Featured

Best wireless earbuds for 2023

By admin December 14, 2023

Best wireless earbuds for 2023, For millions of people across the country, the two tech items you can pretty much count on finding in most pockets, purses, and backpacks at any give time are a phone and a pair of wireless earbuds. And their uses are vast — they bring in beautiful sound, block out annoying, distracting sound, and let us work, workout, and get from A to B while doing it.

But picking through the jungle of wireless earbuds available has gotten increasingly difficult as the breadth of brands continues to grow and tech-heavy features like active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, hi-res audio capabilities, dust and water resistance ratings, and more challenge what it is we need and want in our earbuds, as well as what we can and are willing to pay for them.

That’s where this list of the best wireless earbuds comes in. We test a boatload of wireless earbuds. And the ones that really stand out from the crowd in terms of value, performance, and features are assembled right here. Right now we struggle to find a better pair of wireless earbuds that tick all our boxes for features-to-price ratio than Sony’s latest and greatest, the WF-XM1000XM5. Sony just crushes it year after year with this model line, which has consistently live atop our list for years. Check those out below, but don’t stop there as we go through a whole bunch more that might hit your sweet spot better.

Want a set of true wireless earbuds that are guaranteed to not break the bank? Check out our selections for the best cheap headphones, with plenty of models all under $100

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Sony WF-1000XM5

Best overall wireless earbuds

A new model of Sony’s flagship earbuds is always a major event — after all, its WF-1000XM lineup has sat at the top of the earbuds mountain for several generations now. And for good reason – they’re consistently great sounding and super comfortable, have fantastic battery life, and deliver some of the world’s best ANC. And while Digital Trends’ headphone reviewer, Simon Cohen, billed the Sony WF-1000XM4s as “almost perfect wireless earbuds,” it appears that the new WF-1000XM5s have bested them. Also, it should be noted, the XM5s have now bested the Jabra Elite 7 Pros, which you can still get, if you’re lucky.

The XM5s are smaller and 20% lighter than the XM4s, and Sony has addressed some of the key concerns users had with the predecessor right out of the gate. The XM5s are also more streamlined and elegant, and the microphone port, which used to have a slightly protruding gold cap around it, now sits flush to the earbud’s body, making it less intrusive and sleeker. Fit-wise, the XM5s have redesigned foam eartips and come with a new extra small size, bringing the total to four options to fit ears of even more shapes and sizes.

New accelerometers in the XM5s open the door for some neat head-movement gestures (nod to accept a call, shake your head to decline), and Sony has switched to a dual processor system that, combined with resigned microphones and drivers, allow for a dedicated chip to specifically handle noise cancellation. Active noise cancelation is slightly better on the XM5s than the XM4s, and the model has a decent voice-targeting mode that helps you better hear conversations. But if ANC is a high priority for you, Cohen admits that the XM5s don’t quite match the Apple AirPods Pro 2 for that.

With redesigned drivers that are 40% bigger than on the XM4s, it’s no surprise that the XM5s sound every bit as good as the XM4s, and then some. Bass response is great, vocals are clear and defined, the soundstage is wide for a set of earbuds, and there’s even new head-tracked spatial audio support that works well, as long as the phone you’re using supports it.

Sony added Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity to the XM4s in an update last March, and thankfully the feature has hopped over to the XM5s as well, allowing you to connect to two devices at once.

All-important battery life is unchanged in the XM5s, giving you up to eight hours of playtime with ANC on and 12 when it’s off, along with two full charges from the case, for a total of up to 35 hours. A quick three-minute charge nets a whopping hour of playtime.

Of course, if it wasn’t already evident here, the Sony WF-1000XM4s are still a top-notch set of earbuds that you should definitely consider as well, especially as they start to drop in price as the new kid in town takes over.

Best wireless earbuds for 2023

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

The best budget earbuds

Every so often, a pair of budget earbuds comes along that are so good for the price and have so many features that they leave us impressed and scratching our heads. Anker’s latest Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are $100, but are arguably better than most of what you can get for twice that price.

The Liberty 4 NC are comfortable, fit well and snugly, and have an IPX4 rating that workout folks will appreciate as they can stand up to sweat and can be rinsed off. They sound robust and balanced, have excellent bass response, and keep things free of distortion at reasonable volumes. There’s also an app (HearID) that gives you some good personalization options for your perfect sound. For the audio nerds out there, the Liberty 4 NCs also support the hi-res LDAC audio codec (Android only, sorry), which is rare for a budget pair of earbuds.

The Liberty 4 NCs shine when it comes to ANC and transparency mode, though, with our reviewer gushing that the ANC stood up to even the $250 AirPods Pro 2. And the features! For your hundred clams, the Liberty 4 NCs feature excellent adaptive noise canceling, presets for things like planes and busses, and a manual slider for you to pick yourself. Transparency mode, our reviewer found, sounds natural, like you’re not wearing earbuds, and does a good job of letting in just the right amount of outside noise. Call quality on the Liberty 4 NCs is good too, with solid compression of environmental noise.

But how’s the all-important battery? The Liberty 4 NC will last up to eight hours on a charge with ANC turned on, and a total of 40 hours when you include the charging case. They best the AirPods Pro (5.5/24 hours), and their next-step-up sibling, the $150 Soundcore Liberty 4 (7/24). Just buy them already.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Sony WF-1000XM4

Still outstanding

Even with the new kid in town, the latest Sony WF-1000XM5s, it’s still hard to beat Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earbuds for an overall superb listening experience. Sony threw the kitchen sink at these buds, adding proper water resistance for workouts, wireless charging, and Sony’s own LDAC Bluetooth codec for wireless hi-res audio performance, they’re the whole package.

Sound quality has always been a Sony strength, and the XM4 continue this tradition with even richer bass. There’s a warmth and resonance to the low end on these buds that benefits a variety of music genres, especially with string instrument- and drum-centric styles like jazz, classical, and even EDM. Sony made the decision to equip the XM4 with foam eartips as opposed to the usual silicone style. This increases comfort and provides an excellent and secure seal, but it also has a slight tendency to rob the high frequencies of precision.

The Sony Headphones app gives you deep control over all settings, like EQ, ANC, transparency, and touch controls, and includes an option to customize both the earbuds and your music apps (like Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon Music) for use with Sony’s 360 Reality Audio (360RA) immersive music format.

Active noise cancellation is superb, as is transparency mode, but Sony throws in a cool new feature: Voice sensing. Simply start talking and the XM4 will automatically shift into transparency while dropping the volume of your tunes. Speaking of, well, speaking, the WF-1000XM4 are some of the few true wireless earbuds that give you hands-free voice access to your choice of Google Assistant (Android only) or Amazon Alexa (iOS and Android).

Battery life, at eight hours of playtime with ANC turned on and 12 hours when it’s off, is excellent, although total playtime — at 24 hours — is pretty standard. A fast charge will get you an additional hour for just five minutes of charging.

With an update in March this year, Sony added Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, so, huzzah! Our only critiques of the WF-1000XM4 are small: Their size and shape might simply be too big to fit some ears, something that has been remedied in the XM5s.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Impressive noise cancellation

If you know anything about Bose, you know that noise cancellation is kind of the company’s calling card. Bose was the first to debut the technology in a set of headphones and has been refining the science of silence ever since.

And while it’s only been about a year since Bose dropped the second-gen QuietComfort Earbuds II (QCE II) on us, rest assured, its latest version is still a marvel when it comes to keeping the outside world at bay with some of the best ANC on the planet and adaptive “Aware Mode” transparency mode that sounds natural.

So why a new set of QCEs so soon then? And should you upgrade? Design-wise, they still fit comfortably and are almost identical save for a new metallic paint job. Sound-wise our reviewer didn’t notice much of a difference either — they’re still clear, rich, and extra sparkly in the mids and upper high frequencies.

What is different is that, first, the QC Ultra Earbuds now supports higher resolution audio through Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform that incudes its aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless Bluetooth codecs for hi-res audio, and second, Bose’s own take at spatial audio with head tracking it calls Immersive Audio.

Battery life is, sadly, one area that hasn’t changed from the QCE II, and it remains on the lower end: Six hours per charge, with an additional 18 hours in the charging case. With immersive audio on, though, you only get 4/16, and you can quick-charge the earbuds, which earns an extra two hours after 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, there’s still no wireless charging or Bluetooth multipoint pairing, which is a bit of a bummer.

These caveats aside, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are easily some of the best true wireless buds you can buy, and a must-have for those who crave quiet.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Master & Dynamic MW09

The best sound for audiophiles

Master & Dynamic (M&D) continues its run of making very good wireless earbuds with its latest model, the MW09, a $350 set of earbuds that build off of their predecessors, the MW08, by adding hi-res audio, Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging this time out.

M&W has kept its unique and stylish aesthetic with the MW09s, as well as their easy-to-use physical controls on each earpiece. They’re also very comfortable and come with both silicone and foam eartips to you can get the perfect fit. The M&D app also has a fit test and the earbuds themselves feature an IP54 rating making them tolerable to sweat and rain, although our reviewer suggested that there are likely better earbuds for working out due to the MW09’s extra bulk.

The MW08s were, by our estimation, some of the best sounding earbuds you could buy, and we’re glad to report that the same is true for the MW09s. Full, beautiful bass is complimented by their insane level of definition and clarity in the mids and highs. EQ presets and five-band EQing is also available through the app, too, but they sound great out of the box.

However, new surprises on the sound front come with the addition Snapdragon Sound, which brings aptX Adaptive on board for the ability to enjoy lossy hi-res at up to 24-bit/96kHz, and lossless CD quality at up to 16-bit/48kHz. Sadly though, these advanced audio codecs will only be available to those with Android devices and those with support for Snapdragon Sound. Apple devices need not apply.

While the MW09’s ANC and transparency modes don’t compete on the same level as the AirPods Pro, Sony WF-1000QM5, or Bose QC Ultra Earbuds, they’re still pretty good at blocking out all of life’s everyday noises and letting you hear conversations and the outside sounds you want to hear. Call quality also holds its own, too.

You get to choose from two charging cases, one made of kevlar, and one made of aluminum, and they both offer wireless charging, IPX4 water resistance, and 32 hours of charging capacity. The MW09 earbuds themselves deliver an impressive 12 hours per charge with ANC on and 16 hours with it off, which is more than you’ll ever really need.

Zeke Jones / Digital Trends

Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C

The best for Apple fans

With the original AirPods Pro proving to have been one of the most successful wireless earbuds of all time, Apple needed to show it could do it again with the second-gen model. First, it did, adding to their great design, comfortable fit, and improvements to ANC and battery life. But then they did it again is September of 2023 by ditching Lightning for USB-C, and adding dust resistance for a new IP54 designation.

All that said, the new AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C still feature shockingly good active noise cancellation. They are the only buds to give the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II some real competition. Transparency — always a high point for the AirPods Pro — has a feature called Adaptive Transparency. Just like Bose’s ActiveSense, it keeps loud sounds from causing you discomfort and it works like a champ.

The Apple H2 chip in each earbud also delivers better call quality that handily kills off any background sounds that might interfere with your voice being heard.

Sound quality is excellent, too, with beautiful detail and depth, and excellent bass response and compatibility with Apple’s immersive Spatial Audio. There’s still no EQ adjustments, but if you love music, you’ll love the way the AirPods Pro 2 sound.

Battery life in the latest USB-C version still stands at six hours per charge, with 30 hours total when you include the charging case – which still has a built-in speaker, lanyard loop, and Apple U1 chip for ultra-precise location reporting via Find My. It also gets the same IP54 protection upgrade, and you can now charge the AirPods Pro 2 with your iPhone 15 or Mac using a USB-C-to-USB-C cable, which is super handy if you don’t have access to power or a portable charging bank.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Google Pixel Buds Pro

The new standard for Android users

Apple has its AirPods Pro, and Google has answered with its first “Pro” earbuds. The Pixel Buds Pro build on their lesser cousins with the addition of Active Noise Cancellation that’s just a hair’s breadth away from Apple’s.

The Pixel Buds Pro are comfortable, they look good (and come in four colors), and the starting price undercuts AirPods Pro by $50. The multipoint connection works great with multiple devices, and Google’s got a little extra AI available for Android users, with the goal of better predicting what you need to hear from which device at what time. It’s not quite magic, but it works very well.

That’s not to say that you can’t find serious competitors in the space for a little less money. You can. But the Pixel Buds Pro absolutely are a strong winner from Google, and that means extra software features if you’re also using an Android phone.

Still in the works, however, is the inclusion of spatial audio. For now, we’ll wait on the firmware update.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Technics EAH-AZ60

Classic Technics sound, affordable ANC

For the price, we are hard-pressed to think of a set of earbuds that offer a better combination of sound quality and ANC performance than the Technics EAH-AZ60 — they are superb. But the best part is that these qualities are just the starting point for a set of buds that might fly under a lot of people’s radars.

They’re very small and ergonomically shaped — a big improvement over the older AZ70 — and we’d argue they’re almost as comfortable as the Jabra Elite 7 Pro, which is saying something. The AZ60s lack some of Jabra’s features, like full waterproofing (the AZ60s are sweat- and splash-proof), wireless charging, and wear sensors, but they justify their higher price through their amazing sound, and absolutely killer noise cancellation and transparency modes.

Like the WF-1000XM4, they support Sony’s LDAC Bluetooth codec, which will give you as close to lossless, hi-res audio as you can get right now in a set of wireless buds (as long as your Android phone supports it). Android users also get the option of hands-free access to Amazon Alexa, which is a helpful feature.

Battery life is very good at seven hours per charge and they’ll last for a total of 24 to 25 hours when you include their charging case. But my favorite feature is Technics’ inclusion of Bluetooth multipoint on the EAH-AZ60 — which lets you stay connected to two devices at once — perfect for those of us who need to juggle Zoom calls on our computers and voice calls on our phones.

If you like the idea of wireless hi-res audio via the LDAC codec, the 1More Evo are an excellent alternative, at a significantly lower price. They can’t quite match the AZ60’s ANC performance, but given how they sound, you may not care.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Final Audio ZE3000

The best sound for under $200

With features like ANC, transparency mode, wear sensors, and wireless charging now showing up on wireless earbuds for as little as $100, can we really justify recommending a set that has none of these options, yet still cost $149? Yes, as long as that set is the Final Audio ZE3000.

The ZE3000 may lack a lot of bells and whistles — in fact, they’re missing just about every feature we can think of – but they excel in one area that matters above all else for music lovers: Sound quality. With an impressive amount of accuracy and detail, these earbuds offer the best sound quality you’ll find under the $200 mark, and we’d argue they even hold their own against many models that are more expensive than that.

The ZE3000 have a warm but still very balanced EQ that lets each frequency come through clearly and distortion-free, which provides the perfect sonic platform for a huge array of music genres. We think they perform their best with jazz, classical, and vocals-intensive tracks, but their energetic mids and highs make them just as enjoyable for pop, rock, and EDM.

Bass is beautifully balanced with the rest of the frequency spectrum, but this is one area where some folks may find the ZE3000 lacking — if you want chest-pounding low-end, you should consider the Technics EAH-AZ40 instead.

With an IPX4 rating and seven hours of battery life (35 in total), the ZE3000 can join you on any adventure, and in quiet environments, they have stellar call quality. As long as you can forgive their lack of other features, these earbuds will reward you with fabulous sound for the money.

Jabra

Jabra Elite 8 Active

The best for sports and athletes

Jabra has always done a great job at making earbuds for active people who need quality products that can take a beating, whether that’s during workouts or, say, you find yourself getting in a lot of water balloon fights.

The Jabra Elite 8 Active ANC earbuds are a perfect match for this kind of punishment. They’re affordable at $200, they come from the same pedigree as Jabra’s flagship Elite 10s, and they come with an impressive IP68 dust and waterproof rating. In fact, they even carry the U.S. military’s STD-810H standard, which means they’ve gone through a battery of tests, including for corrosion, heat, humidity, vibration, and more.

Another thing Jabra has gotten right over the years is great sound. The Elite 8 Active, with their snug fit and great seal (courtesy of Jabra’s “ShakeGrip” liquid silicone rubber eartips), allow for balanced sound on all frequencies that can also be tailored to your exact specs with the earbuds Jabra Sound+ app. The Elite 8 Actives also feature Dolby Audio spatial sound for immersive audio, but sadly there’s no head tracking if you’re hip to that kind of thing.

Jabra’s adaptive hybrid ANC system can’t match the Elite 10s, but they do a great job at listening to your environment and filtering out all the nonsense, and their hear through transparency mode offers wind neutralizing when you’re running your fastest lap. Calls are also beautifully quiet. and Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity means you can take those calls from one connected device while still having sound form another.

The Jabra Elite 8 Active’s battery offers up to eight hours of playtime with ANC on, with a total time of up to 32 hours with the case. A five-minute quick charge adds an hour of playtime.

CONTINUE TO GO TO OTHER PAGES.

Keep Reading

Best Seller

The best smart plugs of 2023

By admin December 14, 2023

The best smart plugs of 2023, Smart home devices have come a long way over the past few years. Walk into any home improvement store or supermarket, and you’re bound to find a wide variety of smart thermostats, and other “smart” gadgets. But one often overlooked category is smart plugs – tiny devices that plug into your electrical outlet and give your “dumb” electronics the versatility of a modern smart home device.

Beyond giving you remote control of your outlets, many smart plugs allow you to set timers or monitor your electricity usage. This makes them surprisingly versatile while still carrying an affordable price tag. Plenty of big names (like Amazon and Wyze) are producing smart plugs, but they’re far from your only option. Here’s a closer look at the best smart plugs of 2023.

Keep in mind that these products are designed for indoor use and are not intended to be placed outside. If you’re looking for something to use in the great outdoors, be sure to check out our list of the best outdoor smart plugs.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Amazon Smart Plug

Best smart plug for Alexa

Amazon’s very own smart plug seamlessly works with Alexa, and its Certified for Humans ranking means setup is as simple as plugging it in and following a few basic directions. Its design is narrow, so it leaves the other outlet free for use. You can set up routines and schedules through the Alexa app, while the Alexa energy dashboard provides recommendations on how to save energy.

The best smart plugs of 2023

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Wemo Smart Plug with Thread

Most compact smart plug

Belkin’s latest smart plug is a big improvement from its last version. It’s a compact option that can fit nearly anywhere and sports built-in compatibility with Siri. Made with the Apple HomeKit in mind, this plug is a great pick for Apple fans and those who are already using the Apple Home app.

This smart plug also includes support for Thread, part of the smart home Matter standard, which helps establish a more secure connection. That feature is useful for those who may be worried about hacking or who want the most reliable connection.

Kasa / Kasa

TP-Link — Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini

Best budget smart plug

At about half the price of some of the other smart plugs on this list, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug is a solid choice if you’re on a budget. It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, or you can just use the app. Use the app to create schedules for powering your devices on and off for up to a full week.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Wyze Smart Plug

Best smart plug ecosystem

The Wyze Smart Plug is just slightly more expensive than the TP-Link WiFi Smart Plug, with a two-pack for just $20. On its own, the plug is just $12. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allows custom scheduling, and offers a Vacation Mode that imitates the presence of people in the home by randomly turning lights on and off. The Wyze Sense feature means you can control appliances based on motion, and you can link up the Wyze Smart Plug to other devices through IFTTT.

Lutron

Lutron Caseta Plug-In Lamp Dimmer Switch

Best smart plug for lamps

The Lutron Caseta Plug-In Lamp Switch is great for keeping your electric bill low and home security high. Controllable with Alexa, Google Assistant, Serena shades, and Sonos, you can dim lights, set schedules, and create lighting routines with voice commands or the Lutron app. The switch is also seasonally savvy, meaning as the days grow shorter or longer, the switch adjusts lamp light based on how much sun a room is getting. The unit itself is a little bulky, so you’ll want to make sure it’s not going to interfere with power brick items.

Jon Bitner / Digital Trends

Emporia Smart Plug

Best smart plug for energy tracking

After suffering a recall, the Emporia Smart Plug is back in action. The company made a few tweaks to improve the plug’s safety, but it’s still packed with all the energy-tracking features that made it popular at launch. This includes an easy to use smartphone app and detailed energy reports – giving you a simple way to track your usage and cut down on your bills.

The plug itself is thoughtfully designed, with a slim profile that doesn’t intrude on nearby electrical outlets or look wildly out of place when plugged into your wall. And when you consider that a four-pack is typically available for just $35, it’s an affordable smart plug that’s easy to recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a smart plug?

There are plenty of exciting innovations in the world of home automation, between virtual assistants that can control your smart devices, connected appliances, or smart thermostats. You can also upgrade a regular appliance and add it to your smart home system by using a smart plug.

Smart Plugs take a wired home to a new level. They plug into your outlets and let you run small home appliances through Alexa, another intelligent home device, or the sound of your voice. A smart plug turns a “dumb” device, like a coffee maker, room fan, or table lamp, into a smart device.

Exactly how a smart plug communicates will vary by brand. Wi-Fi is common enough, but you’ll also see Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Z-wave used to let smart plugs connect to the internet and your phone. Of course, you’ll need to ensure the router or other required hub is within range of the smart plugs that you’re connecting. Placement can be a challenge in bigger houses, but it’s nothing a Wi-Fi extender can’t fix.

How do smart plugs work?

Using smart plugs is super simple. First, you plug a smart plug into an outlet. Then you plug something else (like a lamp or appliance) into it. Finally, you connect the plug to your favorite home assistant, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, or the smart plug’s app. From there the smart plug turns the power supply to the item you plugged into it on and off using commands sent from an app or smart home hub and your Wi-Fi network.

What are smart plugs used for?

There are dozens of uses for smart plugs. Here are just a few to get your imagination turned on to all of the possibilities:

• Turn on your coffee pot while you’re still in bed.

• Control your window unit air conditioner or space heater without getting out of your chair.

• Turn on lamps while you’re away to deter would-be burglars.

• Turn off the oven, curling iron, or hair straightener you left on from your desk at work.

• Turn on your holiday lights using a voice command.

Can smart plugs save you money?

Smart plugs can potentially save you money. By being able to keep tabs on exactly how much power any given appliance is slurping up, you can identify the products in your home that are the biggest problem areas.

Smart plugs can also help save you power by turning off the power supply to devices that use it up even when they’re off. This will ultimately help to cut down on phantom power drain and save you a few bucks on your electrical bill. Over time, smart plugs can pay for themselves, provided you enact sufficient use of their features.

How to Choose a Smart Plug

There are several things to consider before getting a smart plug.

Voice assistant compatibility: First, make sure that the plug incorporates the type of command system you are more likely to use. For example, you shouldn’t get a plug that uses only its own app for commands if you strictly use Alexa. Not all plugs will be compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant either, so make sure it supports your voice command preference. Note that voice assistants and other platforms that support multiple smart devices can create “scenes” that

Energy monitoring: By plugging an appliance into this type of smart plug, you can learn just how much electricity your appliance uses, which can be particularly useful if you’re trying to decide on upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. The plug monitors how much electricity is routed through it to your appliance. Then, it sends a report to the plug’s app.

Reports vary from app to app, but many let you see peak energy use hours and energy used over time. Quite a few smart plugs also give you the option to automatically turn on and off an appliance on a schedule so you can save electricity. Some good energy monitoring smart plugs include the WeMo Insight Switch, Elgato Eve and D-Link Wi-Fi Smart Plug.

Scheduling ahead of time: Most smart plugs have options to set schedules for turning devices on or off at certain times. It’s a common feature, but you should still make sure your plug has it for convenience.

Surge protection: At a desk or entertainment center, a smart power strip with surge protection may be a better choice for you. Check out our list of the best surge protectors for a few great smart power strips that you can use here.

Additional outlets: If you’re short on outlets around the house, a smart plug with the ability to expand the number of ports on your outlet is a helpful choice.

Outdoor vs. indoor use: For outdoor use, some of our favorites include Maxcio, Kasa, and Meross (we have a list of the best outdoor smart plugs here). For indoor use, the ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2 provides the most flexibility in the smart plug world. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple’s HomeKit and Siri, and Google Assistant. If none of those options suit you, it can work without any smart hub at all.

Dimming: You can use voice commands or your smartphone to get precise with your dimming. It’s just a matter of pairing a dimmable lamp with a smart plug that supports dimming, like this Leviton model.

The best outdoor smart plugs for 2023

Have you experienced the thrill of connecting your favorite devices to a smart plug? Made for home essentials like lamps, security cameras, toasters, coffee makers, dehumidifiers, and more, these programmable outlets are amazing additions to any smart home. With a compatible app, you can even power the plugs on and off remotely and set schedules. This is all well and good for the devices inside our homes, but what about our outdoor gear? Fortunately, there are now durable and weather-resistant outdoor smart plugs that are just as good as their indoor brethren.

Geeni

Geeni Indoor/Outdoor Smart Plug

Whether you’re powering pool lights, sprinklers, or other outdoor gear, the Geeni Indoor/Outdoor plug gets the job done every time. A hub-less setup, there’s no need to plug anything into the router for this guy. All you need to do is download the app and connect using Alexa, Google Assistant, or Cortana. Convenient and cheap, this is one of our favorites for pairing and sharing. Using a feature called Share Access, you can zone multiple Geenis through the app. This means you’re able to turn outlets on/off separately or all together.

We’re not the biggest fan of some of the app’s deeper menu functions, but the outlet itself works great, as do its voice command capabilities.

Meross

Meross Smart Outdoor Plug

This waterproof Meross two-outlet plug is ready for anything, with a solid design and the latest smart features for your garden, bathroom, porch, garage, laundry room, or wherever else you’d like to put it. It works not only with Google Assistant and Alexa, but is also compatible with IFTTT if you’d prefer to set up more complex routines. You can also control the plug via an app if you don’t care for voice commands. Schedules and timers are available for each socket independently.

The Meross plug also gets good marks for a strong Wi-Fi connection, which is great — smart plugs don’t work very well if they’re always dropping connections, which can be a problem in an outside environment. The one downside to this plug is that the cable itself is pretty short (a common choice for durability and protection), so you’ll need to keep it right by the outlet, and it may not work very well for wall outlets that are too high

Woods

Woods Outdoor/Indoor Wireless Remote Control Kit

If you’re looking for an inexpensive option to power your outdoor tools, the Woods kit is a great choice. It’s a single-grounded outlet that can stand up to weather and debris for comprehensive outdoor security. The wireless remote functions up to 100 feet away, so you can control the system from indoors. The Woods remote control kit is fairly simple and doesn’t have as many extra features as some of the other options in this list; however, it’s affordable, reliable, and easy to set up. If you need basic outdoor functionality on a budget, look no further.

Ring

Ring Outdoor Smart Plug

Ring might have become popular thanks to its lineup of video doorbells, but it also manufacturers one of the best outdoor smart plugs. You’ll need a Ring Bridge or similar device to access all its features (including mobile notifications), but that’s about the only drawback to this well-designed product. Standout features include two outlets, a compact footprint, and the option to program schedules or timers for your gadgets. It’s also easy to sync with the rest of your Alexa products.

Just imagine controlling your yard lights or seasonal decorations even when on vacation. You can do that and more right from your phone with these weather-resistant outdoor smart plugs. Many don’t even require a hub, as some are fully functional on their own, and others work with your current system.

Keep Reading

Featured

The best smart lamps of 2023

By admin December 8, 2023

The best smart lamps of 2023, Looking for an innovative way to light up your home office, living room, or bedroom? Consider adding a smart lamp to your shopping list. While these products will illuminate a dark space just like a traditional lamp, they’re packed with additional features – such as the option to set timers, change colors, or connect to the rest of your smart home.

The best smart lamps come from trusted brands like Philips, Govee, and Amazon, though you’ll also find lesser-known companies such as Moonside and Hatch churning out incredible products. If you need help searching for the right one, here’s a look at the best smart lamps for all types of rooms.

Once you’re done shopping for smart lamps, take a look at the best smart bulbs and best smart holiday lights to complete your collection.

Philips Hue Iris

Best smart lamp overall

Philips Hue is highly esteemed in the world of smart lights, offering one of the most robust lineups in the industry. The Philips Hue Iris is its latest smart lamp, which is notable for its unconventional design. Taking some of its design cues from the previous Philips Hue Bloom, the Iris sports a more spherical design that makes it perfect as a spotlight on a desk. It’s great for accenting wall art, and there’s a bit of residual glow around its translucent base, too.

It doesn’t disappoint in its performance, delivering strong light that can illuminate corners and small spaces easily, and the colors emit a deep, vibrant glow. That’s important when it comes to creating the right ambiance. Since it’s part of the Philips Hue family, it can be paired with other smart lights from the company to deliver some breathtaking light scenes.

The best smart lamps of 2023

Sharper Image Bonsai Bluetooth Speaker Lamp with Wireless Charging Pad

Best smart lamp for the bedroom

If style is your chief goal, you’ll love this little LED light inspired by bonsai trees. It’s also quite versatile — there’s a small Bluetooth speaker for playing soothing sounds from your mobile devices and a Qi standard wireless charger for charging your phone. Touch controls allow you to adjust the brightness of the LED light, or you can press and hold to active a sleep mode that shuts off after 30 minutes.

The Sharper Image Bonsai lamp is made of metal and cherry wood, and the LED light is a 20-watt equivalent, so you won’t be using it to light up a whole room, but rather as an accent or nightlight. Keep in mind that you may need to take thicker cases off of phones to successfully charge them wirelessly on the lamp.

Lepro Smart Table Lamp

Best smart lamp for the living room

This affordable smart lamp is an excellent starter model with a wealth of control options, including an app that makes it easy to adjust color, tune your white light temperature, and adjust brightness. For those who want to dive deeper, you can also set timers and schedules for how the lamp behaves throughout the day. Users who want to keep it simple can adjust the lamp with the onboard buttons. It’s even compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant if you prefer to give voice commands or tie it into a routine.

We also like that the Lepro Smart Table Lamp cover diffuses the light enough that you can put this lamp nearly anywhere on the higher brightness settings without worrying about it becoming distracting. The lamp plugs into outlets with a USB-C cable and adapter, but if you have a compatible power bank, you can also turn it into a portable unit.

Globe Electric

Globe Electric Smart Table Lamp

Best smart lamp for the office

This elegant lamp from Globe Electric will be at home on any desk in your home office, but it houses surprisingly smart features that make it a major upgrade from any traditional desk lamp. Using the app, you can turn the 7-watt, 400-lumen bulb into any color or any color temperature you want for the exact look you need. Full scheduling is also enabled, and you can even control the lamp with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. That also means it’s easy to set routines with those services if you want something beyond the modes that the app offers.

Note that the Globe Electric Smart Table Lamp is primarily downward-facing and designed to illuminate your desk activities. This model isn’t a good option for adding light to the entire room, just lighting your current work area. That’s a plus if there are other people in the room you don’t want to disturb, but it’s not a great pick for an accent light or greater illumination.

Amazon Echo Glow

Best smart lamp for kids

The Amazon Echo Glow provides a significant amount of entertainment and functionality. It connects with any Echo product, and it’s interactive. Its unique Rainbow Timer can be enacted through a simple “set a timer for” command, bringing a fun, colorful light show to your space.

You’ll know the time is winding down when the glow color transitions. It can work as a visual cue to inform you if something is almost done cooking or let kids know it’s time to get ready for bed. The lamp can mimic a flickering flame, create a dance party atmosphere with its disco lights feature, and more. You can also set specific settings to prevent your child from accidentally finding inappropriate content. A subscription to Amazon FreeTime can limit your Echo Glow to kid-friendly audiobook and music titles.

Note: This product is different than the interactive Amazon Glow device.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Govee Lyra

Best stand-up smart lamp

Govee does a great job with a wide range of smart lights, and their stand-up Lyra lamp is no exception. Once it’s tucked into a corner, the mobile app provides a wealth of customization options. Set up different colors and animations, use the in-line mic to sync the light with music, and the Google Assistant and Alexa integration means you can pair it with your other smart lights. A weighted base keeps it a stable addition to wherever you want to place it.

Saturation and brightness are quite good and strong enough to flood an area with atmosphere. Individually-controlled LEDs allow for a smooth gradient to be produced along the length, so you aren’t stuck with just a single solid color at any given time.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hatch Restore 2

Best smart light with alarm clock

If you’re searching for a bedside lamp, it’s hard to beat the Hatch Restore 2. This sleek-looking device functions as both a lamp and alarm clock, offering dozens of customization settings that make it easy to personalize its performance. It’s not nearly as bright as some other options on this list, but it makes up for it with a robust app that lets you set schedules, change its color, or select from several unique sleep sounds to aid in your nighttime routine.

The biggest downside to the Hatch Restore 2 is its price tag. It clocks in at a hefty $200 – and you’ll want to join the monthly Hatch Sleep program to gain access to all its features. And at $5 per month, that can quickly add up. But if you don’t mind the cost and need a lamp that pulls double-duty as a smart alarm, the Restore 2 deserves a closer look.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Moonside Lamp One

Best smart lamp for your gaming desk

Small, affordable, and with tons of customization options, the Moonside Lamp One is a great choice for a desktop smart lamp. Using an accompanying smartphone app, the Lamp One can produce a dazzling array of light shows. Whether you want dozens of colors to cascade across its surface or have a few colors pulse on and off, there’s almost no limit to what it can achieve.

Its construction is a bit less impressive than expected (instead of frosted glass or a squishy rubber, it’s composed largely of cheap plastic), but that’s a minor complaint about an otherwise versatile device. There’s also the option to connect your lamp with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, making it easy to sync with the rest of your smart home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of smart lamps?

Smart lamps offer a lot of advantages over traditional lighting, the least of which is energy-saving. Smart LED lights use less power than halogen or fluorescent bulbs, and the scheduling features mean you can automatically turn the lights off at a certain time without lifting a finger.

You can also use smart lamps as security. If you can tie your lamp into the rest of your smart home and have it activate when a security system detects motion, you provide the illusion that someone is home even if the house is empty.

Smart lights can serve dedicated purposes that traditional lights can’t meet, such as the Glow Light helping you fall asleep or providing on-the-go illumination.

What should you consider when looking at smart lamps?

Smart lamps can become a staple product in your home. Many people are first exposed to smart products through smart lighting, and smart lamps are a direct extension of that. These lamps often feature equally as many (if not more) features than a standard smart bulb because they are designed from the ground up to serve a specific purpose.

When shopping for a smart lamp, first consider its use. Where do you want to place this lamp? Is it for reading, lighting up a room, or ambiance?

Consider whether the lamp needs to be plugged in at all times or if it can be placed after being charged. Lamps that don’t require a power connection provide more flexibility in placement throughout the room and are often best for ambiance instead of utilitarian lighting.

What features are included in the lamp? Some lamps can pulse the lights in time with music, while others can only cycle through colors on command. You should also consider how smart its smart features are. Does it work with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, or can it only be controlled via the app?

What is your budget? Smart lamps range in price from $30 all the way up to $200 or more. Lamps that provide ambiance often cost more, but lamps that can light up a room or that aren’t from as well-known a brand can be found for lower prices.

Keep Reading

Best Seller

The best video doorbells for 2023

By admin December 8, 2023

The best video doorbells of 2023 are being produced by household names like Wyze, Arlo, Nest, and Ring. Products from these companies span all budgets and offer a wide range of features — including HD video capture, customizable motion zones, two-way audio, and the ability to save footage for later reference.

While most of the video doorbells available today are up to the task of guarding your front door, some of them are better-equipped than others. For example, some offer head-to-toe resolutions that are ideal for certain porches, while others provide enhanced night vision footage for easier detection.

You also need to consider ongoing costs like monthly subscriptions, as the best video doorbells often cost an additional $3 to $5 per month to access everything they have to offer. And if you’re picking up a battery-powered unit, you’ll want to know how long it’ll last before it needs a recharge.

Below, you’ll find the five best video doorbells of 2023. Be sure to check all the entries before making a purchase, as they each bring something unique to your front door.

Google Nest Doorbell

Best video doorbell overall

Google didn’t hold back with this Nest video doorbell, which blends practical features into a modern design that’s easy on the eyes. Even better, Nest offers free video history out of the box, which is notable because this sort of feature typically requires users to pay for a subscription service.

This model is arguably one of the best-designed wireless doorbell options to date, sporting a matte plastic chassis that blends well with any décor. You’ll also be treated to intelligent alerts because the smart doorbell’s 1.3-megapixel security camera features HDR video, night vision, and detection for pets, people, vehicles, and motion. If you’re not able to answer the doorbell, you can select any of the available Quick Responses options through the Google Home app to have the doorbell speak answers to whoever is at the door. A subscription adds more intelligent features, but this model is excellent all on its own thanks to the free hours of video storage, something few models ever offer.

There is also a wired version of this Nest doorbell, a 2022 model with a smaller design that adds always-one power, which enables extra features like continuous video recording, two-second previews, and more. Both are very good choices, but we’re still favoring the battery model as it’s so easy to install, and the battery lasts for a good three months before needing to recharge.

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)

Best video doorbell (runner-up)

The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is a massive update to the original Ring model. The 2020 version is ready for the modern home in every way, while remaining more affordable than elite models with features you may not need.

The main changes to the smart doorbell include an upgrade to 1080p resolution (up from 720p), two-way audio with noise cancellation, and adjustable motion zones that will monitor specific areas to lessen false alerts. You can also set “Privacy Zones” that allow you to exclude areas of the camera’s field of view from recording. Improve the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) with the $50 Solar Charger, which fits over the doorbell to supply it with power — reducing the need to remove the Ring doorbell and recharge its battery.

While the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen) may not offer some high-end qualities found in other cams, like 2K resolution or object recognition, it’s hard to overlook its very affordable price, as well as options like the Solar Charger that other doorbells don’t really offer. However, you will need to sign up for Ring’s security subscription to get any cloud storage, with the Protect plans starting at $3 per month.

The best video doorbells for 2023

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

Best premium video doorbell

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a substantial improvement not just over its predecessor, but to all video doorbells because it adopts a radar sensor to offer 3D motion detection technology. This model has the ability to tell exactly where it has detected people on your property, thus giving users a bird’s-eye view of their movement across the front door.

You could say it’s a game-changer, and beyond this new piece of tech, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 Pro also features a 1536p HD live video camera complete with color night vision, wide 150-degree views both on the horizontal and vertical, built-in Alexa greetings, two-way communication, and more. It’s one thing to know who’s at the front door, but it’s also another to know their movements before and after.

Wyze Video Doorbell v2

Best budget video doorbell

Clocking in at less than $50, the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 is an incredible deal. It offers 2K video capture, two-way talk, and a generous 166.8-degree field-of-view that allows you to see packages at your doorstep without putting tall guests out of the frame.

One of its most unique features is a built-in microSD card slot that allows you to store footage locally. That makes this product incredibly budget-friendly, as you won’t need to opt for a monthly subscription that offers access to cloud history. You can use a card up to 256GB, and if you don’t want to shop for your own card, you can bundle in a 128GB card for an extra $15.

Wyze also designed the video doorbell to handle extreme weather, with an IP65 rating and operating temperatures ranging from -4 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. It doesn’t look quite as premium as the more expensive items on this list, but when it costs less than $50, that’s a minor complaint.

You should also take Wyze’s previous privacy concerns into consideration before making a purchase, but there’s no doubt that frugal shoppers will find much to love about this video doorbell.

Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen

Best 2K video doorbell

This powerful video doorbell is offered in both 2K and HD models – and aside from video resolution, they’re nearly identical. Both models are loaded with useful features such as two-way audio, weatherproofing, and support for both wired and battery installations.

A big selling point is the video doorbell’s 180-degree field-of-view, which is great for capturing a large section of your porch without cutting off packages at the foot of your door. The 2K model is the most compelling, though the HD model and its $80 price tag is perfect for frugal shoppers.

One minor caveat is that it doesn’t offer color night vision. That’s a minor knock for an otherwise well-rounded product, so be sure to give it consideration if you’re looking to upgrade your video doorbell.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you compare different video doorbells?

Video doorbells have many features in common, including video, alerts, motion detectors, night vision, two-way audio, and more. However, there are a few important specs to compare between models:

• Size: Will the video doorbell fit in the space you have in mind?

• Power: Do you need a doorbell with a battery? How easy is the battery to recharge?

• Resolution: Usually, 1080p/HD is fine for video doorbells, but if you want more, you’ll need to look for a 2K resolution or higher model.

• Storage: Does the video doorbell offer onboard storage? Any room for SD cards? Does it offer cloud storage? Do you have to pay for cloud storage, or do you get it free?

• Detection: Some video doorbells are smarter than others. Newer models may have options to detect faces, cars, pets, and packages. Sometimes these features are free, but often you have to pay for a subscription to enable them.

How do you install a video doorbell?

Video doorbells can be relatively easy to install, especially if it’s battery-powered. All video doorbells are typically installed by fastening a mounting plate to an area near your door, whether that’s around the outside frame or somewhere else nearby. Once you screw the mounting plate into place, most video doorbells are then positioned on them — requiring a special release key to remove the doorbell to recharge it.

However, things can get a bit more complicated if you choose to install a video doorbell to an existing wired connection. Instructions on how to connect the appropriate wires to your doorbell vary, but you may want to hire a professional to ensure that it’s installed properly. The benefit of choosing to go with a wired connection versus a battery-operated model is that you never need to worry about recharging it. If you’re installing a Ring video doorbell, we break down the instructions on how to do it with our guide.

Where can you get video doorbells?

Video doorbells are extremely popular. If you’ve done your research, you can choose to purchase one online through retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon, and Newegg. Some popular consumer electronics stores like Best Buy have some on display to check out in person. You shouldn’t forget about home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes. Those stores can be great places to ask questions about installation specifics.

Or, if you’d like to save a little time and money, we keep an updated list of the best current video doorbell deals you should check out.

Do video doorbells need a subscription?

No, video doorbells don’t need a subscription to work, but a subscription may be particularly important for some models. Subscriptions usually add a few features to doorbells, including:

• Cloud storage: This allows you to save video to the cloud for a certain period of time, where you can view and download it at will. Some plans, like Ring Protect, only add cloud storage if you pay for it. Others expand cloud storage capabilities or make them more useful.

• Better detection options: Subscriptions usually allow for more in-depth AI detection of faces, cars, packages, and so on. This comes with rich alerts that specify what looks like happened, such as, “It appears a package was just dropped off at your door.”

• More customization: Subscriptions may also add customization options for your alerts, as well as the motion zones that trigger the doorbell.

Is my door large enough for a video doorbell?

First, there are narrow video doorbells, like the Nest Doorbell and similar models, that are designed to fit in narrow spaces. If your doorway has a reasonable amount of trim, that’s often sufficient. Doorbells may come with methods to angle them during installation so they face away from walls.

Second, you don’t have to put a video doorbell right by the door. It can go on a nearby wall or away from the entryway on an exterior wall. You will want to make sure they have some protection from the elements, though. Also, note that some siding is a lot harder to drill into than others (fiber cement. for example), and you’ll want to avoid any potential water damage.

Are video doorbells legal?

Privacy laws vary by state, but you don’t need to worry about using a video doorbell. By their nature, video doorbells are designed to view public entryway places and street sides where there’s no real expectation of privacy. They can’t really be repositioned to spy on neighbors or anything else illegal.

While many video doorbells do allow for two-way communication, they don’t actually record the audio, which is what can trigger privacy laws, so there’s no concern there, either.

Does my video doorbell record all the time?

No. That would be impractical for storage and would quickly wear out battery models. Video doorbells only record when their motion sensors are triggered, and many models have motion zones and other settings you can change so that only certain types of motion will trigger the video. Some models also have a background recording function that allows them to preview the first couple of seconds before the motion sensor is triggered.

How long does a battery on a video doorbell last?

That can depend on how often the doorbell is triggered by motion. In the best-case scenarios, we’ve found doorbells last around three to six months. But a doorbell on a busy street that gets triggered by cars or dog walkers will last far less, and a doorbell watching a long driveway that’s only occasionally used can last much longer.

Keep Reading

Featured

The Best PC Games 2023

By admin December 5, 2023

The Best PC Games 2023, The PC gaming ecosystem is easily the largest in the industry, with tens of thousands of games available to play and no real generational divide. Rather than a comprehensive list of the best PC games of all time, we placed our focus on the best PC games to play right now.

Some of these, like Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3, are recently released gems, while others are multiplayer or live service games that have stood the test of time, such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Minecraft. Our list of the best PC games spans across a wide variety of genres, so we imagine at least a few of these games will pique your interest.

PC gaming is quite different from consoles, as your mileage with each game on this list will vary based on your rig. That said, many of the games on this list don’t require the latest and greatest graphic cards–they merely help these great games look even better. And if you happen to have a Steam Deck, a lot of these games are playable on Valve’s impressive handheld PC.

We’ve linked to Steam listings where possible for these games, but it’s worth noting that you can often find better deals on storefronts such as Fanatical and GOG. We’ve included links to those stores, too. Also, some of our picks are available on PC Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your PC or starting a new build to play some of these games at higher settings, make sure to check out our step-by-step guide for building a gaming PC. We also have a dedicated list focused on the best Steam Deck games to play right now. If you’re looking for accessories for your rig, check out our roundups of the best gaming keyboards, gaming mice, and PC gaming headsets.

Alan Wake 2

Another chapter in the mind-bending Remedy universe, Alan Wake 2 picks up right where the cult classic left off more than a decade ago. Alan is trapped in the Dark Place and his only way out is to write his own story. His campaign takes place alongside a concurrent one with FBI agent Saga Anderson, and the two complimentary campaigns can be played together in any order. The lightly spooky elements of the first game turn much darker here, for a horror experience full of unforgettable moments.

The Best PC Games 2023

Apex Legends

We’ve called Apex Legends the champion of battle royales in the past, and two years into its lifespan, that’s something we stand by. Respawn Entertainment took its strong FPS foundation (namely Titanfall) and created a competitive shooter that refines all the core tenets necessary for a good battle royale. Its roster of characters adds a strategic layer and diversity of playstyle, gunplay is sharp and engaging, and quality-of-life features like the ping system and inventory management keep you focused on executing in combat.

Over the many seasons of content for Apex Legends, we’ve had multiple maps and game modes cycle into the experience. It has surprisingly deep lore that gets you invested in the world of Apex Legends, too. And because it’s free-to-play, you have nothing to lose by giving it a shot.

Baldur’s Gate 3

The triumphant return of a legacy CRPG series is also one of the best games of 2023. While Baldur’s Gate 3 is also available to play on PS5, the PC version is the clear leader thanks to its intuitive keyboard-and-mouse controls–and it’s a welcome return to form for longtime Baldur’s Gate fans. This fantasy tale is set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, but the most incredible part is how it approximates actually playing a game of D&D, with all the freedom that entails. You can tackle problems and navigate the world with an almost overwhelming amount of choice and agency, making it easy to get lost for hours and then start all over again with a new character.

Before Your Eyes

One of the most original games of recent memory, Before Your Eyes has a simple premise that hinges on your ocular organs controlling the entire experience through a webcam. It’s a short jaunt of a game that chronicles the life of a recently deceased person that you play as, but the catch here is that every time you blink, time moves forward. It’s a terrific idea, incredibly well-implemented, and ties in perfectly with themes of memories, life, and storing those precious moments within ourselves. Unusual but packing a heavyweight emotional punch, you won’t want to take your eyes off of this game for a single instant.

Alexa

Sony WF-1000XM5

Best overall wireless earbuds

Best wireless earbuds for 2023

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

The best budget earbuds

Still outstanding

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Impressive noise cancellation

Master & Dynamic MW09

The best sound for audiophiles

Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C

The best for Apple fans

Google Pixel Buds Pro

The new standard for Android users

Technics EAH-AZ60

Classic Technics sound, affordable ANC

The best sound for under $200

Jabra Elite 8 Active

The best for sports and athletes

CONTINUE TO GO TO OTHER PAGES.

Best smart plug for Alexa

The best smart plugs of 2023

Wemo Smart Plug with Thread

Most compact smart plug

TP-Link — Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini

Best budget smart plug

Wyze Smart Plug

Best smart plug ecosystem

Lutron Caseta Plug-In Lamp Dimmer Switch

Best smart plug for lamps

Emporia Smart Plug

Best smart plug for energy tracking

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Choose a Smart Plug

The best outdoor smart plugs for 2023

Geeni Indoor/Outdoor Smart Plug

Meross Smart Outdoor Plug

Woods Outdoor/Indoor Wireless Remote Control Kit

Ring Outdoor Smart Plug

Best smart lamp overall

The best smart lamps of 2023

Sharper Image Bonsai Bluetooth Speaker Lamp with Wireless Charging Pad

Best smart lamp for the bedroom

Lepro Smart Table Lamp

Best smart lamp for the living room

Globe Electric Smart Table Lamp

Best smart lamp for the office

Amazon Echo Glow

Best smart lamp for kids

Best stand-up smart lamp

Hatch Restore 2

Best smart light with alarm clock

Moonside Lamp One

Best smart lamp for your gaming desk

Frequently Asked Questions

Google Nest Doorbell

Best video doorbell overall

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)

Best video doorbell (runner-up)

The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is a massive update to the original Ring model. The 2020 version is ready for the modern home in every way, while remaining more affordable than elite models with features you may not need.

The best video doorbells for 2023

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

Best premium video doorbell

Wyze Video Doorbell v2

Best budget video doorbell

Clocking in at less than $50, the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 is an incredible deal. It offers 2K video capture, two-way talk, and a generous 166.8-degree field-of-view that allows you to see packages at your doorstep without putting tall guests out of the frame.

You should also take Wyze’s previous privacy concerns into consideration before making a purchase, but there’s no doubt that frugal shoppers will find much to love about this video doorbell.

Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen

Best 2K video doorbell

Frequently Asked Questions

Alan Wake 2

The Best PC Games 2023

Apex Legends

Baldur’s Gate 3

Before Your Eyes

The Case of the Golden Idol

Civilization VI

Cocoon

Control Ultimate Edition