Tag

Gadgets

Browsing

The best music streaming services of 2024, Music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, , , Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Deezer have entirely changed how we explore, enjoy, and exchange music. They bring convenience and accessibility to all new levels.

Yet, with so many choices, selecting the right music streaming app might feel like a daunting task. Each platform offers a music collection featuring artists, albums, playlists, and podcasts. Additionally, they each have their interface designs and special features, like song lyrics display, offline downloads, -generated playlists, high-quality audio formats, and more.

We’ve compiled a list of the best music streaming services to assist you. We’ve tested them all, and our evaluation criteria include pricing plans, user interface experience, quality of tracks offered, and much more. Let’s get started!

An iPhone with the Search section of the Spotify app on it.

Spotify

The best for most people

Pros

• Excellent UI
• Best-in-class discovery
• More than 100 million songs
• The biggest podcast network
• Fun special features

Cons

• No hi-res option … yet
• Glitchy performance at times
Specs
Plans (monthly): Free / Individual: $11 / Duo: $15 / Student: $6 / Family: $17
Library Size: More than 100 million tracks
Quality: 160kbps to 320kbps

When it comes to music streaming, Spotify is definitely one of the most recognizable brands on the planet. Launched in 2006, the platform is available across the globe, and is home to more than 100 million songs and growing. Spotify is also the world’s biggest podcast platform. Whether you’re rocking an , a Google Pixel, a laptop, or you’re in your , there’s a good chance that Spotify is going to be compatible with your hardware.

Beyond the music archive, Spotify offers several different subscription options, including individual, family, and student plans, as well as a free version with ads. Spotify Premium users also receive unlimited track skips, 320kbps audio quality, and offline downloads for up to 10,000 songs across five devices. The company is also really good at keeping its user interface familiar and reliable from one hardware type to another.

Spotify is also great for sharing. Thanks to integrations with social platforms like Facebook and Instagram, your circle of pals will get to see what you’ve been jamming out to lately. You’ll even have the option of sharing songs with others and even creating collaborative playlists you can all add to. Additionally, no one is quite as good as Spotify at always adding and experimenting with new and fun features, like its AI-driven DJ and, most recently, its beta AI Playlist that lets you type Chat GPT-style text prompts to get it to curate playlists for you.

So, where does the service struggle? Track quality, for one. Unlike platforms like Tidal and Qobuz that place a big emphasis on hi-res audio, Spotify’s tracks are capped at 320kbps, which only the most critical of audiophiles will notice. Spotify’s long-awaited Hi-Fi tier may still see the light of day, though, so if it’s not a deal breaker, you could just wait it out. But if you just want a music streamer that offers tons of genres, playlists, and fun social features, Spotify is going to be your best bet.

.

Spotify

The best for most people

.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The best music streaming services of 2024

Apple Music

https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ROG-Phone-7-Ultimate-Apple-Music.jpg

Perfect for Apple users who want hi-res audio

Pros

• More than 100 million songs
• Excellent hi-res options and Dolby Atmos
• Great interface
• Competitive pricing

Cons

• No free tier
• Can’t keep downloaded songs if you cancel
• No plan for couples
Specs
Plans (monthly): Individual: $11 / Student: $6 / Family: $17
Library Size: More than 100 million tracks
Quality: 256kbps AAC, 16-bit/44.1kHz, 24-bit/48kHz, 24-bit/192kHz

Some folks will remember Apple’s original foray into digitized music from a little platform called that launched back in 2000. Paving the way for Apple’s streamlined interface and big music library, iTunes eventually evolved into Apple Music in 2015. A fierce competitor to rivals like Spotify and Tidal, Apple Music is simple to use, boasts a library of more than 100 million tracks, is available across multiple platforms, and even offers hi-res listening options.

Apple Music also lets you test the waters before enrolling in one of its many subscription options. With a one-month free trial, you’ll have plenty of time to get a good lay of the land, at which point you’ll need to shell out for a monthly subscription, which runs $6 for students, $11 for an Individual plan, and $17 for the Family plan.

Every tier gives you access to full playback controls, recommended music based on your listening habits, and some nice visual treats for your phone, tablet, and computer screens. We’re talking immersive album artwork, line-by-line lyrics, and intuitive search tools that make finding songs and artists a breeze.

As far as track quality is concerned, Apple’s audio far exceeds Spotify’s 320kbps cap, with lossless ALAC tracks that can get as high as 24-bit/192kHz. Apple Music also uses the smaller AAC format with resolution up to 256kbps and offers many tracks and albums in Dolby Atmos, which Apple brands as Spatial Audio. And while you’ll be able to share tracks with friends and family, Apple Music doesn’t offer the same social integrations as Spotify.

If you’re familiar with the design and UI of devices like the iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Apple TV, you’re going to feel right at home using Apple Music. Both desktop and interfaces are clean, simple, and easy to navigate, with just about everything you could need right at your fingertips. Plus, there are all kinds of (such as Sonos and Apple’s HomePod) and smart displays that offer native Apple Music support.

.

Apple Music

Perfect for Apple users who want hi-res audio

.Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

Tidal

https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/tidal-rolling-stones-playing.jpg

Audiophile quality with wide device support

Pros

• More than 110 million tracks
• Some of the best hi-res tracks in the game
• Includes offline listening
• Works with many different types of devices
• Awesome playlist curations

Cons

• Weak podcast library
• Music discovery tools are not as good as others
• UI could be improved and more streamlined
Specs
Plans (monthly): Indvidual: $11 / Family: $17 / Student: $6 / DJ Extension add-on: $9
Library Size: More than 110 million tracks
Quality: 320kbps, 16-bit/44.1kHz, 24-bit/192kHz

Regarding top-notch music streaming quality, Tidal is one of the best names in the business, bar none.

Renowned for its focus on excellent sound quality, Tidal gives you access to an immense library of songs in 16-bit/44.1kHz up to 24-bit/192kHz in various formats, including HiRes FLAC, Dolby Atmos, Reality Audio, FLAC, and Master Quality Authenticated (MQA). Not all of Tidal’s artists and albums are in hi-res, but there’s a good chance that several artists you enjoy have at least some hi-res offerings in the archive.

Diehard fans will also enjoy Tidal’s dedication to additional content, including videos and real-time streams, creating a more immersive musical experience. We’re also big fans of its artist-generated playlists.

In terms of cross-platform compatibility, Tidal is also available on a range of popular devices, from and Android hardware to smart speakers, smart displays, streaming devices, and even native AV support from audio brands like Sonos and Harman Kardon through Tidal Connect. But what sets Tidal apart is its user-friendly interface. From apps to desktop versions, Tidal’s UI is designed to be clean, ultra-navigable, and tethered to your preferences, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

Beginning in April 2024, Tidal removed its expensive HiFi plans, while still keeping its high-quality library. The best part? Its new plans are cheaper and more in line with what Apple Music, Spotify, and others are charging. This means you can enjoy premium music streaming without breaking the bank. You can try Tidal for free for the first 30 days of a new membership. The platform also offers discounts to students, military, and first responders, making it even more affordable.

If you’re looking for supreme audio quality and talented curation, you should give Tidal a try. Plus, you’ll be hard-pressed to find many of these high-resolution tracks elsewhere.

.

Tidal

Audiophile quality with wide device support

.Qobuz app’s home screen Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Qobuz

https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/qobuz-app.jpg

Audiophile quality for a little less

Pros

• Big hi-res music library
• Inspired editorial content
• Can purchase songs and albums without a subscription
• Free trial for Studio plan

Cons

• Lacks social listening features
• No podcasts
Specs
Plans (monthly): Studio: from $11 / Sublime: from $180 per year
Library Size: More than 100 million tracks
Quality: 16-bit/44.1kHz, 24-bit/192kHz

A close competitor to Tidal, Qobuz is another music streaming platform that goes all in on the hi-res catalog. It is home to over 100 million tracks in lossless CD quality, and more than 240,000 albums in hi-res audio. Qobuz streams audio using high-quality FLAC files ranging from 16-bit/44kHz to 24-bit/192kHz, translating to some seriously good sound. Whether you’re listening through a pair of speakers or a pair of headphones, Qobuz tracks are going to sound about as good as they can get.

Qobuz offers two subscription plans, namely Studio and Sublime. Each plan has three levels to choose from. The Studio plan provides offline listening and a visually appealing desktop and mobile interface enriched with additional content such as artist bios, reviews, feature op-eds, and how-to guides. The Solo Studio level costs $13 per month, Duo costs $18 per month, and the Family plan (for up to six accounts) costs $22 per month. You can get discounts on these plans by opting for a yearly payment.

The Sublime subscription offers the same benefits as the Studio plan and up to 60% off many hi-res download purchases. However, you need to purchase a yearly subscription to get these benefits. The Solo Sublime plan costs $180/year, Duo costs $270/year, and the Family plan costs $350/year. Note that the Sublime subscription can only be purchased through a yearly payment, not monthly.

Oh, and we can’t forget this gem: You can pay to download Qobuz hi-res tracks and albums without a monthly subscription.

On the downside, Qobuz does not have Dolby Atmos tracks like Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music, and there are no podcasts or video content.

.

Qobuz

Audiophile quality for a little less

.Amazon

Amazon Music

https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/amazon-music-prime-membership-expansion.jpeg

Excellent value, hi-res audio, great for Prime customers

Pros

• Huge music library
• Lots of hi-res tracks and albums
• 90-day free trial
• Discounted plans for Amazon Prime members
• Discount for owning an Echo device
• Now offers a student plan

Cons

• Complicated subscription options
• Amazon Music only has shuffle mode
Specs
Plans (monthly): With Prime: $10 / w/o Prime: $11 / Family: $17 / Single Device Owner: $6 / Student: $6
Library Size: More than 100 million tracks
Quality: 320kbps, 16-bit/44.1kHz, 24-bit/192kHz

Amazon Music is a unique streaming option, especially for those of us who are already paying for Amazon’s $139 annual Prime membership (or $15 per month). Like many platforms we’ve covered up to this point, Amazon Music offers both CD quality and lossless audio formats, Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio tracks, a large music library, and some awesome smart home integrations (especially for Alexa-powered devices). The “unique” descriptor is mainly aimed at Amazon Music’s pricing, though, which is complex, to say the least.

Are you an Amazon Prime member? Great! That means you’ll be able to get the ad-free Amazon Music Unlimited (AMU) for $10 per month, as opposed to the non-Prime member subscription tier, which costs $11 per month. If you’re interested in nabbing Amazon Music Unlimited and just so happen to own an Echo speaker, you can sign up for the Single Device Owner plan. It only costs $6 per month, but you’ll only be able to use AMU on that one device. Oh, and there’s also an AMU Family Plan for $17 per month ($169 per year) that covers up to six users.

The pricing isn’t impossible to understand, but figuring out which option makes the most sense for you and yours can be confusing. Plus, Amazon technically has two different music streaming options: Amazon Music Unlimited and Amazon Music Prime. The latter is built into your Amazon Prime membership and gives you access to Amazon’s entire music library, but playback is limited to shuffle mode, and you won’t be able to listen to any hi-res tracks either.

Whether you’re listening with Amazon Music Unlimited or Amazon Music Prime, Amazon Music looks great on mobile and desktop platforms. Unlimited subscribers also benefit from video content, offline downloads, and a fun scrolling lyrics feature.

.

Amazon Music

Excellent value, hi-res audio, great for Prime customers

.Deezer

Deezer

https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/deezer-app-on-a-phone-1.jpg

Somewhere in the Goldilocks zone

Pros

• Robust music library
• Offline downloads
• Includes video content and podcasts
• CD-level quality
• Can upload your own MP3s on desktop
• Duo plan is now available

Cons

• No hi-res
• Can’t upload MP3s using mobile devices
Specs
Plans (monthly): Free / Premium: $12 / Family: $20 / Duo: $16 / Student: $6
Library Size: More than 120 million tracks
Quality: 128kbps, 320kbps, 16-bit/44.1kHz

Deezer lives in the Goldilocks zone of music streaming options. It offers a bigger library than competitors like Spotify and Apple Music and has CD-quality music, but it doesn’t touch the top-shelf hi-res content you’ll find on platforms like Tidal and Qobuz. Price-wise, though, it’s weirdly more expensive than everyone except Tidal, but Tidal gives you hi-res. Its individual plan is $12 per month, and for that, you get access to unlimited listening, lyrics, video content, offline listening, and a few other features.

Deezer is also one of the only streaming platforms that lets you upload your own tracks. While the quality is limited to MP3, and you won’t be able to do any uploading with a mobile device, it’s nice to have the ability to spread your own library across multiple gadgets.

Deezer used to have a HiFi plan that was $15 per month, but now its 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC tracks are built into its Premium and Family plans. As mentioned, this is lower quality than top-tier plans from the likes of Tidal and Qobuz, but it still packs quite a punch. Deezer free tier customers can only access MP3 files up to 128kbps, though. On a positive note, like Spotify, there’s now a duo package available through Deezer for $16/month.

As for Deezer’s UI across desktop and mobile platforms, both versions are geared toward easy navigation through playlists, genre labels, and similar search criteria. There are also several recommended categories and an excellent podcast library to check out.

Deezer does a nice job at checking several of the most important boxes for what makes up a solid music streaming service. Hi-res devotees may want to look elsewhere, but we definitely think Deezer is worth trying out, so make the best of that 30-day free trial!

.

Deezer

Somewhere in the Goldilocks zone

.Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

YouTube Music

https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/youtube-music-app-home-records.jpg

The best of music and YouTube is all here

Pros

• Terrific music library
• Simple pricing model
• Intuitive user interface
• Cool community upload features

Cons

• No hi-res tracks
• No editorial content
Specs
Plans (monthly): Free / Premium Individual: $11 / Family: $17 / Student: $5.50
Library Size: More than 100 million tracks
Quality: 256kbps

Last but not least, we have YouTube Music. A rebranding and consolidation of multiple Google/YouTube paid services that came before it (including Google Play and YouTube Red), YouTube Music is your one-stop-shop for everything … music-related. Subscribers will have access to over 100 million tracks, podcasts, an intuitive lyrics tool, excellent playlists, and much more. Right off the bat, though, we’d like to let our hi-res fans know that YouTube Music caps its track quality at 256kbps.

That doesn’t mean you should look away, though. In fact, we think YouTube Music has a lot going for it when it comes to overall desktop and mobile interfaces. Navigating from one panel to the next is fast and easy, with most of what you’ll want to be listening to housed under the “Home” and “Library” tabs. The former is a hub for recommended content based on your listening habits, while the latter is the storage site for all your personal playlists, favorited songs and albums, and other user-specific features.

It’s also a thrill to watch YouTube Music sync up to your local time of day and weather conditions. These factors affect the type of music that the platform will recommend.

Regarding pricing, there’s only one paid subscription plan: YouTube Music Premium. This paid tier removes ads for desktop and mobile listening, grants you offline downloads, and gives you a sweet feature called Smart Downloads. When enabled, this lets YouTube Music automatically download your favorite songs, artists, and albums for offline listening and even adds in recommended tracks and albums.

And, of course, YouTube Music is packed with video content. When you search for a song or artist, you will get officially licensed media and see video results for YouTubers covering the song, lyric videos, and more.

.

YouTube Music

The best of music and YouTube is all here

Views: 532

Best Android Root Apps in 2024, Rooting your Android device allows you to get complete control of your phone. It unlocks your device entirely so that you can perform more advanced and complicated tasks (for instance, bloatware removal), not meant for general users. Moreover, the best Android root apps help you make the most of your phone.

The best apps to root an help you do all the heavy lifting, save battery, get new applications, and improve your phone’s performance. However, the opposite may happen if you use a wrong and unreliable rooting app.

Therefore, you must be extremely careful when picking a root app. However, since you have arrived at this article, it will be a cakewalk for you to choose the proper .

Through this article, we share a rooted apps list. The applications in this list are selected after thorough research and analysis of the available options in the market. Let us walk you through it without ado.

9 Best Android Root Apps for Your Phone in 2024

Following are some of the best root apps for Android.

1. AdAway

adaway

Let us first introduce you to AdAway. It is a perfect choice for users who want to block ads on their devices. With this free and open-source application, you can block all ad-serving hostnames using the hosts’ file. It keeps you updated with the ad-serving networks and redirects these networks to your phone, i.e, the local host. Hence, these requests do not lead to any ads.

Download Now

.

2. Magisk Manager

magisk manager

Next, we have Magisk Manager on our list of the best Android root apps. The most advantageous feature of this app is that, unlike the traditional methods, it does not require you to make system partition changes. Moreover, it helps you hide root permissions from applications like Android Pay, Pokemon Go, etc.

Furthermore, it allows you to get OTA updates to your operating system. However, sadly, this app is unavailable on Google Play and you need to download it as apk from the official website.

Download Now

.

3. Quick Reboot

quick reboot

Let us take a look at Quick Reboot. This application allows you to reboot your device with a single tap on the button to do so. Moreover, there are several reboot options like recovery mode, fastboot, and safe mode. It comes in handy when you want all your reboot settings in one location and do not wish to use ADB or hardware key combinations to reboot your device.

Download Now

.

4. OneClickRoot

oneclickroot

The next name on our list of the best Android root applications is OneClick Root. It helps improve your device’s battery life and speed. Moreover, you can use this application to download apps that are unavailable in your country and perform byte by byte mobile data backup.

Furthermore, OneClickRoot supports free wireless tethering, installation of apps incompatible with your device, and access to crucial hidden files.

Download Now

.

5. Rescue Root

rescue root

The discussion about the best Android root apps cannot be complete without Rescue Root. It is among the top applications to backup your device and protect it hassle-freely. With this app, you can perform customized roots for specific devices and restore your phone to an earlier rooted state.

Additionally, round-the-clock support, availability for all Android devices, and unlimited restoration of data make Rescue Root one of the best rooting apps.

Download Now

.

6.

kingoroot

Here comes the best application for all those wanting to customize their device without any hassle. It offers a one-click device root. Additionally, it boasts compatibility with a wide range of devices and a beginner-friendly interface.

Furthermore, speeding up the device performance, easy Android streamlining, and Android root using PC are its other noteworthy features.

Download Now

.

7.

root essentials

Let us now talk about the Root Essentials. Available for phone, tablet, and Android wear. This app lets you manage all applications on your device without any cumbersome effort, check the battery status, and check the phone for rooting access.

Moreover, it allows you to edit LCD density, view device information, change the phone’s emoji, select from over 700 fonts, and change your phone’s system language.

Download Now

.

8. ROM Toolbox Pro

rom toolbox pro

Are you looking for a multi-purpose booting app? Then, ROM Toolbox Pro is a perfect choice for you. With ROM Toolbox Pro, you can easily manage your files or folders along with changing your device settings completely.
The app lets you utilize the custom fonts from an external SD Card. Additionally, using this Android Root App you can effortlessly move, delete, and rename files. Along with the ownership of files, you can also modify the permissions of any desired file. Overall, ROM Toolbox Pro is the must-have app for every root user out there.

Download Now

.

9.

liveboot

Let us introduce you to LiveBoot. It is among the best root apps for Android because of its device checking to determine whether or not you should root it. Moreover, it boasts many interesting features like access to the System Message Registry, commands to debug Android applications, and an option to view apps running in the background during boot.

Download Now

.

Summing Up

This article acquainted you with the best Android root apps to help you use your device to the maximum potential. You can choose any app from the above list depending on your requirements.

If there is any application you would like to add to the above list, if you have any other suggestions/questions about this post, please drop them in the comment box. We will be delighted to address your queries.

Root Android: Everything you need to know!

One of the best things about Android is its customization and flexibility. Android lets you use it the way you want to, whether that means changing the launcher, or setting up a host of unique automatic functions with Tasker. But for some, that isn’t enough. You can gain near-total control of the OS if you root Android.

This isn’t as common as it once was, but there are still benefits to rooting Android, such as removing bloatware, full system backups, overclocking, specialized settings, and more. If you like the sounds of that, but find yourself feeling a little anxious about “hacking” your much-loved (and probably expensive) device, then read on to learn everything you need to know about rooting Android. It’s actually easier than you might think.

Editor’s note: Rooting Android devices requires a high level of tinkering and modifying your phone’s software. This can be risky, and there is a chance you’ll damage your handset. This is terrible news, considering rooting Android may void your warranty. Always do your research and be confident about the steps you’re taking, as no one but you will be responsible should anything happen to your device.

.

What is rooting?

While it might sound scary, rooting refers to obtaining access to commands, system files, and folder locations that are usually locked off. Rooting Android can be thought of as promoting yourself from a system user to an administrator, with the additional freedom and risks that come from more control over the deeper workings of your device. With great power comes great responsibility and all that!

More specifically, adding root to Android means becoming a superuser, which is a Linux function you may be familiar with. In many ways, you could view this more as restoring a function that should have been there, to begin with!

Users can install and run applications on rooted Android phones and tablets that require special privileges, bypass carrier-installed software, and even remove bloatware applications (as opposed to simply disabling them). Root access is even needed if you want to install trivial things like certain custom fonts, and rooting Android can also unlock new features in certain apps and launchers.

If you’re comfortable with coding, you can even go as far as creating your own custom ROMs.

Handy rooting terminology:

 Bootloader: Lowest level software on your phone that starts up recoveries and then the main operating system.
 Recovery: Low-level software that can create and restore full system backups. It is accessed before the main OS.
 ADB (Android Debug Bridge): A command-line tool that is part of the Android SDK, which supports communication between a computer and an Android device.

.

To root or not to root?

phone with supersu root access stock 3 945w

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

The next question is whether you should root Android or leave it as it is. That, of course, is a matter of personal preference, but there are some compelling arguments both for and against it.

On the plus side, it gives you more access to several cool apps and customization options. It also lets you upgrade older phones to newer Android versions long after your manufacturer and carrier have stopped supporting it. As mentioned, rooting Android will let you change things that you otherwise Wouldn’t be able to, and it will also allow you to use a host of cool apps.

Android root apps and options

Here are just a few things you can do with a rooted Android device:

 Overclock or underclock the CPU.
 Increase battery life.
 It greatly enhances the power of Tasker.
 Remove preinstalled bloatware apps.
 Make real backups.
 Install custom ROMs.
 Further customize your phone’s looks.
 Install apps that do more than basic ones.
 You can even do things like installing Ubuntu for desktop.

For some people, rooting Android is also something of a statement. You paid for this device, so why shouldn’t you use it exactly as you wish? Especially if it means removing cynical and unhelpful bloatware. There’s also a certain status that comes from it, and a great sense of accomplishment when you achieve root access for the first time.

If you’re a developer hoping to create your own root apps, you need to start somewhere!

Will you damage your device?

google pixel 8 back in hand red background 531h

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Pixel 8

That said, there are also some potential downsides to rooting.

Even once you know how to root Android, some risks are involved. If you get this wrong, there is a chance of bricking your device (it’s happened to me). It’s easier and safer on some devices than others, but if you’re not overly confident with your tech wizardry, you may prefer to leave your phone be.

Furthermore, rooting can cause some issues with official OTA handset updates — but it is usually fine to install new software manually once you’re rooted. Updating will often cause root permissions to be lost, in which case the procedure will need to be performed again. Occasionally, an update will block old root methods, and sometimes rooted devices will fail to install updates. If your device stops booting after an attempted root exploit, you can usually restore it to factory specifications relatively easily.

Warranties and legalities — is rooting legal?

This leads us nicely onto warranties, which is another grey area in the world of rooting. While carriers don’t like you tampering with their hardware and software, some manufacturers have become kinder to rooters and even those who install third-party software. However, few have a clear stance on what software tweaks will void your warranty, and you certainly can’t count on having your rooted handset fixed if something goes wrong. Devices with locked bootloaders, the very low-level software that starts up your phone, are explicitly designed to prevent rooting, so don’t expect sympathy from these companies.

 In the US, rooting is perfectly legal.

Thanks to clues like Knox on Samsung, manufacturers and sellers can often identify rooted devices, even after you unroot them. Note that there are ways to hide evidence of having rooted your device, but these won’t always . There’s a kind of arms race between hackers and manufacturers, and your chances of unrooting and covering your tracks will often come down to who is winning at the time! This is why many people only root older phones already out of warranty.

This might also make you wonder whether rooting your device is even legal. This is tough to answer as it depends on your country’s laws. Many countries allow for bypassing digital rights management and , providing that this is not used for other illegal purposes, such as circumventing copyrights. Rooting has been legal in the USA since 2013.

security and privacy option in android settings stock photo 2 531h

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

It’s also worth noting that some apps and features will stop working once you root. For example, banking apps will often stop working due to the perceived security risk. Even and Pokemon Go take issue with root! There are also often countermeasures to these limitations — though your mileage may vary. You can probably tell by now that rooting typically means creating more work for yourself, but it can be enjoyable work!

Rooting your phone can open up your device to more dangerous pieces of malware.Adam Sinicki

The final major point to be aware of is security. With greater control comes a greater level of risk, and rooting your phone can open up your device to more dangerous pieces of malware. This is where governor applications come in, which monitor and control which processes get root permissions. You may be familiar with SuperSU or other similar apps. These are very straightforward to use and simply display a pop-up whenever an app or process wants root access, which you can either deny or allow and save your preference if you trust the app.

Of course, if you aren’t automatically receiving the usual updates, it also falls on you to ensure you get all the latest security patches. In theory, you could improve your privacy with the proper root apps. But it’s on you. It should also be noted that SuperSU developer Chainfire hung up his root apps, so most rooters have now switched over to Magisk.

.

So, should you root Android?

android stock photo

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

With all that in mind, should you root your Android device?

Ultimately, that comes down to what you intend to use your device for. Do you even need to root Android? If you have a specific use-case scenario in mind and understand the risks and limitations, then there’s nothing to stop you from learning how to root Android and giving yourself that extra freedom.

On the other hand, the argument for rooting isn’t as compelling as it once was. These days, one can do many things that were once limited to root users (customizing the UI, recording your screen, and so on). Not to mention that even budget phones are fast these days, so overclocking is no longer an important reason to root Android.

These days, one can do a lot of things that were once limited to root users.Adam Sinicki

Seeing as root might also mean you lose functionality, it’s no longer a straight win across the board. It has its benefits, but it’s not as helpful as it once was.

For me, the obvious answer is to only root older devices. Keep your daily driver clean while it’s still getting new updates and patches, but root secondary gadgets that you want to tinker with. That way, you get to have your cake and eat it, too.

.

How to root Android devices

phone with supersu root access stock 1

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

If you decide to proceed, you’ll probably wonder how to root Android. Let’s lead you in the right direction!

The bad news is there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when you root Android phones and tablets. Different brands and even software versions can make the rooting process vary. Even within handset variants, you may find that some techniques work and others don’t.

The good news is that rooting is much easier than it once was in many cases. In fact, the easiest method is usually to use a simple root app. These apps let you root Android with a single tap, with some popular examples being KingRootKingoRoot, and OneClickRoot. Download your app of choice or access the website for more instructions. The service will check compatibility first, then root your device for you.

This is a minimum-fuss method that will work in many cases. However, it’s worth noting that some come with annoying push notifications and ads. I’d advise checking reviews before settling on which one to use. Some would even say that if you can’t figure out how to root your device without one of these apps, perhaps you shouldn’t be doing it at all (because if you encounter problems during the process, you won’t know what to do).

The good news is that in many cases, rooting is much easier than it once was.

If a one-click solution doesn’t appeal to you, things get a little more complex, and you’ll need to look for specific instructions for your device. This might mean using PC software and connecting your phone via USB. It might also mean using a custom recovery, or downloading additional software like Odin for Samsung devices. The best part about these options is that you learn a lot along the way.

I recommend either Googling “how to root [YOUR DEVICE NAME HERE]” or heading over to XDA Developers, which is a great place to start. Many of the best root apps available today were developed by members of this community. Just be sure to use the search function first before asking noob questions! And don’t forget to thank and support the devs that make rooting possible.

Before rooting your device, it’s always good to back up your phone first. Then settle in, read a lot, triple-check the instructions, and dive in. Crossing your fingers and holding your breath would be a good idea because you just took the red pill! The world of Android rooting is exciting, empowering, frustrating, and engaging — you’ll learn tons about how Android works, what your phone can do, and how awesome Android can be when you get in the driver’s seat.

Once you’ve rooted your phone, it’s time to start enjoying the best root apps for Android.

.

FAQs

Rooting a device refers to obtaining superuser access to your Android system. It allows you to delve deeper into commands, system files, restricted folders, and more. This will enable you to customize things from a system level.

 

Rooting makes it possible to achieve much more complex customizations than you’re used to. You can control your CPU and RAM, customize your UI, remove apps you otherwise wouldn’t be able to uninstall, use apps that provide root features, and more.

 

Manufacturers don’t like when you tinker with their devices’ software. This can create issues, and these wouldn’t be their fault. Most manufacturers will likely avoid respecting a warranty claim if you’ve rooted a device, especially if this was the cause of whatever issue you started the claim for. That said, some argue it’s illegal to void the warranty due to rooting, in some jurisdictions. You might be able to argue this in court, but no one really wants to take a company to court for a warranty issue. At the very least, rooting your phone may cause a headache, even if you did nothing wrong.

 

Technically speaking, a rooted Android phone has access to system files. Regular phones lack this. This makes it possible for hackers and malware to attack you at deeper levels. Additionally, root users like grabbing apps to maximize their experience, which opens the doors to more dangers. While rooting your device can be perfectly secure, it’s also very easy to turn it into a vulnerable device. You’re no longer sticking with Google and your manufacturer’s protective arms. Not to mention, rooting can affect timely updates, which often come with security improvements.

 

Of course you can. The real question is whether you should. If you are to sell a rooted phone, make sure you tell the new owner about this. He can then decide if he wants to take the risk. Additionally, it’s possible to unroot a phone and take it back to its factory settings. This might be a better alternative, unless the buyer strictly wants a rooted phone.

 

Rooting is only worth it right now if you have a specific need for it, or if you really want to play around with your Android phone. That said, we advise most users to stick with stock software now. This is because most of the benefits we used to get from root access no longer apply. Phones used to be slow, and now even budget devices are pretty fast, so there is no dire need to overclock. Battery life is also improving, so there is no huge need to underclock. Launchers are better than ever, so custom ROMs are no longer as enticing as before. Bloatware apps can also be turned off, which at least keeps them out of view.

 

No. You will have to flash the stock software to remove root. In fact, this used to be seen as a feature. Some applications are able to stick around, even if you perform a factory reset. This is great for security apps.

Rooting, in and of itself, should not erase any of your data. That said, you might have to give your phone a clean install if anything goes wrong, or if the root process for your phone happens to require a factory reset.

 

There are multiple ways to check if a device is rooted, but if you can’t figure this out, chances are you don’t want to deal with complex methods. The easiest way to check if your phone is rooted is through an app. Root Checker is one of the ones.

Views: 31

If you are looking for some phone spying apps for Android, this article lists the best ones that can easily meet all of your requirements. 

You may want to check the activities of an Android smartphone. This could be because you are worried about the individual in some way and want to get the details of calls, messages, and/or other details. You can easily know about all of these activities on any Android device with a single source.

One of the best phone spying apps is all you need.

So, that’s what you will get with the help of this simple guide. Proceed to have a look at the phone spy app for Android and track the activities of a device with ease.

List of the Best Phone Spying Apps in 2024

Below are some of the top free phone spying apps for Android voted the best in 2024. We recommend that you go through the list of apps thoroughly and then download and use the one(s) you like the most amongst these. So, without any further ado, let’s proceed to the list of the best-hidden spy apps for Android right below.

1.

uMobix

uMobix is one of the best free phone spying apps of all time. The app is available for both Android and devices. With the help of this app, you can easily monitor and keep track of the keystrokes or taps performed on the app. And that’s not all. You can even track the location visited or traveled with the help of this app. Below are some other features of this best spy app for Android free that provide better information.

Features of uMobix:

 The app allows you to monitor the calls made to and from the smartphone.
 The app supports a cross-platform base and is compatible with a lot of operating system versions as well.
 If you want to get details of a particular app, then uMobix is the best solution that supports individual platform information.
 You can also access the list of apps on any device with uMobix.

Download uMobix

Read Also : The Best Sports Games for 2024

.

2. mSpy

mSpy

The next product on this list of the best free phone spying apps is mSpy. This is one of the most trusted and popular spying apps of all time. With the help of the software, you can easily track the usage and location of your smartphone. Additionally, the app provides a plethora of other features as well. Below you will find the most prominent features of mSpy as one of the best spy apps for free.

Features of mSpy:

 The app allows you to monitor the calls and messages on your device.
 If the user has installed any third-party messaging or social media apps, then you can also monitor the same with mSpy.
 The app provides both real-time updates of the location as well as location history.
 With a single solution, you can control all the apps and programs installed on the Android device.
 The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.

Download mSpy

.

3.

eyeZy

eyeZy is one of the best hidden spy apps for Android that allows you to gather information on any device with ease. The app is not limited to Android but is also supported by iOS and iPadOS devices. The app even allows you to access the internal and external storage of the device with ease. Below are some of the top features of this proud member of the free spy apps for iPhone and Android. Have a glance at the same for further information.

Features of eyeZy:

 With the help of the app, you can know all the saved files on your device quite easily.
 eyeZy allows you to keep track of all the websites visited by the user and the viewed content.
 You can also modify the usage period of different apps and websites with eyeZy.
 One of the best features of the tool is that it allows you to set different boundaries, geographical and metaphorical. You will get updates whenever this boundary is crossed

Download eyeZy

.

4. SpyBubble

SpyBubble

Another name that graces this list of the best free phone spying apps is SpyBubble. The app works to provide all the required information about top messaging social media platforms like Whatsapp, , Snapchat, and many more. Apart from this, the app also provides information about incoming and outgoing messages and calls. Check out the other features of this phone spy app for Android.

Features of SpyBubble:

 SpyBubble is supported on all Android and iOS (some may require Jailbreak) devices of all versions.
 You need to root the Android device to use the SpyBubble app for the best results.
 The app allows you to track real-time locations and even geofence an area as per your requirements.
 With the paid version of the tool, you also get 24/7 customer support.
 You can check the activity of any smartphone with the help of a computer browser.

Download SpyBubble

.

5.

HoverWatch

HoverWatch is another one of the best hidden spy apps for Android. The working of the app is quite simple yet effective. This single solution allows you to get details related to the platforms like messaging apps and social media platforms. Additionally, you can also monitor the call history of the device very easily. Below are some of the best and additional features of this best spy app for Android for free.

Features of HoverWatch:

 The app provides thorough and in detail information about the internet activity on your device.
 You can download and use the app on both Android and iOS devices as required.
 The platform also provides a free demo of the app to understand its working and proceed if required.
 You can easily monitor the location of the device with the help of the HoverWatch GPS.
 HoverWatch is one of the Best hidden spy apps for Android. The smartphone user does not even know if the HoverWatch app is installed on the device.

Download HoverWatch

.

6. Cocospy

Cocospy

Next, comes Cocospy as one of the best phone spying apps. Cocospy is a great solution for you if you are looking for an easy-to-use yet effective way to track the activities of a device. The app works quite well as a parental control app however, others can also use the app perfectly. Have a look at the features of this one of the free spy apps for iPhone and get all the information required.

Features of Cocospy:

 The app works perfectly when you are remote without even informing the device user in any way.
 With the help of Cocospy, you can get all the messages and call history on your device.
 The tool works perfectly on Android and iOS devices, offering the best results.
 If you want to know the browser history of a device, then you should try Cocospy.
 The procedure to set up Cocospy is very simple and effective.

Download Cocospy

.

7. XNSpy

XNSpy

XNSpy is an amazing tool that works perfectly as one of the best free phone spying apps for Android. The app works with a Stealth Mode that allows you to check the activity of any device without informing or intimating the user. The app can be set up very easily within a couple of minutes and used with ease afterward. Go through the top features of this one of the best free spy apps for iPhone for more information.

Features of XNSpy:

 With the help of XNSpy, you can monitor the incoming calls and call history of the device.
 The app shows real-time updates about the happenings of the device.
 Even if you are distant from the device, you can have a look at the activities of the device remotely.
 The app provides quite detailed reports about the usage of every platform on the device.
 You can get XNSpy for iPhones or Android devices as required.

Download XNSpy

.

8.

Clevguard

The next item on this list of the best phone spying apps for free on Android devices is Clevguard. With the help of this tool, you can easily get the activity history of iOS or Android devices. The app is even available for monitors or desktops. One of the best features of the tool is the iCloud monitoring features provided to all. Know more about the tool from the features of the best hidden spy apps for Android.

Features of Clevguard:

 The app allows you to export the activity data of any device as per your requirements.
 The app also provides you access to the browser history at all times.
 Call logs, messaging data, and other related information are some of the features that are quite easily available.
 With the help of Clevguard, you can geofence to a certain diameter and get updates when the same is breached or crossed.
 With the app, you get free updates for the platform for life.

Download Clevguard

.

9. FlexiSPY

FlexiSPY

We are approaching the end of this list of the best phone spying apps however, the apps here are still going strong. FlexiSPY is the next anime on this list. The creators of the platform allow you to select from a variety of versions for the same as per your requirements. Have a look at the features of this viable member of the best hidden spy apps for Android right below for a better understanding.

Features of FlexiSPY:

 The app provides some of the outstanding and never-seen-anywhere features to the users like social media apps call recording, access to messages from different platforms, etc.
 The app can also work as a keylogger, which means that you can know precisely how and what was done to the device.
 Although the app requires root to work, it also hides that the device is rooted to protect the identity or presence of the app.
 You can run the app in hidden mode, away from the reach of the device user and protected.

Download FlexiSPY

.

10. Tracker

Mobile Tracker

The last name on this list of free phone spying apps is the app. With the help of this amazing app, you can do as much as any other product on this list. Additionally, you also get some quality features with the tool like calls history management and more. You will find all the features of this popular article from the free spy apps for iPhone list.

Features of Mobile Tracker:

 The app provides the precise location of the device at all times along with location history logs.
 With the help of Mobile Tracker, you can also keep track of the call logs and history.
 Social Media Platform management and tracking are possible with the app quite easily.
 Mobile Tracker makes it possible for users to monitor the device even from a remote location.
 Additionally, there is open access to the gallery of the device with Mobile Tracker.

Download Mobile Tracker

.

11.

Qustodio

The Qustodio app is another robust surveillance application that provides a free plan that is available indefinitely. Over six million parents across the globe have put their faith in it. In addition to the typical gadgets, such as mobile phones and computers, Qustodio is also compatible with Kindle, which is an online reading device and software developed by Amazon.

Although reading is a wonderful habit to instill in your children, it is essential to monitor the types of material they are reading.

An alert will be sent to you if your children continue to attempt to access a website or application that has previously been restricted. In this manner, you will be aware of the topics that they are interested in, and you will be able to discuss those topics with them at home.

Another key draw is the panic button, which users may press. If your children are in danger and you are unable to reach them by phone or text message, it enables them to transmit quick to you with the push of a button.

Features Of Qustodio:

 The Safe Search option to protect your children from exposure to unsuitable stuff.
 The panic button gives your children the ability to communicate with you in times of crisis.
 Personalized monitoring of screen time.
 Create individualized notifications for your children when they browse restricted websites.

Download Qustodio

.

Best Free Phone Spying Apps in 2024: Listed

So, this section concludes the list of the best hidden spy apps for Android and iPhone devices. We hope that these solutions were the precise apps that you were seeking. You may find others and a plethora of apps on the internet claiming to offer similar features to you. However, not all of these are up to the mark. Hence, we took the liberty to present the actual best ones to you; for your help.

However, if you have any doubts related to the best phone spying apps, then you may ask the same below. The comments section is here for you. We will help you in every way possible. You may also present your suggestions.

.

Views: 9

How to record phone calls on your iPhone, Text messages and email are two of the most common ways we use our smartphones to communicate, but one shouldn’t forget that these fancy can still ring a friend or family member. An one-on-one conversation may be falling out of style, but it’s still one of the fastest ways to exchange a lot of information.

Fortunately, you can also record phone calls for future reference, although you’re a bit up-the-creek if you’re rocking an iPhone. For years now, devices haven’t featured any type of built-in recording tool for phone calls — not even the iPhone 15iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max. That being said, there are a few workarounds.

You can record your iPhone calls using a second device, an app or two, or with Google Voice’s services, and we’re going to walk you through each method. We should also mention that if you’d like to try and record calls, the website https://gethuman.com could be of service too.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro in hand.

How to record iPhone calls with another device

The easiest way to record a call is using another device to record your call in speakerphone mode. This is, by far, the simplest option. However, it does involve you having the additional device, so it’s not for everyone.

If you’re using a or PC, you can use the built-in recording or something free like https://www.audacityteam.org. For Mac users, GarageBand is the tried and true recording tool. The software is simple to use and even allows you to export and share audio files.

Windows users are best served by the Sound Recorder app. Like GarageBand, you’ll be able to record, edit, and share files with other devices.

The other key piece of equipment you’ll need is a microphone. We have a list of the best microphones for streaming, but don’t recommend you buy an expensive microphone just for recording a single call.

We advise setting up your recording equipment ahead of time, so the steps below reflect this. Keep in mind you can’t get around the additional device requirement by recording on the iPhone taking the call, as the microphone is locked out during calls.

How to record phone calls on your iPhone

Read More : Best Midjourney Prompts in 2024

Step 1: Create your recording workspace. You’re not going to be able to move away from your recording device, so keep that in mind and make sure you’re comfortable and have privacy (if required).

Step 2: Download and install whatever recording software you’re using. If you’re using a smartphone, we have a list of the best voice-recording apps for Android and iPhone, but in brief, Voice Memos is great for iPhone users, while Android users should look at Easy Voice Recorder.

If you’re using a Mac or PC, you can use the built-in recording software or something free like Audacity. You’ll also need a microphone of some sort though, so make sure you have one. We have a list of the best microphones for streaming, but don’t recommend you buy an expensive microphone just for recording a single call.

Voice Memos on iOS.

Step 3: Open your recording software and place the phone you’re making the call from near enough to the recording device to be heard. You can test with some or videos to make sure it can be heard.

Step 4: Start your call, and make sure to place your phone on Speakerphone mode by tapping the Audio button on your call.

Step 5: Tap Record on the recording software of your choice.

Step 6: If required, make sure to inform the person on the other end that you are recording the call.

Call Recorder Pro records any call.

Share your recordings on a number of services.

A recordings log in the Call Recorder Pro app.

How to record iPhone calls using an app

There aren’t many high-quality, free call-recording apps out there, but there are a few options if you’re willing to pay a modest amount. We’ve tested a number of apps, and there are definitely a select handful that are better than the rest. These apps tend to have subscription costs, so they’re best if you’re a regular recorder of calls.

TapeACall Pro: Call Recorder ($11) — The best iPhone call recording app out there, by far. $11 gets you unlimited recording for a year, and it’s $20 a year after that. It merges calls into a three-way call and records everything, including your own voice. TapeACall can record incoming calls, outgoing calls, and calls you’re already taking. You’ll also have access to call transcriptions and unlimited storage.

Do keep in mind this app only works if your carrier supports three-way conference calls. You can listen to the recording in the app, or share it with a number of storage services. A great app if you’re going to be recording a lot of calls.

Call Recorder Pro for iPhone ($10) — Another solid option, Call Record Pro uses three-way calling, so you need to make sure your carrier supports it. You can start the recording mid-call, and can share the recordings via email, cloud storage, or other apps. It’s let down by its pricing structure, though, as the $ fee upfront only gets you 300 minutes of calling. After that, you’ll need to buy credits for more call time.

A la carte bundling starts at $1 for 30 credits and goes up to $20 for 700 credits. You can also purchase a Mega Credit Pack for $50.

Call Recorder – IntCall — Our first option that’s free to download, IntCall specializes in international calling, and functions on a credit system. You’ll need a GSM network for it to work (as most of the world uses GSM networks), and it uses VoIP to make the call. Prices vary depending on the country being called, but most cost between 10-20 cents per minute. If you’re not calling internationally, there’s also a weekly subscription you can buy, but that uses three-way conference calls, so again, make sure your carrier supports it.

How to record iPhone calls using Google Voice

If you’re looking for a good, free option with the ability to record incoming calls, and unwanted call filters, Google Voice might be the ideal choice. You must port your phone number over to Google to get access to the recording feature, and it can’t record outgoing calls. This makes it rather inconvenient if you’re hoping to record any conversations that you need to initiate, or if you like your current carrier, but it’s a small sacrifice if you want free recording. Read our guide on on how to set up Google Voice if you’re not familiar with the app.

To record incoming calls with your Google Voice account on an iPhone, you first need to set up an account. Just go to Google Voice and follow the instructions. Once your account is up and running, the next step is to enable call recording so you can record and automatically save your conversation as an MP3 file. Keep in mind, you’ll have to answer the call within the app itself by using your provided Google Voice number, so be aware you won’t be able to successfully record phone conversations using just your iPhone’s phone number.

Be aware only personal Google Voice accounts can record, and Voice for Google Workspace accounts won’t have access to this feature. Only the U.S. can use Google Voice, but you can dial outside of the U.S. from within it on Google Voice.

Step 1: Navigate to the Google Voice homepage.

Step 2: Click on Settings (gear icon) on the upper left-hand corner of the window.

Step 3: Scroll down to the Calls section and make sure that Incoming call options is enabled.

Setting call recording in Google Voice.

Step 4: To record calls, you’ll need to download the Google Voice app.

Step 5: When you’re ready to record, start the call and tap the number 4 on your keypad. When you do this, you and the person on the other line will hear an automated voice message announcing the call will be recorded.

Starting a call in Google Voice.

Step 6: You can stop recording by hitting the number 4 on your keypad again or simply by hanging up. Once the recording has stopped, Google will automatically save the conversation so you can refer to it later. 

Step 7: If all the settings are correct and you’ve already answered and recorded a call using the app, you will notice the conversation will pop up under your Calls and voicemail tab. If you’d like to listen to the recorded audio, just select the arrow and make sure your volume is turned up. The app will also email you a link to your conversation so you can view it in a browser.

Google Voice recordings in-app.

Is it legal to record iPhone phone calls?

“Your calls may be recorded for training or monitoring purposes” is a common sentence to hear when calling a customer service line, and that’s for a good reason. Many states have two-party consent laws in place. In 16 U.S. states (California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington), it is not expressly legal to record a phone call without the consent of the other participants in the call.

Make sure you know whether you need to warn the other person on the line that they are being recorded, as you may get into trouble if you don’t. Do your research, and if in doubt, err on the side of caution. Remember, if it’s a multi-person call, you need the consent of everyone on the call, not just one other person.

Be aware some of these laws will apply internationally, too. Always make sure you know whether the local law means you need to warn people of the call being recorded.

Are call-recording apps free?

That all depends on the app, but usually not. For example, of the three call-recording apps we mention in this post (TapeACall Pro: Call Recorder, Call Recorder Pro for iPhone, and Call Recorder — IntCall), two of the three services require you to purchase in-app credits for recording calls.

The one outlier that doesn’t require credits (TapeACall Pro) requires a yearly subscription though. This is why it’s a good idea to get familiar with the terms and conditions of whatever recording software you decide to go with.

Is Google Voice free?

When dialing from the US, most Google Voice calls to the US and Canada end up being free. In some cases, a call to the US or Canada may end up costing 1 cent per minute.

Calls made outside the US are subject to Google Voice’s listed rates.

Views: 14

The best smart speakers for 2023, Smart speakers are an integral part of any smart home, often serving as the brains of the entire operation. Beyond pumping out impressive audio or giving you updates on the morning news, smart speakers can listen to voice commands before passing out instructions to the rest of your gadgets. Functionality varies widely by product, making it important to find the best for your setup.

Thankfully, it’s hard to pick a dud in today’s loaded marketplace. Whether you’re an Apple loyalist, a Google enthusiast, or an avid user of Alexa, just about every big tech company is churning out incredible smart speakers. But if you need some help narrowing down all your options, here’s a look at the best smart speakers of 2023.

sonos era 100 review 00001

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Sonos Era 100

The best smart speaker

As the successor to the Sonos One (our previous best smart speaker), it should come as no surprise that the Era 100 is just as easy to recommend. Everything that made the Sonos One popular has been improved with the Era 100 – including sound quality, usability, and the addition of native Bluetooth support.

The Sonos Era 100 produces booming sound thanks to its twin angled tweeters, a woofer that’s 25% larger than the Sonos One, and custom waveguides that help send noise to all corners of your room. It also features a faster processor, which results in better performance when giving it commands.

Interacting with the device is more streamlined than it was on the Sonos One, which used gestures and touch controls on the top of the device. For the Era 100, you’ll get simple buttons for everything from volume controls to track selection.

It’s still expensive (typically retailing for $249), but there’s no doubt it’s a premium smart speaker that should appeal to even the most discerning audiophile.

sonos black friday deals 2022 one gen 2

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sonos One (Gen 2)

The best smart speaker (Runner-up)

The second-generation version of the Sonos One is even more user-friendly, with an updated design that adds touch controls and incorporates Bluetooth 5.0 for a variety of connection options. Its core features still remain, however, including the ability to choose between Alexa or and to link with other Sonos speakers through Wi-Fi to fill the room with even more sound.

The speaker’s far-field microphone array effortlessly hears voice commands from across a room, even when music is playing. If you have qualms about privacy, Sonos claims that muting the microphones is done via hardware, ensuring that when the mic indicator light is off, the speaker is definitely not listening. With AirPlay 2, you can stream any audio from an Apple device directly to the speaker or to any other Sonos speaker in your home.

But our favorite aspect of this model is simply the fact that it’s a Sonos speaker. The Sonos wireless whole-home music system remains the very best we’ve ever tested. It has support for almost every major music streaming service, and it’s all controlled from an app on your phone, tablet, or PC. Not only is the app full of great features like Apple Music playlist compatibility and the ability to group multiple speakers, but these features are also remarkably easy to use.

Thanks to Sonos’ partnership with Ikea, there’s also a growing ecosystem of cool third-party devices that can be used to control the Sonos One and any other Sonos speakers in your home. The Sonos One (Gen 2) is a fantastic speaker and a great way to smarten up your home.

The best smart speakers for 2023

Read More : The best Apple HomeKit devices 2023

The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Clock.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

(5th Gen) with Clock

The best budget smart speaker

The 4th-gen Amazon Echo Dot already upgraded the design to an orb that matched the larger flagship Echo and greatly improved the sound of the speaker — but Amazon outdid itself with the 5th-gen model and the host of smart features it contains.

Alexa is fully supported, of course, and those little speakers do an incredible job of filling a small space with sound. The clock version (not necessary but nice) is especially well-suited for an office desk or a bedside table — and onboard controls include privacy switches among other benefits. Plus, as is tradition, there are kid versions of the speaker, this time with owl and dragon skins.

Amazon also added even more useful technology to the 5th-gen model, including a higher-resolution display, and new accelerometer and temperature sensors to provide more information about your surroundings. There’s a new chip also for tap-based controls (all the better for an alarm clock), and it now has Eero tech built in, allowing it to connect with an Eero router to help extend it

The most appealing part about the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Clock is its price. At $60, it’s easy on just about any budget — meaning you can buy multiple units without forking over a huge sum of money! And who doesn’t like that?

amazon echo 4th gen review 9 of 14

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

The best smart speaker for Amazon Alexa

The larger, spherical design of the 4th-gen Echo doesn’t just look cool and modern. It also packs a set of speakers specializing in 360-degree sound designed for larger areas, filling spaces with tunes or other audio while listening for voice commands from across the room.

Of course, it’s a wonderful centerpiece in the living room if you’re planning to entertain guests, like a speaker in the kitchen for music, and so on. Other features like a 3.5mm auxiliary jack, Bluetooth, and stereo pairing round out its audio features. When it comes to controlling the smart home, the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) can be used to turn off lights, check up on calendar appointments, and order pizza.

Meanwhile, it can also monitor your home while you’re away by sending you if it hears the sounds of smoke alarms with Alexa Guard. You’re getting a rich smart speaker in terms of performance, and features with the Amazon Echo (4th Gen).

google nest audio review 9 of 13

John Velasco / Digital Trends

The best smart speaker for Google Assistant

Google Nest Audio plays to a wide range of people because it brings that perfect mixture of intelligence and raw power.

What’s apparent is that it’s a substantially beefier speaker than the Google Home — aided by its 19mm tweeter and 75mm mid-woofer. The result is a Google Assistant-powered smart speaker that roars with incredible power. There’s no denying that it’s far more equipped at playing music than its successor, just because it’s 76% louder and has a 50% boost in bass.

You can also pair it with another Google Nest Audio for stereo sound, plus you can group multiple speakers in other rooms to play your tunes everywhere — while being harmoniously in sync. The best part of Nest Audio is that you’re not paying a fortune for premium audio with its $100 sticker price. It’s affordable, packs all the intelligence of Google Assistant, and even delivers impressive sound.

apple homepod mini review 12 of

John Velasco / Digital Trends

Apple HomePod Mini

The best affordable smart speaker for HomeKit

Apple certainly learned how tough it can be to complete in the smart speaker space. While its HomePod faced stiff competition when it launched, its sibling in the HomePod Mini fared much better. Part of that reasoning is that the HomePod Mini was cheaper, while still offering excellent audio performance.

Apple users will appreciate the HomePod Mini in the home because Siri can be leveraged on the speaker to accomplish a number of , such as turning on the lights, unlocking the door, and much more. When it comes to audio, there’s still a lot of power behind its compact design — but what’s impressive is its ability to adapt to whatever it’s playing. For example, if you’re watching a movie on your television and using the HomePod Mini as your audio source, it’ll tune the audio accordingly so that dialogue won’t be drowned out by the sound effects in the background.

Speaking of home theater experiences, you can achieve that by pairing two HomePod Mini speakers together. In fact, you’d be surprised by how well it sounds compared to a traditional soundbar.

sonos beam gen 2 hands on review 00016

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

The best smart speaker for TV

Even the best TVs typically have lousy sound quality due to their tiny built-in speakers, which makes soundbars an attractive option for many. However, there are a lot of soundbars and not all of them are as smart as the modern home theater needs. That’s where this excellent iteration of the Sonos Beam steps up.

A compact and well-styled bar, it can easily fit under the smallest of TVs on either a console or on the wall using the optional bracket. Like every Sonos product, it has impressive sound quality for its size and can become part of a much larger multiroom audio system. The Gen 2 model is further improved with the addition of Dolby Atmos, an important part of home entertainment audio these days. The Sonos app lets you stream from virtually every music service on the planet and it does an excellent job managing your private music collection, too.

But the reason we’ve chosen the Beam for this roundup is its smart speaker chops. With the ability to run either Google Assistant or Alexa as its voice assistant, it can serve as the hub for a host of home automation commands. It can translate spoken commands for Google Assistant or Alexa into signals that control your TV. “Alexa, turn on Bedroom TV,” will do just that. Other commands, like “Alexa, turn the volume up on Bedroom TV,” well too, as will similar commands for Google Assistant. You can also control the speaker with an app, or use it with Apple AirPlay 2.

bose portable home speaker review 5

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose Portable Home Speaker

The best portable smart speaker

You already know that we love the Sonos One for its ability to let you choose your preferred voice assistant. The Bose Portable Home Speaker gives you that choice too, plus a built-in rechargeable battery, carry-handle, and Bluetooth so you can take it with you anywhere you go.

Though considerably more expensive than the Sonos One, the Bose is the ideal choice for people who demand absolute flexibility. When at home and connected to your Wi-Fi network, the Portable Home Speaker is a full-fledged smart speaker that lets you talk to Alexa or Google Assistant. Using your voice to control music playback via Spotify works like a charm, but the Bose app gives you additional options like multiple speaker groupings. The app isn’t as good as the one Sonos provides, but as long as you don’t intend to build a whole-home music system using Bose speakers, we doubt you’ll mind.

While you shouldn’t let it fall in the pool, the speaker is protected from small amounts of water thanks to its IPX4 rating, so you need not fear the occasional unexpected rain shower.

Apple users will love the AirPlay 2 integration which lets you stream any audio — be it music from your favorite streaming service, or the soundtrack from a Netflix movie — directly to the speaker when connected to Wi-Fi. When on the road (or if you’re an Android user) the Bose Portable Home Speaker’s Bluetooth connection lets you keep the tunes going. With 12 hours of battery life between charges, those tunes can go on for most of a day.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/amazon_echo_studio_feature.jpg?fit=720%2C720&p=1

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Amazon Echo Studio

The best smart speaker for 3D sound

Though it bears a resemblance to the Apple HomePod with its cylindrical shape, the Echo Studio is, in fact, an entirely new breed of smart speaker. It’s still an Amazon Echo, which means that you get all of the benefits of being able to issue voice commands to Alexa to control everything from your music to your thermostat. But when it comes to audio, the Echo Studio is in a class of its own.

With the launch of the Amazon Music HD streaming service, Amazon is now a leading source of top-quality music. The service offers CD-quality audio and hi-res audio, as well as immersive 3D music tracks via Dolby Atmos Music, and Sony 360 Reality Audio. And for now, the Echo Studio is the only speaker on the planet that works with all of them.

CD-quality and hi-res audio are fairly easy to understand: They’re the best versions of stereo audio you can get. Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio are different. These two new formats expand your music into something far wider, deeper, and immersive — which is why we refer to them as 3D. The Echo Studio not only projects these formats around a room the way they were meant to be heard, but it also reinforces the sound with a clean and powerful bass response we simply didn’t expect from a speaker at this price.

The Amazon Echo Studio may not please all audiophiles — it tends to muffle some midrange sounds for stereo sound — but it is nonetheless a superb value and (at the moment) a unique smart speaker that leads a growing movement. Also, note that Amazon announced an update for Echo Studio firmware in 2022 to give it Amazon’s own spatial audio processing, designed to improve clarity compared to standard audio. You’ll need Amazon Music Unlimited to use it, but it’s a notable upgrade to the Studio’s sound options.

apple homepod 2 review 2023

Zeke Jones / Digital Trends

HomePod 2023

The best smart speaker for HomeKit

If you love HomeKit but need something with a bit more power than the HomePod mini, consider opting for the new Apple HomePod. It offers all the same functionality as its smaller sibling, but thanks to its larger footprint, the HomePod is capable of producing loud, room-filling sounds. Inside the device, you’ll find a high-excursion woofer and an array of beamforming tweeters, which is just a fancy way of saying the HomePod sounds fantastic.

Another perk of the HomePod is its ability to optimize its sound for any room. Using Room Sensing technology and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, you can rest assured your smart speaker is pumping out the best possible sound at all times. And if you want to fill your entire home with great sound, HomePod supports multiroom audio through AirPlay. It’s not cheap at $300, but no doubt you’re getting your money’s worth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy an Alexa smart speaker or Google smart speaker?

That depends on which ecosystem you like and use most. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, and both work with the most popular streaming services. Alexa tends to work with more smart devices, but this is becoming less of a factor with time. If you’re undecided, pick a smart speaker that gives you a choice like the Sonos One.

Do smart speakers help the visually impaired?

Yes, they have a lot of functionality that doesn’t require buttons, making smart speakers great for visually impaired people. They are particularly useful when paired with smart devices around the home that can be controlled via voice. Even without smart devices, these speakers can help make schedules, read the news, look up information, plan events, provide recipes to cook meals, and lots more — really putting the “assistant” in voice assistant.

Do smart speakers have an AUX input?

Some smart speakers, like the Marshall Stanmore II Voice, have 3.5mm inputs. If you need an AUX input, we recommend making sure the speaker has one before purchasing.

Can I use smart speakers to listen to FM radio?

No, most smart speakers do not have an FM tuner. If you want to listen to the radio, your best bet is to play an internet radio station on these speakers. Some services do turn FM channels into internet stations you can listen to on smart devices, like myTuner Radio.

Do smart speakers usually have a battery?

It’s not common. Batteries are more common on simpler Bluetooth speakers designed more for portability. If you want to take your smart speaker with you on the go, we recommend making sure it has a built-in or add-on battery (like the Bose Portable Home Speaker).

Do smart speakers need Wi-Fi?

Yes, smart speakers generally need Wi-Fi to set up and use. You can access some features with Bluetooth, but a Wi-Fi connection is still needed for the smart speaker to operate.

Are smart speakers always listening to me?

Yes and no. After some initial hiccups, smart speakers typically work like this: The mics are always listening for their wake word, like, “Hey, Alexa.” But they don’t recognize or record anything else. Once they do hear the wake word, they listen to the speech after it to interpret the request. That command is typically recorded, but settings in apps like Alexa allow you to stop the speaker from storing the command in the , or make sure it’s deleted soon afterward. Smart speakers also come with physical mute buttons that will shut down the mics entirely if you don’t want them on.

Can children use smart speakers?

Today’s smart speakers have voice profiles so each person in the family can create their own profile with their own preferences. You can also use apps to set controls, such as disabling any music with profanity, etc. That being said, there have been cases of kids using smart speakers to order things online (100 gallons of ice cream, etc.) or otherwise getting into trouble, so it’s a good idea to limit what they can do.

Can all my devices work with a smart speaker?

Compatibility has long been a problematic part of smart that power smart speakers and other devices. In past years, it’s been a tug of war between brands to get third-party smart devices to support their own voice assistants and apps, so you may have a device that works on Alexa but not with Google Home, and so on. Alexa has generally done the best with third-party support, followed by Google, then Apple’s HomeKit and Home app.

That’s starting to change and change quickly. The big three smart brands, along with a wide variety of other tech companies, banded together and created a new smart home protocol to work on all their platforms, called Matter. These days, you can look for the Matter logo or check to see if your devices are backward compatible with Matter and rest easy. Older devices, however, may still have limited compatibility, so you may have to do some extra research.

Views: 5

While not as widespread as Google Home or Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit remains one of the most popular smart home ecosystems of 2023. The software plays well with devices, and several other gadgets such as smart lights, smart locks, thermostats, and cameras can be controlled using the fancy technology. If you’re looking to build your smart home around Apple’s ecosystem, here are the best HomeKit devices available today.

Locks

A person unlocking the Aqara U100 smart lock with their phone.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

HomeKit doesn’t have the largest selection of smart locks, but that doesn’t really matter when you have something as well-rounded as the Aqara Smart Lock U100. Not only does it offer full HomeKit support, but you’ll even gain access to Apple home keys — allowing you to unlock your door with your iPhone or Apple Watch. There’s also the standard keypad for entering a passcode, along with a fingerprint sensor that can store several dozen fingerprints (so your whole family can enter the home without worrying about forgetting their password or smartphone).

A physical key is included for emergency access, and the smart lock is designed to run for up to eight months before you’ll need to replace its batteries. Other standout features include “ Mode,” auto-locking, and an IP65 rating to help it withstand whatever nature throws its way.

The Schlage Encode Plus is another solid option. This lock includes all of the latest HomeKit features, including Apple home key support. Of course, you still have access to a physical key lock and touchscreen support. The Encode Plus also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant while having full HomeKit and Siri support. The lock is pretty expensive at $299, but if you want a lock with all of Apple’s secure HomeKit features and a host of other features, Schlage’s Encode Plus is currently your only route.

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is still a great choice for one of the best smart locks and makes it possible for you to do things like track who is coming and going, give access to specific people, or lock and unlock your door remotely. Plus, it attaches to your existing deadbolt, so you don’t have to get a new set of house keys. In addition to being compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, it’s also compatible with Apple HomeKit, too. You can check out our full review of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.

Don’t want to have to worry about a house key? Yale Assure Lock uses a touchscreen keypad. If you upgrade your Yale Assure Lock (models YRD246 or YRD256) with a Yale iM1 Network Module, it’ll be compatible with Apple HomeKit. The module typically costs somewhere in the $50 range, and it’ll let you control the lock with voice commands and more. Read more about the Yale Assure SL lock in our full review.

You could also spring for the , which comes in a variety of designs — including a few models that give you remote access to your front door via Wi-Fi. Our review found it to be a premium smart lock that’s more than worth its hefty price tag. If you’re deep into the Apple ecosystem, consider springing for the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus with Apple Home Keys, as it works not just with HomeKit, but also supports Home Keys — allowing you to unlock your door with a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch.

The best Apple HomeKit devices 2023

Read More : Best AI art generators in 2024

Lighting

Philips Hue light bulbs are smart.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now your favorite Hue products work with your Apple devices. You can adjust dimming, change colors in certain rooms, sync your lights, set scenes, and more. The Philips Hue Starter Kit is a great way to get started with smart lighting.

Lifx A19 LED Bulbs are another great HomeKit-compatible option. Delivering 1,100 lumens, they’re about as bright as a 75-watt incandescent bulb. However, they’re energy-efficient at only 11 watts, and they have a 22-year lifespan. With 16 million color options and no hub required, Lifx A19s offers a lot in a compact-sized bulb, including the Candle Color, the first smart LED bulb that can emit multiple colors of light at once.

The Nanoleaf Essentials Matter A19 Smart Bulb boasts full HomeKit support, and it even works with Matter. It’ll give you access to millions of different colors, a simple smartphone app, and a quick setup process. Consider giving it a look if you need something that works not just with Apple HomeKit, but other smart home platforms you may have running in your house.

If you want something a little bit different, Nanoleaf’s Light Panels are triangular smart light panels you can shape into whatever design you like. Connect them to Apple HomeKit to activate different scenes. There’s even a rhythm add-on, so your panels and music will work in sync. If you’re looking for a less expensive way to add some color to your space, another great option is the Lifx Z, a HomeKit controllable Multi Color LED Light strip. The ribbon comes in at 6.6 feet, and additional extensions can be added on for greater flexibility.

Switches and smart plugs

Wemo Mini Smart Plug.

Wemo

Don’t have a smart light but want to tell “Hey Siri, dim the bedroom light?” The WeMo Smart Light Switch lets you voice-control your lights, set your lights on a schedule, and optimize them based on the bulbs you’re using and prevent flickering. With Apple HomeKit, you can tell Siri to turn the lights off for bedtime, or you can have it set the lights to brighten in the morning. The Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch is also compatible with HomeKit, and you can even install the switch without a neutral wire.

Another option is to go with a smart plug, which lets you control devices you plug in (think , holiday lights, or even appliances). The with Thread from Belkin lets you control a plugged-in device with your voice or phone when connecting it to Apple HomeKit. This edition with Thread support allows for a faster and more reliable connection.

For an even smaller version, you may prefer the Pure Gear PureSwitch, which offers app control, , and energy management options for anything you plug in. If you want to replace an entire outlet (both top and bottom) then check out the Connectsense Smart Outlet 2. You’ll also get a lot of information about how much energy your devices are using, through the Connectsense app. This plug also works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Thermostats

EcoBee3 Smart Thermostat Thumb.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ecobee released its Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium and Smart Thermostat Enhanced models in 2022. Seeing that the Ecobee 4 was our previous choice for the best thermostat, it’s easy to give the crown to the new generation. The model sports a new design and the Ecobee’s Smart Thermostat Premium has Siri fully built-in and is HomeKit-compatible. It still works with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, as well. The new radar sensor and air quality monitor take the advancements and convenience up a level. If you want something a bit more affordable, the Ecobee Lite still has a lot to offer. The Lite works with HomeKit and other smart home systems, but it doesn’t have Alexa built into the thermostat.

Honeywell’s Lyric T6 Pro thermostat is HomeKit-compatible as well, and it’s a very cost-effective option. The T6 Pro is an upgrade to one of our old top choices, Honeywell’s Lyric T5. It has features like geofencing, scheduling, and smart alerts. Adaptive auto-recovery makes it so the thermostat knows how long it takes to heat or cool your home to your desired temperature at specific times, and the thermostat can also auto-change from heat to cool. 

Otherwise, if you are more interested in a minimal approach — a thermostat that appears to disappear into your wall — you’ll want to take a look at the ; variations are available for both baseboard heating and in-floor heating. Minimal doesn’t mean simple, however, as the Mysa includes a smartphone app to monitor your energy usage and set up a heating schedule.

Cameras and security devices

Logitech Circle 2 review.

Daven Mathies/Digital Trends

Logitech’s Circle View is a smart choice if you’re focused on personal privacy with features such as an electronic shutter. It’s weatherproof, easy to set up, and has some pretty decent free features, like 24-hour cloud storage and smart alerts with snapshots. It also has an impressive view radius of 180 degrees. Some of the more advanced features, like person detection and motion zones, require a paid subscription (after a -day free trial).

Eufy also has a range of affordable indoor and outdoor cameras that work flawlessly with HomeKit Secure Video. Another great part is that you don’t need a subscription to use these cameras either. Check out Eufy Indoor Cam 2K , Indoor Cam Pan & Tilt 2K, and Floodlight Cam 2 Pro to get the best of the company’s offerings. Keep in mind that if you want to stream a HomeKit-enabled camera remotely, you need a HomePod Mini, an Apple TV 4K, or Apple TV (4th generation).

Apple HomeKit supports other security devices outside of just cameras. Eve and Aqara create complete lines of various sensors to place around and monitor your home. For example, Eve has a door and window sensor, a motion sensor, and a room sensor that monitors temperature and air quality. Aqara also has low-cost sensors, including a water-leak sensor, temperature and humidity sensor, and a vibration sensor, to name a few. Sensors like those or the can add extra home security while also making it possible for you to do things like have the lights turn on when your door opens.

Your options for are limited with HomeKit, but the Logitech Circle View Wired Doorbell is a solid option. It’s a bit pricey at $200, but it offers secure storage that’s encrypted before getting backed up to iCloud, rich notifications that alert you when an animal, vehicle, or person is detected, and it supports customizable motion zones. It’s also a rather sleek device, featuring a design that’s all black and with a footprint smaller than most other video doorbells on the market.

A/V devices

Apple homepod.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Whether you’re a music fanatic or cinephile, you can use an Apple  to expand your at-home A/V experience. For starters, the HomePod mini is an excellent way to listen to your favorite playlists. The speaker’s sound is surprisingly room-filling for its size and includes Thread connectivity to help with your other smart home accessories. Purchase multiple HomePod minis, and you can pair them together to create 360-degree stereo sound.

If you’re willing to drop a bit more cash, you can snag the new HomePod 2023 for $299. It offers everything found in the HomePod mini, although you’ll be treated to radically improved audio. Thanks to its larger footprint, the HomePod manages to pack in a high-excursion woofer, a beamforming array of five tweeters, and supports Spatial Audio and Room sensing to optimize its performance regardless of where you place it. In other words, the HomePod is a massive upgrade over the HomePod mini and is perfect for creating room-filling sound.

Alternatively, Sonos, has a plethora of products that all have Airplay 2 and are HomeKit-compatible. You can purchase the Sonos One, Sonos Beam, Sonos Amp, or the Sonos Ray soundbar and Sonos Roam portable speaker. The new Sonos Era 100 is another great option, as it’s built with support for AirPlay 2, and you can use Siri to play Apple Music through the Home app.

For home-theater hounds, the fourth-gen Apple TV 4K is a fantastic way to bring HomeKit to your media cave. The streaming device delivers crystal-clear 4K HDR and features Siri support. In cases where you may need a smart bridge to control your HomeKit devices, the Apple TV can do that.

Bridges

Connect to the HomeKit app.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Even though there aren’t a lot of smart home systems that require bridges, they can be in some cases. As you might expect from their name, bridges connect the Home app and HomeKit with a particular brand’s devices, guaranteeing compatibility. They are essential for people who want to increase the functionality of their favorite brands.

For instance, let’s look at the Wemo Bridge. It links the Home app and the Belkin Wemo brand, increasing compatibility between devices such as the Wemo Switch, Insight Smart Plug, LightSwitch, and Dimmer.

The advantage of this is that your older Wemo devices will work with your system again. The Apple TV 4K is also a terrific, trustworthy bridge for HomeKit devices.

Stay tuned for Matter

The Matter logo on a colorful background.

CSA

Matter, a new interoperability standard for smart home gadgets, has already started rolling out to select devices — and more are expected to follow in the coming months. In fact, the company recently revealed the new HomePod — which comes with full Matter support. Apple is one of the biggest companies on board with the technology, meaning HomeKit devices should soon be compatible with any devices that support Matter. In other words, the small HomeKit catalog will grow much larger once Matter updates are pushed to some of today’s hottest devices. A variety of Google and Amazon products have already been updated, so keep your eyes peeled as more manufacturers jump on board throughout 2023.

.

Views: 19

14 Best Football Games For In 2024, Are you looking for the best free Online and Offline Football games for Android? If yes, then you are in the right place. These Android football games are loved worldwide apart from the one played live by players on the field.With high screen resolution and advanced graphics, Android phones serve as an excellent platform for playing Football.The Google Play Store is filled with several football/soccer games. While some users enjoy playing online football games some prefer playing them offline to avoid any network issues. This means you can download the game on your gadget and play it later on without being worried about internet connectivity and speed.

Keeping in mind both categories, here in this article, we have listed some of the best Football games for Android; Online and Offline. Let’s have a look at them one by one.

List Of The Best Football Games For Android Devices In 2024

Below we have mentioned a bunch of the  football games available for Android devices. Let’s scroll through our list and find a real-life football game for yourself:

1. FIFA Soccer

Fifa Mobile Soccer - Best Football Game

FIFA Mobile Soccer is the mobile version of the famous game and is available for free on the Play Store for Android users.

It is one of the best Online Football games and enjoys a huge fan base worldwide. It comes with jaw-dropping gameplay and incredible graphics.

You can be a part of the 33 countries and build your team from 550 real teams.

All you need is an active net connection to enjoy this power-packed game. Download this one of the top 10 football games for android using the link below to take various challenges and win stunning prizes.

Download From Play Store

2. Soccer Star 22

Soccer Stars

Soccer Star 22 Top Leagues is known to deliver a realistic football experience along with sublime graphics and features. It is one of the best offline football games for android gadgets available on the Play Store currently.

With this feature-rich game, you can take part in various world football competitions, including UEFA League, Champions League, and many more.

Beginners can train themselves in various training modes, including free-kick, assist the striker, penalty shootout, etc.

This is amongst the best offline football games as it comes with simple controls but demands a lot of practice to master.

Download From Play Store

3. eFootball™ 2024

eFootball PES 2021

There is no way that we can miss out on this stunning game. This intensive and feature-rich game surely deserves a spot on the list of best online football games.

Choose your legendary footballers and enjoy playing soccer with your friends. With its intuitive gameplay and stunning design, you get a different experience every time you play it.

It also allows you to select your team from a list of the past and current best football players.

Enjoy a real-time playing experience with precision passing, in-depth tactics, and natural player movements in this proud member of the best Android football games.

Download From Play Store

Read More : The Best PC Games 2023

4. Score! Hero

Score! Hero

If you are looking for a 3D Gesture-based best football game, then Hero can be the right choice for you. It has eye-candy graphics and animations coupled with a great storyline.

At present, the game offers close to 580 different levels. You can also invite your friends from Facebook to play the game with you and use the Google Play cloud to sync your progress between various devices.

You can also see your current position along with the status of other players on the scoreboard.

All-in-all Hero is one of the best Football games, which is incredibly simple to play but quite challenging to master.

Download From Play Store

5. First Touch: Soccer & the City

First Touch: Soccer & the City

Next on our list of Soccer games is First Touch Soccer and the City. Play and win matches to earn more points, which can be used to upgrade the players. Higher wins to make your team more potent, along with individual performance.

One of the most notable features of FTS 19 as one of the best offline football games for Android is its small size. It comes with a clean and clutter-free interface. You can see live ranking broadcasts along with a comprehensive listing of team rankings.

Enjoy a real-time football atmosphere with its amazing stadiums, players, boots, and team kits.

Download From Play Store

6.

Real Football

It is one of the oldest known football games for android users. This small-sized game doesn’t take too much space and performs quite smoothly.

It features several licensed teams and well-known players coupled with incredible graphics. Beginners can practice and enhance their skills using the training mode.

Real Football comes with a massive range of game modes, which include Leagues, International cups, and Exhibition matches. You can customize this best football game for Android by choosing your team, upgrading the stadium, and using different game tactics.

Download From Play Store

7. Flick Shoot 2

Flick Shoot 2

If you are looking for a feature-rich best offline football game, then Flick Shoot 2 can be the right choice. It offers realistic gameplay, along with 3D graphics and Unique Flick shoot controls.

You can play the game in various single-player modes, including Arcade, Dribbling, Not miss, Challenge, Time attack, and practice.

It comes in various languages like Spanish, French, Turkish, Italian, English, and Russian.

Use the below-mentioned link to play against real football players worldwide.

8. Top Eleven – Be a Soccer Manager

Top Eleven - Be a Soccer Manager

Build your unbeatable football team and become a Soccer manager with the best online Football games. You can design your team’s kit, select squad, conduct training sessions, and set up formations.

It is a multiplayer game where you can play against different teams to polish your skills and improve your game. Top Eleven is a highly customizable game where you can select an official jersey for your organization and build your stadium.

Challenge other team managers to practice and master the game.

Download From Play Store

9. -Football

Ultimate Soccer-Football

Next on our list of best Football games for Android is Ultimate Soccer. Build your squad and try various defensive and offensive play games based on your team’s strength.

You can play in different modes, including World Cup Tournament and Leagues. You can buy and sell professional and well-known players to build your soccer team.

Experience a real-time football experience with Ultimate Soccer. Use the link below to download.

Download From Play Store

10. LALIGA Head Football 23 SOCCER

Head Soccer La Liga

If you want to enjoy a light tone of a highly competitive football game, then Head Soccer La Liga can be the ultimate choice for you. This 2D game comes in cartoonish and comedic style.

It is quite simple to play and works on three parameters: protect, defend, and attack. You can play it with your friends, participate in various leagues, and compete with different players from across the world.

Download From Play Store

11. World Soccer League

World Soccer League

Developed by Mobirix, this incredible game comes in small size and gives you access to around 2000 players along with 60 clubs and national teams.

It is available in 15 languages, and you can choose to play from various game modes, including Cup, League, Training, and Exhibition.

Download From Play Store

12. :

Football Strike

Football Strike: Online Soccer is one of the most loved single-handed football games. You can choose from the various modes to enjoy endless football fun.

Its fast and straightforward gameplay makes it everybody’s favorite.

Download From Play Store

13. EA SPORTS™ FIFA 24 Companion

EA SPORTS™ FIFA 20 Companion

FIFA 24 Companion is another popular name on the list of best Android football games of all time. The application is extremely simple to use, plus the interface is available in almost 24 different languages.

To enjoy this super exciting football game, you need to have an Electronic Arts (EA) account and a copy of FIFA Ultimate Team Club and FIFA 24 for PC, One, or .

Download From Play Store

14. Futsal Football 2

Futsal Football 2

With different modes to enjoy football, users can download Futsal Football 2. This is one of the best football games for Android as the user gets Modes to play in the indoor playing stadium. The gaming app gives the same experience as the real game. In the game, the goal is smaller as compared to the real one and the bounce is less. But the overall experience is amazing and similar to a real one. The user will never get bored as it has many modes.

With high-quality resolution and a 4-size ball, enjoy a 40 minutes game just like basketball. The controls are easy to learn and smooth. All in all the game will give an amazing football experience.

Download From Play Store

Frequently Asked Questions – Related to Online and Offline Football Games

Here are some of the most common questions asked by readers related to the best online football games for Android. We hope that these will clear some queries that you may have.

Q1. Which is the best offline football game for Android?

Ans.: According to data gathered from various trusted sources, the best offline mobile football games for Android are:

 Dream League Soccer
 Soccer Stars
 Score Hero

Q2. Which is the best online football game for Android?

Ans.: Some trusted online sources list show that these are the best soccer games to play online for free:

 FIFA Football
 eFootball PES 2024

.

Views: 209

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.

amazon shares a sneak peek at device deals heading into black friday smart plug

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

Read More  : The best smart lamps of 2023

 

Wemo Smart Plug with Thread.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.

can smart plugs be used outside kasa wifi plug

Kasa / Kasa

TP-Link — Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini

Best

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 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.

best google home smart plugs wyze plug 1

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.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/lutron-caseta-lifestyle.jpg?fit=720%2C720&p=1

Lutron

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 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.

emporia smart plug review plugs

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 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 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, , 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 Indoor/Outdoor Smart Plug

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 Smart Outdoor Plug

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

The Woods plug on a white background.

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.

The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug installed outside.

Ring

Ring Outdoor Smart Plug

Ring might have become popular thanks to its lineup of , 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.

Views: 11

.

The best Fitbit devices in 2023, If you’ve been thinking of buying a new fitness tracker, you have a wide selection of options to choose from. Fitbit is a name you’re bound to have heard of, as it’s one of the top brands in the fitness industry, with more than a dozen varieties of fitness trackers and smartwatches to suit different needs.

.

With that number of devices to choose from, it’s not hard to see why people might become overwhelmed when choosing between them. Thankfully, there are definitely Fitbits that excel in certain areas, and as such, it’s not too hard to narrow down your choice to find the best Fitbit for you. We’ve done a bit of the for you here by gathering some of the best Fitbit options around, breaking them down, and pointing out what makes them so special..

Before we start, keep in mind that there’s a downside that all Fitbit models share, whether fitness tracker or smartwatch: the Fitbit subscription. While not required, if you want to access the best analysis and breakdowns of your data, you will need to pay for a Fitbit subscription after any free trials have concluded. This isn’t the case with many competitors, including Apple, Samsung, and Garmin, and it can be a reason to avoid Fitbit for many. But there are still many reasons Fitbit is one of the top fitness-tracking brands around. Here are the best Fitbits for 2023.

.

Looking to widen your vision past just Fitbit? We’ve got lists of the best smartwatches, and the too!

fitbit charge 6 review 1

Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Fitbit Charge 6

The best Fitbit overall

.

Why you should buy this: It’s got a bit of everything that makes Fitbit so great.

Who it’s for: Anyone who knows you don’t have to pay a lot to get a great fitness tracker.

Why we picked the Fitbit Charge 6:

Fitbit’s catalog is large and it has models to cover almost every niche, from pure fitness to mental wellness, so finding a great middle ground option that covers all the bases can seem like a challenge. Thankfully, it isn’t, as the Fitbit Charge 6 is simply the best Fitbit overall that you can buy in 2023.

It’s a fitness tracker-style device, so if you’re looking for a smartwatch, this may not be the device for you. However, you should still consider the Charge 6, as it’s one of the most comfortable, nonintrusive wearables you can buy. The 1.04-inch display is an panel, so it has vibrant colors and deep inky blacks, and the performance is swift and snappy. It’s quite similar to the Charge 5, with the exception of the reintroduction of a side button, and a new heart rate sensor, which Fitbit claims is 60% more accurate than previous versions.

The heart rate sensor forms the backbone of Fitbit’s fitness tracking. It’s excellent, as you might have expected. The Charge 6 has over 40 trackable workouts, with a number of those being automatically recognized and tracked. It also tracks sleep, SpO2 levels, and heart rate variability. It has an ECG and EDA (for stress), and it’ll notify you if it notices an irregular or high or low heartbeat rate. It’s a solid, all-in-one suite that offers everything you’re going to need from a fitness tracker.

Its use as a smart device is one of the wearable’s few failings, unfortunately. Setting up notifications involves diving into the app’s settings (which it doesn’t tell you about), and even when enabled, notifications are very unreliable — with notifications not being sent at all on some days. There’s also no local storage for music files, which limits how phone-free you’re able to go during workouts.

The best Fitbit devices in 2023

Read More : The best video doorbells for 2023

Thankfully, the battery life is another big win for the Fitbit Charge 6. It lasted almost an entire week before needing charging at 16%, and that figure included sleep tracking every night and six workouts. Granted, that’s also with the always-on display turned off, but the lift-to-wake function is good enough that you probably don’t need that on. If you do turn it on, expect to see the battery life drop.

The best part of all this is the price: The Fitbit Charge 6 costs just $160, making it a very reasonable prospect for a fitness tracker. Granted, it has some downsides, chief of which being its inability to masquerade as a smartwatch, but the upsides make it more than worth it for most people.

fitbit inspire 3 review 7

Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

The best value Fitbit

.

Why you should buy this: It’s an excellent “put it on and forget it” fitness tracker, at an amazing price.

Who it’s for: Someone who doesn’t like to be reminded they’re wearing a tracker, and wants one at a great price.

Why we picked the Fitbit Inspire 3:

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a great cheap fitness tracker, but that’s not what makes it amazing. Instead, it’s one of the most subtle, discreet trackers you’ll come across. It shines as a device you can forget about for long periods of time, thanks to its light and comfortable build and 10-day battery life. Yes, 10 days. Combine that with an AMOLED display that’s bright and colorful, and you have a real winner.

Fitness tracking doesn’t let it down, thankfully. The heart rate tracker is reliable and accurate, and so is sleep tracking. There’s no altimeter, which may disappoint the hikers among us, but there’s a relaxation mode that can help you get over that, and it’s great when you’re feeling a little stressed.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a simple device, but that’s what makes it so good. There’s little here to obsess on — you simply put it on and forget about it. Best of all, the rock-bottom price means it’s a tempting device.

fitbit ace 3 review lifestyle images of 4Fitbit

Fitbit Ace 3

The best Fitbit for kids

Why you should buy this: You want a great Fitbit tracker for a child.

Who it’s for: Any active kid.

Why we picked the Fitbit Ace 3:

Kid-friendly fitness trackers are curiously few and far between. It’s curious because there are few people as active as the average child, and if you’re as data-hungry as most of us, you might want to know exactly how active your child is. The Ace 3 is a tracker unit held in a silicone band, and as such, it’s durable and simple to keep clean. it’s also easy to swap in a new strap if your child wants something a bit more grown-up.

In terms of tracking, the Ace 3 is similar to Fitbit’s other fitness trackers, just with some elements turned off for privacy’s sake. The heart rate sensor is turned off, but it has sleep and step tracking, though not much in the way of actual workout tracking. It tracks “active minutes” as a whole though, and it has a swimming mode through the Water Lock setting.

Stats are presented in a fun and engaging way, and the animations that change as steps get closer to the target are a particular hit with younger kids, though older ones may find them childish. Either way, this is an excellent choice if you want a fitness tracker for a child, and it’s available at a fantastic price.

google pixel watch 2 review pocket

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The best Fitbit smartwatch

Why you should buy this: Google’s second go turned out to be a pretty good smartwatch.

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants Fitbit’s fitness suite in a solid smartwatch.

Why we picked the Google Pixel Watch 2:

After a disappointing first act, Google bounced back with the Google Pixel Watch 2. With Fitbit-powered fitness capabilities, the Pixel Watch 2 is an excellent Wear OS smartwatch that more than deserves to be on this list, and should be the first port of call for anyone looking for a Fitbit smartwatch.

The design isn’t a particular high point of the watch, as it seems to straddle the line between fitness tracker and smartwatch. It’s not as attractive or stylish as many smartwatches, but also not as subtle and easy for forget as most trackers. It’s a weird place to find a wearable, and a lot will come down to whether you like the design or not. It’s only available in one size, so it’s worth checking out in person before you buy it.

It’s fast though. The Pixel Watch 2 uses the Snapdragon W5 processor, and it really shows how much Google has learned from the hitches on the original Pixel Watch. While not as quick as some competitors, it’s noticeably faster than the , and it loads apps fast. Battery life has also improved, lasting between 24 and 36 hours on a single, and a full recharge takes less than an hour. That’s longer and faster than Google’s claims, which is a rather nice surprise.

The Pixel Watch 2 has more or less the same fitness and health tracking you’ll find in other current Fitbit devices, including automatic workout tracking, tracking for over 40 exercises, sleep and stress tracking, and heart rate tracking. It’s a comprehensive and complete package, but keep in mind that despite not being a Fitbit-branded device, it still uses Fitbit’s analysis software, and still needs a Fitbit subscription for the most comprehensive breakdowns of data.

The Google Pixel Watch 2 is a good choice if you want a Fitbit smartwatch, and it’s definitely a huge step up from last year’s Pixel Watch. It starts from $349, with the LTE model costing $399.

fitbit sense 2 review 9

Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

The best Fitbit smartwatch runner-up

Why you should buy this: It’s a great all-around smartwatch and fitness tracker from Fitbit.

Who it’s for: Someone who wants a strong best-of-both-worlds approach.

Why we picked the Fitbit Sense 2:

The Fitbit Sense 2 is one of Fitbit’s smartwatch options, and it is an excellent smartwatch by most metrics. It looks classy and elegant, and while the squared design means it won’t pass as a normal watch, it looks good enough that you might not care. It’s comfortable to wear too, and the strap-swapping system is extremely easy to use.

But the meat of any Fitbit device comes from its fitness tracking, and the Sense 2 is not lacking here. It tracks steps and heart rate, as well as your stress levels over time, helping you pinpoint your stress triggers. Also included is an ECG app, as well as comprehensive food and drink tracking too, which makes your health tracking even more accurate. It’s tough and durable and came out of our strenuous test trip without a scratch. Add in a six-day battery life, and you’ve got a winner on your hands.

It’s not perfect, however. The built-in microphone and speaker aren’t great for calls, and it’s certainly on the pricey side as far as these gadgets go. At this price, the Apple Watch SE is a strong competitor, and it’s hard for Fitbit to match that level of support. But even with that in mind, this is an excellent device, and should be high up your list to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best Fitbit for me?

How can you find the best Fitbit for you? It all comes down to your needs. Ask yourself the following questions to find a suitable Fitbit device for your needs.

 What do I need from a fitness tracker?
 Which features are the most important to me?
 Which features are good-to-have, but can be sacrificed to save money?
 How do I plan to use this device? Do I need a waterproof model for swimming?
 What’s my budget for a new fitness tracker?

Once you understand your needs, it becomes easier to compare different Fitbit models and find which one best suits your preferences. While top-end Fitbits tend to excel in a number of areas, sometimes there’s no reason to pay top dollar if a lower-priced option gives you everything you need.

At the end of the day, your choice of Fitbit depends on what you need from a fitness tracker. If you feel stuck, revisit the questions below to understand which features you need, which ones are good to have, and which ones you don’t care about at this time. Hopefully, this will help you to find the best Fitbit device for you.

What are the best Fitbit features for workouts?

If you are a runner or exercise often, there are some features you’ll want to keep an eye out for. These apply whether you’re a professional athlete with years of experience behind you, or a complete newbie still aiming for their first mile.

 GPS (for mapping your route).
 Music player/streaming.
 Step and distance tracking.

Beyond these basics, here are some extra features that make workouts more effective and fun:

 SmartTrack: With SmartTrack, your Fitbit can automatically identify and record your workouts, and track your stats, like workout duration, calories burned, and heart rate zones. This feature is super helpful for users who don’t remember to start tracking, or switch between tracking modes when exercising.
 Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) monitoring: This feature monitors the level of oxygen in your blood, which can add nuance to your workout stats, and detect any respiratory issues.
 Active Zone Minutes (AZM): AZM tracking helps you understand how you are moving, how often, and how intensely. This is great if you want to meet specific activity goals, like having a certain number of active minutes per day.

What are the best Fitbit features for mental health?

While Fitbit devices are most commonly used for fitness tracking, the latest versions have started offering more lifestyle-oriented features for stress management and improving overall well-being.

If you’re in the market for a Fitbit device to help you manage anxiety and stress, here are some mental health-focused features to look out for:

 Stress monitoring: Some Fitbit devices measure stress through electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate variability, and . These features are key for busy individuals who frequently work in fast-paced environments.
 Guided meditations: Having guided meditations at hand (literally) goes well with stress-monitoring features. Whenever you see your stress score go up, simply check out a meditation or two for relief on the go.
 Music: For many people, music is a huge part of managing their mental health. If this is you, having a robust music player or online streaming on your Fitbit device can really help.

What are the best Fitbit features for casual use?

If you want to use a Fitbit device casually, look for options offering decent features at an affordable price.

Some features to look out for include:

 Step counting
 Workout tracking
 Sleep monitoring
 Heart rate monitoring
 Music functions
  notifications
 Water-resistance
 Decent battery life

Other semi-advanced “good-to-have” features include:

 On-screen workouts
 Guided meditations
 Stress score
 Music storage
 Voice assistant

.

Views: 13

Best robot mops of 2023, Smart robot mops aren’t quite as flashy as other smart home gadgets, but they can certainly help save you time. The goal of smart devices is to handle day-to-day activities for you without you having to think or worry about them. Robot mops, as well as their vacuum brethren, perform that task well.

There are plenty of great robot mops to choose from today, many of which also double as vacuums. Whether you want a frugal option or something with heaps of premium features, there’s bound to be a robot mop that fits your needs.

Here’s a look at the best robot mops of 2023, including products from , Roborock, and .

iRobot Braava Jet m6

Best overall

First on the list is our best overall smart mop, the iRobot Braava Jet m6. This appliance is our top-of-the- option for all of its features, especially working in tandem with some of iRobot’s robot vacuums. Unfortunately, it’s also the most expensive.

The Braava Jet m6 will map out your kitchen or home after a few runs to make sure it’s cleaning in the most efficient way possible. You can also use the app to restrict areas the mop can enter, although it will avoid carpet by default. It also has an easy-to-remove and refill water tank.

The Braava Jet m6 will mop as much as it can before going back to the dock. If the battery dies before it finishes cleaning, it will return and recharge before going back out to finish the job. This mop is one of the only options that serves both smaller and larger areas.

 

Best robot mops of 2023

Read More : Best QLED TVs for 2023

An overlay of both the top and bottom of the iLife V5s Pro 2 smart robot vacuum mop.

iLife V5s Pro

Best for small apartments

Next up is the , which is actually a combo vacuum and mop. It takes the spot on our list as best for a small apartment, thanks to it being the quietest robot cleaner. It’s also a little smaller for its size, but not as small as the Braava Jet 240.

The V5s Pro doesn’t have a terribly huge number of features, but it does come with a simple remote if the app or your phone is out of reach. It will also run for about two hours before going back to the dock to charge.

To convert the V5s Pro from vacuum to mop, or vice versa, you’ll have to take the dustbin off the bottom and change it to a water tank.

ecovacs deebot x2 omni review robot vacuum

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni

Best self-cleaning mop

If you’re looking for a robot mop that doubles as a , the X2 Omni should be near the top of your list. Along with two rotating mopping pads, the X2 Omni packs in a staggering 8,000 Pa of suction – allowing it to easily suck up dirt and debris as it cleans your floors. Its mops will also retract when traveling on carpet to prevent it from getting wet.

Once it’s done cleaning, the X2 Omni will return to its dock to empty its dustbin, wash its mops, and then running a drying cycle. That means you won’t have to get your hands dirty to keep your floors clean. These drying cycles take a bit of time to perform, but it’s better than having to deal with them on your own.

Toss in great navigation skills, a simple-to-use app, and a sleek design, and it’s easy to see why the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni is so popular. Many homeowners also love its square footprint, as it gives the robot better access to corners and crevices than the typical circular design. All these features come with a hefty price tag, but it’s worth adding to your home if you want a fully automated cleaning experience.

roborock s8 pro ultra review featureRoborock

Best for carpet and hard floors

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra offers many of the same features as the Deebot X2 Omni. This includes a self-washing and -drying mopping system, along with a self-emptying dustbin. However, it uses a single vibrating mopping pad to clean floors instead of two rotating mopping pads. Along with vibrations, the robot applies constant pressure while mopping to help clear up tough stains.

If you’re looking to keep your floors as clean as possible, you can mix in Roborock’s Floor Cleaning Solution. The S8 Pro Ultra also benefits from 6,000 Pa of suction for impressive vacuuming performance, though it’s the Duo Roller brushing system that really allows it to provide a superior clean.

Using your smartphone, you can program in different mopping schedules, set restricted zones, or enable Off-Peak Charging to help save on your energy bills. This makes it a great all-around robot that’s perfect for homes with both carpet and hard floors.

deals: save on , Shark, and others

It can be quite daunting to finish a full day of and then have to face cleaning up a whole house. Luckily, robot vacuums can help quite a lot, and while they won’t be able to organize your closets and cupboards or put things away, they can help keep the floors clean. There are many types of robot vacuums you can pick, from budget-oriented ones that do the basics to fancier double units that can both vacuum and mop. There are a lot of great deals on them, so you can find something solid without breaking the bank.

Best Shark Robot Vacuum Deals

The Shark ION AV753 robot vacuum cleaning under furniture.Shark

While a lot of folks may think of the Roomba when they think about robot vacuums, Shark is just as good a brand, and it actually makes some relatively well-priced products. That means you can get a bit better at the same price if you go with a Shark robot vacuum instead of a Roomba one. That said, the higher in price you go, the less difference you’ll see in terms of bang for your buck,

Best Roomba Robot Vacuum Deals

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ with auto fill dock for Black FridayiRobot

On the other hand, if you’d prefer to go with the brand you’re more familiar with, then there are a lot of great deals for Roomba robot vacuums, too. There’s also a wider selection of robot vacuums, so you can really pick the features you want for the budget you have, rather than feeling like you’re missing out or have to add extra money to get what you really want.

More Robot Vacuum Deals We Like

Roborock Q Revo near multifunctional dock sponsoredRoborock

If you didn’t find anything you like in either the Roomba or Shark lineup, then there are a few other brands that you can take a look at that have some interesting options. All the picks below are from reputable brands, even if they aren’t as widely marketed, and there are often some great deals you can take advantage of.

How to Choose the Right Robot Vacuum

Probably one of the most important things to consider when it comes to Robot Vacuums is what sort of floor you will be using them on. While most modern robot vacuums are generally okay to be used on many different surfaces, it’s always good to check, especially if you have a lot of carpets or hardwood floors; you wouldn’t want to damage either of them. Similarly, if you have pets or long hair that sheds a lot, then you need to go for a vacuum that can handle hair because those that don’t could easily get tangled, and then you have to deal with that mess.

Another thing worth considering is whether you want it to be a self-emptying type or not. While it is much more convenient and will let you go 30-90 days, depending on capacity, without emptying it, self-emptying robot vacuums are considerably more expensive. Speaking of cost, you should also consider whether you want a vacuum that can both mop and dust, or maybe even going with a bundled set that includes a robot vacuum and a robot mop, which will make life a lot easier but will cost much, much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Roombas work in small spaces?

Yes, Roombas work in small spaces just as well as in larger spaces. However, if your flooring is covered in items and furniture, spending the extra money on an intelligent mop may not make sense.

How much space do robot cleaners need?

There’s no minimum space that a smart cleaner needs to work in general. Some will require a few feet from the base to any walls, but as far as areas to clean, there’s no bottom limit. All cleaners have a specific battery life, so not all will be as effective in the most extensive areas.

From this list, the iRobot Braava Jet m6 would be our choice for first-time buyers in a small space. There are other options if you have more room to clean, a higher budget, or want more features.

Views: 10

Pin It