What you need to know

• Google Home Speaker users have reported a glaring issue: their device's assistance has become incredibly sluggish.
• Other users have experienced the same; however, this latency problem appears to affect more than the Home Speaker, as other Nest devices struggle, too.
• Google has responded to this thread, stating a fix is being worked on "ASAP."

Google's latest smart speaker got off to a fast start, but users are reporting anything but good news, as problems emerge.

Earlier this week, reports surfaced on the Google Home subreddit from a user with a Home Speaker (via Android Police). The root of their report is that their Home Speaker has weirdly become sluggish. They say that the "First day all was smooth... the second day every single question (even 'hello') needs at least 30s of answer time." Troubleshooting provided no such relief from this issue.

Users started flowing into the thread, stating that others with the Home Speaker are having the same problem. The publication spotted another thread from a user that blows this problem wide open. It's not just a Home Speaker issue, but rather a Google smart home issue that's affecting a range of its products. The user says, "Everything is timing out."

They add that their smart home devices are all struggling with delayed or sluggish response times. Resetting has seemingly offered no aid in solving the issue. One user said, "Definitely noticed this since the update. Especially for simpler tasks which used to be snappier, eg turn on the light, change to warm white, set 50%." A subsequent report says they haven't noticed anything timed out, but rather their streamed content (like music) is stopping midway.

Google has become aware of this smart home problem. A community member says the company is "working on a fix ASAP." There's no clear timeframe for when we could see this, so users will have to tough it out as best as possible.

Updates were made to do the opposite

It's interesting to see users bring up the fact that the Home Speaker "used to be" snappy with its response times for mundane tasks. Google rolled out an update for Gemini's home assistance in March, quickening its responses by ~30% to ~40%. This patch reduced the latency between the user giving the task and Gemini responding to it/following it.

Google's smart speakers were brought into the spotlight a week ago, as the company fixed a long-standing SiriusXM radio problem. Users had been receiving errors with SiriusXM on their smart speaker, stating, "I looked for that, but it either isn't available or can't be played right now." SiriusXM would work via the user's phone, just not on Google's smart home devices. All is seemingly well now after Google's patch.

Deals on wireless earbuds are hardly uncommon, but finding a discount that drops 50% off one of my favorite models? That's when I really start paying attention. This week only, Best Buy's 4th of July sale is carving half off the Momentum 4 True Wireless earbuds by Sennheiser, knocking the price of the top-rated buds down to only $149.99.

These are some of the best wireless earbuds we've ever tested, with Sennheiser's famously versatile sound profile, some powerful active noise cancellation (ANC), and a comprehensive suite of handy customization features. The Momentum 4 earbuds may be a few years old at this point, but slap on a 50% discount and they become an absolute steal. 

• Best Buy's 4th of July sale is LIVE: see the full list of deals

We gave the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 a near-perfect review back in 2024, and it isn't hard to see why. The earbuds sound great right out of the box, with support for plenty of hi-res audio codecs (including SBC, aptX Adaptive/Lossless, and AAC), plus you get ANC, wireless charging support, and up to 30 hours of battery life when you use the included charging case. 

Speaking of the charging case, that's one of the best parts of the package here, sporting a high-quality tweed finish that feels like pure luxury next to the plastic stuff we usually have to deal with. The Sennheiser Smart Control app also lets you fine-tune the sound from your earbuds directly from your smartphone, letting you experiment with a variety of EQ settings, ANC transparency modes, and more.

Now, let's be real: given their age, I would no longer buy these earbuds at full price. There are plenty of newer noise-cancelling earbuds by companies like Bose or Sony that will do the job better in 2026. But now that the Momentum True Wireless 4 are sitting with a 50% discount at Best Buy, the prospect of buying some last-gen buds is more appealing than ever before. These Sennheiser buds have stood the test of time, and for $150, they're an incredible bargain. 

What you need to know

• Motorola's new Moto Tag 2 arrives in North America with Bluetooth 6.0, UWB support, Google Find Hub integration, and over 500 days of battery life.
• It adds Find My Phone, remote camera controls, location sharing, IP68 durability, privacy protections, and support for third-party accessories.
• The Moto Buds 2 Plus are getting new looks with Swarovski-studded Brilliant Collection and new Pantone color options while keeping the same hardware.

Motorola’s connected ecosystem is getting a little boost, but only one of its latest accessories is actually new. The company is bringing the all-new Moto Tag 2, an upgraded Bluetooth tracker that includes newer wireless technology, longer battery life, and tighter integration with Google's Find Hub network, to North America along with fresh color options for the Moto Buds 2 Plus.

In North America, the Moto Buds 2 Plus are available in the eye-catching Brilliant Collection, which pairs a PANTONE Violet Indigo finish with Swarovski crystals, or a more understated PANTONE Cool White. There is also a Canadian PANTONE Silhouette option available.

The Brilliant Collection includes 12 Swarovski crystals embedded in each earbud, plus another 41 hand-placed crystals around the Motorola logo on the charging case.

The styling is new, but the hardware is the same. The Moto Buds 2 Plus still have Sound by Bose tuning, dual 11mm dynamic drivers with Knowles balanced armature drivers, Hi-Res Audio support, Spatial Audio on compatible Motorola phones, and Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation. Transparency Mode and six microphones with CrystalTalk AI also return to enhance calls and keep users aware of their surroundings when necessary.

Motorola hasn't skimped on features, either. Bluetooth 6.0, dual-device connectivity with auto-switching, wear detection, customizable EQ, Bass Boost, low-latency Gaming Mode, Audio Share, Fit Test, and Motorola AI integrations are still present on compatible devices.

Battery life is rated at up to nine hours on the earbuds alone, or up to 40 hours with the charging case, with a quick 10-minute top-up delivering up to two hours of listening. The earbuds also boast an IP54 rating, while the charging case comes with an IPX2 splash resistance rating.

Pricing hasn’t changed much either. The Swarovski Brilliant Collection edition is priced at $200 in the US, while the PANTONE Cool White version is $150. Availability begins June 30 through Motorola’s online stores.

The bigger announcement is the Moto Tag 2. Motorola's new Bluetooth tracker includes Bluetooth 6.0 with Channel Sounding and supports Ultra Wideband (UWB) on compatible Android phones, helping you locate lost items more accurately.

It also works with Google’s Find Hub network, so Android users can find tagged items through the crowdsourced network of devices.

Motorola is also emphasizing practicality. The Moto Tag 2 runs for more than 500 days on a user-replaceable CR2032 battery, carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and works with Android 9 and newer devices.

In addition to basic item tracking, it has Find My Phone, remote camera controls, location sharing, unwanted tracking alerts, and end-to-end encryption and works with third-party accessories. Those additions make it more versatile and address growing privacy concerns around Bluetooth trackers.

What you need to know

• Recently, the World Power Consortium held a Qi Off-Cycle meeting at Xiaomi's HQ in Beijing, China.
• Xiaomi and several more companies were there to discuss a new Qi2 charging standard: 50W.
• The major talks have concluded, but there's more work to be done, and it's been reported that Qi2 50W might not debut until 2028.

Times are changing, and it looks like the World Power Consortium (WPC) wants to upgrade Qi2 to match what consumers are looking for.

It was reported by ITHome (Chinese) that the WPC's Qi Off-Cycle meeting at Xiaomi's HQ in Beijing, China, was to discuss the future of the wireless charging standard (via 9to5Google). Specifically, Xiaomi is spearheading the future of Qi2 by chasing a 50W charging standard. The publication reports that Xiaomi is focused primarily on "small inductance, low voltage, high power solutions" (machine-translated). Each of these is said to directly influence safety/charging efficiency, coil module loss, and more.

In short, what this new 50W direction wants to solve is "high-powered wireless charging."

The publication states that the meeting featured Xiaomi, as well as "over 20 companies" that have been working alongside it and the WPC to advance the Qi2 wireless standard. The companies met in Beijing to talk about Qi2's 50W "interoperability verification" and to highlight the prototype testing stage. These companies have been encouraged to continue working together to push 50W through, so the market (and consumers) can see it in their future phones.

However, there's nothing official just yet. Right now, what Xiaomi and its partners have been working on is just the groundwork. It's been reported that following Xiaomi's partnerships with domestic companies, Qi2 50W could be a reality by 2028.

25W was almost a year ago

Let's not forget that in July 2025, the WPC announced Qi2 v2.2.1. The version numbers equates to the wireless charging we have today: 25W. The WPC highlighted this new version as being "more powerful" than the original Qi2. A primary critique from consumers about wireless charging is its speeds. They're slow. The latest 25W version aimed to solve that, but it hasn't quite nailed that yet.

Charging speeds were previously stuck at 15W, and now they're 25W. However, if Xiaomi has anything to say about it, things won't stay there for long. It's not satisfied with 25W charging, and consumers aren't either. At the time, iPhones were among the first to bring this to its consumers, with Android makers adopting it soon after. There's a chance we'll see a similar occurrence whenever Qi2 50W arrives.

The WPC was also confident that even more Android phones would see Qi2, and that's thanks to Google and Samsung.

It's no secret that SSDs and other storage devices are absurdly expensive right now, and it doesn't seem like that's changing any time soon. Fortunately, Prime Day gave us a few solid deals on portable SSDs and other storage devices, and even though that sale has officially come to a close, there are still a few leftover discounts hanging about.

One of my favorite leftover deals is this offer that slashes 38% off the 1TB T9 SSD by Samsung, knocking the price of the storage device down to $179.99 for a limited time. Up until Prime Day, the 1TB SSD was floating around $250, so this is no small discount — it essentially amounts to $0.18 per gigabyte. And the best part is that, unlike many of the official Prime Day deals we saw last week, you don't need to be a Prime member to enjoy the savings.

Whether you're a photographer, musician, or business professional, if you're dealing with large files on the go, the Samsung T9 is the ideal companion. This compact device boasts read-and-write transfer speeds of up to 2,000MB per second, plus you get regular firmware updates with AES 256-bit password protection and a high-end thermal cooling system that keeps your SSD running smoothly, no matter how heavy the usage.

The SSD is also built from durable materials and has been drop-tested from up to 9.8 feet in height, so you can take it with you anywhere without worrying about the safety of your most important files. If something does go wrong, Samsung also offers a five-year warranty.

Indeed, the Samsung T9 is a powerful storage device for on-the-go file management, and this is a good price. If you're planning to upgrade your storage setup this year, I'd recommend jumping on this deal before Amazon's leftover Prime Day deals expire. After all, the current RAM crisis isn't going away any time soon, and if you miss this discount, you'll likely have to wait until Black Friday to save this much cash on a portable SSD by Samsung.

More deals - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

What you need to know

• Google states a fix is rolling out late in June for a bug that impacted several of its smart speakers and SiriusXM radio.
• Users given multiple errors a month ago, when reports surfaced, and were unable to get their content to stream via a speaker.
• While this issue gets resolved, Google's also debuted its new Home Speaker and expanded Gemini for Home to more partners.

Google has been busy with new launches and bug fixes since May. This week, it's been reported that a major fix is on the way for a satellite radio problem.

About a month ago, users on the Google Home subreddit reported a sudden problem attempting to listen to SiriusXM radio on their smart speakers (via Android Authority). Getting down to brass tacks, Google responded to this month-old thread this week, stating "We've resolved an issue impacting the ability to stream SiriusXM on some Google Home devices." These "issues" Google refers to were highlighted by the thread's OP (original poster), who states their smart speakers were unable to stream any content.

Specifically, the user states their device would consistently give them the following error: "I looked for that, but it either isn't available or can't be played right now." They checked their Google Home settings and ensured their SiriusXM subscription was properly linked. Spoiler alert: everything was fine. Further investigations showed that they could listen to the radio via the app, just not through their speakers.

Many more reports on the subreddit stated similar issues. After contacting Google Support, users were told to run through normal troubleshooting procedures. Many users already said they did this on their own, to be fair. However, through these reports, Google acknowledged it was an issue, at least that's what users said after contacting support.

Now, over a month later, a fix for the radio issue is coming through for Google Home smart speakers.

New speaker on the block

In the time that these issues were reported, Google launched the Home Speaker, its future of smart speakers and AI assistance at home. For $99, the Home Speaker is the brand's first device built completely around its AI, Gemini. The AI is capable of understanding normal speech, meaning users don't have to constantly remember and throw buzzwords around. The AI can act on multi-step commands, and users can engage in follow-up questions to keep their conversations going.

Since Gemini is so tightly integrated, we all know what that means: Gemini for Home is at its core. When Google expanded its availability to more countries, the company improved Gemini's response times by 40%. What's more, it improved the AI's ability to understand what device users are talking to about to (hopefully) avoid mistaken commands. On a related note, Google opened Gemini for Home to hardware makers and carriers.

This means consumers will likely see more devices hitting the market that support Google's AI natively.

A good pair of earbuds is fairly easy to find, but finding a good pair of affordable earbuds can be a challenge. The Pixel Buds 2a are surprisingly good for their price point, which makes this Prime Day deal even better, bringing the earbuds down to their lowest price since launch.

The Pixel Buds 2a are less than a year old, launching in August 2025 and hitting stores in October for a retail price of $129. There have been a few price dips since then, but now you can get them for just under $100.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You own a Pixel smartphone and/or want an affordable pair of earbuds with good sound, great ANC, and a sweat-resistant design.

❌Skip this deal if: You don't own a Pixel smartphone or you want earbuds with support for higher-quality audio codecs.

I've been using the Pixel Buds 2a for some time, and despite them being the epitome of everything I don't like about many earbuds today, I can't seem to put them down. I even own the Powerbeats Pro 2, which I bought specifically for the gym, but before I go out, I grab the Pixel Buds 2a.

A big reason is that, despite their low price point, the audio quality is surprisingly good, and ANC does a great job of blocking out most noise, especially at the gym. They're also incredibly light, fit well in my ears, and are sufficiently sweat-resistant, so I don't have to worry about them during runs.

They may not support high-quality audio codecs like higher-end earbuds, but I'm no audiophile, so I'm content with how they sound. And if you're willing to spend just $99 on a pair of great earbuds, these are the ones.

Over-ear headphones can get expensive quick — I routinely test models between the $400 and $600 price points. If you're on a budget, going with an on-ear pair of headphones can be an excellent way to save without sacrificing quality. On-ear headphones come with perks of their own, like lightweight designs and secure fits.

Beats Solo headphones have been the default for on-ear headphones for years, and the Solo 4 model is $100 off for Prime Day. For a limited time, these headphones are just $99.95 on Amazon, meaning you're technically saving more than you're spending (by five cents). I've tested the Beats Solo 4 personally, and found a handful of ways they beat more expensive headphones.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you need a secure pair of on-ear headphones; you want headphones with week-long battery life; you value a USB-C port and 3.5mm jack for lossless audio.

❌ Skip this deal if: you prefer over-ear headphones; you have more to spend and would rather upgrade to the Beats Studio Pro (only $50 more for Prime Day).

The difference between on-ear and over-ear headphones is simple. On-ear headphones, like the Beats Solo 4, have ear cushions that rest directly on your ears. They're typically smaller and lighter, with a higher clamping force, as a result. This makes headphones like the Solo 4 ideal for working out, where you don't want to have over-ears slipping off your head during a lifting session.

By comparison, over-ear headphones like the Beats Studio Pro fit your ear inside the cushions, which some find to be more comfortable. I tend to like over-ear headphones, but the tradeoffs are size, weight, and price.

The Beats Solo 4 stand out among the competition with numerous connection methods. You can use them wirelessly with iOS and Android, and there are physical power, play/pause, next/previous, and volume up/down buttons. Better yet, there's both a USB-C port and a 3.5mm jack for wired connections.

The USB-C port can be used for charging, and when fully charged, the Solo 4 last for up to 50 hours. If they die, the 3.5mm jack supports fully analog mode — you can use them with an aux cable without power. The USB-C port can also be used for wired audio. You have a ton of options, and the two wired modes support lossless audio.

It's worth noting that the Beats Solo 4 lack active noise-canceling, and this cost-cutting measure helps them cost so little. If you can look past that, these are a surprisingly great pair of headphones for slightly under $100.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

I became a Powerbeats user with the Powerbeats2 Wireless — they came out 12 years ago — and I've used every model released since. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are the most well-rounded workout earbuds yet, and I bought two pairs of the Nike collab for $250 each for me and my sister.

I don't regret spending that much on them, but I'm happy to report that you can get them for $70 off during Amazon Prime Day. At only $180, these sporty earbuds pack a ton of features. They share internals with the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro 3, but work just as good on iOS as on Android.

I've run thousands of miles with Powerbeats earbuds in my ears, and they're the only ones I'd recommend for fitness buffs as we kick off summer.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you need a pair of workout earbuds with a secure fit and ear hooks for stability; you want earbuds that can move between iOS and Android easily; you value on-earbud controls, like playback and volume buttons.

❌ Skip this deal if: you don't like the Powerbeats Pro 2's large design; you want earbuds with a smaller charging case.

The feature that always sold me on Powerbeats is their included ear hooks. These wrap around your ear, ensuring that even if the ear tips slip out, the Powerbeats Pro 2 won't fall out of your ear. Another great perk is the physical volume rocker and play/pause button. No one wants to fight with gesture controls in the gym or on the track with sweaty hands.

With the Powerbeats Pro 2, I don't have to. And both the left and right earbuds have the physical buttons, so I can wear just one without missing out on features. This is great for safety, as I stay aware of my surroundings while I run. Since the earbuds have ANC and transparency mode support, I can also use the latter to maintain awareness while working out.

Beats is owned by Apple, but it's worth emphasizing that the Powerbeats Pro 2 work just as good on Android as iOS. They get a companion app on Android, and every feature is available across both platforms. In fact, if you've always wanted AirPods but needed better Android support, these are the earbuds to get. The Powerbeats Pro 2 share the same Apple H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2.

And, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have the same optical heart-rate monitor as the AirPods Pro 3. That's right — you can use these earbuds to track your heart rate during workouts without needing a smartwatch or chest strap, pairing them to your Android phone.

It's clear that they were built from the ground up with fitness buffs in mind, and that's why I love them as a runner. At $180, they're a no-brainer if you love to work out.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

I test every mainstream pair of wireless earbuds that come out, and my buying advice is simple: grab the pair that matches your phone. More often than not, it really is that easy. If you have an iPhone, get AirPods. If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, get Galaxy Buds. Google Pixel users are lucky enough to get the Pixel Buds Pro 2 — they're not just the best for Pixel, they're one of the best wireless earbuds overall.

While most premium earbuds start at $250 and up, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are just $229 at full price. That makes this Amazon Prime Day deal feel too good to be true. You can snag the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for only $160, and every Pixel user should consider it.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you want small and comfortable earbuds without a stem; you have a Google Pixel phone and want companion earbuds; you want incredible wireless audio under $200.

❌ Skip this deal if: you need physical on-earbud buttons (the Pixel Buds Pro 2 use swipe gestures); you're on a budget and would rather get the Pixel Buds 2a (also on-sale for Prime Day)

Most wireless earbuds on the market today offer great sound, and many bundle exclusive software features you only get with a matching phone. That's why the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 go great with, say, a Pixel 10 Pro. I've used the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and there's one thing that makes them stand out among the competition.

It's their comfort. While many earbuds are chunky or feature long stems, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are minuscule by comparison. They are 27% smaller than the original Pixel Buds Pro, and they're also 24% lighter. Better yet, they have an included stabilizer that keeps the Pixel Buds Pro 2 locked in place.

Google did something clever to let you know when you've found the perfect fit: the "G" logo on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be upright when they're twisted in place. I have AirPods and Galaxy Buds slip out of my ears all the time, and that's never happened with the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

At their $160 sale price, these earbuds are priced like a base-model pair, with the specs of a flagship. They have a custom Tensor A1 audio processor to handle sound and active noise-cancelation. They can also do spatial audio and multi-device switching, connecting with Google Find Hub for tracking.

I don't think you'll find a better pair of wireless earbuds at this price point — but this deal won't last forever. Prime Day ends today, so move fast.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

You've got only 12 hours left to shop some of the best Prime Day deals, and I was curious to know what the top-most clicked items Android users have been buying were. So I found them and compiled a list for you. These products range from chargers to storage devices to phones, wearables, and even a huge TV.

They are clearly popular because they have been flying off the shelves, and you guys have been buying them. So if you're having a bit of FOMO and need to know what to buy, check out one of these nine products that are highly recommended... by YOU!

• Prime Day ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

Amazon has officially confirmed that Prime Day 2026 will be begin on June 23rd and run through June 26th. This means that you have four full days to take advantage of the members-only sale event.

Do I need to be a Prime member to shop during Amazon Prime Day?

Although select discounts may be available to the general public, the vast majority of deals during Prime Day are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. Haven't joined yet? Sign up for Amazon's 30-day free trial to enjoy all of the benefits of a Prime membership without paying a cent. The cost of a membership is $14.99 per month once the trial period is up, but you can cancel at any time with zero hassle.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

Google just released the Home Speaker, its first smart speaker in half a decade. It's a small device designed with Gemini at the core, but it's not very impressive as a speaker. A single, tiny full-range driver is responsible for all the sound. Luckily, if you want a smart speaker with high-quality audio chops, you can get the Amazon Echo Studio instead for just $75 more than the Home Speaker during Prime Day.

Amazon's Echo Studio is an impressive smart speaker. It has large audio drivers with Dolby Atmos support, an integrated mesh Wi-Fi extender, and complete Alexa support. This device really does it all, and the Echo Studio justifies its price tag. It's an easier sell for Prime Day, as you can get the Echo Studio for only $175, saving 20%.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you need a smart speaker with sound that can fill your living room; you want Dolby Atmos and spatial audio support; you value a smart home controller with a built-in mesh Wi-Fi extender.

❌ Skip this deal if: you don't have a lot of Amazon Echo or Matter accessories; you want Gemini or Siri instead of Alexa.

Too many smart speakers skimp on sound quality, but the Echo Studio doesn't make that mistake. This speaker includes three full-range drivers and a 3.75-inch high-excursion woofer. There's software support for lossless audio, spatial audio, and Dolby Atmos. Everything you'd need from a living room or home theater speaker is here. You can even pair two of them together to create a stereo set for room-filling sound.

The Echo Studio uses four microphones to ensure it picks up your voice, even when music is playing. Alexa is the voice assistant, and you can subscribe to get the upgraded Alexa Plus version.

Another neat Echo Studio feature is the built-in Wi-Fi mesh extender. You need an Eero router to use it, but if you have one, the Echo Studio can add up to 1,000 square feet of extra coverage for up to 10 connected devices. It also has Zigbee, Matter, and Thread support, so the Echo Studio can be the centerpiece of your smart home.

The Google Home Speaker's sound quality is somewhat disappointing, and if you're looking for something better, the Amazon Echo Studio is a great alternative. For only $175 until time runs out, you can't beat this smart speaker's feature set.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

Need a place to keep your phone on your desk while you work? Why not get a stand that wirelessly charges it as well? This magnetic stand from Anker supports 15W Qi2 and MagSafe wireless charging, so you get to recharge your phone without ever plugging it in. And thanks to this final day Prime Day deal, you can score a sweet 20% discount on the Anker MagGo 15W Qi2 Wireless Charger Stand.

Magnets are really great on stands or mounts because you don't need to mess around with clamps, arms, and all that nonsense. And now that magnetic Qi2.2 is catching on in the Android space, iPhone users aren't the only ones who can enjoy the perks of MagSafe products.

• Prime Day June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You need a wireless charging stand that is magnetic, adjustable at multiple angles, and supports 15W speeds.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a stand that comes with another charging pad on the base. If that's the case, I recommend getting the slightly pricier Anker MagGo 2-in-1 15W Qi2 Wireless Charger Stand instead, which is 30% off right now.

The Anker MagGo 15W Qi2 Wireless Charger Stand has really powerful magnets, so you can even use the charger with a slim MagSafe or Qi2 case on. Anker promises a speedy 15W wireless charging speed nonetheless.

Since you can rotate your phone a full 360 degrees, you can easily mount it in landscape or portrait orientations. It also tilts, to the point that you can make the mount completely flat, like an elevated pad facing upwards, to charge non-magnetic accessories like earbuds.

The Anker MagGo 15W Qi2 Wireless Charger Stand uses Anker's dependable ActiveShield 2.0 technology to intelligently monitor and manage the temperature of the charging stand. Anker says it measures the device temperature up to 3,000,000 times per day and has built-in protections to help guard against voltage spikes, overcurrent, and overheating.

To add even more reassurance, Anker includes a 24-month warranty. The only thing missing here is a wall charger, but you can use any of your USB-C chargers lying around at home that you use to charge your phone.

If you would like to purchase a dedicated charging brick to go with the stand, Anker's fantastic little Nano Pro 20W charger is just $11.99 on Amazon.

No one likes bad Wi-Fi connections. In fact, the only thing I hate more than slow Wi-Fi is spending money on networking gear. I get it — there are a million things you'd rather spend your money on before Prime Day runs out than a new router. But if you're tired of buffering, connectivity issues, and slow speeds, that's exactly what you should buy.

After years of using the router provided by my ISP, I upgraded to the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro. I had tons of Android and Google Home or Nest devices, so buying a router with the smarts to tie the entire ecosystem together made sense. Now, you can get the Nest Wi-Fi Pro for just $85, saving nearly $115 compared to the usual retail price. It's a no-brainer if you need a Wi-Fi 6E router and are invested in the Android or Google ecosystems.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you need a reliable mesh Wi-Fi system; you want Wi-Fi 6E speeds; you have a Google Home or Nest ecosystem and want your router to fit in.

❌ Skip this deal if: you have internet speeds faster than 1Gbps from your ISP; you need a router with more Ethernet jacks.

There's a lot to like about the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro, starting with its simplicity. It's just an orb-shaped, plastic Wi-Fi 6E router with a power cord and two Ethernet jacks. One is used for the Ethernet cable coming from your modem, and the other can be used to connect other devices to your network. You can even hook up an unmanaged Ethernet switch to add ports to your Nest Wi-Fi Pro.

The subtle design and stylish colorways allow you to place the Nest Wi-Fi Pro anywhere in your home. You manage it through the Google Home app, just like your other Nest devices. They all work together nicely. For instance, I can ask my Nest Hub display to run a speed test for my Nest Wi-Fi Pro, and see the results on the screen.

Google uses software optimization to help your Nest devices run better on networks powered by Nest Wi-Fi Pro. For example, it says that you can get a "stronger live connection to your Nest Doorbell and faster 4K streaming on Chromecast with Google TV." I personally use a Nest Doorbell Battery and two Nest Cam Indoor cameras in my home, and they all run great thanks to the Nest Wi-Fi Pro router inside.

The best thing I can say about the Nest Wi-Fi Pro is that after upgrading to it, I haven't had to think about my Wi-Fi. It just works, and when there's an issue, it lets me know before my ISP can. If you struggle with Wi-Fi issues too, this is the $85 fix you need for Prime Day.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

A lot of the recent innovations in power banks have been around Qi 2 charging tech. There's a decent amount of choice if you need a good power bank, and I use the Baseus Picogo, which just got a discount and is down to $28 right now.

The Picogo is a 10,000mAh power bank, and it has a sleek design with powerful magnets that let you attach it to your iPhone and Pixel without any issues. I used this model with my Pixel 10 Pro XL and iPhone 17 Pro, and after a year of use, I didn't see any issues whatsoever.

✅Recommended if: You want a Qi 2 MagSafe power bank that's lightweight and reliable in daily use. The Picogo power bank has a 10,000mAh battery, Qi 2 with 15W charging, and a USB-C port that hits 22.5W when you need to plug in.

❌Skip this deal if: You need Qi 2.2 with 25W charging. In that case, get the Baseus Picogo AM52, which is now $52.

There's a lot to like with the Picogo power bank. The 10,000mAh battery is enough to charge a phone fully, and I really like the design; the metal chassis makes it durable, and the Qi 2 magnets are strong — they attached to my iPhone and Pixel without any problems.

With Qi 2 connectivity, you get 15W charging, and while it's on the slower side, it is adequate while traveling as the power bank stays connected to the phone. This is a big advantage over regular power banks, and the size and weight of the Picogo gives it an edge over its rivals.

There's a dedicated USB-C port that goes up to 22.5W, and this is useful if you need to plug in a secondary device to the power bank. Note that while the power bank has a 10,000mAh battery, it doesn't mean you'll be able to charge your phone twice over. Because of charging efficiency and the inherent energy that's lost while charging your phone, you'll get close to 5,500mAh of actual usage power out of the Picogo, and that is in line with other power banks in the industry.

If you need Qi 2.2 with the full 25W charging, you'll want to get the Picogo AM52. It has the same design and the same 10,000mAh battery, and the magnets are the same as well. The biggest difference is that it's able to deliver a 25W charge consistently, and I found that to be a decent enough differentiator when I need to charge my phone. But because of the newer standard, the AM52 costs a lot more — you'll be shelling out $52 to get your hands on the power bank.

Honestly, the regular Picogo should be more than adequate for most, and the best part is that it is now available for under $30, making it a good overall option.

In between summer travel and beach parties, I'm gonna be spending a lot of time relaxing in the comfort of my own home. I love listening to music, and since I've been meaning to upgrade my setup after moving into a new space, something as cool as the new Sony PS-LX3BT Wireless Bluetooth Turntable seems to fit the bill! It's the perfect mix of old-school and new, with a classic yet modern turntable design, and right now it's at its lowest price for Prime Day, making it the perfect opportunity to buy one.

The Sony PS-LX3BT Wireless Bluetooth Turntable was launched just this year and normally retails for $398, which is a bit above my price range (for most things). At $150 off, you're now paying just under $250 for this rather impressive turntable, which feels like quite a steal.

✅Recommended if: You want a modern turntable with Bluetooth out capabilities as well as support for wired audio connections.

❌Skip this deal if: You don't have a vinyl collection nor plan to build one up.

I've been eyeing turntables for a few years now, and have even started buying vinyl records... just in case.

One of the biggest reasons I want this particular model is that it supports Bluetooth output. For some reason, many turntables only support Bluetooth in, where you can stream music to the player from your phone, but that kinda defeats the purpose of even having a record player. Having Bluetooth out means I can connect the Sony PS-LX3BT Wireless Bluetooth Turntable to my Bluetooth speakers, though it also supports wired audio with a built-in cable and even has a switchable phono EQ.

The turntable features automatic playback, and the tonearm can raise, lower, and return to its resting position on its own. It also supports 33⅓ and 45 rpm speeds, so just about all your vinyl records should play just fine.

But of course, I'll also want a new speaker to go with it, and that's where the Marshall Stanmore III comes in, featuring big, booming sound, plenty of connection options, and a classy design that will fit any home. And whatd'ya know; it's also on sale!

Public USB charging ports are convenient, but they're not always something you should rely on, especially at airports. That's exactly why this Baseus Prime Day deal caught my attention. Amazon has knocked 29% off the Baseus PicoGo AM52 MagSafe Power Bank, bringing it down from $80 to just $57.

At its original $80 price, the PicoGo AM52 felt a little too expensive for a power bank. But at $57, it's much easier to recommend. And that's not just because it supports MagSafe or packs a 10,000mAh battery, it's because it solves a few annoyances that most other power banks simply ignore.

• Prime Day is back June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: you want a power bank with a built-in USB-C cable, MagSafe support, a slim design, and a 10,000mAh battery.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a much larger battery capacity or you're simply looking for the cheapest power bank possible.

The timing of this deal is actually pretty good. Last year, the TSA warned travelers about the risks of juice jacking at public USB charging stations. Whether you worry about that or not, charging from an airport USB port also means you're stuck sitting next to it while your phone charges.

That's exactly where the PicoGo AM52 makes sense. What originally launched as a premium $80 accessory is now much easier to justify at $57.

What really sets this power bank apart is the built-in USB-C cable. You don't have to remember to pack an extra cable every time you travel. On top of that, it's fully MagSafe compatible, so you can snap it directly onto the back of an iPhone or Pixel 10 series device.

If you're using a MagSafe-compatible case with a Galaxy S26, it'll work there too. And when you need faster charging, just plug in the built-in cable, which supports up to 45W output, plenty for most smartphones.

The PicoGo AM52 also includes an additional USB-C port if you want to use your own cable or charge another device. There are a few other nice touches as well, including a small charging status display and a premium metal construction that makes it feel much more expensive than many plastic power banks.

At $57, it's really hard to find faults in the PicoGo AM52 portable charger. If you've been looking for a travel-friendly power bank that already has everything built in, this is probably one of the better Prime Day deals you'll find.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

I think the thing I freak out about most while traveling is not having enough charge on my devices, especially on long-haul flights. Even though most flights have some kind of charging port, I still feel like I need the right portable battery-saving devices to keep things fully charged.

Incoming Anker, literally the only brand I trust with my life for keeping my things always charged. When I was introduced to the brand, I was literally shocked by how powerful its products are and how sleek its designs are.

But picking the right Anker charger, cable, or even powerbank can be overwhelming. I've curated 11 of the best Anker products to consider taking on your next trip.

How to pick the right charging accessories

When looking for charging tech, it's important to know your phone's charging specs. Most phones in the U.S. top out at 60W wired charging, especially if you're using a Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phone, so you should be able to take advantage of faster charging depending on your device. Motorola and OnePlus phones usually support fast charging, so you'll want something that can charge at over 60W.

Also make sure your power bank has enough capacity to adequately support your device. If your phone has a 5,000mAh battery, aim for a power bank with at least 10,000mAh so you can get a full charge and then some.

Finally, cable specs are also important to consider. Not all cables are made the same, and some support faster speeds than others. If you can find a cable that supports 100W or more, go with that.

Prime Day is a great time to stock up on gifts for the second half of the year. And if you've been looking for a useful tech gift under $30, you may not need to look any further. Anker's 45W Smart Display Charger is currently 35% off, bringing it down to just $26.

With more smartphone brands ditching chargers from the box, a compact fast charger is already a practical gift. But Anker has added a few thoughtful touches that make this one stand out from the usual wall adapter.

• Prime Day is back June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: you want to see real-time charging speeds, like the idea of a built-in display, or need a travel-friendly charger with a foldable plug design.

❌Skip this deal if: you need more than 45W charging or want a charger with multiple USB-C ports.

When we first saw this charger at CES 2026, it immediately stood out because of its design. The plug folds through 180 degrees, making it much easier to fit into awkward wall outlets or tight spaces. It's a small design feature, but one that makes it especially handy for frequent travelers.

The other standout feature is the built-in LCD display. Instead of just being another plain charger, it shows the real-time power your device is drawing while also displaying a small animated character that gives it a bit of personality. It's a surprisingly fun little touch that makes the charger feel more premium than its price suggests.

Thankfully, it's not just about looks. The charger supports up to 45W fast charging, which is more than enough for iPhones and most Android phones sold in the U.S. It can also recognize different iPhone models, including the iPhone 15, 16, and 17 series, and adjust charging accordingly.

The only real downside is that it includes just a single USB-C port. Personally, though, I'd rather have one port capable of delivering the full 45W than two ports splitting that power between multiple devices.

Right now, the blue version is available at 35% off on Amazon. If you'd rather match the charger to your phone or just prefer a different color, Anker is offering the same discount across the other color options on its own website as well.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

Your phone overheating is more likely to happen with the unforgiving summer heatwaves happening of late. Overheating not only slows down your phone, causing lags, but it can also potentially cause your phone's lithium ion battery to catch fire or explode in extreme scenarios.

Beat the heat and prevent thermal throttling issues on your smartphone with the right cooling accessories. Something as simple as a cooling fan or a thermal case can prevent your phone from having a meltdown — literally.

Thanks to Prime Day, you can save a lot of money on summer essentials like these phone coolers. Don't waste time making up your mind, though, because these deals end tomorrow!

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

Black Shark FunCooler 5

Black Shark used to be Xiaomi's gaming sub-brand. I have reviewed many of their gaming phones and accessories before and found they have incredibly good value for money. The brand's phone coolers in particular are insanely good at what they do, freezing down boiling temperatures in seconds.

The Black Shark FunCooler 5 has a cooling fan, RGB lights, and really strong 12N magnets, so you can attach it to the back of your phone magnetically. Any MagSafe, Pixelsnap, or magnetic Qi2 device should be able to use it natively. You can also use a magnetic adapter ring to make it work for non-magnetic phones.

PHOOZY Apollo Thermal Phone Case

If you watch Shark Tank, you might have spotted the PHOOZY Apollo Thermal Phone Case on the show. This clever contraption is a thermal phone case that reflects light, deflecting heat and insulating the internals. This keeps your phone nice and cool while sealing the heat outside.

The PHOOZY Apollo Thermal Phone Case features military-grade water resistance, so it's the ideal companion for beach visits and poolside hangouts. You can choose between Gold and Silver colors, and there are two sizes: medium and large.

TORRAS PolarCircle Qi2 Wireless Charger

When looking to eliminate heating issues on your phone, why not get an accessory that does multiple things at once? The TORRAS PolarCircle Qi2 Wireless Charger is a 15W Qi2 wireless charger that not only cools your device using a fan, but it also recharges it wirelessly.

There's even a stand built into the back of the TORRAS PolarCircle Qi2 Wireless Charger which has a sturdy rotating a ring-like shape. And since the cooling accessory is powered by USB-C, you don't need to worry about charging it or buying a separate cable for it.

Whether it's for the FIFA World Cup or vacation, plenty of people are traveling this summer. But if you're new to international travel, one thing to keep in mind is keeping your tech powered up, and that means remembering to pack the essentials. That includes charging bricks, adapters (because different places use different plugs!), cables, and more. Sounds like a lot, but Prime Day helps ease the stress on your wallet.

I'm going to be traveling soon, and my charging stache needs a big upgrade. Fortunately, Anker has just about everything anyone could need when traveling abroad, and all of it is on sale right now for Prime Day. I've already highlighted one portable power bank that I recommend for just about any time you leave the house, but here are some additional charging accessories that I'm putting in my cart.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

The journey toward an actual release date for Grand Theft Auto VI has been arduous, to say the least. After 13 long years, pre-orders are finally live for the massive open-world game for PS5 and Xbox Series X players. After placing your order for the game, why not make some extra preparations to make the experience that much more special? With the help of some smart RGB lights on the back of your TV, you can transform your gameplay into a more immersive experience.

Since it's Prime Day until tomorrow, there are hundreds of deals on tech products of all kinds, including smart RGB lights. I prefer Govee and SwitchBot above all other brands because you get ambient audio sync modes, plenty of customizability options, and affordable pricing for high-grade RGBIC light strips. Most importantly, both brands' light strips are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home without the need for any hub.

These smart TV light strips are half off for Prime Day, so now is the best time to get your living room GTA 6 ready. Once they're all set up, it'll be the gameplay of a lifetime!

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

Govee TV LED Backlight

The Govee TV LED Backlight comes in two sizes, a 12.5ft options for 55–65 inch TVs and a 15ft option for 70–80 inch TVs. These RGBIC smart LED lights stick to the back of your TV to create mesmerizing showcase of colorful lights.

Depending on the mode you choose, the dynamic lights react to the sounds around you, creating a truly immersive viewing experience. With GTA VI playing on your TV, the glowing lights shifting with the sound of your gameplay will truly look awesome.

Since these lights have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, you can either customize and adjust their brightness and color modes via the smartphone app or through voice controls. You even get segmented control over the light strip. The Govee lights support both Alexa and Google Assistant.

SwitchBot LED Strip Light

SwitchBot offers an even wider compatibility with smart home ecosystems. You can connect the SwitchBot LED Strip Light to Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home, and IFTTT. This five-meter-long strip, or roughly 16-foot-long strip, is more expensive than the Govee option, but it is also more versatile and much longer.

The SwitchBot LED Strip Light 5M can display 16 million colors and deliver up to 1200 Lumens with tunable color temperature from 2700K–6500K. It also has music sync modes. This strip glues onto the back of your TV and creates a bright halo behind it. You can customize your light presets or choose from one of the 26 preset scenes within the app, and you get segmented control on these lights too.

The bonus perk with the SwitchBot LED Strip Light 5M is that it is Matter-enabled. You can create smart home automations and incorporate this strip light into it, for example by creating a smart gaming routine involving your smart TV, smart speaker, and maybe even smart AC. Get the room cool, groovy, and ready to game in with one voice command. You could even create a specific smart home routine just for playing GTA VI!

Indeed, Prime Day is often the perfect time to pick up the more expensive products on your wishlist, especially if you're looking for earbud deals. For instance, these Bang and Olufsen Beoplay Eleven earbuds are 30% off for Amazon Prime Day, bringing the premium-level buds' price tag down to just $419.30. This is actually the lowest price these earbuds have ever seen, making them a worthwhile option to consider for audiophiles.

It's no secret that Bang and Olufsen makes some of the best audio products out there today, which is a huge part of why the maker's price tags are typically so high. These come with fairly large drivers for being earbuds, resulting in a really nice and balanced audio profile across a broad frequency range. They also come with user-friendly touch controls, water and dust resistance, and a fairly long battery life with or without active noise cancellation. You can get this deal on the Eucalyptus Green version of the earbuds, while there is currently a smaller discount available for the Copper and Natural Aluminum colors.

✅Recommended if: you want earbuds with highly competitive audio quality, but don't want to pay a $500-plus price tag; you're looking for a pair of buds with ANC, easy hands-free voice assistant and calling, and easy-to-use touch controls; you would prioritize a top-notch ANC and audio profile over having industry-leading battery life.

❌Skip this deal if: you need something with more than six hours of battery life with ANC; you're not looking toward the best wireless earbuds category and you'd rather grab something lower-quality with a more affordable price tag.

The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay Eleven are a certified pair of good earbuds, but the $600 price tag hurts a little, to be frank. Fortunately, they feel extremely competitive at the discounted price, featuring 20 hours of battery life with ANC off or six with it toggled on, a frequency range of 20 to 22,000Hz, and 9.2mm drivers that offer some highly compelling audio, even amongst today's top rivals.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

It has been a busy 15 months of travel, and I managed to visit 12 countries in that time. That involved over 60,000 miles and over 150 hours of flying time. In all that time, I used just one headset predominantly: Bose's QuietComfort Ultra, and there's a good reason for that.

While I also have the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 and use it at home extensively, I used the Gen 1 model while traveling. I like the design better; the Gen 2 has a flashier design that stands out, and I prefer the look and feel of the Gen 1.

Basically, the Bose QC Ultra Gen 1 continues to be a brilliant headset in 2026, and it just got a huge discount, bringing it down to $269. Sony's best-selling WH-1000XM5 is also down to an all-time low at $198, and of the two, I'd still get the Bose.

✅Recommended if: You want a high-end headset that's comfortable to wear, has great sound quality, all the codecs you need, and lasts long between charges.

❌Skip this deal if: You need dust and water resistance. While this is a great travel headset, it doesn't have ingress protection, so it isn't quite as good at the gym. Oh, and if you need lossless audio via USB-C, you'll need to get the Gen 2 model.

The number one thing I value in a travel headset is comfort, and the QuietComfort Ultra excels in this area. I've worn this headset continuously for well over 18 hours at times, and I didn't notice any fatigue even once. The foldable design means it doesn't take up as much room as the WH-1000XM5, and that is a big advantage.

Bose absolutely nailed the noise isolation, and the headset does an excellent job tuning out the world. Whether you're working in a cafe, taking the subway, or traveling by an intercontinental flight, the QC Ultra is effective at blocking out any ambient noise. If you fly regularly, a headset like this is a game-changer.

I like Bose's sound tuning as well; while Sony prioritizes bass and sub-bass frequencies, Bose has a neutral signature that lends itself well to the music I listen to most of the time. Battery life is decent too, with the QC Ultra lasting just over 24 hours before needing a charge.

I have over a dozen high-end headsets, and I choose to wear the QC Ultra because of its comfort, sound quality, and excellent noise isolation. And with the headset now down to just $269, it just became that much more accessible.

Regular NAS servers use mechanical HDDs, but if you want to make the switch to flash storage, there are a few decent choices available. The benefit of using an all-flash NAS is that you get significantly higher bandwidth; most traditional HDDs can hit 250MB/s at a maximum, but with an SSD, you easily get ten times that bandwidth.

I tested all the SSD NAS servers available today, and TerraMaster's F8 SSD Plus is the best of the lot. It holds eight SSDs, comes with thermal pads that ensure the drives don't overheat, and you get active cooling.

The best part is that the NAS is now selling at just $719, and I think that is a good value. While it debuted at $899, the F8 SSD Plus usually sells at around the $765 to $799 figure, so even in that context, you're getting a good overall deal this time.

✅Recommended if: You're ready to move to SSD storage. The F8 SSD Plus has 10GbE connectivity, holds eight drives, and doesn't take up much room at all.

❌Skip this deal if: You just want a media server. There are plenty of other choices if you just need a NAS server to house your media collection, and going with a regular HDD is still a better choice.

While I use the F8 SSD Plus regularly, most of my media is in another NAS with regular HDDs. That's because you don't get nearly as much storage when buying SSDs as you do mechanical drives. I have four 2TB SSDs totaling 8TB in the F8 SSD Plus, and they cumulatively cost as much as a 24TB HDD.

With SSD prices inflated right now because of high demand, you'll end up shelling a lot of cash to get a decent amount of storage. The plus side is that as SSDs don't contain any moving parts, they generally last longer than a HDD. An all-flash NAS is better-suited for office tasks, and it's generally overkill if you just want a media server.

Coming to the F8 SSD Plus, you get eight NVMe slots in total, so you can add eight drives, with each slot able to hold 8TB, giving you 64TB of total addressable storage. The NAS is powered by Intel's N305 platform, and it's designed to be fast; I didn't see any issues whatsoever after close to a year of use.

With connectivity, the F8 SSD Plus has 10GbE as standard, and you can easily saturate the bandwidth of the connection with the available bandwidth. While the initial costs are higher, the F8 SSD Plus is a great all-round choice if you want an all-flash NAS with standout features.

I used a lot of mobile gaming controllers over the last three years, and GameSir's products stood out consistently for the build quality, performance, and reliability. The GameSir G8+ is the best of the lot, and it's just a delight to use.

I played dozens of hours of games on the G8+, and GameSir rolled out a new model dubbed the G8 Plus MFi. The key difference between the two is that G8 Plus relies on Bluetooth, while the G8 Plus MFi has USB-C connectivity. GameSir really should have done a better job naming these controllers, because to anyone else just looking at the models, it looks like the G8+ MFi also has Bluetooth.

Having said that, the G8 Plus MFi is terrific, and I like that it works with iPhones and the iPad mini along with Android phones. The controller usually costs $79, but it is now down to $63 on Amazon, which is a decent 20% discount on one of the best products in this category.

• Prime Day 2026 is June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You need a great mobile controller with hall effect joysticks and analog triggers. The G8 Plus MFi has excellent feedback, anti-stick drift, and USB-C connectivity.

❌Skip this deal if: You absolutely need Bluetooth connectivity, or want to use it with a Nintendo Switch/Switch 2. Just get the regular G8+ in that case — it's the same controller otherwise.

GameSir didn't change the basics with the G8 Plus MFi, and that's a good thing. This is a mobile controller that's extremely comfortable to hold and use, and it feels just like a regular Xbox controller. The full-size joysticks, buttons, and triggers make a difference in that area, and you get a satisfying rumble from the built-in motors.

The hall effect joysticks ensure there's no stick drift whatsoever, and this hasn't been a problem on any GameSir controller I used in the last three years. The analog triggers also use hall effect switches, and they have excellent feedback.

The G8 Plus MFi does two things better than the traditional G8+: it accommodates phones with huge camera islands — like the Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra — and the bridge extends a little wider, so you can easily slot in tablets like the iPad mini without any issues.

It doesn't have Bluetooth, so you can only connect USB-C devices, like Android phones, recent iPhones, and iPads that use USB-C. If you need a controller to use with your Switch or any other Bluetooth device, get the G8+.

On the whole, if you just need a reliable controller to play your favorite mobile games, the G8 Plus MFi is my recommendation in 2026. And coming in at $63, now is the best time to get your hands on this controller.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

Google hardly ever discounts its first-party Pixel Watch bands, but you don't have to settle for those overpriced options. Spigen is featured on the Google Store as a certified third-party seller of Pixel Watch 4 bands. That means these excellent bands from the brand are guaranteed to fit your Google Pixel Watch 4!

Thanks to Prime Day 2026, you can purchase all the very best Spigen watch bands for the Pixel Watch 4 for up to 67% off right now! I have listed my personal favorites here, from cheerfully colorful options like the Nano Pop to more mature-looking picks like the Lite Fit X. Have at it!

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

Spigen Nano Pop Pixel Watch 4 Band

The waterproof Spigen Nano Pop Pixel Watch 4 Band band usually costs $29.99, which is typical of a Pixel Watch band. However, that regular price is currently slashed to a lowly $9.99 and that is something you do not want to miss out on.

The dual-toned Spigen Nano Pop Pixel Watch 4 Band is made of a soft silicone material and an aluminum pin-and-tuck, making it waterproof, adjustable, and pretty durable. It is available in 41mm and 45mm variants.

Choose from two colors: Blueberry Navy and Black Sesame. I personally prefer the brighter Blueberry Navy colorway, as it has a pop of yellow to contrast the dominant navy blue. But you can go for Black Sesame which has a black/gray combo if you're not big on bright colors.

Spigen Lite Fit X Pixel Watch 4 Band

The Spigen Lite Fit X Pixel Watch 4 Band only comes in one color variant: a black and gray checked pattern with slanted black lines embroidered on some parts of it. This is a sturdy nylon band that is highly elastic, so it stretches to adjust to your wrist.

The woven nylon material makes this a very breathable watch band that's suitable for daily wear. Available in 45mm and 41mm options, the Spigen Lite Fit X Pixel Watch 4 Band is 40% off with a coupon on Amazon.

Spigen Rugged Armor Pro Pixel Watch 4 Band

Looking for something that can take a beating? Spigen offers a more heavy-duty Pixel Watch 4 watch band in the for of the Rugged Armor Pro Pixel Watch 4 Band. This rugged number comes in an all black, faux carbon fiber ensemble.

The Spigen Rugged Armor Pro Pixel Watch 4 Band features a hard, scratch-proof polycarbonate exterior. It also incorporates flexible TPU for various parts and pieces, making the entire band impact-resistant to bumps and scrapes.

Not only does this band include a strap for the Pixel Watch 4, but it also has a case for the watch screen built in. Get it now for 16% off this Prime Day!

Insta360 is a brand better known for its lineup of rugged action cameras, but they also make other relevant equipment such as microphones. The Insta360 Mic Pro is a spectacular new wireless lavalier mic kit that has a distinctly unique feature unlike any other: E Ink displays.

Mics for Android, iOS, and cameras are probably not the first few keywords that pop in your mind when you think of E Ink displays. After all, these e-paper screens are more popular with reading tablets and digital frames. Insta360 is has actualized and unlikely convergence of the two.

Released on May 19, 2026, the Insta360 Mic Pro usually costs $329.99 for the dual mic and receiver kit, but you can get it for a $50 off right now thanks to Prime Day.

• Prime Day June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You need a versatile mic kit that works with plenty of platforms, has a rechargeable carrying case, and has built-in E Ink displays.

❌Skip this deal if: You want mics that aren't very visible.

The Insta360 Mic Pro also comes in a singular mic kit without a receiver as well as a single mic and single transmitter kit. Since the mics can be used via Bluetooth with Android and iOS smartphones, you don't need to buy the transmitter kit if you don't plan on using the mic with a camera.

The single mic kit without a transmitter is 15% off on Amazon, going from $99.99 to $84.99. Meanwhile, the single mic and receiver kit is also 15% off, selling for $169.99 on Amazon instead of the usual $199.99.

You get a plug-and-play experience when using the Insta360 Mic Pro on smartphones

Setting up the mic is a simple matter of downloading the Insta360 app and plugging the transmitter into the USB-C port of your smartphone. After that, the mic is ready to use. The transmitter automatically connects all mics to your phone.

Once connected, you can use the app to choose any picture you like and set it as the display image for your mics. Each individual mic can have its own wallpaper. The Insta360 app allows you to resize and preview the image before confirming.

The sky is the limit when it comes to display customization

Whether its faces, brand logos, photos or captions, as long as it's an image, you can set it as the mics' wallpaper. And because the mics use E Ink panels, once the image is set, it hardly affects battery life at all!

The Insta360 Mic Pro delivers superior audio quality and comes in a carrying case with USB-C charging. The transmitter, USB-C adapter, and both mics fit inside and charge wirelessly when docked.

You get a handful of other extra accessories in the box too, including two windshields, a 3.5mm audio cable, two button magnets, two clips, a carrying pouch, and a USB-C cable. That's a lot of value for your money.

Both mics in the Insta360 Mic Pro kit feature auto gain control, 32-bit float, a 30-hour battery life, a 400m connectivity range, 3-mic array & directional pickup, and NPU-powered noise canceling thanks to dedicated AI chips.

You can customize the settings of each mic within the Insta360 app. This is where you can enable or disable auto gain control, and choose the sound direction from four options: Omni, Voice focus, Cardioid, and Figure 8.

Here are various audio samples recorded outdoors with different settings and a lot of background noise like traffic and chatter.

• Auto gain control disabled; sound direction set to Omni

• Auto gain control disabled; sound direction set to Voice focus

• Auto gain control enabled; sound direction set to Omni

• Auto gain control enabled; sound direction set to Voice focus

• Auto gain control enabled; sound direction set to Cardioid

• Auto gain control enabled; sound direction set to Figure 8

• Bluetooth connection

It's an excellent kit from Insta360 that's definitely worth the spend

The Insta360 Mic Pro is a value-packed wireless lavalier kit that can adapt to whatever environment it needs to record in. You can connect as many as four mics (receivers) to the transmitter, in case you'd like to add on more individual later on.

Maybe you're combing through the market to find a fantastic microphone kit for your vlogging needs, or maybe you are a amateur videographer. Or perhaps, you're just starting out as a student in media and journalism. For all of those scenarios and more, the Insta360 Mic Pro is a high-quality starter kit that's compatible with a wide range of devices.

I have a lot of Bluetooth speakers, so there isn't a shortage of choice when I want to listen to music. I tend to like Marshall's products because of the design and sound quality, and I used the Emberton III quite a bit in the last year, and it is the device I take while going on vacation.

The Emberton III is diminutive against the likes of the Stanmore III, but it produces a loud sound that belies its size, and the portability means you can take it anywhere — this is a small Bluetooth speaker with a great design and standout sound.

The Emberton III is now down to just $99, a heady $80 discount from its usual $179 retail. It was down to $129 in last year's sale, and the $99 deal is the best I've seen on this model yet. So if you're looking to buy a portable Bluetooth speaker, now is the ideal time to do so.

I like two things about the Emberton III: the size and sound quality. It is smaller than most Bluetooth speakers, and that allows you to take it just about anywhere. You get two 10W full-range drivers, and while that it isn't a lot, Marshall did a great job utilizing the innards to deliver sound that's much fuller (and louder) than its size suggests.

The sound quality itself is classic Marshall — just like the design. You get a rich bass, clean mids that put vocals at the center, and good treble extension. The design is in line with Marshall's other products, and that's a positive too; the metal grille with the embossed Marshall logo just stands out.

The IP67 dust and water resistance means you can use it at the pool without any issues, and it lasts 24 hours between charges. You can take calls as well, and there's the ability to tweak the sound to your tastes — should you need to.

Overall, the Emberton III looks good and sounds great. And at just $99, it is a terrific deal if you're looking to get a new portable Bluetooth speaker.

It's the size of a tin of mints and packs an incredulous 10,000mAh capacity in that tiny, cute little body somehow. I can't stop singing praises of the tiny but mighty INIU Pocket Rocket P50 Power Bank. In fact, this isn't the first time I've recommended this power bank, and I can guarantee you it won't be the last.

Available in several fun colors, the INIU Pocket Rocket P50 is currently discounted for Prime Day festivities, taking a generous 15% off its retail price and knocking it down to the below-$30 category.

Of course, the size is one of the most noteworthy qualities of this excellent portable battery. But there are other factors that I love too, and you will too.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You want a compact, 10,000mAh power bank with 45W fast charging and a cable built in.

❌Skip this deal if: You are on the hunt for something slimmer and lighter.

For a power bank this size, a 10,000mAh rating is impressive. It weighs just 160 grams, which is less than the weight of the base model Samsung Galaxy S25. And on top of that, this is an airline-approved power bank, so you don't have to worry about flight regulations either.

The INIU Pocket Rocket P50 Power Bank has a screen that indicates the power input or output, as well as the battery percentage. This is handy as you always know how much juice you've got left in it when on the go.

Another admirable trait of this power bank is the charging speed. It supports an output of 45W fast charging (output), featuring Samsung Super Fast Charging 2.0 (PPS). To recharge it, you also get a 20W charging speed (input) to top up the power bank itself.

INIU includes a built-in USB-C cable with the Pocket Rocket P50. And it isn't a retractable cable like the ones we've seen on UGREEN's power banks. The entire cable comes off, so you can use it with other chargers and devices too.

This actually makes it a two-in-in-one product, because you get a very high quality nylon-braided USB-C to USB-C cable for free.

You can easily slip this tiny power bank in your pocket, and get a hold of it using the included cable as a lanyard. What a versatile little battery pack!

Summer is here and it is lovely! If you're finally headed to the sunny outdoors, planning excursions and trips to enjoy the season, you need to know about these Prime Day deals. I wouldn't travel anywhere without at least one of these three excellent Bluetooth tracker cards. They connect to both Apple and Google's Find My Device networks, alleviating some of that tension that sits in the back of your mind while traveling.

Many of these picks are rechargeable, which is like finding gold when buying Bluetooth trackers as a large portion of them are not rechargeable.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

Chipolo CARD (2025)

I adore all the Bluetooth trackers that Chipolo makes because they are designed by a very passionate team, many of whom were architects. The Chipolo CARD (2025) is the first rechargeable Bluetooth tracker card that features Pixelsnap-like magnetic wireless charging.

Equipped with a loud, customizable ringer, the Chipolo CARD (2025) works with both Apple and Google's findability networks, gives you out of range alerts if you leave it behind, and has a very robust IP67 water and dust-proof rating.

If you're worried about how often you need to recharge the CARD, don't worry about it at all. Chipolo promises one year's uptime on a single full charge. I used this card for six months and it works just as promised.

Life360 Tile Slim

The brand Tile has transitioned through many names, switching to Tile by Life360 and now finally, just Life360. The name doesn't matter though because the product remains fantastic.

The Life360 Tile Slim is one of the highest quality trackers on the market, and it's integrated into Life360's incredibly vast web of devices around the world. Thus, you can rely on the Life360 Tile Slim to help you track and locate your device using a very reliable system: the Life360 app.

The Life360 Tile Slim is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. It sports a rugged IP68 water and dust-proof rating and has a three-year non-replaceable and non-chargeable battery.

UAG Metropolis Tracker Card

The UAG Metropolis Tracker Card is an MFi certified Bluetooth tracker with a stylish hexagonal pattern adorning it. It is a slim card that works with both Apple and Google's Find My Device networks, making it versatile.

While UAG is known for its high-end, heavy-duty phone cases and accessories, the brand's Bluetooth tracker is worth your attention. It has more than sufficient loudness levels, comes with Qi or MagSafe wireless charging, and has an IPX4 water-resistant rating.

This tracker only lasts 5 months on single charge, however, and iOS users get more features like out of range notifications, so keep that in mind when making your choice.

If you're looking to buy a new NAS, there's a good chance that you came across UGREEN. The brand is a relative newcomer, but a combination of great hardware and aggressive discounts made it swiftly rise up the ranks in this category.

The DXP4800 GT is UGREEN's latest NAS, and it just made its debut in June 2026. The NAS is aimed at enthusiast users and content creators, and it notably has two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports. It launched at $659, but you can get it for $527 during Prime Day, which is a pretty good 20% discount on what is a brand-new model. While RAM and storage modules are still at an all-time high, UGREEN must not have gotten the memo, because this is a great price on an enthusiast-focused NAS.

• Prime Day 2026 is June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You want ultra-fast connectivity. With powerful AMD internals, good software with container management, dual 10GbE connectivity, ECC memory, ability to slot in U.2 SSDs, and a high amount of extensibility, the DXP4800 GT is a true enthusiast NAS. The best part is that there's hardware-assisted transcoding with the AMD Ryzen platform, and that's just a welcome move.

❌Skip this deal if: You want Thunderbolt 4. Although the DXP4800 GT gets most right, it misses out on Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.

Now, the DXP4800 Pro is a solid NAS by itself, but the DXP4800 GT gets a few additional features. It gets ECC memory, 2.5-inch U.2 SSD integration, and two 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectors. It's clear that the NAS is aimed at creators and enthusiasts, and even though there's no Thunderbolt 4, it isn't a big deal in and of itself.

Another difference is that the DXP4800 GT uses AMD hardware instead of Intel. While this has been an issue in the past, the Ryzen R2514 has hardware transcoding, so if you use Plex or Jellyfin, the DXP4800 GT is just as good as an Intel-based NAS. If anything, it's faster; I got four 4K transcodes running in Plex at the same time without any issues, so the DXP4800 GT has power to spare.

The UGOS Pro software has plenty to like as well, and you can install just about anything you want using Docker; this is what I used to get Plex, Pi-hole, Jellyfin, Immich, and other utilities installed on the NAS.

The DXP4800 Pro is still a great NAS — particularly now that it is down to $639 — but if you need two 10GbE connectors or want to use U.2 SSDs, the DXP4800 GT is the obvious choice. And with the DXP4800 GT now selling for just $527, this may just be the best time to get it.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

After three years of trying (and failing) to build any semblance of a schedule, we wanted to get a smart calendar to see if it made things any easier. And with our toddler set to start pre-school soon, we needed a way to plan the family schedule, add and change meal plans, have a shared to-do list, and just bring some level of organization to the daily routine.

There's a decent amount of choice if you're looking to get a smart calendar these days. Cozyla, Skylight, Hearth, and Amazon all make dedicated devices aimed at this category, and while I liked the look of the Skylight Frame, I wasn't keen on yet another subscription just to use a shared calendar, and the coincidentally, I got a review unit of the Cozyla Calendar+ 2, so that's what we ended up using.

I tested the 15.6-inch variant of the Cozyla Calendar+ 2, and it costs $349 on Amazon as of writing. There's also a 24-inch model that retails for $699, a 32-inch model that costs $899, and a 32-inch 4K option that is available for $1,099. The larger 24-inch and 32-inch models are good to consider if you're mounting the calendar on a wall, but if you want to just position it on the kitchen island (like we have), the 15.6-inch model is arguably the better choice — and it costs a lot less.

I'll get to the features in a little bit, but let's talk about the product itself. The Calendar+ 2 is sold in a white color option, and it houses a 15.6-inch 1080p panel with a standard 60Hz refresh and chunky bezels on the sides. The panel itself is decent enough; it doesn't come close to the clarity of most modern tablets like the Xiaomi Pad 8, but it gets the job done in this context. I would've preferred an anti-glare coating on the screen given the use case, but that's only available on the 24- and 32-inch models, which is annoying.

Coming to the hardware, the Calendar+ 2 is powered by a Rockchip RK3576, which has Arm's v7 Cortex A72 cores running at 2.11GHz and A53 cores at 1.91GHz. There's 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, with around 38GB available for use. You won't see something this old on a phone or tablet, but it is serviceable on a device that's ostensibly meant as a shared family calendar.

On the software front, you get Android 14 out of the box, and while the Calendar+ 2 runs Cozyla's custom CalendarOS, you have the Play Store, so there's the ability to install custom apps. This is a big enough differentiator, and while the hardware is decidedly entry-level, you can install YouTube, to-do list apps, and just about any productivity app on this device without any issues.

The interface was laggy when we set up the calendar, but it has gotten much better thanks to recent updates. The home page pulls up the calendar view with widgets for tasks and meals, and there are dedicated tabs: Calendar, Tasks, Meals, Notes, and Settings. You get an App Library that serves as the app drawer, and you can add widgets, apps, or folders to the home page and customize it as needed.

In fact, the biggest advantage to the Calendar+ is the sheer amount of customizability. You can install any app you want and tweak the interface to highlight the information that matters to you. We used the Calendar+ 2 predominantly for two things: meal planning and managing to-do lists.

Adding a meal plan to the calendar was an exercise in frustration — when we set it up a few months ago. The interface on the Cozyla itself was slow, and while a desktop app would be ideal, Cozyla still doesn't have that, so we manually added everything via our phones.

Now, this was only a problem because we added an Indian meal plan. Cozyla has a recipe database, but that mostly includes western dishes, and even Indian dishes like rotis, dal, or chutneys weren't available, so we had to add all of these individually. Having said that, Cozyla rolled out updates in the last two months that made a big difference. There's a decent selection of global dishes now, and that's good to see — it made adding new dishes to the meal plan that much easier.

Setting up calendars is as easy as logging in to your account and syncing to the device. You can use Google, Apple, Outlook, Yahoo, and CalDAV as the providers, and it was relatively straightforward to link my Google calendar to the device. The best part of the calendar is the Tasks feature; it lets you add to-do lists and assign chores, and it made a big difference in how regularly I do the laundry.

We've been using this calendar for just under six months now, and honestly, I'm glad I waited before writing the review — the updates to the app and calendar made it much more responsive, and Cozyla sorted out a lot of the lingering bugs, making the Calendar Plus 2 a better overall product now. And the fact that you can get it for 20% off means now is as good a time as any to buy the smart calendar.

I love to travel, and with summer finally here, I'm sure a lot of you will be traveling, whether domestically or internationally. Regardless, there are some things you don't wanna go without, and for me, one of those things is a fast portable charger. The Anker Nano Portable Charger is a must-have for me, as it's basically a two-in-one deal, and you can grab one for 30% off right now during Prime Day.

The Anker Nano Portable Charger normally retails for $60, but with a 30% discount, you're only paying just over $40 for a rather good power bank with fast charging and a ton of extras that I'll get into in a moment.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You have a phone that supports 45W charging speeds and you want a portable charger you can easily carry around with a built-in USB-C cable.

❌Skip this deal if: Your phone supports faster wired charging speeds and you want something that can match its speeds.

The Anker Nano Portable Charger is a fairly unique power bank for a couple of reasons. The most obvious is that it has a built-in USB-C cable that extends up to 2.3ft and is strong enough to support up to 17 pounds. It's a very well-made cable that easily retracts into the charger's body when you're not using it.

The downside of this design is that it makes the charger rather bulky, but this hasn't been a huge issue for me. The included loop makes it fairly easy to carry, and it's still small enough to throw into a bag or purse.

Another notable feature that I love is that it has a small display that can tell you a few things, including the current battery level, the remaining time until the power bank or the device it's charging is fully topped up, how fast the current state of charge is, the power bank's temperature, and the battery health. A button makes it easy to cycle through all this information.

You get up to 45W charging, which, even for a device like the Motorola Razr Fold, which charges at 80W, is still plenty fast. You get a secondary USB-C port if you wanna charge a second device, and a third USB-A port.

All in all, the Anker Nano Portable Charger is a fantastic and very convenient power bank that I carry with me literally everywhere, and if you're traveling this summer, it's an accessory I couldn't recommend more. And for more devices we recommend for your summer excursions, you should check out our Summer Travel Guide.

Prime Day is full of deals. Some are genuinely worth your attention, while others are easy to skip. But I may have just found a wireless earbuds deal that's worth a closer look. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro scored 4.5/5 stars in our review, and they're now down to their lowest price ever at just $210 during Amazon's Prime Day sale.

As we noted in our Galaxy Buds 4 Pro review, if you own a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and want the best wireless earbuds experience to go alongside it, these are very hard to beat. At nearly 20% off, they're also much easier to recommend than they were at launch. I've checked pricing across Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, and right now, Prime Day is offering the best deal.

• Prime Day is back June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: you want wireless earbuds that work seamlessly with Samsung Galaxy phones, deliver excellent sound quality, offer strong ANC, and come with an unusually generous warranty.

❌Skip this deal if: you need multipoint connectivity across multiple Android devices or don't own a Samsung Galaxy phone.

Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro alongside the Galaxy S26 series earlier this year. While they don't look dramatically different from the previous generation, Samsung made several meaningful upgrades. Sound quality is noticeably better, ANC has improved, and the overall experience feels much more refined.

One of the biggest highlights, according to our reviewer Tshaka Armstrong, is the fit. He noted that the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are among the few stem-style earbuds that stayed securely in place even during workouts and more intense movements like burpees.

And if you're already in Samsung's ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro become even more compelling. They support Samsung's SSC codec, which enables up to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio. You also get Galaxy AI features like Interpreter Mode for real-time translation, along with automatic device switching across Samsung products.

Another underrated benefit is the warranty. Samsung includes a two-year warranty with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro in the U.S., whereas most competing earbuds still come with only a standard one-year warranty. If you're planning to keep your earbuds for a while, that's a nice bit of extra peace of mind.

Of course, they're not perfect. The lack of proper multipoint connectivity remains frustrating, and many of the best features only really shine when paired with a Samsung Galaxy phone.

But if you're looking for earbuds that sound great, fit comfortably, offer strong noise cancellation, and integrate deeply with Samsung's ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are very hard to overlook at $210.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

I live in Seattle, so when the sun's out, I tend to want to take advantage of it. Fortunately, I live next to a beach, and my friends and I love to go whenever we have a free moment. One thing I always take with me during gatherings like this is my Sony Ult Field 1, a small portable Bluetooth speaker with big, booming sound. I always highlight this product during major sales, and Prime Day has discounted it once again, bringing it down to its lowest price.

The Sony Ult Field 1 launched at a fairly reasonable $139.99, which falls in line with many portable Bluetooth speakers. It has gone on sale multiple times, but this most recent 44% discount takes nearly half off, bringing it down to just $78.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You want a loud speaker with plenty of bass that's small enough to carry around and has a ton of battery.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a stereo audio experience without needing a second speaker.

I purchased the Sony ULT Field 1 over a year ago, and it's been one of the best Black Friday purchases I've made. Since then, it's been a staple of every beach day or meetup I've gone to. While it's small and easy to carry, the Sony ULT Field 1 is surprisingly loud, producing great sound for any occasion and audible from quite a distance.

That's before you even get to the ULT button. The Field 1 already has decent bass, but when you press the ULT button, the speaker takes it to the next level with the help of the side passive radiators. And while there's no stereo sound on the one speaker, you can pair it with a second Ult Field speaker for a stereo experience, and at this price, you might as well get two.

You can also be sure that it'll last long enough to keep the party going, thanks to its 12-hour battery life. And because it's IP67 water- and dust-resistant, you can take it with you on any adventure.

That said, if you want something a little more powerful, the Sony ULT Field 3, which features enhanced audio with a 7-band equalizer, 24-hour battery life, fast charging, and the ability to link up to 100 compatible speakers for a true party experience. And with all that battery, it also acts as a portable power bank with a two-way USB-C port, which can be helpful when you're out and about.

The RAM and storage crisis has made buying hard drives, memory modules, and SSDs costlier than ever before. Most consumer SSDs are selling for twice as much as last year, and if you want a 4TB or 8TB M.2 drive, prices are astronomical.

However, there are still a few deals now and again, and Prime Day brings a good selection of products that are discounted. The caveat is that you won't see any SSDs at their all-time low, like we got last year. We are still some ways away from that, but the good news is that you don't need to shell out in excess of $200 just to get a 1TB external SSD like the Samsung T9.

I'm including both external SSDs and internal NVMe drives in the list, and I'm steering clear of some of the newer Chinese brands that have made their debut in this category in the last two years. The number one trait in an SSD is reliability, and I just haven't used enough of these drives to guarantee they'll stand the test of time; that's why I'm limiting this list to the likes of SanDisk, Seagate, Samsung, Orico, and other SSDs that I've tested and used over the years.

• Prime Day is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

External SSD deals

Internal M.2 NVMe deals

When is Prime Day 2026?

Prime Day is live now, and it runs until June 26. Amazon started the sale a little earlier than usual this year, but you still get the same four-day sales extravaganza.

Do I have to be a member to shop during Amazon Prime Day? 

Yes, Amazon reserves its best deals for Prime members, so you will need to sign up to take advantage of the savings. That said, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial, so you can easily sign up without having to shell out anything. Already used your existing email for a trial in the past? You can use this clever Gmail trick to use the same mail ID again (and again).

What's going on with SSD pricing anyway?

In one word: AI. Because of the sheer scale of the infrastructure that is being built to facilitate frontier AI models, SSD makers are running extremely high on demand and running into shortages, and this has created a market where most consumer drives are significantly costlier than previous years. This demand is set to continue through most of 2026 and may extend to next year, so if you need additional storage, I'd suggest taking a look at some of the deals highlighted above.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

Listen up: Prime Day 2026 is still going strong, and the Amazon sale has brought with it dozens of incredible deals on wireless headphones and earbuds alike. Whether you want a premium headset from Sony or some budget-friendly buds from JBL, all of my favorite headphones and earbuds deals from Amazon's big sale can be found below.

The headphones and earbuds in this guide are equipped with features like Active Noise Cancellation, customizable EQ settings, and up to 50 hours of battery life on a single charge. Didn't find what you were looking for today? Check back later: I'll keep adding new deals to this list as we move through Prime Day 2026.

Most of the best Prime Day deals are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. Haven't signed up yet? The retailer is offering a 30-day free trial that lets you take advantage of all of the benefits of a Prime membership without paying a dime, and you can cancel at any time.

• Amazon Prime Day is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

Prime Day headphone deals

Prime Day earbud deals

When is Prime Day?

Prime Day 2026 officially began on June 23rd and will run through June 26th. The sale showcases hundreds of deals on tech, appliances, furniture, and more, with the majority of offers being exclusive to Amazon Prime subscribers. Not a Prime member yet? Don't worry: Amazon is running a 30-day free trial so you can enjoy all of the benefits of a Prime membership without paying a cent.

What are the best wireless headphones for Android users?

We generally consider the Sony WH-1000XM6 to be the best wireless headphones for Android users in 2026. Usually retailing around $369, these premium cans boast cutting-edge noise cancellation with a ton of customizable EQ settings, incredible sound, and up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge. Usually priced at $459.99 at full price at Amazon, the XM6 headphones are currently discounted to $378 on Amazon.

What are the best wireless earbuds for Android users?

Our top recommendation for the best wireless earbuds of 2026 go to the Sony WF-1000XM6. These buds are equipped with powerful 8.4mm drivers for impressive sound, plus you get adjustable noise cancellation, LDAC support, and features like 360 Reality Audio.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

I enjoy traveling a lot (I'm in Bali right now), and while I like visiting new countries, getting there is often a hassle. There are plenty of annoyances with modern-day plane travel; constant noise, inevitable delays, and seats that are designed to never be comfortable.

While you can't do anything about the seats, there is an easy fix to ensure your flight is at least tolerable: a good pair of headphones. Investing in a good noise-canceling headphone is one of the best travel decisions I made when I started flying regularly a decade ago, and if you're set to travel this summer, you should consider doing the same.

Sony continues to lead the way in this area, and its WH-1000XM5 is among the best headsets you can buy today. Best of all, the WH-1000XM5 is down to just $198 as part of Prime Day, a full 50% discount from its retail price. That's an all-time low price, and honestly, this is one of the best Prime Day deals I've seen in a while.

• Prime Day is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: you want great sound quality, a lightweight design, and excellent noise isolation.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a foldable hinge system. While Sony reintroduced the hinge with the WH-1000XM6, the XM5 misses out on that.

The WH-1000XM5 may be a few years old, but you don't feel that when using the headset. The design is nearly identical to the WH-1000XM6, and the only difference with the newer model is that it has a foldable hinge that makes it easier to stow away in a bag — that's it. The WH-1000XM5 is still pretty good in this area, but it doesn't fold inward. Other than that limitation, I don't see any changes with the design.

The sound quality is obviously great, and the 30mm drivers deliver a warm and vibrant sound with engaging bass, clean mids, and a tight treble. The headphones are designed to be used with any genre, and if you don't quite like Sony's custom tuning, there's always the ability to tweak the EQ, or use a tool like Wavelet to get the best sound out of the XM5.

Other niceties include fast charging, so you get around three hours of music listening time with just a 10-minute charge. On that note, the WH-1000XM5 lasts just under 30 hours on a full charge, so you don't need to charge these more than once a week on average.

You can also configure 360-degree sound, adjust gesture controls, and change modes by using Sony's Sound Connect app. Another plus point is the noise isolation; the WH-1000XM5 does a brilliant job in this area, and it makes traveling or working out of a noisy cafe that much more enjoyable.

There's the standard LDAC codec in addition to SBC and AAC, so if you want to listen to lossless music, the WH-1000XM5 is a pretty good choice. The one annoyance is the water resistance; the WH-1000XM5 doesn't have any dust or water resistance, so you can't really use the headset at the gym or while running outdoors.

Ultimately, the WH-1000XM5 continues to be a great overall choice, and with the deal bringing it down to just $198, you don't want to miss out if you're looking to get a solid travel headset this year.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

Google's $35 Chromecast Audio was an outstanding product; it allowed any old speaker to connect to the internet and stream music. I still consider it to be one of Google's best products, which is why it's annoying that the brand didn't bother making a new model after sunsetting the Chromecast Audio in 2019.

If you're looking at a product that has similar functionality in 2026, you'll have to buy the WiiM Pro or Pro Plus. WiiM is doing all the right things in home audio, and whether it's the terrific Amp Ultra, Amp models, or the Sonos-beating Sound, WiiM is consistently delivering high-quality products that just work.

I used the Pro Plus for the better part of a year now, and it does everything I need in a network streamer. It has Google Cast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Alexa Cast, Tidal Connect, and is Roon Ready, and it is the easiest way to connect older audio gear to the internet. I plugged it to a pair of active speakers, and it does everything the Chromecast managed, and much more. The Pro Plus is now on sale for $175, which in itself is a 20% discount from its usual $219 retail price. If you don't need the extras that it comes with, there's a regular WiiM Pro that's down to just $119 right now.

• Prime Day is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You need an easy way to connect existing stereo gear to the internet. The WiiM Pro and Pro Plus have all the streaming protocols available, and they're straightforward to use.

❌Skip this deal if: You need a sub out, or you use passive monitors that need amplification. In that situation, I'd suggest looking at the WiiM Amp, which is now down to $239.

The WiiM Pro Plus is indistinguishable to the Pro model, and the key difference is that it has an AKM DAC that's technically better. Whether you're going to hear a difference between the two is up for debate, but if you want the best audio that WiiM has to offer in this segment, get the Pro Plus. That isn't to say the Pro doesn't have great audio in its own right — it's almost as good in a lot of scenarios.

Other than that, both models share the same set of features. That includes Google Cast, giving you the ability to cast music from your phone or any other device, and add the Pro and Pro Plus to any multi-room audio setup you have. It also has AirPlay 2, DLNA, Alexa, Tidal, Spotify, and Bluetooth integration, giving you extensive control over where (and how) to stream music. The best part is that you get lossless audio, with the Pro and Pro Plus going up to 192kHz/24-bit.

What I like the most is that it has Roon Ready, so if you use Roon (which you really should), it integrates natively with the music organization software. The WiiM Home app has a good design and extensive features, including a 10-band EQ that lets you tailor the music to your preferences.

Trust me, if you want to connect an existing stereo to the internet and play music, this is the best way to do so in 2026. The Pro Plus would be my recommendation at $175, but if you need the best value, the WiiM Pro is an unbeatable option at $119.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

I get that ditching cable is hard, but there are viable alternatives if you're looking to build your own media library and break the cycle of incessant price hikes. Plex is a media platform that stands out as the best option in this category; it's easy to set up and use, and it has a growing library of content. The best way to install and manage Plex is on a NAS server, and there are models that excel at this use case.

I've been using NAS servers for well over a decade now, and I crossed 500TB of storage in my homelab across all storage servers. I tested all major 4-bay NAS models available at the moment, and UGREEN's DXP4800 Pro gets my vote. I tested the DXP4800 Pro a few weeks ago, and there's no doubt in my mind that this is the best 4-bay Plex NAS you can buy in 2026.

The DXP4800 Pro launched at the end of last year for $699, and it got a price hike to $719 because of the RAM crisis. But right now, you can get it for $639 on Amazon during Prime Day, its lowest price yet and a decent $80 discount.

✅Recommended if: You need a powerful 4-bay Plex server. With an Intel Core i3-1315U platform, 10GbE connectivity, M.2 slots, 8GB RAM and built-in SSD, the DXP4800 Pro has outstanding hardware.

❌Skip this deal if: You don't need 10GbE connectivity. If you need a more affordable choice, the DH4300 Plus may be a better bet — and it costs half as much right now.

If you're already using a NAS, it can be a bit of a hassle to switch to a new brand. I understand that sentiment quite well, and that's actually a big part of why DiskStation models continue to sell so well — that familiarity is a big draw.

But with the DXP4800 Pro, you're getting a NAS with considerable hardware upgrades. The 10GbE connectivity by itself is a huge bonus against the DS925+, and you also get a 2.5GbE connector, faster Intel platform, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, and a built-in SSD.

In short, this is one of the best mainstream 4-bay NAS servers around today. The DXP4800 Pro is an outstanding Plex server, so if you're looking at a home NAS that's aimed at media streaming and hardware transcoding, I wouldn't consider any other model. It's also great as a hobbyist NAS, so if you're looking to run containers and build hobby projects, this is the one I'd get.

The software was a big limitation when UGREEN made its debut in this category two years ago, but the brand made decent inroads, particularly over the last six months. You'll get all the basics around data storage, plugging into public cloud servers, photo and video organization, and advanced tools around virtualization. There's also the inherent advantage of being able to run TrueNAS or any other media server platform if you want additional flexibility.

Basically, the DXP4800 Pro has everything you need in a 4-bay Plex NAS, and with the deal bringing it down to $639, this is the best time to get the server.

Anyone who has spent time diagnosing a warning light, tracking down an electrical fault, or dealing with a flat battery knows that the right tool can save far more than its purchase price. The trouble is that professional-grade diagnostic equipment has traditionally come with a professional-grade price tag.

Topdon has built a reputation among DIY enthusiasts, workshop technicians, content creators and automotive professionals by offering tools that bridge the gap between consumer affordability and professional capability.

Now, the brand’s Prime Day deals let you get Topdon’s top-tier tools for less. During the promotional period from June 23 to June 26, some of the company’s most popular products will be available at lower prices. Now is a good time to upgrade your garage setup or invest in equipment you've been considering for a while.

A diagnostic tool for almost every need

Not every vehicle owner needs the same equipment. Some drivers simply want a reliable way to read and clear fault codes, while others need thermal imaging, battery testing or emergency jump-starting capability. Topdon's Prime Day lineup covers all of these use cases and then some.

The flagship offer is a comprehensive diagnostic scanner reduced to $699.98. The Topdon One is designed for deeper access to vehicle systems and offers advanced diagnostics that go beyond basic code reading to identify issues more quickly and accurately.

For everyday drivers and enthusiasts, the Carpal OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth provides a more accessible entry point. Available for $37.97, it connects directly to a smartphone, giving you an easy way to monitor vehicle health, read fault codes and gain insight into what's happening beneath the bonnet.

The appeal of tools like these is that they allow you to identify potential problems before they become costly repairs. In many cases, a quick diagnostic check can help determine whether a problem requires immediate attention or can wait until the next scheduled service.

Seeing what the eye can't

Thermal cameras have become increasingly popular among mechanics, electricians, HVAC technicians and maintenance professionals because they reveal heat patterns that are invisible to the naked eye.

Hot spots can indicate failing components, electrical issues, overheating systems and insulation problems long before a visible failure occurs.

The TC002C Duo Thermal Camera, discounted to $229.68, is designed for users who need professional-grade thermal imaging in a compact package. It can help identify overheating electrical connections, battery issues and mechanical faults without dismantling equipment.

Meanwhile, the compact and portable TC004 Mini Thermal Imaging Camera, available for $149.99 during the promotion, offers a more affordable entry into thermal diagnostics. DIY users, homeowners and technicians who want thermal imaging capability without carrying bulky equipment will find this tool quite handy.

Insurance against unexpected breakdowns

Few situations are more frustrating than a flat battery when you're already running late, but Topdon also has a solution for this issue.

The Car Battery Tester 24V 12V Load Tester, available for $69.59 during the sale, delivers workshop-style battery diagnostics in a handheld format. It can assess battery health, cranking voltage, and charging performance in minutes, helping users identify problems before they lead to breakdowns.

For those seeking extra peace of mind, the JS3000 Jump Starter, discounted to $132.98, is designed for petrol engines up to 9.0 litres and diesel engines up to 7.0 litres and provides emergency starting power when it's needed most.

More than just hardware

One reason Topdon has gained traction among enthusiasts and professionals alike is its focus on software support and ongoing development. Many of its products receive software updates that add features, improve functionality and help maintain compatibility with newer vehicles and systems.

The company also emphasises customer support and after-sales service, helping you get the most from your equipment long after the initial purchase. This combination of value, capability and support is what makes the brand’s Prime Day offers particularly compelling.

For anyone considering a diagnostic scanner, thermal camera, battery tester, or jump starter, the June 23–26 Topdon Prime Day sale offers an opportunity to buy tools that could save time, money, and frustration for years to come. The only question is which one will earn a permanent place in your toolbox.

Digital clutter is a real problem, and consolidating all of your digital media — including valuable photos, videos, and documents — in one location can be a hassle. Maybe you've got photos and videos in Google Photos, documents in Drive, and saved older media in a few external drives.

This is where a network attached storage (NAS) server comes in handy. A NAS is basically a hard drive that sits in an enclosure, and it connects to your home network, so you can access it from all devices — TVs, phones, tablets, Windows and macOS machines, and so on. UGREEN's DH2300 and the DH4300 Plus are the models I recommend if you're just getting started with organizing your digital life; they're designed to be easy to set up and use, and the idea is to make it as convenient as possible for you to start locally storing your data instead of relying on a cloud storage service like Google Drive or iCloud.

Why should you trust me? I tested dozens of NAS servers over the last 12 years — including all budget and high-end models released by mainstream brands in this category — and maintain over 500TB of data across several servers at home. I know what I'm talking about when it comes to local data storage, and after testing the 2-bay DH2300 and 4-bay DH4300 Plus over the course of the last year, it's clear to me that these are the ideal beginner NAS models.

The 2-bay DH2300 usually retails for $219, but it is down to just $175 on Amazon. The DH4300 Plus is a bigger model that has the ability to house four drives; it usually costs $439 but is now available for $351 on Amazon, making it a terrific deal.

✅Recommended if: You want an easy-to-use NAS to store your data and centralize your media collection. The DH2300 is designed to be user-friendly, and you still get plenty of great features.

❌Skip this deal if: You need container management. If you need advanced features, you should consider getting the DXP2800 NAS instead.

The DH2300 and DH4300 Plus are beginner models, but you're not getting shortchanged when it comes to the hardware. Both NAS models have powerful internals, and in the case of the DH4300 Plus, you get four drive bays, 8GB of RAM out of the box, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. This gives you greater bandwidth if you want to transfer data to and from the NAS, but you'll also need a multi-Gigabit network. If you don't, that's not an issue at all — you can still use the standard Gigabit Ethernet networking.

The DH2300 has Gigabit Ethernet and 4GB of RAM, and it has two drive bays, allowing you to slot in two hard drives. Neither model includes hard drives, so you'll need to buy those separately. I suggest getting WD Red Plus or Seagate's IronWolf drives; they are designed to run 24/7 within a NAS.

With the drives sorted out, you can get started with configuring the DH2300 and DH4300 Plus. The built-in software is easy to use, and you can easily connect your phone to the NAS via NFC, and start transferring photos, videos, and any other data. You can also consolidate your media collection by transferring all the data to the NAS, and use a service like Plex or Jellyfin to stream media to connected devices in your home — like your phone, TV, or tablets.

In short, these models are the ideal way to start organizing and storing all your data locally in a single location. If I had to choose one, I'd get the DH4300 Plus; it has better hardware, and as you get four total drive bays, you can add additional storage down the line (which you'll need to). And while $351 is a lot, that's more than what you'll shell out to public cloud storage over the course of three years, and at least with a NAS, you're guaranteed the privacy of your data.

This year's Prime Day finally went live on June 23rd, but Amazon isn't the only retailer dropping great deals this week. Walmart just kicked off its rival "Walmart Deals" sale event, slashing prices on everything from headphones and smartphones to top-selling VR headsets. Sure, it may not be the most cleverly-named sale event around, but if you want to skip Amazon's big sale this year, the Walmart Deals event has you covered.

One of the best parts of the weeklong sale event is that, unlike the best Prime Day deals, Walmart won't force you to sign up for a membership program to enjoy most of these discounts. Simply hit that Add to Cart button and the savings are yours.

With that being said, if you were interested in Walmart+, it's worth mentioning that the retailer is currently slashing 50% off an annual membership, dropping the price to only $49 for one year. Walmart+ members get benefits like free shipping, fuel discounts, and access to select deals before anyone else.

• Walmart Deals week is live - see the full list of deals

When does the Walmart Deals sale end?

The Walmart Deals sale event kicked off on June 22nd and will run through Sunday, June 28th. That being said, many of the best discounts are "flash deals" that only run for a limited time, so don't wait too long if a particular offer catches your eye.

When is Amazon Prime Day?

Amazon's biggest sale of the year began on June 23rd and will run through June 26th.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Best Buy Tech Fest deals
• Prime Day Google Pixel deals
• Prime Day Samsung Galaxy deals
• Prime Day Garmin deals
• Prime Day storage deals
• Prime Day Headphones/Earbuds deals
• Prime Day Kindle deals
• Prime Day Amazon Fire deals

Tribit makes some of the best budget Bluetooth speakers that money can buy. While I have tested many speakers from the brand, I had not gone hands on with in-ear or over-ear audio accessories from them until recently.

Priced at $49.99, the Tribit QuietPlus 81 over-ear headphones face extremely tough competition against other budget wireless headphones. Tribit tried to pack as much value as possible to compete with alternatives. But is it enough to justify this price tag? Here's what I found out after weeks of testing.

What the Tribit QuietPlus 81 over-ear headphones bring to the table — or to your ears

Tribit released the QuietPlus 81 over-ear headphones in December 2025. There is only one color variant, Black, and it costs $49.99. If you're lucky, you can grab these headphones at a discount during the upcoming Prime Day or during Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales later in the year.

Here are the key technical specifications of the headphones.

The Tribit QuietPlus 81 headphones have an adjustable headband, a foldable design, and soft, cushioned ear cups that can rotate. The ear cups are made of breathable protein leather and memory foam. While they are very comfy, even for someone like me with several piercings per ear, they get really hot and sweaty after a while.

Multipoint connection is available, but the headphones can only connect to two devices. A USB-C to USB-A cable and a 3.5mm audio cable are included in the box.

The battery life is impressive and the touch pad feature is handy

The specs are impressive on paper, with the crown jewel being the 110-hour battery life with ANC off, and 70-hour playback with ANC on. I was astounded at how long these headphones last. If you don't use the Bluetooth mode and stick with the AUX cable, you'll seemingly never run out of charge.

Fast charging puts the cherry on top, delivering five hours of playtime with a quick ten minute charge.

The Tribit app is as handy as ever. Just like with the brand's Bluetooth speakers, the app also has an equalizer for the QuietPlus 81 Bluetooth headphones. Apart from the six presets, you can also fully customize the equalizer to your liking and save it under a name of your choosing.

The trio of buttons are unintuitive and have a learning curve, but they can accomplish a number of tasks. What's really cool is the transparency feature of the touch pad. You can simply touch and hold the touch pad area in the right ear cup to enable a temporary transparency mode. The ANC itself is alright; works well enough but nothing groundbreaking, and some loud noises still seep through.

If you have a feeling someone is calling your name or talking to you in real life, or maybe you want to keep on ear out for a sound for a few seconds, it's pretty handy. There's no need to pause your audio playback or pop the headphones off your ears.

Unfortunately, there's not much more to love about these headphones.

The downsides pile up and drown the good parts

As much as I love most of what Tribit creates, this one's a miss for several reasons.

The buttons can be confusing to use. There's no dedicated pause/play or forward/backward button. Instead, the power button is used for all these actions and it can be very confusing. Also, the power off sound comes after a really long press, to the point that I initially thought there was no audio notification when shutting off.

There's no auto pause/play feature when you take the headphones off or put them back on. You also have to press and hold the volume button to reduce the volume, but press to increase, which is not user-friendly.

Also, the headphone jack is a little janky. When plugged into my laptop, there was a moment when only one ear cup was working. I had to twist and turn the cable until it worked. Bluetooth connection is smooth, however.

The touch pad that enables the temporary transparency mode also toggles Tribit's signature XBass preset on and off, and triggers the voice assistant. Although the transparency feature is really useful, the touch pad itself isn't the most accurate and does not always detect the taps correctly.

Honestly, I'd rather have physical buttons for this kind of stuff. Plus, there's no audio notification when XBass toggles on or off, so you lose track of whether it was enabled or disabled.

Naturally, the sound produced by the 40mm dynamic drivers is a significant factor. Despite all my best efforts messing around with the equalizer, the Tribit QuietPlus 81 headphones still sounded a bit murky and flat.

XBass is designed to add a magical bass boost that brings the audio to life, and it works well on Tribit speakers. But on these over-ear headphones, the audio is overwhelmingly bass-ridden, clearly compensating for lack of detail. XBass feels like an artificial enhancer: sickeningly sweet, almost medicinal and bitter if it were a flavor.

Should you buy the Tribit QuietPlus 81 headphones for $50?

The Tribit QuietPlus 81 headphones prove that a brand could do everything right on paper, but shoddy execution could still be their downfall.

Is this the best pair of wireless headphones for $50? The short answer is: no.

Competitors like Edifier, Sony, JBL, JLab, and a few other brands all have superior offerings in this bracket. It is a highly competitive arena, after all.

The Edifier W800BT Pro cost $49.99 too, but come with hi-res audio. Sony's WH-CH520 wireless headphones retail for $69.99 but frequently sell for half off. Even now, you can grab them for just $38 and enjoy incredibly high-quality sound on a tiny budget.

Then there's also the JBL Tune 510BT priced at $49.95 and the JLab Go Lux ANC that's usually $49.99, but currently on sale for $33.24.

Going off of sound quality alone, you're better off with almost anything else within the sub-$50 price segment.

I rely on thermal cameras while testing phones to identify hot spots and see just how much they heat up while gaming. I used Thermal Master's P3 in the past, and the brand's latest P4 camera has a lot of the same features, and a new dual-lens system that takes photos in visible light, which is an interesting addition.

The P4 usually costs $399, but it is down to $299 ahead of Prime Day on Thermal Master's website. You can get an additional 10% discount by using the code THERMALBF10, bringing the price down to $269. The Amazon link still shows as $399, and the brand notes that it will go down to $269 (with the included code) from June 22, when Prime Day starts in earnest.

Like other Thermal Master products, the P4 is quite diminutive, and setting it up is as easy as plugging it to your phone and installing the Temp Master mobile app. It works with all Android phones, and I didn't have any issues using it with my Vivo V70 Elite and X300. You also get a cable extender in the box if you need a little more headroom to position the camera, and there's a hard shell carrying box to store the P4 when it's not in use.

Coming to the thermal imaging, the P4 is able to measure from -4℉ to 1112℉ (-20℃ to 600℃), and it's quite good at identifying heat spots on gadgets — this is what I used it predominantly in the month I had it. I tested it with the Redmagic 11S Pro (which has a built-in fan), and it showed that the fan on the device was blowing hot air away from the phone in real-time, and that was interesting to see.

The P4 has a fixed-focus lens, and the sensor has a resolution of 512 x 384, which is pretty decent in this category. The visible-light sensor is a great addition this time, and it works in conjunction with the IR lens to make it easier to identify any overheating issues.

You get 12 color palettes, and the image quality itself is a smidgen better than previous Thermal Master cameras I used. On the whole, it's a reliable product that gets a lot right, and if you need a thermal camera that you can use with your phone, the P4 gets my recommendation — particularly now that it's down to $269.

What you need to know

• Google's new Home Speaker starts at $99.99 and is the company's first smart speaker built around Gemini.
• Gemini allows natural conversations, multi-step commands, and follow-up questions without repetition.
• The speaker offers 360-degree sound and can pair with Google TV Streamer for home theater audio.

After teasing it last year, Google has officially launched its new Google Home Speaker.

Google says the new Home Speaker is the company's first smart speaker built specifically for the Gemini era. It starts at $99.99, is available for pre-order starting today, and will begin shipping on June 25. Similar to the Pixel phones, Google is offering it in four colors: Hazel, Porcelain, Jade, and Berry.

While previous Google Home and Nest speakers featured LEDs on top, the new Home Speaker comes with an underglow light ring that softly indicates when the device is listening, processing, or responding.

I actually quite like this change. It feels like Google is extending the visual identity it first introduced with Googlebook, and it wouldn't surprise me if we see similar lighting elements make their way to more Pixel products (Pixel 11 series, for example) later this year.

As for features, this speaker is built around Gemini from the ground up. Unlike older Google Assistant speakers, it is designed to understand more natural conversations and complex requests. Users can issue multiple commands at once, correct themselves mid-sentence, and ask follow-up questions without needing to repeat wake words or specific commands.

For example, users can ask Gemini to "turn off all the lights except for my bedside lamp" or combine several actions into a single request, such as dimming the lights, starting music, and setting a timer simultaneously. The assistant can also maintain conversational context, allowing follow-up questions without you having to say the wake phrase again and again.

Google is also bringing several premium Gemini-powered features through Google Home Premium. These include Gemini Live for conversational interactions, Camera History Search for Nest cameras, and Home Briefs, which summarize activity around your home while you're away.

Google is including six months of Google Home Premium free for anyone who purchases a Home Speaker before September 30.

Beyond AI, Google says it has also focused heavily on audio quality. The Home Speaker delivers balanced 360-degree sound and, compared to the Nest Mini, features a driver that's up to twice as large along with 2.5 times stronger bass. Google has also upgraded microphone processing to improve voice recognition in noisy environments.

The speaker can also pair with a Google TV Streamer, and users can connect up to two Home Speakers together for a surround-sound-style home theater setup. We'll be going hands-on with the new Google Home Speaker very soon, so stay tuned for our full impressions.

Android Central's Take

I love how Google is calling this its first audio device built for Gemini. The wording itself suggests the company isn't treating this as a one-off product, but rather the beginning of a broader Gemini-powered smart home lineup.

Now all I need is a Gemini-powered Nest Hub with a screen.

What you need to know

• Rumors claim Nothing is working on a new pair of budget earbuds, called the Ear 3a.
• These buds could feature a similar price to a previous budget model at €99 (~$114 USD) in black, white, yellow, and pink colorways.
• There's little information about the earbuds' specifications; however, the device could see teasers/a possible debut later this year.

If it feels like we should have another set of Nothing earbuds on the way, you might be right. Rumors surface, claiming to have found its next budget edition.

Early details about Nothing's development of the Ear 3a are coming to light. Rumors from Dealabs (French) discuss the potential pricing situation consumers could see once these earbuds debut (via GSMArena). The publication claims Nothing could keep the price of the Ear 3a close to its predecessor at €99 (~$114 USD). At the moment, this is all the post could dig up about the Ear 3a.

There's mostly speculation circling right now about the device. In particular, there are hopes that Nothing will amp up the Ear 3a's capabilities with more welcome upgrades to its noise cancellation, etc. Rumors continue on an aesthetic note for the Ear 3a. The post alleges Nothing is working on four colorways, such as white, black, yellow, and pink.

Nothing debuted its Ear 3 buds in September 2025. Considering the timing of these rumors, there's a chance we're looking at a repeat—but make it budget.

Keeping it clear

The design of the Ear 3a is an aspect we're curious to see. So far, Nothing's kept its earbuds relatively close. The Nothing Ear 3 features a bulbous main body with silicone tips and transparent stems/stabilizers. It's worth noting that these buds cost $30 more than previously. So, it might be nice to hear the opposite for the Ear 3a, as Nothing could look to keep things affordable.

If we take a look back at a more likely comparison, the Nothing Ear a debuted in 2024 with 11mm audio drivers and a 500mAh case. The earbuds themselves feature 46mAh cells. In our review, the Ear a performed well, especially if you're a bass lover. The device got a little wonky with higher-frequency electric guitars, but perhaps this is an area the Ear 3a can improve. We're in June now, and Nothing typically starts teasing its next devices toward the end of summer.

If the company continues this trend, we might see something new appear late in August or early September.

To say that the DiskStation DS225+ had a troubled launch would be an understatement. Synology controversially chose to limit the use of HDDs to its own branded drives, and that didn't go down well with its userbase. The decision made long-time DiskStation users switch to rival brands, and it contributed to UGREEN's meteoric rise in this category.

There's no doubt that NAS servers like the DXP4800 Pro and the DXP2800 have better hardware than just about any of their rivals, and Synology's short-sighted strategy lost the brand a lot of the goodwill it gained over the last 15 years. Thankfully though, the brand reversed its HDD decision, and with the DSM 7.3 software update, you can use any Seagate, WD, or Toshiba HDD with the DS225+ and not run into any issues.

With that out of the way, let's talk about the NAS itself. The DiskStation DS225+ is a minor refresh of the best-selling DiskStation DS224+, and at the outset, it doesn't really have many changes. It has the same design, features the same Intel Celeron J4125 platform, has the same 2GB soldered memory, and you still don't get M.2 slots.

The DiskStation DS225+ comes with a key upgrade ...

The key difference with the DS225+ — and all DiskStation 2025 models — is the introduction of 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. While its predecessor was limited to Gigabit, the DS225+ gets a 2.5GbE port, giving it much better headroom when it comes to data transfers. The DiskStation DS225+ is available for $339 on Amazon, and it costs the same at Best Buy, B&H as well as Newegg. To put that into context, the DS225+ retails for $40 more than the $299 launch price of its predecessor. UGREEN's 2-bay DXP2800 now costs $369, or $30 more than the DS225+.

Besides the name change at the front, the design of the DiskStation DS225+ is identical to its predecessor — which was in turn indistinguishable to the DS220+. Synology isn't really in the habit of changing its design language, but to the brand's credit, this is a proven design with good airflow and easy installation. I had no trouble slotting in two 8TB HAT3300 drives into the NAS, and the shroud at the front attaches without any issues.

You get LED status lights on the right, and there's a USB-A connector at the front if you need to transfer data from an external drive. The power button is located at the bottom, and the rear has the rest of the ports. The 2.5GbE port is new this time, but other than that, you get a standard Gigabit Ethernet port, another USB-A port, and a barrel connector for the power. It would've been good to see USB-C on the NAS, but other than that, there isn't a lot wrong with the design or selection of ports on the DS225+.

Coming to the internals, the DS225+ is powered by the Intel Celeron J4125 platform. If that sounds familiar, it's because it has been around for close to a decade now, and it's not quite as capable as newer N series models, or what AMD is doing in this category. That said, it's still decent in everyday use, and I didn't see any problems while using the DS225+.

... but there are a few features missing

Even though the hardware is the same, you miss out on a key feature: hardware transcoding in Plex and Jellyfin. The J4125 has an integrated GPU, but Synology didn't enable Quick Sync transcoding, so while the hardware is able to transcode, you can't actually use it on the DS225+. This is annoying to say the least, but thankfully, there's an unofficial workaround to enable the drivers needed for hardware-assisted transcoding.

Another bugbear is the limited RAM; most NAS models now come with 8GB of memory pre-installed — like the DXP2800 — but the DS225+ still gets 2GB of soldered memory. This isn't anywhere close to being enough, particularly when you consider that around 30% of the memory is utilized by the system cache. There is a SO-DIMM slot where you can add 4GB of additional RAM, and I suggest doing so if you're eyeing this NAS. However, it would have been much better to just get 8GB of RAM as standard, instead of again having to pay to increase memory.

The software is the main reason to buy the DiskStation DS225+

Are there any positives, you ask? The switch to 2.5GbE networking gives the DS225+ a sizeable boost over its predecessor, and it makes a noticeable difference — it does a better job utilizing the full bandwidth of the mechanical HDDs. There's no link aggregation — so you can't bridge both Ethernet ports — but 2.5GbE by itself is a decent enough addition in this area.

The biggest reason to consider the DS225+ is the software. Even though the hardware choices are annoying, the DSM software is the most refined you'll get on any NAS server today. You get an extensive suite of features to manage data, back up photos from phones, and consolidate your media library. You can also use Docker, but the limited memory makes this annoying; you'll have to install a memory module to run containers on the DS225+. I used a 4GB module to bring the total memory to 6GB, and I set up Pi-hole, Tailscale, Home Assistant, and other utilities without any problems.

If you've used a DiskStation NAS in the past and are looking to upgrade, the DS225+ is a good choice. You get the same great software features, and 2.5GbE networking makes a difference. It doesn't cost too much more than its predecessor, and the fundamentals are reliable. I like using Synology NAS servers solely due to the software, and the brand continues to be dominant in this area. Even though there are limitations around pre-installed memory and missing drivers for hardware transcodes, the DS225+ does enough to warrant a recommendation as a home NAS server, and it's a solid 2-bay option in 2026. If you want a 4-bay model instead, the DiskStation DS925+ continues to be a reliable workhorse.

What you need to know

• Google has hinted that its long-awaited Home speaker could finally be announced as early as next week.
• An email to Gemini for Home testers teased news about a "certain speaker" arriving very soon.
• The new Google Home speaker is expected to feature Gemini for Home, Gemini Live, and 360-degree audio.

If you've been waiting for Google's new smart home speaker, it looks like the wait may finally be coming to an end, as Google has all but confirmed a launch for next week.

Alongside the Pixel 10 series launch last year, Google teased a brand-new smart home speaker, marking the first major update to its speaker lineup in nearly three years. The company hadn't refreshed the Nest speaker family since 2022, but later confirmed in October that a new Google Home speaker would arrive sometime in 2026.

Google specifically said the speaker would launch in the spring, and with only a few days left in the season, it looks like the company is finally about to deliver on that promise.

As spotted by 9to5Google, Google sent an email to users participating in the Gemini for Home early access program. In the email, Google's Chief Product Officer for Home and Nest, Anish Kattukaran, revealed that more than 3.5 million users had signed up for the program.

Kattukaran also noted that user feedback had resulted in more than 2,500 bug fixes and helped expand Gemini for Home to over 20 countries across 10 languages. Google has been steadily improving its Gemini-powered smart home over the past few months with a number of updates and fixes.

However, the most interesting part of the email was a small teaser. Kattukaran specifically wrote that "for those of you who have been waiting patiently for a certain speaker, keep a very close eye on your inbox next week,' strongly suggesting that Google's new smart speaker is finally about to be announced.

Previous leaks had already pointed to a possible June 25 launch date with a starting price of around $100 in the U.S. This latest email only adds more weight to those rumors. If the timeline holds, Google could announce the speaker or open pre-orders next week, before retail availability begins on June 25.

Google has already confirmed that the upcoming speaker will feature 360-degree audio alongside Gemini and Gemini Live integration. Users will reportedly be able to pair two speakers together for stereo sound, and the device is expected to launch in several color options as well.

Of course, nothing is official until Google makes an announcement, but all signs point toward the launch being right around the corner.

Android Central's Take

It's great to see Google finally returning to the smart speaker market after such a long gap. But honestly, the product I'm still waiting for is a new smart display. Google hasn't meaningfully updated the Nest Hub lineup in years, and while the Pixel Tablet briefly looked like its replacement, that strategy seems to have fizzled out.

I'm really hoping Google has something to say about the future of smart displays alongside the new speaker launch.