Smart plugs are among the simpler smart home devices, giving you voice and app control over appliances like lamps, fans, humidifiers and basic coffee makers. You can create schedules and routines, too, either through a plug’s proprietary app or through your preferred smart home platform. But much like other IoT devices, which system plays nice with which plug depends on compatibility, and each brand’s app offers different features. We tested out ten popular options to see which are worth buying.

What to consider when buying a smart plug

Before you buy one, it helps to know what a smart plug can and can’t do. They work best with things that have an on/off switch, making them great for lamps and other lights. If you want a plug-in fan to move some air around before you get home, a smart plug can help. You can load a basic coffee maker with grounds and water the night before and wake up to a fresh pot in the morning. And instead of an air purifier running all day, you could set it to just run when you’re away. But any device that needs to be programmed further, or requires a stand-by mode, isn’t ideal.

Setup and use

Adding a smart plug to your home is relatively simple. You’ll use the manufacturer’s app to initially connect, after which you can add the plug to a compatible smart home ecosystem. Both the brand’s app and your smart home app will let you name the plug, set schedules and program “routines” which control multiple smart devices at once. But as you can guess, a manufacturer’s app only lets you control products from that brand. If you want to operate a plug from TP-Link’s Kasa, a bulb from GE’s Cync and a camera from Wyze, you’ll need to use a smart home platform, which means you’ll need to consider compatibility.

Compatibility

Smart home devices connect through wireless protocols, often using more than one to communicate with your phone, smart speaker, internet connection and in some cases, one another. The majority of smart plugs use WiFi, but some newer plugs use a low-power network standard called Thread. It’s more secure than WiFi, tends to be more reliable and its mesh capabilities provide stronger coverage as more Thread devices are added. These devices require a Thread border router, such as an Apple HomePod or TV, a fourth-generation Amazon Echo or Google Nest Hub.

Matter is a new wireless standard intended to solve compatibility issues between different brands and manufacturers, while also improving security and reliability. Only a few such smart plugs are available right now, and they currently work via WiFi, Bluetooth and Thread networks. These devices require a controller that stays at home, like a smart speaker, if you want to manage things when you’re out and about. If the device also uses Thread, you might need a smart speaker that acts as a border router, like the ones listed above. If all that sounds complicated, it is. Matter promises simplicity, but hasn’t delivered just yet.

As for Bluetooth, most plugs, including all Matter plugs, use the short-range protocol to get the device set up for the first time. Some can continue to run on Bluetooth in the absence of another option, but the connection isn’t as reliable and you won’t be able to control the plug when you’re away from home, or perhaps even just on the other side of the apartment.

Because Matter is relatively new, it may be easier to consider the manufacturer’s system you’d use the most. There are four major “branded” smart home platforms: Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, Apple’s HomeKit and Samsung’s SmartThings. The first two work with the widest range of brands and are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. HomeKit not only limits app access to Apple devices, but it’s also compatible with fewer plugs. You can also turn to open-source software like Home Assistant or go with the larger functionality of IFTTT if you want to, say, tweet to turn your lights on. For the purposes of our testing, we stuck with the four big players. Nearly every plug we looked at clearly stated which platforms it works with, both on the packaging and retail product pages.

Of course, there’s no rule that says you have to stick with one home assistant. You might have an Echo Dot in the basement, a HomePod in the living room and a Google Nest Mini in the kitchen, each controlling their compatible devices. You only need to pair up the right smart home platform with the right device (and then just remember which speaker controls what).

Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

Sharing

Once a plug is set up with your platform and voice assistant of choice, anyone can control the plug just by talking. If someone else wants to control things with their phone, things get more complicated. Google makes it easiest, allowing you to invite another person just by tapping the + button within the Home app. Whomever you invite will have full access to your connected devices – including cameras – so this is only for people you trust the most.

HomeKit makes it similarly easy to grant app access to someone else, but as with most things Apple, it only works for other iOS users. Amazon only allows you to share access to your Echo, not your connected home devices.

Many smart plug manufacturers allow you to share control through their app by inviting another person via email. But this only grants access to devices of that brand. Hopefully as Matter expands, multi-admin features will become more widespread.

How we tested

Before we decided which smart plugs to test, we considered brands Engadget staffers have had the best experiences with, both in review capacity and personally. We also checked out other online reviews. We then looked at factors like price, compatibility and relative popularity. I got ahold of ten smart plugs from eight manufacturers and set up each one using its proprietary app, then added it to all compatible smart home platforms. Plugging in a cadre of lamps, I tested the plugs using an iPhone 11, Galaxy S10e, Echo Dot, HomePod mini and Nest Mini. I accessed the plugs via the apps and through voice commands and controlled them in my home and away from it. I programmed schedules and routines and moved the plugs to different outlets, including ones in the basement to gauge range.

Here’s every smart plug tested before settling on our top picks:

• Amazon Smart Plug

• Emporia Smart Outlet

• GE Cync Indoor

• Wyze Plug

• Roku Indoor Smart Plug SE

• Belkin Wemo Smart Plug with Thread

• TP-Link Kasa EP25

• TP-Link Kasa Ultra Mini EP10

• TP-Link Kasa KP125M (Matter)

• Eve Energy (Matter)

The best smart plugs

Best overall: TP-Link Kasa EP25

All of the plugs eventually did what they said they would, but each had a quirk or two that gave me pause – except TP-Link’s Kasa EP25. From installation to implementation, it was fuss-free and reliable. It’s also one of the cheaper plugs on our list at just $13 each (but you’ll usually find it in a four-pack). It works well with both iOS and Android and on all four smart home platforms. The Kasa app has a clean, intuitive design and includes the features you’d expect like timers, schedules, a vacation mode and smart actions (aka scenes). TP-Link makes a wide range of other smart devices, so you could expand your smart home without having to leave the Kasa app.

The EP25 is an updated version of the HS103 that adds HomeKit compatibility, so I was able to control it with both an iPhone and an Android phone. If you also live in a blended OS home, I recommend onboarding with the iPhone first. After tapping the + button in the Kasa iOS app, a HomeKit pop-up will prompt you to add the plug using the QR code from the box. (The code’s also printed on the plug, but that’s harder to access.)

Once set up in HomeKit, it was easy to add the plug to the other smart home apps. Google Home and SmartThings just need your TP-Link log-in details and Alexa uses the Kasa “skill.” Once you’ve added one plug, any future TP-Link devices you incorporate should automatically show up in each app. If you’re only using an Android device, the Kasa app will walk you through using a temporary Wi-Fi network to get the plug online.

After setup, I named the plug and assigned it a room (making sure it was the same in each app to avoid confusing myself). Then I programmed various routines and schedules and asked all three voice assistants to turn the light on and off – everything worked without a hitch. In the weeks of testing, the EP25 never had a connection hiccup, even after I relocated it to the basement, which is the farthest point from my router.

My single complaint is that sharing with another user isn’t supported within the Kasa app. You can share your log-in details with the other person, as the app does support access from multiple devices on one account. But Google Home feels like the best way to share smart home device control, whether that’s between iOS and Android devices or when everyone uses the same OS.

Best for homes with Alexa: Amazon Smart Plug

If you have many Echo devices and use Alexa to answer your questions, control your music and manage your timers, Amazon’s smart plug makes the most sense. Your Echos and Alexa app already have your details, so you won’t have to create an account, enter your WiFi password or switch to a different app, which makes setup mindlessly simple. In addition to naming your plug, you’ll also want to designate it as a light under Type in the settings menu. That way, when you say, “Alexa, turn all the lights off,” it will act accordingly.

I was impressed with the speed of the onboarding process and how seamlessly the plug blended into the Alexa ecosystem, giving it another IRL appendage to flex. I still get a small thrill when I say, “Alexa, goodnight,” and all goes dark. However, you won’t be able to use the plug with any other smart home app, which is why it’s best for those who’ve already gone all-in on an Amazon home.

The only other drawback, and it’s not a small one, is the Alexa app’s lack of sharing capabilities. You can create households that let other people in your home access your Echo speakers through their phone, but they can’t see your smart home devices. If you’re the only one who needs app access and everyone else in your home is happy to interact via voice commands only, this plug couldn’t be simpler. At $25, it’s not the cheapest smart plug, but like all things Amazon, it goes on sale fairly often.

Best Matter Plug: TP-Link Kasa KP125M

Only a handful of Matter-enabled smart plugs are currently available and the Kasa KP125M is the best of what we tried. It works with all four platforms, installs easily and reliably maintains connections. Most Matter devices need to be initialized with a QR code, but this plug also supports Bluetooth onboarding, which saves a step. I set it up through the Kasa app first and because I already had another Kasa plug installed, the process was simplified, automatically prompting me to add the plug with a couple of taps. Adding the device to Alexa, Google Home and Samsung’s SmartThings worked the same way, with each app letting me know I had new devices available to add.

To add the plug to HomeKit, I had to scan the included barcode. The process didn’t work at first and I ended up having to long-press the button on the side to make it enter pairing mode. Unlike some Matter plugs, KP125M doesn’t require a Thread border router. And because it’s also a WiFi plug, you don’t need a Matter controller, such as a smart speaker for access when you’re away from home. That said, many of the negative reviews on Amazon have to do with the plug’s poor HomeKit compatibility. In addition to the setup hitch I mentioned, the connection with the HomeKit app and Siri was extremely spotty until I added Apple’s HomePod mini to the mix as a dedicated hub. After that, the reliability improved.

It’s important to note that our best overall pick is $7 cheaper and also works with all four platforms. The higher price tag is likely due to the Matter logo on the side. The protocol is still very new, and honestly, I’d call the KP125M plug more of a hybrid WiFi-Bluetooth-Matter plug, which could be why it played nice with every platform. The other Matter plug, the Eve Energy Matter plug, requires you to have a HomePod for HomeKit access, a Nest Hub for Google Home connection and a SmartThings hub to make it work with Samsung’s system. The promise of Matter is faster and simpler connectivity – requiring three hubs to work with various platforms seems to miss that point.

Honorable mentions

GE Cync Indoor

My main concern with the Cync plug is the way the scheduling works within the proprietary app. Instead of programming when an outlet should turn on, you tell it when it should turn off. Despite my best efforts, I could not figure out how to program the Cync-connected lamp to come on at sunset, as I did with every other plug. Other than that, the app is very elegant, set up is easy and reliability is spot on. It only works with Alexa and Google Home, not HomeKit or SmartThings, but at $15, it’s a couple bucks cheaper than the Wyze plug that has the same compatibility.

Emporia Smart Outlet

At just $12 each (sold in a four-pack), Emporia Smart Outlets are a good choice for those who want to keep an exacting eye on their home’s energy use. Emporia also makes whole-home batteries and energy monitors, and their focus is more technical than slick. The plug/* wouldn't connect until the third try, but after that, it worked well with both Alexa and Google Home apps. HomeKit and SmartThings aren't supported, but for managing a home’s peak demand usage, there’s no better option.

If a single point of access for your wireless connections just isn't cutting it, a mesh WiFi system might be what you need. A few different routers, including Google's Nest WiFi Pro 6E routers are currently on sale at Amazon and at Google's own store. A three-pack of the Pro routers is down to $320, which is a 20 percent discount and a record low. The deal is part of a larger sale at Amazon, that also includes deals on other Nest smart home devices like doorbells, cameras and thermostats.

The Nest WiFi Pro routers use the latest WiFi 6E technology, covering up to 6,600 square feet and granting access to the newly opened 6 GHz band, which gives compatible devices faster throughput and more reliable connections, particularly in densely populated areas. The routers are Matter-compatible and act as Thread border routers — something that may come in handy as you expand your connected smart home with new deices like smart plugs and lights. And unlike some routers, the rounded design looks nice enough to display on a shelf and won't make you feel like you need to hide it away.  

The sale further includes the Nest Thermostat, which is down to $99. That's about $10 higher than its lowest price this year, but is still a decent 23 percent discount. The smart thermostat can help you save energy by setting schedules and not unnecessarily heating or cooling your space when you're not home. It also grants control via the app or thought your smart assistant of choice (unless you choose Siri). Before diving in, you may want to make sure your system is compatible.   

A battery version of the Nest Doorbell is on sale as well. It's down to $130 after a 28 percent discount off its $180 price tag. That's also about $10 more than its lowest price ever, which we saw during the shopping holidays last November. The video doorbell will send alerts and footage to your smart phone or compatible smart display and allows you to see, hear and talk to whomever comes to the door.  

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Apple announced its newest laptop, the 15-inch MacBook Air, this Monday during the brand's annual Worldwide Developers Conference — and there's already at least one retailer offering a nearly $50 discount on pre-orders. Apple set the retail price at $1,299, but right now Amazon is listing it for $1,249.99. You won't see big red discount numbers or really any indication that its on sale, other than the fact that it's cheaper than at any other retailer. The discount applies to the 256GB storage configuration in either Silver or Midnight. The larger, 512GB versions are also $49 off, but only in the Starlight or Space Gray colorways. 

Amazon has a history of promoting discounts that are small but notable (hey, $50 is $50) on new and desirable products, in the hopes that you buy your new device from its site over the competition. Apple's announcement came after many months of speculation that the company would put out a laptop with a screen large enough for serious productivity, without making people spring for the extra cost (and potentially superfluous processing power) of the Pro model laptops. 

Our deputy editor Cherlynn Low was on the ground at WWDC and had a chance to put her hands on the newest MacBook. She was impressed by how light and thin it is at just 3.3 pounds and measuring under a half-inch thick. She reported that the Liquid Retina display was rich, vibrant and sharp. A demonstration of its processing power seemed speedy enough — that's not surprising as it has the same M2 chip as the 13-inch MacBook Air, which performs remarkably well. But we'll need to get a unit in for testing before we can properly evaluate it. 

In the meantime, here's what the new 15-inch MacBook Air offers: A 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display, a 1080p camera and a promised 18-hour battery life. The M2 chip in the base model has an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, instead of the optional 8-core GPU you can get with the 13-inch version. It has the same 8GB of RAM as the smaller model (which is configurable to 24GB) and the same storage options, either 256GB or 512GB (both configurable up to 2TB of SSD). The MBA 15 sadly didn't add any additional ports — you'll still just two Thunderbolt 4 ports with MagSafe plug for power and a 3.5mm headphone jack. 

When you pre-order now, your new MacBook Air should ship out next week. 

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The base model Galaxy S23 with 128GB of storage has dropped back down to a record low of $700 at Amazon and Best Buy. It's dropped to this price a few times before, which is a full $100 off the list price after a 13 percent discount. The deal applies to all four colorways, too, so you can pick between Cream, Green, Lavender or Phantom Black. The bigger 512GB size is also $100 off, making that configuration $760 after a 12 percent discount. If you play a lot of games or take a lot of pics, you may want to go that route. The sale also applies to the larger Galaxy S23+ and the S23 Ultra, which are $150 and $225 off, respectively. 

The Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch screen with an extra bright, full-HD display and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Three cameras on the back include a 50MP wide-angle, a 10MP telephoto and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The front-facing selfie cam captures 12MP. It uses the latest generation octa-core Snapdragon 8 processor and has a battery that can handle up to 22 hours of video playback.  

You get a larger, 6.6-inch screen on the S23+ along with a bigger battery that Samsung says can get up to 27 hours. We clocked 25 hours in our rundown tests but that's still an impressive life for a smartphone — and even beats the S23 Ultra. Our deputy editor Cherlynn Low also called out the vibrant display and fast performance from the Snapdragon 8 gen 2 chip in her review, ultimately saying it "ranks up there as one of the best Android phones around." The S23+ is currently down to $850 for the 256GB size and $970 in the 512GB capacity. 

As for the S23 Ultra, we named it one of the best Android smartphones and one of the best smartphones in general in our guide. Usually $1,200, the 256GB model is currently $975 after a 19 percent discount at either Amazon or Best Buy. The model with a 512GB storage capacity is down to $1,155 or $225 off the list price. The Ultra received a review score of 89 from our senior review writer, Sam Rutherford. He gave props to the brilliant display, long battery life and overall speedy performance. But what really stood out was the S23 Ultra's photographic capabilities. Sam has no doubt that the 200MP camera could potentially "film Hollywood-grade movies" but that to get the most out of the impressive cameras and accompanying software, you really need to know what you're doing. 

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On the heels of Apple's WWDC announcement of a brand new MacBook Air, B&H is now selling last year's model for an all-time low price. The base configuration of the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip is currently $999 in either the Silver or Midnight colorway. It's just $50 more for Starlight or Space Gray, which is still a pretty great deal. The base model has 8GB of RAM and 256GM of storage, along with an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU on the M2 chip. 

During yesterday's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote, Apple revealed the new 15-inch MacBook Air, which you can pre-order now. But if you don't need a 15-inch screen, you can get the same M2 chip in the 13-inch model — and save $300 over the larger laptop's price, thanks to this deal. Apple did announce a lower base price for last year's laptop, and you can now get it from most retailers for $1,099, but B&H Photo is taking things a step further with an all-time low $999 price. 

The 2022 MacBook Air is our current favorite laptop overall thanks to the excellent performance of Apple's own M2 processor and the impressive 16-hour battery life — all in a machine that's highly portable at just 2.7 pounds. Our senior editor Devindra Hardawar called the machine a "near-perfect Mac" in his review, praising the "gorgeous" redesign, the great speakers and the speedy performance of the M2 chip. 

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During the keynote at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, rumors about a new 15-inch MacBook Air were confirmed with the announcement of the company's latest lightweight laptop. The new model adds two inches to the screen, which means if all you want is a bigger display, you no longer have to pay a premium for a Pro model. The machine runs on Apple's latest M2 chip, has a Liquid Retina display, up to 24GB of RAM and starts at $1,299. Units are available for pre-order now and should ship next week. 

There are plenty of other relatively lightweight laptops with 15-inch screens on the market. Here's how Apple's measures up to two of the more popular ones: the XPS 15 from Dell and ASUS's ZenBook Pro 15.

MacBook Air 15 vs Dell XPS 15 vs ASUS ZenBook 15

Follow all of the news from Apple's WWDC 2023 right here.

The week after Memorial Day can sometimes be a little sleepy on the deals front, but this week we saw a good number of sales, particularly on audio equipment. The headliner deal, a rare sale at Sonos, takes up to 25 percent off some of the brand's most popular speakers. JBL is discounting a few of its better Bluetooth speakers, Sony's new WH-CH720N headphones are down to $128 and Apple's AirPods Pro have dropped back to $200. Solo Stove carried over its holiday sale to this week, in which you can save up to 45 percent on the brand's mostly smokeless fire pits or get $120 off one of our recommended pizza ovens. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today. 

Sonos speaker sale

I heard from a colleague that they'd just bough a Sonos speaker — before this sale popped up. To avoid the same disappointing fate, you may want to shop now if you've been thinking about a speaker from one of our favorite brands. Currently, many of the more popular speakers are up to 25 percent off in a rare sale. Discounts apply to one of our favorite soundbars, the Sonos Arc, which is $719.20 after a 20 percent discount. It calibrates its sound to your living room (or wherever you set it up) and works well with other Sonos speakers as you expand. The Beam, which is our favorite mid-range soundbar is down to $399.20, which is nearly $100 off the street price. I particularly appreciate the way the Beam makes dialogue much clearer.  

Our favorite portable smart speaker, the Sonos Roam, is also part of the sale, down to $134.25 instead of its usual $179. The new Era 100, which our deputy editor Nathan Ingraham gave high marks to, isn't on sale by itself, but is available bundled with the Move speaker for $99 off. 

Sony WH-CH720N headphones

They've only been around for a few months now, but Sony's WH-CH720N wireless headphones are already 20 percent off at Amazon and Adorama, bringing them to just $128. Our audio expert and editor Billy Steele deemed them "budget-friendly headphones with premium sound" in his review last month. They're a mid-range and more affordable alternative to Sony's $400 WH-1000XM5, but compromises like a mostly plastic build make the headphones look "decidedly cheap." It's also missing some advanced features like automatically pausing when you take them off. Still, Billy was impressed by the overall sound quality, remarking on the clarity of detail and ample bass. They have a long, 35-hour battery life and are also lightweight and comfortable, even after hours of wear. 

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

Solo Stove's Memorial Day sale is still going on, with discounts up to 45 percent on some of the brand's nearly smokeless fire pits. The medium-sized Bonfire 2.0 is still just $250 after a $150 discount. It's 19.5-inches in diameter and comes with an improved ash pan for easier cleanup. Solo Stove is also still offering a free mini fire pit, the table-top-friendly Mesa if you enter the code FREEMESA at checkout (just remember to add the mini pit to your cart first). And while Ooni's Memorial Day sale looks to be over, Solo's answer to the pizza oven boom, the Pi Pizza Oven (and one of our favorites), is on sale for $400 after a $120 discount. 

Humble Metroidvania game bundle

Humble Bundle, the online store that sells bundled games at a discount while giving money to charity, has a notable set of games on offer this week. Nine Metroidvania games, including Hollow Knight, Bloodstained and Rain World, are going for the minimum price of $15. Bought separately, the titles would sell for $164. As with all Humble Bundles, you can pick the price you pay, with a portion of the money going to publishers and charities like the Malala Fund, the ACLU and One Tree Planted. This bundle supports Girls Who Code and has already raised $34,061 as of this writing. 

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is on sale for $145 instead of its usual $180 at both Amazon and from Microsoft. That's close to the lowest price we've seen for the highly customizable controller since its debut in 2019. It works with Xbox Series X or S consoles as well as PCs running Windows 10 or 11 and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth or Microsoft's own Xbox Wireless protocol. If you prefer, you can just plug it in with the included USB-C cable. Many other items are included as well, like a charging dock, four paddles, an extra D-pad, additional thumbsticks and a carrying case. If you don't need all of that (and don't want to have it in black) you can grab the Core version of the Elite Series 2, which is currently on sale for $104 from Microsoft. 

The Xbox Wireless Headset is also on sale for $85 instead of $100, which is an all-time low. Of course, this set didn't make the cut in our guide to the best gaming headsets. Our senior commerce writer, Jeff Dunn, would suggest instead the wired Astro A40 TR, which is on sale for $100 after a 23 percent discount. It's got a more spacious soundstage than many gaming headsets with an emphasized bass that delivers a "a smooth and satisfying thump" without overdoing it. True, they're not wireless, but you can plug them directly into the headphone jack on your new Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.  

Apple AirTags

Losing your keys and wallet is never fun. A Bluetooth tracker can help you stop doing that. Right now Apple's option, the small white AirTags, are on sale for 20 percent off when you buy a four pack from Walmart or Verizon. They're our favorite trackers for iPhone users (and don't work with Android devices) because they tap into the vast FindMy network, enabled by default for every iPhone user out there. That means any nearby phone can anonymously find your lost item and help you zero in on its location. 

In my tests, the AirTags were neither as loud nor as quick with separation alerts as the Chipolo One trackers. Those were the best overall pick in our guide, work with both iPhones and Android phones and are currently just $75 for a four-pack.    

WD_Black 1TB SN850X NVMe Gaming SSD

The latest WD_Black 1TB SN850X NVMe Gaming SSD with a heat sink is currently just $80 at Amazon, which is a 56 percent savings over the usual $180. It offers read/write speeds of up to 7300/6300 MBs and, in addition to PCs, it's also compatible with PS5 consoles. If you need even more storage, check out the 2TB size which is $150 instead of $310. 

If you'd prefer external storage, you can grab the WD_Black 1TB P4 Game Drive SSD for $100 or 44 percent off its $180 list price. The 2TB capacity version is on sale for $160, which is an even steeper 52 percent discount. As they're external, they're compatible with both PS and Xbox consoles and can even store files from your PC or Mac. 

Samsung Pro Plus microSD card

Samsung ran a promotion on its storage devices last week and many of the deals are still live at Amazon. Of particular note is the 128GB Pro Plus microSD card, which is down to $18 after a 31 percent discount and represents a new low price. It's our top pick in our guide to the best microSD cards. This deal bundles a handy USB reader, but if you don't need one, you can get just the card for $15. The 256GB model is $24, which is the lowest price we've seen yet. 

You can also snag deals on the Samsung Evo Select card, which is 55 percent off, or the ultracompact Samsung Fit Plus flash drive which is now just $15 for the 128GB version. The ever-popular portable SSD, the T7 Shield, is 44 percent off in the 1TB size.  

Chromecast with Google TV 

The 4K version of the Chromecast with Google TV is currently $40 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's a 20 percent discount and matches the cheapest price we've seen yet. The streaming dongle can turn any set into a smart TV, giving you a slew of streaming options while offering support for Dolby Vision. If you don't have a screen that can handle 4K video, the HD dongle is even cheaper at just $20 after a 33 percent discount. Our commerce writer Nicole Lee gave the 4K version an 86 in her review and we named it the runner up in our streaming device guide thanks to its great Google Assistant integration and informative Google TV interface. 

JBL Flip 6

A handful of JBL speakers are on sale right now, including JBL's Flip 6, Charge 5 and Xtreme 3 — all of which our homepage editor, Jon Turi, recommends in his guide to the best Bluetooth speakers. The Flip 6 puts out impressive volume considering its 1.2-pound size and still manages to deliver "solid lows [and] crisp highs." True to it's name, you can flip it on its side to save tabletop space and the IP67 waterproof rating mean it can handle a dunk. It's down to $100 after a 23 percent discount at both JBL and Amazon. That's not an all-time low, but falls within $10 of its Black Friday pricing. 

The Charge 5 is at little bigger at just over two pounds and can likewise pump out bigger sound. It delivers the same quality sound as the smaller Flip 6 (and has the same waterproof rating). The larger battery not only goes for 20 hours on a charge, it can even juice up your small devices via the USB port. It's on sale for $150 after a 17 percent discount from both JBL and Amazon. For even bigger sound, we recommend the Xtreme 3. Its 4.3-pound size is large enough to warrant a shoulder strap and can adequately output sound for a backyard get-together. It's $100 off after a 25 percent discount and you can get it from JBL or Best Buy.  

Govee M1 RGBIC LED strip lights

Light strips might not be the most necessary smart home devices, but they can add a decidedly fun vibe to a living room, bedroom or gamer cave. The latest option from Govee, the 16.4-foot M1 RGBIC LED Strip Lights are on sale for $85 at Amazon, after you click to apply the $15 coupon. Our senior commerce editor, Valentina Palladino, recommends them in our guide to smart bulbs because they have an impressively wide color spectrum, don't require a hub and let you customize 15 different segments to get just the right lighting scheme. 

Other Govee lights are also on sale, including the 100-foot RGBIC LED Strip Lights for $48.48 after applying the $10 coupon. These have an older chip in them and aren't quite as bright as the newer model, but at less than a dollar per foot, they're an inexpensive way to get started with smart strip lights. 

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen)

At this point, we'd recommend anyone looking into AirPods Pro to wait for them to go on sale. This week is one such time, as the second generation of Apple's AirPods Pro have dropped back to $199 both at Target and at Amazon. They are Engadget's recommendation for the best earbuds you can buy for iPhones. Billy gave them an 88 in his review, noting their improved performance and better features over the previous generation. They also deliver one of the most natural-sounding transparency modes of any earbuds out there. 

Eero Pro 6 mesh Wi-Fi 6 router

As part of a larger sale on Amazon's line of Wi-Fi routers, the Eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi router is on sale for $200. That's a 20 percent discount, but $20 more than its lowest price so far. Still, if you've brought home a newer smartphone, tablet or laptop that can access WiFi 6 and want a router that can supply that band, this might be a good time to upgrade. If you've got a large area to cover, you may need a few routers. A three-pack of Eero routers can cover up to 6,000 square feet and are similarly discounted.  

Google Nest WiFi Routers

If you'd rather get a WiFi router from Google, take a look at Amazon's sale on Nest devices. A three-pack of the Nest WiFi Pro 6E routers is 15 percent off, or $340, which is the lowest price in the past four months, though not an all-time low. Set these up throughout your home and you'll get 6,000 square feet of coverage with access to the usual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi bands, plus the newer 6 GHz band. Compatible devices, like newer smartphones, laptops and tablets, can access this band and get lower latency and less network crowding.  

Ring Video Doorbell

The wired version of the Ring Video Doorbell is seeing a steep discount this week at Amazon. Usually $65, it's now just $39 after a 40 percent discount. The camera uses motion detection to tell when someone is at your door, sending out instant notifications. You can see, hear and talk to visitors using your phone or an Echo display. To hear a chime inside your home when someone rings the bell, you'll need an Alexa-enabled speaker or a Ring Chime. The devices offer customizable privacy settings, but it's important to note that Amazon's Ring devices haven't had the best track record on that front. 

iRobot Roomba 694

Last week, Wellbots offered a few discount codes on many of our favorite Roomba robot vacs, and now Amazon and iRobot have matched many of those prices. One of particular note is the iRobot Roomba 694, the winner from our guide to budget versions autonomous cleaners. It's currently 35 percent off, or $179, from both Amazon and iRobot. That matches the all-time low on a vac that offers an easy-to-use companion app and powerful suction. 

Also on sale is the iRobot Roomba j7, which is $400 after a $200 discount at both Amazon and the iRobot store. It's the runner-up mid-range vac in our robovac guide, in which Valentina noted its excellent obstacle avoidance and good cleaning power. The standard j7 doesn't come with a clean base, so you'll need to manually empty what the machine picks up in a run. If you want an auto-empty feature, you can opt for the Roomba j7+, which Amazon and iRobot have for $600 instead of $800. If you also want a vac than can mop, the Roomba Combo j7+ includes an on-board mopping pad that automatically deploys when the bot detects hard floors. It's available from Amazon, Target or directly from iRobot.

Our pick for a premium robo vac is the Roomba s9+ which is $749 instead of $1,000. Pick that one up from either Amazon or iRobot. 

Samsung The Frame Smart TV

A sale on Samsung's The Frame Smart TVs at Woot takes 27 to 33 percent off sets ranging from 43 and 75 inches. That makes the 50-inch model $870 instead of $1,300 and the 43-inch $730 instead of $998. The QLED 4K smart TVs run on Samsung's Tizen OS and feature an Art Mode that camouflages the screen as a fairly convincing piece of art when it's off. The anti-reflection matte display, narrow wall mount and external CPU add to the illusion, particularly if you drop the thin connecting wire behind the drywall during installation. 

Apple Mac Mini

Apple's entry-level Mac mini with 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage is $100 off right now at B&H Photo. The deal matches the all-time low of $499 and makes it the most affordable way to get a decent Mac desktop computer. It won't handle heavy workloads and isn't upgradable, so you'll probably want to make sure it can handle what you want it to do before you checkout. If you want a larger SSD, you can grab the version with 512GB of storage for $679, or $120 off. Amazon offered the same deals last week, but has since run out of stock. We gave the beefed up version of the latest Mac mini a score of 86 when it came out earlier this year.  

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Avoiding manual floor maintenance is a lovely thing, but a good robot vacuum will cost you. Our current favorite pick for a mop and vac combo, iRobot's Roomba j7+ usually sells for $1,099 but Wellbots will knock $300 off the list price when you use the code 300ENGADGET at checkout. That beats a $200 discount we saw earlier this year and represents an all-time low for a gadget that "earned its place" in on of our senior editors' smart home. Wellbots has a few other vacs on sale too, also with discount codes, listed below. 

Unlike some combo machines, in which you have to program where to mop and where to use the vacuum, the Roomba Combo j7+ senses when it's rolling over hard floors and drops down the on-board mop pad accordingly. It comes with a clean base, which sucks out the dry debris after a run, but you'll have to take care of adding and emptying the mop water yourself. iRobot machines continually top our lists, in part thanks to the accurate room mapping, easy-to-use app and excellent obstacle avoidance — qualities it shares with the vac-only sibling. 

Wellbots is currently discounting the Roomba j7+ by $220 when you use the code 220ENGADGET. That brings the unit down to $579, which also beats a previous discount from the same seller earlier this year, and is the lowest price we've seen outside of Black Friday promotions last November. The standard (non-combo) Roomba j7 is the runner up mid-range vac in our guide and this version simply includes a clean base to suck out the dirt after it runs. One thing we should note is that process is loud but it gets you a bit closer to fully autonomous cleaning. 

If you're fine with emptying the collected debris yourself, you can save a little on the base model Roomba j7. Wellbots is also offering $220 off that model, using the same code. That brings it down to just $379, which doesn't quite beat the deal Wellbots offered late last year, but is still a tidy discount.

And finally, if premium is what you want, you can get just that with iRobot's Roomba s9+. The same code also takes $220 off the $999 list price, making it $779 instead. It's the premium pick in our robot vacuum guide and comes complete with copper accents. Of course, doesn't just look pretty, our resident robot expert, senior commerce editor Valentina Palladino, calls it, "nothing if not one of the best robot vacuums out there."

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We're still a couple of weeks away from the unofficial start to summer, but some Memorial Day sales are already popping up, including one on mostly smokeless fire pits from Solo Stoves. Discounts there range up to 45 percent. BioLite's sale takes up to 25 percent off of outdoor power gadgets and Ring security devices are discounted up 30 percent so you can keep tabs on your home for less. Outside of site-wide sales, Apple's second-gen AirPods Pro are back down to $200 and the Apple Watch Ultra is the cheapest we've seen it, but only with a yellow strap. For anyone thinking ahead to back to school, we found deals on threedifferentlaptops, a smart monitor and a Mac mini. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today.

Solo Stove Bonfire

Late summer nights outdoors are better with fire pits. Solo Stove is currently hosting a site-wide sale that runs through June 4th and includes discounts of up to 45 percent. The Bonfire is the brand's most popular pit and falls between the portable Ranger and extra large Yukon in size. Usually $400, the sale brings the Bonfire down to $250. Plenty of bundles are on sale too, including an ultimate bundle that pairs up the Bonfire with a stand, lid, shield and tools for $555 which is $530 off the regular price. 

Use the code FREEMESA at checkout and you can get a free Mesa tabletop fire pit. Those normally sell for $120. Whichever unit you choose, you'll get less smoke thanks to the double-walled chamber that burns wood more efficiently. Solo Stove improved upon their original design on all 2.0 models, adding a removable base plate and ash pan that makes clean up much easier. 

Apple AirPods Pro

Apple's latest AirPods Pro are among the best buds an iPhone user can stick in their ears and once again, they're down to $200, which is a tidy savings over their $249 list price and within a dollar of their all-time low. Our resident audio expert, Billy Steele, gave the buds an 88 in his review, pointing out that this generation's sound is massively superior to the previous one. 

The clarity is excellent at low volume an has a more immersive and detailed sound overall. Thanks to the H2 chip, the buds are capable of impressively fast on-device processing to deliver good active noise cancellation and one of the best transparency modes available. The buds switch seamlessly between Apple devices and the battery will give you six hours of play on a charge with noise cancellation turned on. 

If it's pure sound quality you're looking for, Billy also recommends Sennheiser's Momentum 3 buds. They're also down to $200, after an $80 discount. 

BaseCharge 600

Power stations let you bring multiple hours of power for lights, devices and even small appliances when you're camping or otherwise away from an outlet. BioLite's 622 watt-hour portable battery, the BaseCharge 600 is getting its first discount today as part of a larger, site-wide sale. Usually $700, the sale dips it down to a more palatable $560. The sale runs through May 29th with discounts on other power-related devices, including 20 percent off the larger BaseCharge 1500 and the 100-watt solar panels that can recharge either battery.

I spent a few weeks with the BaseCharge 600 and used it to run my work-from-home setup (laptop, monitor, gateway, lights) for a full day with plenty of charge left over. It also ran a power drill outdoors for a small project. There are eight ports up front, including multiple USB-Cs and regular old three-pronged plug outlets. The display offers a lot of useful info, like how long the battery has left, considering your current power consumption, or the amount of time the battery will take to return to full when it's plugged into the wall or a solar panel.

Our favorite low-capacity power bank, the Charge 40 PD is also part of the sale, and down to $45 instead of $60. It's got a tough case and will revive your phone from the dead a couple of times.   

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

Many Ring security products are currently cheaper right now, both at Amazon and at Ring. Discounts include $75 off the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, which brings it down to $175 and the cheapest its gone for outside of Black Friday sales last November. The Pro 2 is a wired unit that gives you a head-to-toe view of your entryway along with two-way audio and 3D motion sensing that more accurately differentiates between people simply passing by and those actually approaching your door. 

If you don't have a wire available for your doorbell (or wanted something a little cheaper), you can go for the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus. It's down to $140 after a 22 percent discount. It also gives you head-to-toe HD video and two-way audio. The quick-release battery pack is rechargeable and should last a few months between charges.  

Apple Watch Ultra with Yellow Ocean Band

We're not in Patek Philippe territory, but a $799 timepiece is still pretty spendy. This week gave us the lowest price we've seen yet on the top-end Apple Watch Ultra, bringing it down to $702 — but only if you get it with the yellow band. If you're down with the sunny hue, or were already planning to swap out the strap, you can save nearly $100 on a watch that's best suited to athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Our deputy editor Cherlynn Low gave the smartwatch an 85 in her review, citing it's excellent battery life, durable build and the bright display. Its GPS, Backtrack and Waypoint features also performed admirably during a hike in New Jersey's South Mountain reservation.

For those who want a capable smartwatch that's much more affordable, the current generation 40mm Apple Watch SE with the starlight case is also on sale at Amazon and at Best Buy. It's back down to $219, which is the lowest it's gone since its debut last September. Cherlynn called this one "the best smartwatch $250 can buy" in her review. The 44mm models in all three case colorways are also on sale at Amazon.  

Google Nest Learning thermostat

Right now, Wellbots is offering a total of $105 off Google's Nest Learning Thermostat when you enter the code 55ENGDT at checkout. The smart thermometer is already on sale for $199, but the code takes an additional $55 off, making it just $144. Over time, the Nest will learn your habits and adjust accordingly. By detecting when you're home and away, the device could help save energy too. 

Another discount code will save you a total of $124 on the Google Nest Camera with Floodlight. It's on sale for $220, but the code 65ENGDT will bring it down to $155. The camera pairs up bright lights and a camera to alert you when events are detected outside your home, sending HD video to your phone or smart display so you can keep tabs on your perimeter at all times.  

And finally, we've got a code for the Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Camera too. Enter 45ENGDT at checkout for an additional $45 savings over the $140 sale price. 

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

A sale at Amazon is lowering the price on many configurations of Samsung's latest Galaxy phones. The S23 Ultra, the S23+ and the base model S23 are all seeing discounts of between $50 and $150. The sale brings the S23 Ultra with 256GB of storage down to $1,050. 

These aren't the largest discounts we've seen on Samsung's latest smartphones, but it's a decent discount on what are still pretty new phones. The discounts apply to all storage configurations and all colorways are included. 

We gave the Galaxy S23 Ultra an 89 in our review, praising the powerful performance, "dazzling" display and larger, 200MP rear camera that produces great-looking images. The S23+ earned an 86 review score from us thanks to its bright display and excellent battery life, which went longer than two days before needing a charge.  

Samsung M70B Series Smart Monitor

Multiple models of Samsung monitors are currently on sale at both Amazon and directly from Samsung's site, including the 43-inch M70B smart monitor. It's currently $380, which is $120 off the list price and the lowest its gone for since the shopping holidays late last year. It's got 4K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate and thanks to the built-in smart TV capabilities, you can stream, video conference and control your smart home without connecting to a PC. The sale also includes the 32-inch Odyssey Neo G8, which is $1,200 instead of $1,500. The curved 4K monitor has a 240Hz refresh rate with a latency as low as 1ms.  

Hulu

If you cancelled Hulu and want to come back, you can get the next three months for just $2 per month. The deal is valid through May 27th and is available to new and returning subscribers — as long as it's been at least a month since you cancelled. This is the ad-supported version of the service, which usually goes for $8 per month. If you don't want your episodes of Abbot Elementary interrupted by ads, you can go for the ad-free plan for $15 per month. Either way, we think Hulu is one of the better streaming services out there and it will be the only place to catch new (yes) episodes of Futurama. 

Apple 2023 Mac mini M2 

Apple's latest system-on-a-chip is the M2 processor, which you'll find in the newest MacBook Airs, MacBook Pros and the Mac mini. The diminutive computer is the cheapest way to get the speed of the M2 and right now you can grab a mini for just $500, which is $100 off the list price and matches the lowest price so far. This is the model with 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage, which is the same capacity offered by the base model MacBook Air — but the mini delivers it for about half the price. 

Of course, you'll need to add a monitor, but if you've already got on on hand, you can save a significant amount. We gave the Mac mini an 86 in our review, praising the performance, solid design and generous amount of ports for accessories and monitors. 

Eero Pro mesh WiFi router

Amazon is selling many of it's previous-generation Eero routers for 24 to 50 percent off right now. The sale includes the Eero Pro mesh WiFi router which is half price and down to $80. It's a tri-band router that simultaneously supports 2.4GHz, 5.2 GHz and 5.8 GHz signals. A single unit will cover up to 1,750 square feet and if you add more routers, you can expand that coverage easily. Once you install an Eero router, you can even use current-model Echo speakers as WiFi extenders too. Note that the Eero Pro is a previous generation model that supports WiFi 5 — the newer, WiFi 6E model is currently $250 and not on sale. 

Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed 

If you're dealing with limited desk real estate, a 60 percent keyboard might help. Right now, Razer's BlackWidow V3 is on sale for $180 or 39 percent off at Amazon and Best Buy. Though it's technically a 65 percent keyboard, it's still our top pick for the best 60 percent keyboard with arrow keys. It offers both 2.4G and Bluetooth connectivity A switch lets you pick between a clicky typing experience or a much quieter (though not completely silent) mode. 

KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender

We named the KitchenAid immersion blender the best cordless option in our in our guide to immersion blenders. Our reviewer, Sam Rutherford, says it easy to use and liked that instead of discrete speed settings, you can adjust the speed by applying more or less pressure on the trigger. Kitchen Aid claims it can blend 25 bowls of soup on a charge. Sam didn't have that much soup on hand, but still found the battery to last a long time. Just keep in mind that you can't charge it while you use it, so plug it in before you plan on cooking.  

Apple MacBook Pro M2, 14-inch

Our senior editor Devindra Hardawar called the new MacBook Pro a "blessing for creatives" when the new laptop came out earlier this year, awarding it a 92 in his review. Right now the base-level configuration, with the M2 Pro chip, 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage is back down to an all-time low of $1,749 at B&H Photo. That only goes for the space gray colorway — you'll pay $50 more for the silver version. 

We named the it the best MacBook for creatives in our guide thanks to the laptop's powerful processing power that easily handles 4K video editing and complex musical arrangements. It has plenty of ports, including a 3.5mm, one HDMI, three Thunderbolt 4 ports and an SD card slot. You can get the same deal on Amazon.

Samsung S95B OLED

Samsung's S95B OLED 55-inch TV is on sale for $1,298, which is a steep, 41 percent discount over the $2,198 price tag it had when it first came out. You can grab the same deal at Samsung too. The S95B smart TV made our list for one of the best TVs for gaming you can buy. The QD-OLED display combines an OLED panel with a layer of quantum dots so it can offer the deep blacks that you get with quality OLED screens, but also gives enough brightness to play in a daylight-lit room. You'll be able to play 4K games with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and there are four full HDMI ports.  

The 2023 version, the S95C, is now available, but you'll pay about $2,400 right now, after a $100 discount from Samsung. If you want our top pick for a gaming set, check out the LG C2, which is on sale for $200 off at both B&H Photo and at Amazon. That's not the lowest price ever, but a good way to save a few dollars on a great gaming TV. 

Apple MacBook Air M1

The previous generation MacBook Air with the M1 chip is our top pick for a budget Apple laptop, and right now, it's an even better deal at just $800, which is $200 off the list price. It doesn't have the latest system-on-a-chip that Apple makes, but it's still a powerful ultraportable that earned a score of 94 when Devindra reviewed it. He appreciated the display, performance and lack of fan noise from the passive heat sink. It weighs just 2.8 pounds, making it ideal for students taking it to class or for digital nomads who move around a lot. 

If you want the latest model, B&H Photo is offering the 2022 MacBook Air M2 for $150 off, bringing it down to $1,049. That's about $50 more than the lowest price we've seen, but still a nice discount for anyone who wants the laptop that Devindra called a "near-perfect Mac."

Dell XPS 13 Plus Laptop

If you don't want a Mac, consider this laptop instead. We named the Dell XPS 13 Plus the best Windows laptop for college students and it's currently $500 off on clearance at the manufacturer's site. It offers an ample keyboard and an OLED screen with thin bezels that Devindra says looks fantastic. This model packs a 12th-gen Intel Core i5 chip with 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage. It runs on Windows 11 and has a touch screen and capacitative buttons at the top of the keyboard. The glass haptic touchpad blends into the palm rest lending to the overall minimalist design. Unfortunately, that minimalism means Dell ditched the headphone jack, so your personal listening options are limited to Bluetooth. 

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If I don’t sleep well, I’m a mess. That wasn’t always the case, but having a kid subjected me to two years of boot camp-level exhaustion and my reserves are gone. So I was curious whether a sleep machine could improve my shut eye in any meaningful way. Hatch’s latest device, Restore 2, combines wind-down routines, sleep noises and wake-up techniques in a $200 bedside device. The optional subscription costs another $5 per month and lets you access a larger library of content.

I set the Restore 2 on my bedside table anticipating a few breathing sessions at night and perhaps a less jarring alarm in the morning. I didn’t expect to be so enamored with its “Rest” and “Rise” routines that I’d look forward to pushing its oversized buttons each night, but that’s what happened.

Design and setup

The Restore 2 looks good on a nightstand, with a half-moon shape, neutral colors and textured fabric covering the front and back. The first generation Restore had less textile and more exposed plastic; this new version looks classier and less like a sleep machine. Hatch replaced the physical volume and brightness buttons of the first model with hidden touch controls near the clock readout. Also, instead of touch sensors on top for the alarm and routines, you have two oversized buttons. A physical toggle on the side stops the alarm from going off, even if it's been scheduled in the app.

The two big buttons are easy to find and operate without looking since the Rest circle curves downward and the Rise key bubbles up. The toggle is a tangible way to know you won’t be woken up unnecessarily on an extra day off. But the volume and brightness touch sensors are disappointing. True, the unbroken expanse of fabric looks nice, but the capacitive controls are finicky if you come at them from an odd angle – such as lying down in a bed. I found myself twisting and struggling to turn down the sound, when a simple push button would have made things easier.

Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

Setup is a non-event. Plug the device in, open the app and let the Restore 2 connect to your WiFi. Time sets automatically and you can schedule the on-device clock to turn off at night. I love this feature; I wake at least once each night and the first thing I do is look at the time so I can worry about how much longer I have before I have to get up. With no display, I don’t get anxious and just go back to sleep. If you need that info, you can just tap on the side of the device and the time will pop up for a few seconds.

After choosing alarm sounds and lights, the app walks you through picking out your “routines.” You essentially make two of them: one for sleeping and one for waking up. A Rest routine might consist of a breathing exercise and an ambient music mix to get you drowsy, followed by flowing river sounds while you sleep. Wake-up sessions could include gentle guided stretches and a motivational talk.

From the Wake menu, I chose a four-minute guided stretch called “Shine & Rise” and a two-minute “Jump Start” motivational talk. For the evening, I picked out a three-minute body scan followed by 15 minutes of ambient music and added pink noise to play the rest of the night. You can adjust the brightness and volume levels of each element, but since I was setting this up midday in an active house, it was hard to tell how bright and loud things would feel at 10 PM, so I stuck with the defaults.

Turns out the defaults did not work for me. I got in bed, pressed the Rest button and was greeted by a bright reddish light and someone speaking at a normal conversation level. Right next to my head in an otherwise silent house, that was far too loud and bright. I then spent the next 20 minutes messing with the app to adjust the levels. Of course, I could have used the touch controls for a temporary adjustment, but I wanted to get my defaults right for consecutive nights.

The app has a few inconsistencies, too. You can replace an existing step from the library; you can’t add to your routine. You can only do that through the Rest or Rise tab. Yet, browsing from those tabs won’t show full descriptions of the segments; that info is only available in the library view. That creates some back and forth that could be streamlined. I was also disappointed when a routine repeated content from earlier in the week. A motivational speech doesn't have the same impact if you just heard it two days ago. It only happened a few times, but I wish there were failsafes against same-week duplication.  

Once, a seeming glitch made the Restore 2 start my evening routine at 100 percent volume and brightness, waking the whole house. The volume controls didn’t respond, so, in a panic, I just unplugged the whole thing. The problem resolved after I reconnected the app from my phone, but I wish that defaulting to scream-level sounds was an impossibility. I asked a Hatch representative about the mishap and was told it had to do with an older version of the Hatch Sleep app, and should be resolved with the latest update.

Rest and wake routines

In all, it took a week of adjustments to set things to my taste. As it turns out, I’m too squirmy at night for a meditative breathing session, so I tried something I didn’t think I’d like: sleep stories. The 25-minute “Train of Thought” is presented by a friendly conductor who tells you mildly interesting things about trains before collecting tickets from her passengers, asking them where they’re going as the click-clack of rails play in the background. Her sing-song “Tickets… tickets, please… tickets…” is now more effective at putting me to sleep than popping a melatonin.

I did need to adjust how I respond to hearing a story. If I miss so much as a preposition in an audiobook, I’ll rewind. My active brain wanted to do the same with the sleep stories, but allowing myself to tune in and out let me use the narration as a raft, something to return to when my thoughts took me out to sea. Soon I was all done thinking and ready to sleep.

After the story, a 15-minute music segment called “Ambient Overlook” played its combo of wind and naturescapes with quiet strings and synths. For sleep sounds, I tried pink noise but that sounded too much like an ebbing ocean that never comes back to shore. I thought I’d like a flowing river, but it just made me have to pee. I tested out Hair Dryer, Forest Wind and Thunderstorm before finding my goldilocks track: Road Trip, which is just the steady sound of tires on asphalt and the low rumble of passing cars. I adjusted it to turn off after about a half hour because the sounds woke me up during lighter periods of sleep.

Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

A blaring alarm can ruin whatever peace you found in the land of nod, but Restore 2’s music, tones and field recordings come on softly then build up enough steam to get you up. One exception is Retro Beep – its shrill, electronic staccato should pierce through the deepest sleeper’s dreams. I went with windchimes, which are randomized and high-pitched enough to get me up, but the first few bongs are so subtle that they slip in under my consciousness. It’s the most gentle alarm I’ve ever used.

The sunrise light goes off before your alarm, which can help some people, particularly those who sleep with blackout curtains, to more gradually wake up. I set the sunrise glow to activate 10 minutes before my alarm, but it doesn’t tend to wake me, probably because my room is not light proof so the change is hard for me to detect. I’m curious if that will be different during winter when I’m getting up in the dark.

As it happens, the Rise routine I picked when I first set things up works best for me. I tried others: “Pop Cultured” pulls inspiration from things like Rocky III and the Wu-Tang Clan. “The Reset” uses repeated self-affirmations to help generate positive thinking. But right now, Becca’s stretches in “Shine & Rise” help spur the transition from sleep zombie to mobile human, and Dane’s “Jump Start” motivations have actually made me approach my day differently. Once he suggested doing the “hardest thing first,” which led me to ship back a bulky review unit that I’d been putting off. Another morning, he advised not to think of the stuff on your list as what you have to do, but rather what you get to do. That stuck with me.

Membership

Hatch adds content regularly that only paying members can access, and that’s my biggest reservation about the Restore 2. After paying $200 for the device, a $5-per-month subscription is all but required to get the most out of it. Even if you save on the cost with a yearly $50 plan, after two years, you’ve paid $300 for an alarm clock. True, it’s a good one. And I understand that the company charges a monthly fee to keep producing new content.

Without a membership, you get some but not all sleep sounds (white noise, nature scapes, etc.), plus alarm sounds and sunrise lights — no sleep stories, no morning stretches. I signed up for the free week-long trial and, though I planned to, I haven’t canceled just yet.

Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

If you don’t plan to pay for the membership, there are cheaper options for sunrise clocks. Smart displays are another option. Amazon’s $85 smart display, the Echo Show 5 fits on a bedside table and, depending on which services and Skills you connect to, can get you up in a slew of different ways. Google’s Nest Hub not only has a sunrise alarm, it also tracks sleep and retails for $100. And if you just want motivational and sleep content without having to buy a new device, you can get a subscription-based app like Headspace, which plays meditations, stories, and other talks straight from your phone. Other apps, like Sleepwave, use steadily improving motion-sensing tech in your phone to track sleep. 

Wrap-up

I’m surprised by how much I like using the Restore 2. It makes a difference in the way I fall asleep, letting my brain go quiet much faster than it would otherwise. The alarm tone wakes me gently to the point that it’s almost eerie, and I like that you can turn the clock off entirely if you prefer a fully dark room. Once I got the settings dialed in, the Restore 2 became a habit I looked forward to. And the content Hatch creates isn’t a rehash of greeting-card poems and motivational poster rip-offs — it's thoughtful, intelligent sessions and stories, paired with competently produced music and sounds — all of which add up to a better night’s sleep.

Of course, if you have a partner with a different sleep schedule, running the routines might prove a little awkward. I also worried when I kept having to mess with the app to figure out what content and which settings worked for me. (I try not to use my phone in the bedroom.) And I don’t love adding another subscription to my life, which comes on top of the already-pricey $200 device. Ultimately, the Hatch Restore 2 has the right combination of external design and worthwhile content to usher you into dreamland — as long as you’re willing to pay for it.