Smartphones
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 Phones
The Google Pixel 3 XL is easily the best phone Google has ever made, and that also makes it the best Android phone for most people. Simplicity is the name of the game here: the hardware is efficiently designed, the software gets out of your way, and all of the features have a distinct purpose. It also offers the best overall camera experience of any Android — and comes in two sizes to fit any hand (or pocket).
Best AT&T Phones
AT&T is one of the most popular carriers in the United States, and to not much surprise, this means it sells a plethora of excellent Android phones to help 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.
Best Android Phone Under $800
Once you step down from the absolute top end of the market, under $800, the Google Pixel 3 is the best phone you can buy for the money. It's an exceptional phone overall that marries great hardware with top-notch software and sprinkles in little features and experiences you can't get anywhere else. It also has an industry-leading camera, and software support from Google for years to come.
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 Large Screen (Phablet) Android Phone
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is the biggest and best phone Samsung makes, and that also makes it the best overall big-screened phone. Its 6.4-inch display is the best in the business, and it wraps around a beautiful metal and glass exterior. You can take advantage of the huge screen with top-end specs and the S Pen stylus that's truly unique in the smartphone world. It's expensive, but it's available both unlocked and from just about any carrier or retailer in the world.
Best Unlocked Android Phones
The Google Pixel 3 XL is far and away the best phone Google has made, and that also makes it the best unlocked Android phone. With the Pixel 3 XL, simplicity is the goal: the hardware is efficiently designed, the software gets out of your way, and all of the features have a distinct purpose. It also offers the best overall camera experience of any phone.
Best Android Phone Under $400
The Nokia 7.1 is an extremely well-balanced phone that offers solid specs, hardware, and features with up-to-date software and an affordable price tag. It doesn't do much to catch headlines, but it does everything really well with very few shortcomings.
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 that's worth investing in if you're passionate about mobile gaming.
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 Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Note 9
The Whitestone Dome Glass Screen Protector will perfectly protect your phone, and it's well worth the steep price.
Best Cheap Android Phones
The Motorola Moto G6 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.
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 for PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile is a graphics-intensive game that demands a powerful phone, and the Razer Phone 2 is your best option.
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.
Best Android Phones
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ builds on years of Samsung's excellence making some of the most popular and best-selling phones around the world. It starts with a gorgeously sculpted metal and glass body, available in three colors, that's waterproof but still includes great features like 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 Huawei Phones
Huawei has outdone itself in 2018 with a slate of launches that take the fight to the likes of Samsung and Google. Its latest flagship — Mate 20 Pro — combines excellent performance with an evocative design and a laundry list of features that make it one of the best phones in the market today.
Accessories
Best Chromebox
The ASUS Chromebox 3 is the best Chromebox you can buy. Available in several configurations, all models feature a true M.2 SATA SSD for years of worry-free storage and upgradability should you need it.
Best Samsung Fitness Tracker
When looking at Samsung's range of wearables, for most, the Gear Fit2 Pro is its best overall. This slim-screened companion checks all of the boxes for fitness tracking, with the sensors and software capable of following everything from your everyday movements to running, gym workouts, and swimming.
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.
10 Best Fitness Trackers
We highly recommend the Fitbit Versa for a wide variety of styles and uses, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 for outdoor and hardcore athletes, and the Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro for high-tech, stylish fitness fans.
Best Gamepad For Samsung Gear VR
You get a lot more out of your gaming experience on the Samsung Gear VR if you use a quality gamepad, and the best by far for this experience is the one made by SteelSeries. The Stratus XL is a console quality gamepad built to connect to mobile devices. It also looks pretty great, which doesn't hurt.
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 Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Note 9
The Whitestone Dome Glass Screen Protector will perfectly protect your phone, and it's well worth the steep price.
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 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 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 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 Smart Thermostat for Multiple Zones
The Ecobee 4 is the best smart thermostat for multiple zones overall. It's relatively inexpensive, easy to set up and use, and best of all comes with a remote sensor in the package.
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 Bulb for Most People
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 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 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 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 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.
Chrome OS
Best Chromebook for Students
The Lenovo Chromebook 500e is a great educational device. It's cheap and offers robust software experiences and access to school services. It's easy to manage and use, versatile and attractive and comes with a stylus for taking notes. It's the best of all worlds for a student.
Best Chromebooks
The HP Chromebook X2 is the best Chromebook you can buy today. We base this on the overall value; you get what you pay for plus a lot more. Plus, you get a fine tablet that runs Android apps.
Best Chromebox
The ASUS Chromebox 3 is the best Chromebox you can buy. Available in several configurations, all models feature a true M.2 SATA SSD for years of worry-free storage and upgradability should you need it.
Wearables
Best Samsung Fitness Tracker
When looking at Samsung's range of wearables, for most, the Gear Fit2 Pro is its best overall. This slim-screened companion checks all of the boxes for fitness tracking, with the sensors and software capable of following everything from your everyday movements to running, gym workouts, and swimming.
10 Best Fitness Trackers
We highly recommend the Fitbit Versa for a wide variety of styles and uses, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 for outdoor and hardcore athletes, and the Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro for high-tech, stylish fitness fans.
Best Android Wear OS Smartwatch
The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro is a great smartwatch with a pretty silly name. But that's OK, because once you put it on your wrist you won't care what it's called. Instead, you'll care that it has a great screen, long battery life, and all the features you'd expect from a high-end smartwatch, including NFC for payments, and a heart rate monitor for tracking your workouts.
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