoted input lag at 1080p 120Hz
Works for both movies and golf simulation

Cons:

1080p output, so 4K sources are shown at 1080p
Fixed zoom lens
No built-in streaming apps listed on Optoma's page

Who it is for: Buyers who want a bright 1080p laser short throw for movies, sports, games or a golf net.

Skip if: Sharp 4K detail matters to you, or you need zoom to fit the room.

How to choose

Measure your throw distance first. Throw distance is roughly the throw ratio multiplied by the image width, so a 0.496:1 model needs much less room than one at 0.8 for the same screen size.
Match brightness to room light. Rooms with daylight need more lumens. Makers use different ratings, with BenQ quoting ANSI lumens and Epson quoting ISO and IDMS figures, so compare them loosely.
Check the resolution wording. Some models list 4K UHD at 3840 x 2160, Epson describes 4K display technology, and 1080p models such as the GT2300HDR accept 4K input but output 1080p.
Read input lag at the mode you will use. Lag figures change with resolution and refresh rate, so a 4ms number at 1080p/240Hz does not apply at 4K/60Hz.
Plan for streaming and sound. The TK705STi has Google TV built in and the X500i comes with BenQ's QS02 Android TV dongle; the others may need a streaming stick. eARC helps if you use a soundbar or AV receiver.
Look at placement tools. Lens shift and optical zoom adjust the image without distortion, while keystone and digital zoom correct it electronically. Models without zoom or shift need precise mounting.

FAQ

What makes a projector short throw?

A short throw projector has a throw ratio below about 1.0, so it can fill a large screen from a few feet away. The picks here range from 0.496:1 on the Optoma models to 0.69 to 0.83 on BenQ's zoom models.

How far from the wall does a short throw projector sit?

It depends on the model and image size. Optoma lists a 100 to 150-inch image from 3.6 to 5.4 feet for the GT3900UHD, and BenQ lists a 95-inch image from 1.44 meters, about 4.7 feet, for the X500i with its zoom.

Is short throw the same as ultra short throw?

No. Ultra short throw projectors sit just inches from the wall, usually on a console below the screen. Short throw models sit a few feet back, often on a table, shelf or ceiling mount.

Are short throw projectors good for golf simulators?

They are a common choice because they can sit closer to the screen. The BenQ AH700ST, Optoma GT3900UHD and Optoma GT2300HDR are all marketed by their makers for golf simulation.

Do I need a streaming stick?

Not with the BenQ TK705STi, which has Google TV built in, or the BenQ X500i, which comes with BenQ's QS02 Android TV dongle. For the other picks, plan on a streaming device or another HDMI source.

Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026

6 Best Short Throw Projectors in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

The Best Apple Deals of Black Friday

Technobezz — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 08:25:31 GMT

Prices checked November 11, 2026, 11:53 PM ET

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, and the early deals have started. 3 Apple deals are live right now, and every price below was checked against Amazon before it went on this page.

We add deals as Amazon releases them. A deal appears here only while Amazon is selling it at the deal price.

The biggest discounts at a glance

Apple Magic Mouse (USB-C) $79.99
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) $1,099.99
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026) $1,299.99

iPad and MacBook deals

2 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)

Apple M5, 16GB, 512GB
13.6-inch Liquid Retina
Up to 18 h video

Worth knowing. It has only two Thunderbolt 4 ports plus MagSafe, so extra devices need a hub.

$1,099.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:52 PM ET

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026)

This 15.3-inch MacBook Air pairs the M5 chip with 16GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD. It suits students and mobile workers who want a big screen and up to 18 hours of battery life.

M5, 16GB, 512GB SSD
15.3-inch Liquid Retina
Up to 18 h battery

$1,299.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:52 PM ET

Apple Watch and accessory deals

1 deal in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Limited time deal

Apple Magic Mouse (USB-C)

This wireless Bluetooth mouse has a Multi-Touch surface for swiping between pages and scrolling, plus a battery that lasts about a month or more per charge. It suits Mac and iPad users who want gesture control.

Multi-Touch surface
Month+ per charge
USB-C, Bluetooth

Worth knowing. Needs macOS 15.1 or later on Mac, or iPadOS 18.1 or later on iPad.

$79.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

More Black Friday deals

How we pick these deals

A product is listed only when Amazon is selling it at a real discount. Any saving shown is Amazon's own figure, and the time under each button is when we last checked that price.

When Black Friday deals start

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

The Best Apple Deals of Black Friday - Originally published on Technobezz

The Best Robot Vacuum Deals of Black Friday

Technobezz — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 16:25:44 GMT

Prices checked November 12, 2026, 12:23 AM ET

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, and the early deals have started. 8 robot vacuum deals are live right now, and every price below was checked against Amazon before it went on this page.

We add deals as Amazon releases them. A deal appears here only while Amazon is selling it at the deal price.

The biggest discounts at a glance

Deals on products from our buying guides

2 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

ECOVACS DEEBOT X12S OmniCyclone

The ECOVACS DEEBOT X12S OmniCyclone is a robot vacuum and mop with a continuously rinsed 10.6-inch roller and bagless automatic emptying. It suits homes with hard floors and carpets, lifting and covering the wet roller when cleaning carpet.

53 AW suction power
10.6-inch mop roller
Bagless auto-empty station

$1,099.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E28

The eufy E28 is a robot vacuum and roller mop with 20,000 Pa suction and a detachable portable deep cleaner. It suits homes needing routine floor cleaning plus spot treatment for carpets, stairs, and sofas.

20,000 Pa suction
Self-cleaning roller mop
Portable deep cleaner

Worth knowing. Wi-Fi supports 2.4 GHz networks only, not 5 GHz.

$629.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Robot vacuum Black Friday deals

2 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Limited time deal

Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal

UV stain detection
100 scrubs per minute
Automatic empty and refill

Worth knowing. A full battery charge takes four hours.

$749.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

ECOVACS DEEBOT X12S PRO OMNI

53 AW suction
10.6-inch mop roller
15 mm mop lift

$949.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Dreame, Ecovacs and Mova deals

4 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Dreame L40s Ultra

The Dreame L40s Ultra is a robot vacuum and mop with up to 19,000 Pa suction and a dock that washes mop pads with water up to 167°F. It suits households wanting to automate routine vacuuming, mopping and dustbin emptying.

Up to 19,000 Pa suction
Up to 167°F mop washing
Up to 100 days auto-empty

Worth knowing. It supports only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

Prime member price

$469.99

Not a Prime member? Amazon offers eligible new members a free trial.

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Limited time deal

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra

30,000 Pa suction
Climbs 3.15 in obstacles
Avoids 240+ object types

Worth knowing. It connects over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only and is sold for USA use only.

$1,399.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Limited time deal

dreame Aqua10 Roller AE

This robot vacuum and mop pairs 30,000Pa suction with a roller mop that washes itself in 100°C hot water. Its AutoSeal roller guard keeps carpets dry, which suits homes mixing hard floors and rugs, and the dock empties dust for up to 100 days.

30,000 Pa suction
100°C mop washing
Auto-empty up to 100 days

$721.98

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

Limited time deal

Dreame X60 Ultra Robot Vacuum

35,000 Pa suction
7.95 cm slim body
Clears 8.8 cm steps

$999.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

More Black Friday deals

How we pick these deals

A product is listed only when Amazon is selling it at a real discount. Any saving shown is Amazon's own figure, and the time under each button is when we last checked that price.

When Black Friday deals start

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

The Best Robot Vacuum Deals of Black Friday - Originally published on Technobezz

The Best TV Deals of Black Friday

Technobezz — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 17:29:01 GMT

Prices checked November 12, 2026, 12:22 AM ET

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, and the early deals have started. 14 TV deals are live right now, and every price below was checked against Amazon before it went on this page.

We add deals as Amazon releases them. A deal appears here only while Amazon is selling it at the deal price.

The biggest discounts at a glance

Hisense 65" Class U8 Series MiniLED ULED 4K Google TV $997.96 9% off
TCL 65QM8L 65-inch TV $997.99
Hisense 75" U7 Mini-LED TV (75U7SG) $997.99
Sony BRAVIA 6 OLED 65-inch (K-65A60) $1,198.00
Hisense 85E7SF 85-inch Mini-LED Fire TV $898.99
Sony BRAVIA 3 II 100-inch $1,998.00

Deals on products from our buying guides

5 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

LG C6 65-inch OLED TV

The LG C6 is a 65 inch 4K OLED smart TV with self lit pixels and up to 165Hz variable refresh rate. It suits movie fans seeking deep blacks and PC gamers wanting smooth motion.

65-inch 4K OLED
Up to 165 Hz VRR
Dolby Vision and Atmos

Worth knowing. Reaching 165Hz requires a PC with a graphics card supporting 165Hz.

$1,399.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

TCL 65QM8L 65-inch TV

The TCL 65QM8L is a 65 inch 4K Google TV combining SQD Mini LED backlighting with a 144 Hz panel for smooth motion. It suits viewers upgrading their main screen for movies, sports and gaming.

65-inch 4K
144 Hz panel
Dolby Vision IQ

Worth knowing. The wireless subwoofer and satellite speakers are optional extras.

$997.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

TCL 65 Inch QM6K QD-Mini LED TV

The TCL 65QM6K is a 65 inch 4K Google TV combining quantum dot Mini LED backlighting with a native 144Hz refresh rate. It suits sports fans and gamers who also want built in streaming.

65-inch 4K QD-Mini LED
144 Hz native refresh
Dolby Vision, HDR10+

$597.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

Limited time deal

Hisense U6 Pro Series 65-inch Mini-LED Fire TV

The Hisense U6 Pro is a 65 inch 4K Mini LED Fire TV with a native 144 Hz refresh rate and an anti-reflection screen. It suits sports fans and gamers watching in rooms with lamps or daylight.

65-inch 4K Mini LED
Native 144 Hz
Built-in subwoofer

$597.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Hisense 65" Class U8 Series MiniLED ULED 4K Google TV

The Hisense 65U8QG is a 65 inch 4K MiniLED Google TV with a native 165Hz panel and up to 5,000 nits peak brightness. It suits gamers and sports fans watching in bright living rooms.

65-inch 4K MiniLED
165Hz native refresh
4.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos

$997.96

Save $102.03 (9% off)

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

OLED TV deals

4 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

LG C6 83-inch OLED evo 4K TV

This 83-inch LG C6 OLED evo 4K TV pairs Brightness Booster Pro, up to 3.2x brighter pixels, with a 165 Hz gaming mode. It suits movie fans and gamers who want a very large screen with Dolby Vision.

83-inch 4K OLED evo
165 Hz, 0.1 ms response
Dolby Vision and Atmos

Worth knowing. The 165 Hz mode needs a PC with a compatible 165 Hz graphics card.

$3,299.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Samsung S90H 65-Inch OLED 4K TV

This 65-inch OLED TV pairs Samsung's NQ4 AI Gen3 processor with a Glare Free screen and 165 Hz variable refresh rate on all four HDMI ports. It suits gamers and movie fans who want a bright, low-reflection OLED for a lit living room.

65-inch OLED, 4K
165 Hz, 4 HDMI ports
FreeSync Premium Pro

$1,397.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Sony BRAVIA 6 OLED 65-inch (K-65A60)

65-inch 4K OLED
4x HDMI 2.1, 4K/120
Dolby Vision, Atmos, DTS:X

$1,198.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

Sony BRAVIA XR8B 77-inch OLED (K-77XR8B)

Sony's 77-inch BRAVIA XR8B is a 4K OLED TV with over 8 million self-lit pixels and an XR Processor tuning every scene. It suits PlayStation 5 gamers and streaming fans who want Google TV, Dolby Vision and Atmos on one big screen.

77-inch 4K OLED
Dolby Vision and Atmos
Google TV, AirPlay 2

$1,998.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Mini LED TV deals

4 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

TCL 85QM8L 85-inch SQD-Mini LED TV

This 85-inch TCL SQD-Mini LED TV pairs up to 4,000+ dimming zones with up to 6,000 peak nits and a 144Hz panel for gaming. It suits movie and console players upgrading an older LED set in a bright living room.

85-inch 4K, 144Hz
Up to 6,000 peak nits
Up to 4,000+ dimming zones

$2,297.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Hisense 75" U7 Mini-LED TV (75U7SG)

This 75-inch Hisense U7 is a Mini-LED 4K Google TV with up to 3,000 nits peak brightness and a native 165 Hz refresh rate. It suits bright living rooms and gamers moving up from an older LED TV.

75-inch 4K Mini-LED
Native 165 Hz game mode
Up to 3,000 nits

$997.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Limited time deal

Hisense 85E7SF 85-inch Mini-LED Fire TV

85-inch 4K Mini-LED
Native 144Hz
Dolby Vision IQ and Atmos

$898.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

Amazon can change these prices at any time, and the price at checkout is the one that applies.

TCL 75" QM64L QD-Mini LED Fire TV

This 75-inch QD-Mini LED 4K Fire TV runs a native 144 Hz panel and adds Onkyo 2.1 sound with a built-in 20W subwoofer. It suits console gamers and sports fans who want smooth motion and a bigger screen without buying a separate soundbar.

75-inch 4K QD-Mini LED
Native 144 Hz
Onkyo 2.1, 20W subwoofer

Worth knowing. HDMI ports 3 and 4 top out at 4K 60 Hz, unlike ports 1 and 2.

$799.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

More TV deals

1 deal in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Sony BRAVIA 3 II 100-inch

The Sony BRAVIA 3 II is a 100 inch 4K Google TV with a 120 Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support. It suits movie fans and console gamers who want a larger living room screen.

100-inch 4K LED
120 Hz refresh rate
4K/120, VRR, ALLM

$1,998.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:22 AM ET

More Black Friday deals

How we pick these deals

A product is listed only when Amazon is selling it at a real discount. Any saving shown is Amazon's own figure, and the time under each button is when we last checked that price.

When Black Friday deals start

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

The Best TV Deals of Black Friday - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Midi Crossword Hints, Clues and Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 03:20:00 GMT

Today's NYT Midi Crossword is live, and a playful theme ties everyday language to a satisfying reveal, with compact wordplay along the way. Come on in and let the crossings help the trick click.

How The Midi Works

New puzzles drop daily. The Midi offers more complexity than the Mini while remaining accessible for solvers who want a quick but substantial challenge.

Quick Scan

In a rush? Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for today's puzzle:

Grid Size: 9x9

Total Clues: 28 (15 Across, 13 Down)

Trickiest Clue: 11A is the trickiest clue, since precious points toward excessive cuteness rather than something valuable.

Gimme Clue: 5A is the gimme, with ballet attire and a repetitive name pointing neatly toward the same garment.

Theme Spotted: "Informed Consumer"

Clue Decoder (Hints Only)

Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.

Across Hints

1A. Make ___ meet
Hint: 1A calls for the familiar expression about covering your bills with your income. Four letters, starts with E.

5A. Ballet garment with a repetitive name
Hint: 5A points to the flared skirt worn by a ballerina. Four letters, starts with T.

9A. Nothing more than
Hint: 9A wants an adjective that downplays importance or magnitude. Four letters, starts with M.

10A. Off-roaders, for short
Hint: 10A points to abbreviated vehicles built for riding over rough ground. Four letters, starts with A.

11A. Overly precious
Hint: 11A describes something so quaint and cute that it becomes cloying. Four letters, starts with T.

12A. Ocean's ebb and flow
Hint: 12A concerns the regular rise and fall of coastal water. Four letters, starts with T.

13A. XXX-XX-XXXX ID
Hint: 13A points to the abbreviated identifier requested on American tax forms. Three letters, starts with S.

14A. "Baby Cobra" comedian Wong
Hint: 14A asks you to recall the performer behind the stand-up special, rather than anything about its reptilian title. Three letters, starts with A.

15A. "No ___, ands or buts!"
Hint: 15A completes a firm refusal to entertain conditions or objections. Three letters, starts with I.

16A. Company name abbr.
Hint: 16A wants a corporate abbreviation that follows a business name. Three letters, starts with I.

18A. Appear to be
Hint: 18A describes giving an impression without guaranteeing reality. Four letters, starts with S.

20A. Sicilian volcano that anagrams to the name NATE
Hint: 20A supplies its own backup route: rearrange NATE if the geography does not click. Four letters, starts with E.

21A. One's sources of information and entertainment, collectively ... or a hint to 2- and 7-Down?
Hint: 21A wants a phrase for your overall intake of reporting and entertainment. Return to its linked clues after the crossings develop. Nine letters, starts with M.

23A. More in need of a wipe-down, maybe
Hint: 23A describes a shelf with a heavier coating of fine household grime. Seven letters, starts with D.

24A. Competitors in a slam
Hint: 24A shifts the competition from a sports arena to a spoken-word stage. Five letters, starts with P.

Down Hints

1D. CPR pro
Hint: 1D points to an abbreviated ambulance crew role. Three letters, starts with E.

2D. Online stream that may be doomscrolled
Hint: 2D is the scrolling sequence of headlines and updates on a digital platform. Eight letters, starts with N.

3D. Wearing one's best outfit, perhaps
Hint: 3D describes arriving in fancy clothes for a special occasion. Nine letters, starts with D.

4D. "Now I've ___ everything!"
Hint: 4D completes an exclamation of disbelief after witnessing something extraordinary. Four letters, starts with S.

5D. "Toodles!"
Hint: 5D wants a jaunty, informal farewell. Four letters, starts with T.

6D. Electricity, water, gas, etc.
Hint: 6D groups the essential household services that generate regular bills. Nine letters, starts with U.

7D. Meal enjoyed in a den, say
Hint: 7D points to a prepared tray meal paired with couch-side viewing. Eight letters, starts with T.

8D. Take advantage of
Hint: 8D wants a verb meaning to put something to work for your benefit. Three letters, starts with U.

15D. Suffix with Confucian
Hint: 15D asks for the ending that turns the supplied root into the name of a philosophy. Three letters, starts with I.

17D. Keyboard ___ (meme-famous pet)
Hint: 17D points to the feline in the musical internet clip. Three letters, starts with C.

19D. Sushi bar soup
Hint: 19D is a Japanese broth flavored with fermented soybean paste. Four letters, starts with M.

20D. Revise for publication
Hint: 20D means to polish a draft by changing its wording. Four letters, starts with E.

22D. Had a snack
Hint: 22D wants a past-tense verb for consuming food. Three letters, starts with A.

Full Answers

Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.

---

Across Answers

1A. Make ___ meet
Answer: ENDS

5A. Ballet garment with a repetitive name
Answer: TUTU

9A. Nothing more than
Answer: MERE

10A. Off-roaders, for short
Answer: ATVS

11A. Overly precious
Answer: TWEE

12A. Ocean's ebb and flow
Answer: TIDE

13A. XXX-XX-XXXX ID
Answer: SSN

14A. "Baby Cobra" comedian Wong
Answer: ALI

15A. "No ___, ands or buts!"
Answer: IFS

16A. Company name abbr.
Answer: INC

18A. Appear to be
Answer: SEEM

20A. Sicilian volcano that anagrams to the name NATE
Answer: ETNA

21A. One's sources of information and entertainment, collectively ... or a hint to 2- and 7-Down?
Answer: MEDIADIET

23A. More in need of a wipe-down, maybe
Answer: DUSTIER

24A. Competitors in a slam
Answer: POETS

Down Answers

1D. CPR pro
Answer: EMT

2D. Online stream that may be doomscrolled
Answer: NEWSFEED

3D. Wearing one's best outfit, perhaps
Answer: DRESSEDUP

4D. "Now I've ___ everything!"
Answer: SEEN

5D. "Toodles!"
Answer: TATA

6D. Electricity, water, gas, etc.
Answer: UTILITIES

7D. Meal enjoyed in a den, say
Answer: TVDINNER

8D. Take advantage of
Answer: USE

15D. Suffix with Confucian
Answer: ISM

17D. Keyboard ___ (meme-famous pet)
Answer: CAT

19D. Sushi bar soup
Answer: MISO

20D. Revise for publication
Answer: EDIT

22D. Had a snack
Answer: ATE

Grid Breakdown

Here's what made today's puzzle tick:

Standout Clue: 21A's information-and-entertainment clue makes MEDIA DIET the standout. NEWS FEED and TV DINNER each pair a media term with food language, turning that familiar phrase into a compact explanation of the theme.

Wordplay Winner: 24A, "Competitors in a slam," wins the misdirection prize with POETS. Slam invites a sporting interpretation before the answer moves the action to a spoken-word competition.

Quick Fill: TUTU at 5A is a confident opening fill, with the ballet reference reinforced by the repeated syllable. Its crossings start TATA at 5D, UTILITIES at 6D, TV DINNER at 7D and USE at 8D, giving the upper-right corner immediate traction.

Speed Solver Tips

Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:

Take an explicit anagram as a foothold when a trivia reference stalls you. At 20A, rearranging NATE supplies ETNA without requiring instant recall of the Sicilian volcano.

Solve linked entries by their ordinary definitions before forcing the theme. NEWS FEED and TV DINNER both work independently, then MEDIA DIET explains why they belong together.

Tomorrow's Puzzle

MEDIA DIET gives this grid a satisfying payoff, connecting ordinary phrases through a neatly literal joke. The short clues keep the solve lively around that central reveal.

See you at the next grid.

NYT Midi Crossword Hints, Clues and Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Mini Crossword Hints, Clues and Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 03:08:00 GMT

Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and it blends playful everyday language with a pointed bit of trivia. Come on in and let the more direct clues give you a foothold.

How The Mini Works

New puzzles drop at 10 p.m. EST on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday's Mini arrives earlier at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.

Quick Scan

In a rush? Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for today's puzzle:

Grid Size: 5x5

Total Clues: 10 (5 Across, 5 Down)

Trickiest Clue: 1A is the trickiest, asking you to connect an animal's anatomy with a nickname for Wednesday.

Gimme Clue: 9A is the gimme, a direct verb clue with no figurative detour.

Theme Spotted: None today, straight trivia and wordplay

Clue Decoder (Hints Only)

Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.

Across Hints

1A. Animal whose prominent feature makes it an unofficial mascot of Wednesday
Hint: 1A: Think of the midweek nickname that treats Wednesday as something to get over. Five letters, starts with C.

6A. Black pizza topping
Hint: 6A: Picture the briny rings scattered over a pizza. Five letters, starts with O.

7A. Mischievous sprite
Hint: 7A: Look to folklore for a tiny magical prankster. Five letters, starts with P.

8A. In a pickle
Hint: 8A: Read the phrase figuratively, as being unable to find a way forward. Five letters, starts with S.

9A. Make a choice
Hint: 9A: Think of the verb that fits before either in or out when you decide whether to participate. Three letters, starts with O.

Down Hints

1D. Halloween costumes with badges and handcuffs
Hint: 1D: The accessories point to an informal name for law enforcement officers. Four letters, starts with C.

2D. Supreme Court justice Samuel
Hint: 2D: Supply the surname of the justice identified by the given name Samuel. Five letters, starts with A.

3D. Minor confusion
Hint: 3D: Think of a misunderstanding that sends a reservation or delivery to the wrong place. Five letters, starts with M.

4D. Force out, as from an apartment
Hint: 4D: Think of the verb for removing a tenant from rented housing. Five letters, starts with E.

5D. Vegetable that resembles a large scallion
Hint: 5D: Picture a mild onion relative with a thick white stalk and broad green leaves. Four letters, starts with L.

Full Answers

Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.

---

Across Answers

1A. Animal whose prominent feature makes it an unofficial mascot of Wednesday
Answer: CAMEL

6A. Black pizza topping
Answer: OLIVE

7A. Mischievous sprite
Answer: PIXIE

8A. In a pickle
Answer: STUCK

9A. Make a choice
Answer: OPT

Down Answers

1D. Halloween costumes with badges and handcuffs
Answer: COPS

2D. Supreme Court justice Samuel
Answer: ALITO

3D. Minor confusion
Answer: MIXUP

4D. Force out, as from an apartment
Answer: EVICT

5D. Vegetable that resembles a large scallion
Answer: LEEK

Grid Breakdown

Here's what made today's puzzle tick:

Standout Clue: 1A's Wednesday mascot clue earns CAMEL the spotlight. Its hump turns the familiar nickname Hump Day into a concrete image, giving an ordinary animal answer a satisfying setup.

Wordplay Winner: 8A, "In a pickle," wins for its compact misdirection toward STUCK. The clue uses a food expression to describe a predicament, so the answer depends on reading the phrase as an idiom.

Quick Fill: 9A, OPT, is the fastest confident foothold because "Make a choice" points directly to the verb. Its O, P and T give you the final letters of ALITO, MIXUP and EVICT, anchoring the bottom of the grid.

Speed Solver Tips

Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:

Bank direct definitions such as OPT and EVICT before wrestling with the Wednesday association in CAMEL. For a phrase like "In a pickle," test its everyday figurative meaning before chasing literal food connections.

Tomorrow's Puzzle

The direct vocabulary gives this grid a welcoming rhythm, while CAMEL supplies the memorable leap. It's a tidy reminder that a familiar answer can still arrive through a fresh clue.

See you at the next grid.

NYT Mini Crossword Hints, Clues and Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

Early Black Friday Deals on Tech

Technobezz — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 16:27:26 GMT

Prices checked November 12, 2026, 12:24 AM ET

You do not have to wait for November 27. Amazon and the big brands start cutting prices weeks before Black Friday, and 4 tech deals are already live.

Every price below was checked against Amazon before it went on this page, and a deal is listed only while Amazon is selling it at the deal price.

The biggest early discounts at a glance

Robot vacuum deals

1 deal in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Dreame L40s Ultra

Up to 19,000 Pa suction
Up to 167°F mop washing
Up to 100 days auto-empty

Worth knowing. It supports only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

Prime member price

$469.99

Not a Prime member? Amazon offers eligible new members a free trial.

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Smart home and security deals

1 deal in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Limited time deal

Ring Battery Doorbell 2K

Ring Battery Doorbell 2K is a battery powered video doorbell with 2K video and up to 6x Enhanced Zoom. It suits households that want to check visitors and speak to them from their phone.

2K video
Up to 6x Enhanced Zoom
Built-in battery

Worth knowing. Recharging by USB-C means detaching the doorbell from the wall, and no cable is included.

$39.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:24 AM ET

Amazon tablet and Wi-Fi deals

2 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Limited time deal

Amazon Fire HD 10

The Amazon Fire HD 10 is an entertainment tablet with a 10.1 inch Full HD display and up to 13 hours of battery life. It suits readers, casual gamers, and anyone who streams shows on a tablet.

10.1-inch Full HD display
4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage
Up to 13 h battery

Worth knowing. Expanding storage requires a separately purchased microSD card.

$72.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Limited time deal

Amazon Fire HD 8

The Amazon Fire HD 8 is an entertainment tablet with an 8 inch HD display and up to 13 hours of battery life. It suits readers and viewers who want a portable screen for books, streaming and games.

8-inch HD display
4GB RAM, 64GB storage
Up to 13 h battery

Worth knowing. Google Play is not supported, so app choices depend on Amazon’s Appstore.

$79.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

More Black Friday deals

How we pick these deals

A product is listed only when Amazon is selling it at a real discount. Any saving shown is Amazon's own figure, and the time under each button is when we last checked that price.

When Black Friday deals start

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

Early Black Friday Deals on Tech - Originally published on Technobezz

The Best Monitor Deals of Black Friday

Technobezz — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 17:28:35 GMT

Prices checked November 12, 2026, 12:23 AM ET

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, and the early deals have started. 3 monitor deals are live right now, and every price below was checked against Amazon before it went on this page.

We add deals as Amazon releases them. A deal appears here only while Amazon is selling it at the deal price.

The biggest discounts at a glance

ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACMES 27" 1440p Monitor $199.00
Samsung 24" Essential S3 S36GD Curved Monitor $99.99
Samsung ViewFinity S7 S70H 32-inch 4K $249.99

Gaming monitor deals

1 deal in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACMES 27" 1440p Monitor

27-inch 1440p Fast IPS
255 Hz (OC), 0.3 ms
DisplayHDR 400

Worth knowing. The 255 Hz rate is an overclock setting, and 0.3 ms is a minimum.

$199.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

4K and work monitor deals

2 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Limited time deal

Samsung ViewFinity S7 S70H 32-inch 4K

32-inch 4K UHD, 60 Hz
HDR10, 99% sRGB
HDMI and DisplayPort 1.2

Worth knowing. The stand has no height adjustment or pivot, offering tilt and slight swivel.

$249.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Samsung 24" Essential S3 S36GD Curved Monitor

This 24-inch Samsung monitor pairs a full HD screen with a 1800R curve that wraps more closely around your field of vision. Its 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur, and Game Mode adjusts any game to fill the screen.

24-inch FHD, 100 Hz
1800R curved screen
Game Mode

$99.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

More Black Friday deals

How we pick these deals

A product is listed only when Amazon is selling it at a real discount. Any saving shown is Amazon's own figure, and the time under each button is when we last checked that price.

When Black Friday deals start

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

The Best Monitor Deals of Black Friday - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Strands Sports Edition Hints & Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (Puzzle #22)

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 22:26:00 GMT

Today's Strands Sports Edition is live for Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (Puzzle #22). Stuck on today's Strands Sports Edition? We've got progressive hints, from gentle nudges to full solutions, so you can solve at your own pace.

How Strands Sports Edition Works (New Players Start Here)

The spangram is the key word or phrase that captures the theme and stretches across the entire board, touching two opposite sides.

Need a boost? Every three non-theme words you find (four letters or longer) earn a hint that highlights the letters of a theme word. A new puzzle arrives every day at midnight local time.

Theme Decoder

Today's Theme Prompt: "Dunk contest"

What It Really Means

You're hunting for basketball terms that name styles of dunks.

Think About...

An athletic forward's repertoire.
The spectacle of basketball's individual skills competitions.
Highlight reels from every era of the game.

Spangram Clues

Orientation: Left to right across the board

Letter Count: 10 letters

Starting Zone: Row 5, letter 6

Progressive Spangram Hints

Hint 1 (Gentle): Think of a gathering where creative flair takes center stage.

Hint 2 (Warmer): The phrase sounds musical, but here the performers show their creativity above the rim.

Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is J, last letter is N

---

JAMSESSION

Word-by-Word Hints

Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.

Word 1

Vague: A basketball finish with a sweeping arm motion.

Closer: The player swings the ball in a large circular motion before slamming it through the hoop.

Letter Clue: Starts with W, 8 letters total

Answer

WINDMILL

Word 2

Vague: A finish that changes your orientation to the basket.

Closer: The player finishes with their back toward the basket, sending the ball through behind their head.

Letter Clue: Starts with R, 7 letters total

Answer

REVERSE

Word 3

Vague: A forceful finish with an overhead striking motion.

Closer: The ball comes back behind the player's head before being driven forward and down through the hoop.

Letter Clue: Starts with T, 8 letters total

Answer

TOMAHAWK

Word 4

Vague: A scoring opportunity created by a missed shot.

Closer: An offensive rebound leads straight to a scoring attempt at the same basket.

Letter Clue: Starts with P, 7 letters total

Answer

PUTBACK

Word 5

Vague: An airborne finish set up by a teammate.

Closer: A teammate lofts a pass near the rim, and the receiver catches it in the air and scores before landing.

Letter Clue: Starts with A, 8 letters total

Answer

ALLEYOOP

Full Answers

Spangram: JAMSESSION

Theme Words:

WINDMILL
REVERSE
TOMAHAWK
PUTBACK
ALLEYOOP

Puzzle Debrief

Difficulty Rating: Medium, with basketball vocabulary doing more of the work than the direct theme prompt.

Trickiest Word: PUTBACK is the likeliest sticking point because it starts with a missed shot, a less obvious fit for the prompt's emphasis on showmanship.

Our Take: The direct Dunk contest prompt gives this puzzle a clear entry point, while JAMSESSION adds a playful musical twist. WINDMILL and TOMAHAWK supply the aerial spectacle, and PUTBACK broadens the list to include an opportunistic finish during play.

NYT Strands Sports Edition Hints & Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (Puzzle #22) - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Pips Hints, Answers and Walkthrough for Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 22:26:00 GMT

Wednesday brings a fresh set of NYT Pips puzzles. Two compact, three-row boards lead into a six-row Hard board with gaps through its interior. Equality zones link the set, while Hard adds a dense spread of single-cell clues. We've got quick hints and full solutions for Easy, Medium, and Hard.

How to Play Pips

Zone Conditions:

= All pips in this zone must show the same number
Not Equal All pips must be different numbers
> Pips must be greater than the listed number
< Pips must be less than the listed number
Exact Number Pips must total that exact value
No Condition Free space, any domino value works

Click or tap dominoes to rotate them. Each puzzle has one or more valid solutions. When two zones share the same rule, we number them in reading order, top to bottom.

Today's Easy Pips

The Easy board runs three rows by four columns, with ten open cells and five dominoes to place. Its condition zones: two two-cell zones where every pip must match, a two-cell zone that must total 10, a single cell that must show more than 4, a single cell that must show more than 1, a single cell that must show more than 0. Any other open cell is a free space.

The Easy board. Each tag shows its zone's rule; untagged cells take any pips.

Quick Hint: Start with the two-cell zone totaling 10 on the left of the middle row. Check the pool for a tile that could satisfy it alone before deciding whether its dominoes must cross the zone boundary.

Today's Medium Pips

The Medium board runs three rows by six columns, with 14 open cells and seven dominoes to place. Its condition zones: a two-cell zone that must total less than 2, a three-cell zone that must total less than 8, a two-cell zone that must total 10, a three-cell zone where every pip must differ, a three-cell zone where every pip must match. Any other open cell is a free space.

The Medium board. Each tag shows its zone's rule; untagged cells take any pips.

Quick Hint: The two-cell zone at the top left must total less than 2, so treat those cells as one tight budget. Compare that budget with the domino pool before trying to cover both cells with a single tile.

Today's Hard Pips

The Hard board runs six rows by six columns, with 30 open cells and 15 dominoes to place. Its condition zones: ten single cells that print their exact pip value, a two-cell zone that must total 5, a two-cell zone where every pip must match, three single cells that must show more than 4, two four-cell zones where every pip must match, a single cell that must show less than 4, a four-cell zone that must total 4. Any other open cell is a free space.

The Hard board. Each tag shows its zone's rule; untagged cells take any pips.

Quick Hint: Begin with the single-cell zero clue in the third column of the top row. Inspect the other end of the blank-containing tile, then compare it with the neighboring clues before choosing a direction.

Pips Solutions

Last chance to solve independently: full solutions below

---

Easy Pips Solution

Place the 5-1 domino vertically across the more-than-0 cell and the second equals zone, with the 5 in the more-than-0 cell.
Place the 2-0 domino horizontally with the 2 in the first equals zone and the 0 on a free cell.
Place the 5-3 domino vertically across the sum-10 zone and the more-than-1 cell, with the 5 in the sum-10 zone.
Place the 6-5 domino vertically across the more-than-4 cell and the sum-10 zone, with the 6 in the more-than-4 cell.
Place the 2-1 domino vertically across the first equals zone and the second equals zone, with the 2 in the first equals zone.

Show the solved Easy board

NYT Strands Hints & Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (Puzzle #983)

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 22:25:00 GMT

Today's NYT Strands is live for Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (Puzzle #983). Stuck on today's Strands? We've got progressive hints, from gentle nudges to full solutions, so you can solve at your own pace.

How Strands Works (New Players Start Here)

The spangram is the key word or phrase that captures the theme and stretches across the entire board, touching opposite edges.

Need a boost? Find any 4+ letter word (even non-theme words) three times, and the game reveals a hint highlighting theme word letters.

Theme Decoder

Today's Theme Prompt: "Work it out"

What It Really Means

“Work it out” points to exercise. Hunt for names of the body parts you target during strength training.

Think About...

What gets trained on arm day.
The torso areas involved in pushing, pulling, and twisting.
The front and back of your thighs.

Spangram Clues

Orientation: Left to right across the board

Letter Count: 11 letters

Starting Zone: Row 2, letter 1

Progressive Spangram Hints

Hint 1 (Gentle): Think about how a trainer divides the body when planning workouts.

Hint 2 (Warmer): It names a set of related tissues that a particular exercise targets together.

Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is M, last letter is P

---

MUSCLEGROUP

Word-by-Word Hints

Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.

Word 1

Vague: The upper-arm flex you show off.

Closer: Dumbbell curls target these at the front of your upper arms.

Letter Clue: Starts with B, 6 letters total

Answer

BICEPS

Word 2

Vague: The working tissue behind your thighs.

Closer: Leg curls train these along the backs of your thighs.

Letter Clue: Starts with H, 10 letters total

Answer

HAMSTRINGS

Word 3

Vague: The broad pulling power on either side of your back.

Closer: Pull-ups train these broad back muscles, often described as wings.

Letter Clue: Starts with L, 4 letters total

Answer

LATS

Word 4

Vague: The sides of your midsection that help you twist.

Closer: Side planks work these along the sides of your abdomen.

Letter Clue: Starts with O, 8 letters total

Answer

OBLIQUES

Word 5

Vague: The chest's pushing power.

Closer: Bench presses and push-ups train these chest muscles.

Letter Clue: Starts with P, 4 letters total

Answer

PECS

Word 6

Vague: The powerful tissue at the front of your thighs.

Closer: Leg extensions target this four-part set at the front of each thigh.

Letter Clue: Starts with Q, 5 letters total

Answer

QUADS

Full Answers

Spangram: MUSCLEGROUP

Theme Words:

BICEPS
HAMSTRINGS
LATS
OBLIQUES
PECS
QUADS

Puzzle Debrief

Difficulty Rating: Medium, with a direct exercise theme and a few shortened gym terms to recognize.

Trickiest Word: LATS is the likeliest sticking point because its shortened gym name gives less anatomical guidance than HAMSTRINGS or BICEPS.

Our Take: “Work it out” makes a tidy pivot from solving to strength training, and MUSCLEGROUP gives the list a clear unifying label. The mix of longer names such as HAMSTRINGS and compact gym terms such as PECS and QUADS adds variety without stretching the theme.

NYT Strands Hints & Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (Puzzle #983) - Originally published on Technobezz

Today's Classic Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 22:24:00 GMT

Today's Classic Quordle lands with puzzle #1752, and the set mixes clear descriptions with a celebratory streak. Welcome back, and use the hints to narrow each word without rushing the reveal.

The Basics (For New Players)

This is the original daily format. The goal stays the same: solve all four quadrants before the guesses run out.

Today's Four-Word Challenge

Work through the quadrants one at a time. Each set of clues moves from broad meaning to letter structure, so stop as soon as a word clicks.

Word 1 (Top-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think of someone making their intentions plain for everyone to see.

The Category: An adjective describing how openly an action or feeling is expressed.

The Boundaries: Starts with O, ends with T.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 1 and 3.

The Giveaway: Done or shown openly, without being hidden or secret.

Word 2 (Top-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Think of rooftop panels soaking up daylight.

The Category: An adjective belonging to the territory of astronomy and energy.

The Boundaries: Starts with S, ends with R.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 2 and 4.

The Giveaway: Relating to the sun or powered by its energy.

Word 3 (Bottom-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think of letting yourself fully enjoy a well-earned celebration.

The Category: A verb in the territory of celebration and enthusiastic enjoyment.

The Boundaries: Starts with R, ends with L.

The Structure: E repeats in positions 2 and 4

The Giveaway: To take great pleasure in something or celebrate with lively enjoyment.

Word 4 (Bottom-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Picture an audience cheering after a brilliant performance.

The Category: An interjection used to express praise or approval.

The Boundaries: Starts with B, ends with O.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 3 and 5.

The Giveaway: An exclamation meaning well done, especially after a performance.

Quick-Reference Clues (All Four Words)

Word 1 First Letter: O | Last Letter: T

Word 2 First Letter: S | Last Letter: R

Word 3 First Letter: R | Last Letter: L

Word 4 First Letter: B | Last Letter: O

Today's Classic Quordle Answers

Final warning: all four answers are directly below. Scroll only if you're ready.

---

Word 1 (Top-Left): OVERT
Word 2 (Top-Right): SOLAR
Word 3 (Bottom-Left): REVEL
Word 4 (Bottom-Right): BRAVO

Word DNA (Breaking Down Today's Answers)

OVERT: OVERT is an adjective meaning openly shown or done, rather than concealed. In everyday use, it often describes an unmistakable display of support, hostility, or interest.

SOLAR: SOLAR is an adjective meaning relating to the sun or using its energy. In everyday conversation, it frequently describes panels, power, and heating.

REVEL: REVEL is a verb meaning to celebrate exuberantly or take great pleasure in something. The construction 'revel in' works naturally with success, attention, or a welcome stretch of peace.

BRAVO: BRAVO is an interjection expressing approval or admiration, essentially meaning well done. It can stand alone as a cheer or introduce praise for someone's achievement.

The Difficulty Rating

I'd rate this quartet 3 out of 5, with REVEL the hardest answer and SOLAR the easiest. The familiar energy vocabulary gives SOLAR a clear route, while REVEL asks you to consider a less conversational verb.

REVEL's second E is the key spelling trap, so a search focused entirely on fresh letters can stall there. BRAVO's final O and OVERT's opening O also reward checking arrangements beyond a familiar consonant-led shape.

Strategic Insights

Cover E, O, A, R, and L early, then test V as the boards narrow. That coverage gives you useful material across this quartet before you spend guesses on precise arrangements.

R appears in all four answers, and V links OVERT, REVEL, and BRAVO. REVEL is the only answer with a repeated letter, using E twice.

Tomorrow's Reset

Take a breath, clear the board from your mind, and come back for the next four-word challenge.

Classic puzzle #1753 arrives on the next daily reset.

Today's Classic Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Connections Sports Edition #779 Hints and Answers for November 11, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 22:24:00 GMT

The Wednesday edition of NYT Connections Sports Edition arrives with puzzle #779, bringing together on-court technique, college traditions, and console nostalgia. The challenge is knowing when to read an entry as sports vocabulary and when to look beyond the arena.

What Makes Connections Sports Edition Tick

Today's Grid at a Glance

Here are the 16 words staring back at you in puzzle #779:

A seemingly random collection that somehow connects into four perfect categories.

Strategic Hints (No Spoilers Yet)

Yellow Category Nudge: Think about the actions a coach might call for during a rally.

Green Category Clue: Listen to how a campus crowd refers to its own competitors.

Blue Category Hint: A controller offers a useful change of perspective.

Purple Category Teaser: Try giving different expressions the same finishing touch.

The Full Solutions

Last chance to solve independently: answers below

---

Yellow (Volleyball Terms): DIG, SERVE, SET, SPIKE

DIG, SERVE, SET, and SPIKE are volleyball terms. A serve starts a rally, a dig defends an attack, and a set positions the ball for an attacking shot such as a spike.

Green (A Big 12 Athlete): BEAR, COWBOY, JAYHAWK, MOUNTAINEER

JAYHAWK, COWBOY, BEAR, and MOUNTAINEER identify athletes through their Big 12 school nicknames. HAWK is the tempting extra bird, but it belongs with the video game namesakes.

Blue (Video Game Namesakes): GRIFFEY, HAWK, MADDEN, SLATER

HAWK, SLATER, MADDEN, and GRIFFEY are the video game namesakes. The connection depends on recognizing surnames associated with sports games, rather than finding a sport shared by all four.

Purple (_____ Hit): BASE, CLUTCH, INFIELD, LATE

LATE, BASE, INFIELD, and CLUTCH each precede HIT, producing late hit, base hit, infield hit, and clutch hit. The baseball language in the last three expressions can pull GRIFFEY into consideration, but the shared ending supplies the precise rule.

The Verdict

Yellow looks like the cleanest opening, with four actions that belong naturally to the same sport. Green demands more care because HAWK and JAYHAWK invite a bird connection that does not match the answers.

Blue is the knowledge test that can decide a streak, while purple rewards a change in reading strategy. Recognizing the game namesakes frees HAWK from the college decoy, and adding HIT turns the remaining vocabulary into complete expressions.

Reset and Repeat

Carry today's shared-ending trick into tomorrow's grid: when the sports connections feel loose, test whether the words complete the same phrase. Come back tomorrow for another round.

For now, puzzle #779 is solved. See you at midnight for the next round.

NYT Connections Sports Edition #779 Hints and Answers for November 11, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Connections #1249 Hints and Solutions for November 11, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 22:24:00 GMT

The Wednesday edition of NYT Connections arrives with puzzle #1249, serving up a grid that rewards everyday knowledge, a little sporting familiarity, and close attention to spelling. The sharpest shift comes when meanings stop being useful.

What Makes Connections Tick

Today's Grid at a Glance

Here are the 16 words staring back at you in puzzle #1249:

A seemingly random collection that somehow connects into four perfect categories.

Strategic Hints (No Spoilers Yet)

Yellow Category Nudge: Think about approaches to health and care.

Green Category Clue: Picture the setting for an outdoor sport.

Blue Category Hint: Consider what something holds inside, rather than what it does.

Purple Category Teaser: Set meanings aside and inspect the spelling, especially toward the finish.

The Full Solutions

Last chance to solve independently: answers below

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Yellow (Kinds Of Medicine): FOLK, HERBAL, HOLISTIC, TRADITIONAL

FOLK, HERBAL, HOLISTIC, and TRADITIONAL all describe kinds of medicine. The shared connection is the noun each can precede, rather than a claim that the approaches are interchangeable.

Green (Parts Of A Golf Course): GREEN, ROUGH, SAND TRAP, TEE BOX

GREEN, ROUGH, SAND TRAP, and TEE BOX are parts of a golf course. They cover the putting surface, longer grass, a sandy hazard, and the starting area for a hole.

Blue (Things Filled With Air): AIR MATTRESS, BUBBLE, TIRE, WHOOPIE CUSHION

AIR MATTRESS, BUBBLE, TIRE, and WHOOPIE CUSHION make up THINGS FILLED WITH AIR.

The useful shift is from purpose to contents. Sleeping, driving, and a practical joke point in different directions, but the filling brings the objects together.

Purple (Ending In Palindromes): AFTERNOON, PATOOT, RHEOSTATS, SHREDDER

AFTERNOON ends in NOON, PATOOT in TOOT, RHEOSTATS in STATS, and SHREDDER in REDDER. Each ending reads the same forward and backward, which explains ENDING IN PALINDROMES.

The Verdict

Yellow offers the clearest opening through familiar medicine phrases, while the golf set gives sports-minded solvers another firm foothold. Blue asks for a broader connection, linking objects through their contents instead of their uses.

Purple is the streak-deciding group because its connection hides inside the words. The real trap is trying to connect AFTERNOON and SHREDDER by meaning when their final letters do the work.

Reset and Repeat

Carry today's palindrome endings into tomorrow as a useful reminder to change how you read a stubborn grid. Come back for the next puzzle with meanings first and a spelling check ready.

For now, puzzle #1249 is solved. See you at midnight for the next round.

NYT Connections #1249 Hints and Solutions for November 11, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

Today's Chill Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 22:23:00 GMT

Today's Chill Quordle lands with puzzle #835, and familiar vocabulary gives this quartet an approachable feel, with enough variety to keep the boards interesting. Welcome back, and use the hints as gently or as boldly as you need.

The Basics (For New Players)

This is the roomier daily format with fewer unusual words. The goal stays the same: solve all four quadrants before the guesses run out.

Today's Four-Word Challenge

Work through the quadrants one at a time. Each set of clues moves from broad meaning to letter structure, so stop as soon as a word clicks.

Word 1 (Top-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think of travel plans that refuse to run on schedule.

The Category: A noun or verb in the territory of timing and postponement.

The Boundaries: Starts with D, ends with Y.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 2 and 4.

The Giveaway: To make something happen later than planned, or the resulting hold-up.

Word 2 (Top-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Think of sharing a story with someone who would rather listen than read.

The Category: An adverb describing how speech or reading can be heard.

The Boundaries: Starts with A, ends with D.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 1 and 3 and 4.

The Giveaway: In an audible voice, rather than silently in your head.

Word 3 (Bottom-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think of someone rushing toward an emergency with supplies to help.

The Category: A noun for a person trained to provide care to the sick or injured.

The Boundaries: Starts with M, ends with C.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 2 and 4.

The Giveaway: A trained responder who treats injuries, especially in a military setting.

Word 4 (Bottom-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Picture a pond after a bitter winter night.

The Category: A past-tense verb describing a change caused by cold or a sudden loss of movement.

The Boundaries: Starts with F, ends with E.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 3 and 5.

The Giveaway: Turned to ice, or suddenly became completely still.

Quick-Reference Clues (All Four Words)

Word 1 First Letter: D | Last Letter: Y

Word 2 First Letter: A | Last Letter: D

Word 3 First Letter: M | Last Letter: C

Word 4 First Letter: F | Last Letter: E

Today's Chill Quordle Answers

Final warning: all four answers are directly below. Scroll only if you're ready.

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Word 1 (Top-Left): DELAY
Word 2 (Top-Right): ALOUD
Word 3 (Bottom-Left): MEDIC
Word 4 (Bottom-Right): FROZE

Word DNA (Breaking Down Today's Answers)

DELAY: DELAY is a noun meaning a hold-up and a verb meaning to postpone or make late. You can report a train delay or delay a decision, so the same spelling works naturally in both roles.

ALOUD: ALOUD is an adverb meaning audibly, rather than silently. Reading a draft aloud helps you hear awkward phrasing, and the word does not necessarily imply shouting.

MEDIC: MEDIC is a noun for someone trained to provide medical care, especially in the armed forces. In everyday reporting, it can describe an emergency responder without specifying that the person is a doctor.

FROZE: FROZE is the simple past tense of freeze, meaning became ice or stopped moving. Saying someone froze during a speech describes a sudden inability to continue, without any literal cold.

The Difficulty Rating

I'd rate this quartet 2 out of 5 for difficulty. DELAY is my easiest pick because its everyday meaning and straightforward spelling make it easy to recognize once clues arrive.

FROZE is the hardest pick, with Z and an irregular past-tense form providing the main traps. ALOUD also deserves care because its sound can bring ALLOWED to mind, while MEDIC calls for a person rather than a treatment.

Strategic Insights

Use early guesses to cover A, E, I, O, and U alongside D and L, then test fresh consonants as each board narrows. Once FROZE becomes a candidate, checking Z is more useful than continuing to recycle confirmed letters.

No answer repeats a letter internally. Across the boards, D appears in DELAY, ALOUD, and MEDIC, while E appears in DELAY, MEDIC, and FROZE, making those shared clues especially useful.

Tomorrow's Reset

Take a fresh breath and leave this board behind. Come back for the next four-word challenge with a clean slate.

Chill puzzle #836 arrives on the next daily reset.

Today's Chill Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

Today's Extreme Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 22:23:00 GMT

Today's Extreme Quordle lands with puzzle #835, and familiar vocabulary hides some stubborn spelling traps. Welcome back, and keep your options open as the boards take shape.

The Basics (For New Players)

This is the tighter daily format with more unusual words. The goal stays the same: solve all four quadrants before the guesses run out.

Today's Four-Word Challenge

Work through the quadrants one at a time. Each set of clues moves from broad meaning to letter structure, so stop as soon as a word clicks.

Word 1 (Top-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think of the unwelcome discovery that sends you back to check your work.

The Category: A noun in the territory of mistakes and incorrect results.

The Boundaries: Starts with E, ends with R.

The Structure: R repeats in positions 2 and 3 and 5

The Giveaway: A mistake in a calculation, statement, or action.

Word 2 (Top-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Picture the curtain rising as an audience settles into silence.

The Category: A noun for a performance space or a distinct phase of development.

The Boundaries: Starts with S, ends with E.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 3 and 5.

The Giveaway: The raised platform where actors perform before an audience.

Word 3 (Bottom-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Dust on the kitchen floor calls for this cleaning cupboard staple.

The Category: A noun naming a household cleaning tool.

The Boundaries: Starts with B, ends with M.

The Structure: O repeats in positions 3 and 4

The Giveaway: A long-handled implement with bristles used to sweep floors.

Word 4 (Bottom-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Think of the small sound beneath your fingertip as you navigate a computer.

The Category: A noun or verb associated with a short, sharp sound and computer interaction.

The Boundaries: Starts with C, ends with K.

The Structure: C repeats in positions 1 and 4

The Giveaway: To press and release a mouse button to select something on screen.

Quick-Reference Clues (All Four Words)

Word 1 First Letter: E | Last Letter: R

Word 2 First Letter: S | Last Letter: E

Word 3 First Letter: B | Last Letter: M

Word 4 First Letter: C | Last Letter: K

Today's Extreme Quordle Answers

Final warning: all four answers are directly below. Scroll only if you're ready.

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Word 1 (Top-Left): ERROR
Word 2 (Top-Right): STAGE
Word 3 (Bottom-Left): BROOM
Word 4 (Bottom-Right): CLICK

Word DNA (Breaking Down Today's Answers)

ERROR: ERROR is a noun meaning a mistake or an incorrect result. In everyday computing, an error message tells you that something has gone wrong, though it does not necessarily explain the cause.

STAGE: STAGE is a noun meaning a platform for performances or a distinct phase in a process. In everyday planning, the phrase 'at this stage' refers to the current point in progress.

BROOM: BROOM is a noun for a long-handled brush used for sweeping. It names the tool, while 'sweep' is the usual verb for the cleaning action.

CLICK: CLICK is a noun for a short, sharp sound and a verb for making that sound or pressing a mouse button. In conversation, saying an explanation 'clicked' means it suddenly made sense.

The Difficulty Rating

I'd rate this quartet 4 out of 5 for difficulty within the eight-guess limit. ERROR is my hardest pick because its three Rs demand an early willingness to reuse a confirmed letter.

STAGE is my easiest pick, with familiar vocabulary and five distinct letters. BROOM's double O and CLICK's separated Cs supply the other spelling traps, so the challenge comes from letter reuse rather than obscure meanings.

Strategic Insights

Build early coverage around E, A, O, and I alongside R, S, T, and L, then use the feedback to choose targeted guesses. Once those checks produce useful matches, test duplicates instead of spending every turn chasing fresh letters.

ERROR has three Rs, BROOM has two Os, and CLICK has two Cs, while STAGE has no repeated letters. ERROR also shares R and O with BROOM and E with STAGE, giving those discoveries value across boards.

Tomorrow's Reset

Take a breath and reset. Come back for the next four-word board with a fresh eye for familiar words and awkward spellings.

Extreme puzzle #836 arrives on the next daily reset.

Today's Extreme Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Wednesday, November 11, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

Muse Sleep Headband Maker Used 50,000 Hours of Brainwave Data to Train AI

Luka Berger — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:22:42 GMT

Interaxon, the Canadian company behind the Muse sleep and meditation headband, told Science it trained an AI model on about 50,000 hours of brainwave recordings, most of them collected from people using its devices. Science reported the figure last week in an investigation with the Pulitzer Center's AI Accountability Network into how consumer brain-sensing companies use customer data.

Before Science asked about it, Interaxon's privacy policy did not explicitly say brain recordings could be used to train foundation models. "We agree users should be explicitly informed," Nadia Kumentas, Interaxon's chief marketing officer, said in the report.

What Muse's Policy Says Now

Interaxon's privacy policy, which carries an effective date of September 29, 2026, now lists "the improvement of our own algorithms and machine-learning models, including foundation models, that power Muse features such as sleep staging and brain-health metrics" among the uses of Muse data. It says data used for that purpose is first de-identified, and the company told Science it removes names and email addresses before model work. Kumentas said Interaxon aims "to use as much of that eligible corpus as possible."

Muse headbands record the brain's electrical activity, known as EEG, along with other body signals during sleep, and turn the recordings into sleep reports. Consumer EEG wearables usually have one to six electrodes, compared with 19 to 25 on clinical systems, so their recordings are less detailed.

Nine Companies Building Brain Models

Science reviewed dozens of consumer neurotechnology companies and found nine that had publicly said they were building brain foundation models, AI systems trained on large sets of neural recordings that can be adapted to tasks such as identifying sleep stages. Together those companies held tens of millions of hours of EEG recordings, a figure for data collected rather than a count of data used in training.

Emotiv, another EEG headset maker, has been training a model it calls Large Brain partly on recordings from customers of its high-end devices. After Science's questions, Emotiv updated its privacy policy to disclose the use of de-identified neural data for model training, subject to opt-in consent.

More than two-thirds of the companies Science examined allowed users' data to be transferred in a corporate deal, such as an acquisition, without asking for consent. Colorado and California have added neural data to their consumer privacy laws.

Interaxon's 50,000-hour figure is the company's own count and has not been independently checked. Removing names and email addresses is not the same as users agreeing to AI training, and the reporting does not show whether de-identified EEG recordings could be traced back to a person.

Muse Sleep Headband Maker Used 50,000 Hours of Brainwave Data to Train AI - Originally published on Technobezz

Facebook Your algorithm Uses Text to Tune Feed and Reels

Luka Berger — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:19:33 GMT

Facebook’s Your algorithm lets users describe topics they want more or less of, with Meta detailing today how those requests change recommendations across Feed and Reels. The system uses large language models to interpret written preferences and combines those requests with activity signals when choosing content, according to Meta. Users can edit their interests in one place, with both recommendation systems drawing from the same stored preferences.

The controls include an Interested In list populated from previous activity, plus a Not Interested In list reflecting explicit feedback and content people have hidden. Users can type additional interests, delete entries or shift topics between the lists. A short Lately Summary describes recent viewing, giving users another way to review how Facebook interprets their activity.

Meta began rolling out Your algorithm in October, with access through posts’ three-dot menus and a promise that recommendations could adjust within the same session. That rollout also included follow-up questions after users selected Interested or Not interested on a post, allowing them to explain their reactions in text.

Adding an interest does not give it unlimited space: Meta says the system separates recommendations about the same interest and restricts its daily contribution. Newly entered interests temporarily receive greater weight, after which engagement with that content helps guide recommendations. Each request for recommendations retrieves candidates for one interest at a time so different interests get a turn.

For unwanted topics, Facebook combines several checks, including comparisons of topic meaning, ranking penalties for close matches and a final review by a language model. Requests to reduce AI-generated material or sexually suggestive content use dedicated signals that lower its ranking, while requests naming a creator trigger direct filtering of that creator’s content. Meta says the final model review removes items it considers related to a recently rejected interest.

The delivery system also addresses recommendations prepared before someone changes a preference. Adding a wanted topic triggers an extra request for fresh content, while adding an unwanted one causes matching material already stored on the device to be removed before display. Meta says interpreting ambiguous requests and making recommendations respond more precisely remain areas for improvement.

Facebook Your algorithm Uses Text to Tune Feed and Reels - Originally published on Technobezz

Oura Signs Deal to Buy Counsel Health for Physician Care in Its App

Luka Berger — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:18:10 GMT

Oura has signed a definitive agreement to buy Counsel Health, with plans to connect members’ ring measurements to medical advice and physician care through the Oura App. Oura says the acquisition should close near the end of this year, following a partnership that began in May 2026. Members can currently explore Counsel through Oura Labs, while Oura plans the broader app experience.

Counsel combines medical AI with oversight from board-certified physicians, helping users understand laboratory results, ask health questions and decide what to do next. Its physicians can also provide diagnoses and treatment, request laboratory testing and write prescriptions when appropriate. Oura says it is developing access to a licensed physician through its app, with answers potentially coming within minutes, but has not disclosed pricing for the planned experience.

Access to members’ information requires consent: Counsel physicians can view Oura measurements and previous conversations only when users give permission. Since the partnership started, more than half of the people using Counsel through Oura Labs have chosen to share their Oura information with physicians, according to Oura. The company says that shared history can spare members from repeatedly explaining their medical background when seeking care.

The proposed purchase follows an expansion of the companies’ partnership in September through the CMS Innovation Center’s ACCESS Model. That initiative offered an opportunity to study how ongoing biometric measurements and care led by physicians could support Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions. In October, Oura separately announced that its paid membership worldwide had reached six million, an increase of one million since June’s end.

Oura’s earlier expansion of Health Radar and GLP-1 Insights covered more than 30 additional markets, including Canada, Australia and countries across the European Union. Those features brought members cardiovascular and breathing trends alongside medication records, with support requiring Oura Ring Gen3 or a newer model. The acquisition would extend that recent push from tools for tracking health patterns toward care delivered by physicians.

Counsel will continue serving health plans and health systems, according to Oura, including people who do not use an Oura Ring. Oura also says it intends to broaden the everyday and ongoing health needs the combined experience can address. Counsel’s service is not intended for emergencies.

Oura Signs Deal to Buy Counsel Health for Physician Care in Its App - Originally published on Technobezz

Apple TV Adds Sign Language Interpretation on Friday

Felecia Smith — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:15:03 GMT

Apple TV will introduce Sign Language interpretation on Friday, November 13, giving viewers an option to watch supported films with signing alongside the movie. The feature debuts with Being Heumann as the film begins streaming globally, while F1 will also offer interpretation in American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). Apple says Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound will gain interpretation later this year, putting those films behind the first two titles in the rollout.

Apple TV costs $14.99 a month, and new subscribers can try the service free for seven days. The Sign Language feature requires at least iOS 27.2 or iPadOS 27.2 on mobile devices, with macOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2 and visionOS 27.2 also supported. Viewers using compatible third-party devices will need the newest software for the app.

To use interpretation, viewers first enable the feature through settings in the Apple TV app. They can then select the Sign Language button during playback of a supported title. An icon identifying Sign Language support will distinguish films that offer the option, and searches using terms such as “with ASL” will help viewers find them.

Apple is also introducing a collection called “Movies & Shows with American Sign Language” within the app to group titles offering signing. The company says additional Apple Original titles will receive interpretation beyond the four films named for this year. Deaf people and native signers helped design and test the viewing experience, according to Apple.

Daniel Durant directed the sign language interpretation for Being Heumann and also appears in the film. Ruth Madeley plays disability rights activist Judy Heumann, whose story includes a 1977 sit-in in San Francisco involving more than 100 disability rights protesters. The film reunites Apple Original Films with Siân Heder, the writer-director who previously directed CODA.

Apple TV reaches 170 countries and regions through its app, with viewing options including Apple TV 4K, iPhone and selected smart TVs. Other supported viewing platforms include Roku devices and PlayStation consoles. Buyers who activate an eligible new iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV 4K can receive three free months of the service under a limited-time offer.

Apple TV Adds Sign Language Interpretation on Friday - Originally published on Technobezz

Google Gemini 4 Carbon Opens to Developers Through Paid API

Luka Berger — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:13:13 GMT

Google has made Gemini 4 Carbon available to developers today through the API's paid tier in Android Studio and Google AI Studio. Google AI Ultra subscribers can also try the model through Google Antigravity and AI Studio, giving subscribers a separate route to access it.

Google says Gemini 4 Carbon is designed for agents working through complicated tasks over extended periods. Its intended uses include scientific research, building full-stack websites and software engineering, with the company also emphasizing its cybersecurity abilities.

The developer opening follows an introduction on October 28, when Google scheduled initial access for selected cyber defenders and planned to extend it gradually through its Fairwind Program to additional trusted partners. At that introduction, Google set introductory pricing at $2 per million input tokens and $10 per million output tokens, alongside a 95% discount for cached input tokens.

Google describes Gemini 4 Carbon as its most capable model and claims improvements in alignment and its ability to carry tasks through to completion. The company positions those capabilities as support for developers creating and shipping secure products.

Developers can consult the Gemini API Developer Guide for setup help and details about the model. Google also directs users to the Google Antigravity blog for instructions on working with Gemini 4 Carbon in that development platform, which is built around agents.

Google Gemini 4 Carbon Opens to Developers Through Paid API - Originally published on Technobezz

Oura Ring Gains Personalized Wellness Plans Through Oura Advisor

Felecia Smith — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:10:17 GMT

Oura Ring Gen3 and newer models now support personalized wellness plans through Oura Advisor. The feature is reaching Oura members gradually on iOS and Android, with English selected as the app language and Oura App version 7.30.0 or later required.

According to Oura's announcement, plans draw on sleep patterns, recovery and activity trends, alongside answers about daily routines. To get started, ask Advisor for help with a supported wellness goal. It seeks confirmation before building a plan, then asks no more than three questions about details the ring cannot measure, such as work schedules or caffeine use.

Advisor presents two or three choices, explaining the action, its frequency and why it suits your data and responses. Pressing and holding an option saves the selection. Each plan runs for a maximum of seven days, and some actions do not require daily completion.

Progress is recorded with yes or no responses on a card in the Today tab or within Advisor, and those responses sync between devices. For daytime actions, logging happens that day; evening activities are logged the following day. If you miss an entry, Advisor prompts you to record the latest missed day.

Only one Advisor plan can be active at once, although a Jet Lag Plan can run alongside it. At the end, Advisor reviews what you attempted and any changes in your data. Oura displays metric changes only if sufficient data is available. You can repeat the plan or begin another.

The update also adds more specific sleep and Readiness guidance using models trained with Oura science and personal data. Plans cover general wellness habits; they do not provide workouts specifying sets and repetitions, weight loss programs or medication plans.

Oura Ring Gains Personalized Wellness Plans Through Oura Advisor - Originally published on Technobezz

Ring Introduces Drone Cam and Rover Cam for Mobile Security

Felecia Smith — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:08:59 GMT

Ring Drone Cam brings a flying indoor camera to Ring’s security lineup for $249.99, with U.S. shipping scheduled for January 27, 2027. Ring Rover Cam is a $999.99 robot for business security, with U.S. shipping scheduled for December 16, 2026. The two devices launch Ring Robotics and connect with existing Ring devices through the Ring app.

According to Amazon’s announcement, both use AI Pilot to map rooms, recommend patrol points and steer around obstacles. Setup involves carrying Drone Cam around the space, while Rover Cam explores on its own. Owners can add their own patrol points.

Drone Cam can follow custom routes automatically, launch on demand or investigate preset patrol points after a Ring alarm, camera or sensor is triggered. Its camera records 2K video, covers a 148-degree field of view and rotates through 360 degrees. Two LEDs switch on when lighting is low.

Rover Cam can travel to a room or saved patrol point, then scan through 360 degrees. Its adjustable camera mast can look over shelves and counters, with a saved height for each stop. It also includes a siren, light tower and two-way audio.

While moving or patrolling, Rover Cam records and streams video at up to 4K resolution. It can also detect people’s movement while docked and begin recording. Scheduled Drone Cam flights, scheduled Rover Cam patrols and reviewing Rover Cam recordings require a compatible Ring Protect plan.

Drone Cam turns its camera off while docked. Rover Cam’s Sleep Mode lowers its periscope and disables the microphone. Both show recording status with LEDs, and Rover Cam also displays it on screen. Videos from both devices will use Throw Away the Key encryption.

Rover Cam is available to preorder. Drone Cam still needs Federal Communications Commission authorization; the announcement says it cannot be sold, leased or offered for either purpose until that approval is obtained.

Ring Introduces Drone Cam and Rover Cam for Mobile Security - Originally published on Technobezz

Google Gemini Robotics 2.5 Targets Dexterity, Reports 96% Factory Success

Luka Berger — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:02:52 GMT

Google DeepMind is rolling out Gemini Robotics 2.5 to its robotics partners, saying the model helps robots acquire skills faster and handle a wider variety of physical jobs. In a proof-of-concept trial at Mercedes-Benz production lines, the company says its models helped Apptronik’s Apollo 2 humanoid achieve 96% success when picking and packing automotive components.

The new vision-language-action model is intended to improve how robots use ordinary tools and manipulate objects that are fragile or bendable. Google DeepMind says those improvements cover dexterity as well as reliability, with the aim of extending robot assistance into less structured settings beyond laboratories. Access is rolling out through robotics partners.

Google DeepMind evaluated Gemini Robotics 2.5 on more than 200 separate tasks, examining the range of work it could perform, how well it performed and the complexity involved. The company says that evaluation approach could extend to a larger task set.

For factory workers, Google DeepMind presents the Mercedes-Benz trial as a potential way to shift repetitive duties to robots, allowing technicians to concentrate on more complex assembly work. The company also credits Gemini 4 Argon with helping speed its robotics research, following work earlier this year that extended whole-body intelligence to several robot types, including humanoids.

The update also includes changes that Google DeepMind says improve its ability to steer robots toward physically safe behavior. It has introduced a benchmark for testing resistance to adversarial jailbreaks aimed specifically at robotics systems, alongside the model’s dexterity and reliability work.

The release follows Gemini Robotics ER 2, which launched in July as a reasoning layer for planning multistep robot work and directing lower-level action models. That earlier system could track task progress from video and retry unsuccessful steps without restarting an entire workflow. In October, Google Cloud opened Gemini Robotics ER 2 in public preview through Model Garden on the Gemini platform, adding enterprise deployment and security capabilities around the reasoning model.

Google Gemini Robotics 2.5 Targets Dexterity, Reports 96% Factory Success - Originally published on Technobezz

Spotify DJ Adds Nine Voices and a Commentary Toggle

Paige Roberts — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:59:40 GMT

Spotify’s DJ is starting to roll out nine additional voices and a control that lets Premium listeners turn off commentary between tracks today. The additions cover English and Spanish and are coming to markets that already have DJ, giving subscribers more choice over both the voice they hear and how often it speaks.

Seven of the additions speak English, with accents from Britain, Ireland, Australia, India and the United States, while the other two speak Spanish. DJ X remains part of the selection alongside the newcomers. Switching off commentary will still leave short spoken responses when listeners launch DJ or use its button to change the music, so the setting does not remove every interruption.

Listeners can find the controls by searching for DJ in Spotify’s mobile app, then opening its three-dot menu. That menu offers both voice selection and the commentary setting, letting users adjust those preferences before starting playback. The DJ button can then change the recommendations, including switching the artist, genre or mood of the selection.

Among the English choices, Nisha has an Indian accent and Sam an Australian one, while Declan provides an Irish option. Spotify describes Nell, the British voice, as having a slower delivery, and characterizes the American voice Lane as youthful and positive. Two other American options, Casey and Tess, offer contrasting styles that Spotify describes as relaxed and more direct, respectively.

The Spanish additions are Nico and Fabi, both identified with Mexico. Spotify characterizes Nico’s manner as grounded and Fabi’s as witty, extending the choice beyond the English voices. DJ combines music recommendations personalized for each listener with spoken information about the selections, and Spotify says 80% of listeners return to the feature each week.

The DJ changes follow Spotify’s October earnings update, when it reported 306 million Premium subscribers and 788 million monthly active users for the third quarter. Separately today, Spotify made Scholastic’s children’s and family audiobook catalog part of Premium subscribers’ monthly audiobook allowance in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.

Spotify DJ Adds Nine Voices and a Commentary Toggle - Originally published on Technobezz

Spotify Adds Scholastic Titles to Audiobooks in Premium

Paige Roberts — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:55:25 GMT

Spotify is adding Scholastic’s kids and family catalog to Audiobooks in Premium, bringing series including The Hunger Games into its subscription listening offering. Access begins today in six countries through an agreement with Scholastic U.S. Subscribers’ listening to these books counts toward their monthly audiobook allowance.

The countries covered are Canada, Ireland, the U.S., Australia, the U.K. and New Zealand. A Premium subscription is required to listen through the included catalog, which gains titles previously offered only as separate purchases.

Listeners can find the Scholastic books through Spotify’s Audiobooks hub. Captain Underpants and Wings of Fire are also among the series joining the offering. Across Audiobooks in Premium as a whole, the catalog has grown to 800,000 titles from 150,000 since the service launched three years ago.

Scholastic has published for children for more than a century, according to the publisher. Jackie De Leo, Scholastic’s Chief Merchant and Publisher, links audiobook access to opportunities for families to read. She also suggests that listening to audiobooks can help children develop confidence and concentration.

Among De Leo’s recommendations is Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping, which won Audiobook of the Year at the Audie Awards. A film adaptation is expected this month. She also recommends Hey, Kiddo, an audio adaptation of Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s graphic memoir that uses an ensemble cast.

For another listening option, De Leo points to Rebecca Elliott’s The Owl Diaries series. Emily Eiden serves as its principal narrator, while the recordings also use ensemble performers, music and sound effects. De Leo additionally praises Zoe Boyle’s performance of Billy Ray’s Burn the Water.

The Scholastic agreement covers six countries, while Spotify’s earlier audiobook expansion plan targeted a reach beyond 180 markets before the end of 2026, compared with 22 markets previously. Spotify has said that wider rollout would put streamed or purchased books within reach of over 750 million people.

Spotify Adds Scholastic Titles to Audiobooks in Premium - Originally published on Technobezz

Apple Arcade Adds Football Manager 27 Touch, Four More Games Next Month

Paige Roberts — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:53:13 GMT

Football Manager 27 Touch is available today on Apple Arcade, bringing changes to match management, scouting and the iPhone interface to the subscription service. Four more games are scheduled for December 3, including Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown+. Apple Arcade costs $6.99 a month in the U.S., with a free trial lasting one month and access for a family of up to six.

Apple says Football Manager 27 Touch updates its Match Engine to give players more ways to influence matches, while new Recruitment and Match Preparation tools support scouting and planning. Its redesigned interface for iPhone is intended to put controls within easier reach of a thumb. The game joins a sports selection that already includes PGA TOUR Pro Golf and NBA 2K27 Arcade Edition.

For December, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown+ includes every downloadable content package, alongside additional challenges, quests and cosmetic changes. Players explore Mount Qaf using time powers, acrobatics and sword combat through connected areas. Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted revives the original game with new levels and modes, plus local co-op and PvP play shared on one device. Its Party mode is exclusive to Arcade.

The other December additions are solitaire(ish) and LEGO DUPLO Playtime. Published by Playstack, solitaire(ish) combines solitaire with roguelike elements, asking players to stack cards toward increasing score targets and improve their decks using more than 150 special cards. It also offers leaderboards, daily streaks and collectible cards, while LEGO DUPLO Playtime lets children combine digital bricks into a playground through open-ended play.

Every Arcade game excludes advertising and in-app purchases. Buyers of a new Mac, Apple TV, iPhone or iPad can receive three free months of Arcade, with that offer restricted to new subscribers. The offer must be used within three months of activating an eligible device, and the subscription renews automatically unless canceled.

Device support varies across the catalog of more than 200 games, depending on hardware and software compatibility. Arcade Originals support Apple TV and Mac as well as iPhone, Apple Vision Pro and iPad; App Store Greats support iPad, iPhone and Apple Vision Pro. Some content also has regional availability limits.

Apple Arcade Adds Football Manager 27 Touch, Four More Games Next Month - Originally published on Technobezz

Reddit Reviews Test Organizes Shopping Advice for About 10,000 Products

Luka Berger — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:50:03 GMT

Reddit is starting to test Reddit Reviews, an AI feature that turns community discussions into product review pages, initially covering about 10,000 frequently discussed products. The test will roll out to US users over the next few weeks on iOS, Android, and web, giving shoppers summaries of product experiences alongside links back to the discussions behind them. Reddit plans to broaden the product selection and category coverage during 2027 and bring the feature to users outside the US.

Shoppers can look for reviews by entering a product or category into the Reddit app’s search bar, then choosing a review if one appears among the results. Highlighted product names within comments provide another route to a review page. Coverage initially focuses on selected products and categories; when a product has no review, Reddit’s AI Search will instead answer the shopper’s question using discussions on the platform.

Each review summarizes community views and displays a breakdown of conversations classified as positive, mixed, or negative. Themes pull out recurring advantages and complaints, such as whether an espresso machine suits beginners or occupies too much counter space. Many review pages also show product pictures, pricing, and shopping links, drawing those details from catalogs supplied by retailers and brands.

Readers can browse product comments and narrow them using topic filters based on the discussions themselves. Selecting a comment opens the original conversation, where users can pose another question or join the community to seek advice. Review pages also surface alternatives that people regularly compare with the product being researched.

Category pages extend that browsing to similar products discussed across Reddit, grouping options by needs such as budget and offering filters to narrow the selection. Reddit says businesses cannot buy featured product placement in Reddit Reviews, even though pages can include retailer and brand purchase links. The company says community moderation, sitewide enforcement by its Safety team, and user voting help curb spam and inauthentic activity.

The test follows Reddit’s May introduction of a native Shopify integration, which it made widely available to advertisers globally to connect product conversations with purchases. Reddit says the AI organization behind Reddit Reviews builds on tests it has conducted over the past few months.

Reddit Reviews Test Organizes Shopping Advice for About 10,000 Products - Originally published on Technobezz

Firefox’s Free Built-In VPN Gets Unlimited Data Temporarily

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:44:00 GMT

Mozilla is lifting the data cap on Firefox’s free built-in VPN starting today, with unlimited data scheduled through January 31, 2027. Users need to sign in with a Mozilla account to use the service, which covers web browsing inside Firefox. The offer applies to everyone using the free built-in VPN, with desktop and Android currently supported.

The free option has a narrower scope than Mozilla VPN, the company’s separate paid service: it protects Firefox browsing, while the subscription service extends protection to other apps on the device. Mozilla says support for the built-in VPN on iOS is coming soon. Regional availability can be checked through Mozilla’s Help Center, which also provides setup instructions for desktop and Android.

On desktop, users can begin setup through the VPN icon in Firefox’s toolbar after creating or signing into a Mozilla account. Android users reach the VPN settings through the browser’s three-dot menu. Both routes guide users through setup before they switch the VPN on and begin browsing with it enabled.

Mozilla says the VPN obscures the IP address websites could otherwise use to estimate a visitor’s location or link their browsing between sites. It also lets users alter the location their connection appears to originate from. The company gives checking news from home during an overseas trip as one use for that location feature.

For people using shared Wi-Fi, Mozilla says enabling the VPN helps conceal which websites they visit from the network’s operator. The company also says Firefox neither sells browsing data nor serves ads in exchange for VPN protection. It says the service does not retain a log of visited websites.

The VPN does not provide online anonymity, and websites can still identify visitors through account logins or cookies. It also leaves browsing history on the device visible. Mozilla points users to Private Window when they want Firefox to avoid adding the sites they visit to their browser history.

Mozilla has separately expanded Firefox’s AI features through a partnership with Mistral, whose technology powers the Smart Window beta. That beta launched in France and North America, with features for complex searches, retrieving previously viewed material and drawing on sources in open tabs.

Firefox’s Free Built-In VPN Gets Unlimited Data Temporarily - Originally published on Technobezz

Valve Adds Steam Deck Frame Rates for Thousands of Games

Paige Roberts — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:38:07 GMT

Valve has added average Steam Deck frame rates for thousands of games today, giving players performance figures to consult before buying or playing. The averages come from customers who agreed to share anonymous frame rate data and cover games already tested for Deck compatibility. Players can find the figures within the expanded compatibility details on a game’s Steam store page, with library access also available in the Steam beta client.

The data covers tested games across all three compatibility ratings, including those rated Unsupported. Valve says a game given that rating because of inconsistent performance could still meet some players’ expectations, while a Verified game might fall short of someone’s preferred frame rate.

An expandable histogram shows the percentage of samples recorded at each frame rate, adding a distribution alongside the average. Valve says small bars at lower frame rates can help players see how often stutters or freezes occur. Before displaying either an average or a distribution, Valve requires a minimum amount of anonymous data to preserve the quality of the results.

The figures are filtered to include only Decks using their default frame limit, which is 90 FPS for Steam Deck OLED and 60 FPS for Steam Deck LCD. Valve does not account for custom settings inside individual games, although it says the recorded frame rates still tend to cluster within relatively narrow ranges. Valve attributes some gaps between frame rates, such as 90 and 45 FPS, to VSync behavior when performance or a game setting prevents a match with the display’s refresh rate.

Valve says it started with Steam Deck because the shared hardware configuration makes the results easier to interpret. A large majority of Steam Deck players have agreed to contribute data, according to the company, providing samples across different games and playing styles. Valve expects coverage to expand beyond the thousands of games already represented as it gathers more samples.

Valve also wants to extend frame-rate reporting to additional devices and is asking desktop customers to consent to anonymous collection. That desktop consent option is currently limited to the Steam beta client, with broader access planned. Players can change their participation through the anonymous game frame-rate data controls in Steam account settings.

Valve Adds Steam Deck Frame Rates for Thousands of Games - Originally published on Technobezz

Waze Adds Live Cyclist Alerts Through Garmin

Paige Roberts — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:29:36 GMT

Waze and Garmin are starting to roll out live cyclist proximity alerts globally today, bringing warnings about nearby participating riders to drivers using Android and iOS. Drivers receive notifications encouraging them to slow down and watch for cyclists when a participating rider is close by.

Cyclists choose whether to participate, rather than appearing automatically because they use a Garmin device. To take part, riders must turn on Garmin LiveTrack™ and opt to make themselves visible in Waze. A Garmin Edge® bike computer or Garmin smartwatch can be used for the feature, though the announcement does not name specific supported models.

Participating riders appear in Waze as moving icons, giving drivers an indication of cyclists near them as they travel. According to the announcement, the warnings drivers see are temporary and carry no details about an individual cyclist, and drivers cannot see the route a cyclist is riding.

A cyclist ending a ride on their Garmin device immediately switches off the alerts associated with that ride. The feature’s visibility therefore depends on both the rider choosing to participate through Garmin LiveTrack™ and keeping the ride active on their device.

Waze Adds Live Cyclist Alerts Through Garmin - Originally published on Technobezz

Samsung Gallery Syncs Photos With Google Storage on One UI 9

Felecia Smith — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:25:21 GMT

Samsung Gallery users can access their photos and videos across supported Galaxy phones and tablets through a sync service that uses Google storage. Support began on select Galaxy devices running One UI 9, and Samsung says additional devices will gain support in phases. The service also includes a way to remove synced originals from a phone while retaining thumbnails in Gallery.

The storage comes from the Google account used for sync, with accounts including up to 15 GB free. Gallery files draw on the same allowance as Gmail, Google Photos and Google Drive, so that capacity also serves those other services. Users who already have Samsung and Google accounts configured on their device can enable Gallery sync without opening another cloud account.

Samsung developed the service with Google to make pictures and videos accessible when moving between supported Galaxy devices. One supported use is taking pictures with a Galaxy phone, then opening Gallery on a Galaxy tablet to view them. Access across those devices depends on enabling Gallery sync with the accounts used for the service.

For setup, users can open Gallery and select its Cloud icon, or begin through the app's tip card. Another route runs through Gallery Settings, where users enable the option named “Sync photos and videos” and complete the setup prompts. Samsung provides these entry points within Gallery for connecting the app to the Google storage account.

When moving to a new Galaxy device, users need to sign in with both the Samsung account and Google account they previously used for Gallery sync. Enabling sync on that device brings photo and video previews into view. Users can then choose an individual file to download onto the device.

The feature named “Free up space on this phone” becomes usable after pictures and videos have synced to Google storage. It removes the original files held locally to recover device capacity, while thumbnails remain visible inside Gallery as the files stay in Google storage. Samsung describes this as a new feature intended to help users make room on their devices for more photos and videos.

Samsung Gallery Syncs Photos With Google Storage on One UI 9 - Originally published on Technobezz

Anthropic Launches IPO Roadshow With Shares Expected at $70 to $78

Luka Berger — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:18:18 GMT

Anthropic launched its IPO roadshow today, setting an expected price range of $70 to $78 per share for a proposed offering totaling 825 million shares. The company is seeking to list its Class A common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, where it has requested the trading symbol ANT.

Anthropic plans to offer 801,351,354 shares itself, while existing stockholders would sell another 23,648,646 shares as part of the proposed transaction. Anthropic, according to the announcement, will not receive proceeds from that portion of the offering.

The company also expects to give its underwriters an option lasting 30 days to buy as many as 123,750,000 additional shares of Class A common stock. That potential purchase is separate from the 825 million shares in the proposed offering, and the option has yet to be granted.

The roadshow follows Anthropic’s October 26 filing of an S-1 with the SEC for its proposed initial public offering. The registration statement for the shares remains pending effectiveness, so the roadshow’s launch does not yet allow sales to proceed or offers to buy to be accepted.

Anthropic intends to conduct the proposed offering through a prospectus, with the preliminary version obtainable from Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC or Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC.

The public offering effort follows the June release of Claude Fable 5, a paid model built using the same Mythos-class architecture as Claude Mythos. Fable 5 directed questions in higher-risk subjects, including cybersecurity, biology and chemistry, to Claude Opus 4.8, while Anthropic said more than 95% of Fable sessions required no fallback. Pricing for Fable 5 was $10 for each million input tokens and $50 for each million output tokens, twice the corresponding cost of Opus 4.8.

Anthropic Launches IPO Roadshow With Shares Expected at $70 to $78 - Originally published on Technobezz

Google Workspace Studio Adds Wait until Pauses of Up to 14 Days

Luka Berger — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:12:46 GMT

Google Workspace Studio is rolling out a new Wait until step that lets users pause automated workflows and schedule their restart, with duration-based pauses capped at 14 days. Users can insert the step anywhere in a flow, including within Check if conditional branches and Repeat for each loops.

The rollout began November 9 for both Scheduled Release and Rapid Release domains, with visibility expected within one to three days. Eligible editions include Business Plus, Business Starter and Business Standard; Enterprise Plus and Enterprise Standard; and Education Plus, Education Fundamentals and Education Standard. The feature is also available through AI Expanded Access and the education add-ons Teaching and Learning and Google AI Pro for Education.

Users can choose a future date and time, defer work to a particular day the following week, or specify a delay using seconds, hours and minutes. For example, a flow could restart at 8 a.m. the following Monday, pause for 30 minutes, or wait three days before continuing at 5 p.m. While it waits, users can check the Activity tab for live progress, including the planned restart time and its time zone, and see when execution resumes.

Previously, adding delays to a sequence required separate scheduled flows; Wait until lets users keep those stages together in one flow without coding. That supports tasks such as delaying a customer follow-up email after a meeting, spreading out onboarding reminders or holding a Google Chat team digest until Monday morning. Administrators have no control setting for the feature.

Google Workspace Studio Adds Wait until Pauses of Up to 14 Days - Originally published on Technobezz

Apple watchOS 26.6.1 Fixes Five Pairing and Memory Flaws

Luka Berger — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:09:22 GMT

Apple has released watchOS 26.6.1 with fixes for five security vulnerabilities, including flaws that could let a nearby attacker pair with a watch without the owner's involvement. Released November 9, the update addresses problems involving Bluetooth, AirPlay, CoreUtils and rapportd, with potential effects ranging from unwanted pairing to corruption of memory used by a process.

The fixes cover Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), alongside Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch Series 7. Four of the five vulnerabilities involve either an attacker within Bluetooth range or a malicious Bluetooth device; the fifth involves an attacker sharing the target's network.

One CoreUtils vulnerability, CVE-2026-113964, could allow an attacker within Bluetooth range to evade limits on pairing code guesses and pair without requiring the user to act, according to Apple. Apple credits an anonymous researcher with that discovery and says it corrected the underlying logic problem by changing how state is managed. A separate CoreUtils flaw, CVE-2026-113965, could let a hostile Bluetooth device complete pairing without the user's involvement; Apple says it added checks to address it.

The AirPlay fix addresses CVE-2026-113968, which Apple says could let someone within Bluetooth range get around restrictions on repeated pairing code guesses. The rapportd vulnerability, CVE-2026-113969, concerns a similar limit on AirPlay code guesses, but its stated attack condition is access to the same network. Apple says changes to state management resolved both logic flaws.

The Bluetooth vulnerability, CVE-2026-113970, could allow a nearby attacker to corrupt memory belonging to a process, according to Apple. Apple identifies the cause as a use-after-free error and says it changed memory management to fix it. The company credits its own researchers for this vulnerability and the AirPlay, rapportd and remaining CoreUtils discoveries.

Apple also released iOS 27.2.1 and iPadOS 27.2.1 on November 9 for supported devices, including iPhone 11 and later. Earlier, Apple released watchOS 27 public beta 4 on August 26, carrying build 24R5353a. That beta round brought fixes for bugs and improvements to performance as Apple approached the operating systems' planned public releases.

Apple watchOS 26.6.1 Fixes Five Pairing and Memory Flaws - Originally published on Technobezz

Google Workspace Skills Bring Reusable Gemini Instructions to Apps

Luka Berger — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:07:56 GMT

Google is rolling out skills across Google Workspace Studio and Workspace apps, letting teams give Gemini reusable instructions based on their rules, templates and reference files. Once enabled, skills can apply automatically when relevant or run through an @mention, with multiple skills usable together.

Rapid Release domains began receiving the feature November 9; Scheduled Release domains are scheduled to begin November 30, with each rollout taking up to 15 days. Eligibility covers Business Starter, Standard and Plus; Enterprise Starter, Standard and Plus; and the Google AI Pro for Education and AI Expanded Access add-ons. Users must be at least 18, and prompts and instructions currently support only English.

On the web, users can build from templates or scratch, edit SKILL.md files in Workspace Studio, and test generated presentations, documents or email drafts before enabling skills. Google Docs supports collaborative drafting, while Gemini can create, revise and test skills within apps including Google Drive and Gmail. Skills can also start Studio flows using either the “On a schedule” or “Start manually” starter.

Creating, editing, testing and sharing require the web; invocation also works in Google Chat on Android and iOS. Web invocation covers Workspace Studio, Google Chat, Google Drive, Google Slides, Google Docs and Gmail, while Google Meet and Google Sheets lack skills support.

Shared skills become independent copies, so later changes by the creator do not reach recipients; referenced Drive files require separate access. Workspace skills do not automatically sync with Gemini app skills or Gems, though instructions can be copied manually using SKILL.md. Google says its planned 2027 migration will turn remaining Gems into draft skills only within the Gemini app; Studio already blocks adding new Ask a Gem steps.

Google previously introduced Chrome Skills for saving reusable Gemini prompts in its sidebar. That feature required no paid AI subscription and initially targeted desktop browsers using US English.

Google Workspace Skills Bring Reusable Gemini Instructions to Apps - Originally published on Technobezz

Lyft Faces Justice Department Suit Seeking $53 Million for Riders

Elizabeth Kartini — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:04:24 GMT

The Justice Department sued Lyft on Monday, alleging that passengers who use service dogs or mobility devices have repeatedly been denied rides because of their disabilities. It is seeking $53 million in compensation for affected passengers who submitted complaints to Lyft or the department. The government also wants a court to require changes to Lyft’s policies and disability access training for employees and drivers.

Filed in federal court in the Northern District of California, the lawsuit alleges violations of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The allegations extend beyond drivers refusing trips: the department says passengers denied service have also faced improper charges, including cancellation fees. It further alleges that Lyft has failed to make reasonable changes to its rules and procedures to accommodate passengers with disabilities.

One accommodation at issue is allowing passengers with mobility disabilities to use the front seat when they need to, which the department alleges Lyft has denied. The department says the ADA obliges Lyft to carry disabled passengers alongside their service animals and help riders who use stowable wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Its complaint accuses both Lyft and its drivers of routinely turning away passengers with disabilities.

Under the ADA, a dog qualifies as a service animal when it has been trained to carry out a task connected to its handler’s disability, the department explains. Dogs that provide emotional support do not qualify on that basis, because emotional support does not constitute such a task under the law. The lawsuit concerns access for passengers using qualifying service animals as well as those using mobility devices.

The compensation request is separate from a civil penalty the government is also asking the court to impose. Alongside those financial remedies, the department seeks an order requiring Lyft to end discriminatory conduct and bring its policies into compliance with the ADA.

In September, Waymo rides became available through Lyft’s app in Nashville, with no extra charge for being matched to a Waymo vehicle. Riders could decline an autonomous vehicle or opt out entirely, while Lyft said its network would include both autonomous vehicles and cars driven by people.

Lyft Faces Justice Department Suit Seeking $53 Million for Riders - Originally published on Technobezz

Amazon Sets 20% Cash Back Day for Prime for Young Adults

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 16:58:23 GMT

Amazon is offering Prime for Young Adults members 20% cash back on selected products on November 24, with eligible Black Friday Week and Cyber Monday discounts also combinable with the offer. The one-day promotion covers categories including electronics, beauty and apparel, and is limited by available supplies. Amazon describes that as four times its everyday rate of 5% cash back, though the offer applies to a selection of products.

For shoppers considering a credit card, Amazon is offering a $200 Amazon gift card upon Prime Visa approval during a promotion running from November 5 through January 7, 2027. The Prime Store Card approval offer provides a $100 Amazon gift card from November 22 through November 30. Prime cardmembers can also receive at least 10% back on selected offers through Prime Card Bonus, with those deals running for limited periods.

Among the small business offers, Amazon lists a 40% discount on Solawave Red Light Therapy Wands and 55% off Comfy Cubs baby products. Other advertised reductions include up to 30% on SMIRLY kitchen products and up to 65% on BLITZU products. Amazon says independent sellers account for more than 60% of sales in its store, and most of those sellers are small or medium-sized businesses.

Travel promotions include discounts of up to $1,000 on Royal Caribbean vacations and up to 50% on selected accommodation booked through Expedia and Hotels.com. Car rentals through Budget and Avis carry reductions of up to 30%, while Amazon also advertises returns of up to 15% in Amazon gift card credit on travel.

Amazon’s Holiday Shop now personalizes gift suggestions using shopping history, preferences and family needs, according to the company. Its new digital gift card feature, Talking Pets, lets customers supply a pet photo to create a holiday greeting, with availability planned in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Amazon had opened early Black Friday offers in the Holiday Shop before the latest announcement. Black Friday falls on November 27 this year, with Cyber Monday following on November 30.

Amazon Sets 20% Cash Back Day for Prime for Young Adults - Originally published on Technobezz

The Best Soundbar and Speaker Deals of Black Friday

Technobezz — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 18:59:22 GMT

Prices checked November 12, 2026, 12:24 AM ET

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, and the early deals have started. 2 soundbar and speaker deals are live right now, and every price below was checked against Amazon before it went on this page.

We add deals as Amazon releases them. A deal appears here only while Amazon is selling it at the deal price.

Deals on products from our buying guides

2 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 HT-S60

Sony’s 5.1 channel soundbar system includes two rear speakers, a subwoofer and a dedicated center channel for dialogue. It suits movie watchers replacing TV speakers who want surround sound from speakers behind their seats.

5.1 channel surround
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Bluetooth 5.3

Worth knowing. The subwoofer requires a wired connection.

$648.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:24 AM ET

Limited time deal

Sony HT-S40R

The Sony HT-S40R is a 5.1 channel soundbar system with 600W total output, separate rear speakers and a subwoofer. It suits movie watchers upgrading from TV speakers who want surround sound from speakers behind their seating.

5.1 channel surround
600W total output
HDMI ARC and Bluetooth

Worth knowing. The rear speakers must connect to a separate wireless amplifier.

$248.00

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:24 AM ET

More Black Friday deals

How we pick these deals

A product is listed only when Amazon is selling it at a real discount. Any saving shown is Amazon's own figure, and the time under each button is when we last checked that price.

When Black Friday deals start

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

The Best Soundbar and Speaker Deals of Black Friday - Originally published on Technobezz

Otto One Gives Your AI Agent a Computer of Its Own, and the Software Is the Real Product

Chevaugn Powell — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 15:01:00 GMT

Otto One is a small black box with one job: giving an AI agent its own computer. It isn't a smart speaker, and it doesn't run AI models locally. The thinking happens in the cloud, through models from Anthropic, OpenAI and Google. The box is where the agent actually works, with its own browser, files, apps and tools, running all day on your desk while you talk to it from your phone or laptop.

Otto sent us a review unit, and I've spent the first few days setting it up, pairing it and putting it through real tasks, benchmarks and a close look at its security and privacy settings. I've built my own agent computer at home, so I came in skeptical about paying $599 for an Intel N95 mini PC. What surprised me is that the hardware isn't really the product. The software is, and it's very good at hiding everything that usually makes this kind of setup hard.

Otto One - Done-for-You AI Agent Computer

Otto One is a small, quiet box built to give an AI agent its own computer.

Otto One comes from The Tokenry, a New York startup founded in 2026. It runs Otto OS, which is built on Debian Linux, with the OpenClaw agent framework and a full Google Chrome browser the agent can drive. You set it up and control it from the Otto app on iPhone, Android or a Mac, and you pay for AI usage as you go, either through Otto's own credit or with your own Claude or ChatGPT plan. There's no subscription for the hardware.

Price: Check Price at Otto

Key Highlights

Small, light and silent, at about 4.4 x 4.4 x 1.5 inches
Intel N95 with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, or 16GB and 512GB
Pairs with your phone over Bluetooth in minutes, no keyboard or monitor needed
Choice of Claude, GPT and Gemini models, priced per task
Works with your own Claude Pro or Max, ChatGPT plan, or Anthropic or OpenAI API key
Approved devices only, with keys stored on the box
Ask, Auto and Full approval modes for each agent
Spending limits with alerts at 75%, 90% and 100%
Large catalog of app integrations, plus custom APIs and MCP servers

Pros

Minimal, well-designed box with a good set of ports
Setup and pairing are about as simple as it gets
Friendly, polished app that keeps getting better through updates
Feels like your own always-on assistant, not a weekend project
Thoughtful security, including support access that closes after pairing
Tasks were fast and cheap in our tests
Runs cool and quiet

Cons

The hardware is modest for $599
AI still runs in the cloud, so the privacy gain is limited
Agents act without asking by default
Sends diagnostic data to Otto, even before you pair it
One of our four test reminders never fired
Task summaries were sometimes wrong

Who it's for

People who want an AI agent working for them around the clock but don't want to touch Linux, a terminal or API configuration. That's beginners, busy non-technical people and anyone who prefers done-for-you over do-it-yourself, and I think that's a lot of people.

Skip if

You're comfortable with Linux and want full control with no middle layer. You can build the same kind of setup on a much cheaper mini PC. And if you want AI running on the device itself, wait for Otto Pro or look at a more powerful machine like the Mac mini.

A Tiny Box That Stays Out of the Way

The first thing I noticed is how light and minimal Otto One is. It's a flat, square, matte black box with a gray Otto logo on top, and it's small enough to sit next to a router or tuck behind a monitor. It fits easily in one hand.

It fits easily in one hand.

The ports are good for a box this size. The front has two USB-A 3.0 ports, a headphone jack and the power button. The back has the DC input, two HDMI ports, Ethernet, two more USB-A ports and two USB-C ports. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in. You don't need any of that to use it, since everything happens through the app, but it's nice to have the options.

The back has two HDMI ports, Ethernet, two USB-A and two USB-C ports.

Inside, our unit has an Intel N95 with four cores up to 3.4GHz, 8GB of RAM (7.5GB usable) and a 256GB Kingston NVMe drive. The sides are perforated and the back is slotted for passive airflow. Otto calls it fanless and silent, and I didn't hear a thing from it, even under full load.

Perforated sides and a slotted back keep it cool without a fan we could hear.

Setup Is the Real Selling Point

This is where Otto One earns its price. You scan the QR code in the box, install the Otto app, plug in Ethernet and pair the box to your phone over Bluetooth. That's it. There's no Linux install, no terminal, no API keys to paste and no config files. It took me a few minutes.

Setup happens in the Otto app, with no keyboard or monitor needed.

Our unit updated itself as soon as it went online and kept updating during testing, going from version 0.4.26 out of the box to 1.1.4 by the end of the first evening. After one of those updates, the iPad app's design got noticeably better. Updates install in the background, and Otto keeps a changelog in the app.

During setup you create a device password, which you'll use to add another phone or computer later. One thing caught me out. I paired the box on my iPad with Sign in with Apple, then signed into the Mac app with a Google account, and the Mac couldn't find my Otto. An Otto belongs to one account, so use the same sign-in on every device.

The app itself is clean and friendly. Home shows your agents, recent tasks and apps, and Settings covers security, network, which models each agent uses, billing, spending limits, privacy and memory. It feels like a basic Claude or Codex app with OpenRouter-style model choice, plus the hardware and the operating system to run it all.

Settings puts models, billing, spending limits, privacy and the overnight Dreaming feature in one place.

What the Agent Did in Our Tests

We gave the default "Chief of staff" agent five jobs, using Otto's default GPT-6 Luna model. Each one took about two minutes.

It described its own hardware. It ran commands on the box and returned an accurate table with the CPU, RAM, disk space, temperature and OS version.

The agent checked its own hardware and got it right.

It also picked up an earlier request we'd sent during setup that had gone unanswered: build a Shopify sales dashboard. It opened Shopify's login page in its own browser and paused with a "Your turn" card asking us to sign in, with Take over or Not now. It's a smart hand-off. The agent does the legwork and passes control back to you for the part only you should do.

The agent picked up our earlier Shopify request and handed the sign-in over to us.

It researched the day's top tech news. It returned five stories, each with a one-line summary and a link. We asked for reputable news sites only, and it used some, but also mixed in a finance aggregator and a stock exchange press page.

It built a working app. We asked for a simple water-intake tracker with a big button that adds a 250ml glass, a progress bar toward two litres and a reset at midnight. It built a clean, working app, saved it in Apps and checked it at phone size before telling us it was done. This was the most impressive result.

The agent built this working water tracker in about two minutes.

It set a reminder. It confirmed the exact time, 6:14:05 p.m. Eastern, and the reminder showed up right on time. Once we allowed notifications for the Otto app, reminders and agent replies arrived as Mac notifications. One of the four reminders we set during testing never fired, though, so I'd still double-check anything important.

It agreed to scan our network. We asked it to list the other devices on our home network. On the default Auto approval mode, it went ahead without asking and only stopped because the scanning tool wasn't installed. In Ask mode, the agent stops and asks first. When we then asked it to write a text file, an approval card popped up, and nothing happened until we tapped Allow.

In Ask mode, the agent waits for you to tap Allow before changing anything.

All five tasks together cost about 5 cents.

All of our testing, including the five main tasks, came to about 8 cents.

The Tasks page keeps a log of everything the agent did, but two of its five summaries were wrong, including one that said the news task gave one story when it gave five.

The Tasks page logs every job, but two of its five summaries got the result wrong.

Security Is Better Than Expected

Otto has clearly thought about security. Only devices you approve can read your Otto's chats, and the Security page lists every one of them, with an option to remove any device. Otto says chats between your phone and the box are end-to-end encrypted, and that provider keys you add are sealed on the box and never reach its cloud. The agent also runs as its own restricted user on the system.

The Security page covers approved devices, ways to get back in, the data lock and the Allow SSH switch.

The detail I liked most is what happens at pairing. Out of the box, if you plug in a monitor, the status screen shows a support login, and the box accepts SSH connections on your network.

Before pairing, the status screen shows a support login to anyone with a monitor attached. Password covered.

Once we paired it, the login disappeared from the screen and SSH was refused. There's an Allow SSH switch in the Security settings if you want shell access, and a built-in Shells page that opens a terminal the agent can't see.

After pairing, the login is gone, and the screen shows only the network, Bluetooth, software version and temperature. Personal details covered.

An optional "Lock data after restart" setting also keeps the box's data locked after a restart until you unlock it.

Like any computer on your network, it's best kept on its own network.

There are a few defaults I'd change on day one:

Auto approval is on. Switch each agent to Ask if you want to approve every change. Every agent can also read the other agents' files unless you turn on "Keep files private".
Data retention defaults to the lowest price. Under Privacy, the default uses the cheapest provider, even one that keeps your prompts. "ZDR only" and "Prefer ZDR" are one tap away.
"Dreaming" is on. The agent tidies up its memory overnight, and that uses your AI balance.
Put it on a guest or IoT network. Like any computer, it can see the other devices on your network.

Data retention defaults to Lowest price. ZDR options are one tap away.

For our tests, we added our own firewall rules so it couldn't reach the rest of ours.

Each agent has three approval modes, and Auto is the default.

One more thing to know. Otto One sends diagnostic check-ins to Otto, even before you pair it. We looked at the service on the box: it reports things like the device ID, software versions, service health, disk use and network speed, plus crash reports, and Otto's servers can request recent system logs. The agent's own logs only go out if you file a problem report, and we saw no chat content in any of it. It isn't mentioned on the privacy pages in Otto's help center, though. We switched it off for testing, and it turned itself back on after the box restarted. Otto told us there is no supported way to turn these services off. It describes them as system health diagnostics that Otto OS restores on restart, which run before pairing to catch setup and update failures, and says its privacy policy covers operational diagnostics.

The bigger privacy limit is the cloud. Almost every model you can pick runs on a provider's servers, so your prompts still leave your home. Running capable models locally isn't possible on hardware this small, and that's what Otto Pro is for.

Plenty of Power for Its Job

Since the heavy thinking happens in the cloud, the N95 mainly runs the browser, the files and the agent's tools, and it has plenty left over. At idle, the CPU sat around 45°C with about 1.5GB of the 8GB of RAM in use. It's also a low-power chip, rated at 15W, which suits a box that's meant to stay on all day.

Under a three-minute load on all four cores, it held 2.7GHz the whole time and peaked at 69°C with no throttling, then dropped back to 50°C within 30 seconds. In OpenSSL, it hashed SHA-256 at 2.15GB/s on one core and 6.70GB/s on all four. It relies on passive cooling, so give it some open space rather than closing it into a cabinet.

Price, Value and Otto Pro

Otto One costs $599 for the 8GB/256GB model, which Otto labels as intro pricing, or $799 for 16GB/512GB. Reservations take a $20 refundable deposit. AI usage is pay-as-you-go through Otto's Gateway credit, or through your own Claude or ChatGPT plan or API key.

The model menu lists Claude, GPT and Gemini options with their prices per million tokens.

On hardware alone, that's a lot. An N95 mini PC with 8GB and 256GB often sells for under $300, and the base Mac mini M6, with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, starts at $899. The specs gave me second thoughts at first. But you're paying for the software here: the operating system, the app, the ecosystem, the security design and a setup that just works. You can build something similar yourself, but that means Linux and the terminal, and for most people, that's exactly what they want to avoid.

For local AI, Otto is opening presales on Otto Pro, which its hardware page lists with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with 12 cores and 24 threads, in 32GB/512GB, 64GB/1TB and 96GB/2TB versions. Otto says they can run quantized models from about 8B up to 70B and beyond, depending on memory. Prices weren't listed when we checked, and Otto expects it to ship in the first quarter of 2027.

The Agent Computer for People Who Don't Want to Build One

Otto One makes an always-on AI agent feel like an appliance. Setup is quick, the app is polished, the security design is better than I expected, and in our tests the agent was fast and cheap and built something genuinely useful. It's well designed, small and silent, and it feels like having your own assistant running at home.

I won't be using it myself. I prefer barebones hardware and full control, without a layer in between. But that's the point of Otto One. It's not built for people like me. It's built for beginners, non-technical users and anyone who wants AI to work for them without the setup, and for them, the software makes the premium easier to understand. Turn approvals to Ask, choose a ZDR option, and put it on its own network.

We're keeping the agent busy over the next week with a real budget, and we'll share how it holds up.

FAQ

Does Otto One run AI models locally?
No. The agent runs on the box, but the AI models it uses run in the cloud. Otto Pro is the model built for local AI.

Do I need a subscription?
Not for the hardware. You pay for AI usage as you go through Otto's credit, or connect your own Claude or ChatGPT plan, or an Anthropic or OpenAI API key.

Do I need a monitor or keyboard?
No. You set it up and use it from the Otto app on your phone, tablet or computer. A monitor only shows a status screen.

Can I control what the agent does?
Yes. Each agent has Ask, Auto and Full approval modes, and you can set spending limits with alerts. Auto is the default, so switch to Ask if you want to approve every change.

Can I use it on more than one device?
Yes. Sign in to the Otto app with the same account on another phone or computer, then approve it with your device password.

Otto One Gives Your AI Agent a Computer of Its Own, and the Software Is the Real Product - Originally published on Technobezz

NHTSA Opens Recall Query as Waymo Robotaxis Keep Passing School Buses

Luka Berger — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 07:36:18 GMT

Waymo robotaxis kept illegally passing stopped school buses after the company's software fix, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a recall query to find out why. In a November 6 filing, NHTSA said most of the reported incidents happened after Waymo finished rolling out the update.

Waymo's December 2025 recall covered 3,067 vehicles running its fifth-generation automated driving system, and NHTSA's recall record says all of them were updated by November 17, 2025. The new query covers 2,895 vehicles, according to reports on the filing, and will look at whether the fix was adequate and what caused the later violations.

What a Recall Query Does

A recall query is how NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation checks whether a completed recall actually solved the problem. It lets the agency request data from Waymo and test the remedy. It is an investigative step rather than a finding, and on its own it doesn't require a new recall or bring a penalty.

In a statement to TechCrunch, a Waymo spokesperson said, "We have made significant improvements to vehicle behavior around school buses and have received no citations since March 2026." The company said it will respond to NHTSA's query once it receives it.

How the Problem Came to Light

NHTSA opened its first investigation in October 2025 after footage from Atlanta showed a Waymo vehicle driving around a school bus that had its stop arm out and red lights flashing while children were getting off. In some of the incidents, the robotaxi slowed or stopped first and then went past the bus anyway.

More incidents followed in Austin, where Waymo also runs its robotaxi service. Austin Independent School District officials reported at least five of them in a letter to NHTSA at the time.

NHTSA Opens Recall Query as Waymo Robotaxis Keep Passing School Buses - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combos 2026

Technobezz — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 05:46:44 GMT

A wireless keyboard and mouse combo should simplify a desk without giving up the layout, battery life, or mouse comfort people rely on every day.

Logitech MK955 Signature Slim Full-size is the best overall pick because it pairs a full-size low-profile keyboard with quiet input, multi-device support, and a stronger mouse than many bundled sets.

The right combo depends on how you connect, how much desk space you have, how much noise matters, and how often you move between devices.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Logitech MK955 Signature Slim Full-size	Modern full-size comfort with multi-device wireless and quiet input
Best value	Logitech MK540 Advanced Full-size	Reliable full-size setup with long battery life and strong everyday value
Best for multi-device comfort	Logitech MK850 Performance Full-size	Comfort-first full-size bundle with switching across up to 3 devices
Best for quiet shared spaces	Logitech MK295 Silent Wireless Full-size	Quiet full-size typing and clicking for shared rooms
Best ergonomic keyboard combo	Logitech Wave Keys MK670 Combo	Wave-shaped keyboard support with dual wireless options

How we chose

We prioritized wireless keyboard and mouse combos with dependable connectivity, practical keyboard layouts, useful mouse features, strong battery ratings, and clear fit for common desk setups. The best picks had to solve a specific buyer need, such as full-size value, quiet shared-space use, multi-device control, or ergonomic typing support. Products with stronger everyday convenience, simpler setup, and better balance between keyboard and mouse quality ranked higher.

The best wireless keyboards and mouse combo right now

Logitech MK955 Signature Slim Full-size - Best overall

The Logitech MK955 Signature Slim Full-size is the most balanced pick here for a modern productivity desk. Its full-size low-profile laptop-style keyboard keeps the number pad while giving the setup a slimmer feel than a traditional office combo.

It supports Bluetooth Low Energy and Logi Bolt, with switching for up to 3 devices. That makes it a strong choice for a desk shared by work and personal machines.

The included Signature Plus M750 L mouse adds SmartWheel line-by-line and fast scrolling. Battery life is rated up to 36 months for the keyboard and up to 24 months for the mouse.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Full-size low-profile laptop-style keyboard
Signature Plus M750 L mouse
Bluetooth Low Energy and Logi Bolt
Supports up to 3 devices
Up to 36 months keyboard battery life
Up to 24 months mouse battery life

Pros:

Modern slim typing feel without losing the number pad
Good multi-device support for mixed work and personal machines
Quiet keys and quiet clicks suit shared rooms
Better mouse than most midrange bundles

Cons:

No keyboard backlight
Logi Bolt receiver may not be included on every retail variant
Large mouse is not ideal for small hands

Who it is for: Best for buyers who like laptop-style keys but still want a full-size desk layout and a comfortable mouse.

Skip if: Look elsewhere if you require backlit keys or mechanical switches.

Logitech MK540 Advanced Full-size - Best value

The Logitech MK540 Advanced Full-size keeps the value case simple: a familiar full-size keyboard, a number pad, a palm rest, media controls, and adjustable tilt legs in one straightforward desktop bundle.

Its 2.4 GHz Logitech Unifying USB receiver uses an encrypted wireless connection. Wireless range is rated up to 10 m / 33 ft, which covers a standard desk setup cleanly.

Battery ratings are another strength. Logitech lists up to 36 months for the keyboard and up to 18 months for the mouse.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Full-size keyboard with number pad
Palm rest, media controls, and adjustable tilt legs
2.4 GHz Logitech Unifying USB receiver
Encrypted wireless connection
Up to 10 m / 33 ft wireless range
Up to 36 months keyboard battery life

Pros:

Strong price-to-quality ratio
Full-size layout feels familiar immediately
Long battery life and simple USB setup
Ambidextrous mouse is usable for left- or right-handed shoppers

Cons:

No Bluetooth or multi-device switching
Mouse is basic compared with Logitech’s premium mice
Not as quiet as the MK295 or MK955

Who it is for: Best for buyers who want a dependable full-size wireless combo for a Windows desktop without paying premium prices.

Skip if: Choose another combo if you need Bluetooth, device switching, or a rechargeable setup.

Logitech MK850 Performance Full-size - Best for multi-device comfort

The Logitech MK850 Performance Full-size puts comfort ahead of slim styling. Its cushioned palm rest and curved keyframe make it the better fit here for long sessions at a full-size desk.

Bluetooth Smart and a 2.4 GHz Logitech Unifying receiver handle wireless connection options. Both the keyboard and mouse can switch across up to 3 devices, covering computers, tablets, and phones.

The mouse has 8 buttons and a 1,000 DPI optical sensor. Battery life is rated up to 36 months for the keyboard and up to 24 months for the mouse.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Bluetooth Smart and 2.4 GHz Logitech Unifying receiver
Keyboard and mouse switch across up to 3 devices
Cushioned palm rest
Curved keyframe
8-button mouse
1,000 DPI optical sensor

Pros:

Cushioned palm rest and curved keyframe are comfortable for long sessions
Mouse is more capable than typical budget-combo mice
Works across computers, tablets, and phones
Still easy to find new at major retailers

Cons:

Older design than MK955
Bulky on small desks
Keyboard feel is membrane, not premium scissor or mechanical

Who it is for: Best for buyers who care more about comfort and device switching than a slim modern look.

Skip if: Pick a different set if you want the newest Logitech receiver ecosystem or a low-profile keyboard.

Logitech MK295 Silent Wireless Full-size - Best for quiet shared spaces

Noise control is the reason to choose the Logitech MK295 Silent Wireless Full-size. SilentTouch reduces keyboard and mouse noise by over 90%, which suits dorms, shared offices, calls, and late-night work.

The keyboard still gives you a full-size layout with a number pad and 8 shortcuts. Connection is handled through 2.4 GHz wireless via a nano USB receiver.

Its wireless range is rated up to 10 m / 33 ft. Battery life is rated up to 36 months for the keyboard and up to 18 months for the mouse.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

SilentTouch reduces keyboard and mouse noise by over 90%
Full-size keyboard with number pad
8 shortcuts
2.4 GHz wireless via nano USB receiver
Up to 10 m / 33 ft wireless range
Up to 18 months mouse battery life

Pros:

Very quiet for the price
Simple plug-and-play receiver setup
Full-size layout keeps the number pad
Long battery ratings

Cons:

No Bluetooth or multi-device switching
Mouse is small and basic
No app customization or premium typing feel

Who it is for: Best for dorms, shared offices, calls, or late-night work where key and click noise matters.

Skip if: Choose another option if you need Bluetooth, macOS-first controls, or a better ergonomic mouse.

Logitech Wave Keys MK670 Combo - Best ergonomic keyboard combo

The Logitech Wave Keys MK670 Combo is the ergonomic pick for buyers who want a supported typing posture without moving to a split keyboard. The keyboard uses a wave-shaped design with a cushioned palm rest.

Because the keyboard has a compact ergonomic shape, the mouse can sit closer than it would beside many full-size boards. The included Signature M550 L wireless mouse is made for medium-to-large hands.

Connectivity includes Bluetooth and an included Logi Bolt receiver. Battery life is rated up to 3 years for the keyboard and up to 2 years for the mouse, and the mouse uses a 400 to 4,000 DPI optical sensor.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Wave-shaped ergonomic keyboard
Cushioned palm rest
Signature M550 L wireless mouse
Bluetooth and included Logi Bolt receiver
Up to 3 years keyboard battery life
400 to 4,000 DPI optical mouse sensor

Pros:

More wrist support than a flat keyboard
Compact ergonomic shape brings the mouse closer than many full-size boards
Good battery life and dual wireless options
M550 L mouse is comfortable for medium and larger hands

Cons:

Ergonomic wave layout takes adjustment
Not a split keyboard
Amazon listings may vary, with some renewed offers mixed in

Who it is for: Best for buyers who want a gentler typing posture without moving to a split ergonomic keyboard.

Skip if: Go with a standard layout if you need a straight keyboard or a small mouse.

How to choose

Choose connection type first. A 2.4 GHz USB receiver is usually the simplest choice for a desktop. Bluetooth is better for tablets, Macs, and laptops with limited ports. Multi-device users should prioritize switching support.
Match the layout to your work. Full-size keyboards are best for spreadsheets and number entry. Wave and cushioned designs can support a gentler typing posture without requiring a split-keyboard layout.
Pay attention to the mouse. A good combo needs more than a usable keyboard. Look for a comfortable mouse shape, useful scrolling, enough buttons for your workflow, and sensor specs that fit daily productivity.
Check battery expectations. Many non-backlit office combos are rated for long battery life, while backlit or rechargeable setups need more attention. Choose the maintenance style that fits your desk.
Consider noise before you buy. Quiet keys and quiet clicks matter in shared offices, dorms, bedrooms, and video-call-heavy workspaces. Silent designs can feel softer than louder keyboards.
Confirm software and system fit. Basic typing and pointing are simple, but customization features depend on the supported software for the combo and the operating system you use.

Is Bluetooth or a USB receiver better for a wireless keyboard and mouse combo?

A USB 2.4 GHz receiver is usually easiest for a desktop and avoids Bluetooth pairing issues. Bluetooth is better when you want to switch among laptops, tablets, and phones or avoid occupying a USB-A port.

Can one USB receiver run both the keyboard and mouse?

Yes. Most combo sets ship with a single receiver that pairs both devices, while some Bluetooth-first variants may omit a receiver or sell it separately.

Are wireless keyboard and mouse combos good for gaming?

Most office combos are fine for casual games, but they are not ideal for competitive gaming because they usually lack gaming-grade polling, low-latency modes, mechanical switches, and high-performance mouse sensors.

Do Mac users need a Mac-specific combo?

Not always. Many universal combos work with macOS, but a Mac-specific layout is better if you rely on Command/Option legends and macOS media shortcuts.

What battery life should I expect from a wireless combo?

Basic non-backlit Logitech-style combos often claim 18 to 36 months. Backlit and rechargeable premium keyboards can run far shorter between charges, especially with illumination enabled.

Published September 11, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

5 Best Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combos 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Pet Cameras in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:35:05 GMT

A good pet camera does more than stream video. It should spot your dog or cat, follow them around the room, let you talk to them, and save clips without forcing you into a plan you did not want. Some models add a treat dispenser, while others are home security cameras with pet detection built in.

The eufy Indoor Cam E30 is the best overall pick because it combines 4K video, 360° pan and tilt coverage, on-device detection that tells pets from people, automatic tracking, and local microSD recording with no subscription required for full functionality.

This guide is for US pet owners who want to check in on a dog or cat from work or on a trip. The other picks cover treat tossing, optical zoom, value, a pet-focused pan and tilt camera, and a compact option for Blink households.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	eufy Indoor Cam E30	4K video, pet tracking, and local storage with no required plan
Best treat dispenser	Petcube Bites 2 Lite	Holds up to 1.5 lbs of treats with a 160° wide-angle view
Best zoom	eufy Indoor Cam S350	Dual lenses with 3x optical and 8x hybrid zoom
Best value	Tapo C220	2K pan and tilt with bark and meow detection listed
Best pet-focused pan and tilt	Petcube Cam 360	350° rotation, privacy mode, and barking and meowing alerts
Best for Blink households	Blink Mini 2K+	Plug-in 2K camera with color low-light video and two-way talk

How we chose

We compared each camera's published maker specifications, looking at pet and sound detection, video resolution, pan and tilt range, night vision, two-way audio, Wi-Fi support, and which features need a subscription. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Pet Cameras right now

eufy Indoor Cam E30 - Best overall

The eufy Indoor Cam E30 is the most complete all-rounder here for keeping an eye on pets. It records 4K video, pans and tilts for 360° coverage, and uses on-device AI to tell humans, pets, audio cues, and crying sounds apart. When it detects a person or pet, it tracks the movement automatically.

eufy says full functionality is included with no subscription, with footage recorded locally to a microSD card of up to 128GB that is sold separately. eufy Cloud backup is optional and needs a paid plan. Night vision switches between infrared, rated to 32.8 ft, and color, rated to 16.4 ft using the built-in spotlight. The camera works with HomeKit (at up to 1080p, eufy notes), Alexa, and Google Assistant, but it connects only to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

4K video with 24/7 recording
360° pan and tilt coverage with up to 4 preset positions
125° diagonal field of view
On-device detection of humans, pets, audio, and crying
Automatic tracking of people and pets
Infrared night vision to 32.8 ft, color night vision to 16.4 ft
Two-way audio
Works with HomeKit (up to 1080p), Alexa, and Google Assistant

Pros:

No subscription needed for local recording and core features
Pet detection and pet tracking are built in
4K resolution is the highest tier in this list
Broad smart home support, including HomeKit at up to 1080p

Cons:

Connects only to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
microSD card is sold separately and support tops out at 128GB
Color night vision range is half the infrared range
No treat dispenser

Who it is for: Pet owners who want one sharp, subscription-free camera that can follow a dog or cat around a room.

Skip if: Tossing treats remotely matters to you, or your home Wi-Fi runs only on 5 GHz.

Petcube Bites 2 Lite - Best treat dispenser

The Petcube Bites 2 Lite is the pick for owners who want to reward a pet from afar. Its treat container holds up to 1.5 lbs of treats, is detachable, and is dishwasher safe up to 130°F. Petcube says to use crunchy treats of 1 inch or less that are uniform in size and shape.

The camera streams 1080p video with a 160° wide-angle view, 8x digital zoom, and night vision up to 30 feet, plus two-way audio. Live streaming works without a plan, but video history and smart alerts for people, pets, barking, and meowing require the optional Petcube Care subscription. It connects only to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and includes a mounting kit for walls or a table or shelf.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Treat dispenser holds up to 1.5 lbs
Detachable, dishwasher-safe container (up to 130°F)
1080p video with 160° wide-angle view
8x digital zoom
Night vision up to 30 feet
Two-way audio
Mounting kit included

Pros:

Remote treat tossing is built in
Wide 160° view covers a lot of floor space
Barking and meowing alerts are available with Petcube Care
Can sit on a shelf or mount on a wall

Cons:

Video history and smart alerts need a Petcube Care subscription
1080p is lower resolution than the 2K and 4K picks
Connects only to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Works with crunchy treats of 1 inch or less only

Who it is for: Dog and cat owners who want to toss treats and talk to their pet during the day.

Skip if: You want saved clips and alerts without paying for a plan.

eufy Indoor Cam S350 - Best zoom

The eufy Indoor Cam S350 pairs two cameras in one body: a 4K wide-angle camera at 3840 x 2160 with a 130° diagonal view, and a 2K telephoto camera at 2304 x 1296. Together they deliver 3x optical zoom and up to 8x digital zoom, which eufy calls 8x hybrid zoom.

It pans 360° and tilts 75°, 45° up and 30° down, and its Active AI Tracking follows people and pets. Recordings go to a microSD card of up to 128 GB that is not included, and it also works with eufy HomeBase and optional cloud backup. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, but eufy states it does not support Apple HomeKit or Google Home.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

4K wide-angle camera with 130° diagonal view
2K telephoto camera
3x optical zoom, up to 8x hybrid zoom
360° pan, 75° tilt
Active AI Tracking for people and pets
Infrared night vision
Two-way audio
Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)

Pros:

Optical zoom helps you get a closer look at a pet across the room
The only pick here with 5 GHz Wi-Fi support
Local microSD storage with optional cloud backup
Pet tracking built in

Cons:

No Apple HomeKit or Google Home support
microSD card is not included, and support tops out at 128 GB
No treat dispenser

Who it is for: Owners of large rooms or open-plan homes who want to zoom in on a pet without losing the wide view.

Skip if: Your smart home runs on HomeKit or Google Home.

Tapo C220 - Best value

The Tapo C220 is a pan and tilt camera with features that suit pet owners well. It records 2K video, which Tapo says shows more detail than 1080p, offers 360° pan and tilt coverage, and automatically locks onto and follows movement. Its AI detection identifies people and pets to cut down on irrelevant notifications.

Tapo's C220 spec sheet, published for hardware version 2, lists pet, bark, and meow detection, two-way audio with noise cancellation, invisible 850 nm infrared night vision to 40 ft, and microSD support up to 512 GB. Cloud storage through Tapo Care requires a subscription. It works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings, connects to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and lets you set privacy zones or pause recording in the Tapo app.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

2K video at 2560 x 1440
340° mechanical pan (360° coverage), 70° mechanical tilt
Motion tracking
Person, pet, bark, and meow detection listed on the spec sheet
Two-way audio with noise cancellation
Infrared night vision to 40 ft
microSD support up to 512 GB
Works with Google Assistant, Alexa, and SmartThings

Pros:

Bark and meow detection
Large 512 GB microSD ceiling for local clips
Invisible night vision avoids a visible red glow
Privacy zones and a pause option in the app

Cons:

Cloud storage needs a Tapo Care subscription
Connects only to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Detailed specs are published for hardware version 2, so features may differ by version

Who it is for: Owners who want a simple pan and tilt camera that listens for barking and meowing.

Skip if: You need 4K video or optical zoom.

Petcube Cam 360 - Best pet-focused pan and tilt

The Petcube Cam 360 comes from a pet-first brand and rotates 350° horizontally and 55° vertically, with a 105° angle of view and 8x digital zoom. It streams 1080p HD video, offers night vision up to 30 ft, and has two-way full-duplex sound so you can talk with your pet.

Petcube says its cameras work out of the box without a subscription, but storing video and getting smart alerts, which recognize barking and meowing and tell pets from people, requires the optional Petcube Care plan. Petcube Care adds 24/7 video history with up to 90 days of activity stored on the cloud. A closed-lens privacy mode blocks the view without unplugging the camera, and it connects to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

1080p HD video
350° horizontal and 55° vertical rotation
105° angle of view
8x digital zoom
Night vision up to 30 ft
Two-way full-duplex audio
Closed-lens privacy mode

Pros:

Barking and meowing recognition is designed around pets
Physical privacy mode without unplugging
Live view works without a subscription
Cloud history of up to 90 days is available with Petcube Care

Cons:

Video storage and smart alerts need Petcube Care
1080p is lower resolution than the 2K and 4K picks
Rotation stops at 350° horizontally
Connects only to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

Who it is for: Pet owners who want a moving camera from a pet-focused brand and plan to pay for cloud history.

Skip if: You want local recording without a subscription.

Blink Mini 2K+ - Best for Blink households

The Blink Mini 2K+ is a plug-in camera that records up to 2K (2560 x 1440) video and supports color vision in low light. When there is not enough light, it may switch to infrared black and white. Two-way talk with noise cancellation lets you speak to a pet, and it has a built-in siren.

Storage depends on your setup: cloud storage needs a Blink Subscription Plan or the no-cost trial, and local storage needs a Sync Module 2 or Sync Module XR. Smart Detection for people and vehicles also requires a plan or trial, and clips run up to 60 seconds. It needs 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and it can be used outdoors when paired with the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter, which is sold separately.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 2K (2560 x 1440) video
Color vision in low light, with infrared fallback
Two-way talk with noise cancellation
Built-in siren
Cloud storage with a Blink plan, or local storage with a Sync Module
Indoor or outdoor use with the Weather Resistant Power Adapter

Pros:

Fits into an existing Blink system
Noise-cancelling two-way talk
Color low-light video when there is some ambient light
Outdoor use is possible with the right adapter

Cons:

Storage needs either a subscription or a separate Sync Module
Smart Detection needs a plan and is listed for people and vehicles, not pets
Clips are limited to 60 seconds
Connects only to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

Who it is for: Households that already use Blink cameras and want a simple 2K view of the pets.

Skip if: You want pet-specific alerts or a camera that pans to follow your pet.

How to choose

Decide if you need treats. Only the Petcube Bites 2 Lite in this list dispenses treats. The rest are cameras with talk and alert features.
Check what works without a plan. The eufy cameras record locally to microSD, while Petcube needs Petcube Care for video history and smart alerts, and Blink needs a plan or a Sync Module for storage.
Match your Wi-Fi. Most picks here connect only to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. The eufy Indoor Cam S350 is the one that also supports 5 GHz.
Pick pan and tilt for active pets. Cameras that pan, tilt, and track can follow a pet across a room, while a fixed wide-angle view suits a single area such as a crate or feeding spot.
Look for pet-specific alerts. Pet detection, bark detection, and meow detection help cut down on alerts you do not care about.
Weigh resolution against zoom. Higher resolution keeps more detail when you zoom in digitally, and optical zoom like the S350's keeps detail at a distance.

FAQ

Do pet cameras need a subscription?

It depends on the model. The eufy Indoor Cam E30 and S350 record locally to microSD, and the Tapo C220 supports microSD up to 512 GB. Petcube cameras stream live without a plan but need Petcube Care for video history and smart alerts, and Blink needs a plan or a Sync Module to store clips.

Can a pet camera tell my pet from a person?

Several picks can. The eufy Indoor Cam E30 distinguishes humans and pets on the device, the Tapo C220 spec sheet lists pet detection, and Petcube smart alerts tell pets from people with a Petcube Care plan.

Will a pet camera alert me when my dog barks?

Some will. The Tapo C220 spec sheet lists bark and meow detection, and Petcube's smart alerts recognize barking and meowing with a Petcube Care plan.

Which of these cameras work on 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

The eufy Indoor Cam S350 supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. The other picks in this guide connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

Is 1080p good enough for a pet camera?

1080p is enough to check on a pet, but 2K and 4K cameras capture more detail, which helps when you zoom in on a pet across the room.

Published November 10, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

6 Best Pet Cameras in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

7 Best Wi-Fi 7 Routers in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:34:42 GMT

A Wi-Fi 7 router makes the most sense for US homes with a multi-gig internet plan, a growing number of Wi-Fi 7 phones and laptops, or a wired setup that has outgrown gigabit Ethernet. The right pick depends on whether you need a 6 GHz band, how many fast wired ports you use, and how much you want to spend.

The TP-Link Archer BE550 is our best overall pick. It is a BE9300 tri-band router with a 6 GHz band, 320 MHz channel support on that band, Multi-Link Operation, and five 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, which suits most multi-gig plans without moving into flagship territory.

This guide is for households choosing a single router, from a budget dual-band model to a quad-band gaming flagship. The other picks cover budget buying, a midrange NETGEAR option, backup internet, wired multi-gig, 10 Gig internet plans, and gaming.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	TP-Link Archer BE550	Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with 320 MHz on 6 GHz and five 2.5 Gbps ports
Best budget	TP-Link Archer BE230	Dual-band Wi-Fi 7 with two 2.5 Gbps ports and MLO
Best midrange NETGEAR	NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300	BE9300 tri-band rated for up to 2,500 sq. ft. and 100 devices
Best for backup internet	ASUS RT-BE58U	2.5G, 1G and USB WAN options plus 4G LTE and 5G tethering
Best for wired multi-gig	ASUS RT-BE86U	One 10G port and four 2.5G ports on a dual-band router
Best for 10 Gig internet	NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S	BE19000 tri-band with a 10 Gbps internet port and 10 Gbps LAN port
Best for gaming	ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro	Quad-band with dual 6 GHz, dual 10G ports and gaming traffic tools

How we chose

We compared the specifications published on each maker's US product page, including Wi-Fi bands, channel width, Ethernet port speeds, and stated coverage. We then checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Wi-Fi 7 Routers right now

TP-Link Archer BE550 - Best overall

The TP-Link Archer BE550 is a BE9300 tri-band router rated at up to 5760 Mbps on 6 GHz, 2880 Mbps on 5 GHz, and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. It uses a 6-stream design with six internal antennas, and TP-Link lists its Wi-Fi range as suited to 4 bedroom houses.

Every Ethernet port is 2.5 Gbps: one WAN and four LAN, plus a USB 3.0 port. It supports 320 MHz channels, though TP-Link notes these work only on the 6 GHz band and may be unavailable in some regions. It also supports Multi-Link Operation, EasyMesh expansion, and VPN client and server modes. One detail to know: the 2.4 GHz band runs Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), not Wi-Fi 7.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

BE9300 tri-band: 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz
1x 2.5 Gbps WAN and 4x 2.5 Gbps LAN ports
320 MHz channels on the 6 GHz band only, subject to regional rules
Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
EasyMesh compatible
VPN client and server: OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP
1x USB 3.0 port

Pros:

All five Ethernet ports run at 2.5 Gbps
6 GHz band with 320 MHz channel support
EasyMesh lets you add compatible units later
HomeShield Basic Plan is included at no charge

Cons:

The 2.4 GHz band is Wi-Fi 6, not Wi-Fi 7
No 10 Gbps port
Fees apply for the HomeShield Pro Plan
Internal antennas cannot be repositioned

Who it is for: Most homes on an internet plan up to 2.5 Gbps that want a 6 GHz band and fast wired ports for a PC, console, or network storage.

Skip if: Your plan is faster than 2.5 Gbps or you need a 10 Gbps wired connection.

TP-Link Archer BE230 - Best budget

The TP-Link Archer BE230 is a BE3600 dual-band router rated at up to 2882 Mbps on 5 GHz and 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz across 4 streams. It has four external antennas with beamforming, and TP-Link lists its Wi-Fi range as suited to 3 bedroom houses.

The port layout is one 2.5 Gbps WAN, one 2.5 Gbps LAN, and three 1 Gbps LAN, plus USB 3.0. It keeps key Wi-Fi 7 features such as Multi-Link Operation and adds EasyMesh support and VPN client and server modes. There is no 6 GHz band, which is the main tradeoff against the tri-band picks.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

BE3600 dual-band: 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz
4 streams
1x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN, 3x 1 Gbps LAN
Four external antennas with beamforming
Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
EasyMesh compatible
1x USB 3.0 port

Pros:

Affordable way into Wi-Fi 7 with a 2.5 Gbps WAN port
One 2.5 Gbps LAN port for a fast wired device
WireGuard and OpenVPN among supported VPN types
HomeShield Basic Plan is included at no charge

Cons:

No 6 GHz band
Only one LAN port runs faster than 1 Gbps
Fees apply for the HomeShield Pro Plan
TP-Link's page does not list the processor or channel width

Who it is for: Smaller homes and apartments that want Wi-Fi 7 features and a multi-gig WAN port on a budget.

Skip if: You own 6 GHz devices and want a band to use them on, or you need several fast wired ports.

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300 - Best midrange NETGEAR

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300 is a BE9300 tri-band router covering 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. NETGEAR rates it to cover up to 2,500 sq. ft. and support up to 100 connected devices, with a quad-core 2.0 GHz processor and four internal antennas with high-power amplifiers.

It has a 2.5 Gbps internet port, two 2.5 Gbps LAN ports, two Gigabit LAN ports, and a USB 3.0 port. Security features include WPA3 and separate IoT and guest networks, managed through the Nighthawk app. NETGEAR Armor security is an optional subscription with a trial included. The product page does not mention Multi-Link Operation or 320 MHz channels.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

BE9300 tri-band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz
Coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft.
Up to 100 connected devices
1x 2.5 Gbps internet port, 2x 2.5 Gbps LAN, 2x Gigabit LAN
Quad-core 2.0 GHz processor
1x USB 3.0 port

Pros:

Includes a 6 GHz band
Clear coverage and device count figures from NETGEAR
Two 2.5 Gbps LAN ports
Separate IoT and guest networks

Cons:

NETGEAR Armor needs a subscription after the trial
Two of the four LAN ports are Gigabit only
The product page does not list MLO or 320 MHz support
No 10 Gbps port

Who it is for: Homes up to about 2,500 sq. ft. that want a tri-band router with the Nighthawk app.

Skip if: You want 2.5 Gbps on every port or confirmed 320 MHz support, which the Archer BE550 lists.

ASUS RT-BE58U - Best for backup internet

The ASUS RT-BE58U is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router rated at up to 3600 Mbps: 2882 Mbps on 5 GHz and 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. It uses a quad-core 2.0 GHz CPU and four external antennas, and ASUS lists coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft.

Its WAN flexibility sets it apart. You can set up the internet connection on the 2.5G WAN/LAN port, the 1G WAN/LAN port, or USB WAN, and ASUS supports USB 4G LTE and 5G mobile tethering to stay online during an outage. It also supports MLO across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, AiMesh with other ASUS AiMesh routers, VPN options including WireGuard, and parental controls without subscriptions. Channel width tops out at 160 MHz.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Dual-band up to 3600 Mbps
2.5G WAN/LAN port and 1G WAN/LAN port
USB WAN with 4G LTE and 5G mobile tethering
Quad-core 2.0 GHz CPU
160 MHz channels
AiMesh support

Pros:

Three WAN options for backup internet
Parental controls and network protection without subscriptions
Works with AiMesh routers regardless of Wi-Fi generation
Stated coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft.

Cons:

No 6 GHz band
Channels top out at 160 MHz, not 320 MHz
Only one 2.5G port

Who it is for: Home workers and small households who want a cellular backup option and subscription-free parental controls.

Skip if: You want a 6 GHz band or more than one multi-gig port.

ASUS RT-BE86U - Best for wired multi-gig

The ASUS RT-BE86U builds on the RT-AX86U with Wi-Fi 7. It is a dual-band router rated at up to 6800 Mbps: 5764 Mbps on 5 GHz and 1032 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, driven by a quad-core 2.6 GHz CPU.

The port selection is the reason to buy it: a 10G port and four 2.5G ports, which ASUS says combine for up to 20G of WAN and LAN capacity. The 10G port and one 2.5G port can act as WAN or LAN, so the layout depends on how you set it up. It supports MLO, AiMesh, WireGuard and OpenVPN, Mobile Game Mode, USB mobile tethering, and parental controls without subscriptions. Like the RT-BE58U, it has no 6 GHz band and uses 160 MHz channels.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Dual-band up to 6800 Mbps
1x 10G port and 4x 2.5G ports
10G and one 2.5G port usable as WAN or LAN
Quad-core 2.6 GHz CPU
160 MHz channels
MLO and AiMesh support

Pros:

Every Ethernet port is 2.5G or faster
10G port for a fast plan or a 10G wired device
Parental controls without subscriptions
USB 4G LTE and 5G tethering for backup internet

Cons:

No 6 GHz band
Channels top out at 160 MHz, not 320 MHz

Who it is for: Homes with several multi-gig wired devices, such as a gaming PC, NAS, or wired mesh node, that care more about ports than a 6 GHz band.

Skip if: Most of your devices connect over Wi-Fi and support 6 GHz.

NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S - Best for 10 Gig internet

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S is a BE19000 tri-band router with 4x4 radios on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, rated at 1, 6, and 12 Gbps across those bands. NETGEAR rates it for up to 3,500 sq. ft. and up to 200 concurrent devices, with a quad-core 2.6 GHz processor and eight internal antennas.

It pairs a 10 Gbps internet port with a 10 Gbps LAN port, four Gigabit LAN ports, and a USB 3.0 Type-A port for network storage. Security includes WPA3 and separate main, IoT, and guest networks, while NETGEAR Armor is an optional subscription with a trial included. The product page does not mention Multi-Link Operation or 320 MHz channels.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

BE19000 tri-band, 4x4 on each band
Coverage up to 3,500 sq. ft.
Up to 200 concurrent devices
1x 10 Gbps internet port and 1x 10 Gbps LAN port
4x Gigabit LAN ports
Quad-core 2.6 GHz processor

Pros:

10 Gbps internet port for the fastest multi-gig plans
Largest stated coverage and device count of the NETGEAR picks
USB 3.0 port for network storage
Separate main, IoT, and guest networks

Cons:

Only one fast LAN port; the other four are Gigabit
No 2.5 Gbps LAN ports
NETGEAR Armor needs a subscription after the trial
The product page does not list MLO or 320 MHz support

Who it is for: Larger homes on an internet plan above 2.5 Gbps that need one 10 Gbps wired link.

Skip if: You need several multi-gig LAN ports, where the RT-BE86U or GT-BE98 Pro fit better.

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro - Best for gaming

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro is a quad-band Wi-Fi 7 gaming router with two 6 GHz bands, rated at up to 30 Gbps: 11,529 Mbps on each 6 GHz band, 5,764 Mbps on 5 GHz, and 1,376 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. It supports 320 MHz channels and MLO, with a quad-core 2.6 GHz CPU and eight external antennas.

Wired connections include dual 10G ports and quad 2.5G ports, and the WAN can run over 10 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, or USB depending on how you configure it. For gaming, ASUS boosts traffic from the PC gaming port to the game server and offers Mobile Game Mode in the ASUS Router app. It also includes AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro, AiMesh, and VPN Fusion, and ASUS cites a thicker aluminum top plate and a stand for better heat dissipation.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Quad-band with dual 6 GHz bands, up to 30 Gbps
320 MHz channels and MLO
Dual 10G ports and quad 2.5G ports
Triple WAN options: 10 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, or USB
Quad-core 2.6 GHz CPU
PC gaming port boost and Mobile Game Mode

Pros:

Second 6 GHz band can serve mesh backhaul and devices
Two 10G ports for a fast plan plus a 10G wired device
Gaming traffic prioritization for PC and mobile
AiProtection Pro included

Cons:

Premium flagship, more router than most homes need
ASUS does not list a coverage figure on the product page
Eight external antennas need room on a shelf or desk

Who it is for: Gamers and power users with a multi-gig plan, 10G wired gear, and plans for an AiMesh setup.

Skip if: Your plan is 2.5 Gbps or below and you do not need a second 6 GHz band.

How to choose

Check for a 6 GHz band. Dual-band Wi-Fi 7 routers such as the Archer BE230, RT-BE58U, and RT-BE86U use only 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. To use 6 GHz, choose a tri-band or quad-band model.
Match the WAN port to your plan. A 2.5 Gbps WAN port suits plans up to 2.5 Gbps. Faster fiber plans need a 10 Gbps port, like those on the RS700S, RT-BE86U, and GT-BE98 Pro.
Count the fast LAN ports. Some routers mix multi-gig and Gigabit LAN ports. If you wire a PC, NAS, or mesh node, check how many ports run above 1 Gbps.
Read the channel width. 320 MHz channels work only on 6 GHz and can be limited by regional rules. The dual-band ASUS picks top out at 160 MHz.
Factor in security subscriptions. NETGEAR Armor is an optional subscription after a trial, and TP-Link charges for the HomeShield Pro Plan. ASUS lists its parental controls on the RT-BE58U and RT-BE86U as working without subscriptions.
Plan for mesh. TP-Link picks support EasyMesh, while ASUS picks support AiMesh. Stick with one system if you expect to add units later.

FAQ

Do I need Wi-Fi 7 devices to use a Wi-Fi 7 router?

No. Wi-Fi 7 routers still connect older Wi-Fi devices. Features such as Multi-Link Operation and 320 MHz channels need a Wi-Fi 7 device on the other end.

What is Multi-Link Operation?

Multi-Link Operation, or MLO, lets a Wi-Fi 7 device use more than one band at the same time. TP-Link describes it as increasing throughput, reducing latency, and improving reliability.

Is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router worth buying?

It can be, if you do not need 6 GHz. Dual-band models such as the Archer BE230 and RT-BE58U still offer MLO and a 2.5 Gbps port, but they cannot use 6 GHz or 320 MHz channels.

Do I need a 10 Gbps port?

Only if your internet plan is faster than 2.5 Gbps or you have a 10G wired device such as a NAS or workstation. For most plans, a 2.5 Gbps WAN port is enough.

Will one router cover my whole home?

Makers state coverage differently. NETGEAR and ASUS give square footage for some models, while TP-Link lists house size by bedrooms. Walls, floors, and router placement affect real coverage, so larger homes may need a mesh unit.

Published November 10, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

7 Best Wi-Fi 7 Routers in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best 1440p Gaming Monitors in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:34:19 GMT

A 27-inch 1440p monitor suits a lot of gamers. It is sharper than 1080p, much easier for a graphics card to drive than 4K, and comes with refresh rates from 180Hz to 500Hz. The real choice is between OLED panels, with per-pixel contrast and near-instant response, and IPS panels that cost less and avoid burn-in worries.

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 G60SF is our best overall pick. It puts a 27-inch QD-OLED panel at 2560 x 1440 behind a 500Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time, and adds Samsung's Glare Free finish. It is built for competitive PC players who want as much speed as possible at 1440p.

This guide is for PC and console players buying a 27-inch 1440p screen. The other picks cover a glossy OLED with two HDMI ports, a value QD-OLED, a 300Hz IPS model, and a budget 180Hz option.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 G60SF 27-inch	500Hz QD-OLED with a Glare Free finish
Best for PC and console	LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B	Glossy 240Hz OLED with dual HDMI and True Black 400
Best value OLED	AOC Q27GAZD	240Hz QD-OLED with 99% DCI-P3 in a simpler package
Best IPS	LG UltraGear 27G640A-B	300Hz IPS with a fully adjustable stand and speakers
Best budget	Samsung Odyssey G5 G50F 27-inch	Fast IPS at 180Hz with HDR10 and G-Sync Compatible support

How we chose

We compared the makers' published specifications for 27-inch 1440p gaming monitors, looking at panel type, refresh rate, response time, HDR certification, adaptive sync, connections and stand design. We also checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best 1440p Gaming Monitors right now

Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 G60SF 27-inch - Best overall

Samsung's Odyssey OLED G6 G60SF pairs a 27-inch QD-OLED panel at QHD (2560 x 1440) with a 500Hz refresh rate. That is the highest refresh rate in this group, and Samsung rates the response time at 0.03ms.

It is G-Sync Compatible and uses Samsung's Glare Free finish, which is aimed at rooms where reflections are a problem. Getting value from 500Hz takes a PC that can push very high frame rates at 1440p, so this monitor makes the most sense for fast competitive games on a strong gaming rig.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch QD-OLED panel
QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution
500Hz refresh rate
0.03ms response time
G-Sync Compatible
Glare Free finish

Pros:

Highest refresh rate of any pick here
QD-OLED contrast with a 0.03ms response time
Glare Free finish suits rooms with windows or bright lights

Cons:

Needs a powerful PC to get anywhere near 500 frames per second
Premium positioning compared with the IPS picks
As with any OLED, long hours of static images carry a burn-in risk

Who it is for: Competitive PC players who want the fastest 1440p screen on this list.

Skip if: You mostly play on a console or want to keep spending at the budget end.

LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B - Best for PC and console

LG's UltraGear 27GX704A-B uses a glossy 27-inch OLED panel at QHD (2560 x 1440), with up to 240Hz and a 0.03ms response time. It carries DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification, which LG pitches at deep blacks and dark-scene detail.

Its connections are what earn it this slot. LG lists dual HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, a USB upstream port and two USB downstream ports, so a gaming PC and a console can both stay connected. Adaptive sync covers NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch glossy OLED panel
QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution
Up to 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time
DisplayHDR True Black 400
Dual HDMI and DisplayPort 1.4
NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

Pros:

Two HDMI ports for a PC plus a console
Certified True Black HDR
USB hub with two downstream ports
Supports both NVIDIA and AMD adaptive sync standards

Cons:

Glossy screen can show reflections in bright rooms
DisplayPort 1.4 rather than DisplayPort 2.1
240Hz is well below the Samsung G6's 500Hz
OLED carries a burn-in risk with long static images

Who it is for: Players who split time between a gaming PC and a console and want OLED contrast on both.

Skip if: Your desk faces a window or you want refresh rates above 240Hz.

AOC Q27GAZD - Best value OLED

The AOC Q27GAZD is a 27-inch QD-OLED monitor with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms (GtG) response time. AOC lists 99% DCI-P3 color coverage and a 1.5M:1 contrast ratio, which puts its core panel specs close to pricier OLED models.

The savings show in the details. It has one HDMI 2.0 port, one DisplayPort 1.4 and an audio out, and the stand is specified for tilt only, from about -3 to 21.5 degrees. AOC rates brightness at 200 cd/m2 typical in SDR and 400 cd/m2 in HDR at 10% APL. A 100 x 100 VESA mount makes it easy to move onto a monitor arm.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch QD-OLED panel
2560 x 1440 resolution
240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms (GtG) response time
99% DCI-P3 and 1.5M:1 contrast ratio
NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible
HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, audio out

Pros:

QD-OLED panel at 240Hz in a value-focused model
Wide 99% DCI-P3 color coverage
100 x 100 VESA mount for monitor arms

Cons:

Only one HDMI port, and it is HDMI 2.0
Stand tilts but has no listed height or swivel adjustment
200 cd/m2 typical SDR brightness is modest
Listed as HDR Ready rather than DisplayHDR certified

Who it is for: PC gamers who want QD-OLED contrast and 240Hz without paying for extras they will not use.

Skip if: You need several HDMI inputs or a height-adjustable stand out of the box.

LG UltraGear 27G640A-B - Best IPS

The LG UltraGear 27G640A-B is a 27-inch IPS monitor at QHD 1440p with a 300Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. LG lists up to 95% DCI-P3 color and VESA HDR400, plus FreeSync Premium and G-Sync Compatible support.

The 300Hz figure depends on your graphics card: LG says a card that supports DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 is required to reach it. The stand offers height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustment, and built-in speakers save desk space for casual play.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch IPS panel
QHD 1440p resolution
300Hz refresh rate (needs a DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 graphics card)
1ms response time
Up to 95% DCI-P3 and VESA HDR400
Height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand

Pros:

300Hz is very fast for an IPS panel
Fully adjustable stand, including pivot
Built-in speakers
IPS avoids the burn-in concern that comes with OLED

Cons:

1ms response time is slower than the 0.03ms OLED picks
IPS cannot match OLED per-pixel contrast
Reaching 300Hz requires a DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 graphics card

Who it is for: PC players who want a very high refresh rate and a flexible stand without OLED burn-in worries.

Skip if: Deep blacks and dark-room HDR matter more to you than refresh rate.

Samsung Odyssey G5 G50F 27-inch - Best budget

The Samsung Odyssey G5 G50F (LS27FG502ENXZA) is the simplest way into 1440p gaming on this list. It uses a 27-inch Fast IPS panel at QHD (2560 x 1440) with a 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time.

Samsung adds HDR10 support and G-Sync Compatible adaptive sync. It does not chase the extreme refresh rates of the OLED picks, but 180Hz at 1440p is a sensible target for mid-range graphics cards and a clear step up from a 60Hz office screen.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch Fast IPS panel
QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution
180Hz refresh rate
1ms response time
HDR10 support
G-Sync Compatible

Pros:

Budget-friendly route to 1440p at a high refresh rate
180Hz is easier for mid-range graphics cards to feed
IPS avoids OLED burn-in concerns

Cons:

180Hz is the lowest refresh rate in this group
HDR10 support without a listed DisplayHDR certification
IPS contrast falls well short of the OLED picks

Who it is for: Buyers moving up from 1080p who want a solid 1440p gaming screen on a tight budget.

Skip if: You want OLED contrast or refresh rates above 180Hz.

How to choose

Pick the panel type first. OLED and QD-OLED give per-pixel contrast and response times around 0.03ms, while IPS costs less and avoids burn-in concerns from static images.
Match the refresh rate to your hardware. A 500Hz or 300Hz screen only pays off if your graphics card can produce that many frames at 1440p. Mid-range cards are often a better match for 180Hz to 240Hz.
Count the ports you need. If a console and a PC will share the screen, look for two HDMI ports, and check the maker's HDMI version if you want 120Hz from a console.
Think about your room. Glossy OLED screens look punchy but can reflect windows and lamps. Anti-glare finishes are easier to live with in bright rooms.
Read HDR labels closely. A DisplayHDR True Black certification means the panel met a defined standard, while HDR10 or HDR Ready only means the monitor accepts an HDR signal.
Check the stand. Height, swivel and pivot adjustment make a big difference over long sessions. A tilt-only stand may mean budgeting for a VESA arm.

FAQ

Is 1440p worth it over 1080p on a 27-inch monitor?

For most players, yes. At 27 inches, 1440p gives noticeably sharper text and game detail than 1080p, while asking far less of a graphics card than 4K.

Do I need a 500Hz monitor?

Only if you play fast competitive games on a PC that can reach very high frame rates. For most single-player games and mid-range PCs, 180Hz to 240Hz is plenty.

Do 1440p monitors work with PS5 and Xbox Series X?

Both consoles can output 1440p over HDMI, but they target up to 120Hz, so the very high refresh rates here are mainly for PC. A monitor with two HDMI inputs, such as the LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B, is the most flexible choice for a console plus a PC; check the maker's HDMI version for 120Hz console play.

Is OLED burn-in still a concern?

It is a lower risk for mixed gaming and video use, but static elements such as taskbars and HUDs shown for many hours can still leave marks. If the screen doubles as an all-day work display, an IPS model is the safer choice.

What is the difference between G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync?

Both sync the monitor's refresh rate to your graphics card's frame output to reduce tearing and stutter. G-Sync Compatible models are validated for NVIDIA cards, while FreeSync is AMD's standard, and many monitors support both.

Published November 10, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

5 Best 1440p Gaming Monitors in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

7 Best Curved Gaming Monitors in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:33:56 GMT

A curved gaming monitor wraps the image around your field of view, and that matters most on wide screens. The picks below cover 27-inch, 34-inch, 39-inch, and 49-inch sizes, with OLED and VA panels and curves that run from a gentle 1800R to a steep 800R.

The Alienware 34 AW3426DW is the best overall pick. It pairs a 34-inch QD-OLED ultrawide at 3440 x 1440 and 280Hz with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 and two HDMI 2.1 ports, so one screen handles fast PC games, HDR content, and a console.

This page is for PC and console players who want a curved screen and need help matching one to their desk, graphics card, and budget. The other picks cover the highest refresh rate, 5K2K detail, a 49-inch super ultrawide, the tightest curve, and two VA options at lower tiers.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Alienware 34 AW3426DW	34-inch QD-OLED at 280Hz with True Black 500 HDR and two HDMI 2.1 ports
Best for high refresh rates	ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDN	360Hz ultrawide OLED with DisplayPort 2.1a and 90W USB-C
Best high-resolution ultrawide	LG UltraGear evo 39GX950B-B	39-inch 5K2K OLED with a 330Hz WFHD mode
Best super ultrawide	Samsung Odyssey G9 G91F 49-inch	49-inch 32:9 Dual QHD screen on a 1000R curve
Best deep curve	LG UltraGear 34GX900A-B	34-inch OLED with a steep 800R curve and 240Hz
Best value ultrawide	AOC CU34G4Z 34-inch	240Hz 3440 x 1440 Fast VA panel with two HDMI 2.1 ports
Best budget pick	AOC C27G4ZH 27-inch	280Hz 1080p curved VA screen for competitive play

How we chose

We compared each monitor's maker specifications, including panel type, curvature, resolution, refresh rate, response time, HDR certification, and connections. We then checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best curved gaming monitors right now

Alienware 34 AW3426DW - Best overall

The Alienware 34 AW3426DW is the most balanced curved monitor in this group. Its 34-inch QD-OLED panel runs at 3440 x 1440 and 280Hz on a gentle 1800R curve, and Dell lists a 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time in Extreme Mode. Dell pairs the panel with RGB stripe subpixels, which it credits for color performance.

HDR support covers VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 and Dolby Vision, with a 1300-nit peak brightness rating and 99% DCI-P3 color coverage. Two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4 input make it easy to share between a PC and a console, and the stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and slant.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

34-inch QD-OLED panel with 1800R curvature
3440 x 1440 at 280Hz
0.03ms GTG response time (Extreme Mode)
VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 and Dolby Vision HDR
300-nit brightness, 1300-nit peak
2 HDMI 2.1, 1 DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C downstream with 15W power delivery
AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible, and VESA Adaptive Sync

Pros:

OLED panel with RGB stripe subpixels
Broad adaptive sync support for AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards
Two HDMI 2.1 ports suit a console plus a PC
Anti-reflective surface, full stand adjustment, and VESA 100 x 100 mounting

Cons:

USB-C supplies only 15W, too little to power most laptops
DisplayPort 1.4 rather than the DisplayPort 2.1 found on the ASUS and LG 39-inch picks
The 0.03ms figure applies to Extreme Mode

Who it is for: Players who want one ultrawide OLED that covers fast PC games, HDR content, and a console with few compromises.

Skip if: You want single-cable laptop charging or the highest refresh rate available on a 34-inch ultrawide.

ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDN - Best for high refresh rates

The ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDN pushes a 34-inch 3440 x 1440 ultrawide to 360Hz, the highest refresh rate on this list, with a 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time and an 1800R curve. ASUS uses an RGB stripe subpixel arrangement, which it says delivers sharper text than traditional OLED layouts.

Connections include DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20 with full 80Gbps bandwidth, HDMI 2.1, and USB-C with 90W Power Delivery. ASUS adds a BlackShield film it rates for 2.5X better scratch resistance, a Neo Proximity Sensor, OLED Care Pro features, and a three-year warranty.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

34-inch OLED panel with 1800R curvature
3440 x 1440 at 360Hz
0.03ms gray-to-gray response time
VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black and 99% DCI-P3
DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20, HDMI 2.1, and USB-C with 90W Power Delivery
AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility

Pros:

Highest refresh rate among the picks
90W USB-C can power many laptops over one cable
RGB stripe layout aimed at clearer text
Three-year warranty and BlackShield scratch-resistant film

Cons:

ASUS notes peak brightness may vary due to color pre-calibration
Reaching 360Hz at 3440 x 1440 takes a very powerful graphics card
110mm height range is shorter than the 130mm on both AOC stands

Who it is for: PC players who prioritize motion clarity in fast shooters and want a laptop-friendly USB-C connection on the same screen.

Skip if: Your graphics card cannot get close to 360 frames per second at 1440p ultrawide, since the extra refresh rate would go unused.

LG UltraGear evo 39GX950B-B - Best high-resolution ultrawide

LG's UltraGear evo 39GX950B-B is the pick for players who want more detail than a 1440p ultrawide offers. Its 39-inch curved OLED panel runs at 5K2K resolution and carries VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500, with a 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time.

Dual Mode switches between 5K2K at 165Hz and WFHD at 330Hz, so one screen can favor detail or speed. Ports include DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20), HDMI 2.1, and USB-C with 90W power delivery, and LG adds AI Sound, which separates voices and effects, plus AI Scene Optimization for automatic picture adjustment.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

39-inch curved 5K2K OLED display
Dual Mode: 5K2K at 165Hz or WFHD at 330Hz
0.03ms (GtG) response time
VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500
DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20), HDMI 2.1, and USB-C with 90W PD
AI Sound and AI Scene Optimization

Pros:

5K2K resolution gives more detail than the 3440 x 1440 picks
Dual Mode adds a high-speed option for competitive games
90W USB-C and DisplayPort 2.1 cover laptops and high-end PCs
Larger 39-inch screen for immersive single-player games

Cons:

330Hz is only available at the lower WFHD resolution
165Hz at full resolution is below the 240Hz to 360Hz of the 34-inch OLED picks
Running games at 5K2K demands a top-tier graphics card

Who it is for: PC players who want a sharp, large ultrawide for detailed single-player games and also want a fast mode for competitive matches.

Skip if: Your desk is shallow or your graphics card is midrange, since a 39-inch 5K2K screen asks a lot of both.

Samsung Odyssey G9 G91F 49-inch - Best super ultrawide

The 49-inch Odyssey G9 G91F (LS49FG910ENXZA) is the widest screen on this list, with a 32:9 Dual QHD panel on a tight 1000R curve. It suits players who want a wraparound view on one panel instead of two monitors side by side.

Samsung lists a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1ms gray-to-gray response time, VESA DisplayHDR 600, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Picture-by-Picture shows two sources side by side, Picture-in-Picture handles a second feed in a window, and the height-adjustable Ergonomic Stand also tilts and swivels.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

49-inch 32:9 Dual QHD screen
1000R curvature
144Hz refresh rate and 1ms (GtG) response time
VESA DisplayHDR 600
AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
Picture-by-Picture and Picture-in-Picture
Height-adjustable stand with tilt and swivel

Pros:

Widest screen among the picks
Two inputs can share the screen side by side
Higher DisplayHDR tier than the AOC CU34G4Z
Tight 1000R curve suits the very wide panel

Cons:

144Hz is the lowest refresh rate on this list
1ms GtG response is slower than the 0.03ms OLED picks
A 49-inch 32:9 screen needs a very wide desk

Who it is for: Players and multitaskers who want the widest possible view and the option to run two sources on one screen.

Skip if: You play mostly fast competitive games and want a refresh rate above 144Hz.

LG UltraGear 34GX900A-B - Best deep curve

LG's UltraGear 34GX900A-B stands out for its 800R curve, the tightest on this list, on a 34-inch 21:9 WQHD OLED panel. LG lists up to 240Hz, a 0.03ms response time, and a 1.5M:1 contrast ratio.

FreeSync Premium Pro and G-SYNC support cover both major graphics card brands, and connections include HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB Type-C. It suits players who want an ultrawide OLED that wraps further around their view than the 1800R models here.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

34-inch 21:9 curved WQHD OLED display
800R curvature
Up to 240Hz and 0.03ms response time
1.5M:1 contrast ratio
FreeSync Premium Pro and G-SYNC
HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB Type-C

Pros:

Tightest curve among the picks
OLED contrast for dark scenes
Adaptive sync support for AMD and NVIDIA cards
HDMI 2.1 for console play

Cons:

240Hz is below the Alienware's 280Hz and the ASUS's 360Hz
DisplayPort 1.4 rather than DisplayPort 2.1
A steep 800R curve can be a harder fit for spreadsheets and design work

Who it is for: Players who want the most wraparound 34-inch OLED, mainly for games rather than office work.

Skip if: You split time between gaming and straight-line productivity work and would prefer a gentler curve.

AOC CU34G4Z 34-inch - Best value ultrawide

The AOC CU34G4Z brings a 34-inch 3440 x 1440 ultrawide to 240Hz with a Fast VA panel and a 1500R curve. It is a sensible route into high-refresh ultrawide gaming for buyers who do not need OLED.

AOC lists VESA DisplayHDR 400, 450 cd/m2 brightness, a 2500:1 contrast ratio, and 94% DCI-P3 coverage. Two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub with two downstream ports cover consoles and accessories, and AMD FreeSync Premium runs from 48 to 240Hz. AOC backs it with a three-year warranty.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

34-inch Fast VA panel with 1500R curvature
3440 x 1440 at 240Hz
1ms GtG and 0.3ms MPRT response time
VESA DisplayHDR 400, 450 cd/m2 brightness
2 HDMI 2.1, 1 DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub
AMD FreeSync Premium (48 to 240Hz)
130mm height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and VESA 100 x 100

Pros:

240Hz at ultrawide 1440p without OLED
Two HDMI 2.1 ports for consoles
Built-in USB hub
Three-year warranty

Cons:

2500:1 contrast is far below the 1.5M:1 LG lists for its 34-inch OLED
DisplayHDR 400 is the lowest HDR tier among the certified picks
No built-in speakers listed

Who it is for: Buyers who want a fast 34-inch ultrawide for PC and console play and would rather skip OLED.

Skip if: Deep blacks and strong HDR are a priority, since the OLED picks are stronger there.

AOC C27G4ZH 27-inch - Best budget pick

The AOC C27G4ZH is the entry point on this list: a 27-inch 1920 x 1080 VA panel with a 1500R curve and a 280Hz refresh rate. AOC lists 0.3ms MPRT and up to 1ms GtG response, and the 1080p resolution is easier for midrange graphics cards to drive at high frame rates than the ultrawide picks.

The VA panel has a 3000:1 static contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness, HDR10 support, and 92.4% DCI-P3 coverage. Connections are two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and a headphone output, with Adaptive Sync from 48 to 280Hz over DisplayPort (48 to 240Hz over HDMI) and a stand that adjusts 130mm in height plus tilt and swivel.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch VA panel with 1500R curvature
1920 x 1080 at up to 280Hz
0.3ms MPRT, up to 1ms GtG
3000:1 static contrast, 300 cd/m2 brightness, HDR10
2 HDMI 2.0, 1 DisplayPort 1.4, headphone out
Adaptive Sync 48 to 280Hz over DisplayPort, 48 to 240Hz over HDMI
130mm height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and VESA 100 x 100

Pros:

High refresh rate for competitive games
1080p is easy on midrange graphics cards
Height-adjustable stand at this tier
Compact 27-inch size fits smaller desks

Cons:

1080p on a 27-inch screen gives lower pixel density than 1440p
HDMI 2.0 rather than HDMI 2.1
300 cd/m2 brightness is modest for HDR
Standard 16:9 shape, not ultrawide

Who it is for: Competitive players on a budget who want a curved, high-refresh screen and a graphics card that does not need to be top-tier.

Skip if: You want sharper text and detail, or the wider view of a 21:9 ultrawide.

How to choose

Pick the panel type first. OLED picks here list 0.03ms response times and very high contrast, while the VA picks list 2500:1 to 3000:1 contrast and sit at lower tiers.
Match the curve to the width. Lower R numbers mean a tighter curve. The 49-inch Samsung uses 1000R and the LG 34GX900A-B uses 800R, while the Alienware and ASUS use a gentler 1800R.
Match refresh rate to your graphics card. A 280Hz or 360Hz panel only pays off if your PC can produce frame rates near that level at the screen's resolution.
Check the ports for your setup. Consoles benefit from HDMI 2.1, high-end PCs can use DisplayPort 2.1, and laptop users should check USB-C wattage, which ranges from 15W on the Alienware to 90W on the ASUS and LG 39-inch.
Measure your desk. A 34-inch 21:9 screen fits many desks, but a 39-inch or 49-inch 32:9 model needs much more width and depth.
Read the HDR certification. DisplayHDR True Black 500 on the OLED picks targets dark-scene contrast, while DisplayHDR 400 and 600 on the LCD picks are brightness-based tiers.

FAQ

What do curvature numbers like 1000R and 1800R mean?

The number is the radius of the curve in millimeters. A smaller number means a tighter curve, so an 800R screen wraps around you more than an 1800R screen.

Is OLED or VA better for a curved gaming monitor?

OLED suits players who want the fastest response and deepest blacks, and the OLED picks here list 0.03ms response times. VA panels offer solid contrast for LCDs and are the more affordable route, as with the two AOC picks.

Which of these monitors work well with consoles?

The Alienware, ASUS, both LG models, and the AOC CU34G4Z list HDMI 2.1. The AOC C27G4ZH uses HDMI 2.0, which suits consoles at lower frame rates.

Should I worry about burn-in on an OLED monitor?

Static images held on screen for long periods are the main risk with OLED. ASUS lists OLED Care Pro features and a proximity sensor on the PG34WCDN, and it is worth checking each maker's warranty terms for burn-in coverage before buying.

Do I need a 49-inch super ultrawide?

Only if you want the widest possible view or two sources on one screen. For most players, a 34-inch 21:9 ultrawide offers a strong wraparound effect on a smaller desk.

Published November 10, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

7 Best Curved Gaming Monitors in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Studio Headphones in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:33:33 GMT

Studio headphones have one job that consumer headphones do not: to show you what is really on a recording so you can make decisions about it. The first choice is the design. Closed-back models keep sound in and room noise out, which matters when a microphone is open. Open-back models are built for mixing and producing in a quiet room.

The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ohm) is the best overall pick. It is a closed-back, over-ear design that beyerdynamic labels for universal studio use, with a 5 to 35,000 Hz frequency response, replaceable velour ear pads and parts that can be replaced if needed.

This page is for home studio owners, podcasters, video creators and musicians who need one pair for recording, or a second pair for mixing. The other picks cover open-back mixing, a premium open-back with two cables and two ear pad sets, strong isolation for loud rooms, and an on-camera closed-back.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ohm)	Closed-back design for universal studio use with replaceable parts
Best for mixing	Sennheiser HD 490 PRO	Open-back, 260 g, with separate mixing and producing ear pads
Best premium open-back	beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII (30 Ohm)	30-ohm TESLA.45 driver, two cables, two pad sets and a hard case
Best for isolation	Sennheiser HD 280 PRO	Up to 32 dB of ambient noise attenuation in a foldable closed-back
Best for on-camera work	Shure SRH440A	Closed-back with a detachable cable and a design made to be seen

How we chose

We compared the maker specifications for closed-back and open-back studio headphones, looking at design, frequency response, impedance, weight, cable type and what comes in the box. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon and gave each one the slot its published specs suit best.

The best Studio Headphones right now

beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ohm) - Best overall

The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ohm) earns the top spot because a closed-back design covers the widest range of studio jobs, from recording vocals with an open microphone to checking a mix late at night. beyerdynamic sells the DT 770 PRO in 32, 80 and 250 ohm versions and lists the 80 ohm model for universal studio use, which is the version linked here.

The maker lists a 5 to 35,000 Hz frequency response, a 96 dB nominal sound pressure level and a weight of 375 grams including the cable. The 80 ohm version uses grey velour ear pads, which are replaceable, and beyerdynamic says all the components are replaceable if necessary. The cable is fixed, with a 3.5 mm mini-jack plug and a 1/4-inch adapter (beyerdynamic's page calls it straight in the specs and coiled in its FAQ, so check the listing), and the headphones are handcrafted in Germany.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Closed-back, over-ear design
80 ohm nominal impedance (32 and 250 ohm versions are sold separately)
5 to 35,000 Hz frequency response
96 dB nominal sound pressure level
375 g including cable
Grey velour ear pads on the 80 and 250 ohm versions; the 32 ohm version uses black leatherette
Fixed cable with 3.5 mm plug and 1/4-inch adapter

Pros:

Closed-back design suits recording near open microphones
80 ohm version is the one beyerdynamic designates for universal studio use
Replaceable ear pads and replaceable components support a long service life
Handcrafted in Germany

Cons:

The cable is fixed, not a plug-in cable you can swap by hand
The maker page does not list a cable length
Ear pad material and impedance change by version, so the exact listing matters

Who it is for: Anyone who wants one pair of closed-back headphones for recording, editing and general studio monitoring.

Skip if: You mainly mix in a quiet room and want an open-back design, or you need a detachable cable.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO - Best for mixing

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO is an open-back reference headphone aimed at producers and mix engineers working in a quiet room. Sennheiser describes an uncolored frequency response and a wide sound stage, and ships it with two sets of ear pads, one for mixing and one for producing, each with its own sound signature. Both sets are washable and replaceable.

The listed frequency response is 5 to 36,000 Hz (-10 dB), with 130 ohms impedance, a 128 dB maximum sound pressure level and a weight of 260 g, the lightest of the picks with a published weight. The 1.8 m cable is detachable and can plug into either the left or right ear cup, and a 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter is in the box. Sennheiser says the headphones are engineered in Germany and hand-assembled in Romania.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Open-back, over-ear design
5 to 36,000 Hz frequency response (-10 dB)
130 ohms impedance
128 dB maximum sound pressure level
260 g weight
Two sets of ear pads for mixing and producing
Detachable 1.8 m cable with left or right ear jack

Pros:

Lightest published weight here at 260 g
Two included ear pad sets for different kinds of work
Cable can be connected on either side
Washable, replaceable ear pads

Cons:

Open-back design lets sound out, so it is a poor fit for recording near an open microphone
At 130 ohms it has the highest published impedance of these picks, so a proper audio interface or headphone amp is a sensible partner
Only one cable, at 1.8 m, comes in the box

Who it is for: Producers and mix engineers who want a light open-back headphone with ear pad options for long sessions.

Skip if: You record vocals or instruments in the same room, or you work somewhere noisy.

beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII (30 Ohm) - Best premium open-back

The beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII is the premium open-back choice for mixing, mastering and editing. It uses beyerdynamic's TESLA.45 driver at 30 ohms, and the maker says the lower impedance lets it work well with a variety of devices. It is offered in this 30 ohm version only.

The box is more complete than most: a 3 m straight cable and a 5 m coiled cable, both detachable with a mini-XLR plug at the headphone end, plus a hard case. Two velour ear pad sets are included: Producing Velours with a slight bass boost and Mixing and Mastering Velours with a more analytical sound. The listed frequency response is 5 to 40,000 Hz, with a 94 dBSPL nominal sound pressure level (1 mW/500 Hz) and a weight of 376 g without cable.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Open-back, over-ear design
TESLA.45 driver, 30 ohms
5 to 40,000 Hz frequency response
94 dBSPL nominal sound pressure level (1 mW/500 Hz)
376 g without cable
3 m straight and 5 m coiled detachable mini-XLR cables
Two velour ear pad sets and a hard case

Pros:

Low 30 ohm impedance for use with a wider range of devices
Two cables cover both desk and longer-reach setups
Ear pad sets are tuned for producing or for mixing and mastering
Hard case and Made in Germany build

Cons:

Open-back design lets sound out and room noise in
At 376 g without cable, it is much heavier than the HD 490 PRO's listed 260 g
A premium package that is more than a podcaster or beginner needs

Who it is for: Mix and mastering engineers who want a full-featured open-back with spare cables and a case for travel.

Skip if: You need isolation for recording, or you want lighter headphones for long sessions.

Sennheiser HD 280 PRO - Best for isolation

The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO is the pick for loud rooms, drum tracking and live monitoring. Sennheiser lists high ambient noise attenuation of up to 32 dB, the only attenuation figure published for any headphones on this list. It is a closed-back, over-ear design built from polycarbonate, and Sennheiser says over 2 million units have been sold.

The listed frequency response is 8 Hz to 25 kHz, with 64 ohms impedance, a 113 dB maximum sound pressure level, 0.1% total harmonic distortion and a weight of 285 g. A single-sided coiled cable stretches from 1.3 m to 3 m and ends in a 3.5 mm connector. Swiveling ear cups and a folding headband make it easier to adjust and store.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Closed-back, over-ear design
Up to 32 dB ambient noise attenuation
8 Hz to 25 kHz frequency response
64 ohms impedance
113 dB maximum sound pressure level
285 g weight
Coiled cable, 1.3 m to 3 m

Pros:

Published isolation figure of up to 32 dB
Folding headband and swiveling ear cups for storage
Coiled cable gives reach without a long loose run
Tough polycarbonate build

Cons:

The coiled cable is not listed as detachable
The 25 kHz upper limit is narrower on paper than the other Sennheiser and beyerdynamic picks
The maker spec table lists the wearing style as on-ear while the product description says over-ear, so the fit details are unclear

Who it is for: Drummers, live sound crews and anyone recording in a noisy space who needs strong isolation.

Skip if: You want a detachable cable or an open-back design for mixing.

Shure SRH440A - Best for on-camera work

The Shure SRH440A is a closed-back, circumaural headphone that Shure says looks great on camera, which makes it a practical match for podcasters and video creators who appear on screen. It uses 40 mm dynamic neodymium drivers, and Shure describes its sound as transparent and natural with low distortion.

A padded headband is there for comfort over long sessions, and the closed-back design reduces background noise. The box includes a detachable straight cable and a threaded 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) gold-plated adapter, and Shure includes a two-year warranty.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Closed-back, circumaural design
40 mm dynamic neodymium drivers
Padded headband
Detachable straight cable
Threaded 1/4-inch gold-plated adapter
Two-year warranty

Pros:

Design made to look good on camera
Detachable cable can be replaced if damaged
Closed-back design reduces background noise
Two-year warranty

Cons:

The maker page lists no frequency response, impedance or weight figures
Cable length is not stated
Only one cable and no spare ear pads in the box

Who it is for: Podcasters, streamers and video creators who want a closed-back headphone that looks tidy on screen.

Skip if: You want full published specs to compare, or you need an open-back headphone for mixing.

How to choose

Pick closed-back for recording. Closed-back headphones such as the DT 770 PRO, HD 280 PRO and SRH440A keep sound from reaching an open microphone and block more room noise.
Pick open-back for mixing in a quiet room. The HD 490 PRO and DT 1990 PRO MKII are open-back designs meant for mixing, producing and mastering, but they let sound out.
Match impedance to your gear. Lower impedance models such as the 30 ohm DT 1990 PRO MKII are easier to use with a wider range of devices, while higher impedance models such as the 130 ohm HD 490 PRO pair best with an audio interface or headphone amp.
Check the cable. A detachable cable, as on the HD 490 PRO, DT 1990 PRO MKII and SRH440A, can be swapped if it fails. Coiled cables suit moving around; straight cables suit a desk.
Look at weight and ear pads. Listed weights here run from 260 g to 376 g, and replaceable or swappable ear pads help with comfort and upkeep over years of use.

FAQ

Should I buy open-back or closed-back studio headphones?

Buy closed-back if you will record with microphones nearby or work in a noisy space. Buy open-back if you mainly mix or produce in a quiet room. Many studios keep one of each.

Which DT 770 PRO impedance should I get?

beyerdynamic lists the 32 ohm version for mobile devices, the 80 ohm version for universal studio use and the 250 ohm version for professional devices. The 80 ohm version is the most flexible choice for a typical home studio.

Do I need a headphone amp for studio headphones?

Not always. Low impedance models are easier to drive from many devices, while higher impedance models benefit from an audio interface or a dedicated headphone amp with enough output.

Why do some studio headphones come with two sets of ear pads?

Ear pads change the sound and comfort. The HD 490 PRO and DT 1990 PRO MKII each include one set aimed at producing and another aimed at mixing, so you can switch based on the task.

Are studio headphones good for everyday listening?

They can be, but they are designed for accurate monitoring rather than a boosted sound. Closed-back models suit listening around other people, while open-back models are best kept to a quiet room at home.

Published November 10, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

5 Best Studio Headphones in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Foldable Phones in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:32:47 GMT

Buying a foldable phone starts with choosing a shape. Book-style models open into a small tablet for reading, video and side-by-side apps. Flip models fold a full-size phone in half and add an outer screen for quick tasks.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the best overall pick. Samsung lists an 8.0-inch main screen, a 6.5-inch cover screen, a 5000 mAh battery and a 200 MP wide camera alongside a 3x optical telephoto. The body measures 4.1 mm thick when unfolded.

This page is for US buyers choosing between Samsung, Google and Motorola foldables. Each pick has a clear priority: the biggest Samsung screen, a lighter book-style fold, IP68 protection, a compact flip, or a Motorola flip with strong Bluetooth audio support.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra	8.0-inch main screen, 200 MP camera, 3x optical telephoto and 5000 mAh battery
Best for dust and water protection	Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold	IP68 rating, gearless hinge and Tensor G6 with 16GB of RAM
Best lightweight foldable	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8	Book-style foldable at 201 g with a 4:3 main screen
Best flip phone	Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8	6.9-inch main screen and 4.1-inch FlexWindow at 180 g
Best Motorola flip	Motorola Razr Ultra 2026	IP48 rating, aptX HD audio and wireless charging

How we chose

We compared the specifications each maker publishes for its foldables, including screen sizes, batteries, cameras, charging, durability ratings and weight. We matched each phone to the kind of buyer those specs suit best. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Foldable Phones right now

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra - Best overall

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the most complete book-style foldable on this list. It opens to an 8.0-inch main screen, has a 6.5-inch cover screen for use when closed, and Samsung lists a peak brightness of 3000 nits. Samsung puts the unfolded thickness at 4.1 mm and the weight at 215 g.

Inside is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip and a 5000 mAh battery that Samsung rates for up to 27 hours of video playback. The rear cameras are a 200 MP wide, a 50 MP ultra wide and a 10 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The frame is Armor Aluminum with Corning Gorilla Glass. Storage is 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB, depending on the configuration.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

8.0-inch main screen and 6.5-inch cover screen
Up to 3000 nits peak brightness
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
200 MP wide, 50 MP ultra wide and 10 MP 3x optical telephoto cameras
5000 mAh battery, up to 27 hours of video playback (Samsung figure)
4.1 mm unfolded, 215 g
256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB storage, depending on configuration

Pros:

Largest main and cover screens of the Samsung picks
Only Samsung pick here with an optical telephoto camera
Largest battery of the Samsung picks
Storage options reach 1 TB

Cons:

At 215 g, the heaviest of the three Samsung picks
The telephoto camera is 10 MP, well below the 200 MP main camera
An 8.0-inch main screen and 6.5-inch cover screen make it a large phone to carry

Who it is for: Buyers who want Samsung's biggest foldable screens, an optical telephoto and the largest Samsung battery in one phone.

Skip if: You want a lighter book-style phone such as the Galaxy Z Fold8, or a flip that folds down smaller.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold - Best for dust and water protection

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is the book-style pick for buyers who want an IP68 dust and water rating. Google also highlights a gearless hinge that protects the inner display. Google says both displays reach 3600 nits.

Google pairs its Tensor G6 chip with 16GB of RAM and rates the battery for over 24 hours. With 30W wired charging, it reaches 50% in about 30 minutes, and Qi2.2 wireless charging goes up to 25W. The rear cameras include a 48MP main camera and a telephoto camera with up to 30x Super Zoom. It comes in Obsidian and Olive.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

IP68 dust and water protection rating
Gearless hinge that protects the inner display
Tensor G6 chip with 16GB of RAM
Over 24 hours of battery life (Google figure)
3600 nits on both displays
30W wired charging and up to 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging
48MP main camera and telephoto with up to 30x Super Zoom

Pros:

IP68 is the highest dust and water rating stated by any maker for the picks on this list
16GB of RAM
Qi2.2 wireless charging up to 25W
Both screens reach 3600 nits

Cons:

The 48MP main camera has a lower resolution than the Fold8 Ultra's 200 MP
Wired charging tops out at 30W and takes about 30 minutes to reach 50%
Only two colors: Obsidian and Olive

Who it is for: Buyers who want a book-style foldable with IP68 protection, Google's Tensor G6 chip and a long-reach telephoto camera.

Skip if: You want a compact flip phone, or the highest-resolution main camera on this list, which the Fold8 Ultra has.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 - Best lightweight foldable

The Galaxy Z Fold8 is Samsung's lighter book-style foldable. Samsung calls it the world's lightest foldable and lists it at 201 g, measuring 4.5 mm thick when unfolded.

The 7.6-inch main screen uses a 4:3 aspect ratio, while the 5.5-inch cover screen uses 10:16. Samsung lists 3000 nits of brightness and anti-reflection on the main screen. It uses the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip as the Ultra. The 4800 mAh battery is rated for up to 26 hours of video playback, and the rear has dual 50 MP cameras, wide and ultra wide. Storage is 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB, depending on the configuration.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

7.6-inch 4:3 main screen and 5.5-inch 10:16 cover screen
3000 nits brightness with anti-reflection on the main screen
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
4800 mAh battery, up to 26 hours of video playback (Samsung figure)
Dual 50 MP wide and ultra wide cameras
201 g, 4.5 mm unfolded
One UI 9

Pros:

Lightest book-style Samsung pick at 201 g
Same chip as the Fold8 Ultra
Anti-reflection coating on the main screen
Storage options reach 1 TB

Cons:

No telephoto camera; 2x optical quality zoom from the main sensor and up to 10x digital
4800 mAh battery is smaller than the Fold8 Ultra's 5000 mAh
7.6-inch main screen is smaller than the Fold8 Ultra's 8.0 inches

Who it is for: Buyers who want a full book-style Samsung foldable and care most about weight in the hand and pocket.

Skip if: Optical zoom matters to you, in which case the Fold8 Ultra is the better fit.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 - Best flip phone

The Galaxy Z Flip8 folds a 6.9-inch main screen in half and adds a 4.1-inch FlexWindow on the outside. Samsung says the FlexWindow lets you customize and do more without unfolding the phone, including Now Brief updates at a glance.

Samsung calls it its lightest, thinnest flip and lists it at 180 g. It runs the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip as the Fold models and has a 4300 mAh battery rated for up to 31 hours of video playback. The rear cameras are a 50 MP wide with 2x optical quality zoom and a 12 MP ultra wide. The main screen reaches 2600 nits peak brightness. Storage is 256 GB or 512 GB, depending on the configuration.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

6.9-inch main screen and 4.1-inch FlexWindow
2600 nits peak brightness
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
4300 mAh battery, up to 31 hours of video playback (Samsung figure)
50 MP wide with 2x optical quality zoom and 12 MP ultra wide cameras
180 g
256 GB or 512 GB storage, depending on configuration

Pros:

Lightest Samsung pick at 180 g
Same chip as Samsung's book-style picks
Longest Samsung video playback figure on this list
FlexWindow handles quick tasks without opening the phone

Cons:

No dedicated telephoto camera
Storage tops out at 512 GB
4300 mAh battery is the smallest of the Samsung picks

Who it is for: Buyers who want a pocketable flip with the same Snapdragon chip as Samsung's book-style models.

Skip if: You want a tablet-size inner screen or 1 TB of storage.

Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 - Best Motorola flip

The Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 is the pick for flip buyers who want an option outside Samsung's lineup. It pairs an external display with a folding main screen, and Motorola adds a dedicated AI Key. Motorola describes it as a Gorilla Glass flip phone.

Motorola rates it IP48 for water, splash and dust resistance, and says it can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of still, fresh water for up to 30 minutes. It supports Qualcomm aptX HD audio for 24-bit music quality over Bluetooth. It also has wireless charging, an NFC touchpoint for payments and a fingerprint sensor in the power button. The rear has a main camera and an ultra-wide and macro camera.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

External display and folding main screen
IP48 water, splash and dust resistance
Qualcomm aptX HD audio over Bluetooth
Wireless charging
NFC touchpoint for payments
Fingerprint sensor in the power button
Main camera plus ultra-wide and macro camera

Pros:

aptX HD support for 24-bit Bluetooth audio
Rated for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of still, fresh water for 30 minutes
Wireless charging and NFC payments
Dedicated AI Key

Cons:

IP48 means less protection against fine dust than the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's IP68
Water rating applies to still, fresh water only
Cases must leave the air vent clear to avoid noise during calls or media playback

Who it is for: Buyers who want a Motorola flip with high-quality Bluetooth audio support, wireless charging and IP48 protection.

Skip if: You need stronger dust protection, such as the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's IP68, or want a book-style foldable.

How to choose

Pick the fold style first. Book-style phones such as the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Pixel 11 Pro Fold open to a tablet-size screen. Flip phones such as the Galaxy Z Flip8 and Razr Ultra 2026 fold a regular phone in half.
Check the cover screen. The outer screen decides how much you can do without opening the phone. Samsung lists 6.5 inches on the Fold8 Ultra, 5.5 inches on the Fold8 and 4.1 inches for the Flip8 FlexWindow.
Read the IP rating. The first digit covers solids such as dust and the second covers water. IP68 means dust-tight, while IP48 protects against solid objects larger than about 1 mm.
Look for a real telephoto. If zoom matters, choose a phone that lists a telephoto camera, such as the Fold8 Ultra's 3x optical lens or the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's telephoto. The Fold8 and Flip8 have no telephoto and offer 2x optical quality zoom from the main sensor.
Balance weight against battery. Among the Samsung picks, the Flip8 weighs 180 g with a 4300 mAh battery, the Fold8 weighs 201 g with 4800 mAh, and the Fold8 Ultra weighs 215 g with 5000 mAh.
Choose storage up front. Storage varies by configuration. Samsung's Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra go up to 1 TB, while the Flip8 tops out at 512 GB.

FAQ

What is the difference between a book-style and a flip foldable?

A book-style foldable opens sideways into a small tablet, such as the 8.0-inch main screen on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. A flip foldable is a regular-size phone that folds in half, such as the Galaxy Z Flip8 with its 6.9-inch main screen.

Are foldable phones water resistant?

Some are rated for it. Google lists an IP68 dust and water rating for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Motorola rates the Razr Ultra 2026 at IP48 and says it can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of still, fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Samsung's product pages do not state a rating for the three Galaxy picks.

Which foldables here support wireless charging?

Google lists Qi2.2 wireless charging up to 25W for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Motorola lists wireless charging for the Razr Ultra 2026. Samsung's product pages for the three Galaxy picks do not state it, so check the listing.

Does the storage size change the specs?

Storage depends on the configuration you buy. Samsung offers the Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra in 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB versions, and the Flip8 in 256 GB and 512 GB versions.

Which foldable here is the lightest?

Of the phones with a listed weight, the Galaxy Z Flip8 is the lightest at 180 g. Among book-style models, the Galaxy Z Fold8 is lighter than the Fold8 Ultra, at 201 g versus 215 g.

Published November 10, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

5 Best Foldable Phones in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Ergonomic Mice in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:32:24 GMT

An ergonomic mouse should suit the way your hand and forearm want to rest through a full workday. This guide is for US buyers who spend long hours at a desk and want a more comfortable setup, whether that means a sculpted mouse, a vertical design or a thumb-operated trackball.

The Logitech MX Master 4 is the best overall pick. It pairs an 8,000 DPI sensor that tracks on glass with customizable haptic feedback, a MagSpeed scroll wheel and Actions Ring shortcuts, which makes it a strong fit for people who move between spreadsheets, design tools and browser tabs all day.

The other picks cover specific needs: a vertical mouse for small to medium hands, two thumb trackballs, a steeply angled vertical mouse for multi-device desks, and a sculpted mouse with a built-in palm cushion.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Logitech MX Master 4	Haptic feedback, an 8,000 DPI sensor and deep shortcut control
Best vertical mouse	Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse	57° handshake angle sized for small to medium hands
Best trackball	Logitech MX Ergo S	20-degree tilt, thumb control and 6 customizable buttons
Best for multi-device setups	Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition	71.7° vertical angle with 5-way multi-device switching
Best palm support	Logitech Signature Comfort Plus M850 L	Built-in palm cushion, thumb rest and quiet clicks
Best value trackball	Logitech ERGO M575S	Simple thumb trackball for small or busy desks

How we chose

We compared the ergonomic designs and published specifications on each maker's product page, including grip style, angle, hand size guidance, buttons and connection features. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Ergonomic Mice right now

Logitech MX Master 4 - Best overall

The Logitech MX Master 4 is the best all-round choice for people who work long days at a computer and want a sculpted mouse with a lot of control built in. Its 8,000 DPI sensor tracks on virtually any surface, including glass, which Logitech notes needs to be at least 4mm thick.

Haptic feedback is the standout feature. Logitech describes customizable haptic feedback on specific actions, shortcuts and notifications, with native Advanced Haptics integration on Windows 11. The machined steel MagSpeed wheel switches between a ratchet mode and a hyper-fast mode, and the Actions Ring brings shortcuts to the cursor, which Logitech says reduces mouse movements by up to 63%.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

8,000 DPI sensor
Tracks on glass (4mm minimum thickness)
Customizable haptic feedback
Machined steel MagSpeed scroll wheel with ratchet and hyper-fast modes
Up to 1,000 lines per second in hyper-fast mode
Actions Ring shortcuts, customized in Logi Options+ on Windows and macOS

Pros:

Haptic cues for actions, shortcuts and notifications
Works on glass desks as well as standard surfaces
Two scroll modes for precise or very fast scrolling
Shortcut tools aimed at cutting down mouse travel

Cons:

Haptics and Actions Ring customization run through the Logi Options+ app
Native Advanced Haptics integration is listed for Windows 11
Keeps a flat grip rather than the handshake posture of the vertical picks
A premium choice compared with simpler ergonomic mice here

Who it is for: Office workers, creators and power users on Windows or Mac who want one supportive mouse with heavy shortcut and scrolling features.

Skip if: Your wrist or forearm comfort calls for a vertical grip or a trackball that lets your arm stay still.

Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse - Best vertical mouse

The Logitech Lift is built around a 57° angle that Logitech calls a natural handshake position. It is shaped for smaller hands, with Logitech saying it fits small to medium hands like a glove.

Comfort details go beyond the angle. Logitech lists whisper-quiet clicks, a smooth, quiet scroll wheel that adapts to a light touch, and a softly textured grip with easy-to-reach buttons. A left-handed version exists, but this listing is the right-handed Graphite model.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

57° vertical angle
Sized for small to medium hands
Whisper-quiet clicks
Quiet scroll wheel
Softly textured grip
Right-handed and left-handed versions (this listing is right-handed)

Pros:

Handshake posture without an extreme angle
Quiet clicks and scrolling suit shared offices
A left-handed version is available
Sized for hands that find large mice awkward

Cons:

Not designed for large hands
The left-handed version is a separate model from this listing
Vertical grip is a change from a standard flat mouse

Who it is for: People with small to medium hands who want to try a vertical mouse in a quiet office or home setup.

Skip if: You have large hands or want a steeper vertical angle like the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition.

Logitech MX Ergo S - Best trackball

The Logitech MX Ergo S moves the cursor with your thumb, so your hand stays supported on a sculpted shape with a soft rubber grip. Logitech says its 20-degree tilt angle encourages better forearm posture and reduces muscle strain in the forearm by 27%.

It also has more controls than the simpler trackball on this list: 6 customizable buttons plus a DPI button to switch between speed and high-precision tracking. Logitech adds quiet clicks and quick USB-C charging, though the USB-C cable is not included.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Thumb-controlled trackball
20-degree tilt angle
6 customizable buttons plus a DPI button
Quiet clicks
Quick USB-C charging (cable not included)
Made with recycled plastic

Pros:

Arm stays still while the thumb moves the cursor
Tilted shape aimed at forearm posture
DPI button for switching between fast and precise tracking
More customizable buttons than the ERGO M575S

Cons:

USB-C charging cable is not in the box
Logitech pitches it at medium to large hands
Thumb trackball control is a different motion from a standard mouse

Who it is for: People with medium to large hands who want a full-featured trackball for long workdays.

Skip if: You have small hands or want a simpler trackball with fewer controls.

Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition - Best for multi-device setups

The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition is angled at 71.7°, the steepest of the vertical picks here. Razer says the shape is designed for a natural handshake grip, with base support to reduce wrist friction during long work or gaming sessions.

It suits busy desks. 5-way multi-device connectivity lets you toggle between a PC, laptop, tablet and more with a dedicated button, and the Razer Focus Pro 30K optical sensor tracks even on glass, with one-click switching between work and gaming DPI settings. Up to 8 programmable controls, an AI Prompt Master shortcut and 18-zone Chroma RGB underglow are set up through Razer Synapse 4. Razer rates battery life at up to 6 months under its standard conditions, so real battery life depends on use.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

71.7° vertical angle
Razer Focus Pro 30K optical sensor
5-way multi-device connectivity with a dedicated switch button
Up to 8 programmable controls
AI Prompt Master shortcut via Razer Synapse 4
Up to 6 months of battery life (varies with use)

Pros:

Switches between up to five devices
Tracks on glass surfaces
Separate work and gaming DPI presets
Plenty of programmable controls

Cons:

The 71.7° angle is a bigger change from a flat mouse than the Lift's 57°
Programmable controls and the AI shortcut need Razer Synapse 4
Battery figure is based on Razer's standard conditions, so it varies with use

Who it is for: People who split work between several computers and tablets and want a steep vertical grip with gaming-grade tracking.

Skip if: You want a gentler vertical angle or prefer not to run extra software for button setup.

Logitech Signature Comfort Plus M850 L - Best palm support

The Logitech Signature Comfort Plus M850 L adds a built-in palm cushion to a sculpted mouse, giving the heel of your hand a softer place to rest. A thumb rest and extended rubber side grip round out the shape.

Day-to-day features are practical. The SmartWheel scrolls line by line or flies through pages, clicks are quiet, and Easy-Switch moves between up to 3 devices over Bluetooth. Logitech reports that 93% of surveyed users felt comfortable using it even after a full workday.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Built-in palm cushion
Thumb rest and extended rubber side grip
SmartWheel line-by-line or fast scrolling
Quiet clicks
Bluetooth with Easy-Switch for up to 3 devices

Pros:

Built-in palm cushion for the heel of your hand
Familiar flat grip
Switches between up to 3 devices
Quiet clicks suit shared spaces

Cons:

Keeps a flat grip rather than a vertical posture
Bluetooth connection means your computer needs Bluetooth
No haptics or Actions Ring like the MX Master 4

Who it is for: People who want extra palm comfort in a familiar mouse shape.

Skip if: You want a vertical or trackball design.

Logitech ERGO M575S - Best value trackball

The Logitech ERGO M575S is a straightforward thumb trackball. Because you do not move your hand to move the cursor, Logitech calls it ideal for small or busy setups, and it says the design reduces muscle strain in your forearm by 25%.

Controls are kept simple. It has 3 customizable buttons covering Back/Forward and the middle click of the scroll wheel, and you can adjust cursor speed in the Logi Options+ app. It is a more affordable way into trackballs than the MX Ergo S, with fewer controls.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Thumb-controlled trackball
3 customizable buttons
Cursor speed adjustable in Logi Options+
Suited to small or busy desks

Pros:

Hand stays in place, so it needs little desk space
Simple button layout
Adjustable cursor speed
Affordable entry to trackball control

Cons:

Only 3 customizable buttons, against 6 plus a DPI button on the MX Ergo S
No tilt angle is listed, unlike the MX Ergo S
Thumb trackball control is a different motion from a standard mouse

Who it is for: People with cramped desks who want to try a trackball without paying for extra features.

Skip if: You want more programmable buttons or a tilted shape.

How to choose

Pick the grip style first. Vertical mice such as the Lift and Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition turn your hand toward a handshake position, trackballs such as the MX Ergo S and ERGO M575S move the cursor with your thumb, and sculpted mice such as the MX Master 4 and M850 L keep a familiar flat grip.
Match the size to your hand. Logitech sizes the Lift for small to medium hands and the MX Ergo S for medium to large hands.
Look at the angle. Vertical angles differ: 57° on the Lift and 71.7° on the Razer. A steeper angle is a bigger change from a flat mouse.
Count the buttons you will use. The ERGO M575S has 3 customizable buttons, the MX Ergo S has 6 plus a DPI button, and the Razer offers up to 8 programmable controls.
Check connections and charging. The M850 L switches between 3 devices over Bluetooth, the Razer handles 5 devices, and the MX Ergo S charges over USB-C with no cable in the box.
Factor in the software. Haptics, shortcuts and button changes on the Logitech picks run through Logi Options+, and the Razer uses Razer Synapse 4.

FAQ

Is a vertical mouse or a trackball better for ergonomics?

They solve different problems. A vertical mouse rotates your hand toward a handshake position, while a trackball keeps your hand and arm still and moves the cursor with your thumb. Choose based on which motion feels more comfortable to you.

Which of these mice suit small hands?

The Logitech Lift is the clearest choice, since Logitech sizes it for small to medium hands. The MX Ergo S is aimed at medium to large hands.

Is there a left-handed option here?

Logitech makes a left-handed version of the Lift. The listing linked on this page is the right-handed model, so pick the left version separately if you need it.

Do I need software to use these mice?

Basic pointing works without it, but features such as MX Master 4 haptics, the Actions Ring and M575S cursor speed are set in Logi Options+, and the Razer's programmable controls and AI shortcut use Razer Synapse 4.

Can an ergonomic mouse fix wrist pain?

No mouse is a medical treatment. Strain reduction figures quoted here are maker claims, and ongoing pain is worth raising with a doctor or physical therapist.

Published November 10, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

6 Best Ergonomic Mice in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best AR Glasses in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:32:01 GMT

The AR glasses in this guide are display glasses. They plug into a phone, laptop, handheld or console and show a large virtual screen in front of your eyes. The specs that set them apart are field of view, resolution, brightness, weight, head tracking and whether they can correct for nearsightedness.

The VITURE Beast is the best overall pick. VITURE lists a 58-degree field of view, 1920 x 1200 resolution per eye, up to 120Hz, up to 1250 nits of perceived brightness, 9-level electrochromic dimming and built-in 3DoF head tracking. No other pick here covers all of those points.

This page is for US buyers who want a portable big screen for movies, gaming or work. The other picks cover the widest view, spatial screen features, built-in vision correction, low weight and HDR movie viewing.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	VITURE Beast	58-degree view, 1200p per eye, 9-level dimming and built-in 3DoF
Best for the widest view	RayNeo GT Max (M size)	59-degree field of view with onboard 3DoF and screens up to 307 inches
Best for spatial features	XREAL 1S	X1 chip, native 3DoF and an adjustable screen from 31 to 500 inches
Best for nearsighted users	VITURE Pro 2	Built-in myopia adjustment from 0.0D to -5.0D at just 63g
Best lightweight	XREAL xbx a01+	62g frame with 1600 nits at the eye and HDR10
Best for HDR movies	RayNeo Air 4 Pro	HDR10, Vision 4000 chip and B&O quad speakers in a 76g frame

How we chose

We compared the makers' published specifications for display glasses that show a virtual screen, looking at field of view, resolution, brightness, refresh rate, weight, head tracking, vision correction and connection options. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best AR Glasses right now

VITURE Beast - Best overall

The VITURE Beast uses Sony Micro-OLED panels with a 58-degree field of view, which VITURE describes as a 174-inch screen at 4 meters. Resolution is 1920 x 1200 per eye, the refresh rate goes up to 120Hz and perceived brightness reaches up to 1250 nits.

An electrochromic film has 9 levels of adjustment, with optical transmittance from 0.5 to 40 percent, so you can make the lenses nearly opaque or fairly see-through. Head tracking is built in through VisionPair 3DoF, and audio is HARMAN AudioEFX. The glasses come in Regular and Large sizes for different IPD ranges, and weight depends on size: 88g for Regular and 90g for Large.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

58° field of view
1920 x 1200 per eye, up to 120Hz
Up to 1250 nits perceived brightness
Electrochromic film with 9 levels of adjustment
Built-in VisionPair 3DoF
HARMAN AudioEFX
Regular (IPD 64.0 ± 6.0 mm) and Large (IPD 68.0 ± 6.0 mm) sizes

Pros:

Higher per-eye resolution than the 1080p picks in this guide
Field of view within one degree of the widest pick here
Head tracking is built into the glasses
Wide dimming range from 0.5 to 40 percent transmittance

Cons:

No built-in myopia adjustment; VITURE says a prescription lens frame is needed for nearsightedness or astigmatism
At 88g to 90g depending on size, it is the heaviest pick here
You need to check your IPD against the Regular and Large ranges before buying

Who it is for: Buyers who want a wide view, 1200p detail, deep dimming and built-in head tracking in one pair.

Skip if: You want built-in nearsighted correction or the lightest frame; the VITURE Pro 2 and XREAL xbx a01+ are both lighter.

RayNeo GT Max (M size) - Best for the widest view

The RayNeo GT Max has the widest field of view in this guide at 59 degrees. RayNeo lists virtual screen sizes of 227, 267 and 307 inches, with 267 inches as the default. It uses a 0.6-inch SeeYa Micro-OLED panel at 1920 x 1080 and runs at 120Hz in 2D and 60Hz in 3D.

The glasses carry a Vision 4000 chip and an onboard Zone 360 3DoF chip, with Steady, Pinned and Follow spatial modes, plus B&O-tuned quad speakers. RayNeo sells three IPD sizes chosen at purchase: S (under 64mm), M (64 to 67mm) and L (over 67mm). This listing is the M size. Brightness depends on mode: RayNeo lists 1,200 nits outside Pinned mode and 336 nits in Pinned mode.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

59° field of view
227, 267 or 307-inch virtual screen (267 inches by default)
0.6-inch SeeYa Micro-OLED, 1920 x 1080
120Hz in 2D, 60Hz in 3D
Onboard Zone 360 3DoF chip with Steady, Pinned and Follow modes
B&O-tuned quad speakers with Whisper Mode 2.0
78g

Pros:

Widest field of view among these picks
Native 3DoF without an extra device
Three IPD sizes help match the optics to your eyes
RayNeo supports prescription lenses through Lensology

Cons:

RayNeo lists 38 pixels per degree, since a 1080p panel is spread across a 59-degree view
Brightness drops to 336 nits in Pinned mode
Dolby Vision requires the optional Pocket TV Pro
This listing is the M size only (IPD 64 to 67mm)

Who it is for: Movie and game fans with an IPD of 64 to 67mm who want the largest possible view with head tracking built in.

Skip if: Your IPD falls outside 64 to 67mm, or you care more about sharpness than screen size; the VITURE Beast has 1200p per eye.

XREAL 1S - Best for spatial features

The XREAL 1S runs on XREAL's X1 chip, which handles 3DoF with real-time spatial anchoring. XREAL lists 3ms motion-to-photon latency, Anchor, Follow and Ultra-wide modes, a virtual screen you can set from 31 to 500 inches, and a display distance you can set from 1 to 10 meters.

It uses Sony 0.68-inch Micro-OLED panels at 3840 x 1200 combined, with a 52-degree field of view, a fixed 90Hz mode and up to 120Hz. Other features include 3-level and automatic electrochromic dimming, Sound by Bose, a 4-mic array, glasses-side 2D-to-3D conversion and an 82g frame.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

XREAL X1 chip with native 3DoF
3ms motion-to-photon latency
Virtual screen adjustable from 31 to 500 inches
Sony 0.68-inch Micro-OLED, 3840 x 1200 combined
52° field of view, up to 120Hz
3-level and auto electrochromic dimming
Sound by Bose, 82g

Pros:

Most flexible screen size and distance settings in this group
Anchor, Follow and Ultra-wide modes for work and play
1200p per eye matches the VITURE Beast
Instant 2D-to-3D conversion happens on the glasses

Cons:

700 nits peak brightness is the lowest listed among these picks
Only 3 dimming levels plus auto, compared with 9 on the VITURE Beast
82g is heavier than the VITURE Pro 2 and XREAL xbx a01+

Who it is for: People who want a screen that stays pinned in space for multitasking, plus adjustable screen size and 3D conversion.

Skip if: You watch in bright rooms and want the most brightness, or you want the lightest frame.

VITURE Pro 2 - Best for nearsighted users

The VITURE Pro 2 has built-in myopia adjustment from 0.0D to -5.0D per eye, so many nearsighted users can watch without wearing glasses underneath. It weighs 63g, and VITURE lists a 50-degree field of view and a 146-inch screen at 4 meters.

The display is Sony Micro-OLED at 1920 x 1080 per eye, with refresh rates of 120Hz, 90Hz and 60Hz and 1,600 nits peak brightness. It connects over USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, offers 3DoF through VITURE's SpaceWalker software, includes a lens shade in the box and carries SGS A+ eye care certification.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Built-in myopia adjustment, 0.0D to -5.0D per eye
63g
Sony Micro-OLED, 1920 x 1080 per eye
Up to 120Hz (120Hz, 90Hz or 60Hz)
1,600 nits peak brightness
50° field of view, 146-inch screen at 4 meters
Lens shade included

Pros:

Vision correction is built into the glasses
One of the two lightest picks here
1,600 nits ties for the highest peak brightness in this guide
VITURE lists it as made for Switch and Switch 2

Cons:

1080p per eye, below the 1200p of the VITURE Beast and XREAL 1S
Correction stops at -5.0D; stronger prescriptions or astigmatism need the separately sold Prescription Lens Frame
3DoF comes through SpaceWalker software rather than a dedicated onboard chip

Who it is for: Nearsighted buyers up to -5.0D who want a light pair for long viewing sessions.

Skip if: You have astigmatism or a prescription beyond -5.0D, or you want the widest view.

XREAL xbx a01+ - Best lightweight

The XREAL xbx a01+ is the lightest pick here at 62g with its detachable front frame, or 56g without it. It uses a 0.6-inch SeeYa Micro OLED at 1920 x 1080 in 2D mode and 3840 x 1080 in 3D mode, with up to 120Hz and a 50-degree field of view.

XREAL lists 1600 nits at the eye, HDR10 and AI-HDR support, high-frequency PWM dimming up to 3840Hz and an IPD range of 54.5 to 74.5mm. Video comes in over USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, and the glasses have no built-in battery. The a01+ adds a light shield that the base a01 does not include.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

62g with front frame, 56g without
0.6-inch SeeYa Micro OLED
1920 x 1080 (2D), 3840 x 1080 (3D)
Up to 120Hz, 50° field of view
1600 nits at the eye, HDR10 and AI-HDR
IPD range of 54.5 to 74.5mm
Light shield included

Pros:

Lightest frame in this guide
1600 nits ties for the highest peak brightness here
Wide listed IPD range
HDR10 support

Cons:

1080p, below the 1200p of the VITURE Beast and XREAL 1S
Needs a source that outputs video over USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
No built-in battery, so it draws power from the connected device

Who it is for: Travelers and handheld gamers who want the least weight on their face with a bright HDR picture.

Skip if: You want built-in myopia adjustment or a wider field of view.

RayNeo Air 4 Pro - Best for HDR movies

RayNeo built the Air 4 Pro around movie viewing, with an HDR10 display, 1200 nits peak brightness, 10.7 billion colors and a Pixelworks Vision 4000 chip. It uses a 5.5th-gen Tandem OLED, a 201-inch screen and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Audio comes from quad speakers by Bang & Olufsen with Whisper Mode. The frame weighs 76g and is prescription-ready. RayNeo lists full 3D movie support and AI conversion of 2D photos and videos into 3D. Its compatibility list covers iPhone 17, MacBook, PC, PS4/5, Steam Deck and Switch 2, plus HDMI and Lightning devices.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

HDR10 display, 1200 nits peak brightness
Pixelworks Vision 4000 chip
5.5th-gen Tandem OLED
201-inch screen, 120Hz
Quad-speaker audio by Bang & Olufsen
76g, prescription-ready frame
3D movie support and AI 2D-to-3D conversion

Pros:

HDR10 and a dedicated picture chip for movie content
Quad-speaker audio with Whisper Mode
Broad listed device compatibility, including consoles
Lighter than the VITURE Beast, XREAL 1S and RayNeo GT Max

Cons:

RayNeo does not list head tracking for it; native 3DoF is in its GT line
HDMI and Lightning sources need adapters, sold separately
1200 nits is below the 1600 nits of the VITURE Pro 2 and XREAL xbx a01+

Who it is for: Movie watchers who want HDR10, 3D playback and strong speakers in a comfortable frame.

Skip if: You want the screen to stay anchored in space as you turn your head.

How to choose

Start with field of view. A wider field of view makes the screen fill more of your vision. Among the picks with a listed field of view, the range is 50 to 59 degrees.
Weigh resolution against view size. A 1080p panel spread across a wider view shows fewer pixels per degree. RayNeo lists 38 pixels per degree for the 59-degree GT Max, while the VITURE Beast and XREAL 1S use 1200p panels.
Decide whether you need head tracking. 3DoF lets the screen stay pinned in place when you turn your head, which helps with multitasking. The VITURE Beast, RayNeo GT Max and XREAL 1S list it built in.
Check vision correction. The VITURE Pro 2 corrects nearsightedness from 0.0D to -5.0D. Most other picks rely on prescription inserts or frames, and the VITURE Beast has no built-in myopia adjustment.
Match the fit to your eyes. Some models come in IPD sizes, such as the RayNeo GT Max in S, M and L or the VITURE Beast in Regular and Large. Measure your IPD before you order.
Confirm your connection. These glasses take video over USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode. Consoles and other HDMI sources need an adapter.

FAQ

What is the difference between AR display glasses and audio smart glasses?

AR display glasses show a virtual screen from a connected device, such as a phone, laptop or console. Audio smart glasses play sound and take calls but have no screen.

Do AR glasses work with an iPhone?

Many do. iPhones with USB-C can connect directly to glasses that accept DisplayPort Alt Mode video. RayNeo lists Lightning iPhones as working through Apple's Lightning Digital AV Adapter plus RayNeo's HDMI Adapter.

Can I use AR glasses if I wear prescription glasses?

Yes, with the right model. The VITURE Pro 2 has built-in myopia adjustment from 0.0D to -5.0D. RayNeo (through Lensology) and VITURE also offer prescription lens options, and VITURE's Prescription Lens Frame covers astigmatism.

Can I play Switch or PS5 games on AR glasses?

Yes, with the right setup. VITURE lists the Pro 2 as made for Switch and Switch 2, and RayNeo sells a JoyDock accessory for docking a Switch to its RayNeo Air glasses.

Do AR glasses need charging?

Glasses like these are usually powered by the connected device. XREAL says the xbx a01+ has no built-in battery, so keep an eye on your phone or handheld's battery during long sessions.

Published November 10, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

6 Best AR Glasses in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best 360 Cameras in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:31:38 GMT

A 360 camera records everything around it at once, so you choose the angle later in an app instead of aiming while you shoot. That makes these cameras popular for action sports, travel, vlogging and property tours, but the models below differ a lot on resolution, sensor size, weight and water protection.

The GoPro MAX2 is the best overall pick. GoPro lists True 8K 360 video with 10-bit color, 29MP 360 photos, twist-on replaceable lenses, a 6-microphone array and waterproofing to 16ft (5m), which is the broadest published feature set in this group.

This page is for US buyers choosing a first 360 camera or replacing an older one. The rest of the list covers a large-sensor option, a lightweight 8K model, a high-resolution photo camera, a budget combo with two batteries and a touch-screen model aimed at real estate.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	GoPro MAX2	True 8K 360 video, replaceable lenses and waterproofing to 16ft
Best large-sensor pick	Insta360 X6	8K 360 capture with what Insta360 calls 1-inch imaging
Best lightweight	Insta360 X4 Air	8K30 360 video in a 165g body
Best for 360 photos	KanDao QooCam 3 Ultra	96MP panoramic photos, built-in GPS and in-camera stitching
Best budget pick	AKASO 360 Action Camera	5.7K 360 video and two batteries in the Standard Combo
Best for real estate	Ricoh THETA X	Large touch panel and fast HDR processing for property work

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for 360 video resolution, frame rates, photo resolution, sensors, water protection, battery and weight, then matched each camera to a specific kind of buyer. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best 360 Cameras right now

GoPro MAX2 - Best overall

The GoPro MAX2 has the most complete spec sheet in this group. GoPro rates it for True 8K 360 video with 10-bit color, up to 300Mbps bitrate and GP-Log encoding with LUT, plus 29MP 360 photos from two image sensors. Spherical slow motion is available at 4K100 and 5.6K60.

It also works as a traditional action camera, with 4K60 single-lens capture and a 180-degree mode in 4K60. Twist-on replaceable lenses, Max HyperSmooth stabilization with 360 Horizon Lock, a 6-microphone array with wind noise reduction, waterproofing to 16ft (5m) and an included Cold-Weather Enduro Battery make it the most outdoor-ready pick here on paper.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

True 8K 360 video
4K100 and 5.6K60 spherical slow-motion modes
10-bit color, up to 300Mbps bitrate and GP-Log
29MP 360 photos
4K60 single-lens capture, including a 180-degree mode
Waterproof to 16ft (5m)
6-microphone array

Pros:

Doubles as a single-lens 4K60 action camera
Twist-on lenses can be replaced rather than repaired
Waterproof to 16ft without a housing
10-bit color and GP-Log give more room for color grading

Cons:

A 16ft (5m) rating is shallow for diving
Single-lens video tops out at 4K60
GoPro's product page does not list weight or screen size

Who it is for: Buyers who want one camera for both 360 and traditional action footage, including in water and cold weather.

Skip if: You mainly shoot still panoramas for listings or Street View, where the Ricoh THETA X or KanDao QooCam 3 Ultra is more focused on that work.

Insta360 X6 - Best large-sensor pick

The Insta360 X6 is the pick for buyers who put sensor size first. Insta360 describes "8K 1-Inch Imaging" from Dual Sony Custom Sensors paired with a Triple AI Chip System, a larger sensor class on paper than the dual 1/2-inch sensors in the AKASO pick.

Beyond 8K 360 capture, the X6 offers a 5K60fps 170-degree ultra-wide video mode for shots that do not need the full sphere, plus InstaFrame 2.0 for ready-to-share clips. Insta360's store page is light on detail, though: it does not list battery life, weight, waterproof depth or photo resolution, so check those before buying.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

8K 360 capture
8K 1-inch imaging, as Insta360 describes it
Dual Sony Custom Sensors
Triple AI Chip System
5K60fps 170-degree ultra-wide video
InstaFrame 2.0 ready-to-share clips

Pros:

Larger sensor class than the AKASO's dual 1/2-inch sensors
8K 360 capture ready out of the box
Ultra-wide 5K60 mode adds a non-360 option
Ready-to-share clips cut down on editing

Cons:

The ultra-wide mode is 5K60, not 8K
Insta360's store page lists no battery life, weight or waterproof depth
No photo resolution is published on that page

Who it is for: Buyers who want the large-sensor 360 camera in this group and are happy to confirm the finer specs themselves.

Skip if: You need a published waterproof rating before you buy; the GoPro MAX2 lists 16ft (5m).

Insta360 X4 Air - Best lightweight

The Insta360 X4 Air is built around portability. Insta360 calls it an "Impossibly Light 8K 360 Camera" and lists it at 165g, with 8K30fps 360 video.

It supports the shoot first, frame later workflow that defines 360 cameras, along with the Invisible Selfie Stick Effect for third-person shots. Its store page lists little beyond that, so sensor size, battery life and waterproof rating are not confirmed here.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

165g weight
8K30fps 360 video
Shoot First, Frame Later
Invisible Selfie Stick Effect

Pros:

Lighter than the 180g AKASO 360 Action Camera
8K 360 resolution in a light body
Easy to carry for travel and long days

Cons:

8K video is limited to 30fps
The store page does not list sensor size, battery life or waterproof depth

Who it is for: Travelers and casual creators who want 8K 360 video without a heavy camera on a stick or helmet.

Skip if: You want a published water rating or the bigger sensor class of the Insta360 X6.

KanDao QooCam 3 Ultra - Best for 360 photos

The KanDao QooCam 3 Ultra stands out for still images. KanDao lists 96MP panoramic photos and an F1.6 fast aperture, with 10-bit BT.2020 video at 8K 30FPS and 5.7K 60FPS in 360, plus 4K 60FPS and 4K 100FPS in single-lens mode.

The workflow features are just as useful: in-camera stitching that needs no computer or phone, 128G of built-in storage, a built-in GPS module for creating 360 Google Street View content, a 2.19-inch touchscreen, AI tracking and a replaceable 2280mAh battery. Its IP68 rating resists rain, water and sand, but KanDao says it is not suitable for underwater shooting without a housing.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

96MP panoramic photos
F1.6 aperture
8K 30FPS and 5.7K 60FPS 360 video in 10-bit BT.2020
4K 60FPS and 4K 100FPS in single-lens mode
In-camera stitching
128G built-in storage and built-in GPS
Replaceable 2280mAh battery

Pros:

Highest published 360 photo resolution in this group
Stitching happens in the camera, with no phone or computer needed
GPS suits Street View mapping
Replaceable battery for longer days

Cons:

Not suitable for underwater shooting without a housing, despite IP68
8K video is limited to 30FPS
KanDao's page does not state sensor size

Who it is for: Photographers and mappers who care most about high-resolution panoramas and a simple stitching workflow.

Skip if: You plan to swim or snorkel with it and do not want to buy a housing.

AKASO 360 Action Camera - Best budget pick

The AKASO 360 Action Camera keeps the core 360 features at a lower tier. It uses dual 1/2-inch 48MP CMOS sensors, takes 72MP 360 photos and records 360 video at 5.7K at 30, 25 or 24 fps, or 4K at up to 60 fps.

Stabilization comes from 360 SuperSmooth video and 360 Horizon lock, with the Invisible Selfie Stick and AI subject tracking for hands-off framing. It weighs 180g, has a 2.29-inch touchscreen and is listed as weatherproof. AKASO rates one battery at 60 minutes at 5.7K 30 fps in lab conditions, and the Standard Combo's two batteries bring that to 120 minutes.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Dual 1/2-inch 48MP CMOS sensors
5.7K 360 video at up to 30 fps; 4K at up to 60 fps
72MP 360 photos
360 SuperSmooth stabilization and horizon lock
2.29-inch touchscreen
180g weight
120 minutes of runtime with the Standard Combo's two batteries (60 minutes per battery at 5.7K 30 fps)

Pros:

Standard Combo includes a second battery
Horizon lock and invisible selfie stick cover the main 360 tricks
Large touchscreen for framing and settings
Sensible entry point for first-time 360 buyers

Cons:

Tops out at 5.7K, below the 8K picks here
Weatherproof, but no water depth rating is listed
60 minutes per battery at 5.7K 30 fps

Who it is for: First-time 360 buyers who want the main features and a spare battery without stepping up to an 8K camera.

Skip if: You want 8K reframing headroom or a camera rated for swimming.

Ricoh THETA X - Best for real estate

Ricoh positions the THETA X for real estate work. Its large touch panel on the camera body lets you configure settings and display captured images without needing a smartphone, which keeps a property shoot simple.

Ricoh also highlights fast HDR rendering and processing speed, and HDR-DNG is available for more editing flexibility. Ricoh's THETA page lists few hard specs for the X, and it names the THETA Z1 as the series model with the best image quality.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Large touch panel on the camera body
Settings and image playback without a smartphone
Fast HDR rendering and processing
HDR-DNG available
Designed for real estate

Pros:

Works on its own without a phone
HDR focus fits interior property shots
HDR-DNG files give more room in editing

Cons:

Ricoh calls the THETA Z1, not the X, its best image quality model
No dust or water rating is listed, unlike the IP64-rated THETA A1
Ricoh's THETA page does not list resolution or battery specs

Who it is for: Real estate agents and property photographers who want a self-contained 360 camera for interiors.

Skip if: You shoot action sports or anything near water; the GoPro MAX2 is the better fit.

How to choose

Match resolution to how you reframe. 360 video spreads its pixels across the whole sphere, so a flat view cut from it uses only part of the frame. The GoPro MAX2, Insta360 X6, Insta360 X4 Air and QooCam 3 Ultra record 8K 360, while the AKASO tops out at 5.7K.
Read the water wording carefully. The GoPro MAX2 is waterproof to 16ft (5m), the QooCam 3 Ultra is IP68 but not for underwater use without a housing, and the AKASO is listed only as weatherproof.
Check frame rates as well as resolution. 8K runs at 30fps on the X4 Air and QooCam 3 Ultra. For slow motion, look for modes such as 4K100 on the MAX2 or 4K 100FPS single-lens on the QooCam.
Plan for battery and storage. The QooCam 3 Ultra has a replaceable battery and 128G built in, the AKASO Standard Combo includes two batteries, and the MAX2 uses a microSD card.
Consider weight for mounts and travel. The Insta360 X4 Air is 165g and the AKASO is 180g, which matters on a helmet or a long selfie stick.
Think about your editing workflow. In-camera stitching on the QooCam and on-camera controls on the THETA X reduce reliance on a phone, while the Insta360 and GoPro models lean on reframing clips later.

FAQ

What does a 360 camera do differently from a regular action camera?

It uses two lenses to record the full sphere around it and stitches the views together. You then choose the angle afterward, which is why makers describe it as shooting first and framing later.

Can I take a 360 camera underwater?

It depends on the model. The GoPro MAX2 is waterproof to 16ft (5m), the QooCam 3 Ultra needs a housing for underwater shooting despite its IP68 rating, and the AKASO is listed only as weatherproof.

Do I need 8K for 360 video?

Not strictly, but it helps. Because a reframed flat shot uses only part of the 360 image, more total resolution leaves more detail in the final view. 5.7K is still a workable starting point for casual use.

What is the invisible selfie stick effect?

The stick sits in the blind spot between the two lenses, so it drops out of the stitched image and the footage looks as if it was shot by a drone or a second person. The Insta360 X4 Air and AKASO 360 Action Camera both list it.

Can a 360 camera shoot normal video too?

Several can. The GoPro MAX2 records 4K60 single-lens video, the QooCam 3 Ultra offers 4K 60FPS and 4K 100FPS in single-lens mode, and the Insta360 X6 has a 5K60fps 170-degree ultra-wide mode.

Published November 10, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

6 Best 360 Cameras in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

7 Best Digital Pianos in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:31:15 GMT

A digital piano lives or dies by its keyboard action, then by the piano sound, speakers and connections that suit where and how you play. This guide is for US buyers shopping for an 88-key instrument, from first-time players and students to experienced pianists who want a serious instrument at home.

The Roland FP-40 is the best overall pick. It pairs Roland's PHA-4 Standard hammer action and triple-sensor detection with 256-note polyphony, a 12 W x 2 speaker system, Bluetooth 5.4 and onboard Wi-Fi in a slim portable body.

The rest of the list covers clear needs: piano-focused practice, a tight budget, small spaces, a first piano for a new player, a premium portable and a high-end home instrument with three pedals.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Roland FP-40	Triple-sensor hammer action, 256-note polyphony, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Best for piano-focused practice	Kawai ES120	Grade-weighted RHC action and 88-key stereo sampled Kawai pianos
Best compact Roland	Roland FP-10	PHA-4 Standard action in a compact body
Best for small spaces	Casio Privia PX-S1100	232 mm deep, with battery power and Bluetooth audio
Best for beginners	Korg B2	Weighted 88-key action with pedal, music stand and adapter included
Best premium portable	Roland FP-90X	PHA-50 hybrid action, modeled piano sound and four speakers
Best premium home piano	Kawai CA701	Wooden-key Grand Feel III action and a 110 W speaker system

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for key action, piano sound, polyphony, speakers, connectivity and included accessories. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon and gave it the slot its specifications suit best.

The best digital pianos right now

Roland FP-40 - Best overall

The Roland FP-40 is the most complete all-rounder in this group. Its 88 keys use the PHA-4 Standard action with escapement and Ivory Feel keytops, and Roland says its triple-sensor technology gives faster, more accurate note repetition for trills. Polyphony reaches 256 notes, and Roland lists 305 tones in total, with 40 on the instrument and 265 more through the Roland Piano App.

Its wireless connectivity leads the portable picks here. Roland calls it "Roland's first piano with Wi-Fi on board," and it adds Bluetooth 5.4 for audio and MIDI, USB-C for MIDI, audio and power delivery, a USB-A port for flash drives and 1/4-inch stereo outputs. Piano Sphere access is included with 100 licensed and copyright-free songs, while the KSF-40 stand and KPD-70 three-pedal unit are sold separately.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

88-key PHA-4 Standard action with escapement and triple-sensor detection
256-note maximum polyphony
12 W x 2 output through two 8 x 12 cm speakers in a speaker box
Bluetooth 5.4 (audio and MIDI) and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
USB-C, USB-A and 1/4-inch stereo outputs
DP-2 damper pedal included; 14.0 kg (30 lbs 14 oz) with music rest

Pros:

Widest wireless connection set among the portable picks
256-note polyphony leaves plenty of headroom for pedaling and layered sounds
Piano Sphere includes 100 licensed and copyright-free songs to start with
Offered in black or white

Cons:

Stand and three-pedal unit cost extra
At 14.0 kg it is heavier than the Roland FP-10 and Korg B2
The larger Piano Sphere library of over 1000 songs and lessons is an optional upgrade

Who it is for: Buyers who want one portable piano that covers home practice, app-based learning and simple recording.

Skip if: You want a furniture-style cabinet with three built-in pedals, or the lightest 88-key instrument you can find.

Kawai ES120 - Best for piano-focused practice

Kawai describes the ES120 as "an excellent introduction to the Kawai portable piano line-up." It uses the Responsive Hammer Compact action with 88 grade-weighted keys and an adjustable touch curve, and its Harmonic Imaging sound is built from 88-key stereo sampling.

The piano voices include the SK-EX Concert Grand and EX Concert Grand, backed by electric pianos, organs, strings and pads, with 192-note polyphony. Two 12 cm speakers run at 10 W + 10 W, and the PianoRemote app opens up Virtual Technician controls for fine-tuning the piano sound. Kawai sells the matching HML-2 stand separately. The ES120 comes in Contemporary Black, Snow White and Light Gray, and the listing linked here is the white version.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Responsive Hammer Compact action with 88 grade-weighted keys
Harmonic Imaging with 88-key stereo sampling
SK-EX Concert Grand and EX Concert Grand piano sounds
192-note maximum polyphony
12 cm x 2 speakers, 10 W + 10 W
PianoRemote app with Virtual Technician controls

Pros:

Sound set is centered on Kawai concert grand pianos
Adjustable touch curve suits different playing strengths
Virtual Technician controls allow detailed tone adjustment
Three finish choices

Cons:

10 W + 10 W output is lower than the Roland FP-40 and Korg B2
The HML-2 stand is an extra purchase

Who it is for: Students and returning players who care most about piano tone and a grade-weighted action.

Skip if: You need Wi-Fi or a large library of non-piano sounds.

Roland FP-10 - Best compact Roland

The Roland FP-10 brings the same PHA-4 Standard action family as the FP-40, with escapement and ivory feel, to a smaller instrument. Roland describes it as "the most compact 88-note digital piano in its class," and it measures 1,284 mm wide and 258 mm deep without the music rest.

The tradeoffs show up in the specs. It uses SuperNATURAL Piano sound with 96-note polyphony, two 12 cm speakers at 6 W x 2, and Bluetooth 4.0 for MIDI only, so it works with the Roland Piano App but does not stream audio. A damper pedal switch is included, and Roland lists 15 tones from the front panel and 36 through the app.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

88-key PHA-4 Standard action with escapement and ivory feel
SuperNATURAL Piano sound
96-note maximum polyphony
12 cm x 2 speakers, 6 W x 2
Bluetooth 4.0 MIDI, USB Type-B and stereo mini headphone jack
12.6 kg (27 lbs 13 oz) without stand

Pros:

Hammer action with escapement at a budget level
Compact footprint for an 88-key instrument
Works with the Roland Piano App over Bluetooth MIDI
Damper pedal switch included

Cons:

96-note polyphony is the lowest Roland figure here
No Bluetooth audio streaming
6 W x 2 output is modest for larger rooms

Who it is for: Beginners and budget-minded players who want a proper hammer action in a compact body.

Skip if: You want to stream music through the piano's speakers or need more polyphony for layered sounds.

Casio Privia PX-S1100 - Best for small spaces

The Casio Privia PX-S1100 is built around depth. Casio calls it the world's slimmest "88-key digital piano with a depth of just 232 mm," a claim it bases on its own survey of 88-key hammer-action pianos with built-in speakers as of September 2022. It uses Casio's Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard and the Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source.

It can also run on battery power, and Casio offers an optional SC-800P carrying case. An included Wireless MIDI and Audio Adaptor adds Bluetooth audio, so the piano's speakers can play music from a phone, and the free CASIO MUSIC SPACE app works alongside it. It comes in black, white and red; the listing linked here is the black version.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

88-key Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
232 mm depth
Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source
Battery power option
Included Wireless MIDI and Audio Adaptor for Bluetooth audio and MIDI
Black, white or red finish

Pros:

Shallowest body in this list
Battery power makes it easy to move around the house
Bluetooth audio lets the speakers double as a wireless speaker
Three color choices

Cons:

Casio's page does not list polyphony or speaker output
Bluetooth depends on the plug-in wireless adaptor rather than built-in hardware
The carrying case is sold separately

Who it is for: Players with a narrow desk, a small apartment or a need to move the piano between rooms.

Skip if: You want detailed published specs for polyphony and speaker power before you buy.

Korg B2 - Best for beginners

Korg pitches the B2 as "Perfect as a first piano for a new player," and the box backs that up: the AC adapter, music stand and damper pedal are all included. Its 88 keys use Korg's Natural Weighted Hammer Action, and it offers 12 sounds, led by grand pianos, with 120-note polyphony.

Output is 15 W x 2, the highest of the entry-level portables here. Connections include USB Type-B, an audio input and a pedal jack, while the headphone jack doubles as the line output. At 11.4 kg it is also the lightest of the 88-key picks with a published weight. Korg lists the STB1 stand as an option, and the listing linked here is the white B2WH.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

88-key Natural Weighted Hammer Action
12 sounds
120-note maximum polyphony
15 W x 2 amplification
USB Type-B, audio in, pedal jack and combined headphone/line out
11.4 kg (25.13 lbs); AC adapter, music stand and damper pedal included

Pros:

Everything needed to start playing is in the box, apart from a stand
Stronger rated output than the Roland FP-10 and Kawai ES120
Lightest published weight among the picks
USB connection for computer use

Cons:

Korg does not list Bluetooth for the B2
Only 12 sounds
Headphones and line out share one jack

Who it is for: New players and families buying a first weighted-key piano who want the essentials included.

Skip if: You want wireless features, a large sound library or separate line outputs.

Roland FP-90X - Best premium portable

The Roland FP-90X is the step up for players who want a stage-capable portable with a higher-end action. Its PHA-50 keyboard uses a wood and plastic hybrid structure with escapement and ebony/ivory feel, and its Pure Acoustic Piano Modeling engine offers limitless polyphony for solo piano playing on its main piano tones, with 256 notes for other sounds.

Roland describes "a high-fidelity onboard sound system that projects your music from every angle," made up of two 8 x 12 cm speakers and two 2.5 cm dome tweeters rated at 25 W x 2 plus 5 W x 2. A 1/4-inch mic input, stereo line outputs, USB audio and MIDI, two headphone jacks and Bluetooth audio and MIDI round out a strong connection set. The DP-10 damper pedal is included.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

88-key PHA-50 wood and plastic hybrid action with escapement
Pure Acoustic Piano Modeling
Limitless polyphony for solo piano tones; 256 notes for other tones
Four speakers, 25 W x 2 plus 5 W x 2
Mic input, stereo line outputs, USB B and two headphone jacks
Bluetooth audio (Ver 3.0) and MIDI (Ver 4.0)

Pros:

Highest rated output among the portable picks
Hybrid wood and plastic keys
Two headphone jacks suit teacher and student or duet practice
Mic input and line outputs for performing and recording

Cons:

23.6 kg with music rest, and 37.8 kg with the KSC-90 stand and KPD-90 pedal unit
Stand and three-pedal unit are extra
Bluetooth audio runs on version 3.0

Who it is for: Experienced players who want premium action and sound but still need to move the piano or take it to gigs.

Skip if: You need something light enough to carry often, or you want a cabinet piano that stays put.

Kawai CA701 - Best premium home piano

The Kawai CA701 is the pick for serious home practice. Kawai highlights its "wooden-key keyboard action with Ivory & Ebony Touch key surfaces," the Grand Feel III design, which adds let-off simulation and graded counterweights across all 88 keys. Piano sound comes from SK-EX Rendering with 88-key multi-channel sampling of the SK-EX Competition Grand, alongside Harmonic Imaging XL.

The speaker system uses two 13 cm woofers, two 8 x 12 cm top speakers with diffusers and two 5 cm tweeters, rated at 55 W + 55 W. The Grand Feel Pedal System provides damper, soft and sostenuto pedals, with half-pedal support on the damper and soft pedals. Kawai also lists a premium discrete headphone amplifier with Spatial Headphone Sound. Finishes include White Maple, Ebony Polish, Premium Satin Black, Premium Satin White and Premium Rosewood; the listing linked here is satin black.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Grand Feel III wooden-key action with Ivory & Ebony Touch surfaces
SK-EX Rendering and Harmonic Imaging XL
256-note maximum polyphony
Six-speaker system rated at 55 W + 55 W
Grand Feel Pedal System with damper, soft and sostenuto
Discrete headphone amplifier with Spatial Headphone Sound

Pros:

Wooden-key action with let-off simulation
Most powerful speaker system in this list
Full three-pedal setup built in
Five finish options

Cons:

A premium-tier instrument well above the portable picks
A fixed home instrument, not something to move between rooms or gigs
Kawai's product page does not list Bluetooth, weight or dimensions

Who it is for: Advanced students and experienced pianists who want an action and pedal setup closer to an acoustic piano at home.

Skip if: You need portability, or a premium portable such as the Roland FP-90X covers your needs.

How to choose

Start with the action. Every pick here uses weighted hammer-style keys, but the wooden or hybrid actions in the Kawai CA701 and Roland FP-90X sit at the premium end, while the FP-10, PX-S1100 and B2 keep things compact.
Check polyphony. Sustain pedaling and layered sounds use up notes quickly. The FP-10 lists 96 notes, the B2 120, the ES120 192 and the FP-40 and CA701 256.
Budget for a stand and pedals. Most portables ship with a single damper pedal and no stand. If you want soft and sostenuto pedals, plan for an optional pedal unit or choose a cabinet piano like the CA701.
Match connections to how you practice. Bluetooth audio lets the piano play music from a phone, Bluetooth MIDI is enough for lesson apps, and line outputs or USB audio matter for recording. Note that the FP-10 has Bluetooth MIDI only.
Measure your space. The PX-S1100 is 232 mm deep, while the FP-90X weighs 23.6 kg before a stand. Think about where the piano will live and how often it will move.

FAQ

Do beginners need 88 weighted keys?

Not strictly, but 88 keys match the range of an acoustic piano, so a beginner will not outgrow the keyboard. Weighted keys also help build the finger control used on acoustic pianos.

What does polyphony mean on a digital piano?

It is the number of notes the piano can sound at once. Holding the sustain pedal or layering two sounds uses more notes, so higher polyphony gives more headroom.

Can I practice silently with headphones?

Yes. All of the Roland and Korg picks list a headphone jack, the FP-90X has two, and the Kawai CA701 includes a dedicated headphone amplifier.

Do I need Bluetooth on a digital piano?

It is helpful but optional. Bluetooth MIDI connects to lesson and practice apps, while Bluetooth audio lets you play songs through the piano's speakers. A USB cable can handle MIDI on most models.

Should I buy a portable or a cabinet digital piano?

Choose a portable if space is tight or you need to move it. Choose a cabinet piano if it will stay in one room and you want built-in three-pedal support and a larger speaker system.

Published November 10, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

7 Best Digital Pianos in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Gaming Headsets for Xbox in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:30:52 GMT

The right Xbox headset depends on how it connects to the console. Some models pair directly through Xbox Wireless, others use a USB dongle, and many add Bluetooth so a phone or PC can join in. This guide is for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One players who want a wireless headset that fits how and where they play.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 is the best overall pick. It combines a 50+ hour battery rating, 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth that work at the same time, and support for Xbox, PC, PlayStation and Switch, which makes it the most flexible choice here for players with more than one device.

The other picks cover clear use cases: direct console pairing with no dongle, active noise canceling, low weight, long battery life, and setups split between Xbox and PC.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2	50+ hour battery, simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, broad platform support
Best for direct console pairing	Xbox Wireless Headset	Connects to the console without a dongle and supports three spatial audio formats
Best premium	Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II	Active noise cancellation, 60mm drivers and two swappable batteries
Best lightweight	Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed for Xbox	270g design with a detachable cardioid mic
Best battery life	Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3	80-hour battery rating with quick charge
Best for Xbox and PC	Corsair VOID v2 MAX Wireless for Xbox	Simultaneous connections, Dolby Atmos and iCUE software support

How we chose

We compared each headset's published maker specifications, including Xbox compatibility, connection type, battery ratings, microphone design and weight where the maker lists it. We also checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Gaming Headsets for Xbox right now

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 - Best overall

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 covers the most ground for an Xbox player who also games or listens on other devices. SteelSeries rates it for 50+ hours of battery life, says a 15 minute charge gives 6 hours of play, and lists support for Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch and handhelds through its USB-C dongle.

Its 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth run at the same time, so game audio can come through the dongle while music or calls come from a phone. The Arctis Companion app offers 200+ pro EQ presets, separate EQ for game and mobile audio, and Mic EQ for the noise-rejecting microphone.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Neodymium magnetic drivers with 360° Spatial Audio
50+ hour battery life
15 minute charge gives 6 hours of play
Simultaneous 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth
Noise-rejecting mic with Mic EQ
200+ pro EQ presets in the companion app
USB-C dongle with a USB-C to USB-A adapter included

Pros:

Long rated battery life with fast charging
Game audio and phone audio can play at the same time
Works across Xbox, PC, PlayStation and Switch
Separate EQ for game and mobile audio

Cons:

Needs the USB-C dongle, unlike the Xbox Wireless Headset, which pairs directly to the console

Who it is for: Xbox players who also play on PC, PlayStation or Switch and want one wireless headset with long battery life and phone audio mixed in.

Skip if: You want active noise canceling or need to know the exact weight before buying.

Xbox Wireless Headset - Best for direct console pairing

Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Headset connects straight to an Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One without a dongle, and it can pair to a phone over Bluetooth at the same time. Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X are all supported, and Microsoft says Dolby Atmos is included with the headset.

The controls are simple: rotating earcup dials adjust volume and game/chat balance, and the bendable boom has dual mics with an LED that lights when the mic is on. Battery life is rated up to 20 hours, the shortest in this group, and a 30 minute quick charge gives about 4 hours. It uses 40mm drivers and weighs 11 oz (320g).

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Direct Xbox Wireless pairing to the console
Bluetooth 5.3 with simultaneous phone and console pairing
Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X
40mm drivers with a 20Hz to 20kHz response
Up to 20 hours of battery life, USB-C charging
11 oz (320g)

Pros:

No dongle needed on Xbox
Three spatial audio formats supported
Earcup dials for volume and game/chat balance
Enhanced auto-mute and voice isolation on the mic

Cons:

20 hour battery rating is the lowest on this list
Bluetooth codec is SBC only
Listed for Xbox, Windows PCs and mobile devices, not PlayStation

Who it is for: Xbox-first players who want the simplest possible connection to the console plus phone audio on the side.

Skip if: You need multi-day battery life or also play on PlayStation.

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II - Best premium

Turtle Beach's Stealth Pro II Wireless Gaming Headset is the premium pick, and the maker says it is officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. It uses 60mm Eclipse dual drivers with a 10Hz to 40kHz frequency response, plus active noise cancellation that Turtle Beach says reduces background noise by up to 25 dB.

Power comes from two swappable 40-hour battery packs, and the low-profile transmitter station doubles as the charging station for those packs. It supports Dolby Atmos, simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3, and CrossPlay 2.0 switching between up to 4 devices. Hi-Res Bluetooth audio (24-bit/96kHz), the high-bandwidth microphone and Game/Chat Mix on PC belong to the PC version, not the Xbox version.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

60mm Eclipse dual drivers
10Hz to 40kHz frequency response
Active noise cancellation, up to 25 dB
Two swappable 40-hour battery packs
Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3
Dolby Atmos spatial audio
Detachable uni-directional, flip-to-mute mic

Pros:

Swappable batteries charge in the transmitter station
Only pick here with active noise cancellation
Widest listed frequency response in this group
Licensed for Xbox and also works with PS5, PS4 and PC

Cons:

Heaviest pick with a published weight, at 393g with the boom mic
Xbox version lacks the Hi-Res Bluetooth and high-bandwidth mic of the PC version

Who it is for: Players in noisy rooms or on very long sessions who want the most fully featured licensed Xbox headset here.

Skip if: Low weight matters most, or you mainly want Hi-Res Bluetooth on PC, which needs the PC version.

Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed for Xbox - Best lightweight

At 270g, the Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed for Xbox is the lightest pick here among those with a published weight, and it carries official Designed for Xbox certification. It pairs Razer TriForce 50mm Gen-2 drivers with a detachable HyperClear Cardioid 9.9mm mic.

Battery life depends on the platform: Razer rates it at up to 48 hours on console and up to 70 hours on PC, and a 15 minute charge gives 6 hours. SmartSwitch Dual Wireless moves between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3. The product page lists console, PC and mobile use.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

270g design
Razer TriForce 50mm Gen-2 drivers
Detachable HyperClear Cardioid 9.9mm mic
Up to 48 hours on console, up to 70 hours on PC
2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.3 with SmartSwitch
Designed for Xbox certification

Pros:

Lightest published weight in this group
Cardioid mic pattern focuses on the voice in front of it
Mic detaches when you only want to listen
Officially designed for Xbox

Cons:

Console battery rating is lower than the PC figure
Switches between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth rather than mixing both

Who it is for: Xbox and PC players who want a light, licensed wireless headset with a focused mic.

Skip if: You want noise canceling or game and phone audio at the same time.

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 - Best battery life

The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Wireless Multiplatform Gaming Headset (Gen 3) carries an 80-hour battery rating with quick charge. That is ahead of every other single battery figure here except the Corsair VOID v2 MAX in Bluetooth mode. Turtle Beach lists Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One support alongside PlayStation, PC and Bluetooth mobile devices.

It uses 50mm Nanoclear drivers, low-latency 2.4GHz wireless plus Bluetooth 5.2, and a QuickSwitch button for moving between them. The uni-directional, flip-to-mute mic uses A.I. noise reduction, the Swarm II app adds a 10-band EQ and remappable controls, and ProSpecs is designed to make the headset friendlier for glasses wearers.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

80-hour battery with quick charge
50mm Nanoclear drivers
Low-latency 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.2
Uni-directional, flip-to-mute mic with A.I. noise reduction
Swarm II app with 10-band EQ
Athletic weave fabric ear cushions with memory foam

Pros:

Long battery rating for multi-day play between charges
Works with Xbox, PlayStation, PC and mobile
Flip-to-mute mic is quick to silence
Glasses-friendly ProSpecs design

Cons:

No weight published on the product page
Dolby Atmos is not listed, only general spatial audio
Fabric ear cushions will not suit buyers who prefer leatherette

Who it is for: Players who want to charge as rarely as possible and switch between Xbox, PlayStation and a phone.

Skip if: You want active noise canceling or Dolby Atmos listed by the maker.

Corsair VOID v2 MAX Wireless for Xbox - Best for Xbox and PC

Corsair's VOID v2 MAX Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox is designed for Xbox with on-ear game/chat audio control, and it adds features aimed at PC players. Its 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth run simultaneously, and battery life is rated up to 70 hours on 2.4GHz or up to 130 hours on Bluetooth, with 15 minutes of charging giving up to 6 more hours.

It uses 50mm drivers with a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response and supports Dolby Atmos. The omni-directional, flip-to-mute mic supports NVIDIA Broadcast, iCUE software handles customization and RGB lighting, and Corsair lists a wireless range of up to 50 feet and a 2-year warranty.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Designed for Xbox with on-ear game/chat control
Simultaneous 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth
Up to 70 hours on 2.4GHz, up to 130 hours on Bluetooth
50mm drivers, 20Hz to 20kHz
Dolby Atmos spatial audio
Omni-directional flip-to-mute mic with NVIDIA Broadcast support
Memory foam ear cushions with microfiber fabric

Pros:

Game and Bluetooth audio at the same time
Very long Bluetooth battery rating
iCUE and NVIDIA Broadcast support suit PC setups
Works with Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, PC, Mac and mobile

Cons:

The 130 hour figure applies to Bluetooth only; 2.4GHz is rated up to 70 hours
Omni-directional mic picks up sound from all directions, and NVIDIA Broadcast is PC software
No weight published on the product page

Who it is for: Players who split time between Xbox and a gaming PC and want one headset with Dolby Atmos and PC software support.

Skip if: You want a directional mic pattern for console chat or a known low weight.

How to choose

Check how it connects to the console. The Xbox Wireless Headset pairs directly to the console, while most third-party wireless models use a USB dongle. Bluetooth on these headsets is for phones, PCs and other devices.
Read battery ratings by mode. Makers often quote different figures for console and PC or for 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, so compare the number for the connection you will use most.
Decide if you want two audio sources at once. Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth lets game audio and phone calls or music play together. Some models switch between the two instead.
Look at the mic pattern. Cardioid and uni-directional mics are designed to favor the voice in front of them, while omni-directional mics pick up sound from all around.
Weigh features against weight. Active noise cancellation and swappable batteries add mass, so a light headset may suit long sessions better if you do not need those extras.
Think about your other platforms. Some Xbox headsets also list PlayStation and Switch support, while others list only Xbox, PC and mobile.

FAQ

Do Bluetooth headsets work with an Xbox console?

Xbox consoles connect to wireless headsets through Xbox Wireless or a dongle, not Bluetooth. Every pick here has Bluetooth, but it is meant for phones, PCs and other devices.

Which of these headsets also work on PlayStation?

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2, Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3, Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II and Corsair VOID v2 MAX all list PlayStation support. The Xbox Wireless Headset and Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed for Xbox list Xbox, PC and, for the Xbox headset, mobile devices.

Which headsets here support Dolby Atmos?

The Xbox Wireless Headset, Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II and Corsair VOID v2 MAX list Dolby Atmos. The Xbox Wireless Headset also supports Windows Sonic and DTS Headphone:X.

Why do battery ratings differ so much?

Ratings depend on the connection and platform. Razer quotes 48 hours on console and 70 on PC for the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed, and Corsair quotes 70 hours on 2.4GHz and 130 on Bluetooth for the VOID v2 MAX.

Which headset is the lightest?

Among picks with a published weight, the Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed for Xbox is lightest at 270g, followed by the Xbox Wireless Headset at 320g and the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II at 393g with the boom mic.

Published November 10, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

6 Best Gaming Headsets for Xbox in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best 50-Inch TVs in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:30:30 GMT

A 50-inch TV fits rooms where a bigger screen would take over the wall: bedrooms, home offices, apartments and smaller living rooms. At this size, the choice comes down to backlight type, HDR support, motion handling and the smart platform you already use.

The Samsung QN70H Neo QLED 50-inch is the best overall pick. It pairs a Quantum Mini LED backlight with Quantum Dots, runs Samsung's NQ4 AI Processor for 4K upscaling, and carries PANTONE Validated color, which makes it the most complete package here for movies, streaming and casual gaming.

The other picks cover clear needs: fast motion for gaming and sports, a lower-tier Samsung Mini LED option, an art-style TV that hangs flush on the wall, and a simple Roku QLED for streaming.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Samsung QN70H Neo QLED 50-inch	Quantum Mini LED, Quantum Dot color and the NQ4 AI Processor
Best for gaming and sports	Hisense E7 Hi-QLED MiniLED 50-inch	Native 144Hz plus Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive and Dolby Atmos
Best Samsung on a budget	Samsung M70H Mini LED 50-inch	Samsung Mini LED, One UI Tizen and Vision AI Companion
Best art TV	Hisense S7 CanvasTV 50-inch	Low-reflection Hi-Matte screen, magnetic frame and flush wall mount
Best for simple streaming	Roku Select Series 4K QLED 50-inch	4K QLED with HDR10+, Dolby Audio and a voice remote

How we chose

We compared the specifications and features each maker publishes on its US product or product information page for its 50-inch class TVs. We then checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best 50-Inch TVs right now

Samsung QN70H Neo QLED 50-inch - Best overall

The Samsung QN70H Neo QLED 50-inch is the most complete TV in this group. Samsung combines a Quantum Mini LED backlight with Quantum Dots and claims 100% color volume, while the NQ4 AI Processor handles 4K upscaling, Color Booster Pro and an AI Customization Mode that adjusts picture settings to the type of content on screen.

The feature list also covers PANTONE Validated color, Motion Xcelerator for games and sports, Gaming Hub with an in-game Game Bar, and Object Tracking Sound Lite with a virtual top channel. One UI Tizen runs the smart features, and Samsung advertises 7 years of new TV experiences. Samsung's page does not list a refresh rate or HDR formats for this model, so confirm those before buying it for a specific console or disc setup.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

50-inch Neo QLED with Quantum Mini LED
4K resolution with 4K Upscaling
NQ4 AI Processor
100% Color Volume with Quantum Dot
PANTONE Validated color
Motion Xcelerator, Gaming Hub and Game Bar
One UI Tizen smart platform

Pros:

Mini LED backlight and Quantum Dot color in one 50-inch set
Deep list of AI picture and sound features
Active Voice Amplifier Pro emphasizes dialogue based on room noise
Q-Symphony lets the TV speakers work with a Samsung soundbar

Cons:

Samsung's page lists no refresh rate or HDR formats for this model
Dolby Vision is not mentioned on Samsung's page
Overhead sound comes from a virtual top channel, not dedicated height speakers

Who it is for: Buyers who want the best-rounded 50-inch TV for movies, streaming and casual gaming in a bedroom, office or smaller living room.

Skip if: You need confirmed Dolby Vision support or a high native refresh rate; the Hisense E7 lists both.

Hisense E7 Hi-QLED MiniLED 50-inch - Best for gaming and sports

The Hisense E7 Hi-QLED MiniLED 50-inch is the pick for fast motion. Hisense lists a native 144Hz refresh rate, and its Mini-LED backlight uses what the company describes as hundreds of precise light zones to improve contrast across the screen.

It also has the widest HDR support listed among these picks: Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10 and HLG, with Dolby Atmos for sound. AI processing adjusts brightness, contrast and color scene by scene, motion enhancement targets blur in fast scenes, and the TV runs Fire TV. Hisense gives no exact zone count or peak brightness figure for this model.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

50-inch Hi-QLED MiniLED display
4K resolution
Native 144Hz refresh rate
Hundreds of local dimming zones
Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10 and HLG
Dolby Atmos
Fire TV smart platform

Pros:

Highest listed native refresh rate in this group
Supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats
Mini-LED local dimming for stronger contrast
Scene-by-scene AI picture adjustment

Cons:

No published zone count or peak brightness figure
Hisense's page does not detail HDMI 2.1 or VRR support
Fire TV may not suit homes already set up around Google TV, Roku or Samsung

Who it is for: Gamers and sports fans who want a 50-inch TV with a native 144Hz panel and broad HDR format support.

Skip if: You prefer Samsung's One UI Tizen or want a TV that doubles as wall art.

Samsung M70H Mini LED 50-inch - Best Samsung on a budget

The Samsung M70H Mini LED 50-inch brings Samsung's Mini LED backlight and One UI Tizen to a tier below the Neo QLED range. The Mini LED Processor 4K handles upscaling and HDR, and Pure Spectrum Color is rated for one billion colors.

Vision AI Companion answers questions on screen using AI agents such as Gemini, and the TV adds Gaming Hub, Object Tracking Sound Lite, Soccer Mode and a MetalStream Design made from a single metal sheet with a slim bezel. One limit matters at this size: Samsung's footnote says Motion Xcelerator with DLG 120Hz is available only on 55-inch class and larger screens, so this 50-inch model does not get it.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

50-inch Mini LED display
4K resolution with 4K Upscaling
Mini LED Processor 4K
Pure Spectrum Color with one billion colors
Vision AI Companion with Gemini
Gaming Hub and Object Tracking Sound Lite
MetalStream Design with slim bezel

Pros:

Samsung Mini LED and One UI Tizen in a lower tier than the QN70H
Built-in AI assistant for on-screen questions
SmartThings Hub controls compatible smart home devices
Samsung TV Plus adds free channels without a subscription

Cons:

Motion Xcelerator with DLG 120Hz is limited to 55-inch and larger models
Samsung's page does not mention the Quantum Dot layer or NQ4 processor listed for the QN70H
HDR formats are not listed on Samsung's page

Who it is for: Samsung households that want Mini LED, SmartThings and an AI assistant in a 50-inch TV without stepping up to the Neo QLED range.

Skip if: Smooth high-refresh gaming is a priority; the 50-inch size misses the 120Hz feature.

Hisense S7 CanvasTV 50-inch - Best art TV

The Hisense S7 CanvasTV 50-inch is built to look like framed art when it is not playing shows. A Hi-Matte low-reflection coating cuts glare, the magnetic frame snaps into place, and Hisense includes a teak frame. It also works with Hisense's UltraSlim Wall Mount to hang flush against the wall.

The panel is 4K QLED with Quantum Dot technology, and an AI RGB Light Sensor adjusts brightness and color temperature to the room. The screen can sense your presence to save energy, 2.0.2 surround sound handles audio, and Google TV runs the smart features. Hisense's page does not list a refresh rate or HDR formats for this model.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

50-inch 4K QLED with Quantum Dot
Hi-Matte low-reflection display
Magnetic teak frame included
Supports the UltraSlim Wall Mount for flush hanging
AI RGB Light Sensor
2.0.2 surround sound
Google TV smart platform

Pros:

Low-reflection screen suits bright rooms and artwork display
Hangs flat against the wall like a painting
Frame can be changed to match decor
Presence sensing helps save energy

Cons:

No refresh rate or HDR formats listed on Hisense's page
Uses a QLED panel without the Mini LED backlight of the Samsung and Hisense E7 picks
White and walnut frames are sold separately

Who it is for: Buyers who want a 50-inch TV that blends into a living room, bedroom or office wall as art.

Skip if: Gaming or HDR movie performance matters more than looks; the Hisense E7 publishes far more picture specs.

Roku Select Series 4K QLED 50-inch - Best for simple streaming

The Roku Select Series 4K QLED 50-inch is the straightforward option for people who mostly stream. Roku lists the 50R5DX as a current 2026 model and describes the Select Series 4K QLED with a QLED panel, HDR10+, Dolby Audio and a voice remote.

Roku's specification table for the Select Series 4K QLED lists a 60 Hz refresh rate for the series, so it suits streaming apps and broadcast TV rather than high frame rate gaming, and buyers who want a simple streaming-first TV.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

50-inch 4K QLED panel
HDR10+ support
Dolby Audio
Voice remote
60 Hz refresh rate

Pros:

QLED panel in a simple, streaming-focused TV
HDR10+ support for compatible streaming content
Voice remote included
Made by Roku, so the smart platform comes from the TV maker itself

Cons:

60 Hz refresh rate limits high frame rate gaming
No Mini LED backlight

Who it is for: Bedrooms, kitchens and dorm rooms where the TV is mainly used for streaming apps and live TV.

Skip if: You game on a console or PC and want a higher refresh rate; look at the Hisense E7.

How to choose

Check what the 50-inch size actually gets. Some features are limited to bigger screens. Samsung, for example, reserves Motion Xcelerator with DLG 120Hz on the M70H for 55-inch and larger models.
Choose Mini LED for stronger contrast. Mini LED backlights split the screen into many dimming zones, which helps dark scenes. The Samsung QN70H, Samsung M70H and Hisense E7 use Mini LED.
Match the refresh rate to how you watch. A native 144Hz panel like the Hisense E7 helps PC gaming and fast sports. For streaming and broadcast TV, a 60 Hz set like the Roku Select is enough.
Look for the HDR formats your content uses. Many streaming services offer Dolby Vision or HDR10+. If a maker does not list a format, confirm support before buying for that purpose.
Stick with a platform you already know. These picks run One UI Tizen, Fire TV, Google TV or Roku. Using the same one as your other TVs keeps apps and logins familiar.
Think about glare and looks. In a bright room or a space where the TV is always visible, a low-reflection screen and a flush wall mount, like on the Hisense S7 CanvasTV, can matter as much as picture specs.

FAQ

Is a 50-inch TV big enough for a living room?

It works well in smaller living rooms, bedrooms and offices where seating is fairly close to the screen. In a large room with a distant couch, a 55-inch or 65-inch model may suit better.

Do 50-inch TVs get all the features of larger sizes?

Not always. Makers sometimes keep features for bigger screens. Samsung's M70H page, for example, says Motion Xcelerator with DLG 120Hz is available only on 55-inch class and larger sizes.

What is the difference between Mini LED and QLED?

QLED refers to a Quantum Dot layer that improves color. Mini LED refers to a backlight made of many small LEDs grouped into dimming zones for better contrast. Some TVs, such as the Samsung QN70H and Hisense E7, combine both.

Do I need a 144Hz TV?

Only if you game on a PC that can push high frame rates or want the smoothest possible motion. For streaming shows and movies, a 60 Hz TV such as the Roku Select Series 4K QLED is fine.

What is an art TV?

An art TV is designed to display artwork when you are not watching. The Hisense S7 CanvasTV adds a low-reflection screen, a swappable magnetic frame and support for an UltraSlim Wall Mount so it hangs flat like a painting.

Published November 10, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

5 Best 50-Inch TVs in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

Today's Extreme Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today's Extreme Quordle lands with puzzle #834, and the vocabulary feels familiar, but the spelling demands care. Welcome back, and keep your options open as the board takes shape.

The Basics (For New Players)

This is the tighter daily format with more unusual words. The goal stays the same: solve all four quadrants before the guesses run out.

Today's Four-Word Challenge

Work through the quadrants one at a time. Each set of clues moves from broad meaning to letter structure, so stop as soon as a word clicks.

Word 1 (Top-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think about the principles behind doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching.

The Category: A noun in the territory of moral beliefs and standards of conduct.

The Boundaries: Starts with E, ends with C.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 1 and 4.

The Giveaway: A guiding moral principle or set of values that shapes someone's behavior.

Word 2 (Top-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Picture a label that needs to stay firmly attached to a parcel.

The Category: A verb about fastening something in place, or a noun used in word formation.

The Boundaries: Starts with A, ends with X.

The Structure: F repeats in positions 2 and 3

The Giveaway: To attach something securely to a surface or another object.

Word 3 (Bottom-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think of a tired remark that brings nothing fresh to the conversation.

The Category: An adjective describing a lack of originality or interest.

The Boundaries: Starts with B, ends with L.

The Structure: A repeats in positions 2 and 4

The Giveaway: So ordinary and predictable that it feels dull.

Word 4 (Bottom-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Picture a harbor where a vessel has somewhere reserved to settle.

The Category: A noun associated with docking or sleeping accommodation aboard transport.

The Boundaries: Starts with B, ends with H.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowel sits in position 2.

The Giveaway: An allotted place for a ship to lie at a dock.

Quick-Reference Clues (All Four Words)

Word 1 First Letter: E | Last Letter: C

Word 2 First Letter: A | Last Letter: X

Word 3 First Letter: B | Last Letter: L

Word 4 First Letter: B | Last Letter: H

Today's Extreme Quordle Answers

Final warning: all four answers are directly below. Scroll only if you're ready.

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Word 1 (Top-Left): ETHIC
Word 2 (Top-Right): AFFIX
Word 3 (Bottom-Left): BANAL
Word 4 (Bottom-Right): BERTH

Word DNA (Breaking Down Today's Answers)

ETHIC: ETHIC is a noun meaning a moral principle or system of guiding values. In everyday use, the phrase work ethic describes someone's attitude toward effort and responsibility.

AFFIX: AFFIX is a verb meaning to fasten or attach, and a noun for a word element attached to a base. Instructions such as affix a label use a more formal alternative to attach.

BANAL: BANAL is an adjective meaning dull through a lack of originality. Calling a remark or plot banal criticizes how predictable it feels.

BERTH: BERTH is a noun meaning a docking place for a vessel or a sleeping space aboard a ship or train. The expression give someone a wide berth extends that sense of space to mean keeping well away.

The Difficulty Rating

I'd rate this quartet 4 out of 5 for difficulty within the eight-guess limit. AFFIX is my hardest pick because its doubled F and final X demand a deliberate commitment.

ETHIC is my easiest pick, with its familiar work-related usage and no duplicated letters. BANAL needs a second A, while BERTH adds a spelling trap through its identical pronunciation to birth.

Strategic Insights

Use an opening pair such as TRAIN and CLOSE to cover A, E, and I alongside useful consonants from this quartet. Then let the feedback guide targeted checks for B, H, F, and X before spending guesses on complete candidates.

AFFIX doubles F and BANAL doubles A, so keep duplicate candidates alive when a letter is confirmed. ETHIC and BERTH share E, T, and H, making feedback on that trio useful across both boards.

Tomorrow's Reset

Set this board aside and come back fresh for the next four-word challenge.

Extreme puzzle #835 arrives on the next daily reset.

Today's Extreme Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

Today's Chill Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today's Chill Quordle lands with puzzle #834, and the set feels familiar and approachable, with enough spelling mischief to reward a careful look. Welcome back, and settle in for today's board.

The Basics (For New Players)

This is the roomier daily format with fewer unusual words. The goal stays the same: solve all four quadrants before the guesses run out.

Today's Four-Word Challenge

Work through the quadrants one at a time. Each set of clues moves from broad meaning to letter structure, so stop as soon as a word clicks.

Word 1 (Top-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think of keeping track as votes come in.

The Category: A noun or verb in the territory of counting and recordkeeping.

The Boundaries: Starts with T, ends with Y.

The Structure: L repeats in positions 3 and 4

The Giveaway: A running count, or the act of adding up a total.

Word 2 (Top-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Think of a teacher returning marked homework.

The Category: A noun or verb connected with assessment and quality.

The Boundaries: Starts with G, ends with E.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 3 and 5.

The Giveaway: A mark awarded for schoolwork, or the act of assessing that work.

Word 3 (Bottom-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Picture a beaming host spreading good cheer.

The Category: An adjective describing a cheerful mood or disposition.

The Boundaries: Starts with J, ends with Y.

The Structure: L repeats in positions 3 and 4

The Giveaway: Merry and full of good humor.

Word 4 (Bottom-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Think of a playground seat hanging from chains.

The Category: A noun or verb associated with movement back and forth.

The Boundaries: Starts with S, ends with G.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowel sits in position 3.

The Giveaway: To move back and forth while suspended from a fixed point.

Quick-Reference Clues (All Four Words)

Word 1 First Letter: T | Last Letter: Y

Word 2 First Letter: G | Last Letter: E

Word 3 First Letter: J | Last Letter: Y

Word 4 First Letter: S | Last Letter: G

Today's Chill Quordle Answers

Final warning: all four answers are directly below. Scroll only if you're ready.

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Word 1 (Top-Left): TALLY
Word 2 (Top-Right): GRADE
Word 3 (Bottom-Left): JOLLY
Word 4 (Bottom-Right): SWING

Word DNA (Breaking Down Today's Answers)

TALLY: TALLY is a noun meaning a count or recorded total, and a verb meaning to count up. In everyday use, keeping a tally means updating a count as events happen, such as recording votes or points.

GRADE: GRADE is a noun meaning a mark or level of quality, and a verb meaning to assess or classify. Schoolwork supplies a familiar distinction: teachers grade assignments, and students receive a grade.

JOLLY: JOLLY is an adjective meaning cheerful and good-humored. Calling someone jolly suggests an outwardly merry manner, with smiles and laughter, rather than quiet contentment.

SWING: SWING is a verb meaning to move back and forth or through an arc, and a noun for that movement or a suspended playground seat. Everyday phrases such as swing a bat extend the same idea to an arcing motion.

The Difficulty Rating

I'd rate this quartet 2 out of 5 for difficulty, with GRADE the easiest answer to pin down. Its familiar vocabulary and distinct letters make it a useful foothold.

JOLLY is my hardest pick because its initial J is easy to leave untested, and its double L demands a repeat. TALLY has the same doubled-letter trap, while SWING asks you to account for W in its opening cluster.

Strategic Insights

Use your opening guesses to cover A, E, I, and O alongside distinct consonants, then target the gaps in each board. Leave room to test J and W when the feedback points toward JOLLY or SWING.

TALLY and JOLLY share the ending LLY, including the doubled L, so carry that pattern across when either board supports it. GRADE and SWING also share G, but place it at opposite ends.

Tomorrow's Reset

Take a breather, clear the board from your mind, and come back for the next four-word challenge.

Chill puzzle #835 arrives on the next daily reset.

Today's Chill Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

Today's Classic Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today's Classic Quordle lands with puzzle #1751, and the set feels rooted in everyday scenes, with a botanical detour that adds some bite. Welcome back, and take the hints a step at a time.

The Basics (For New Players)

This is the original daily format. The goal stays the same: solve all four quadrants before the guesses run out.

Today's Four-Word Challenge

Work through the quadrants one at a time. Each set of clues moves from broad meaning to letter structure, so stop as soon as a word clicks.

Word 1 (Top-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Think rural Britain, old maps, and county boundaries.

The Category: A noun for a territorial division in Britain.

The Boundaries: Starts with S, ends with E.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 3 and 5.

The Giveaway: A traditional term for a British county.

Word 2 (Top-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Think of that groggy feeling when you're awake but still struggling to think clearly.

The Category: An informal adjective describing sluggish thinking or foolish behavior.

The Boundaries: Starts with D, ends with Y.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 2 and 4.

The Giveaway: Drowsy and mentally foggy, or rather silly.

Word 3 (Bottom-Left) Hints

The Vibe: Picture a leafy resident of a bright living-room corner.

The Category: A noun naming a plant in the fig family.

The Boundaries: Starts with F, ends with S.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 2 and 4.

The Giveaway: A fig tree or related shrub, often grown indoors as an ornamental plant.

Word 4 (Bottom-Right) Hints

The Vibe: Think of a hiking route tracing a narrow crest above the valleys.

The Category: A noun for a long, narrow raised feature in a landscape or on a surface.

The Boundaries: Starts with R, ends with E.

The Structure: All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 2 and 5.

The Giveaway: An extended crest of high ground, often with slopes falling away on either side.

Quick-Reference Clues (All Four Words)

Word 1 First Letter: S | Last Letter: E

Word 2 First Letter: D | Last Letter: Y

Word 3 First Letter: F | Last Letter: S

Word 4 First Letter: R | Last Letter: E

Today's Classic Quordle Answers

Final warning: all four answers are directly below. Scroll only if you're ready.

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Word 1 (Top-Left): SHIRE
Word 2 (Top-Right): DOPEY
Word 3 (Bottom-Left): FICUS
Word 4 (Bottom-Right): RIDGE

Word DNA (Breaking Down Today's Answers)

SHIRE: SHIRE is a noun meaning a county or traditional territorial division in Britain. It also appears in county names such as Yorkshire, which gives the standalone word a familiar foothold.

DOPEY: DOPEY is an informal adjective meaning drowsy, mentally sluggish, or foolish. Describing yourself as feeling dopey suggests grogginess, while calling someone else dopey can sound insulting.

FICUS: FICUS is a noun for a tree or shrub belonging to the fig genus. In everyday houseplant talk, the word can refer to plants such as a weeping fig or rubber plant.

RIDGE: RIDGE is a noun meaning a long, narrow raised strip or crest. Its use extends beyond hills to the raised line along a roof or a narrow bump on a surface.

The Difficulty Rating

I'd rate this quartet 3 out of 5 for difficulty. FICUS is the hardest because its botanical vocabulary is less immediately accessible, while RIDGE is the easiest thanks to its concrete meaning and familiar spelling.

DOPEY's EY ending deserves care, and FICUS requires you to recognize a singular noun despite its final S. SHIRE also asks you to recognize a county term as a word in its own right.

Strategic Insights

Prioritize I and E in your early coverage, then bring O and U into play to help separate DOPEY and FICUS from the other candidates. Include fresh consonants along the way so the botanical word doesn't remain a vague outline.

None of the answers repeats a letter internally. Across the quartet, I appears in SHIRE, FICUS, and RIDGE, while E appears in SHIRE, DOPEY, and RIDGE, making those shared letters useful across several boards.

Tomorrow's Reset

Clear the board from your mind and come back for the next quartet. Fresh words will call for a fresh read of the clues.

Classic puzzle #1752 arrives on the next daily reset.

Today's Classic Quordle Hints, Clues and Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Strands Sports Edition Hints & Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (Puzzle #21)

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today's Strands Sports Edition is live for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (Puzzle #21). Stuck on today's Strands Sports Edition? We've got progressive hints, from gentle nudges to full solutions, so you can solve at your own pace.

How Strands Sports Edition Works (New Players Start Here)

The spangram is the key word or phrase that captures the theme and stretches across the entire board, touching two opposite sides.

Need a boost? Every three non-theme words you find (four letters or longer) earn a hint that highlights the letters of a theme word. A new puzzle arrives every day at midnight local time.

Theme Decoder

Today's Theme Prompt: "Hawk-approved moves"

What It Really Means

You're hunting for trick names. The prompt's "Hawk" points to an athlete's surname rather than a bird.

Think About...

Street competitors' technical repertoire.
Aerial specialists' signature moves.
Balance-focused freestyle routines.

Spangram Clues

Orientation: Left to right across the board

Letter Count: 9 letters

Starting Zone: Row 7, letter 5

Progressive Spangram Hints

Hint 1 (Gentle): Think of an invitation to join the action.

Hint 2 (Warmer): It's something you'd say to a friend before heading out to ride a board on wheels.

Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is L, last letter is E

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LETSSKATE

Word-by-Word Hints

Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.

Word 1

Vague: An airborne trick that sends the board rotating beneath the rider's feet.

Closer: The front foot slides up and flicks off the nose corner, sending the deck through a lengthwise rotation.

Letter Clue: Starts with K, 8 letters total

Answer

KICKFLIP

Word 2

Vague: An aerial board rotation named for the part of the foot that initiates it.

Closer: The front foot's heel flicks the deck into a lengthwise rotation.

Letter Clue: Starts with H, 8 letters total

Answer

HEELFLIP

Word 3

Vague: A foundational jump that lifts rider and board together without using the hands.

Closer: The rider pops the tail and slides the front foot up the deck to level the board in the air.

Letter Clue: Starts with O, 5 letters total

Answer

OLLIE

Word 4

Vague: A rolling balance trick rather than an airborne maneuver.

Closer: The rider rolls on the rear wheels while keeping the front wheels raised.

Letter Clue: Starts with M, 6 letters total

Answer

MANUAL

Word 5

Vague: A traveling trick that puts the board's metal hardware against an obstacle.

Closer: The trucks make contact with a rail or ledge as the rider travels along it.

Letter Clue: Starts with G, 5 letters total

Answer

GRIND

Word 6

Vague: A turning trick in which the board changes direction beneath the rider.

Closer: The deck swings nose-to-tail beneath the rider without turning upside down, while the rider's body keeps facing forward.

Letter Clue: Starts with S, 7 letters total

Answer

SHOVEIT

Full Answers

Spangram: LETSSKATE

Theme Words:

KICKFLIP
HEELFLIP
OLLIE
MANUAL
GRIND
SHOVEIT

Puzzle Debrief

Difficulty Rating: Medium, with the challenge concentrated in specialized trick vocabulary.

Trickiest Word: SHOVEIT is my pick for the sticking point, because its compressed spelling hides the familiar phrase "shove it."

Our Take: "Hawk-approved moves" gives the theme a crisp entry point, and LETSSKATE turns that reference into an invitation. KICKFLIP and HEELFLIP make a satisfying pair, while MANUAL and GRIND broaden the list beyond aerial tricks. The vocabulary gives this puzzle its bite.

NYT Strands Sports Edition Hints & Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (Puzzle #21) - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Strands Hints & Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (Puzzle #982)

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today's NYT Strands is live for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (Puzzle #982). Stuck on today's Strands? We've got progressive hints, from gentle nudges to full solutions, so you can solve at your own pace.

How Strands Works (New Players Start Here)

The spangram is the key word or phrase that captures the theme and stretches across the entire board, touching opposite edges.

Need a boost? Find any 4+ letter word (even non-theme words) three times, and the game reveals a hint highlighting theme word letters.

Theme Decoder

Today's Theme Prompt: "Influentially online"

What It Really Means

Look for types of videos someone might upload to an online channel, from practical help to entertainment.

Think About...

Videos that help you learn a new skill.
Personal opinions shared on camera.
Short performances built around a joke.

Spangram Clues

Orientation: Left to right across the board

Letter Count: 14 letters

Starting Zone: Row 4, letter 1

Progressive Spangram Hints

Hint 1 (Gentle): Think about the person behind the uploads.

Hint 2 (Warmer): A broad job label for someone who makes videos and other material for an online audience.

Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is C, last letter is R

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CONTENTCREATOR

Word-by-Word Hints

Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.

Word 1

Vague: A chance to see something in action.

Closer: A product gets put through its paces so you can see how it works.

Letter Clue: Starts with D, 4 letters total

Answer

DEMO

Word 2

Vague: Someone's immediate response becomes the main attraction.

Closer: The camera captures someone's surprise or laughter as they watch another clip.

Letter Clue: Starts with R, 8 letters total

Answer

REACTION

Word 3

Vague: An assessment that weighs the good against the bad.

Closer: A verdict on a gadget or film, often ending with a rating.

Letter Clue: Starts with R, 6 letters total

Answer

REVIEW

Word 4

Vague: A little acting with a comic payoff.

Closer: A brief scripted comedy scene, sometimes with one person playing every role.

Letter Clue: Starts with S, 4 letters total

Answer

SKIT

Word 5

Vague: Guidance for learning something unfamiliar.

Closer: A step-by-step lesson showing you how to complete a task.

Letter Clue: Starts with T, 8 letters total

Answer

TUTORIAL

Word 6

Vague: A personal diary made for watching.

Closer: A filmed diary entry following someone's day, trip, or daily routine.

Letter Clue: Starts with V, 4 letters total

Answer

VLOG

Full Answers

Spangram: CONTENTCREATOR

Theme Words:

DEMO
REACTION
REVIEW
SKIT
TUTORIAL
VLOG

Puzzle Debrief

Difficulty Rating: Medium. The online setting is clear, but the leap from influential people to video formats gives the theme its bite.

Trickiest Word: DEMO is the sneakiest pick because it can also mean a trial version of software or a sample music recording. Here, it fits as a video showing how something works.

Our Take: “Influentially online” makes a neat pivot from internet personalities to what they produce, with CONTENTCREATOR tying the formats together. DEMO and TUTORIAL cover the practical side, while SKIT and VLOG bring performance and personal storytelling into the mix.

NYT Strands Hints & Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (Puzzle #982) - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Connections Sports Edition #778 Hints and Answers for November 10, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Tuesday edition of NYT Connections Sports Edition arrives with puzzle #778, serving up a grid that moves between scoreboards, front offices, campus athletics and some neatly concealed wordplay. The toughest connection rewards a close look at the lettering.

What Makes Connections Sports Edition Tick

Today's Grid at a Glance

Here are the 16 words staring back at you in puzzle #778:

A seemingly random collection that somehow connects into four perfect categories.

Strategic Hints (No Spoilers Yet)

Yellow Category Nudge: Think about the colorful language heard during a broadcast.

Green Category Clue: Shift your attention from the action to the business side of sports.

Blue Category Hint: College athletics offers a useful frame of reference here.

Purple Category Teaser: Look closely at the spelling, even when the surface meanings seem unrelated.

The Full Solutions

Last chance to solve independently: answers below

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Yellow (Slang For Zero): BAGEL, DONUT, GOOSE EGG, NIL

GOOSE EGG, DONUT, BAGEL and NIL all express zero. Their shared numerical meaning brings the yellow group together.

BAGEL and BEAGLE make a distracting visual pair because they share several letters. Read for meaning first, and BAGEL has a firm home with the other expressions for zero.

Green (People Involved In A Contract Negotiation): AGENT, GENERAL MANAGER, OWNER, PLAYER

AGENT, GENERAL MANAGER, PLAYER and OWNER are the people involved in a contract negotiation. The connection is about their roles in reaching an agreement.

Blue (MAC Team Nicknames): BOBCATS, CHIPPEWAS, MINUTEMEN, ZIPS

ZIPS, MINUTEMEN, CHIPPEWAS and BOBCATS belong together as MAC team nicknames. Recognizing their shared conference affiliation resolves the blue group.

BOBCATS and BEAGLE suggest an animal connection, but that pair crosses two different solutions. Keep the conference link in view before chasing that resemblance.

Purple (Ends In An NFL Team, In Singular Form): BEAGLE, HANDKERCHIEF, MILLION, PROGRAM

Each purple entry ends with an NFL team name in singular form. BEAGLE ends in EAGLE, MILLION in LION, HANDKERCHIEF in CHIEF and PROGRAM in RAM.

The Verdict

Yellow looks like the cleanest starting point, with green close behind once the business roles click. Blue asks for more specific sports knowledge, making conference familiarity the main difficulty swing.

Purple is the streak-deciding group because its connection sits inside the words. BEAGLE is the sharpest trap, echoing BAGEL in its lettering and BOBCATS in its animal meaning while hiding EAGLE at the end.

Reset and Repeat

Carry today's ending trick into the next grid: when meanings stop helping, inspect the letters. Come back tomorrow for another set of hints and a fresh chance to spot the hidden connection.

For now, puzzle #778 is solved. See you at midnight for the next round.

NYT Connections Sports Edition #778 Hints and Answers for November 10, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Pips Hints, Answers and Walkthrough for Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Tuesday brings a fresh set of NYT Pips puzzles. Easy and Medium offer compact boards before Hard stretches across nine columns, mixing single-cell totals with equality zones and a cluster of zero-total clues. We've got hints, a step-by-step walkthrough, and full solutions for Easy, Medium, and Hard.

How to Play Pips

Zone Conditions:

= All pips in this zone must show the same number
Not Equal All pips must be different numbers
> Pips must be greater than the listed number
< Pips must be less than the listed number
Exact Number Pips must total that exact value
No Condition Free space, any domino value works

Click or tap dominoes to rotate them. Each puzzle has one or more valid solutions. In the grids below, rows read top to bottom and a 0 is a blank domino half. When two zones share the same rule, we number them in reading order, top to bottom.

Easy Pips Solution

The Easy board. Each tag shows its zone's rule; untagged cells take any pips.

Show the solved Easy board

Today's Wordle Hints, Clues and Answer for #1970 on November 10, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today's NYT Wordle lands with puzzle #1970, and a familiar word rewards careful elimination over a rushed guess. Streak protectors and newcomers alike, welcome to today's solve.

The Basics (For New Players)

Created by Josh Wardle in 2021 and now part of The New York Times Games family, Wordle has become a daily ritual for word lovers everywhere. Today's puzzle #1970 awaits.

The Letter Rundown

Today's puzzle breaks down like this:

Vowel Count: 2 vowel(s)
Consonant Count: 3 consonant(s)
Repeated Letters: No repeats today
Letter Rarity: All common letters

The Elimination Game (Progressive Hints)

We've designed these hints to reveal just enough at each level. Stop when you've got it figured out.

Level 1 (The Vibe): Think of a tense moment when everyone agrees to take a breath.

Level 2 (The Category): A noun for an agreement to pause a conflict.

Level 3 (The Boundaries): Starts with T, ends with E.

Level 4 (The Structure): All five letters are different, and the vowels sit in positions 3 and 5.

Level 5 (The Giveaway): A temporary agreement between opposing sides to stop fighting.

Quick-Reference Clues

First Letter: T

Last Letter: E

Vowels Present: U, E

Double Letters: No

Rhymes With: JUICE, GOOSE, SPRUCE

Today's Wordle Answer

Final warning: The answer is directly below. Scroll only if you're ready.

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The answer to Wordle #1970 is: TRUCE

Word DNA: Breaking Down Today's Answer

TRUCE means an agreement to stop fighting or arguing for a period of time. Opposing armies can negotiate a truce, and squabbling siblings can call one over dinner.

Origins: TRUCE developed from Middle English trewes, a plural form associated with pledges or agreements. Its roots connect it to true and the idea of keeping faith.

Word Family: truces, truceless, trucebreaker

Fun Fact: TRUCE has two vowel letters but just one vowel sound, with a silent final E and a C pronounced like S. That gap between sound and spelling makes it useful practice for checking letters rather than trusting your ear.

The Streak Saver Rating

I'd rate this 2 out of 5 for difficulty, with vowel selection as the trap factor. All five letters are distinct, but a partial TR_CE pattern leaves TRACE, TRICE, and TRUCE competing for attention.

With T, R, and E fixed, guessing TRACE and then TRICE can spend turns testing vowels individually. If your rules allow an information guess, AUDIO checks A, I, and U together, helping distinguish those candidates.

What This Puzzle Teaches

When several candidates share a frame, compare their unresolved letters before choosing your next guess. A probe that tests several competing vowels can provide more direction than another guess built around the same confirmed letters.

Tomorrow's Reset

Puzzle #1971 drops at midnight in your timezone, Tuesday handing the streak over to a fresh board.

Did TRUCE bring a peaceful finish to your grid, or did the vowel choice keep you guessing? Tell us how your solve went.

See you at midnight for the next challenge.

Today's Wordle Hints, Clues and Answer for #1970 on November 10, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Connections #1248 Hints and Solutions for November 10, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Tuesday edition of NYT Connections arrives with puzzle #1248, serving up a grid that rewards a good ear for language and a careful eye for spelling. Familiar meanings offer a foothold, but one tempting connection needs a second look.

What Makes Connections Tick

Today's Grid at a Glance

Here are the 16 words staring back at you in puzzle #1248:

A seemingly random collection that somehow connects into four perfect categories.

Strategic Hints (No Spoilers Yet)

Yellow Category Nudge: Picture a minor incident attracting an outsized reaction.

Green Category Clue: Think about the choices a writer makes to give language extra effect.

Blue Category Hint: Consider vocabulary you might encounter in a historical setting.

Purple Category Teaser: Set meaning aside and inspect how the entries are built.

The Full Solutions

Last chance to solve independently: answers below

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Yellow (Hubbub): BROUHAHA, FOOFARAW, HULLABALOO, KERFUFFLE

BROUHAHA, FOOFARAW, HULLABALOO, and KERFUFFLE fill the HUBBUB category.

Each can describe a fuss or commotion. Their exuberant sounds make a useful first connection, though FOOFARAW is the vocabulary hurdle.

Green (Literary Devices): HYPERBOLE, METONYMY, ONOMATOPOEIA, OXYMORON

HYPERBOLE, METONYMY, ONOMATOPOEIA, and OXYMORON make up LITERARY DEVICES.

Hyperbole exaggerates, metonymy substitutes an associated term, onomatopoeia imitates sound, and an oxymoron combines contradictory terms. The sound connection gives ONOMATOPOEIA a tempting association with the noisy yellow vocabulary, but its role as a writing technique settles its placement.

Blue (Old-Timey Occupations): APOTHECARY, HABERDASHER, SCRIVENER, WAINWRIGHT

APOTHECARY, HABERDASHER, SCRIVENER, and WAINWRIGHT belong to OLD-TIMEY OCCUPATIONS.

An apothecary prepared and sold medicines, a haberdasher sold sewing goods or men's clothing and accessories, a scrivener wrote or copied documents, and a wainwright built wagons. BEEKEEPER also names an occupation, creating a real extra candidate before the spelling pattern resolves it.

Purple (Words With Five Of One Vowel): ABRACADABRA, BEEKEEPER, INVISIBILITY, PROTOZOOLOGY

ABRACADABRA contains five As, BEEKEEPER five Es, INVISIBILITY five Is, and PROTOZOOLOGY five Os. That repeated-letter count supplies the connection, WORDS WITH FIVE OF ONE VOWEL.

The Verdict

Yellow offers the clearest opening once FOOFARAW clicks, while green rewards recognition of classroom terminology. Blue raises the vocabulary demand, especially with SCRIVENER and WAINWRIGHT.

Purple is the streak-deciding group here because its connection requires switching from meanings to letter counts. The sharpest trap is BEEKEEPER, whose perfectly valid occupational meaning competes with its five Es.

Reset and Repeat

Carry today's BEEKEEPER lesson into tomorrow's grid: a word can fit a promising idea and still belong elsewhere. Come back for another round, with an eye on both meaning and spelling.

For now, puzzle #1248 is solved. See you at midnight for the next round.

NYT Connections #1248 Hints and Solutions for November 10, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

Today's Wordle Hints, Clues and Answer for #1971 on November 11, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today's NYT Wordle lands with puzzle #1971, and a familiar expression hides a small spelling trap. Whether you're protecting a streak or joining your first game, there's a gentle hint here to get you moving.

The Basics (For New Players)

Created by Josh Wardle in 2021 and now part of The New York Times Games family, Wordle has become a daily ritual for word lovers everywhere. Today's puzzle #1971 awaits.

The Letter Rundown

Today's puzzle breaks down like this:

Vowel Count: 1 vowel(s)
Consonant Count: 4 consonant(s)
Repeated Letters: Yes - the letter S appears twice
Letter Rarity: Mostly common letters, with B the least frequent of the set

The Elimination Game (Progressive Hints)

We've designed these hints to reveal just enough at each level. Stop when you've got it figured out.

Level 1 (The Vibe): Think warmth, goodwill, and a little solemn ceremony.

Level 2 (The Category): A verb for offering divine protection or expressing heartfelt approval.

Level 3 (The Boundaries): Starts with B, ends with S.

Level 4 (The Structure): One letter appears twice, once in position 4 and again in position 5.

Level 5 (The Giveaway): To ask God to watch over someone, as in the familiar response to a sneeze.

Quick-Reference Clues

First Letter: B

Last Letter: S

Vowels Present: E

Double Letters: Yes - S

Rhymes With: DRESS, CHESS, MESS

Today's Wordle Answer

Final warning: The answer is directly below. Scroll only if you're ready.

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The answer to Wordle #1971 is: BLESS

Word DNA: Breaking Down Today's Answer

BLESS means to ask for divine favor or protection, or to make something holy. Everyday uses include asking someone to bless a meal and saying “bless you” after a sneeze.

Origins: Bless comes from the Old English verb blētsian, meaning to consecrate or make holy.

Word Family: blesses, blessed, blessing

Fun Fact: A blessing can also mean a welcome benefit, as in “a blessing in disguise.” That familiar word family makes BLESS easy to recognize, while its doubled ending still creates a useful Wordle trap.

The Streak Saver Rating

I'd rate this 3 out of 5 for difficulty, with the doubled S as the main trap factor. BLESS has just one vowel, E in the middle, and two copies of S filling the final positions.

Finding one S can tempt you to spend every remaining slot on a different letter, overlooking the second copy. Keep a doubled ending in contention, and use the confirmed middle E to rule out BLISS before spending a guess on it.

What This Puzzle Teaches

A confirmed letter is a foothold, not a complete count of its appearances. Once you have a promising shape, check familiar doubled endings alongside candidates that introduce fresh letters.

Tomorrow's Reset

Puzzle #1972 drops at midnight in your timezone, Wednesday handing the streak over to a fresh board.

Did BLESS fall into place early, or did that second S keep you searching? Take the repeat-letter reminder into your next grid.

See you at midnight for the next challenge.

Today's Wordle Hints, Clues and Answer for #1971 on November 11, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best 4K Gaming Monitors in 2026

Technobezz — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:31:22 GMT

A 4K gaming monitor has to do two jobs at once: show fine detail at 3840 x 2160 and keep motion smooth enough for fast games. The choice mostly comes down to panel type, refresh rate, HDR certification, and whether the ports match your PC or console.

The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM3 is the best overall pick. It combines a 32-inch Tandem QD-OLED panel, 4K at 240Hz, VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black certification, full-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1a, and USB-C with 90W power delivery, all backed by a three-year warranty.

This page is for PC gamers, console players, and anyone who wants one sharp screen for play and work. The other picks cover dual-mode OLED, console setups, 27-inch IPS speed, and a value-focused 4K option.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM3	240Hz Tandem QD-OLED, DisplayHDR 500 True Black, and DisplayPort 2.1a
Best dual-mode OLED	LG UltraGear 32GX870A-B	Switches between 4K at 240Hz and FHD at 480Hz
Best for consoles	Alienware 27 4K AW2725QF	Two HDMI 2.1 inputs, eARC and Dolby Vision on a 27-inch 4K IPS panel
Best 27-inch IPS	ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR	Fast IPS with 4K at 162Hz or FHD at 485Hz and USB-C
Best value	LG UltraGear 27G810A-B	27-inch IPS dual mode with 4K at 180Hz or FHD at 360Hz

How we chose

We compared the published maker specifications for each monitor, focusing on panel type, resolution, refresh rate, response time, HDR certification, connections, and stand adjustment. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon. Picks are listed with the strongest all-round specification first.

The best 4K gaming monitors right now

ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM3 - Best overall

The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM3 has the most complete specification in this group. It pairs a 32-inch Tandem QD-OLED panel (31.5 inches viewable) with 4K resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, a 0.03ms response time, and VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black certification. ASUS lists 99% DCI-P3 color with Delta E under 2, plus support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

Connections are a clear strength. DisplayPort 2.1a runs at UHBR20 with 80Gbps of bandwidth, HDMI 2.1 is rated at 48Gbps, and USB-C supplies 90W of power delivery for a laptop. ASUS adds OLED Care Pro tools, a BlackShield film, and a Neo Proximity Sensor that switches the screen to a black image when you step away to help protect against burn-in.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

32-inch Tandem QD-OLED panel, 31.5 inches viewable
4K at 240Hz with 0.03ms response time
VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black, HDR10, and Dolby Vision
99% DCI-P3 with Delta E under 2
DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20, HDMI 2.1, and USB-C with 90W power delivery
OLED Care Pro with Neo Proximity Sensor

Pros:

Highest HDR certification tier among the OLED picks here
Full-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1a and HDMI 2.1
90W USB-C can power a laptop over one cable
Stand adjusts for height (0 to 80mm), swivel, and tilt, and the monitor is VESA wall-mount compatible
Three-year warranty including panel burn-in

Cons:

OLED care features remain important for managing burn-in risk
The stand does not offer portrait pivot adjustment

Who it is for: PC gamers with a powerful graphics card who want a 32-inch 4K OLED with high refresh, strong HDR certification, and laptop-friendly USB-C.

Skip if: You mostly leave static windows and taskbars on screen for long hours, or you want a smaller 27-inch desk footprint.

LG UltraGear 32GX870A-B - Best dual-mode OLED

The LG UltraGear 32GX870A-B is a 32-inch OLED built around Dual Mode. It runs at 4K UHD and 240Hz for detailed games, or drops to FHD at 480Hz for competitive shooters, so the refresh rate depends on which mode you select.

LG lists a 0.03ms (GtG) response time, DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification, and a 1.5M:1 contrast ratio. LG lists DisplayPort 2.1, and the monitor supports both NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. A height, tilt, and pivot stand rounds it out.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

32-inch OLED panel
Dual Mode: 4K UHD at 240Hz or FHD at 480Hz
0.03ms (GtG) response time
DisplayHDR True Black 400 and 1.5M:1 contrast ratio
DisplayPort 2.1
NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

Pros:

One screen covers both 4K detail and 480Hz esports play
DisplayPort 2.1 for high-bandwidth PC connections
Stand adjusts for height, tilt, and pivot

Cons:

The 480Hz mode runs at FHD, not 4K
DisplayHDR True Black 400 is a lower tier than the PG32UCDM3's True Black 500
DisplayPort 2.1 uses Display Stream Compression
OLED panels need care with static images

Who it is for: PC players who split time between visually rich 4K games and fast competitive titles and want one OLED for both.

Skip if: You only play at 4K and never use a 1080p high-refresh mode.

Alienware 27 4K AW2725QF - Best for consoles

The Alienware 27 4K AW2725QF suits console setups with two HDMI 2.1 inputs and eARC for compatible audio equipment. Its 27-inch IPS panel supports 4K at up to 180Hz or FHD at up to 360Hz with overclocking.

Dell lists Dolby Vision, VESA DisplayHDR 600 and 95% DCI-P3 coverage. The stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel and pivot.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch 3840 x 2160 IPS panel
Up to 180Hz at 4K or 360Hz at FHD with overclocking
Dolby Vision and VESA DisplayHDR 600
Two HDMI 2.1 inputs, including one with eARC
DisplayPort 1.4 and a USB hub

Pros:

Two HDMI inputs for multiple consoles
eARC supports compatible audio equipment
Stand includes pivot adjustment

Cons:

IPS lacks OLED per-pixel contrast
Maximum refresh rates require overclocking
USB-C is a downstream port, not a video input

Who it is for: Console players who want a compact 4K screen with two HDMI inputs.

Skip if: You want OLED contrast or a 32-inch screen.

ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR - Best 27-inch IPS

The ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR is a 27-inch Fast IPS monitor for players who want 4K sharpness on a smaller desk without OLED care concerns. Dual mode runs at 4K and 162Hz or FHD and 485Hz, so the top refresh rate applies only at the lower resolution.

ASUS rates the response time at 0.3ms as a minimum, which means it varies with settings. The panel carries VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification with 95% DCI-P3 and 130% sRGB coverage. ELMB SYNC pairs motion blur reduction with variable refresh rate, and USB Type-C with DP Alt mode and power delivery joins DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch Fast IPS panel at 3840 x 2160
Dual mode: 4K at 162Hz or FHD at 485Hz
0.3ms response time (minimum)
VESA DisplayHDR 400, 95% DCI-P3, and 130% sRGB
ELMB SYNC and Smart Pixel technology
USB Type-C with DP Alt mode, DisplayPort 1.4, and HDMI 2.1

Pros:

485Hz FHD mode for competitive play
IPS avoids OLED burn-in concerns
USB-C with DP Alt mode for laptops
Stand adjusts for tilt, swivel, pivot, and height, with VESA mounting

Cons:

DisplayHDR 400 is an entry-level HDR tier next to the OLED picks
The 485Hz mode runs at FHD, not 4K
USB-C power delivery is limited to 15W, and there is only one HDMI input
DisplayPort is version 1.4, not 2.1

Who it is for: Desk-bound PC players who want a 27-inch 4K screen with an esports-speed backup mode and USB-C convenience.

Skip if: Deep OLED contrast and stronger HDR certification matter more to you than avoiding burn-in risk.

LG UltraGear 27G810A-B - Best value

The LG UltraGear 27G810A-B is the simplest way into 4K gaming on this list. Its 27-inch IPS panel uses Dual Mode, running at 4K UHD and 180Hz or FHD and 360Hz depending on the mode you choose.

LG lists a 1ms (GtG) response time, FreeSync Premium, and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible support. Connections are dual HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, a USB upstream port, and two downstream ports, plus a 4-pole jack with DTS Headphone:X 3D audio. The stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch IPS panel
Dual Mode: 4K UHD at 180Hz or FHD at 360Hz
1ms (GtG) response time
FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible
Dual HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB downstream ports
4-pole jack with DTS Headphone:X 3D audio

Pros:

4K at 180Hz on a straightforward IPS panel
360Hz FHD mode for fast games
Two HDMI inputs for a console and another device
Fully adjustable stand with pivot

Cons:

DisplayHDR 400 is an entry-level HDR certification
No USB Type-C listed on the product page
1ms response time is slower on paper than the other picks
DisplayPort is version 1.4, not 2.1

Who it is for: Players who want a capable 27-inch 4K high-refresh monitor without moving to OLED.

Skip if: You need USB-C or OLED per-pixel contrast.

How to choose

Pick the panel type first. OLED gives per-pixel contrast and very fast response times, while IPS avoids burn-in concerns and suits long sessions with static windows.
Match the refresh rate to your hardware. A 240Hz 4K monitor only pays off with a graphics card that can push high frame rates at 4K. Consoles and mid-range PCs are well served by 165Hz or 180Hz.
Understand dual mode. Dual-mode monitors reach their highest refresh rates only at FHD, so treat the top number as an esports mode, not a 4K figure.
Check the ports, not just the headline specs. Console players should count the HDMI 2.1 ports, and PC players with a DisplayPort 2.1 graphics card get the most from a DisplayPort 2.1 monitor.
Read the HDR certification. DisplayHDR True Black 400 and 500 are OLED tiers, while DisplayHDR 400 on an IPS panel is an entry-level HDR rating.
Look at USB-C power if you use a laptop. A 90W port can charge many laptops over one cable, while a 15W port is mainly for accessories.

FAQ

Is 240Hz worth it on a 4K monitor?

Only if your PC can run games well above 120 frames per second at 4K. Current consoles output up to 120Hz, so a 165Hz or 180Hz monitor already covers them.

What does dual mode mean on a gaming monitor?

It lets the monitor switch between 4K and FHD. The LG UltraGear 32GX870A-B, for example, runs at 4K and 240Hz or FHD and 480Hz, trading resolution for speed in competitive games.

Should I worry about OLED burn-in?

It is a real consideration with static images such as taskbars and HUDs. Makers add care tools to reduce the risk, such as the pixel cleaning and proximity sensor on the ASUS PG32UCDM3, and it is worth reading the warranty terms before you buy.

Do I need DisplayPort 2.1?

Not always. DisplayPort 2.1 offers more bandwidth, which matters most for high refresh rates at 4K on a graphics card that also has DisplayPort 2.1 output. Several monitors here use DisplayPort 1.4 and still list 4K high-refresh support.

Is 27 or 32 inches better for 4K gaming?

A 27-inch 4K screen packs pixels more tightly for a sharper image at a typical desk distance. A 32-inch screen gives a larger, more immersive view and more room for side-by-side windows.

Published November 9, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

5 Best 4K Gaming Monitors in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

The Best Unlocked Phone and Smartwatch Deals of Black Friday

Technobezz — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 20:24:33 GMT

Prices checked November 12, 2026, 12:24 AM ET

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, and the early deals have started. 4 phone, tablet and smartwatch deals are live right now, and every price below was checked against Amazon before it went on this page.

We add deals as Amazon releases them. A deal appears here only while Amazon is selling it at the deal price.

The biggest discounts at a glance

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra (512GB) $2,048.39 11% off
Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro $556.29 7% off
Amazon Fire HD 10 $72.99
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE (256GB, unlocked) $699.99

Deals on products from our buying guides

2 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro is a rugged 5G smartphone with IP68 water and dust resistance and a design tested against 1.5 m drops. It suits field workers who need touchscreen operation with gloves or wet hands.

128GB storage
5G and Wi-Fi 6E
IP68 water resistance

$556.29

Save $43.70 (7% off)

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:24 AM ET

Limited time deal

Amazon Fire HD 10

The Amazon Fire HD 10 is an entertainment tablet with a 10.1 inch Full HD display and up to 13 hours of battery life. It suits readers, casual gamers, and anyone who streams shows on a tablet.

10.1-inch Full HD display
4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage
Up to 13 h battery

Worth knowing. Expanding storage requires a separately purchased microSD card.

$72.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:23 AM ET

Samsung Galaxy phone deals

2 deals in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra (512GB)

This foldable opens to an 8.0-inch inner screen and packs a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultra wide and a 5,000 mAh battery in a body 4.1 mm thin unfolded. It suits people who want a tablet-sized workspace and run several apps at once.

8.0-inch inner screen
200MP main camera
5,000 mAh battery

Worth knowing. Folded, it is 8.9 mm thick and weighs 215 grams.

$2,048.39

Save $251.60 (11% off)

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:24 AM ET

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE (256GB, unlocked)

The Galaxy S26 FE pairs a 6.7-inch 120 Hz display with a 4,900mAh battery rated for up to 29 hours of video playback and 45W wired charging. It suits anyone upgrading an older phone who wants a big screen, steady video and Galaxy AI tools.

6.7-inch FHD+, 120 Hz
4,900mAh, 45W charging
50MP main camera, 256GB

Worth knowing. Wireless charging is limited to 15W, slower than the 45W available over a wired connection.

$699.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 12, 12:24 AM ET

More Black Friday deals

How we pick these deals

A product is listed only when Amazon is selling it at a real discount. Any saving shown is Amazon's own figure, and the time under each button is when we last checked that price.

When Black Friday deals start

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

The Best Unlocked Phone and Smartwatch Deals of Black Friday - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Midi Crossword Hints, Clues and Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 03:17:00 GMT

Today's NYT Midi Crossword is live, and a visual trick gives the trivia and conversational clues an extra spark. Come on in and enjoy the hunt.

How The Midi Works

New puzzles drop daily. The Midi offers more complexity than the Mini while remaining accessible for solvers who want a quick but substantial challenge.

Quick Scan

In a rush? Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for today's puzzle:

Grid Size: 9x9

Total Clues: 29 (14 Across, 15 Down)

Trickiest Clue: 17A is the trickiest clue because its closing question asks you to connect mythology with the grid's design.

Gimme Clue: 6D is the gimme, since the clue displays the punctuation mark it wants you to name.

Theme Spotted: "Triple Dog Dare"

Clue Decoder (Hints Only)

Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.

Across Hints

1A. Roadside service org.
Hint: Think of the membership group you call for a tow. Three letters, starts with A.

4A. 300, in Roman numerals
Hint: Roman notation builds this value by repeating a symbol. Three letters, starts with C.

7A. With 8-Across, Polynesian-themed attraction at Disneyland
Hint: Think of Disneyland's tropical attraction with singing birds. Four letters, starts with T.

8A. See 7-Across
Hint: Complete the attraction name begun at 7A. Four letters, starts with R.

10A. "Sign me up!"
Hint: Think of an enthusiastic reply accepting an invitation. Four letters, starts with I.

11A. Folk singer Guthrie
Hint: Think of Woody Guthrie's folk-singing son. Four letters, starts with A.

12A. Betraying to the feds, maybe
Hint: Think of informing on someone to federal agents. Nine letters, starts with R.

14A. "when are u getting here?"
Hint: Use texting shorthand for the arrival timing being requested. Three letters, starts with E.

15A. Similar (to)
Hint: Think of a term meaning related or similar in nature. Four letters, starts with A.

16A. "I did NOT need to hear all that!"
Hint: Think of a texting response to oversharing. Three letters, starts with T.

17A. Mythological dog with three heads ... like the figures in this puzzle?
Hint: Think of the canine guardian of the Greek underworld. Eight letters, starts with C.

22A. Feeling that might cause an athlete to choke
Hint: Think of the mental strain of having to perform. Eight letters, starts with P.

23A. "I Played 'The Boys ___ Back in Town' on a Bar Jukebox Until I Got Kicked Out" (VICE article)
Hint: Complete the Thin Lizzy song name embedded in the article headline. Three letters, starts with A.

24A. Circus enclosure
Hint: Think of the canvas shelter over the circus ring. Four letters, starts with T.

Down Hints

1D. Put in the crosshairs
Hint: Think of directing a weapon toward a target. Five letters, starts with A.

2D. Dog breed from Japan
Hint: Think of the large Japanese breed with a curled tail. Five letters, starts with A.

3D. "Say it ___ so!"
Hint: Think of the informal negative in a familiar cry of disbelief. Four letters, starts with A.

4D. Most grouchy
Hint: Take grouchiness to its strongest degree. Nine letters, starts with C.

5D. Dog breed from Wales
Hint: Think of the short-legged herding dog associated with British royalty. Five letters, starts with C.

6D. This: :
Hint: Name the punctuation mark displayed in the clue. Five letters, starts with C.

7D. A unicycle has one
Hint: Think of the rubber component around the wheel. Four letters, starts with T.

9D. Day before Tue.
Hint: Move backward in the weekly calendar, keeping the abbreviation. Three letters, starts with M.

13D. Poetic feet with the pattern "duh-DUH"
Hint: Think of poetic rhythm moving from an unstressed syllable to a stressed syllable. Five letters, starts with I.

16D. Birch or beech
Hint: Think of the broad plant category that includes both examples. Four letters, starts with T.

17D. Many an I.R.S. employee
Hint: Think of a professional credential in accounting. Three letters, starts with C.

18D. "To ___ is human ..."
Hint: Think of human fallibility in the familiar saying. Three letters, starts with E.

19D. Regret
Hint: Think of looking back on a choice with remorse. Three letters, starts with R.

20D. "Ode on a Grecian ___" (Keats poem)
Hint: Think of the ancient pottery addressed by the poet. Three letters, starts with U.

21D. Complete collection
Hint: Think of objects belonging together as a complete whole. Three letters, starts with S.

Full Answers

Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.

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Across Answers

1A. Roadside service org.
Answer: AAA

4A. 300, in Roman numerals
Answer: CCC

7A. With 8-Across, Polynesian-themed attraction at Disneyland
Answer: TIKI

8A. See 7-Across
Answer: ROOM

10A. "Sign me up!"
Answer: IMIN

11A. Folk singer Guthrie
Answer: ARLO

12A. Betraying to the feds, maybe
Answer: RATTINGON

14A. "when are u getting here?"
Answer: ETA

15A. Similar (to)
Answer: AKIN

16A. "I did NOT need to hear all that!"
Answer: TMI

17A. Mythological dog with three heads ... like the figures in this puzzle?
Answer: CERBERUS

22A. Feeling that might cause an athlete to choke
Answer: PRESSURE

23A. "I Played 'The Boys ___ Back in Town' on a Bar Jukebox Until I Got Kicked Out" (VICE article)
Answer: ARE

24A. Circus enclosure
Answer: TENT

Down Answers

1D. Put in the crosshairs
Answer: AIMAT

2D. Dog breed from Japan
Answer: AKITA

3D. "Say it ___ so!"
Answer: AINT

4D. Most grouchy
Answer: CRANKIEST

5D. Dog breed from Wales
Answer: CORGI

6D. This: :
Answer: COLON

7D. A unicycle has one
Answer: TIRE

9D. Day before Tue.
Answer: MON

13D. Poetic feet with the pattern "duh-DUH"
Answer: IAMBS

16D. Birch or beech
Answer: TREE

17D. Many an I.R.S. employee
Answer: CPA

18D. "To ___ is human ..."
Answer: ERR

19D. Regret
Answer: RUE

20D. "Ode on a Grecian ___" (Keats poem)
Answer: URN

21D. Complete collection
Answer: SET

Grid Breakdown

Here's what made today's puzzle tick:

Standout Clue: 17A's mythological dog clue earns its CERBERUS reveal by pointing beyond the answer itself. AKITA and CORGI supply the canine connection, while the AAA and CCC runs atop them echo the creature's three heads.

Wordplay Winner: 22A wins the misdirection prize with PRESSURE. The athlete's choking is a failure to perform under stress, so the clue turns a physical-sounding verb into a psychological hint.

Quick Fill: AAA at 1A is a confident opening fill from the roadside-service abbreviation. It supplies the initial A in AIMAT, AKITA and AINT, giving the upper-left corner an immediate foothold.

Speed Solver Tips

Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:

Match the clue's register before chasing synonyms. The texting-style prompts at 14A and 16A steer you toward ETA and TMI, while the abbreviated weekday clue at 9D calls for MON.

Treat linked clues as a single task. Reading 7A and 8A together lets you retrieve TIKI ROOM as an attraction name, then distribute it across the linked entries.

Tomorrow's Puzzle

The short conversational fills offer a friendly way in, and CERBERUS rewards a final look at the grid as a picture. That visual payoff gives the finished puzzle an extra touch of personality.

See you at the next grid.

NYT Midi Crossword Hints, Clues and Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

NYT Mini Crossword Hints, Clues and Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Bogdana Zujic — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 03:10:00 GMT

Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and familiar phrases and echoed clues give the grid a playful rhythm. Come on in and follow the verbal connections.

How The Mini Works

New puzzles drop at 10 p.m. EST on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday's Mini arrives earlier at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.

Quick Scan

In a rush? Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for today's puzzle:

Grid Size: 5x5

Total Clues: 10 (5 Across, 5 Down)

Trickiest Clue: 5A is the toughest clue, with a computing-history reference that demands more specialized knowledge than the surrounding everyday vocabulary.

Gimme Clue: 1A is the clearest foothold, a familiar comparison whose button image practically completes the phrase for you.

Theme Spotted: There is a light theme of echoed clue wording linking 6A with 1D and 1A with 9A.

Clue Decoder (Hints Only)

Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.

Across Hints

1A. ___ as a button
Hint: 1A describes someone adorably charming. Four letters, starts with C.

5A. Computer operating system since 1969
Hint: 5A points to the operating-system family developed at Bell Labs. Four letters, starts with U.

6A. Units of ice cream or beer
Hint: 6A wants a volume measure used for both frozen desserts and pub orders. Five letters, starts with P.

8A. Green-skinned monster, perhaps
Hint: 8A asks for the kind of fairy-tale creature Shrek is. Four letters, starts with O.

9A. ___ as a pin
Hint: 9A describes someone impeccably tidy. Four letters, starts with N.

Down Hints

1D. Container for ice cream or beer
Hint: 1D wants the vessel itself, rather than the amount it holds. Three letters, starts with C.

2D. Worker's collective
Hint: 2D is an organization that bargains with employers on behalf of its members. Five letters, starts with U.

3D. Slightest bit of color
Hint: 3D describes a faint trace of a hue. Five letters, starts with T.

4D. Background actor
Hint: 4D is a performer who helps populate a film scene without a featured role. Five letters, starts with E.

7D. Word before "... go!"
Hint: 7D is the command between getting ready and beginning a race. Three letters, starts with S.

Full Answers

Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.

---

Across Answers

1A. ___ as a button
Answer: CUTE

5A. Computer operating system since 1969
Answer: UNIX

6A. Units of ice cream or beer
Answer: PINTS

8A. Green-skinned monster, perhaps
Answer: OGRE

9A. ___ as a pin
Answer: NEAT

Down Answers

1D. Container for ice cream or beer
Answer: CUP

2D. Worker's collective
Answer: UNION

3D. Slightest bit of color
Answer: TINGE

4D. Background actor
Answer: EXTRA

7D. Word before "... go!"
Answer: SET

Grid Breakdown

Here's what made today's puzzle tick:

Standout Clue: 6A, "Units of ice cream or beer," gives PINTS and captures the grid's playful repetition. Its echo at 1D leads to CUP, shifting the question from a measure to a container.

Wordplay Winner: 4D, "Background actor," earns the wordplay nod with EXTRA. The clue selects the noun for a performer from a word also familiar as an adjective meaning additional.

Quick Fill: CUTE at 1A is the fastest confident fill, thanks to the familiar button comparison. Its crossings feed CUP, UNION, TINGE and EXTRA, giving the Down clues an immediate foothold.

Speed Solver Tips

Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:

Fill familiar phrase completions early, as CUTE and NEAT demonstrate here. Then work their Down crossings to build support for the more specialized UNIX clue.

When clues repeat wording, isolate the part that changes. Here, units calls for PINTS while container calls for CUP, so the shared ice cream and beer imagery serves different purposes.

Tomorrow's Puzzle

The familiar phrases offer a welcoming start, while UNIX supplies a sharper knowledge check. PINTS and CUP give the grid its best little conversation between clues.

See you at the next grid.

NYT Mini Crossword Hints, Clues and Answers for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Headphones in 2026

Technobezz — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:27:10 GMT

The right pair of headphones depends on where you listen and what you connect them to. Some buyers want strong noise cancelling for commutes and flights, while others care more about battery life, wired hi-res playback, or close ties to an iPhone.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are the best overall pick. Bose pairs adjustable noise cancelling with Immersive Audio, Cinema Mode and CustomTune sound calibration, and rates the battery at up to 30 hours, or 23 hours with Immersive Audio on.

This page is for US shoppers choosing wireless headphones in 2026. The rest of the list covers long flights, iPhone owners, audiophiles, a value Bose option, and a lightweight on-ear pair.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)	Adjustable noise cancelling, Immersive Audio, and CustomTune
Best for long flights	Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless	Up to 57 hours with ANC on, plus a 3.5mm cable for seatback screens
Best for iPhone users	Apple AirPods Max 2	H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, and Lossless Audio over USB-C
Best for audiophiles	Sennheiser HDB 630	24-bit/96 kHz USB-C audio, parametric EQ, and an included BTD 700 transmitter
Best value noise cancelling	Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)	Adaptive noise cancelling, multipoint, and lossless USB-C input up to 24-bit/48 kHz
Best on-ear	Beats Solo 4	Up to 50 hours of battery, 217 g weight, and wired lossless listening

How we chose

We compared the specifications each maker publishes, including noise cancelling, battery life, Bluetooth codecs and wired audio support, and matched every pair to a specific kind of listener. We also checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best headphones right now

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) - Best overall

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) take the top spot because they cover the most ground for everyday listening. Bose lists adjustable noise cancelling with ActiveSense technology and Echo Reduction, and the listening modes include Quiet, Aware, Immersion and Cinema.

Bose Immersive Audio spatializes sound, and Cinema Mode balances surround sound and dialogue for video. CustomTune adapts the sound to the shape of your ears. Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours, or 23 hours with Immersive Audio on, and a 15-minute quick charge gives up to 3 hours of playback. Optional wired listening over USB-C supports lossless audio at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Adjustable noise cancelling with Quiet, Aware, Immersion and Cinema modes
Bose Immersive Audio with Cinema Mode
CustomTune sound calibration
Up to 30 hours of battery (23 hours with Immersive Audio on)
Lossless wired audio via USB-C at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz
Bluetooth 5.4 with a 30-foot range

Pros:

Wide choice of noise control modes in one pair
Spatial audio modes for both music and video
A 15-minute charge adds up to 3 hours of playback
Carry case, USB-C cable and 3.5mm to 2.5mm audio cable included

Cons:

Battery life drops to 23 hours with Immersive Audio on
Wired lossless audio is listed at 16-bit, below the 24-bit input on the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Rated battery life is well short of both Sennheiser picks

Who it is for: Buyers who want one premium pair for commuting, flights and movies, with plenty of noise control and spatial audio options.

Skip if: Battery life matters most, or you want wired hi-res playback above 16-bit.

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless - Best for long flights

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless is built for long days away from a charger. Sennheiser rates it at up to 57 hours per charge with ANC engaged, adds quick charging, and uses four microphones per side for noise cancelling and transparency.

The case holds a USB-C charging cable and a 3.5mm analog cable for in-flight entertainment systems and laptops. A 42mm driver, Hi-Res Audio certification and Snapdragon Sound with codec support up to aptX Lossless target detailed wireless sound, and Dolby Atmos with head tracking works with supported Atmos content. The 700 mAh battery is user-replaceable.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 57 hours per charge with ANC engaged
Four microphones per side for ANC and transparency
42mm driver and Hi-Res Audio certification
Snapdragon Sound with codec support up to aptX Lossless
User-replaceable 700 mAh battery
Smart Control Plus app with 8-band EQ and Sound Personalization

Pros:

Very long rated battery life with noise cancelling on
Replaceable battery can extend the life of the headphones
3.5mm cable included for seatback screens and laptops
8-band EQ and custom presets in the app

Cons:

aptX Lossless only applies with a source device that supports it
Bluetooth 6.0 depends on a future firmware release; it ships with Bluetooth 5.4
Dolby Atmos head tracking only works with supported Atmos content

Who it is for: Frequent flyers and long-haul commuters who want noise cancelling that lasts for days between charges.

Skip if: You mostly use an iPhone and want features tied to Apple devices.

Apple AirPods Max 2 - Best for iPhone users

Apple AirPods Max 2 are the pick for people who already use an iPhone and other Apple devices. The H2 chip runs Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio that adjusts noise control to your surroundings, Transparency mode, and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.

Over USB-C, Apple says Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency audio preserve every detail of the original recording. Live Translation, Conversation Awareness, Audio Sharing and Automatic Switching between Apple devices tie them closely to Apple hardware, though these features need compatible devices with current software, and Live Translation also needs Apple Intelligence turned on. Battery life is rated at up to 20 hours with ANC and Spatial Audio on.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

H2 chip
Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency audio via USB-C
Up to 20 hours with ANC and Spatial Audio on
Digital Crown controls and a Smart Case with an ultra-low-power state

Pros:

Automatic Switching between Apple devices
Live Translation and Conversation Awareness on compatible devices
Custom EQ with three controls
Aluminum cups and memory foam ear cushions, in five colors

Cons:

Up to 20 hours is the shortest rated battery life in this list
Many features depend on compatible Apple devices and current software, and some are not available in all regions or languages
Apple does not list a 3.5mm analog connection

Who it is for: iPhone, iPad and Mac owners who want premium over-ear headphones that work smoothly across their Apple devices.

Skip if: You use Android, or you need the longest possible battery life.

Sennheiser HDB 630 - Best for audiophiles

The Sennheiser HDB 630, linked here in Lunar Silver, is aimed at listeners who care about sound detail and like to fine-tune it. Through its USB-C port or analog cable, it supports music up to 24-bit, 96 kHz, and it uses a 42 mm dynamic transducer.

For wireless listening it uses Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive, and Sennheiser says the included USB-C Bluetooth transmitter brings that capability to 80% of smartphone models. The Smart Control Plus app adds a Parametric Equalizer and a Crossfeed feature that blends the left and right channels for a speaker-like presentation. The sealed design uses Adaptive Noise Cancellation, and battery life is rated at up to 60 hours, with 7 hours from a 10-minute charge.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

42 mm dynamic transducer
Up to 24-bit, 96 kHz over USB-C or analog cable
Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive
BTD 700 USB-C Bluetooth transmitter included
Parametric Equalizer and Crossfeed in the Smart Control Plus app
Up to 60 hours of battery, 7 hours from a 10-minute charge

Pros:

Hi-res wired and wireless options in one pair
Transmitter in the box for phones without aptX Adaptive
Detailed sound controls beyond a standard graphic EQ
Travel case, airline adapter and both cables included

Cons:

Bluetooth 5.2 is an older version than the 5.4 on the Bose and MOMENTUM 5 picks
The transmitter plugs into your phone's USB-C port while in use
Premium positioning makes it more than most casual listeners need

Who it is for: Audiophiles who want hi-res wired playback at home and strong wireless options away from it, plus detailed EQ control.

Skip if: You want spatial audio features or tight integration with one phone platform.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) - Best value noise cancelling

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) bring Bose noise cancelling to a more affordable tier than the Ultra model. Bose lists active and adaptive noise cancellation with QuietControl Tech, with Quiet, Aware, Immersion and Cinema settings, plus TrueSpatial Technology for immersive sound.

Bluetooth multipoint keeps the headphones connected to two devices at the same time, and lossless digital audio input reaches up to 24-bit/48 kHz over a compatible USB-C connection. A USB-C to 3.5mm cable is included for wired use. Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours with noise cancelling on, or up to 18 hours with Immersive Audio on, and a 15-minute charge gives up to 2.5 hours.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Active and adaptive noise cancellation with QuietControl Tech
Quiet, Aware, Immersion and Cinema settings
Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint for two devices
Lossless USB-C audio input up to 24-bit/48 kHz
Up to 24 hours with ANC on (18 hours with Immersive Audio on)
Six microphones and removable ear cushions

Pros:

Multipoint is listed on the product page
Higher listed wired lossless resolution than the Ultra model
USB-C to 3.5mm cable included
Removable cushions and six colors to choose from

Cons:

Battery life falls to 18 hours with Immersive Audio on
CustomTune is not listed, unlike the Ultra model
Rated battery life is the second shortest in this list

Who it is for: Commuters and office workers who want Bose noise cancelling and two-device switching at a sensible tier.

Skip if: You want the fullest Bose feature set or very long battery life.

Beats Solo 4 - Best on-ear

The Beats Solo 4 is the on-ear pick for listeners who want something light and easy to carry. It weighs 217 g (7.65 oz), folds into its included carrying case, and uses UltraPlush on-ear cushions with passive noise isolation.

Battery life is rated at up to 50 hours, and Fast Fuel gives up to 5 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge. Beats lists Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Class 1 Bluetooth 5.3, lossless listening over USB-C, and a 3.5mm analog input that works without battery power. One-touch pairing works on both iOS and Android, with Find My on Apple devices and Find My Device on Android.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

On-ear design weighing 217 g (7.65 oz)
Up to 50 hours of battery
Fast Fuel: up to 5 hours from a 10-minute charge
Lossless audio via USB-C or 3.5mm cable
Class 1 Bluetooth 5.3
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking

Pros:

Light at 217 g (7.65 oz)
Long rated battery life for an on-ear pair
One-touch pairing on both iOS and Android
Foldable with a carrying case included

Cons:

No active noise cancelling; it relies on passive isolation only
On-ear cushions sit on the ears rather than around them

Who it is for: Students, commuters and phone users on either platform who want a light, long-lasting pair for everyday listening.

Skip if: You need active noise cancelling for flights or loud commutes.

How to choose

Decide how much noise cancelling you need. Five of these picks have active noise cancelling. The Beats Solo 4 relies on passive isolation, which suits quieter places better than planes and trains.
Read battery figures for the mode you will use. Makers often quote the best case. Both Bose models list lower battery life with Immersive Audio on, and Apple's figure assumes ANC and Spatial Audio are on.
Match the headphones to your phone. AirPods Max 2 features such as Automatic Switching and Live Translation depend on compatible Apple devices. aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless on the Sennheiser picks need a source that supports them, or the transmitter included with the HDB 630.
Check wired options if quality matters. Wired lossless support differs: 16-bit on the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen), up to 24-bit/48 kHz on the QuietComfort (2nd Gen), and up to 24-bit/96 kHz on the HDB 630.
Look for multipoint or device switching. If you move between a laptop and a phone, check whether the maker lists multipoint, as Bose does for the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), or device switching like Apple's Automatic Switching.
Choose over-ear or on-ear. Over-ear cups surround the ear and suit noise cancelling designs. On-ear models like the Beats Solo 4 rest on the ear and tend to be lighter and more compact.

FAQ

Which headphones here have the longest battery life?

The Sennheiser HDB 630 is rated at up to 60 hours per charge, and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless at up to 57 hours with ANC engaged. The Beats Solo 4 follows at up to 50 hours.

Can I use these headphones with a cable?

Yes. Every pick can play over a cable. The AirPods Max 2 use USB-C, the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless uses its included 3.5mm cable, and the other four list both USB-C and 3.5mm options. The HDB 630 adds an airline adapter for in-flight systems.

What do aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless do?

They are Bluetooth codecs designed to carry higher quality audio than basic Bluetooth. Both the headphones and the phone or other source must support the same codec to use it.

Is spatial audio worth having?

Spatial audio places sound around you instead of only left and right, which can make movies and supported music feel more open. It depends on content and settings, and the Bose picks list shorter battery life with Immersive Audio on.

Are noise cancelling headphones better for flights?

For most travelers, yes, because active noise cancelling reduces steady background noise. Long rated battery life and an included 3.5mm cable, as with the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless, also help on long trips.

Published November 9, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

6 Best Headphones in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Budget Wireless Headphones in 2026

Technobezz — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:50:01 GMT

Budget wireless headphones need more than cable-free playback. The strongest picks balance active noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, app controls, and codec support while staying practical for everyday listening.

Sony WH-CH730N is the best overall pick for its approximately 207 g weight, folding design, noise cancellation, and Sony Sound Connect app support. Up to 50 hours of playback with ANC makes it a practical everyday pair.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 is the budget choice, while JBL Tune 770NC adds mainstream value. 1MORE, Edifier, and Sennheiser cover hi-res listening, battery life, and stronger sound for buyers with different priorities.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Sony WH-CH730N	Folding 207 g design with up to 50 hours of ANC playback
Best budget	Anker Soundcore Life Q30	Real ANC and long battery life for tight budgets
Best mainstream value	JBL Tune 770NC	Major-brand features with long ANC-on battery life
Best hi-res audio	1MORE SonoFlow Pro HQ51	LDAC, Bluetooth 5.4, and standout battery claims
Best for long trips	Edifier W830NB	Huge runtime with LDAC and Bluetooth 5.4
Best premium sound	Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless	Refined tuning, aptX Adaptive, and strong ANC-on battery life

How we chose

Budget wireless headphones have to clear practical bars: useful ANC, ANC-on battery life, comfort for long sessions, Bluetooth and codec support that matches common phones, and practical extras such as app EQ, multipoint, fast charging, or wired audio. We gave the top spot to the model with the best everyday mix of comfort, noise canceling, app polish, and value, then sorted the rest by the specific job each headphone does best.

The best budget wireless headphones right now

Sony WH-CH730N - Best overall

Comfort is the Sony WH-CH730N's advantage. Its approximately 207 g design folds for travel and provides up to 50 hours of playback with noise canceling on.

Sony Sound Connect provides app controls, while Ambient Sound Mode offers 20 adjustment levels. A 3-minute charge adds up to an hour of playback.

Multipoint connects two devices, and beamforming microphones support calls. Its battery rating is useful for commuting, though the 1MORE pick lasts longer with ANC on.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 50 hours with ANC on; 75 hours with ANC off
Approx. 207 g
Foldable design
Dual Noise Sensor technology
Multipoint connection
3-minute charge for up to 1 hour of playback

Pros:

Lightweight folding design for travel
Adjustable ambient sound
Sony Sound Connect app support

Cons:

Maximum 75-hour runtime requires ANC off
ANC-on runtime is below the 1MORE pick

Who it is for: Listeners who want a light, folding pair for commuting and daily use.

Skip if: Maximum ANC-on battery life is your priority.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 - Best budget

The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 keeps the budget slot by covering the essentials: hybrid ANC with multiple modes, 40 mm silk drivers, app EQ, and multipoint.

Runtime is the standout. It reaches 60 hours with ANC off or 40 hours with ANC on, and a 5-minute charge adds up to 4 hours for quick top-ups.

The older plastic-heavy build, adequate mic quality, and lack of LDAC show the tradeoff. For low-price ANC and long sessions, the fundamentals are strong.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

60 hours ANC off
40 hours ANC on
40 mm silk drivers
Hybrid ANC with multiple modes
5-minute fast charge for up to 4 hours
260 g weight

Pros:

Still one of the best low-price ANC buys
Long battery life
Comfortable enough for long sessions
Includes app EQ and multipoint

Cons:

Older design and plastic-heavy build
No LDAC or newer Bluetooth features
Mic quality is only adequate

Who it is for: This is ideal for shoppers who want to spend as little as possible while still getting real ANC and long battery life.

Skip if: This is not the right choice for anyone who wants a newer design, better call mics, or hi-res Bluetooth codec support.

JBL Tune 770NC - Best mainstream value

For familiar-brand features, JBL Tune 770NC is the easy value play. It includes adaptive ANC, Ambient Aware, TalkThru, multipoint, a foldable design, and a detachable audio cable.

Battery life is strong at up to 70 hours with ANC off and up to 44 hours with ANC on. Bluetooth 5.3, 40 mm dynamic drivers, and a 232 g weight keep the spec sheet competitive.

Use the JBL app EQ if the bass-forward tuning needs adjustment. Calls are less compelling because the one-mic setup is basic, and the ANC is useful rather than class-leading. JBL has since launched the Tune 780NC, which moves to Bluetooth 6.0 and up to 76 hours of battery life. That makes the 770NC the outgoing model in this line, and a large part of why it keeps landing at value pricing.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 70 hours ANC off
Up to 44 hours ANC on
40 mm dynamic driver
Bluetooth 5.3
232 g weight
Adaptive ANC, Ambient Aware, TalkThru, multipoint, and detachable audio cable

Pros:

Often discounted well below MSRP
Long battery life from a major brand
Foldable design with wired backup
JBL app EQ and multipoint support

Cons:

ANC is useful but not class-leading
Bass-forward tuning may need EQ
One-mic call setup is basic

Who it is for: This is ideal for shoppers who want a familiar brand, long battery life, and regular sale pricing.

Skip if: This is not the right choice for buyers whose main needs are call quality or top-tier ANC.

1MORE SonoFlow Pro HQ51 - Best hi-res audio

Hi-res support is the point of 1MORE SonoFlow Pro HQ51. LDAC support for Hi-Res Wireless Audio, Bluetooth 5.4, and 40 mm DLC composite diaphragm drivers give music-first listeners more than basic codec support.

Its battery claims are the boldest here, reaching up to 100 hours with ANC off and up to 65 hours with ANC on. A 5-minute fast charge adds up to 5 hours.

The tradeoffs are brand support footprint and polish. ANC and app consistency do not match Sony or Soundcore, and manufacturer-direct availability is less predictable.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 100 hours ANC off
Up to 65 hours ANC on
40 mm DLC composite diaphragm driver
Bluetooth 5.4
LDAC support for Hi-Res Wireless Audio
5-minute fast charge for up to 5 hours

Pros:

Excellent battery claims for the category
LDAC and 40 kHz frequency-response claim appeal to Android users
Bluetooth 5.4 support
Good value for music-first buyers

Cons:

Manufacturer-direct availability is less dependable
ANC and app polish are not as consistent as Sony or Soundcore
Brand support footprint is smaller than Sony or JBL

Who it is for: This is ideal for listeners who want LDAC, Bluetooth 5.4, and the highest listed battery life in this group.

Skip if: This is not the right choice for shoppers who prefer buying direct from the manufacturer or want the safest warranty path.

Edifier W830NB - Best for long trips

Edifier W830NB is built around long runtime. It lists approximately 94 hours with ANC off and approximately 54 hours with ANC on, which puts it near the top of this group for battery life.

It also brings Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC, AAC, and SBC codec support, USB-C wired audio, multipoint, and a low-latency game mode. The 40 mm dynamic driver and around 267 g weight round out the core specs.

ANC is not as proven as Sony's, Amazon listing availability can vary by seller, and the app and fit will not suit everyone. Pick it when battery life and LDAC are the priority.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Approx. 94 hours ANC off
Approx. 54 hours ANC on
40 mm dynamic driver
Bluetooth 5.4
LDAC, AAC, and SBC codec support
Around 267 g

Pros:

Huge battery rating
LDAC and Bluetooth 5.4
USB-C wired audio support
Multipoint and low-latency game mode

Cons:

ANC is not as proven as Sony's
Amazon listing availability can vary by seller
App and fit will not suit everyone

Who it is for: This is ideal for buyers who care more about battery life and LDAC than brand prestige.

Skip if: This is not the right choice for shoppers who want the most widely reviewed mainstream headphone.

Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless - Best premium sound

Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless is the sound-focused upgrade in this budget roundup. It brings more refined sound than the lower-cost picks, plus a wider codec list than most models here.

Codec support includes SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, mSBC, and CVSD. Battery life reaches up to 50 hours via Bluetooth with ANC, and the headphones use 37 mm dynamic drivers with Hybrid Adaptive ANC.

The carry case and aux cable help for travel. The tradeoffs are higher typical cost, ANC that is not the strongest in its price class, and touch controls that will not suit every listener.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 50 hours via Bluetooth with ANC
37 mm dynamic driver
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, mSBC, and CVSD codec support
Hybrid Adaptive ANC
0.227 kg weight
Includes carry case and aux cable

Pros:

More refined sound than lower-cost budget picks
aptX Adaptive support
Includes carry case and aux cable
Strong 50-hour battery with ANC

Cons:

Usually costs more than the rest of this budget list
ANC is not the strongest in its price class
Touch controls are not for everyone

Who it is for: This is ideal for listeners who can stretch the budget for better tuning, aptX Adaptive, and included travel accessories.

Skip if: This is not the right choice for buyers who want to stay with the lowest-cost options.

How to choose

ANC quality matters more than the ANC label. Most budget models advertise noise cancellation, but performance varies widely. For commuting and flights, prioritize effective ANC and a good seal over big claimed dB numbers.
Compare battery life with ANC on. Maximum playback with ANC off is useful, but ANC-on battery life tells you more about commuting and travel use. LDAC, high volume, calls, and transparency mode reduce runtime.
Comfort decides daily use. Weight, clamp force, earcup size, and heat buildup decide how long headphones stay comfortable. Sony WH-CH730N weighs approximately 207 g and folds for travel.
Match codec support to your phone. LDAC and aptX Adaptive are useful mainly on Android phones or compatible transmitters. Apple phone buyers get more from AAC performance, comfort, app controls, and ANC.
Check wired fallback before travel. A 3.5 mm or USB-C audio mode is useful for airplane seatback screens, laptops, and dead batteries. Not every budget Bluetooth headphone works while charging or supports wired audio.
Buy from a reliable seller. Budget headphone listings often mix new, renewed, marketplace, and import units. For Amazon, favor brand-sold or Amazon-shipped listings with clear return eligibility.

Are budget wireless headphones good enough for flights?

Yes for reducing steady cabin noise, with the strongest results coming from good ANC and a secure seal. Sony WH-CH730N keeps weight low for travel, JBL Tune 770NC adds a detachable audio cable, and Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless includes an aux cable and carry case.

Which pick has the longest battery life with ANC on?

1MORE SonoFlow Pro HQ51 has the highest listed ANC-on runtime at up to 65 hours. Edifier W830NB follows at approximately 54 hours, and Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless reaches up to 50 hours via Bluetooth with ANC.

Do Apple phone users need LDAC?

No. Apple phones do not transmit LDAC over Bluetooth, so comfort, AAC performance, app controls, ANC, and battery life matter more. Android users get more from LDAC on 1MORE SonoFlow Pro HQ51 or Edifier W830NB and aptX Adaptive on Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless.

Which of these support wired listening?

JBL Tune 770NC includes a detachable audio cable, Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless includes an aux cable, and Edifier W830NB supports USB-C wired audio. Choose one of those if airplane screens, laptops, or backup listening matter.

Can I use these headphones for calls?

Yes, all listed models have microphones, but call quality is a budget compromise. Soundcore Life Q30 mic quality is only adequate, JBL Tune 770NC uses a basic one-mic call setup, and Sony WH-CH730N is the lighter commuter-friendly option.

Published August 6, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

6 Best Budget Wireless Headphones in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

10 Best Digital Cameras for Beginners in 2026

Technobezz — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:38:01 GMT

The Canon EOS R50 with RF-S 18-45mm is the best digital camera for beginners because it puts the right tools in a small, approachable kit. You get a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, a real viewfinder, a fully articulating touchscreen, and UHD 4K 30p video oversampled from 6K.

A first camera should make good results easier without boxing you in later. These picks cover simple mirrorless kits, video-first bodies, color-focused cameras, travel-ready systems, and compact options from established camera brands.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Canon EOS R50 with RF-S 18-45mm	Easy autofocus, strong color, and a real viewfinder in a beginner-friendly kit
Best budget	Canon EOS R100 with RF-S 18-45mm	A simple Canon RF mirrorless entry point for learning still photography
Best for vlogging	Sony ZV-E10 II with 16-50mm	Creator-focused controls, strong video autofocus, and the Sony E-mount system
Best for in-camera color	Fujifilm X-M5 with XC 15-45mm	Compact hybrid performance with Fujifilm film simulations for polished JPEGs
Best for learning photography	Nikon Z50II with 16-50mm	A viewfinder, subject detection, and a stabilized 16-50mm kit zoom for learning photography
Best for action and family sports	Canon EOS R10 with RF-S 18-150mm	Fast shooting and a long kit zoom for kids, pets, travel, and distant subjects
Best fixed-lens compact	Sony ZV-1 II	A built-in wide-angle zoom, autofocus tracking, and a 1.0-type sensor in a compact body
Best for outdoor travel	OM System OM-5 Mark II with 14-150mm	Weather resistance, strong stabilization, and a light long-zoom travel kit
Best compact lens system	Panasonic Lumix G100D with 12-32mm	A tiny Micro Four Thirds kit with a viewfinder and many compact lens options
Also recommended	Sony a6400 with 16-50mm	A compact Sony stills camera with an EVF and a huge lens ecosystem

How we chose

We chose beginner digital cameras by focusing on the factors that matter most after the first week of ownership: autofocus confidence, lens path, viewfinder availability, video quality, stabilization, portability, handling, and practical room to grow. Strong still-image quality, approachable controls, useful kit lenses, and credible system support carried more weight than headline specs alone.

The best digital cameras for beginners right now

Canon EOS R50 with RF-S 18-45mm - Best overall

Canon gets the beginner formula right with the EOS R50. Its 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC X processor, and Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 651 AF zones give new photographers a capable camera without making the jump from a phone feel complicated.

The R50 works especially well as a one-camera starter kit for family photos, travel, casual sports, and short videos. A real viewfinder, fully articulating touchscreen, guided Canon menus, and UHD 4K 30p video oversampled from 6K make it easy to learn and easy to keep using.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
DIGIC X processor
Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 651 AF zones
UHD 4K 30p video oversampled from 6K
Up to 12 fps electronic first-curtain shooting
Up to 15 fps electronic shutter shooting

Pros:

Excellent beginner autofocus for people, pets, and everyday action
Real viewfinder plus fully articulating touchscreen
Small, approachable body with guided Canon menus
Strong JPEG color and easy wireless sharing

Cons:

No in-body image stabilization
RF-S lens selection is still thinner than Sony E or Micro Four Thirds
Small kit lens is convenient but dim in low light

Who it is for: Best for beginners who want one easy first mirrorless camera for family photos, travel, casual sports, and short videos.

Skip if: Look elsewhere if you mainly shoot handheld video while walking or want the broadest third-party lens ecosystem.

Canon EOS R100 with RF-S 18-45mm - Best budget

The Canon EOS R100 keeps the cost-conscious beginner focused on the basics: a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC 8 processing, Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 143 AF zones, and the same Canon RF and RF-S lens mount used by higher-end Canon bodies.

This is the still-photo pick for shoppers who can live without newer conveniences. The fixed non-touch screen and cropped 4K 24p video are clear tradeoffs, but Full HD 60p, simple controls, and good 24MP still-image quality make it a sensible camera for learning composition and exposure.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor
DIGIC 8 processor
Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 143 AF zones
4K 24p video with crop
Full HD 60p video
Canon RF and RF-S lens mount

Pros:

Lowest-cost current Canon RF mirrorless entry point
Good 24MP still-image quality for the money
Simple controls for new photographers
Uses the same RF mount as higher-end Canon bodies

Cons:

Fixed non-touch rear screen feels dated
4K video has a heavy crop and weaker AF behavior than R50
Slower and less capable for action

Who it is for: Best for buyers whose priority is an affordable new interchangeable-lens camera for learning still photography.

Skip if: Choose another camera for vlogging, a flip screen, strong video, or fast moving-subject performance.

Sony ZV-E10 II with 16-50mm - Best for vlogging

Sony built the ZV-E10 II around video creators, and that shows in the spec mix. It combines a 26.0MP APS-C Exmor R CMOS sensor, UHD 4K 60p recording, Full HD 120p recording, and 759-point Fast Hybrid phase-detection AF. Sony's free 4K 120p Upgrade License adds cropped 4K 120p and Full HD slow motion up to 240 fps; Active stabilization is unavailable in these high-frame-rate modes.

The 16-50mm kit stays compact, while the Sony E-mount gives beginners a large lens ecosystem for future upgrades. It skips an electronic viewfinder and in-body stabilization, so it makes the most sense when video, compact size, and creator-friendly controls matter more than traditional stills handling.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

26.0MP APS-C Exmor R CMOS sensor
Sony E-mount lens system
UHD 4K 60p; cropped 4K 120p with Sony's free upgrade license
Full HD video up to 120p
759-point Fast Hybrid phase-detection AF
E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II kit lens

Pros:

Excellent video autofocus and subject tracking
Large Sony E-mount lens ecosystem
Better battery platform than the original ZV-E10
Compact body with creator-friendly controls

Cons:

No electronic viewfinder
No in-body stabilization
Rolling shutter can matter for fast pans

Who it is for: Best for beginners whose first camera is mainly for YouTube, TikTok, travel video, and occasional stills.

Skip if: Pick a different body if you want a viewfinder for photography or a more traditional camera grip and controls.

Fujifilm X-M5 with XC 15-45mm - Best for in-camera color

The Fujifilm X-M5 is the beginner camera to buy when JPEG color matters. Its 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, X-Processor 5, and Fujifilm film simulations give new photographers a strong creative starting point with minimal editing.

It is also more than a color-first stills body. The X-M5 supports 6.2K 29.97p 10-bit internal recording, uses 425-point AF with AI-based subject detection, and pairs with the compact XC 15-45mm power zoom kit lens.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor
X-Processor 5
Fujifilm X mount
6.2K 29.97p 10-bit internal recording
425-point AF with AI-based subject detection
XC 15-45mm power zoom kit lens

Pros:

Fujifilm film simulations make JPEGs look good with minimal editing
Strong stills and video specs for the size
Modern subject-detection AF
Very compact kit with the XC 15-45mm power zoom

Cons:

No built-in viewfinder
No in-body stabilization
Fujifilm lenses can get expensive quickly

Who it is for: Best for buyers who want stylish photos straight out of camera and a compact hybrid body for travel and social video.

Skip if: Choose another option if you need an eye-level viewfinder or stabilized handheld video without a gimbal.

Nikon Z50II with 16-50mm - Best for learning photography

The Nikon Z50II with NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR gives beginners a viewfinder camera and a stabilized starter zoom. It has a 20.9MP DX-format APS-C CMOS sensor, EXPEED 7 processor, Nikon Z mount, and subject detection for nine subject types.

Its controls and viewfinder help new photographers build habits that carry into more advanced cameras. The compact 16-50mm VR kit lens keeps the setup portable, while 4K UHD up to 60p and Full HD up to 120p add useful video range.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

20.9MP DX-format APS-C CMOS sensor
EXPEED 7 processor
4K UHD video up to 60p
Full HD video up to 120p
Subject detection for 9 subject types
NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR kit lens

Pros:

Traditional camera controls and a good viewfinder help beginners learn
Excellent Nikon color and JPEG rendering
Improved AF and processor versus original Z50
Compact 16-50mm VR kit lens is genuinely portable

Cons:

Lower resolution than most APS-C rivals
No in-body stabilization
DX Z lens lineup is improving but still narrower than Sony E

Who it is for: Best for beginners who want a camera that feels like a real photography tool, not just a creator box.

Skip if: Look elsewhere if maximum megapixels, IBIS, or the biggest APS-C lens catalog are priorities.

Canon EOS R10 with RF-S 18-150mm - Best for action and family sports

The Canon EOS R10 is the step-up Canon for beginners who already know they will chase motion. A 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC X processor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, 15 fps mechanical shooting, and 23 fps electronic shutter shooting give it the speed needed for kids, pets, and beginner sports.

The RF-S 18-150mm lens is the practical reason to choose this kit. It covers travel, portraits, and distant subjects without an immediate lens swap, and the camera adds 4K30 plus cropped 4K60 video for hybrid shooting.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
DIGIC X processor
Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
15 fps mechanical burst shooting
23 fps electronic shutter burst shooting
4K30 and cropped 4K60 video

Pros:

Fast burst shooting for kids, pets, and beginner sports
Better controls than cheaper Canon bodies
18-150mm kit lens covers travel, portraits, and distant subjects
Reliable Canon subject-tracking AF

Cons:

More expensive than the R50
No in-body stabilization
4K60 is cropped

Who it is for: Best for beginners who want a camera that can grow into sports, wildlife, and travel photography.

Skip if: Pick a smaller kit if you mainly shoot casual snapshots.

Sony ZV-1 II - Best fixed-lens compact

The Sony ZV-1 II keeps a first camera simple with a built-in 18-50mm equivalent f/1.8-4.0 zoom and a 20.1MP 1.0-type sensor. Real-time autofocus tracking and Eye AF help beginners keep people in focus without choosing extra lenses.

The touchscreen helps with framing photos and videos, while the directional three-capsule microphone and supplied windscreen support voice recording. Video tops out at 4K 30p, with electronic stabilization for movies.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

20.1MP 1.0-type CMOS sensor
18-50mm equivalent f/1.8-4.0 built-in zoom
4K video up to 30p
Real-time autofocus tracking and Eye AF
Directional three-capsule microphone with windscreen
Electronic stabilization for movies

Pros:

No interchangeable lenses to choose or carry
Wide built-in zoom suits travel photos and self-recording
Autofocus tracking and Eye AF for moving subjects
Directional microphone and included windscreen for voice recording

Cons:

No viewfinder
No optical image stabilization
4K recording stops at 30p
Built-in lens limits telephoto reach and future upgrades

Who it is for: Best for buyers who want a high-quality travel and video camera that stays simpler than an interchangeable-lens system.

Skip if: Choose an interchangeable-lens camera if you want wildlife reach, lens upgrades, or a traditional stills viewfinder.

OM System OM-5 Mark II with 14-150mm - Best for outdoor travel

The OM System OM-5 Mark II is built for beginners who take the camera outside in less predictable conditions. It uses a 20.4MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor, built-in 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, and an IP53 dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof body rated to -10C.

Its Micro Four Thirds system keeps lenses small, and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II kit lens gives outdoor shooters a broad travel range. It also supports 4K, C4K, Full HD, and High Speed Movie FHD capture.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

20.4MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor
Built-in 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization
IP53 dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof to -10C
4K, C4K, Full HD, and High Speed Movie FHD video
M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II kit lens

Pros:

Weather-sealed body is rare in beginner-friendly cameras
Excellent stabilization for handheld stills
Small Micro Four Thirds lenses keep travel kits light
Computational modes are useful for creative photography

Cons:

More expensive than basic beginner kits
Autofocus and video specs trail newer APS-C rivals
Smaller sensor has less low-light flexibility than APS-C

Who it is for: Best for buyers who care about hiking, travel, rain, and portability more than maximum sensor size.

Skip if: Choose a newer APS-C rival if you mostly shoot indoor video or want the strongest subject-tracking autofocus.

Panasonic Lumix G100D with 12-32mm - Best compact lens system

The Panasonic Lumix G100D is the compact system pick for beginners who want interchangeable lenses without carrying a large kit. It uses a 20.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor, the Micro Four Thirds mount, and a small 12-32mm starter lens.

Its electronic viewfinder gives it an advantage over some compact creator bodies. The 3.0-inch 1,840k-dot articulating touchscreen, UHD 4K 30p video, pre-installed V-Log L, and Hybrid I.S. for video (five-axis in Full HD, four-axis in 4K) make it flexible for stills and clips.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

20.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor
Micro Four Thirds mount
UHD 4K 30p video
Pre-installed V-Log L
Hybrid I.S. for video: five-axis in Full HD, four-axis in 4K
3.0-inch 1,840k-dot articulating touchscreen LCD

Pros:

Very small kit with access to many Micro Four Thirds lenses
Has an electronic viewfinder despite the compact body
Good value when discounted
Useful flip screen and creator-friendly audio features

Cons:

Contrast-detect AF is less confident than Canon, Sony, or Nikon phase-detect systems
No sensor-shift IBIS for stills
4K video crop and modest burst speed limit advanced use

Who it is for: Best for buyers who want a tiny interchangeable-lens camera with a viewfinder and affordable compact lenses.

Skip if: Look elsewhere for fast action, demanding autofocus, or serious handheld walking video.

Sony a6400 with 16-50mm - Also recommended

The Sony a6400 remains a strong compact stills option for beginners who want the Sony E-mount system and an eye-level viewfinder. It uses a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor, Real-Time Eye AF, Real-Time Tracking, and up to 11 fps continuous shooting.

Its XGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-dot OLED EVF gives it a more traditional shooting experience than viewfinder-free creator cameras. The tradeoffs are clear: no in-body stabilization, an older 2019 body design, and a flip-up screen that can conflict with top-mounted microphones.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor
Sony E-mount lens system
Real-Time Eye AF
Real-Time Tracking
XGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-dot OLED EVF
Up to 11 fps continuous shooting

Pros:

Still very capable autofocus for stills
Built-in EVF in a compact body
Massive Sony E-mount lens ecosystem
Often available in discounted kits

Cons:

Older 2019 body design
No in-body stabilization
Flip-up screen can conflict with top-mounted microphones

Who it is for: Best for buyers who want a compact Sony stills camera with a viewfinder and do not need the newest video body.

Skip if: Choose a newer Sony body if you want current-generation video features, a side-flip screen, or the newer Z battery.

How to choose

Start with use case, not megapixels. For beginners, autofocus, lens choice, stabilization, and handling matter more than small resolution differences. A 20MP to 26MP camera is enough for large prints and heavy social use.
Choose a lens system before a body. Canon RF-S, Sony E, Nikon Z DX, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds all lead to different upgrade paths. Sony and Micro Four Thirds have the broadest small-lens ecosystems, while Canon and Nikon have excellent bodies but fewer native APS-C budget lenses.
Decide whether you need a viewfinder. A viewfinder helps in bright sun and teaches traditional photography habits. Video-first bodies like the Sony ZV-E10 II and Fujifilm X-M5 skip it to stay compact.
For video, check stabilization and ports. A flip screen, mic input, headphone jack, 4K quality, crop factor, rolling shutter, and stabilization matter more than the still-photo spec sheet if you plan to vlog.
Budget for accessories. A memory card, spare battery, camera bag, and one better lens often matter quickly. Very cheap bundles can include low-quality add-ons, so the actual camera and manufacturer kit lens should drive the purchase.
Avoid no-name high-megapixel cameras. Many cheap Amazon cameras advertise 48MP, 64MP, or 5K specs that are upscaled from tiny sensors. A real Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic, or OM System camera with fewer megapixels will produce better images.

Is mirrorless better than DSLR for a beginner in 2026?

Yes for most new-camera shoppers. Mirrorless cameras now lead in autofocus, live exposure preview, video features, and active lens development, while most entry DSLR options are older.

How many megapixels do beginners need?

About 20MP to 26MP is plenty for social media, albums, cropping, and large prints. Lens quality, autofocus, and light matter more than chasing higher numbers.

Should a beginner buy a kit lens bundle?

Yes, unless you already know the exact lens you need. A manufacturer kit zoom covers everyday focal lengths and keeps the first purchase simple.

Do beginners need in-body image stabilization?

No. It helps for handheld stills in low light and smoother video, but many beginner kits rely on optical lens stabilization, digital video stabilization, or good shooting technique.

Which beginner cameras are best if I want a viewfinder?

Choose the Canon EOS R50 for the best overall balance, Nikon Z50II for traditional photo learning, Panasonic Lumix G100D for a tiny Micro Four Thirds kit, or Sony a6400 for Sony E-mount stills.

Published July 10, 2026 Last updated November 10, 2026

10 Best Digital Cameras for Beginners in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

The Best SSD and Storage Deals of Black Friday

Technobezz — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 17:27:43 GMT

Prices checked November 11, 2026, 11:53 PM ET

Black Friday is Friday, November 27, and the early deals have started. 3 SSD and storage deals are live right now, and every price below was checked against Amazon before it went on this page.

We add deals as Amazon releases them. A deal appears here only while Amazon is selling it at the deal price.

The biggest discounts at a glance

Sandisk Optimus GX PRO 8100 2TB SSD $459.99
SanDisk 512GB microSD Express for Switch 2 $159.99
Crucial P310 1TB SSD $167.80

Deals on products from our buying guides

1 deal in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Crucial P310 1TB SSD

The Crucial P310 is a 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD with sequential read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s in an M.2 2280 format. It suits casual gamers and home users upgrading storage in a compatible laptop or desktop.

1TB capacity
Up to 7,100 MB/s reads
M.2 2280, PCIe Gen4

$167.80

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

Internal SSD deals

1 deal in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

Sandisk Optimus GX PRO 8100 2TB SSD

The Sandisk Optimus GX PRO 8100 2TB is a PCIe 5.0 M.2 2280 NVMe SSD rated up to 14,900 MB/s reads and 14,000 MB/s writes, with 2.3M random read IOPS. It suits gamers and creators moving large project files.

Up to 14,900 MB/s read
2TB, PCIe 5.0 M.2 2280
1,200 TBW, 5 yr warranty

Worth knowing. This version has no heatsink, though Sandisk sells a separate model that includes one.

$459.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

Memory card deals

1 deal in this section. Each card shows when we last checked its price on Amazon.

SanDisk 512GB microSD Express for Switch 2

This officially licensed microSD Express card is built for Nintendo Switch 2, with read speeds up to 880 MB/s and write speeds up to 650 MB/s. The 512GB capacity suits Switch 2 owners who want to store their digital games in one place.

512GB capacity
Up to 880 MB/s read
Up to 650 MB/s write

$159.99

See it on Amazon

Price checked Nov 11, 11:53 PM ET

More Black Friday deals

How we pick these deals

A product is listed only when Amazon is selling it at a real discount. Any saving shown is Amazon's own figure, and the time under each button is when we last checked that price.

When Black Friday deals start

Questions about these deals

Do you need Prime to get these prices?

Most Black Friday deals on Amazon are open to everyone. A few are for Prime members only, and those cards say so.

How often is this page checked?

Prices are rechecked through the sale, and each deal shows the time its price was last confirmed. Deals that end are removed.

The Best SSD and Storage Deals of Black Friday - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best 4K Projectors in 2026

Technobezz — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:31:45 GMT

A 4K projector can fill a wall with a picture far larger than any TV, but the right one depends on the room. Brightness, light source, lens flexibility, gaming support and built-in streaming vary a lot between models. Some are built for a dark dedicated theater, while others suit a living room, a game room or a portable movie night.

The Epson Home Cinema LS6000 is the best overall pick. It pairs a 3-chip 3LCD engine and a laser light source rated at 3,400 lumens with wide manual lens shift, screens up to 300 inches, and refresh rates up to 120Hz with low input lag. It is the most balanced choice here for movies and console gaming on a big screen.

This page is for US buyers choosing a 4K projector for a home theater, a living room, gaming or occasional use around the house. The other picks cover smart streaming with Dolby Vision, easy setup, a compact laser, Xbox gaming and portable viewing.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Epson Home Cinema LS6000	3,400-lumen 3LCD laser, wide lens shift, and up to 120Hz
Best smart projector	XGIMI HORIZON 20 Pro	RGB triple laser, Dolby Vision, and Google TV built in
Best for easy setup	BenQ TK705i	Auto focus, auto keystone, Google TV, and HDMI 2.1
Best compact laser	Optoma UHZ36	3,500 ISO lumens and a long-life laser in a small body
Best for Xbox gaming	ViewSonic PX749-4K	Designed for Xbox, with 4.2ms input lag and 4,000 lumens
Best portable	Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus	3.5-pound 4K PRO-UHD projector with Google TV and Bose sound

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for brightness, light source, HDR support, gaming features, lens and placement options, and built-in streaming, then matched every pick to a specific kind of buyer. We also checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best 4K projectors right now

Epson Home Cinema LS6000 - Best overall

The Epson Home Cinema LS6000 is the most complete home theater pick in this group. Its 3-chip 3LCD engine runs on a laser array light source rated at 3,400 lumens of both color and white brightness, with an 800,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The 4K image comes from pixel shifting, which Epson says puts 8.29 million pixels on screen, rather than from a native 4K chip.

Placement is unusually flexible, with manual lens shift of plus or minus 21% horizontal and plus or minus 59% vertical, and Epson rates its Cinema Lens for screens up to 300 inches. Dual HDMI ports support refresh rates up to 120Hz, and Auto Low Latency Mode brings input lag below 20ms. Epson also lists HDR10 and HLG, 10-bit color processing, and aspect ratios from 16:9 to 21:9.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

3-chip 3LCD engine with laser array light source
3,400 lumens color and white brightness
800,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
Pixel-shift 4K with 8.29 million pixels on screen
Up to 120Hz, with input lag below 20ms using ALLM
Manual lens shift of plus or minus 21% horizontal and 59% vertical
Screens up to 300 inches
2-year limited warranty with full-unit replacement

Pros:

High rated brightness for a laser home theater projector
Wide vertical lens shift eases shelf and ceiling placement
Low input lag figure suits console gaming
Integrated Bluetooth 6.0 for wireless audio

Cons:

4K comes from pixel shifting, not a native 4K chip
Epson's page lists no built-in streaming apps, so a streaming device is needed
Listed HDR formats are HDR10 and HLG, with no Dolby Vision or HDR10+ listed

Who it is for: Buyers setting up a dedicated theater or a large-screen living room who want laser brightness, flexible placement and responsive gaming.

Skip if: You want streaming apps and speakers built into one box, in which case the XGIMI HORIZON 20 Pro or BenQ TK705i fits better.

XGIMI HORIZON 20 Pro - Best smart projector

The XGIMI HORIZON 20 Pro puts a full streaming setup and wide HDR support into one premium box. It uses XGIMI's X-Master RGB Triple Laser Engine and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode. Google TV is built in, and Harman Kardon speakers handle sound without extra gear.

XGIMI lists a 20,000:1 viewing contrast ratio and a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, plus a color accuracy figure of Delta E below 0.8. Dynamic lens shift reaches plus or minus 120% vertical and plus or minus 45% horizontal, alongside optical zoom. For gaming, XGIMI quotes 1ms input lag and 240Hz at 1080p, with VRR and ALLM support.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

X-Master RGB Triple Laser Engine
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode
20,000:1 viewing contrast, 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast
Lens shift of plus or minus 120% vertical and 45% horizontal
Optical zoom
1ms input lag and 240Hz at 1080p, with VRR and ALLM
Google TV and Harman Kardon speakers

Pros:

The broadest HDR format support in this group
Very wide lens shift range for off-center placement
Built-in Google TV and speakers reduce extra boxes
Strong gaming feature list with VRR and ALLM

Cons:

The 1ms and 240Hz gaming figures apply at 1080p, not 4K
XGIMI's overview page does not list HDMI versions
Built-in speakers and streaming add cost for buyers who already own a sound system and streamer

Who it is for: Buyers who want one projector that streams, plays Dolby Vision content and handles gaming with minimal extra equipment.

Skip if: You already have a streaming device and sound system and mainly want brightness and lens shift for a dedicated room.

BenQ TK705i - Best for easy setup

The BenQ TK705i is built to get a 4K picture on the wall quickly. It has auto focus, auto 2D keystone correction, Auto Cinema Mode and what BenQ calls 8-way Smart Image Adaptation. Its 4 LED light source is rated at 3000 ANSI lumens, and BenQ lists 4K UHD resolution at 3840 x 2160 with 98% Rec. 709 color coverage.

Built-in Google TV gives access to Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and more, and two HDMI 2.1 ports support ALLM with a quoted 5ms input lag at 4K/60Hz. BenQ also lists MEMC motion processing, HDR-PRO tone mapping, built-in speakers, Bluetooth 5.2 and a USB-C port with 30W charging. The 1.0 to 1.3 throw ratio and 150-inch maximum suit living rooms more than large theaters.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
4 LED light source, 3000 ANSI lumens
98% Rec. 709 color coverage
2x HDMI 2.1 with ALLM
5ms input lag at 4K/60Hz
Google TV built in
Auto focus and auto 2D keystone
1.0 to 1.3 throw ratio, up to 150 inches
3-year warranty

Pros:

Automatic setup features make it easy to move or reposition
Low quoted input lag at 4K/60Hz
Google TV with major streaming apps built in
3-year warranty, longer than the Epson picks

Cons:

150-inch maximum is half the 300-inch rating of several other picks
BenQ's page gives no light source life figure
Color coverage is listed against Rec. 709, with no wider gamut figure given

Who it is for: Living room and casual viewers who want streaming, gaming and auto setup in one projector without fiddling with alignment.

Skip if: You plan a very large screen or want the wide lens shift of the Epson LS6000 or XGIMI HORIZON 20 Pro.

Optoma UHZ36 - Best compact laser

The Optoma UHZ36 brings a laser light source to a small, simple package. Optoma rates it at 3,500 ISO lumens with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and its laser phosphor light source is listed at 30,000 hours in Eco mode. The DLP projector lists 4K UHD resolution at 3840 x 2160 and HDR support.

At 3.4 kg, it is compact, and it supports 360-degree and 24/7 operation. A 1.3x manual zoom, a 1.21 to 1.59 throw ratio and auto vertical keystone help with setup, and it projects from 28 to 300 inches. Optoma lists two HDMI 2.0 ports, one with ARC out, a 15W speaker, and fan noise of 28 dB in Eco mode and 33 dB in Bright mode.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

3,500 ISO lumens
Laser phosphor light source, 30,000 hours in Eco mode
4K UHD (3840 x 2160) DLP
1,000,000:1 contrast ratio
1.3x manual zoom, 1.21 to 1.59 throw ratio
28 to 300-inch image size
2x HDMI 2.0, one with ARC
15W speaker, 3.4 kg

Pros:

Maintenance-free laser with no lamp changes
High rated brightness in a light body
360-degree operation allows unusual mounting angles
Low rated fan noise in Eco mode

Cons:

No lens shift listed, only keystone correction
HDMI 2.0 rather than HDMI 2.1
No built-in streaming platform listed, and specific HDR formats are not named

Who it is for: Buyers who want a bright, low-maintenance laser projector that is easy to place and move.

Skip if: You need lens shift for an off-center mount or want built-in apps.

ViewSonic PX749-4K - Best for Xbox gaming

The ViewSonic PX749-4K is a "Designed for Xbox" projector made in partnership with Microsoft. ViewSonic quotes 1440p native resolution at 120Hz for Xbox with 4.2ms input lag, and says it can deliver a 240Hz refresh rate for other games and movies. It lists 4K UHD resolution at 3840 x 2160 with HDR and HLG support.

Brightness is rated at 4,000 ANSI lumens with a 12,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. A 1.3x optical zoom, a 1.13 to 1.47 throw ratio and plus or minus 40-degree vertical and horizontal keystone help with placement, and ViewSonic says it projects 100 inches from 8.2 feet. It weighs 6.6 pounds and has a 10W speaker, two HDMI 2.0 ports, USB-C and RJ45.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Designed for Xbox, with 1440p at 120Hz
4.2ms input lag
Up to 240Hz refresh rate
4,000 ANSI lumens
4K UHD (3840 x 2160), HDR and HLG
1.3x optical zoom, 1.13 to 1.47 throw ratio
30 to 300-inch image size
Three-year limited warranty on parts and labor

Pros:

Low 4.2ms quoted input lag for Xbox play
Bright rating for living rooms (ViewSonic quotes ANSI lumens, others ISO)
Four-corner adjustment helps on curved or awkward surfaces
Long warranty on parts and labor

Cons:

Uses a lamp, rated at 4,000 hours in normal mode, that will eventually need replacing
No built-in streaming platform, so a streaming stick or console is needed
HDMI 2.0 ports, and ViewSonic does not say at what resolution 240Hz applies

Who it is for: Xbox players and game room owners who care most about responsiveness and brightness on a big screen.

Skip if: You want a laser or LED light source with no lamp replacements, or built-in streaming apps.

Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus - Best portable

The Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus is a 3.5-pound 4K PRO-UHD projector with a built-in tiltable stand, made to move from room to room. Epson's 3LCD Triple Core Engine uses dedicated red, green and blue LEDs, rated at 1,000 lumens of color and white brightness. Its 4K PRO-UHD picture comes from pixel shifting, and it projects up to 150 inches.

Google TV is built in with Netflix and more than 10,000 apps, and sound comes from Sound by Bose technology. EpiqSense 2.0 auto-setup handles focus, color and alignment, and the Flex Plus adds ambient mood lighting. Epson lists HDMI and USB-C connections, ALLM support for gaming, and a 2-year limited warranty.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

4K PRO-UHD via pixel shifting
1,000 lumens color and white brightness
3LCD Triple Core Engine with red, green and blue LEDs
Google TV with Netflix built in
Sound by Bose technology
EpiqSense 2.0 auto-setup
Up to 150 inches, 3.5 pounds

Pros:

Light and easy to carry between rooms
Streaming and speakers built in, so it works on its own
Automatic focus, color and alignment setup
Mood lighting doubles as ambient room light

Cons:

1,000 lumens is the lowest rating here, so it suits dim rooms best
4K comes from pixel shifting, not a native 4K chip
150-inch maximum limits very large screens

Who it is for: Renters, families and casual viewers who want a self-contained 4K projector for movie nights in different rooms.

Skip if: You are building a dedicated theater or want to watch in a bright room.

How to choose

Match brightness to the room. A dark theater can work well with modest lumens, but a living room with lights on needs a brighter projector, such as one rated at 3,000 lumens or more.
Know how the 4K image is made. Many 4K projectors use pixel shifting to place a 3840 x 2160 image on screen from a lower-resolution chip. Makers do not always say which method they use, so check the spec page.
Plan placement before you buy. Throw ratio sets how far back the projector must sit for a given screen size. Lens shift moves the image without distorting it, while keystone correction is digital and can soften the picture.
Pick a light source you can live with. Laser and LED light sources need no bulb changes. Lamp projectors can be bright for the money, but the lamp eventually needs replacing.
Check gaming specs at the resolution you play. Very low input lag and 240Hz figures are often quoted at 1080p. Look for the 4K figure if you game at 4K.
Decide if you need built-in streaming. Smart projectors with Google TV and speakers work on their own. Projectors without apps need a streaming device and often a soundbar.

FAQ

Is a pixel-shift 4K projector really 4K?

It puts a 4K-resolution image on screen by shifting each pixel rapidly, rather than using a chip with 3840 x 2160 physical pixels. Makers such as Epson state this on their spec pages.

How many lumens do I need for a 4K projector?

For a dark room, around 1,000 lumens can work. For a living room with some ambient light, a projector rated at 3,000 lumens or more is a safer choice. Ratings use different standards, such as ANSI or ISO, so compare carefully.

Is a laser projector better than a lamp projector?

Laser projectors need no lamp changes and usually turn on faster. Lamp projectors cost less to make but need lamp replacements over time.

Do I need a projector screen?

A flat, smooth, light-colored wall can work, but a proper screen usually gives more even brightness and better contrast, especially with ambient light.

Can I game on a 4K projector?

Yes. Look for ALLM, a low quoted input lag, and a high refresh rate. Several picks here quote input lag of 20ms or less.

Published November 9, 2026 Last updated November 9, 2026

6 Best 4K Projectors in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Outdoor Speakers in 2026

Technobezz — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:30:59 GMT

Outdoor speakers have to cope with sun, rain and temperature swings, and they still have to fill an open space where sound has no walls to bounce off. The right pair depends on where it will hang, how big the area is, and which amplifier or system will drive it.

The Polk Audio Atrium 6 is the best overall pick. It pairs a 5.25-inch mid/woofer with a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter, carries a rated response of 50 Hz to 27,000 Hz, and is all-weather certified with a 180-degree Speed-Lock bracket for horizontal or vertical mounting.

This list is for homeowners wiring speakers to a patio, deck, garden, pool area, garage or covered porch. The other picks cover Sonos households, single-speaker stereo, sound that carries a long way, tight spaces, and a budget setup for covered areas.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Polk Audio Atrium 6	Balanced driver setup, wide rated range, and Polk's weather certifications
Best for Sonos systems	Outdoor Speakers by Sonos and Sonance	IP66 passive pair optimized for use with Sonos Amp
Best single-speaker stereo	Polk Audio Atrium 8 SDI	Dual tweeters and an input switch for stereo from one speaker
Best for long throw	KICKER KB6	6-1/2-inch woofers and horn tweeters built to be heard at a distance
Best compact	Polk Audio Atrium 4	Small all-weather speaker for tight, out-of-the-way spots
Best budget	Dual Electronics LU43PB	Simple 3-way speaker for covered outdoor areas

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications, including driver sizes, rated frequency response, sensitivity, impedance, recommended amplifier power and weather ratings, and matched every pick to a specific kind of outdoor setup. We also checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best outdoor speakers right now

Polk Audio Atrium 6 - Best overall

The Polk Audio Atrium 6 is the most balanced choice here for a patio, deck or backyard. Each speaker uses a 5.25-inch Dynamic Balance polypropylene mid/woofer and a 1-inch anodized aluminum dome tweeter, and Polk rates the frequency response at 50 Hz to 27,000 Hz with 90 dB sensitivity.

Polk says the Atrium 6 is all-weather certified and exceeds ASTM D5894 UV salt fog, Mil Standard 810 immersion and Mil-Std 883 Method 1009.8 standards. The 180-degree Speed-Lock bracket with keyhole slots allows horizontal or vertical mounting, and the 8-ohm rating with a 10 to 100 watt recommended amplifier range is a standard match for home stereo receivers.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

5.25-inch polypropylene mid/woofer and 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter
50 Hz to 27,000 Hz rated frequency response
90 dB sensitivity (1 watt at 1 meter)
10 to 100 watts per channel recommended amplifier power
8 ohms
Sold as a pair in Black or White (this listing is Black)

Pros:

Deeper rated bass than the Atrium 4 and Dual LU43PB
Long list of weather, salt fog and corrosion standards
Bracket supports horizontal or vertical mounting
5-year warranty on cabinet and drivers

Cons:

Passive speakers, so they need a separate amplifier or receiver and speaker wire
At 11.688 inches tall and 5.4 lbs each, larger than the Atrium 4 for tight spots
Warranty covers the original purchaser only

Who it is for: Buyers wiring a stereo pair to a receiver for a patio, deck or garden who want one dependable all-rounder.

Skip if: You want a wireless setup with no amplifier, or need a smaller speaker for a cramped eave.

Outdoor Speakers by Sonos and Sonance - Best for Sonos systems

The Outdoor Speakers by Sonos and Sonance are a passive pair aimed at households that already use Sonos. Sonos says they are optimized for use with Sonos Amp, which it positions as the way to power passive speakers for multiroom listening.

Each speaker uses a high-excursion pivoting woofer and a 1-inch tweeter, with a rated response of 55 Hz to 20 kHz (plus or minus 3 dB). Sonos lists an IP66 rating, Mil Spec 810 conformance for humidity, salt spray, temperature and UV exposure, and a temperature range of -13°F to 149°F. FastMount brackets for both speakers come in the box.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

High-excursion pivoting woofer and 1-inch tweeter
55 Hz to 20 kHz (plus or minus 3 dB)
IP66 rating
-13°F to 149°F temperature range
5 watts minimum, 130 watts maximum power handling, 8 ohms
Sold as a pair in Black or White

Pros:

The most detailed weather rating in this group, including IP66
Designed around Sonos Amp for Sonos households
FastMount brackets included
Sonos offers installation help through its pro installers

Cons:

Passive speakers that need a separate amplifier
Sonos describes use with Sonos Amp and makes no statement about other amplifiers
At 8.82 lbs per speaker, heavier than the Atrium 6

Who it is for: Sonos owners who want backyard or patio speakers that tie into the same system as their indoor speakers.

Skip if: You do not use Sonos and plan to drive your speakers from a standard stereo receiver.

Polk Audio Atrium 8 SDI - Best single-speaker stereo

Polk calls the Atrium 8 SDI its flagship all-weather loudspeaker. A single/dual input switch and a dual-tweeter array let one speaker play stereo on its own, or work as the left or right speaker in a stereo pair, which helps where there is only room for one speaker.

It uses a 6.5-inch Dynamic Balance polypropylene woofer and two 1-inch anodized aluminum dome tweeters, with a rated response of 45 Hz to 27,000 Hz and 91 dB sensitivity, the widest range and highest sensitivity among the picks here. It shares the Speed-Lock bracket and weather standards of the Atrium 6, and it is sold individually.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

6.5-inch woofer and dual 1-inch aluminum dome tweeters
Single/dual input switch for stereo from one speaker
45 Hz to 27,000 Hz rated frequency response
91 dB sensitivity (1 watt at 1 meter), 8 ohms
12.875 x 8.5 x 9.188 inches, 9.7 lbs
Sold each in Black or White (this listing is Black)

Pros:

One speaker can cover both stereo channels
Widest rated frequency response in this list
Same all-weather certification and Speed-Lock mount as the Atrium 6

Cons:

Sold individually, so a stereo pair means buying two
Heaviest of the picks with a published weight, at 9.7 lbs
Polk's page lists no recommended amplifier power, so amplifier matching takes extra checking

Who it is for: Buyers with one good mounting spot, such as a corner of a deck or a pool house wall, who still want stereo.

Skip if: You have room for a pair and want a lighter, smaller speaker.

KICKER KB6 - Best for long throw

The KICKER KB6 is a 2-way full-range system built for indoor and outdoor use. It combines 6-1/2-inch polypropylene woofers with Santoprene surrounds and compression-loaded horn tweeters, which Kicker lists as 2 x 5-inch and says allow the sound to be heard at a distance.

Kicker rates it at 75 watts RMS and 150 watts peak, with 90 dB sensitivity, 8-ohm impedance and a 55 Hz to 21 kHz response. The included bracketing mounts it vertically or horizontally on nearly any flat surface, though Kicker says the KB line is not meant for salt water boating or coastal environments near an ocean beach.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

6-1/2-inch polypropylene woofers
Compression-loaded horn tweeters
75W RMS, 150W peak power handling
90 dB sensitivity (1 watt at 1 meter), 8 ohms
11 x 8-1/8 x 8-1/8 inches
Sold as a pair in Black or Gray (this listing is Black)

Pros:

Horn tweeters designed to carry sound across larger areas
Large 6-1/2-inch woofer for its class
Suits garages and workshops as well as patios
Mounting bracket included

Cons:

Not designed for salt water or coastal use
11 inches wide, so it needs more horizontal room than the Polk models
Passive speakers that need a separate amplifier

Who it is for: Buyers who need sound to reach across a big yard, a pool deck or a garage.

Skip if: You live near the ocean or want sound tied into a Sonos system.

Polk Audio Atrium 4 - Best compact

The Polk Audio Atrium 4 is the smallest Polk pick, at 8.625 inches tall and 3.6 lbs per speaker. Polk says its small size makes it ideal for tight, out-of-way installations.

Each speaker uses a 4.5-inch Dynamic Balance polypropylene woofer and a 3/4-inch anodized aluminum dome tweeter, with a rated response of 75 Hz to 25,000 Hz and 89 dB sensitivity. It is all-weather certified, uses the same Speed-Lock bracket as the larger Atrium models, and connects through gold-plated 5-way binding posts.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

4.5-inch woofer and 3/4-inch aluminum dome tweeter
75 Hz to 25,000 Hz rated frequency response
89 dB sensitivity (1 watt at 1 meter), 8 ohms
10 to 80 watts per channel recommended amplifier power
8.625 x 5.688 x 6.688 inches, 3.6 lbs
Sold as a pair in Black or White (this listing is Black)

Pros:

Small and light for tight mounting spots
All-weather certified with salt fog and corrosion testing
Gold-plated 5-way binding posts
5-year warranty

Cons:

Rated bass stops at 75 Hz, higher than the Atrium 6
Lower recommended amplifier ceiling than the Atrium 6
Passive speakers that need a separate amplifier

Who it is for: Buyers with a small patio, balcony or narrow mounting spot who still want a weatherproof Polk pair.

Skip if: You are covering a large yard and want deeper bass.

Dual Electronics LU43PB - Best budget

The Dual Electronics LU43PB is a simple 3-way speaker for covered outdoor areas and indoor rooms. It uses a 4-inch woofer with a Polyelite PVA surround, a 1.6-inch polypropylene midrange and a 0.78-inch piezo dome tweeter, with a rated response of 70 Hz to 20 kHz.

Dual rates power handling at 60 watts RMS and 125 watts IPP, with 4-ohm impedance and 86 dB sensitivity measured at 2.83 volts. It mounts on a wall or ceiling with the included hardware and can sit horizontally or vertically, but Dual says it is for covered outdoor areas and should be kept away from salt water.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

3-way design: 4-inch woofer, 1.6-inch midrange, 0.78-inch piezo tweeter
70 Hz to 20 kHz rated frequency response
60W RMS, 125W IPP power handling
4 ohms
8.25 x 5.25 x 5.25 inches, 2.8 lbs per speaker
Wall or ceiling mounting hardware included

Pros:

Lightest of the picks with a published weight, at 2.8 lbs
Wall or ceiling mounting with hardware in the box
Horizontal or vertical placement with a rotating logo
Works indoors as well as in covered outdoor spaces

Cons:

Rated for covered outdoor areas only, and not for salt water areas
4-ohm load, so check that your amplifier supports it
86 dB sensitivity is the lowest rating among these picks

Who it is for: Buyers adding basic sound to a covered porch, garage or workshop on a budget.

Skip if: The speakers will face direct rain or sit near the coast.

How to choose

Plan for an amplifier. Every pick here is a passive wired speaker, so you need a receiver or amplifier and a speaker wire run to each location.
Match impedance and power. Most picks are 8-ohm designs, but the Dual LU43PB is 4 ohms. Check that your amplifier supports the load and stays within the maker's recommended power range.
Check the weather rating against the spot. Some speakers are rated for exposed locations, while others are meant for covered areas. If you live near the ocean, look for salt fog or salt spray testing and skip models the maker says to keep away from salt water.
Size the speaker to the space. Small speakers like the Atrium 4 fit tight eaves, while larger woofers and horn tweeters suit big yards and pool decks.
Decide between a pair and a stereo single. A pair gives the clearest left and right separation, but a stereo speaker like the Atrium 8 SDI covers both channels from one mounting point.

FAQ

Do outdoor speakers need an amplifier?

Passive speakers do, and all six picks here are passive. You connect them to a receiver or amplifier with speaker wire. The Sonos and Sonance pair is optimized for Sonos Amp.

Can outdoor speakers stay outside all year?

It depends on the rating. Sonos lists a temperature range of -13°F to 149°F for its pair, while Dual rates the LU43PB for covered outdoor areas. Check each maker's weather rating before leaving speakers exposed.

Can I use outdoor speakers near a pool or the ocean?

Pool areas are common spots for weather-resistant speakers, but salt air is harder on hardware. Kicker and Dual say their speakers are not meant for salt water environments, while Polk and Sonos list salt fog or salt spray testing.

Should I mount outdoor speakers horizontally or vertically?

The Polk, Kicker and Dual brackets or designs support both orientations, so choose the one that fits the wall or eave and aims the speaker at the listening area.

Can one outdoor speaker play stereo?

Some can. The Polk Audio Atrium 8 SDI has a single/dual input switch and dual tweeters, so one speaker can play both stereo channels or act as half of a stereo pair.

Published November 9, 2026 Last updated November 9, 2026

6 Best Outdoor Speakers in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Earbuds for Android in 2026

Technobezz — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:30:37 GMT

Almost any Bluetooth earbuds will pair with an Android phone, but the useful differences are in the details. Look at which codecs a pair supports, which features only work with one phone brand, how long the battery lasts with noise cancelling on, and what water and dust rating it carries. This page is for Android owners in the US who want to choose on those points.

The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro is the best overall pick. Soundcore lists Adaptive ANC 4.0, Bluetooth 6.1 with multipoint connection, an IP55 rating, 8 mics plus 2 VPUs, and up to 28 hours of playtime with the case with ANC on. That makes it the most complete spec sheet here for calls, commuting and workouts.

The other picks cover premium noise cancelling, Samsung Galaxy phones, LDAC hi-res audio and a budget option.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro	Adaptive ANC, IP55, multipoint and a call-focused mic array
Best premium noise cancelling	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)	Bose's top in-ear noise cancelling with a wireless charging case
Best for Samsung Galaxy phones	Samsung Galaxy Buds4	24-bit audio and Galaxy AI features with compatible Galaxy devices
Best for LDAC hi-res audio	Nothing Ear (3)	24-bit LDAC audio and 45 dB noise cancelling
Best budget	CMF Buds Pro 2	50 dB hybrid ANC and dual drivers in an affordable pair

How we chose

We compared the specifications published on each maker's US product page, focusing on noise cancelling, battery life, codecs, water and dust ratings, and features that depend on the phone brand. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Earbuds for Android right now

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro - Best overall

The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro has the broadest spec sheet in this group for an Android phone owner. It pairs Adaptive ANC 4.0 with Bluetooth 6.1, multipoint connection and an IP55 rating, and Soundcore says it has 100% more effective noise cancellation than its previous flagship model.

Calls are the main focus. Soundcore lists 8 mics plus 2 VPUs, 10 sensors and its Thus AI chip, and cites a Guinness World Records certification for the highest speech quality score for TWS earbuds. Battery is rated at up to 6.5 hours from the buds and 28 hours with the case with ANC on, and Soundcore says a 5-minute charge gives 4 hours of playtime.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Adaptive ANC 4.0
9.2mm wool-paper diaphragm drivers
8 mics plus 2 VPUs, 10 sensors and the Thus AI chip
Bluetooth 6.1 with multipoint connection
IP55 rating
Up to 6.5 hours (buds) and 28 hours (with case) with ANC on
20 built-in voice commands, processed offline

Pros:

Strongest call-focused mic and sensor list among the picks
IP55 is the highest water and dust rating among the picks whose maker pages list one
Longest ANC-on battery figures among the picks that publish them
Multipoint lets it stay connected to a phone and a second device

Cons:

Soundcore's page does not list LDAC or another hi-res codec
Soundcore's page does not list wireless charging
Only ANC-on battery figures are published, so ANC-off battery life is not stated

Who it is for: Android owners who want one pair for calls, commuting and workouts, with a solid water and dust rating.

Skip if: LDAC audio or Samsung-only Galaxy AI features matter most to you.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) - Best premium noise cancelling

Bose describes the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as its best in-ear noise cancelling. The feature list is built around that: adjustable noise cancelling with Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and ActiveSense, CustomTune calibration that adapts sound to the shape of your ears, and Spatialized Bose Immersive Audio.

Battery life depends on settings. Bose rates the buds at up to 6 hours with Immersive Audio off and up to 4 hours with it on, and the case holds up to three full charges. The case charges wirelessly, the earbuds support Bluetooth multipoint, and the Bose app is available on Google Play for EQ, custom modes and touch control settings.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Adjustable noise cancelling with Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and ActiveSense
CustomTune sound calibration
Spatialized Bose Immersive Audio
Up to 6 hours per charge, or up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio on
Case holds up to three full charges
Wireless charging case
Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint
IPX4 rating

Pros:

Bose positions it as its best in-ear noise cancelling
Wireless charging case
Nine combinations of eartips and stability bands for fit
Bose app on Google Play with adjustable EQ and custom modes

Cons:

Battery drops to up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio on
IPX4 is a lower rating than the IP54 and IP55 picks
Bose's page does not list aptX, LDAC or Snapdragon Sound

Who it is for: Android owners who put noise cancelling and fit ahead of battery life and codec support.

Skip if: You want long listening sessions with spatial audio on, or a higher water and dust rating.

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 - Best for Samsung Galaxy phones

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 makes the most sense with a Galaxy phone. Samsung lists Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, an 11mm 1-way dynamic driver, 24-bit Hi-Res Audio through its SSC-UHQ codec at 24-bit/96 kHz, and Galaxy AI features such as Interpreter and Live Translate when paired with compatible Samsung Galaxy devices. Samsung describes the design as a new open-type fit.

On other Android phones the feature set shrinks. Samsung states that Android devices with the Wearable app get most features except HD Voice, 24bit/96kHz audio, 360 Audio, Bixby and Gemini Voice Wake-Up, Interpreter and Live Translate, Head Gestures and Gaming Mode. Battery is rated at up to 5 hours from the buds and 24 hours with the case with ANC on, or 6 and 30 hours with ANC off.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation
11mm 1-way dynamic driver
Codecs: SSC-UHQ (24-bit/96 kHz), SSC, AAC, SBC and LC3
Bluetooth 6.1
Up to 5/24 hours with ANC on, 6/30 hours with ANC off (buds/with case)
IP54 rating on the earbuds
Wireless charging (pad sold separately)

Pros:

Galaxy AI features such as Interpreter and Live Translate with compatible Galaxy devices
24-bit/96 kHz audio over Samsung's own codec on Galaxy phones
Wireless charging
Up to 30 hours with the case with ANC off

Cons:

Many headline features are unavailable on non-Samsung Android phones
The IP54 rating covers the earbuds only, not the case
5 hours from the buds with ANC on, below the 6.5 hours of the Liberty 5 Pro

Who it is for: Samsung Galaxy phone owners who want Galaxy AI features and Samsung's 24-bit audio.

Skip if: You use a Pixel or another non-Samsung Android phone, since several key features will not work.

Nothing Ear (3) - Best for LDAC hi-res audio

Nothing Ear (3) is the pick for Android owners who want LDAC. Nothing's US product page leads with 24-bit Hi-Res LDAC audio, 45 dB noise cancelling and what it calls a Breakthrough Super Mic.

LDAC is a good fit for Android because many Android phones support it, but it only works when the phone does too, so check your phone's Bluetooth codec support first. Nothing's US product page lists only those three headline features, so it does not state battery life, a water resistance rating or charging details. It comes in White and Black.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

24-bit Hi-Res LDAC audio
45 dB noise cancelling
Breakthrough Super Mic
White or Black finish

Pros:

LDAC is one of its three headline features
Noise cancelling rated at 45 dB
Mic performance is one of its three headline features

Cons:

Nothing's US product page does not list battery life or a water resistance rating
LDAC needs a phone that supports it

Who it is for: Android owners with an LDAC-capable phone who want higher-resolution Bluetooth audio.

Skip if: You need published battery and water resistance figures from the maker before you buy.

CMF Buds Pro 2 - Best budget

CMF Buds Pro 2, from Nothing's CMF line, is the budget pick. Its US product page lists 50 dB hybrid ANC, 11mm plus 6mm dual drivers and 6 HD mics, which is a strong set of headline specs for an affordable pair.

The dual-driver layout pairs a larger and a smaller driver in each bud. As with the Ear (3), the US product page is brief and does not list battery life, a water resistance rating, codecs or Bluetooth version. The Amazon listing mentions LDAC, which the maker page does not confirm. It comes in Orange, Dark Grey, Light Grey and Blue.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

50 dB hybrid ANC
11mm plus 6mm dual drivers
6 HD mics
Orange, Dark Grey, Light Grey and Blue finishes

Pros:

Highest noise cancelling depth listed among the picks that give a dB figure
Dual drivers in each bud
Budget positioning with a full ANC feature
Four color options

Cons:

The US product page does not list battery life or a water resistance rating
6 mics, fewer than the 8 mics on the Liberty 5 Pro

Who it is for: Android owners on a budget who want hybrid ANC and dual drivers.

Skip if: You want Samsung-specific features, wireless charging confirmed by the maker, or a published water resistance rating.

How to choose

Match the earbuds to your phone brand. Samsung Galaxy Buds4 keeps features such as 24-bit audio, Live Translate and Head Gestures for Galaxy devices. On other Android phones, a brand-neutral pair gives you more of what you pay for.
Check codec support on both ends. LDAC and Samsung's SSC-UHQ only help when the phone supports the same codec. If your phone does not, the earbuds fall back to a standard codec such as AAC or SBC.
Compare battery life with noise cancelling on. Makers often quote longer figures with ANC off or extra features disabled. Galaxy Buds4 drops from 6 to 5 hours with ANC on, and Bose drops to 4 hours with Immersive Audio on.
Read the water and dust rating closely. IPX4 covers splashes only, while IP54 and IP55 add dust protection. A rating can apply to the earbuds and not the case.
Decide if multipoint and wireless charging matter. Multipoint keeps earbuds linked to a phone and a laptop at once, and a wireless charging case can sit on the same pad as your phone.

FAQ

Do Samsung Galaxy Buds4 work with non-Samsung Android phones?

Yes, through the Galaxy Wearable app, but Samsung says HD Voice, 24bit/96kHz audio, 360 Audio, Interpreter and Live Translate, Head Gestures, Gaming Mode and voice wake-up are not available on them.

What is LDAC and do I need it?

LDAC is a Bluetooth codec that can carry higher-resolution audio than standard codecs. Many Android phones support it, but it only works when both the phone and the earbuds do. Among these picks, Nothing Ear (3) lists LDAC on its maker page. The CMF Buds Pro 2 Amazon listing also mentions LDAC, but CMF's US product page does not confirm it.

Which pick has the longest battery life with noise cancelling on?

Of the picks whose maker pages publish an ANC-on figure, the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro is highest at up to 6.5 hours from the buds and 28 hours with the case.

Can I wear these earbuds for workouts?

Check the rating. The Liberty 5 Pro is IP55, Galaxy Buds4 earbuds are IP54 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are IPX4. Nothing's US product pages for the Ear (3) and CMF Buds Pro 2 do not list a rating.

Which of these earbuds have a wireless charging case?

Bose lists a wireless charging case for the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), and Samsung lists wireless charging for the Galaxy Buds4 with the pad sold separately.

Published November 9, 2026 Last updated November 9, 2026

5 Best Earbuds for Android in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Open-Ear Earbuds in 2026

Technobezz — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:30:14 GMT

Open-ear earbuds sit outside the ear canal instead of sealing it, so you can still hear traffic, coworkers, and gate announcements while music or a call plays. They suit runners, commuters, and office workers who need to stay aware of their surroundings, and anyone who finds in-ear tips uncomfortable after an hour or two.

The Shokz OpenFit Pro is the best overall pick. It pairs Open-Ear Active Noise Reduction with up to 50 hours of total playback with the case (with noise reduction off), Bluetooth 6.1 multipoint, IP55 earbuds, and wireless charging, which is the most complete spec sheet in this group.

The other picks cover clear needs: immersive audio, call quality, value, workouts, and a lightweight earhook fit. The list includes both clip-on and earhook designs, since fit style is often the first decision.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Shokz OpenFit Pro	Open-ear noise reduction, long battery, and wireless charging
Best for immersive audio	Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen)	Bose Immersive Audio and Cinema Mode in a clip-on design
Best for calls	Soundcore AeroClip 2	Four mics and two VPUs built to isolate your voice
Best value	EarFun Clip 2	LDAC, Hi-Res Audio, and the lightest earbuds in this list
Best for workouts	Bose Sport Open Earbuds	Flexible cuffed band and IP54 sweat and dust resistance
Best lightweight earhook	Shokz OpenFit Air 2	7.2g earhook earbuds with a water-resistant case

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for fit style, battery life, water resistance, connectivity, and call features. We then checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon, and gave each one a slot based on the kind of listener its specs suit best.

The best Open-Ear Earbuds right now

Shokz OpenFit Pro - Best overall

The Shokz OpenFit Pro is the most complete open-ear pair in this group. It uses ultra-thin nickel-titanium ear hooks and adds Open-Ear Active Noise Reduction, which relies on a triple-mic system and an ear-adaptive algorithm. The noise reduction level is adjustable in the Shokz app, so you can choose how much of your surroundings you hear.

Battery life depends on that feature. Shokz rates the earbuds at 12 hours per charge and 50 hours with the case with noise reduction off, or 6 and 24 hours with it on. It also supports Bluetooth 6.1 with multipoint for two devices, USB-C and Qi wireless charging, Dolby Atmos once activated in the app, and an IP55 rating for the earbuds.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Open-Ear Active Noise Reduction with adjustable levels
Up to 12 hours per charge and 50 hours with the case (noise reduction off; 6 and 24 hours with it on)
11 x 20 mm driver with synchronized dual diaphragms
Dolby Atmos support through the app
Bluetooth 6.1 with multipoint pairing
IP55 earbuds, USB-C and Qi wireless charging

Pros:

Longest rated total battery in this list with noise reduction off
The only pick here with listed noise reduction for listening
10-minute quick charge rated for 4 hours of playback
Physical raised buttons instead of touch controls

Cons:

Battery life halves with noise reduction on
The IP55 rating covers the earbuds only; Shokz says the case is not waterproof
Shokz says it is not suitable for swimming

Who it is for: Listeners who want one open-ear pair for the office, the commute, and the gym, with the option to turn down background noise.

Skip if: You prefer a clip-on fit over ear hooks, or you only need basic playback and calls.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) - Best for immersive audio

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) clip onto the ear with a non-occluding design and use Bose OpenAudio Tech for private sound. The standout features are Bose Immersive Audio with TrueSpatial Tech and a Cinema Mode aimed at movies and shows, which make this the pick for listeners who care most about spatial sound.

Battery life varies with those features. Bose rates the earbuds at up to 9 hours, plus 19.5 more hours from the case, but that drops to 5 hours per charge with Immersive Audio or Auto Volume on, and 4 hours with both on. The case supports wireless charging and USB-C, and Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint is included.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Clip-on, non-occluding design with OpenAudio Tech
Bose Immersive Audio with TrueSpatial Tech and Cinema Mode
Up to 9 hours per charge plus 19.5 hours from the case (less with Immersive Audio or Auto Volume on)
Wireless and USB-C charging; 10 minutes gives up to 2 hours
Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint
IPX4 rating

Pros:

Immersive Audio and Cinema Mode add listening modes beyond plain stereo
Wireless charging case
Button on each earbud for playback, volume, and calls
SpeechClarity Tech for calls

Cons:

The only pick with no dust rating, and tied for the lowest water rating
Battery falls to 4 or 5 hours per charge with Immersive Audio or Auto Volume on
Two microphones, fewer than the AeroClip 2 or EarFun Clip 2

Who it is for: Listeners who want a premium clip-on pair for music, video, and spatial audio at a desk or while traveling.

Skip if: You train hard in sweat and dust, or you want a full day of battery with Immersive Audio switched on.

Soundcore AeroClip 2 - Best for calls

Anker built the Soundcore AeroClip 2 around voice. Its ANKER Thus AI chip works with 4 MEMS mics and 2 VPUs to isolate your voice rather than simply filtering noise, and Anker says it is designed for environments above 80 dB. Anker also states that Guinness World Records certified it on August 31, 2026, for the highest speech quality score.

Music gets attention too, with LDAC support, Hi-Res Audio certification, and 12 mm dual-magnet drivers. Anker rates it at 8 hours per charge and 32 hours with the case, with an IP57 rating, Bluetooth 6 multipoint, and two-way real-time translation in 100+ languages through the soundcore app. The GoldenFit C-bridge is based on more than 2,000 ear scans, and each earbud weighs 6.2g.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

ANKER Thus AI chip with 4 MEMS mics and 2 VPUs
LDAC and Hi-Res Audio with 12 mm dual-magnet drivers
8 hours per charge, 32 hours with the case
10-minute fast charge for 4 hours of playback
IP57 dust and water rating
AI translation in 100+ languages via the soundcore app

Pros:

The most extensive call hardware in this list
IP57 is the highest dust and water rating among these picks
LDAC support for higher-quality Bluetooth audio on compatible phones
soundcore app adds HearID 5.0 EQ and 3D Spatial Audio

Cons:

8 hours per charge trails the OpenFit Pro, EarFun Clip 2 and Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Wireless charging is not listed on the maker page
Translation depends on the soundcore app and a connected phone

Who it is for: Remote workers, commuters, and anyone who takes a lot of calls in noisy places.

Skip if: You want wireless charging or the longest possible time between charges.

EarFun Clip 2 - Best value

The EarFun Clip 2 brings Hi-Res Audio and LDAC certification to a clip-on design at 5.5g per earbud, the lightest per-earbud weight listed among these picks. It uses 12mm dual-magnetic titanium composite dynamic drivers, a 4-mic AI ENC system for calls, and AI translation through the EarFun Audio App for iOS and Android.

Battery life depends on the codec. EarFun rates it at up to 11 hours per charge and 40 hours with the case without LDAC, or 6 and 22 hours with LDAC on. It also has Bluetooth 6.0 with multipoint, IP55 dust and water resistance, and support for charging by USB-C or a wireless charger. It comes in black, white, and violet; the listing here is white.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Hi-Res Audio and LDAC certified
12mm dual-magnetic titanium composite drivers
Up to 11 hours per charge and 40 hours with the case (6 and 22 hours with LDAC on)
5.5g per earbud
IP55 dust and water resistance
Bluetooth 6.0 with multipoint and AI translation

Pros:

Lightest earbuds in this list
Long battery with LDAC off
Four-mic call system
Wireless charging support

Cons:

LDAC nearly halves battery life
Only LDAC and SBC are listed, so phones without LDAC, such as iPhones, fall back to SBC
A full charge of the earbuds and case on a wireless charger takes 3.5 hours

Who it is for: Android users who want LDAC, a light clip-on fit, and a strong feature list.

Skip if: You use an iPhone and want codec features you can actually use, or you need the toughest water rating.

Bose Sport Open Earbuds - Best for workouts

The Bose Sport Open Earbuds use a flexible, cuffed band that Bose calls Light Flex Grip, built for a stable fit during exercise. They carry an IP54 rating for sweat, water, and dust, and keep the same non-occluding design and OpenAudio Tech that Bose uses for private sound.

Bose rates them at 7 hours per charge and 29 hours with the case, or 3.9 and 18.6 hours with Auto Volume on. A 10-minute charge gives about 1.8 hours, and the case supports both USB-C and wireless charging. Bluetooth multipoint, a top-barrel button for playback, volume, and calls, and the Bose App for EQ and control settings round it out.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Light Flex Grip cuffed band
IP54 sweat, water, and dust resistance
7 hours per charge, 29 hours with the case (3.9 and 18.6 hours with Auto Volume on)
Wireless charging case with USB-C
Bluetooth with multipoint
Bose App with EQ and control customization

Pros:

Fit design is aimed squarely at exercise
Dust rating, unlike the IPX4 Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Wireless charging case
Physical button rather than touch controls

Cons:

7 hours per charge is shorter than most picks here
Auto Volume cuts battery to 3.9 hours per charge
Two microphones, fewer than the AeroClip 2 or EarFun Clip 2

Who it is for: Gym-goers and runners who want a Bose clip-on fit made for movement and sweat.

Skip if: You want spatial audio, long battery life, or a stronger call microphone setup.

Shokz OpenFit Air 2 - Best lightweight earhook

The Shokz OpenFit Air 2 is the pick for listeners who like the security of an ear hook but want it light. Each earbud weighs 7.2g, and a 0.75mm nickel-titanium alloy frame keeps the hook slim. Shokz uses a 30-degree angled speaker and DirectPitch Technology to keep audio private and limit sound leakage.

Shokz rates it at 8 hours per charge and 36 hours with the case, and a 10-minute charge adds 3 hours. The earbuds are rated IP55 and the case IP54. It uses a Bassphere dual-driver system with two 11.8mm speakers, Bluetooth 6.1 with multipoint, pressure-sensitive buttons, and a dual-mic AI noise reduction system for calls that Shokz says cuts 96.5% of background noise in its internal testing.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

7.2g per earbud with a 0.75mm Ni-Ti alloy frame
8 hours per charge, 36 hours with the case
10-minute charge for 3 hours of listening
IP55 earbuds and IP54 case
Bassphere dual-driver system
Bluetooth 6.1 with multipoint

Pros:

The case has its own water resistance rating, unlike the OpenFit Pro case
Slim earhook design for a secure hold
Pressure-sensitive buttons
Shokz App adds EQ, custom controls, and Find My

Cons:

No Open-Ear Active Noise Reduction is listed, unlike the OpenFit Pro
Two call microphones, versus three on the OpenFit Pro
Wireless charging is not listed on the maker page

Who it is for: Active listeners who want a light, secure earhook pair for workouts, errands, and long days.

Skip if: You want noise reduction or wireless charging, or you prefer a clip-on design.

How to choose

Pick a fit style first. Clip-on models such as the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), AeroClip 2, and EarFun Clip 2 wrap around the outer ear, while earhook models such as the Shokz OpenFit Pro and OpenFit Air 2 sit over the top of the ear.
Read battery figures with settings in mind. Noise reduction, LDAC, spatial audio, and auto volume can cut playback time sharply, so check the figure for the mode you plan to use.
Match the water rating to your routine. The second digit of an IP rating covers water and the first covers dust. An X, as in IPX4, means no dust rating, and some cases carry no rating at all.
Check codec support against your phone. LDAC only helps with phones that support it. iPhones do not, so iPhone owners gain nothing from it.
Look at the microphones if you take calls. More microphones and dedicated voice processing, as on the AeroClip 2, are the clearest spec signals for call-focused buyers.

FAQ

What are open-ear earbuds?

They are wireless earbuds that rest on or around the ear without sealing the ear canal. Sound is directed toward the ear, so outside noise stays audible.

Can open-ear earbuds block noise?

Most do not try to. The Shokz OpenFit Pro is the only pick here with listed noise reduction for listening, and Shokz describes it as a balance of awareness and focus, so it does not fully isolate you.

Are clip-on or earhook designs more secure?

Both are built to stay put. Earhooks such as the OpenFit Air 2 anchor over the ear, while clip-ons such as the Bose Sport Open Earbuds grip the outer ear. Comfort comes down to ear shape and personal preference.

Do open-ear earbuds work with iPhones?

Yes. All of these connect over standard Bluetooth. LDAC features on the AeroClip 2 and EarFun Clip 2 need a compatible Android phone, but the rest of the features still work.

Can I swim with open-ear earbuds?

None of these picks is sold as a swimming headphone, and Shokz says the OpenFit Pro is not suitable for swimming. Treat water ratings as protection against sweat and splashes, and check the maker's guidance before going in water.

Published November 9, 2026 Last updated November 9, 2026

6 Best Open-Ear Earbuds in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

7 Best Xbox Controllers in 2026

Technobezz — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:29:51 GMT

The right Xbox controller depends on how you play. Some players only need a dependable standard pad for the couch, while others want back buttons, trigger stops, swappable modules or a wired connection that never needs charging.

The Xbox Wireless Controller is the best overall pick because it works across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, Android and iOS, with a hybrid D-pad, a Share button, a 3.5mm headset jack and up to 40 hours of play on AA batteries. It is the simplest controller here to recommend to almost any Xbox owner.

This page is for Xbox and PC players choosing a first controller, a spare for a second player, or an upgrade for competitive games, fighting games or smaller hands. Every pick is made by Microsoft or an officially licensed accessory maker.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black)	Wide device support, hybrid D-pad, and up to 40 hours on AA batteries
Best premium	Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (White)	Adjustable-tension sticks, trigger locks, and a 40-hour internal battery
Best for PC and Xbox	Razer Wolverine V4 Pro	Up to 8000 Hz polling on PC and six extra inputs
Best with a charging dock	8BitDo Ultimate 3 for Xbox (Mossy Lagoon)	TMR sticks, two trigger stops, and a wireless charging dock
Best modular	Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded for Xbox (Black)	Swappable modules, including a 6-button Fightpad
Best wired	Turtle Beach Rematch Core Wired Controller (Black)	Hall-Effect sticks, audio controls, and an 8-foot USB-C cable
Best for small hands	Xbox Nano Controller	Microsoft's smallest controller, with a rechargeable battery

How we chose

We compared the published specifications on each maker's US product page, looking at connectivity, battery, sticks, triggers, extra buttons and device support. We limited picks to Microsoft and officially licensed makers, and we checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Xbox Controllers right now

Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black) - Best overall

The Xbox Wireless Controller is Microsoft's standard pad for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, and Microsoft also lists support for Windows 10/11, Android and iOS. It connects to consoles over Xbox Wireless and to PCs, tablets and phones over Bluetooth, so one controller can move between devices.

Microsoft lists a hybrid D-pad, textured grip on the triggers, bumpers and back case, a dedicated Share button and a 3.5mm stereo headset jack. It runs on AA batteries for up to 40 hours, and a rechargeable battery is sold separately. This listing is the Carbon Black color.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Xbox Wireless for consoles, Bluetooth for other devices
Up to 40 hours of battery life on AA batteries
Hybrid D-pad
Textured grip on triggers, bumpers and back case
Dedicated Share button
3.5mm stereo headset jack

Pros:

Works with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, Android and iOS
Long rated battery life
Headset jack built in
Button mapping through the Xbox Accessories app

Cons:

Uses AA batteries; the rechargeable battery is sold separately
The Xbox Accessories app on Windows 10/11 needs a USB-C cable sold separately
No back buttons or trigger stops listed

Who it is for: Xbox owners who want one dependable controller that also pairs with a PC, phone or tablet.

Skip if: You want back buttons, adjustable triggers or a built-in rechargeable battery.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (White) - Best premium

The Elite Series 2 Core is Microsoft's higher-end controller for players who want to change how the sticks and triggers feel. Its adjustable-tension thumbsticks have 3 tension settings, changed with the included tool, and its shorter hair trigger locks reduce trigger travel.

Microsoft rates the internal rechargeable battery at up to 40 hours per charge. The controller connects over Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth or the included 9-foot USB-C cable, stores 3 custom profiles, and supports button mapping in the Xbox Accessories app. Paddles are not part of the Core box; Microsoft offers extra parts in the separate Complete Component Pack.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Adjustable-tension thumbsticks with 3 settings
Shorter hair trigger locks
Wrap-around rubberized grip
Internal rechargeable battery, up to 40 hours per charge
3 custom profiles
Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth and included 9-foot USB-C cable

Pros:

More tuning options than the standard Xbox controller
Built-in rechargeable battery, no AA batteries needed
USB-C cable included
Works with Xbox consoles, Windows PC, iOS and Android

Cons:

No paddles in the Core box
Extra components require the separately sold Complete Component Pack

Who it is for: Players who want adjustable sticks, trigger locks and saved profiles from Microsoft's own hardware.

Skip if: You need back paddles out of the box or only play casually.

Razer Wolverine V4 Pro - Best for PC and Xbox

Razer describes the Wolverine V4 Pro as designed for Xbox and optimized for PC gaming. On PC, Razer lists up to 8000 Hz polling with sub-2 ms latency, and it supports Steam through Razer HyperSpeed Wireless.

The thumbsticks use contactless capacitive sensors that Razer says track without drift or jitter, with swappable short convex and tall concave caps. Razer Pro HyperTriggers offer short-range and full-range modes, and the controller adds four removable magnetic back buttons, two claw grip macro bumpers and an interchangeable magnetic faceplate. Razer rates the battery at up to 27 hours, with a full charge in 3 hours.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 8000 Hz polling on PC
Contactless capacitive thumbstick sensors
Razer Pro HyperTriggers with short and full range
Four removable back buttons plus two macro bumpers
Up to 27 hours battery life
Interchangeable magnetic faceplate

Pros:

Very high polling rate for PC play
Six extra inputs for remapping
Back buttons can be removed when not needed
Swappable stick caps and faceplate

Cons:

The 8000 Hz polling rate is listed for PC, not Xbox consoles
27-hour rated battery is shorter than the Elite Series 2 Core's 40 hours
Several removable parts to keep track of

Who it is for: Players who split time between an Xbox and a gaming PC and want a fully loaded layout.

Skip if: You only play on an Xbox console and do not need extra buttons.

8BitDo Ultimate 3 for Xbox (Mossy Lagoon) - Best with a charging dock

The 8BitDo Ultimate 3 for Xbox is officially licensed by Xbox and comes with a wireless charging dock that uses magnetic alignment. It connects over 2.4G wireless or a wired link on Xbox and PC, and uses Bluetooth for Android and Apple devices.

8BitDo lists TMR joysticks with an adjustable Dual Force Ring, Hall-effect impulse triggers with two trigger stops, two back buttons and extra L4 and R4 bumpers. The 1000mAh battery is rated for 20 hours with 4 to 5 hours of charging, and the 1000Hz polling rate applies to PC only. This listing is the Mossy Lagoon color.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

TMR joysticks with adjustable Dual Force Ring
Hall-effect impulse triggers with two trigger stops
2 back buttons plus L4 and R4 bumpers
Wireless charging dock included
1000mAh battery, rated for 20 play hours
Up to 1000Hz polling (PC only)

Pros:

Charging dock and 2.4G adapter included
Adjustable stick tension and trigger stops
Four vibration motors customizable in software
Works with Xbox, Windows, Android and Apple devices

Cons:

1000Hz polling is not supported on Xbox consoles
20-hour rated battery is half the Elite Series 2 Core's rating
4 to 5 hour charging time

Who it is for: Players who want adjustable sticks and triggers plus a dock that keeps the controller charged.

Skip if: You want the longest battery life or high polling on an Xbox console.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded for Xbox (Black) - Best modular

The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded from Turtle Beach is built around three customizable modules: a reversible left module, a swappable right module and a 6-button Fightpad module with Kailh microswitches. Every stick module uses Hall-Effect technology, and the box includes 11 interchangeable parts, including 4 thumbsticks, 3 D-pads and 4 gates, plus a carrying case.

Turtle Beach lists 5-stop Hall-Effect clutch triggers with a Hair-Trigger mode and four mappable quick-action buttons. It connects through a USB-A wireless transmitter, a 3m USB-C cable, or Bluetooth for mobile devices and smart TVs. The 2000mAh battery is rated for up to 20 hours, and the 3.5mm jack comes with a lifetime Dolby Atmos subscription.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Three modules, including a 6-button Fightpad
Hall-Effect technology on all stick modules
5-stop Hall-Effect clutch triggers
Four mappable quick-action buttons
Up to 20 hours from a 2000mAh battery
3.5mm jack with lifetime Dolby Atmos subscription

Pros:

Fightpad module suits fighting games
Many layout options from swappable parts
Carrying case included
Control Hub app for remapping and deadzones on Xbox and PC

Cons:

Wireless play on Xbox uses the USB-A transmitter
20-hour rated battery is shorter than the 40 hours Microsoft rates for the Wireless Controller and Elite Series 2 Core
Many loose parts to store

Who it is for: Fighting game and competitive players who want to change the controller's layout to suit each game.

Skip if: You want a simple, standard controller with nothing to swap.

Turtle Beach Rematch Core Wired Controller (Black) - Best wired

The Turtle Beach Rematch Core is a wired controller officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows 10 and 11 PCs. It connects with an 8-foot USB-C cable, so there is no battery to charge or replace.

Turtle Beach uses Hall-Effect thumbsticks, which it says resist stick drift, along with dual rumble motors and impulse triggers. D-pad audio controls adjust game and chat mix and master volume, and a dedicated button mutes the mic. The Control Hub app on Xbox and Windows handles configuration and diagnostics.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

8-foot USB-C wired connection
Hall-Effect thumbsticks
Dual rumble motors and impulse triggers
Game and chat mix and master volume controls
Dedicated mic mute button
Weighs 0.62 lbs

Pros:

No batteries to charge or replace
Hall-Effect sticks resist drift
Audio controls built into the controller
Control Hub app on Xbox and Windows

Cons:

Wired only, so play distance is limited by the 8-foot cable
No back buttons listed
Triggers are not described as Hall-Effect

Who it is for: Players who sit close to their Xbox or PC and never want to think about batteries.

Skip if: You play from across the room or want extra buttons.

Xbox Nano Controller - Best for small hands

Microsoft calls the Xbox Nano Controller its smallest controller and describes it as an entry-level, rechargeable pad that is great for smaller hands. It connects to Xbox consoles over Xbox Wireless and to Windows 10/11 PCs, tablets, iOS, Android and compatible smart TVs over Bluetooth.

It has an internal rechargeable battery and a programmable Action Button, and button mapping is available in the Xbox Accessories app. The box contains only the controller, so the USB-C cable needed for charging is sold separately.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Microsoft's smallest controller
Internal rechargeable battery
Programmable Action Button
Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth
Pairs with compatible smart TVs
Button mapping in the Xbox Accessories app

Pros:

Sized for smaller hands and pockets
Built-in rechargeable battery
Works with Xbox, PC, phones, tablets and smart TVs
Entry-level option for new or younger players

Cons:

USB-C charging cable is sold separately
Microsoft does not list battery life hours
The smaller size will not suit larger hands

Who it is for: Younger players, people with smaller hands, and anyone who wants a pocketable second controller.

Skip if: You have larger hands or want advanced features such as back buttons or trigger stops.

How to choose

Decide on power. The standard Xbox Wireless Controller uses AA batteries, most other picks have built-in rechargeable batteries, and wired models like the Rematch Core need no battery at all.
Look at the sticks. Hall-Effect, TMR and capacitive sensors are all designed to reduce stick drift, and several picks here use one of them.
Count the extra buttons. Back buttons and extra bumpers let you keep your thumbs on the sticks while jumping or reloading. The standard Xbox controllers here do not list them.
Check trigger options. Trigger stops and hair trigger modes shorten trigger travel, which suits shooters more than racing games.
Match polling claims to your platform. High polling rates such as 1000Hz or 8000Hz are listed for PC, not for play on Xbox consoles.
Consider hand size. A full-size pad suits most adults, while the Xbox Nano Controller is aimed at smaller hands.

FAQ

Do these Xbox controllers work on a Windows PC?

Yes. Every pick lists Windows PC support, either over Bluetooth, a wireless adapter, or a USB-C cable, depending on the model.

Which Xbox controllers here do not need AA batteries?

The Elite Series 2 Core, Razer Wolverine V4 Pro, 8BitDo Ultimate 3, Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded and Xbox Nano Controller have rechargeable batteries. The Rematch Core is wired, and the standard Xbox Wireless Controller uses AA batteries.

Does a high polling rate help on an Xbox console?

Not on these picks. Razer lists its 8000 Hz polling for PC, and 8BitDo states its 1000Hz rate is not supported on Xbox consoles.

Does the Elite Series 2 Core come with paddles?

No. The Core box includes the controller, a thumbstick-adjustment tool and a USB-C cable. Extra components come in the separately sold Complete Component Pack.

Which pick is best for fighting games?

The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, because it includes a 6-button Fightpad module with Kailh microswitches that swaps in for the standard right-hand module.

Published November 9, 2026 Last updated November 9, 2026

7 Best Xbox Controllers in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

7 Best Garmin Watches in 2026

Technobezz — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:29:28 GMT

Garmin makes watches for very different people. Its lineup covers dedicated running and triathlon watches, everyday health smartwatches, rugged outdoor models, ultra-endurance watches and golf watches. So the right Garmin depends less on the logo and more on how you train, how long you need the battery to last and how much smartwatch you want on your wrist.

The Garmin Forerunner 570 47mm is our best overall pick. It combines Garmin's running and triathlon training tools with a touchscreen, a 5-button design, a built-in speaker and mic for calls, and up to 11 days of smartwatch battery life on the 47mm size. For most people who run, ride or swim and also want a capable daily smartwatch, it is the most balanced choice here.

The rest of this list is for specific buyers: everyday wellness, value fitness tracking, first-time runners, rugged outdoor use, ultra-distance battery life and golf.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Garmin Forerunner 570 47mm	Running and triathlon tools plus calls from the wrist
Best everyday smartwatch	Garmin Venu 4 45mm	Metal design, calls, flashlight and up to 12 days of battery
Best value fitness smartwatch	Garmin vívoactive 6	AMOLED display, Garmin Pay, music and 80+ sports apps
Best for beginner runners	Garmin Forerunner 70	Simple running essentials with adaptive coaching
Best rugged outdoor	Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45mm	MIL-STD 810 build, 100-meter water rating and a flashlight
Best battery life	Garmin Enduro 4	Solar lens and up to 320 hours in activity mode
Best for golf	Garmin Approach S72 47mm	Swing metrics, aerial imagery and up to 20 hours on the course

How we chose

We compared Garmin's published specifications and feature lists for current models across running, multisport, everyday smartwatch, outdoor, ultra-endurance, golf and budget use, then matched each watch to the buyer it suits best. We also checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Garmin Watches right now

Garmin Forerunner 570 47mm - Best overall

The Garmin Forerunner 570 47mm is built for running and triathlon training, but it also works as a full daily smartwatch. Garmin pairs a touchscreen display with a 5-button design, and the built-in speaker and mic let you make and take calls from the watch when it is paired with a compatible smartphone.

Garmin rates the 47mm version for up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, up to 18 hours in GPS Only GNSS mode and up to 14 hours in All + Multi-Band GNSS mode. Battery figures vary by case size, and the 42mm version is rated lower in some modes. Up to 8 GB of media storage, a Swim 5 ATM water rating and Garmin Triathlon Coach plans that adapt daily round out the package.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

47mm case (also sold in 42mm)
Touchscreen display with 5-button design
Built-in speaker and mic for calls with a compatible smartphone
Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode (47mm)
Up to 14 hours in All + Multi-Band GNSS mode (47mm)
Up to 8 GB of media storage

Pros:

Strong mix of training tools and everyday smartwatch features
Calls from the wrist when paired with a phone
Triathlon Coach training plans adapt daily
Two case sizes for different wrists

Cons:

No built-in LED flashlight, which Garmin lists as a Forerunner 970 feature
No full-color built-in mapping, also a Forerunner 970 feature
GNSS battery life drops to up to 8 or 9 hours with music playback

Who it is for: Runners and triathletes who want one watch for structured training, music and calls, and everyday wear.

Skip if: You need on-watch maps or a built-in flashlight for trail runs after dark.

Garmin Venu 4 45mm - Best everyday smartwatch

The Garmin Venu 4 45mm suits buyers who want a polished daily smartwatch with Garmin's health tracking. It has a metal design and a built-in LED flashlight, and its speaker and microphone let you make and take calls when paired with a compatible iPhone or Android smartphone.

Garmin Fitness Coach builds personalized workouts for over 25 fitness activities and adjusts them daily based on activity history, sleep and recovery. Battery life varies by size: the 45mm version is rated for up to 12 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS only mode, while the 41mm version is rated for up to 10 days and 15 hours. Garmin Pay and onboard music storage are included.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

45mm case (also sold in 41mm)
Metal design
Built-in LED flashlight
Speaker and microphone for calls with a compatible phone
Up to 12 days in smartwatch mode (45mm)
Garmin Pay and onboard music storage

Pros:

Calls, payments and music cover most daily smartwatch needs
Fitness Coach workouts adapt to sleep and recovery
Flashlight is useful on evening walks
Up to 25 days in battery saver watch mode (45mm)

Cons:

GPS battery with all satellite systems and music drops to up to 9 hours (45mm)
The 41mm size has noticeably shorter battery life
GPS only battery of up to 20 hours trails the Instinct 3 AMOLED 45mm's 32 hours

Who it is for: People who want an everyday smartwatch with calls, a flashlight and coaching, more than a dedicated race watch.

Skip if: You need very long GPS battery life for long hikes or races.

Garmin vívoactive 6 - Best value fitness smartwatch

The Garmin vívoactive 6 is the value choice for buyers who want Garmin's health and fitness tracking in a lighter, simpler smartwatch. It has an AMOLED display that Garmin describes as even brighter than before, a lightweight aluminum bezel, a silicone band and more than 80 preloaded sports apps, including walking, running, cycling and pool swimming.

Garmin rates it for up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, up to 21 hours in GPS only mode and up to 17 hours with all satellite systems. Garmin Pay, music downloads from Spotify, Amazon Music and Deezer (subscription required), a smart wake alarm and a wheelchair mode with push tracking and weight shift alerts make it a well-rounded daily wearable.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

AMOLED display
Lightweight aluminum bezel and silicone band
More than 80 preloaded sports apps
Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode
Up to 21 hours in GPS only mode
Garmin Pay and music downloads

Pros:

Covers payments, music and broad sports tracking
Smart wake alarm aims for lighter sleep stages
Wheelchair mode adds push tracking and weight shift alerts
Up to 21 days in battery saver watch mode

Cons:

GPS battery with all satellite systems and music drops to up to 8 hours
Music services require a subscription
Smartwatch battery is rated below the Forerunner 70's 13 days

Who it is for: Buyers who want a capable Garmin fitness smartwatch with payments and music without paying for premium materials.

Skip if: You want calls from the wrist or a built-in flashlight, which the Venu 4 offers.

Garmin Forerunner 70 - Best for beginner runners

The Garmin Forerunner 70 is Garmin's entry-level GPS running smartwatch, and it keeps things simple. It has a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a traditional 5-button design, and it tracks the essentials: built-in GPS, time, distance, pace and wrist-based heart rate.

Quick workouts suggest sessions from your fitness level, and Garmin Coach training plans adapt daily based on health and recovery metrics. It also includes training readiness, training status, running power, running dynamics, more than 80 built-in sports apps and health features such as sleep coach, HRV status and Pulse Ox. Garmin rates it for up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and up to 23 hours in GPS Only GNSS mode.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen
Traditional 5-button design
Built-in GPS and wrist-based heart rate
Garmin Coach adaptive training plans
Up to 13 days in smartwatch mode
Up to 23 hours in GPS Only GNSS mode

Pros:

Easy starting point for new runners
Adaptive plans and quick workouts reduce guesswork
Up to 13 days of smartwatch battery
Includes advanced metrics such as running power and running dynamics

Cons:

No Garmin Pay, which Garmin adds on the Forerunner 170
No music downloads, which Garmin reserves for the Forerunner 170 Music
Battery table lists no multi-band GNSS mode

Who it is for: New and returning runners who want reliable pace, distance and heart rate tracking with coaching that adapts.

Skip if: You want to pay from your wrist or play music without your phone.

Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45mm - Best rugged outdoor

The Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45mm is the pick for hikers, campers and anyone hard on their gear. It has a metal-reinforced bezel, a fiber-reinforced polymer case and a scratch-resistant display, and Garmin says it is built to MIL-STD 810 for thermal and shock resistance and water-rated to 100 meters.

A built-in flashlight, multi-band GPS with SatIQ, TracBack routing back to your starting point and Garmin Pay cover practical outdoor needs. Battery life depends on size and display setting: the 45mm version is rated for up to 18 days in smartwatch mode with Wrist Gesture, 7 days with Always On Display, 32 hours in GPS only mode and 68 hours in Max. battery GPS mode. The 50mm version is rated higher.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

45mm case (also sold in 50mm)
AMOLED display with metal-reinforced bezel
Built to MIL-STD 810, water-rated to 100 meters
Built-in flashlight
Multi-band GPS with SatIQ and TracBack routing
Up to 32 hours in GPS only mode (45mm)

Pros:

Tough build for outdoor and work use
Long GPS battery for an AMOLED watch
Expedition GPS activity mode lasts up to 16 days (45mm)
Flashlight and TracBack are practical on the trail

Cons:

Always On Display cuts smartwatch battery to up to 7 days (45mm)
The 45mm size has shorter battery life than the 50mm

Who it is for: Outdoor users who want a durable, bright watch with a flashlight and simple navigation back to the start.

Skip if: You want a slimmer, dressier smartwatch for the office.

Garmin Enduro 4 - Best battery life

The Garmin Enduro 4 is built for ultra runners and anyone who wants to charge as rarely as possible. It uses an energy-efficient 1.4-inch MIP display with a solar lens, a 51mm case, a Power Sapphire scratch-resistant lens, a titanium bezel and a fiber-reinforced polymer case, and Garmin puts its weight at 66 grams.

Garmin rates it for up to 320 hours in activity mode and up to 90 days in smartwatch mode, but both figures depend on solar charging. The 320-hour figure assumes continuous use in 50,000 lux conditions with the extended battery activity mode, and the 90-day figure assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux. Built-in routable maps, an LED flashlight with white and red light, 64 GB of memory and a 10 ATM water rating complete the spec sheet.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

51mm case, sold in one size
1.4-inch MIP display with solar lens
Up to 320 hours in activity mode (with solar, stated conditions)
Up to 90 days in smartwatch mode (with solar, stated conditions)
Built-in routable maps and LED flashlight
66 grams, 10 ATM water rating

Pros:

Extreme battery figures for multi-day events
Light for its case size
Maps, flashlight and 64 GB of storage built in
Training tools such as stamina zones and grade-adjusted pace targets

Cons:

Headline battery figures depend on strong sunlight
MIP display rather than AMOLED
Single 51mm size may be large for smaller wrists

Who it is for: Ultra runners, long-distance hikers and adventure racers who value battery life above everything else.

Skip if: You want a bright AMOLED screen or a smaller case.

Garmin Approach S72 47mm - Best for golf

The Garmin Approach S72 47mm is the golf specialist in this list. It has a bright AMOLED display, a lightweight titanium bezel, a sapphire lens and a ComfortFit fabric band, and it is Garmin's first golf smartwatch with a speaker and microphone for calls and voice commands.

On the course it offers golf biometric data, swing metrics such as hand speed, backswing length and wrist rotation, aerial imagery of each hole, a PinPointer compass and Virtual Caddie club recommendations. Garmin rates the larger version for up to 20 hours on the course and up to 16 days with GPS turned off, so battery life varies by size. A built-in flashlight offers white and red light.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

47mm case (also sold in 43mm)
AMOLED display, titanium bezel, sapphire lens
Speaker and microphone for calls and voice commands
Swing metrics and golf biometric data
Up to 20 hours on the course (larger size)
Built-in flashlight with white and red light

Pros:

Deep golf toolset in a premium build
Calls and voice commands on and off the course
Can play multiple rounds between charges on the larger size
Doubles as an everyday health smartwatch

Cons:

Aerial imagery, green reading and putting analytics require an active Garmin Golf membership
The 20-hour course figure applies to the larger size only
More golf focus than non-golfers need

Who it is for: Regular golfers who want course mapping, swing data and a premium daily smartwatch in one.

Skip if: You do not play golf often enough to use its course tools.

How to choose

Start with your main sport. Forerunner models focus on running and triathlon, the Approach S72 on golf, and the Venu 4 and vívoactive 6 on everyday health and fitness.
Check battery life for your exact size. Garmin rates different case sizes differently. The Venu 4 45mm is rated for up to 12 days in smartwatch mode, while the 41mm is rated for up to 10 days.
Read the battery conditions. Music playback, multi-band GNSS and Always On Display all shorten battery life, and solar figures such as the Enduro 4's assume strong sunlight.
Decide whether you need maps. The Enduro 4 includes built-in routable maps. The Forerunner 570 does not include the full-color mapping Garmin lists for the Forerunner 970.
Match smartwatch features to daily use. If you want calls from the wrist, look at the Forerunner 570, Venu 4 or Approach S72. If you want Garmin Pay on a budget running watch, note that the Forerunner 70 does not have it.
Weigh durability against size. The Instinct 3 AMOLED and Enduro 4 are built for rough use, but larger cases can feel bulky on smaller wrists.

FAQ

Which Garmin watch here has the longest battery life?

The Enduro 4. Garmin rates it for up to 90 days in smartwatch mode and up to 320 hours in activity mode, both with solar charging under 50,000 lux conditions described on its spec sheet.

Which of these Garmin watches can make phone calls?

The Forerunner 570, Venu 4 and Approach S72 have a built-in speaker and microphone for calls when paired with a compatible smartphone.

Can I store music on these watches?

Several picks can. The Forerunner 570 offers up to 8 GB of media storage, and the vívoactive 6 downloads music from Spotify, Amazon Music and Deezer with a subscription. Garmin reserves music downloads for the Forerunner 170 Music rather than the Forerunner 70.

Do any of these features need a subscription?

Yes. Aerial imagery, green reading and putting analytics on the Approach S72 require an active Garmin Golf membership, and music services on the vívoactive 6 require a subscription.

Does case size change battery life?

Yes. Larger cases generally hold bigger batteries and get longer ratings, so check the battery figure for the exact case size you choose.

Published November 9, 2026 Last updated November 9, 2026

7 Best Garmin Watches in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best PS5 Controllers in 2026

Technobezz — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:29:05 GMT

The right PS5 controller depends on how you play. Some players want every Sony feature in the standard shape. Others want back paddles and adjustable triggers, and some need a layout they can rebuild around their range of movement.

The PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller is the best overall pick. It has adaptive triggers and haptic feedback driven by dual actuators, connects over USB Type-C or Bluetooth, and Sony lists Windows PC, Mac, Android, and iOS as supported devices alongside PS5.

This page is for PS5 owners choosing a main or second controller. The other picks cover deep customization, competitive shooters, an asymmetric stick layout, and accessible play.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller	Adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and wide device support
Best for customization	PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller	Back buttons, swappable stick caps, and saved profiles
Best for competitive shooters	SCUF Omega	Rear paddles, adjustable instant triggers, and side action buttons
Best asymmetric layout	Nacon Revolution 5 Pro	Offset sticks with Hall effect sticks and triggers
Best accessible controller	PlayStation Access Controller	Swappable caps, adjustable stick, and four expansion ports

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications and features for these controllers, then checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon. Each pick is matched to a specific kind of PS5 player.

The best PS5 Controllers right now

PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller - Best overall

The DualSense Wireless Controller is Sony's standard PS5 controller and the simplest choice here for players who want the console's signature features in a familiar shape. Its adaptive triggers deliver varying levels of force and tension, and its haptic feedback uses dual actuators in place of traditional rumble motors.

It connects with a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth, and Sony lists Windows PC and Mac computers plus Android and iOS phones and tablets as compatible. It comes in a long list of colors, including Midnight Black, White, Cobalt Blue, and Volcanic Red. Back buttons, tunable sticks and triggers, and changeable stick caps are not part of this controller; Sony keeps those for the DualSense Edge.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Adaptive triggers
Haptic feedback with dual actuators
USB Type-C and Bluetooth connection
Works with PS5, Windows PC, Mac, Android, and iOS
Many colors, including Midnight Black

Pros:

Full set of PS5 haptic and trigger features
Broad device support beyond the console
Plenty of color choices
Easy fit as a main or second controller

Cons:

No back buttons or changeable stick caps
No tunable stick or trigger settings like the DualSense Edge
Sony's product page does not list battery life

Who it is for: Players who want haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in one standard controller that also works on PC, Mac, and mobile.

Skip if: You want back paddles, trigger adjustments, or saved profiles for competitive play.

PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Best for customization

The DualSense Edge keeps the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the standard DualSense and adds much deeper control. Buttons are remappable, and you can configure stick sensitivity, stick dead zones, trigger dead zones, and vibration intensity, then save those settings to profiles and swap between them.

Pressing the Fn and Options buttons in a game opens the customization menu for quick changes. The box includes a braided USB cable, standard, high dome, and low dome stick caps, half dome and lever back buttons, a connector housing, and a carrying case. The controller can also charge over USB while it sits in the case, and Sony adds slip-resistant inner grips to the familiar DualSense shape.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Remappable buttons
Adjustable stick sensitivity, stick dead zones, and trigger dead zones
Swappable profiles through the Fn button menu
Half dome and lever back buttons included
Standard, high dome, and low dome stick caps included
Carrying case and braided USB cable

Pros:

The most adjustable of the Sony controllers here
Keeps haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
Two back button shapes in the box
Case lets the controller charge while stored

Cons:

Sony says haptic feedback and adaptive triggers may require a USB connection on PC
Sony's product page does not list battery life
Premium-tier controller that casual players may not need

Who it is for: Players who want the DualSense feel with back buttons, tuned sticks and triggers, and quick profile switching.

Skip if: You only play casually and have no use for remapping or extra buttons.

SCUF Omega - Best for competitive shooters

The SCUF Omega is officially licensed for PS5 consoles and PC and is built around extra inputs. It has four rear paddles, five programmable G-keys, and two side action buttons, plus mechanical switches on the buttons and bumpers.

Its adjustable instant triggers use switches on the back to cut travel from a full pull, which SCUF suggests for racing, to a short pull for shooters. The symmetrical TMR thumbsticks are removable and replaceable, with three additional thumbsticks in the box. It connects wirelessly through a USB-A dongle or with a USB-C cable, and SCUF lists a 1k polling rate on PC. SCUF says it is not designed to work with PS4.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Four rear paddles, five G-keys, and two side action buttons
Adjustable instant triggers with full and short pull
Removable TMR thumbsticks, three additional thumbsticks included
Wireless dongle or wired USB-C connection
1k polling rate on PC and up to 10m/32ft wireless range
3.5mm audio jack and 254 grams

Pros:

The most extra inputs of any pick here
Short trigger pull suits fast shooters
Replaceable thumbsticks
Case and 6ft USB-C cable included

Cons:

SCUF's product page does not list haptic feedback or adaptive triggers
Not designed to work with PS4
Battery life is not listed on the product page
Wireless play relies on the included dongle

Who it is for: PS5 and Windows PC players who want paddles, side buttons, and short trigger travel for shooters.

Skip if: Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are a big part of why you play on PS5.

Nacon Revolution 5 Pro - Best asymmetric layout

The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is a PS5 controller with an asymmetric stick layout, for players who prefer offset sticks over the DualSense arrangement. Its sticks and triggers use magnetic Hall effect sensors, which Nacon says greatly increase precision and durability, and trigger stoppers shorten trigger travel.

The linked listing is the Arctic Camo color; Nacon's own US store lists the Black model. Three sets of weights come in the box, and the d-pad was developed with professional player Mister Crimson. It connects through an RF USB key or a detachable USB-C to USB-A cable, and Bluetooth 5.2 is for connecting audio headphones. Nacon rates battery life at 10 hours or more depending on power settings. The tradeoff is spelled out on Nacon's own page: no haptic feedback, no adaptive triggers, and no vibration in PS5 games.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Asymmetric stick layout
Hall effect sticks and triggers
Trigger stoppers
Three sets of weights
RF USB key, USB-C cable, and Bluetooth 5.2 for headphones
10 hours or more of battery, depending on power settings

Pros:

Offset sticks for players who prefer that layout
Hall effect sensors on both sticks and triggers
Works with PS5, PS4, and Windows PC
Adjustable weight

Cons:

No haptic feedback or adaptive triggers
Does not vibrate in PS5 games
Battery life varies with power settings

Who it is for: Players who want an asymmetric layout and Hall effect sticks and triggers across PS5, PS4, and PC.

Skip if: You want vibration, haptics, or adaptive triggers in PS5 games.

PlayStation Access Controller - Best accessible controller

The Access controller is Sony's customizable PS5 controller kit for players who need a layout built around their range of mobility. The button caps swap out, with pillow, flat, curve, overhang, and wide flat caps in the box. The stick takes standard, dome, or ball caps on an extension arm that can be lengthened or shortened and locked in place.

Four standard 3.5mm expansion ports accept additional buttons, specialty trigger switches, and other compatible accessories. You can set up to 30 control profiles in PS5 console settings and store three on the controller, with a dedicated button to switch between them. Two Access controllers can work as one virtual controller, or you can pair one or two with a DualSense or DualSense Edge to add haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, motion sensor, and touch pad swipe.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Swappable button caps in five styles
Standard, dome, and ball stick caps
Adjustable, lockable stick extension arm
Four 3.5mm expansion ports
Up to 30 profiles, three stored on the controller
Pairs with a DualSense or DualSense Edge

Pros:

Layout can be shaped around individual mobility
Expansion ports add outside switches and buttons
Can combine with a second Access controller or a DualSense
Tags included for labeling buttons

Cons:

Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, motion, and touch pad swipe need a paired DualSense or DualSense Edge
Sony's product page does not list battery life or PC support
Setup runs through PS5 console settings

Who it is for: Players who find a standard handheld controller hard to use and want a configurable layout for PS5.

Skip if: You want a conventional gamepad for everyday play.

How to choose

Decide how much PS5 features matter. The DualSense and DualSense Edge have haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Nacon says the Revolution 5 Pro has neither and does not vibrate in PS5 games, and SCUF's page for the Omega does not list them.
Count the extra inputs you will use. The DualSense Edge adds back buttons, while the SCUF Omega has four rear paddles, five G-keys, and two side action buttons.
Look at trigger travel. Short trigger pull suits fast shooters. The SCUF Omega has switchable instant triggers and the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro has trigger stoppers.
Check stick layout and sensors. The Nacon uses offset sticks for players who prefer that layout. Nacon and SCUF both pitch their magnetic stick sensors for durability.
Match the connection to your setup. The DualSense connects by USB Type-C or Bluetooth, while the SCUF Omega and Nacon Revolution 5 Pro use a wireless USB dongle or a cable.
Plan for accessibility needs. The Access controller supports swappable caps, an adjustable stick, expansion ports for outside switches, and pairing with a DualSense.

FAQ

Does the DualSense work on PC?

Yes. Sony lists Windows PC and Mac computers, plus Android and iOS phones and tablets, as compatible over USB or Bluetooth.

Do third-party PS5 controllers have haptic feedback?

Not all of them. Nacon says the Revolution 5 Pro has no haptic feedback or adaptive triggers, and SCUF's Omega product page does not list either feature.

Which of these controllers work with PS4?

Nacon lists PS4 support for the Revolution 5 Pro. SCUF says the Omega is not designed to work with PS4.

Can the Access controller be used alongside a DualSense?

Yes. Sony says one or two Access controllers can combine with a DualSense or DualSense Edge to add haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, motion sensor, and touch pad swipe.

Is the DualSense Edge worth it over the standard DualSense?

It makes sense if you will use back buttons, remapping, and stick or trigger dead zone settings. If you will not, the standard DualSense has the same haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

Published November 9, 2026 Last updated November 9, 2026

5 Best PS5 Controllers in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

7 Best Wireless Gaming Headsets in 2026

Technobezz — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:27:56 GMT

A wireless gaming headset has to suit the systems you actually play on. Some headsets connect to PC and PlayStation but not Xbox, some run Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz dongle at the same time, and some only switch between them. This guide is for US players who want to get rid of the cable without losing low-latency game audio, whether they play on a PC, a console, a Switch 2 or a handheld.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 is the best overall pick. It runs 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio at the same time, SteelSeries rates it for 50+ hours of battery life, and it lists support for PC, PlayStation, Switch and handhelds through a USB-C dongle.

The other picks cover specific needs: a premium headset with hi-res audio and ANC, a PC esports model, a strong microphone, Xbox and cross-platform play, a budget option and a headset made for the Nintendo Switch 2.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2	Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth with a 50+ hour battery rating
Best premium	SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite	Hi-Res Wireless certification, ANC and a four-source mixing dock
Best for PC esports	Razer BlackShark V3 Pro	Low-latency 2.4GHz, hybrid ANC and up to 70 hours of battery
Best microphone	Logitech G PRO X3 LIGHTSPEED	48 kHz/16-bit full bandwidth mic and 50mm graphene drivers
Best for Xbox and cross-platform	Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3	Two USB transmitters for Xbox, PlayStation and PC, plus up to 80 hours
Best budget	Corsair HS35 v3 Wireless	Affordable tri-mode headset at 250g with broad platform support
Best for Nintendo Switch 2	Turtle Beach Stealth 500 for Nintendo Switch 2	Officially licensed for Switch 2 with a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle

How we chose

We compared the specifications published on each maker's US product page, looking at wireless connection types, battery ratings, microphone design, noise cancellation and listed platform support. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon and gave each one the slot that best matches a specific kind of player.

The best wireless gaming headsets right now

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 - Best overall

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 is the best overall pick because it covers the most common setups with one headset. It connects through a USB-C 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth at the same time, so game audio and phone calls or music can play together. SteelSeries lists support for PC, PlayStation, Switch and handhelds, and a USB-A adapter is included for older ports.

SteelSeries rates the battery at 50+ hours, and its USB-C Fast Charge gives 6 hours of play from a 15-minute charge. The Arctis Companion app for iOS and Android adds real-time audio control and more than 200 EQ presets. The noise-rejecting mic is designed to cut keyboard clicks, fans and background chatter, with an extra Sonar AI option on PC.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Neodymium magnetic drivers
2.4GHz USB-C dongle plus simultaneous Bluetooth
50+ hour battery rating
15-minute charge gives 6 hours of play
Arctis Companion app with 200+ EQ presets
Listed for PC, PlayStation, Switch and handhelds

Pros:

Hears game audio and phone audio at the same time
Long battery rating with a quick top-up
USB-C dongle with a USB-A adapter suits PCs, consoles and handhelds
Phone app control without needing PC software

Cons:

Xbox is not among the listed platforms
No active noise cancellation listed
The Sonar AI mic enhancement is for PC only

Who it is for: Players who move between a PC, PlayStation, Switch or handheld and want phone audio in the same headset.

Skip if: You play mainly on Xbox or want active noise cancellation.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite - Best premium

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is the premium choice in this group. SteelSeries says it is Hi-Res Wireless certified by the Japan Audio Society, with 96kHz/24-bit audio processing and the LC3+ codec. Its ANC is rated to reduce up to 89% of background noise, and a Transparency Mode lets outside sound back in when needed.

The GameHub docking station handles the 2.4GHz link and OmniPlay mixing, which combines up to 4 audio sources at once. SteelSeries lists PC, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox and mobile support, and rates its AI-powered mic to remove up to 97% of background noise. This listing is the Sage & Gold finish; SteelSeries also offers Obsidian.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Hi-Res Wireless certified by the Japan Audio Society
96kHz/24-bit audio processing and LC3+ codec
ANC rated to reduce up to 89% of background noise, plus Transparency Mode
GameHub dock with OmniPlay mixing of up to 4 sources
AI noise-rejecting mic rated to remove up to 97% of background noise
Listed for PC, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox and mobile

Pros:

The broadest platform list among these picks
Active noise cancellation with a transparency option
Mixes several audio sources at once through the dock
Sage & Gold and Obsidian finishes

Cons:

Sits at the premium end of this list
The multi-source mixing relies on the GameHub dock, which takes up desk space
More features than a single-console player is likely to use

Who it is for: Players with several systems on one desk who want ANC, hi-res wireless audio and one dock that mixes everything.

Skip if: You only play on one console, or you want a simple headset without a dock.

Razer BlackShark V3 Pro - Best for PC esports

Razer pitches the BlackShark V3 Pro as an esports headset, and its HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2 2.4GHz link is rated to deliver audio as fast as 10 ms. It uses Razer TriForce Bio-Cellulose 50mm Drivers Gen-2, and hybrid active noise cancellation offers 4 adjustable levels.

Bluetooth can run at the same time as 2.4GHz, and USB-C wired and 3.5mm connections are also supported. Razer quotes up to 70 hours of battery life and 6 hours of play from a 15-minute charge. The detachable HyperClear Full Band 12mm mic handles comms, and 7.1.4 surround powered by THX Spatial Audio+ is available on Windows 11 version 23H2 or higher.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

TriForce Bio-Cellulose 50mm Drivers Gen-2
Hybrid ANC with 4 adjustable levels
HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2 rated as fast as 10 ms
Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, plus USB-C and 3.5mm
Up to 70 hours of battery; 15 minutes gives 6 hours
Detachable HyperClear Full Band 12mm mic

Pros:

Low-latency rating aimed at competitive play
Adjustable ANC for loud rooms
Four ways to connect, including wired
Long battery rating with quick charge

Cons:

THX Spatial Audio+ 7.1.4 surround needs Windows 11 version 23H2 or higher
Razer quotes one battery figure without separating ANC on and off, so ANC use may shorten it
Its key extras lean toward PC, so console-only players get less from it

Who it is for: PC players in competitive games who want low-latency wireless, ANC and spatial audio in one headset.

Skip if: You do not play on a Windows 11 PC or you have no use for ANC.

Logitech G PRO X3 LIGHTSPEED - Best microphone

The Logitech G PRO X3 LIGHTSPEED stands out for its microphone. Logitech lists a 48 kHz/16-bit full bandwidth omnidirectional mic on a detachable boom, which suits players who stream, record or spend long sessions on voice chat.

Audio comes from 50mm PRO-G GRAPHENE drivers, with 7.1 surround and a 10-band parametric EQ. It connects over LIGHTSPEED wireless and Bluetooth, and Logitech rates the battery at 70 hours wireless. Memory foam ear cups and a perforated leatherette headband are aimed at long sessions.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

48 kHz/16-bit full bandwidth omnidirectional mic
Detachable boom mic
50mm PRO-G GRAPHENE drivers
LIGHTSPEED wireless and Bluetooth
70-hour wireless battery rating
7.1 surround and 10-band parametric EQ

Pros:

Full bandwidth mic spec for clear voice chat and streaming
Detachable mic for music or travel
Long battery rating
Fine-grained 10-band EQ

Cons:

No active noise cancellation listed
An omnidirectional mic picks up sound from all around, so noisy rooms can leak into chat

Who it is for: Players who stream or talk a lot and want a high-spec mic on a wireless headset.

Skip if: You play in a loud room or need ANC.

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 - Best for Xbox and cross-platform

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 is the pick for homes with both an Xbox and a PlayStation. It ships with two CrossPlay USB wireless transmitters, and one button switches between them. Turtle Beach lists Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Windows 10 or later PCs, Steam Deck and Bluetooth mobile devices.

Low-latency 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 run at the same time, and the 60mm Eclipse Dual Drivers cover 20Hz to 20kHz. Battery life is rated up to 80 hours, and the flip-to-mute uni-directional mic uses A.I. noise reduction. Cushions with ProSpecs glasses relief suit players who wear glasses. It comes in Black, Cobalt Blue and White; this listing is Black.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Two CrossPlay USB wireless transmitters
Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2
60mm Eclipse Dual Drivers, 20Hz to 20kHz
Up to 80 hours of battery
Flip-to-mute mic with A.I. noise reduction
ProSpecs glasses relief cushions

Pros:

Works with both Xbox and PlayStation consoles from one headset
Longest single-battery rating here (the Nova Elite swaps two batteries instead)
Flip-to-mute is quick to use mid-game
Glasses-friendly cushions

Cons:

No active noise cancellation for listening; the noise reduction is for the mic
A 15-minute quick charge gives 3 hours, half the figure Razer and SteelSeries quote for the BlackShark V3 Pro and Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2
Two transmitters are one more small part to keep track of

Who it is for: Households with an Xbox and a PlayStation, or players who move between console and PC.

Skip if: You want ANC or play on only one system.

Corsair HS35 v3 Wireless - Best budget

The Corsair HS35 v3 Wireless is the affordable pick. It offers tri-mode connections over 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired, with 50mm neodymium drivers covering 20Hz to 20kHz. Corsair lists support for PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and mobile, and a wireless range of up to 60 feet.

At 250g, it is designed to be light, and an adjustable floating headband adds comfort. Battery life depends on the connection: up to 30 hours over 2.4GHz at 50% volume and up to 32 hours over Bluetooth. Dolby Atmos spatial audio is available on PC through the Dolby Access app. This listing is the Carbon color; White is also offered.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired connections
50mm neodymium drivers, 20Hz to 20kHz
250g weight
Up to 30 hours over 2.4GHz at 50% volume; up to 32 hours over Bluetooth
Detachable omnidirectional mic
Dolby Atmos on PC with the Dolby Access app

Pros:

Budget-friendly way into wireless
Light 250g build with a floating headband
Works with PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch and mobile
Wired mode as a backup

Cons:

Corsair says 2.4GHz and Bluetooth cannot be used at the same time
Xbox is not among the listed platforms
Shortest battery rating among these picks
Dolby Atmos is PC only

Who it is for: Players on a budget who want a light headset for PC, PlayStation or Switch.

Skip if: You play on Xbox or want phone audio mixed with game audio.

Turtle Beach Stealth 500 for Nintendo Switch 2 - Best for Nintendo Switch 2

Turtle Beach calls the Stealth 500 for Nintendo Switch 2 the first officially licensed wireless headset for the console. It connects over a low-latency 2.4GHz USB-C dongle for Switch 2 games and over Bluetooth, and QuickSwitch Wireless Technology moves between the two sources.

Battery life is rated up to 40 hours, and the headset weighs 233g with a floating headband and memory foam cushions. The omni-directional mic flips up to mute, and the Swarm II mobile or desktop app adds audio presets, mic settings and firmware updates. It comes in Charcoal Black and White; this listing is Charcoal Black.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Officially licensed for Nintendo Switch 2
2.4GHz USB-C dongle plus Bluetooth with QuickSwitch
40mm drivers
Up to 40 hours of battery
233g weight
Flip-to-mute omni-directional mic

Pros:

Made and licensed for Switch 2
Lighter than the HS35 v3, at 233g
USB-C dongle suits the console directly
App support for presets and updates

Cons:

Turtle Beach lists only Switch 2 and mobile as supported platforms
Switches between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth rather than mixing them
40mm drivers are smaller than the 50mm and 60mm drivers on other picks

Who it is for: Switch 2 owners who want a light wireless headset made for the console.

Skip if: You also play on PC, PlayStation or Xbox.

How to choose

Match the platform list to your systems. Support varies a lot. The Stealth 700 Gen 3 and Arctis Nova Elite list both Xbox and PlayStation, the Corsair HS35 v3 lists PlayStation and Switch but not Xbox, and the Stealth 500 lists only Switch 2 and mobile.
Check whether Bluetooth runs alongside 2.4GHz. Simultaneous connections let you hear a phone call or music over the game. The Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2, BlackShark V3 Pro and Stealth 700 Gen 3 do this, while the HS35 v3 and Stealth 500 switch between sources.
Read battery ratings with their conditions. Makers quote best-case figures. Corsair rates the HS35 v3 at 50% volume, and Razer gives one figure without separating ANC use.
Decide whether you need ANC. Only the BlackShark V3 Pro and Arctis Nova Elite list active noise cancellation here. Noise reduction on a mic, as on the Stealth 700 Gen 3, cleans up your voice but does not quiet the room for you.
Look at the mic if you talk or stream. A full bandwidth mic such as the one on the PRO X3 LIGHTSPEED captures more detail, while a uni-directional mic focuses on your voice.

FAQ

Do wireless gaming headsets work on both Xbox and PlayStation?

Only some do. Xbox needs its own wireless support, so check the maker's platform list. The Stealth 700 Gen 3 uses two USB transmitters to cover both, and the Arctis Nova Elite lists both through its dock.

What does simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth mean?

The headset receives game audio from the 2.4GHz dongle and phone or music audio over Bluetooth at the same time, so you can take a call without leaving the game.

Why do gaming headsets use a 2.4GHz dongle instead of just Bluetooth?

Makers use the dongle as the low-latency link for game audio and keep Bluetooth for phones and other devices. That is why most picks here include both.

Will I get the full rated battery life?

Not always. Battery ratings are measured under set conditions, such as 50% volume for the Corsair HS35 v3. Higher volume, ANC and lighting features can shorten real battery life.

Do I need a headset licensed for Nintendo Switch 2?

No, other headsets list Switch support too, such as the Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 and HS35 v3. A licensed model like the Stealth 500 is made for the console from the start.

Published November 9, 2026 Last updated November 9, 2026

7 Best Wireless Gaming Headsets in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds in 2026

Technobezz — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:27:33 GMT

Good noise cancelling earbuds make a commute, a flight, or an open office far easier to live with. The right pair depends on the phone you carry, how long you listen between charges, and whether you need them for calls, workouts, or both.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are the best overall pick. They combine passive and active noise reduction, Bluetooth multipoint, a wireless charging case, and nine eartip and stability band combinations, and the Bose app is available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store.

This page is for US buyers who want strong noise cancelling in a compact earbud. The other picks cover iPhone owners, frequent callers, people who train hard, and shoppers on a budget.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)	Passive and active noise reduction, multipoint, and a wireless charging case
Best for iPhone	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Up to 8 hours with ANC, IP57 rating, and deep iPhone features
Best for calls	Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro	8 mics, 2 VPUs, and connection to up to 3 devices
Best for workouts	Beats Powerbeats Pro 2	Earhooks, heart rate sensors, and ANC in one sport design
Best budget	Soundcore P31i	Up to 52 dB adaptive ANC and long rated battery life

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for noise cancelling, battery life, water resistance, connectivity, and extra features, then matched each pair to a specific kind of buyer. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Noise Cancelling Earbuds right now

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) - Best overall

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are built around noise reduction. Bose says the earbuds "utilize both passive and active noise reduction technologies," with microphones inside and outside each earbud. Listening modes include Quiet, Aware, and Immersion, which pairs full noise cancellation with Bose Immersive Audio.

Battery life depends on the mode: up to 6 hours per charge, or up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio on. The case holds up to three more full charges and supports wireless charging. Bluetooth multipoint, an IPX4 rating, and nine combinations of S, M, and L eartips with stability bands round out the package, and the Bose app is available for both iPhone and Android.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Passive and active noise reduction
Quiet, Aware, and Immersion modes
Up to 6 hours per charge (up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio)
Case holds up to three more full charges
Wireless charging case
Bluetooth multipoint and IPX4 rating

Pros:

Noise cancelling is the core focus of the design
Multipoint makes switching between phone and laptop easier
Nine eartip and stability band combinations help with fit
Wireless charging case

Cons:

Up to 6 hours per charge is shorter than the AirPods Pro 3 and Powerbeats Pro 2 with ANC on
Battery drops to up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio on
IPX4 is a lower water rating than the IP57 on AirPods Pro 3
Full customization needs the Bose app

Who it is for: Buyers who want noise cancelling first and need earbuds that work well with either an iPhone or an Android phone.

Skip if: You need the longest time per charge or a higher water and dust rating for heavy outdoor use.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Best for iPhone

Apple rates the noise cancelling in AirPods Pro 3 at "Up to 2x more than AirPods Pro 2," and the Apple-designed H2 chip runs the audio features. Battery life depends on the mode: up to 8 hours per charge with Active Noise Cancellation, or up to 10 hours using the Hearing Aid feature in Transparency mode.

Apple adds features that go well beyond music. These include a heart rate sensor for workouts, Live Translation, an FDA-authorized Hearing Aid feature, and Hearing Protection. The earbuds carry an IP57 rating and come with five ear tip sizes, including XXS. The case charges over USB-C, MagSafe, or Qi and has a speaker for Find My. Many of these features depend on Apple devices.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Active Noise Cancellation rated up to 2x more than AirPods Pro 2
Up to 8 hours per charge with ANC (up to 10 hours with Hearing Aid in Transparency)
Apple H2 chip
Heart rate sensing for workouts
IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistance
Five ear tip sizes, including XXS

Pros:

Long rated battery life with ANC on
IP57 is the highest water and dust rating in this list
Hearing health features built in
Case charges by USB-C, MagSafe, or Qi and works with Find My

Cons:

Heart rate sensing needs an iPhone running iOS 26 or later
Live Translation needs compatible Apple devices with Apple Intelligence turned on and is limited to select languages and regions
Much of the feature set is lost on Android

Who it is for: iPhone owners who want strong noise cancelling plus health, hearing, and translation features in one pair.

Skip if: You use an Android phone, since several headline features need Apple devices.

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro - Best for calls

The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro is built for people who spend a lot of time on calls. Its voice pickup uses 8 mics, 2 VPUs, and an AI model running on the Anker Thus AI Chip. The same chip powers Adaptive ANC 4.0, which Soundcore rates as "100% more effective ANC than the previous flagship model."

The earbuds are rated for 6.5 hours with ANC on, or 28 hours with the case. They connect to up to 3 devices at once and support AAC, SBC, and LDAC. Other specs include 9.2mm wool-paper diaphragm drivers and an IP55 rating. The charging case has a 0.96-inch smart display that controls basic earbud functions and shows battery levels.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Adaptive ANC 4.0 with Anker Thus AI Chip
8 mics and 2 VPUs for calls
6.5 hours with ANC on, 28 hours with case
Connects to up to 3 devices
AAC, SBC, and LDAC support
0.96-inch smart display on the charging case

Pros:

8 mics and 2 VPUs for calls
Three-device connection suits phone, laptop, and tablet users
LDAC support for compatible Android phones
Case display shows battery levels at a glance

Cons:

6.5 hours per charge with ANC on is shorter than the AirPods Pro 3 and P31i
IP55 is below the IP57 rating on AirPods Pro 3
LDAC does not benefit iPhone users

Who it is for: Remote workers and frequent callers who want strong noise cancelling and switch between several devices.

Skip if: You mainly listen on an iPhone and care more about battery life than call features.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 - Best for workouts

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 combine noise cancelling with an earhook design meant for training. Beats calls its Active Noise Cancelling "the best adaptive noise cancelling we've ever developed," and the earbuds also have a Transparency mode. Each earbud has a voice accelerometer and three microphones, and the Apple H2 chip runs the audio features.

The earhooks are made with a nickel-titanium alloy. Heart rate sensors provide "real-time performance data during workouts" and work with both Apple and Android devices. Battery life depends on the mode: 8 hours with ANC or Transparency on (36 hours with the case), or 10 hours in Adaptive EQ mode (45 hours with the case). The case charges by USB-C or Qi wireless chargers.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency mode
Heart rate monitoring sensors
Nickel-titanium alloy reinforced earhooks
8 hours with ANC on (36 with the case); 10 hours in Adaptive EQ mode (45 with the case)
Apple H2 chip
IPX4 sweat and water resistance

Pros:

Earhooks are built to hold the earbuds in place during workouts
Heart rate sensing works with Apple and Android devices
Five ear tip sizes from XS to XL
USB-C and Qi wireless charging

Cons:

IPX4 is a lower rating than the IP57 on AirPods Pro 3
Earhooks make for a bulkier design than standard earbuds
Android users need the Beats app to unlock some features

Who it is for: Runners and gym users who want noise cancelling, a secure fit, and heart rate data in one pair.

Skip if: You want the smallest earbuds for everyday wear or sleep.

Soundcore P31i - Best budget

The Soundcore P31i is the affordable pick in this list. It still brings a serious noise cancelling spec: Soundcore says "Advanced ANC reduces noise by up to 52 dB." The adaptive system detects your surroundings and picks a noise cancelling level on its own. Six microphones and an AI noise reduction algorithm handle calls.

Battery life depends on whether ANC is on. The earbuds are rated for 10 hours with ANC off or 8 hours with it on, and 50 or 40 hours with the case. A 10-minute charge gives 3.5 hours of playback. The P31i also has 11 mm titanium-coated drivers, Hi-Res sound with LDAC, spatial audio modes (Soundcore notes LDAC turns spatial audio off), AI translation for over 100 languages, dual connections, and an IP55 rating.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Adaptive ANC up to 52 dB
10 hours ANC off or 8 hours ANC on, 50 or 40 hours with case
10-minute charge gives 3.5 hours
Hi-Res sound with LDAC
Real-time AI translation for over 100 languages
IP55 water and dust resistance

Pros:

Long rated battery life for a budget pair
Adaptive ANC adjusts to the surroundings automatically
Fast charging helps when you are short on time
Feature list includes LDAC, spatial audio, and translation

Cons:

Battery figures come from Soundcore's internal lab testing, and actual results may vary
Dual connections cover two devices, compared with three on the Liberty 5 Pro
IP55 is below the IP57 rating on AirPods Pro 3

Who it is for: Budget-minded buyers who want adaptive noise cancelling and long battery life without paying flagship money.

Skip if: You want the deepest integration with an iPhone or the most advanced call hardware.

How to choose

Match the earbuds to your phone. Some features, such as heart rate sensing and Live Translation on AirPods Pro 3, need Apple devices, while LDAC support only helps on compatible Android phones.
Check battery life with ANC on. Makers often list higher figures with noise cancelling off, so compare the ANC-on numbers for a fair picture.
Look at the water and dust rating. IPX4 covers sweat and splashes, while IP55 and IP57 add dust protection, and IP57 adds stronger water resistance.
Think about how many devices you use. Multipoint lets earbuds stay connected to more than one device, which helps if you move between a phone and a laptop all day.
Consider fit and design. Earhooks suit workouts, while standard earbuds with several tip sizes are smaller for everyday wear.

FAQ

Does noise cancelling reduce battery life?

Usually, yes. The Soundcore P31i, for example, is rated for 10 hours with ANC off and 8 hours with ANC on, so check both figures when comparing models.

Can I use AirPods Pro 3 with an Android phone?

They connect over Bluetooth, but several features need Apple devices. Apple says heart rate sensing requires an iPhone running iOS 26 or later, and Live Translation needs compatible Apple devices with Apple Intelligence turned on.

What do IP ratings like IPX4 and IP57 mean?

The first digit covers dust and the second covers water. An X means the product was not rated for dust. Higher numbers mean more protection, so IP57 offers more than IP55, and both offer more dust protection than IPX4.

What is LDAC and do I need it?

LDAC is a Bluetooth codec that can carry more audio data than standard codecs. It works with many Android phones but not with iPhones, so it only matters if your phone supports it.

What is multipoint connection?

Multipoint lets earbuds stay connected to more than one device at a time. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) support multipoint, and the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro can connect to up to 3 devices.

Published November 9, 2026 Last updated November 9, 2026

5 Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

Meta Launches Muse Ember With a 1M-Token Context Window

Paige Roberts — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 18:22:45 GMT

Meta has launched Muse Ember, an AI model with a 1M-token context window aimed at repeated coding, document processing and tool tasks. Available today through Muse Code and Meta Model API, it costs $0.10 per million input tokens and $0.50 per million output tokens. Meta describes it as the smallest model in its lineup and says it is designed for the many individual steps that agents perform during larger jobs.

Cached input costs $0.004 per million tokens, and the model can produce up to 512K output tokens. Developers can access it as muse-ember-1.0, with support for the Responses API. Meta says the context capacity lets developers submit an entire codebase or a collection of documents in one request.

Muse Ember accepts video, audio, images and text, which Meta says lets agents handle material such as meeting recordings, scanned pages and screenshots without switching to another model. The company also says it can control a computer using screenshots and identify small visual details. For business workflows, Meta describes agents retrieving records, making successive tool calls and changing information across applications.

Meta positions Muse Ember below Muse Wonder in its division of work: Muse Wonder can plan difficult jobs while Muse Ember executes the repeated steps. Coding uses include examining files, executing tests and applying focused changes. Muse Ember is also the first model trained using Muse Wonder Full, according to Meta.

Meta says Muse Ember matches the strongest Claude Haiku 5.5 score at roughly one-third of the cost and gives more intelligence for the price than GPT-6 Luna at every reasoning setting in its comparison. Those comparisons use Artificial Analysis intelligence scores and task costs, with Muse Ember costs estimated using proposed pricing. The company puts Muse Ember's cost at about $0.14 for each Artificial Analysis task, a separate measure from its token rates.

The launch follows Meta's move to bring Active Memory and Active Focus to specialized models serving Muse and Meta AI. For that earlier update, Meta reported a 67% gain in Muse's completion of everyday tasks involving unexpected obstacles, without specifying a rollout schedule.

Meta says its pre-release assessments placed Muse Ember below the high-risk thresholds in its Meta Superintelligence Scaling Framework for the categories tested. It also tested whether the model follows user intent, protect sensitive information, resist hidden instructions in external material and request human input before consequential actions.

Meta Launches Muse Ember With a 1M-Token Context Window - Originally published on Technobezz

YouTube to Rejoin U.S. Billboard Charts After Methodology Change

Felecia Smith — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 18:20:14 GMT

YouTube will rejoin the U.S. Billboard charts in 2027, bringing its music consumption data back into the rankings after withdrawing over how different types of streams were counted. YouTube announced the planned return today, November 9, but has not specified a date within 2027 for its data to become part of the charts again. The company credits changes to Billboard’s methodology for its decision to resume participation after the dispute that prompted its earlier withdrawal from the U.S. rankings.

YouTube says the revised approach better represents music listening across services supported by subscriptions and those supported by advertising, the distinction at the center of its objections. The company had asked for subscription-based and ad-supported streams to be counted equally when Billboard calculated the charts using music consumption data from those services. YouTube’s stated reason for returning is better representation of both forms of listening, a narrower claim than the equal treatment it sought when it withdrew.

The withdrawal was originally announced on December 17, 2025, when YouTube set out its decision to stop supplying data for Billboard’s calculations after a lengthy relationship. At that time, YouTube said its deliveries of data to Billboard would cease after January 16, 2026, setting a cutoff for its contribution to the rankings. The withdrawal also took YouTube data out of Billboard’s chart calculations.

YouTube described its relationship with Billboard before that break as a decade-long partnership. The company said extensive discussions preceded its decision to withdraw, placing those talks before the public announcement of the split in December 2025. Its criticism focused on an earlier methodology that, in YouTube’s view, gave subscription-supported streams more favorable treatment than listening supported by advertising.

In explaining its original position, YouTube attributed 84% of U.S. recorded music revenue to streaming. During the withdrawal, YouTube directed listeners seeking music rankings to the company’s own charts.

YouTube to Rejoin U.S. Billboard Charts After Methodology Change - Originally published on Technobezz

FragPunk Adds Farlands Delivery Adventure in Global Early Access

Luka Berger — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 18:19:14 GMT

FragPunk has added Farlands, a permanent delivery-focused PvPvE adventure now in global early access for PC and consoles. The shared, persistent world supports dozens of players. FragPunk is free to play on Xbox, according to the Xbox Wire announcement.

Farlands sends players out on delivery jobs that combine hauling cargo, collecting resources and fighting. Cargo weight, environmental changes and meetings with other players can alter a run’s outcome. Completing deliveries supplies resources that players can put toward better personal equipment and base development.

Servers run in five-day cycles, and their in-game clocks keep moving. Players can revisit the same server for orders, resource collection and combat. Fighting enemies helps change faction levels, which in turn affect how many hostile forces appear, where they are located and how strong they are.

Clearing an outpost does not guarantee lasting safety. Enemies can return over time with greater strength, while defeating tougher opponents can yield rarer resources. Heat, cold and rain also make health drain faster and influence cargo transport, adding environmental pressures to delivery planning.

Global voice chat and emotes let players communicate while fighting or delivering. Those interactions can produce temporary cargo escorts, but an apparent ally can later attack and take the loot.

Equipment pieces directly affect character stats, and the announcement recommends matching gear sets to improve performance. Hub NPCs offer equipment upgrades as server conditions become more dangerous. Improving a base opens more advanced crafting, character skill trees and extra cargo storage. Scavenging can also uncover blueprints, while vehicles form another part of the mode’s progression options.

FragPunk Adds Farlands Delivery Adventure in Global Early Access - Originally published on Technobezz

HARMAN Launches Drops for Music Discovery in 10 to 30-Second Clips

Paige Roberts — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 18:17:22 GMT

HARMAN has launched Drops, a music discovery platform where listeners explore songs through clips lasting 10 to 30 seconds, shared by friends and music tastemakers. Drops is available in the U.S. on iOS and Android, and HARMAN says it connects those short discoveries with full songs through a streaming provider. The company positions the platform as a companion to listeners’ existing streaming services.

Each shared clip, called a Drop, combines a passage of music with a personal caption and accompanying material such as lyrics or album art. Licensed images of artists also form part of the experience, pairing the audio excerpt with visual information about the music. HARMAN says the selected passage can draw attention to a lyric, hook or beat, while the caption lets the person sharing it explain their choice.

Listeners can browse recommendations from friends alongside those from tastemakers, with personal taste guiding the stream of shared clips. HARMAN says this approach is intended to help users encounter emerging artists as well as find songs that appeal to them. Clare Hunter, General Manager, Drops, HARMAN, describes trusted personal recommendations as central to the company’s approach to music discovery.

For songs listeners want to return to, Drops offers collections that hold clips found through the platform. Users can save a discovery into one of those collections, building a personal library of excerpts to revisit and explore later.

Music businesses supporting Drops include UnitedMasters and Universal Music Group, alongside other labels and distributors. The broader group also includes music publishers, PROs and providers of music data, with MusicBrainz and LyricFind among the named participants.

Andrew Migdail, VP, Distribution & Sync Operations, UnitedMasters, says the partnership gives its community of independent artists another discovery opportunity. Jorge Brea, Founder and CEO of Symphonic Distribution, says personal recommendations can help emerging artists reach listeners through their music.

HARMAN Launches Drops for Music Discovery in 10 to 30-Second Clips - Originally published on Technobezz

Venmo Adds Receipt Scanning to Split Bills by Item

Elizabeth Kartini — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 16:04:42 GMT

Venmo is rolling out receipt scanning that lets people divide a bill according to what each person ordered, with tax and tip calculated for each share. Users can photograph a receipt, assign its items to people in the group and send requests for their payments within Venmo. The rollout is underway today, with broader availability expected over the coming weeks, according to PayPal.

The feature helps turn a receipt into individual charges, giving the person who paid a way to collect different amounts from friends after a meal. Venmo says people can complete the process inside its app and that the feature works across mobile devices used by members of the group.

Venmo commissioned research into how young adults handle those shared payments, surveying 5,000 U.S. adults ages 18 to 22. In that group, 40% said they typically make the initial payment and then collect money from the others. The research covered both restaurant meals and food delivery when asking respondents how they divide costs.

Paying according to individual orders was the approach cited by 20% of respondents, compared with 15% who said they split the total equally. Another 11% said one person pays and subsequently requests money, while 12% described alternating payments or having different people pay for different portions. Morning Consult conducted the online survey from July 29 through July 31, 2026, and the full sample had a margin of error of one percentage point in either direction.

For expenses that extend beyond an individual meal, Venmo also offers Venmo Groups, which tracks costs shared among multiple people. Its uses include trips and bachelorette parties, alongside recurring costs such as rent and groceries for roommates and monthly household bills for partners. Participants can follow their shared expenses over time and pay their portions when settling up.

Receipt scanning joins Venmo’s new app, which the company says is intended to make its services easier to find and use. Other functions include scheduling rent payments each month and collecting rewards through Venmo Stash.

Venmo Adds Receipt Scanning to Split Bills by Item - Originally published on Technobezz

7 Best Corsair Keyboards in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:25:48 GMT

Corsair sells keyboards for very different desks, from a spill-resistant membrane board for a dorm room to a machined aluminum Hall Effect board built for modding. The useful question is not which one has the longest spec sheet, but which layout, switch type, and extra controls fit the way you play and work.

The Corsair Vanguard PRO 96 Hall Effect is the best overall pick. It pairs adjustable MGX Hyperdrive magnetic switches and 8,000Hz polling with a 1.9-inch color screen, six G-keys, a rotary dial, and Elgato Virtual Stream Deck integration in a 96% layout.

This page is for US PC gamers, streamers, and everyday typists who already like Corsair or use its software. The other picks cover value, streaming, wireless play, competitive shooters, enthusiast builds, and a low-cost first gaming keyboard.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Corsair Vanguard PRO 96 Hall Effect	Adjustable magnetic switches, 8,000Hz polling, LCD screen, and G-keys
Best value	Corsair K70 CORE RGB	Full-size mechanical board with pre-lubricated linear switches and a media dial
Best for streamers	Corsair Galleon 100 SD	Built-in Stream Deck controls with 12 LCD keys, two dials, and a screen
Best wireless	Corsair K65 Plus Wireless 75%	2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and wired modes with hot-swappable switches
Best for competitive FPS	Corsair Clipper PRO Mini 60 Hall Effect	Compact 60% Hall Effect board with Rapid Trigger and IP57 protection
Best for enthusiasts	Corsair MAKR PRO 75 Hall Effect	Machined aluminum, gasket mounting, and a toolkit for customizing
Best budget	Corsair Skiff 100	Quiet membrane keys, IP53 spill resistance, and dedicated media controls

How we chose

We compared the specifications Corsair publishes for each keyboard, including layout, switch type, connection options, polling rate, build, and extra controls. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon. Each keyboard fills a different slot based on those specifications.

The best Corsair keyboards right now

Corsair Vanguard PRO 96 Hall Effect - Best overall

The Vanguard PRO 96 Hall Effect brings together more of Corsair's keyboard features than any other pick here. It uses CORSAIR MGX Hyperdrive magnetic switches with actuation adjustable from 0.1mm to 4.0mm, plus Rapid Trigger, FlashTap SOCD, and 8,000Hz polling, all in a 96% layout.

The extras are what set it apart from a plain gaming board. Corsair adds a 1.9-inch, 320 x 170 IPS color screen, six dedicated programmable G-keys, a multi-function rotary dial, and Elgato Virtual Stream Deck integration. Double-shot PBT keycaps, quad-layer sound dampening, a magnetic palm rest with a memory foam cushion, and a detachable braided USB Type-C cable round it out. Corsair lists it as compatible with PC, Mac, or Xbox One.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

CORSAIR MGX Hyperdrive magnetic Hall Effect switches
0.1mm to 4.0mm adjustable actuation with Rapid Trigger
8,000Hz polling and FlashTap SOCD
1.9-inch 320 x 170 IPS color screen
Six programmable G-keys and a multi-function rotary dial
Double-shot PBT keycaps and quad-layer sound dampening
8MB onboard memory with five profiles

Pros:

Hall Effect tuning, screen, macro keys, and dial in one board
96% layout keeps more keys than the 75% and 60% picks
Magnetic palm rest with memory foam is included
Configured through the browser-based CORSAIR Web Hub, with no install needed

Cons:

Wired only, with no wireless mode
Corsair recommends 0.3mm to 3.6mm for best accuracy, narrower than the full actuation range
A premium choice for anyone who does not need the screen or G-keys

Who it is for: Gamers who want adjustable magnetic switches plus macro keys, a screen, and Stream Deck shortcuts without moving up to a full-size board.

Skip if: You want wireless play or only need a simple keyboard for typing.

Corsair K70 CORE RGB - Best value

The K70 CORE RGB is the straightforward full-size mechanical pick. It uses pre-lubricated CORSAIR MLX Red v2 linear switches, ABS double-shot keycaps, an aluminum top plate, and two layers of sound dampening foam, so the basics are covered without paying for screens or magnetic switches.

A multi-function media dial adjusts volume, zoom, scrolling, and more, and FlashTap SOCD lets you choose whether the first, last, or neither input wins when two opposing movement keys are pressed. In iCUE you can set per-key RGB, program macros, and remap keys, with up to five profiles saved on the board. Corsair offers this model with or without a detachable magnetic palm rest, so check which version the listing includes.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Full-size layout
Pre-lubricated CORSAIR MLX Red v2 linear switches
ABS double-shot keycaps
Aluminum top plate
Two layers of sound dampening foam
Multi-function media dial
FlashTap SOCD and 1,000Hz polling

Pros:

Full number pad and media dial for work and play
Linear switches arrive pre-lubricated
Five onboard profiles
Sensible step into Corsair mechanical keyboards

Cons:

1,000Hz polling, below the 8,000Hz picks on this list
ABS keycaps rather than PBT
Hot-swappable switches are not listed in Corsair's specifications
Palm rest depends on the configuration

Who it is for: Buyers who want a full-size Corsair mechanical keyboard with the essentials and no extra hardware they will not use.

Skip if: You want to swap switches, use PBT keycaps, or need adjustable actuation.

Corsair Galleon 100 SD - Best for streamers

The Galleon 100 SD builds a Stream Deck interface into a full-size mechanical keyboard. Its 12 LCD keys can trigger commands with a press, double-press, or press-and-hold, and they double as small displays that accept custom icons. Two encoders and a customizable screen showing items such as music and mic levels sit alongside them, set up through the Elgato Stream Deck app and CORSAIR Web Hub.

The typing side is just as serious. Corsair uses pre-lubed MLX Pulse linear switches that are hot-swappable with compatible 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, plus gasket mounting, 6-layer sound dampening, shine-through PBT keycaps, 8,000Hz polling, and FlashTap SOCD. A USB 2.0 Type-A passthrough and a magnetic palm rest with a memory foam cushion are also part of the package.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Built-in Stream Deck interface
12 LCD keys, dual encoders, and a customizable screen
Pre-lubed MLX Pulse linear switches with hot-swap support
Gasket mounting and 6-layer sound dampening
8,000Hz polling and FlashTap SOCD
USB 2.0 Type-A passthrough

Pros:

Replaces a separate stream controller on the desk
Hot-swap support for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
Full-size layout with a number pad
PC or Mac compatibility listed by Corsair

Cons:

Full-size layout plus the Stream Deck section needs a lot of desk space
Ships with linear switches, so tactile fans would need to buy and swap in their own
Premium choice if you would not use the LCD keys

Who it is for: Streamers and creators who want scene controls, mic levels, and shortcuts built into the keyboard they already type on.

Skip if: You have a small desk or do not stream or use shortcut keys.

Corsair K65 Plus Wireless 75% - Best wireless

The K65 Plus Wireless is the pick for a cable-free desk. It connects three ways, over 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth with AES encryption for switching between devices, or a USB wired connection. Corsair rates the battery at up to 266 hours between charges, a figure measured with 2.4GHz and RGB off, so real runtime depends on lighting.

The 75% layout keeps the arrow keys while dropping the number pad. Inside are pre-lubed CORSAIR MLX Red linear switches on a hot-swappable PCB, a top-mount plate, PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizers, and two layers of integrated sound dampening. PBT dye-sublimated keycaps and a multi-function dial that is programmable in iCUE complete the package.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

75% layout
2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB wired
Up to 266 hours of battery life (2.4GHz, RGB off)
Pre-lubed CORSAIR MLX Red linear switches
Hot-swappable switches
PBT dye-sublimated keycaps
Programmable multi-function dial

Pros:

Three connection modes, including Bluetooth for multiple devices
Hot-swap support for modding
PBT keycaps described by Corsair as fade-resistant
Compact footprint that still keeps arrow keys

Cons:

Rated battery life assumes RGB is off
1,000Hz polling rate
No number pad
Corsair sells separate Mac and PC editions in other colors, and Mac support is not stated for this one

Who it is for: Players and typists who want a compact wireless mechanical keyboard they can move between a gaming PC and other devices.

Skip if: You need a number pad or Hall Effect switches.

Corsair Clipper PRO Mini 60 Hall Effect - Best for competitive FPS

The Clipper PRO Mini 60 Hall Effect is built for players who want maximum mouse room. Its 60% layout measures 294 x 103 x 31 mm and weighs 414 g, and it uses CORSAIR MGX Hyperdrive Core magnetic switches with actuation adjustable from 0.2mm to 3.8mm in 0.1mm steps.

Corsair adds Rapid Trigger, Multi-Action, Smart Tap, Tap Lock, and FlashTap SOCD, plus a report rate of up to 8,000Hz. It is also IP57 rated, which Corsair describes as dust resistant and able to handle water submersion up to 1m for 30 minutes. A detachable braided USB Type-C to Type-A cable connects it to PC, Mac, or Xbox One.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

60% layout
CORSAIR MGX Hyperdrive Core magnetic switches
0.2mm to 3.8mm actuation with 0.1mm sensitivity
Rapid Trigger, Multi-Action, Smart Tap, and Tap Lock
Up to 8,000Hz report rate and FlashTap SOCD
IP57 water and dust resistance
100 million keystroke switch lifespan

Pros:

Small footprint leaves more room for low-sensitivity mouse play
Deep set of Hall Effect key behaviors
IP57 rating is the strongest protection on this list
Detachable cable suits travel

Cons:

A 60% layout has no dedicated arrow keys, function row, or number pad
Corsair's page does not list the keycap material or hot-swap support
Narrower actuation range than the Vanguard PRO 96

Who it is for: Competitive shooter players who want adjustable magnetic switches in the smallest board here.

Skip if: You use arrow keys, function keys, or a number pad often.

Corsair MAKR PRO 75 Hall Effect - Best for enthusiasts

The MAKR PRO 75 Hall Effect is Corsair's DIY-style board for people who like to tinker. It combines a 75% layout with a machined 100% aluminum build, a rigid FR4 switch plate, gasket mounting, screw-in stabilizers, and 8-layer sound dampening.

It ships with pre-installed CORSAIR MGX Hyperdrive switches with Rapid Trigger, and Corsair says you can hot-swap in compatible magnetic switches. Polling reaches 8,000Hz with AXON while wired, FlashTap SOCD handles opposing inputs, and a rotary dial controls volume, tracks, and other custom functions. Corsair also offers a Wireless Module for this keyboard. The box includes a braided USB Type-C cable, a 2-in-1 switch and keycap puller, a screwdriver, an L-shaped hex wrench, and replacement screws.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

75% layout with a machined 100% aluminum build
Pre-installed CORSAIR MGX Hyperdrive switches with Rapid Trigger
Hot-swap support for compatible magnetic switches
FR4 switch plate, gasket mounting, and 8-layer sound dampening
Up to 8,000Hz with AXON while wired
Rotary dial, full key rollover, and 8MB onboard memory

Pros:

Aluminum case and gasket mount aimed at typing feel
Tools for opening and modding are in the box
Hall Effect switches can be swapped
Adjustable height and PC or Mac compatibility

Cons:

8,000Hz polling applies only while wired
Wireless needs the optional Wireless Module
Corsair's page does not detail the keycaps that ship with it

Who it is for: Keyboard hobbyists who want a premium aluminum Hall Effect board they can open up and customize.

Skip if: You want a sealed, plug-in keyboard and have no interest in modding.

Corsair Skiff 100 - Best budget

The Skiff 100 is the low-cost way into a Corsair gaming keyboard. It uses rubber dome membrane keys across a 104-key layout, which Corsair pitches as quiet enough not to disturb others, and it carries an IP53 rating against everyday dust and light water spray from accidental splashes.

A rotary dial and dedicated hotkeys handle volume, track skipping, pause, and mute. Lighting is 10-zone RGB, adjustable in the browser-based CORSAIR Web Hub, with iCUE support promised by Corsair. It also has a detachable wrist rest with a soft-touch rubber surface, adjustable height, onboard memory, a WIN lock, and a wired USB 2.0 Type-A connection with 1,000Hz polling.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

104-key full layout
Rubber dome membrane keys
IP53 spill and dust resistance
Rotary dial and dedicated media hotkeys
10-zone RGB lighting
Detachable wrist rest

Pros:

Quiet keys for shared rooms
Spill resistance suits dorms and busy desks
Wrist rest and media controls included
Works with Windows 10 or macOS 10.15

Cons:

Membrane keys, not mechanical switches
10-zone RGB rather than per-key lighting
12-key selective rollover rather than full key rollover

Who it is for: Students and first-time buyers who want a quiet, spill-resistant Corsair keyboard with media controls on a budget.

Skip if: You want the feel of mechanical or Hall Effect switches.

How to choose

Pick the layout first. Full-size boards such as the K70 CORE RGB keep a number pad, 96% boards squeeze most keys into less width, 75% boards drop the number pad, and 60% boards also lose dedicated arrow and function keys.
Decide between Hall Effect and mechanical switches. Corsair's MGX magnetic switches allow adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger, while MLX mechanical switches have a fixed actuation point.
Check the polling rate. The Vanguard PRO 96, Galleon 100 SD, Clipper PRO Mini 60, and MAKR PRO 75 list up to 8,000Hz, while the K70 CORE RGB, K65 Plus Wireless, and Skiff 100 list 1,000Hz.
Be honest about wireless. Only the K65 Plus Wireless here is wireless out of the box. The MAKR PRO 75 needs its optional Wireless Module, and the rest are wired.
Pay only for extras you will use. LCD keys, screens, G-keys, and Stream Deck integration add value for streamers and macro users, but not for someone who mainly types.
Look at protection and noise. The Clipper PRO Mini 60 is IP57 rated and the Skiff 100 is IP53 rated, while boards with multi-layer sound dampening aim for quieter, cleaner typing sound.

FAQ

What is the difference between Corsair's MGX and MLX switches?

MGX switches are magnetic Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger, found here on the Vanguard PRO 96, Clipper PRO Mini 60, and MAKR PRO 75. MLX switches are mechanical, with fixed actuation, and appear on the K70 CORE RGB, Galleon 100 SD, and K65 Plus Wireless.

What does FlashTap SOCD do?

When two opposing movement keys are pressed at once, FlashTap lets you choose whether the first input, the last input, or neither one takes priority.

Which Corsair keyboard on this list is wireless?

The K65 Plus Wireless connects over 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, or a USB cable. The MAKR PRO 75 can go wireless with Corsair's optional Wireless Module, but its 8,000Hz rate applies only while wired.

Is a membrane keyboard like the Skiff 100 good for gaming?

It covers the basics with 1,000Hz polling, media controls, RGB, and spill resistance, and its membrane keys are designed to be quiet. Players who want adjustable actuation or swappable switches should look at the mechanical or Hall Effect picks instead.

Which software do these keyboards use?

The Vanguard PRO 96, Clipper PRO Mini 60, and MAKR PRO 75 use the browser-based CORSAIR Web Hub, the Galleon 100 SD pairs Web Hub with the Elgato Stream Deck app, the K70 CORE RGB and K65 Plus Wireless use iCUE, and the Skiff 100 uses Web Hub, with iCUE support promised by Corsair.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

7 Best Corsair Keyboards in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Soundcore Headphones in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:25:25 GMT

Soundcore sells over-ear headphones at many levels, and on paper the models can look alike. The real differences are in battery life with noise cancelling on, codec support, call microphones, Bluetooth version, and how easily a pair packs into a bag.

The Soundcore Space 2 is the best overall pick. Soundcore rates it for up to 50 hours with ANC on, and it adds Bluetooth 6.1 with two-device connection, LDAC for wireless listening, and a sensor that detects when you are wearing it. It is the most balanced choice here for commuting, flights, and everyday listening.

This page is for US buyers who already like Soundcore and want to know which model fits them. The other picks cover call clarity, travel, maximum battery life, value, and a budget option for noise cancelling.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Soundcore Space 2	50 hours with ANC on, LDAC, and Bluetooth 6.1 multipoint
Best for calls	Soundcore Space 2 Pro	Thus AI chip and a 6-mic call array
Best for travel	Soundcore Space One Pro	Folds to half its size, with 6-mic adaptive ANC
Best battery life	Soundcore Q31i	Up to 80 hours with ANC off and 50 hours with it on
Best value	Soundcore Space One	Adaptive ANC, LDAC, and 5 transparency levels
Best budget	Soundcore Q20i	Hybrid ANC, multipoint, and the lightest build here

How we chose

We compared Soundcore's published specifications for its over-ear headphones, looking at noise cancelling, battery life with ANC on and off, codecs, Bluetooth and multipoint support, call microphones, and weight. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon. Each model earns its slot by matching a specific kind of listener.

The best Soundcore headphones right now

Soundcore Space 2 - Best overall

The Space 2 covers the most ground of any pick here. Soundcore rates it for up to 50 hours with ANC on or 70 hours with ANC off, and Bluetooth 6.1 lets it switch between two connected devices. It supports LDAC in wireless mode and Hi-Res Audio in wired mode, so it suits both phone listening and a cable at a desk.

Noise cancelling is Adaptive ANC 3.0, with a -37 dB cancellation depth figure that Soundcore measured in its own lab. A visible sensor inside the ear cup detects when the headphones are on, and the app adds Nap Mode soundscapes, EQ settings, and real-time translation. At 264 g, it sits in the middle of this group for weight.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 50 hours with ANC on, 70 hours with ANC off (varies by ANC mode)
Adaptive ANC 3.0 with -37 dB depth (maker lab figure)
40mm double-layer diaphragm drivers
LDAC wireless, Hi-Res Audio wired
Bluetooth 6.1 with two-device connection
5-minute charge for 4 hours of listening
Wear detection sensor and Nap Mode
264 g

Pros:

Long listening time with noise cancelling on
Bluetooth 6.1 and multipoint for phone and laptop use
LDAC support plus wired Hi-Res listening
Wear detection and app features add everyday convenience

Cons:

Uses 3 call mics with AI enhancement, a simpler call setup than the Space 2 Pro
A 5-minute charge gives 4 hours, half the quick-charge figure of the Space 2 Pro and Space One Pro
Soundcore does not list a folding design

Who it is for: Listeners who want one pair for commuting, flights, and home listening, with long battery life and modern Bluetooth.

Skip if: Calls are your main use, or you need headphones that fold down small for a bag.

Soundcore Space 2 Pro - Best for calls

The Space 2 Pro is the pick for people who spend a lot of the day on calls. Soundcore uses its Thus AI chip with a 6-microphone array for calls, and lists 8-microphone omnidirectional capture with 384K processing and Adaptive ANC 3.0. The maker rates talk time at 20 hours on a single charge.

Listening time is up to 60 hours, but that drops to 30 hours with ANC on, the lowest ANC figure in this list. It uses Bluetooth 6.1 with multipoint, supports LDAC on Android, and has an aux input. The drivers are 35mm units with a dual-material diaphragm, the app includes HearID 5.0, and the headphones weigh 262 g.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Thus AI chip for call voice pickup
8-microphone capture with Adaptive ANC 3.0
Up to 60 hours of listening, 30 hours with ANC on (varies by ANC mode)
20 hours of talk time
Bluetooth 6.1 with multipoint
LDAC on Android
5-minute charge for about 8 hours
262 g

Pros:

Call hardware is the most extensive in this group
Bluetooth 6.1 and two-device connection
Quick charge adds about 8 hours from 5 minutes
App includes HearID 5.0

Cons:

30 hours with ANC on is the shortest ANC rating here
LDAC is listed for Android only
Soundcore does not list a folding design

Who it is for: Remote workers and commuters who take frequent calls and want strong noise cancelling at the same time.

Skip if: You mostly listen to music on long trips, where the Space 2 or Q31i offer more hours with ANC on.

Soundcore Space One Pro - Best for travel

The Space One Pro is the pick for packing light. Soundcore's FlexiCurve structure folds it down, and the maker says it cuts the headphones' size by 50%. Battery life is rated at 40 hours with ANC and 60 hours without, and a 5-minute charge gives 8 hours of playback.

Adaptive ANC 3.0 uses 6 microphones in total, with 4 mics carrying AI enhancement for calls. The 40mm drivers use triple composite diaphragms, and there is LDAC support, though Soundcore notes that LDAC and the Dolby sound effect cannot be used at the same time. It connects over Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, and at 286.2 g it is the heaviest pick here.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

FlexiCurve folding design that halves its size
Up to 40 hours with ANC, 60 hours without (varies by ANC mode)
Adaptive ANC 3.0 with 6 microphones
40mm drivers with triple composite diaphragms
LDAC or Dolby sound effect, one at a time
Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint
5-minute charge for 8 hours
286.2 g

Pros:

Folds to half its size, per Soundcore
Strong quick-charge rating for travel days
Easy Chat lowers volume when you start talking
Aux input for in-flight entertainment systems

Cons:

Heaviest pick here at 286.2 g
Bluetooth 5.3 rather than the 6.x versions on the Space 2 models and Q31i
LDAC and the Dolby sound effect are mutually exclusive

Who it is for: Frequent flyers and commuters who need noise cancelling headphones that take up less room in a backpack.

Skip if: Weight on your head matters more than folded size, or you want the longest ANC battery rating.

Soundcore Q31i - Best battery life

The Q31i has the longest battery rating in this group. Soundcore lists up to 50 hours with ANC on or up to 80 hours with ANC off, and a 10-minute charge adds 10 hours. It uses Bluetooth 6.0 with two-device switching and is Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified, with LDAC.

Noise cancelling uses 4 microphones, and the app offers 5 adjustable ANC levels. The custom 40mm drivers use a silk-and-ceramic dual diaphragm. Soundcore shaped the oval earcups from more than 2,000 head-shape data points and gave them softer memory foam with 6 mm more ear room. It weighs 265 g, and the app adds HearID 5.0, 3D spatial audio, and Nap Mode.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 50 hours with ANC on, 80 hours with ANC off (varies by ANC mode)
10-minute charge for 10 hours
4-mic adaptive ANC with 5 adjustable levels
40mm silk-and-ceramic dual-diaphragm drivers
LDAC, Hi-Res wired and wireless
Bluetooth 6.0 with two-device connection
3 call mics with AI noise reduction
265 g

Pros:

Highest ANC-off battery rating in this list
ANC strength can be set to 5 levels
Bluetooth 6.0 and LDAC support, with dual-device connection off for LDAC per Soundcore
Earcups designed for extra ear room

Cons:

Quick charge needs 10 minutes, where several picks need 5
Soundcore lists only a black color
Soundcore does not list a folding design

Who it is for: Listeners who charge rarely and want long playtime with or without noise cancelling.

Skip if: You need a folding pair for travel or want the call-focused hardware of the Space 2 Pro.

Soundcore Space One - Best value

The Space One gives you most of the core Soundcore feature set without stepping up to the Space 2 line. Soundcore says its adaptive noise cancelling reduces noise by up to 98%, a figure from its own laboratory testing. Battery life is rated at 40 hours with ANC on and 55 hours with it off.

It supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC over Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, and uses 40mm dynamic drivers. Transparency mode has 5 adjustable levels, and there are 3 call mics with AI enhancement. A 3.5mm AUX cable works too, but Bluetooth is disabled in that mode. It weighs 265 g and charges over USB-C.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Adaptive ANC rated to reduce noise up to 98% (maker lab figure)
Up to 40 hours with ANC on, 55 hours off (varies by ANC mode)
SBC, AAC, and LDAC
Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint
5 adjustable transparency levels
40mm dynamic drivers
5-minute charge for 4 hours
265 g

Pros:

LDAC and adaptive ANC at a lower tier than the Space 2 models
Fine control over transparency mode
Multipoint for switching between phone and laptop
Travel pouch and AUX cable included

Cons:

55 hours with ANC off is the lowest ANC-off rating here
Bluetooth 5.3 rather than 6.x
Bluetooth turns off when the AUX cable is in use

Who it is for: Buyers who want adaptive ANC and LDAC from Soundcore without paying for the Space 2 line.

Skip if: You want the longest battery life or the Bluetooth 6.x connection on the Space 2 and Q31i.

Soundcore Q20i - Best budget

The Q20i is the entry point for Soundcore noise cancelling. Its hybrid ANC uses 2 internal and 2 external microphones, and Soundcore says it reduces up to 90% of noise such as planes and car engines. Battery life is rated at 40 hours with ANC on and 60 hours in normal mode, and a 5-minute charge adds 4 hours.

The 40mm dynamic drivers use Soundcore's BassUp tuning, and the app offers 22 EQ presets plus ANC, Normal, and Transparency modes. It connects to two devices at once over Bluetooth 5.0. Hi-Res support applies only through the AUX cable, and the maker page does not mention LDAC. At 246 g, it is the lightest pick here.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Hybrid ANC with 2 internal and 2 external mics
Up to 40 hours with ANC on, 60 hours in normal mode (varies by ANC mode)
40mm dynamic drivers with BassUp
Bluetooth 5.0 with two-device connection
Hi-Res certified audio via AUX cable
22 EQ presets in the app
5-minute charge for 4 hours
246 g

Pros:

Lightest headphones in this list
Multipoint at the budget tier
Bass-forward driver tuning for listeners who want it
Transparency mode included

Cons:

Bluetooth 5.0 is the oldest version here
No LDAC listed, and Hi-Res works only over the cable
Maker noise reduction claim of up to 90% is below the Space One's up-to-98% claim

Who it is for: Students and first-time ANC buyers who want light, long-lasting headphones with the basics covered.

Skip if: You want wireless LDAC, adaptive ANC, or newer Bluetooth.

How to choose

Compare battery life with ANC on. Soundcore lists two figures for each model, and the ANC-on number is the one that matters for flights and commutes. Here it ranges from 30 hours on the Space 2 Pro to 50 hours on the Space 2 and Q31i.
Match the codec to your phone. LDAC is mainly an Android feature, and iPhones do not support it. If you use an iPhone, LDAC should not drive your choice.
Pay for microphones only if you take calls. The Space 2 Pro's AI chip and 6-mic call array suit heavy call use. For mostly music, the Space 2 or Q31i give more ANC hours.
Think about how you carry them. The Space One Pro folds to half its size but is the heaviest at 286.2 g. The Q20i is the lightest at 246 g.
Check Bluetooth version and multipoint. All six picks connect to two devices at once. The Space 2 and Space 2 Pro use Bluetooth 6.1, the Q31i uses 6.0, and the Q20i uses 5.0.

FAQ

Which Soundcore headphones have the longest battery life?

The Q31i has the highest rating here, at up to 80 hours with ANC off. With ANC on, the Q31i and Space 2 share the top rating of 50 hours.

Do all Soundcore headphones support LDAC?

No. Five of these six picks list LDAC, but the Q20i page does not mention it. On the Space One Pro, LDAC cannot run at the same time as the Dolby sound effect, and on the Q31i Soundcore says dual-device connection must be off for LDAC.

Can these headphones connect to two devices at once?

Yes. Every pick on this list supports multipoint, so you can stay connected to a phone and a laptop together, though the Q31i drops it while LDAC is on.

Can I use Soundcore headphones with a cable?

Each pick lists an aux or 3.5mm input. On the Space One, Bluetooth turns off while the AUX cable is connected, and on the Q20i, Hi-Res certified audio works only over the cable.

Which Soundcore headphones are the lightest?

The Q20i is the lightest pick at 246 g. The Space One Pro is the heaviest at 286.2 g.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

6 Best Soundcore Headphones in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Asus Gaming Laptops in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:25:02 GMT

Asus makes gaming laptops for very different kinds of players, from heavy 18-inch machines built to stay on a desk to a 13.4-inch tablet with a detachable keyboard. This guide is for US buyers who already like Asus and want to match one of those designs to how and where they play.

The ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2026) is the best overall pick. The configuration listed here pairs an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU and an 18-inch 4K Mini LED display rated up to 240Hz, the strongest combination of graphics power and screen quality in this group.

The other picks cover a 300Hz 18-inch Strix for competitive play, the dual-screen Zephyrus Duo, the ROG Flow Z13 2-in-1, and the compact TUF Gaming A14.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2026)	RTX 5090 graphics, a 4K 240Hz Mini LED panel, and upgradeable memory
Best high-refresh 18-inch	ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2026)	A 300Hz 2.5K panel with RTX 5070 Ti and two Thunderbolt 5 ports
Best dual-screen	ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo (2026)	Two 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreens and a wireless keyboard
Best 2-in-1	ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025)	Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 in a 2.65 lb tablet with a detachable keyboard
Best 14-inch	ASUS TUF Gaming A14 (2026)	Ryzen AI Max+ 392, a 165Hz 2.5K screen, and MIL-STD-810H testing

How we chose

We compared the specifications Asus publishes on each US product and spec page, including processor, graphics, display, memory, storage, ports and weight, and matched each model to a specific kind of player. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Asus gaming laptops right now

ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2026) - Best overall

The ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2026) has the most powerful graphics in this group on paper. The G835LXG-DB96 configuration pairs a 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU carrying 24GB of GDDR7 memory, which Asus rates at up to 175W max TGP. Cooling uses an end-to-end vapor chamber, three fans, and Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU and GPU.

The 18-inch 4K 16:10 screen is a Mini LED panel, and Asus says "Our Mini LED technology delivers over 2000 dimming zones, 1600 nits of peak brightness." By default it runs at 120Hz in Standard, Eco and Optimized GPU modes, and reaches 240Hz only after Ultimate GPU mode is set in Armoury Crate. The cost of all this hardware is size: Asus lists this configuration at 3.73 kg (8.22 lbs).

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

18-inch 4K (3840 x 2400) 16:10 Mini LED display, up to 240Hz
Over 2,000 dimming zones and 1,600 nits peak brightness
Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, 24 cores, up to 5.5 GHz
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU with 24GB GDDR7
32GB DDR5-6400 and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD in this configuration
Two Thunderbolt 5 ports, 2.5G Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7

Pros:

The only RTX 5090 pick in this list
Two SO-DIMM slots, with Asus listing memory support up to 128GB
High-resolution Mini LED panel with high rated peak brightness
Two Thunderbolt 5 ports for fast external storage and displays

Cons:

At 8.22 lbs, it is the heaviest pick here
The display defaults to 120Hz; 240Hz needs Ultimate GPU mode
Only 1TB of storage in this configuration, while other configurations ship with more

Who it is for: Players who want the most graphics power Asus offers in a laptop and a large 4K screen, and who mostly game at a desk.

Skip if: You carry your laptop every day; the Flow Z13 and TUF Gaming A14 weigh a fraction as much.

ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2026) - Best high-refresh 18-inch

The ROG Strix G18 (2026) keeps the same Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus as the SCAR 18 configuration above, but the G815LR-DB96 model steps down to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU with 12GB of GDDR7. Its 18-inch 2.5K IPS-level anti-glare display is rated at 300Hz, the highest refresh rate in this list.

The display varies by configuration. The Strix G18 overview page describes a 240Hz Mini LED panel, but the spec sheet lists this model with the 300Hz IPS-level panel, which runs at 240Hz by default and needs Ultimate GPU mode for 300Hz. Memory is 32GB of DDR5-5600 with a 64GB maximum, and for storage Asus says "Q-Latch uses a simple, tool-less plastic hinge to securely retain your M.2 SSDs."

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

18-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) IPS-level anti-glare display, 300Hz, 100% DCI-P3
Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, 24 cores
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU with 12GB GDDR7
32GB DDR5-5600, 64GB maximum
1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD with tool-less Q-Latch access
Two Thunderbolt 5 ports, 2.5G Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7

Pros:

300Hz is the fastest rated refresh rate among these picks
Same processor as the SCAR 18 configuration in this list
Upgradeable memory and tool-less SSD access
At 7.05 lbs, lighter than the SCAR 18

Cons:

RTX 5070 Ti has 12GB of video memory, half the 24GB of the RTX 5090 in the SCAR 18
This configuration does not use the Mini LED panel shown on the overview page
Still a heavy laptop at 7.05 lbs

Who it is for: Competitive players who want a large, very high refresh rate screen and a top Intel processor without stepping up to an RTX 5090.

Skip if: You want Mini LED brightness or 4K resolution; the SCAR 18 configuration has both.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo (2026) - Best dual-screen

The ROG Zephyrus Duo (2026) has two 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreens, each rated at 120Hz with a 0.2ms response time. In Dual Screen Mode, Asus says "the Zephyrus Duo instantly doubles your screen real estate to over a 21-inch workspace." The page also lists Laptop, Sharing, Book and Tent modes, with Tent Mode aimed at couch co-op on one device.

The GX651AR-DB96 configuration uses an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU with 12GB of GDDR7, 32GB of LPDDR5X-8533 on board, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. Graphics vary by configuration, with other versions going up to an RTX 5090. The keyboard is a thin wireless unit, and Asus lists the weight at 2.82 kg (6.22 lbs).

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Two 16-inch 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED touchscreens
120Hz refresh rate and 0.2ms response time
Intel Core Ultra 9 386H
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU with 12GB GDDR7 in this configuration
32GB LPDDR5X-8533 and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1 and Wi-Fi 7

Pros:

Two full-size OLED screens for a game plus chat, guides or stream tools
Five usage modes, including Tent Mode for local co-op
Second M.2 slot for adding storage

Cons:

120Hz is well below the 240Hz to 300Hz panels on the Strix picks
Memory is on board and cannot be upgraded later
At 6.22 lbs, it is far heavier than the 3.26-lb TUF Gaming A14

Who it is for: Players who also create or multitask and want a second full-size screen without carrying a portable monitor.

Skip if: Fast competitive play is your priority; the 300Hz Strix G18 is the better fit.

ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) - Best 2-in-1

The ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is a 13.4-inch gaming tablet with a detachable keyboard cover and a kickstand that adjusts through 170 degrees. Asus sums it up as "Compact is the new impact," and lists the weight at 1.20 kg (2.65 lbs); Asus does not say whether that includes the keyboard cover.

Instead of a separate graphics card, it uses the 16-core AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 with integrated Radeon 8060S Graphics, sharing LPDDR5X-8000 memory between the processor and graphics. This configuration has 32GB of memory on board and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD in the smaller M.2 2230 size; memory varies by configuration, up to 128GB. The 2.5K touchscreen runs at 180Hz with 500 nits brightness and 100% DCI-P3 coverage, under Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

13.4-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) 180Hz touchscreen
AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395, 16 cores, up to 5.1GHz
AMD Radeon 8060S Graphics
32GB LPDDR5X-8000 on board in this configuration
1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD (M.2 2230)
Two USB4 ports, HDMI 2.1, microSD reader and Wi-Fi 7

Pros:

Tablet weighs 2.65 lbs, per Asus
Works as a tablet or a laptop with the detachable keyboard and kickstand
Wi-Fi 7 and two USB4 ports in a small body
Gorilla Glass Victus protects the touchscreen

Cons:

Integrated graphics rather than a discrete NVIDIA GPU
Memory is on board and cannot be upgraded
13.4-inch screen is the smallest here
70Wh battery is smaller than the 90Wh packs in the Strix and Duo picks

Who it is for: Players who travel and want one device for gaming, work and tablet use.

Skip if: You want maximum graphics power or a big screen; the Strix models are built for that.

ASUS TUF Gaming A14 (2026) - Best 14-inch

The TUF Gaming A14 (2026) puts a 12-core AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 with Radeon 8060S Graphics into a conventional 14-inch clamshell that Asus lists at 1.48 kg (3.26 lbs). Its 2.5K 165Hz IPS-level anti-glare display covers 100% sRGB, and the hinge opens flat to 180 degrees.

Asus says TUF Gaming laptops must pass a battery of MIL-STD-810H tests. The 73Wh battery supports "fast charging that reaches 50% in just 30 minutes," and two M.2 2280 slots allow up to 4TB of PCIe 4.0 storage. This configuration ships with 32GB of LPDDR5X and a 1TB SSD.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

14-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) 165Hz IPS-level display, 100% sRGB
AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392, 12 cores, 24 threads
AMD Radeon 8060S Graphics
32GB LPDDR5X and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD in this configuration
73Wh battery with fast charging
USB4, HDMI 2.1, two USB-A ports, microSD reader and Wi-Fi 6E

Pros:

MIL-STD-810H testing for a laptop that gets carried around
Two M.2 slots make storage easy to expand
Fast charging to 50% in 30 minutes
Full clamshell keyboard in a 3.26 lb body

Cons:

Wi-Fi 6E rather than the Wi-Fi 7 found on the other picks
100% sRGB color coverage, where the ROG picks list 100% DCI-P3
Integrated graphics rather than a discrete NVIDIA GPU

Who it is for: Students and commuters who want a durable, compact gaming laptop with a regular keyboard and plenty of ports.

Skip if: You want a discrete NVIDIA GPU or a detachable tablet design; the Strix models and the Flow Z13 cover those needs.

How to choose

Match the graphics to your games. The SCAR 18, Strix G18 and Zephyrus Duo use discrete NVIDIA RTX graphics, while the Flow Z13 and TUF Gaming A14 rely on AMD Radeon 8060S graphics built into the processor.
Check refresh rate and GPU mode together. Some Strix panels run below their rated refresh rate by default and only reach it after Ultimate GPU mode is set in Armoury Crate.
Be honest about portability. Weights in this list run from 2.65 lbs for the Flow Z13 to 8.22 lbs for the SCAR 18, so think about how often the laptop will leave your desk.
Look at upgrade paths. The Strix models use SO-DIMM memory slots, while the Zephyrus Duo and Flow Z13 have memory on board that is fixed at purchase.
Confirm the exact configuration. One model name can cover several GPUs, displays and memory sizes, so compare the model number on the listing with the Asus spec sheet before you buy.

FAQ

Do the Flow Z13 and TUF Gaming A14 have a separate graphics card?

No. Both use AMD Radeon 8060S Graphics built into their Ryzen AI Max processors, sharing LPDDR5X memory between the processor and graphics.

Why does my Strix display not run at its full refresh rate?

Asus lists the SCAR 18 at 120Hz and the 300Hz Strix G18 panel at 240Hz by default in Standard, Eco and Optimized GPU modes. Setting the GPU mode to Ultimate in Armoury Crate unlocks the full rated refresh rate.

Can I upgrade the memory in these Asus laptops?

The SCAR 18 and Strix G18 use SO-DIMM slots, so memory can be added later. The Zephyrus Duo and Flow Z13 have memory on board, so choose the capacity you need at purchase.

Which Asus gaming laptop here is the most portable?

Asus lists the Flow Z13 tablet at 2.65 lbs and the TUF Gaming A14 at 3.26 lbs. The 18-inch Strix models weigh more than 7 lbs.

Is the Zephyrus Duo a good choice for gaming or mainly for work?

It handles both. The configuration here has an RTX 5070 Ti, and its two 120Hz OLED screens suit players who want a game on one screen and other apps on the second, though the Strix models offer much higher refresh rates.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

5 Best Asus Gaming Laptops in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Bluetooth Keyboards in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:24:39 GMT

A good Bluetooth keyboard lets one set of keys move between a laptop, a tablet and a phone without a cable. The right one depends on how and where you type: backlit for a desk, slim for a bag, curved or split for comfort, or mechanical for deeper key travel.

The Logitech MX Keys S is our best overall pick. It connects over Bluetooth Low Energy or an included Logi Bolt USB receiver, switches between up to three devices, and has backlit keys that turn on as your hands approach and adjust to the room. It suits office and home users who want one keyboard for several computers.

This guide is for US shoppers choosing between everyday, mechanical, portable, ergonomic, split and gaming keyboards that connect over Bluetooth.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Logitech MX Keys S	Bluetooth or Bolt receiver, three-device switching and an adaptive backlight
Best mechanical	Logitech MX Mechanical	Low-profile mechanical switches in a full-size layout with a numpad
Best portable	Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s	Slim 415 g keyboard for tablets, phones and laptops
Best ergonomic	Logitech Wave Keys	Wave-shaped layout with a memory foam palm rest
Best split keyboard for Mac	Kinesis Freestyle2 Blue for Mac	Two halves that separate by up to 9 inches, with Mac hot keys
Best for gaming	Razer BlackWidow V4 Low Profile HyperSpeed	HyperSpeed, Bluetooth and wired modes with macro keys

How we chose

We compared the makers' published specifications for Bluetooth keyboards built for everyday desks, mechanical typing, travel, ergonomics, split layouts and gaming. Each pick fits a specific kind of buyer. We also checked that each one is sold new on Amazon.

The best Bluetooth keyboards right now

Logitech MX Keys S - Best overall

The Logitech MX Keys S connects over Bluetooth Low Energy or the Logi Bolt USB receiver that comes in the box, and Easy-Switch moves it between up to three devices with one key press. Its spherically-dished scissor keys have 1.8 mm of travel and a 60 g actuation force. The backlight turns on as your hands approach and brightens or fades to suit the room.

Battery life depends heavily on the backlight. Logitech rates the 1500 mAh battery at about 146 hours with the backlight at level 4 in a bright room, about 242 hours at level 2 in a darker room, and five months with the backlight off. Over Bluetooth it lists Windows 10, 11 or later, macOS 11 or later, Linux, ChromeOS, iPadOS 14 or later, iOS 14 or later and Android 9.0 or later. Smart Actions in the Logi Options+ app can chain several tasks to a single keystroke.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Bluetooth Low Energy and Logi Bolt USB receiver
Easy-Switch between up to 3 devices
Backlight that reacts to your hands and room light
1500 mAh rechargeable battery with a USB-C charging cable
Scissor keys with 1.8 mm travel
430.2 mm long, 20.5 mm high, 810 g

Pros:

Two wireless options in the box
Bluetooth support covers desktop, tablet and phone systems
Backlight adjusts on its own
Smart Actions automate repeated tasks
Made with recycled plastic

Cons:

About 6 to 10 days per charge with the backlight on, depending on lighting
Only basic functions work without software on systems other than Windows and macOS
1.8 mm of travel may feel shallow to typists who prefer deeper keys

Who it is for: People who want one backlit desk keyboard that moves between a work laptop, a home computer and a tablet.

Skip if: You want mechanical switches or a keyboard small enough to carry every day.

Logitech MX Mechanical - Best mechanical

The Logitech MX Mechanical puts low-profile mechanical switches into a full-size layout with an integrated numpad. It connects through Logi Bolt or Bluetooth Low Energy and switches between up to 3 devices. Logitech offers Tactile Quiet, Linear and Clicky switches. This listing is the Tactile Quiet version, and key feel and sound vary by configuration.

The switches have a 55 g actuation force, 1.3 mm actuation distance and 3.2 mm of total travel. The 1500 mAh lithium polymer battery is rated for 15 days with the backlight on and 10 months with it off, and it takes 4 hours to charge. Dedicated keys handle dictation, emoji, search and microphone mute. Logi Options+ adds backlighting effects, Fn key changes and app-specific profiles.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Tactile Quiet, Linear or Clicky switches (varies by configuration)
Full-size layout with integrated numpad
Logi Bolt and Bluetooth Low Energy
Easy-Switch between up to 3 devices
15 days with backlight, 10 months without
Logi Bolt receiver and USB-C to A cable in the box

Pros:

3.2 mm of travel, deeper than the 1.8 mm on the MX Keys S
Receiver included alongside Bluetooth
Backlit keys adjust to lighting conditions
Useful dictation, emoji, search and mute keys

Cons:

26.10 mm tall, taller than the 20.5 mm MX Keys S
15 days per charge with the backlight on
A full charge takes 4 hours
The included cable is USB-C to A

Who it is for: Desk typists who want mechanical switches, a numpad and multi-device switching in one keyboard.

Skip if: You want a thin, light keyboard for travel or the longest time between charges.

Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s - Best portable

The Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s is a slim Bluetooth keyboard measuring 279.5 by 124.2 by 16.4 mm and weighing 415 g with batteries, so it fits easily in a bag. Easy-Switch buttons move it between 3 devices, and Logitech lists Windows, macOS, iPadOS, iOS and Android support.

Its round, low-profile scissor keys have 1.5 mm of travel, and Logitech says they don't click and clack. Logitech lists customizable keys. Shortcut keys handle screen capture, search, voice dictation and the emoji menu. Logitech says the keyboard is made with more than 50% recycled plastic.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Bluetooth Low Energy connection
Easy-Switch between 3 devices
279.5 x 124.2 x 16.4 mm, 415 g with batteries
Scissor keys with 1.5 mm travel
Customizable keys plus dedicated shortcut keys
More than 50% recycled plastic

Pros:

Small and light enough to carry daily
Works across Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone and Android
Quiet key design
Easy way to add a keyboard to a tablet

Cons:

No backlit keys
Runs on 2 AAA batteries, not a rechargeable battery
No USB receiver in the box, only the keyboard and documentation

Who it is for: Tablet owners, travelers and anyone who wants a simple keyboard that moves between devices.

Skip if: You type in dim rooms or need a receiver for a computer without Bluetooth.

Logitech Wave Keys - Best ergonomic

The Logitech Wave Keys uses a wavy key layout and a cushioned palm rest with three layers of memory foam to put hands, wrists and forearms in a more natural typing position. Logitech says it is certified by United States Ergonomics. It connects over Bluetooth Low Energy or the included Logi Bolt receiver, and Easy-Switch keys move it between a laptop, tablet or phone.

Two AAA batteries come in the box, and Logitech rates them for up to 36 months. The keyboard measures 375.9 by 218.9 by 30.5 mm and weighs 750 g with batteries. Keys need 50 g of force (55 g for the spacebar) and travel 2.5 mm. The top and bottom case use recycled ABS plastic, and Logitech lists support for Windows, macOS, iPadOS, iOS, ChromeOS, Android and Linux.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Wave-shaped key layout
Palm rest with 3 layers of memory foam
Bluetooth Low Energy and included Logi Bolt receiver
2 AAA batteries rated for up to 36 months
375.9 x 218.9 x 30.5 mm, 750 g with batteries
2.5 mm key travel

Pros:

Built-in wrist support
Long rated battery life
Receiver and Bluetooth in one package
Broad operating system support

Cons:

Uses AAA batteries rather than a rechargeable battery
The built-in palm rest makes it 218.9 mm deep
Logitech's specifications list no backlighting

Who it is for: People who type for long stretches and want a gentle ergonomic shape without learning a split layout.

Skip if: You want fully separate halves or backlit keys.

Kinesis Freestyle2 Blue for Mac - Best split keyboard for Mac

The Kinesis Freestyle2 Blue for Mac (KB800MB-BT) is a split keyboard. A flexible pivot tether joins its two halves, so you can angle them freely or separate them by up to 9 inches. This listing is the 9-inch separation version. It uses Bluetooth 5.1 with about 30 feet of range and pairs with up to three devices that you can switch between from the keyboard.

It has a standard Mac layout with driverless hot keys and supports OS X 10.4 and newer. Kinesis notes the hot keys may not work on iOS, and on Windows it offers basic functionality without hot keys. The rechargeable lithium polymer battery is rated for more than 300 hours of typing, or over six months at 2 hours a day. The rubber dome membrane keys have a 45 g operating force and 3.9 mm of travel. It weighs 2 lbs and is at most 0.875 inches tall.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Split design with up to 9 inches of separation (this listing)
Bluetooth 5.1, about 30 feet of range
Pairs with up to 3 devices
Mac layout with driverless hot keys
Rechargeable battery rated for 300+ hours of typing
2 lbs, 0.875 inches tall at most

Pros:

Each half can be placed to suit shoulder width
Slim enough to work as an office and travel keyboard
Mac shortcuts work without drivers
Rechargeable battery

Cons:

Windows gets basic functionality and no hot keys
Tenting accessories (VIP3 and V3) are sold separately
Rubber dome membrane keys, not mechanical switches
Must charge from a computer's native USB port or a powered hub

Who it is for: Mac users who want a true split keyboard that pairs with several devices.

Skip if: You mainly use Windows or want built-in tenting.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Low Profile HyperSpeed - Best for gaming

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Low Profile HyperSpeed is a full-size, ultra-slim gaming keyboard with three connection modes: 2.4 GHz Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, Bluetooth for toggling between 3 devices, and wired USB Type-C. Razer offers Green Clicky, Orange Tactile and Yellow Linear low-profile switches. This listing has Green switches, and feel and noise vary by configuration.

It has an 18.5 mm front height, a 5052 aluminum alloy top case and textured doubleshot PBT keycaps. The controls include a clickable multi-function roller, 11 control buttons and 4 macro buttons. Razer rates battery life at up to 980 hours in Power Saving Mode, which lowers the polling rate and turns off the lighting. A 4K polling rate needs the Razer HyperPolling Wireless Dongle, which is sold separately.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

HyperSpeed 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired USB Type-C
Green Clicky switches on this listing (Orange Tactile and Yellow Linear also offered)
18.5 mm front height
5052 aluminum alloy top case
Doubleshot PBT keycaps
Multi-function roller, 11 control buttons, 4 macro buttons

Pros:

Three ways to connect, including Bluetooth for 3 devices
Low profile for a mechanical gaming keyboard
Durable PBT keycaps
Plenty of media and macro controls

Cons:

The 980-hour rating applies only to Power Saving Mode with lighting off
4K polling needs a dongle sold separately
Clicky switches on this listing are a poor fit for shared or quiet rooms

Who it is for: PC gamers who want a slim mechanical keyboard that can also switch to Bluetooth for a laptop or tablet.

Skip if: You want quiet keys or a compact layout without a number pad.

How to choose

Check how it connects. Bluetooth frees up a USB port, but a receiver helps with computers that lack Bluetooth. The MX Mechanical and Wave Keys include a Logi Bolt receiver, while the Pebble Keys 2 K380s box contains only the keyboard and documentation.
Pick rechargeable or AAA power. Backlit rechargeable models such as the MX Keys S need charging every week or two with the light on. AAA models such as the Wave Keys are rated in months or years.
Compare key travel. Scissor keys on the Pebble Keys 2 K380s and MX Keys S travel 1.5 mm and 1.8 mm, while the MX Mechanical switches travel 3.2 mm.
Match the shape to your posture. A wave layout with a palm rest keeps a familiar shape, while a split design such as the Freestyle2 Blue lets each hand sit at shoulder width.
Confirm layout and system support. The Freestyle2 Blue for Mac has a Mac layout and only basic Windows functionality, and the MX Keys S offers only basic functions without software outside Windows and macOS.
Count your devices. Most picks here switch between up to three devices, so check how many computers, tablets and phones you want to cover.

FAQ

Do Bluetooth keyboards work with iPads and phones?

Many do, but check the maker's list. Logitech lists iPadOS 14 or later, iOS 14 or later and Android 9.0 or later for the MX Keys S over Bluetooth Low Energy, while its Logi Bolt receiver is listed for Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS.

Should I get a rechargeable keyboard or one that uses AAA batteries?

Rechargeable keyboards suit backlit models. The MX Keys S and MX Mechanical use 1500 mAh batteries, and the Freestyle2 Blue uses a rechargeable lithium polymer battery. The Pebble Keys 2 K380s and Wave Keys run on two AAA batteries.

Can one keyboard control several devices?

Yes. The MX Keys S, MX Mechanical, Pebble Keys 2 K380s, Freestyle2 Blue and BlackWidow V4 Low Profile HyperSpeed each pair with up to three devices. The Wave Keys has Easy-Switch keys for moving between a laptop, tablet or phone.

Is Bluetooth the only wireless option for gaming?

No. The BlackWidow V4 Low Profile HyperSpeed adds a 2.4 GHz Razer HyperSpeed Wireless mode and a wired USB Type-C mode alongside Bluetooth, so you can choose the connection for each device.

What is the difference between scissor, membrane and mechanical keys?

Travel is the easiest spec to compare. The MX Keys S scissor keys travel 1.8 mm, the MX Mechanical switches travel 3.2 mm, and the Freestyle2 Blue rubber dome membrane keys travel 3.9 mm.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

6 Best Bluetooth Keyboards in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Gaming Earbuds in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:24:16 GMT

Gaming earbuds have to do more than play music. The best ones add a low-latency 2.4GHz wireless link for consoles and PCs, keep Bluetooth for phones, and fit a usable microphone into something small enough to carry everywhere.

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for PlayStation are the best overall pick. They switch between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3 with a triple tap, add 4-mic hybrid ANC, carry an IP55 rating and charge in a Qi wireless case rated for up to 40 hours total.

This page is for PS5, PC, Switch and handheld players who want one pair of buds for gaming and everyday listening. It also covers open-ear listening, voice chat and a wired USB-C option.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for PlayStation	2.4GHz plus Bluetooth, hybrid ANC, IP55 and a Qi charging case
Best for handheld gaming	Razer Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed	2.4GHz and Bluetooth 6.0, with Steam Deck and PS5 listed as compatible
Best for voice chat	ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova	Bone-conduction AI microphones and adaptive ANC
Best open-ear	ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless	Open-ear hooks, IPX5 earbuds and up to 64 hours with the case
Best wired	Razer Hammerhead V3 Chroma	USB-C wired buds with ANC and no battery to charge

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for connection type, platform support, battery ratings, noise control, microphones and water resistance. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon and gave it the slot its specifications suit best.

The best gaming earbuds right now

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for PlayStation - Best overall

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for PlayStation cover the most ground of any pick here. A 2.4GHz wireless connection is plug-and-play on PS5, Switch, PC, VR and tablets, Bluetooth 5.3 handles phones, and SteelSeries says you can "Quick-Switch between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth with a triple tap of the earbud."

Noise control comes from 4-mic hybrid ANC with a transparency mode. The IP55 rating covers dust as well as water, which no other pick here lists. SteelSeries rates the buds at up to 10 hours per charge and up to 40 hours total with the Qi wireless charging case, based on a 2.4GHz connection with noise control off. PS5 players also get more than 100 game audio presets and Tempest 3D support.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

2.4GHz wireless plus Bluetooth 5.3
Triple-tap switching between connections
4-mic hybrid ANC with transparency mode
Up to 10 hours per charge, up to 40 hours with the case (2.4GHz, noise control off)
Qi wireless charging case
IP55 rating
100+ PS5 audio presets and Tempest 3D support

Pros:

One set of buds for PS5, Switch, PC and phone
Only pick here with a dust rating
Wireless charging case, plus 3 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge
Small, medium and large eartips included

Cons:

This PlayStation version's page does not list Xbox support
Battery figures are quoted with noise control off
SteelSeries does not publish a weight on the product page

Who it is for: PS5, Switch and PC players who want one pair of ANC earbuds for console sessions, travel and calls.

Skip if: You play mainly on Xbox, since this version's page does not list it.

Razer Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed - Best for handheld gaming

The Razer Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed is built for players who move between a phone, a Steam Deck, a PC and a PS5. Razer pairs its 2.4 GHz HyperSpeed wireless, using a compact removable dongle that is part of the case, with Bluetooth 6.0 for everything else.

Hybrid ANC is included, and Razer's pitch is simple: "Silence all distractions with Active Noise Cancellation." The buds are rated for up to 10 hours of use, plus 30 more hours from the case for 40 in total, though the page does not say whether ANC was on for that figure. The buds are IPX4 rated, and THX Spatial Audio offers 7.1 surround on PC through Razer Synapse.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

2.4 GHz HyperSpeed wireless and Bluetooth 6.0
Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
Up to 10 hours per charge, up to 40 hours with the case
IPX4 water resistance
THX Spatial Audio, with 7.1 surround on PC via Razer Synapse
Works with phones, tablets, PCs, Steam Deck, PS5 and Nintendo Switch

Pros:

Steam Deck and other handhelds are named on the maker page
Removable dongle is part of the case, so it travels with the buds
Touch controls for playback, track skipping and calls

Cons:

IPX4 is a lower rating than the IP55 on the SteelSeries pick
Xbox is not listed among compatible devices
Battery rating does not state whether ANC was on
7.1 surround is limited to PC through Synapse

Who it is for: Steam Deck, Switch and phone gamers who want a pocketable 2.4 GHz option with ANC.

Skip if: You need a dust rating or a battery figure tied to ANC use.

ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova - Best for voice chat

The ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova stands out for its microphones. ASUS uses bone-conduction AI microphones with beamforming and wind noise reduction, and its sensors capture your voice from vibrations in the bones of the skull rather than relying only on air pickup.

ROG SpeedNova 2.4 GHz runs through a USB-C adapter with a USB-A converter, and ASUS says it "Experiences ultra-low latency audio, reliable connection, plus optimized power efficiency". Bluetooth 5.3 is also on board, and hybrid multipoint can hold a Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz connection at once. Adaptive ANC has Auto, High, Medium and Low modes. Battery life depends on settings: up to 46 hours total in Bluetooth with ANC and RGB off, 30 hours with ANC on, 26 hours with ANC and RGB on, and up to 36 hours in 2.4 GHz mode.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Bone-conduction AI microphones with beamforming
ROG SpeedNova 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.3
24-bit/96 kHz audio in 2.4 GHz mode, LC3 and LC3+ codecs
Adaptive ANC with Auto, High, Medium and Low modes
Up to 46 hours with the case (Bluetooth, ANC and RGB off; lower with them on)
Dirac Opteo tuning and Aura RGB lighting
IPX4 splash resistance

Pros:

Microphone design aimed at clearer voice pickup
2.4 GHz support for PC, Mac, Switch, PS4, PS5 and mobile
Hybrid multipoint across Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz
Wireless charging case, plus 1 hour of playback from a 5-minute charge

Cons:

Turning on ANC cuts the Bluetooth rating from 46 to 30 hours
PlayStation is listed for 2.4 GHz only, not Bluetooth
IPX4 is splash-proof only
Xbox is not listed

Who it is for: Players who spend a lot of time in party chat and want ANC plus a dual-mode connection.

Skip if: You want the longest battery life with ANC switched on.

ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless - Best open-ear

The ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless suits players who want to hear the room around them. It sits outside the ear on silicone ear hooks, comes with a detachable reflective neck strap, and uses 14.2mm Diamond-Like Carbon drivers that ASUS says "Deliver crisp highs, deep bass and a spacious soundstage". A Phantom Bass mode boosts how low notes come across.

Connection options are Bluetooth 6.0 and ROG SpeedNova 2.4 GHz, with hybrid multipoint for two devices at once. ASUS rates the buds at 16 hours per charge and 64 hours with the case, which can fully recharge them 3 times. That maximum assumes RGB, the microphone, Phantom Bass and Immersion Mode are all off. The earbuds are IPX5 rated, the case is IPX2, and the dongle is not waterproof. Four microphones with AI noise cancellation handle voice.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Open-ear design with silicone ear hooks
14.2mm Diamond-Like Carbon drivers
Bluetooth 6.0 and ROG SpeedNova 2.4 GHz
Up to 16 hours per charge, 64 hours with the case (RGB, mic and audio modes off)
IPX5 earbuds, IPX2 case
Quad-mic array with AI noise cancellation

Pros:

Highest battery rating among these picks
Leaves your ears open to people and sounds nearby
3 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge
Listed weight of 11 grams

Cons:

2.4GHz dongle mode is not supported on iOS and is still pending for Android
No ANC is listed, and an open design does not seal out noise
The page does not list supported consoles
Battery life drops when RGB, the mic or audio modes are on

Who it is for: PC players and anyone who games, works out or commutes and wants to stay aware of their surroundings.

Skip if: You want to block out a noisy room or use the 2.4GHz dongle with a phone.

Razer Hammerhead V3 Chroma - Best wired

The Razer Hammerhead V3 Chroma is for players who would rather skip charging and pairing altogether. It plugs in over USB-C through a 90-degree connector and adds an in-line controller and an omnidirectional microphone. Razer includes "Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to help reduce outside distractions while gaming".

Razer Chroma RGB lighting offers 16.8 million colors, and on PC the buds support THX Surround Sound 7.1 through Razer Synapse 4. There are four audio presets for Gaming, Music, Movies and Call, plus one custom profile. The IPX4 rating protects against sweat, light rain and everyday splashes.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Wired USB-C with a 90-degree connector
Active Noise Cancellation
Omnidirectional microphone and in-line controller
Razer Chroma RGB with 16.8 million colors
THX Surround Sound 7.1 on PC via Razer Synapse 4
IPX4 water resistance

Pros:

No earbud battery or charging case to manage
No wireless pairing or dongle needed
Four presets plus a custom profile

Cons:

Needs a USB-C port on the device
The cable keeps you tethered to your device
The page does not list console compatibility
7.1 surround is limited to PC

Who it is for: Phone, handheld and PC players with USB-C ports who want ANC without a battery.

Skip if: You want to move freely away from your device or need a 3.5mm connection.

How to choose

Pick the right connection. A 2.4GHz dongle is the usual choice for console and PC gaming, while Bluetooth suits phones and music. Most picks here offer both.
Check your platform. Maker pages list which devices each connection supports. None of these five pages lists Xbox, and PlayStation support on the ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova is through 2.4 GHz only.
Read the battery conditions. Ratings are often measured with ANC, RGB or the microphone off, so expect less with those features in use.
Decide between sealed and open. ANC earbuds cut outside noise, while open-ear designs keep you aware of what is around you.
Look at the microphone. Multi-mic arrays, AI noise reduction and bone-conduction sensors are designed to pick out your voice in noisy places.
Match the water rating to your day. IPX4 covers splashes, IPX5 adds stronger water protection, and IP55 adds dust protection.

FAQ

Is 2.4GHz better than Bluetooth for gaming?

For games, a 2.4GHz dongle is generally the lower-latency choice. Bluetooth is better for phones, music and calls, which is why most gaming earbuds here offer both.

Do these gaming earbuds work with Xbox?

None of the maker pages for these five picks lists Xbox support. Xbox players should confirm compatibility with the maker before buying.

Does ANC reduce battery life?

Yes. ASUS rates the ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova at up to 46 hours in Bluetooth with ANC and RGB off, but 30 hours with ANC on.

Are open-ear earbuds good for gaming?

They suit players who want to hear people and sounds nearby. They do not seal the ear, so they are a poor fit for blocking out a loud room.

Are wired gaming earbuds still worth it?

They make sense if you want no pairing and no battery to charge. The Razer Hammerhead V3 Chroma connects over USB-C, so your device needs a USB-C port.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

5 Best Gaming Earbuds in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Mini LED TVs in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:23:53 GMT

A Mini LED TV is an LCD TV lit by a backlight made of many small LEDs, so it can control light across the screen more precisely than a basic LED set. This page is for US shoppers who want a bright 4K TV for living rooms, sports, streaming, and gaming, and who want the main Mini LED options from LG, Samsung, and Hisense side by side.

The LG QNED84B 75-inch is our top pick. It puts a Mini LED backlight, the a8 AI Processor 4K Gen3, VRR 144Hz, HDR10 Pro, and webOS 2026 on a 75-inch screen, which makes it a well-rounded choice for most living rooms.

The other picks each cover a specific need: long software support, rooms with a lot of glare, a very large 115-inch wall, and a smaller 55-inch space.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	LG QNED84B 75-inch	Mini LED, 100% Color Volume, VRR 144Hz, and webOS 2026
Best for long-term updates	Samsung QN70H Neo QLED 65-inch	Quantum Mini LED with 7 years of OS updates
Best for bright rooms	Hisense U7 Mini-LED 65-inch	Anti-glare screen treatment and Devialet-tuned speakers
Best giant screen	LG QNED92B 115-inch	115-inch Mini LED with Precision Dimming Ultra and Dolby Vision
Best smaller screen	Hisense U6 Pro Mini-LED 55-inch	ULED MiniLED 4K and Fire TV in a 55-inch size

How we chose

We compared the specifications published on each maker's US product page, looking at backlight type, dimming, processing, refresh rate, HDR support, screen treatment, and smart platform. We also checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best Mini LED TVs right now

LG QNED84B 75-inch - Best overall

The LG QNED84B 75-inch pairs a Mini LED backlight with Dynamic QNED Color Pro, which LG says is certified for 100% Color Volume. It runs on the a8 AI Processor 4K Gen3 and ships with webOS 2026, which LG says adds AI recommendations and free LG Channels.

For gaming, LG lists VRR 144Hz and Motion Booster 288. LG's footnote says Motion Booster 288 reaches 144Hz at optimized Full HD resolution. HDR10 Pro uses LG Dynamic Tone Mapping on HDR10 content, and FILMMAKER MODE is there for viewers who want the picture the way the director intended.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

75-inch class screen
Mini LED backlight with Dynamic QNED Color Pro
Certified 100% Color Volume
a8 AI Processor 4K Gen3
VRR 144Hz and Motion Booster 288
HDR10 Pro and FILMMAKER MODE
webOS 2026

Pros:

Large 75-inch screen with a Mini LED backlight
VRR 144Hz listed for smoother gameplay with less lag, with a 144Hz PC per LG
FILMMAKER MODE for movie viewing
webOS 2026 includes free LG Channels

Cons:

LG says the Motion Booster 288 figure of 144Hz applies at optimized Full HD resolution
The maker page lists HDR10 Pro but does not list Dolby Vision
The maker page does not give an HDMI port count or a dimming zone count

Who it is for: Buyers who want one 75-inch Mini LED TV for movies, streaming, and casual gaming in a typical living room.

Skip if: You need Dolby Vision, or you want confirmed HDMI 2.1 port details before you buy.

Samsung QN70H Neo QLED 65-inch - Best for long-term updates

Samsung's QN70H uses Quantum Mini LED with a Real Quantum Dot display, and Samsung lists 100% Color Volume with Quantum Dot. The NQ4 AI Processor handles 4K Upscaling, and AI Customization Mode detects the type of content you are watching and adjusts the picture settings for it.

Its One UI Tizen platform comes with 7 years of automatic OS updates. LG's QNED84B page states up to 4 years of software updates. Motion Xcelerator and Gaming Hub cover gaming. Adaptive Sound Pro, Active Voice Amplifier Pro, and Object Tracking Sound Lite handle audio, and Samsung says the color is Pantone Validated.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

65-inch screen
Quantum Mini LED with Quantum Dot
100% Color Volume
NQ4 AI Processor with 4K Upscaling
Motion Xcelerator and Gaming Hub
One UI Tizen with 7 years of automatic OS updates

Pros:

7 years of OS updates suits owners who keep a TV a long time
Pantone Validated color
Active Voice Amplifier Pro emphasizes voices when the room is noisy
Gaming Hub brings console, cloud, and app games together

Cons:

The maker page does not give a refresh rate figure
The maker page does not list HDR formats or HDMI details
Its 65-inch screen is smaller than the 75-inch top pick

Who it is for: Buyers who plan to keep their TV for many years and want stated long-term software support from the maker.

Skip if: You need published refresh rate and HDMI figures for PC or console gaming.

Hisense U7 Mini-LED 65-inch - Best for bright rooms

Hisense says the U7 uses thousands of Mini-LEDs to control light across the screen for brighter highlights and deeper blacks. Its standout feature for this slot is an advanced screen treatment that Hisense says minimizes glare from lamps and windows, which matters in rooms that get a lot of daylight.

Hisense aims the U7 at fast movies, live sports, and next-gen gaming, and it describes the refresh rate only as "ultra-high", with no figure. Multi-channel speakers tuned by Devialet handle sound, AI processing adjusts color, contrast, and clarity scene by scene, and Fire TV runs the smart features.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

65-inch class screen
ULED MiniLED with thousands of Mini-LEDs
Anti-glare screen treatment
Ultra-high refresh rate performance
Multi-channel speakers tuned by Devialet
Fire TV

Pros:

Screen treatment aimed at glare from lamps and windows
Built for sports and gaming, according to Hisense
Devialet-tuned multi-channel speakers
Scene-by-scene AI picture processing

Cons:

The maker page gives no figures for brightness, refresh rate, or dimming zones
The maker page does not list HDR formats or HDMI details

Who it is for: Households with a bright living room that watch a lot of daytime sports and already use Fire TV or Alexa.

Skip if: You want published brightness and refresh rate numbers before you buy.

LG QNED92B 115-inch - Best giant screen

The LG QNED92B 115-inch is a very large Mini LED TV for rooms that would otherwise need a projector. Along with the Mini LED backlight, it adds Precision Dimming Ultra, which LG says brings deeper blacks and brighter highlights. It also has Dynamic QNED Color Pro with certified 100% Color Volume and the a8 AI Processor 4K Gen3.

It supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and FILMMAKER MODE for movie nights. LG lists VRR 165Hz, but its footnote says a PC with a 165Hz graphics card is required. The footnote for Motion Booster 330 says it reaches 165Hz at optimized Full HD resolution. The webOS platform includes access to Google Gemini.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

115-inch class screen
Mini LED with Precision Dimming Ultra
Certified 100% Color Volume
a8 AI Processor 4K Gen3
Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and FILMMAKER MODE
VRR 165Hz and Motion Booster 330
webOS with Google Gemini

Pros:

Huge 115-inch screen
Precision Dimming Ultra for contrast
Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
High refresh rate support for PC gaming

Cons:

VRR 165Hz requires a PC with a 165Hz graphics card
Motion Booster 330 reaches 165Hz only at optimized Full HD resolution
A 115-inch screen needs a very large wall and room, and it is a premium purchase

Who it is for: Dedicated home theater or large media rooms with space for a 115-inch screen.

Skip if: Your room is an ordinary living room, or a 75-inch screen would already fill the wall.

Hisense U6 Pro Mini-LED 55-inch - Best smaller screen

The Hisense U6 Pro 55-inch puts a ULED MiniLED 4K panel and Fire TV into a 55-inch class size, the smallest screen on this list. That suits bedrooms, apartments, and living rooms where a 65-inch or larger TV would be too much.

The Hisense page for this model, 55U6SF Pro, is a support page that confirms its name and screen size but lists no detailed specifications. If refresh rate, HDR formats, or HDMI details matter to you, check them on the full spec sheet before buying.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

55-inch class screen
ULED MiniLED backlight
4K resolution
Fire TV built in

Pros:

55-inch size fits smaller rooms
Mini LED backlight in a compact size
Fire TV platform built in

Cons:

The maker page lists no brightness, refresh rate, HDR, or HDMI specifications
Smallest screen among these picks

Who it is for: Buyers who want Mini LED in a smaller room and are happy with Fire TV.

Skip if: You want a large living room screen or detailed maker specifications before buying.

How to choose

Match the size to the room. These picks range from 55 to 115 inches. Measure the wall and the seating distance first, since a 115-inch screen needs far more space than a 55-inch one.
Read the refresh rate footnotes. Some headline figures apply only at lower resolutions. LG's footnotes say Motion Booster 288 and 330 reach 144Hz and 165Hz at optimized Full HD resolution.
Check HDR format support. Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ are separate formats. Make sure the formats your streaming services and discs use are on the maker's list.
Think about glare. A room with windows or bright lamps benefits from a screen treatment that cuts reflections, such as the one Hisense describes for the U7.
Pick a platform you like. These TVs run webOS, One UI Tizen, or Fire TV. Update support varies too, and Samsung states 7 years of OS updates for the QN70H.
Look past the backlight label. Mini LED describes the backlight, not the whole TV. Dimming control, processing, audio, and ports still differ from model to model.

FAQ

What is a Mini LED TV?

It is an LCD TV whose backlight uses many very small LEDs. More LEDs allow finer control of light, which LG and Hisense both say brings brighter highlights and deeper blacks.

Is Mini LED the same as OLED?

No. Each OLED pixel makes its own light, while a Mini LED TV is an LCD panel lit from behind. The QNED, Neo QLED, and ULED names on this list are brand names for LCD-based Mini LED sets.

Do all QNED, Neo QLED, or ULED TVs use Mini LED?

Do not rely on the brand name alone. Check that the product page says Mini LED. Every pick here does: LG lists Mini LED, Samsung lists Quantum Mini LED, and Hisense lists ULED MiniLED.

Do I need a high refresh rate?

For movies and TV shows, it matters little. High refresh rates matter most for gaming, especially on a PC. LG says the 165Hz VRR on the QNED92B requires a PC with a 165Hz graphics card.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

5 Best Mini LED TVs in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best 6x9 Car Speakers in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:23:30 GMT

A 6x9 speaker is the largest common size in factory rear decks and many front doors, so swapping a worn factory pair for a better set is one of the simplest ways to get fuller sound from a car. The right pair depends on whether you keep the factory stereo, add an amplifier, or need speakers that can handle moisture.

The Kicker KSC6930 is our best overall pick. It pairs a 92 dB sensitivity rating with a recommended amplifier range of 15 to 150 watts RMS, so it suits a factory head unit today and an amplifier later, and Kicker lists a top-mount depth of 2 15/16 inches.

This page is for US drivers replacing factory 6x9 speakers. The other picks cover amplified systems, marine and wet conditions, Hi-Res Audio certified sound from Alpine's S-Series, and simple factory replacement.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Kicker KSC6930 KS-Series 6x9 3-Way	High sensitivity, wide amplifier range, and a thin-mount design
Best for amplified systems	Alpine R2-S69 R-Series 6x9	2-way design with a swivel tweeter, Hi-Res Audio certification, and separate crossovers
Best marine-rated	Polk Audio DB692 DB+ Series 6x9	IP56 rating with salt-fog, UV and humidity testing
Best Alpine S-Series pick	Alpine S2-S69 S-Series 6x9	Hi-Res Audio certification and 90 dB sensitivity below the R-Series tier
Best factory replacement	Rockford Fosgate Prime R169X3 6x9	Shallow 2.85-inch depth with grilles, trim rings and hardware included

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for these 6x9 speakers, including sensitivity, power handling, frequency response, mounting depth, driver layout and included parts. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon, then matched each one to a specific kind of buyer.

The best 6x9 car speakers right now

Kicker KSC6930 KS-Series 6x9 3-Way - Best overall

The Kicker KSC6930 is the most flexible pair here on paper. Kicker rates it at 92 dB sensitivity (1W, 1m) with a 4-ohm rated impedance, and recommends 15 to 150 watts RMS of amplifier power, which covers both a factory stereo and a mid-sized amplifier.

It is a 3-way design with a 6x9 polypropylene woofer on a rubber surround, a 1-inch midrange, and a 3/4-inch silk-dome tweeter with a neodymium magnet. Mounting depth depends on how it is installed: 2 15/16 inches for top mount and 3-3/16 inches for bottom mount, with 1/8 inch of tweeter protrusion. Kicker's page states: "Thin-mount design easily fits behind factory grilles."

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

3-way 6x9 coaxial with 1-inch midrange and 3/4-inch silk-dome tweeter
92 dB sensitivity (1W, 1m)
15 to 150 watts RMS recommended amplifier power
30 Hz to 21 kHz frequency response
4-ohm rated impedance
Top-mount depth 2 15/16 inches, bottom-mount depth 3-3/16 inches
Grilles included

Pros:

High sensitivity suits factory head unit power
Wide recommended amplifier range leaves room for a later upgrade
Shallow top-mount depth
Grilles included

Cons:

Bottom-mount installs need 3-3/16 inches of depth
Kicker lists no water-resistance rating
Rated frequency response tops out at 21 kHz, below the 40 kHz rating of the Alpine picks

Who it is for: Drivers who want one pair that works well off a factory stereo now and can take an amplifier later.

Skip if: Your speakers sit in a boat or an open vehicle exposed to water, where a marine-rated pair is the safer choice.

Alpine R2-S69 R-Series 6x9 - Best for amplified systems

The Alpine R2-S69 is the premium 2-way pick for a system built around an amplifier. Alpine rates it at 100W RMS and 300W peak, and it is Hi-Res Audio certified with a frequency response of 60Hz to 40kHz.

The 6x9 mid-bass uses a glass fiber-reinforced cone with a High-Amplitude Multi-Roll (HAMR) surround, and the 1-inch magnesium hard-dome tweeter has a swivel mount design and threaded removable housing. The pair ships with two premium-grade crossover networks and a protective open mesh grille pair. Alpine describes it as "Engineered to deliver crisp highs, rich mids, and deep lows."

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

2-way 6x9 coaxial with 1-inch magnesium hard-dome tweeter
100W RMS / 300W peak power handling
60Hz to 40kHz frequency response
Hi-Res Audio certified
Glass fiber-reinforced cone with HAMR surround
Swivel-mount tweeter
Two crossover networks and mesh grilles included

Pros:

Highest RMS rating among the Alpine picks
Swivel-mount tweeter allows aiming
Crossover networks and grilles come in the box
Hi-Res Audio certification

Cons:

Alpine's page does not list sensitivity, impedance or mounting depth, so check fit before buying
Rated low end of 60Hz is higher than the 30 Hz rating of the Kicker and Polk picks
Sits in Alpine's premium R-Series tier

Who it is for: Buyers adding or already running an amplifier who want a 2-way 6x9 with Hi-Res Audio certification.

Skip if: You need confirmed mounting depth from the maker before buying, or you plan to stay on factory stereo power.

Polk Audio DB692 DB+ Series 6x9 - Best marine-rated

The Polk Audio DB692 is built for car and boat use. Polk says the DB+ speakers are "IP56 rated so they are dirt- and water-resistant," and that they have been tested for salt-fog, UV and humidity. Each speaker has a non-corrosive plastic grille, a UV-tolerant polypropylene cone, waterproof inner and outer surrounds, and stainless steel mounting hardware.

It is a 3-way design with a 6x9 mid/woofer, a 0.75-inch tweeter and a 0.5-inch tweeter. Polk rates it at 150W continuous and 450W peak power handling, 93 dB sensitivity, 4-ohm impedance and a 30 Hz to 22,000 Hz frequency response. Mounting depth depends on installation: 3.25 inches for top mount and 3.83 inches for bottom mount.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

3-way 6x9 coaxial, sold as a pair
IP56 rated, tested for salt-fog, UV and humidity
150W continuous / 450W peak power handling
93 dB sensitivity
30 Hz to 22,000 Hz frequency response
Stainless steel mounting hardware and non-corrosive grilles

Pros:

Only pick here with a published IP rating and marine testing
Highest sensitivity rating in this group
Strong continuous power rating for amplified setups
Corrosion-resistant grilles and hardware included

Cons:

Deepest of the picks with a published mounting depth, at 3.25 inches top mount and 3.83 inches bottom mount

Who it is for: Owners of boats, Jeeps, UTVs or any vehicle where speakers may see water, dirt or sun.

Skip if: Your door or deck location is shallow, since this pair lists more mounting depth than the Kicker and Rockford picks.

Alpine S2-S69 S-Series 6x9 - Best Alpine S-Series pick

The Alpine S2-S69 brings Hi-Res Audio certification to Alpine's S-Series tier, below the R-Series. It is a 2-way 6x9 with a 1-inch coaxial tweeter, rated at 85W RMS and 260W peak, with 90dB sensitivity and an 85Hz to 40kHz frequency response.

The cone combines polypropylene, glass fiber and mica, and it uses Alpine's High Amplitude Multi-Roll (H.A.M.R.) surround. Alpine lists "Lightweight Design with High Output and Low Distortion" among its features. Grilles are not part of the pair: Alpine lists the KTE-S69G speaker grille as sold separately.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

2-way 6x9 coaxial with 1-inch tweeter
85W RMS / 260W peak power handling
90dB sensitivity
85Hz to 40kHz frequency response
Hi-Res Audio certified
Polypropylene, glass fiber and mica cone with H.A.M.R. surround

Pros:

Hi-Res Audio certification below the R-Series tier
90dB sensitivity is workable on factory power
Solid RMS rating for a modest amplifier

Cons:

Grilles are sold separately
Rated low end of 85Hz is the highest of the picks here
Alpine's page does not list impedance or mounting depth

Who it is for: Buyers who want Alpine's Hi-Res Audio certified 6x9 design without stepping up to the R-Series.

Skip if: You need grilles in the box or the deepest rated bass extension on this list.

Rockford Fosgate Prime R169X3 6x9 - Best factory replacement

The Rockford Fosgate Prime R169X3 is aimed at simple factory swaps. Rockford Fosgate calls it "Perfect for replacing factory speakers," and the pair includes grilles, trim rings and mounting hardware. Its 2.85-inch mounting depth is the shallowest listed among these picks.

It is a 3-way full-range design with a vacuum polypropylene cone, a stamped steel basket, and what Rockford Fosgate describes as a silk dome pole mounted piezo tweeter and midrange, with a 0.50-inch tweeter and a 6dB high-pass. Ratings are 65 watts RMS and 130 watts max (CEA-2031 compliant), 90 dB sensitivity, 4-ohm nominal impedance and 47Hz to 20kHz frequency response.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

3-way 6x9 full-range coaxial
65 watts RMS / 130 watts max (CEA-2031)
90 dB sensitivity
47Hz to 20kHz frequency response
2.85-inch mounting depth
Grilles, trim rings and mounting hardware included

Pros:

Shallowest listed mounting depth among these picks
Grilles, trim rings and hardware come in the box
90 dB sensitivity suits factory head unit power
Affordable entry point from a well-known car audio brand

Cons:

Lowest power handling here at 65 watts RMS
Narrowest rated frequency range of the picks, at 47Hz to 20kHz
No water-resistance rating listed

Who it is for: Drivers keeping the factory stereo who want an easy, complete replacement for worn 6x9 speakers.

Skip if: You plan to run a strong amplifier, since the 65-watt RMS rating limits how much power it can take.

How to choose

Match sensitivity to your power source. If you keep a factory stereo, a higher sensitivity rating such as 92 or 93 dB gets more volume from the same low power.
Read RMS, not peak. RMS or continuous power handling is the useful figure when pairing speakers with an amplifier. Peak figures are much higher and are not a target for amplifier output.
Check mounting depth for your install. Depth can differ between top and bottom mounting, as with the Kicker and Polk picks, so measure the space behind your factory speaker location first.
Decide between 2-way and 3-way. A 3-way adds a separate midrange or second tweeter, while 2-way designs like the Alpine picks use a single larger tweeter, in the R2-S69's case with a swivel mount.
Look for a real weather rating. For boats or open vehicles, choose a speaker with a published IP rating and corrosion-resistant hardware rather than assuming any car speaker will cope with water.
Check what is in the box. Some pairs include grilles, trim rings and hardware, while others, such as the Alpine S2-S69, list grilles as a separate purchase.

FAQ

Do 6x9 speakers need an amplifier?

Not always. High-sensitivity pairs such as the Kicker KSC6930 (92 dB) and Polk DB692 (93 dB) are designed to make good use of factory stereo power, while pairs rated for 100W RMS or more can take extra power from an amplifier.

Will a 6x9 speaker fit my car?

Only if your vehicle has a 6x9 location and enough depth behind it. Compare the maker's mounting depth with the space in your door or rear deck, and use adapters or brackets where the factory opening differs.

What does Hi-Res Audio certified mean on a car speaker?

It is a certification that indicates the speaker can reproduce frequencies well above the usual 20 kHz range. Alpine rates both the R2-S69 and S2-S69 up to 40kHz.

Can I use marine speakers in a car?

Yes. The Polk DB692 is sold for both car and boat use, and its IP56 rating and corrosion-resistant hardware are useful in vehicles exposed to water or dust.

Is a 3-way speaker better than a 2-way?

Not automatically. A 3-way adds another driver to share the frequency range, but cone materials, tweeter design, power handling and installation matter as much as the number of drivers.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

5 Best 6x9 Car Speakers in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Bluetooth Adapters for PC in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:23:07 GMT

A USB Bluetooth adapter is the simplest way to add wireless headphones, keyboards, mice and controllers to a desktop that shipped without Bluetooth, or to give an older laptop a newer Bluetooth version. The right one depends mostly on your operating system, how many devices you plan to pair, and whether you need general connections or just better wireless audio.

The TP-Link UB600 is the best overall pick. It adds Bluetooth 6.0 through a nano-sized adapter that can stay plugged in, supports up to 7 Bluetooth devices at once, and lists support for Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 7.

This page is for Windows and Linux PC owners who want a plug-in adapter, plus gamers and music listeners who mainly care about headphone audio. The other picks cover Linux support, a second Bluetooth 6.0 option, high-quality wireless audio and a Bluetooth 5.4 nano option.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	TP-Link UB600 Bluetooth 6.0 Nano USB Adapter	Bluetooth 6.0, up to 7 devices, and broad Windows support in a nano size
Best for Linux	ASUS USB-BT600 Bluetooth 6.0 Adapter	Lists Linux and Windows 10/11 support with clear range figures
Best Bluetooth 6.0 alternative	ORICO BTA-60 Bluetooth 6.0 USB Adapter	Bluetooth 6.0 with a stated 10 to 30 meter transmission distance
Best for wireless audio	Creative BT-W6 Bluetooth Audio Transmitter	LE Audio, aptX Lossless and low-latency gaming audio over USB-C
Best Bluetooth 5.4 nano pick	TP-Link UB500 Bluetooth 5.4 Nano USB Adapter	Same nano size and 7-device capacity as the UB600 on Bluetooth 5.4

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for Bluetooth version, operating system support, stated range, device capacity, connector and size. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon and matched every pick to a specific kind of PC user.

The best Bluetooth adapters for PC right now

TP-Link UB600 Bluetooth 6.0 Nano USB Adapter - Best overall

The TP-Link UB600 is the best fit for most Windows PCs. It brings Bluetooth 6.0 in a nano-sized USB adapter measuring 14.8 x 6.8 x 18.9 mm, small enough to leave in a laptop port, and TP-Link says it supports up to 7 Bluetooth devices at once. That is enough for a keyboard, mouse, headset and controller with room to spare.

TP-Link lists support for Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 7, with a driver install required on Windows 7. The maker claims 2x faster transmission speeds and a farther transmission distance than earlier generations, but it notes that its speed, distance and capacity figures come from laboratory testing and that actual performance may vary. It does not give a range figure in meters.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Bluetooth 6.0
Nano USB design, 14.8 x 6.8 x 18.9 mm
Up to 7 Bluetooth devices at once
Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 7 support
Driver install required on Windows 7 only
Rated for 32 to 104 degrees F operating temperature

Pros:

Bluetooth 6.0 in a size that can stay plugged in
Seven-device capacity covers a full desk setup
Supports older Windows versions as well as Windows 11

Cons:

TP-Link lists only Windows support, with no macOS or Linux listed
Windows 7 needs a separate driver
No range figure in meters, and speed claims are based on lab testing

Who it is for: Windows desktop and laptop owners who want a small, general-purpose Bluetooth 6.0 adapter for several devices.

Skip if: You run Linux, where the ASUS USB-BT600 is the adapter whose maker lists support.

ASUS USB-BT600 Bluetooth 6.0 Adapter - Best for Linux

The ASUS USB-BT600 is the pick for Linux users, since it is the only general-purpose adapter here whose maker lists Linux alongside Windows 10 and 11. It supports Bluetooth 6.0 with both Bluetooth classic (BDR/EDR) and Bluetooth low energy, plugs into a USB 2.0 Type A port, lists dimensions of 14.9 x 17.4 x 7.1 and a weight of 1.9 g.

ASUS publishes clearer range and speed figures than most: up to 10 meters for classic Bluetooth and up to 40 meters for Bluetooth low energy in open space, with data rates up to 3 Mbps on classic and 2 Mbps on low energy. The 40-meter figure applies only to low energy connections in open space, so the 10-meter classic figure is the safer guide for planning. ASUS also notes that specifications are subject to change without notice.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Bluetooth 6.0 with classic (BDR/EDR) and low energy (BLE)
USB 2.0 Type A interface
Up to 10 m classic range, up to 40 m BLE in open space
Up to 3 Mbps classic, 2 Mbps BLE
Windows 10/11 and Linux support
1.9 g

Pros:

Linux is listed as supported
Detailed range and data rate specifications
Small and very light

Cons:

No Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 support listed
The ASUS spec page does not state how many devices can connect at once
The 40 m range applies only to BLE in open space

Who it is for: Linux and dual-boot PC owners who want one Bluetooth 6.0 adapter that the maker lists for both systems.

Skip if: Your PC still runs Windows 8.1 or Windows 7, which ASUS does not list.

ORICO BTA-60 Bluetooth 6.0 USB Adapter - Best Bluetooth 6.0 alternative

The ORICO BTA-60 is a straightforward Bluetooth 6.0 adapter for Windows PCs and a sensible alternative to the TP-Link UB600. ORICO lists support for Windows 7, 8.1, 10 and 11 and a transmission distance of 10 to 30 meters.

Its spec sheet is thin. ORICO's page gives the size, 24.5 x 14 x 7 mm, and the color, black, but does not state the USB connector type, data rate, how many devices it supports, or whether a driver is needed on any Windows version.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Bluetooth 6.0
10 to 30 meter transmission distance
Windows 7, 8.1, 10 and 11 support
24.5 x 14 x 7 mm
Black finish

Pros:

Bluetooth 6.0 with a stated range in meters
Covers Windows 7 through Windows 11
Simple option if you only need Windows support

Cons:

Maker page omits the interface, data rate, device count and driver details
Only Windows is listed, with no Linux or macOS
Longer body than the TP-Link and ASUS adapters

Who it is for: Windows users who want a Bluetooth 6.0 adapter from a second brand and do not need detailed specifications.

Skip if: You want a confirmed device count or Linux support, which the TP-Link UB600 and ASUS USB-BT600 list respectively.

Creative BT-W6 Bluetooth Audio Transmitter - Best for wireless audio

The Creative BT-W6 is not a general Bluetooth adapter. Creative describes it as a wireless audio transmitter, so it sends sound from your PC to headphones, earbuds or speakers rather than connecting a keyboard or mouse. For audio, it offers Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio and codec support including LC3, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, plus high-resolution audio up to 24-bit 96 kHz.

It connects over USB-C and lists support for Windows 10 and 11 (version 1903 or later), macOS 10.15 or higher, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Creative quotes latency as low as about 20 ms through the GMAP gaming audio profile when a compatible device is paired, so the codec and latency you get depend on your headphones. It also provides a microphone input endpoint for calls and a broadcast mode for streaming to multiple supported devices.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Bluetooth 5.4 with Classic Bluetooth and LE Audio
LC3, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD
High-resolution audio up to 24-bit 96 kHz
Latency as low as about 20 ms with compatible devices via GMAP
USB-C connector
Windows, macOS, PS4, PS5, Switch and Switch 2 support

Pros:

Broad high-quality codec support for wireless headphones
Low-latency gaming profile for compatible headsets
Also works with Mac and game consoles
Microphone endpoint for voice chat and calls

Cons:

Audio only, so it cannot pair keyboards, mice or controllers
USB-C only, and a USB-A to USB-C adapter is not included
Best codecs and lowest latency require compatible headphones
No Linux support listed

Who it is for: PC gamers and music listeners who want better Bluetooth headphone audio than a standard adapter offers.

Skip if: You need to connect input devices, where the TP-Link UB600 is the better choice.

TP-Link UB500 Bluetooth 5.4 Nano USB Adapter - Best Bluetooth 5.4 nano pick

The TP-Link UB500 shares the UB600's nano body, 14.8 x 6.8 x 18.9 mm, and its support for up to 7 Bluetooth devices at once. It steps down to Bluetooth 5.4, which TP-Link describes as a security and reliability improvement over the previous generation.

TP-Link lists Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 7 support, again with a driver install needed on Windows 7. One caveat: TP-Link's product page refers to Bluetooth 5.3 in several feature sections and Bluetooth 5.4 in its title and specifications, so check the version shown on the listing or box before buying. Like the UB600, it has no stated range in meters.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Bluetooth 5.4 per TP-Link's specifications
Nano USB design, 14.8 x 6.8 x 18.9 mm
Up to 7 Bluetooth devices at once
Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 7 support
Driver install required on Windows 7 only

Pros:

Same small size and device capacity as the UB600
Broad Windows support
A small nano dongle for adding Bluetooth to a desktop

Cons:

Bluetooth 5.4 rather than 6.0
TP-Link's page mentions both 5.3 and 5.4, so the version may differ
Only Windows is listed, with no macOS or Linux

Who it is for: Windows users who want a basic, small adapter for a keyboard, mouse or headset and do not need Bluetooth 6.0.

Skip if: You want Bluetooth 6.0 from the same maker, which the UB600 offers in the same size.

How to choose

Check your operating system first. TP-Link and ORICO list Windows only, ASUS lists Windows 10/11 and Linux, and Creative lists Windows, macOS and game consoles.
Decide between an adapter and an audio transmitter. A general adapter pairs keyboards, mice, controllers and headphones. An audio transmitter such as the Creative BT-W6 only sends sound to headphones and speakers.
Match the connector. The ASUS USB-BT600 uses a USB 2.0 Type A port, while the Creative BT-W6 uses USB-C and does not include a USB-A adapter.
Read range figures carefully. Range claims can depend on the connection type and conditions. ASUS separates classic Bluetooth from low energy, and TP-Link notes its figures come from laboratory testing.
Count your devices. TP-Link lists up to 7 devices at once for both the UB600 and UB500. ASUS and ORICO do not state a number on their spec pages.

FAQ

Do I need a Bluetooth adapter if my PC already has Bluetooth?

Usually not. An adapter makes most sense for desktops without built-in Bluetooth, for PCs whose built-in Bluetooth has stopped working, or when you want a newer Bluetooth version or better audio codecs.

Will a Bluetooth 6.0 adapter work with older Bluetooth devices?

Bluetooth is designed to be backward compatible, so a Bluetooth 6.0 adapter can pair with older headphones, keyboards and mice. Features specific to a newer version need support on both ends.

Which of these adapters work on Linux or a Mac?

ASUS lists Linux support for the USB-BT600. Creative lists macOS 10.15 or higher for the BT-W6, which handles audio only. TP-Link and ORICO list Windows only for their adapters.

Can the Creative BT-W6 connect a keyboard or mouse?

No. Creative describes the BT-W6 as a wireless audio transmitter, so it is built for headphones, earbuds and speakers. Choose a general adapter such as the TP-Link UB600 for input devices.

Do I need to install drivers?

It depends on the adapter and Windows version. TP-Link says the UB600 and UB500 need a driver on Windows 7. ORICO and ASUS do not cover drivers on their spec pages, so check the maker's support page if your PC does not detect the adapter.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

5 Best Bluetooth Adapters for PC in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best 24-Inch Monitors in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:22:43 GMT

A 24-inch monitor fits small desks, sits comfortably beside a laptop, and suits 1080p resolution better than larger screens do. Every model here measures between 23.8 and 24.1 inches, and each one is aimed at a different kind of desk: home office, competitive gaming, color work, or simple everyday use.

The Dell 24 Plus Monitor S2425HSM is the best overall pick because it pairs a 144Hz IPS panel with a stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel and pivot, plus two built-in speakers. It is the most balanced choice here for people who want one screen for work, streaming and casual games.

This page is for US buyers choosing a first monitor, a second screen, or a replacement for an older display. The other picks cover fast gaming, color-accurate creative work, single-cable USB-C laptop setups, eye comfort, and a plain monitor for basic tasks.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Dell 24 Plus Monitor S2425HSM	144Hz IPS, a fully adjustable stand, and built-in speakers
Best for gaming	ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QML5A	240Hz Fast IPS with ELMB Sync and adaptive sync support
Best for color work	ASUS ProArt Display PA248CRV	Factory calibration, 97% DCI-P3, 16:10 panel and 96W USB-C
Best for a simple USB-C hookup	BenQ GW2490TC	USB-C video and data, 144Hz, and a wide-range stand
Best for eye comfort	BenQ GW2491	Low Blue Light Plus, Flicker-Free and ePaper reading mode
Best for simple setups	LG 24U411A-B	24-inch class IPS screen with 120Hz and HDR10

How we chose

We compared the published specifications on each maker's US product and spec pages for monitors between 23.8 and 24.1 inches. We also checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon, then matched every model to the kind of buyer its specifications suit best.

The best 24-inch monitors right now

Dell 24 Plus Monitor S2425HSM - Best overall

The Dell 24 Plus Monitor S2425HSM uses a 23.8-inch IPS panel at 1920 x 1080 with a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support. Dell rates it at 300 nits, 99% sRGB coverage and a 1,500:1 native contrast ratio, and the screen has an anti-glare finish with 3H hardness.

The stand is what puts it at the top of this list. Dell lists up to 4.33 inches of height adjustment, tilt from -5 to 21 degrees, 30 degrees of swivel each way and 90 degrees of pivot, and two 3W speakers are built in. Response time depends on the monitor's mode: Dell quotes 8 ms gray to gray as standard, 5 ms in Fast mode, 4 ms in Extreme mode and 1 ms MPRT. Connections are two HDMI 1.4 ports.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

23.8-inch IPS panel, 1920 x 1080
144Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync
300 nits and 99% sRGB
Height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustment
Two 3W built-in speakers
TUV 4-star Eye Comfort certification

Pros:

Fully adjustable stand, which several picks here lack
144Hz is smoother than the 100Hz BenQ GW2491 and 120Hz LG 24U411A-B
Built-in speakers save desk space
Anti-glare 3H coating suits bright offices

Cons:

Only two HDMI 1.4 inputs, with no DisplayPort or USB-C
The fastest gray-to-gray figure needs Extreme mode
1080p resolution, like most picks here

Who it is for: Buyers who want one well-rounded 24-inch screen for office work, streaming and casual gaming, with a stand that adjusts to any desk.

Skip if: Your laptop connects over USB-C or DisplayPort only, or you need a dedicated high refresh rate gaming monitor.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QML5A - Best for gaming

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QML5A is built for fast games. Its 23.8-inch Fast IPS panel runs at 1920 x 1080 with a 240Hz maximum refresh rate, and ASUS quotes a 1ms gray-to-gray and 0.3ms minimum response time. It supports both G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium.

ELMB Sync lets the monitor's motion blur reduction run together with variable refresh rate, which ASUS says eliminates ghosting and tearing. The panel covers 99% sRGB and 88% DCI-P3, supports HDR10 at 300 nits typical brightness, and sits on a stand with 120mm of height adjustment, tilt, 15 degrees of swivel each way and full pivot. Inputs are two HDMI 2.0 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4, plus a 3.5mm earphone jack and 2W x 2 speakers.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

23.8-inch Fast IPS panel, 1920 x 1080
240Hz maximum refresh rate
1ms gray to gray, 0.3ms minimum response time
G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium
ELMB Sync
Height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustment

Pros:

Highest refresh rate among these picks
Blur reduction works alongside variable refresh rate
DisplayPort 1.4 plus two HDMI 2.0 ports
Fully adjustable stand and built-in speakers

Cons:

300 nits typical brightness gives HDR10 content limited headroom
Swivel range of 15 degrees each way is narrower than the Dell or BenQ GW2490TC
1080p resolution, so fine text is not as sharp as on higher-resolution screens

Who it is for: PC gamers who play fast shooters or racing games and have a graphics card that can push high frame rates at 1080p.

Skip if: You mostly work in documents or edit photos, where a calibrated or 16:10 screen matters more than 240Hz.

ASUS ProArt Display PA248CRV - Best for color work

The ASUS ProArt Display PA248CRV is the pick for photo editing, design and other color-sensitive work. It uses a 24.1-inch IPS panel at 1920 x 1200, a 16:10 shape that adds vertical room over standard 1080p, and ASUS lists 100% sRGB and 97% DCI-P3 coverage. It is factory pre-calibrated to Delta E below 2 and is Calman Verified.

It is also the best-connected monitor here. A USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode delivers up to 96W of power, and there are two DisplayPort 1.4 ports that allow daisy-chaining, two HDMI 1.4 ports, and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub with one Type-C and three Type-A downstream ports. Brightness is 350 nits typical with HDR10 support, the refresh rate tops out at 75Hz, and the stand offers 130mm of height adjustment, tilt, 30 degrees of swivel each way and pivot.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

24.1-inch IPS panel, 1920 x 1200 (16:10)
100% sRGB and 97% DCI-P3
Factory calibrated to Delta E below 2, Calman Verified
USB-C with 96W power delivery
DisplayPort daisy-chain support
USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub

Pros:

Widest color coverage and only factory calibration claim among these picks
96W USB-C can power a laptop over a single cable
16:10 shape shows more of a document or timeline
Brightest typical rating here at 350 nits

Cons:

75Hz maximum refresh rate is the lowest in this list
1,000:1 contrast ratio is below the BenQ and Dell figures
HDMI ports are version 1.4

Who it is for: Photographers, designers and laptop users who want accurate color and a one-cable USB-C desk setup.

Skip if: Gaming is a priority, since the 75Hz ceiling falls well short of the TUF Gaming VG249QML5A.

BenQ GW2490TC - Best for a simple USB-C hookup

The BenQ GW2490TC is a home office monitor built around USB-C. Its USB-C port carries video through DisplayPort Alt Mode, handles data, and supplies 20W of power, and it is joined by one HDMI 1.4 and one DisplayPort 1.2 input. The 23.8-inch IPS panel runs at 1920 x 1080 and 144Hz, with 99% sRGB, 250 nits and a 1,500:1 contrast ratio.

The stand has the widest range in this group: 150mm of height adjustment, tilt from -5 to 35 degrees, 45 degrees of swivel each way and 90 degrees of pivot. BenQ adds a Visual Optimizer sensor that adjusts brightness and color temperature to the room, TUV-certified Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free technology, ePaper Mode for reading, and a Color Weakness Mode for red-green color deficiency. Two 2W speakers are built in.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

23.8-inch IPS panel, 1920 x 1080
144Hz refresh rate
USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, data and 20W power
150mm height adjustment, 45-degree swivel, pivot
Visual Optimizer ambient light sensor
Two 2W speakers

Pros:

Single USB-C cable handles video and data
Most flexible stand among these picks
Automatic brightness and color temperature adjustment
144Hz matches the Dell for smooth scrolling

Cons:

20W USB-C power is far below the ProArt's 96W and may not keep a laptop charged
250 nits is dimmer than the Dell, TUF and ProArt
5 ms response time is slower than the gaming-focused picks

Who it is for: Laptop users who want a clean one-cable connection for video and accessories, plus a stand that adjusts to any posture.

Skip if: You need the monitor to fully power a laptop, or you want a gaming-first display.

BenQ GW2491 - Best for eye comfort

The BenQ GW2491 focuses on long reading and office sessions. BenQ's Low Blue Light Plus filters shorter, higher energy blue-violet light while keeping colors vivid, Flicker-Free technology works at all brightness levels, and ePaper Mode gives a black and white layout for reading. It carries TUV Rheinland and Eyesafe 2.0 certifications.

The 23.8-inch IPS panel runs at 1920 x 1080 and 100Hz, with 99% sRGB, 72% NTSC, 250 nits, a 1,300:1 contrast ratio and a 5 ms response time. Connections are one HDMI 1.4, one DisplayPort 1.2 and a headphone jack, and BenQ's Eye-CareU software handles on-screen settings. The stand tilts from -5 to 20 degrees, and a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount is available for an arm.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

23.8-inch IPS panel, 1920 x 1080
100Hz refresh rate
Low Blue Light Plus and Flicker-Free
ePaper Mode
TUV Rheinland and Eyesafe 2.0 certified
HDMI 1.4 and DisplayPort 1.2

Pros:

Several eye-care modes aimed at long reading sessions
Both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs
1,300:1 contrast ratio
VESA mount makes a monitor arm easy to add

Cons:

Stand only tilts, with no height, swivel or pivot
100Hz is the second-lowest refresh rate here
No built-in speakers listed in BenQ's specifications

Who it is for: Students and office workers who read and write on screen for hours and want straightforward eye-care features.

Skip if: You need height adjustment without buying a monitor arm, or a USB-C connection.

LG 24U411A-B - Best for simple setups

The LG 24U411A-B is a no-fuss 24-inch IPS monitor for everyday tasks. It runs at Full HD 1920 x 1080 with a 120Hz refresh rate, supports HDR10, and LG lists up to 99% sRGB color coverage.

LG adds a 1ms Motion Blur Reduction mode, Black Stabilizer to brighten dark game scenes, and Dynamic Action Sync. A 3-side borderless design and slim stand keep the footprint tidy, though the stand only adjusts for tilt.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

24-inch IPS panel, Full HD 1920 x 1080
120Hz refresh rate
HDR10 support
Up to 99% sRGB
1ms Motion Blur Reduction
Black Stabilizer and Dynamic Action Sync

Pros:

120Hz is a step up from basic 60Hz office screens
3-side borderless design suits dual-monitor setups
Black Stabilizer helps visibility in dark games
Simple, slim design for small desks

Cons:

Stand adjusts for tilt only
120Hz trails the Dell, BenQ GW2490TC and TUF Gaming picks
The 1ms figure refers to Motion Blur Reduction, not a gray-to-gray response time

Who it is for: Buyers who want a plain, slim 24-inch screen for browsing, office apps and light gaming.

Skip if: You want height adjustment, USB-C, or the fastest refresh rate for competitive games.

How to choose

Check the real screen size. Most 24-inch monitors measure 23.8 inches diagonally, while some, like the ProArt PA248CRV, measure 24.1 inches. The difference is small, but it matters if you are matching two screens side by side.
Match the refresh rate to your use. 100Hz to 144Hz makes scrolling and casual games smoother, while 240Hz is aimed at competitive PC gaming with a graphics card that can keep up.
Count the ports. Some models offer only HDMI, while others add DisplayPort or USB-C. If you plan to charge a laptop over USB-C, check the power delivery wattage, since 20W and 96W are very different.
Look closely at the stand. Tilt-only stands are common at this size. Height, swivel and pivot adjustment help with posture and portrait use, or you can add a VESA arm instead.
Consider 16:10 for documents. A 1920 x 1200 panel shows 120 more rows of pixels than 1920 x 1080, which helps with spreadsheets, code and editing timelines.
Treat color specs by task. 99% sRGB is fine for office work and web content, while factory calibration and wide DCI-P3 coverage matter for photo and video work.

FAQ

Is a 24-inch monitor actually 24 inches?

Often not exactly. Many 24-inch class monitors have a 23.8-inch viewable diagonal, and a few measure 24 or 24.1 inches. All of them are sold and compared as 24-inch monitors.

Is 1080p sharp enough on a 24-inch monitor?

For most office work, browsing and gaming, yes. A 1920 x 1080 panel at 23.8 inches works out to roughly 92 pixels per inch, which is a common, comfortable density for this size.

Do I need 240Hz on a 24-inch monitor?

Only for fast competitive games on a PC that can produce very high frame rates. For office work and casual play, 100Hz to 144Hz is a noticeable step up from 60Hz.

Can a 24-inch monitor charge my laptop?

Only if it has USB-C with power delivery, and the wattage decides how well it works. The ProArt PA248CRV supplies up to 96W, while the BenQ GW2490TC supplies 20W.

Should I pick 16:9 or 16:10 at 24 inches?

16:9 is standard for games and video. 16:10 adds extra vertical space, which helps with documents, spreadsheets and creative software.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

6 Best 24-Inch Monitors in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Monitors for Photo Editing in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:22:20 GMT

A photo editing monitor has one main job: show color accurately and keep showing it that way. That takes wide gamut coverage, a reliable way to calibrate, and a screen surface that does not fight the lighting in your room.

The BenQ SW272U is the best overall pick for most photographers. It pairs 99% Adobe RGB coverage and a Delta E rating of 1.5 or lower with hardware calibration, a Nano Matte anti-reflection screen, and a shading hood in the box.

This guide is for photographers, retouchers, and serious hobbyists who edit for print or the web and want a dedicated color-accurate display. The picks run from a budget ProArt to self-calibrating reference monitors, a mini-LED 5K screen for Mac users, and a 32-inch 6K option.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	BenQ SW272U 27-inch 4K	99% Adobe RGB, hardware calibration, and a Nano Matte screen
Best for professional studios	EIZO ColorEdge CG2700X 27-inch 4K	Built-in calibration sensor, uniformity correction, and a 5-year warranty
Best automatic calibration	ASUS ProArt PA27UCGE 27-inch 4K	Motorized colorimeter and a Delta E below 1 rating
Best budget pick	ASUS ProArt PA279CRV 27-inch 4K	99% Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 with Calman Verified factory calibration
Best for Mac users	Apple Studio Display XDR 27-inch 5K	Mini-LED 5K panel with Photography reference modes
Best big screen	LG UltraFine evo 32U990A-S 32-inch 6K	32-inch 6K panel with up to 99.5% Adobe RGB coverage

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for color gamut coverage, color accuracy ratings, calibration options, screen surface, resolution, and connections, then matched each monitor to a specific kind of photo editor. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best monitors for photo editing right now

BenQ SW272U 27-inch 4K - Best overall

The BenQ SW272U is built around what photographers need from a screen. Its 27-inch IPS panel runs at 3840 x 2160, and BenQ lists 99% Adobe RGB, 99% P3, and 100% sRGB coverage, backed by a 16-bit 3D LUT and a Delta E rating of 1.5 or lower. The Nano Matte surface is designed to eliminate glare and reflection, and it carries TUV Rheinland Reflection-Free certification.

Hardware calibration is guided by on-screen menus and prompts, and BenQ uses full screen calibration to keep brightness and color consistent across the panel. A shading hood for landscape and portrait use, the cordless Hotkey Puck G3, and a factory calibration report come in the box. Connections include USB-C with 90W power delivery, two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and an SD card reader. Brightness is listed at 400 nits with 1000:1 contrast, so this is a color reference first and an HDR display second.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel
99% Adobe RGB, 99% P3, 100% sRGB
16-bit 3D LUT and Delta E of 1.5 or lower
Nano Matte screen with TUV Rheinland Reflection-Free certification
USB-C with 90W power delivery, two HDMI, one DisplayPort, SD card reader
Shading hood, Hotkey Puck G3, and calibration report included

Pros:

Wide Adobe RGB coverage suits print-focused workflows
Guided hardware calibration and full screen uniformity calibration
Hood and puck are included rather than sold separately
Stand offers 140 mm of height adjustment plus tilt, swivel, and pivot

Cons:

400 nits and 1000:1 contrast limit HDR impact
60Hz refresh rate
No built-in calibration sensor is listed

Who it is for: Photographers who print, shoot in Adobe RGB, and edit in rooms where window light or overhead lamps cause glare.

Skip if: You want a built-in calibration sensor or bright HDR, where the EIZO CG2700X or Apple Studio Display XDR fit better.

EIZO ColorEdge CG2700X 27-inch 4K - Best for professional studios

The EIZO ColorEdge CG2700X suits studios that need a monitor to stay calibrated with as little manual effort as possible. A built-in calibration sensor swings onto the screen when needed, and EIZO says you can keep working while calibration runs. The 27-inch class IPS panel (26.9 inches viewable) is 3840 x 2160 and covers 99% of Adobe RGB and 98% of DCI-P3, with 10-bit simultaneous display from a 16-bit LUT.

EIZO's Digital Uniformity Equalizer targets even brightness and color across the screen, and a light shielding hood comes bundled. HLG and PQ curves are supported for HDR editing, brightness is 500 cd/m2, and typical contrast is 1450:1. USB-C delivers 94W, a built-in LAN port helps laptops without Ethernet, and the monitor is backed by a 5-year manufacturer's warranty.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch class 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel, 26.9 inches viewable
99% Adobe RGB and 98% DCI-P3
Built-in calibration sensor
10-bit simultaneous display from a 16-bit LUT
Digital Uniformity Equalizer and bundled light shielding hood
USB-C with 94W power delivery, DisplayPort, HDMI, and LAN

Pros:

Self-calibration without an external device
Uniformity correction and hood support consistent color
5-year manufacturer's warranty
EIZO guarantees zero bright sub-pixels for six months from purchase

Cons:

500 cd/m2 brightness is far below the 2000-nit HDR peak of the Apple Studio Display XDR
EIZO lists a vertical frequency of up to 61 Hz
No Thunderbolt connection is listed

Who it is for: Professional photographers, retouchers, and studios that calibrate often and want a long warranty.

Skip if: You mainly need HDR brightness, a 5K or 6K panel, or a lower-cost entry into wide-gamut editing.

ASUS ProArt PA27UCGE 27-inch 4K - Best automatic calibration

The ASUS ProArt PA27UCGE puts a motorized flip colorimeter inside the monitor, so self and auto calibration can run without a separate sensor. ASUS rates it at Delta E below 1, the tightest accuracy figure among these picks, and its 27-inch 4K IPS panel (163 PPI) uses a LuxPixel AGLR anti-glare, low-reflection surface.

ASUS lists the gamut as 98% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB from a 10-bit panel. A 160Hz variable refresh rate, HDR-10 and HLG support, and VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification make it a flexible choice for photographers who also edit video. USB-C with 96W power delivery, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and built-in Auto KVM for switching between two laptops round out the connections.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel, 163 PPI
Built-in motorized flip colorimeter for self and auto calibration
Delta E below 1
98% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB, 10-bit
160Hz variable refresh rate, HDR-10, HLG, DisplayHDR 600
USB-C with 96W power delivery, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, Auto KVM

Pros:

Calibration runs without buying a separate colorimeter
Lowest Delta E rating among these picks
Anti-glare, low-reflection screen surface
Auto KVM suits a two-laptop desk

Cons:

ASUS does not list Adobe RGB coverage on this page
No Thunderbolt connection is listed
4K at 27 inches is less dense than the 5K Apple and 6K LG picks

Who it is for: Photographers who want hands-off calibration and also cut video or need smoother motion than a 60Hz panel.

Skip if: Your print workflow depends on confirmed Adobe RGB coverage, in which case the BenQ SW272U or EIZO CG2700X is the safer choice.

ASUS ProArt PA279CRV 27-inch 4K - Best budget pick

The ASUS ProArt PA279CRV is the most straightforward way into wide-gamut photo editing on this list. Its 27-inch 4K IPS panel covers 99% DCI-P3 and 99% Adobe RGB, and ASUS describes it as Calman Verified and factory pre-calibrated to Delta E below 2.

ASUS uses a three-scale factory calibration process and grayscale tracking aimed at smoother gradations and better uniformity. HDR10 and VESA DisplayHDR 400 support, USB-C with 96-watt power delivery, and DisplayPort daisy-chaining for multi-monitor setups make it a practical desk monitor, and the stand offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel
99% DCI-P3 and 99% Adobe RGB
Calman Verified, factory pre-calibrated to Delta E below 2
HDR10 and VESA DisplayHDR 400
USB-C with 96-watt power delivery
DisplayPort daisy-chaining

Pros:

Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 coverage on par with pricier picks
Factory calibrated for accurate color out of the box
Single-cable connection and charging for laptops
Tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment

Cons:

Delta E below 2 is a looser rating than the BenQ SW272U or PA27UCGE
No built-in colorimeter; ASUS pairs it with an external ProArt CaliContrO colorimeter for hardware calibration
DisplayHDR 400 is an entry-level HDR certification

Who it is for: Hobbyists and working photographers who want real Adobe RGB coverage and factory calibration without paying for reference-grade extras.

Skip if: You need built-in calibration, a matte anti-reflection panel, or stronger HDR.

Apple Studio Display XDR 27-inch 5K - Best for Mac users

The Apple Studio Display XDR pairs a 27-inch 5K Retina panel (5120 x 2880 at 218 pixels per inch) with a mini-LED backlight and 2304 dimming zones. Apple lists up to 1000 nits for SDR, 2000 nits peak for HDR, P3 and Adobe RGB wide color gamuts, and a 120Hz refresh rate with Adaptive Sync.

For photographers, the reference modes matter most: Apple includes Photography modes for P3-D65 and Adobe RGB-D65, Design and Print modes for P3-D50 and Adobe RGB-D50, and an HDR Photography mode. This listing is the standard glass version with the tilt- and height-adjustable stand; nano-texture glass and a VESA mount adapter are separate configurations. Two Thunderbolt 5 ports, two USB-C ports, 140W host charging, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and a six-speaker system complete the package.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch 5K Retina (5120 x 2880), 218 pixels per inch
Mini-LED backlight with 2304 dimming zones
Up to 1000 nits SDR, 2000 nits peak HDR
P3 and Adobe RGB wide color gamuts with Photography reference modes
120Hz refresh rate with Adaptive Sync
Two Thunderbolt 5 ports, two USB-C ports, 140W host charging

Pros:

Highest listed HDR brightness among these picks
Dedicated Photography and Design and Print reference modes
5K resolution gives sharper detail than the 27-inch 4K picks
Single Thunderbolt 5 cable connects and charges a Mac laptop

Cons:

Apple's compatibility list covers Mac models only and does not mention Windows PCs
This standard glass version lacks the reflection-reducing nano-texture option
Apple does not give a coverage percentage for Adobe RGB

Who it is for: Mac photographers who edit HDR images or want a 5K screen with built-in Photography reference modes.

Skip if: You edit on a Windows PC or work in a bright room where reflections are a concern.

LG UltraFine evo 32U990A-S 32-inch 6K - Best big screen

The LG UltraFine evo 32U990A-S is the only 32-inch pick here, and it goes beyond 4K with a 6K panel at 224 pixels per inch. That leaves more room for a full-size image alongside editing panels. LG lists up to 98% DCI-P3 and up to 99.5% Adobe RGB coverage.

The Nano IPS Black panel is rated at 2000:1 contrast and carries VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification. Thunderbolt 5 sits alongside DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI, and USB-C, and the stand tilts, pivots, rotates, and adjusts for height. Mac users get Studio Mode presets and Mac keyboard control. LG's page does not detail calibration features, refresh rate, or power delivery wattage.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

32-inch 6K panel, 224 pixels per inch
Nano IPS Black with 2000:1 contrast
Up to 98% DCI-P3 and up to 99.5% Adobe RGB
VESA DisplayHDR 600
Thunderbolt 5, DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI, USB-C
Tilt, pivot, rotate, and height adjustment

Pros:

Largest and highest-resolution screen among these picks
High listed Adobe RGB coverage
Higher rated contrast than the other IPS picks
Mac-friendly presets and keyboard control

Cons:

LG's page gives no calibration details and no built-in sensor is listed
Refresh rate and power delivery wattage are not listed on the page
Gamut figures are given as "up to" values

Who it is for: Photographers who want the most screen space and pixel density for detailed retouching and large catalogs.

Skip if: Calibration features matter more to you than size, where the EIZO CG2700X or PA27UCGE is a better match.

How to choose

Match the gamut to your output. Adobe RGB coverage matters most if you print, DCI-P3 or P3 matters for screens and HDR, and sRGB still covers most web viewing.
Decide how you will calibrate. A built-in sensor, as on the EIZO CG2700X and ASUS PA27UCGE, automates the job. Other monitors rely on factory calibration or hardware calibration with a separate device.
Control reflections. Matte or low-reflection surfaces and a shading hood keep room light from shifting how colors and shadows look on screen.
Pick the right pixel density. A 27-inch 4K panel works out to about 163 PPI, while 5K at 27 inches and 6K at 32 inches land around 218 to 224 PPI for finer detail.
Treat HDR as a separate need. Most photo work is SDR. Buy for HDR brightness only if you edit HDR images or video.
Check single-cable power. If you edit on a laptop, look at USB-C or Thunderbolt power delivery so one cable handles video, data, and charging.

FAQ

Do I need Adobe RGB coverage for photo editing?

Not always. If you print or shoot in Adobe RGB, wide Adobe RGB coverage helps you see colors your printer can reproduce. If your work ends up on phones and websites, strong sRGB and P3 coverage matters more.

Do I need a hardware-calibrated monitor?

Factory calibration gives a good starting point, but every panel drifts over time. Hardware calibration, whether with a built-in sensor or a separate colorimeter, keeps colors consistent over the life of the monitor.

Is 4K enough for a 27-inch photo editing monitor?

Yes, 4K at 27 inches is sharp enough for most editing. A 5K or 6K panel adds finer detail and more room for tools, which helps with retouching and large previews.

Is a matte or glossy screen better for photo editing?

Matte and low-reflection screens are easier to work with in rooms with windows or overhead lights. Glossy screens can look punchier but show reflections, so they suit rooms where you can control the lighting.

Does HDR matter for photo editing?

Only if you edit or deliver HDR photos or video. For standard print and web work, color accuracy, uniformity, and calibration matter more than peak brightness.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

6 Best Monitors for Photo Editing in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

7 Best Wireless Mice in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:21:58 GMT

A wireless mouse gets used for hours every day, so the right one depends on where you work, how your hand likes to rest, and whether you play games. A desk mouse built for shortcuts, a slim gesture mouse for a Mac, a vertical or trackball design for comfort, and a lightweight gaming mouse all solve different problems.

The Logitech MX Master 4 is our best overall pick. It combines an 8K DPI sensor that Logitech says tracks on almost any surface, including glass, with a MagSpeed scroll wheel rated at 1,000 lines per second, customizable haptic feedback, and Actions Ring shortcuts. It suits office workers, creators, and anyone who spends long days in spreadsheets, editors, and browsers.

The rest of this list covers specific needs: a gesture mouse for Mac users, a vertical ergonomic mouse, a thumb trackball, a quiet budget Bluetooth mouse, and two wireless gaming mice for PC players.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Logitech MX Master 4	Haptic feedback, Actions Ring shortcuts, and a 1,000-lines-per-second wheel
Best for Mac users	Apple Magic Mouse (USB-C)	Multi-Touch gestures, USB-C charging and about a month per charge
Best vertical ergonomic	Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse	57° handshake angle sized for small to medium hands
Best trackball	Logitech ERGO M575S Wireless Trackball	Thumb control that keeps your arm still, with quieter clicks
Best budget	Logitech M240 Silent Bluetooth Mouse	Quiet clicks, no dongle, and up to 18 months on one AA battery
Best for competitive gaming	Razer Viper V4 Pro	49 g build, 50K DPI sensor, and 8000 Hz wireless polling
Best dual-mode gaming	SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2	2.4 GHz and Bluetooth, IP54 protection, and 4K wireless polling

How we chose

We compared the specifications and features each maker publishes on its own US product page, then matched every mouse to a specific kind of buyer. We also checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best wireless mice right now

Logitech MX Master 4 - Best overall

The Logitech MX Master 4 is built for people who live in productivity apps. Its standout feature is customizable haptic feedback, which Logitech says can respond to specific actions, shortcuts, and notifications, and Windows 11 users get native haptics integration.

The MagSpeed scroll wheel is rated at 1,000 lines per second, and Logitech describes the machined steel wheel as smooth, quiet, and weighted. The 8K DPI sensor is rated to track on virtually any surface, even glass, and Logitech says its Actions Ring shortcuts can save up to 33% of your time. Feedback, intensity, and third-party app plugins are set up in the Logi Options+ app.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Customizable haptic feedback
Native haptics on Windows 11
Actions Ring shortcuts
MagSpeed scroll wheel rated at 1,000 lines per second
Machined steel scroll wheel
8K DPI sensor that tracks on almost any surface, including glass at least 4 mm thick, per Logitech

Pros:

Haptic feedback adds a feature most office mice lack
Very fast scrolling for long documents and timelines
Shortcut tools aimed at heavy multitaskers
Works on glass desks at least 4 mm thick

Cons:

Native haptics integration is listed for Windows 11 specifically
Haptic tuning and app plugins depend on the Logi Options+ software
Premium choice for buyers who only need basic pointing

Who it is for: Office workers, creators, and power users who want one feature-rich desk mouse for long workdays.

Skip if: You need a small mouse for a laptop bag, where the M240 Silent makes more sense, or you want a gaming mouse with high polling rates.

Apple Magic Mouse (USB-C) - Best for Mac users

The Apple Magic Mouse (USB-C) is the pick for Mac and iPad owners who would rather use gestures than a scroll wheel. Apple says its Multi-Touch surface allows simple gestures such as swiping between web pages and scrolling through documents.

It connects over Bluetooth, charges through a USB-C port, and Apple rates the rechargeable battery for about a month or more between charges. It weighs 0.22 pound, and Apple lists a Mac with macOS 15.1 or later or an iPad with iPadOS 18.1 or later as requirements. A USB-C Charge Cable comes in the box.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Multi-Touch surface for swiping and scrolling gestures
Bluetooth connection
USB-C charging port
About a month or more between charges, per Apple
0.22 pound (0.099 kg)
USB-C Charge Cable in the box

Pros:

Gestures built into the top surface
Rechargeable, with no AA batteries to replace
Light at 0.22 pound
No USB receiver needed

Cons:

Apple lists macOS 15.1 or later or iPadOS 18.1 or later as requirements
Scrolling is a touch gesture rather than a wheel
Apple's tech specs page lists only Mac and iPad requirements

Who it is for: Mac and iPad users who want a slim, rechargeable mouse with gesture controls.

Skip if: You use Windows, or you want a scroll wheel and extra buttons.

Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse - Best vertical ergonomic

The Logitech Lift is a vertical mouse that tilts your hand to a 57° angle, which Logitech calls a natural handshake position. Logitech says it is designed for small to medium hands, with a softly textured grip, easy-to-reach buttons, and a thumb rest.

It also aims to stay out of the way in shared spaces: Logitech describes whisper-quiet clicks and a quiet scroll wheel, and the mouse is made with recycled plastic. This listing is the right-handed Graphite version, and Logitech also offers a left-handed version.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

57° vertical angle
Designed for small to medium hands
Softly textured grip with thumb rest
Whisper-quiet clicks and quiet scroll wheel
Made with recycled plastic
Left-handed version available separately

Pros:

Vertical design puts the hand in a handshake position
Quiet operation suits shared offices
Sized for small to medium hands

Cons:

Not designed around large hands
This listing is right-handed only
A vertical grip is a change from a standard flat mouse

Who it is for: People with small to medium hands who want to try a vertical mouse at a desk.

Skip if: You have large hands, or you prefer to keep your arm still and steer with your thumb, where the ERGO M575S fits better.

Logitech ERGO M575S Wireless Trackball - Best trackball

The Logitech ERGO M575S swaps a sliding mouse for a thumb-operated trackball, so you move the cursor without moving your arm. Logitech says it is certified by ergonomists to reduce muscle strain and work in a more natural posture, and claims it reduces muscle strain in your forearm by 25%.

The S version adds quiet clicks, with Logitech claiming 80% quieter click noise than the ERGO M575. It has 3 customizable buttons covering Back/Forward and the middle click of the scroll wheel, cursor speed can be adjusted in the Logi Options+ app, and Logitech describes the shape as a good and snug fit for most hand sizes.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Thumb-controlled trackball
Certified by ergonomists, according to Logitech
80% quieter clicks than the ERGO M575, per Logitech
3 customizable buttons
Cursor speed adjustable in Logi Options+
Designed to fit most hand sizes

Pros:

Arm stays still while the thumb moves the cursor
Needs less desk space than a sliding mouse
Quieter clicks than the earlier model

Cons:

Thumb trackball control is a different technique from a regular mouse
Only 3 customizable buttons
The quiet-click figure compares it only with the older ERGO M575

Who it is for: Desk workers with limited space or anyone who wants to stop sliding a mouse around all day.

Skip if: You want a conventional mouse feel or plan to play fast games.

Logitech M240 Silent Bluetooth Mouse - Best budget

The Logitech M240 Silent is the simple, affordable pick. It pairs over Bluetooth with no dongle or port required, and Logitech lists support for Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux, and Android, so it works with most laptops and tablets that have Bluetooth.

Logitech says its SilentTouch Technology reduces clicking sounds by 90% while keeping a familiar click feel. It runs on a single AA battery, which comes pre-installed, and Logitech rates battery life at 18 months with auto sleep. The compact, contoured shape is designed to suit both left- and right-handed users.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Bluetooth connection with no dongle required
SilentTouch Technology reduces clicking sounds by 90%
Up to 18 months battery life with auto sleep
Single AA battery, pre-installed
Shape suits left- and right-handed users
Works with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux, and Android

Pros:

Budget-friendly choice for basic everyday use
Very quiet clicks for shared spaces
Long battery life between changes
Leaves USB ports free

Cons:

Bluetooth only, so a computer without Bluetooth cannot use it
Uses a replaceable AA battery rather than a built-in rechargeable cell
Basic feature set with no advanced scroll wheel or shortcut tools listed

Who it is for: Students, home users, and office workers who want a quiet, low-cost mouse that works with almost any Bluetooth device.

Skip if: Your computer lacks Bluetooth or you want shortcut and scrolling features like those on the MX Master 4.

Razer Viper V4 Pro - Best for competitive gaming

The Razer Viper V4 Pro is the competitive gaming pick, and the specs show it. The black edition weighs 49 g (Razer lists the white edition at 50 g), and it uses the Razer Focus Pro 50K Optical Sensor Gen-3, rated at 50K DPI, 930 IPS, and 90 G.

Razer says its wireless system enables true 8000 Hz polling, and the larger dongle houses a taller antenna for greater signal strength. It uses Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-4, built to withstand over 100 million clicks, and has 6 programmable controls, a right-handed symmetrical shape, and up to 180 hours of battery life.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

49 g (black edition; white edition is 50 g)
Razer Focus Pro 50K Optical Sensor Gen-3
50K DPI, 930 IPS, 90 G
True 8000 Hz wireless polling
Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-4, rated for over 100 million clicks
Up to 180 hours of battery life

Pros:

Lightest pick on this list
Highest listed sensor and polling specs here
Durable optical switches
6 programmable controls

Cons:

Razer's page describes a dongle connection and does not mention Bluetooth
Right-handed shape, so it does not suit left-handed players
Built for gaming rather than office shortcut features

Who it is for: Competitive PC players who want the lowest weight and the highest polling rate in this group.

Skip if: You need Bluetooth for a laptop or tablet, where the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 is the better gaming option.

SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 - Best dual-mode gaming

The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 is a lightweight gaming mouse that also works over Bluetooth. It weighs 68 g, uses a TrueMove 26K sensor rated at 400 IPS and 40G, and supports 4K wireless polling with a 0.25ms response.

Battery life depends on the connection: SteelSeries rates it at 120 hours on 2.4 GHz wireless and 200 hours in Bluetooth mode. It carries an IP54 rating, and SteelSeries says its AquaBarrier protection seals out dust, sweat, and spills. The 80 million click mechanical switches have a listed click latency under 2ms.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

68 g weight
TrueMove 26K sensor, 400 IPS, 40G
4K wireless polling, 0.25ms response
2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth
120 hours on 2.4 GHz, 200 hours on Bluetooth
IP54 rating with AquaBarrier protection

Pros:

Two wireless modes for gaming PC and laptop use
IP54 dust and water resistance, which SteelSeries says sets it apart from other honeycomb shells
Long Bluetooth battery life
Durable 80 million click switches

Cons:

Battery life drops to 120 hours in the faster 2.4 GHz mode
Heavier than the Razer Viper V4 Pro at 68 g versus 49 g
Lower listed sensor and polling specs than the Viper V4 Pro

Who it is for: Gamers who want one light mouse for a gaming PC over 2.4 GHz and a laptop over Bluetooth.

Skip if: You only play competitively on one PC and want the lowest weight, where the Viper V4 Pro fits better.

How to choose

Start with the shape. A standard mouse suits most people, a vertical mouse like the Lift tilts the hand into a handshake position, and a trackball like the ERGO M575S keeps your arm still.
Check how it connects. Bluetooth-only mice such as the M240 Silent need a computer with Bluetooth, while some mice rely on a USB receiver or dongle that takes a port.
Decide between AA and rechargeable. AA-powered mice can run for many months between swaps, while rechargeable mice charge over a cable.
Match the size to your hand. Compact mice travel well but give less to grip, and some ergonomic designs are made for specific hand sizes or only one hand.
Think about noise. Quiet-click models from Logitech are worth a look for shared offices, libraries, and late-night work.
Gamers should check weight and polling. Lower weight and higher wireless polling rates are the main specs gaming mice compete on, along with sensor ratings and switch durability.

FAQ

Do I need a USB receiver for a wireless mouse?

Not always. The M240 Silent and the Apple Magic Mouse use Bluetooth with no dongle. Gaming mice like the Viper V4 Pro use a dedicated dongle for their fastest wireless mode.

Is a vertical mouse or a trackball better for comfort?

They solve different problems. A vertical mouse like the Lift turns the hand to a 57° angle while you still move the mouse, while a trackball like the ERGO M575S keeps the mouse still and moves the cursor with your thumb.

Does a higher DPI number matter for office work?

Not much. DPI sets how far the cursor moves for a given hand movement, and the figures listed here, from 8,000 DPI up, are far beyond what everyday tasks need. Very high DPI figures and polling rates mainly matter to gamers.

Can I use a gaming mouse for everyday work?

Yes. A gaming mouse points and clicks like any other mouse, and the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 adds Bluetooth for laptop use. It lacks the shortcut and haptic tools that the MX Master 4 offers for productivity apps.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

7 Best Wireless Mice in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Gaming Chairs in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:21:35 GMT

A gaming chair has to fit your body before anything else. User height and weight ranges, recline, armrest adjustment and lumbar support decide whether a chair works for long sessions at a desk, and the upholstery decides how it feels in a warm room.

The Corsair TC500 Luxe is the best overall pick for most players. It combines a 59 cm (23.2 in) wide seat, 4-way adjustable built-in lumbar support, 5D armrests and a 90 to 160 degree back angle, and Corsair rates it for users up to 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) and 120 kg (264 lbs).

This page is for US buyers choosing one chair for gaming and desk work. The other picks cover big and tall players, mesh, leatherette and a simpler entry-level option.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Corsair TC500 Luxe	Wide flat seat, 5D armrests, and 4-way built-in lumbar
Best for big and tall	Anda Seat Kaiser 4 XL Fabric	XL sizing up to 210 cm and 180 kg with 6D armrests
Best mesh	Razer Fujin	Breathable mesh with synchro-tilt and adjustable lumbar
Best leatherette	Razer Iskur V2 X NewGen	CoolTouch EPU leather and a wide seat for varied postures
Best entry-level	Corsair TC100 Relaxed Fabric	Simple fabric chair with neck and lumbar pillows and deep recline

How we chose

We compared the specifications published on each maker's product pages, including user height and weight ranges, recline, armrest adjustment, lumbar support, upholstery and warranty. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best gaming chairs right now

Corsair TC500 Luxe - Best overall

The Corsair TC500 Luxe earns the top spot because it pairs a wide, flat seat with adjustment in the places that matter most for long sessions. Corsair describes it as wider and flatter than the typical gaming chair, with contoured foam and subtle bolstering, and lists a 59 cm (23.2 in) seat width. The 4-way lumbar support is built into the backrest and adjusts with side knobs, and the 5D Omniflex armrests move up and down, left and right, front and back, and also swivel and reverse.

The back angle adjusts from 90 to 160 degrees, there is 0 to 10 degrees of tilt, and a detachable magnetic neck pillow is included. The seat frame is steel, the base is powder-coated steel on 65 mm casters, and the upholstery is a quilted breathable fabric. Corsair rates it for users up to 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) and 120 kg (264 lbs) and covers it with a 2-year warranty. Shadow is one of five colors Corsair lists for this chair.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

59 cm (23.2 in) seat width
90 to 160 degree back angle with 0 to 10 degree tilt
5D Omniflex armrests
4-way adjustable built-in lumbar support
Detachable magnetic neck pillow
Steel seat frame and powder-coated steel base

Pros:

Wide, flat seat leaves room for different sitting positions
Lumbar support adjusts without a separate cushion
Armrests adjust in five ways
Back angle reaches 160 degrees, the widest range in this list alongside the TC100 Relaxed

Cons:

Rated for users up to 188 cm and 120 kg, lower than the Kaiser 4 XL and both Razer chairs
2-year warranty is shorter than the 5-year warranty Anda Seat lists for the Kaiser 4
Fabric upholstery only; there is no leatherette or mesh version on this page

Who it is for: Most players up to 6 ft 2 in who want a wide seat, adjustable built-in lumbar support and a deep recline in one chair.

Skip if: You are taller than 188 cm or heavier than 120 kg, or you want mesh or leatherette upholstery.

Anda Seat Kaiser 4 XL Fabric - Best for big and tall

The Anda Seat Kaiser 4 in XL is the pick for big and tall players. Anda Seat sizes the XL for users from 181 to 210 cm and 80 to 180 kg (about 176 to 397 lbs), while the smaller L size covers 150 to 180 cm and under 120 kg, so sizing depends on which version you buy. The version here is the XL in EverSoft linen fabric; Anda Seat also offers the chair in ArteDiPelle synthetic leather.

Its 6D armrests offer 180 degrees of armpad rotation, 360 degrees of arm rotation, 20 degrees of upward tilt, and 7 cm up and down, 4 cm forward and back and 18 cm left and right. The lumbar support pops out up to 24 degrees with an any-angle lock and has 4-way built-in adjustment of 76 mm up and down and 30 mm in and out. The backrest reclines to 135 degrees with a 15 degree rocking mode, and the chair adds a magnetic memory foam head pillow with a cooling layer, cold-cure foam, an aluminum wheelbase and a 5-year warranty.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

XL size for users 181 to 210 cm and 80 to 180 kg
6D armrests
24 degree pop-out lumbar with 4-way built-in adjustment
135 degree recline and 15 degree rocking mode
Magnetic memory foam head pillow with cooling layer
Aluminum wheelbase with 65 mm PU-coated casters

Pros:

Highest weight range in this list
Armrests have the most adjustment of any pick here
Lumbar both pops out and adjusts in four directions
5-year warranty

Cons:

XL size is meant for users at least 181 cm tall and 80 kg
135 degree recline is less than the 160 degrees Corsair lists for its chairs
Seat height adjustment is listed at 6.5 cm, so check the fit with your desk height

Who it is for: Players from about 5 ft 11 in to 6 ft 11 in who want a large chair with highly adjustable arms and lumbar.

Skip if: You are under 181 cm or under 80 kg; the L size or another pick fits that range.

Razer Fujin - Best mesh

The Razer Fujin is the mesh pick for players who sit in warm rooms. Razer says its breathable mesh is designed to keep you well ventilated during long hours of gaming and has high tensile strength and elasticity. Its synchro-tilt design pairs an adaptive backrest with a forward-gliding seat base that adjusts to your posture, with 130 degrees of recline.

The lumbar support is height adjustable, and the padded 3D armrests move up and down, forward and backward, and left and right. Razer lists a user range of 165 to 200 cm (65 to 79 in) and up to 136 kg (299 lbs). No headrest is included, though Razer sells a Fujin Headrest separately. The warranty runs up to 5 years on the frame, mechanisms and armrests, and up to 1 year on the mesh backing and seat pan.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Breathable mesh upholstery
Synchro-tilt with forward-gliding seat base
130 degree recline
Height-adjustable lumbar support
Padded 3D armrests
Rated for 165 to 200 cm and up to 136 kg (299 lbs)

Pros:

Mesh is built for airflow
Seat and backrest move together as you recline
Lumbar height adjusts to your back
Up to 5 years of coverage on the frame, mechanisms and armrests

Cons:

130 degree recline is the shortest in this list
Headrest is a separate accessory
Mesh backing and seat pan are covered for only up to 1 year

Who it is for: Players who mostly sit upright at a desk and want an office-style mesh chair that stays ventilated.

Skip if: You want to lean far back between matches or want a headrest in the box.

Razer Iskur V2 X NewGen - Best leatherette

The Razer Iskur V2 X NewGen is the pick for players who want leatherette. It uses Razer Gen-2 EPU leather with CoolTouch, which Razer describes as breathable and peel-resistant, cool to the touch, and 13x more durable than regular PU leather. Ultra-wide shoulder arches and an expanded seat base are designed to let you kick back, sit cross-legged or tuck one leg under.

The seat uses high-density cold-cured foam, the lumbar support is integrated into the backrest, and the backrest reclines up to 152 degrees. The 2D armrests adjust in height and angle. Razer lists a user range of 160 to 200 cm (5.3 to 6.6 ft) and up to 136 kg (299 lbs), and a 3-year limited warranty, with an optional 5-year limited warranty through its Extended Warranty Program. Color options are Black and Green, as here, or Quartz.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Gen-2 EPU leather with CoolTouch
Ultra-wide shoulder arches and expanded seat base
Integrated lumbar support
Up to 152 degree recline
2D armrests adjust in height and angle
Rated for 160 to 200 cm and up to 136 kg (299 lbs)

Pros:

Leatherette designed to feel cool and resist peeling
Wide seat suits cross-legged and tucked positions
Recline reaches 152 degrees
3-year warranty with an optional 5-year extension

Cons:

Lumbar support is built in, and Razer does not describe it as adjustable
No head cushion is included
2D armrests have less adjustment than the other picks except the TC100 Relaxed

Who it is for: Players who shift between postures and prefer leatherette that is easy to wipe over fabric or mesh.

Skip if: You need adjustable lumbar support or armrests that move in more directions.

Corsair TC100 Relaxed Fabric - Best entry-level

The Corsair TC100 Relaxed is the simplest chair in this list: a racing-inspired steel frame with a wider, relaxed seat. Corsair lists a 50 cm by 54 cm (depth by width) seat, perforated soft fabric upholstery, and both an adjustable neck pillow and a strap-adjustable lumbar cushion.

The back angle adjusts from 90 to 160 degrees with 0 to 10 degrees of tilt, the seat height runs from 45 to 55 cm, and the armrests are 2D. The base is nylon with 65 mm casters, and Corsair rates the chair for users up to 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) and 120 kg (264 lbs) with a two-year warranty. Black and Grey is one of four color options Corsair lists.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

50 cm by 54 cm seat (depth by width)
90 to 160 degree back angle
Adjustable neck pillow and lumbar pillow
Perforated soft fabric upholstery
2D armrests
Steel frame with nylon base

Pros:

Back angle reaches 160 degrees
Both pillows are included
Breathable perforated fabric
Straightforward feature set for a first gaming chair

Cons:

Lumbar support is a strap-on cushion rather than built in
Nylon base, where the TC500 Luxe uses steel
2D armrests and a 120 kg (264 lbs) limit

Who it is for: Players up to 6 ft 2 in who want a simple fabric chair with a deep recline and included pillows.

Skip if: You want built-in lumbar adjustment, more armrest movement or a higher weight rating.

How to choose

Match the size range first. Every maker here lists a user height and weight range. A chair outside your range will not support you the way it is designed to, and some models, like the Kaiser 4, come in more than one size.
Check the recline you will actually use. Ranges here run from 130 degrees on the Razer Fujin to 160 degrees on the Corsair chairs. A deep recline matters if you lean back to watch or rest between sessions.
Count the armrest adjustments. 2D arms usually move in two ways, such as height and angle, while 5D and 6D arms add sliding, rotation and tilt so they line up with your desk and keyboard.
Pick upholstery for your room. Mesh is designed for airflow, fabric is soft and breathable, and leatherette is easy to wipe clean.
Decide between built-in lumbar and pillows. Built-in lumbar systems adjust from the chair itself, while pillows strap on and can shift around.
Read the warranty split. Some warranties cover the frame and mechanisms longer than the upholstery, so check what each term covers.

FAQ

Do these gaming chairs include a head pillow?

The Corsair TC500 Luxe and Anda Seat Kaiser 4 include magnetic head or neck pillows, and the Corsair TC100 Relaxed includes a neck pillow. The Razer Iskur V2 X NewGen does not include a head cushion, and the Razer Fujin headrest is sold separately.

What do 2D, 3D, 5D and 6D armrests mean?

The number refers to how many ways the armrests adjust. The Iskur V2 X NewGen's 2D arms adjust in height and angle, the Fujin's 3D arms move up and down, forward and back, and left and right, and the 5D and 6D arms on the TC500 Luxe and Kaiser 4 add swivel, rotation and tilt.

Should I buy an XL chair if I am average height?

Usually not. Anda Seat sizes the Kaiser 4 XL for users from 181 to 210 cm and from 80 kg upward, so shorter or lighter players should look at the L size or a standard chair.

Is mesh, fabric or leatherette better for a gaming chair?

It depends on your room and habits. Mesh is designed for airflow, fabric is soft and breathable, and leatherette such as Razer's CoolTouch EPU leather is built to resist peeling and wipe clean.

How long are gaming chair warranties?

It varies by maker. Anda Seat lists 5 years for the Kaiser 4, Razer lists 3 years for the Iskur V2 X NewGen with an optional 5-year extension, the Fujin gets up to 5 years on its frame but up to 1 year on the mesh, and Corsair lists 2 years for both of its chairs.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

5 Best Gaming Chairs in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Vacuum Cleaners in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:21:12 GMT

The right vacuum depends on the floors you have, the pets you live with and how much of the cleaning you want to hand off. A cordless stick suits quick daily pickups, a corded upright never runs out of charge, and a robot with a self-emptying dock can keep floors tidy on a schedule.

The Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty IP3251 is the best overall pick. It combines a cordless stick with a base that empties the dust cup automatically, a HEPA post-motor filter and a dual brushroll built for both carpet and hard floors.

This page is for US shoppers who want one clear recommendation per need: whole-home cordless cleaning, pet hair on a corded upright, a stick with a swappable battery, and two robot vacuum-mops for hands-off upkeep.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty IP3251	Cordless stick with an auto-empty base and HEPA filtration
Best corded upright for pets	Bissell Pet Hair Eraser DualBrush 42946	Two brush rolls, a 30-foot cord and a lift-off pod
Best swappable-battery stick	Eureka ReactiSense 440 NEC440BK	Removable battery, floor sensors and a sealed HEPA filter
Best robot vacuum	Roborock Saros 20	36,000Pa suction, tall threshold crossing and hot-water mop washing
Best roller-mop robot	eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E25	Self-cleaning roller mop and an all-in-one station

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for cordless sticks, uprights and robot vacuums, and checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon. Where a spec depends on the power mode or setting, we say so.

The best vacuum cleaners right now

Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty IP3251 - Best overall

The Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty IP3251 earns the top spot because it removes the most tedious part of owning a cordless stick: emptying the bin. Docking the vacuum empties it into the base, which Shark says locks away dirt, debris and allergens for up to 45 days. Filtration runs from felt and washable foam pre-motor filters to a HEPA post-motor filter.

Shark rates suction at 380 watts peak, measured in Boost mode, and quotes up to 70 minutes of runtime measured on the handvac in ECO mode, so that runtime figure is a best case rather than a typical floor-cleaning number. The DuoClean Detect dual brushroll works with dirt, edge, floor and direction detection, and the MultiFlex wand bends to reach under furniture.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Auto-empty base with 2.0L capacity
380 watts peak suction (Boost mode)
Up to 70 minutes runtime (handvac, ECO mode)
HEPA post-motor filter
DuoClean Detect dual brushroll with a 10.2-inch cleaning path
Five-year limited warranty

Pros:

Base empties the stick after each docked clean
HEPA filtration plus an odor neutralizer puck
Pet multi-tool and 8-inch duster crevice tool included
Longer warranty than the Eureka pick's two years

Cons:

Only one 21.6-volt battery included, with a 6-hour charge time
The 70-minute runtime is measured on the handvac in ECO mode
The handvac dust cup holds 0.7 qt between trips to the base

Who it is for: Homes with a mix of carpet and hard floors where the owner wants cordless convenience without emptying a bin after every clean.

Skip if: You need back-to-back cleaning sessions, since the single included battery takes six hours to charge.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser DualBrush 42946 - Best corded upright for pets

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser DualBrush 42946 is a bagless corded upright built around two brush rolls with FurGuard, plus FurFinder headlights meant to expose hidden fur. A 30-foot cord means there is no battery to charge or replace, which suits large carpeted rooms and long cleaning sessions.

The Lift-Off detachable pod and 7-foot hose extend it to stairs, pet beds and furniture, and it comes with an LED TurboBrush tool and an LED 2-in-1 dusting brush and crevice tool. Bissell pairs its SmartSeal Allergen System with HEPA filtration and says it traps and locks 99.97% of dust and dander allergens, tested to ASTM F1977.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Two brush rolls with FurGuard
SmartSeal Allergen System plus HEPA
FurFinder headlights
Lift-Off detachable pod
30-foot cord and 7-foot hose
1.25L dirty tank and 9.8-inch cleaning path

Pros:

No battery runtime limit
Sealed HEPA system for allergy-conscious homes
Lift-off pod handles stairs and furniture
Two lighted tools included

Cons:

17.5 lb is heavy to carry between floors
Reach is limited to the 30-foot cord
Only one cleaning mode

Who it is for: Pet owners with plenty of carpet who want a corded upright that never needs charging.

Skip if: You clean several floors and would rather carry a lighter cordless stick.

Eureka ReactiSense 440 NEC440BK - Best swappable-battery stick

The Eureka ReactiSense 440 is a cordless stick with a removable battery pack, so a spare can be swapped in to keep cleaning. Its 350W motor is rated at 25.8kPa and 120AW of suction in Max mode, and sensors detect the floor type and adjust the roller brush speed.

Run time is listed as 15, 30 or 60 minutes depending on the power mode, from a 25.9V battery that takes 3 to 5 hours to charge. An LED display shows battery level, cleaning settings and operating status, and Eureka says its HEPA filter with Complete Seal Technology captures over 99.95% of dust and allergens. It weighs 2.9 kg (about 6.4 lb), or 1.7 kg (about 3.7 lb) as a handheld.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Removable, swappable battery
350W motor, 120AW suction in Max mode
15, 30 or 60 minutes runtime depending on mode
Floor-sensing roller speed
Anti-tangle brushroll
HEPA filter with Complete Seal Technology

Pros:

Battery swaps can extend a session
LED display shows battery and settings
Light for a full-size stick at 2.9 kg
Crevice tool, upholstery brush and wall mount included

Cons:

A spare battery is not listed among the included accessories
Runtime is listed as 15, 30 or 60 minutes depending on mode, so the longest figure does not apply to every setting
No auto-empty base, so the dustbin is emptied by hand
Two-year warranty is shorter than Shark's five years
Rated at 82dB(A)

Who it is for: Buyers who want a straightforward cordless stick and like the option of adding a second battery.

Skip if: You want a dock that empties the bin for you.

Roborock Saros 20 - Best robot vacuum

The Roborock Saros 20 is the most capable robot here on paper. Roborock rates it at 36,000Pa Hyperforce suction with a dual anti-tangle design, says it recognizes more than 300 types of obstacles, and uses its AdaptiLift Chassis 3.0 to cross double-layer thresholds up to 3.46 inches.

The RockDock washes the dual spinning mops with 212°F hot water, cleans itself at the same temperature and dries the mops with 131°F warm air. Navigation uses the StarSight Autonomous System 2.0 with VertiBeam lateral obstacle avoidance, and the robot measures 3.14 inches tall. Roborock notes that actual performance may vary with environmental conditions.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

36,000Pa Hyperforce suction
Up to 3.46-inch double-layer threshold crossing
300+ recognizable obstacle types
212°F hot-water mop washing
131°F warm-air mop drying
3.14-inch robot height

Pros:

Highest rated suction of the two robots here
Built to cross tall thresholds between rooms
Hot-water mop washing and warm-air drying in the dock
DuoDivide main brush and anti-tangle design for hair

Cons:

Roborock's page does not list runtime or battery capacity
The dock measures 15.00 x 18.70 x 19.21 inches and weighs 10.54 kg
Water tank sizes are not listed on the product page

Who it is for: Larger homes with thresholds, rugs and pets where the owner wants a robot to handle most routine vacuuming and mopping.

Skip if: You have little floor space for a large dock.

eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E25 - Best roller-mop robot

The eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E25 swaps the usual spinning pads for a HydroJet self-cleaning roller mop, which eufy says self-cleans 120 times per minute. Suction is rated at 20,000 Pa, DuoSpiral detangle brushes target hair, and the CornerRover arm extends for edge coverage.

The all-in-one station self-empties into a 3L dust bag that eufy says lasts up to 75 days, washes the mop and dries it at 95 to 122°F, dispenses detergent automatically for about six months and collects wastewater in a 1.8L tank. AI.See obstacle avoidance uses RGB visual recognition, and the eufy Clean app supports multi-floor maps and no-go zones.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

HydroJet self-cleaning roller mop
20,000 Pa suction
3L self-emptying dust bag, up to 75 days
Automatic detergent dispensing
AI.See obstacle avoidance
CornerRover arm for edges

Pros:

Roller mop cleans itself during the run
Station handles emptying, washing, drying and detergent
Multi-floor mapping with no-go zones
Raises its mopping module on short-pile carpet in Vacuum Only mode

Cons:

Lower rated suction than the Saros 20
eufy's page does not list runtime, battery, robot height or threshold climbing
Dust bags and detergent are ongoing consumables

Who it is for: Homes with a lot of hard flooring where mopping matters as much as vacuuming.

Skip if: You need published runtime and threshold figures before buying.

How to choose

Match the type to your home. Cordless sticks suit quick daily cleaning, corded uprights suit long sessions on carpet, and robot vacuums suit scheduled upkeep between deeper cleans.
Read the runtime footnotes. Makers usually quote maximum runtime at the lowest power setting. Shark's 70 minutes is measured on the handvac in ECO mode, and Eureka lists 15, 30 or 60 minutes depending on mode.
Decide how you want to empty it. Auto-empty bases and robot docks hold debris for weeks, while manual bins and dirt tanks need emptying after each session or two.
Look for sealed HEPA filtration if allergies matter. A HEPA filter works best when the system around it is sealed, which is why Bissell and Eureka both call out sealed designs.
Check pet-hair features. Anti-tangle brush rolls, dual brushes and pet tools reduce the time spent cutting hair off a roller.
Measure before buying a robot. Check furniture clearance against the robot's height and make sure there is floor space for the dock.

FAQ

Should I buy a cordless or corded vacuum?

Cordless sticks are easier to grab and carry, but runtime falls at higher power settings. A corded upright like the Bissell 42946 has no battery limit, at the cost of more weight and a 30-foot reach.

Can a robot vacuum replace a regular vacuum?

For routine floor cleaning it can do a lot of the work, but robots cannot clean stairs, upholstery or the inside of a car. Most homes still keep a stick or upright for those jobs.

How long do self-emptying bases last between emptying?

Makers quote up to 45 days for the Shark base and up to 75 days for the eufy 3L bag. Actual time depends on home size, pets and how often the vacuum runs.

Do robot mops clean carpet?

Not usually. eufy says to use Vacuum Only mode on short-pile carpets, where the Omni E25 raises its mopping module so they are vacuumed without being wetted.

Is HEPA filtration worth paying attention to?

Yes, if anyone in the home has allergies. Look for a stated capture rate and a sealed system, such as Bissell's 99.97% claim tested to ASTM F1977 or Eureka's 99.95% figure.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

5 Best Vacuum Cleaners in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Car Chargers in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:20:49 GMT

A good car charger should match what you actually plug in on the road. A phone needs far less power than a USB-C laptop, and a shared family car needs more ports than a solo commute. This guide is for US drivers choosing a charger for the 12V socket, whether that means topping up one phone, running a phone and a tablet together, or keeping a laptop alive on a long drive.

The Anker Nano Car Charger (167.5W, 3 Ports) is the best overall pick. Its 100W USB-C1 port is aimed at MacBook charging, a second USB-C port is rated at 45W, and Anker gives the whole unit a width of 1.42 inches.

The other picks cover built-in retractable cables, a budget USB-C and USB-A charger that also lists 24V input, and a phone-focused option with strong warranty coverage.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Anker Nano Car Charger (167.5W, 3 Ports)	100W and 45W USB-C ports with a 167.5W combined maximum
Best retractable cable	Anker Nano 75W Car Charger	Built-in 29.5-inch retractable USB-C cable and up to 75W
Best high-power retractable	UGREEN Nexode Car Charger 145W	Retractable USB-C cable and a 145W total rating
Best budget	Anker 323 Car Charger (52.5W)	30W USB-C plus 22.5W USB-A, with 12V and 24V input listed
Best for warranty coverage	Belkin BoostCharge Dual Car Charger 42W	PD 3.0 with PPS, a 2-year warranty and connected equipment cover

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications, focusing on total output, per-port output, the mix of USB-C and USB-A ports, built-in cables and what comes in the box. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best car chargers right now

Anker Nano Car Charger (167.5W, 3 Ports) - Best overall

The Anker Nano Car Charger (167.5W, 3 Ports) is the most capable charger in this group on paper. Anker rates it at 167.5W maximum across three ports, with a 100W USB-C1 port that it pitches for MacBook charging and a second USB-C port rated at 45W.

Anker calls it ultra-compact and lists a width of 1.42 inches, so it should not dominate the console area. Its product page does not give an output figure for the third port or explain how the 167.5W total is shared when all three ports are busy, so treat the 100W and 45W numbers as per-port maximums rather than a promise for every port at once.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

167.5W maximum combined output
Three ports
100W USB-C1 port
45W USB-C2 port
1.42-inch width

Pros:

The 100W USB-C1 port is the highest published single-port rating in this list
Two high-output USB-C ports suit a laptop and a phone or tablet
Highest total rating of the five picks
Compact width for a three-port charger

Cons:

Anker's product page does not list the third port's output
No published power split for when all three ports are in use
The 167.5W figure is a combined maximum, not what any single port delivers

Who it is for: Drivers who charge a USB-C laptop in the car, or who share one charger between several passengers.

Skip if: You only ever charge one phone; the Anker 323 covers that with a simpler two-port design.

Anker Nano 75W Car Charger - Best retractable cable

The Anker Nano 75W Car Charger is built around a retractable USB-C cable that Anker lists at 29.5 inches. You pull it out to charge and it stores back into the charger, so there is no loose cable to tangle in the console or lose under a seat.

Anker rates it for up to 75W of USB-C charging and lists dual-device power delivery, so a second device can charge at the same time. The page does not say how the 75W is split between two devices, and a 29.5-inch cable is sized for the front of the cabin rather than the back seats.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 75W USB-C charging
Built-in retractable USB-C cable
29.5-inch cable length
Dual-device power delivery

Pros:

The built-in cable is always in the car
Retracting design keeps the console tidy
Charges two devices at the same time

Cons:

75W is the total maximum, with no published split between two devices
A 29.5-inch cable is unlikely to reach rear seats
The built-in cable is USB-C, so older Lightning iPhones need an adapter

Who it is for: Drivers who want a USB-C cable that never goes missing, mainly for front-seat phones and tablets.

Skip if: You need a 100W port for a laptop or want to run three devices; the Anker 167.5W model fits that better.

UGREEN Nexode Car Charger 145W - Best high-power retractable

The UGREEN Nexode Car Charger 145W with Retractable USB-C Cable pairs a built-in retractable USB-C cable with a 145W total rating. It is part of UGREEN's Nexode Retractable Series.

That rating is nearly double the Anker Nano 75W Car Charger's, which makes it the retractable pick for buyers who want more headroom. UGREEN's US page for the series does not list the port layout, the output of each port or the cable length, so check the port mix on the listing if you need a specific number of USB-C or USB-A ports.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

145W rating
Built-in retractable USB-C cable
Part of the UGREEN Nexode Retractable Series

Pros:

Higher total rating than the Anker 75W retractable model
Built-in cable means no separate cable for USB-C devices

Cons:

UGREEN's page does not publish per-port output or cable length

Who it is for: Drivers who like the idea of a retractable cable but want more total power than the Anker 75W model.

Skip if: You want a fully documented port-by-port spec sheet; the Anker 323 and Belkin list each port's output.

Anker 323 Car Charger (52.5W) - Best budget

The Anker 323 Car Charger (52.5W) is a simple dual-port charger with one USB-C port and one USB-A port. The USB-C port reaches 30W and the USB-A port reaches 22.5W, for 52.5W in total, and Anker lists compatibility with iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air and Galaxy S and A series devices.

Anker lists input for both 12V and 24V systems and includes its ActiveShield 2.0 Safety System. The charger measures 2.2 x 1.18 x 1.18 inches and weighs 0.8 ounces, and the box contains only the charger, so you need your own cables.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

USB-C up to 30W
USB-A up to 22.5W
52.5W total output
12V and 24V input listed
ActiveShield 2.0 Safety System
2.2 x 1.18 x 1.18 inches, 0.8 ounces

Pros:

USB-A port keeps older cables useful
Published output for both ports
Listed for 24V as well as 12V systems
Small and light

Cons:

No cable in the box
30W USB-C is well below the 100W port on the top pick, so laptop charging is limited
Only two ports

Who it is for: Drivers who want an affordable way to charge a phone over USB-C while a passenger uses an older USB-A cable.

Skip if: You regularly charge a laptop in the car.

Belkin BoostCharge Dual Car Charger 42W - Best for warranty coverage

The Belkin BoostCharge Dual Car Charger 42W pairs a 30W USB-C Power Delivery port with a 12W USB-A port. Belkin says it is USB-C PD 3.0 certified with PPS, which adjusts power to the connected device, and that it is optimized for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones.

Its standout is coverage: Belkin lists a 2-year warranty plus a Connected Equipment Warranty for devices damaged by an electrical charge while properly connected. The housing uses at least 72% post-consumer recycled plastic and ships in plastic-free packaging, but this version includes no cable.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

30W USB-C Power Delivery port
12W USB-A port
42W total output
USB-C PD 3.0 certified with PPS
2-year warranty and Connected Equipment Warranty
Housing made from at least 72% post-consumer recycled plastic

Pros:

PPS support suits phones that use it
Warranty that also covers connected devices
Recycled housing and plastic-free packaging

Cons:

The 12W USB-A port is slower than the Anker 323's 22.5W USB-A port
Lowest total output of the five picks
No cable included with this version

Who it is for: Phone-focused drivers who value warranty cover for both the charger and the devices plugged into it.

Skip if: You need laptop power or a fast second port.

How to choose

Size the USB-C port to your biggest device. A phone does well on a 30W port, but a USB-C laptop needs far more. The Anker 167.5W model's 100W USB-C1 port is the only 100W port published among these picks.
Read per-port output, not just the total. The headline wattage is a combined maximum. What matters is what each port delivers, and how output is shared when several devices charge at once.
Decide whether you want a built-in cable. A retractable cable is always in the car, but it is USB-C only and has a fixed reach, such as 29.5 inches on the Anker 75W model.
Keep a USB-A port if you still use older cables. The Anker 323 and Belkin both pair USB-C with USB-A, which helps passengers with USB-A cables.
Check the input voltage for larger trucks. Most cars use 12V sockets, but some heavy trucks run 24V. The Anker 323 lists 12V and 24V input.

FAQ

Can a car charger charge a laptop?

Yes, if the laptop charges over USB-C and the charger's USB-C port supplies enough power. The Anker Nano Car Charger (167.5W, 3 Ports) has a 100W USB-C1 port that Anker pitches for MacBook charging. The 30W USB-C ports on the Anker 323 and Belkin are better matched to phones and tablets.

Does a 167.5W charger give 167.5W to every port?

No. The total figure is a combined maximum. On the Anker 167.5W model, the two USB-C ports are rated at 100W and 45W.

Do car chargers come with a cable?

It depends on the model. The Anker 323 and the standalone Belkin 42W ship with only the charger in the box. The Anker 75W and UGREEN 145W models have a built-in retractable USB-C cable.

What is PPS?

PPS stands for Programmable Power Supply, part of the USB Power Delivery standard. It lets the charger adjust voltage in small steps to suit the connected device, and some Samsung Galaxy phones use it for their fastest charging modes. The Belkin 42W lists PPS support.

Can I use a car charger in a 24V truck?

Only if the charger supports 24V input. The Anker 323 lists both 12V and 24V input; check the input rating before using any other charger in a 24V vehicle.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

5 Best Car Chargers in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best RAM Kits in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:20:26 GMT

Buying a RAM kit comes down to three questions: which memory generation your motherboard takes, how much capacity your work needs, and whether the kit's speed, timings and memory profiles suit your platform. This guide is for US desktop builders and upgraders, from a first 32GB gaming PC to a 96GB workstation, with one DDR4 kit for older systems.

The G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30 kit is the best overall pick. It pairs two 16GB modules rated at 1.35V with both Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO profiles, which makes it a sensible fit for most new DDR5 gaming and everyday builds.

The rest of the list covers clear use cases: a lower-latency white 32GB kit, a premium 64GB kit, a 96GB kit for heavy workloads, and a DDR4 kit for upgrading an existing system.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000 CL30 32GB	32GB DDR5 at 1.35V with both XMP 3.0 and EXPO profiles
Best low-latency 32GB kit	TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB DDR5 White 32GB 6000 CL28	CL28 at 6000MHz in a white RGB design
Best 64GB kit	Corsair Dominator Titanium RGB DDR5 64GB 6000 CL30	64GB in two modules with a die-cast aluminum heat spreader
Best high-capacity kit	G.SKILL Trident Z5 Royal Neo DDR5-6000 CL28 96GB	96GB at DDR5-6000 CL28 for large AMD workloads
Best for DDR4 upgrades	Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 32GB 3200 CL16	32GB DDR4 in a small form factor for older desktops

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for capacity, speed, CAS latency, voltage, memory profiles, platform support and module height. We then checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon and matched each kit to the kind of build its specifications suit best.

The best RAM kits right now

G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000 CL30 32GB - Best overall

The G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB kit pairs two 16GB DDR5 modules for 32GB total, rated up to DDR5-6000 at CL30-38-38-96 and 1.35V. G.SKILL designs it for compatible AMD platforms and says it is "engineered for high memory performance with customizable RGB lighting."

The kit is programmed with both Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO profiles, and G.SKILL notes that one of them must be enabled in BIOS to reach the rated speed. Maximum speed depends on the motherboard and CPU, so it is worth checking G.SKILL's RAM Configurator or your board's QVL first. This part number has a matte black body with a black brushed-aluminum inset and a translucent light bar; the series also comes in a white body.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 kit
Up to DDR5-6000, CL30-38-38-96
1.35V
Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO profiles
Black brushed-aluminum inset with a translucent RGB light bar
Limited lifetime warranty

Pros:

Both XMP 3.0 and EXPO profiles on one kit
1.35V rating is lower than the 1.4V TEAMGROUP and Corsair Dominator kits on this list
Two-module kit leaves two slots open on four-slot boards
Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

Rated speed needs a BIOS profile and depends on the motherboard and CPU
CL30 is looser than the CL28 TEAMGROUP kit at the same speed
32GB is less headroom than the 64GB and 96GB kits here

Who it is for: Builders putting together a new AMD or Intel DDR5 desktop for gaming and everyday work who want a 32GB RGB kit.

Skip if: Your projects need more than 32GB, or your motherboard takes DDR4.

TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB DDR5 White 32GB 6000 CL28 - Best low-latency 32GB kit

TEAMGROUP's T-Force Delta RGB DDR5 White kit uses two 16GB modules rated at 6000MHz with CL28 latency, the tightest CAS latency among the 32GB DDR5 kits on this list. It is rated at 1.4V and supports Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO.

TEAMGROUP lists support for Intel 800 and 700 series and AMD 800 and 600 series boards, and notes that without XMP or EXPO enabled the memory runs at its SPD default, such as DDR5-4800 or lower. The white modules use wide-angle RGB lighting in a design modeled after a stealth aircraft, and the maker says the memory "supports on-die ECC, which offers error correction and detection." Each module also carries a PMIC for power delivery.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 kit
6000MHz, CL28
1.4V
Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO support
46.1mm module height
On-die ECC and PMIC
Lifetime warranty

Pros:

CL28 at 6000MHz is tighter than the CL30 32GB pick
White finish suits white or light-themed builds
Listed support for both current Intel and AMD platforms
46.1mm height is lower than the 57mm Corsair Dominator

Cons:

1.4V rating is higher than the 1.35V G.SKILL kits
Runs at DDR5-4800 or lower until XMP or EXPO is enabled
Platform list covers only Intel 700/800 and AMD 600/800 series boards

Who it is for: Builders of white or light-themed DDR5 PCs who want 32GB with lower CAS latency.

Skip if: Your build has a dark theme, or your motherboard is older than the series TEAMGROUP lists.

Corsair Dominator Titanium RGB DDR5 64GB 6000 CL30 - Best 64GB kit

The Corsair Dominator Titanium RGB kit puts 64GB into two 32GB modules, rated by Corsair at 6000 MT/s with CL30 timings of 30-36-36-76 at 1.40V. It carries AMD EXPO and Intel XMP profiles, and Corsair lists support for AMD 600 and 800 series and Intel 600, 700 and 800 series platforms.

Corsair describes "Clean, refined styling combined with premium forged aluminum construction, for quality you can feel." The grey modules use a die-cast aluminum heat spreader with Corsair's DHX cooling, 11 addressable RGB LEDs controlled through iCUE, and a user-replaceable top bar that can be swapped for Corsair fin kits. Until a profile is enabled, the kit runs at its SPD setting of 4800MHz CL40 at 1.1V.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

64GB (2x32GB) DDR5 kit
6000 MT/s, CL30, Corsair-listed timings 30-36-36-76
1.40V, Corsair's listed voltage
AMD EXPO and Intel XMP profiles
11 addressable RGB LEDs with iCUE control
57mm tall with the top bar installed
Limited lifetime warranty

Pros:

64GB in two modules leaves slots free on four-slot boards
Profiles for both AMD and Intel
Replaceable top bar allows a different look later
Overclock PMIC rated up to 1.435V

Cons:

57mm height may clash with large air coolers
1.40V is higher than the 1.35V G.SKILL kits
RGB control relies on Corsair's iCUE software

Who it is for: Creators, streamers and heavy multitaskers building a DDR5 PC who want 64GB with a premium heat spreader.

Skip if: You run a tall tower air cooler, or 32GB covers what you do.

G.SKILL Trident Z5 Royal Neo DDR5-6000 CL28 96GB - Best high-capacity kit

The G.SKILL Trident Z5 Royal Neo kit holds 96GB across two 48GB modules, rated at DDR5-6000 CL28-36-36-96 and 1.35V with an AMD EXPO profile. G.SKILL calls it "the luxury-class of overclock performance DDR5 memory" designed for compatible AMD platforms.

This part number has a silver finish; the series also comes in gold. The aluminum heat spreader has a mirrored electroplated finish and a crystalline light bar, and its RGB works with ASUS Aura Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light and ASRock Polychrome Sync. G.SKILL notes that the rated speed requires overclocking or BIOS adjustments, and that maximum speed depends on the motherboard and CPU.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

96GB (2x48GB) DDR5 kit
DDR5-6000, CL28-36-36-96
1.35V
AMD EXPO profile
Mirrored electroplated aluminum heat spreader with crystalline light bar
Limited lifetime warranty

Pros:

Largest capacity on this list in just two modules
CL28 at DDR5-6000 with a 1.35V rating
RGB works with four major motherboard lighting tools
Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

G.SKILL lists an AMD EXPO profile and targets AMD platforms, so Intel builders should check the QVL
Rated speed needs BIOS adjustments and depends on the motherboard and CPU
96GB is far more than a gaming-only build needs

Who it is for: AMD builders who edit video, work with large datasets or run virtual machines and want 96GB without filling all four slots.

Skip if: Your PC is mainly for gaming, or you are building on Intel and your board is not on the QVL.

Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 32GB 3200 CL16 - Best for DDR4 upgrades

The Corsair Vengeance LPX kit is the pick for DDR4 systems. It pairs two 16GB DDR4 modules rated by Corsair at 3200 MT/s with CL16 latency at 1.35V, using an XMP 2.0 profile, with a black anodized aluminum heat spreader.

Corsair lists compatibility with Intel 300, 400, 500 and 600 series and X299 boards, plus AMD 300, 400 and 500 series and X570 boards. The maker notes that "The small form factor makes it ideal for smaller cases," which also helps around large CPU coolers. Without XMP enabled, the kit runs at its SPD speed of 2133MHz at 1.2V.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 kit
3200 MT/s, CL16
1.35V, Corsair's listed voltage
XMP 2.0 profile
Anodized aluminum heat spreader
Limited lifetime warranty

Pros:

Wide list of supported Intel and AMD DDR4 chipsets
Small form factor suits compact cases
One XMP setting sets the rated speed
Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

DDR4 only, so it will not fit a DDR5 motherboard
Corsair lists XMP 2.0 only, with no EXPO profile
Runs at 2133MHz until XMP is enabled

Who it is for: Owners of an existing DDR4 Intel or AMD desktop who want to move to 32GB.

Skip if: You are building a new PC on a DDR5 platform.

How to choose

Match the memory generation. DDR5 kits only work in DDR5 motherboards and DDR4 kits only in DDR4 boards, so check your board's specification before anything else.
Size capacity to your workload. 32GB suits most gaming and everyday builds, while 64GB or 96GB makes more sense for video editing, large projects and virtual machines.
Read speed and latency together. At the same 6000 speed, a CL28 kit has tighter timings than a CL30 kit, so compare both numbers rather than speed alone.
Plan to enable XMP or EXPO. Without a profile, kits run at their default SPD speed, such as DDR5-4800 for the Corsair Dominator or 2133MHz for the DDR4 Vengeance LPX.
Check height against your CPU cooler. Where makers list it, module height runs from 46.1mm on the TEAMGROUP Delta to 57mm on the Corsair Dominator with its top bar, which matters under large air coolers.
Check the QVL. Makers point buyers to the motherboard QVL because the rated speed depends on the board and CPU.

FAQ

Is 32GB of RAM enough for a gaming PC?

For most gaming and everyday use, a 32GB kit in two modules is a sensible target. Step up to 64GB or 96GB if you also edit video, run virtual machines or work with very large files.

Can I put DDR5 RAM in a DDR4 motherboard?

No. DDR4 and DDR5 modules are keyed differently and are not interchangeable, so buy the generation your motherboard supports.

Why is my new RAM running below its rated speed?

Kits start at a default SPD speed until you enable the XMP or EXPO profile in BIOS. Even then, the maximum stable speed depends on your motherboard and CPU.

What is the difference between XMP and EXPO?

XMP is Intel's memory profile format and EXPO is AMD's. Both store the kit's rated speed, timings and voltage so the BIOS can apply them, and some kits, such as the G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB, include both.

Should I buy one kit or combine two smaller kits?

Buy one kit with all the capacity you need. Makers rate and validate modules as a matched set, so two separate kits are not guaranteed to run together at the rated speed.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

5 Best RAM Kits in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

5 Best Compact Cameras in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:20:03 GMT

A compact camera earns its place by doing something a camera bag full of lenses cannot: covering a trip, a concert, or a dive with one small body and a built-in lens. The right one depends on what matters most to you, whether that is sensor size, zoom reach, toughness, or simplicity.

The Panasonic LUMIX ZS300 is the best overall pick because it pairs a 1-inch sensor with a 15x optical zoom, 4K video, and USB-C charging in a compact travel body. It is the most balanced choice here for travelers who want better image quality than a basic point-and-shoot without giving up zoom range.

This page is for buyers who want a dedicated fixed-lens camera. The rest of the list covers a premium full-frame option, a 30x long-zoom model, a waterproof camera for rough conditions, and a simple budget pick.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Panasonic LUMIX ZS300	1-inch sensor, 15x optical zoom, and 4K video
Best premium full-frame	Sony RX1R III	61MP full-frame sensor with a ZEISS 35mm F2 lens
Best long zoom	Panasonic LUMIX ZS99	30x optical zoom reaching 720mm equivalent
Best waterproof	OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7	Waterproof to 15 m with 1 cm macro focusing
Best budget	Kodak PIXPRO FZ55	Slim, light body with a 5x zoom and simple controls

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for fixed-lens compact cameras, looking at sensor size, lens range and aperture, stabilization, video, size, and battery ratings. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best compact cameras right now

Panasonic LUMIX ZS300 - Best overall

The Panasonic LUMIX ZS300 is the most well-rounded travel camera in this group. It pairs a 1-type back-illuminated CMOS sensor with 20.1 effective megapixels and a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 15x optical zoom. Panasonic rates the range at 24-360mm equivalent in the 3:2 aspect ratio; the equivalent range changes with aspect ratio, reaching 26-390mm in 4:3.

Video records in 4K at 30p and 24p, with Full HD high-speed recording at 120fps, and 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S. handles stabilization, although Panasonic notes that 5-axis compensation does not apply during 4K video recording. A 3.0-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C charging, and a CIPA rating of about 360 images per charge come in a body that weighs about 337 g (0.75 lb) with battery and card.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

1-type BSI CMOS sensor, 20.1 effective megapixels
15x optical zoom, 24-360mm equivalent in 3:2 (varies by aspect ratio)
F3.3-6.4 aperture
4K 30p/24p video and 120fps Full HD high-speed recording
5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S. (5-axis not available in 4K video)
3.0-inch 1,840k-dot touchscreen
About 360 images per charge (CIPA)

Pros:

Largest sensor among the zoom cameras on this list
15x zoom covers wide scenes through long telephoto
USB-C charging simplifies travel
Macro focusing from 3 cm at the wide end

Cons:

Aperture narrows to F6.4 at full zoom
5-axis stabilization does not work in 4K video
Panasonic's spec sheet lists no viewfinder, so framing is on the rear screen

Who it is for: Travelers who want one compact camera with a larger sensor and a long zoom for everything from street scenes to distant landmarks.

Skip if: You need zoom reach beyond 360mm equivalent or prefer shooting through a viewfinder.

Sony RX1R III - Best premium full-frame

The Sony RX1R III puts a 61-megapixel 35 mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor behind a fixed ZEISS Sonnar T* 35 mm F2 lens, in a body made of magnesium alloy. It is the only full-frame camera in this roundup and is aimed at photographers who value image detail and a bright prime lens over zoom range.

Sony pairs the sensor with its BIONZ XR image processing engine and an AI-processing unit that recognizes subjects, bodies, heads, and eyes in both stills and video. Autofocus uses up to 693 phase-detection points covering about 78% of the frame for stills, and Step Crop Shooting switches between 35 mm, 50 mm, and 70 mm equivalent framing. A 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED electronic viewfinder is built in, and Sony rates battery life at up to 300 still images.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

61MP 35 mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor
ZEISS Sonnar T* 35 mm F2 lens
BIONZ XR processing engine
Up to 693 phase-detection AF points
AI subject recognition for stills and video
Step Crop Shooting at 35, 50, and 70 mm equivalents
2.36 million-dot XGA OLED electronic viewfinder

Pros:

Highest resolution and largest sensor on this list
Bright F2 lens
Built-in electronic viewfinder
Magnesium alloy body

Cons:

Fixed 35 mm lens with no optical zoom
Step Crop framing crops the sensor, so it records fewer pixels
300-shot battery rating is lower than the ZS300's 360 images

Who it is for: Experienced photographers who want full-frame image quality and a high-grade prime lens in a fixed-lens body.

Skip if: You want optical zoom, or a camera you can hand to anyone without worrying about it.

Panasonic LUMIX ZS99 - Best long zoom

The Panasonic LUMIX ZS99 carries the longest lens in this group: an optical 30x zoom covering 24-720mm equivalent, from 4.3-129mm actual focal length. That reach suits distant subjects at events, on safari-style trips, or across a city skyline.

It uses a 1/2.3-inch MOS sensor with about 20.3 effective megapixels, optical image stabilization, and a 3.0-inch touchscreen with about 1,843,200 dots. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 Low Energy, and a USB Type-C port are built in, and the camera weighs about 322 g (11.4 oz) with battery and card. The tradeoff is sensor size, which is much smaller than the 1-inch sensor in the ZS300.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Optical 30x zoom, 24-720mm equivalent
1/2.3-inch MOS sensor, about 20.3 effective megapixels
F3.3 at wide, F6.4 at telephoto
Optical image stabilization
3.0-inch touchscreen, about 1,843,200 dots
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 Low Energy
USB Type-C port

Pros:

Twice the zoom range of the ZS300
Optical stabilization helps at long focal lengths
Macro focusing from 3 cm at the wide end
Slightly lighter than the ZS300

Cons:

Much smaller sensor than the ZS300
Aperture narrows to F6.4 at telephoto
Panasonic's spec sheet lists no viewfinder

Who it is for: Travelers and event-goers who care most about pulling in faraway subjects with a compact camera.

Skip if: Low-light image quality matters more to you than reach, in which case the 1-inch ZS300 is the better fit.

OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 - Best waterproof

The OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 is built for conditions that would end most compact cameras. OM SYSTEM rates it waterproof to 15 m (about 49 feet), shockproof from 2.1 m (about 7 feet), crushproof to 100 kg (about 220 lb), freezeproof to -10°C (14°F), and dustproof.

Inside is a 12-megapixel 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor behind a 25-100mm equivalent 4x optical zoom with an F2.0-4.9 aperture. It focuses as close as 1 cm for macro shots, records 4K at 30p and 25p plus high-speed clips up to 480fps at SD resolution, shoots RAW, and adds GPS and an electronic compass. It weighs 249 g with battery and card.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Waterproof to 15 m, shockproof from 2.1 m
Crushproof to 100 kg, freezeproof to -10°C, dustproof
12MP 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor
4x optical zoom, 25-100mm equivalent, F2.0-4.9
1 cm closest focusing distance
4K 30p/25p video and high-speed modes
GPS and electronic compass

Pros:

Can go underwater and survive drops without a housing
Very close macro focusing
Bright F2.0 aperture at the wide end
RAW capture and location data built in

Cons:

12MP is the lowest resolution on this list
4x zoom is the shortest among the zoom cameras here
Small sensor, like the ZS99 and FZ55

Who it is for: Snorkelers, hikers, families at the beach, and anyone who needs a camera that can get wet, cold, or dropped.

Skip if: You stay on dry land and want more zoom or a larger sensor.

Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 - Best budget

The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 is a slim, simple point-and-shoot that weighs about 106 g (3.7 oz) body only and measures about 0.90 inches thick. It uses a 16.35-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor and a 5x optical zoom covering 28-140mm equivalent at F3.9-6.3.

Video is 1080p Full HD at 30fps, framed on a 2.7-inch LCD with 230K pixels. Stabilization is digital rather than optical, and Kodak rates the battery at about 200 shots under CIPA standards. Face, smile, and blink detection, cat and dog detection, and a panorama mode keep it approachable for casual shooters.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

16.35MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor
5x optical zoom, 28-140mm equivalent, F3.9-6.3
1080p Full HD video at 30fps
2.7-inch LCD
Digital image stabilization
About 106 g body only
SD/SDHC/SDXC support up to 512GB

Pros:

Thin and light enough for a jacket pocket
Simple point-and-shoot operation
Face and pet detection modes
Budget-friendly way into a dedicated camera

Cons:

Digital, not optical, image stabilization
Video tops out at 1080p
About 200 shots per charge, below the ZS300's 360
Low-resolution 230K-pixel screen

Who it is for: Kids, casual shooters, and anyone who wants a basic, light camera for everyday snapshots.

Skip if: You want 4K video, optical stabilization, or a longer zoom.

How to choose

Start with sensor size. A 1-inch or full-frame sensor has far more surface area than a 1/2.3-inch sensor, which generally helps with dim light and background blur.
Match the zoom to your subjects. A 15x zoom handles most travel, a 30x zoom reaches distant subjects, and a fixed prime lens trades reach for a brighter aperture.
Check the stabilization type. Optical stabilization moves lens or sensor elements to counter shake, while digital stabilization works on the image after capture. Some cameras also limit stabilization modes in 4K video.
Decide if you need a viewfinder. A viewfinder helps in bright sun and steadies the camera against your face. Of the picks here, only the Sony RX1R III lists one.
Look at the battery rating. Where makers list it, rated battery life runs from about 200 shots on the FZ55 to about 360 on the ZS300, so a spare battery is worth considering for long days.
Buy rugged only if you need it. A waterproof, shockproof camera like the TG-7 is ideal for water and rough trips, but it gives up zoom and resolution.

FAQ

What does 35mm equivalent focal length mean?

It describes a lens's field of view as if it were on a full-frame camera, so cameras with different sensor sizes can be compared directly. On some cameras, such as the ZS300, the equivalent figure shifts with the aspect ratio you choose.

Which camera here can go underwater?

The OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 is the only waterproof pick, rated to 15 m (about 49 feet) without a separate housing.

What does Step Crop Shooting do on the Sony RX1R III?

It lets you switch between 35 mm, 50 mm, and 70 mm equivalent framing with the fixed 35 mm lens. Because it crops the sensor, the tighter settings record fewer pixels than the full 61MP frame.

Is a 30x zoom always better than a 15x zoom?

Not always. The ZS99's 30x zoom reaches much farther, but it uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor, while the ZS300's 15x zoom sits in front of a larger 1-inch sensor.

Do these cameras charge over USB-C?

Panasonic lists USB Type-C charging for the ZS300 and a USB Type-C port for the ZS99. Kodak lists in-camera charging for the FZ55's rechargeable Li-ion battery.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

5 Best Compact Cameras in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Microwaves in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:19:40 GMT

Almost every kitchen uses its microwave every day, so the right one depends on three things: how much counter space you have, how much food you heat at once, and whether you want it to do more than reheat. This guide is for US home cooks picking a countertop model, from a compact basic for a dorm or office to a 3-in-1 oven that can also bake and air fry.

The Sharp SMC1469KS is the best overall pick. It has a 1.4 cu. ft. cavity, 1100 watts with inverter technology, a Sensor Cook menu and Alexa voice control. That covers most family cooking without taking over the counter.

The other picks each suit a different buyer: multifunction cooking, a premium sensor microwave, large capacity, a compact air fry combo, and a simple budget model.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Sharp SMC1469KS 1.4 cu. ft. Smart Microwave	Mid-size cavity, 1100 watts, inverter power and sensor cooking
Best multifunction oven	Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1	Microwave, air fryer and convection oven with 19 smart presets
Best premium microwave	Breville Smooth Wave	Sensor iQ cooking, inverter power and 15 smart presets
Best large capacity	Sharp SMC2266KS 2.2 cu. ft. Microwave	2.2 cu. ft. cavity, 1200 watts and a 16.5-inch turntable
Best compact air fry combo	Sharp SMC0985KS 3-in-1 Convection Air Fry Microwave	Microwave, convection and air fry in a 0.9 cu. ft. body
Best budget	Emerson MW9255W 0.9 cu. ft. Microwave	Simple 900-watt basics with 10 power levels and a child lock

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications, including capacity, power output, cooking modes, sensor features and outer dimensions, and matched each model to a specific kind of kitchen. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best microwaves right now

Sharp SMC1469KS 1.4 cu. ft. Smart Microwave - Best overall

For size and power, the Sharp SMC1469KS sits in the middle of this list, which is why it suits the most kitchens. It has a 1.4 cu. ft. cavity and 1100 watts with inverter technology, and its Sensor Cook menu handles cooking and reheating.

Sharp says it works with Alexa for hands-free control with over 200 voice commands. That needs a Wi-Fi connection and a registered Amazon Echo device. Everyday controls include a +30 key, one-touch Express Cook for up to 6 minutes, Melt and Soften settings and an Orville Redenbacher's certified popcorn preset. Cleanup is easier thanks to a 12.4-inch dishwasher-safe glass turntable plate and a gray interior with an LED light.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

1.4 cu. ft. capacity
1100 watts with inverter technology
Sensor Cook menu for cooking and reheating
Works with Alexa (Wi-Fi and an Amazon Echo device required)
12.4-inch dishwasher-safe glass turntable plate
20.4 x 16.8 x 12.4 inches (W x D x H)

Pros:

Balanced capacity and power for most households
Inverter power and sensor cooking in a mid-size body
Voice control is there for those who want it
Dishwasher-safe glass plate makes cleanup simple

Cons:

Voice control will not work without Wi-Fi and an Echo device
The 12.4-inch plate limits how wide a dish can turn freely
No convection or air fry functions

Who it is for: Households that want one mid-size microwave with sensor cooking, inverter power and optional voice control.

Skip if: You want to bake or air fry in the same appliance, or you regularly heat large casserole dishes.

Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 - Best multifunction oven

The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 (BMO870) puts an air fryer, convection oven and inverter microwave in one brushed stainless steel cabinet. Its functions include air fry, bake, grilling, microwave, Fast Combi and cook from frozen, plus Smart Cook, Smart Reheat and Smart Defrost, with 19 built-in smart presets.

Breville's Element iQ system uses smart algorithms to steer power where it is needed. The Power Smoothing Inverter adjusts power intensity instead of switching on and off. Breville claims the soft close door is 80% quieter and operation is 50% quieter, though both figures carry footnotes on its page. A child lock and mute button are included. A shortcuts panel inside the door covers jobs such as melting chocolate, softening butter and popping popcorn. A Combi Crisp Pan and a trivet come in the box.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Air fryer, convection oven and microwave in one
19 built-in smart presets
Element iQ system and Power Smoothing Inverter
Soft close door, child lock and mute button
Combi Crisp Pan and trivet included
20.5 x 20.1 x 12.6 inches (W x D x H)

Pros:

Can stand in for a separate air fryer and convection oven
Long list of cooking modes and presets
Quieter door and operation, according to Breville
Inside-door shortcuts panel for common small tasks

Cons:

Breville's product page does not list interior capacity or microwave wattage
At 20.1 inches, it is the deepest model in this group
More functions than needed if you only reheat and defrost

Who it is for: Cooks who want one appliance to microwave, bake and air fry instead of separate machines.

Skip if: Your counter is shallow, or you only need a plain microwave.

Breville Smooth Wave - Best premium microwave

The Breville Smooth Wave (BMO850) is for buyers who want Breville's sensor cooking and brushed stainless finish without the combi functions. Its Sensor iQ technology automatically adjusts power to reheat and cook, and it uses Breville's Power Smoothing Inverter.

It has 15 smart presets and an LCD display, and Breville presents it as a one-touch way to cook, defrost and reheat. At 20.4 x 17.5 x 12.4 inches, it is shallower than the Combi Wave 3-in-1, which helps on tighter counters.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Sensor iQ technology
Power Smoothing Inverter
15 smart presets
LCD display
Brushed stainless steel
20.4 x 17.5 x 12.4 inches (W x D x H)

Pros:

Sensor cooking that adjusts power automatically
Inverter power for cooking, defrosting and reheating
Premium brushed stainless look
Shallower than the Combi Wave 3-in-1

Cons:

Breville's product page does not list interior capacity or wattage
Microwave only, with no air fry or convection functions
Fewer presets than the Combi Wave's 19

Who it is for: Buyers who want a premium microwave focused on sensor reheating and defrosting.

Skip if: You want air frying or baking, or you need a published capacity figure before buying.

Sharp SMC2266KS 2.2 cu. ft. Microwave - Best large capacity

The Sharp SMC2266KS is the biggest microwave here, with a 2.2 cu. ft. cavity, 1200 watts and inverter technology. Sharp says its inverter gives even distribution of cooking power. The 16.5-inch dishwasher-safe glass turntable plate leaves room for large plates and casserole dishes.

Precise Cook sensor technology handles defrosting, cooking and reheating. You also get 11 power levels, one-touch Express Cook for up to 6 minutes, a +30 key, Melt and Soften controls, Auto Defrost and a child-resistant door lock.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

2.2 cu. ft. capacity
1200 watts with inverter technology
Precise Cook sensor technology
11 power levels
16.5-inch dishwasher-safe glass turntable plate
24.4 x 19.6 x 13.6 inches (W x D x H)

Pros:

Largest capacity and highest published wattage in this group
Sensor cooking for defrosting, cooking and reheating
Wide turntable fits big dishes
Child-resistant door lock

Cons:

At 24.4 inches wide, it takes up a lot of counter
No smart or voice control, unlike the SMC1469KS
No convection or air fry functions

Who it is for: Large families and anyone who regularly heats big dishes or several plates at once.

Skip if: Counter space is tight, or you mostly heat single portions.

Sharp SMC0985KS 3-in-1 Convection Air Fry Microwave - Best compact air fry combo

The Sharp SMC0985KS combines microwave, convection oven and air fryer functions in a 0.9 cu. ft., 900-watt body. Multi-stage cooking can run up to three functions in one go, such as defrosting, cooking and crisping.

It comes with a dishwasher-safe air fry basket, a baking and roasting pan, and a 10.6-inch glass turntable. Other features include auto defrost, preset buttons for popular foods, a +30 second key and a stainless steel interior with an LED light. At 19.00 x 15.77 x 11.38 inches, it fits smaller counters.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Microwave, convection oven and air fryer
0.9 cu. ft. capacity
900 watts microwave power
Multi-stage cooking with up to three functions
Dishwasher-safe air fry basket and baking/roasting pan
19.00 x 15.77 x 11.38 inches (W x D x H)

Pros:

Three cooking functions in a compact footprint
Multi-stage cooking chains defrost, cook and crisp
Air fry basket and pan are dishwasher-safe
Affordable route into 3-in-1 cooking

Cons:

0.9 cu. ft. limits the size of dishes and batches
900 watts is lower than the 1100 to 1200-watt Sharp models here
10.6-inch turntable is the smallest published plate in this group

Who it is for: Small households, apartments and dorms that want air frying and convection without adding another appliance.

Skip if: You cook for a family, or you want the most microwave power.

Emerson MW9255W 0.9 cu. ft. Microwave - Best budget

The Emerson MW9255W keeps things simple. It has a 0.9 cu. ft. cavity, 900 watts of output, 10 power levels and 6 auto cooking menus. Defrost works by time or by weight, and an Express Cooking feature is included for quick starts.

A child-safe lock-out feature, a removable glass turntable and a 99-minute, 99-second digital timer with memory and kitchen timer functions cover the basics. It has a white front and cabinet and measures 19.1 x 14.6 x 11.5 inches, the shallowest model in this group.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

0.9 cu. ft. capacity
900 watts output power
10 power levels
6 auto cooking menus
Time and weight defrost
19.1 x 14.6 x 11.5 inches (W x D x H)

Pros:

Simple controls for everyday reheating
Child-safe lock-out feature
Shallowest footprint in this group
Budget-friendly choice for an office, dorm or second kitchen

Cons:

No sensor cooking or inverter power listed by Emerson
900 watts heats more slowly than the 1100 to 1200-watt picks
White finish only for this model number

Who it is for: Students, office kitchens and anyone who wants a basic compact microwave.

Skip if: You want sensor reheating, inverter power or room for large dishes.

How to choose

Match capacity to your dishes. A 0.9 cu. ft. model suits single portions and small spaces, while a 2.2 cu. ft. model with a 16.5-inch turntable handles large plates and casseroles.
Check the wattage. More watts generally means faster heating. A 900-watt model will need longer cook times than a 1100 or 1200-watt one.
Consider inverter power. Sharp describes its inverter as giving even distribution of cooking power, and Breville says its inverter adjusts power intensity instead of switching on and off.
Decide if you want a 3-in-1. Combi models such as the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 and Sharp SMC0985KS add convection and air fry functions, which can save counter space if you would otherwise buy separate appliances.
Measure depth as well as width. The picks here range from 14.6 to 20.1 inches deep, so check your counter and any overhead cabinets before buying.

FAQ

What is an inverter microwave?

An inverter microwave delivers steady power at lower settings instead of switching full power on and off. Makers pitch this as more even cooking and defrosting.

Is a 900-watt microwave enough?

For reheating, popcorn and simple cooking, yes. Expect longer cook times than with a 1100 or 1200-watt model, and follow any package directions written for higher wattages.

What size microwave do I need?

Around 0.9 cu. ft. works for one or two people and small spaces. Around 1.4 cu. ft. suits most families, and 2.2 cu. ft. is for large dishes and big households.

Do smart microwaves need Wi-Fi?

Yes, for the smart features. The Sharp SMC1469KS needs a Wi-Fi connection and a registered Amazon Echo device for Alexa control.

What does sensor cooking do?

Sensor cooking lets the microwave adjust power or time automatically for supported foods, so you do not have to guess settings for common reheating and cooking jobs.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

6 Best Microwaves in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

7 Best Microphones for Recording Vocals in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:19:17 GMT

A vocal microphone has to suit the voice, the room and the rest of the recording chain. Large-diaphragm condensers capture fine detail and need phantom power, while dynamic microphones are a common choice for close-up singing and speech and need no capsule power at all.

The Neumann TLM 103 is the best overall pick. Neumann derives its large-diaphragm capsule from the U 87, rates its self-noise at only 7 dB-A, and lists a maximum SPL of 138 dB, so it can handle quiet, breathy takes as well as loud belting from one cardioid microphone.

This page is for singers, rappers, voice-over artists and home studio owners who want a clear starting point. The rest of the list covers a dynamic option, a premium multi-pattern classic, a multi-pattern value pick, a value condenser, a project studio condenser and a budget dynamic.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Neumann TLM 103	U 87-derived capsule, 7 dB-A self-noise and 138 dB max SPL
Best dynamic microphone	Shure SM7B	Cardioid dynamic with tone controls and a built-in pop filter
Best premium	Neumann U 87 Ai	Three polar patterns, pad and low-cut on a studio classic
Best multi-pattern value	Warm Audio WA-87 R2	Three patterns, -10 dB pad and 80 Hz high-pass filter
Best value condenser	LEWITT LCT 440 PURE	7 dB(A) self-noise, 140 dB max SPL and a pop filter in the box
Best for project studios	Sennheiser MK 4	1-inch gold-plated diaphragm in a full metal housing
Best budget dynamic	Shure SM58	Vocal-tailored response for both stage and studio

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications and features for microphones suited to vocal recording, including transducer type, polar patterns, self-noise, maximum SPL, onboard switches and included accessories. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best microphones for recording vocals right now

Neumann TLM 103 - Best overall

The Neumann TLM 103 is a cardioid large-diaphragm condenser whose capsule Neumann derives from the K67/87 capsule of the U 87. Neumann describes its sound as direct yet refined and says it is perfect for vocals, with a wide presence boost above 5 kHz.

The numbers back up its all-round appeal. Neumann rates self-noise at 7 dB-A and maximum SPL at 138 dB, and its transformerless output stage runs on 48 V phantom power. The mount and case vary by set: the standard version comes with an SG 2 swivel mount, while the EA 1 shock mount comes in the studio and stereo sets.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Cardioid large-diaphragm condenser
Capsule derived from the U 87
7 dB-A self-noise
138 dB maximum SPL (0.5% THD)
20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range
Transformerless output, 48 V phantom power

Pros:

Very low self-noise for quiet, detailed vocal takes
High maximum SPL leaves room for loud singers
Presence boost above 5 kHz adds definition

Cons:

Cardioid only, with no other polar patterns
No pad or low-cut switch in its spec list
Shock mount only comes with the studio and stereo sets

Who it is for: Vocalists and home studio owners who want one premium, very quiet cardioid condenser for lead vocals and solo instruments.

Skip if: You need omni or figure-8 patterns, or your setup cannot supply 48 V phantom power.

Shure SM7B - Best dynamic microphone

The Shure SM7B is a dynamic vocal microphone with a classic cardioid pattern that Shure says is uniform with frequency and symmetrical about its axis. Shure gives it a flat, wide-range frequency response for both music and speech.

It has bass rolloff and presence boost controls with a graphic display of the setting, internal air suspension shock isolation, and shielding against hum from computer monitors. It ships with the A7WS detachable windscreen, and Shure says its pop filter removes the need for add-on protection, even for close-up vocals.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Dynamic cardioid vocal microphone
Bass rolloff and presence boost controls
Internal air suspension shock isolation
Built-in pop filter plus A7WS detachable windscreen
Shielding against computer monitor hum
Yoke mount with captive stand nut

Pros:

Tone controls let you shape bass and presence at the source
Pop protection is built in for close-up singing
Shock isolation cuts mechanical noise
Rugged construction with cartridge protection

Cons:

Cardioid only, with no other polar patterns
The product page gives no numeric frequency response or sensitivity figures

Who it is for: Singers and voice artists who record close to the microphone and want a rugged dynamic with built-in tone shaping.

Skip if: You want the airy detail and published low self-noise figures of a large-diaphragm condenser.

Neumann U 87 Ai - Best premium

Neumann calls the U 87 Ai the ultimate vocal microphone and the most widely used studio microphone for 50 years. It is a large dual-diaphragm condenser with omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 patterns, a switchable pad and a switchable low-cut filter.

Its specs vary by pattern: self-noise is 12 dB-A in cardioid, 14 dB-A in figure-8 and 15 dB-A in omni. Maximum SPL is 117 dB in cardioid, rising to 127 dB with the pad engaged. It runs on P48 phantom power, and the included shock mount and case depend on whether you buy the studio set or the stereo set.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Large dual-diaphragm condenser
Omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 patterns
Switchable pad and low-cut filter
12 dB-A self-noise in cardioid (varies by pattern)
117 dB max SPL in cardioid, 127 dB with pad
Transformer-balanced output, P48 phantom power

Pros:

Three patterns cover solo vocals, duets and room sound
Pad and low-cut are built in
Neumann pitches it as its ultimate vocal microphone

Cons:

117 dB cardioid max SPL without the pad is well below the TLM 103's 138 dB
12 dB-A cardioid self-noise is higher than the TLM 103's 7 dB-A

Who it is for: Professional and serious project studios that want a multi-pattern vocal microphone with a long studio pedigree.

Skip if: You only need cardioid, where the TLM 103 has lower self-noise and higher max SPL on paper.

Warm Audio WA-87 R2 - Best multi-pattern value

Warm Audio describes the WA-87 R2 as an authentic reproduction of the most popular studio vocal mic of all time. It is a large-diaphragm, transformer-balanced condenser built around a K87-style capsule.

Like the U 87 Ai, it offers cardioid, omni and figure-8 patterns. It adds a -10 dB pad and a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter, and Warm Audio says its 7-10kHz bump adds a radio-friendly edge to lead vocals. The product page does not publish self-noise, maximum SPL or a list of included accessories.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Large-diaphragm, transformer-balanced condenser
K87-style capsule
Cardioid, omni and figure-8 patterns
-10 dB pad
Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter
Nickel, black and titanium pair finishes

Pros:

Three patterns on a value-minded vocal condenser
Pad and high-pass filter handle loud sources and low rumble
Upper-mid presence lift aimed at lead vocals

Cons:

No published self-noise, max SPL or frequency response figures
Included accessories are not listed on the product page

Who it is for: Home studio owners who want a multi-pattern large-diaphragm condenser with a pad and filter without stepping up to the U 87 Ai.

Skip if: You want to compare full published specs before you buy.

LEWITT LCT 440 PURE - Best value condenser

The LEWITT LCT 440 PURE is a 1-inch true condenser cardioid microphone that LEWITT pitches for vocals, podcasts and instruments. It uses a gold-sputtered 3-micron Mylar diaphragm in a zinc die-cast housing.

On paper it is strong: 7 dB(A) self-noise, 140 dB maximum SPL and 133 dB(A) dynamic range, on 48 V phantom power. The box includes a shock mount, a magnetic pop filter, a foam windscreen and a transport bag, so it is ready for vocal sessions without extra purchases.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

1-inch true condenser capsule
Cardioid pattern with rear rejection
7 dB(A) self-noise
140 dB maximum SPL (0.5% THD)
48 V phantom power
Shock mount, magnetic pop filter, foam windscreen and bag included

Pros:

Self-noise matches the TLM 103's rating
Highest max SPL figure in this list
Pop filter and shock mount come in the box
Compact, camera-friendly design at 310 g

Cons:

Cardioid only, with no other polar patterns
No pad or low-cut switch in its spec list

Who it is for: First-time studio buyers and vocalists who want low-noise condenser specs and the key vocal accessories in one box.

Skip if: You need multiple patterns or onboard filtering.

Sennheiser MK 4 - Best for project studios

Sennheiser describes the MK 4 as a professional quality cardioid condenser for home, project and professional studios, and calls it ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments. Its 1-inch true condenser capsule is based on the acoustics of the e 965 vocal microphone.

The 24-carat gold-plated diaphragm sits in a full metal housing. Sennheiser lists 10 dB(A) equivalent noise, 25 mV/Pa sensitivity and more than 130 dB dynamic range on P48 phantom power. It ships with an MZQ 4 microphone clip and a pouch rather than a shock mount.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

1-inch true condenser capsule
24-carat gold-plated diaphragm
Cardioid pattern
10 dB(A) equivalent noise level
20 Hz to 20,000 Hz frequency response
Full metal housing, 485 g

Pros:

Built for home and project studio vocals
Capsule based on a Sennheiser vocal microphone
Sturdy full metal construction
Includes a clip and pouch

Cons:

No shock mount in the box
No maximum SPL figure on the product page
Cardioid only, with no other polar patterns

Who it is for: Project studio owners who want a solid, single-pattern condenser for vocals and acoustic instruments.

Skip if: You want a shock mount and pop filter included, as with the LEWITT LCT 440 PURE.

Shure SM58 - Best budget dynamic

Shure designs the SM58 for professional vocal use in live performance, sound reinforcement and studio recording. Its cardioid dynamic design has a frequency response tailored for vocals, with a brightened midrange and bass rolloff.

A pneumatic shock-mount system cuts handling noise, and a built-in spherical wind and pop filter helps with close singing. Shure lists a 50 to 15,000 Hz frequency response, and it comes with an A25D swivel stand adapter and a storage bag. Shure sells it with or without an on/off switch, so check which version a listing ships.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Cardioid dynamic vocal microphone
Brightened midrange and bass rolloff
50 to 15,000 Hz frequency response
Pneumatic shock-mount system
Built-in spherical wind and pop filter
A25D stand adapter that rotates 180 degrees

Pros:

One microphone for both stage and studio vocals
Built-in pop filter for close-up singing
Shure highlights its ruggedness and reliability
Affordable entry point to a vocal dynamic

Cons:

50 to 15,000 Hz range is narrower than the 20 Hz to 20 kHz the TLM 103 and MK 4 list
Cardioid only, with no other polar patterns
No sensitivity or weight figures on the product page

Who it is for: Budget-minded singers who want one rugged dynamic microphone for gigs and home recording.

Skip if: Studio detail matters most, where a condenser such as the TLM 103 or LCT 440 PURE fits better.

How to choose

Pick dynamic or condenser first. Dynamics such as the SM7B and SM58 need no phantom power, while condensers such as the TLM 103 and LCT 440 PURE need 48 V phantom power from your interface or preamp.
Check self-noise for quiet vocals. A lower dB(A) self-noise figure means less hiss on soft passages. The TLM 103 and LCT 440 PURE both list 7 dB(A).
Match max SPL to your voice. Loud singers benefit from high maximum SPL ratings or a pad. Max SPL ranges here from 117 dB on the U 87 Ai in cardioid without its pad to 140 dB on the LCT 440 PURE.
Decide if you need more than cardioid. Omni and figure-8 patterns on the U 87 Ai and WA-87 R2 help with duets, group vocals and room sound. Cardioid is enough for most solo vocal recording.
Look at what comes in the box. A shock mount and pop filter matter for vocals. The LCT 440 PURE includes both, the MK 4 comes with a clip, and Neumann accessories vary by set.

FAQ

Is a condenser or dynamic microphone better for vocals?

Both work. Condensers list wider frequency ranges and very low self-noise for detailed studio vocals, while dynamics such as the SM7B and SM58 need no phantom power and build in pop filtering for close-up singing.

Do these microphones need phantom power?

The TLM 103, U 87 Ai, LCT 440 PURE and MK 4 all list 48 V phantom power. The SM7B and SM58 are dynamic microphones.

Do I need a multi-pattern microphone for vocals?

Not for most solo vocals, where cardioid is standard. Multi-pattern models such as the U 87 Ai and WA-87 R2 add omni and figure-8 options for duets, groups and room recording.

Do I still need a pop filter?

The SM7B and SM58 have built-in pop filters, and the LCT 440 PURE includes a magnetic pop filter. For the other condensers here, an external pop filter is worth adding for close vocals.

What does self-noise mean on a spec sheet?

Self-noise is the hiss the microphone itself produces, shown in dB(A). Lower is better, which is why figures such as 7 dB(A) on the TLM 103 and LCT 440 PURE stand out for quiet vocal recording.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

7 Best Microphones for Recording Vocals in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

VTOMAN Jump 600X With 110W Solar: Small, Smart Power for Road Trips and Blackouts

Chevaugn Powell — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:05:00 GMT

Most power stations make you choose between something you can actually carry and something that can run more than a phone charger. The VTOMAN Jump 600X lands in a sweet spot. It's small enough to grab with one hand and drop into the trunk, but it still has two AC outlets, a 100W USB-C port and a LiFePO4 battery built to last for years. Pair it with the 110W solar panel, and you've got a complete kit for road trips, camping and power cuts for not much money.

I've been using the Jump 600X with the 110W panel around the car, out on the grass by the sea and plugged into my laptop and phone. It's well built, easy to set up and good looking. It doesn't recharge as quickly as the bigger names, and 268.8Wh is not a whole-home backup, but for the size and the price, it covers a lot.

VTOMAN Jump 600X + 110W Solar Panel - Compact Solar Power Station Kit

The Jump 600X keeps every port on the front.

The Jump 600X is VTOMAN's compact power station, with a 268.8Wh LiFePO4 battery, 600W of pure sine wave AC output and seven outputs in total. VTOMAN says this version is 27% smaller and 32% lighter than the previous model, at 9.92 lb. It comes on its own or bundled with a 110W or 200W foldable solar panel. On Amazon, the 110W bundle was $477.99, or $399.99 for Prime members, at the time of writing.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key Highlights

268.8Wh LiFePO4 battery rated for 3,000+ cycles to 80% capacity
600W pure sine wave AC output with 1,200W surge
V-Beyond mode for 600W to 1,200W resistive appliances
Two AC outlets, a 100W USB-C, a 30W USB-C and a 30W USB-A port
12V car socket and DC5521 output
Up to 170W AC charging and 120W solar input
80% in 50 minutes using AC and solar together
Built-in UPS function and a five-mode LED light
9.92 lb and 9.4 x 8.1 x 7.2 inches
110W foldable solar panel with kickstands in the bundle

Pros

Great value, especially as a solar bundle
Compact and easy to carry with the built-in handle
Fits easily in a car trunk
Looks good and feels well built
LiFePO4 battery built for thousands of cycles
Plenty of ports, including 100W USB-C
Everything you need is in the box, including the solar adapter cables

Cons

Recharges well, but not as fast as pricier flagship power stations
The fastest recharge needs AC and solar at the same time
The USB-A and 30W USB-C ports drop to 15W each when used together

Who it's for

Campers, road trippers, tailgaters and anyone who wants a dependable backup for phones, laptops, lights, a router or a small fan during a power cut. It's a smart first power station, and the solar bundle makes sense for anyone who wants to recharge away from an outlet.

Skip if

You want to back up a fridge, a sump pump or a home office for hours. You'll need much more capacity, like VTOMAN's own Jump 1800 with 1,548Wh, though at 38.5 lb it's a very different thing to carry. And if you need the fastest possible recharge, flagship models from EcoFlow and Anker refill quicker, at a higher price.

Small Enough to Grab and Go

The size is the best thing about the Jump 600X. At 9.4 x 8.1 x 7.2 inches, it takes up little room, and the handle is built into the top, so you can pick it up with one hand and carry it from the house to the car. At 9.92 lb, it's light enough to move around for different jobs, and it fits easily in a car trunk with space to spare.

The built-in handle makes it easy to carry with one hand.

It also looks better than most power stations at this price. The dark gray body has orange accents on the handle, the buttons and the side vents, and the VTOMAN logo is printed cleanly across the top. The finish feels solid and well put together right out of the box. It looks good in the trunk or on a desk, and it doesn't give up any practicality for it.

Orange vents and accents on a dark gray body.

Ports for Almost Everything

Everything is on the front. You get two AC outlets, a 100W USB-C port, a 30W USB-C port and a 30W USB-A port, plus a 12V car socket with a locking cover and a DC5521 output. The display shows the battery percentage, input and output watts, and the time remaining, so you always know where you stand.

Two AC outlets, three USB ports, a car socket and the LED light bar.

The 100W USB-C port is enough to fast charge most laptops, and the AC outlets take a laptop's own charger. I ran my MacBook from one of the AC outlets in the trunk while my phone charged over USB-C at the same time. With the laptop drawing 57W, the display still read 100%.

Running my laptop from the Jump 600X in the trunk.

The LED light bar across the top of the front panel has five modes, including strobe and SOS, which is useful at a campsite or when the lights go out.

Charging a laptop and a phone at the same time.

The AC side is rated for 600W continuous and 1,200W surge, which covers laptops, TVs, routers, lights, fans, a CPAP and small kitchen gadgets. VTOMAN says its V-Beyond mode also lets it run resistive appliances from 600W to 1,200W, like a kettle or a small heater. One thing to note: when the USB-A and the 30W USB-C ports are used together, both drop to 5V/3A, so fast charging stops on those two.

Charging Is Quick for Its Size

The Jump 600X takes up to 170W from the wall and up to 120W through its 12-28V solar input, and you can use both at once. VTOMAN rates it at 80% in 50 minutes and full in 75 minutes that way. It also charges from a car's 12V socket, which is handy on a long drive.

It fits in the trunk with plenty of room to spare.

It recharges faster than many small power stations, but it's not in the same league as the pricier flagship models I've used, like EcoFlow's Delta. For a 268.8Wh battery, though, it charges fast enough for its size, and the combined AC and solar charging is a nice option when you're in a hurry.

The LiFePO4 battery is a big part of the value. VTOMAN rates it for 3,000+ cycles before it drops to 80% capacity, which means years of regular use, and it's protected by VTOMAN's LIFEBMS system against overcharging, overheating and short circuits. There's also a built-in UPS function for keeping essentials running when the power drops.

The 110W Solar Panel Completes the Kit

The solar bundle is what makes the Jump 600X such good value. The 110W panel folds in half, has kickstands on the back to angle it toward the sun, and uses monocrystalline cells that VTOMAN rates at 23% efficiency. It folds flat for storage and carrying.

The 110W solar panel folds in half and stands on kickstands.

Connecting it is simple. The panel's cable plugs into the XT60 input on the front of the station, and the display shows the solar input in watts so you can adjust the angle. How much you get depends on the sun and the angle, so don't expect the full 110W all the time.

The 110W panel connected to the Jump 600X through the XT60 input.

VTOMAN includes adapter cables in the bundle, with MC4 connectors that convert to Anderson, XT60 and DC5521, so the panel isn't limited to this one power station.

The bundle includes adapter cables for the panel.

There's also a zippered pouch on the back of the panel to keep the cables together.

A zippered pouch on the back of the panel keeps the cables together.

FAQ

How long will the Jump 600X run a laptop?
It depends on the laptop, but VTOMAN quotes 13+ charges for a 20Wh device. A typical laptop battery is larger, so expect several full charges rather than 13.

Can it run a refrigerator?
VTOMAN quotes 3+ hours for a 150W fridge and 5+ hours for a 45W mini fridge. That's fine for a short outage, but not for days.

Can it jump-start a car?
No. VTOMAN's Jump 1800 and Jump 1500X have a jump starter function, but the Jump 600X doesn't.

How long does the solar panel take to charge it?
It depends on sunlight and the panel angle. The station accepts up to 120W of solar, and the 110W panel will deliver less than its rating in most real conditions. Pairing solar with AC charging is the fastest option.

Is it safe to use indoors?
Yes. It's battery powered with no fumes, and the LiFePO4 chemistry is known for stability. VTOMAN rates it for use from -4°F to 131°F.

Portable Power Without the Bulk

The VTOMAN Jump 600X does what a small power station should. It's compact, easy to carry, well built and good looking, with plenty of ports, a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery and quick enough charging for its size. The 110W solar bundle turns it into a complete off-grid kit at a very good price.

It's not a whole-home backup and it's not the fastest to recharge, but for road trips, camping and keeping the essentials running through a power cut, it's an easy one to recommend. This is the kind of power station you keep in the trunk and end up using far more than you expected.

VTOMAN Jump 600X With 110W Solar: Small, Smart Power for Road Trips and Blackouts - Originally published on Technobezz

GameSir's Fortnite G8 Plus Is the One Controller I Use on My iPhone, iPad and Switch

Chevaugn Powell — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 19:17:00 GMT

A Fortnite-branded controller could easily have been a regular controller with a sticker on it. The GameSir G8 Plus Fortnite Edition isn't. The Peely Edition I've been playing with has Peely line art on laser engraved yellow grips, a bright blue bridge, and a big Fortnite logo spelled out in bananas across the back. It looks like it was designed for the game from the start, and it feels as well made as you'd expect from GameSir.

I played Fortnite and Asphalt on an iPhone, an iPad and a Nintendo Switch with it, clamped in and as a standalone pad. It stayed connected the whole time with no drops or lag I could feel. Pairing takes a minute to learn on each platform, and the empty bridge has a little wobble, but neither stopped me from reaching for it.

GameSir G8 Plus Fortnite Edition - Multi-Platform Mobile Controller

The G8 Plus Fortnite Edition in the Peely design.

The G8 Plus is GameSir's stretch-style Bluetooth controller for phones, tablets and the Switch, and the Fortnite Edition comes in three designs: Peely, Cuddle Team Leader and Victory Royale. It has Hall Effect sticks and triggers, two remappable back buttons, a magnetic faceplate, a 6-axis gyroscope and a redemption card for Fortnite in-game items. It costs $89.99 from GameSir and on Amazon.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key Highlights

Works with Android, iPhone, iPad, Switch and Switch 2, and PC
Stretches to fit phones, tablets and the Switch up to 215 mm (8.46 in) long
GameSir Hall Effect sticks with anti-friction rings
Hall Effect analog triggers with a Hair Trigger mode
Two remappable back buttons with macro support
Magnetic faceplate, plus swappable stick caps and ABXY buttons
Dual asymmetric vibration motors and a 6-axis gyroscope
Laser engraved textured grips with Fortnite artwork
Fortnite in-game item redemption card in the box

Pros

The Fortnite artwork is beautifully done
Premium build with comfortable, textured grips
Sticks, D-pad and buttons feel great, with a satisfying click
Works across phones, tablets, the Switch and PC
Stable connection with no drops or noticeable lag
The bridge stretches far and holds devices firmly without strain
Back buttons are well placed and easy to remap in the GameSir app

Cons

Each platform has its own pairing steps, which take some learning
The center bridge wobbles slightly with nothing clamped in it

Who it's for

Fortnite players who want to turn a phone, iPad or Switch into something closer to a console controller, and anyone who plays across several devices and wants one controller for all of them. It's also a great gift for a Fortnite fan, with the in-game items as a bonus.

Skip if

You mostly play on a PC or console and want a full-size controller that feels completely solid in your hands. The GameSir G7 Pro 8K is the better pick there, and our guide to the best controllers for PC gaming has more options.

A Fortnite Controller That Doesn't Feel Like Merch

The design is the first thing you notice. The grips are yellow with Peely line art, the bridge and accents are a bright sky blue, and the back has a large Fortnite logo spelled out in bananas. The colors are bold without looking cheap, and the details are crisp up close.

The laser engraved grips have a fine texture that helps your hands stay put.

The grips are laser engraved, which gives them a fine texture that helps your hands stay put, and the shape fills your palms like a regular console controller. The sticks are full size and comfortable, the D-pad is clicky and precise, and the face buttons have a satisfying response. They don't have the top-tier feel of the G7 Pro 8K, but for a stretch controller built to fit so many devices, this is one of the most comfortable I've used.

The Fortnite logo on the back, with a back button on each side.

The flat bed in the middle, where your phone or Switch sits, has a textured finish that feels good quality, and the grip arms on each end are shaped to hold a device firmly without pressing too hard on it. GameSir says a phone case can stay on in Bluetooth mode, which saves you from pulling your case off every time you want to play.

One Controller for Phone, Tablet and Switch

The G8 Plus stretches to fit devices up to 215 mm (8.46 in) long, so it holds an iPhone, a small tablet or a Switch. I've extended it many times, and it still snaps back with the same tension.

The bridge stretches to fit devices up to 215 mm long.

On my iPhone, Fortnite felt like a proper console game. With the phone clamped in the middle, the whole thing feels like a handheld console rather than a phone with a controller attached.

Fortnite on my iPhone with the G8 Plus.

The Switch fits snugly too, and turns into a handheld with full-size sticks and proper grips. Fortnite on the Switch was comfortable, and I didn't run into any drops or lag.

The Switch fits snugly between the grips.

You can also use the G8 Plus on its own as a wireless controller. With my iPad on a stand, I played Asphalt and Fortnite with the controller in my hands, and it worked just as well.

Fortnite on the Switch, played like a handheld.

One thing to know for iPhone and iPad: Apple doesn't allow GameSir's on-screen touch mapping, so on iOS it only works with games that support controllers natively. Fortnite and Asphalt both do.

Racing in Asphalt on my iPad, with the G8 Plus as a standalone controller.

Pairing Takes Some Practice

Connecting the G8 Plus is straightforward once you know the steps, but each platform has its own mode and button combination. The light changes color to show the mode: yellow for Android, red for Switch and other devices, and cyan for GameSir's touch mapping mode. Moving to a different device usually means picking the right mode and pairing again.

Pairing on the Switch. Each platform has its own mode.

If you're new to this kind of controller, expect to spend a few minutes getting it connected the first time on each device. After that, it becomes muscle memory and just works. Once paired, the connection was solid on every device I tried. Bluetooth runs at a 125Hz polling rate, wired PC play goes up to 500Hz, and the optional 2.4GHz dongle for PC reaches 200Hz.

Back Buttons, App and Swappable Parts

The two back buttons are smartly placed where your fingers already rest, so you can press them without changing your grip. You can remap them or set them up as macros, which lets you do more without taking your thumbs off the sticks.

The GameSir app is where you do most of the tuning, and I found myself using it a lot. You can remap buttons, adjust stick dead zones and change vibration strength, and there are shortcuts on the controller itself for things like turbo, swapping A/B and X/Y, and turning on the Hair Trigger mode.

The magnetic faceplate pops off, and the stick caps and ABXY buttons swap too.

The faceplate is magnetic and pops off easily, and you can also swap the stick caps and the ABXY buttons. The box includes three extra stick caps, a 1.5 m USB-C cable, a sticker and the Fortnite item redemption card.

The extra stick caps and USB-C cable that come in the box.

A Little Wobble in the Middle

My one real complaint is the center bridge. With nothing clamped into it, there's a slight wobble where the phone sits. It goes away as soon as you put a phone or Switch in, because the device holds everything firmly, but you notice it when you use the G8 Plus as a standalone controller. It's not a dealbreaker, but if you mostly want a standalone controller with a completely rigid feel, the G7 Pro 8K is the better choice.

FAQ

Does the GameSir G8 Plus Fortnite Edition work with iPhone?
Yes. It connects over Bluetooth and works with games that support controllers natively, including Fortnite. GameSir's touch mapping isn't available on iPhone or iPad because of Apple's restrictions.

Does it work with the Nintendo Switch?
Yes. GameSir lists the Switch and Switch 2, and the original Switch fits in the bridge so you can play it like a handheld.

Can I keep my phone case on?
GameSir says yes in Bluetooth mode, as long as the phone fits within the controller's 215 mm range.

Does it come with Fortnite in-game items?
Yes. The Fortnite Edition includes a redemption card for limited-edition in-game items.

Can I use it on PC?
Yes, wired with the included USB-C cable or wirelessly with GameSir's 2.4GHz dongle, which is sold separately.

Built for Fortnite Fans Who Play Everywhere

The GameSir G8 Plus Fortnite Edition is a great-looking, well-made controller that works across nearly everything you might play Fortnite on. The engraved grips, the comfortable sticks and buttons, the useful back buttons and the strong connection make it easy to recommend. Pairing takes a little learning, and the bridge has a slight wobble on its own, but neither takes much away from how good it is to play with.

If you play on your phone, your iPad and your Switch, this is one controller that covers them all, and it looks the part doing it.

GameSir's Fortnite G8 Plus Is the One Controller I Use on My iPhone, iPad and Switch - Originally published on Technobezz

7 Best Samsung Phones in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:23:43 GMT

Samsung sells Galaxy phones in a wide spread of sizes, shapes and budgets, from a 6.3-inch flagship that weighs 167 g to a book-style foldable with an 8.0-inch main screen. This guide is for US buyers who want an unlocked Samsung phone and need help matching a model to the way they use it.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the best overall pick. It pairs a 6.9-inch display that has a built-in Privacy Display with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, a 200 MP main camera, two telephoto cameras, a 5000 mAh battery and an S Pen. That makes it the most complete phone on this list.

The other picks cover a larger S26+, a smaller S26, the value-focused S26 FE, two foldables and the budget Galaxy A37 5G.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra	Privacy Display, 200 MP camera, two telephotos and an S Pen
Best lighter large-screen flagship	Samsung Galaxy S26+	6.7-inch screen and a 4900 mAh battery at 190 g
Best compact	Samsung Galaxy S26	6.3-inch flagship at 167 g with IP68 and a telephoto camera
Best value	Samsung Galaxy S26 FE	3x telephoto, wireless charging and up to seven years of security patches
Best foldable	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra	8.0-inch main screen, 200 MP camera and a 5000 mAh battery
Best flip phone	Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8	6.9-inch screen that folds to a 4.1-inch FlexWindow
Best budget	Samsung Galaxy A37 5G	IP68, 5000 mAh battery and six years of updates

How we chose

We compared the specifications Samsung publishes on its US product pages, including display size, processor, cameras, battery, charging, durability, storage and software support. We also checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon, then matched each phone to a specific type of buyer.

The best Samsung phones right now

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra - Best overall

The Galaxy S26 Ultra puts the most capable hardware in Samsung's S26 range into one phone. Samsung lists a 6.9-inch display with a built-in Privacy Display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip customized for Galaxy, and a 5000 mAh battery rated for up to 31 hours of video playback.

The rear cameras combine a 200 MP wide, a 50 MP ultra wide, a 50 MP telephoto and a 10 MP telephoto, and Samsung rates the zoom at up to 100x with AI. Privacy Display lets you choose what to hide from people nearby, such as certain apps or all incoming notifications. Super Fast Charging 3.0 is rated at up to 75% in around 30 minutes. Memory depends on storage: the 256 GB and 512 GB models have 12 GB of RAM, and the 1 TB model has 16 GB.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

6.9-inch display with built-in Privacy Display
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
200 MP wide, 50 MP ultra wide, 50 MP telephoto and 10 MP telephoto cameras
Up to 100x AI-powered zoom
5000 mAh battery, up to 31 hours of video playback
256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB storage, with 12 GB or 16 GB of RAM depending on storage
S Pen

Pros:

Two telephoto cameras, the only pick here with that setup
Privacy Display can hide chosen apps and notifications
Highest charging rating in the S26 range at up to 75% in around 30 minutes
Storage goes up to 1 TB

Cons:

At 214 g, heavier than the S26+ (190 g) and S26 (167 g)
At 7.9 mm, thicker than the S26 (7.2 mm) and S26+ (7.3 mm)
Samsung notes some information may still be visible to others depending on the viewing environment

Who it is for: Buyers who want the widest camera range, an S Pen and the largest S26 screen in one phone.

Skip if: You want a light phone for one-handed use, since the Galaxy S26 is 47 g lighter.

Samsung Galaxy S26+ - Best lighter large-screen flagship

The Galaxy S26+ gives buyers a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 2600 nits of peak brightness without moving up to the Ultra. It runs on Samsung's Exynos 2600 processor and comes with 12 GB of RAM in both the 256 GB and 512 GB versions.

Its 4900 mAh battery is rated for up to 31 hours of video playback, the same figure Samsung gives the Ultra, and Samsung says it reaches up to 69% charge in around 30 minutes. The cameras match the smaller S26: a 50 MP wide, a 12 MP ultra wide and a 10 MP telephoto. An IP68 rating, an Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover durability.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, 2600 nits peak brightness
Exynos 2600 processor
50 MP wide, 12 MP ultra wide and 10 MP telephoto cameras
4900 mAh battery, up to 31 hours of video playback
256 GB or 512 GB storage with 12 GB of RAM
IP68, Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2

Pros:

Large screen at 190 g, 24 g lighter than the Ultra
Video playback rating matches the Ultra
Faster charging rating than the S26
IP68 water and dust resistance

Cons:

No 200 MP camera or second telephoto like the Ultra
No 1 TB storage option
No S Pen

Who it is for: Buyers who want a big flagship screen and long video playback without the Ultra's weight.

Skip if: Zoom photography matters most, since the Ultra adds a 50 MP telephoto and a 200 MP main camera.

Samsung Galaxy S26 - Best compact

The Galaxy S26 is the smallest flagship here, with a 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display rated at 2600 nits of peak brightness. It weighs 167 g, measures 7.2 mm thick and uses the same Exynos 2600 processor and 12 GB of RAM as the S26+.

Samsung rates its 4300 mAh battery for up to 30 hours of video playback and quotes up to 55% charge in around 30 minutes. It keeps a 10 MP telephoto camera alongside the 50 MP wide and 12 MP ultra wide, plus IP68 water and dust resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, 2600 nits peak brightness
Exynos 2600 processor
50 MP wide, 12 MP ultra wide and 10 MP telephoto cameras
4300 mAh battery, up to 30 hours of video playback
256 GB or 512 GB storage with 12 GB of RAM
167 g and 7.2 mm thick

Pros:

Lightest and thinnest phone in the S26 range
Keeps a telephoto camera in a small body
IP68 water and dust resistance
Same processor and RAM as the S26+

Cons:

Smallest battery in the S26 range at 4300 mAh
Lowest charging rating in the S26 range at up to 55% in around 30 minutes
No 1 TB storage option

Who it is for: Buyers who want flagship features in a phone that is easy to hold and pocket.

Skip if: You watch a lot of video on the go and want the larger 4900 mAh battery of the S26+.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE - Best value

The Galaxy S26 FE brings much of the S-series feature list to a more affordable tier. It has a 6.7-inch FHD+ display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, an Exynos 2500 processor and a 4,900 mAh battery that Samsung rates for up to 29 hours of video playback.

The cameras include a 50 MP wide with OIS, a 12 MP ultra wide and an 8 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. It supports 45 W wired charging, with the 45 W charger sold separately, and 15 W wireless charging. Samsung promises 7 major Android OS upgrades and up to 7 years of security patches, and the phone has an IP68 rating, an Aluminum Alloy frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+. Storage comes in 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB versions.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

6.7-inch FHD+ display, 120 Hz refresh rate
Exynos 2500 processor
50 MP wide with OIS, 12 MP ultra wide, 8 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom
4,900 mAh battery, up to 29 hours of video playback
45 W wired and 15 W wireless charging
7 major Android OS upgrades and up to 7 years of security patches
128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB storage

Pros:

Long software support commitment
3x optical telephoto at a value tier
IP68 water and dust resistance
Large screen and battery

Cons:

Uses the Exynos 2500 rather than the Exynos 2600 in the S26 and S26+
The 45 W charger needed for top wired speed is sold separately
Aluminum Alloy frame rather than the Armor Aluminum used on the S26 range

Who it is for: Buyers who want a large screen, a telephoto camera and long update support without paying for a full flagship.

Skip if: You want the faster processor and Armor Aluminum build of the S26 or S26+.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra - Best foldable

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra opens to an 8.0-inch main screen and has a 6.5-inch cover screen for use when closed. Samsung lists a peak brightness of 3000 nits, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip and a thickness of 4.1 mm when unfolded.

The rear cameras pair a 200 MP wide with a 50 MP ultra wide and a 10 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, plus 10 MP front cameras on both screens and up to 30x digital zoom. A 5000 mAh battery is rated for up to 27 hours of video playback. It comes in 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB versions, with an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

8.0-inch main screen and 6.5-inch cover screen
Up to 3000 nits peak brightness
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
200 MP wide, 50 MP ultra wide and 10 MP 3x telephoto cameras
5000 mAh battery, up to 27 hours of video playback
256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB storage
4.1 mm thick unfolded, 215 g

Pros:

Largest screen on this list
200 MP main camera, matching the S26 Ultra
5000 mAh battery in a 4.1 mm unfolded body
Storage goes up to 1 TB

Cons:

No IP rating listed on Samsung's product page
At 215 g, the heaviest pick here
Video playback rating of 27 hours trails the S26 Ultra's 31 hours

Who it is for: Buyers who want a tablet-sized screen for reading, video and multitasking in a phone that folds shut.

Skip if: You need a confirmed water resistance rating or the longest battery rating.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 - Best flip phone

The Galaxy Z Flip8 has a 6.9-inch main screen that folds in half, with a 4.1-inch FlexWindow cover screen you can customize with photos, messages and widgets. It weighs 180 g and uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip.

The 50 MP wide camera offers 2x optical quality zoom and sits beside a 12 MP ultra wide, with a 10 MP camera on the main screen. FlexCam handles hands-free shots, and Mirror View on the cover screen runs at up to 120 fps. Samsung rates the 4300 mAh battery for up to 31 hours of video playback and offers up to 7 OS upgrades and security updates.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

6.9-inch main screen, 2600 nits peak brightness
4.1-inch FlexWindow cover screen
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
50 MP wide and 12 MP ultra wide cameras, 10 MP main screen camera
4300 mAh battery, up to 31 hours of video playback
256 GB or 512 GB storage

Pros:

Folds to a small size while keeping a 6.9-inch screen
Cover screen supports widgets and custom backgrounds
Hands-free FlexCam shooting
Up to 7 OS upgrades and security updates

Cons:

No dedicated telephoto camera
No IP rating listed on Samsung's product page
No 1 TB storage option

Who it is for: Buyers who want a large screen that folds into a compact square and a capable cover display for quick tasks.

Skip if: You shoot a lot of zoomed photos and want a dedicated telephoto lens.

Samsung Galaxy A37 5G - Best budget

The Galaxy A37 5G covers the basics well for a budget phone. It has a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with Vision Booster, an Exynos 1480 octa-core processor and a 5,000 mAh (typical) battery.

The triple rear camera uses a 50 MP wide with OIS, an 8 MP ultra wide and a 5 MP macro, with a 12 MP front camera. Super Fast Charging 2.0 is rated at up to 60% in 30 minutes with a 45 W charger sold separately. The phone is rated IP68 for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes, uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, and gets 6 OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates. RAM depends on storage: 6 GB with 128 GB, or 8 GB with 256 GB.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with Vision Booster
Exynos 1480 octa-core processor
50 MP wide with OIS, 8 MP ultra wide and 5 MP macro cameras
5,000 mAh (typical) battery
IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back
6 OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates
128 GB with 6 GB RAM or 256 GB with 8 GB RAM

Pros:

IP68 rating at a budget tier
Large 5,000 mAh battery
Six years of OS and security updates
Optical image stabilization on the main camera

Cons:

No telephoto camera
The 128 GB model has only 6 GB of RAM
The 45 W charger needed for top speed is sold separately

Who it is for: Buyers who want a durable, large-screen Samsung phone with long update support on a tight budget.

Skip if: You want optical zoom, which starts with the 3x telephoto on the Galaxy S26 FE.

How to choose

Pick a size first. The S26 is 6.3 inches and 167 g, the S26+ and S26 FE are 6.7 inches, and the S26 Ultra is 6.9 inches and 214 g. Foldables trade weight and thickness for a bigger screen in a smaller folded shape.
Check the cameras for zoom. The S26 Ultra has two telephoto cameras, the S26, S26+, S26 FE and Z Fold8 Ultra have one, and the Z Flip8 and A37 5G have none.
Read battery and charging together. Compare battery size with Samsung's video playback and charging ratings, and note that the S26 FE and A37 5G need a separately sold 45 W charger for their top wired speed.
Confirm the durability rating. The S26, S26+, S26 FE and A37 5G are rated IP68. Samsung's S26 Ultra page says it is engineered for water resistance but lists no IP rating, and the Z Fold8 Ultra and Z Flip8 pages do not list one either.
Count the update years. Samsung lists 7 major OS upgrades and up to 7 years of security patches for the S26 FE, and 6 OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates for the A37 5G.
Match RAM to storage. On some models RAM changes with storage, such as 6 GB or 8 GB on the A37 5G and 12 GB or 16 GB on the S26 Ultra.

FAQ

Which Samsung phone here has the largest screen?

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, with an 8.0-inch main screen. Among phones that do not fold, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is largest at 6.9 inches.

What does the Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra do?

It lets you choose what to hide from people nearby, such as certain apps or all incoming notifications. Samsung notes some information may still be visible depending on the viewing environment.

Which of these phones are rated IP68?

The Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 FE and A37 5G. Samsung's S26 Ultra page says it is engineered for water resistance but gives no IP rating. Samsung rates the A37 5G for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.

Do I need to buy a charger separately?

For the Galaxy S26 FE and A37 5G, Samsung says the 45 W charger needed for the fastest wired charging is sold separately.

Is a Galaxy Z Flip8 or Z Fold8 Ultra better for me?

The Z Flip8 folds a 6.9-inch screen down to a small square at 180 g. The Z Fold8 Ultra opens to an 8.0-inch screen and adds a 200 MP camera and 3x telephoto, but weighs 215 g.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

7 Best Samsung Phones in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best In-Ceiling Speakers in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:23:20 GMT

In-ceiling speakers put music and movie sound overhead without taking up floor or shelf space. The right model depends on woofer size, how much aiming you need, and whether you are filling one room or wiring a full surround layout.

The Polk Audio RC80i is the best overall pick. It comes as a pair with 8-inch woofers, swivel-mount soft dome tweeters and a 3-year warranty, which makes it a simple choice for a living room, den or bedroom music zone.

This guide is for US homeowners and installers planning stereo zones, whole-house audio or ceiling-mounted home theater channels. It runs from value Micca singles to premium Klipsch models and a five-speaker Goldwood set.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Polk Audio RC80i (pair)	8-inch woofers, swivel tweeters and a 3-year warranty in one pair
Best premium 8-inch	Klipsch CDT-5800-C II	Horn-loaded titanium tweeter with treble and midbass switches
Best for tricky placement	Klipsch CDT-5650-C II	Pivoting 6.5-inch woofer for awkward ceiling spots
Best value	Micca M-8C	8-inch coaxial design with a pivoting tweeter, sold individually
Best budget 6.5-inch	Micca M-6C	Compact coaxial speaker with an aimable soft dome tweeter
Best home theater set	Acoustic Audio by Goldwood CS-IC83 (5 speakers)	Five 3-way speakers with fully published specs

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications and features, including driver sizes, tweeter and woofer aiming, tuning controls and installation details where they are listed. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best in-ceiling speakers right now

Polk Audio RC80i (pair) - Best overall

The Polk Audio RC80i is the most well-rounded pick for homes that want stereo music or surround channels overhead. It is sold as a pair, and each speaker pairs an 8-inch Dynamic Balance composite cone woofer with a 1-inch swivel-mount soft dome tweeter, so the treble can be aimed toward the seats.

Polk uses infinite baffle tuning, which treats the space above the ceiling as a "virtual enclosure" to support bass response and smooth blending with the midrange. Injection-molded butyl rubber surrounds and a 3-year warranty round it out. The product page does not list impedance, power handling, cutout size or mounting depth, so check the installation guide before cutting drywall.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Sold as a pair
8-inch Dynamic Balance composite cone woofer
1-inch swivel-mount soft dome tweeter
Infinite baffle tuning
Injection-molded butyl rubber surrounds
3-year warranty

Pros:

One box covers a full stereo zone
Aimable tweeters help when speakers cannot sit near the listening area
8-inch woofer gives more cone area than the 6.5-inch picks
Clear warranty length on the product page

Cons:

Product page lists no impedance, power handling, cutout or depth figures
Pair packaging is less flexible for odd-numbered layouts such as a single center channel

Who it is for: Buyers who want a straightforward 8-inch pair for a music zone or the front or surround channels of a home theater.

Skip if: You need published install dimensions up front or want a speaker with adjustable tuning switches.

Klipsch CDT-5800-C II - Best premium 8-inch

The Klipsch CDT-5800-C II suits buyers who want a premium 8-inch in-ceiling speaker with more control over its sound. It combines an 8-inch Cerametallic woofer with a 1-inch titanium tweeter and Klipsch's horn-loaded technology.

Klipsch aims it at whole-house audio and says it is built to challenge the limits of fixed speaker locations, using its Controlled Dispersion Technology. Treble and midbass attenuation switches let you adjust output for the room, and a low-profile SlimTrim magnetic grille keeps the visible part slim. Numeric specifications sit in a separate spec sheet rather than on the product page.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

8-inch Cerametallic woofer
1-inch titanium tweeter
Horn-loaded technology
Controlled Dispersion Technology
Treble and midbass attenuation switches
Low-profile SlimTrim magnetic grille

Pros:

Attenuation switches allow treble and midbass adjustment after install
Horn-loaded titanium tweeter, a different design from the soft dome picks here
8-inch woofer for larger rooms
Magnetic grille is low profile

Cons:

Product page lists no frequency response, impedance or cutout size
Product page does not list the pivoting woofer named on the CDT-5650-C II page
Premium pick rather than a value one

Who it is for: Whole-house audio and home theater buyers who want a premium 8-inch ceiling speaker with room-tuning switches.

Skip if: You are on a tight budget or want a published cutout size on the product page before you buy.

Klipsch CDT-5650-C II - Best for tricky placement

The Klipsch CDT-5650-C II is the only pick here whose maker lists a pivoting woofer. Its 6.5-inch pivoting Cerametallic woofer helps when the only workable ceiling spot is off to the side of the seating.

It shares the 1-inch titanium tweeter, horn-loaded technology and Controlled Dispersion Technology named on the CDT-5800-C II page, along with treble and midbass attenuation switches and a low-profile SlimTrim magnetic grille. The tradeoff is a smaller woofer than the 8-inch models on this list.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

6.5-inch pivoting Cerametallic woofer
1-inch titanium tweeter
Horn-loaded technology
Controlled Dispersion Technology
Treble and midbass attenuation switches
Low-profile SlimTrim magnetic grille

Pros:

Pivoting woofer for aiming sound from an awkward location
Attenuation switches for room tuning
Smaller 6.5-inch format than the 8-inch picks
Same tweeter and dispersion design named for the CDT-5800-C II

Cons:

6.5-inch woofer has less cone area than the 8-inch picks
Product page lists no frequency response, impedance or cutout size
Premium pick rather than a value one

Who it is for: Buyers whose joists, lights or vents push speakers away from the ideal spot above or in front of the seats.

Skip if: You can place speakers freely and want the most bass output from an 8-inch woofer.

Micca M-8C - Best value

The Micca M-8C is a 2-way in-ceiling and in-wall speaker with a high excursion 8-inch poly woofer and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter in a co-axial arrangement. Micca says the woofer can let the M-8C run without a subwoofer in many installations.

The tweeter uses a diffuser to help off-axis response and a pivoting mechanism for aiming. Micca designed its Media Series for jobs from background music to a 7-channel home theater. It is sold individually, and the product page does not list cutout size, mounting depth, impedance or power handling.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Sold individually
High excursion 8-inch poly woofer
1-inch soft dome tweeter in co-axial arrangement
Pivoting tweeter with diffuser
For in-ceiling or in-wall use
Part of Micca's Media Series

Pros:

Value 8-inch option from a maker that sells singles
Pivoting tweeter for aiming
Micca positions it for use without a subwoofer in many installs
Buying singles makes odd-numbered layouts easy

Cons:

Sold individually, so stereo needs two
Product page lists no cutout, depth, impedance or power figures
Product page does not state a paintable grille or moisture rating

Who it is for: Value-minded buyers who want 8-inch woofers for music or a multi-channel theater and like buying speakers one at a time.

Skip if: You want tuning switches or full published specifications.

Micca M-6C - Best budget 6.5-inch

The Micca M-6C is the smaller sibling of the M-8C. It is a 2-way in-ceiling and in-wall speaker with a high excursion 6.5-inch poly woofer and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter in a co-axial arrangement, joined by a crossover network.

Like the M-8C, its tweeter has a diffuser for off-axis response and a pivoting mechanism for aiming. Micca describes the bass as satisfying, which is more modest wording than the subwoofer-optional claim it makes for the M-8C. It is sold individually.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Sold individually
High excursion 6.5-inch poly woofer
1-inch soft dome tweeter in co-axial arrangement
Pivoting tweeter with diffuser
Crossover network between tweeter and woofer
For in-ceiling or in-wall use

Pros:

Budget-friendly way to add ceiling speakers one at a time
Aimable tweeter for better coverage of seats
Smaller format than the 8-inch picks
Works for surround or zone speakers alongside other Micca Media Series models

Cons:

6.5-inch woofer has less cone area than the 8-inch picks
Micca does not make a subwoofer-optional claim for this model
Product page lists no cutout, depth, impedance or power figures

Who it is for: Budget buyers adding background music or surround channels in a bedroom, office or smaller room.

Skip if: Bass from the ceiling speakers alone matters to you; the M-8C is the stronger Micca choice for that.

Acoustic Audio by Goldwood CS-IC83 (5 speakers) - Best home theater set

The Acoustic Audio by Goldwood CS-IC83 set gives you five flush mount passive speakers in one purchase. Each is a 3-way design with an 8-inch high rigidity poly cone woofer, a poly mica midrange and a 13mm soft dome tweeter, managed by 3-way passive crossovers.

Goldwood publishes the full spec sheet on the product page: 40Hz to 20kHz frequency response, 95dB sensitivity, 8 ohm impedance and a recommended receiver power of 10 to 350 watts per channel. Each speaker needs a 9.45-inch round hole and 3.78 inches of mounting depth, and a pressure lock system clamps it to drywall with no extra hardware. The removable grilles can be painted.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Five passive speakers in one set
3-way: 8-inch woofer, poly mica midrange, 13mm soft dome tweeter
40Hz to 20kHz frequency response, 95dB sensitivity, 8 ohms
Recommended receiver power of 10 to 350 watts per channel
9.45-inch cutout, 3.78-inch mounting depth, 10.83-inch overall size
Paintable removable grilles and pressure lock mounting

Pros:

Covers a full 5-channel layout in one box
Most complete published specifications on this list
High rated sensitivity suits modest amplifier power
Paintable grilles and tool-free drywall clamping

Cons:

13mm tweeter is smaller than the 1-inch tweeters on the other picks
Product page does not describe an aimable tweeter or woofer
No subwoofer included, and all five speakers are the same model rather than a dedicated center

Who it is for: Buyers building a 5-channel ceiling home theater who want every speaker and the install measurements settled in one purchase.

Skip if: You only need a stereo pair or want aimable drivers for off-center placement.

How to choose

Match woofer size to the room. 8-inch woofers like those on the Polk, Klipsch CDT-5800-C II, Micca M-8C and Goldwood picks have more cone area for bass, while 6.5-inch models suit smaller rooms and surround duty.
Plan for aiming. Ceiling joists and lights often decide where speakers go. A swivel or pivoting tweeter helps steer treble toward seats, and the Klipsch CDT-5650-C II adds a pivoting woofer for harder spots.
Count your speakers. The Polk comes as a pair, the Micca and Klipsch models are bought singly, and the Goldwood set includes five. Buy the format that matches your layout.
Confirm cutout and depth before cutting. Check the hole size and mounting depth against your ceiling and joists. Goldwood lists both on its product page; for the others, check the installation documents.
Budget for an amplifier or receiver. These are wired speakers, so you need an AV receiver, stereo amplifier or multi-zone amp to drive them.
Consider tuning controls. Treble and midbass attenuation switches, as on the Klipsch models, let you adjust for bright or boomy rooms after the speakers are in place.

FAQ

Do in-ceiling speakers need a separate amplifier?

Yes. None of the maker pages for these picks list Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a built-in amplifier, and Goldwood describes its set as passive. Plan to run speaker wire to a receiver or amplifier.

Should I choose 8-inch or 6.5-inch in-ceiling speakers?

Choose 8-inch for larger rooms or when you want more bass from the ceiling. Choose 6.5-inch for smaller rooms, surround channels, or tighter spaces between joists, and add a subwoofer if you want deeper bass.

Can I paint the grilles?

Goldwood says the CS-IC83 grilles can be painted to match your decor. The other maker pages here do not address painting, so check the product documentation first.

Can I install these in a bathroom or outdoors?

Check each maker's installation documents for a moisture or outdoor rating, and confirm with the manufacturer before installing over a shower, in a steamy bathroom or on a covered patio.

What does an aimable tweeter do?

It lets you angle the high frequencies toward the listening area when the speaker cannot sit directly above or in front of the seats. The Polk RC80i and both Micca models list one.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

6 Best In-Ceiling Speakers in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

7 Best Headsets for Work in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:22:57 GMT

A good work headset has two jobs. It has to make your voice clear to the people on the call, and it has to stop the room around you from getting in the way. The picks below cover wireless over-ear models with noise cancellation, wired USB headsets, and single-ear Bluetooth.

The Logitech Zone Wireless 2 is the best overall pick. It combines hybrid active noise cancellation, four noise-canceling microphones with AI noise suppression, multipoint Bluetooth, and Microsoft Teams and Zoom certification. That makes it the most complete choice here for calls in a shared or noisy space.

This list is for remote, hybrid and office workers who spend much of the day on Teams, Zoom or Google Meet calls, and for IT buyers choosing one headset for a whole team. Each of the other picks fits a specific need: long call days, a wired desk setup, company rollouts, single-ear use, music after hours, or a lighter wired headset.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Logitech Zone Wireless 2	Hybrid ANC, four AI noise-suppressing mics, and multipoint Bluetooth
Best for long call days	Poly Voyager 4320 UC	Up to 24 hours of talk time, a charging stand, and corded mode
Best wired headset	Jabra Evolve2 40 SE	Three mics, 40mm speakers, and a busylight with no battery to charge
Best for company rollouts	Logitech Zone Wireless 2 ES for Business	Adaptive ANC, a hidden USB receiver, and a replaceable battery
Best single-ear headset	Poly Voyager Legend 50 UC	Four mics with NoiseBlockAI and a Qi wireless charge case
Best for work and music	Logitech Zone Vibe 100	Flip-away mic boom, 40mm speakers, and multipoint Bluetooth
Best lightweight wired	Jabra Evolve2 30 SE	Lighter wired build with a busylight and USB-A or USB-C

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications for microphones, noise control, connection options, battery life, comfort features and meeting platform certification, then matched each headset to a specific kind of worker. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best headsets for work right now

Logitech Zone Wireless 2 - Best overall

The Logitech Zone Wireless 2 is the most complete wireless pick here for people who take calls in busy spaces. It pairs hybrid active noise cancellation, with high and low modes plus a transparency mode, with four noise-canceling microphones that use AI noise suppression.

Multipoint Bluetooth lets it switch between devices such as a laptop and a phone, and the reversible design lets you wear the mic on either side with automatic channel switching. Logitech sells Teams and UC versions with a USB-C receiver, plus a Teams version that uses native Bluetooth, so the receiver and certifications depend on the version you buy. This listing is the Teams version.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Hybrid ANC with high and low modes
Transparency mode
Four noise-canceling mics with AI noise suppression
Multipoint Bluetooth
Reversible mic with automatic channel switching
Certified for Microsoft Teams (Premium Microphone for Open Office) and Zoom
Certified for Fast Pair and engineered for Intel Evo laptops

Pros:

Active noise cancellation and four mics suit open offices and shared homes
Multipoint helps people who move between a computer and a phone
Mic can sit on the left or right side
Replaceable parts help extend its working life

Cons:

Wireless design means keeping it charged
Teams, UC and native Bluetooth versions make it easy to order the wrong one

Who it is for: Hybrid and office workers who want one wireless headset with noise cancellation for calls in open-plan or noisy spaces.

Skip if: You only take calls at a quiet desk and would rather not charge a headset; a wired pick such as the Jabra Evolve2 40 SE is simpler.

Poly Voyager 4320 UC - Best for long call days

The Poly Voyager 4320 UC is a stereo Bluetooth headset built around a full day of calls. Poly rates it for up to 24 hours of talk time, and it can also run as a corded headset over a USB cable.

The included BT700 USB adapter gives up to 50 m (164 ft) of wireless range, and a desktop charging stand keeps the headset charged between meetings. Poly sells the BT700 in USB-A and USB-C versions and offers standard and Microsoft Teams Certified models, so check the configuration. This listing names the USB-C BT700.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Stereo Bluetooth 5.2 headset
Up to 24 hours of talk time
Up to 50 m/164 ft range with the BT700 USB adapter
Dual microphone Acoustic Fence noise-canceling boom
Desktop charging stand included
Corded mode over USB

Pros:

Longest talk time stated by any maker in this list
Corded mode is a fallback when the battery runs down
Charging stand makes recharging part of the desk routine
Foldable design with a travel pouch

Cons:

Poly does not list active noise cancellation for this series
Desk phone use needs a separate Voyager Office base accessory
Teams certification depends on the model version

Who it is for: Call-heavy workers who need one wireless headset to last a full working day with a computer and a phone.

Skip if: You want active noise cancellation for a loud room; the Logitech Zone Wireless 2 lists it.

Jabra Evolve2 40 SE - Best wired headset

The Jabra Evolve2 40 SE is the wired pick for people who work at one desk and never want to think about a battery. It uses three microphones, 40mm leak-tolerant speakers, and a choice of USB-A or USB-C connection.

Noise control is passive: memory foam ear cushions and an angled earcup design block sound rather than an ANC system. A busylight turns red automatically on calls, and an intelligent mute switch activates when the boom arm is moved away from the mouth. Jabra sells stereo and mono versions in UC and Microsoft Teams variants; this listing is the stereo Teams version.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Three digital MEMS microphones
40mm leak-tolerant speakers
Passive noise cancellation with memory foam cushions
Busylight that lights up on calls
Intelligent mute when the boom arm is raised
USB-A or USB-C connection
188g for the stereo version with cable (weight varies by version)

Pros:

No charging or pairing to manage
Busylight signals to coworkers when you are on a call
Meets Microsoft Teams Open Office requirements for mic noise suppression
Three mics, against two on the Evolve2 30 SE

Cons:

Passive noise cancellation only, with no ANC
The cable keeps you at your computer
Heavier than the stereo Evolve2 30 SE (188g against 125g with cable)

Who it is for: Desk workers and call teams who want a dependable wired headset with a visible on-call light.

Skip if: You walk around during calls or need active noise cancellation.

Logitech Zone Wireless 2 ES for Business - Best for company rollouts

The Logitech Zone Wireless 2 ES for Business is aimed at IT teams outfitting many desks. Smart enumeration keeps the USB receiver hidden from video apps when the headset is not in use, so it does not get selected by mistake.

It has adaptive hybrid ANC that adjusts to your surroundings once the mode is turned on in Logi Tune, dual noise-canceling mics with AI algorithms, a 270-degree mic boom and 40mm drivers. Logitech says the battery and earpads can be replaced, and it lists Intel vPro and TCO Certified Generation 10 status. It comes in Teams and UC versions with a receiver plus a native Bluetooth Teams version; this listing is the Teams version in Graphite.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Adaptive hybrid ANC (adaptive mode turned on through Logi Tune)
Dual noise-canceling mics with AI algorithms
270-degree adjustable mic boom
40mm speaker drivers
Replaceable battery and earpads
Smart enumeration for the USB receiver
At least 50% post-consumer recycled plastic

Pros:

Receiver stays out of the way in video apps when not in use
Replaceable battery suits long fleet lifecycles
Teams Premium Microphone for Open Office and Zoom certification
Intel vPro and TCO certifications help with procurement checklists

Cons:

Two mics, against four on the standard Zone Wireless 2
Adaptive ANC needs the Logi Tune app to switch on

Who it is for: IT buyers and managers equipping a team with a single wireless headset that is easy to deploy and maintain.

Skip if: You are buying one headset for yourself and want the most microphones; the standard Zone Wireless 2 has four.

Poly Voyager Legend 50 UC - Best single-ear headset

The Poly Voyager Legend 50 UC is a monaural Bluetooth headset for people who want one ear free while on calls. It has four noise-canceling microphones on a boom, with Poly NoiseBlockAI using machine learning to identify and block background noise, plus WindSmart technology.

Smart sensors answer calls when you put it on and mute it when you take it off. The UC version includes a Qi wireless charge case and the BT700 adapter, while the charge case is sold separately for the standard Voyager Legend 50. Poly rates talk time at up to 10 hours.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Single-ear (monaural) Bluetooth design
Four noise-canceling microphones
Poly NoiseBlockAI and WindSmart
Up to 10 hours of talk time
Qi wireless charge case and BT700 adapter included with the UC version
Smart sensors for auto-answer and auto-mute
Three earbud sizes

Pros:

Leaves one ear open to the room
Four mics with machine-learning noise blocking
Charge case is included with this version
Certified for Microsoft Teams over USB and native Bluetooth, plus Zoom and Google Meet

Cons:

One earpiece means no stereo audio
Up to 10 hours of talk time, against up to 24 hours for the Voyager 4320 UC

Who it is for: Workers who move around during calls, or who find over-ear headsets uncomfortable over a long day.

Skip if: You want to block out the room or listen to music in stereo.

Logitech Zone Vibe 100 - Best for work and music

The Logitech Zone Vibe 100 is an over-ear wireless headphone that doubles as a work headset. The mic boom flips down for calls and tucks away for movies and music, and 40mm speakers handle media playback.

Logitech rates it for up to 20 hours of listening and 18 hours of talk time, and a 5-minute charge gives up to an hour of listening. Multipoint Bluetooth keeps it connected as you move between devices, and it uses memory foam and soft knitted fabric for comfort.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Flip-down, tuck-away mic boom
40mm speakers
Up to 20 hours listening, 18 hours talk time
5-minute quick charge for up to an hour of listening
Multipoint Bluetooth
Memory foam and knitted fabric
25% post-consumer recycled plastic

Pros:

Works as everyday headphones as well as a call headset
Stated battery figures for both listening and talk time
Quick charge helps when the battery runs low before a meeting

Cons:

Logitech does not list active noise cancellation on its product page
No meeting platform certification is listed on the product page
No USB receiver is mentioned, so it relies on Bluetooth

Who it is for: Remote workers who want one pair of headphones for calls during the day and music or video after hours.

Skip if: You need a certified headset for company use or active noise cancellation for a loud room.

Jabra Evolve2 30 SE - Best lightweight wired

The Jabra Evolve2 30 SE is a smaller, lighter wired option. The stereo version weighs 125g with cable, against 188g for the stereo Evolve2 40 SE, and it connects over USB-A or USB-C.

It uses a two-microphone system, 28mm speakers, memory foam ear cushions and an integrated busylight, and its slider and headband are reinforced with steel. Jabra sells UC-certified and Microsoft Teams-certified variants in stereo and mono; this listing is the stereo Teams version.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Two-microphone system
28mm speakers
Integrated busylight
Steel-reinforced slider and headband
USB-A or USB-C connection
125g for the stereo version with cable (weight varies by version)

Pros:

Lighter than the Evolve2 40 SE
No battery to charge
Busylight comes on automatically during calls
Meets Microsoft Teams Open Office requirements

Cons:

Two mics, against three on the Evolve2 40 SE
28mm speakers are smaller than the 40mm units on the Evolve2 40 SE
No active noise cancellation listed

Who it is for: Desk workers and shared-desk teams who want a light wired headset for routine calls.

Skip if: You work in a loud space and want more microphones or active noise cancellation.

How to choose

Decide between wired and wireless. Wired USB headsets such as the Jabra Evolve2 models never need charging. Wireless models let you stand up, move around and connect to a phone.
Separate the two kinds of noise control. Active noise cancellation reduces the noise you hear, while noise-canceling microphones reduce the noise your callers hear. A loud open office benefits from both.
Match the certification to your platform. Several picks come in separate Microsoft Teams and UC versions. Buy the version that matches the platform your company uses.
Choose mono or stereo. Single-ear headsets keep you aware of the room. Stereo headsets block more of it and are better for music.
Check battery and charging habits. A charging stand, a charge case or a corded mode can matter as much as the rated talk time.
Confirm the connector. Look for USB-A or USB-C to match your computer, and check whether a USB receiver is included.

FAQ

Do I need active noise cancellation in a work headset?

Not always. It helps most in open offices, busy homes and while traveling. In a quiet room, a headset with good noise-canceling microphones and well-sealed ear cushions may be enough.

What does Microsoft Teams certification mean?

It means that version of the headset has passed Microsoft's certification program for Teams. Makers often sell a separate UC version aimed at other platforms, so check which one a listing is.

Can I use one work headset with my computer and my phone?

Yes, if it supports multipoint Bluetooth or lists both computer and mobile connections. The Logitech Zone Wireless 2 and Zone Vibe 100 list multipoint, and the Poly Voyager 4320 UC lists PC and mobile connections.

Is a wired headset better than a wireless one for work?

Not automatically. Wired headsets avoid charging and pairing, while wireless headsets let you move around and switch to a phone. Choose based on how you work.

Should I get a mono or stereo headset?

Mono suits people who need to hear coworkers or the room while on calls. Stereo suits people who want to shut out distractions or use the headset for music.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

7 Best Headsets for Work in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best 85-Inch TVs in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:22:34 GMT

An 85-inch TV fills a wall, so the specs that matter on paper matter even more here: how bright the backlight can get, how finely it dims, how many HDMI ports run at full speed, and whether the screen fights reflections. Every pick on this list is a Mini-LED model, which suits large living rooms that see daylight as well as movie nights.

The TCL QM8L 85-inch is the best overall pick. TCL lists all four of its HDMI 2.1 inputs at 4K@144Hz, gives it a native 144Hz panel, and supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG. It is the most balanced choice here for households that stream, watch sports and game on one big screen.

The rest of the list covers clearer use cases: a premium home theater step up, a lower-specified TCL with two full-speed HDMI inputs, a mainstream Samsung Neo QLED, an art-focused design with a glare-free screen, and a Fire TV pick.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	TCL QM8L 85-inch	Four HDMI 2.1 inputs at 4K@144Hz and broad HDR support
Best premium home theater	TCL X11L 85-inch	TCL's highest series brightness and dimming zone figures
Best for two high-refresh devices	TCL QM7L 85-inch	Native 144Hz, Dolby Vision IQ and two 4K@144Hz HDMI inputs
Best Samsung Neo QLED	Samsung Neo QLED QN80H 85-inch	Up to 7 years of Tizen OS upgrades and Quantum Mini LED
Best for art and design	Samsung The Frame Pro 85-inch	Glare-free matte screen, Art Mode and an included wall mount
Best for Fire TV homes	Hisense E7 85-inch	Fire TV with Alexa+, native 144Hz and Dolby Vision IQ

How we chose

We compared the published specifications on each maker's US product or spec page for 85-inch models. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon. Each pick is matched to the kind of buyer its specifications suit best.

The best 85-inch TVs right now

TCL QM8L 85-inch - Best overall

The TCL QM8L 85-inch is the most complete all-rounder in this group. It uses a WHVA 2.0 Ultra panel with a native 144Hz refresh rate, and TCL lists all four HDMI 2.1 inputs at 4K@144Hz, so a console, a gaming PC and a streaming box can each have a full-speed port.

TCL quotes the QM8L series at up to 6,000 nits of peak brightness and up to 4,000+ local dimming zones. Both are published series maximums that vary by screen size, so the 85-inch figures may differ. HDR support covers Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, audio is by Bang & Olufsen, and Google TV runs the apps.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

85-inch size in a 65, 75, 85 and 98-inch range
WHVA 2.0 Ultra panel with native 144Hz refresh rate
Four HDMI 2.1 inputs at 4K@144Hz
Up to 6,000 nits peak brightness (series maximum, varies by size)
Up to 4,000+ local dimming zones (series maximum, varies by size)
Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG

Pros:

Every HDMI input runs at 4K@144Hz, unlike the QM7L
Supports both Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+
Higher series brightness and zone figures than the QM7L
Google TV and Bang & Olufsen audio round out the package

Cons:

Brightness and dimming figures are series maximums, not confirmed for the 85-inch size
Lower series brightness and far fewer dimming zones than the X11L
TCL's comparison page does not state the screen finish or any anti-glare treatment

Who it is for: Buyers who want one 85-inch TV for movies, sports and gaming, with several high-speed devices connected at once.

Skip if: You want TCL's top brightness and dimming figures, which point to the X11L, or you only need two full-speed HDMI ports, where the QM7L fits.

TCL X11L 85-inch - Best premium home theater

TCL describes the X11L as its most advanced L Series picture for a large home theater, and the spec sheet backs that position. The series is rated at up to 10,000 nits of peak brightness and up to 20,736 local dimming zones, both published series maximums that vary by size.

The rest of the core spec matches the QM8L: a WHVA 2.0 Ultra panel, native 144Hz, four HDMI 2.1 inputs at 4K@144Hz, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, Bang & Olufsen audio and Google TV. TCL lists the chassis at approximately 0.8 inches deep at the 85 and 98-inch sizes.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

85-inch size in a 75, 85 and 98-inch range
Up to 10,000 nits peak brightness (series maximum, varies by size)
Up to 20,736 local dimming zones (series maximum, varies by size)
Four HDMI 2.1 inputs at 4K@144Hz
Approximately 0.8-inch chassis at 85 inches
Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG

Pros:

Highest series brightness and dimming zone figures on this list
Thin chassis for a TV this size
All four HDMI inputs run at 4K@144Hz
Broad HDR format support

Cons:

Top of TCL's L Series, so it sits in premium territory
Same HDMI, refresh rate and HDR support as the QM8L, so the step up is mainly brightness, dimming and design
Brightness and zone figures are series maximums that vary by size

Who it is for: Home theater builders who want the strongest brightness and local dimming figures TCL publishes for an 85-inch screen.

Skip if: The QM8L already covers your gaming and HDR needs and you would rather not pay for the top tier.

TCL QM7L 85-inch - Best for two high-refresh devices

The TCL QM7L 85-inch is the lowest-specified of the three L Series models on TCL's comparison page. It keeps the native 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG support, Bang & Olufsen audio and Google TV found on the QM8L.

The tradeoffs are clear on the spec sheet. It uses an HVA 2.0 Pro panel, the series is rated at up to 3,000 nits and up to 2,100+ local dimming zones (series maximums that vary by size), and only HDMI inputs 1 and 2 of its four HDMI 2.1 ports run at 4K@144Hz.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

85-inch size in a 55, 65, 75, 85 and 98-inch range
HVA 2.0 Pro panel with native 144Hz refresh rate
Four HDMI 2.1 inputs, with inputs 1 and 2 at 4K@144Hz
Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness (series maximum, varies by size)
Up to 2,100+ local dimming zones (series maximum, varies by size)
Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG

Pros:

Keeps native 144Hz and the full HDR format list of the higher TCL models
Two full-speed HDMI inputs cover a console and a PC
Bang & Olufsen audio and Google TV
Same HDR format list as the QM8L and X11L on a lower-specified panel

Cons:

Only two of the four HDMI inputs run at 4K@144Hz
Lower series brightness and fewer dimming zones than the QM8L and X11L
Brightness and zone figures are series maximums that vary by size

Who it is for: Buyers who want a large Mini-LED TV with modern HDR and gaming support without moving up to TCL's higher tiers.

Skip if: You plan to connect more than two high-refresh devices, where the QM8L's four full-speed inputs make more sense.

Samsung Neo QLED QN80H 85-inch - Best Samsung Neo QLED

The Samsung Neo QLED QN80H 85-inch is the mainstream Samsung pick, with a long software promise. It runs One UI Tizen, and Samsung says Tizen OS upgrades will be supported for up to 7 years, which matters on a TV this size that is likely to stay on the wall for a long time.

The panel uses Quantum Mini LED Full Array backlighting driven by the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, with AI upscaling to 4K and Auto HDR Remastering to give SDR content an HDR-like look. Motion Xcelerator 144Hz and Variable Refresh Rate support gaming, though Samsung notes that 4K 144Hz is only available with PC-connected games. Dolby Atmos handles the sound.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

85-inch class Neo QLED 4K screen
Quantum Mini LED Full Array backlight
NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor
Motion Xcelerator 144Hz with Variable Refresh Rate
One UI Tizen with up to 7 years of OS upgrades
Dolby Atmos audio

Pros:

Long promised window for OS upgrades
Auto HDR Remastering for SDR content
Gaming Hub and VRR for game streaming and consoles
Mini LED full array backlight on a big screen

Cons:

4K 144Hz is limited to PC-connected games
Samsung's product page does not list supported HDR formats or the HDMI port count
Auto HDR Remastering produces an HDR-like look from SDR, not true HDR

Who it is for: Samsung households that want an 85-inch Mini LED TV with a long software support window.

Skip if: You need confirmed Dolby Vision support or four full-speed HDMI ports, where the TCL QM8L is the clearer match.

Samsung The Frame Pro 85-inch - Best for art and design

The Samsung The Frame Pro 85-inch is built to look good when it is off. Art Mode shows artwork from Samsung's Art Store with Pantone Validated ArtfulColor, a motion sensor works in Art Mode once enabled in Settings, and a Slim Fit Wall Mount is included in the box.

It is also a capable TV. Neo QLED with mini LEDs drives the picture, the NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor handles upscaling, and the glare-free matte screen is meant to cut reflections from windows and lamps. Motion Xcelerator 144Hz is standard, with DLG 240Hz for PC gaming, which Samsung says reduces image resolution, and Wireless One Connect moves the connections to a separate hub.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

85-inch class Neo QLED 4K screen with mini LEDs
Glare-free matte screen
NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor
Motion Xcelerator 144Hz, DLG 240Hz with PC gaming
Wireless One Connect hub
Slim Fit Wall Mount included

Pros:

Doubles as wall art in Art Mode
Matte screen suits bright rooms
Wireless One Connect keeps cables away from the screen
Supersize Picture Enhancer, which Samsung limits to select 85-inch and larger models

Cons:

The full Art Store catalog needs a paid subscription
Samsung says the wireless connection may not work through metal cabinets or walls
The product page does not list supported HDR formats

Who it is for: Buyers who want an 85-inch TV that looks like framed art on the wall and handles a sunny room.

Skip if: The TV will sit in a dedicated home theater, where TCL's X11L or QM8L put more of their spec sheet into picture output.

Hisense E7 85-inch - Best for Fire TV homes

The Hisense E7 85-inch is the pick for homes already built around Amazon's ecosystem. It runs Fire TV with Alexa+, so apps and voice control live in one familiar interface without an extra streaming stick.

Picture specs are solid for the category: Mini-LED backlighting with hundreds of light zones, Hi-QLED color, a native 144Hz refresh rate, and support for Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10 and HLG. Dolby Atmos covers the audio side.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

85-inch class 4K screen
Mini-LED backlighting with hundreds of light zones
Hi-QLED color
Native 144Hz refresh rate
Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10 and HLG
Fire TV with Alexa+ and Dolby Atmos

Pros:

Supports both Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive
Native 144Hz for gaming and sports
Fire TV with Alexa+ built in

Cons:

Hisense lists hundreds of light zones, against thousands quoted for TCL's L Series
The product page does not list peak brightness or HDMI port details
The product page does not mention an anti-glare screen treatment

Who it is for: Fire TV and Alexa households that want a large Mini-LED screen with wide HDR format support.

Skip if: You want the finest local dimming on paper, where TCL's QM8L and X11L list far more zones.

How to choose

Count the full-speed HDMI ports. All four HDMI 2.1 inputs on the TCL QM8L and X11L run at 4K@144Hz, while the QM7L limits that to inputs 1 and 2. If you connect several consoles or a PC, this matters more than the headline refresh rate.
Read series maximums carefully. TCL publishes peak brightness and dimming zone figures as series maximums that vary by size, so the 85-inch model may not hit the top number.
Check the high-refresh fine print. Samsung notes that 4K 144Hz on the QN80H is only available with PC-connected games, and The Frame Pro's 240Hz mode is tied to PC gaming and, per Samsung, lowers image resolution.
Match the screen to the room. A big screen catches more window and lamp reflections. The Frame Pro's glare-free matte screen is aimed at bright rooms.
Pick a platform you already use. These picks run Google TV, Samsung's One UI Tizen, or Fire TV with Alexa+. Staying with a familiar platform keeps logins, apps and voice assistants consistent.

FAQ

Is 144Hz useful on an 85-inch TV?

Mostly for gaming, and especially PC gaming. Samsung, for example, notes that 4K 144Hz on the QN80H only applies to PC-connected games. For TV and movies, the HDR support and backlight specs matter more.

What does "series maximum" mean on a TV spec sheet?

It is the best figure across every size in a model line. TCL marks its brightness and dimming zone numbers this way and says they vary by size, so treat them as an upper limit rather than a promise for the 85-inch model.

Which of these TVs support Dolby Vision?

TCL lists Dolby Vision IQ for the QM7L, QM8L and X11L, and Hisense lists Dolby Vision IQ for the E7. The Samsung product pages for the QN80H and The Frame Pro do not list supported HDR formats.

Do any of these TVs come with a wall mount?

Yes. Samsung includes a Slim Fit Wall Mount with The Frame Pro 85-inch. For the other picks, plan on buying a mount rated for an 85-inch TV if you want it on the wall.

Which pick gets software updates the longest?

Samsung's QN80H page says Tizen OS upgrades will be supported for up to 7 years for products released in 2026, which includes both Samsung picks here. The other makers' pages used here do not state an update period.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

6 Best 85-Inch TVs in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

7 Best Tablets in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:22:11 GMT

A tablet can be a sketchbook, a second screen for work, a streaming screen for the couch or a homework machine, and the right one depends on which of those jobs matters most. This guide is for US buyers choosing between Apple iPads and Samsung Galaxy tablets, from entry-level models up to premium ones.

The Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) is the best overall pick. It pairs the M4 chip and 12GB of unified memory with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display, Wi-Fi 7, Touch ID and Apple Pencil Pro support, which covers work, study, drawing and entertainment without stepping up to iPad Pro hardware.

The rest of the list covers clear use cases: a premium iPad Pro, an Android flagship, a value iPad, a 13.1-inch Samsung for a bigger canvas, a budget note-taking tablet with an S Pen in the box and an affordable tablet built around streaming.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)	M4 chip, 12GB memory, Wi-Fi 7 and Apple Pencil Pro support
Best premium	Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)	Tandem OLED display, M5 chip and Face ID
Best Android	Samsung Galaxy Tab S11	120 Hz AMOLED, IP68 rating and an S Pen in the box
Best value iPad	Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)	A16 chip, 128GB starting storage and Touch ID
Best big screen	Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ 13.1-inch	13.1-inch display, IP68 rating and an included S Pen
Best budget for note-taking	Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite	S Pen in the box and microSD expansion
Best for streaming on a budget	Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+	Quad Dolby Atmos speakers and up to 15 hours of video

How we chose

We compared the published specifications on each maker's US product and spec pages, including chip, display, storage options, pen support, durability ratings and battery claims. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon and matched it to the kind of buyer its specifications suit best.

The best tablets right now

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) - Best overall

The iPad Air 11-inch (M4) is the best overall tablet here because it puts a laptop-class chip spec into a light, thin body. Apple lists the M4 with an 8-core CPU, a 9-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, backed by 12GB of unified memory, and it supports Apple Intelligence. The Wi-Fi model weighs 1.02 pounds and is 6.1 mm thick.

The 11-inch Liquid Retina display runs at 2360 by 1640 pixels with 500 nits brightness, True Tone, P3 wide color and an antireflective coating. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 come from Apple's N1 wireless chip, Touch ID sits in the top button, and Apple rates battery life at up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or watching video. Storage is 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB depending on configuration; this listing is the 128GB Wi-Fi model in Space Gray.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

M4 chip with 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU
12GB unified memory
11-inch Liquid Retina display, 2360 by 1640, 500 nits
Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 with the Apple N1 chip
Touch ID in the top button
Up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or video playback
128GB to 1TB storage, depending on configuration

Pros:

Strong chip and memory spec for a mid-tier tablet
Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Works with the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air
Thin and light at 6.1 mm and 1.02 pounds (Wi-Fi)

Cons:

500 nits brightness is half the iPad Pro's 1000-nit full-screen figure
Liquid Retina display rather than the iPad Pro's tandem OLED
Touch ID only, with no Face ID

Who it is for: Students, remote workers and casual artists who want one iPad that handles work, drawing and entertainment.

Skip if: You want an OLED screen and Face ID, or you only need a tablet for video and browsing.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) - Best premium

The iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) is the premium choice, built around the M5 chip and an Ultra Retina XDR display that uses tandem OLED technology. Apple lists 1000 nits full-screen brightness, 1600 nits peak for HDR content and ProMotion adaptive refresh rates from 10Hz to 120Hz.

The chip and memory vary by storage. The 256GB and 512GB models have a 9-core CPU and 12GB of unified memory, while the 1TB and 2TB models have a 10-core CPU and 16GB, and nano-texture display glass is only offered on the 1TB and 2TB models. Every version gets Face ID, a LiDAR Scanner, four speaker audio, a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port and Wi-Fi 7 through the N1 chip. The Wi-Fi model is 5.3 mm thick and weighs 0.98 pound, and Apple says it can reach up to 50 percent charge in around 30 minutes.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

M5 chip; 9-core or 10-core CPU depending on storage
12GB or 16GB unified memory depending on storage
Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display
1000 nits full-screen, 1600 nits peak HDR
ProMotion from 10Hz to 120Hz
Face ID and LiDAR Scanner
Thunderbolt / USB 4 port

Pros:

1000 nits full-screen and 1600 nits peak HDR brightness
Supports Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro
Thin and light at 5.3 mm and 0.98 pound (Wi-Fi)
Up to 50 percent charge in around 30 minutes, per Apple

Cons:

The 256GB listing has the 9-core CPU and 12GB memory, not the top configuration
Nano-texture glass is limited to the 1TB and 2TB models
Only two colors: Silver and Space Black

Who it is for: Illustrators, photo and video editors and anyone who wants the best display and fastest chip in Apple's tablet range.

Skip if: Your tablet use is mostly streaming, browsing and notes, which the iPad Air covers.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 - Best Android

The Galaxy Tab S11 is the best Android tablet here, with an 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and a 3nm MediaTek chipset. Samsung lists 12GB of memory, IP68-rated dust and water resistance and an S Pen in the box.

Storage is 128GB, 256GB or 512GB depending on configuration, with microSD expansion up to 2TB. Samsung rates the 8,400 mAh battery for up to 18 hours of video playback, puts the tablet at 5.5 mm thick and 1.03 pounds, and says the Tab S11 Series is eligible for up to 7 generations of Android OS upgrades and 7 years of security updates from global launch. Samsung DeX adds a desktop-style multitasking mode.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
120 Hz adaptive refresh rate
3nm MediaTek chipset with 12GB memory
IP68 dust and water resistance
S Pen included
8,400 mAh battery, up to 18 hours of video playback
128GB, 256GB or 512GB, plus microSD up to 2TB

Pros:

AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate
S Pen comes in the box
Long software support window from Samsung
Expandable storage through microSD

Cons:

Samsung says enhanced and third-party AI features may be subject to fees
The listed model has 128GB of built-in storage

Who it is for: Android users who want an AMOLED screen, a pen for notes and a water-resistant build in one tablet.

Skip if: You rely on iPad-only apps or already own Apple Pencil accessories.

Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) - Best value iPad

The iPad 11-inch (A16) is the entry point to Apple's tablet range, with the A16 chip and 128GB of starting storage. Its 11-inch Liquid Retina display measures 10.86 inches diagonally, runs at 2360 by 1640 pixels and is rated for 500 nits, the same resolution and brightness Apple lists for the iPad Air 11-inch.

Touch ID sits in the top button, both cameras are 12MP with Center Stage on the front, and Apple rates battery life at up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or watching video. It uses Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil (1st generation), and works with the Magic Keyboard Folio. Storage is 128GB, 256GB or 512GB depending on configuration.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

A16 chip
11-inch Liquid Retina display, 2360 by 1640, 500 nits
128GB, 256GB or 512GB storage, depending on configuration
Touch ID in the top button
12MP front and back cameras
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3
Up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or video playback

Pros:

Same display resolution and brightness rating as the iPad Air 11-inch
128GB starting storage
Works with Magic Keyboard Folio for typing
Four color choices: Silver, Blue, Pink and Yellow

Cons:

Apple does not list Apple Intelligence for this model, unlike the iPad Air and iPad Pro
No Apple Pencil Pro support listed
Wi-Fi 6 rather than the Wi-Fi 7 on the Air and Pro

Who it is for: Families, students and first-time iPad buyers who want a capable everyday tablet for apps, video and schoolwork.

Skip if: You want Apple Intelligence or Apple Pencil Pro support.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ 13.1-inch - Best big screen

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ is the pick for buyers who want a large canvas without moving to a flagship. Samsung lists a 13.1-inch LCD with 2880 by 1800 resolution and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 90Hz, measured as 13.0 inches when the rounded corners are accounted for. It runs on an Exynos 1580 processor.

The FE series carries an IP68 rating, and Samsung says it can withstand full immersion in water. An S Pen is included, the FE+ is rated for up to 21 hours of video playback, and it has a 13MP rear camera with an ultra-wide front camera. Built-in storage goes up to 256GB depending on configuration, with microSD expansion up to 2TB.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

13.1-inch LCD, 2880 by 1800
Up to 90Hz adaptive refresh rate
Exynos 1580 processor
IP68 rating
S Pen included
Up to 21 hours of video playback
Up to 256GB storage, plus microSD up to 2TB

Pros:

Largest screen in this list
Longest video playback rating here, at up to 21 hours
Water and dust resistance at this size
S Pen in the box for notes and sketching

Cons:

LCD panel rather than the AMOLED on the Tab S11
Tops out at 90Hz, below the Tab S11's 120 Hz
A 13.1-inch tablet is harder to hold in one hand

Who it is for: Readers, note-takers and video watchers who want a bigger Android screen with a pen included.

Skip if: You want a compact tablet for one-handed use or an AMOLED display.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite - Best budget for note-taking

The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite is the budget pick for handwritten notes because Samsung includes an S Pen in the box. It has a 10.9-inch display with Vision Booster and blue light reduction, up to 90 Hz refresh rates and an Exynos 1380 chipset that Samsung pitches for split-screen multitasking.

Memory and storage vary by configuration: 6GB with 128GB or 8GB with 256GB, and this listing is the 6GB and 128GB version. microSD expansion goes up to 2TB, the 8,000 mAh battery is rated for up to 16 hours of video playback, and the body uses Samsung's Armor Aluminum design. Object Eraser can remove unwanted objects from photos.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

10.9-inch display with Vision Booster
Up to 90 Hz refresh rate
Exynos 1380 chipset
6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB, depending on configuration
S Pen included
8,000 mAh battery, up to 16 hours of video playback
microSD expansion up to 2TB

Pros:

S Pen included at an affordable tier
Blue light reduction for long reading or study sessions
Expandable storage through microSD
Armor Aluminum build

Cons:

Samsung does not list an IP rating, unlike the IP68 Tab S11 and Tab S10 FE+
Video playback rating of 16 hours trails the FE+ and Tab S11
90 Hz maximum refresh rate, below the Tab S11's 120 Hz

Who it is for: Students and note-takers who want a pen-ready Android tablet without buying a stylus separately.

Skip if: You need water resistance or want an AMOLED screen.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ - Best for streaming on a budget

The Galaxy Tab A11+ is built around entertainment, with quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos and an 11.0-inch display at 1920 by 1200 resolution with up to 90 Hz refresh rates. Samsung rates it for up to 15 hours of video playback from a 7,040 mAh battery, with 25W Super Fast Charging.

It runs on a MediaTek MT8775 chipset, with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage depending on configuration; this listing is the 6GB and 128GB version. A microSD slot adds up to 2TB of removable storage for downloaded shows and games. Samsung offers it in 5G and Wi-Fi-only versions.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

11.0-inch display, 1920 by 1200
Up to 90 Hz refresh rate
Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos
MediaTek MT8775 chipset
6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB, depending on configuration
7,040 mAh battery with 25W Super Fast Charging
microSD expansion up to 2TB

Pros:

Four speakers with Dolby Atmos for movies and shows
Up to 15 hours of video playback
Room for large offline libraries with microSD
Affordable way into Samsung's tablet range

Cons:

Not compatible with the S Pen
1920 by 1200 resolution is lower than the Tab S10 FE+'s 2880 by 1800
Shortest video playback rating among the Samsung picks here

Who it is for: Households that want an affordable tablet mainly for streaming, games and browsing.

Skip if: You want to write or draw with a pen.

How to choose

Pick the platform first. iPads run iPadOS and work with Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard accessories, while Galaxy tablets run Android with Samsung features such as DeX on the Tab S11.
Check pen support by name. The iPad Air and iPad Pro support Apple Pencil Pro, the iPad 11-inch supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the 1st generation model, and the Tab S11, Tab S10 FE+ and Tab S10 Lite include an S Pen. The Tab A11+ does not support the S Pen.
Match the screen to the room. The iPad Pro's tandem OLED is rated for 1000 nits full-screen, while the iPad Air and iPad 11-inch are rated for 500 nits. The iPad Pro and Tab S11 reach 120Hz, and the Samsung FE, Lite and A11+ models top out at 90Hz.
Plan your storage up front. Apple lists fixed storage capacities for each iPad, so choose enough at purchase. The Samsung picks here accept microSD cards up to 2TB.
Look for an IP rating if it travels. The Tab S11 and the Tab S10 FE series carry IP68 dust and water resistance ratings.
Watch for specs that change by configuration. The iPad Pro's CPU, memory and nano-texture option depend on storage, and Samsung's Lite and A11+ pair more RAM with higher storage tiers.

FAQ

Which tablets on this list include a stylus in the box?

The Galaxy Tab S11, Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ and Galaxy Tab S10 Lite include an S Pen. Apple lists Apple Pencil models as supported accessories for its iPads.

Is an iPad or an Android tablet better for note-taking?

Both work. The iPad Air and iPad Pro support Apple Pencil Pro, while Samsung's Tab S11, Tab S10 FE+ and Tab S10 Lite include an S Pen, which keeps the starting cost of a pen setup down.

Do I need a cellular tablet?

Only if you need a connection away from Wi-Fi. Apple offers 5G versions of the iPad Air, iPad Pro and iPad 11-inch, and Samsung offers the Tab A11+ in 5G and Wi-Fi-only versions. The iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad 11-inch, Tab S11 and Tab S10 FE+ listings here are Wi-Fi models.

Which tablet here is best for watching video?

The iPad Pro has the strongest display specs with tandem OLED and 1600 nits peak HDR brightness. On a budget, the Galaxy Tab A11+ has quad Dolby Atmos speakers and a 15-hour video playback rating.

Can I add storage to an iPad later?

Apple lists fixed storage capacities, so pick the size you need at purchase. If you want to add storage later, the Samsung tablets here take microSD cards up to 2TB.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

7 Best Tablets in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

4 Best Tablets for Kids in 2026

Technobezz — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:20:36 GMT

A tablet for a child has to handle more than apps. It needs a case that survives drops, parental controls a parent can actually manage, and enough storage for shows and games kids want to watch offline. This page is for US parents and relatives shopping for a preschooler, a grade schooler, or an older kid who needs a tablet for homework.

The Amazon Kids Tablet 11 is the best overall pick. Amazon pairs an 11-inch 2.5K display and 8 GB of RAM with stylus support, a kid-proof case, a year of Kids+ content, and a Parent Dashboard that comes pre-installed. It is sold in an ages 3-5 bundle with a soft bumper and an ages 6-12 bundle with a slim hard case.

The other picks cover a smaller Amazon tablet, a Samsung tablet built around a padded case and stylus with long software support, and an iPad for older kids who are ready for a full-featured tablet.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Amazon Kids Tablet 11	2.5K display, 8 GB of RAM, stylus support, and a case in the box
Best compact pick	Amazon Kids Tablet 8	8.7-inch size, 64 GB of storage, and 14-hour video playback rating
Best for long-term support	Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ Kids Edition	Up to seven generations of OS and security upgrades, plus a padded case and stylus
Best for older kids	Apple iPad (A16)	A16 chip, sharp 11-inch display, and Apple Pencil support for schoolwork

How we chose

We compared each maker's published specifications, looking at screen size, storage, battery ratings, what comes in the box, and the parental controls each maker describes. We also checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.

The best tablets for kids right now

Amazon Kids Tablet 11 - Best overall

The Amazon Kids Tablet 11 is the larger of Amazon's two kids tablets, and Amazon pitches it as a bigger canvas for creating, learning, and playing. It has a 2.5K display, 8 GB of RAM for graphics-heavy apps, and stylus support for drawing or homework. It runs Android, and parents manage access to the full Google Play store.

It comes in two bundles. The ages 3-5 bundle ships with a soft bumper, and the ages 6-12 bundle ships with a slim hard case, both with character designs. Each includes a 1-year Kids+ subscription and a pre-installed Parent Dashboard, and parents can set up profiles for up to four children. Amazon also lists Storybuilder, an AI-powered creative tool, as part of Kids+.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Price: Check Price on Amazon (ages 3-5 bundle)

Key highlights:

11-inch 2.5K display
8 GB of RAM
Stylus support
Soft bumper (ages 3-5) or slim hard case (ages 6-12)
1-year Kids+ subscription included
Parent Dashboard pre-installed, with up to four child profiles

Pros:

Larger screen than the Kids Tablet 8, with a 2.5K resolution
Stylus support suits drawing and homework
Case and a year of kids content come in the box
Parent-managed Google Play access widens the app choice

Cons:

Amazon does not list storage or battery life for this model
Amazon names stylus support but does not say a stylus is included
Kids+ becomes a paid subscription after the first year
1-year limited warranty

Who it is for: Families who want one tablet with a protective case, kids content, and built-in parental controls ready from day one, on a screen big enough for drawing and schoolwork.

Skip if: Your child is very young and a smaller, lighter tablet would be easier to hold, or you need confirmed storage and battery figures before buying.

Amazon Kids Tablet 8 - Best compact pick

The Amazon Kids Tablet 8 is the smaller model, with an 8.7-inch screen that suits smaller hands and car trips. Amazon rates it for 14 hours of video playback and gives it 64 GB of storage, so kids can download shows, games, and books to use offline.

Like the 11-inch model, it comes in an ages 3-5 bundle with a soft bumper and an ages 6-12 bundle with a slim hard case. Both bundles include a 1-year Kids+ subscription, the pre-installed Parent Dashboard, Android with parent-managed Google Play access, and Amazon's 1-year limited warranty.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Price: Check Price on Amazon (ages 3-5 bundle)

Key highlights:

8.7-inch display
64 GB of storage
Up to 14 hours of video playback
Soft bumper (ages 3-5) or slim hard case (ages 6-12)
1-year Kids+ subscription included
Parent Dashboard pre-installed

Pros:

Smaller size is easier for young kids to carry
64 GB leaves room for offline downloads
Long video playback rating for trips
Same parental controls and Kids+ year as the larger model

Cons:

Amazon does not list RAM or display resolution for this model
Amazon names stylus support for the Kids Tablet 11, not this model
Kids+ becomes a paid subscription after the first year
1-year limited warranty

Who it is for: Parents of younger kids who want a smaller tablet for watching, reading, and games, with a case and kids content already included.

Skip if: Your child wants to draw with a stylus or needs a bigger screen for homework.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ Kids Edition - Best for long-term support

Samsung's Galaxy Tab A11+ Kids Edition stands out for how long it should stay current: Samsung promises up to seven generations of OS and security upgrades. It has an 11-inch display (10.9 inches accounting for the rounded corners) at 1920 x 1200, 128 GB of storage, and an upgraded processor. Samsung rates it for up to 15 hours of entertainment, based on local 720p video playback at 162 nits.

The box includes a puffy protective case with a carry handle that works for vertical or horizontal viewing, plus a Crayo-Pen stylus, pen tether, Galaxy Kids stickers, and a setup guide. Samsung Kids comes preloaded, but parents have to set up a PIN manually before the parental controls work. The 25W charger it supports is sold separately.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

11-inch, 1920 x 1200 display
128 GB of storage
Up to 15 hours of entertainment (Samsung's video test)
Up to seven generations of OS and security upgrades
Puffy protective case with carry handle
Crayo-Pen stylus with tether included

Pros:

Long upgrade commitment for a tablet a child may use for years
Stylus and tether are in the box
Case supports both vertical and horizontal viewing
Longest of the published battery ratings on this page

Cons:

25W charger is sold separately
Parental controls need a PIN set up manually
Lower screen resolution than the iPad (A16)

Who it is for: Families who want an Android tablet with a padded case and stylus included, and who plan to keep it for several years.

Skip if: You want parental controls switched on with no setup, or you want kids content bundled in the box.

Apple iPad (A16) - Best for older kids

The iPad with the A16 chip is the pick for older kids who need a tablet for school as well as play. Apple pairs the A16 chip (5-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine) with an 11-inch display at 2360 x 1640 and 264 ppi, 500 nits of brightness, and True Tone. It works with Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil (1st generation) for notes and drawing.

It has a 12MP wide camera on the back, a landscape 12MP Center Stage camera on the front, Touch ID in the top button, and Wi-Fi 6. Apple rates the Wi-Fi model for up to 10 hours of web browsing or video, and it weighs 1.05 pounds. Storage varies by configuration: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, and the linked listing is the 128GB Wi-Fi model.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

A16 chip
11-inch display, 2360 x 1640 at 264 ppi
128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, depending on configuration
Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil (1st generation) support
12MP front Center Stage camera and 12MP rear camera
Up to 10 hours of battery life (Wi-Fi model)

Pros:

2360 x 1640 display at 264 ppi
Apple Pencil support suits notes and art
Landscape front camera suits video calls
A 20W USB-C power adapter is in the box

Cons:

No case in the box, so it needs one for kid use
Apple Pencil is not included
USB-C port runs at USB 2.0 speeds
Shorter rated battery life than the Kids Tablet 8 and Samsung ratings, though each maker measures differently

Who it is for: Older kids and teens who need a capable tablet for homework, notes, and creative apps, and who can be trusted with a less padded device.

Skip if: You are buying for a young child and want a protective case and kids content included out of the box.

How to choose

Match the case to the child's age. Younger kids benefit from a thick soft bumper or padded case, while older kids may prefer a slimmer hard case. The Amazon tablets come with one or the other depending on the bundle, and Samsung includes a puffy protective case.
Check how parental controls are set up. Amazon pre-installs its Parent Dashboard, while Samsung Kids needs a PIN set up manually before its controls are active.
Count the storage you need. Offline shows and games fill storage quickly. Look for a stated capacity, such as 64 GB on the Amazon Kids Tablet 8 or 128 GB on the Samsung, and note that iPad storage varies by configuration.
Decide whether a stylus matters. Kids who draw or do homework on the screen will use one. Samsung includes its Crayo-Pen, the Amazon Kids Tablet 11 supports a stylus, and the iPad works with Apple Pencil sold separately.
Look at what continues after year one. Kids+ is included for a year on the Amazon tablets and is a paid subscription after that, so plan for it if your child relies on that content.
Think about how long it will be used. Samsung's promise of up to seven generations of OS and security upgrades is useful if the tablet will be handed down or kept for several years.

FAQ

What is the difference between the ages 3-5 and ages 6-12 Amazon Kids Tablet bundles?

The main difference is the case. Amazon ships each tablet with either a soft bumper for younger kids or a slim hard case for older kids, both with character designs. Amazon describes the two versions as for kids ages 3+ and 6+.

Can kids use Google Play on the Amazon Kids Tablets?

Yes. Both Amazon Kids Tablets run Android, and Amazon says parents can manage access to the full Google Play store.

Does Kids+ cost extra after the first year?

Each Amazon Kids Tablet includes a 1-year Kids+ subscription. After that, Kids+ continues as a paid subscription.

Are parental controls on by default on the Galaxy Tab A11+ Kids Edition?

Samsung Kids comes preloaded, but Samsung says it requires the manual setup of a PIN to access parental controls, so parents should do this before handing it over.

Is an iPad a good first tablet for a young child?

It can work, but the iPad (A16) ships with only the tablet, a charge cable, and a power adapter. A young child would need a protective case, which the Amazon and Samsung picks include in the box.

Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

4 Best Tablets for Kids in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

6 Best Monitors for Mac Mini in 2026

Technobezz — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 05:48:27 GMT

The Mac mini deserves a display chosen for macOS, not just a large panel with a familiar logo. Pixel density, scaling comfort, color coverage, refresh rate, and port layout decide how good the setup feels every day.

The BenQ PD2730S 27-inch is the best overall pick because it combines a 27-inch 5K panel, 218 ppi density, 98% P3 color, 2000 to 1 contrast, and Thunderbolt 4. It is the strongest fit here for design, UI work, photography, and clean desk connectivity.

The rest of the list covers a sharper value 4K option, a large 6K creative display, an ultrawide productivity screen, a Mac-matched 32-inch 4K model, and a QD-OLED pick for gaming and media.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	BenQ PD2730S 27-inch	5K Mac-friendly sharpness with Thunderbolt 4 and strong P3 color
Best value	Dell S2725QC 27-inch	A sharp 27-inch 4K USB-C monitor with smoother 120Hz motion
Best 6K option	LG UltraFine evo 32U990A 32-inch	A large 32-inch 6K canvas with Thunderbolt 5 and wide color coverage
Best ultrawide	Dell UltraSharp U4025QW 40-inch	A wide 5K2K workspace that can replace a dual-monitor desk
Best Mac-matched 32-inch 4K	BenQ MA320U 32-inch	A roomy 32-inch 4K display tuned for Apple color and controls
Best for gaming and media	Alienware AW3225QF 32-inch	A 32-inch 4K QD-OLED with 240Hz speed for games and video

How we chose

We chose these Mac mini monitors on the criteria that shape daily use: macOS text clarity, resolution, pixel density, color coverage, Thunderbolt or USB-C connectivity, refresh rate, panel type, HDR level, audio features, and desk fit. The strongest picks solve clear buying problems, from 5K creative sharpness and hub-style connectivity to roomy 4K workspaces, ultrawide multitasking, and OLED entertainment performance.

The best monitors for mac mini right now

BenQ PD2730S 27-inch - Best overall

For a Mac mini desk built around sharp text and creative work, the BenQ PD2730S 27-inch has the right foundation: a 5120 x 2880 5K panel at 218 ppi. That density is the spec that makes layouts, menus, and text look clean in macOS.

Color is another major strength, with 98% P3 coverage and a 2000 to 1 contrast rating. Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI give it a cleaner high-end connection setup than basic USB-C office displays.

The 60Hz refresh rate keeps it focused on design, UI work, photography, and print-adjacent production. It is not the pick for gaming-first Mac mini desks.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch 5K, 5120 x 2880
218 ppi pixel density
98% P3 color
2000 to 1 contrast
Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI connectivity

Pros:

5K 218 ppi panel is ideal for macOS text and layout work.
Designer-oriented color modes and P3 coverage are stronger than general office monitors.
Matte screen and ergonomic stand suit long work sessions.
Thunderbolt 4 is cleaner for high-end Mac desks than basic USB-C.

Cons:

60Hz panel is not for gaming-first buyers.
No Apple-style camera/speaker integration.

Who it is for: Choose it for a Mac mini used mainly for design, UI work, photography, or print-adjacent creative production.

Skip if: Look elsewhere if you want the cheapest 5K option or high-refresh gaming performance.

Dell S2725QC 27-inch - Best value

Dell’s S2725QC 27-inch gives a Mac mini setup the core specs most people need without moving into premium 5K pricing territory. The 27-inch 3840 x 2160 panel works out to 163 ppi, which is sharp for office apps, browsing, and light creative work.

Its up to 120Hz refresh rate is the standout upgrade over older 60Hz 4K budget monitors, especially for scrolling and window movement. USB-C also keeps the setup cleaner than an HDMI-only display.

This is a value pick, not a pro creative hub. It lacks Thunderbolt hub features and 5K Retina density, but 99% sRGB color and dual 5W speakers make it practical for everyday Mac mini use.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

27-inch 4K UHD, 3840 x 2160
163 ppi pixel density
Up to 120Hz refresh rate
99% sRGB color
Dual 5W speakers
USB-C monitor design

Pros:

Very sharp 27-inch 4K panel for the money.
120Hz makes desktop motion smoother than older 60Hz budget 4K monitors.
USB-C keeps a Mac mini setup simpler than HDMI-only budget displays.
Integrated speakers are useful for casual audio.

Cons:

Not true 5K Retina density like BenQ 5K options.
Limited creative color features compared with ProArt and ColorPro-class displays.
No Thunderbolt hub features.

Who it is for: Choose it for an affordable, current 27-inch 4K USB-C monitor for office work, browsing, and light creative use.

Skip if: Look elsewhere if you are sensitive to macOS scaling sharpness and want 218 ppi 5K text.

LG UltraFine evo 32U990A 32-inch - Best 6K option

The LG UltraFine evo 32U990A 32-inch is the sharpest large-screen option in this group. Its 6144 x 3456 6K resolution reaches 224 ppi, giving a Mac mini a bigger canvas than 27-inch 5K while keeping Retina-like density.

The Nano IPS Black panel is matched with up to 98% DCI-P3 and 99.5% Adobe RGB coverage, which suits photo, print, and other color-aware creative workflows. VESA DisplayHDR 600 adds a higher brightness tier than basic office monitors.

Ports are another reason to choose it: Thunderbolt 5, DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI, and USB-C are all listed. The main limits are simple: it is expensive next to 4K and 5K monitors, and it remains a 60Hz display.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

32-inch 6K, 6144 x 3456
224 ppi pixel density
Nano IPS Black panel
Thunderbolt 5, DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI, and USB-C
VESA DisplayHDR 600
Up to 98% DCI-P3 and 99.5% Adobe RGB

Pros:

Higher resolution than 5K with excellent pixel density for a 32-inch Mac workspace.
Thunderbolt 5 makes it especially relevant for newer Mac mini Pro models.
Wide Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 coverage is compelling for photo and print workflows.
Much more desktop space than 27-inch 5K without dropping below Retina-like density.

Cons:

Very expensive versus 4K and 5K monitors.
60Hz refresh rate despite the premium price.
HDR is DisplayHDR 600, not mini-LED HDR.

Who it is for: Choose it for a large, very sharp canvas for pro creative work where 6K resolution is worth the premium.

Skip if: Look elsewhere if your work is mostly office apps and a good 27-inch 4K or 5K monitor is enough.

Dell UltraSharp U4025QW 40-inch - Best ultrawide

The Dell UltraSharp U4025QW 40-inch is for Mac mini users who want one broad workspace instead of a dual-monitor setup. Its 39.7-inch curved ultrawide panel uses a 5120 x 2160 resolution, preserving more vertical space than many smaller ultrawides.

Dell backs the size with IPS Black Technology, 120Hz refresh, and wide gamut coverage: DCI-P3 99%, Display P3 99%, sRGB 100%, and BT.709 100%. It also lists 450 cd/m2 typical brightness, 600 cd/m2 HDR peak brightness, and 2000 to 1 contrast.

The appeal is workflow width and hub convenience, not Retina-grade text. At 140 ppi, it is much less dense than 27-inch 5K or 32-inch 6K, and the large curved panel needs real desk depth.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

39.7-inch curved ultrawide
5120 x 2160 resolution
120Hz refresh rate
IPS Black Technology
DCI-P3 99%, Display P3 99%, sRGB 100%, BT.709 100%
450 cd/m2 typical, 600 cd/m2 HDR peak, 2000 to 1 contrast

Pros:

Huge workspace can replace a dual-monitor Mac mini setup.
5K2K resolution preserves useful vertical space unlike many 34-inch ultrawides.
120Hz and Thunderbolt hub features make it unusually complete for productivity.
Strong gamut coverage for mixed office and creative work.

Cons:

140 ppi is much less crisp than 27-inch 5K or 32-inch 6K.
Large curved panel needs a deep desk.
Not a fast gaming panel despite 120Hz.

Who it is for: Choose it for multitasking-heavy Mac mini work where one wide, dock-equipped display is the goal.

Skip if: Look elsewhere if you prioritize Retina-like text density or have a small desk.

BenQ MA320U 32-inch - Best Mac-matched 32-inch 4K

The BenQ MA320U 32-inch takes the roomy 4K route for Mac mini users who want more physical screen area without an ultrawide panel. Its 31.5-inch 3840 x 2160 display gives documents, timelines, and side-by-side windows more breathing room than a 27-inch screen.

BenQ tunes this model around Apple users with Mac color matching plus Mac brightness and volume control. The spec list includes 99% sRGB, 97% P3, 550 nits typical brightness, HDR10, DisplayHDR 600, and one USB-C with 90W Power Delivery plus a USB-C downstream port with 15W charging.

The main limitation is density. A 32-inch 4K panel is comfortable and spacious, but it is not Retina-class sharp at normal desk distance, and the 60Hz refresh rate keeps motion basic.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

31.5-inch 4K, 3840 x 2160
550 nits typical brightness
600 nits HDR peak
HDR10 and DisplayHDR 600
99% sRGB and 97% P3
One USB-C with 90W Power Delivery plus one USB-C downstream port with 15W charging

Pros:

Designed around Mac color matching and Mac brightness/volume control.
32-inch 4K size gives more room than a 27-inch display without ultrawide width.
Nano Matte panel helps with glare in bright rooms.
Good P3 coverage and higher brightness than many office 4K monitors.

Cons:

60Hz only.
32-inch 4K is not Retina-class sharp at normal desk distance.
MacBook-oriented power delivery matters less for a Mac mini.

Who it is for: Choose it for a comfortable 32-inch 4K monitor tuned for Apple users without Dell business-hub pricing.

Skip if: Look elsewhere if you want 5K sharpness or high refresh.

Alienware AW3225QF 32-inch - Best for gaming and media

The Alienware AW3225QF 32-inch is the pick for a Mac mini desk that also serves as a gaming or media station. It uses a 31.6-inch curved QD-OLED panel with 3840 x 2160 resolution.

Speed is the reason it stands apart: the 240Hz refresh rate gives it far more motion headroom than productivity-focused displays. Dell also lists Dolby Vision, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible support, and VESA AdaptiveSync Display certification.

OLED contrast and pixel response make it excellent for games and movies. For all-day work, the compromises are burn-in risk with static menus, less-clean text rendering from the QD-OLED subpixel structure, and no Thunderbolt hub or Mac-specific features.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

31.6-inch 4K UHD, 3840 x 2160
Curved QD-OLED panel
240Hz refresh rate
Dolby Vision listed by Dell
NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible listed by Dell
VESA AdaptiveSync Display Certified listed by Dell

Pros:

OLED contrast and pixel response are excellent for games and movies.
4K 240Hz gives much more headroom than productivity monitors.
Strong HDR entertainment experience for a desk display.
Works well as a mixed Mac mini and console/PC gaming screen.

Cons:

OLED burn-in risk is a real concern with static menus and all-day productivity.
Text rendering can be less clean than LCD due to QD-OLED subpixel structure.
No Thunderbolt hub or Mac-specific features.

Who it is for: Choose it for a Mac mini desk that doubles as a gaming or media station and where OLED care habits are acceptable.

Skip if: Look elsewhere for all-day spreadsheet, coding, or menu-heavy work where burn-in and text clarity matter more.

How to choose

Prioritize pixel density. Mac mini users notice scaling quality more than raw screen size. A 27-inch 5K panel at about 218 ppi gives Retina-style desktop sharpness, while 27-inch 4K remains sharp and 32-inch 4K trades density for room.
Match resolution to your workload. 5K is the cleanest 27-inch choice for creative work and text-heavy macOS use. 6K makes sense for a larger 32-inch pro canvas, while 4K is the practical value choice for office work, browsing, and lighter creative tasks.
Plan your ports. A Mac mini can use Thunderbolt, USB-C, or HDMI. Thunderbolt monitors are best when you want hub features and a cleaner peripheral setup, while basic USB-C or HDMI works well when your accessories connect directly to the Mac mini.
Treat HDR as a workflow feature. Most office and web work does not gain much from HDR. OLED brings the clearest entertainment benefit, while DisplayHDR 600 monitors are better viewed as bright productivity displays unless HDR is central to your work.
Choose refresh rate by use case. 60Hz fits static creative and office work. 120Hz makes scrolling and window movement smoother, and 240Hz is the better match for gaming-focused desks that can accept OLED tradeoffs.
Account for camera and audio. The Mac mini has no built-in webcam, and most third-party monitors do not replace a dedicated camera, microphone, or speaker setup. Built-in speakers are useful for casual audio, but they should not be the only reason to buy.

Is 5K really better than 4K for a Mac mini?

Yes, especially at 27 inches. A 27-inch 5K panel is about 218 ppi, which gives macOS Retina-like text; 27-inch 4K is about 163 ppi and still sharp, but not as clean at common scaled settings.

Can a Mac mini run two monitors?

Yes. Current Apple silicon Mac mini models support multiple external displays, but the exact number, resolution, and refresh rate depend on the chip generation and whether you use Thunderbolt or HDMI.

Should I buy a Thunderbolt monitor or a USB-C monitor?

Choose Thunderbolt if you want hub features, daisy chaining, or a cleaner premium desk setup. Choose basic USB-C or HDMI if the monitor is only a display and your peripherals plug into the Mac mini directly.

Is a 32-inch 4K monitor sharp enough for Mac mini?

It is usable and spacious, but it is not Retina-like. Choose 32-inch 4K for room and value; choose 27-inch 5K or 32-inch 6K when text sharpness is the priority.

Are OLED monitors good for Mac mini productivity?

OLED is excellent for gaming and video because of contrast and response time. LCD is the better fit for all-day static desktop work because OLED can bring burn-in risk and less-clean text rendering.

Published September 11, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026

6 Best Monitors for Mac Mini in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

INIU Outdoor Rugged 10000 Review, a Compact 45W Power Bank Built for the Trail

Chevaugn Powell — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 21:25:00 GMT

Pick up the INIU Outdoor Rugged 10000 and the appeal is obvious before you've charged anything. The silicone armor has a soft, grippy texture that feels expensive, the body sits comfortably in your palm, and the whole thing has the dense, solid feel of something made to last. Power banks don't usually make much of an impression, but this one does.

Mine is the Ranger Green version, and I've been charging my iPhone 17 Pro with it. You get strong 45W USB-C output, IP67 protection and a built-in flashlight, with a carabiner and cable in the box. It's not the biggest battery you can buy, and the two ports share far less power when you use them together, but for day trips and small bags, this is the one I'd grab.

INIU Outdoor Rugged 10000 - Compact Rugged Power Bank

The Rugged 10000 in Ranger Green.

The Rugged 10000 (model RG10000) is the first product from INIU Outdoor, the brand's new adventure line. It fits 10,000mAh into a 6.9 oz body with two USB-C ports, up to 45W of output, a three-mode light and a 1/4-inch thread for mounting. INIU sells it for $54.99 in six colors, and Amazon had it for $59.99 in black and green camo at the time of writing.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key Highlights

10,000mAh capacity in a 3.6 x 2.3 x 1.1 inch body
Up to 45W output from either USB-C port
IP67 dust and water protection with the port cover closed
Drop-tested from 3.9 ft (1.2 m) to MIL-STD-810G 516.6
Automatic low-current mode for earbuds, watches and headlamps
Steady white, steady red and flashing red light
Detachable carabiner, D-ring screw and 1/4-inch thread
Five-year warranty

Pros

The silicone texture and build feel premium and tough
Compact enough for small bags and easy to clip on
Fast 45W charging for its size
Low-current mode looks after small devices
The flashlight is genuinely handy
Carabiner, D-ring screw and USB-C cable all come in the box

Cons

Output drops to 15W total when both ports are in use
45W can't reach the top speed of phones built for 60W

Who it's for

Hikers, campers, cyclists and anyone who wants a small backup battery that can live on the outside of a bag without much worry. It also makes sense for travelers and commuters who simply like the size and the build, and for anyone carrying small gear like a headlamp, GPS or earbuds alongside a phone.

Skip if

You need several full phone charges or you want to power a laptop for long stretches. Our picks for the best high capacity power banks and power banks for laptops are a better place to start. INIU's own Rugged 20000 is also worth a look for multi-day trips, with twice the capacity and 65W output. If you never leave the city, you can save money with a regular power bank.

Small Enough for Any Bag

The size is what sold me. At 3.6 x 2.3 x 1.1 inches, it sits inside my palm and slips easily into a small bag, and the rounded edges make it comfortable to hold. It's chunkier than a slim everyday power bank, and at 6.9 oz (195.7 g) it has some weight to it, but that's the armor you're paying for.

It sits comfortably in the palm of my hand.

That armor is the best thing about it. The soft-touch silicone wraps around the whole body, and the front has a fine textured panel. You can feel the build quality as soon as you pick it up. INIU says the silicone also helps protect your phone or camera from scratches in a pack, which makes sense given how soft it is.

Clipped to a pack and charging a phone on the trail. Image: INIU Outdoor

Built for Bad Weather

INIU rates the Rugged 10000 at IP67, which covers full dust protection and up to 30 minutes in 3.3 ft (1 m) of water with the port cover securely closed. It's also drop-tested from 3.9 ft (1.2 m) to MIL-STD-810G 516.6. I didn't run my own dunk or drop tests, so those are INIU's numbers, but nothing about how it's built gives me a reason to doubt them. It also comes with a five-year warranty, which is generous for a power bank.

INIU rates it IP67 with the port cover closed. Image: INIU Outdoor

The one thing to remember is that the protection depends on that cover. It's a flap with a pull tab marked OPEN, and once it's open with a cable plugged in, you shouldn't count on the water rating. Top up under your jacket or in the tent, not out in the rain.

45W Goes a Long Way, Up to a Point

Under the cover are two USB-C ports, and either one can put out up to 45W over PD 3.0. That's a lot from a battery this small. On my iPhone 17 Pro it charged quickly and delivered what I'd expect for its wattage. INIU claims 63% in 30 minutes on that phone, and it felt plenty fast in everyday use.

Two USB-C ports sit under the cover, next to the light.

Newer phones are where you'll notice the limit. Apple's fastest wired charging on the iPhone 18 Pro models calls for a 60W-capable adapter, so a 45W bank won't give you their full potential. They'll still charge, just not at their top speed. The same goes for any device that wants more than 45W.

The bigger catch is using both ports at once. Plug in two devices and the output falls to 7.5W per port, or 15W in total. That's fine for a watch and a pair of earbuds, but it's slow for two phones. Recharging the bank itself tops out at 20W, either from a wall charger or from INIU's solar panel, which is sold separately.

As for capacity, 10,000mAh is the cell rating. INIU lists the rated capacity as 6,000mAh at 5V and quotes 1.7 charges for an iPhone 17, so expect fewer on a phone with a bigger battery. It's not the highest capacity out there, but it gets the job done for its size, and it's the right amount for a day out rather than a week off-grid.

Low-current mode is a nice touch I'm glad INIU included. It kicks in automatically for small devices like earbuds, smartwatches and headlamps, so they charge steadily from a bank that's built for much bigger loads.

The Extras Make It

INIU doesn't make you buy anything else to get going. The box includes the carabiner, a D-ring screw and a USB-C to USB-C cable. The D-ring screws into the 1/4-inch thread on the end of the bank, and the carabiner clips on from there, so it hangs neatly from a bag or a tent loop. Take the D-ring out and the same thread fits most tripods.

The D-ring screws into the 1/4-inch thread on the end of the bank.

The short braided cable is clever too. It clips in with the carabiner as a loop, so it stays with the bank rather than getting lost at the bottom of your bag. The trade-off is the length, which means your phone has to stay right next to the bank while it charges. Keep a longer cable with you if you plan to use your phone at the same time.

The USB-C cable and carabiner that come in the box.

Then there's the light next to the ports, which has steady white, steady red and flashing red modes. White is useful for finding gear in the dark, red helps preserve your night vision, and the flashing red works as an alert when you need to be seen. It won't replace a proper flashlight on a long night hike, but it's a handy thing to have on a power bank when the sun goes down.

The red light mode, which helps preserve night vision.

Hanging in a tent with the white light on. Image: INIU Outdoor

FAQ

Is the INIU Outdoor Rugged 10000 waterproof?
It's rated IP67 with the port cover closed, which INIU tests at up to 3.3 ft (1 m) of water for 30 minutes. Don't rely on that rating with the cover open.

Can it charge a laptop?
It can top up a USB-C laptop that accepts 45W, but with this capacity, don't count on a full charge. It's much better suited to phones, tablets, cameras and small gear.

Can I charge two devices at once?
Yes, but the two USB-C ports share 15W in total when used together. For fast charging, stick to one port.

Will it work with an older iPhone?
Yes. iPhone 14 and earlier models need a USB-C to Lightning cable, which isn't included.

Can I take it on a plane?
INIU lists it as TSA-compliant for carry-on travel. Pack it in your carry-on, not your checked bag.

An Easy One to Keep Clipped to Your Bag

The INIU Outdoor Rugged 10000 is a small, tough battery with a lovely finish, 45W when you need it, a useful light and everything you need in the box. The 15W limit with both ports in use and the 45W ceiling on newer phones are worth knowing about, but neither changes what it's for.

If you spend time outdoors, or you just want a backup battery that feels this well made, I can easily recommend it. It's the kind of essential you pack once and leave in the bag for every trip after that.

INIU Outdoor Rugged 10000 Review, a Compact 45W Power Bank Built for the Trail - Originally published on Technobezz

Rokid AI Glasses Style Review, Light Camera Glasses That Let You Choose Your AI

Chevaugn Powell — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 22:16:00 GMT

Somewhere in the middle of a French YouTube video, I noticed I'd stopped reading the subtitles. The Rokid AI Glasses Style were translating it into my ears as it played, in a relaxed, friendly voice that sounded more like an assistant than a machine, and it kept up. I switched to a Japanese video, and it kept up there too. That moment says more about these glasses than any spec sheet: they do what Rokid promises, and they make it feel easy.

I've been wearing the Style as my everyday pair for about a week and a half, in jet black with dark gray lenses, the version without a display. The audio, the camera, the translation and the AI assistant all impressed me, and at 38.5 g for the frame, they're light enough to forget you have them on. Two things keep them from a perfect score. Getting through the first update and onto Wi-Fi took a few tries, and the battery drains faster than Rokid's numbers suggest, so you'll be charging more often than you'd like.

Rokid AI Glasses Style (Non-Display) - Best Display-Free AI Glasses

The jet black frame, with Rokid's logo on the temple.

The AI Glasses Style is Rokid's take on AI glasses without a screen. Everything reaches you through open-ear speakers and the Hi Rokid app: a 12MP Sony camera for photos and up to 3K video, ChatGPT and Gemini on voice command, real-time translation, navigation, calls and music. The frame is TR90 with titanium alloy hinges, weighs 38.5 g before lenses, and takes prescription lenses from -15.00 to +15.00. It lists for $399, Rokid had it on sale for $329 at the time of writing, and Amazon sells it as a Style Pack that adds the Power Capsule.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key Highlights

12MP Sony IMX681 camera with a 109-degree field of view and an f/2.25 aperture
Photos at 3024 x 4032 and video up to 3K at 30fps, with electronic image stabilization
Video clips up to 10 minutes long, in portrait and landscape formats
Choose ChatGPT, Gemini or Auto for the AI assistant and for vision
"Hi Rokid" wake word, touchpad shortcuts and head gestures for calls
Real-time translation in up to 76 languages online, plus a downloadable offline pack
Dual directional open-ear AAC speakers and a four-mic array with noise reduction
38.5 g TR90 frame with titanium alloy hinges (without lenses)
Prescription ready from -15.00 to +15.00, including progressive lenses
210mAh battery rated for up to 12 hours of typical use
32GB of storage, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 and IPX4 water resistance
Optional charging case and clip-on Power Capsule for extra charges

Pros

Light, comfortable and easy to wear all day
Clean, minimal frame that passes for regular eyewear
Some of the best audio I've heard on AI glasses: crisp, loud and private
The 12MP camera takes sharp photos and smooth video with accurate color
You choose between ChatGPT and Gemini, and both work well
AI vision correctly identified products, plants and text in front of me
Real-time translation is fast, natural and handles a long list of languages
Deep control over photo ratios, video formats and clip length
Shortcuts and gestures you can set up your own way
Photos and videos sync to the app on their own
Charges quickly on its magnetic cable

Cons

The battery drains faster than claimed with heavy camera, AI or translation use
Fewer frame styles and colors than some rivals

Who it's for

Anyone who wants a camera, music, calls and a capable AI assistant in a pair of glasses that looks like normal eyewear. Travelers and language learners will get a lot out of the translation. Creators, parents and pet owners get a POV camera that's always ready, and commuters, walkers and cyclists get open-ear audio and spoken directions without reaching for a phone. It's also an easy pick if you'd rather choose your own AI than be locked into one.

Skip if

You need glasses that get through a long day of recording or translating without a top-up, or you work somewhere cameras aren't welcome. If a camera is a problem, the camera-free smart glasses rated for up to 12 hours of mixed use are the better fit. And if you mostly want music and calls outdoors, look at polarized audio sunglasses with an IP56 rating.

Light Enough to Forget

The frame weighs 38.5 g before lenses, and the charging contacts sit at the end of the temple.

The first thing I noticed is how little these weigh. The frame is 38.5 g before lenses, and Rokid's Amazon listing puts it at about 45.7 g with them, which is close to a regular pair of sunglasses. They've stayed comfortable through hours of wear, at the desk and out by the sea. Rokid pairs the light TR90 frame with flexible titanium alloy hinges and soft nose pads, and it shows.

They look good, too. The jet black frame has a clean, D-shaped front with a small camera lens in one corner, and nothing about it shouts "gadget." Rokid's logo on the temple is the only real giveaway. You don't get the long list of frame styles some rivals offer, so this one shape won't suit every face or taste. Still, it's a minimal, safe design that works with most outfits, and I'd happily wear it all day. The translucent grey version looks especially good.

The frame from above, with the flexible hinges at each corner.

The frame is also ready for real-world use. It's rated IPX4, so sweat and light rain aren't a problem, and it takes prescription, progressive, photochromic, tinted and polarized lenses, so it can replace your everyday glasses rather than sit alongside them.

Out by the sea, the Style looks like a regular pair of sunglasses.

Audio That Stays Between You and the Glasses

The audio is what won me over first. Of all the AI glasses I've tested, the Style has some of the best sound and audio quality I've heard. Dual directional speakers sit right by your ears and aim the sound toward them, so music, podcasts, calls and the AI's replies come through crisp, clear and loud. It has more volume and clarity than I expected from a pair of glasses.

It's private, too. The speakers focus the sound toward your ears, so at normal volumes, the people around me didn't hear what I was listening to. Because your ears stay open, you still hear traffic, conversations and announcements, which is exactly what you want on a walk or a commute. The flip side is that it won't block out a loud train the way noise-cancelling earbuds do. You can also switch between Rhythm and Podcast sound modes in the app, depending on whether you're listening to music or voices.

The four-mic array is just as impressive. The built-in recorder captures audio that doesn't sound like it came from a pair of glasses. It isn't a studio mic, but for something sitting on your face, it's very good. Here's a sample I recorded with the Style so you can judge for yourself.

Download the audio sample

A Camera You'll Actually Use

The 12MP camera sits in the corner of the frame, next to the hinge.

The 12MP Sony IMX681 camera is one of the best I've used on smart glasses. Photos come out clean and sharp, colors look accurate, and it handled direct sunlight, outdoor scenes and dimmer indoor light better than I expected for a camera this small. Most people looking at my shots wouldn't guess they came from glasses until they spot the watermark. It won't match a modern flagship phone, but for capturing a moment without reaching for one, it's excellent.

Straight from the glasses: the beach, with my cap brim in the corner, and my desk.

It's also quick. Press the button on the temple once for a photo, or press and hold to start recording, and it responds every time. Video records at up to 3K and 30fps, with electronic stabilization to smooth out movement, and each clip can run up to 10 minutes. One tip from my beach shots: if you wear a cap, the brim can creep into the top corner of the frame.

Where the Style really stands out is how much control it gives you. You can shoot photos in 4K 3:4, 4K 9:16 or 3K 4:3, and choose video formats from 3K 9:16 portrait to 2.5K 4:3 landscape. You can set clip lengths from 15 seconds to 10 minutes, turn on auto horizon leveling, change the watermark style, and set up interval recording that captures a few seconds every minute. Then everything syncs to the app automatically, ready to import as soon as it finishes. That's the difference between a camera you play with once and one that becomes part of your routine.

Photo ratios and video formats in the Hi Rokid app.

Your Choice of ChatGPT or Gemini

This is where most AI glasses I've tried fall short, and where the Style pulls ahead. You aren't locked into one assistant. In the Hi Rokid app, you can set both the main model and the vision model to ChatGPT, Gemini or Auto, and switch whenever you like. You can wake it by saying "Hi Rokid," by holding a finger on the temple for a couple of seconds, or with a two-finger long press that runs a preset command, like "Take a look at what's in front" or one you write yourself.

It works well. It identified a Logitech MX Master 4 mouse on my desk and told me it costs about $120 in the US. It read the headline of a Technobezz article on my monitor, recognized a USB-C cable, and told me the plant on my desk looked real. It caught me up on the day's tech news, set a reminder for later that afternoon, and remembered what I'd asked a couple of minutes earlier. With continuous conversation turned on, I could ask follow-up questions without repeating the wake word, and the voice sounds natural and friendly rather than robotic.

ChatGPT set as the main model, and the AI identifying the mouse on my desk.

It isn't flawless. When I asked about a brand-new software release, it gave a confident answer, then admitted it didn't have a verified source for those details. It could also set a reminder by voice but couldn't cancel one. As with any AI assistant, double-check anything important. Day to day, though, it understood what I asked, described what was in front of me correctly, and lived up to everything Rokid promises.

Translation That Keeps Up

Real-time translation is the best I've used on a pair of glasses. I played French, Spanish and Japanese videos on YouTube, and the Style translated them into English in my ears with very little delay. It sounds casual and conversational rather than stiff and word for word, and the app saves a transcript of each session, with the original line above the translation.

The language list, and a transcript of a Japanese video translated into English.

Rokid supports up to 76 languages online, and the app can detect the language for you. There's a Class and Movies mode that picks up voices from all around you for lectures and videos, a face-to-face mode for conversations, and a DuoTalk option for two people taking turns speaking to your phone. You can also download an offline translation pack for when you don't have a connection.

Directions, Calls and Notes Without Your Phone

Navigation is really good. You get spoken turn-by-turn directions, with separate modes for walking, cycling and driving, so your phone can stay in your pocket. For calls, Rokid lets you nod to answer and shake your head to hang up, and the glasses can stay connected to two devices at once, switching audio to whichever one is playing.

The Recording feature is great for meetings and lectures. It records the audio, then the app turns it into a transcript and an AI summary, and you can snap photos along the way for the AI to include. There's also a live streaming option and support for Bluetooth accessories like rings, if you want to go further.

Setup Has One Bump, Then It's Smooth

Pairing the Style with the Hi Rokid app was simple, but getting through the first firmware update and connecting to Wi-Fi took a few attempts before it finished. That was the only real hiccup I had. Once it was done, it's been smooth sailing.

The app is where you make the glasses your own. You can choose what a press or long press of the function button does, set touchpad gestures for music and calls, turn wear detection on or off, pick which app notifications come through, and set an auto power-off timer. There's a lot to explore, but the defaults are sensible, and it never feels like a tool that needs extra steps before it's useful.

Battery Life Is the Trade-Off

Rokid rates the 210mAh battery for up to 12 hours of typical use, 6 hours of music, 5 hours of calls, 2 hours of translation and 45 minutes of video. In my use, it drained faster than that, especially with the camera, the AI and translation. During one 20-minute stretch of AI questions and photo lookups, the battery dropped from 28% to 19%. Short battery life is common across smart glasses, but if you use the camera or the assistant a lot, plan on charging during the day.

The magnetic charging cable snaps onto the end of the temple.

The good news is that it charges quickly. The magnetic cable snaps onto the end of the temple, and it doesn't take long to get back to a usable charge. For longer days, Rokid sells a charging case rated for about 11 extra charges and a clip-on Power Capsule good for about six, which attaches while you wear the glasses. Both cost extra, and the folding case in the box doesn't charge. Some Amazon bundles include the Power Capsule, so check the listing if you want one.

FAQ

Does the Rokid AI Glasses Style have a display?
No. The Style is display-free by design. AI answers, navigation and translation come through the open-ear speakers, and you can read transcripts and manage photos in the Hi Rokid app. Rokid sells a separate model with a display, the Rokid Glasses, if you want text in your lenses.

Can I use ChatGPT and Gemini?
Yes. The Hi Rokid app lets you set the main AI model and the vision model to ChatGPT, Gemini or Auto, and you can change them at any time.

Can I get prescription lenses?
Yes. The frame supports prescriptions from -15.00 to +15.00, including progressive lenses, plus photochromic, tinted and polarized options. Lens availability can vary by prescription and region.

How long does the battery last?
Rokid claims up to 12 hours of typical use, 6 hours of music and 45 minutes of video. With heavy camera, AI or translation use, mine drained noticeably faster, so I'd plan on a charge during the day or pick up the charging case or Power Capsule.

Will people know when I'm recording?
Yes. A privacy indicator light comes on while the camera is recording, so the people around you can tell.

Does it work with iPhone and Android?
Yes. It needs the Hi Rokid app on iOS 16 or later, or Android 12 or later, for pairing, settings, photos and updates.

Worth Wearing Every Day

The Rokid AI Glasses Style gets the important things right. It's light and good looking, it has some of the best audio I've heard from AI glasses, the camera is sharp and responsive, translation is genuinely useful, and the choice of ChatGPT or Gemini makes the assistant better than most. Battery life is the one real compromise, and the charging accessories cost extra, but that's a fair trade for everything else it does well.

If you've been waiting for AI glasses that do more than one thing well, these are the pair I'd tell you to buy. For glasses that do this much, they're remarkably easy to live with.

Rokid AI Glasses Style Review, Light Camera Glasses That Let You Choose Your AI - Originally published on Technobezz

Best Earbuds for Small Ears in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 17:50:45 GMT

Finding earbuds for small ears starts with fit. A comfortable pair needs a compact housing, a secure seal, and enough stability to avoid pressure during long listening sessions.

Technics EAH-AZ100 is the Best overall pick because it combines a low-profile shell, five included earpiece sizes from XS through L, strong battery life, and broad codec support. Sony WF-C510 is the Best budget choice for shoppers who want a lighter, simpler earbud without paying for ANC.

These picks focus on shell size, earbud weight, tip and stabilizer design, battery life, noise control, durability, codecs, and phone features, so you can choose the pair that best matches your ears and your device.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Technics EAH-AZ100	Low-profile fit, five earpiece sizes, strong battery, and broad codec support
Best budget	Sony WF-C510	A small, light Sony earbud with long battery life
Best for all-day comfort	Sony LinkBuds Fit	Lightweight Sony comfort with fit supporters and LDAC
Best for Samsung phones	Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro	Samsung phone features, compact Pro fit, and strong durability
Best noise cancellation	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen	Excellent ANC with separate tips and stability bands
Best affordable ANC	Anker Soundcore Space A40	Compact ANC earbuds with excellent battery life

How we chose

We chose earbuds that make the most sense for smaller ears by prioritizing compact housings, low earbud weight, secure fit systems, practical battery life, noise control, water resistance, Bluetooth features, charging convenience, codec support, and phone ecosystem benefits. The strongest picks combine comfort with real daily usability, while the budget and specialty choices earn their spots by solving a specific buyer need without unnecessary extras.

The best earbuds for small ears right now

Technics EAH-AZ100 - Best overall

Technics EAH-AZ100 is the strongest all-around fit here for buyers who want flagship features without a bulky shell. Each earbud measures about 21 x 26 x 25 mm, weighs about 5.9 g, and comes with XS, S, M, ML, and L earpieces.

Battery life reaches about 10 hours with noise canceling on using AAC and about 28 hours with the charging case. Bluetooth 5.3 supports SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3, while multipoint can keep the earbuds connected to three devices.

IPX4-equivalent water resistance covers everyday splashes. The low-profile shape and five-size earpiece set make this the most flexible premium starting point, although no earbud can guarantee a perfect fit for every ear.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Approx. 21 x 26 x 25 mm per earbud
Approx. 5.9 g per earbud
XS, S, M, ML, and L earpieces
Approx. 10 hours with noise canceling on using AAC
Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3
Three-device multipoint and IPX4-equivalent water resistance

Pros:

Low-profile shell and five earpiece sizes including XS
Strong battery rating with noise canceling enabled
SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codec support
Three-device multipoint and wireless case charging

Cons:

Premium price
5.9 g shell is not the lightest option here
Best fit still depends on ear shape and seal

Who it is for: You want a low-profile flagship earbud with an XS tip option, broad codec support, and long battery life.

Skip if: You want the smallest or cheapest possible earbud.

Sony WF-C510 - Best budget

Sony WF-C510 is the simple compact pick: light shell, strong single-charge battery life, and the core features most everyday listeners need. At about 0.16 oz per earbud with medium tips, it is the lightest model in this lineup.

Battery life reaches up to 11 hours with Ambient Sound off and up to 8 hours with Ambient Sound on. Bluetooth 5.3, SBC and AAC codec support, multipoint, and Ambient Sound mode give it more flexibility than a bare-bones compact pair.

Sony leaves out active noise cancellation and wireless charging, which keeps the WF-C510 focused. Choose it when comfort, weight, and battery life matter more than premium noise control.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Approx. 0.16 oz per earbud with medium tips
Up to 11 hours with Ambient Sound off
Up to 8 hours with Ambient Sound on
6 mm driver
Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC
IPX4 water resistance

Pros:

Small, light shell at a low price
Long single-charge battery life
Multipoint support
Ambient Sound mode included

Cons:

No active noise cancellation
No wireless charging
Basic codec support only

Who it is for: You want a reliable, compact name-brand earbud without paying for ANC.

Skip if: You need strong noise blocking for flights or commuting.

Sony LinkBuds Fit - Best for all-day comfort

Sony LinkBuds Fit puts comfort and stability ahead of maximum isolation. The earbuds weigh about 4.9 g each and use Air Fitting Supporters, making them a good match for listeners who struggle to keep sealed buds stable.

The battery rating is up to 5.5 hours with noise canceling on and up to 8 hours with noise canceling off, with up to 21 hours total from the charging case. Codec support includes SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3, which is unusually strong for a comfort-focused model.

This is the Sony pair to consider when you want a lighter earbud with a supportive fit system. Very small outer ears may still feel pressure from the supporters, so the comfort advantage depends on how that stabilizer sits in your ear.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Approx. 4.9 g per earbud
Up to 5.5 hours with noise canceling on
Up to 8 hours with noise canceling off
Up to 21 hours with charging case
SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs
IPX4 water resistance

Pros:

Lightweight body with Air Fitting Supporters
Good for people who find sealed buds unstable
LDAC support is rare in comfort-focused earbuds
Compact enough for long sessions

Cons:

ANC and battery trail some flagship alternatives
Fit supporters can still press on very small outer ears
Not as cheap as basic compact buds

Who it is for: You want a light Sony earbud that prioritizes fit comfort over maximum ANC.

Skip if: You want the smallest shell possible or best-in-class noise cancellation.

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro - Best for Samsung phones

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro earns its place for Galaxy owners first. Compatible Galaxy devices get 24-bit / 96 kHz Samsung Seamless Codec UHQ, and the enhanced 2-way speaker system uses dual amplifiers.

For fit, Samsung includes three eartip sizes: S, M, and L. The redesigned Pro fit is more compact than prior Samsung Pro buds, while six microphones support HD Voice and Super Wideband calling on compatible Galaxy devices.

The IP57 rating gives this pair stronger dust and water protection than many small-ear options. The tradeoff is clear: the most valuable codec, call, and AI features are tied to compatible Galaxy phones.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Enhanced 2-way speakers with dual amplifiers
24-bit / 96 kHz Samsung Seamless Codec UHQ with compatible Galaxy devices
IP57 water and dust resistance
Three eartip sizes, S, M, and L
Six microphones for HD Voice and Super Wideband calling on compatible Galaxy devices

Pros:

Best feature set for recent Samsung Galaxy phones
Compact redesigned fit versus prior Samsung Pro buds
Strong call features and adaptive ANC
IP57 durability is better than many rivals

Cons:

Only three eartip sizes
Hi-res and AI features depend on compatible Galaxy phones
Less compelling for iPhone users

Who it is for: You own a recent Galaxy phone and want Samsung's current flagship earbuds in a more comfortable Pro design.

Skip if: You need XXS or XS tips or use a non-Samsung phone.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen - Best noise cancellation

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen is the noise-canceling specialist in this group. Battery life reaches up to 6 hours, and the case supports both USB-C and wireless charging.

The fit kit is the small-ear reason to consider Bose. You get 3 pairs of eartips and 3 pairs of stability bands, so the seal and outer-ear support can be adjusted separately.

Size is the compromise. Each earbud measures 1.18 x 0.49 x 0.98 in, making this one of the bulkier picks here, but the ANC strength and fit-tuning system make it a strong option when the housing feels comfortable.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 6 hours of battery life
3 pairs of eartips
3 pairs of stability bands
IPX4 water resistance
1.18 x 0.49 x 0.98 in per bud
USB-C and wireless charging case

Pros:

Excellent ANC for travel and commuting
Separate eartips and stability bands improve fit tuning
Wireless charging case
Comfortable once properly sized

Cons:

Physically bulkier than most small-ear picks
Only three eartip sizes
High price and less flexible EQ

Who it is for: Noise cancellation is your top priority and your small ears can tolerate a larger housing.

Skip if: Tiny earbud size matters more than ANC strength.

Anker Soundcore Space A40 - Best affordable ANC

Anker Soundcore Space A40 is the compact ANC pick for shoppers who want noise control without moving to a flagship bud. Its 4.6 g earbud design keeps the shell small-ear friendly, while ANC remains a core strength.

Battery life is the standout spec: up to 10 hours in normal use and up to 50 hours with the case, or up to 8 hours with ANC and up to 40 hours with the case. That gives it the longest total battery rating in this guide.

Bluetooth 5.2, IPX4 splash resistance, and a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response round out the package. It is an older model than several picks here, but its combination of compact size, ANC, LDAC, app EQ, and battery life still makes sense.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Up to 10 hours normal battery life
Up to 50 hours with case
Up to 8 hours with ANC
Up to 40 hours with case and ANC
Bluetooth 5.2
IPX4 earbuds

Pros:

Strong ANC for the money
Compact 4.6 g earbud design reported in review specs
Excellent battery life
LDAC and robust app EQ support

Cons:

Older model than many 2026 picks
Call quality is not flagship-grade
IPX4 is only splash resistant

Who it is for: You want effective ANC in a small, affordable earbud.

Skip if: You want the newest flagship audio processing or the best microphones.

How to choose

Start with shell size, not just tip size. Small ear canals need small tips, but small outer ears also need a compact housing that does not press against the concha. Extra-small tips help only if the main bud body also sits comfortably.
Check the smallest included tips. Many earbuds include only small, medium, and large tips. That can work for some smaller ears, but shoppers who need a deeper size range should pay close attention before choosing a pair.
Choose stabilizers carefully. Stability bands and fit supporters can keep earbuds in place, but they can also add pressure in very small outer ears. A compact shell may feel better for long listening, while a separate stability system can help when a seal is hard to maintain.
Prioritize seal before ANC. Active noise cancellation works best when the earbuds seal well. For small ears, a compact bud that fits correctly can be more useful than a more advanced ANC model that leaks or feels painful.
Match features to your phone. Some earbuds reserve their best codecs, calling tools, or advanced features for compatible phones. Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro, for example, is strongest with compatible Galaxy devices, while Sony models with LDAC are more attractive for compatible Android users.
Think about charging habits. Wireless charging is convenient, but long single-charge battery life matters more if you wear earbuds for extended sessions. Compare both the earbud battery rating and case charging support before deciding.

What matters most when buying earbuds for small ears?

Shell size matters as much as tip size. A small tip can help the ear canal seal, but the outer housing still has to sit comfortably without pressing against the concha.

Do smaller earbuds always have worse battery life?

No. Ultra-small designs can trade battery capacity for size, but compact models such as Sony WF-C510 and Anker Soundcore Space A40 still offer strong battery ratings.

Is active noise cancellation worth it for small ears?

Yes, when the earbuds seal correctly. If the fit leaks, ANC performance drops, so comfort and seal should come before choosing the most advanced noise-canceling model.

Are stability bands good for small ears?

They can help keep earbuds secure, but they may add pressure in very small outer ears. Bose uses separate stability bands, while Sony LinkBuds Fit uses Air Fitting Supporters, so fit feel will vary by ear shape.

Which pick is best for Samsung Galaxy owners?

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro is the best match for recent Galaxy phones because its 24-bit / 96 kHz Samsung Seamless Codec UHQ, HD Voice, and Super Wideband calling features require compatible Galaxy devices.

Published August 25, 2026 Last updated November 3, 2026

Best Earbuds for Small Ears in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

4 Best Budget GPUs in 2026

Technobezz — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:00:25 GMT

Budget GPUs in 2026 need more than decent frame rates. VRAM, driver consistency, upscaling support, software fit, power requirements, and case clearance all matter before you order.

Gigabyte Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC ICE 16G is the top pick because it pairs strong 1080p performance with sensible entry 1440p headroom and 16GB of VRAM. That combination makes it the safest gaming choice in this budget class.

This roundup covers AMD, Nvidia, and Intel options with clear strengths for gaming, creator software, compact builds, current display standards, and lower-cost upgrades.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Gigabyte Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC ICE 16G	16GB VRAM and strong 1080p to entry 1440p gaming balance
Best Nvidia budget GPU	Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5060 Windforce OC 8GB	Current Nvidia features in a compact 8GB card for 1080p gaming
Best 16GB Nvidia option	ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti OC 16GB	Nvidia features with 16GB GDDR7 for games and creator software
Lowest-cost current GPU pick	ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger OC 10GB	10GB VRAM and current Battlemage architecture at a low budget tier

How we chose

A budget GPU earns a place here by matching its target resolution, memory configuration, software strengths, power needs, and case fit to a real upgrade path. The strongest picks combine enough VRAM for current games, credible 1080p performance, useful 1440p headroom where appropriate, and platform features that make sense for new budget builds.

The best budget GPUs right now

Gigabyte Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC ICE 16G - Best overall

The Gigabyte Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC ICE 16G has the best balance for most budget gaming builds here. Its AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT GPU, 16GB of GDDR6 memory, 128-bit interface, and 20 Gbps memory speed make it a strong fit for current 1080p play with sensible 1440p settings.

Gigabyte pairs the factory OC card with a triple-fan Windforce cooler and modern PCIe 5.0 support. Measure before buying, since the 281 mm length rules out some compact cases, but the VRAM and gaming balance make this the most complete pick.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT GPU
16GB GDDR6 memory
128-bit memory interface
20 Gbps memory speed
Boost up to 3320 MHz and game up to 2780 MHz
2048 stream processors

Pros:

Strong raster performance for 1080p and entry 1440p
16GB VRAM is the right long-term choice versus 8GB budget cards
Factory OC model with triple-fan Windforce cooler
Modern PCIe 5.0 platform support

Cons:

Ray tracing and creator acceleration still favor Nvidia in many apps
Street prices can drift above the original budget positioning
Longer 281 mm card will not fit every compact case

Who it is for: Choose this when you want the safest budget gaming pick with enough VRAM for current 1080p ultra and sensible 1440p settings.

Skip if: Look elsewhere if CUDA, Blender, local AI, or the widest ray tracing and upscaling support are your main priorities.

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5060 Windforce OC 8GB - Best Nvidia budget GPU

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5060 Windforce OC 8GB is the practical Nvidia entry for budget 1080p builds. You get the GeForce RTX 5060 GPU, 3840 CUDA cores, DLSS support, 8GB of GDDR7 memory, and a 2512 MHz core clock.

Its 199 mm length is the key advantage for smaller cases. The tradeoff is clear: 8GB VRAM and a 128-bit bus limit high-texture 1440p longevity, so this card is strongest when Nvidia features matter more than raw value.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 GPU
8GB GDDR7 memory
128-bit memory interface
28 Gbps memory speed
3840 CUDA cores
2512 MHz core clock

Pros:

A stronger current Nvidia budget entry than RTX 5050, with 8GB GDDR7 and better 1080p headroom.
DLSS support is still the best reason to buy Nvidia on a budget
Compact 199 mm card fits many smaller cases
GDDR7 memory is fast for an entry model

Cons:

8GB VRAM is a real constraint in some 2026 games
Usually weaker raw value than RX 9060 XT or Arc B580
128-bit bus limits high-resolution ambition

Who it is for: The right buyer wants Nvidia features, low power, and mostly 1080p gaming.

Skip if: Choose another card for high-texture 1440p longevity or when a 16GB RX 9060 XT is close enough in cost.

ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti OC 16GB - Best 16GB Nvidia option

ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti OC 16GB is the Nvidia pick that fixes the biggest weakness of cheaper RTX cards. Its 16GB of GDDR7 memory, 4608 CUDA cores, and OC mode up to 2632 MHz make it the strongest choice here for DLSS-heavy games and creator software.

The short dual-fan design is easier to fit than many triple-fan cards, and efficiency is a strength versus older midrange cards. It still uses a 128-bit bus, so treat it as a capable 16GB Nvidia option rather than a true high-end 1440p card.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti GPU
16GB GDDR7 memory
128-bit memory interface
28 Gbps memory speed
4608 CUDA cores
OC mode up to 2632 MHz

Pros:

16GB VRAM fixes the biggest weakness of cheaper RTX cards
Best pick here for DLSS-heavy games and creator software
Short dual-fan design is easier to fit than many triple-fan cards
Strong efficiency versus older midrange cards

Cons:

Often stretches the definition of budget once prices climb
128-bit bus means it is still not a true high-end 1440p card
Raw raster value is not its main advantage

Who it is for: A good match for buyers who want Nvidia features and 16GB VRAM in a current budget-class card.

Skip if: Look at AMD or Intel instead when raw raster value matters more than DLSS, CUDA, or Nvidia software support.

ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger OC 10GB - Lowest-cost current GPU pick

ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger OC 10GB is the lowest-tier Intel choice here, but its memory setup is still useful. The Arc B570 GPU uses Xe2-HPG architecture and pairs 10GB of GDDR6 with a 160-bit interface.

A compact two-slot dual-fan design, three DisplayPort 2.1 outputs, one HDMI 2.1a port, and a single 8-pin connector make it straightforward to place in many systems. It is slower than the Arc B580 and needs Resizable BAR for best performance.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Intel Arc B570 on Xe2-HPG architecture
10GB GDDR6 memory
160-bit memory interface
2600MHz GPU clock
19Gbps memory speed
One 8-pin connector and 600W recommended PSU

Pros:

Current Battlemage architecture at a genuinely low price
10GB VRAM is better than many entry Nvidia cards
Compact two-slot dual-fan design
Modern DisplayPort 2.1 outputs and XeSS 3 support with updated drivers

Cons:

Slower than the Arc B580
Resizable BAR support is important for best performance
Game and creator-app consistency still trails Nvidia in some workloads

Who it is for: Best for builders who need the lowest-cost card here and have a PC with Resizable BAR support.

Skip if: Choose AMD or Nvidia for platforms without Resizable BAR or workloads that require CUDA.

How to choose

Start with the monitor target. Use RX 9060 XT 8GB, RTX 5060, Arc B580, or Arc B570 for 1080p. For 1440p, prioritize RX 9060 XT 16GB, RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, or Arc B580 and tune settings.
Do not ignore VRAM. 8GB still works for esports and many 1080p games, but 12GB to 16GB is the stronger 2026 choice for high textures, newer AAA games, and longer ownership.
Match the GPU brand to your software. Nvidia is strongest for CUDA, many creator apps, DLSS, and ray tracing. AMD often wins raw gaming value. Intel Arc stands out on price and media features but brings more driver caveats.
Check your power supply and case length. Budget cards differ in connector and power supply requirements, so verify both before ordering. Check card length and thickness as well, especially for small cases.
Resizable BAR matters for Intel Arc. Arc B570 and B580 perform best on modern systems with Resizable BAR enabled. On older platforms, AMD or Nvidia cards are safer choices.
Buy the deal, not just the chip name. GPU prices move often, so compare the live cost of each exact model before choosing a tier.

Is 8GB VRAM enough for a budget GPU in 2026?

It is enough for esports and many 1080p games, but it is no longer the safest buy for new AAA games with high textures. If prices are close, choose 12GB or 16GB.

Should I buy an RTX 5060 or RX 9060 XT?

Choose RTX 5060 for Nvidia features, DLSS, CUDA, and low power. Choose RX 9060 XT for stronger raw gaming value, especially the 16GB version if the price is reasonable.

Is Intel Arc safe to buy now?

Arc B580 and B570 are credible budget choices, but they are best on modern PCs with Resizable BAR enabled and mostly modern games. AMD or Nvidia is safer for older game libraries.

How much VRAM should a budget GPU have?

Eight gigabytes is workable for 1080p, while 10GB, 12GB, or 16GB gives more room for higher-resolution textures and longer ownership.

What is the minimum GPU I should buy for 1440p?

For budget 1440p, start with RX 9060 XT 16GB, RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, or Arc B580. Cheaper 8GB cards can handle 1440p in lighter games, but they need more settings compromises.

Published July 31, 2026 Last updated November 3, 2026

4 Best Budget GPUs in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz

Best Laptop Brands in 2026

Technobezz — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:10:46 GMT

Laptop brand choice shapes the operating system, app compatibility, support ecosystem, battery life, display quality, and long-term satisfaction. The Apple MacBook Air M5 13-inch is the best overall pick because it balances speed, portability, battery life, and polished everyday hardware.

Windows buyers have strong choices from Acer, Dell, Samsung, and Razer. This list matches each laptop to a clear use case, from big-screen value to 2-in-1 work, creator performance, and gaming power.

At a glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Apple MacBook Air M5 13-inch	The easiest premium laptop choice for most people
Best value	Acer Aspire 16 AI A16-11M 16-inch	A big-screen Copilot+ PC with mainstream appeal
Best ultraportable Windows laptop	Dell XPS 13 9350 13-inch	A compact premium Windows laptop for travel and meetings
Best for creators	Apple MacBook Pro M5 Pro 14-inch	A compact pro Mac for demanding creative workloads
Best large-screen 2-in-1	Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 16-inch	A large AMOLED convertible with S Pen support
Best gaming laptop	Razer Blade 16 RTX 5090 16-inch	A luxury gaming laptop with flagship GPU power

How we chose

We chose laptops that make a strong brand case through current platforms, clear retail configurations, and a useful fit for a real buyer need. Processor class, memory floor, storage, display quality, wireless support, battery claims, port limits, upgrade constraints, and software compatibility carried the most weight. A model only stayed on the list when its strengths matched a specific shopper use case, from a silent everyday Mac to a big-screen value PC, a premium convertible, a creator notebook, or a gaming laptop with an RTX GPU.

The best laptop brands right now

Apple MacBook Air M5 13-inch - Best overall

Most shoppers should start with the Apple MacBook Air M5 13-inch. Its M5 chip combines a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU with a fanless, silent design, so it fits school, office work, travel, and everyday creative tasks without feeling overbuilt.

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display has a 2560 x 1664 resolution, and this configuration includes 16GB unified memory and a 1TB SSD. Add up to 18 hours of video streaming, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Apple's strong display, speakers, webcam, and trackpad package, and it is the cleanest all-around recommendation.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Apple M5 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
16GB unified memory
1TB SSD
13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with 2560 x 1664 resolution
Up to 18 hours video streaming
Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6

Pros:

Excellent balance of speed, battery life, weight, and resale value
Fanless and silent
Strong display, speakers, webcam, and trackpad
Mac ecosystem support is best in class

Cons:

Only two Thunderbolt ports
Not built for heavy gaming or sustained workstation loads
RAM and SSD are not upgradeable

Who it is for: Ideal for shoppers who want the easiest premium laptop recommendation for school, office work, travel, and everyday creative tasks.

Skip if: Choose another laptop if you need Windows-only software, lots of ports, or serious GPU performance.

Acer Aspire 16 AI A16-11M 16-inch - Best value

Acer gives value buyers a roomy 16-inch work surface without dropping below the 16GB memory floor. The Aspire 16 AI uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100 octa-core processor, 16GB LPDDR5X memory, and a 512GB SSD.

The 1920 x 1200 IPS display has a matte 16:10 panel and a 120Hz refresh rate, which suits spreadsheets, browser tabs, and video calls. Wi-Fi 7 and a Qualcomm Hexagon NPU rated up to 45 TOPS keep the platform current, while ARM Windows compatibility remains the key item to check before buying.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100 octa-core processor
16-inch WUXGA 1920 x 1200 IPS matte display
120Hz refresh rate
16GB LPDDR5X memory
512GB SSD
Qualcomm Hexagon NPU up to 45 TOPS

Pros:

Large 16-inch screen at a mainstream price
Modern Copilot+ PC hardware with 16GB RAM
Good port mix for the class, including USB4 and HDMI on the series
Wi-Fi 7 support

Cons:

ARM Windows can still have app and driver compatibility gaps
IPS display is practical, not premium OLED
Integrated graphics are not for AAA gaming

Who it is for: Best for shoppers who want a big-screen, affordable everyday laptop with long-battery ARM efficiency.

Skip if: Look elsewhere if you rely on older Windows utilities, specialty drivers, or x86-only software.

Dell XPS 13 9350 13-inch - Best ultraportable Windows laptop

For Windows users who want a small premium machine, the Dell XPS 13 9350 combines a compact chassis with an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor. This configuration includes 16GB memory, a 1TB SSD, and Windows 11 Home.

The 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display uses a 1920 x 1200 resolution, a 30Hz to 120Hz range, and 500 nits brightness. Killer Wi-Fi 7 and two Thunderbolt 4 ports support wireless networking and external displays, though the limited port selection may require adapters.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V with 8 cores, up to 4.8GHz
16GB memory and 1TB SSD
13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 InfinityEdge display
30Hz to 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness
Killer Wi-Fi 7 and two Thunderbolt 4 ports
Windows 11 Home

Pros:

Very compact, premium chassis
Excellent 120Hz 500-nit display option
Strong Lunar Lake battery and performance balance
Dedicated Intel AI Boost NPU for on-device AI

Cons:

Minimal port selection
Some users dislike the flush touchpad and function-row design
Integrated graphics only

Who it is for: Made for travelers and meeting-heavy professionals who want a small, premium Windows laptop for everyday productivity.

Skip if: Choose a different Windows laptop if you need many built-in ports, a traditional function row, or upgradeable memory.

Apple MacBook Pro M5 Pro 14-inch - Best for creators

Creators get a higher performance ceiling from the Apple MacBook Pro M5 Pro 14-inch. The M5 Pro chip combines a 15-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and 307GB/s memory bandwidth for heavier photo, video, audio, code, and multitasking workloads.

This configuration includes 24GB unified memory, a 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7, and a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display. It is more laptop than basic browsing and office work require, but it fits users whose Mac needs to earn its keep every day.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Apple M5 Pro chip
15-core CPU and 16-core GPU
24GB unified memory
1TB SSD
14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
307GB/s memory bandwidth

Pros:

Excellent sustained performance for photo, video, audio, and code work
Best-in-class display and speakers
Long battery life for a pro laptop
Strong macOS creative app ecosystem

Cons:

Expensive
Not upgradeable after purchase
Overkill for basic browsing and office work

Who it is for: Built for people whose laptop earns its keep with video editing, development, design, music, or heavy multitasking.

Skip if: Choose the MacBook Air if it already covers your workload, or choose Windows if you need Windows-native engineering apps.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 16-inch - Best large-screen 2-in-1

Samsung goes big with the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, a 16-inch convertible built around a 3K Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen. It suits media, notes, light creative work, and Windows productivity for buyers who want more screen than a compact 2-in-1 provides.

The hardware lines up well for that role, with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V with Intel Arc graphics, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The display runs at 2880 x 1800 and up to 120Hz, the 360-degree design includes an S Pen, and Samsung claims up to 25 hours of local video playback for the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 under its test conditions.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Intel Core Ultra 7 258V with Intel Arc graphics
16-inch 3K Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen
2880 x 1800 resolution
Up to 120Hz refresh rate
32GB RAM and 1TB SSD
360-degree design with included S Pen

Pros:

Large, vivid AMOLED touchscreen
S Pen included
Thin for a 16-inch convertible
Best fit for Samsung phone owners

Cons:

16-inch convertible is less convenient as a tablet
Glossy AMOLED can reflect light
Premium price

Who it is for: A strong fit for people who want a big-screen Windows laptop for media, notes, light creative work, and Samsung ecosystem features.

Skip if: Choose a smaller laptop if you need compact travel hardware, or a gaming laptop if you need a discrete GPU.

Razer Blade 16 RTX 5090 16-inch - Best gaming laptop

The Razer Blade 16 RTX 5090 is the performance outlier here, with an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU. That hardware gives gamers and GPU-heavy creators the dedicated graphics muscle that the mainstream laptops on this list do not have.

Razer pairs the GPU with a 16-inch QHD+ OLED display at 240Hz, 32GB 9600MHz RAM, and a 2TB SSD. The 14.9mm thin Blade 16 design is more portable than many flagship gaming laptops, but heavy gaming loads still bring shorter battery life, more heat, and more fan noise than mainstream machines.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights:

Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU
16-inch QHD+ OLED display
240Hz refresh rate
32GB 9600MHz RAM
2TB SSD

Pros:

Top-tier gaming GPU in a premium chassis
Excellent 240Hz OLED screen
More portable than many flagship gaming laptops
Strong for GPU-accelerated creative work

Cons:

Very expensive
Gaming battery life will be short
Runs hotter and louder than mainstream laptops under load

Who it is for: Designed for shoppers who want a luxury gaming laptop that can also handle serious creator workloads.

Skip if: Choose a quieter or longer-lasting laptop if value, quiet operation, or battery life matters more than GPU power.

How to choose

Pick the operating system first. macOS is strongest for Apple ecosystem users, battery life, and many creative apps. Windows is better for broader business software, gaming, engineering tools, and hardware variety.
Do not buy less than 16GB RAM for a main laptop. In 2026, 16GB is the practical floor for multitasking. Choose 24GB, 32GB, or more for creative work, development, large spreadsheets, or keeping a laptop for many years.
Match the processor to your apps. Apple M-series chips and Intel x86 laptops have the fewest compatibility surprises. Snapdragon Windows laptops can deliver great battery life, but check VPNs, drivers, plug-ins, games, and niche apps before buying.
Screen quality changes the experience. OLED and mini-LED or XDR displays look better for photos, video, and media. Matte IPS displays can be easier in bright offices and often use less battery.
Gaming and 3D work need a real GPU. Integrated graphics are fine for office work, streaming, light photo work, and casual games. Modern AAA games, 3D rendering, and GPU AI workloads call for an RTX-class laptop.
Check ports and upgrade limits. Thin premium laptops often have soldered RAM and few ports. Decide before buying if you need HDMI, USB-A, SD card, Ethernet, or user-upgradeable storage.

What laptop brand is best for most shoppers?

Apple is the safest broad pick if macOS works for you. Acer, Dell, Samsung, and Razer make more sense when you need Windows, big-screen value, a compact premium build, a 2-in-1, Samsung ecosystem features, or gaming hardware.

Is 8GB RAM enough in 2026?

It works only for very light use or secondary devices. For a laptop you plan to keep, 16GB is the practical minimum, with 24GB or 32GB better for creative work, development, and heavy multitasking.

Are Snapdragon Windows laptops safe to buy now?

Yes for web work, Office, video calls, streaming, and many mainstream apps. Verify compatibility first for VPNs, printers, plug-ins, games with anti-cheat, and specialized professional tools.

Should I buy from Amazon or the manufacturer?

Amazon is convenient, while manufacturer stores and major retailers often make exact configurations, warranties, and return terms clearer. Match the model code and configuration before buying.

Is OLED worth it on a laptop?

OLED is worth it for media, photo work, contrast, and a premium screen feel. IPS remains a strong choice for matte finishes, long static office work, lower cost, and battery-sensitive setups.

Published July 28, 2026 Last updated November 3, 2026

Best Laptop Brands in 2026 - Originally published on Technobezz