As part of a Black Friday deal, you can get two MasterClass annual memberships — one for yourself and one to give away as a gift — for the price of one. Memberships start at $120 per year, which lets you watch on one device at a time, $180 grants access to two devices simultaneously and allows for downloads, and a Family membership covers six devices. The free membership for gifting will be at the same level you buy for yourself. The deal is available now and ends at midnight on Black Friday.
If you're looking for something that's not a "thing" to gift this year, MasterClass makes a nice option. A membership includes access to 180 different big name instructors teaching on topics they know a lot about. Classes on offer sound like an A-list roll call: Martin Scorsese and Jodie Foster teach lessons on filmmaking, Samuel L. Jackson and Helen Mirren cover acting, Questlove shows you how to DJ, and Margaret Atwood gives a seminar on writing.
Classes range from around two to six hours and are broken up into shorter lessens, usually between 10 and 20 minutes. There are even exercises and community forums to get you actually doing the things the teachers teach. Recently, MasterClass added series as part of its lineup, such as GOAT, which are 20 minute episodes covering a single topic (such as making a grilled cheese or playing pickleball) that feel more like a mini documentary than a lesson. The mobile app also offers series of short, swipeable videos, for a highly polished TikTok feel.
When I tried out MasterClass, it struck me that the learning platform was more like a streaming service than anything else — a really smart streaming service, where you get to watch masters talk about how they go about their craft. Even if you don't see yourself becoming a comedian, watching Steve Martin tell you how it's done is riveting nonetheless.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/this-masterclass-black-friday-deal-gives-you-two-memberships-for-the-price-of-one-170010173.html?src=rss
Walmart has already kicked of its Black Friday sale. That's good news for anyone who wants to spend the day after Thanksgiving doing something other than shopping. The early Black Friday deals went live online today — Walmart+ members get a few hours of early access before everyone else — and will hit physical stores this Friday.
We've unearthed the best tech deals from this portion of Walmart's Black Friday sale and gathered them here so you can start ticking gifts off your holiday list — or grab something for yourself at a discount. The highlights are probably the brand new Apple Watch Series 9 for $349 and the second-generation AirPods for $69 — both are all-time lows.
Apple Watch Series 9
If you've been waiting to get Apple's brand new flagship smartwatch, your patience has paid off. The Apple Watch Series 9 is down to $349 for the 41mm, GPS-only model. That's a $50 discount and the lowest price yet for the barely-two-month-old wearable. If you'd prefer a little more room on the screen, you can go for the 45mm case size for $379, also $50 and a new low price. The biggest improvement this time around is the S9 processor. It allows for a new Double Tap feature and onboard Siri processing for faster responses to your queries. It's also got a brighter screen and, when paired with the Sport Loop, is carbon neutral. We gave the wearable a solid score of 92 in our review, praising the new features and the comprehensive fitness and health tracking.
Apple AirPods (second gen)
The second-generation AirPods are now on sale for $69, which is a $90 discount and their lowest price ever, thanks to Walmart's sale. They are a little older at this point; we gave them a review score of 84 when they came out back in 2019. But they're a good pick for someone who needs a knock-around pair of buds that pair seamlessly with an iPhone. Some people even prefer the smooth fit of the older model, which is more like Apple's wired EarPods. To be sure, both the third-generation AirPods and the new, second-generation AirPods Pro have seen significant improvements in both sound quality and features like noise cancellation, Spatial Audio and Transparency mode. The newer buds may make more sense for audiophiles, but at this price, the second-generation AirPods will make a nice stocking stuffer for an iPhone user.
Canon EOS R50
We tested out the Canon EOS R50 mirrorless camera when it came out earlier this year and gave it an 87. During the early Black Friday sale, it's $180 off, which is a new all-time low. We think this is a great camera for street photographers or travelers because it has a slim and light design and is capable of shooting 4K video. It offers fast shooting, has a reliable auto-focus and takes great images — particularly for the price point. And now that it's on sale, you'll be hard pressed to find a higher quality hybrid camera that can do pretty much everything vloggers and photographers need.
Sony WF-C500 earbuds
Sony's WF-C500 earbuds are 70 percent off right now, which makes them $29 instead of $100. That's a pretty great price, though the buds are about two years old at this point. Still, they're our favorite budget pair of wireless headphones for working out. They were one of the lightest pair of earbuds we tested and though they have a more bulbous design, they were still comfortable. While they don't have active noise cancellation, the shape does a good job of passively blocking out most sounds (but traffic noises still get through, which is important for outdoor workouts).
Roku Ultra LT
The Roku Ultra LT is 57 percent off thanks to the Walmart Black Friday sale. We're fans of Roku streaming devices and recommend the Ultra set top box in our guide. The Ultra LT is a Walmart exclusive version that has a less-expensive starting price and a few tradeoffs over the regular Ultra. There's a slightly different remote on the LT, that lacks to personalization buttons and there's no Bluetooth connectivity and it lacks a USB port in the back of the set top box. But you still get one of the best smart TV interfaces plus support for 4K video and Dolby Vision. Plus at this price, it's $65 cheaper than the other version.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/walmart-black-friday-deals-2023-save-50-on-the-apple-watch-series-9-plus-up-to-70-percent-on-airpods-roku-devices-and-more-170010855.html?src=rss
Chances are your new laptop has fewer ports than you’d like. For years, companies have been prioritizing thinness and lightness to the detriment of connectivity options. Docking stations give you back some of that versatility — and then some — by combining monitor, Ethernet, USB and other ports into one package. Unlike simple USB hubs, docking stations tend to have more slots and usually incorporate a DC power supply, making them bigger and far less portable than small hubs. But that also means they can be the connective matrix of sorts that powers your home office setup. Ultimately, which dock works best for you depends on what you need to connect, but it’s safe to say the vast sea of choices out there can be overwhelming. We tested out 12 options from brands we trust to see which are worth your money.
What to look for in a docking station
First and foremost, consider what you need to plug in. This will likely be the deciding factor when you go to actually buy a docking station. Do you need three screens for an expanded work view? A quick way to upload photos from an SD card? Are you looking to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming light, while simultaneously taking advantage of faster Ethernet connections? Once you’ve settled on the type of ports you need, you may also want to consider the generation of those ports as well; even ports with the same shape can have different capabilities. Here’s a brief overview of the connectivity different docking stations offer.
Monitor ports
External monitors typically need one of three ports to connect to a PC: HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C. HDMI connections are more common than DisplayPort and the cables and devices that use them are sometimes more affordable. The most popular version of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can handle higher resolutions and refresh rates than the most common HDMI version (2.0). All of the docking stations with HDMI sockets that we recommend here use version 2.0, which can handle 4K resolution at 60Hz or 1080p up to 240Hz. The DisplayPort-enabled docks support either version 1.2, which allows for 4K resolution at 60Hz, or version 1.4, which can handle 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz.
You can also use your dock’s downstream (non-host) Thunderbolt ports to hook up your monitors. If your external display has a USB-C socket, you can connect directly. If you have an HDMI or DisplayPort-only monitor, you can use an adapter or a conversion cable that has one of each type of connector.
Of course, the number of monitors you can connect and the resolutions/rates they’ll achieve depend on both your computer’s GPU and your monitors — and the more monitors you plug in can bring down those numbers as well. Be sure to also use cables that support the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS users should keep in mind that the MacBook Air with the standard M1 chip supports just one external monitor. M2 MacBooks (the newer Airs and 13-inch Pro) can handle two external monitors, but each monitor needs its own onboard port (i.e., a dock plugged into a single port can’t power two monitors). M2 Pro and M2 Max Macs can run multiple displays from a single port.
USB ports
Most docking stations offer a few USB Type-A ports, which are great for peripherals like wired mice and keyboards, bus-powered ring lights and flash drives. For faster data transfer speeds to your flash drive, go for USB-A sockets labeled 3.1 or 3.2 — or better yet, use a USB-C Thunderbolt port.
Type-C USB ports come in many different flavors. The Thunderbolt 3, 4 and USB4 protocols are newer, more capable specifications that support power delivery of up to 100W, multiple 4K displays and data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps. Other USB-C ports come in a range of versions, with some supporting video, data and power and some only able to manage data and power. Transfer rates and wattages can vary from port to port, but most docks list the wattage or GB/s on either the dock itself or on the product page. And again, achieving the fastest speeds will depend on factors like the cables you use and the devices you’re transferring data to.
Nearly every dock available today connects to a computer via USB-C, often Thunderbolt, and those host ports are nearly always labeled with a laptop icon. They also allow power delivery to your laptop: available wattage varies, but most docks are rated between 85 and 100 watts. That should be enough to keep most computers powered — and it also means you won’t have to take up an extra laptop connector for charging.
Other ports
None of our currently recommended laptops include an Ethernet jack; a docking station is a great way to get that connection back. We all know objectively that wired internet is faster than Wi-Fi, but it might take running a basic speed comparison test to really get it on a gut level. For reference, on Wi-Fi I get about a 45 megabit-per-second download speed. Over Ethernet, it’s 925 Mbps. If you pay for a high-speed plan, but only ever connect wirelessly, you’re probably leaving a lot of bandwidth on the table. Every docking station I tested includes an Ethernet port, and it could be the connector you end up getting the most use out of.
Just two of our favorite laptops have SD card readers, and if you need a quick way to upload files from cameras or audio recorders, you may want to get a dock with one of those slots. Of the docks we tested, about half had SD readers. For now, most (but not all) laptops still include a 3.5mm audio jack, but if you prefer wired headphones and want a more accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will provide.
When you’re counting up the ports for your new dock, remember that most companies include the host port (the one that connects to your computer) in the total number. So if you’re looking for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, be sure to check whether one of them will be used to plug in your laptop.
Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Design
Most docking stations have either a lay-flat or upright design. Most docks put the more “permanent” connections in back — such as Ethernet, DC power, monitor connections and a few USBs. Up-front USB ports can be used for flash drive transfers, or even plugging in your phone for a charge (just make sure the port can deliver the power you need). USBs in the rear are best for keyboards, mice, webcams and other things you’re likely to always use. Some docks position the host port up front, which might make it easier to plug in your laptop when you return to your desk, but a host port in back may look neater overall.
How we tested
We started out by looking at online reviews, spec sheets from various brands and docking stations that our fellow tech sites have covered. We considered brands we’ve tested before and have liked, and weeded out anything that didn’t have what we consider a modern suite of connections (such as a dock with no downstream USB-C ports). We narrowed it down to 12 contenders and I tested each dock on an M1 MacBook Pro, a Dell XPS 13 Plus and an Acer Chromebook Spin 514. I plugged in and evaluated the quality of the connections for 12 different peripherals including a 4K and an HD monitor, a 4K and an HD webcam, plus USB devices like a mouse, keyboard, streaming light and mic. I plugged in wired earbuds, and transferred data to a USB-C flash drive and an external SSD. I ran basic speed tests on the Ethernet connections as well as the file transfers. I judged how easy the docks were to use as well as the various design factors I described earlier. I made spreadsheets and had enough wires snaking around my work area that my cat stayed off my desk for three weeks (a new record).
Best for MacBook: Satechi Dual Dock Stand
The Satechi Dual Dock Stand is different from all the other docks we tested in two respects: it doesn’t require a power source and it goes beneath your MacBook instead of beside it. You could almost classify it as a hub, but I think the high number of ports earns it docking-station status. It also gets around the single-monitor limitation some Macs present by plugging into two USB-C ports at once. That means if you have a MacBook with a standard M2 chip (the 13-inch MacBook Pro or either size MacBook Air), you’ll be able to plug two external monitors into the back of the dock and enjoy an extended view, instead of just a mirrored third display.
Since the Dual Dock works without power, it’s a lot easier to set up than other docks with transformer boxes and DC cables. I found it made the most sense to just use the MagSafe connector on the laptop, but you can also supply power to the dock using the non-data USB-C port and it will pass 75 watts to your machine.
Both the 4K and HD monitors I tested looked great and worked well in extended mode. There are two USB-Cs for a webcam and mic, plus two USB-As which could be used for a dongle mouse and a streaming light — that’s likely enough ports for conferencing or even a basic video creator setup. The dock is ultimately limited by the fact that none of the USB-C connections are Thunderbolt and there are only two USB-A sockets to work with. But it’s a great choice for extending productivity in a way that tucks beneath a MacBook, neatly moving the cords to the back of the machine and out of the way.
Satechi Dual Dock Stand specs
Host connection: 2 x USB-C
Power delivery to host: 75W (USB-C)
USB-C: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x 3.1
USB-A: 2
Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
Aux 3.5mm: No
SD Card: No
Best Thunderbolt 4 dock: Kensington AD2010T4
For those who want the extra speed and connectivity of the latest Thunderbolt interface, I recommend Kensington’s AD2010T4 Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Docking Station. Of all the TB4 docking stations tested, the AD2010 is the only one under $300, yet it performed on par with and even offered a better selection of ports than some of the others I tested. It gives you two Thunderbolt 4 connections, one for the host and one for accessories, plus an additional 3.2 USB-C. Dual HDMI 2.0 sockets can handle two external screens with up to 4K resolution (at 60Hz). But if you need three additional monitors or have an 8K screen, you can tap into the Thunderbolt port.
There’s a total of four USB-As, which is enough for a wired mouse or keyboard and a couple other peripherals. It has an SD and a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm audio combo jack and an Ethernet jack. There are even two Kensington lock slots that let you physically secure your dock with a cable.
The device itself has a solid feel and an attractive metal design. My only gripe is with the lay-flat orientation and that nearly half of the ports are on the front edge — I think upright docks that keep most connections around back have an overall neater look on a desk. However, I should point out that Kensington sells mounts for its docks, which could help with aesthetics.
Kensington AD2010T4 specs
Host connection: Thunderbolt 4
Max power delivery to host: 96W (DC)
USB-C: 1 x TB4, 1 x 3.2
USB-A: 4
Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0
Aux 3.5mm: Yes
SD Card: SD and microSD
Best premium dock: CalDigit TS4
There’s a lot to appreciate about CalDigit’s TS4 docking station: It has a sturdy, upright design with a host connection at the rear and a whopping five downstream USB-C ports, two of which are Thunderbolt 4. Up front, you get an SD and a microSD card slot along with a headphone jack, two USB-C and a USB-A connector. In back, there’s room for four more USB-A devices and two 3.5mm jacks, one for audio in and one for audio out. One area where the dock may feel lacking is in display inputs. It only has one DisplayPort 1.4, but it has plenty of TB4 ports, which you can easily use to outfit a full command center (if you don’t have a USB-C monitor, there are plenty of adapters).
The multi-gig Ethernet jack can handle up to 2.5Gbps, so if you’re paying for a screaming-fast internet plan, this dock can help you take advantage of it. The TS4 can deliver up to 98W of power to your laptop, though like any docking station, the wattage goes down when other items are also drawing power.
The TS4 worked equally well with my MacBook Pro and the Dell XPS13 Plus and was even compatible with a Chromebook. I tested read/write speeds on a Samsung T7 SSD via a Thunderbolt port and got 734 MB/s read and 655 MB/s write speeds on the Mac and 1048/994 on the Dell. Compared to the other docks, that was in the lower-middle range for the Mac and the fastest overall for the PC. On PC, it also handled a 1GB folder transfer to a flash drive faster than any other dock and delivered the fastest connection speeds over the Ethernet. It’s the only unit that let me plug in every single peripheral I had on hand at once. If you’ve got lots of tech you want to use simultaneously (and money isn’t a concern), this is the one to get.
CalDigit TS4
Host connection: Thunderbolt 4
Power delivery to host: 98W (DC)
USB-C: 2 x TB4, 3 x 3.2
USB-A: 5
Monitor: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
Aux 3.5mm: 1 x audio combo, 1 x audio in, 1 x audio out
SD Card: SD and microSD
Best for Chromebooks: Kensington SD4780P
The Kensington SD4780P Dual 4K typically requires a DisplayLink driver, but any Chromebook made after 2017 supports the connection from the jump. Finding a docking station that works with ChromeOS is tough; of the 12 units I tested, only four connected at all with the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, and one of those four couldn’t run two monitors. The SD4780P uses a USB-C host connection, through which it offers a maximum power delivery of 100W and was able to run both the 4K and HD screens cleanly.
It allows for a wide range of USB-A peripherals through five such ports, but there’s only a single downstream USB-C, so I wasn’t able to use both a webcam and mic at the same time. That means you’ll need to use your Chromebook’s built-in ports if you want more than one of those types of devices set up. The plastic build makes it look a little cheap and I’m not crazy about the lay-flat design, but the host port is in the back, which will make your setup neater. If all you’re looking for is a way to get a few extra monitors and use your wired USB accessories, this is a good pick for Chromebooks.
Kensington SD4780P specs
Host connection: USB-C
Power delivery to host: 100W (DC)
USB-C: 1 x 3.1
USB-A: 5
Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.2
Aux 3.5mm: 1 x audio combo
SD Card: No
Other docking stations we tested
Plugable TBT4-UDZ
When I pulled the Plugable TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 out of the box, I was convinced it would make the cut: It has a practical upright design, an attractive metal finish, and the host connection is TB4. While there are plenty of USB-A and monitor ports, there’s just one downstream USB-C. A modern dock, particularly one that costs $300, should let you run, say, a USB-C cam and mic at the same time. Otherwise, it’s pretty limiting.
Anker 575 USB-C
At $250 (and more often $235), the Anker 575 USB-C could make for a good budget pick for Windows. It performed well with the Dell XPS 13 Plus, but had trouble with the third screen, the 4K webcam and headphone jack when connected to the MacBook Pro. It’s quite compact, which means it can get wobbly when a bunch of cables are plugged in, but it has a good selection of ports and was able to handle my basic setup well.
Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4
Belkin’s Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a contender for a Thunderbolt 4 alternative. It has nearly the same ports as the AD2010 (minus the microSD slot) and an attractive rounded design — but it’s $90 more, so I’d only recommend getting it if you find it on sale.
Acer USB Type-C Dock
Acer’s USB Type-C Dock D501 costs $10 more than our Kensington pick for Chromebooks, but it performs similarly and is worth a mention. It has nearly the same ports (including the rather limiting single downstream USB-C) but both the Ethernet and data transfer speeds were faster.
FAQs
Are docking stations worth it?
Docking stations are worth it if you have more accessories to plug in than your laptop permits. Say you have a USB-C camera and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming light; very few modern laptops have enough connections to support all of that at once. A docking station can make that setup feasible while also giving you extra ports like an Ethernet connection, and supplying power to your laptop. However, if you just need a few extra USB sockets, you might be better off going with a hub, as those tend to be cheaper.
How much does a laptop dock cost?
Laptop docks range in price from around $150 to $450. Higher priced units tend to have more ports and more powerful connections, such as Thunderbolt 4.
Does a laptop charge on a docking station?
Nearly all docking stations allow you to charge your laptop through the host connection (the cable running from the dock to your computer). That capability, plus the higher number of ports is what separates a docking station from a hub. Docks can pass on between 65W and 100W of power to laptops, and nearly all include a DC adapter.
Are all docking stations compatible with all laptops?
No, not all docking stations are compatible with every laptop. In our tests, the Chromebook had the biggest compatibility issues, the Dell PC had the least, and the MacBook fell somewhere in between. All docks will list which brands and models they work with on the online product page — be sure to also check the generation of your laptop as some docks can’t support certain chips.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-docking-station-160041863.html?src=rss
It's still a few days until Halloween, but retailers are already pushing early Black Friday deals. That makes this week either an opportunity to bemoan the unrelenting passage of time or a good time to shop. For those who take the latter view, we gathered up the better tech deals that've popped up. Those include a rare sale on Sonos home theater speakers, sweeping discounts on Blink security cameras and a steep price drop on a recommended VPN service. We've also spotted discounts on Apple's M2 MacBook Air and 9th-generation iPad that respectively top and meet their prices from Amazon's October Prime Day event earlier this month, as well as a couple of gift card bundles for new smartphones in the OnePlus Open and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today.
Sonos home theater sets
From now through Sunday, Sonos is selling a few its home theater sets (which include soundbars and subwoofers) for up to 20 percent off. Sonos rarely runs sales, so this may be one to check out if you want to upgrade your TV's sound setup. One deal is the Ray + Sub Mini, regularly $708, for just $566. We recommend the Ray in our soundbar buying guide because it provides excellent sound quality for both TV and music, while its compact size makes it ideal for smaller living rooms. Adding the Sub Mini to the mix helps round out the sound and fill in the bass that soundbars are hard-pressed to deliver on their own.
At the other end of the pricing spectrum is Sonos' high-end bundle, the Ultimate Immersive Set, which includes the Arc soundbar, the Sub subwoofer and two Era 300 smart speakers. Usually the set goes for $2,596, but it's now down to $2,211. The Arc is our runner up pick for a premium option in our soundbar buying guide, while the Era 300 earned an Engadget review score of 80 thanks to its detailed and balanced sound quality. We did think the speaker's spatial audio experience was hit or miss and we were disappointed by its lack of Google Assistant support — though you can use Alexa or Sonos' own assistant instead.
iRobot Roomba Combo j7+
Wellbots is taking up to $300 off a few of iRobot's vac-and-mop Roomba Combo cleaners. The Roomba Combo j7+ usually costs a steep $999, for instance, but you can drop it down to $699 if you enter the code ENGROOMBA300 at checkout. The Roomba Combo j7+ is the top 2-in-1 pick in our robot vacuum buying guide, and it even earned a spot in the smart home of one of Engadget's senior editors.
A few other vac-and-mops are on sale too, including the iRobot Roomba Combo j5+, which is $300 with the same code, and the standard iRobot Roomba Combo j5, which is $250 off with the code ENGROOMBA250. (Those two are largely similar, though the former comes with a self-emptying base station.) If you've been thinking about automating your floor cleaning, this might be a good time to go for it.
Blink Outdoor 4 security camera
Blink's latest outdoor security camera, the Outdoor 4, has only been around since August but has already gone on sale a few times. Now through November 5th, Amazon is dropping the price back down to $72, which is 40 percent off its list price. This deal comes as part of a wider sale on security cams and video doorbells from the Amazon subsidiary.
The Outdoor 4 is the top wireless security camera pick in our guide to the best smart home devices. It can capture 1080p footage and send it straight to a phone or Alexa-enabled smart display. You can also talk and listen through the built-in mic and speaker. Improved motion detection should help it discern between a person approaching your house and the neighborhood cat, and the wireless build lets you set it just about anywhere around your home's exterior. Its battery can last up to two years with a pair of AA batteries, depending on your usage, and Amazon includes a set with the camera. Also included in this deal is the Sync Module 2, a separate accessory that lets you locally store video clips.
For keeping tabs on the inside of your home, you can grab the Blink Mini. During the same time frame, a three-pack of the Blink Mini is down to $40. The list price for one of those cameras is $35, though we often see them drop into the $20 to $25 range.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Another Wellbots deal brings Google's Nest Learning Thermostat down to $174, which is a $75 discount and one of the best prices we've seen as of late (though not the lowest ever). Enter the code ENGNLT75 to see the full savings at checkout. The Nest Learning Thermostat can help with your energy bills by not overly heating or cooling the house when you're not home and by making suggestions on energy-saving temp settings. The "learning" here gets to know your routines and preferred settings to automatically create schedules, which you can always adjust manually in the Nest app.
Google Pixel Buds Pro
Google's Pixel Buds Pro are back at their lowest price ever, thanks to another discount code at Wellbots. These wireless earbuds have a list price of $200, but they dropped to $120 during Amazon's recent Prime Day sale. If you missed that one, though, you can now use the checkout code ENGPIX83 to get them for a few bucks less at $117. We named the Pixel Buds Pro the best option for Android users in our wireless earbuds buying guide and gave them an 87 in our review last year. They deliver deep bass and integrate particularly nicely with Google's Pixel phones.
The Google Nest Hub Max also has a discount code from Wellbots; enter ENGMAX100 to save $100 off the $229 list price. We gave this 10-inch smart display a review score of 86 when it came out in 2019 thanks to its tight integration with other Google devices and services, solid audio quality and accurate facial recognition.
Apple MacBook Air M2
The base model of Apple's 13-inch MacBook Air with an M2 chip and 256 GB of storage is down to $899 at Best Buy, which matches the lowest price we've seen outside of special offers for My Best Buy members. Apple sell the notebook for $1,099, so this deal represents a $200 discount off its MSRP. If you'd prefer a larger screen size, the 15-inch model is also on sale for a low of $1,049, which is $250 less than buying from Apple directly.
The M2 Air is both our favorite MacBook and the top overall recommendation in our laptop buying guide. We gave both notebooks a score of 96 in our reviews, and these entry-level configurations can still handle mainstream productivity and entertainment tasks with ease. Their speakers are impressively loud, their displays are bright and accurate, and their keyboards and trackpads remain comfortable.
Apple is holding an event next week where it's expected to announce new Macs based on an updated M3 chip, but reliable Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman says that will likely focus on refreshed MacBook Pros and a new iMac; updated MacBook Airs aren't expected until sometime next year.
Surfshark VPN
As part of an early Black Friday promotion, Surfshark is offering its VPN plans for up to 86 percent off. The deepest discount applies to the Surfshark Starter plan which you can get for $60 for 27 months. That works out to $2.21 per month with three months free. After the promo ends, the plan reverts to its normal price of $60 per year. We named Surfshark the best service for multiple devices in our VPN guide. It's one of the few options that let you use it on an unlimited number of devices without bandwidth restrictions and it has access to a larger number of servers than other VPN services that offer unlimited connections.
Anker PowerConf C200
Our runner-up recommendation for the best webcam you can buy is Anker's PowerConf C200. Right now at Amazon and Newegg, the 2K cam is down $48, which matches the low we saw during the October Prime Day sale earlier this month. It's easy to set up, has good picture quality and its on-board mics are surprisingly decent. Our main complaints were that it's a little tricky to adjust the angle and the included USB cable is on the shorter side.
Apple iPad (9th gen)
Apple's 9th-generation iPad dropped to $249 for Amazon's October Prime Day sale, which matched the tablet's previous low. Now, the 10.2-inch slate is back down to that price at Amazon and Walmart. That's $80 off Apple's MSRP, though at this point, it's almost always available for less than its list price at various retailers. This is the budget pick in our guide to the best iPads. It's not the best option for a workhorse productivity slate, as it has a dated design and worse accessory support compared to newer models, but it's still great for web browsing, playing Apple Arcade games and streaming video on the cheap.
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch)
On the exact opposite of the iPad spectrum, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is on sale for $990, which is about $60 off its usual street price and the lowest price we've tracked for the 128GB model. The 12.9-inch Pro is the "best for power users" pick in our buying guide: It's still more iPad than most people need, but its big mini-LED display is gorgeous and it's fast enough to handle just about any task thrown at it.
As noted above, Apple has an event coming next week, but Bloomberg reports we won't see any new iPads then. Instead, refreshes are expected sometime early next year, so if you can afford to wait, it might be smart to do so. But if not, there's still decent value here.
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 is down to $120 at Amazon, Walmart and various other retailers, which is about $30 off its average street price. We recommend the Charge 5 in our guide to the best portable Bluetooth speakers. It's not the most compact speaker around, but it's loud enough for smaller parties, it does well keep tracks from sounding muddled and its IP67 waterproof rating means it's safe to take in the shower or pool. JBL says its battery can last up to 20 hours per charge — though, as with all portable speakers, that'll vary based on usage and volume — and the whole thing can work as a power bank for your phone in a pinch.
Apple Watch Ultra (1st gen)
Apple’s last-gen premium smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra, is on sale for $659, which is about $110 off its typical going rate in recent months. Note that this deal applies to the model with Apple's small Alpine Loop in orange.
The catch here is that Apple recently released the Apple Watch Ultra 2, so this is technically an outdated model. The latest version adds a faster S9 SiP (system-in-package), which supports a useful Double Tap feature and on-board Siri processing, but the original remains a powerful option for athletes, hikers and other more involved users. It earned an 85 in our review when it came out thanks to its long battery life, big and bright display, and durable build. It still packs plenty of fitness and adventuring features (such as an SOS siren, waypoint-setting and a diving app) alongside the workout and activity tracking you get with other Apple Watches, so it might be worthwhile if you're looking to save at least a little bit of cash on a high-end wearable.
If you don't want to shop from Amazon — or if the gift card deal goes out of stock — you can grab a similar deal directly from OnePlus. The company is currently offering a $200 discount if you trade in any smartphone, regardless of brand, age and/or condition, bringing the foldable down to $1,500.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Along those lines, both Amazon and Best Buy are bundling Samsung's new Galaxy S23 FE phone with a $100 gift card for no extra cost. The phone itself goes for $599 and, like the OnePlus Open, began shipping this week. As we noted in our hands-on earlier this month, the Galaxy S23 FE has a similar design as the standard Galaxy S23, but it comes with a 6.4-inch OLED display (instead of 6.1 inches) and uses a slightly slower and less efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor (instead of the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2). The FE's camera system has a worse telephoto lens as well, though the device does come with a larger battery. While Google's Pixel 8 looks to be a more complete package as a midrange Android phone, the S23 FE is less expensive, and this deal should only heighten the value.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sonos-home-theater-bundles-are-20-percent-off-plus-the-rest-of-this-weeks-best-tech-deals-164825210.html?src=rss
We've reached the last day of Amazon's October Prime Day sale and if you're in the market for some deals that won't break the bank, here are 29 deals that are all under $50. We've found plenty of the less expensive gadgets that we've tested and tried recently. Many, like the JOBY Gorillapod and the JBL Go 3 make excellent stocking stuffers, and there are deals on smart plugs (for indoors and out) that will make your holiday light management far simpler. Amazon is surfacing strong deals on its own Echo smart speakers and Fire TV sticks. Plus you'll find iPhone accessories, chargers, smart home devices which not only make nice gifts for the hard-to-shop-for, they're nice to keep for yourself too. Here are the best Amazon Big Deal Days discounts for under $50.
Amazon Echo Dot
Amazon’s Echo Dot combines the typical utility of Alexa with surprisingly decent sound. It usually retails for $50, but for Big Deal Days, it’s down to $23, which is 54 percent off and matches the all-time low price we saw last Prime Day. We named this one the best sub-$50 smart speakers you can buy — and if you get two, you can make them a stereo pair. The version with a built-in clock is also discounted at $45.
Amazon Echo Dot Kids
The Kids edition of the Echo Dot is usually $60 but is down to $28 for October’s sale. That’s the same price it went for during Amazon’s July sale. It’s basically the Echo Dot, but with a kid-friendly owl or dragon-themed exterior. It also comes with a parental dashboard and a year’s subscription to Amazon Kids+, which includes a selection of kid-appropriate audiobooks, stories and songs.
Amazon Echo Show 5
Amazon updated the Echo Show 5 back in May. It went for half off last Prime Day, but October’s sale is bringing the price down further, to $40 after a 56 percent discount. This is a smaller display that works best as a bedside alarm clock, complete with a snooze button. It’ll also work in smaller spaces as a display-enabled controller for all your connected smart home devices.
Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids
The revamped Echo Show 5 for Kids didn’t make the cut for this list last Prime Day, as it only dropped to $60, but now a steeper discount has brought it down to $45. It’s similar to the regular Echo Show 5, but comes with a cosmic-themed fabric covering and includes a year of Amazon Kids+ with shows, music and audiobooks that are all child-appropriate.
Amazon Echo Pop
Amazon’s smallest Echo smart speaker came out last May and went down to $18 for July’s Prime Day sale. The half-sphere Echo Pop is back down to that all-time low for this October sale, which is a 55 percent discount. A Kids version of the Pop will be released soon, though not until after this Prime sale is over.
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick Lite usually goes for $30, but a 40 percent Prime Big Deal Days discount has dropped it to just $18. This is the budget pick in Engadget’s streaming device guide and is one of the cheapest ways to make a smaller or secondary TV smart. It supports 1080p streaming with HDR and comes with an Alexa voice remote, though it can’t control the volume or power on your TV.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Amazon just updated the Fire TV Stick 4K, adding more processing power and support for Wi-Fi 6. Unfortunately that model isn’t on sale and sticking to its $50 price point. The previous Fire TV Stick 4K, however, is more than half off and down to $23, the same as it went for during the last Prime Day sale. If you don’t have Wi-Fi 6 anyway, you may be happy with this dongle as it still handles 4K video, HDR including Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
We like the straightforward interface of Roku's Streaming Stick 4K and named it the top recommendation in our guide to the best streaming devices. Normally priced at $50, it’s $12 off for the October Prime Day sale — though it went lower last Black Friday (and may do so again). Still, for the price this streaming dongle provides a lot of features, including the vast Roku channel, a helpful universal search function and a private-listening feature via the Roku app. If you only need the budget 1080p version, you can get the Roku Express dongle for $22, which is about $4 more than it went for last November.
TP-Link Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug
Outdoor smart plugs will make turning your holiday lights on and off far easier. In our smart plug guide we found the Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug to be the best pick for Apple HomeKit users. It actually worked great with all smart home assistants, but it was pricier than the Wyze plug that only works with Alexa and Google Home. Now that the Kasa plug is down to $20 — its lowest price ever — that price discrepancy isn’t as large.
Nestout Portable Charger
We tested the Nestout Portable Charger in ways we wouldn’t typically test a battery pack. But since it claims to be waterproof and drop-resistant, we dunked it in water and smacked it down on several hard surfaces. It held up — and it's currently our pick for the best outdoor-worthy portable battery pack. It’s usually $80, but this sale drops it by 37 percent to just sneak under the $50 mark.
Anker Nano Power Bank 10K
We’re in the process of testing Anker’s new Nano Power Bank 10K for our battery pack buying guide and are so far impressed with its clever design, which includes a built-in USB-C cable plus two additional ports for USB-C and USB-A. It’s usually $50, but Amazon’s October sale knocks it down to $35.
Anker PowerConf C200 2K Webcam
The runner up in our guide to the best webcams is Anker’s PowerConf C200 2K. The list price is $60, but is discounted to $48 as part of a Prime Big Deal Days Lightning deal. It’s easy to set up, has a built-in lens cover for privacy and captures sharp and clear 2K resolution video with a 95-degree field of view. Since this is a Lightning deal, though, be warned that stock is likely to run dry sooner rather than later.
TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Light Bulb
Our favorite budget smart light bulbs are TP-Link's Kasa Smart WiFi Bulbs, which are 35 percent off right now for a four-pack. Installation is easy, and the lights stayed reliably connected during our tests. TP-Link's companion app is simple to navigate as well.
Amazon Echo Buds (2023)
Prime members can get the latest Echo Buds for $35 instead of $50 right now. In Engadget’s review, we were surprised how much these semi-open earbuds can get you for the price. We also named them the best open-design pick in our guide to the best budget earbuds. Note, though, that our top pick in that guide, Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are also on sale for $54 instead of their usual $80. Though that’s technically more than our price threshold here, it’s still a great deal on buds that belie that low price.
Moft Sit-Stand Desk
The Sit-Stand Desk from Moft has a clever folding design that lays flat when not in use but unfurls to lift even heavy laptops to a standing height off your desk. It folds into three other laptop-supporting positions as well, and we named it one of the best MacBook accessories you can buy. Usually $60, it’s down to $48 for the sale.
Samsung Pro Plus microSD card
Our favorite microSD card for most people is the Samsung Pro Plus. It had the fastest sequential write speeds and random performance of any card we tested, and the USB reader that comes with included with this listing helps it reach higher speeds on compatible devices. It’s listed at $38 for the set (though it often goes for $25), and now Prime Day in October brings it to $23.
Samsung Evo Select microSD card
We named the Samsung Evo Select, meanwhile, the best value model in our microSD card guide. Right now its 128GB version is down to $10, which matches its lowest price ever. It may not have the fastest write speeds, but it's good for giving you extra room for your files on the cheap.
SanDisk 128GB microSDXC Card for Nintendo Switch
If stock runs dry on the cards above and you need more room on your Switch, SanDisk's officially licensed microSDXC card is a good pick, particularly when it’s on sale. Right now a 128GB model is within a dollar of its all-time low at just $18.
Blink Video Doorbell
October Prime Day has chopped the price of the Blink Video Doorbell in half, making it just $30. You can install this using your existing doorbell wires or use it battery-powered. It sends 1080p video to your phone or smart display, triggered by motion. To peek at your front door on-demand, you’ll either need to hardwire the device or get a Sync Module 2. To save clips, you can use the Module or a Blink subscription plan.
Ring Video Doorbell Wired
As the name suggests, you’ll have to hook the Ring Video Doorbell Wired up to your existing doorbell wires. Once you do, you’ll get 1080p video sent to your phone or smart display when motion is triggered, or you can check the feed on-demand whenever you’d like. But again, to save and share clips, you’ll need a Ring subscription. The device is on sale for $35, which is $30 off the list price.
Blink Mini smart security camera (2-pack)
The Blink mini security cameras are wired, indoor cams that will let you check in on your living spaces whenever the mood strikes. A two-pack goes for $65 most days, but for October Prime, the set is down to $40. These motion-activated smart cameras can send live 1080p video to your smartphone or smart display and allow for two-way audio so you can tell the dog to get off the couch.
Amazon Smart Plug
As noted in our smart plug buying guide, we think Amazon’s Smart Plug is your best bet if you use Alexa as your smart home helper. At a deal price of just $13, it's currently 48 percent off and $2 cheaper than the lowest price we’ve tracked. This plug's setup is so simple as to be almost automatic, and its control of lamps, fans and other smart home devices is reliable. Programming schedules in the Alexa app is super simple and may get even easier with future updates.
OtterBox Fast Charge Power Bank
The OtterBox Fast Charge Power Bank is currently just $36 for the 15,000mAh capacity model, which is the version we tested and recommend in our portable battery guide. This pack looks sharp and delivers a fast and reliable charge via USB-C or USB-A.
Jabra Elite 3
Jabra's Elite 3 earbuds are a few years old at this point, but they earned an Engadget review score of 88 for their impressive sound quality, good battery life, reliable touch controls and comfortable fit. They've dropped to $50, or $30 off their list price.
Anker 511 Charger
New Apple Watches don’t come with power adapters, so if you’re looking for one that can deliver a quick charge, we recommendAnker's 511 (Nano 3) charging brick. It’s down to $20 which is a mild, $4 discount, but still a welcome price for a worthwhile smartwatch accessory.
Kasa Smart Plug EP25 (4-pack)
The best smart plug you can buy according to our testing is Kasa’s Smart Plug EP25. It went down to $35 last Prime Day but is down to $33 for October’s sale. We found this plug to be reliable and relatively easy to set up. It works not just with Alexa and the Google Assistant, but also Samsung SmartThings and Apple HomeKit.
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
The best budget gaming headset you can buy, according to our testing, is the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2. Listed at $50, and often selling for $40, the Prime Day sale drops it down to $35, which matches its all-time low. The sound quality isn’t what you’d get with premium headphones, but the fit is comfortable and the mic is decent.
JBL Go 3
We didn’t test the JBL Go 3 for our Bluetooth speaker guide, but JBL is a brand we recommend often. This diminutive speaker is 40 percent off for the October Prime Day sale, bringing it to $30. The Go 3 is waterproof, includes a hook for hanging and is rated for five hours on a charge. Elsewhere, the Clip 4 portable speaker is down to $45 instead of $80 for the sale.
JOBY Gorillapod 3K Stand
In our tech gift guide, we called the Joby Gorillapod 3K stand “a bargain for such a versatile tool” when it was $45. Now it’s down to just $35. It grips on to poles or stands on its own making it a great vlogging or photography companion.
As we move through the second day of Amazon's Prime Day sale in October, the deals on Apple devices are still going strong. If you've been waiting to by a pair of AirPods, this is a good time to do so as those are down to $189. That includes the new USB-C version Apple recently announced. One of the better offers from Prime Day back in July was on the 9th-generation iPad, which dropped to $250 — now it's a down to $249, which represents its lowest price yet. If you're looking for the smartwatches Apple announced last month during its iPhone event they're both here and on sale (with the Apple Watch Ultra seeing a much better deal than the Series 9). Amazon doesn't sell new, unlocked iPhones, so you won't find those, but if you want to save on an iPad, AirPods or an Apple Watch, grab them while they're still on sale during these waning hours of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days.
AirPod Prime Day deals
AirPods Pro (2nd gen, USB-C)
Last month, Apple followed the announcement of the new USB-C-capable iPhones with the introduction of AirPods Pro that recharge with the same cable. The USB-C AirPods Pro aren’t a total redesign, so they have the same design and much improved audio as the second-generation buds — though now they're slightly more waterproof. Amazon’s sale brings them down to $189 instead of $249, which is $10 less than they went for in July. Of course for those who prefer the Lightning version, that one is also down to $189 from $249.
We called the AirPods Pro the best bet for iPhone users in our earbuds guide. They are a big improvement over the first generation and have an excellent transparency mode that keeps you aware of the sounds around you as you listen to music or podcasts. And of course they pair nicely with iPhones, iPads and Macs, making good use of Siri as they do so.
Engadget’s Billy Steele gave the buds an 88 in his review, noting that the sound quality was both immersive and detailed while remaining clear lower volumes. Apple promises six hours of battery life and we got about 15 more minutes than that in our tests. Plus the battery case will deliver three more charges.
Apple’s AirPods Max headphones didn’t make the cut in our best headphones guide, but these premium headphones combine the best features of AirPods — like excellent noise cancelation and transparent audio — with over-ear comfort and reliable controls. They’re just too expensive to recommend. But now that Amazon has cut the price down to $480 instead of $549 for October’s Prime Day, they make a little more sense.
MacBook Prime Day deals
MacBook Air (15-inch)
The 15-inch MacBook Air came out in June and is Apple’s latest laptop to date. The base model is on sale for $1,049 for the 256GB model, instead of the usual $1,299. If you want something a little more beefy, Apple's M2 models with 16GB of RAM are enjoying similar discounts, coming down from $1,499 to $1,299 for October Prime Day. Engadget’s Nathan Ingraham gave it a high score of 96 in his review noting that the larger screen really makes a difference and lets you get the most out of the M2 processor. He calls it a great choice for getting work done and casual entertainment. Though we should note that the M3 chip, along with a few refreshed MacBooks, may arrive later this year or early 2024.
Apple released the Apple Watch Ultra 2 alongside the Apple Watch 9 last month. The $799 list price is the same as for the original Apple watch, but Amazon’s sale brings it down to $749, which is a new low. The new S9 SiP (system-in-package) is the same as the Series 9, so you get that on-board processing of Siri requests and support for the Double Tap once that launches. GPS and cellular connectivity come standard with the Ultra 2 (though you’ll need to pay for a separate cell plan) and the large 49mm case accommodates lots of information.
When the new Apple Watch 9 came out last month, it promptly replaced the Apple Watch Series 8 as our favorite overall smartwatch. Amazon’s sale drops the price on the new wearable from $399 to $390 for the 41mm case. That's not a huge drop, but $9 cheaper than you'll see it on Apple's storefront, and likely the best you'll do with an Apple product that's this new. The new processor inside allows for on-board (read, faster) Siri responses and will support a new feature rolling out at the end of this month called Double Tap. We awarded the Series 9 a solid review score of 92, praising the comprehensive health and fitness tracking and carbon-neutral manufacturing.
Apple’s budget smartwatch didn’t get a refresh like its other watches this year, so the second-generation Apple Watch SE is still the most recent. It starts at $250 but October’s Prime day knocks $50 off that price. Engadget’s Cherlynn Low called it “the best smartwatch $250 can buy” in her review and awarded it a respectable score of 89. It doesn’t have an always-on display, nor can it track your blood oxygen levels, temperature or give EKG readings. But it still extends the utility of your iPhone while gathering useful health and fitness data.
Apple iPad Prime Day deals
iPad Air
The iPad Air is now in its 5th generation and it’s currently down to $500 after a $99 discount off its $599 price tag, thanks to Amazon’s latest Prime sale. In our guide to iPads, we named the 2022 Air the best pick for most people as it gives you the speed and processing power of Apple’s own silicon, in this case the M1 chip, plus a top-notch build quality and design. The 10.9-inch display is sharp and the battery life is admirable, getting about 12 hours in our tests. It earned a review score of 90 from Engadget’s Nathan Ingraham.
The tablet is great for playing games and watching shows, but when you pair it with accessories like a keyboard and mouse, it's powerful enough to handle basic productivity tasks. Emailing, using Slack, writing and even modest photo editing are all well within iPad Air’s capabilities. Plus it’s cheaper than the iPad Pro, which may be overkill for many users.
The 9th-generation iPad is still part of Apple’s official tablet lineup and is now down to $249, which is $80 of the $329 MSRP, though Amazon regularly sells it at a discount. This is a full $1 cheaper than it went for last Prime Day, so it can officially be said that this is the lowest price ever. We named it the best budget pick in our guide to the best iPads as it’s the most affordable way to snag one of Apple's tablets. It might not make sense as a productivity machine, as the accessory support isn’t as vast as it is for newer iPads, but for couch browsing, playing games and watching shows, it’s a great pick.
The latest standard iPad is the tenth generation and it’s down to $399 for the 64GB size, which is a price it's hit many times in the recent past. It has a bigger screen and a newer chip than the 9th generation, but not Apple’s own M-series silicon. It also doesn’t have a home button and no headphone jack either, so if you want to hardwire your headphones, you’ll need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
The iPad mini gives you a bit more on-screen room than your phone does, but is easier to carry around than a full-sized tablet. For Amazon's latest Prime sale, the diminutive slate is down to $400 instead of its usual $489. Engadget’s Valentina Palladino gave the mini an 89 in her review because of its new redesign and solid performance. It also pairs nicely with the second generation Apple Pencil, turning the mini into a portable digital notebook. We also named it the best iPad for one-handed use.
One of our favorite iPad accessories is Apple’s own Magic Keyboard. The version that fits newer iPad Airs and the 11-inch iPad Pro is now just $269 which is $31 off its $300 list price. It acts as both a keyboard and cover, wrapping around the tablet and magnetically attaching to the back. In use, it “floats” the screen above the keyboard. As we noted in our iPad Pro review, we noted the Magic Keyboard “provides the best typing experience” for Apple’s tablets.
Apple’s Studio Display is pretty pricey at $1,600, but for October’s Prime Day sale, Apple’s only monitor is down to $1,399. We think the display is ideal only for the Apple faithful, everyone else would be better served by another monitor. That said, the A13 Bionic chip inside lends some smarts to drive its webcam and mics and the build is solid, the speakers are good, and the screen is bright and accurate.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-12-best-apple-deals-from-october-prime-day-airpods-ipads-apple-watches-more-203138675.html?src=rss
This is the last day of Amazon's Prime Day sale of 2023 and all three models of the Apple Watch lineup are still seeing discounts as of right now. Apple just announced the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at its iPhone event last month, but it's already $50 off for Prime, which is its lowest price yet. The other new wearable from Cupertino is the Apple Watch Series 9. That one is seeing a modest, $9 discount, but that's not surprising for as new as it is. The budget model, the Apple Watch SE, wasn't given a new iteration this time around, so the newest is still the second generation SE, which is down to $199 instead of its $250 MSRP. We've also included smartwatch deals from Samsung, Google and Withings, just in case you're not an iPhone user (or have an Android user on your holiday gift list). Here are the best Prime Day deals on Apple Watches and smartwatches we could find this Prime Big Deal Days.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the brand’s newest high-end watch and has the same list price as last year’s model, which is $799. For Amazon’s sale, it’s down to $749 or $50 off, which is a new low. The new Ultra has the same S9 SiP (system-in-package) as the Series 9, which allows for on-board processing of Siri requests and will help offer more intuitive answers to questions about your health and activity data. The Ultra 2 comes with GPS and cellular connectivity and has a large 49mm case to accommodate its always-on Retina display and battery with a claimed 36-hour lifespan. Engadget's Cherlynn Low particularly liked the new Modular Ultra watchface, which manages to make the most of the watch’s vast screen real estate.
Oddly, Apples first generation Apple Watch Ultra is not on sale for Prime Day. It's still full price at $799 at Amazon right now, which means there's very little reason not to go for the newest model if you've been thinking about getting Apple's most premium wearable.
It only arrived last month, but the new Apple Watch 9 has already handily beaten out other contenders for the top spot in our guide to the best smartwatches. And now it’s on sale for $9 off the list price, thanks to Amazon’s second Prime Day. It's a modest discount, but likely the largest you'll find on a Apple's brand new flagship wearable. That makes the 41mm case $390 and the 45mm size $420 instead of $429 on Apple's site. One of the most notable updates to this model is the upcoming Double Tap feature that will let you answer calls or dismiss an alarm just by tapping your thumb and forefinger together.
Now that the Apple Watch Series 8 is no longer the brand’s most recent model, it’s seeing a significant discount. The list price is $399 for the 41mm GPS model, but the sale brings it down to $300 which is nearly $100 off.
Apple didn’t release a new version of the Apple Watch SE, which makes the second generation the current budget watch in the brand’s official lineup. It’s usually $250 for the GPS-only model and 40mm case but October’s Prime sale brings that base model down to $199. If you want more room on the screen, you can grab the 44mm version, which is usually $270 but down to $229 during the sale.
In our Engadget review, we called the SE “the best smartwatch $250 can buy." It doesn’t have the new Double Tap and on-board Siri features of the new watches, and it's missing a few of the sensors you get with the higher-end models, such as blood oxygen, temperature sensing and EKG readings. You also don’t get an always-on-display.
For those who don’t carry an iPhone, the Galaxy Watch 6 is our favorite Android smartwatch. Samsung’s latest wearable was released a few months ago and typically goes for $300, but is down to $269 during Amazon’s sale. It’s lighter than the previous model with a brighter display, better battery life and a processor upgrade. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic returns the spinning bezel which Samsung removed on the Watch 5. That model usually sells for $400, but the sale brings it down to $369 instead.
Engadget’s Malak Saleh gave the Galaxy Watch 6 an 84 in her review, noting the expansion of the wellness and health features — though many of those updates simply bring the Galaxy Watch 6 up to the standards of its competitors like Apple Watch and Google’s Pixel wearables. Still it's a comfortable, well-designed wearable with customizable workout routines that will give you a good amount of health data.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 was announced last week and will ship this Thursday. That's probably why the first generation of the Google Pixel Watch is 40 percent off. That brings it to $210 and an all-time low. While we liked the overall design, we found the rather short battery life concerning. Since the newer generation promises a slightly larger battery and more efficient use of it, you may want to go with the Google Pixel Watch 2, which we had a moment to try out during Google's event. But it looks like that one isn't discounted for Amazon's sale and is currently selling for the full $350.
You can get the look of a classic analog watch combined with the health tracking features of a smartwatch by opting for Withings Steel HR Sport. The hybrid watch is usually $200, but the Prime sale brings it down to $160. Instead of displaying your health and workout stats on the watchface, the Steel HR Sport sends everything to the companion app on your phone. It can track heart rate, activities and workouts as well as monitor your sleep. Since it has no screen, Withings claims the battery can go for up to 25 days on a charge.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-prime-day-deals-on-apple-watch-and-smartwatches-hit-their-lowest-prices-yet-182507971.html?src=rss
Now that we've hit the last day of Amazon's Prime Day in October, we're still seeing discounts on all models of Kindles — including our favorite budget ereader, the standard Kindle. Amazon's ereaders let you carry a whole library of books at once and make great gifts for book lovers for the holidays. During July’s Prime Day sale, many Kindles dropped to the lowest prices we’d seen, and while "Prime Big Deals Days" isn't hitting quite the same lows, most are within $5 or $10 of their all-time best prices. Amazon is also promoting a free trial on Kindle Unlimited for new members, which gives you access to a selection of around four million ebook titles. Here are the best Amazon Prime Day deals on Kindles we could find.
Kindle (2022)
If you’re on a budget (or looking for a relatively affordable gift) the standard Kindle is an excellent entry point to buying or borrowing ebooks and audiobooks. Usually $100, the October Prime sale has dropped it to $75, which is $10 more than it went for during July's Prime Day. We named this one the best budget option in our guide to ereaders. The latest model saw healthy improvements over the previous generation. You now get a crisper 300 ppi screen and the capacity is up to 16GB, which will come in handy if you want to keep audiobooks on your device.
Kindle Paperwhite
The Kindle Paperwhite gives you a few extra perks over the standard version, such as a bigger 6.8-inch screen, a warm front light and a waterproof build. Right now the 8GB model is down to $95 which is $5 more than it went for last Prime Day, but still $45 off the $140 MSRP. That's the price on the ad-supported version (which displays ads for Kindle books and services on your lock screen). If you want no ads on your device, you’ll pay around $20 more.
Kindle Paperwhite Signature
When Engadget’s Nathan Ingraham reviewed the Signature edition Kindle Paperwhite, he called it “the best ereader. Period.” For the sale it’s down to $140 instead of its standard $190. It went for $125 last Prime Day. You get the warm light, larger screen and waterproof build of the regular Paperwhite, but the capacity jumps to 32GB, it’s ad-free by default and the front lights automatically adjust according to the lighting around you.
Kindle Scribe
The Kindle Scribe is Amazon’s newest ereader. It introduces the ability to read and write on your Kindle and comes with a large 10.2-inch screen and a stylus for just that purpose. The model with 16GB of storage and the Basic Pen typically goes for $340 but October Prime drops it to $265, or about $10 more than last Prime Day. We think the Scribe is the best E Ink tablet that’s also an ereader and awarded it an 85 in our review.
Kindle Essentials Bundles
A number of Essentials Bundles that combine Kindles with covers and charging accessories are on sale for October Prime. You can get a Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition with a fabric cover and wireless charging dock for $194, which is $64 less than buying the three separately at the MSRP.
Kindle Kids
With the Kindle Kids edition, you get the standard Kindle with a colorful protective case, a two-year warranty, and a year of Amazon Kids+, which grants access to thousands of kid-appropriate titles and hundreds of audiobooks. The Kids edition also syncs up with a handy parent dashboard that lets you set time limits, add books and track your kid’s reading progress. It usually goes for $120, but now it’s $80 instead. That's $5 more than last Prime Day, but the lowest price we've seen outside of that sale.
Kindle Paperwhite Kids
For a kids version with a few more features, you can grab the Kindle Paperwhite Kids for $110, which typically goes for $160. In addition to the case, two-year warranty and free year of Amazon Kids+, the reader itself features a larger 6.8-inch screen, a waterproof build and a warm front light, which tends to be easier on the eyes when reading at night.
Kindle Unlimited
To ensure that you never run out of things to read on your new Kindle, Amazon is also offering Prime members a month of Kindle Unlimited for free. It’s usually $12 per month and will auto-renew once the trial is over (so set a reminder if you don't want that to happen). A subscription lets you read as many ebooks as you want from a selection of four million ebooks. Bigger new releases and some of the more popular bestsellers aren’t included. It also includes a few thousand audiobooks, which all models of Kindle support via Bluetooth and headphones.
Kindle Oasis
Kindle Oasis has a seven-inch screen, a waterproof build and is the only Amazon ereader with page turn buttons. Typically $250 for the 8GB model, it’s $200 right now. You can get the 32GB model for $220 instead of $280. It came out in mid-2019 so it’s not the newest reader on the scene, but the auto-rotating screen and handy buttons may make it more comfortable as you read.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/we-found-the-best-kindle-prime-day-deals-with-discounts-across-all-models-151353414.html?src=rss
Search for Bluetooth speaker deals today, and you’ll find page after page on Amazon’s site thanks to Prime Big Deal Days. Unfortunately, not every speaker on sale is a winner. Luckily, we’re seeing deals on some of the smart and Bluetooth speakers we’ve tested and think are worth your money (especially when they’re on sale). There are mini speakers that make great gifts, bigger portable speakers that are great for heading outside, and smart speakers that can control your smart home devices or answer your questions. Here are the best Prime Day speaker deals we could find.
Amazon Echo Dot
Amazon’s best-selling Echo speaker is the Echo Dot, which is down to $23 for October Prime. That’s a 54 percent discount over its usual $50 price tag and matches last Prime day and its lowest price ever. We think it’s the best smart speaker under $50 (and now you can get two for less than $50). The sound is loud and surprisingly clear, and it’s a convenient way to get Alexa’s help, which may soon get even better (or at least more conversational).
Echo Studio
If you want quality sound combined with Alexa’s smart assistance, you may want the nearly eight-inch Echo Studio. The list price is $200 but it’s back down to the same $155 low price it saw in July $200. We gave it an 88 in our review, impressed with the hi-res sound coming from three two-inch midrange speakers, a one-inch tweeter and a 5.25-inch downward-facing woofer.
Tribit StormBox Micro 2
The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a small speaker that puts out decent volume and right now it’s down to $48, which is within a dollar of its lowest price ever. There’s a strap in the back that works well on belts, backpacks — or even bike handlebars, so it’s easy to take with you. And on-the-go is where this speaker performs best, as it’s more about portable volume than pure fidelity.
Bose SoundLink Flex
Bose’s SoundLink Flex is down to $119 for Prime Day, which is $10 less than it went for last Prime day and matches its all-time low on Amazon, though it’s gone as low at $110 elsewhere. This is one of the portable speakers we recommend in the sub-$200 range. It puts out a good amount of bass for its size and is IP67 rated so it can handle the elements or a splash from your iced tea.
Anker Soundcore Motion X600
One of Anker’s newest speakers, the Soundcore Motion X600 is on sale for $150 instead of the $200 list price. That matches the low it’s hit a couple times before. We haven’t tested this one yet, but have been impressed with Anker’s Soundcore speakers in the past. It packs 50 watts of sound with five drivers in a just-over-five-pound package. It has an IPX7 waterproof build and an estimated 12-hour play time on a charge.
Anker Soundcore Motion +
Another entry in our speaker guide is Anker’s Soundcore Motion +, which gives out good sound for its price point. The $100 MSRP is discounted to $70, which is a 30 percent discount and an all-time low. It has a bright and bassy output and offers EQ customization in the app. Plus it’s water-resistant.
Amazon Echo (4th gen)
Amazon’s mainstay Echo smart speaker is surprisingly loud for its size and pumps out decent audio. It’s our favorite smart speaker under $100 and usually goes for $99.99, but now it’s hit a new low of $55 for Prime Day, which is 45 percent discount and the same as it sold for during July’s Prime Day — though about $5 more than it sold for during last year’s Black Friday.
Anker Soundcore 2
We haven’t tested the diminutive Soundcore 2 for our buying guides yet, but other Anker Soundcore speakers have made their way into a number of our gifting and buying guides. Plus it’s got over 100K positive ratings. Usually $40, October Prime makes it just $28 after a 30 percent discount. The IPX7 rating means it can handle an accidental dunk and the battery should give you 24 hours of play time, according to Anker. You can even pair up two for stereo sound.
JBL Flip 6
A number of JBL speakers are on sale for Prime Day, including the JBL Flip 6, which is listed at $130, and often goes for around $100. October’s Prime sale brings it back down to its lowest price at $90. This is one of our favorite bluetooth speakers under $200 because it’s drop-resistant, waterproof and lasts for 12 hours on a charge. It'll even connect with other JBL Party-Boost speakers for stereo sound, and can play while standing upright or on its side.
JBL Charge 5
JBL's Charge 5 is a little bigger than the Flip 6 and offers a good upgrade in sound quality. It’s currently seeing a $60 discount that makes it just $120. It has a separate tweeter and dual bass radiators for bigger sound and the water-resistance combined with a long 20-hour battery life make it great for tunes on the go. It can even recharge your phone via USB-C.
JBL Boombox 2
JBL’s Boombox 2 is the previous generation of one of the recommended speakers in our guide. While the Boombox 3 isn’t on sale for Prime day part deux, this one also packs big, loud sound that you can take just about anywhere. The list price is $400, but October Prime is knocking it down to $250, which matches a Prime member-only deal it hit a few weeks ago and makes this a new low price for the public at large. It has a waterproof design, can recharge your phone, and at 13 pounds, it’s big but still portable.
JBL Go 2
The tiny JBL Go 3 also made its way into our October Prime day roundup for deals under $50. While we didn’t test it for our Bluetooth speaker guide, we’ve used and recommended plenty of JBL speakers. The Go 3 is 50 percent off, or $25 right now. You can also get the Clip 4 portable speaker for $45 instead of $80. Both are waterproof and have either a loop or clip for hanging.
Sony SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS
The four-inch tall SRS-XB13 is back to $35 for October Prime, just like it was for July’s sale. This is an older model, which Sony replaced with the SRS-XB100, which is on sale for $48. Both are rated for water and dust resistance and you can pair two for stereo sound.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-prime-day-speaker-deals-we-could-find-for-october-2023-110006653.html?src=rss
Amazon's Prime Day sale for October 2023 is in full swing, but Walmart got the jump on its fellow retailer with a sale of its own that it launched yesterday. The Holiday Kickoff sale is like a Walmart Prime Day sale, which we've seen other storefronts host in the past. It's a way for the company to take advantage of the shopping buzz generated by Amazon — and a way for you to save at more than one outlet. We combed through what Walmart had to offer and found the tech savings that are worth your time. One thing to note is that Walmart carries some devices that Amazon doesn’t, like the Google Nest Hub, which is down to $60. Other worthwhile deals include the 9th generation iPad for $1 less than it sold for during Amazon's July Prime Day and an Xbox Elite Series 2 core controller for just $88.
Apple 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB, 9th gen)
Apple's 9th-generation iPad dropped down to $250 in July for Amazon's first Prime Day of 2023, and it was one of the top sellers. Now Walmart's sale has dropped that price by a dollar, which makes it the new lowest prices o far. This is the budget pick in our guide to the best iPads and while it doesn’t have the thin bezels and as much accessory support as our favorite, the iPad Air, it's excellent for light gaming, streaming and browsing the web — and it's the most affordable way to snag an iPad.
iRobot Roomba j7+
iRobot's Roomba j7+ is down to $300, which is a huge, $400 discount over the regular price. We named this the runner up model in our robot vacuum tests, though the version we recommended didn't have a clean base, this one does. It has strong suction power and utilizes advanced obstacle avoidance, which helps it steer clear of furniture and other objects while it's cleaning.
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
The second-generation Google Nest Hub is down to $60, which is about $5 more than Walmart sold it for last time it did a Prime-adjacent sale. This is the top pick for a Google smart display in Engadget’s Engadget's guide The seven-inch screen lives in an unobtrusive exterior and through it you can watch YouTube, access the Google Assistant, control your smart home devices, and even check in on your cameras around the house. But it doesn't have a built-in camera itself, so you won't be able to make video calls from it.
Microsoft Xbox Elite Series 2 Core
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core wireless controller is down to $88. That beats the low price we saw a few months ago by a healthy $12 and is a $42 discount overall. The Core version of this gamepad is just like the regular Elite Series 2, except without the additional accessories (like extra joysticks and triggers). Both are designed for competitive gamers with a wrap-around grip, 40 hours of rechargeable battery life, adjustable tension sticks and hair-trigger locks.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
If you haven't bought Nintendo's acclaimed 2023 Zelda game, TOTK for your Switch yet, here's a good opportunity. It's a game we thought unlocked "a ton of creative potential" and is now 31 percent off, bringing it down to $48 which is just $2 more than the lowest price we've tracked. This is the standard, physical copy of the game.
Apple iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB, 10th gen)
The 10th generation standard iPad is down to $399. While that's a $40 savings, it's still about $20 more than the all time low price we've tracked for this model. This one didn't make the cut in our list of the best iPads. Though it has a bigger screen and a newer chip than the 9th generation, it's still not Apple’s own M-series silicon and it does away with the home button and headphone jack, which the earlier version retains.
