Smartphones
Best 5G Plan
5G technology is moving fast and both Sprint and Verizon Wireless offer it to consumers now. Sprint offers an HTC hub and the LG V50 ThinQ 5G while Verizon offers the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G. Sprint and Verizon are the only major carriers to offer 5G support on phones so far on higher tier unlimited plans. Both 5G networks are still small but Sprint's Unlimited Premium is the best with offering more 4G data and extra services at a lower price.
Best Android One Phones
If you're in the market for a new Android phone, you owe it to yourself to make sure it's an Android One device. Phones that are part of Google's Android One program come with a couple of significant benefits, including stock builds of the latest version of Android and guaranteed software updates/security patches. There are a lot of great Android One phones out there, but if you ask us, the Nokia 7.1 is the best you can get.
Best Prepaid Cell Phones
The idea of a prepaid phone has become increasingly vague in recent years. Technically, almost any phone can be a prepaid phone these days — that is, just about any phone can be financed or bought outright and used on a prepaid network. Still, most prepaid shoppers are looking for a value offering, so we've compiled some of the best phones offered by major prepaid carriers under $300.
Best Android Phones Under $400
When your budget maxes out at $400, the Google Pixel 3a is the best phone you can get. That's because it offers the same core experience as the higher-end Pixel 3, which costs nearly twice as much. You get the same software and features, and the exact same camera experience. The only shortcomings come in the hardware and a couple of the specs — a fine trade-off to save hundreds of dollars.
Best Android Phone Under $800
Once you step down from the absolute top end of the market, under $800, the OnePlus 7 Pro is the best phone you can buy for the money. It's an exceptional phone overall that marries great hardware with a full spec sheet and excellent performance through its simple software. It draws on strengths from the history of OnePlus phones, but steps up the hardware and display quality to make it a competitor at any price.
Best Cheap Android Phones
The Motorola Moto G7 currently offers the best combination of performance, features, and value. It overshadows the competition with its wide availability, fast performance, and support for nearly every network in the world, beating out a number of rivals from Nokia and Honor. If you're after the best photography for the lowest cost, however, look no further than the Pixel 3a.
Best Phones for PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile is a graphics-intensive game that demands a powerful phone, and in 2019 one of the latest and fastest phones you can buy is the OnePlus 7 Pro. Not only is it a great phone for gaming, it also includes some of the most advanced smartphone features for those who love to live on the bleeding edge.
Best Android Phones
In a crowded world with dozens of great Android phone choices, Samsung stands above the rest with the Galaxy S10+. Samsung's latest incorporates all of the features people want, with very few compromises or shortcomings. The Google Pixel 3 XL provides an interesting option with simpler software and a better camera, while the Huawei P30 Pro challenges the GS10+ outside of the U.S. and Motorola gets the basics done for less with the Moto G7.
Best AT&T Phones
AT&T is one of the most popular carriers in the United States, and unsurprisingly, this means it sells a plethora of excellent Android phones to give customers as much choice as possible when shopping for their next handset. If you're a little overwhelmed by all of the choices and want some help determining which AT&T phone is the best for you, you've come to the right place.
Most Secure Android Phone
The Google Pixel 3 (and 3 XL) is the best Android phone when it comes to security. Google builds its phones to be secure from the start, and you get monthly security patches to guarantee that you won't be left behind on future exploits. Three years of guaranteed updates will let you use your phone knowing you'll be up to date for what is likely the life of the phone.
Best Android Phones for Rooting and Modding
If you're looking to root your phone and get started with custom ROMs, the OnePlus 6T is a great device to start exploring. OnePlus makes it easy to unlock the bootloader on its phones, which paves way for installing custom software that differs wildly from what you get with OxygenOS.
Best Android Phone for Gamers
With the Razer Phone 2, Razer has officially claimed the crown for the best Android gaming phone… for the time being, at least. Razer brought a lot of interesting concepts to the table with its first Razer Phone, but it missed the mark in a lot of fundamental ways that made it hard to recommend over more reliable options. The Razer Phone 2 addresses most of what held the first phone back and adds in cool flourishes like the RGB Chroma logo on the back. It's a legitimately great phone and the time is right to buy one if you've been interested in the past
Best Huawei Phones
Huawei has shown over the years that it knows how to build great phones, and the manufacturer cranked things up a notch over the last 12 months. Whether we're talking about the fantastic Mate 20 Pro or the upcoming foldable Mate X, Huawei is making some of the most evocative phones in the market today. These are the best Huawei phones in 2019.
Best Large Screen (Phablet) Android Phone
The Samsung Galaxy S10+, Samsung's latest flagship, is also the best big phone you can buy in 2019. The 6.4-inch AMOLED display means you have room to do just about anything, and with even smaller bezels than before, you can see more on the screen at once. Add that together with top-of-the-line specs, triple rear cameras, and wide availability, and you're in for something special.
Best Unlocked Android Phones
The Samsung Galaxy S10+ is one of those phones that can appeal to just about anyone. It has the best display you'll find on any smartphone, top-of-the-line performance, triple rear cameras, and Samsung's best software experience to-date. Add that together with a stunning design and downright impressive battery life, and you'll quickly see why it's easily worth the $1000 asking price.
Best ASUS Phones
ASUS had a resurgent 2018, with the Taiwanese manufacturer hitting its stride in the affordable flagship space with the ZenFone 5Z. ASUS also took the fight to Xiaomi in India's budget segment with the ZenFone Max Pro series, which offers astounding value for $200.
Best Phone for Fortnite
Fortnite is an intense game that needs a pretty capable Android phone run it properly. A multiplayer match involving up to 100 unique players is bound to be a bit glitchy at times, but for the As of November 2018, the Galaxy Note 8 offers the best value for .
Best Phones to use with Mint Mobile
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ builds on years of great Samsung phones. It has a beautiful metal and glass exterior, is filled with all of the top-end specs you want in a phone today, and has a really good camera system. There are tons of extra features to be had, and the price is manageable for many people.
Best Android Phone Without a Notch
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ builds on years of Samsung's excellence. It starts with a gorgeously sculpted metal-and-glass waterproof body sporting dual speakers, a headphone jack and an SD card slot. Inside are the latest and greatest specs, plus a standout pair of cameras on the back and the best display on the market around front.
Best MetroPCS Phones
MetroPCS gives you the opportunity to save some money when buying a phone without a contract, though most of its phones are mid- to low-end when considering specs. You don't have to aim low, however: MetroPCS does offer some high-end devices, two of which are featured on this list. Coupled with its affordable plans, you might not be able to pass them up.
Wearables
Best Fitbit
Whatever your fitness goals are, living a healthier life is a lot easier when you have something to automatically keep track of your activity throughout the day. Fitbits are great tools for this, but with so many to choose from, which one should you buy and why? We think the Fitbit Versa is best Fitbit you can buy in 2019, offering a great blend of features, specs, and design at a price your wallet will love.
Best Samsung Fitness Tracker
We've worn every size, style, and system of wearable trackers, and Samsung's fitness trackers can certainly hold their own against the competition. Of course, Samsung has quite a few options for you to choose from and we're here to help you pick the best fit for your fitness needs. We suggest the undeniable front-runner, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active, which offers superior fitness tracking in a stylish smartwatch package.
Best Smartwatches for Fitness
If you're looking for a smartwatch that delivers powerful fitness tools, a great design, and won't hurt the wallet too much, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active. It has a stunning OLED display, built-in GPS, full waterproofing, and even NFC for mobile payments with Samsung Pay. It's as fully-featured of a smartwatch and fitness tracker that you'll find, plus it comes in at a price most people will be quite happy with.
10 Best Fitness Trackers
We highly recommend the Fitbit Versa for a wide variety of styles and uses, the Garmin Vivosport for outdoor and hardcore athletes, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active for high-tech, stylish fitness fans.
Best Android Smartwatch
Right now, the best smartwatch for Android users is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active. It's optimized for Samsung phones but runs well on all Android devices and has all the smartwatch and fitness features you'd expect. It's also compact and lightweight, and has very good battery life. But if you're not into that one, the good news is that there are so many other amazing options from Fossil to Garmin to Fitbit and more.
Best Cheap Fitness Trackers
When you're on a budget, every dollar counts. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to skip out on owning a fitness tracker, though. With a bit of time and research, you'll be well on your way to finding a tracker that's reasonably priced and still does what you need it to do. We've gathered up some of our favorite cheap fitness trackers to help you decide. The Fitbit Inspire HR continues to hold a special place in our heart. Although, there are some pretty close contenders.
Accessories
Best Chromebox
The ASUS Chromebox 3 is the best Chromebox you can buy right now. It's available in several configurations, but all models feature a true M.2 SATA SSD for years of worry-free storage and upgradability should you need it.
Best Fitbit
Whatever your fitness goals are, living a healthier life is a lot easier when you have something to automatically keep track of your activity throughout the day. Fitbits are great tools for this, but with so many to choose from, which one should you buy and why? We think the Fitbit Versa is best Fitbit you can buy in 2019, offering a great blend of features, specs, and design at a price your wallet will love.
Best 5G Hotspots
5G connectivity, in its early days, makes a lot of sense with a hub that you can place in a good location and use with multiple devices thanks to its fast speeds and low latency. Sprint offers its customers the option of using a phone or a hotspot with its 5G. AT&T only offers a hub to business customers. The HTC 5G Hub on Sprint is the best overall 5G hotspot because it brings the newest 5G tech to home and business users alike with ease of use of a touchscreen and Android operating system.
Best Magnetic Charger for Oculus Quest
The Oculus Quest provides a completely untethered VR experience, but if you want to play for more than a few hours, you'll need to plug in your device. The Oculus Quest uses a USB-C charging port that can also transfer data, but using a magnetic attachment will help protect your port and also make using it even easier. By attaching magnetically, these cables and adapter make it so your headset isn't yanked to the ground if you accidentally pull on the cable.
Best Samsung Fitness Tracker
We've worn every size, style, and system of wearable trackers, and Samsung's fitness trackers can certainly hold their own against the competition. Of course, Samsung has quite a few options for you to choose from and we're here to help you pick the best fit for your fitness needs. We suggest the undeniable front-runner, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active, which offers superior fitness tracking in a stylish smartwatch package.
Best Samsung Laptops
The 13-inch Notebook 9 from Samsung is an excellent Windows-powered laptop that offers the best in terms of hardware, performance, and dimensions within the company's catalog of portable PCs.
Best PlayStation VR Controller
Shooting games are the most popular style of game in the VR community and the PlayStation Aim controller adds a level of immersion you can't get with your Move controllers. The perfect controller for the PlayStation VR depends on the type of game you want to play, your preferred playstyle, and how much immersion you want for your game. Check out all your options here!
Best VR Headsets
Virtual reality, or VR, is a tool that is well-loved in the world of technology. Some VR headsets are used for playing video games, while others are used for creating them. People use VR headsets to watch TV, Netflixm YouTube, or browse the internet. Amazingly enough, some headsets are used for all of these things. However, the one we believe to be the best VR headset is the Oculus Quest, an all-in-one wireless gaming headset.
10 Best Fitness Trackers
We highly recommend the Fitbit Versa for a wide variety of styles and uses, the Garmin Vivosport for outdoor and hardcore athletes, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active for high-tech, stylish fitness fans.
Best 4K TV for PlayStation 4 Pro
When you're looking for an awesome 4K TV for your PlayStation 4 Pro you need to be looking for a few specific features: excellent screen quality, high dynamic range (HDR), and a good price. The LG ThinQ OLED ticks all of these boxes and then gives you lots more smart functionality thrown in for good measure.
Best True Wireless Headphones for 2019
In 2019, when smartphones are slowly but surely getting rid of the 3.5mm audio jack from smartphones and tablets, users are turning to wireless as the next viable option. Ironically, as the company that still retains the headphone jack in their flagship smartphones, Samsung currently builds the best truly wireless earbuds for Android devices. Our best overall pick is the Samsung Galaxy Buds for their superb battery life, wireless charging case, and excellent sound quality.
Amazon Echo vs. Dot vs. Show vs. Plus: Which should you buy?
It's hard to believe that the first Amazon Echo was released five years ago, and since then, it's evolved from a standalone smart speaker into an entire ecosystem of radically different products.
Best Gamepad For Samsung Gear VR
While the latest Samsung Gear VR headsets come with a handy controller, you may still get more out of your gaming experience with a full gamepad. The Stratus Duo is the latest Android controller released by SteelSeries and delivers top build quality and comfort which are important when you're playing with your eyes covered. SteelSeries actually has two controllers featured on this list, but ultimately the Stratus Duo is the best option for most people because it does more without requiring AA batteries.
Best USB-C Headphones for Google Pixel 3
Google bundles a pair of USB-C earbuds in the box with every Pixel 3 and 3 XL purchase, and the sound quality on offer is pretty decent, all things considered. However, if you're looking for something with a bit more oomph, the Libratone Q Adapt would be our recommendation.
Best replacement AC adapters for PlayStation VR
The Old Skool AC adapter is everything you need to replace a broken or lost PlayStation VR AC adapter. The cables are long enough to give you plenty of room to maneuver.
Best USB Hub for PlayStation 4
The Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 HUB is affordable, sleek, and has all the necessary USB ports to support your various PS4 needs.
Best Amazon Kindle E-Reader
Much like Xerox and Velcro, the Kindle brand name is now synonymous with e-readers. Amazon not only dominated hardware sales over the last decade, but it also managed to build the most comprehensive e-book catalog in the world. The new Kindle Paperwhite is a great starting point if you're looking to pick up your first e-reader or are looking to upgrade from an older model.
Best Ethernet cable to use on PlayStation 4
The DanYee Cat 7 Ethernet cable is the perfect Ethernet cable for your PlayStation 4. While the category doesn't make a huge difference, the braided cord means it's durable and it should last you the life of your console.
Best Cheap Fitness Trackers
When you're on a budget, every dollar counts. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to skip out on owning a fitness tracker, though. With a bit of time and research, you'll be well on your way to finding a tracker that's reasonably priced and still does what you need it to do. We've gathered up some of our favorite cheap fitness trackers to help you decide. The Fitbit Inspire HR continues to hold a special place in our heart. Although, there are some pretty close contenders.
Best Gamepad for Fortnite on Android
Everyone's favorite battle royale finally supports Bluetooth controllers on mobile. This has been a long time coming for Fortnite, and you'll likely want the best possible controller to get your game on. You shouldn't look any further than the SteelSeries Stratus XL.
Best Screen Protectors for Samsung Galaxy J8
Lacking any protective layer, the screen on the Galaxy J8 is particularly vulnerable to breaking during a tumble. The first thing you should do after buying the device is pick up the PULEN 2.5D Glass Tempered Glass Film. It takes just a few minutes to install the screen protector thanks to the bubble-free design, and the 9H rating offers great protection against tumbles.
Best Photography Case for Your Android Phone
The Moment Photo Case is well-known for a reason. On its own, it's a slim and stylish case that fits on most popular phones, but with the addition of Moment's high-quality interchangeable lenses, you can turn your phone into a much more versatile camera with options for wide angle, telephoto, macro, and even anamorphic lenses.
Best Controller to Use with the Ryze Tello Drone
The GameSir T1d looks like a regular Bluetooth controller, but it has been customized to work only with the Tello for the best possible experience. If you're using an Android phone, it's the one you need to buy.
Best Chromecast to use with your Oculus Go
Oculus Go headsets are a great way to isolate yourself from the world to immerse yourself a movie, game, or other content. But, say you want to share your gameplay with someone else at your house. You're never going to strap two heads inside of a VR headset, but there's a better way with the Chromecast Ultra.
Best Gamepad for Oculus Go
The SteelSeries Stratus XL is the perfect gamepad to use with your Oculus Go. It's comfortable and extremely familiar in style. If you're looking for a little more control when it comes to your virtual reality (VR) gaming then you want this gamepad!
Best USB controller to use with the Commodore 64 Mini
With all the time I have spent with the Commodore 64 Mini, I am well aware of the shortcomings of its controller. It's bulky, awkward, and takes away from an otherwise awesome gaming experience. I looked into some other controller options to see what would actually work with this killer little retro system. This is what I came up with.
Best AC Adapter for PlayStation Classic
The Anker Dual USB Wall Charger provides not one, but two capable USB ports for powering the PlayStation Classic. That means you can have your game going and maybe even charge your smartphone at the same time.
Best Bose Headphones for Running, Working Out
The Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones feature a winning combination of amazing sound and great battery life. The IPX4 rating means they're protected against sweat and water, and while the $149 price isn't cheap, you really do get what you pay for.
Best Bluetooth Headphones for Oculus Go
VICSOME True Wireless are currently the best headphones you're going to find for your Oculus Go. From the noise-canceling abilities to their ability to seem like they're not even there, these are the perfect fit for the best immersive experience for your virtual reality adventures.
Best Portable Battery Packs Under $20
The ExpertPower 20,000mAh portable charger is the best battery you can get under $20 right now because of its large capacity. You get three USB ports to charge from, and the large capacity will mean you can go a few days without needing to charge the battery itself.
Best Speaker to Use with Your Amazon Echo Dot
The GGMM D6 is hands down the best speaker you can add to an Echo Dot to create a compelling audio experience. Not only does this 20W speaker get plenty loud, but it can tuck away cleanly so as not to distract from your home decor. If your goal is high audio quality without taking up a lot of space, this is the speaker for you.
Connected Home
Best Arlo Cameras
There are so many different smart security cameras that your head could be left spinning while trying to find the best option. However, Arlo has been a player in the game for quite some time and has the following to back it up. With consistent updates and some of the best features, you would be hard-pressed to find a better option. With that being said, the Arlo Pro 2 is our favorite camera thanks to having all the bells and whistles one could want, without having to sacrifice anything to keep your home secure.
Best Ring Doorbells
Ring makes some of the most popular video doorbells on the market. Most of them can operate off of a battery or low voltage wiring, and they all allow you to keep an eye on your home, even when you're not there. You get motion alerts when someone is near your door, and you can talk to them with two-way audio. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro is the best choice for most people, but your options largely depend on your home and particular security needs.
Best Samsung Smart TVs
There are so many different smart TVs on the market, and Samsung is one of the best in the business as evidenced by the NU8000 Premium Smart TV. This TV gives you everything you could want in a smart TV while offering so much more. Of course, there are other options and just about one for any kind of person.
Best Smart Thermostat for Multiple Zones
You're not always going to be in the room that houses your thermostat. For some homes, that can mean a pretty substantial difference in temperature in every season. There's a fix for this common problem, though: smart thermostats with multiple zoning like our favorite the Ecobee 4. Being able to set the temperature where you are instead of where the thermostat is can be a lifesaver. We've rounded up the best of them for 2019.
Best Smart Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat observes how you adjust the temperature depending on factors like the time of day and outside temperature, and automatically creates a heating and cooling schedule for your convenience. It saves on energy bills and looks great doing it.
Best Samsung TVs
There are so many different TVs out there in the stratosphere, but largely, Samsung is the industry leader. The company makes fantastic options such as the Samsung Q90R which not only has a 4K OLED display, but all of the smart TV functionality one could want, including Bixby. Then, there are others such as the Samsung Q900 which is the epitome of future-proofing your TV viewing experience for years. Nonetheless, Samsung makes a TV for every situation and every budget, and here are the best.
Amazon Echo vs. Dot vs. Show vs. Plus: Which should you buy?
It's hard to believe that the first Amazon Echo was released five years ago, and since then, it's evolved from a standalone smart speaker into an entire ecosystem of radically different products.
Best Smart Thermostats for Amazon Echo
The ecobee4 Smart Thermostat is your best option if you want a thermostat that integrates with Alexa. It includes a room sensor to better learn your environment, and Alexa is built right in so you don't need an Amazon Echo to use this with your voice. The thermostat's design will also look great on your wall.
Best DIY Security Systems for Renters
The Ring Alarm is the best DIY home security system for renters because it offers everything needed to keep your home safe at a competitive price and the optional $10 monthly monitoring is the best value.
Best LIFX Bulbs
Out of LIFX's selection of smart light bulbs, the LIFX Plus is the best option for those looking to buy. It not only provides smart controls and a wide range of colors but it has infrared to aid in night vision for any security cameras you might have.
Best Speaker to Use with Your Amazon Echo Dot
The GGMM D6 is hands down the best speaker you can add to an Echo Dot to create a compelling audio experience. Not only does this 20W speaker get plenty loud, but it can tuck away cleanly so as not to distract from your home decor. If your goal is high audio quality without taking up a lot of space, this is the speaker for you.
PlayStation 4
Best PlayStation VR Controller
Shooting games are the most popular style of game in the VR community and the PlayStation Aim controller adds a level of immersion you can't get with your Move controllers. The perfect controller for the PlayStation VR depends on the type of game you want to play, your preferred playstyle, and how much immersion you want for your game. Check out all your options here!
Best 4K TV for PlayStation 4 Pro
When you're looking for an awesome 4K TV for your PlayStation 4 Pro you need to be looking for a few specific features: excellent screen quality, high dynamic range (HDR), and a good price. The LG ThinQ OLED ticks all of these boxes and then gives you lots more smart functionality thrown in for good measure.
Best Fight Stick for Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat 11 is right around the corner, and a lot of gamers are curious about fight sticks. Fight sticks are dedicated hardware which include two rows of buttons and a joystick. They're essentially what you find at an arcade, but with some modifications. If you prefer to use them when you're playing fighting games, we have a great recommendation. It's called the Mayflash F300 Arcade Fight Stick.
Best replacement AC adapters for PlayStation VR
The Old Skool AC adapter is everything you need to replace a broken or lost PlayStation VR AC adapter. The cables are long enough to give you plenty of room to maneuver.
Best USB Hub for PlayStation 4
The Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 HUB is affordable, sleek, and has all the necessary USB ports to support your various PS4 needs.
Best Ethernet cable to use on PlayStation 4
The DanYee Cat 7 Ethernet cable is the perfect Ethernet cable for your PlayStation 4. While the category doesn't make a huge difference, the braided cord means it's durable and it should last you the life of your console.
Best Replacement Power Cord for PlayStation 4
The AmazonBasics power cord for PlayStation 4 is an affordable replacement from a trustworthy brand. It'll provide the exact kind of power your PS4 needs at a very comfortable range.
Best AC Adapter for PlayStation Classic
The Anker Dual USB Wall Charger provides not one, but two capable USB ports for powering the PlayStation Classic. That means you can have your game going and maybe even charge your smartphone at the same time.
Best Arcade Pad for PlayStation 4
The Razer Panthera checks all the boxes on everything a good arcade pad needs. With components of the same grade as real arcade machines and full customization, this is a complete package.
Headphones
Best USB-C Headphones for Google Pixel 3
Google bundles a pair of USB-C earbuds in the box with every Pixel 3 and 3 XL purchase, and the sound quality on offer is pretty decent, all things considered. However, if you're looking for something with a bit more oomph, the Libratone Q Adapt would be our recommendation.
Best Bose Headphones for Running, Working Out
The Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones feature a winning combination of amazing sound and great battery life. The IPX4 rating means they're protected against sweat and water, and while the $149 price isn't cheap, you really do get what you pay for.
Chromebooks
Best Chromebox
The ASUS Chromebox 3 is the best Chromebox you can buy right now. It's available in several configurations, but all models feature a true M.2 SATA SSD for years of worry-free storage and upgradability should you need it.
Best Chromebooks
While there are super-powerful, super-premium Chromebooks out there, for most folks, you can get a perfectly great Chromebook experience without spending that kind of money with the Lenovo Chromebook C330 or the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214. If you need a bigger, beefier setup, the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 and Lenovo Yoga C630 Chromebook can use Chrome OS to take full advantage of the hardware inside and provide a top-notch computing experience.
Best Chromebooks for Students
Chromebooks are great computers for a lot of different uses, but they are almost tailor-made for education. They're designed to perform well even with modest specs, the software is hard to break, corrupt, or infect, and if a student breaks a laptop, they just need to log in on any other laptop in the school system to get back to work. There are a lot of great options to choose from, but our top pick is the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214.
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