Anyone with a small dog will tell you that they come with big personalities. Charli, my Aussie Shepherd-Japanese Chin mix, is 10 pounds of opinion. So, if she doesn’t like something, well, hope you kept the receipt. And, while every comfy spot in the house is ultimately hers, she still likes to have a space that’s exclusive when she’s feeling reclusive. But when it came time to upgrade her crate, we not only had to deal with a picky pup but also the logistics of limited space—which is why we love the Fable Crate, which lets her have a cozy den and we don’t have to lose a “side table.” And right now, the stylish accessory is up to 30% off if you buy it today.

Fable Crate $345 – $1,015 (w/ coupon BFCM2023, was $495 – $1,499)

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Arriving in five easily assembled bentwood pieces, Charli’s Fable crate blends in seamlessly in the corner beside our couch (as seen at the top of the page). Topped by planters and bathed in indirect light for much of the day, it’s like a secluded forest glen for when she needs to recover from her adventures—or just take a mid-afternoon post-nap nap. We opted for the small, naturally, and went with the lighter signature finish. But there are also medium and large sizes, and you can go darker walnut if you’re feeling it. You can also choose between a metal or clear acrylic built-in gate … for when contractors come calling or for any other reason you don’t want your loyal companion snuffing around the house. I couldn’t remember where I put the Fable receipt if my life depended on it, but the restful look on Charli’s face when she’s nestled in her crate says it’s safe to rip it up anyway.

Additional Fable accessories for outdoor exploration:

• FABLE Magic Leash – Hands-Free Can be Worn as a Belt, Bandolier, or Wrist Strap $52 – $60 (Was $64 – $75)
• FABLE Magic Link Dog Leash – Slip-On Collar & Waist Leash for Dog Walking $52 – $60 (Was $64 – $75)
• FABLE Signature Waterproof, Durable, Lightweight Leash $38 (Was $48)

Want to know more about your dog than where they like to sleep? Get a DNA test:

• Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test Kit $68.24 (Was $104.99)
• Basepaws Dog DNA Test $84 (Was $89)
• DNA My Dog Essential Test–Breed ID Test $76 (Was $79.99)
• Embark Breed & Health Kit-Dog DNA Test $127 (Was $199)
• Embark Breed Identification Kit $99 (Was $129)
• Orivet Genopet Dog DNA Test $75.95 (Was $94.94)
• Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry $69 (Was $99)
• Koko DNA Test for Dogs Advanced $90.99 (Was $129.99)

The post My dog’s safe space can be your dog’s new happy place appeared first on Popular Science.

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If you’re like us, your blood is more coffee than plasma at this point. And there’s nothing worse when it comes time to work than being cold-blooded (unless you’re a reptile or Rick James). That’s why we love the Ember Smart Mug 2, a powered mug that lets you set your desired beverage temperature and maintain it thanks to multiple sensors and a microprocessor-controlled heating system. It’s the perfect desk accessory for coffee and tea lovers, and it’s 23% off if you act fast.

The Ember Smart Mug 2 $99 (was $129.95)

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The Ember Smart Mug 2 is stainless steel coated with ceramic, an ideal vessel for 10 ounces of caffeinated (or unleaded) lifeblood (there are also 14-ounce options on sale). Synced via smartphone to the Ember app, it maintains presets (between 120°F – 145°F) for your favorite beverage for up to 80 minutes when fully charged or indefinitely if put back on its charging coaster between sips. You can get lost in your workflow and not be disappointed when, 45 minutes later, you pick your head up and find a lukewarm liquid. And if you are done for the day, the mug enters sleep mode when empty or after two hours of inactivity. And don’t we all dream of sleep mode, our bellies warm with some calming concoction? Day or night, the Ember Mug 2 can be your constant companion (and Ember also makes a travel mug we love).

Speaking of coffee … check out this espresso machine and these Yeti mugs.

Looking for non-beverage kitchen accessories? We got you.

The post This essential work-from-home accessory is on sale for a limited time appeared first on Popular Science.

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Imagine your favorite artist just released a new album, and all you want to do is be surrounded by sound … but maybe not by speakers. Maybe you don’t have the space, budget, or just plain desire for a surround sound system. But you’re worried a two-channel system can’t quite satisfy you. After spending three months with a pair of Dymension DM70 floor-standing speakers, I can say … definitively … that one can. Whether I’m streaming, playing CDs, or enjoying my latest pressing from Vinyl Me Please, these loudspeakers don’t need Atmos to be immersive. If I were buying a music lover an indulgent gift right now (and you can be your indulgent music lover in question), these are what I’d buy. And, at hundreds less than their typical prices, they’ve never been more affordable … if you act fast.

Definitive Technology Dymension DM70 Large Tower Speakers $1,399.00 each (was $1,999.00)

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They may look like the 2001 monolith, but what’s under the minimalist fabric cover makes the DM70 speakers multidimensional. Each three-way tower has a bipolar array, meaning two 5.25-inch long-throw midrange drivers and a 1-inch aluminum oxide dome tweeter on each side. And the reflections of those rear-focused channels mean there’s enveloping energy throughout the room. Anchoring that expansive soundstage is the integrated powered 10-inch subwoofer and two passive radiators within each speaker. That’s a lot of muscularity rounding out pure musicality, and it’s available for $600 off—a total of $1,200 in savings per pair.

The DM70 towers are basically 2.1 systems and don’t need a separate sub to shine (just add wall outlets for the Class D 180W amplifiers and a sturdy floor), but the balanced bipolar arrays do require external power. I’ve been using a Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and NAD C 700 at various times because I’m a fan of compact network players/integrated amps. But if you do end up wanting a 5.1 or 7.1 system, you can use a powerful multichannel AV receiver and expand the system with DM60 mid-sized towers for the rears, a DM20 center speaker, and DM90 height modules (all of which are on sale right now).

Here are additional audio components offering more for less:

• Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH Surround Sound Home Theater 8K A/V Receiver $598 (was $899)
• Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch 8K UHD Home Theater AVR $1,296.71 (was $1,699)
• Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Stereo Network Streamer $899 (was $999)
• Bluesound Node Wireless Multi-Room High-Resolution Music Streamer $448 (was $549)
• Focal Theva No.1 2-Way Bass-Reflex Bookshelf Loudspeakers (pair) $798 (was $998)
• Polk Audio Legend L100 Bookshelf Speaker (Single, Brown Walnut) $849 (was $999)
• Polk Audio T50 150 Watt Home Theater Floor Standing Tower Speaker (Single, Black) $199 (was $249)
• Klipsch R-41M Powerful Detailed Bookshelf Home Speaker (pair) $149 (was $279)
• KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers (pair) $499 (was $799)
• KEF LSX II Wireless HiFi Speaker System $999.98 (was $1,399.99)
• Q Acoustics M20 Bluetooth Speakers HD Wireless Speakers Music System $399 (was $499)
• Fluance Ai41 Powered 2-Way 2.0 Stereo Bookshelf Speakers with 5″ Drivers $211.96 (was $249)
• Cambridge Audio ALVA ST Belt Drive Turntable with Bluetooth aptX HD $499 (was $599)
• Fluance RT81 Belt Drive Turntable with Audio Technica AT95E Cartridge & Built-in Preamp $211 (was $249)
• Sennheiser IE 600 Wired Audiophile Earphones $499 (was $699)
• Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 660S2 – Wired Audiophile Stereo Headphones $399 (was $599)
• Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones $1,499 (was $1,699)
• Focal Bathys Over-Ear Hi-Fi Bluetooth Wireless Headphones with Active Noise Cancelation $629 (was $799)
• Focal Clear Mg Open-back over-ear wired headphones $1,199 (Was $1,499)

The post Shop our favorite speakers of 2023 and save up to 30% right now appeared first on Popular Science.

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I spend a lot of time in front of screens. And, in 2023, a lot of that time was in front of Samsung screens. They’re a favorite of the whole office, really, because Samsung truly makes a monitor or TV to suit every conceivable space and activity—from affordable standouts to straight-up statement pieces. And the best is even better priced during Black Friday on Amazon. The following are a few of our favorites:

SAMSUNG 34″ Odyssey OLED G8 Curved Gaming Monitor $899 (was $1,499)

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We call it the Helm, like in Star Trek, because it really feels like you’re navigating the farthest expanses of websites and spreadsheets. It’s where my wife sits doing much of her work, intently plotting her output as I stare longingly—No. 1 wishing he had the conn. It’s the 34-inch OLED G8 curved USB-C monitor, and it was supposed to be mostly for me … but you know how that goes. When I can use it, it’s possibly the biggest boost to efficiency I’ve ever set up, as the value in laying out every conceivable window and document I need for immediate reference on the 21:9 panel cannot be oversold. I’d have two of these monitors if I had more space and budget—don’t be like me, have your own cockpit! I love how the curvature makes everything so immersive but also ergonomic. I feel no pain, only pleasure, as I absorb the full Ultra WQHD resolution of new product images and promo videos, Slack in one quadrant and CMS in another. The OLED screen delivers rich color and true blacks (though, like all OLED panels, it performs best away from bright light, so consider your placement carefully). And did I mention the mini-HDMI/DisplayPort connections, 175 Hz refresh rate, and 0.03ms response time are great for gaming? But so are many Samsung monitors, including:

• SAMSUNG 55″ Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen 4K UHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor $1,999 (was $2,999)
• SAMSUNG 57″ Odyssey Neo G9 Dual 4K UHD Quantum Mini-LED Curved Gaming Monitor $1,999 (was $2,999)
• SAMSUNG 49″ Odyssey OLED G9 G95SC Series Curved Smart Gaming Monitor $1,199 (was $1,799)
• SAMSUNG 49″ Odyssey G93SC Series OLED Curved Gaming Monitor $999 (was $1,599)
• SAMSUNG 49” Odyssey G9 Gaming Monitor, 1000R Curved Screen, QLED $899 (was $1,399)
• SAMSUNG 32” Odyssey G7 Series WQHD (2560×1440) Curved Gaming Monitor $499 (was $799)
• SAMSUNG 27″ Odyssey G7 Series WQHD (2560×1440) Gaming Monitor, 240Hz, Curved $469 (was $699)

SAMSUNG 65-Inch Neo QLED 8K QN900C Mini-LED Quantum HDR Smart TV $3,297.99 (was $4,997.99)

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If you pay more, you surely want to see more. And with Samsung’s flagship QN900C QLED 8K TV, you most certainly do. Its nigh-invisible bezel, what Samsung calls its Infinity Screen, is immediately striking and makes you feel like you’re completely immersed in the image. And the image itself, well, is brighter and more vivid than any TV you’ll encounter. With 33 million pixels, nearly 2,500 nits in HDR, brilliant color and contrast, and impeccable upscaling, the QN900C conveys the ultimate expression of any content in any environment, even the kind of bright room that neuters an OLED panel. The internal sound is even surprisingly radiant (though we always recommend investing in a soundbar/surround sound system if it’s within your budget—which it may be during Black Friday). As for Game Mode, the four HDMI 2.1 ports—with variable refresh rates (VRR), up to 144 Hz, and auto low-latency mode (ALLM)—mean you can enjoy all the 4K/120fps goodness of next-gen. consoles, like the Spider-Man 2 PlayStation 5 I’ve been testing, with zero distractions or frustrations. If you can afford to be future-proofed, you can’t afford to miss this TV at this price.

• SAMSUNG 85-Inch Class Neo QLED 8K QN900C Series Mini LED Quantum HDR Smart TV $5,497.99 (was $5,997.99)
• SAMSUNG 75-Inch Class Neo QLED 8K QN900C Series Mini LED Quantum HDR Smart TV $4,497.99 (was $4,999.99)
• SAMSUNG 77-Inch Class OLED 4K S95C Series Quantum HDR Smart TV $3,597.99 (was $3,997.99)
• SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class OLED 4K S95C Series Quantum HDR Smart TV $2,397.99 (was $3,297.99)
• SAMSUNG 75-Inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN90C $2,397.99 (was $3,299.99)
• SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN90C $1,697.99 (was $2,797.99)
• SAMSUNG 75-Inch Class QLED 4K The Frame LS03B Series $1,997.99 (was $2,997.99)
• SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class QLED 4K The Frame LS03B Series $1,597.99 (was $1,997.99)

Loyal to another brand? They have some more equally deep discounts:

• LG C3 OLED 55-inch TV $1,298 (was $1,799)
• LG C3 OLED 65-inch TV $1,596 (was $1,999)
• Sony 65 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X80K Series $699 (was $899)
• Roku – 55″ Class Plus Series QLED 4K Smart RokuTV $379 (was $499)
• Hisense 50-Inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD Smart Roku TV $239 (was $449)
• Hisense 55-Inch Class U6 Series ULED Mini-LED Google Smart TV $348 (was $579)
• Hisense 65-Inch Class U6 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV $498 (was $749)
• Hisense 55-Inch Class U7 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV $673 (was $799)
• Hisense 65-Inch Class U7 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV $699 (was $1,079)
• Hisense 75-Inch Class U7 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV $899 (was $1,499)

Need something to play so you can show off all those pixels? Shop these great 4K Blu-ray deals.

The post Shop Samsung’s best OLED and QLED Black Friday TV deals now appeared first on Popular Science.

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“Well, I’m just a modern guy. Of course, I’ve had it in my ear before. ‘Cause of a lust for life.” — Iggy Pop

I got really into Iggy Pop in 1996. There was nothing cool about doing this at the time; there was nothing cool about me at the time (though I would have disagreed at the time). Trainspotting came out that July and Danny Boyle’s unflinching film inspired would-be hedonists to choose life—or at least live vicariously through the equally kinetic soundtrack, kicked off by Iggy’s “Lust for Life” from 1977’s album of the same name. 

Less than a year later, in April 1997, Columbia Records reissued Iggy and the Stooges’ uncompromising 1973 proto-punk cornerstone Raw Power with a new mix by Iggy—an update on what he’s described as the “peculiarly English” original mix by David Bowie. This unabashedly brutal alternative, this unrelenting flagellation by digital distortion, was a rude, revealing look at what EQ could truly do to revise and personalize existing material.

So, yeah, I’ve had it in the ear before. Many, many, many times. Which I didn’t think was really an issue … until recently. And, as a modern man, I continue to lust for new ways to experience audio. So when I was introduced to the Denon PerL Pro True Wireless Earbuds, which use something called Masimo Adaptive Acoustic Technology to generate a custom EQ based on the user’s inner ear activity, I was intrigued. Would it make what goes in my head more in my face, or literally tone things down? Denon is a well-known name in AV receivers, so would the company’s earbuds (over)emphasize dimensionality? Grabbing an equally audio-obsessed coworker, Brandt Ranj, and two pairs of PerL Pros, I made and exchanged profiles and a playlist to compare and contrast whether this bespoke tuning feature was truly impactful. And what we discovered from our PerL jams versus was revealing both sonically and personally.

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So, what are the Denon PerL Pro True Wireless Earbuds?

The PerL Pros are the $349 flagships of the Denon true wireless earbuds lineup and check all the boxes while offering some outside-the-box features. They feature multipoint Bluetooth 5.3—no longer unusual—but include aptX Lossless in their codecs. This rarity delivers 16-bit 44.1kHz quality when paired with a device sporting Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen. 1 chipset or newer (such as the ASUS ZenFone 10). Having tried the PerL Pro with both iPhone and Android, I can say that aptX Lossless sounds more crisp and cleanly articulated than AAC or even aptX Adaptive’s theoretical 24/96 transmissions. However, it’s not such an improvement that you should go spend $700 or more on a new source. 

Inside each distinctive 8.6g disc-shaped housing is a 10mm triple-layer titanium diaphragm dynamic driver with a 20 Hz-40 kHz frequency response and ultralow distortion reproduction. Multiple sizes of ear tips and “wings” make sure a secure fit is possible. Touch panels on the round outer surfaces allow access to assignable tap commands.

Battery life of the Denon PerL Pro earbuds is up to eight hours, with 24 additional hours of power within the case, which charges via USB-C or wireless Qi pad. They’re IPX4, so they’re mildly resistant to sweat and light rain. In terms of available colors, I hope you like matte black. What the Denon PerL Pros lack in aesthetic variety, however, they more than make up for in vivid sonics thanks to their definitive feature, which we’ll go into in the next section.

So, what do the Denon PerL Pro True Wireless Earbuds sound like?

Straight out of the box, the Denon PerL Pro earbuds have a neutral-ish tuning with a bit more presence in the lows than highs, making the stock tuning particularly suited for modern pop, EDM, and hip-hop. It’s flat, but to keep things from being too flat, a slider in the app, labeled “Immersion Mode,” allows you to boost or cut bass, which is taut, textured, and well-extended. 

But the defining factor of these earbuds’ sonic signature is in the name: Personalized Listening, aka PerL. When you first set up the Denon PerL Pros, the app prompts you to sit through a short test. A series of tones trigger your otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), which are vibrations from the inner ear that allow sensors in the PerL Pros to determine sound distribution and frequency sensitivity in the ear canal. (Make sure you do this process with properly sized tips and in a quiet environment; trying it in two locations did result in a perceivable difference.) This information is then analyzed and used to calibrate your profile. And, believe me, once you’ve engaged your profile, you’ll put no more stock in stock. Let’s take a look at how the Masimo Adaptive Acoustic Technology (AAT) technology made us more attuned to what we look for when we listen.

Tony’s impressions

It’s good time travel isn’t a reality yet, because I’d use it to kick my ass. 

Again, I’m part Iggy Pop acolyte, so I have to appreciate Young-Me’s joie de vivre, his teens and 20s DJing and attending concerts full of raw, unprotected audio. But if I confronted him about the damage he’d eventually do to our currently 47-year-old ears and he tried to downplay it, Now-Me could be like, I got the receipts, or at least the hearing threshold levels chart. 

For reasons completely unrelated to earbuds, I happened to book my first trip to the audiologist in many, many years soon after I got the Denon PerL Pros. And that visit confirmed what the Masimo AAT results already laid bare: Young-Me’s carefree nature cost Now-Me some top end. I could punch you, me. (And the rest of youse, wear earplugs.)

The first time I listened with my custom profile engaged, I wondered if “AAT” just stood for “Add Additional Treble.” Because I got a lot of it, accompanied by a judicious application of upper midrange. The thing was, I wasn’t mad at it. 

In Default mode, songs off of the 2002 album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots by Oklahoma oddballs turned festival favorites the Flaming Lips sounded like they were performing at dusk, and I wanted dawn. The rubbery bass lines and metronomic backbeat seemed warm and wooly until I toggled on my profile and with it a great leap in contrast, though not without some grain—the equivalent of applying Photoshop’s Sharpen feature. Brandt’s profile, meanwhile, was markedly bassier and more diffuse, vocals stifled by a turtleneck of kick drums and synths. It made the Default a shimmering beacon of lite psychedelia in comparison.   

Cycling back to my profile, it added a breeziness to the reedy timbre of John Prine. It wasn’t unpleasant to hear his fingerpickin’ in such stark relief, but a rumination on growing older loses a little something when you don’t feel the full force of time passing. Brandt’s profile definitely held more of the arrangement’s weight, but, again, elements—this time what sounds like a mix of Fender Rhodes and pedal steel—threatened to engulf the vocals.

Conversely, my profile’s lofty nature put extra wind into the sails of “The Ship Song” by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds—a song as stately as it is threatening to capsize under the weight of naked emotion. Chiming tones tacked triumphantly through the swelling ballad, with Cave’s calmly unsettled voice at the helm against a broadened horizon. It’s intensity amplified and resilience rewarded. Brandt’s profile, however, softened the savagery for me. The song’s a devotional about yearning and burning, but it’s not meant to be overly soft and warm. It’s a warning and celebration of relationships that burn too bright.

Overall, my audio profile injected songs with an airiness and energy that bordered on bite but stopped short of aggression. Vocals have added presence thanks to their enhanced acoustic space, while bass remained well-positioned regardless of rumble. Both the fast transients and thick distortion of guitars in Metallica’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls,” Explosions in the Sky’s “Your Hand In Mind,” and several other test tracks (particularly metal), reaped the benefits of this speaker-like presentation. Brandt’s profile, which filled in notches in the subbass/midbass without compensation in the upper reaches, came across as too congested for my tastes. And, to be clear, these aren’t subtle differences or slight preferences. When the PerL Pros promise you personalized listening, it’s truly personalized.

Maybe time travel is a reality, at least for my ears, because they felt rejuvenated.

Brandt’s impressions

The experience of using the PerL Pro’s personalization features was instructive as it literally allowed me to hear music through another person’s ears, so to speak, and the differences in sound were profound. Some songs, like “Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell” by the Flaming Lips, were entirely unlistenable on my colleague’s profile because the guitars—which are a welcome background element on my profile—were cranked up to 11. In that case, the psychedelic sound effects were drowned out to the point that it felt like I was listening to a demo rather than the completed track. On my profile, the bass was slightly boosted, and the song sounded as it should. 

This experience wasn’t universal, though, as “Hello In There” by John Prine actually sounded better to my ears on Tony’s profile. The sparse arrangement benefitted from a big boost of treble. Overall, however, my profile nailed my preferences, whether I was listening to the crunchy guitar sounds prominently featured throughout the 2023 remix of The Beatles’ Revolver or tracks on Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts. Switching from either profile to the PerL Pro’s Default EQ—which is what you get out of the box before running your hearing test—made playback sound flat. 

My ears could adjust to the Default after a few hours of listening, but in general, I liked sticking with a personalized profile. If you’re familiar with the music you’re listening to, you’ll definitely run into the occasional track that sounds unnaturally, unpleasantly sculpted, but those experiences were few and far between. And, in general, I’d describe the experience of listening to music on another person’s audio profile to be the aural equivalent of putting on another person’s shoes—you may even share the same size, but how one person wears and wears down the heel can make anyone else feel off-balance. 

The PerL Pro’s eponymous feature stands in contrast to the tactic used by other headphone makers, who make all the tuning decisions for you. Switching between the PerL Pros, Apple’s 2nd-generation AirPods Pro, and Jabra’s Elite 10 earbuds was an eye- or rather ear-opening experience. While my custom hearing profile on Denon’s earbuds sounded just right, it didn’t ruin the experience of other earbuds for me. I still enjoyed the tuning choices Apple and Jabra made and found music perfectly listenable. Both earbuds didn’t sound immediately flat like the non-customized PerL Pros, especially the AirPods Pro (2nd gen.), which I still contend offer the best out-of-the-box energy for most people. 

The stock sound signatures of both Apple and Jabra are tasteful; neither company went for the cheap trick of V-shaped tuning, artificially boosting a couple of sections of the frequency range and calling it a day. Both sets of earbuds sounded better right out of the package compared to Tony’s profile, but I ultimately preferred the sound of my personalized profile on the PerL Pros. At $349, Denon’s earbuds go for $100 or more above Apple’s and Jabra’s MSRP, but the audio quality shows the difference went into hardware and software that delivers on its promises.

Exchanging profiles might not have let me fully walk in Tony’s sonic shoes for a day, but it did give me a feel for what might get his toes tapping. It gave me empathy and deeper insight into how he evaluates audio gear. And, without a trip to the audiologist of my own, I walked away with a better understanding of my own hearing. The Denon PerL Pros haven’t ruined the experience of listening to music on different earbuds for me, but they have made me think twice about what colors my perception of musicality.

So, who should buy the Denon PerL Pro True Wireless Earbuds?

Sometimes I get really into missing 1996. For all the things I’d do differently (always carry earplugs, and definitely wear more sunscreen), there are a million I wouldn’t. And I’m always going to love listening to Iggy. But, because Young-Me wasn’t bright, my music now needs to be. The Denon PerL Pro Earbuds put more of that raw power back into songs and memories somewhat dulled by time. And, most importantly, they did it effortlessly. This is one of the reasons we count the PerL Pros among the best earbuds currently available.

Maybe you’ve been to the audiologist or know exactly what you’re searching for, so it’s easy for you to pick from the hundreds of personal audio choices out there. Maybe your hearing is still fully intact, and you want gear that can fine-tune that clarity. If you’re still of two minds about what to put in your two ears, the Denon PerL Pro Earbuds offer a great alternative to the one-sound-fits-all approach used by virtually every other headphone company. Youth fades. Frequency sensitivities change. But, thankfully, so does technology. Masimo AAT worked as advertised. So, with earbuds that can customize their sound based on your hear and now, getting excited by music can remain a constant.

The post Denon PerL Pro Earbuds review: A true wireless tune-up appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best USB WiFi booster		TP-Link Archer T4U Plus USB Wireless Network Adapter		SEE IT	Have an open USB port? You can add optimized WiFi, no IT expertise needed.
Best mesh WiFi system		Google Nest Mesh System (2nd Generation)		SEE IT	It may sound porous, but a mesh system actually offers the most extensive, most adaptable option.
Best dual-band WiFi booster		NETGEAR EX7300 WiFi Range Extender		SEE IT	If you have a lot of demanding devices, this model will extend coverage without your signal being stretched thin.

Working from home has changed how we view our personal space and cyberspace. Entire families compete for the same bandwidth, balancing work and play on one network. Doing more between your walls also means that the walls themselves—full of wiring and metal studs, electronics-packed appliances, dense materials, and decorative features—can interfere with your home network. And when an entire family is working and trying to unwind in the same home, the solution isn’t always as simple as moving to another room. Luckily, WiFi boosters suit all budgets and boundaries—whether you’re logging on indoors or outdoors, in a house full of executives and/or gamers, on a budget, or replacing an entire system. The following are some of our top selections for the best WiFi boosters that hit the (hot) spot when you need to boost productivity and range throughout your home.

• Best USB: TP-Link Archer T4U Plus USB Wireless Network Adapter
• Best dual-band: NETGEAR EX7300 WiFi Range Extender
• Best outdoor: TP-Link Omada EAP225 Outdoor Access Point
• Best mesh: Google Nest Mesh System (2nd Generation)
• Best budget: TP-Link RE230 WiFi Extender

How we chose the best WiFi boosters

The wireless routers that used to be more than enough for surfing the web and streaming Netflix are reaching their limits as we repurpose every nook and cranny into a home office, a school workstation, a yoga studio, a movie theater, or all of the above. With more and more laptops and tablets, 4K streaming services, smart TVs, etc., pulling down data, a strong connection has become the most important utility after electricity and water. We considered all of these environmental and technical factors, as well as critical reviews and user recommendations, to develop our list.

The best WiFi boosters: Reviews & Recommendations

Nobody wants to be that frozen square on the Zoom call because you’re working too far from the central router, but you also don’t want to be the one in the meeting with people walking behind them because you parked your computer too close to that living room signal. This means picking something from the following selection of the best WiFi boosters is necessary to ensure your whole space is covered.

Best USB: TP-Link Archer T4U Plus USB Wireless Network Adapter

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Why it made the cut: TP-Link’s Archer T4U Plus is a cost-effective way to extend your WiFi network without sacrificing speed.

Specs

• Speed: Up to 876Mbps
• Range: N/A
• Price: $23.99

Pros

• Multi-band
• Fast speeds
• Price

Cons

• Takes up a little more space.

Offering two adjustable, multi-directional antennae and a 1.0m USB 3.0 cable, the TP-Link AC1300 Archer T4U Plus offers flexible positioning and dual-band support, so you can pick the frequency for an optimized network experience based on your needs and location. It’s completely compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and supports WPA/WPA2 encryption to secure connections. In addition, its MU-MIMO certification means the highest efficiency and minimal lag with a similarly equipped router (when in doubt, always match your WiFi extender’s specs to that of the router to ensure the strongest streams). While this USB WiFi booster cable uses USB-A (the standard, rectangular slot), there are plenty of adapters to purchase if you need a USB-C connection.

Best dual-band: NETGEAR EX7300 WiFi Range Extender

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Netgear’s EX7300 is as powerful as a standalone WiFi router.

Specs

• Speed: 2200Mbps
• Range: 2300 Sq. Ft.
• Price: $144.99

Pros

• Excellent range
• Fantastic speeds
• Dual-band

Cons

• Price

Dual-band boosters operate on two frequency bands (2.4GHz has longer reach, but slower speed, while 5GHz has less coverage but increased data rates), and the EX7300 by Netgear (one of our favorite router brands) handles both with aplomb, offering an easy-to-install, high-throughput extender. Featuring WPS (WiFi Protected Setup), it joins your existing router with the press of one button and operates under your established network name for seamless roaming. Its 2200 Mbps, 2000-square-foot performance can handle up to 35 devices simultaneously, and an Ethernet port lets you make a direct connection to a smart TV or gaming console to ensure uninterrupted speed. Just make sure to place the booster where coverage is established and steady to amplify a uniformly strong signal.

Best outdoor: TP-Link Omada EAP225 Outdoor Access Point

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: If you want to extend your home’s network to a patio or porch, TP-Link’s EAP225 is the WiFi booster to get.

Specs

• Speed: Up to 867Mbps
• Range: 984 feet
• Price: $69.99

Pros

• Size
• Durability
• Remote management

Cons

• Better options for indoor use

Housed in a discreet, dust- and water-tight IP65-rated enclosure, TP-Link Omaha AC1200 EAP225-Outdoor repeater is the best outdoor WiFi booster. Protected from all sides against the elements, the TP-Link Omaha will deliver stable coverage through anything short of a flood (it even features lightning protection). It’s got dual-band and MU-MIMO support, allowing for seamless roaming around your yard, pool, etc. When integrated with similar units, it forms a self-steering, self-healing system to reroute data and maintain connectivity in case of one device’s issue. And, featuring support for a software-defined controller, the Omaha AC1200 will use the cloud for remote configuration, meaning no need to brave the threat of real clouds if the network needs maintenance.

Best mesh: Google Nest Mesh System (2nd Generation)

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The second-generation Google Nest WiFi Router system is the most powerful option for boosting your home’s WiFi network.

Specs

• Speed: 2.2Gbps
• Range: 1,640 sq. ft.
• Price: $195

Pros

• Exceptional speed
• Google Assistant support
• Aesthetically pleasing

Cons

• May be way more powerful for your needs
• Price

If you aren’t already locked into a router and already think you may need two or more extenders to cover your space, the Google Nest AC2200 Mesh System is a no-brainer for the best mesh WiFi system. A scalable system, the $195 base package comes with a dual-band 2.2Gbps router and two access points intended to cover up to 1600 square feet (add more as needed), meaning your 4K video will stream flawlessly no matter where in the house you wander. The nodes use a proprietary channel to talk to one another, strengthening the signal between each other. And Google’s simple-to-operate iPhone/Android Home app allows the system administrator to create separate guest networks, remotely see what devices are connected, and even pause connections when necessary (I’m looking at you, homework time).

Best budget: TP-Link RE230 WiFi Extender

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: If your needs are modest, TP-Link’s RE230 WiFi Extender is a cost-effective way to boost your home’s wireless network.

Specs

• Speed: Up to 433Mbps
• Range: 1,200 sq. ft.
• Price: $29.99

Pros

• Compact
• Has an Ethernet port
• Price

Cons

• Not as fast as other options

Equipped with dual-band performance and WPS compatibility, the TP-Link AC750 RE230 is the best cheap WiFi booster with a way to quickly drop in another access point for web browsing and other lower-intensity online activities. For everyday use, watching HD video, conducting Zoom calls, etc., the TP-Link RE230 should deliver up to 75Mbps and doesn’t lack much besides expense.

Things to consider when shopping for the best WiFi boosters

WiFi extenders, repeaters—no matter what you call them, the best WiFi boosters look simple because they are simple. They just take the existing wireless signal from your router and lengthen its range. Most need little more than an open wall socket to operate, and many connect with the push of a button. That doesn’t mean there aren’t things to consider, however. Is it just a single device you need to improve, or everything in the house? Is the entire network overwhelmed, or do you just want the best outdoor booster for when you need a change of scenery? Are you looking to plug something in behind the couch, or do you have desktop space? Does your router support a newer, higher throughput technology such as MU-MIMO? Here’s a rundown of important considerations and the best WiFi boosters for each situation.

Range

The main reason to get a WiFi booster extender is to, well, extend the range of your home’s wireless network. You’ll want to get a rough measurement of your home (including the porch and backyard, if applicable) to determine which WiFi range extender will work best for you. In some cases, you’ll have to get multiple extenders to have the best chance of having a large, consistent network.

Speed

A WiFi booster’s speed is typically calculated in Mbps (Megabits per second). This factor matters less than you may think because the Internet speed you actually get will be determined by the plan you’ve signed up for through your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

Bands

Imagine you’re in a hurry to be somewhere when you come up on roadwork. Someone in a reflective orange vest holds a stop sign for what seems like an eternity as a single line of traffic slowly comes toward you up the one open lane. Finally, that sign gets flipped to “SLOW,” the direction of traffic changes, and you meander your way through the same congested channel. Now imagine if your car was data and that data had to take turns all day coming and going from your router. Doesn’t sound very efficient, does it? That’s why the best WiFi boosters support dual-band technology.

A single-band system has to receive, pause, and rebroadcast on one channel, repeating the process for each data packet. With the best dual-band WiFi booster system, however, the repeater can connect with the router on one channel while amplifying the signal to another, cutting down on the overlap that leads to speed loss—an indispensable feature, to be sure.

Outdoor use

Where your router is situated is typically tied to how your internet provider’s wiring enters your house. So, unless you like stringing long, unwieldy, and unsightly Ethernet cables throughout your home, your coverage won’t always originate from a central location or be conveniently located near where you’d like to spend more time. For instance, the router might be in the front corner of the living room, as far removed from your back patio as possible. You’d love a change of scenery, to feel less boxed in, but the signal loss through all those walls is just too great to work outside. At least it was before you installed an outdoor WiFi booster.

If you have a covered area with an external wall socket, you could just plug in a standard repeater, but over time moisture and other environmental factors (even just one hard rain) can take their toll. The best all-weather WiFi extenders support multiple devices at up to 300 meters, aided by interchangeable/upgradable antennae. Mounting kits allow for easy installation on a wall or pole, and power can be delivered over Ethernet cable (allowing for placement away from walls and other exposed power sources, etc.).

Mesh WiFi system worth it

In a house with coaxial ports in multiple rooms, there are hardwired extenders you can install that can rebroadcast your router’s signal to improve range and reliability. Outside of new/custom construction, however, that’s not a very common scenario, so if you’re trying to address a large and/or multistory floor plan, a mesh system can be the best way to overcome thick walls and competing radio waves.

Think of a mesh system as a series of tiny synced cell towers that blanket your home with signal under a single, router-established name, as opposed to multiple, independently managed mini-networks that have to make handshakes and handoffs every time your phone or laptop passes from one to another. Positioned on convenient tabletops, so away from walls and obstructions, mesh WiFi system components can allow for smart roaming with minimal (typically less than 10 percent) signal loss throughout. In addition, there’s the added bonus of using one app to manage all devices, rather than having to go through multiple passwords and configuration interfaces to have everything talking.

If you’re working with a smaller space or budget, it’s still possible to get a lot of buzzwords for less investment. While $100-$200 boosters are common, a $30 plug-in option can still offer a universally compatible add-on perfect for homes in the sub-1200 square feet category.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best WiFi boosters

• Best USB: TP-Link Archer T4U Plus USB Wireless Network Adapter
• Best dual-band: NETGEAR EX7300 WiFi Range Extender
• Best outdoor: TP-Link Omada EAP225 Outdoor Access Point
• Best mesh: Google Nest Mesh System (2nd Generation)
• Best budget: TP-Link RE230 WiFi Extender

A conference room, a classroom, a movie theater, a multimedia studio: Every room in your house has become a multi-use hub of online activity, so they all need an always-on connection to ensure you’re not wasting space. When strategically placed, the best WiFi boosters shouldn’t require you to do much more than plug them in and hold a button before you’re up and running, and then will be so consistent you forget they’re there. With the right gear, that back room can finally take the front stage, regardless of where your router is.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best WiFi boosters of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Dell Ultrasharp U2720QM		SEE IT	Think of 4K the way you do a 401(k): It’s a smart investment.
Best ultrawide monitor		Samsung Odyssey Neo G9		SEE IT	For truly voracious content consumers and creators, this monitor offers an astounding 32:9 aspect ratio and pinpoint details.
Best budget		AOC C24G1A Curved Frameless Monitor		SEE IT	Proof that a small change can be a big improvement.

Monitors for home offices have become essential pieces of the remote work lifestyle. We can even spend lunch hours and happy hours in front of them. The home office can transform a corner of the second bedroom into a conference room. An interface for coworkers, teachers, friends, and family, the right monitor in a work-from-home setup can be central to improving both our outlook and using Outlook. So let’s, well, screen options for the best monitors for home office.

• Best Overall: Dell Ultrasharp U2720QM
• Best 4K for gamers: LG UltraGear 27GN950-B Monitor
• Best ultrawide monitor: Samsung Odyssey G9 Monitor
• Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display
• Best USB-C: Dell S2722QC
• Best budget: AOC C24G1A Curved Frameless Monitor

How we chose the best monitors for home offices

We have home offices of our own here at PopSci, complete with standing desks and file cabinets. To find the best monitors for home offices, we referenced what we learned from past monitor coverage and applied it here. We also look at reviews, recommendations, performed hands-on testing, and did heavy research when narrowing down our choices.

The best monitors for home offices: Reviews & Recommendations

A 4K monitor for gaming is going to perform differently than one meant for office use. One of our choices will surely be a great addition to your office setup and still give you room to work and play. Just add a laptop or PC, ergonomic chair, ergonomic mouse, top-notch keyboard, and you’re in business.

Best 4K: Dell Ultrasharp U2720QM

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 27-inches
• Resolution: 4K
• Ports: Two HDMI, two DisplayPorts, one USB-C, two USB-A, one headphone jack
• Refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros

• Size
• Resolution
• Port selection

Cons

• Lower refresh rate
• Price

If you’ve got to crunch the numbers, you shouldn’t have to squint to see them, and the Dell Ultrasharp U2720QM monitor for home office offers 27 inches of crisp 4K display space at a competitive price of about $600. The IPS (that’s In-Plane Switching) LED panel delivers a clearer picture from any angle, features 163 pixels per inch, and has a 1,300:1 contrast ratio (the more above 1,000 that the left number goes, the better). Plus, it offers 95 percent of the P3 gamut, which is the color space many of us have gotten used to watching video. The best Dell monitor for home office supports HDR, or high dynamic range, which means more visible detail, especially in the darker areas of the screen. So, even if the folks from accounting aren’t good about lighting their Zoom calls, you can see more of their faces. And, with USB-C, DisplayPort, and HDMI inputs, the U2720QM is ready to connect to pretty much any standard computer (and it can be used to charge and/or daisy chain USB-C devices).

Need something more specialized? Well, if you’re a video editor, you should check out the best monitors for color grading, while aspiring e-sports professionals can look through the best gaming monitors or read more below.

Best 4K for gamers: LG UltraGear 27GN950-B Monitor

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 27-inches
• Resolution: 4K
• Ports: Two HDMI, Two USB-A, one USB-B, a headphone jack, one DisplayPort
• Refresh rate: 144Hz

Pros

• High refresh rate
• Port selection
• Resolution

Cons

• Price

If a monitor is the window to a game’s soul, you don’t want to shortchange all the passion put into these immersive worlds, do you? With the right hardware support, the LG 27GN950-B’s “Nano IPS” panel can achieve a 144Hz refresh rate (overclocked to 160Hz) and 1ms response time, which is ridiculous for a 4K monitor. It is both G-SYNC and FreeSync—offering flexibility if you do decide to purchase a top-shelf graphics card—but is a solid performer with low input lag right out of the box, offering multiple calibration presets and customizable parameters. It’s a very bright monitor, which is great for fighting the glare of a workday with suboptimal lighting (though, conversely, it might not have the best contrast for dark-room gaming, where a VA panel is preferred). It’s not too terribly much more than an office-oriented 4K monitor, has all the standard ports (USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort), and is capable of delivering a clear, tearing-free experience whether shooting off emails or tearing through another campaign.

Not all monitors have to be a major investment, however, as the best cheap gaming monitors can attest.

Best ultrawide: Samsung Odyssey G9 Monitor

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 49 inches
• Resolution: 5120 x 1440
• Ports: One HDMI port, two DisplayPorts, Three USB-A ports
• Refresh rate: 240Hz

Pros

• Refresh rate
• Size
• HDR support

Cons

• May be too big
• Price

The best Samsung monitor for truly voracious content consumers and creators, the Odyssey G9 offers an astounding 32:9 aspect ratio, driven by a company known for its pin-sharp panel innovations. Using QLED technology, this DQHD monitor features 5,120 by 1,440 resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, and HDR10. It has a curvature of 1000R, which matches the human eye and keeps the entire image at the same distance to minimize eye strain, with great peak brightness and reflection handling perfect for those well-lit office appointments. There’s no doubt this represents the pinnacle of side-by-side document comparison, and a Picture-in-Picture feature lets multiple devices be displayed simultaneously. It’s also a monitor optimized for G-SYNC/FreeSync and the motion handling of gaming (making it one of our favorite ultrawide gaming monitors).

Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: It’s expensive and not without issues, but Apple’s Studio Display is an attainable 5K display with all the design flourishes you’d expect from an Apple product.

Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 5120 x 2880
• Ports: Thunderbolt 3/USB-C (96W), USB-C (3)
• Refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros

• 5K display with fantastic color accuracy
• Deep sound from built-in speakers
• 12-megapixel webcam with Center Stage support

Cons

• Expensive

For Mac lovers, the new Apple Studio Display finally delivers on the promise of a high-end monitor made by Apple for its desktop fans and MacBook aficionados. It isn’t as performant as Apple’s premium Pro Display XDR, which costs upwards of $6,000. Still, you get a great 27-inch, 5K display with many quality-of-life features like a Thunderbolt 3 port that delivers 96W of power, three USB-C ports, and one of the best speaker systems you’ll find in a monitor. 

The biggest benefit of using a computer and monitor designed by Apple is that the two work together within the company’s hardware ecosystem. The MacBook Pro we used while testing the display immediately recognized the monitor each time we connected the two. Additionally—and this is admittedly an aesthetic luxury rather than a necessity—its glass and aluminum body looks sharp on a desk. Similarly, we were caught off guard by the quality of the Studio Display’s speakers. Bass was punchy, with ample detail still in the mids and highs.

The only sticking point, beyond the monitor’s price, is the quality of its 12MP webcam. The issue is that the company opted to sacrifice overall visual fidelity for the sake of supporting a feature called Center Stage. This means the webcam will zoom in and crop its image to keep you in the middle of the frame. It’ll also pan around as you move around. This is a neat feature, but we’d have preferred a better-looking webcam.

Still, this is one of, if not the best, of the monitors you can get if you’re an Apple hardware fan outfitting your home office.

Best USB-C: Dell S2722QC

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K)
• Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x USB Type-C, 2 x USB-A, 1 x headphone jack
• Max refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros

• 65W of USB Type-C Power Delivery means you can charge your laptop while you use it
• Sturdy Stand
• Rotation and height adjustment

Cons

• Response rate too low for gaming

More and more computers are adopting USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, and if your computer is equipped with one, we strongly suggest checking out Dell’s S2722QC. In our tests, we found its build quality to be excellent—despite its frame being made from plastic—especially the sturdiness of its stand and foot. We could rotate the display by 90 degrees with nary a wobble. Critically, you can adjust this display’s height so you can find an ergonomic position to work in that won’t strain your neck.

Unsurprisingly, this monitor’s USB-C port is its best feature—our 13-inch MacBook Pro never had a problem connecting or charging—but it’s complemented by a pair of HDMI ports, a couple of USB-A ports, and a headphone jack. Those USB-A ports are useful if you decide to connect a webcam and external hard drive to your machine when you plug your laptop into this display.

Overall, we were pleased with the look of Dell’s S2722QC during everyday use. It was more than sufficient for tasks like reading articles, streaming video, and being a part of digital meetings. The display’s color accuracy was suitable for casual photo editing, but professionals are better off with a display that covers the entire sRGB color spectrum. On the other hand, the monitor’s 4K resolution made those photos, videos, and text we viewed look clear.

Our time with the Dell S2722QC shows just how far USB-C monitors have come recently. To get this level of performance from a display that’s this inexpensive is remarkable and proves the company’s commitment to pushing premium features in less expensive hardware.

Best budget: AOC C24G1A Curved Frameless Monitor

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 24-inches
• Resolution: 1080P
• Ports:
• Refresh rate: 165Hz

Pros

• High refresh rate
• Freesync support
• Height adjustable

Cons

• May not be big enough
• Not high resolution enough for creative work

An FHD display with up to a 165Hz refresh rate, the AOC C24G1A monitor features a 1,500R curved VA (Vertical Alignment) panel and 3,000:1 contrast ratio, meaning it will offer inky blacks and vivid colors. You won’t get the same color gamut as an IPS monitor, but you will get some added depth to the physical experience. The monitor’s frame is unobtrusive, and the sturdy stand has height, swivel, and tilt adjustments, offering a well-rounded, responsive experience. You’re restricted to using HDMI or DisplayPort as your connection, but the monitor still offers a lot of upscale, cinematic features for a low price and will improve the general work environment.

If your work involves travel or devices in multiple locations, another cheap option is the 15.6-inch Lepow HD USB-C display—the best portable monitor for mobile presentations. It’s not a replacement, more an extension of your desktop—think an iPad, minus everything but the screen. For just under $200, you get a 1080p IPS Eye Care panel with Mini-HDMI and USB-C ports (and a built-in cover) to connect a laptop, smartphone, or gaming device while on the go.

What to consider when shopping for the best monitors for home offices

Size

Naturally, the first spec you should consider when buying a monitor for your home office is its size. Most external monitors measure between 24 and 27 inches diagonally, which is roughly double the size of a 13-inch laptop display. This is a big enough canvas to make creating digital art or multitasking a lot easier. There are monitors above and below those sizes, too, depending on your needs.

Resolution

A monitor’s resolution will dictate how crisp text, images, videos, and games look, and its importance varies based on what you’re doing. A 1080P HD monitor is perfectly fine for gaming, but won’t cut it for high-resolution photo and video editing. Conversely, a 4K monitor is better for creative professionals but won’t be as important for gamers unless you plan on playing high-end titles at their maximum settings.

Ports

Most external monitors have both HDMI and DisplayPorts, which will allow you to connect a computer to it without the need for an adapter. Some monitors suited for home office use also have USB-C ports, which allow them to act like a hub for smaller accessories like a webcam or external hard drive.

Refresh Rate

This spec dictates how quickly the new information can update the screen. This is the most important feature to consider if you primarily plan on using the monitor for gaming. Every millisecond counts when playing games and can make the difference between winning and losing, so seeing your character move as quickly as possible will make a big difference.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best monitors for home offices

• Best 4K: Dell Ultrasharp U2720QM
• Best 4K for gamers: LG UltraGear 27GN950-B Monitor
• Best ultrawide monitor: Samsung Odyssey G9 Monitor
• Best USB-C: Dell S2722QC
• Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display
• Best cheap monitor: AOC C24G1A Curved Frameless Monitor

Finding the best monitors for home office can take some time, but it’s worth it. Folks always talk about the benefits of investing in real estate. Well, the same goes for screen real estate. When it comes to a work-from-home setup, you may not always start with the optimal space, but if you approach selecting the best monitor for home office like the most cost-effective renovation, you’ll find one simple upgrade can substantially improve your workstation.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best monitors for home offices in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Amazon’s product selection can feel infinite, but Amazon’s Big Deal Days certainly isn’t. It’s the second day of the second Prime Day of 2023, and that means soon the deals will be done. It isn’t too late to pick up bargains, however, so we’ve narrowed things down to save you time when it comes to saving cash. Here are 50 of the best items under $50 that are ready to ship this week.

Note: You’ll have to be an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of most of these deals, so be sure you’re signed up before making a purchase.

The best cheap audio deals

• EarFun Air S Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds $39.99 ($35.99 w/ coupon PD201PR1, was $59.99)
• TREBLAB X3 Pro Earbuds $49.99 (was $99.97)
• 1MORE PistonBuds Pro ANC Earbuds $39.99 (was $49.99)
• Skullcandy Grind True Wireless Earbuds $45.99 (was $79.99)
• Skullcandy Mod True Wireless Earbuds $36.99 (was $59.99)
• Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Portable IP67 Speaker w/ Built-in Strap $47 (was $62)
• Sony SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS Bluetooth Lightweight Travel Speaker, IP67 Waterproof $34 (was $59)
• JBL Go 3 Bluetooth Speaker $24 (was $49)
• Amazon Echo Dot speaker, $22.99 (Was $49.99)
• Kiwi Ears Cadenza, Linsoul 10mm Beryllium Dynamic Driver Earphone $28 (was $35)
• KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5 Driver HiFi Earphone $39 (was $49)
• KZ AS10, Linsoul 5BA HiFi Earphone $47 (was $59)
• Vibes High-Fidelity Concert Earplugs $21.71 (was $33.99)

The best cheap streaming device deals

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, $22.99 (Was $49.99)
• Roku Express 4K+, $29 (Was $39)
• Roku Express 4K with Voice Remote Pro, $49.99 (Was $59)
• Amazon eero mesh WiFi router $44 (was $69)

The best cheap home deals

• COSORI Small 2.1-Qt Air Fryer $39 (was $59)
• eufy by Anker HomeVac H11 Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner $35.99 (Was $59.99)
• OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set $41.97 (Was $59.95)
• OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Stainless-Steel Mixing Bowl Set, White $41.97 (Was $59.95)
• Mr. Coffee Simple Grind 14 Cup Coffee Grinder $15.39 (Was $21.99)
• LEVOIT Smart Cool Mist Top Fill Humidifier $46.49 (Was $54.99)
• FABLE Signature Dog Leash $38.40 (Was $48)
• FABLE Ceramic Dog Bowl $35.20 (Was $44)
• Hydro Flask 40 Oz Wide Flex Chug Cap White $32.46 (was $54.95)
• Contigo Luxe Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Thermal Travel Mug, Leak-Proof 16oz $20.99 (was $29.99)
• Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Perimeter System $35 (was $45)
• Rocketbook Planner & Notebook, Fusion: Reusable Smart Planner & Notebook –Dotted, 8.5″ x 11″, 42 Pg, Beacon Orange $24 (was $39)

The best cheap tool deals

• CRAFTSMAN Red Stripe General Purpose Wet/Dry Vac Replacement Filter and Wet Application Filter for 5 to 20 Gallon Shop Vacuums, 2-Pack $33.99 (Was $47.99)
• CRAFTSMAN CMXZVBE38758 2-1/2 in. x 13 ft. POS-I-LOCK Wet/Dry Vacuum Hose Kit for Shop Vacuums $28.59 (Was $33.80)
• RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver $42.75 (Was $59)
• Ryobi 18V Rotary Tool Station $49.98 (Was $69.99)
• 3M 8511HB1-C-PS Sanding and Fiberglass Valved Respirator, 10-Pack $20.88 (Was $29.99)
• 3M 8511PB1-A-PS Particulate N95 Respirator with Valve, 10-Pack $16.24 (Was $21.99)
• 3M Kids Hearing Protection, Hearing Protection for Children with Adjustable Headband, 22dB Noise Reduction $23.08 (Was $29.99)
• 3M Kids Hearing Protection Plus, Hearing Protection for Children with Adjustable Headband, 22dB Noise Reduction Rating, Blue $22.26 (Was $26.19)
• DeWalt Thermal Insulated Grip Glove $10.63 (Was $12.49)
• DeWalt DPG82 Concealer Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggle $9.99 (Was $16.73)

The best cheap data storage deals

• Lexar NQ100 960GB 2.5” SATA III Internal SSD, Solid State Drive $31 (was $51)
• Lexar NM790 SSD 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive $44 (was $69)
• Lexar SL660 BLAZE 512GB Portable SSD $44 (was $89)
• Lexar SL200 512GB Portable SSD, Up to 550MB/s, USB-C, External Solid State Drive $32 (was $59)
• SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Memory Card $28 (was $62)
• SanDisk 512GB Ultra SDXC UHS-I Memory Card $38 (was $48)
• Lexar Professional 1667x 64GB (2-Pack) SDXC UHS-II Memory Cards $38 (was $58)
• SAMSUNG EVO Select 512GB microSDXC Card + Adapter $27.99 (was $39.99)
• SAMSUNG PRO Plus Full Size 128GB SDXC Memory Card $9.99 (was $16.99)
• PNY EliteX-PRO60 UHS-II SDXC Memory Card 256GB $39.99 (was $61.99)

The best cheap health & beauty deals

• Crest 3D Whitestrips with Light, Teeth Whitening Strip Kit, 20 Strips (10 Count Pack) $39.99 (Was $69.99)
• Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light and Whitening Pen $37.95 (Was $64.99)
• ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads $44.80 (Was $64)
• La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face $37.79 (Was $53.99)

Accessorizing other activities? Take a look at our ongoing list of Big Deal Days discounts.

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The post These are the top 50 under $50 deals you can still get during Amazon Prime Day appeared first on Popular Science.

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Amazon’s October Prime Day is a perfect time to shop if you’ve wanted to elevate your audio without increasing your budget. Whether you want space-filling sound from speakers that won’t crowd your room or to cancel more noise and more cost with discounted headphones and earbuds, Oct. 10-11 offers some sweet-sounding deals. Whether you’re an on-the-go gear connoisseur or setting up a luxurious listening station, you’ll find we’re on the same wavelength with our focus on assembling a more affordable audio oasis with gear offered at its lowest price in months. But act fast, as prices and inventory are highly volatile and could change at any moment.

Note: You’ll have to be an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of most of these deals, so be sure you’re signed up before making a purchase.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Wireless Earbuds with USB-C $189 (was $249)

SEE IT

Apple recently released a version of its AirPods Pro that charge via USB-C instead of the now-defunct Lighting cable. And you can also score $50 off the retail price of this new model right now before Prime Day. These AirPods give you all the Pro features you expect, including active noise cancelation and Spatial Audio, with the added bonus of needing to carry one less cord. On top of that, they’re the only model (currently) that will support lossless audio with the upcoming Vision Pro headset. With the holidays coming up, they’re a fantastic gift, even if you’re giving them to yourself. (Still want the Lightning version? It’s also discounted. Want the AirPods Max instead? Also on sale!)

Earbud deals

• Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless IPX Earbuds $85 (was $179)
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 IPX4 Earbuds $142 (was $279)
• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 $89 (Was $149)
• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro $169 (was $229)
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II True Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Technology Earbuds $199 (was $279)
• Sony WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Earbuds $278 (was $299)
• Sony LinkBuds True Wireless Earbuds with Open-Ring Design for situational awareness $128 (was $179)
• EarFun Air Pro 3 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds $66.39 (was $79)
• EarFun Air S Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds $39.99 ($35.99 w/ coupon PD201PR1, was $59.99)
• Jabra Elite 7 Active Noise Cancellation True Wireless Bluetooth Sports Earbuds $79 (was $179)
• Jabra Elite 7 Pro Active Noise Cancellation True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds w/ MultiSensor Voice Tech $113 (was $199)
• House of Marley Champion 2 True Wireless Earbuds 15% off (was $89)
• TREBLAB X3 Pro Earbuds $49.99 (was $99.97)
• 1MORE PistonBuds Pro ANC Earbuds $39.99 (was $49.99)
• Skullcandy Grind True Wireless Earbuds $45.99 (was $79.99)
• Skullcandy Mod True Wireless Earbuds $36.99 (was $59.99)
• Skullcandy Jib 2 True Wireless Earbuds $27.99 (was $39.99)

Headphone deals

• Sennheiser HD 600 Audiophile Hi-Res Open-Back Dynamic Headphone $284 (was $449)
• Sennheiser HD 650 Audiophile Hi-Res Open-Back Dynamic Headphone $326 (was $499)
• Sennheiser HD 660S2 Wired Audiophile Headphones w/ Optimized Transducer System, Sound $427 (was $599)
• Sennheiser RS 120-W On-Ear Wireless Headphones w/ Transmitter/Charger for TV listening $77 (was $129)
• Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones $179 (was $349)
• HIFIMAN Deva-Pro Over-Ear Open-Back Planar-Magnetic Headphones with Bluetooth 5.0 R2R DAC Receiver $199 (was $329)
• HIFIMAN HE-R10D Dynamic Topology Driver Close-Back Over-Ear Headphones with Bluemini R2R DAC Receiver $599 (was $1,299)
• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones $248 (was $348)
• Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Over The Ear Headset $98 (was $149)
• Bose Headphones 700 Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Over-Ear Wireless Headphone $279 (was $379)
• Sennheiser HD 450BT Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Headphone with Active Noise Cancellation $94 (was $129)
• beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 wired professional recording/mixing headphones $134 (was $169)
• beyerdynamic TYGR 300 R Gaming Headset $159 (was $199)
• TREBLAB Z2 Over-Ear Headphones $69.95 ($119.97)
• TREBLAB Z7 Pro Hybrid Over-Ear Headphones $119 (was $179)
• 1MORE SonoFlow ANC LDAC Hi-Res Headphones $74.99 (was $99.99)
• Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless Over Ear Headphones  $69.99 (was $104.99) 
• Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over Ear Headphones $89.99 (was $134.99) 
• Skullcandy Riff 2 Wireless Over Ear Headphones $34.99 (was $49.99) 
• Skullcandy SLYR Pro Gaming Wireless Over Ear Headphones $75 (was $99.99) 
• Skullcandy PLYR Gaming Wireless Over Ear Headphones $101 (was $129.99) 
• Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones $279 (was $299)

Party speaker deals

• Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Generation) Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker $199 (was $279)
• Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $449 (was $599)
• Soundcore Motion X600 Portable IPX7 Bluetooth Speaker w/ 50W Sound, Pro EQ, Aux-In $149 (was $199)
• Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Portable IP67 Speaker w/ Built-in Strap $47 (was $62)
• Sony SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS Bluetooth Lightweight Travel Speaker, IP67 Waterproof $34 (was $59)
• JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $129 (was $179)
• JBL Go 3 Bluetooth Speaker $24 (was $49)
• JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker $89 (was $129)
• JBL Xtreme 2 $199 (was $429)
• JBL PartyBox Essential Encore $199 (was $299)
• House of Marley Bag of Riddim 2 Portable Speaker $149 + 15% off clickable coupon (was $229)
• House of Marley Get Together Bluetooth Portable Audio System $92 w/ clickable coupon (Was $169)
• House of Marley Get Together 2 Portable Speaker with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity $174 w/ clickable coupon (was $249)
• House of Marley Get Together 2 XL Portable Speaker with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity $319 + 15% off clickable coupon (was $399)
• TREBLAB HD77 Premium Bluetooth Speaker $59.96 (was $119.97)
• TREBLAB FX100 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $69 (was $89.97)
• Up to 25% OFF on Positive Grid’s Spark smart guitar practice amp w/ clickable coupons

Soundbars & wireless surround sound systems

• SENNHEISER AMBEO Soundbar Max 13 speaker 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos & DTS:X sound experience $1,699 (was $2,499)
• Bose Smart Soundbar 900 w/ Dolby Atmos, Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth connectivity $699 (was $899)
• Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Dual Wireless 10″ Subs & 4 Rear Surround Speakers $1,049 (was $1,499)
• Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Built-in subwoofer $198 (was $399)
• Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch 500W Dolby Atmos DTS:X 360 Audio Soundbar $998 (was $1,399)

Smart speakers

• Devialet Mania Portable Bluetooth + WiFi Speaker w/ Alexa Built-in $799 (was $900)
• Echo Pop, $17.99 (Was $39.99)
• Amazon Echo Dot, $22.99 (Was $49.99)
• Echo (4th Gen), $54.99 (Was $99.99)
• Echo Show 5, $39.99 (Was $89.99)
• Echo Studio, $154.99 (Was $199.99)
• Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), $159.99 (Was $249.99)

In-ear monitors (IEMs)

• Kiwi Ears Cadenza, Linsoul 10mm Beryllium Dynamic Driver Earphone $28 (was $35)
• KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5 Driver HiFi Earphone $39 (was $49)
• KZ AS10, Linsoul 5BA HiFi Earphone $47 (was $59)
• KZ ZAX, Linsoul 1DD+7BA Hybrid Driver HiFi Earphone $55 (was $69)
• Kiwi Ears Quartet, Linsoul 2DD+2BA Hybrid Earphone $87 (was $109)
• TINHIFI P1 Plus, Linsoul 10mm Planar-Diaphragm Driver HiFi Earphone $118 (was $199)
• KZ AS24, Linsoul 12BA Hybrid Drivers Tunable Earphone $126 (was $158)
• THIEAUDIO Legacy 4, Linsoul 1DD+3BA Hybrid Driver Earphone w/ 2 Tuning Switch $159 (was $199)

Music streamers

• WiiM Pro AirPlay 2/Chromecast WiFi Multiroom Streamer $119.20 ($149)
• WiiM Pro Plus AirPlay 2/Chromecast Receiver w/ Premium AKM DAC $175.20 ($219)

Turntables

• House of Marley Stir It Up Wireless Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity, Built-in Preamp $199 (was $249)
• House of Marley Stir It Up Lux Vinyl Record Player with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity, Built-in PreAmp 15% off clickable coupon (was $399)

Receivers

• Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver with Phono Inputs & Bluetooth $148 (was $199)
• Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH Surround Sound Home Theater 8K A/V Receiver $598 (was $899)

Bookshelf & tower speakers

• Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15 Hi-Res Audio Certified Bookshelf Speakers w/ 1″ Tweeter & 5.25″ Woofer $194 (was $299)
• Polk Reserve R100 Hi-Res Bookshelf Speakers w/ 1″ Pinnacle Ring Tweeter & 5.25″ Turbine Cone Woofer $421 (was $649)
• Polk Audio Signature Elite ES50 Hi-Res Audio Certified Tower Speaker w/ 1″ Tweeter & (2) 5.25″ Woofers $269 (was $349)
• Polk Audio Reserve Series R600 Hi-Res Tower Speaker w/ 1″ Pinnacle Ring Tweeter & Dual 6.5″ Turbine Cone Woofers $524 (was $849)

Ear protection

• Vibes High-Fidelity Concert Earplugs $21.71 (was $33.99)

Microphones

• Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone – Silver $199 (was $249)
• Shure MV88 + Stereo USB Condenser Microphone $139 (was $199)

Accessorizing other activities? Take a look at our ongoing list of Big Deal Days discounts.

Want more deals delivered to your inbox weekly? Sign up for PopSci’s Deals newsletter and save money on stuff you’ll really use.

The post Save hundreds on headphones, earbuds, speakers, and more before Amazon’s Big Deal Days ends appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

For many, finding the time to listen to music can be declared a bright spot in the day. For us yammering music nerds, high frequencies during particularly active tracks may be described in glowing terms. There are far fewer folks, however, who speak about their actual audio components with extremely colorful descriptions—”sleek” is high praise but still a very cold adjective. ARCAM, a member of the HARMAN Luxury Audio portfolio, wants to add vivid details to your listening sesh and your setup’s look.

Revealed at an event held Oct. 3 in London’s Vinyl Factory Soho gallery, the new Radia Series introduces an updated aesthetic to ARCAM’s hardware, still backed by a long heritage of British audio architecture. “Radia Yellow” detailing speaks to the energy that the company—founded in 1976 as “Amplification & Recording, Cambridge,” shortened to A&R Cambridge, succinctly branded ARCAM—imbues through a focus on plentiful power and contemporary connectivity.

The initial Radia flagship family centres on five products: the ARCAM A5, A15, and A25 integrated amplifiers; the CD5 CD player; and the ST5 high-resolution streamer. The new amps feature 2x50W (A5) or 2x80W (A15) Class AB amplification plus new digital circuitry based on the ESS ES9018 DAC, stepping up to 2x100W Class G and an ESS ES9280AQ DAC in the A25 (all driven at 8Ω, but stable at 4Ω). All of them have two-way Bluetooth aptX Adaptive receivers with internal antennas (so you can connect wireless headphones or earbuds), as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack for listening solo (RMS into 32Ω/300Ω 2.5V/5V, load range 16Ω – 2kΩ). As for what you can listen to, there are three analog RCA inputs, Coaxial/Optical digital inputs, and an MM phono stage (plus the A25 adds a USB-C, perfect for playing directly off the new iPhone 15). Oh, and the DACs have three selectable digital filters.

The ST5 music streamer supports Google Chromecast, Apple Airplay2, MQA, Roon, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music Unlimited, UPnP, and more, with an ESS ES9019 DAC and 24-bit/192 kHz resolution. The CD5, meanwhile, can play physical media, including retail CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs—both Redbook and with FLAC and WAV files (which can also be decoded via USB). A “comms” cable between components (which are stackable) allows them to wake one another and sync volume changes from, say, a streaming app to the ST5 to the amp.

We’ve spoken highly of ARCAM AV receivers and their ability to balance clarity and muscularity throughout home theater’s dynamic transitions, so we expected a similar focus on spacious musicality, midrange accuracy, and smooth highs without losing articulate timing. And our first look and listen showed the company’s two-channel refresh to be punchy above its price point. We’ll have more to say about the Radia Series once we’ve had some hands-on time with the hardware. For now, we can share that pricing begins at $699 for the A5, going up to $1,099 for the A15 and $1,499 for the A25, while the ST5 streamer is $799 and the CD5 is $699. The products will be available at retailers in Q4 2023. In the meantime, you can visit www.arcam.co.uk for more details.

The post ARCAM spotlights industrial redesign with new Radia Series appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera Kit		SEE IT	4K video and color night vision in a convenient bundle.
Best smart		Canary Flex Home Security Camera		SEE IT	This versatile camera works indoors and outdoors.
Best budget		Blink mini Compact Indoors Plug-in Cam		SEE IT	A feature-packed camera in a small, affordable package.

They say home is where the heart is—and with a home security camera at the heart of it, that home can be safer. After all, your heartful home is where your stuff is, where your loved ones may be, so it could be where your mind is even when you’re out. If you find yourself constantly stressed when you leave home—worrying about your packages, pets, property, etc.—setting up security cameras can offer peace of mind alongside advanced features. Whether outdoors or indoors, security cameras now can be completely discreet if desired, sometimes require as little as two screws or double-sided tape to install, and may offer instant smartphone alerts and even live video you can monitor remotely. No longer a massive investment of money or space, the best home security cameras integrate easily and let you check in on and around your home from the beach or the master bedroom.

• Best overall: Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight 2 Camera Kit
• Best wireless: Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
• Best floodlight: Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus
• Best smart: Canary Flex Home Security Camera
• Best starter bundle: Wyze Cam v3 2-pack
• Best budget: Blink mini Compact Indoors Plug-in Cam

How we chose the best home security cameras

We looked at user reviews and critic recommendations and consulted our past security coverage to find the best home security cameras. We paid attention to features like battery life, camera resolution, viewing angle, and storage options to weed out the vulnerable from the proven protected picks.

The best home security cameras: Reviews & Recommendations

There was a time when a security system involved unsightly cameras that had to be professionally installed. Spools of wiring would lead to a VCR, where routinely, you’d need to rewind or replace the tape if you needed to review the evidence following an intrusion (assuming the cassette hadn’t run out, broken, etc.). Well, those days are long gone. One of our picks should help bring you and your home into the digital age if you haven’t already made the switch.

Best overall: Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight 2 Camera Kit

SEE IT

Specs

• Resolution: 4K
• Battery life: 4-6 months
• Viewing angle: 180 degrees
• Storage: microSD card

Pros

• Weather-resistant
• Built-in siren
• Long battery life

Cons

• Expensive

The Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight kit is where all the bells meet all the whistles, which is what you’d expect from a $600 surveillance system. Included are two wire-free, weather-resistant cameras with up to six months of battery life. A 180-degree diagonal viewing angle offers coverage of every corner, while a spotlight and two-way audio assist in identifying visitors, plus a siren can discourage intruders. The cameras, magnetically connected to a screw-secured mount, can display live 4K video with HDR and color night vision, record to internal storage (a microSD card, sold separately, accessed through the included Arlo Hub), or retain 2K/4K cloud video clips depending on your plan with the (optional) Arlo Smart subscription service. The cameras set up quickly through the Arlo app and play nice with all the major smart platforms—Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and IFTTT—making it easily one of the best home security cameras.

Best wireless: Ring Stick Up Cam Battery

SEE IT

Specs

• Resolution: 1080p
• Battery life: 6 months
• Viewing angle: 130 degrees diagonal, 110 degrees horizontal, 57 degrees vertical
• Storage: Cloud (available with subscription)

Pros

• Robust app
• Lots of accessories and integrations
• Indoor- and outdoor-friendly

Cons

• Strategic placement is important
• Some features require Ring’s cloud plan

When you hear the brand Ring, you may immediately think about doorbell cams, which is understandable considering the name and how the company started. But the product range includes whole-house solutions at an approachable price (a “Ring of security” is the new branding), including a completely wire-free option in a sleek, cylindrical form factor that’s both indoor/flat surface and outdoor/mount friendly. This Ring Stick Up Cam Battery has 1080p video with a 110-degree horizontal/57-degree vertical field of view, so strategic placement is important. And some features require paying for Ring’s cloud plan, but it’s a quickly up-and-running value with a robust app, particularly great for folks who already have Alexa devices (Amazon now owns Ring). And, because it’s an Amazon product, there are copious accessories (such as solar panels), for those inclined to upgrade.

Best floodlight: Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus

SEE IT

Specs

• Resolution: 1080 p
• Battery life: One year
• Viewing angle: 140 degrees horizontal, 80 degrees vertical
• Storage: Cloud storage

Pros

• Built-in 105-decibel siren
• Motion-activated lights
• Works with Alexa

Cons

• Reviews note problems with controlling the lights using Alexa

The Ring Floodlight cam projects 2,800 Lumens across a wide viewing angle to spook intruders and capture HD video in the harsh light of a soft white glow. Compare that to the 300-375 Lumens of a traditional spotlight cam. While placement isn’t as flexible, constrained to an outdoor, weatherproof electrical box for hardwiring, the Ring Floodlight offers all the same conveniences (night vision, a speaker, and a siren) of its battery-run brethren, plus the extra oomph. And, like products across the Ring line, alerts and video can be sent easily to various Echo speakers/screens, which can also accept commands for the Ring (which, don’t worry, also works with Google Assistant and IFTTT). Software handles everything, including custom scheduling for your floodlights; no physical hub required.

Best smart: Canary Flex Home Security Camera

SEE IT

Specs

• Resolution: 1080p
• Battery life: 2-3 months
• Viewing angle: 116 degrees
• Storage: Cloud storage

Pros

• Weatherproof
• Discreet
• Can choose between wired and wire-free

Cons

• More robust features only with a Premium Service plan

If you’re looking for flexibility, you’ll find it in both the Canary Flex name and feature set. Housed on a magnetic 360-degree swivel base, this smart security camera can operate wireless or plugged in, features up to 1080p HD automatic night vision video (though 720p is the default on a weak streaming connection), and two-way audio for spooking crooks and soothing children. There’s person and package detection (just don’t expect facial recognition akin to the much pricier Google Nest IQ cam, which is the best smart-home camera for AI if you’re restricting your search to indoor models). There’s no local storage, so you will need to pay for a service, but the Canary camera shares all the standard features of competitors and integrates with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It lacks a limit on where you can use it, however.

Best starter bundle: Wyze Cam v3 2-pack

SEE IT

Specs

• Resolution: 1080p
• Battery life: 6 months
• Viewing angle: 130 degrees
• Storage: microSD card

Pros

• Two-way audio
• IP65 weather resistance
• Continuous recording with microSD card

Cons

• Lacks removable battery

While it won’t win awards for aesthetics (unless you have fond memories of playing with building blocks as a child), the WYZE Cam exceeds in inexpensive efficiency as long as you don’t mind dedicating some in-home space. The WYZE outdoor security camera is weather-resistant for deployment around your home (network) perimeter, but it’s also easily detachable with a “Travel Mode” that allows you to take the camera with you to record video directly to your phone without WiFi. There are sacrifices—like the lack of a removable battery, so you have to dismount the entire camera for charging—but it’s magnetically connected, so that’s just a simple twist.

Best budget: Blink mini Compact Indoors Plug-in Cam

SEE IT

Specs

• Resolution: 1080p
• Battery life: Two years
• Viewing angle: 110 degrees diagonal
• Storage: Cloud storage

Pros

• Two-way audio
• Day and night HD video
• Motion detection

Cons

• Needs more cameras for more comprehensive coverage

Amazon’s most cost-efficient entry into the security camera market, the Blink mini meets the baseline features of competitors at a $35 price tag. It’s a palm-sized cube, must be plugged in (not uncommon for an indoors model), but is extremely practical. If you want the most approachable way to get 1080p livestream video with infrared night vision into your Alexa-maintained (or IFTTT-automated) monitoring routine, and don’t need native smart features like person/package detection, this is the best minimalist model to pick. It doesn’t feature the same audio triggers as Ring devices, and only saves clips to the cloud. More cameras, restricted to available wall sockets, might be required for the most comprehensive, widescreen coverage, but at this price that’s not a heavy lift.

Things to consider when choosing the best home security cameras

When it comes to picking the best home security cameras for your space, I spy with my little camera eye a lot of options. The size and cost of gear have gone down (units are available from $30 to $300), but the feature set has only expanded.

Easy-to-install models range from black-and-white video to streaming in vivid color, capturing just “standard” HD all the way up to 4K, storing video locally or in the cloud, permanently or temporarily. Some security cameras run 24/7, some are motion-activated, while others only come to life at the press of a button. There are those that have a fixed field of view, others that pan and tilt, some that are ruggedized with floodlights and/or night vision, and ones intended to be near well-lit wall sockets only. You get the idea. In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through the main decision points so you can truly pick the model that will work best for you. (If you’re on the market for a home security system and not just cameras, we’ve got you covered there, too.)

Do you want 4K resolution in your home security cameras?

Regular HD resolution (1080p, or 2 megapixels) is fine if you just need to confirm the presence of your restaurant take-out deliveries and get some protection against porch pirates and trash pandas. But what if you’re in a really high-traffic area, or have some high-value targets outside—an Airstream or a boat, for example. If, in the event of an incident, you want the ability to really zoom in on details, then Super HD (4 megapixels, or 2K) and especially the best 4K security camera (a full 8 megapixels) are the superior choice. If vandalism or an actual intrusion occurs, any footage collected could assist the police and/or insurance claims.

But remember: While wireless is convenient, all the resolution in the world won’t matter if your WiFi is subpar. Most connected security cameras support the 802.11 b/g/n standard and suggest a broadband connection with at least 2Mbps upload speed, but that’s the bare minimum for potentially spotty 1080p. If you want to stream in 4K without lag or pixelation, you need a stable connection of at least 25Mbps. Consider a new WiFi router or a WiFi booster to help expand your network.

Want to go totally wireless for less?

The best wireless security camera is always going to fit your needs and budget. You won’t get 4K at the $100 price point, but you can easily cover every corner without cutting corners (just cost). You can still get the convenience of a removable rechargeable battery and an understated enclosure that can withstand the elements. The most necessary features—at least 1080p HD video with infrared night vision, as well as two-way audio—are there no matter where you are.

An outdoor floodlight camera can offer extra security

Maybe you have a large, but not well-lit yard, and you noticed someone or something has been rummaging through your trash. If you want to find out if it’s a person looking for personally identifiable information or animals appreciating your taste in home cooking, you may need more than a solitary spotlight. Or maybe you have a work shed located in a darker recess of your property. The best floodlight camera will have advanced motion detection but also customized activity zones so that every bird passing by doesn’t trigger it. At worst, you’ll feel more secure and possibly end up with footage of some adorable animals feasting on leftovers.

Do you want a flexible, smart security camera?

Imagine you recently had a child, and you want a baby monitor, but you also plan to get a fancy new grill, and you’ll want to keep an eye on it overnight. You realize you need to slowly build out surveillance systems, but you don’t want them to get locked into any one ecosystem or environment because your needs and/or devices are evolving. In your case, the best security camera will be one that’s low-profile, battery-powered, weatherproof, and swift to install, while not being brand-exclusive like the Ring or Google Nest.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best home security cameras

• Best overall: Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight 2 Camera Kit
• Best wireless: Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
• Best floodlight: Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus
• Best smart: Canary Flex Home Security Camera
• Best starter bundle: Wyze Cam v3 2-pack
• Best budget: Blink mini Compact Indoors Plug-in Cam

Before you drill any holes or put a dent in your savings, survey where and when you need surveillance. Take into consideration device support and room for expansion. The best home security cameras will fit the physical footprint and type of activity you need to monitor, giving you consistent, reassuring coverage.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best home security cameras in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

It’s autumn, or close enough, and you know what that means: Sweater weather and speaker season! It’s the perfect time of year for all things crisp, whether it’s the air or the airwaves. Leaves are falling, and you can fall in love with a new full-featured connected home speaker from Tivoli Audio.

SEE IT

We vibe on the Tivoli Audio aesthetic. We have a parent who takes a Tivoli PAL BT portable Bluetooth radio outside with him while he gardens, and we’ve run across a Tivoli Model One Digital (Gen. 2) in the wild while glamping in a Getaway at the base of Shenandoah National Park. In both cases, Tivoli’s retromodern styling and modern connectivity were perfect for maxing and relaxing.

Now, the Boston-based speaker manufacturer has revealed a new entry in its Art Generation family: the Model Two Digital—a design-driven update to fit any interior. Whereas the Model One Digital had a classic tabletop orientation, the Model Two can sit horizontally or vertically, allowing for easier integration in any space. It’s 5 pounds, 5.1 x 9.9 x 6.2 inches of dynamic decor—just add wall socket. And a brushed aluminum grill with ionized finish replaces the previous design’s fabric front, making it easier to clean.

What hasn’t changed in the wood veneer cabinet is the versatility, with Bluetooth 5.2 (SBC and AAC) and WiFi (AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in), supporting streaming services such as Spotify Connect, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Tidal Connect, Deezer, Pandora, TuneIn, and more. In addition, a 3.5mm aux input accepts external sources, such as a preamp-enabled turntable. No matter what app or apparatus you feed it, the Model Two Digital’s two-way design, with 3.5-inch full-range driver and .75-inch tweeter, assures you can pump up the jams as you enjoy something pumpkin-spiced. And, with most controls taking place remotely on a smart device, a single sleek dial handles power/source/volume, etc., with an elegant LED strip displaying status. With the Tivoli Audio Model Two Digital, you can fill the room with audio clarity, not components.

The Model Two Digital is available in walnut/gold, white/silver, and black/black finishes and can be ordered now for $449.

The post Tivoli Audio intros its Model Two Digital streaming speaker appeared first on Popular Science.

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Dazed and confused, I wake up to my head forcefully bouncing off the window of an Acela train lurching homeward after an hours-long delay. Playing paddle ball with my sleepy skull for at least 100 miles, I probably should be concerned about a possible concussion. Instead, I’m in a half-awake panic because my earbud has fallen out, and I’m convinced it rolled the length of the car and is lost forever. Blinking away what’s left of my drowsy dread, I look down and see it dangling, safe and sound. I haven’t had audio perched on my shoulders for years and years and years (maybe since I rocked a boombox), but the new beyerdynamic Blue BYRD ANC (2nd generation) earbuds feature an old-school neckband that may find a more permanent roost in my travel bag.

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I admit not everyone will test their earbuds and cranium on Amtrak. And with the number of top-tier true wireless (TWS) earbuds out there (including beyer’s own Free BYRD), this is definitely a niche product. However, I have it on good authority that other use cases are particularly suited to a neckband. Mechanics and anyone transporting packages can appreciate not having to be worried an earbud will fall out into an engine or under a vehicle. Like most active noise cancellation earbuds, the Blue BYRD ANC headset has a transparency mode for conversations and general situational awareness. Still, sometimes it’s easier to pull one earbud out without worrying about where to put it. And sometimes it’s easier not to have to fish a phone out of a pocket to pause or change the volume, so controls on the right wire are convenient.

Runners can also benefit from not worrying about a slippery earbud flying out at full stride and skittering off the trail. The Blue BYRD neckband is rubberized, and the set comes with five sizes of silicone tips to help secure things, but sweat still happens (an IPX4 rating means said sweat shouldn’t hurt the ‘buds, but better to towel rather than rinse them off). Plus, the Blue BYRD ANC’s 10mm drivers have a frequency range of 10Hz-28kHz and a V-shaped signature with plentiful low-end, which is great for a high-intensity, pace-setting playlist. If that doesn’t suit you, there are a handful of EQ presets in the beyerdynamic MIY app. And if that still doesn’t suit you and you want earbuds for audiophiles that draw out every last nuanced note (and many many more dollars), there’s always the 5Hz – 50 kHz richly appointed warmth of the minituarized Tesla drivers in the $1,199 XELENTO Wireless (2nd Generation). Beyerdynamic is no stranger to studio grade-gear, so those are ultra-resolving, offering depths of details in a deceivingly diminutive body (get that high-high DAP charged up). Still, I wouldn’t recommend jogging or fixing a transmission with those, neckband or no.

OK, enough flights of fancy. Rounding off the Blue BYRD ANC earbuds’ specs, they offer Bluetooth 5.2 with supports for AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, and SBC codecs, multipoint, Qualcomm cVc microphones for clear calls, and they feature 14 hours battery life without ANC/8.5 with.

The beyerdynamic Blue BYRD ANC (2nd Generation) earbuds are available now for $149. Don’t care about ANC? You can get the beyerdynamic Blue BYRD (2nd Generation) earbuds for $69.99.

The post A little byrd told me neckband earbuds can still be handy appeared first on Popular Science.

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The Featherweight Heavyweight		JBL Flip 6		SEE IT	Safe if it’s submerged in water while you bath in sound.
Keep the beat louder longer		JBL Charge 5		SEE IT	Punchy without being paunchy.
BOOM! Shake Shake the Room		JBL Boombox 3		SEE IT	Take things to the next level wherever you take it.

If you’ve ever seen a concert in a stadium or a movie in stadium seating, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced JBL speakers. The company, founded in 1946, provided sound reinforcement for Woodstock (and countless shows since 1969). Decades later, JBL systems became the basis for the THX standard, which kicked off high-fidelity quality assurances in theaters and established JBL’s presence in many auditoriums. Our point is this: JBL had over half a century of experience pleasing crowds when the company started producing portable Bluetooth speakers, and that tradition continued from the introduction of the first Flip in 2012 until today—over 26 models and 100 million units later (with numbers like that, it’s no wonder we’ve put together this JBL speaker comparison).

The Flip wasn’t remarkable to look at. It was a cylinder, about the same as a tallboy of beer—pretty much what you’ve come to expect from countless brands (such as the Ultimate Ears speaker line). But this “party in your palm” caught on, and JBL’s Bluetooth speakers have become more resonant and resilient with each update. We’ve had the chance to audition the full line of JBL wireless speakers, from the personal-sized Flip 6 and Charge 5 to the party-focused Xtreme 3 and Boombox 3, and can say these wireless outdoor speakers are satisfying across the board. Now we’ll describe all the options to help you determine which party speaker is the top model for you.    

JBL speaker comparison

They say great music can take you on a journey, but sometimes you’ve already booked the trip and just need some tunes for the ride. With many models, JBL’s speaker lineup has options to accompany you, regardless of your space and/or budget constraints. Here’s a brief overview of several models, highlighting their most relevant features. This JBL speaker comparison runs from smallest to largest in size and price.

JBL Flip 6 $129 (or less)

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At just over a pound and, thanks to its size and shape, no harder to hold than your canned drink of choice, the JBL Flip 6 is a throw-anywhere go-anywhere speaker with a grippy texture and equally catchy sound. It’s rated IPX7, meaning it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes and survive. The battery life of 12 hours means you’ll need to leave the pool party before the Flip, and it can last on a long bike trip (plus it may fit in your bottle cage). And if you want to enjoy more sound without going up in size or price, you can pair Flip 6 speakers using PartyBoost—a feature shared by all the current-generation speakers shown here that lets you make stereo pairs or have up to 100 speakers play the same thing.  

JBL Charge 5 $179 (or less)

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If the Flip 6 can be compared to a 16-ounce beer, then the JBL Charge 5 is an overstuffed burrito. It packs improved Bluetooth (5 rather than 4.2), more dustproofing (IP67), a much larger battery, and increased bass than its smaller sibling. Claiming a 20-hour battery life, as well as a Powerbank feature that lets you charge another device over USB, the Charge 5 has an exclamation point embossed on its bass radiators and the sound to justify that emphatic punctuation. It delivers plenty of thump while removing more fear that it could get ruined rolling around in the sand or falling in the water.

JBL Xtreme 3 $379 (or less)

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Unlike more grab-and-go models, the JBL Xtreme 3 is portable in the same way a messenger bag is. It’s a little over 4 pounds and comes with a rugged nylon strap (with built-in bottle opener), so you can sling it over your shoulder. What you’re taking with you, however, is up to 15 hours of hammering peak-hour Bluetooth 5.1 audio, assuming you don’t drain the Powerbank (there’s also 3.5mm aux input, just in case you’ve got a device that doesn’t play nice with wireless). It looks like the Charge 5 on steroids and sounds like it, too. The speaker reproduces thick, rumbling, authoritative basslines, and the IP67 waterproofing means the beats can continue to rain (reign?) down even if the skies do.

JBL Boombox 3 $499 (or less)

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The 13-pound 160W JBL Boombox 3 isn’t the biggest speaker in the company’s line. Still, it is the largest we can reasonably call “portable” rather than transportable (such as the similarly powerful PartyBox 110. With a molded, built-in handle, IP67 (surf and sand protection), and 24 hours of battery life, the Boombox 3 can occupy any space where you want to rattle some tectonic (or dinner) plates. Thanks to the new three-way speaker design and 40 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response, thunderous lows come in seismic waves but with plenty of presence in the mids and highs to maintain its sonic composure. There’s Bluetooth 5.3, a 3.5mm aux input, and the same Powerbank and PartyBoost features as other models (though linking two of these might be too intense for anyone save for the most hardcore). However, make sure you book time, and a convenient wall plug, well before transporting the visceral thrills, as the Boombox 3 takes 6.5 hours to charge and uses an AC adapter instead of USB (unlike the models above). 

What about the JBL PartyBox speakers? 

While JBL’s portable Bluetooth speakers are accomplished in their own right, there’s a next level to the company’s party speakers that truly leverages JBL’s history in concert PAs. From the $299 100W JBL PartyBox Encore Essential to the $499 240W JBL PartyBox 310 to the $1,299 1100W JBL PartyBox 1000, the top line of JBL high-power wireless speakers packs in ring lights and strobe effects, plus expanded connectivity you can wheel in to form the centerpiece of an expansive, expressive backyard party. Good for DJs, karaoke, or a small musical performance, these speakers feature Bluetooth 5.1, the ability to play digital files off of USB drives, as well as 3.5mm aux and ¼-inch mic/instrument jacks. You can daisy chain speakers with a cable, or pair two wirelessly for a stereo presentation. While the JBL PartyBox 1000 adds even more inputs, built-in effects, and even a bass boost, in case excessive isn’t enough.

What makes JBL’s portable Bluetooth speakers so appealing?

JBL has over a decade in the portable personal audio market, and each generation of the company’s wireless outdoor speakers keeps them firmly in the conversation for best portable Bluetooth speaker. The company’s speakers get increasingly more durable, the Bluetooth signal gets stronger, and the sound is bigger without becoming unbalanced. If you want to increase the volume but don’t want to replace the speakers you already have, you can use the proprietary PartyBoost protocol to link any of the current models—Flip 6, Charge 5, Xtreme 3, and/or Boombox 3—interchangeably. 

JBL speaker comparison: Design

JBL’s portable Bluetooth speakers share a design language meant to cry out “Excitement!” Emphasis on that exclamation point, which is in the central JBL logo and seen pumping on the bass radiators. The company offers bold colors and patterns on most of its stock speakers, as well as the ability on its website to personalize—for a small surcharge—the Flip 6’s casing color and woven fabric (you can even upload your own image to be wrapped around the speaker). 

The form factor of the Flip 6, Charge 5, and Xtreme 3 can be simply described as “log” … “bulging burrito” if you’re hungry for a more tasty interpretation. This isn’t industrial design; it’s functional but flashy. The Boombox 3, well, markets itself with its iconic silhouette. If you lived through the ’80s or early ’90s or sat through many a movie set in the ’80s or early ’90s, you’ll feel a tinge of nostalgia for the image of grabbing a boombox by the handle on your way to a back-alley dance battle. All models share a set of rubberized buttons for power, pairing, play/pause/skip, volume, and PartyBoost.

As for the PartyBox series, those colorful columns stand out in stature and hue as they sync their lights to the beat.

Which JBL portable Bluetooth speaker is best for you?

Since JBL’s speakers all sound great, determining the one that is right for you ultimately comes down to how big a budget and/or party you have. For just $129, the Flip 6 is budget-friendly and small enough to fit any bag (while sounding good enough to match any mood), but it’s best for an intimate gathering—a few people poolside, fireside, etc. 

The Charge 5 costs a little more and is a little less compact, but packs a lot more sound and battery life, making it a great investment and possibly the best Bluetooth speaker for the beach or casual backyard BBQs. The Xtreme 3 takes up more space in transit but its sound is even more transportive, so it’s certainly in the equation if you’re having the neighbors over, too. And the Boombox 3, well, it adds a lot of bulk but so. much. boom. Its wireless range, without obstructions, is almost as tremendous as its ability to be cranked up without distortion. Unless you really plan to move a crowd, Boombox 3 is more than intense enough for meaty meet-ups in wide yards and warehouses without sacrificing portability like you would when you move up to the PartyBox line (save for the bassy brick that is the PartyBox Encore Essential).  

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post JBL speaker comparison: Which model is right for your party? appeared first on Popular Science.

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Bookshelf speakers will enhance your listening experience with a wider stereo image and a more vibrant sound than what you get from a TV, laptop, or even the best portable Bluetooth speaker. And powered speakers mean you don’t have to worry about amps and other components—some of them even let you stream audio wirelessly from a phone, tablet, etc., so no more worrying about where to put the CD player, etc. We’ve scoured Prime Day listings to find the best stereo speakers that can deliver you a true soundstage and a rich response for any budget. If you want space-filling sound from speakers that won’t make your room crowded, you’ve come to the right place.

Fluance Ai41 Powered 2-Way 2.0 Stereo Bookshelf Speakers $199 (Was $249)

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A Canadian-based company, Fluance designs hi-fi components to deliver rich sound without spending a fortune. The Ai41 bookshelf speakers deliver on this promise thanks to each speaker’s 5-inch woven glass fiber composite driver and a 1-inch silk soft-dome neodymium ferrofluid-cooled tweeter. The 8.52-pound right speaker is active—containing the internal DAC/Class D amp and power cord socket, a rear panel with connections for external sources, and a control knob in the lower right corner of its face. The slightly lighter (7.44-pound) left speaker functions as a passive satellite. One of the advantages of such an arrangement is that you only need one wall socket to drive the 90W of continuous average output—45W RMS per side. For relatively small powered speakers, they got pretty loud without distorting. The Fluance Ai41 supports three different types of connections: Bluetooth (5.0+BR+EDR+BLE), optical (TOSLINK), and analog (via RCA jacks). An RCA output on the right speaker cuts out all the bass below 80Hz from the speakers when you connect it to a dedicated sub. 

During our reviewer’s hands-on evaluation, he was “impressed with the expressive frequency range—a DSP-enhanced 35Hz-20kHz,” and found “the clarity and balance of the speakers to be quite good. The overall output was accurate while enthusiastic, smooth without being overly polished.”

KEF LSX II Wireless HiFi Speaker System, $999.98 (Was $1,399.99)

On the opposite end of the price spectrum is the KEF LSX II, a compact set of connected speakers that proves limited space doesn’t have to mean restricted listening. A scaled-down version of the LS50 Wireless II—one of our top powered speakers—the LSX II’s biggest strength is versatility. You can connect the self-amplified speakers to a TV using its HDMI ARC or Optical port, a computer via USB-C, hundreds of analog devices using its AUX-in jack, or connect to it wirelessly over Bluetooth 4.2 or AirPlay 2—with support for Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Chromecast, Roon, UPnP, and more. A subwoofer output allows you to augment the bass after the fact, too. If you want one set of speakers that can provide vivid sound to match an OLED TV and stay connected to a laptop or turntable, the LSX IIs become cost-effective.

The DAC in the LSX II can process 24-bit digital audio files at resolutions up to 384kHz, playing them back at a resampling rate up to 24-bit/96kHz (with a wired connection between the speakers). Investing in KEF speakers all but guarantees excellent audio (so long as the source material is well-recorded and -mastered) thanks to the magnesium/aluminum Uni-Q driver array that delivers a wide sweet spot. It’s almost as simple as plug them in and hit play. If you’ve been saving up for class-leading sound, don’t skip this sale.

Check out these other powered speaker sets for scintillating sound at approachable price points:

• Edifier R1280T with Auxiliary and RCA Bookshelf Speakers, 2.0 Stereo Active Near Field Monitors Wooden Enclosure 42 Watts RMS Wood $83 (Was $119)
• Edifier R1280DBs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers – Optical Input – 2.0 Wireless Studio Monitor Speaker – 42W RMS with Subwoofer Line Out $111 (Was $159)
• Edifier R2000DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers – Near-Field Studio Monitors – Optical Input – 120 Watts RMS $230 (Was $329)
• Edifier M601DB Bookshelf Coaxial Bluetooth with Optical & Auxiliary Speakers with 8 Inch Wireless Subwoofer, 2.1 Computer System Bluetooth 5.1 AptX, 110W RMS, Black $189 (Was $279)
• Positive Grid Spark 40-Watt Combo Practice Guitar Amplifier Electric Bass and Acoustic Guitar Amp with Spark Mobile App $239 (Was $299)

Wondering what to pair with those new speakers? Check out these great deals on turntables and streaming solutions:

• Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable with Analog & USB outputs $248 (Was $349)
• Audio-Technica AT-LP3BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable $199 (Was $249)
• House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable with 2 Speed Belt, Built-in Pre-Amp, and Sustainable Materials $159 (Was $199)
• House of Marley Stir It Up Wireless Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity, 2 Speed Belt, Built-in Pre-Amp, and Sustainable Materials $199 (Was $249)
• Sony PS-LX310BT Fully Automatic Belt Drive Turntable with Bluetooth and USB Output $178 (Was $249)
• WiiM Pro AirPlay 2 Receiver, Chromecast Audio, WiFi Multiroom Streamer $119 (Was $149)
• WiiM Mini AirPlay 2 Wireless Audio Streamer, Multiroom Stereo, Preamplifier $78 (Was $109)
• Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH Surround Sound Home Theater 8K A/V Receiver: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX, Bluetooth, WiFi, Google Chromecast, Spotify connect, Apple AirPlay, HDMI 2.1 $598 (Was $899)

The post These last-minute Prime Day speaker deals elevate your audio while lowering costs appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If you want to cancel more noise and more cost with your headphone and earbud selection(s), Amazon Prime Day will be music to your ears. Some top-tier active noise-canceling options are on sale and listed below, including the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, Apple AirPods Max, Focal Bathys Over-Ear Hi-Fi Bluetooth ANC Headphones, Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Over-Ear ANC Headphones, Bose QuietComfort II Earbuds, Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 ANC IPX4 Earbuds, and more. We’ve also collected some amazing budget buys so you can pump up the savings and the jams. But suppose you want the ultimate balance of comfort and clarity. In that case, we recommend going in the opposite direction, finding an already quiet corner, and plugging in the Sennheiser set we’ve spotlighted. Whether you’re an on-the-go gear connoisseur or setting up a luxurious listening station, you’ll find we’re on the same wavelength with our focus on assembling a more affordable audio oasis with gear offered at its lowest price in months.

All of these Prime Day deals require an active Amazon Prime Membership. You can sign up here for a free 30-day trial.

Sennheiser HD 660S2 Wired Open-Back Audiophile Headphones $379.95 (Was $599.95)

SEE IT

Looking for an expansive listen with an expressive midrange? Sennheiser is one of the first names that come to mind when discussing reference-level headphones with low harmonic distortion. Introduced in early 2023, the Sennheiser HD 660S2 is a retooled, bass-reinforced revision in the German audiophile brand’s long-running series of headphones for exploring the silkier parts of the sonic spectrum. The soundstage is wide but precise but now extends into even more dramatic depths—with sub-bass reaching to 70 Hz. While the open-back build means there’s no isolation, it also contributes to a toned sense of imaging, making these excellent headphones both for fans of musicality and musculature—the kind of comfortable, masterful set that is as good with heated gaming as it is hot tracks.

Sennheiser

• Sennheiser HD 600 Audiophile Hi-Res Open-Back Dynamic Headphones $283 (Was $449.95)
• Sennheiser HD 599 SE Around-Ear Open-Back Headphones $79 (Was $199)
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 ANC IPX4 Earbuds $176 (Was $279)
• Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless ANC IPX4 Earbuds $95 (Was $179.95)
• Sennheiser HD 450SE Black Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Headphone $79 (Was $199)
• Sennheiser IE 200 In-Ear Audiophile Headphones with TrueResponse Transducers $95 (Was $149.95)

Sony

• Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry-Leading Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) $328 (Was $399)
• Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Over-The-Ear Headphones $98 (Was $149)
• Sony WF-1000XM4 Industry-Leading Noise-Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds $198 (Was $278)
• Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds $128 (Was $199)
• Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Open-Ring Earbuds $128 (Was $179.99)

Bose

• Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones $229 (Was $329)
• Bose QuietComfort ANC Earbuds II (Triple Black) $249 (Was $299)
• Bose Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones 700 $299 (Was $379)

Apple

• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds $89 (Was $129)
• Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones w/ ANC and Spatial Audio $449 (Was $549)

Jabra

• Jabra Elite 4 Active Bluetooth Earbuds $66.99 (Was $119.99)
• Jabra Elite 5 ANC Bluetooth Earbuds $89.99 (Was $149.99) 
• Jabra Elite 7 Active ANC ShakeGrip Bluetooth Earbuds $109.99 (Was $179.99)
• Jabra Elite 7 Pro Adjustable ANC True Wireless Earbuds w/ MultiSensor Voice tech for clear calls $113.99 (Was $199.99)

Audio-Technica

• Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Black) $132 (Was $199)
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (Black) $118 (Was $169)
• Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Black) $55 (Was $79)

Cambridge Audio

• Melomania Touch True Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 earphones $59.99 (Was $99.99)

Marshall Headphones

• Marshall Minor III True Wireless earphones (Black) $85.99 (Was $129.99)
• Marshall Major IV On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones (Black) $119 (Was $149.99)

Skullcandy

• Skullcandy Indy Evo True Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds $28.99 (Was $69.99)
• Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds $27 (Was $49.99)
• Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Earbud $47 (Was $79.99)
• Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones $144 (Was $199)

1MORE

• 1MORE Aero Wireless Earbuds with Spatial Audio, 42dB Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation $65 (with coupon, Was $109.99)
• 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth 5.2 Earbuds $64.99 (with coupon, Was $99.99)
• 1MORE SonoFlow Active Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones with LDAC $74 (with coupon, Was $99.99)

TREBLAB

• TREBLAB Z2 Over-Ear Bluetooth 5.0 ANC Workout Headphones with Microphone $69.95 (Was $119.97)
• TREBLAB X3 Pro True Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 IPX7 Earbuds with Earhooks $47 (Was $99.97)

EarFun

• EarFun Air Pro 3 Bluetooth 5.3 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds with aptX, 6 Mics CVC 8.0 ENC $49 (with clickable coupon & code PDAP3PR1, Was $79)

JBL

• JBL Live 660NC Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones $85 (Was $199)
• JBL Tune 230NC TWS True Wireless In-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones $39 (Was $99)

SteelSeries

• Nova 7 Wireless Gaming Headset $132 (Was $179.99)
• Arctis 9 Wireless Gaming Headset $109.99 (Was $199.99)
• Arctis 1 Wireless Gaming Headset $42 (Was $99.99)

Summit-Fi + Bonus Beats

• Focal Bathys Over-Ear Hi-Fi Bluetooth ANC Headphones $699 (Was $799)
• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Over-Ear ANC Headphones $329 (Was $399)
• Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones $674 (Was $899)
• Edifier STAX Spirit S3 Wireless Planar-Magnetic Hi-Fi Headphone with Snapdragon Sound $319 (Was $399)
• Technics EAH-A800-K Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones with Multi-Point Connectivity $235 (Was $347)
• beyerdynamic Free BYRD True Wireless Bluetooth ANC Earbuds w/ Sound Personalization $179 (Was $199)
• Meze 99 Classics Walnut Gold | Wired Wooden Closed-Back Audiophile Headphones $231 (Was $309)
• KZ AS10 LINSOUL 5BA High-Resolution In-Ear Earphones with 0.75mm 2-pin Cable $47 (Was $59)
• FiiO FH3 1DD+2BA High-Resolution Wired MMCX IEMs $87 (Was $109)
• FiiO FW5 TWS Bluetooth 5.2 Earbuds w/ 10mm Dynamic Drivers, LHDC/aptX Adaptive $99 (Was $119)
• iBasso DX320 Digital Audio Player, Hi-Res Audio and Media Player $1,279 (Was $1,599)
• HiBy R5 Gen 2 Android-based Hi-Res Audio Player $299 (Was $449)

Going to see live music? Check out these deals on earplugs for concerts:

• Eargasm High-Fidelity Earplugs for Concerts, Musicians, Motorcycles, Noise-Sensitivity Conditions, and More $31
• Minuendo High-Fidelity Acoustic Adjustable dB Attenuation Earplugs $126.50 (Was $169)

The post These are the sweetest-sounding last-minute Prime Day headphone & earbud deals appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If you’re looking for the all-around best deals on 360-degree sound, Nakamichi Shockwafe wireless surround sound systems are at their lowest price since Black Friday as part of an early Amazon Prime Day 2023 promotion. For instance, you can get the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra Wireless Surround Sound System on sale for $1,097.99 (regularly $1,499.99) or the even more advanced Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra eARC SSE MAX on sale for $1,475.99 (regularly $1,899).

All of these Prime Day deals require an active Amazon Prime Membership. You can sign up here for a free 30-day trial.

SEE IT

Our reviewer declared the flagship Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra eARC MAX a literal and figurative blast offering loud, full-spectrum detail and realism. This 9.2.4-channel system, with 18 drivers total, delivers 1,300W/113 dB audio, and supports HDMI 2.1, optical, coaxial, RCA, and Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD connections, with Dolby Vision/4K HDR/Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X compatibility. The four wireless surround sound speakers, paired with dual 10-inch subwoofers and Nakamichi’s Spatial Surround Elevation audio processing engine, enhance the already impressive soundbar with a heightened sense of spaciousness. If you’re investing in a vivid new QLED TV, make sure you have an expressive soundstage to match.

Here are additional home-theater and personal wireless audio choices to cut clutter and increase immersion:

• Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 eARC $997.99 (Was $1,299.99)
• Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 SSE $847.99 (Was $1,099.99)
• Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 eARC $717.99 (Was $899.99)
• Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch 500W Dolby Atmos Soundbar $998 (Was $1,399.99)
• Amazon Echo Studio Dolby Atmos Smart Speaker $154.99 (Was $199.99)
• Amazon Echo Buds (2023) Bluetooth 5.2 Earbuds $34.99 (Was $49.99)
• Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen.) With Clock $29.99 (Was $59.99)
• JBL FLIP 6 Bluetooth speaker $99.95 (Was $129.95)
• KEF LSX II Wireless HiFi Speaker System $999.98 (Was $1,399.99)

The post Cut cords and cost with a Shockwafe wireless surround sound system on sale for Prime Day appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Klipsch The Nines		SEE IT	Featuring copious connectivity and punchy, almost tower-sized sound, these horn-loaded tweeters and 8-inch woofers are begging for you to break out that Cheap Trick at Budokan reissue.
Best Smart		Sonos Era 300		SEE IT	A small speaker with big personality that can unfold immersive audio as easily as it can rope in a preamp-equipped turntable.
Best budget		Edifier R1280DBs		SEE IT	Edifier’s R1280DBs represent an excellent, affordable self-contained digital audio system ready to accomodate a preamp-equipped turntable.

If you’ve finally decided to give vinyl a shot (or to dust off your old collection), you’ll need to hook your turntable up to a good pair of speakers. To truly experience sonic excellence, every link in your chain must perform as well as possible. The good news is that, with a little forethought and the right components, you can hook a record player up to any set of speakers. The bad news is all those options can introduce choice paralysis. Don’t worry, however, as we’ve done thorough research and testing to identify the best turntable speakers available to buy right now.

• Best overall: Klipsch The Nines
• Best smart: Sonos Era 300
• Best floorstanding: Fluance Ai81 Elite
• Best compact: Andover Audio Spinbase MAX
• Best bookshelf: PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers
• Best passive: KEF LS50 Meta
• Best budget: Edifier R1280DBs

How we chose the best turntable speakers

The reporters at PopSci take audio quality very seriously but want to make the journey of finding the right turntable and everything associated with it as simple as possible for you. Yes, we’ll dive into some nerdy speaker specs for those who want it, but our approach was to make our findings digestible for anybody. We factored in everything from price to the size of your room and other equipment you may or may not want in your audio setup. Want the connectivity and processing of an AV receiver? That’s perfectly fine. Live in a small space? We have you covered. Want to use the same set of speakers for both analog and digital equipment? Sure thing. Chances are you’re not going to replace or upgrade your turntable speakers frequently, so it’s important to consider your current and future needs to select the right pair.

The best turntable speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

Choosing turntable speakers is all about getting the best sound from your records. That simple axiom should be your North Star while choosing speakers, the same way it was for us during our tests and research. Our recommendations cover the spectrum of cost, connectivity options, shapes, and sizes, so anyone can find a pair they can be happy with.

Best overall: Klipsch The Nines

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Specs

• Dimensions: 13.38 x 9.5 x 19.13 inches
• Powered: Yes
• Drivers: 1-inch titanium tweeters on Tractrix horns, 8-inch woofer
• Ports: 1 x RCA, 1 x USB, 1 x Optical, 1 x AUX, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Subwoofer out
• Bluetooth: Yes

Pros

• Concert-like sound
• Suitable for turntables and high-res audio files
• Built-in phono preamp

Cons

• Cost

Want a set of speakers with a connection panel dressed to the nines? That’s not why Klipsch named its latest set of powered speakers (it’s because the Nines are bigger than the Fives and the Sevens), but it’s fitting. And during our time with the Nines, we found Klipsch knocked it out of the park.

Our tests included hooking the speakers up to an Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP direct-drive turntable. While the speakers’ built-in preamp was bested by a standalone ART DJ Pre II phono preamp, we found the convenience of using The Nines as-is to be very compelling. We’re also fans of the fact that Klipsch’s speakers feature a grounding peg, so your music won’t have to compete with an annoying hum. In our listening area—a 15×20-foot room—the speakers filled the room with well-balanced sound. Though it has a subwoofer output, we never considered plugging one in thanks to the bass responsive of each speaker’s massive woofer. While they worked well out of the box, we were able to make EQ tweaks using Klipsch’s mobile app.

A big part of The Nines’ appeal is that they’re an all-in-one audio system for lively sound afficiandos. Yes, a sound system made up of multiple components can sound better, but you’d end up spending more money and taking up more space—again, convenience without much compromise makes a compelling case for these speakers. Admittedly, The Nines are larger than standard bookshelf speakers (they’re more of a standmount speaker), but they’re still relatively compact considering the punchy, almost tower-sized sound the horn-loaded tweeters and 8-inch woofers can produce. While we’re recommending The Nines wholeheartedly for use with a turntable, digital music listeners will appreciate the fact that their DAC supports native playback for 24-bit/192 kHz resolution audio files. Whether you hook them up to a record player, TV, or computer, you’re going to get a consistent experience.

This set of turntable speakers is part of a series designed for listeners who sweat the details, and we could recommend all those speakers for analog music enthusiasts. But The Nines remain a cut (and several decibels of dynamic bass) above.

Best smart: Sonos Era 300

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Specs

• Dimensions: 7.44 x 10.24 x 6.65 inches
• Powered: Yes
• Drivers: 4 x tweeters, 2 x woofers
• Ports: 1x USB-C
• Bluetooth: Yes

Pros

• Immersive audio from a compact cinched design
• Accomodates high-fidelity streaming via WiFi, as well as Bluetooth sources (via SBC and AAC codecs)
• Has custom-designed acoustic accompaniment in the form of Victrola’s Stream Onyx turntable
• Can accomodate preamp-equipped turntables via a $19 USB-C dongle featuring a 3.5mm line-in jack

Cons

• Can’t replicate the soundstage width of a properly oriented stereo pair
• Not going to produce the low end of many of our other choices
• Requires a dongle and some sort of preamp for turntable playback

In the Venn diagram of immediate-immersive-impressive, the Era 300 sits in a roomy overlap. With six positional drivers in a completely original acoustic design, it’s purpose-built to produce expansive playback without a room-filling setup. Inside each Era 300 are four tweeters (one forward-firing, two side-firing, one up-firing), and two woofers (left/right). Each custom driver is powered by a dedicated class-D amplifier and paired with a custom waveguide to help direct and correct its response for clarity. And, thanks to a USB-C port that can accept a custom adapter with a 3.5mm aux input, the Era 300 can harken back to an earlier analog era when paired with a preamp-equipped turntable and an appropriate patch cable. (Want to skip all that? Get one of the Works With Sonos turntables like the network-enabled Victrola Stream Carbon Turntable.)

Say you want to compare an Apple Music Dolby Atmos mix of the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” with a 180g stereo pressing … the Era 300 will let you do that, once you understand how to navigate sources (as discussed in our full review). There’s a simplicity and complexity to the setup. For instance, to earn the smart speaker designation we’ve bestoyed, the Era 300 also supports Alexa and Sonos Voice Control on top of Apple’s AirPlay 2, Trueplay auto-calibration, and a fully featured app with streaming sources and adjustable EQ. It’s a speaker that easily slots into a whole-home audio system, or just sits pretty next to a sturdy plinth (and, unlike the other options, it’s the best portable option).

Best floorstanders: Fluance Ai81 Elite

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Specs

• Dimensions: 37.8 x 8.50 x 10.24 inches
• Powered: Yes
• Drivers: 1 x 1-inch tweeter, 2 x 6.5-inch woofers
• Ports: 2 x RCA, 1 x Optical, 1 x Subwoofer out
• Bluetooth: Yes

Pros

• Acoustic bass enhancement built into the design
• Good frequency response
• Can be paired with a subwoofer
• Easy connectivity from multiple sources

Cons

• Requires multiple power outlets
• No active bass

Usher your home audio into the stratosphere with the Fluance Ai81. Eschewing the need for an AV receiver or amplifier, these two-channel speakers are internally powered, with 150 watts of RMS divided between the two units. Each speaker contains two 6.5-inch woven glass fiber drivers and a neodymium tweeter. The speakers are also built around a down-firing natural concavity that enhances bass acoustically. With a 30 Hz–20 kHz response (DSP enhanced), these speakers do a solid job with most of the audio spectrum passing through your living room. However, their 30 Hz low-end might not have enough oomph for some, but that’s okay because connecting a subwoofer to this system is easy. And, at only $499 a pair, these speakers leave you with enough money in your budget for some external augmentation or high-end sources … maybe a turntable upgrade, like the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK Wireless Direct-Drive Turntable?

With walnut, ash, or bamboo sides, this beautiful speaker system will augment any listening station visually and audibly. With multiple connection options—including RCA, Optical, and Bluetooth 5.0—it’s ready for anything you want to play, though a preamp is required before the RCA input. Attractive and articulate, these powered 2-way tower speakers can let your vinyl speak volumes.

Best compact: Andover Audio Spinbase MAX

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Specs

• Dimensions: 22.3 x 19.6 x 8.5 inches
• Powered: Yes
• Drivers: 2 x 1-inch tweeters, 2 x 3.5-inch woofers
• Ports: 1 x RCA, 1 x AUX, 1 x Subwoofer output
• Wireless: Yes

Pros

• All-in-one design
• Built-in phono preamp
• IsoGroove Technology keeps it from rattling your turntable

Cons

• Stereo separation isn’t as good as multi-speaker setups

If you’re short on space but don’t want to skimp on sound, Andover Audio’s SpinBase MAX is the right turntable speaker for you. Rather than building two separate speakers that need to be connected with a cable, Andover Audio fit all of the components into a soundbar-looking platform designed to sit directly below your record player. In our tests, the vibration from this speaker didn’t make a turntable’s needle jump even when listening to bassier music at a moderate volume level.

The SpinBase MAX’s understated look complements its integrated design. All of the speaker’s inputs and outputs are located on its backside, while the front features its large volume knob. Turning the volume knob clockwise turns it on, while turning it counterclockwise turns it off. We have to admit, a turntable does look pretty cool sitting on top of this speaker, and aesthetics have always mattered in audio—though not nearly as much as sound.

Thankfully, Andover Audio sweated the details there, too. The SpinBase MAX produced music that was detailed and textured when paired with Victrola’s Stream Onyx turntable (which is tailormade to play wirelessly with Sonos gear, such as the Era 300 above, as we discuss in our full review). We could easily pick out individual instruments in rock, pop, and jazz music across the entire frequency range. You can also tweak its sound by twisting bass and treble knobs on the back of the speaker. Your experience will be dependant on your turntable, the condition of your albums, and how the music was mixed and mastered, but if you hear bad sound it’s not because of this speaker.

The one place where Andover Audio’s SpinBase Max falls down is in stereo separation, though the situation isn’t as dire as it may seem. The speaker’s drivers are pointed outward, so sound does come at you from multiple directions to create a respectable soundstage. Still, it’s not quite as accurate as the one you’d get from a two-speaker system, which gives you full control over each one’s angle. On the plus side, you never need to worry about whether two speakers are spaced equidistantly from a wall, or whether you’re sitting in the “sweet spot.”

The SpinBase MAX succeeds at being a great solution for turntable enthusiasts without enough room for a huge audio system, and its Bluetooth support is a nice bonus if you also like listening to digital music. The company also offers a smaller version of the speaker for $299.

Best bookshelf: PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers

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Specs

• Dimensions: 6.22 x 5.98 x 4.09 inches
• Powered: Yes
• Drivers: 1 x 3/4-inch aluminum dome tweeter w/ neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling, 1 x 4-inch polypropylene mid-bass driver w/ steel basket and rubber surround
• Ports: 1 x RCA, 1 x AUX, 1 x Optical, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x USB, 1 x HDMI eARC, 1 x MM phono input
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth (SBC, AAC, aptX HD), plus WiFi

Pros

• Can handle any format, from dusty to digital
• Moving Magnet phono preamp built in
• DSP crossover and tuned rear-firing ports for bass extension
• BluOS whole-house audio setup compatibility
• Subwoofer output

Cons

• You’re only going to get so much bass out of a 4″ woofer
• While sized to fit any shelf, these speakers are still best for small rooms

The ALPHA iQ powered pair from Ontario, Canada’s PSB Speakers is compact enough to fit any shelf—tucked beside LPs, flanking a laptop, or bookending a turntable, naturally—and offer natural, nuanced playback from any imaginable source. Yes, they’re $1,299 a set (in satin white or black) and may not look like much for that price, but you’d be mistaken. Packed with class D amplifiers and wirelessly paired together, the primary and secondary speakers only require two wall sockets and WiFi to give you access to AirPlay 2 and countless high-resolution streaming services through the BluOS app (while also allows you to sync/pass off audio between compatible speakers on your home network, such as the Omni-Hybrid PULSE M).

There’s TIDAL Connect with MQA decoding, and Spotify Connect built-in. There’s also Bluetooth 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX HD), a Toslink optical input, and you can play (up to) 24-bit/192 kHz digital files off an external USB drives. An HDMI input lets you make it a movie (or gaming) night. But we’re here because of analog albums, and these pint-sized but persuasive connected speakers include a moving magnet phono input (or 3.5mm aux-in for preamp-equipped platters) that invites any top-notch record player to the party. The ALPHA iQs impart the warmth and lucidity of well-maintained grooves, though a low-impedance cartridge can leave you wanting for more volume (and don’t forget to turn off the BluOS tone-shaping options).

A comprehensive hub for expressive audio, the active, two-way design maintains its composure and delivers full-fidelity finesse no matter how you feed the Alpha iQ. Balance and separation are top-notch, aided by PSB’s signature driver inversion—the woofer on top/tweeter on bottom configuration helps keep frequencies in phase, whether standing or sitting. And the pair’s proportions can be deceiving; the ALPHA iQ speakers push impressive air for their size, capable of reaching a punchy 90 dB without breaking up (not recommended for medical reasons). No, they can’t defy physics, so fans of hip-hop, hyperpop, etc., may wish for more bass, but there’s more than you’d expect and a subwoofer output if you require reinforcement. In a typically sized room (or tighter space), the ALPHA iQ will allow you to fill the space with sound, not cords.

Best passive: KEF LS50 Meta

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Specs

• Dimensions: 7.87 x 11.02 x 11.89 inches
• Powered: No
• Drivers: 12th-generation Uni-Q driver, embedding 1 x 1-inch tweeter in 1 x 5.25-inch aluminum cone woofer
• Ports: N/A
• Bluetooth: No

Pros

• Entirely transparent sound
• Extraordinary detail
• Expansive sweet spot
• Singular style

Cons

• Pricey
• Not as good in the low end as some passive speakers

KEF speakers, particularly 2012’s LS50, have dazzled audiophiles for years, but the updated LS50 Meta two-way bass-reflex speakers take the stunning clarity of sound to an even higher level. A new 12th-generation Uni-Q driver embeds the 1-inch tweeter within the 5.25-inch woofer, giving the LS50 Meta ($1,499 a pair) a stark, single-cone look and stunning off-axis response (as you can see in the $2,799 KEF LS50 Wireless II above, which shares a driver assembly with the LS50 Meta).

New, proprietary Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) is integrated behind the driver to reduce distortion. The result is a beautiful design and an even more satisfying sound. These hi-fi speakers deliver a frequency response of 47Hz-45kHz and a maximum output of 106dB from a relatively compact enclosure of 11.89 inches (H) by 7.87 inches (W) by 10.94 inches (D). Because the LS50 Meta is a passive system, you’ll need to supply it with ample power. While you could opt for a bulky receiver, another option is an all-in-one player like the Cambridge EVO 150, an attractive, audiophile 150W-per-channel streaming amp/DAC for building the best-sounding system to project powerful audio without taking up much area (it’s also a convenient hub for digital and analog connections, including a MM phono preamp).

If you’d prefer to achieve the same pinpoint imaging in self-contained, self-amplified speakers, the KEF LS50 Wireless II is the premium pick, the best wireless option, because it takes the foundation of the LS50 Meta and folds in 100W of power; HDMI, analog, and digital audio ports; plus Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, including 24-bit/96kHz wireless streaming and compatibility with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon, HD and Ultra HD music from Amazon Music, and more. Though you will need an external preamp to bring the signal up to appropriate levels. DSP helps the bass hit lower and harder than the Meta, while the impact that the sonically and aesthetically complementary KEF KC62 subwoofer can add to either for extending the low end and opening up the headroom cannot be overstated.

Best budget: Edifier R1280DBs

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Specs

• Dimensions: 5.75 x 7.72 x 9.21 inches
• Powered: Yes
• Drivers: 1x .75-inch tweeter, 1 x 4-inch woofer
• Ports: 2 x RCA, 1 x Optical, 1 x Coax, 1 x Subwoofer output
• Bluetooth: Yes

Pros

• Price
• On-speaker EQ controls
• Wireless connectivity

Cons

• No built-in preamp

The R1280DBs typify Edifier’s mission to bring excellent value to the world of audio, and are a great entry point if you’ve gotten your first turntable. The speakers feature a multi-driver audio system with a subwoofer output in case you need more bass, several connectivity options, and Bluetooth support. A pair EQ knobs on the right speaker allow you to tweak the R1280DBs’ bass and treble to your taste, which is a feature most speakers lack.

Edifier even includes a remote, so you can switch inputs or adjust the speaker’s volume from across the room, and three sets of cables so you can begin using them immediately. For $150 you’re not going to get the same quality of sound that you would from the PSB ALPHA iQs above, but those speakers are almost ten times as expensive. That said, in our experience, Edifier’s speakers have always performed very well for their price.

The only trouble you may run into when using the R1280DBs is their lack of an integrated phono preamp. If your turntable has a preamp—or you’ve already picked up a standalone one—this won’t be an issue, but it’s something to keep in mind while you’re building your system. Beyond that, Edifier’s R1280DBs are an excellent self-contained digital audio system on top of being an excellent set of turntable speakers. While we’re recommending their sleek-looking black colorway, Edifier also offers them with a wood grain finish reminiscent of audio equipment from the mid 20th century.

What to consider when shopping for the best speakers for turntables

There are an infinitesimal number of considerations one could make before picking up a pair of turntable speakers (or anything, really), but we’ve prioritized style, size, connectivity options, upgradability and budget while addressing some frequently asked questions.

Passive vs. powered turntable speakers

The first decision to make before picking up a pair of turntable speakers is whether you want a powered or passive pair. Powered speakers have built-in amplification (and sometimes even a phono preamp), so you can plug your record player directly into them without any other equipment. If you’re short on space, or don’t want to think about juggling multiple components, they make a lot of sense. Most powered speakers also have multiple inputs—including Bluetooth antennas—which make them a lot more versatile. And this means they may also have a built-in preamp—electronics that increase output by between 40 – 50 dB and apply a standardized RIAA equalization curve. This allows you to integrate any turntable directly into your speakers, not just platters with their own signal-boosting setup or ones running through an additional external component into RCA inputs. Plus, you only need to dedicate at most three power outlets to your entire turntable setup.

On the other hand, passive speakers—which require amplification from an audio/video receiver, digital audio converter (DAC)-amp combo, or discrete amplifier component—have their own set of advantages. Because they have less circuitry in them, they won’t go out of date—you could pick up a vintage pair from the 1970s and connect them to an AV receiver released this year and have an excellent experience. Additionally, you could integrate your turntable speakers into a traditional home theater audio system, which could be important if you watch a lot of movies and TV shows. Remember, you’ll also need to consider what speaker wire to get if you go the passive speaker route.

Speaker size

Once you’ve determined what style of speaker you want, it’s time to think about their size. It’s possible to get floor-standing turntable speakers, which are several feet tall, or a bookshelf pair that are much more modest. Typically, bookshelf speakers with 5- or 6-inch drivers are ideal for use in offices, dens, and other small rooms. Conversely, standmount speakers and floorstanding models with 8-inch drivers are best suited for bigger rooms, like home theatres.

Larger speakers have room for more drivers, which can add to richer, better-balanced sound, but that doesn’t matter if you don’t have a place to put them. Similarly, larger speakers with bigger drivers allow you to listen to music at higher volumes, but that extra overhead won’t matter if you have neighbors or don’t tend to kick out the jams. We’ve decided to favor recommending bookshelf speakers because they offer the best balance of audio performance, space requirements, and cost.

Your listening space

Most of the factors one should consider when choosing turntable speakers have to do with the audio equipment itself, but you also need to think about where you plan on spinning your records. As we mentioned earlier, a big set of floorstanding speakers may have more oomph, but who cares if you don’t have the opportunity to use it. On the other hand, picking a pair of smaller speakers and cranking up the volume to near-maximum levels to fill your space will put constant stress on their drivers, which may lower their life.

Should I add a subwoofer?

Is the music you love most all about that bass? If so, it may make sense to get a pair of speakers that allow you to supplement their bass driver with a subwoofer, which can fill out the low frequencies. Using a subwoofer means dedicating even more space to your turntable audio system, but it will make an immediate, noticeable difference. Explosions in movies and video games will sound more realistic, and you’ll be able to hear certain instruments more clearly. The nice thing about a subwoofer is that you can add it as a supplement to your turntable speakers at any time, not only at the time of purchase. If you decide you’re happy with the bass response of your audio system without it, there’s no reason to add one.

Connectivity

If you opt to connect your turntable to a pair of powered speakers, you should also consider its other connectivity options. Audio companies have outfitted their speakers with USB, HDMI, and Optical inputs to allow you to hook up a wide range of electronics to them simultaneously. If your record player is near your computer, it may make sense to get a pair of turntable speakers that can be connected to both. If all of your audio and video equipment is located in a centralized area, consider getting turntable speakers that can be connected to a TV, which would be a big upgrade over the set’s built-in audio system. We’re all for getting a single piece of gear that can serve multiple purposes, because it improves its value, and may make it easier to justify getting a higher-end component.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best turntable speakers for you

• Best overall: Klipsch The Nines
• Best smart: Sonos Era 300
• Best floorstanding: Fluance Ai81 Elite
• Best compact: Andover Audio Spinbase MAX
• Best bookshelf: PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers
• Best passive: KEF LS50 Meta
• Best budget: Edifier R1280DBs

Regardless of the model you chose, the best turntable speakers will offer the best audio quality—and additional features—at their price point. The only task you have is ordering your priorities. We’ve leaned more heavily on recommending powered speakers because of their versatility, which can extend their life and value if you decide to shelve your vinyl for a while, or you rely on streaming to determine the albums that deserve a place on your shelf. Remember, there’s no wrong answer here, just the one that’s most right for your needs.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best turntable speakers in 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and things are heating up outside and online because it’s one of the top times of the year to save on the best mattresses. Memorial Day Weekend is also in our rearview, but extended sales can help you sleep easy, knowing you saved hundreds off the premium price of restorative rest … but only if you act fast.

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling $749.30 – $1,998.80 w/ code MEMORIAL25 (Was $999 – $2,665)

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If you want to beat the heat with a deal you can’t beat, now’s the time to “add to cart” the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress. Take the pressure off your joints and degrees off your body with a GlacioTex cover and thermal-regulating foam, supported by premium steel coils. Side sleepers will appreciate the medium firmness body contouring, which can be amplified with an optional pillow top. While you’re crafting the perfect bedroom set, save on a chunky knit weighted blanket to keep you cozy and calm, no longer anxious about whether you’re getting the absolute coolest price possible on a refreshing night’s sleep.

Casper Snow $1,196 – $1,916 (Was $1,495 – $2,395)

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Keep more in your wallet while keeping your spine aligned with a mattress from bed-in-a-box pioneers Casper. Save 20% on all mattresses, from the new entry-level Casper Signature Foam to the Wave Hybrid Snow (which a staff member found revitalizing). However, that flagship is nearly $3,000 on sale, while the new Casper Snow mattress features some of the same technology—including HeatDelete Bands, Phase Change Material, and a CoolTouch Cover, plus airflow-friendly foam in ergonomic zones—and offers it for a grand less. Not too soft and not too firm, balanced in temperature regulation, support, and motion isolation—sounds like a Goldilocks mattress. You can also get 20% off all pillows and sheets, plus 10% off everything else.

Wipe the crusties from your eyes and check out more dreamy deals:

• Helix 25% off sitewide + 2 free Dream Pillows with mattress purchase and free shipping w/ code MEMORIALDAY25
• Nectar Sleep 33% off everything (mattresses starting from $359)
• DreamCloud 40% off all mattresses

The post The best last-minute Memorial Day mattress deals you can still get appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If upbeat anthems and sunny savings make your heart go padam padam, you’ll want to free yourself long enough to scroll through this post. We’ve collected the best Memorial Day Weekend discounts on speakers, headphones, earbuds, and more to help you celebrate the unofficial start of pool season and beach vacations with more tunes in your ears and money in your pocket.

JBL Boombox 3 $399.95 (Was $499.95)

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Live sound specialists JBL makes several of our favorite portable party speakers, and the 13-pound 160W Bluetooth 5.3 Boombox 3 is the one you want to soundtrack your summer—from patio parties to friendly pick-up games. With its three-way speaker configuration, which includes a subwoofer that extends to 40 Hz, you can get any party started. And with 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, a sturdy molded handle, and IP67 (surf and sand protection), you can keep those parties going—wherever they occur. Act now and you can get all that for $100 off, so your favorite tracks slam, but your wallet isn’t hit as hard. If that’s too much body or budget for you at this time, however, there are other JBL party speakers and soundbars on sale:

• JBL Xtreme 3: $279.95 (Was $379.95)
• JBL Pulse 5 $199.95 (Was $249.95)
• JBL Flip 6: $99.95 (Was $129.95)
• JBL PartyBox Encore Essentials $199.95 (Was $299.95)  
• JBL Bar 300: $349.95 (Was $399.95)  
• JBL Bar 500: $499.95 (Was $599.95)  
• JBL Bar 700: $799.95 (Was $899.95)
• JBL Bar 1000: $999.95 (Was $1,199.95)

Need a speaker that’s purse-, pack-, and pool-friendly? The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is our favorite pint-sized Bluetooth party to take from the bathtub to the backcountry or on a bike, and this IP67 360-degree audio orb is available for $85 (down from $99).

Want to wire something more permanent on the back deck? The fully sealed Definitive Technology AW6500 outdoor speaker—featuring a 6.5″ mid-woofer, a 1″ tweeter, and a 5″ x 10″ oval pressure-driven low bass radiator, and available in black or white—is on sale for $249 (down from $299). And the smaller AW5500 is only $199 (down from $249).

Want to go wireless in the living room instead? Save $500 when you bundle the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers and KC62 subwoofer together for $3,799.98 (down from $4,299.98). Just add both to your cart, and you can cut cords and cost on one of our favorite powered bookshelf (or standmount) speakers, plus a compact unit that provides muscular musical bass. Or save $250 when you buy both the smaller, desktop-friendly KEF LSX II speakers and KUBE 8b subwoofer for $1,749.98.

See more sweet-sounding audio deals hear and now:

• Sony SRS-XE300 X-Series IP67 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker $148 (Was $199)
• Sony SRS-XG300 X-Series IP67 Portable Bluetooth Party Speaker $198 (Was $349)
• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds $99 (Was $129)
• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds $199 (Was $249)
• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Overhead Headphones $278 (Was $349)
• Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch 500W Dolby Atmos Soundbar $1,198 (Was $1,399)
• SAMSUNG HW-Q990C 11.1.4ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar w/ wireless rear speakers + subwoofer $1,597 (Was $1,897)
• UE FITS custom-fit true wireless earbuds $169 (Was $199)
• JBL Live Free 2 True Adaptive Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds $99.95 (Was $149.95)
• JBL Live 460NC Wireless On-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones $99 (Was $129)
• JBL Live 660NC Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones $149 (Was $199)
• JBL Quantum TWS Noise-Cancelling Gaming Earbuds $99.95 (Was $149.95) 
• JBL Quantum ONE $149.95 (Was $299.95)  

The post The best Memorial Day audio deals let you blast bops all summer long appeared first on Popular Science.

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FiiO makes some of our favorite digital audio players, and one of the reasons we love the company’s DAPs is the performance for the price they deliver. So when we heard there are discounts of up to 25% available through April 30—including the lowest price in months on the best bang-for-your-buck M11S—we added “Share This Sale” to our playlist and put it on repeat as we kicked out the jams and this post.

FiiO M11S, $399 (Was $499)

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The DAP days of summer are ahead of us, and you’ll be equipped with a soundtrack for every occasion if you pick up the FiiO M11S. This portable player—a personal favorite, as you can see my unit in the image above—runs on Android 10 with a global SRC bypass, allowing you to install all your favorite streaming apps (Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL w/ 8x MQA unfolding, Amazon Music, etc.) and enjoy full lossless fidelity playback. But where it really shines is during the passionate reproduction of high-resolution files up to 384kHz/DSD256, saved in 32GB of internal storage and/or on a microSD card. The 5-inch/720p display and octa-core Snapdragon 660 architecture keep performance snappy, and the dual ES9038Q2M DAC design and 670mW balanced power output make it a potent pairing for many of our favorite (wired) headphones. Support for the aptX HD and LDAC advanced-resolution Bluetooth codecs (alongside SBC and AAC) also makes it a perfect travel partner with some of our top Bluetooth headphones—including the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Focal Bathys—as well as the best ANC earbuds.

Need some high-performance in-ear monitors to pair with that new player? The FiiO FH7S earphones are also 25% off, bringing their price down to $299.99, a $100 savings. Combining one DLC dynamic driver for punchy lows with four balanced armature drivers for rich mids and soaring highs, these hybrid IEMs are semi-open to present all the tonal texture of your favorite songs spread across a wide soundstage with pinpoint imaging. Yes, they’re wired, which is becoming increasingly rare in the Bluetooth and WiFi world, but that allows them to take advantage of the more expressive 4.4mm balanced output on the M11S.

Affordable audiophile gear is a unicorn, but perhaps you prefer to stream from your smartphone with as few cables as possible. Just need some budget Bluetooth headphones, earbuds for working out, or maybe a portable party speaker/power bank? Check out these additional bangers before the algorithm replaces them with completely new releases next week.

More sound, more savings, more sound savings …

• Sony WH-CH520 Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones, $48 (Was $59.99)
• Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Over-The-Ear Headphones, $128 (Was $149.99)
• soundcore by Anker Sport X10 True Wireless Bluetooth Sport Earbuds, $55.99 (Was $79.99)
• JBL CHARGE 5 Portable IP67 Bluetooth Speaker with USB charge out, $139.95 (Was $179.95)
• JBL Clip 4 Portable IP67 Mini Bluetooth Speaker with integrated carabiner, $59.95 (Was $79.95)
• FiiO Q3 Portable Headphone Amp-High-Resolution DAC, $123.99 (Was $149.99)
• FiiO K3 Type-C USB DAC Headphone Amp, $109.99 (Was $137.49)

The post Keep more music and cash in your pocket with Amazon audio deals appeared first on Popular Science.

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Good morning, Starshine. The Earth says, “Hello.” And Amazon says, “Savings.” If you set aside the harrowing climate change reports and get out and celebrate Earth Day (or any day)—whether planting trees, picking up trash, or just having a picnic—you might want a soundtrack. Luckily, multiple waterproof and party speakers are on sale for up to 25% off right now.

JBL Clip 4 Eco, $59.95 (Was $79.95)

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JBL portable Bluetooth speakers are some of our favorites, full stop. Now two of the brand’s most compact are more Earth-conscious. The Clip 4 Eco edition—available in Forest Green, Ocean Blue, and Cloud White colorways—uses 90% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic for mechanical construction and 100% recycled fabric for the speaker grille, and it comes in FSC-certified paper-based packaging printed with soy ink. This ultra-portable Bluetooth 5.1 speaker has an integrated carabiner and 10-hour battery life, so it can easily go from coffee table to trail. And it’s IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so you don’t have to worry about unpredictable weather. Of course, none of this would matter if the new materials impacted the sound, but they don’t. The speaker still has that signature JBL punchiness, despite its size. And if you act quickly you won’t have to pay its signature price, as it’s being offered for only $59.95, down from $79.95, during an Earth Day promotion.

Similarly, the even more diminutive JBL Go 3 Eco edition has launched in the same materials and colors for only $39.95, down from $49.95. With a built-in loop and five-hour battery life, the Go 3 Eco is even more convenient to attach to a belt, pack, bike, etc. And it’s equally IP67 waterproof and dustproof so you can use and abuse it from the backyard to the backcountry.

Are you concerned less about size and construction and more about entertaining an entire patio or pool full of family and/or friends? The JBL PartyBox 110 doesn’t travel as well as the above speakers unless you have an RV, but it does offer far more volume and visuals. The big LEDs surrounding the PartyBox 110’s pair of bass drivers turn the front of this speaker into a big figure eight. Two of these speakers can be paired wirelessly if you want to expand the soundstage or set up a literal stage; the PartyBox 110 has a pair of 1/4-inch audio inputs designed for a microphone and instrument. It’s also one of the only speakers in its size class to have an IP4X rating, which means it can be splashed with water without incident. And currently, all of that and more can be had for less—just $299.95, down from $399.95.

Looking for something more permanent? The Polk Audio All-Weather Atrium4 Outdoor Speakers—which meet multiple military specifications for environmental endurance so they can withstand extreme temperatures and heavy rain—are currently $149, down from $199. Featuring a 4 1/2-inch mineral-filled Dynamic Balance polymer cone and a 3/4-inch anodized aluminum dome tweeter, these speakers easily click lock into mounting brackets so you can fill a large outdoor space with rich sound.

Not sure what to play first? Check out the PopSci Spotify profile for a half-dozen playlists full of (head)bangers … the staff has eclectic tastes.

The post Bring all the bops and boys to the yard with outdoor speaker deals on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

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Apparently, I am a baby. 

I’ve always treated sleep like a punishment, putting it off until I pass out in awkward places and positions. Put “I’m just resting my eyes” on my couch-shaped crypt—which, apparently, I’ve always wanted to occupy sooner than later when I look back on the way young me embraced sleep deprivation. Sleep is good for heart health, boosting antibodies, and other things I think about more at 46 than I did when all-nighters were routine. So when offered a restorative experience, I traveled to New York—the city that never sleeps—and called it a night early cradled in a Bryte Balance AI-powered mattress that gently rocked me to bed. When I woke up, I felt more rested than I’d been in ages. Apparently, I am a baby, and I’m adult enough to admit it. Here’s what it was like to have some dynamic downtime.

The setting

The promise of this trip was an adaptive, sensor-stuffed platform optimizing my sleep by monitoring weight distribution, motion, respiration, heart rate, and other metrics to compensate. Before we get deeply into the Bryte Balance, however, we need to get to the Bryte Balance. The company’s mattresses (Queen/King/California King) are available for homes but were first adopted by hospitality. They’re featured in two dozen luxury hotels and wellness resorts nationwide. While a five-star stay is rarely inexpensive, it’s a cheaper, less involved way to audition the bed than in your bedroom (though Bryte does offer a 100-night trial). 

My one night of serenity took place March 16 in Midtown Manhattan at the Park Hyatt New York, centrally located a block south of Central Park between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. The hotel’s 210 rooms occupy 25 floors at the base of the 90-story One57 building, the elevated lobby above and beyond the oversized brass doors that swung open as I approached thanks to welcoming doormen with responsive clickers. 

Rounding the corner from the Living Room restaurant and lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling waterfall glass windows overlooking 57th Street, aka “Billionaires’ Row,” I passed through a seating area that offers a first glimpse into the hushed modern classic hues throughout the hotel. The polished marble and timeless neutrals—elegant grays, whites, and browns—usher you into a world apart for world travelers (or an urban oasis for regional Amtrak passengers, in my case). 

Rooms average 500-625 square feet and extend up to a 2,300-square-foot presidential suite. Most have a king bed, though there are some with double beds. All have a bed of some sort (shocker). But just five have a Bryte Balance. Ensconced on the 19th floor, my Restorative Sleep Suite was 900 square feet with a partial view of the park and well-appointed furnishings. Sure, there’s a large flatscreen on the wall but dark wood sliding doors, automated blackout curtains, and a nightstand topped with a prominent Vitruvi Diffuser and SLEEP Essential Oil Blend (plus a sleep mask on each pillow) establish the bedroom as a cocoon for attempting to recalibrate mind and body. I’ve had insomnia in plush surroundings before, however, when the bed is too pillowy. I certainly don’t lay off an afternoon coffee or dinner cocktails, and melatonin abuse is real, so I look to what I lie on to defrag my sleep cycle.  

The setup

After a short walk to and from a fabulous bowl of Ippudo ramen, I considered the heated indoor saltwater lap pool, where if you can’t wash away your troubles, you can at least swim them into submission with an underwater classical soundtrack curated by neighboring Carnegie Hall. There’s also a spa, though the bathroom in the suite is plenty spa-like, with its rainfall shower and Le Labo amenities. I opted to stay in and enjoy a warm bath; studies have shown that a relaxing soak or shower at around 105 degrees Fahrenheit an hour before bed can hasten falling asleep. And though it may sound counterintuitive, it will help you stay cooler at night because it increases blood flow to hands and feet and improves heat release as you rest. Temperature, on both ends of the spectrum, plays a big part in sleep. Science.

Speaking of cooler … the bed itself. There’s other technology offering a customized experience in the suite—like a Toto bidet toilet, equally purpose-built and dramatic as the lid opens when it senses your entry … however, I wouldn’t say it’s relaxing. But you’ve made it through all the scene-setting because you want to hear about the bed (then maybe take a well-deserved nap).

Outwardly indistinguishable from any other rectangle wrapped in smooth, soft sheets, the Bryte Balance’s signature features are—like many of the best innovations—intuitive and mostly in the background. Beneath the fabric-wrapped foam layer are 90 “Rebalancers,” which are basically independently controlled air pockets that inflate and deflate silently based on your body profile—back, front, side, or hybrid. This is ongoing through the night, with firmness and support adjusting to shifts in PSI that indicate which of the five stages of sleep your body is in and any pressure points that might interrupt sleep.

This reactive repositioning is in service of both sleep quality and quantity, which can’t be decoupled according to Bryte’s sleep science advisory board led by Dr. Matthew Walker, Director of the UC Berkeley Center for Human Sleep Science and author of Why We Sleep—found on the Park Hyatt coffee table among related books. (It’s a highly informative read, but you might not want to crack it right before bed … being confronted with the compounding physiological and psychological interest of your sleep debt could lead to restless nights.)

To guide its proactive approach, the Bryte Balance AI learns your patterns over time—establishing a snapshot in about a week, according to the company. However, a guided 14-day process, including open dialogue with Bryte team members, can take place to tailor comfort. Wi-Fi-enabled, the bed’s settings are configured via an app (iOS and Android)—beginning with support settings (20 grades soft to firm) on dual independent zones, or the entire mattress. I accidentally had a cup of tea on the opposite side of the bed as I sat down rather aggressively, and it remained undisturbed … not a drop spilled. That’s a testimonial for sleeping comfortably with a partner. The same app gives you insights into your sleep duration, efficiency, sleep stage composition, and recovery.

Where things settled

I didn’t have 14 days to spend with the mattress; I had barely 14 hours. I also didn’t have access to the full native app; rather, I scanned a bedside QR code to bring up a web-based one (so settings but no insights). But in my one night certain functions did stand out while I was laid out. Bryte offers a hero feature called Somnify, an expanding library that lets you select custom soundscapes synchronized to complementary motions that lull you to sleep. (You can opt out of the audio, which plays on your phone or personally paired earbuds or speaker, etc., and still get silent movements; they are intended as harmonious content, however.) I was skeptical—that’s probably what they should put on my crypt—but this multisensory approach to relaxation was one of the most potent sedatives I’ve taken.

Concerned I’ll be left alone with my own thoughts, I commonly travel with a compact portable Bluetooth speaker—a Marshall Emberton II, in this case. I connected my iPhone to it, pushed play, felt the bed gently ripple beneath me, and … woke up the next morning to the gradual wake assist vibrations I set the night before (over time, the AI picks up on the optimal rhythm to rouse you). According to my Apple Watch Ultra, I experienced more intervals of Core and Deep sleep than on either the night before or after (apparently, my REM intervals are fairly regular).  

Something innate, deeply neurological was triggered in my brain—the calming reflex of a newborn. Was it deliberately paced, gently repeating oscillations in my inner ear—in any way related to why I find rocking trains or listening to William Basinski compositions soothing? I don’t know. I do know that the last time I passed out that quickly an anesthesiologist was involved. While coming around from that procedure was surprisingly refreshing, the Bryte Balance mattress is preferable for dozing off and waking on.

During a follow-up with Bryte’s Chief Product Officer Rex Harris to see if I have any questions, I joked about the opportunity for Somnify collaborations, inviting artists to do sound design and pattern programming the way you can pick different navigation voices for Waze. And, of course, the potential for hacking a bed and causing it to convulse as a prank. Neither is a consideration or concern at the time.   

Once back home, I started thinking more about my sleep routine—and how it takes practice to really nail one. So I’ve been working on ways to make my sleep more regulated and replenishing in order to fine-tune my daily metabolism and accumulated memories without a smart mattress; I’ve got a Purple 3, and it’s always been pretty good to me. One night isn’t enough to benchmark how restorative my sleep would truly be with a Bryte Balance. Still, it did a good job of lowering my stress and raising my awareness in our brief time together, and I’m keeping it in mind for our mattress and smart home coverage in the future. I do sometimes wish I could get more of that Somnify function, but I’m trying not to be a baby about it.  

The post I celebrated Sleep Awareness Week 2023 on a $7,000 smart mattress and here’s what I learned appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best vegan taco meat		Gardein Gluten-Free Ultimate Plant-Based Beefless Ground Crumbles		SEE IT	This vegan and kosher ground meat substitute has all of the flavor and texture, with none of the meat.
Best McNuggets stand-in		SIMULATE chicken NUGGS		SEE IT	These chicken nugget alternatives have even more protein than their meat-based rival.
Best vegetarian meat		MorningStar Farms Veggie Breakfast Meatless Bacon Strips		SEE IT	Your BLT and morning breakfast spread can have all the flavor, with none of the meat.

Whether you’re working hard to stick with your first Veganuary or decades into a conscious, conscientious lifestyle journey, varying up the menu is equally important. Eating a diet higher in fruits, vegetables, and other meat alternatives is healthier for your body and can also be healthier for the planet. However, adapting your diet and exciting the palate can be challenging if you just dump some tofu or tempeh out of the package and into an otherwise familiar dish thinking it will be anything but bland. So, whether you are trying out Meatless Mondays, replacing several meals a week, or prepping to make a total shift to vegetarianism or veganism, plant-based “meats” will help ease the transition. You can often follow the same recipes you enjoy; just swap out the beef, pork, or chicken for better-than-you-would-think fake meats and/or better-for-you protein sources. Our picks for the best meat alternatives will help you navigate and appreciate the options, allowing you to replicate comfort foods quickly and easily.

• Best McNuggets stand-in: SIMULATE chicken NUGGS
• Best “chicken” sandwich: VFC Chick*n Fillets
• Best vegan taco meat: Gardein Beefless Ground Crumbles
• Best for stir-frying and salads: Hodo Tofu
• Best “steak” and “cutlets”: Meati
• Best meatless meat burger: Beyond Burger
• Best for wraps and grain bowls: Afia Falafel
• Best vegetarian meat: MorningStar Farms Veggie Bacon Strips
• Best vegan meat substitutes: Upton’s Naturals Jackfruit  
• Best plant-based sauce/dressing/marinade: Haven’s Kitchen

How we chose the best meat alternatives

To get to the meat of this matter, we relied primarily on personal experience. There are multiple vegetarians on the PopSci staff, but also grillmasters, so we gathered opinions from those who both do and do not eat meat regularly to learn what they considered most satisfying as a 1:1 swap and what stood out as its own thing. After polling peers, we looked at real-world impressions and considered critical takes to narrow our list of the most satisfying, least challenging meat alternatives.

The best meat alternatives: Reviews & Recommendations

Meat alternatives use advances in nutritional science to offer great taste and texture that takes familiar forms. While different brands use various ingredients, common ways to make fake meat are wheat protein, soy protein, wheat gluten, pea proteins, grains, potato starch, and beans reformed to resemble and taste “similar” to meat. You can buy a bag of texturized vegetable protein chunks, which are meant to be used in recipes in place of diced chicken breast. Very popular fake meat items include chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, chicken patties, as well as vegan taco meats, burgers, and breakfast patties/links. These alternatives are delicious and ensure you don’t miss the meat when made well.

When you go meatless, however, you will run across two types of non-meat proteins: vegan or vegetarian. Vegans omit all animal products, including eggs and dairy (as well as enzymes and additives from animal sources, think gelatin or insect-derived dyes, for example). Vegetarians, on the other hand, typically only omit the meat (though, based on personal preference, they may adopt stricter but not quite vegan rules). Keep this in mind when looking at non-meat proteins because vegetarian meats may still contain ingredients unsuited for vegans. Whether you are trying to improve your cholesterol and general well-being by eating a plant-based diet or trying to help reduce the reliance on factory farms and that industry’s stress on the planet, there are plenty of reasons to skip meat these days. Here is a list of the best meat alternatives for you to chew on:  

Best McNuggets stand-in: SIMULATE chicken NUGGS

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Americans like chicken. Lots of chicken. A favorite of children and adults alike, breaded chicken nuggets, tenders, and patties are a satisfying food for even the most finicky eater. Luckily, the pleasingly chewy texture of that ground-up, blended, seasoned, and breaded chunk of comfort is not hard to replicate with meat alternatives. You’ll find a huge variety of brands to choose from, with both vegan and vegetarian options. These have become so popular because they are tasty and a way to feel better about your eating. 

The SIMULATE company has created a vegan chicken nugget and vegan chicken patty using wheat and soy proteins. Like a software company, SIMULATE listens to feedback and tweaks its product to perfect the yummy, chewy chicken goodness. Available in regular, spicy (our favorite), or dino (a close second favorite)—and particularly great when made in one of the best air fryers—NUGGS let you experience the joy of a McDonald’s 10-piece with a modicum less guilt.

Best “chicken” sandwich: VFC Chick*n Fillets

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If you’re a Year One vegetarian, you’ll come upon The Craving eventually. Whether it’s for BBQ or a burger or bacon, most former meat-eaters pass through this gauntlet of temptation, this inability to recapture a specific umami that threatens your resolve. For some, including this guy, it was a chicken sandwich that almost fueled the backslide. While delicious, no amount of southern-fried mushrooms truly hit the spot, and the freezer-aisle selections continuously fell short. I’ve been a vegetarian for years, but would still reminisce sometimes about the sensation of those fast-food fillets … until I tried VFC (Vegan Fried Chicken), a British brand that managed to capture more of the crisp-and-juicy, properly seasoned nature of sandwiches from below the Mason-Dixon (looking at you, Chick-fil-A). Maybe it comes as little surprise that the company’s co-founder, Matthew Glover, also co-founded the Veganuary movement.

Wheat, soy, and pea proteins wrapped in a light cornflake coating with a pop of garlic, mustard seed, and black pepper, the VFC Chick*n Fillets are “meaty” without being offputting. A lot of striated plant-based meats are chewy in an unpleasant way, but not VFC. (Of course, part of the secret is dialing down the air fryer temperature by 25 degrees and always sticking to the bottom of the time range, or even a minute under.) Looking to eat less bread? You can also get VFC Chick*n Tenders (the sauce-friendly bar-menu classic), Chick*n Bites (chonkier nuggets), or Popcorn Chick*n (particularly good to throw on greens). All three provided a similar sense of satisfaction, replacing the last lingerings of The Craving with a new desire.

Best vegan taco meat: Gardein Beefless Ground Crumbles

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Taco night is a crowd-pleaser. Ground beef sauteed and loaded into warm tortillas with heaps of flavorful toppings … we’re getting hungry just writing this. So much of what goes into creating a great taco is the combination of spices and hot-cold soft-crunchy sensations that one could argue that the meat is not the star, but it’s undoubtedly important to create the overall balance.

The best vegan taco meat replicates the flavor and texture of beef, and because you will be simmering it in your favorite spices or sauce, it is an easy substitution. Like other plant-based meat alternatives, most vegan taco meat is made using a blend of ingredients with texturized soy protein. Unlike beef, however, many of these beefless crumbles are already seasoned and salted, so you may need to adjust your recipe to accommodate for this.

While the texture won’t allow you to ball up and turn this into meatballs or meatloaf like some ground beef alternatives, these crumbles can also easily be added to your Sloppy Joe, lasagna, or bolognese sauces. 

A seasoned bag of frozen crumbles ready to add to all your favorite ground beef recipes, this plant-based protein offers 18 grams per serving, with no dairy or gluten. Tailor your seasoning and salt, however, as these are already seasoned.

Best for stir-fry and salads: Hodo Tofu

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Don’t get us wrong, when it comes to “meat” alternatives, plenty of thrillers come from fillers. You can get a great-tasting slab from a lab. But one of the best plant-based proteins remains arguably the first: toothsome ole tofu. Water, soybeans, natural coagulant. You can cook with it fresh or frozen; the texture can be jiggly as jello or chewy as shredded chicken—minus the gelatin or muscle tissue, of course. Zero collagens, etc. Toss some cold onto greens for something silken and satiating or dump it into an air fryer if you prefer warm, plump, pillowy. And it takes to every manner of flavor just as readily as skinless breast meat—the blank canvas of cooking.

Launched from a San Francisco Bay Area farmers market over 20 years ago, Hodo pre-marinated cubes and crumbles can be found at Whole Foods, Target, etc., as well as in dishes from Chipotle and more. Gluten-free, egg-free, tree nut-free, Kosher … these good beans pack in protein, calcium, and fiber. Infused with spice blends such as Thai curry, Harissa, Moroccan Chermoula, Chinese 5 Spice, and more, these ready-to-eat nuggets let you skip the pressing and other prep and get right to putting the finishing touches on your stir-fry or salad.

Fantasizing about another flavor profile? The hodo Mexican Crumbles (shown above) form the foundation of your customized version of Chipotle’s sofritas bowl. Or grab some hodo traditional extra-firm tofu and a bowl, then keep reading because we’ve got a recommendation for condiments that will swiftly add savoriness.

Best “steak” and “cutlets”: Meati

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Whereas many plant-based “meats” occupy themselves primarily with replicating taste, Eat Meati’s products aim for the texture territory. Harvesting whole mushroom root, then pressing it to remove the water, Meati achieves a fibrous, nutrient-rich protein that can sit in for steak or chicken breast to grill, sauté, or air fry—just season as desired and add mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, an iceberg lettuce wedge in bleu cheese dressing, or whatever other classic sides or salads you crave. Maybe assemble a hot “chicken” sandwich with the crispy cutlet, a bahn meati with savory slices of fish sauce/soy sauce/rice vinegar/garlic-marinated “steak,” or carne asada tacos. I grilled a simple salt-and-pepper steak and found it offered a familiar but also distinctive umami—it might actually be too, well, meaty for some hardcore vegans. A crispy cutlet on quinoa and roast broccoli (shown above) wasn’t as striated as the steak but also wasn’t the uniformly ground filling of a chicken patty, etc. They’re juicy and toothsome enough to have been adopted in the upgraded Chik’N sandwich for the PLNT Burger chain. With a clear ingredients list compared to many highly processed meat alternatives, Meati can satisfy vegetarians wanting clean eating but also offers a great transition for flexitarians.

Best meatless meat burger: Beyond Burger

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One of the things standing in the way of people (especially burger lovers) cutting down on meat has been the lack of a satisfying alternative to ground beef-based foods. Veggie burgers had a bad rep for a long time for being dry or crumbly and never quite the right texture to feel like more than a chunky disc. But advances have been made, so much so that major restaurants and even fast-food chains have adopted the Impossible and Beyond Meat brands—which recreate the feel and taste of actual beef burgers. With an eye for the details down to the “blood” and an iron-rich flavor, they offer the best way yet for fans to make the transition to fake meat without feeling like they are missing out on the joy of a juicy burger.

These burgers from Beyond Meat—a brand that also makes a killer spicy sausage patty, add biscuit for the perfect Southern breakfast—are so “real” it’s like magic, but it’s just science. This is a real burger experience, so you can feel good about eating a plant-based diet that is better for the Earth. Just don’t overdo it, as the sodium content is high.

Best for wraps and grain bowls: Afia Falafel

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Oh chickpeas, did it hurt when you falafel from heaven? When it comes to legumes, the mighty chickpea might be, no is the best. And there’s no better way to enjoy this high-protein, high-fiber “pea” than as part of a meal that’s well-rounded in more than one way. Deep-fried balls of chickpea flour, particularly delicious with tahini (such as the Haven’s Kitchen sauce a couple of entries below), falafel is a perfect street food that can be just as poppin’ from your kitchen. (Plus, it’s gluten-free.)

Afia Falafel offers you access to these small tasty things from the convenience of your freezer. Good from the oven, toaster, or air fryer—crisp on the outside, fluffy and moist on the inside—this versatile blend of garbanzo beans, onion, parsley, cumin, coriander, and other Mediterranean spices can fill a perfect pita or top a compelling grain bowl. Add hummus (more chickpeas!) and harissa for a harmonious medley. You don’t have to search externally for more flavor, however, as Afia offers varieties including garlic & herb, turmeric, za’atar, and sun-dried tomato.

Best vegetarian meat: MorningStar Farms Veggie Bacon Strips

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What’s a big American-style breakfast without some bacon or sausages? These rich, fatty, salty indulgences are hardly healthy, but sure do taste good with eggs, pancakes, or just by themselves. Non-meat protein options offer a great-tasting solution, as manufacturers have mastered the seasoning so well that you’ll hardly notice or miss the real thing. 

Unlike vegan meats, vegetarian meat will include some animal products. For example, vegetarian bacon uses egg whites for texture and protein. Other vegetarian meats might also use milk. With some animal products, vegetarian meats won’t always be cholesterol-free, but they will have a lot less than real bacon and real sausages. A reduced fat and cholesterol content is a health advantage, but these products are often highly processed and can contain a lot of sodium. Eating these non-meat proteins sparingly is important, however, as they are healthier but far from health food. 

Packed with flavor, this faux bacon uses egg whites, wheat gluten, and vegetable protein to provide a tasty alternative for your vegetarian breakfast, breakfast for dinner, brunch, midnight snack, even afternoon tea, and elevenses … you get it. This brand is very popular and widely available—and the flavor is so good you’ll want to pig out, minus the pig—but note they use food coloring and artificial flavors.

Best vegan meat substitutes: Upton’s Naturals Jackfruit  

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Here’s a fruitful idea for vegan meat substitutes. One additional step beyond “meatless meat” is jackfruit, long popular in Southeast Asia and gaining popularity as more people switch to plant-based diets. It is now possible to buy fresh jackfruit in many domestic supermarkets, and a wide variety of preseasoned jackfruit foods and canned jackfruit are also available for purchase. Jackfruit can be made into burgers or thrown into recipes where you’d add chicken strips, though it is best known as one of the vegan meat substitutes with a texture perfect for a well-sauced pulled pork sandwich. Filled with nutrition, jackfruit is a great source of fiber, plus it offers magnesium, vitamin B6, and antioxidants. Unlike many vegan types of meat, jackfruit products are minimally processed, and the fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. However, because jackfruit is, well, a fruit, it is low in protein, so nutrition experts suggest mixing jackfruit with beans or nuts to create a balanced meal. 

One of the quick and easy vegan meat substitutes, just heat and serve. Jackfruit is cooked and seasoned to replace the meat in your favorite pulled pork recipes, and it’s also great in a wrap or salad. There are also chili-lime carnitas and Thai curry varieties. Just remember to add other plant proteins for a complete meal.

Best plant-based sauce/dressing/marinade: Haven’s Kitchen

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A great sauce is the instant upgrade meat alternatives need—particularly tofu, if it’s not already zestily marinated like hodo’s options above. However, ample seasoning is also wonderful for protein-rich, rounded-nutrition greens and/or grains. But sauces, dressings, and what have you can actually take up the majority of your prep time with all the chopping, blending, reducing, adding pinches of this and punching things up, etc.

Founded in New York City in 2012, Haven’s Kitchen makes ready-to-eat palate-pleasers packaged in 100% recyclable squeeze pouches for a lighter impact on the Earth. Herby chimichurri, red pepper romesco, gingery miso—these are just some of the many vegan, vibrant concoctions that add tangy versatility to your meals. If you’re looking for a bright boost with minimal fuss, any of the Haven’s Kitchen pre-packaged international odes are an effortless elevator. Able to save you time without unidentifiable additives, these fresh dressings will quickly become a pantry—well, refrigerator—staple.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best meat alternatives

• Best McNuggets stand-in: SIMULATE chicken NUGGS
• Best “chicken” sandwich: VFC Chick*n Fillets
• Best vegan taco meat: Gardein Beefless Ground Crumbles
• Best for stir-frying and salads: Hodo Tofu
• Best “steak” and “cutlets”: Meati
• Best meatless meat burger: Beyond Burger
• Best for wraps and grain bowls: Afia Falafel
• Best vegetarian meat: MorningStar Farms Veggie Bacon Strips
• Best vegan meat substitutes: Upton’s Naturals Jackfruit  
• Best plant-based sauce/dressing/marinade: Haven’s Kitchen

The best meat alternatives will taste great and be easy to add to all your favorite recipes. Meatless meats can be vegan or vegetarian and use various ingredients to offer a protein-packed alternative to meat. Created to imitate the flavor, look, and texture of your favorite meats, the delicious meat alternatives available on the market are increasing daily.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best meat alternatives of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If you want to get wrapped up in your playlists, not cords, you need a pair of powered, connected speakers. And if you want the best powered, connected speakers, you need the LS50 Wireless II by British high-end hi-fi audio products designer KEF. With wireless support up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio (and network file support up to 24-bit/384 kHz), the LS50 Wireless II speakers give you access to unadulterated audio no matter your service or format(s) of choice. They’re our wireless stereo speakers of choice, one of my favorite bookshelf (or standmount) speakers—that’s my Mineral White pair below—and they’re currently being offered in a bundle with an excellent subwoofer for $500 off. Who says being an audiophile can’t be (mildly more) affordable?

KEF LS50 Wireless II + KC62 Subwoofer $3,799.98 (Was $4,299.98)

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The LS50 Wireless II’s striking, copper-hued Uni-Q driver orients a 1-inch vented aluminum-dome tweeter in the acoustic center of a 5¼-inch magnesium-aluminum alloy woofer cone to create a wide listening sweet spot that’s detailed and dynamic. Stream music directly over Bluetooth, WiFi, AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast (among others), or integrate digital and analog via wired connections, including HDMI eARC, Ethernet, coaxial and optical inputs, and 3.5mm aux-ins. And to add sonic depth without needing a deep footprint or deep pockets, the KEF KC62 ultra-compact subwoofer is a sealed compartment with dual 6-inch woofers that can bring the euphoric high of 11 Hz lows. That means a big boom without taking up big space, using DSP for muscular musical bass to open up the headroom of those main drivers. Select them both and save.

Technically this highly resolving, engaging experience does involve one cable from the speakers to the sub. But you can do away with even that if you pick up a KEF KW1 Wireless Kit, which gives you more freedom to base your bass anywhere in the room.

If the LS50 Wireless II + KC62 setup is too indulgent, you can get a bundle with the smaller, desktop-friendly LSX II speakers and a KEF KUBE 8b subwoofer for $1,749.98 (a savings of $250). Or, if you have (or plan to get) an AV receiver and are looking at passive speakers, you can get a pair of KEF Q950 floorstanding towers and a KUBE 12b subwoofer for $2,799.98 (a savings of $350).

Looking for headphones and earbuds instead of speakers? You’re in luck, as multiple brands have spring savings events running. For example, beyerdynamic is offering discounts on its Amiron Wireless headphones, which go big on bliss with details-oriented Tesla drivers and high-resolution Bluetooth in plush earcups, as well as the FREE BYRD ANC earbuds, which pack excellent comfort and battery life alongside punchy personalized sound. And there are more options below but act fast—these deals can disappear faster than cherry blossoms after a rainstorm.

Amazing audiophile deals are hear and now:

• beyerdynamic Amiron Hi-Res Bluetooth Headphones $549 (Was $649)
• beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless Copper Limited Edition Hi-Res Bluetooth Headphones $599 (Was $799)
• beyerdynamic Free BYRD Black True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds $199 (Was $229)
• Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Open-Back Audiophile Reference Headphones $1,599 (Was $1,699)
• Sennheiser HD 820 Over-the-Ear Closed-Back Audiophile Reference Headphones $1,799 (Was $1,999)
• Sony WF-1000XM4 Active Noise-Canceling True Wireless Earbuds $198 (Was $279)
• Tivoli Audio PAL BT Portable Bluetooth AM/FM Radio $179 (Was $219)—Price available if you select Tivoli Audio as the Ships From/Sold By vendor in the “New From” section of the right column

The post The best wireless speaker setup is $500 off for a limited time appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best Overall		JBL Boombox 3		SEE IT	JBL’s Boombox 3 hits the sweet spot between portability, battery life, additional features, and cost.
Best With Lights		JBL PartyBox 110		SEE IT	JBL’s PartyBox 110 is a big, bass-thumping speaker with lights that impress as much as its sound.
Best Budget:		Tribit XSound Mega		SEE IT	The Tribit XSound Mega shares many of the features as some other picks but at a way lower cost.

Party speakers may be the most misunderstood mainstream category in the audio world. Contrary to popular belief, party speakers aren’t limited to bass-heavy Bluetooth models. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with bassy Bluetooth speakers. Don’t worry, we’re going to recommend you some how-low-can-you-go options. However, a party speaker, to us at least, can be an all-in-one PA system, a practice amp that doubles as a speaker, a speaker that lights up the room just with dance music or that adds in equally kinetic LEDs. The best party speakers can be a concert for one or for everyone, and they can be found in selections for every type of celebration.

• Best overall: JBL Boombox 3
• Best portable: Sony SRS-XG300
• Best with lights: JBL PartyBox 110
• Best for outdoor party: Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo 
• Best for house party performances: JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA
• Best for guitarists: Positive Grid Spark MINI
• Best for gamers: GravaStar Mars Pro
• Best Wi-Fi speaker: Sonos Move 
• Best budget: Tribit XSound Mega

How we chose the best party speakers

This speaker category is extremely broad, so we took a fairly granular approach when choosing our recommendations. A mix of hands-on testing and research lead us to a list of speakers that range from pint-sized to powerful, covering common and niche needs. Special attention was paid to bass performance, connectivity options, durability, expandability, and portability. The right party speaker for you will depend on whether you’re throwing backyard cookouts or basement ragers, are looking for something that sits on a desk or a deck, need something to provide a solo gaming soundtrack or that might require guests to wear earplugs. We don’t judge. Well, we do judge some things, like audio quality and connectivity. But parties aren’t the time for critical listening, so what we recommend by the pool or for a DJ is very different than what we’d look for in our best powered or bookshelf speakers for music lovers. We’ve also been mindful of how much these speakers cost, with recommendations ranging from under $60 to $530.

The best party speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

We’ve cut through the noise to present speakers to suit everybody’s needs. You saw our overall methodology above and can find more information on our key considerations later in this story. Now, let’s get the party started.

Best overall: JBL Boombox 3

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 8.6 inches
• Power source: Battery power (up to 24 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth
• IP rating: IP67

Pros

• Massive bass driver
• Can be connected with up to 99 other JBL speakers
• Excellent battery life

Cons

• Big and heavy for a portable speaker

JBL’s Boombox 3 pushes the limits of what you can expect from a portable Bluetooth speaker. The subwoofer in its three-way speaker configuration is larger than the ones you’ll find on some desktop speakers or compact monitors, so you should expect loud, thunderous sound. You won’t just hear the drop on EDM tracks, you’ll literally feel it radiate down to 40Hz if the speaker’s 160 watts are cranked all the way up. In fact, the only way you’ll get a louder, bigger bass around the same size is by picking up something like JBL’s PartyBox 110, which we’ll introduce in more detail below.

The Boombox 3’s large size comes with one big pro—beyond great sound, of course—and a necessary con. In the plus column, this speaker can last up to 24 hours on a single charge, easily enough time to get you through a proper rager. JBL says the amount of battery life you’ll get ultimately depends on your listening volume, which is true, but the Boombox 3 should still last all night (literally) even when it’s being maxed out. That said, a big battery and large drivers contribute to this speaker’s 22-inch width and nearly 15-pound weight. This speaker is portable, but it’ll need someone willing to lug it around—luckily, it’s equipped with a sturdy molded handle.

JBL has gotten around this by designing the Boombox 3 with support for its PartyBoost feature, which allows you to link it with up to 99 other JBL speakers. Several JBL speakers support this feature, so you could use the Boombox 3 as your main party speaker, then spread a couple of smaller models around the periphery of your party space to blanket more ground (for example, you could put several lava-lamp-like JBL Pulse 5 speakers around to visualize the vibe). We can’t think of a room—or entire floor, frankly—that this speaker wouldn’t blanket in loud sound on its own, however.

If your parties take place outdoors, the JBL Boombox 3 is a great choice thanks to its IP67 rating (for a detailed explanation of IP, check out our considerations at the bottom of this feature). This Boombox 3 can get splashed, rained on, spilled on, or even dunked underneath the water for several minutes without skipping a beat. And it can stand up to dust or sand. Durability is definitely not an issue. The speaker shown above has taken a licking and kept on kicking … or maybe that’s taken a kicking and kept on ticking, as it got hit by a soccer ball while providing the soundtrack to a high-intensity practice on the field pictured. If its size and weight (and $449 price) don’t intimidate you, the JBL Boombox 3’s bass performance, battery life, and durability are a pretty unbeatable combination.

Best portable: Sony SRS-XG300

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 2.7 inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery (up to 25 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth
• IP rating: IP67

Pros

• Mega Bass button for even more low end
• Exceptional audio quality
• Best battery life for a portable party speaker

Cons

• Very few devices can take full advantage of this speaker’s audio potential

Sony has been making party speakers for half a decade, but the SRS-XG300 is the first time it seems to take this category very seriously. It’s completely overhauled the look of its party speakers, with a mesh covering that screams sophistication, with LED rings that surround its pair of 2.7-inch bass drivers with a subtle glow rather than a garish one. And the unobtrusive handle conveniently slides in and out of the top, an aesthetically pleasing marriage of form and function. Put simply, the SRS-XG300 speaker looks sophisticated during the day but a little more fun at night. The LEDs can be turned off using Sony’s app or a button on the backside of this party speaker so you can ignore them entirely.

That may be a good idea if you plan on stretching the SRS-XG300’s battery to its 25-hour maximum. Sony is so confident in this portable Bluetooth speaker’s battery capacity that it built a USB-A port into it, so it doubles as a power bank. In our tests, this speaker could put out a tremendous amount of bass, but it never distorted, even at high volumes. If you want a little more oomph, the speaker’s Mega Bass button boosts low-end frequencies, but never to the point that the midrange and treble get completely drowned out. If your playlist is full of bass-heavy music, turning on this setting to see how you like it won’t hurt.

The SRS-XG300 supports a Sony feature called Party Connect, which allows you to pair up to 100 speakers to play music simultaneously. This was one of our favorite features of JBL’s Boombox 3, and it remains impressive here. We can’t see any reason you’d need more than one of these speakers to fuel your beach, backyard, or basement party, but it’s nice to have the option.

You can connect any smartphone, tablet, or computer to the SRS-XG300 wirelessly over Bluetooth, but to get the most out of it, you’ll need a device that supports the LDAC codec, which allows you to stream music at a very high—nearly CD quality—bitrate. This isn’t necessarily important at a party unless you host audiophiles exclusively. Still, it’s worth pointing out since Sony’s speaker is one of the few Bluetooth models that support this feature. But it’s also worth pointing out that only select digital audio players and smartphones support this protocol (nothing Apple, which is why we lean toward this being the best portable Bluetooth speaker for Android users). You can use any Bluetooth-enabled device to connect via more traditional lossy codecs, and you also have the option to connect a device using a 3.5mm cable, thanks to its AUX input.

If the most important part of your party is taking top-notch tunes conveniently from one place to another without hitting pause, Sony’s SRS-XG300 is the clear choice.

Best with lights: JBL PartyBox 110

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 5.25-inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery (up to 12 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth, AUX in, 1/4-inch inputs (2x)
• IP rating: IPX4

Pros

• Massive
• Doubles as a dual-input PA system
• Can be used portably in a pinch

Cons

• Overkill in most cases

There’s no getting around the fact that the JBL PartyBox 110 is a big party speaker, but if you have enough space and need to entertain a large crew with live music or a pre-made mix, it’s the ideal choice. You can read more about this large speaker in our full review, but it’s ultimately a treat for both the eyes and ears. The PartyBox 110 occupies an interesting place in JBL’s party speaker lineup, sitting between our approved entry-level PartyBox, the Encore Essential, and the much larger PartyBox 1000 (a behemoth of a speaker we’ve auditioned and enjoyed). It’s also much more than a typical Bluetooth speaker, party-friendly or otherwise.

The big LEDs surrounding the PartyBox 110’s pair of bass drivers turn the front of this speaker into a big figure eight. These lights can be programmed to a handful of patterns—including synced to the beat—or turned off entirely to preserve battery life. Yes, despite the amount of air it’s pushing and the show it bestows, the PartyBox 110 can run for up to 12 hours without being plugged into an outlet. It’s also one of the only speakers in its size class to have an IP4X rating, which means it can be splashed with water without incident.

It may not support JBL’s PartyBoost, but two of these speakers can be paired together wirelessly. This makes sense when you realize the PartyBox 110 has a pair of 1/4-inch audio inputs designed for a microphone and instrument. Connecting these speakers together will double the number of inputs, giving you greater flexibility when setting up come competitive karaoke.

If you only plan on using this speaker with prerecorded music, you’ll be treated to loud, room-shaking sound at the highest volume levels. PA-style party speakers are known for their bass performance, but JBL built a Bass Boost button onto the top of the PartyBox 110 to really drive the point home for lovers of lower frequencies. Let’s face it, the PartyBox 110 isn’t necessary for the average cocktail party or even cookout, but having the extra power in your back pocket won’t hurt if it becomes necessary.

Best for outdoor patio party: Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo 

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 5.1-inches
• Power source: Battery (Up to 16 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth, 2.5mm
• IP rating: N/A

Pros

• Modular assignable-channel speaker system
• Discrete dedicated subwoofer
• Unlimited speakers can be connected
• Portability

Cons

• You have to keep track of/charge multiple speakers

By now, most people are familiar with a 2.1 speaker system in a home theater environment, which indicates Left and Right speakers paired with a dedicated subwoofer to push the lows higher. Now the Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo lets you take it into the great outdoors. All three touch-controlled speakers connect to one another via a Bluetooth 5.0 mesh network, which means you can place them anywhere you’d like so long as they’re within 100 feet of one another. This will allow you to cover a larger area without turning the volume knob to 11. Pick up four 6-inch-tall multidriver rectangles and turn your patio into a quadraphonic quarter. There’s a mid-bass driver and passive radiator paired with the tweeter in each. Still, for the deepest bass experience, you’ll want to keep the discrete front-firing subwoofer (or subwoofers) near a wall so the sound gets reinforced by reverberations.

Many party speakers we recommend can be chained to play simultaneously in mono, but Rocksteady designed its hardware exclusively to be immersive—letting you assign each as Left/Right/Dual channel. Because of that, you can pair an unlimited number of speakers in various multidirectional configurations, though hitting this theoretical limit—or lack thereof—probably won’t be necessary. We like the modularity of the Stadium Mode system, but it isn’t waterproof, which can be a problem if your outdoor area has a pool. If that’s the case, a cadre of UE’s WONDERBOOM 3 mini-speakers may be a better pick; these $99 floatable orbs produce surprisingly loud 360-degree sound, can be linked via PartyBoost and, being dustproof, are also one of the best speakers to take with you to the beach.

The only real downside to getting a multispeaker system is that you’ll need to monitor multiple pieces of audio hardware at all times. Every speaker needs to be charged separately, which can require some juggling if your place doesn’t have too many outlets. Luckily, battery life is rated at 16 hours, and the speakers are USB-C Quick Charge equipped. If that isn’t an issue, we can recommend taking Rocksteady’s Stadium Travel Combo to any outdoor party you’re hosting or attending.

Best for house party performances: JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 8-inch woofer
• Power source: Battery (Up to 12 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth, AUX in, 1/4-inch input, mic/line input (2x)
• IP rating: N/A

Pros

• Simple setup
• Easy-to-use controls
• Portable
• On-unit 4-channel mixer with EQ and effects
• Built-in microphone preamps
• Phantom power

Cons

• Can be too quiet for loud practices
• Reverb effect is subtle for those looking for washed-out sound

The JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA offers musicians and DJs an easy-to-setup audio solution for smaller performance situations. Weighing just under 18 pounds, packing a 12-hour swappable rechargeable battery, the speaker is light enough to carry to and from smaller gigs and fits easily in the trunk or backseat of most cars. 

The onboard 4-channel mixer offers two XLR/TRS combo jacks, one 1/4-inch guitar input, and a 1/8-inch aux input for dialing in the mix. If you’re using a condenser microphone, the unit also comes equipped with phantom power. The EON ONE Compact Personal PA’s four-channel configuration provides the flexibility to create a balanced mix of guitars, vocals, and backing tracks from the controls on the speaker itself or via the JBL app. Connect your phone via Bluetooth to access Lexicon and dbx-inspired 4-band EQ, reverb, chorus, and delay (with quick-recall presets), plus control the volume or stream music wirelessly. 

The unit can sit vertically or horizontally and provides a built-in pole mount socket for elevated placements. This flexibility allows the system to thrive in various settings, as a monitor or for broadcast, even when space is tight. Two USB 3.0 ports let you high-speed charge tablets, phones, and bus-powered DJ devices—perfect if you mix digital formats. According to JBL, a 1/4-inch (6.3mm) passthrough lets you connect up to four speakers and extend your mix to larger crowds. [We only got one speaker, so we couldn’t try this out.] 

The EON ONE Compact can reach 112 dB and the 8-inch bass driver hits 37.5 Hz, though it isn’t ideal for louder rock shows. However, it is a great option for solo and acoustic gigs and smaller gatherings where you want a bigger sound without a big hassle.

Best for guitarists: Positive Grid Spark MINI

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 2-inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery (Up to 8 hours)
• Expandable: No
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth, AUX input, 1/4-inch input
• IP rating: N/A

Pros

• Ultra-portable guitar amp
• Ability to switch between 10,000 tones
• Smart Jam Live mode

Cons

• Only worthwhile for musicians

The Positive Grid Spark MINI was designed for musicians who don’t just want to attend a party; they want to amp up the entertainment at a party. However, its support for Bluetooth and the presence of an AUX input allow you to kick out other people’s jams too. As a 3.3-pound practice amp, the Spark MINI is surprisingly capable. Battery-powered and DSP-based, it has a single 1/4-inch input to plug in almost any electric instrument with a standard cable and get a far more robust tone than you might expect looking at the compact cube. You can add accompaniment (drums and bass) by pairing the speaker to your phone to play a backing track (or use your phone to learn with the Positive Grid app’s auto chords feature). Knobs on top of the Spark MINI let you independently adjust the volume of your music and that amazing new electric guitar you just picked up till you get the right mix (though the MINI plays nicely with acoustic guitar and bass, as well). You can even select your tone from an online library of over 10,000 sculpted through Positive Grid’s BIAS tone engine and shared through its app. It’s like carrying a Marshall stack or AMPEG cabinet … in a backpack.

Suppose you’re a solo musician going to a small get-together. In that case, the Positive Grid Spark MINI is way more practical to lug around than the other PA-capable party speaker we recommend. And with its 8-hour battery life, it will satisfy all but the most out-there jam-band fans. With just two 2-inch drivers and a passive radiator, it won’t earn the party speaker seal of approval as just a Bluetooth speaker, but it’s nice to have a near-field option if you’re in a small space with a handful of friends. Just avoid water (or a spilled beer) with this one. However, none of these downsides are dealbreakers because the Spark MINI is capable of its main task. One of this party speaker’s underrated features is its Line Out, which allows you to connect the amp to a larger PA. If you like a specific guitar tone from Positive Grid’s library and show up to a party with a larger system, you can use your preferred effects with a lot of additional volume.

When you’re not entertaining guests, you can connect this amp directly to your computer using its USB-C port and use it as an interface to record your instrument with your own custom guitar tone using the PreSonus Studio One digital audio workstation software that comes with it. Everybody likes going to a party with live music, but bringing all the equipment necessary for it at the last minute is not always practical. With the Positive Grid Spark MINI, it’s possible to fit everything you need for a “gig” in the back seat of a small car, making it a lot more reasonable.

Willing to trade a little space for more physical tone controls and more room-filling sound? The “full-sized” 40W Positive Grid Spark is still plenty portable, whether you’re ascending a stairway to heaven, speeding down a highway to hell, or taking friends and family on any other number of musical detours.

Best for gamers: GravaStar Mars Pro

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 2.76 inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery (Up to 15 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth
• IP rating: IPX7

Pros

• Intricate design
• Stereo pairing support
• Two subwoofers

Cons

• Limited connectivity options

GravaStar’s Mars Pro proves there ain’t no party like a LAN party. OK, most of our competitive gaming is done remotely, but we like listening to big beats and bouncy bands with our big broadband. This 7.5-inch-tall wireless party speaker is relatively small but has multiple drivers, a big bass radiator, and 25W to deliver lots of low-end. Its distinctive, futuristic look will fit into a party hosted in a game room or bring an out-of-this-world vibe anywhere with a rechargeable battery that lasts 15-20 hours. That’s doubly true if you put a pair next to one another and connect them to listen in true stereo. Still, you must applaud the industrial engineering in this speaker’s zinc alloy body. There are multiple designs and colorways, a touch-responsive volume strip, and it even has LED accents all over it that would make it eye-catching on a livestream as you blast competitors and tunes.

As far as features go, you can’t plug an instrument into it or connect it to dozens of speakers simultaneously (just the one other for true L/R channels). Still, none of those options are absolutely necessary. If anything, pairing them down allowed GravaStar to focus more on audio quality and aesthetics, including making the Mars Pro IPX7—or effectively waterproof. Our only disappointment is that the only way to connect devices to this speaker is over Bluetooth 5.0. To be fair, that’s the universal wireless connectivity standard for all of the best portable speakers. However, it would have been nice to see an AUX in jack as a backup, especially with something that sits nicely next to a computer.

If that doesn’t bother you, the GravaStar Mars Pro is an excellent party speaker for smaller rooms. If anything, your guests may spend a few seconds searching around for the sound source when you start to play music from what they might have thought was an extremely detailed model. That party trick alone may make the Mars Pro worth the price of admission.

Best Wi-Fi speaker: Sonos Move 

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 3.5-inches
• Power source: Battery (Up to 10 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth
• IP rating: IP65

Pros

• Sonos’ ecosystem is strong
• Excellent range
• Amazon Alexa compatible

Cons

• Price

It took Sonos several years to make a party speaker, but the Move is well worth the wait if you’re already a fan of the company’s connected speakers. Its biggest selling point is the ability to stream music to it over Wi-Fi, either through Sonos’ app or AirPlay 2 if you’re on an Apple device. Wi-Fi has a significantly longer, stronger signal than Bluetooth, so the Move and your device will stay connected as long as they’re both on the same network. If a Wi-Fi network isn’t available, the Move can revert to Bluetooth, so you can play music without the internet.

The Move isn’t Sonos’ only portable speaker, but the diminutive Roam is too small to be used as a party speaker—especially given its price. The Move is hefty, but the extra volume allowed Sonos to use better audio hardware. You should expect the same level of fidelity from this speaker as you would from Sonos’ home speakers—which is great because all of them can exist on a single network. The music playing on the inside speakers can also play on the Move, which is helpful if your party is taking place in two spaces at once.

This is the only party speaker we recommend in this roundup that supports Amazon Alexa, allowing you to use it hands-free. Sonos allows you to link streaming services through its app, so you can call up playlists or make them up on-the-fly without touching your phone. This feature requires an active Wi-Fi connection, so consider that if you plan on bringing the Move to a beach. On a related note, this speaker has an IP56 rating, so it can get splashed with water without incident.

The Sonos Move is an excellent portable wireless speaker for all occasions, but its bigger size and louder sound do make it especially useful for a party. Taking a Sonos speaker by the pool or beach is extremely appealing. Our only concern with recommending the Sonos Move is its $400 price, which is pretty high, considering you can only use this speaker to play music. If you’re happy with the way Sonos speakers sound, the Move is absolutely worthwhile, and it’s the best option if you’re looking for a party speaker with a Wi-Fi connection. Only planning to have people gather inside and want to fill an entire room with multidirectional music from one standalone speaker? The new Era 300 has an original acoustic design optimized for Dolby Atmos and the captivating gradients of spatial audio.

Best budget: Tribit XSound Mega

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 1.5-inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery: (Up to 20 hours)
• Expandable: No
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth
• IP rating: IPX7

Pros

• Ultra-portable, with an included shoulder strap
• Battery lasts a long time relative to its size
• Price

Cons

• Smaller speakers make less sound

If you’ve spent your party budget on a venue, food, and drinks, there’s still bound to be enough in the bank for Tribit’s XSound Mega. The beach-bag-friendly speaker has two 1.5-inch bass drivers, which will pump out a reasonable amount of sound, given their size. If you’re hosting a small gathering at home or outdoors, it’ll be sufficient but don’t expect miracles at a big backyard bash.

We named this the top party pick in our guide to the best budget Bluetooth speakers because of its battery life, multiple listening modes, built-in LEDs, and carrying strap. The fact that Tribit equipped it with a USB-A port, which allows you to use it as a power bank, was a welcome feature. We found the speaker’s XBass mode added an appreciable amount of low-frequency response but found the XSound Mega distorted a little at high volumes. It never ruined the song, but the distortion was present. Alternatively, the speaker’s LEDs were surprisingly sophisticated, pulsing rhythmically as the music played.

The Tribit XSound Mega is a little barebones compared to some of our other recommendations, but it also costs under $100. You’re getting a lot of value for your money with this party speaker, which has several of the same core features as our other recommendations in a smaller, less expensive package.

What to consider when shopping for the party speakers

Bass driver

Party music is typically all about that bass—though midrange and treble shouldn’t be dismissed!—so it makes sense to focus on a party speaker’s woofer, the driver that determines how low (in the frequency range) you can go. The bigger the woofer, the more sound it can produce. The biggest impediment to bass performance is often size of the speaker itself, since a driver can only be as big as the case it’s in—though custom waveguides and well-implemented DSP can produce some surprising results. To ensure you get more bounce to the ounce, however, we’ve only chosen party speakers with larger bass drivers for this reason.

Power source

Some party speakers need to be connected to an outlet at all times because they consume too much power to run on a battery for a long period of time—if at all. The tradeoff between a smaller, less powerful party speaker and a large, high-powered one is real, but in many cases, the answer is clear. If you host large basement parties where there’s no chance of disturbing the neighbors, a plugged-in party speaker makes sense. For smaller get-togethers—especially those in the outdoors—a portable party speaker makes more sense.

Expandability

Some speaker makers allow you to daisy chain multiple speakers together, so you can play the same music in different places or listen in true stereo. In some cases, this feature is literally called PartyBoost mode. If the parties you throw take place indoors and outdoors, or you have to cover a lot of ground and don’t want a single huge speaker, expandability is key.

Connectivity

All of the party speakers we’re recommending support Bluetooth, the universal wireless standard that allows you to connect your phone, tablet, or computer to countless tech accessories. But even a universal standard has variants, so you’ll want to make sure the Bluetooth version of your source and speaker are in line (Bluetooth 5.3 devices are the most current, but there are plenty of 4.x devices floating around that still function perfectly well). Some have the option of connecting to your device over Wi-Fi, which offers a better range, a more stable signal, and higher-fidelity streaming. If you want to go old school, a 3.5mm AUX input will let you connect your source to the party speaker directly, which offers the highest level of fidelity—assuming you’re playing lossless music—but means your device is literally tethered to the speaker.

IP rating

A speaker’s IP (Ingress Protection) rating determines its durability against dust and water. Our recommendations range from having no IP rating to an IPX7 rating, which means they can be fully submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes without the risk of damage. This feature won’t matter if you keep your speaker indoors—so long as nobody spills a drink on it—but is extremely important if you host outdoor gatherings.

FAQs

Final thoughts on choosing the best party speakers

• Best overall: JBL Boombox 3
• Best portable: Sony SRS-XG300
• Best with lights: JBL PartyBox 110
• Best for outdoor party: Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo 
• Best for house party performances: JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA
• Best for guitarists: Positive Grid Spark MINI
• Best for gamers: GravaStar Mars Pro
• Best Wi-Fi speaker: Sonos Move 
• Best budget: Tribit XSound Mega

Whether you throw a couple of casual get-togethers yearly or host the weekly event friends look forward to throughout the week, having a party speaker is key to everyone having a good time. No party is complete without music; you can be the hero by providing it. We’re especially pleased that companies have begun taking this speaker style seriously rather than chalking it up as a gimmick and slapping unnecessary features onto previously available models that just blurt farty bass. Any of our speaker recommendations will get the job done; now it’s your task to create the perfect playlist.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best party speakers in 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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You only have two ears, but you don’t hear solely in stereo. Oh, you can tattoo “L” and “R” on those fleshy receivers, break out the protractor, and align your posture perfectly with a sound source. Your localization is still working in three dimensions. Reflecting on those reflections, Santa Barbara-based wireless sound system company Sonos set out to develop a speaker that recognized yet defied the tyranny of two-channel. Previewed at the company’s headquarters in February, then officially announced March 7, the Era 300 is the company’s first connected speaker purpose-built from the ground up for Dolby Atmos-powered multidirectional audio. 

This $449 smart speaker, on sale March 28, plays stereo content without upmixing, conveying the artist’s intention. But its six positional drivers yearn for more immersive mixes. With a completely original acoustic design, it’s not a refresh. But is that refreshing? Let’s look at whether a sideways hourglass-shaped speaker’s time has come.

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The build

Unique is not always utilitarian. But in the case of the Era 300’s cinched chassis, available in matte white or black, everything is deliberately calibrated to make the audio presentation stand out just as much as the speaker’s body does. Unlike the simultaneously released Era 100, which draws an obvious lineage from the Sonos One, the 9.85 lb. Era 300 has no precedent. Its 6.30 x 10.14 x 7.28 inches (HWD) present themselves as an oval when facing forward, but a closer look from any lateral angle reveals the sideways cylinder’s distinctive high-waisted style. Not everybody will love it, but it’s more compact and less concave than pictures might portray.

On the top of the Era 300 runs the “trough,” a shallow capacitive canal you can swipe to change the volume. This tactile control is intuitive to find with just a finger. Toward the front, you’ll find equally touch-sensitive Play/Pause, Rewind, and Forward icons. Toward the middle, a speech bubble allows you to temporarily deactivate your voice assistant of choice (Sonos Voice Control or Amazon Alexa). If you want to take privacy a step forward, a hardware switch on the back of the speaker cuts all power to the microphone. The back of the speaker is also where you’ll find the Bluetooth pairing button, a socket for the 90-degree flush-fit power cable, and a USB-C port. 

Yes, I said Bluetooth pairing button. While spatial audio is getting most of the fanfare for the Era 300, the acceptance that Bluetooth no longer undermines but rather underpins the habits and homes of many modern listeners is equally revolutionary for Sonos. So now Bluetooth 5.0 (with SBC and AAC codecs) has migrated from the company’s portable, rechargeable Move and Roam speakers into its multiroom line alongside the wireless networking that has long formed the foundation of the Sonos multiroom audio vision. In this case, it’s Wi-Fi 6 that’s supported, ensuring the Era 300 can place nicely with your new high-speed router for 4K streaming and all the accompanying high-resolution audio, etc.

That final noteworthy part, the USB-C port, allows you to connect an external audio source—whether that’s a CD player, laptop, cassette deck, or preamp-equipped turntable with a patch cable—via a $19 dongle featuring a 3.5mm line-in jack. A more expensive $39 adapter includes that same aux input alongside an Ethernet jack if you prefer to hardwire your speakers into your network. This speaker may be intended primarily for spatial’s sonic revolution, but it’ll play nicely with an LP’s revolutions per minute, too. It’s worth noting that because the dongle is introducing analog-to-digital conversion, it can also introduce minor signal delay.

All that and we’ve barely scratched the surface because beneath the surface is where the majority of the innovative components lie. Inside each Era 300 are four tweeters (one forward-firing, two side-firing, one up-firing), and two woofers (left/right). Each custom driver is powered by a dedicated class-D amplifier and paired with a custom waveguide to help direct and correct its response for clarity. The reason the Era 300’s control panel is pushed forward? It’s because of where the upward-facing driver’s directional horn needed to be to disperse the optimal ceiling reflection of Atmos height effects.  

As you can see, a lot went into the Era 300. And also less. Sustainability and repairability played equal parts in the speaker’s design, so to minimize waste, the Era 300 has less virgin plastic. The exterior’s specific shade of white, which differs from older product, is a result of including 40% post-consumer plastic. In addition, the speaker’s construction uses far less glue; everywhere possible, screws (stamped with a subtle “Sonos” around the head) were used instead to make repairs easier and, alongside more replaceable grilles to circuitry, promote products that last. The Era 300 even consumes less energy while idle than previous speakers (less than 2 watts). And the packaging is 100% recyclable (though it’s so thoughtfully designed, with its built-in locking mechanism, you’ll want to hold onto it if you need to move/store your speakers). All this is in service of the Sonos roadmap to be carbon neutral by 2030 and net zero by 2040.

The setup

Plug it in. Wait for the blinking light. Open the Sonos S2 app (available for iOS and Android). Create an account. Add in your Wi-Fi network password. Not to belittle the process, but it’s super simple whether you’ve set up a Sonos product before or not. And if you have, it’s that much easier. Add the Era 300 to an existing system or establish a new one. Whether you want to use one standalone Era 300, create a stereo pair, or group two as surround channels for a Sonos Arc or Sonos Beam (Gen. 2) soundbar, it all takes little more than a click—a guided one at that as the app is quite intuitive. 

Once the Era 300 is added to a system, you can activate Trueplay, which uses speaker-generated impulses and your smartphone’s microphone to Quick Tune the hardware for your room—a previously iOS-only feature now extended to Android. You can also access Treble and Bass sliders, as well as a Height channel adjustment. It’s worth noting that you won’t have access to Bluetooth pairing until after you’ve done the Wi-Fi network setup, but once that’s done, you can run both protocols at the same time (after all, you don’t want to give your Wi-Fi password to every visitor with songs to share).

The bigger consideration for the Era 300, more so than other Sonos speakers, is physical placement. Sonos offers guidelines that you can read later, so feel free to skip a couple paragraphs. But if you want a summary to know whether spatial is right for your space: Because of those side-and up-firing drivers, it’s recommended to place an Era 300 speaker on a surface with 8 inches of clearance on each side, and 2 feet clearance above it. Those numbers are a starting point that should be combined with common sense, however. An enclosed space is not optimal (even if the top shelf is 3 feet from the top of the Era 300). Nor are 20-foot ceilings. 

If you’re using two Era 300 speakers as a stereo pair, you might want to try more traditional sweet spot rules, with the speakers 7-9 feet apart and where you sit an equal distance from each, forming a triangle. However, Sonos claims the Era 300 is off-axis forgiving. And suppose you’re using two Era 300 speakers as L/R surround channels. In that case, you want each about 5 feet off where you sit while considering that 8-inch side clearance rule, plus keeping an inch or two between the speakers and a rear wall (Sonos produces both finish-matched stands and wall mounts for minimizing vibration/positioning reflection).

Also of importance is your source. You can stereo stream music from dozens and dozens of services through the Sonos app or send it directly to the Era 300 via lossless Apple AirPlay 2 and TIDAL Connect or lossy Spotify Connect. If you want better-than-CD quality (24-bit/48kHz), you need to subscribe to either Qobuz or Amazon Music Unlimited. 

To enjoy the spacious contours of multidimensional music, however, your options are not equally wide. You have only two choices: Amazon Music or Apple Music (following a March 28 firmware update). Plus, to be properly decoded on the speaker, the tracks must play through the Sonos app. Unfortunately, the app has no spatial filter or flags, so you can either preview a few seconds of songs to see if an Atmos label pops up or make a conveniently labeled and organized playlist in one of the native apps, then locate it through the Sonos one. It’s not as elegant a process as Apple Music on a HomePod via AirPlay, one and done, but the end results with a well-mixed album are worth the hassle.

The sound

I’ve spent a week with two Era 300 speakers, playing with one standalone, as well as both in stereo and grouped with an Arc and Sonos Sub to form a 7.1.4 surround system (if you have two Subs, you can even go 7.2.4). In that short period, my initial impressions on the hardware—which will be updated over the coming week as more time is spent putting the Era 300 up against speakers like the Apple HomePod (2nd generation) and wireless surround systems such as the Sennheiser AMBEO Plus—have been nothing but positive.

For starters, however, let’s put the Era 300 in context with the Sonos lineup. The 300 was announced in conjunction with the Era 100 (which we’ve thoroughly reviewed here)—a “remastering” of the Sonos One that adds two angled tweeters and a larger woofer into a familiar cylindrical form factor. And the Era 100 may set a new standard for a compact stereo connected speaker. Still, it can’t come close to the experience that is the Era 300.

I’ve also had the opportunity to listen to the $549 Sonos Five in the past, both standalone and in a stereo pair. With its three high-excursion woofers (and three tweeters), the Five still outputs more punch than the Era 300. Regarding soundstage, however, the Era 300’s directional treble adds expansiveness alongside expressiveness. The Five has more force and finesse, as each speaker has six forward-facing drivers, but the Era 300’s array wins in overall width.

Now, let’s put me in context. I’ve been playing with audio surround sound formats for almost 20 years. SACD, DVD-Audio, DualDisc, HD DVD, Blu-ray, ISOs—like Pokémon, I collected them all. I secured my fair share of speaker wires along the baseboards and under carpets for 5.1 systems. What I like about Dolby Atmos spatial audio and the Era 300 is that I no longer hear the gaps between components that could easily creep in, whether because of a gimmicky mix or poorly calibrated system. 

Take the track “No Reason” by the Chemical Brothers—mentioned in passing during a February presentation by Sonos Sound Experience Leader (and legendary mix engineer) Giles Martin as an Atmos session that elicited immediate elation from the artist when played back in the studio on a prototype Era 300. There’s an ability in this pairing of hardware and 360-degree encoding to have discrete elements remain in motion without as perceivable a disconnect as the old channel-hopping daze. The intro to “No Reason” begins as diffuse trills and fills until it finally coalesces into a more centralized martial rhythm before fanning out again in waves of whoops and puddles of reverb, stomping up percussive splatter.  

Played back on just one Era 300, the song is a day-glow procession, with plentiful though slightly loose low-end. Pair two Era 300s, and everything is magnified—more sprawling but no less anchored. The inward-facing channels are digitally deemphasized to avoid a shouty center image. The sound never reaches fully behind you, but it flanks you convincingly.

Turning to a standard stereo track like Massive Attack’s “Angel,” there’s obvious processing, a Sonos saturation, but it maintains much of the honesty from the buoyantly menacing bassline. No, it’s not so articulate it will convince me to give up the KEF LS50 Wireless II and KC62 subwoofer. But It’s also not really fair to compare an $898 pair of speakers to a $4,298 listening station. The KEF kit is for an audiophile that wants to sequester with old acquaintances, while the Era 300 is for anybody that vibes off of making new friends. It’s an attainable, out-of-the-box wow factor that’s welcoming for everybody. A great way to have a party or check out a hot producer’s lewk. That doesn’t mean you can’t fine-tune the response, however. 

Integrate the Sonos Sub with the Era 300, which you can do with one or two speakers, and the midrange opens up noticeably. Handing off the bass opens the Era 300’s headroom and does what a well-integrated sub should do: refines rather than merely reinforces. It might initially feel that the bass quantity dips, but it’s in the pursuit of quality. Really what’s happened is stray resonance has been corralled, and the sense of separation has increased. You may prefer thick kick, while I like things a little less congested. This is not a choice you can make with Apple’s closed hardware ecosystem, for comparison, and the HomePod can get surprisingly, sometimes distractingly rumbly.

The gradients fill in even further with the Era 300s as surround speakers with the Arc. Tethered via eARC to a TV connected to an Apple TV, the Arc can receive object-based audio directly from Apple Music and render the most immersive expression of any track. Are you going to be disappointed at times? Sure, there’s nothing that Sonos can do about a bad mix. And there are plenty of bad Dolby Atmos mixes. They can’t all be Giles Martin’s take on the Beatles’ Revolver. But you’ll be engrossed more than grossed out most of the time. One note: Adding the Era 300s as surrounds deactivates Bluetooth and the USB-C port; it’s Wi-Fi streaming only from now on.

I know I’ve dedicated a million words to music, so I’ll just touch on movies briefly (check back later for thoughts on where post-Era 300 Sonos ranks in wireless surround sound systems). I’ve watched a smattering of films—standard demo fare like Top Gun: Maverick, Ready Player One, Blade Runner 2049, Dune, Baby Driver, and John Wick. Well, in the words of Mad Max: Fury Road, “Do not, my friends, become addicted to Atmos. It will take hold of you, and you will resent its absence.” You get, well, constantly unfurling atmosphere. Pinpoint cues and disembodied voices. Tension and release. The Era 300 has gone to battle against the ordinary and emerged victorious.

The conclusion

In the Venn diagram of immediate-immersive-impressive, the Era 300 sits in a roomy overlap. That overlay broadens with two Eras, and it becomes closer to a single circle once you’ve graduated to an Arc+Sub+Era 300×2 setup. But you don’t need more than one Era 300 to enjoy gratification. On some tracks, you’ll hear more elements fly around the room. Sometimes you’ll just hear more room. All without a room-filling setup. If you’re more interested in simplicity than specs and don’t mind the slowly unwinding song distribution system, the Era 300 is expensive but a splurge that will pay off as artists embrace spatial audio’s full potential.

The post Sonos Era 300 Dolby Atmos speaker review: Prepare for glory appeared first on Popular Science.

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Here at PopSci, we love full fidelity but not paying full price. We spend all year auditioning headphones, earbuds, speakers, and more to give you our top recommendations, so we love it when our favorites are available for less than top dollar. Whether you’re looking to cut cords and cost with features-stuffed connected speakers and Bluetooth headphones or invest in some expressive, astute audiophile upgrades, Crutchfield has a killer selection of components we recommend that ship quickly, so you can spend less time waiting for that delivery and more time enjoying the playlist you obsessively compiled right after hitting “Add to cart.” From summit-fi headphones to network streamers, flagship soundbars to portable party speakers, we’ve tried out and can endorse everything on this page and there’s something for everybody.

Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin wireless powered speaker $699 (Was $799)

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You can keep your sound and budget afloat if you act fast and snag the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin—a visual and sonic statement. It’s one of our favorite smart speakers because it’s Alexa-compatible and can playback high-resolution streaming audio over Wi-Fi. And it’s one of our favorite speakers period because of its five reference-grade drivers adapted from the company’s high-end speakers. It delivers a frequency range of 35 Hz-24 kHz, with some serious bass without turbulence. Plus, it’s currently $100 off—and discounts are one of the sweetest sounds to our ears.

Prefer a more standard approach to stereo sound? There are a ton of Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series bookshelf and floorstanding speakers on sale with savings of up to $460 a pair. And if you’re looking for a concert for one, the ultra-stylish, extremely resolving Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 over-ear noise-canceling wireless headphones can be had for $50 off their standard price.

Less interested in a single listening station and more open to an immersive whole-house audio ecosystem? You can save almost $100 on the package price of a Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos soundbar/connected music system and matching Sonos Sub Gen. 3—just in time for the upcoming release of the Sonos Era 300 spatial audio wireless speakers (which can play standalone multichannel music or act as rear surround channels for the Arc). And if you’ve still got someone with analog inklings in the house, the Victrola Stream Carbon semi-automatic belt-drive turntable with built-in Wi-Fi and Sonos streaming technology is currently $100 off.

Here are a few more of the, well, best-sounding deals:

• Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar | Plus 7.1.4-channel soundbar with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X $1,299.95 (Was $1,499.95)
• Samsung HW-Q990B 11.1.4-channel soundbar and wireless subwoofer system $1,497.99 (Was $1,899.99)
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II True wireless noise-cancelling in-ear headphones $249 (Was $299)
• Sony SRS-XG500 X-Series MEGA BASS portable Bluetooth speaker $348 (Was $198)
• JBL PartyBox Encore Essential Portable Bluetooth speaker with light display $249.95 (Was $299.95)

Don’t mind paying for the best? Here are our top recommendations for audiophiles:

• The Bowers & Wilkins Px8, which we consider “flagship Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones to usher you into a high-energy world” in our review
• The Focal Bathys, which we declared “top-tier wireless headphones for exploring music’s buoyant depths” in our review
• The Focal Utopia, which we consider the very best headphone when money is no object and which has amazing synergy with the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition amp/DAC/network streamer
• The Meze LIRIC, one of our favorite planar-magnetic headphones and our top pick for one that is closed-back yet still sounds spacious
• The JBL 4305P Studio Monitors, our selection for best powered speakers if you stream high-resolution audio
• The KEF LS50 Wireless II, an even more premium pick for pristine connected audio

The post Get the best for less with Crutchfield audio deals appeared first on Popular Science.

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Sonos has revealed the Era 100 and Era 300, its first non-portable smart speakers in several years. But, despite their stationary form factors, each speaker is focused on transportive acoustics. Acknowledging immersive audio as the shape of sound to come, the new speakers are designed for more expansive playback, whether standalone in a whole-home system or integrated into a Sonos home theater suite. Let’s take a look at what’s coming later this month.

The Era 100

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The Sonos Era 100 (shown in white above) is effectively a replacement for (what they’re calling a “remastering of”) the second-generation One, its entry-level mains-powered home speaker. The Era 100 is about half an inch taller and half a pound heavier, and it has an entirely new—but still familiar—industrial design. The biggest external change is the inclusion of a shallow, touch-sensitive trench along the other controls on top of the speaker, which makes sliding to change its volume more intuitive than the line of dots found on the One. This is especially a win on the accessibility front, making the Sonos Era 100 easier to operate without sight.

Sonos took the most popular features of the second-generation One—especially support for Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, Apple’s AirPlay 2, Trueplay auto-calibration, and a fully featured app with streaming sources and adjustable EQ—and augmented Wi-Fi 6 with the highly requested Bluetooth 5.0 (previously only featured on the Roam and Move portable speakers). And, if privacy is a major concern, you can use a physical toggle to disconnect power to the far-field microphone array.

The Era 100’s updated, rounder design is nice. Still, you’re primarily going to buy a smart speaker for its sound. Following a brief audition in a New York showroom, I was immediately struck by how Sonos has delivered some notable improvements over the second-generation One without radically altering the speaker’s shape and size. This new speaker can play music in stereo courtesy of two angled tweeters and a larger midrange woofer with custom waveguide. You can still pair two Era 100s together wirelessly for additional separation (or with a Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar, such as the Arc, to provide rear Left/Right channels). Still, Sonos has widened the soundstage from a single source, and a trio of class-D digital amplifiers—in addition to custom, in-house tuning—produced a surprisingly convincing off-axis response and an impressive amount of low-end in my first impressions (more to come at the end of March). This makes even a single Era 100 a compact complement to the Works With Sonos network-enabled Victrola Stream Carbon Turntable (which we’re reviewing soon).

Already invested in a more traditionally tethered turntable? Don’t count the Era 100 out, though Sonos has also taken a novel, if not controversial, approach to wired connectivity. If you turn the Era 100 around, you’ll see a USB-C port, which can be turned into an Aux-in or Ethernet port with an optional Combo Adapter. We always applaud additional connectivity options—especially extending the Era 100’s usability by literal decades—but wish the adapters came in the box. Speaking of sustainability, Sonos has designed the Era 100 and Era 300 to be easily repairable, replacing adhesives with screws wherever possible to make it easier for technicians to get into the speakers to address common issues. The Era 100 costs $249 and will be in stores March 28 (though it can be preordered directly from Sonos now).

The Era 300

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The Era 100, while impressive, is still a replacement for an existing product in the company’s portfolio. The Era 300, meanwhile, is a completely different story reimagined from the ground up. It doesn’t supersede any speakers in the Sonos Play series but introduces a distinctive architecture specifically for multidirectional audio. The Era 300 has all the smart features of its smaller sibling—including optional voice control, the USB-C Line-In port, the capacitive volume well, Bluetooth 5.0, repairability, etc.—but there’s a lot more going on under the hourglass hood (as shown above).

Sonos has outfitted the Era 300 with four tweeters and two woofers powered by six class-D amplifiers. The configuration’s contours allow it to play Dolby Atmos tracks—initially from Amazon Music, but also from Apple Music in a March 28 firmware update for Era 300, Arc, and Beam (Gen. 2)—from a single speaker. This is possible, in part, because of the speaker’s unique silhouette, which allowed the engineers to include an up-firing tweeter within its precisely calculated proportions. Non-Atmos tracks will play in true stereo, too. If you already have a Sonos Arc (and, optimally, a Sonos Sub or Sub Mini), adding a pair of the Era 300 speakers as rear speakers will create the best home theater system the company has ever offered. When briefly demoed (admittedly in a carefully cultivated environment), the Era 300 was expressive, unfurling a corrugated yet firmly centered rendering of tracks mixed with multiple angles. Punchy, billowing, articulate—adjectives cued up quickly with each track.

The Era 300’s unique shape clocks in at 6.3-inches tall, 10.24-inches wide, and 7.28-inches deep, and weighs in at 9.85 pounds. It requires more space than many smart speakers—Bowers & Wilkins’ Zeppelin is a notable exception—but Sonos has packed the Era 300, which also ships March 28 and can be preordered direct today, with a lot of new hardware. These innovative features are commensurate with the Era 300’s $449 price tag, which brings the price of a pair to just under $1,000 with sales tax. We’ll declare whether the juice is worth the squeeze later this month in a full review testing the Era 300’s multi-channel dispersion by itself (versus the 2nd-gen. HomePod, naturally) and as part of the Arc ecosystem.

The post Sonos speakers are in their spatial Era appeared first on Popular Science.

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I am winding through the Westlake Highlands to preview some of 2023’s hottest audio-video hardware … and we are all about to die.

OK, that may be a little hyperbolic. It may be a lot hyperbolic, sorry. Our hosts are wholly conscientious of our safety, and our driver is taking the utmost care, but it doesn’t mean it’s not where my head is. It’s a perplexingly frigid early February day in Texas Hill Country, the ground slick with a thin layer of ice and the air thick with nervous energy. I’m part of a small group of tech reporters huddled in a party bus inching along Austin’s Toro Canyon, weaving around skidding cars and buckling tree branches. We finally arrive at our destination: a mansion on a panoramic perch, the downtown we left what feels like a lifetime ago far in the distance. It’s an auspicious setting for auspicious events. The city is experiencing its worst icing in 15 years, and Sony is revealing its first A/V receivers in five years.

It was 2018 when Sony last released an AVR (one of those, the STR-DH590, is still one of our recommended receivers under $500). I have no idea what the weather was like the day of that announcement, but the company has more than made up for the subsequent drought with its five new models: the more consumer-oriented STR-AN1000 ($899.99) and the custom installation (CI)-focused Elevated Standard (ES) lineup of the STR-AZ1000ES ($1,099.99), STR-AZ3000ES ($1,699.99), STR-AZ5000ES ($2,099.99), and STR-AZ7000ES ($3,299.99). 

After some introductory words and a promise that everything possible will be done to avoid a Hunger Games-like scenario if the ongoing freak storm takes out the power, we’re introduced to the guests of honor in all their newly framed glory. Like specs? We got flagship specs: 7.2-channel, 100 watts/channel (2 channels driven @ 6 ohms); 7.2-channel, 100 watts/channel (2 channels driven at 8 ohms); 7.2-channel, 120 watts/channel (2 channels driven at 8 ohms); 9.2-channel, 130 watts/channel (2 channels driven at 8 ohms); 13.2-channel, 150 watts/channel (2 channels driven at 8 ohms). 

The top two models, the AZ5000ES and AZ7000ES, have complete preamp outputs if you prefer dedicated external amplifiers. For PlayStation 5 fans, all models support 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz video, as well as HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, variable refresh rate (VRR), and auto low latency mode (ALLM)—all thanks to HDMI 2.1 eARC ports (I/O proportions increase alongside the price). 

Like first impressions? We’ll get to the impressions soon, I promise. These AVRs now feature Sony’s Dolby Atmos competitor, 360 Reality Audio (ported from Sony’s award-winning soundbars, active noise cancellation headphones, and earbuds). Streaming services—including TIDAL, Amazon Music Unlimited, and nugs.net—can be optimized for this object-based experience. An additional algorithm, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, uses psychoacoustics to make stereo and multi-channel content (whether Dolby or DTS) even more immersive. 

A multi-axis microphone. Sound engineering shared between San Diego and Tokyo. The new line offers an updated approach to auto-calibration and digital signal processing to map “virtual speakers” in the gaps between physical transducers. Not sure what to feed the beasts? Along with any and all hardware you can imagine that can be patched through HDMI, optical, coaxial, RCA, etc., the AVRs feature Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.2, and Roon endpoint compatibility. In addition, all the amps are certified Works With Sonos. A Sonos Port external streamer (sold separately) can wake the AVR and designate it as a zone in the Sonos app, allowing you to play high-resolution audio across your wireless network without changing rooms or settings. ES hardware has always had audiophile cred, and the combination of a 32-bit DAC, DSEE Ultimate DSP, exclusive pre-amp integrated circuits, large-capacitor power transformer, updated heat sinks, and robust resonance-damping chassis, among other features, ensures that reputation’s not going away anytime soon.

Cycling through the Airbnb-turned-showroom, we hear CI rep after CI rep praising the depth of the ES line’s remote management features (and the hidden, embedded dashboards). Control4, OrC, Savant, Crestron … every integrator celebrates the RS232 ports and IP controls and their ability to monitor, configure, and support Sony’s AVRs without rolling out a truck. Settings can be backed up, restored, and/or locked down in case someone decides to experiment with the levels (particularly useful if, say, you own a mansion you rent out for high-end parties and corporate events like product rollouts). We’re shown how easy it is to work these home automation-friendly hubs into a whole-home control system like Savant’s, programming scenes where, for example, Wi-Fi-enabled GE CYNC smart LED bulbs change color based on the content source (Netflix red, Disney+ blue, etc.).  

It was when the lights went down, however, that the ES AVR really shows off what it could do. Sony spent four weeks building out a custom theater in what was once an unused garage, partnering with KEF Audio, makers of some of our favorite powered speakers, among others. Rack-mounting a STR-AZ7000ES with a Sony UBP-X800M2 4K Blu-ray player and power management/control components, the team build an easily accessed and easily secured patch bay with AudioQuest interconnects. Inside the ES Cinema, a Sony VPL-XW7000ES 4K HDR laser projector and 13 KEF architectural speakers were demoed with a 150-inch screen and 9.6.4 configuration. Yes, six subwoofers. No, I don’t think anyone soiled themselves, but I didn’t take a formal poll.   

Soundbars and virtualization have transformed movie night. We’re fans of the Sony HT-A7000, and expanding to satellites and a sub is immediately impactful. But the physicality of a properly calibrated speaker array—whether showcasing a high-intensity film scene or a multi-layered song—triggers something primal that’s underserved even in the finest stereo or 5.1. While most audiophile music selections leave me cold, the set-up’s presentation is warm as it steadily swivels—the STR-AZ7000ES’s clean power and the KEF 12th-gen. Uni-Q driver’s smooth off-axis response creates a murmuration of spatial audio rendered with authority but an even temperament. I won’t say the sound is to die for because the roads haven’t thawed, but I’m thoroughly impressed.

Not everyone can dedicate their space and/or funds to reinforce insulation and calculate acoustic treatments to wrangle the rumble, however. Those of us who put our pants on one leg at a time, then binge in a more traditional “home theater” can still access customization options. Sony’s AVRs support select wireless surround speakers (the SA-RS3S and SA-RS5) and subs (the SA-SW3 and SA-SW5). And they feature an Acoustic Center Sync feature, allowing for virtual positioning of the surround sound dialogue channel in combination with a flatscreen’s audio output—but only if that display is a Sony Bravia XR TV. Speaking of … nearly 2,000 miles and multiple weather patterns away, Commerce Reporter Brandt Ranj is escorted into a dimly lit room to get the skinny on Sony’s 2023 TV lineup.

One small step for brightness, one giant leap for TVs of a certain kind

Manhattan’s Madison Avenue on a sunny morning isn’t as harrowing as the Southwest coated in wintry mix, but I still saw beautiful vistas standing before Sony’s latest Bravia XR displays. Most of the demo areas were set up with four screens: This year’s Sony TV, the previous year’s Sony TV, a competitor’s TV, and a multi-thousand-dollar reference monitor used by professional TV and filmmakers for color grading.

The purpose of Sony’s demos was simple: see the year-over-year improvements Sony could make to its TVs, understand how the new sets stacked up to the competition, and compare all of the consumer-grade hardware to the reference monitor. The Sony representatives giving the demo flat out told me that the reference monitor would produce the best results but, otherwise, let me use my own rods and cones to suss out the differences.

One of Sony’s priorities with this year’s slate of TVs is increasing brightness without losing visual fidelity. This was as true for its “Master Series” A95L QD-OLED TV as for its entry-level X77L Direct LED model. Each demo highlighted—pardon the pun—this directive, and I was impressed with the balance Sony struck. My handler was quicker to show off the annual improvements Sony made to its TVs—how much more detail was visible in low-light scenes or how brightly lit ones popped—than to put down the competitor’s set.

And it’s true. My personal reference television—the one I test against new TV hardware I’m reviewing—is Sony’s two-year-old X80J, so I’m familiar with how its OLED screens look. In the room I was in, the new TVs looked as vibrant and accurate as ever, with improvements to color reproduction going hand-in-hand with the brighter screens. I don’t see myself upgrading my current set anytime soon, but anyone considering jumping from a years-old LED TV to a MiniLED or OLED set will be pleased with what they see.

These performance boosts are made possible by improvements in screen technology, but the other side of Sony’s 2023 TV story is its updated Cognitive Processor XR. The new chip has found its way into the X95L, X90L, A95L, and A80L TVs and can optimize the HDR tone mapping and noise reduction of the content you’re watching in real-time. I could see how 1080P content looked upconverted on a 4K TV, and the Clear Image result was satisfying. HD video will never look as good as native 4K content, but it’s nice to know that older shows on streaming services will look their best. Sony could have saved these chips for one type of TV, but it’s nice to see them share the love with MiniLED and OLED TVs alike.

Every tech company has been quick to tout how their latest gear is more environmentally friendly than ever, but Sony’s take on this is refreshingly understandable. The company didn’t focus exclusively on tech specs; instead, it made all its power settings accessible from an Eco menu in the TVs dashboard. The dashboard has a pastoral background, with a tree that blooms as you enable more eco-friendly settings. Seeing the tree grow in real time was fun, though I’m not sure it’s quite impressive enough to make people adjust their TV’s brightness. There’s also a Gaming dashboard to adjust VRR, etc.

The most impressive demo I saw during my brief time with Sony’s TVs was how its A95L’s built-in camera makes on-the-fly adjustments based on the lighting conditions of your room, how many people are watching TV, and where they’re seated. These changes happened seamlessly, and I could watch a cursor representing me move as I walked around. The camera can also be used to make and take Google Meet video calls directly from the A95L, which can be helpful if your team or family uses that platform. You can disable the A95L camera and close a privacy shade if you don’t want to live quite so far in the future. Personally, I’m all in.

Television has been a part of U.S. culture for over half a century. While increases in resolution, reductions in size, and improvements to usability have passed us by, the basic concept of a screen showing a picture has remained. In 2023, Sony has opted not to jump on a fad—please, no more attempts to make at-home 3D or fetch happen—but instead made incremental-yet-noticeable changes across the board. We all know many of the successful features from its highest-end sets will end up in entry-level models within a few years, and in this case, we all have a lot to look forward to.

The post We saw Sony’s new ES receivers and Bravia XR TVs and lived to tell you about them appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 Charging Pad		SEE IT	An Apple enthusiast’s simplest solution for charging all the essentials.
Best charger		Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger		SEE IT	Classy as it is convenient, this compact charger helps simplify packing.
Best battery		OtterBox wireless 5K mAh Power Bank		SEE IT	Two-sided MagSafe compatibility adds versatility to this potent pint-sized battery backup.

If you’ve ever woken up and, groggily lumbering toward the bathroom, started the day by tripping over an iPhone charging cable, you know you felt no shame audibly cheering the first time you used a MagSafe accessory. MagSafe, Apple’s magnetic connector for electronic devices, started as an improvement for MacBook power cords in 2006. But it was with the introduction of the iPhone 12 in 2020 that the MagSafe name became synonymous with the much wider world of wireless power transfer and magnetic attachment products. Having a phone and a MagSafe-compatible charger saves you the problem of having the right cord with the right connector that’s the right length to be lined up just right; when that green circle lights up the iPhone screen, one less worry fills your mind. Not every MagSafe accessory involves power but they do all involve that feeling of security. Here’s our selection of the best MagSafe accessories to make sure your iPhone is fully charged and fastened when and where you need it to be.

• Best overall: Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 Charging Pad
• Best charging dock: Nomad Base One Max
• Best charger: Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger
• Best car mount: Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE Magnetic Wireless Car Charger
• Best phone case: Otterbox OtterGrip Symmetry Series
• Best battery: OtterBox wireless 5K mAh Power Bank

How we chose the best MagSafe accessories

As gadget geeks and serial upgraders, many of us have a recent iPhone. And considering how many devices we regularly test, requiring us to keep track of yet another interconnect, being able to wrangle one less tangle is a godsend. This is why we are both fans and intimate friends with many MagSafe accessories. Combining this firsthand experience with peer recommendations, critical reviews, and user impressions, we put together a list of potential inclusions from top manufacturers—including Belkin, Mophie, OtterBox, and more—then narrowed down the dozens of options to these picks.

The best MagSafe accessories: Reviews & Recommendations

MagSafe is a quality-of-life improvement you didn’t know you needed, but once you have it, you don’t understand why you didn’t this whole time. Here are our top picks for some of the best MagSafe accessories, focusing on accessories that offer charging.

Best overall: Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 charging pad

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Why it made the cut: This unassuming silicone-clad slab packs a sweet suite of Apple device chargers into a low-profile accessory.

Specs

• Dimensions: 9.8 x 5 x 3.66 inches
• Weight: 1.74 pounds
• Power: Up to 15W MagSafe

Pros

• Charges iPhone, Apple Watch, and wireless earbuds simultaneously
• Full 15W MagSafe charging capability
• Apple Watch Series 7 fast charge supported
• Apple Watch can be charged flat or in Nightstand mode

Cons

• Not the cheapest charging pad

Fans of maximized minimalism will love this Belkin 3-in-1 charging stand. It’s an Apple enthusiast’s simplest solution for charging all the essentials, with dedicated spots for a MagSafe-compatible iPhone, an Apple Watch, and wireless-compatible AirPods. 

Despite being a three-device dream, it’s an unassuming silicone-clad slab—available in Black or White with a soft-matte finish and subtle chrome accents—and it’s a lay-flat design that can be easily packed for on-the-go use. The MagSafe iPhone platform offers full 15W charging, with or without an official MagSafe case on your device (an included 40W adapter ensures the full output). While the Watch puck is adjustable, allowing any size Watch to be oriented as an alarm clock in Nightstand mode—and enabling fast charge for compatible Apple Watch Series 8 models. And the AirPods panel includes an LED indicator, so you know the wireless charging is active. 

Stable without being too hefty, the Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO is the top third-party MagSafe charger and fills an important gap in Apple’s own offerings.

Best charging dock: Nomad Base One Max charger

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Why it made the cut: Nomad’s Base One Max is a sturdy 2-in-1 Made for iPhone-certified charger made of metal, glass, and soft-touch rubber.

Specs

• Dimensions: 7.44 x 3.54 x 1.8 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Power: Up to 15W MagSafe, Requires 30W charging brick

Pros

• Beautiful design
• Weight keeps it anchored
• Apple Watch charges in Nightstand Mode

Cons

• Pricey
• Doesn’t support Apple Watch 7 fast charge
• Doesn’t come with a charging brick

Nomad’s Base One Max is a hefty 2-in-1 charger that emphasizes design and utility. Available in Carbide or Silver, it features a solid metal and glass design along with subtle soft-touch accents to keep your devices protected, and it looks and feels more like a centerpiece rather than just another accessory.

The integrated Apple Watch charger props up the wearable in Nightstand Mode, while the 15W MFi MagSafe pad provides a satisfying thunk every time you place your iPhone down to charge. The charging pad is also compatible with other Qi-enabled devices so that you can charge your AirPods in between Zoom meetings.

Although the Base One Max is heavy at 2 pounds, its weight allows it to stay anchored when you reach for your device, and the rubber base ensures it won’t move around. The Base One Max comes with a 6-foot braided USB-C cable, but you’ll have to supply your own charging brick. It also doesn’t support fast charge on the Apple Watch.

While the Base One Max is pricey and not as transportable as our best overall pick, its thoughtful, high-quality design makes it one of the most elegant MagSafe options for a designated iPhone charging station.

Best charger: Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger

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Why it made the cut: Simplify your packing without sacrificing anything with this elegant wireless charging solution.

Specs

• Dimensions: 0.4 x 12.3 x 3.2 inches
• Weight: 9.92 ounces
• Power: 7.5W, 15W MagSafe

Pros

• Compact yet complete charging suite
• Sophisticated aesthetics
• Apple Watch can be oriented in Nightstand mode

Cons

• As pricy as a permanent pad, but not as solid

Classy as it is convenient, the Mophie 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe is an easily packable trifold charger that comes with all the accessories needed, all tucked within an elegant felt organizer. Inside this backpack, briefcase, or maybe even belt bag-friendly case, you’ll find three pockets for the charger, a 30W USB-C PD wall adapter, and an included 1m USB-C to USB-C cable.

Unfurl the heathered grey fabric-wrapped hub and three pads will be revealed, ​​with a dedicated cradle for AirPods, a magnetized disc for iPhone, and a magnetized puck for Apple Watch. This charger powers all three simultaneously from a single cable plugged into the Watch platform. Perfect for pleasurable jaunts and business trips alike, this stylish set-up starts your devices charging on contact, so you’ll be ready to touch base with all your contacts in the morning.    

Best car mount: Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE Magnetic Wireless Car Charger

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Why it made the cut: This vent-mounted charger helps you steer without your iPhone sliding around and driving you crazy. 

Specs

• Dimensions: 1.68 x 3.98 x 5.43 inches
• Weight: 3.35 ounces
• Power: Up to 10W

Pros

• Easily mounted/removed on a vehicle air vent
• Keeps phone secure, accessible, and charged during navigation

Cons

• Requires you to run a cable from the console to charge
• Placement might require some adjusting, based on vent blades

It may not quite be the jetpacks that the future promised, but having a MagSafe mount in the car definitely changed how I travel for the better. Securing my iPhone conveniently as fast, if not faster, than I fasten my own seatbelt, not having to fish out a charging cable, then detaching the phone just as expediently when I get to my destination is perhaps the greatest expression of MagSafe’s life-changing properties. 

Easily clamped to an air vent, the Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE magnetic wireless charging mount holds an iPhone firmly within sight even when traffic patterns shift abruptly. If you must keep an eye on a screen for navigation purposes (I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt you won’t play videos or other distractions while driving), it’s far better to situate your phone in an optimal place to the side of the steering column rather than have you fumbling for it with only one hand on the wheel. 

In addition to firmly holding the phone in place (in either vertical or horizontal orientation), the Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE can be plugged into (what was once) the cigarette lighter with the included 20W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 car power supply and charge your iPhone while driving. This helps compensate for energy-intensive programs like Waze and Google Maps keeping your display and GPS continually active. The road may be full of bumps, but at least your phone won’t flip or its battery dip with this convenient accessory.  

Best phone case: Otterbox OtterGrip Symmetry Series

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Why it made the cut: Enter the world of MagSafe without having to get rid of a phone grip.

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.02 x 3.11 x .53 inches
• Weight: 1.76 ounces
• Power: N/A

Pros

• Combines MagSafe compliance with easy grip
• Durable
• Doesn’t interfere with phone buttons

Cons

• OtterGrip not a complete replacement for the PopSocket
• More of a phone grip than a phone stand

Thanks to increasingly more content and the pixels needed to display it, smartphones have gotten bigger and bigger over the last decade. For people with the small, dainty hands of a 19th-century child working in a watch factory, phone grips like PopSockets provided a handle to prevent some accidental drops and smartphone pinky. However, these add-ons meant that anyone using one could never fully experience the convenience of MagSafe—an iPhone‘s back cover has to be easily accessible so that compatible accessories can sit flush and align their magnetic array. Sure, you can buy a PopSocket that attaches using MagSafe, but then you’re taking it on and off and potentially losing it. That changes with the Otterbox OtterGrip Symmetry Series case, originally announced in January 2023 at CES and now available. The OtterGrip gives you the best of both worlds, allowing you to have an integrated phone grip and use any of the MagSafe chargers, mounts, batteries, etc., you see on this page. Simply pull the grip away from the case to use it, and snap it back in place when you decide to place it on a wireless charger or car mount. The grip also rotates 360 degrees for ergonomics.

The OtterGrip is also incredibly durable without the chonk. Some may think “big, bulky case” when they hear the name OtterBox, but that’s no longer the, well, case. There’s a better “click” on the volume and lock buttons compared to my old Speck Gemshell case, which has a slim profile, all things considered. The OtterGrip is actually slimmer than the Speck Gemshell using a separate phone grip, with higher drop protection.

If you use a PopSocket-like grip for a phone stand, however, you might want to pass on the OtterGrip case—it’s hard to balance the phone and get it to stay in place without the grip snapping back into place. The OtterGrip isn’t a one-to-one replacement for the PopSocket in terms of feeling, and there is some getting used to the experience. But being able to use MagSafe and feel more secure when you’re holding your expensive pocket computer is worth the learning curve.

Best battery: OtterBox wireless 5K mAh power bank

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Why it made the cut: Two-sided MagSafe compatibility adds versatility to this potent pint-sized battery backup.

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.69 x 4.25 x 0.39 inches
• Weight: 6.5 ounces
• Power: 5W Qi, 7.5W MagSafe

Pros

• Magnets on both sides allow connections to a phone and mount simultaneously
• Wireless input and wireless output
• LED indicators for charge status/battery life

Cons

• No magnetic stabilizing strip leaves the opportunity for the power bank to rotate 
• Not the biggest capacity available in a wireless power bank

The Otterbox wireless 5K mAh power bank tops the battery category not only because of what it can hold and also how you can hold it. It doesn’t have the capacity of, say, Belkin’s equally recommendable BOOST↑CHARGE Wireless Charger 10K, but only holding half the charge means it also takes up less space—a huge plus for pocketability (though the battery has the potential to rotate/become unaligned if you’re power-walking with purpose). And 5K is enough to fully recharge any iPhone 13 once (or the iPhone 13 mini twice).

What really stands out with this power bank is that it has MagSafe on both sides, meaning you can attach it to a MagSafe charger with your iPhone simultaneously attached, topping off both in the process. I actually store one on a Satechi 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand so it’s primed and ready to easily peel off in case I’m leaving the house without my iPhone at 100%. And if I was without that convenient perch and succumbed to a cable, I could use the bidirectional USB-C port to charge the power bank, as well as to charge my phone.  

Things to consider before buying the best MagSafe accessories

If you have an iPhone 12, iPhone 13, or iPhone 14 of any size/sort, you can access MagSafe. And if you have a debit or credit card, you can access the MagSafe accessories presented here. But before you invest in new accouterments, you might have some questions. And that’s why we’re here.

So, how exactly does MagSafe work?

MagSafe uses a series of internal magnets ringing an iPhone’s charging coil to snap securely to compatible accessories. This assures that any attachments are properly lined up, which is particularly valuable for optimized wireless charging. As for how magnets work in general, that is a tale of electrons spinning and atoms aligning and a miraculous mystery for another time. But when magnetized objects of opposite poles enter each other’s magnetic fields, they are as strongly attracted to each other as a long-time Apple fan is to hearing “… and one more thing.”

Do I need MagSafe accessories?

No. If you are a connoisseur of cables—each one personally, painstakingly labeled as to what it is for—then keep enjoying those curled-up keepsakes and a Jenga-like set of power bricks. USB-A to Lightning, USB-C to Lightning … you do you. Being hardwired to the wall will continue to work … for now (we have no insight into Apple’s plans to discontinue ports on iPhones). And if you always have or prefer to secure your phone in a dashboard-mounted vice while driving, don’t switch up what works for you. So, no, you don’t need MagSafe accessories. But if you’ve gotten tired of trying to find a convenient place to plug in a somehow always slightly too short cable, or finding out that the cable you desperately need to save you from an imminent power-down has a short in it, you definitely may want MagSafe accessories. And don’t even get me started as to how convenient a MagSafe car mount is … (OK, get me started but wait till we get to our top pick in that category, please.)

Do I need a MagSafe case for my iPhone?

To charge wirelessly, no, you don’t need a MagSafe case. But to attach additional accessories to your iPhone while it’s in the case, yes, you need a MagSafe case. Plus the MagSafe system in the case helps alleviate any concerns that it might fall off.

If I buy a MagSafe accessory, does it need to be “Made for MagSafe” to work?

No, though it can’t hurt. There are plenty of “MagSafe compatible” options with the magnetic ring that lets your iPhone snap to them with the precision needed to stay and/or charge properly. We even recommend some. But the “Made for MagSafe” badge does bring some benefits. It means that the device can support 15W charging (12W for iPhone mini models), rather than the 7.5W charging of “MagSafe compatible” alternatives (and more watts=faster charging). To get maximum output, however, be sure you have at least a 20W USB-C PD adapter for the charging pad. In addition, the near-field communication between “Made for MagSafe” charging devices means you get the undeniable satisfaction of seeing your iPhone’s screen light up with the curling green MagSafe animation that guarantees authenticity and efficiency. 

Can I charge anything other than my iPhone with a MagSafe pad?

Sure, you can place anything with Qi-enabled wireless charging on a MagSafe pad and the battery will fill. However, the device won’t snap into place so you won’t know if it’s set down correctly and there’s nothing to stop it from getting knocked off the pad accidentally. There are Android devices, and optional cases, that do have magnetic rings in them, which solves that problem, but Android devices don’t replicate the alert an official MagSafe charger gives when it comes into contact with an iPhone.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best MagSafe accessories

If you’re wired to go wireless and you’re an iPhone owner, MagSafe accessories are the best way to get your fill of features and battery capacity. Matching convenience with efficiency, the best MagSafe accessories are as attached to your pocket computer as you are and can help empower your adventures together.

The post The best MagSafe accessories of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Audiophiles are consistently desperate for something new … yet somehow constantly afraid of change. They can be relied upon to lament a headphone’s shortcomings, however minor, then be skeptical when a new model is announced. If that sounds exhausting, it is. Consensus is not a state typically found in these circles. The Sennheiser HD 600 family of open-back reference-level headphones, however, is legendary, and few would argue. Introduced in 1997, the HD 600 established itself as an icon of clinical, crystalline monitoring. In 2003, the HD 650 joined the party, bringing the epitome of smooth musicality. In 2018, Massdrop (now Drop) launched the HD 6XX collaboration, a variant of the HD 650 available for $239 (making it one of the best values in audiophile headphones on the market). Around the same time, the HD 660S retuned performance with precise mids even more nestled in the silky spectrum. This brings us to the new news: The HD 660S2, a revision that promises to address common feedback—not enough hefty bass—though low-distortion low end comes at a higher premium.

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The HD 660S2 shares the lightweight plastic body of the line, complete with instantly recognizable steel-mesh grilles that let you peer in at the tweaked transducers and admire their airflow. The velour-wrapped foam earpads/headband also remain the same, clamping these jet-black ovals (with their bronze accents) firmly to your head for comfort and clarity. Like all the 600 series, the HD 660S2 offers zero isolation and high leakage, so only consider them if you have a quiet listening station. Presumably, the lush mids remain intact—good news for fans of vocal-rich material.

What has changed in the 660S2 are the impedance (now 300 ohms, vs. 150 ohms for the original) and the voice coil and surround (lighter, lither)—meaning higher magnetic force, heightened speed, a blacker backdrop, and lower resonant frequency. Punchier sub-bass should now extend to 70 Hz (formerly 110 Hz), while grain is said to be reduced between the treble peaks. Another thing the 660S2 achieves: an increased price tag of $599.95.

The approach with Sennheiser’s HD 600 family has always been equals not sequels—no one model is the best, but one can be the best for you. Now, with the HD 660S2, a warmer, smoother, but still natural response could be kicking—provided you have an appropriately powerful, precise signal chain (think accuracy-focused DACs, headphone amps, and/or DAPs, particularly ones with a 4.4mm balanced port). 

Preorders for the Sennheiser HD 660S2 are open, with headphones scheduled to ship Feb. 21. We’re getting a pair in the coming weeks, so check back for our deep dive into this hi-fi headphone’s dramatic depths. 

The post Sennheiser HD 660S2 headphones offer more high-end low end appeared first on Popular Science.

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Are you tired of new gadgets and fancy future tech yet? We didn’t think so. The 2023 Consumer Electronics show is humming along in Las Vegas, and we have already seen some very interesting new developments on day one and day two. The show is starting to wind down now, but there will surely be lots of cool new stuff trickling out in the coming months. We’ve made a list a mile long of new products we’re looking forward to checking out and reviewing.

Today’s products include everything from a robotic pet to a super-fast electric motorcycle with a unique new type of motor. CES truly is a wonderful grab bag of cool new tech, and we’re suckers for all of it.

LG M3 OLED TV

Examine LG’s super-skinny 97-inch OLED TV and you won’t find any ports. Instead, the M3 keeps all of its HDMI and audio connectivity ports in an external box that can sit away from the TV and send a 120Hz 4K wireless signal to the TV itself. As a result, the TV can go just about anywhere without you having to worry about where its set-top boxes and speaker wires will end up. 

LG has done some really cool stuff with OLEDs in the past, including the rolling TV that was the start of two consecutive CES gatherings a while back. But this development actually seems rather practical. Well, practical in the sense that it’ll make the second living room on your superyacht look a little less cluttered because this thing is going to be extremely expensive if it comes to market. 

HTC Vive XR Elite mixed reality headset

Last year, Meta introduced its $1,500 Quest Pro headset, which relies on integrated cameras to mix images from the real world with digital objects on the displays in front of your eyeballs. It’s a cool device, but it’s also $1,500. At CES, however, HTC announced its upcoming Vive XR Elite mixed reality headset, which offers a similar suite of features for roughly $400 less ($1,099). 

The Vive XR Elite has a pair of full-color cameras on the front that bring in real-world objects but also track a user’s hands for a more immersive MR experience. Despite the fancy features and powerful computing gear onboard, the headset is relatively compact and looks considerably less dorky than most of its competition. It’s still kinda dorky, but the bar is relatively low here.

Loona Pet Bot

Every year, adorable animal-like robots roam around the halls of CES. They’re mostly cute and a little creepy. The Loona Pet Bot fills all those roles. Originally launched on Kickstarter, this dog-like robot tries to replicate the experience of owning an actual pet. It will follow you around the house, play games with you, and convey emotion with sounds and expressions. It even runs to the door when you get home. This isn’t an entirely new concept—Sony’s aibo has been around forever—but this looks like an adorable and relatively advanced version. Plus, it won’t eventually get some terrible disease and soak up two months’ rent money at the emergency vet like all real pets seem to.

Gluxkind Ella AI baby stroller

Just about everything gets AI-powered upgrades at CES, and baby strollers are no exception. This $3,300 (!) carriage leverages AI for various clever features. Its built-in battery helps assist with both pushing and braking, so it’s easier to go up hills or keep things under control when loaded with a baby, diaper bag, and other objects. 

Take the little one out of the stroller and the Ella AI can actually move along with you sans pushing. That is handy if the kid wants to walk and you have to hold their hand. The AI can also automatically rock the stroller back and forth to try and put the child to sleep without giving you an arm workout.

Victrola Stream Onyx Sonos-enabled turntable

Last year, Victrola announced its Stream Carbon turntable. It simplified the process of playing records through Sonos-connected wireless speakers. Its $799 price tag, however, was a little steep. At CES 2023, Victrola announced the new Stream Onyx turntable, which still works with Sonos, but drops the price to $599. 

The differences between the two seem to lie mostly in the materials. The more expensive Carbon model has a carbon fiber (hence the name) tonearm compared to the Onyx’s aluminum, for instance. Still, they’re both slick-looking equipment with sparse controls and relatively low profiles. The Onyx’s price point makes it considerably more tempting to me (and it’s available to preorder now) than the $799 model. 

Verge TS motorcycle

Electric motorcycles are no strangers to speed, but the Verge TS is a full-fledged battery-powered superbike. It employs an extremely clever design that houses the motor in the back wheel of the bike. It creates a hollow, hubless rear rim, which looks unique and also allows it to accelerate at absurd rates. All three model options top out at 124 mph, but the top-end Ultra package will do 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. 

If you’re willing to move slower than those absurd speeds, the bike will get up to 233 miles on a charge. Plus, if you have access to a fast charger, it can juice up in just 25 minutes. 

Satechi 200W USB-C 6-Port GAN Charger

Gadgets with rechargeable batteries have grown ever-more power hungry over the years, and Satechi’s newly announced 200W USB-C Gan Charger is designed to keep them well “fed.” The six-port charging station includes four USB-C PD 3.1 and four USB-C PD 3.0 ports, and can charge a single device at up to 140 watts—that’s more than enough to fast-charge a laptop at its maximum speed. If devices are plugged into all six ports, the charger will distribute between 20 and 65 watts of power to each. Multi-port chargers aren’t new, but we haven’t seen one this powerful before. Surprisingly, you can already preorder this tech accessory on Satechi’s site for $149.99 before its release this spring.

CAKE Åik e-bike

It can be easy to forget about e-bikes with so much attention being paid to advancements in electric vehicles, but Cake’s Åik immediately caught our attention. The capabilities of Cake’s e-bike make it more like a paired-down electric car than a souped-up bicycle. Its design is utilitarian, with storage sections above the front and rear wheel and a maximum weight capacity of 441 pounds. The Åik’s standout feature is its impressive range, with Cake saying it can run for up to 224 miles if you choose the optional three-battery configuration. This means the Åik can actually get you farther than many electric cars, although factors like speed and total weight will play a part in that. Cake says the Åik will be available in May this year, starting at $6,470.

Razer Leviathan V2 Pro Beamforming Soundbar

Razer’s made a name by continuously releasing gaming computers and accessories on the cutting edge, and the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro is no different. The latest version of its computer soundbar brings compact surround sound to your desktop gaming setup and uses a built-in IR camera to track the movement of your head. It then adjusts the directional cues of its sound to ensure it always hits your ears at the right angle. This updated beamforming soundbar is also upgraded with support for THX Spatial Audio, which uses its five drivers plus additional hardware and software to create either a virtual headset or virtual surround sound speakers. You can hook the Leviathan V2 to a computer using a USB port, but it also supports Bluetooth and use with headsets featuring a 3.5mm headphone jack. Razer has opened up preorders of the Leviathan V2 Pro on its website. The soundbar will begin shipping at the end of January and costs $399.99.

OtterBox OtterGrip MagSafe iPhone Case

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to lose all the accessories you’ve accrued to help you not lose your phone? OtterBox noticed, which is why the accomplished iPhone protection specialists found a way to fuse what amounts to an ever-present PopSocket into a MagSafe case. Instead of attaching a grip externally to your case (and potentially dislodging and dropping it, not to mention dealing with the unavoidable bump), the OtterGrip is built in and presses flat when not in use. This avoids pocket snags and allows you to attach your iPhone to all the standard MagSafe mounts, battery packs, etc., without detaching anything. More secure, more convenient interaction with your phone—it’s the best of both worlds as you travel through the world.

Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus Hearing Solution

It’s never too soon to have a conversation about hearing protection. But, for some folks, it might be a little too late to avoid some hearing loss. Whether because of lifestyle or age, you might have hit a point where it’s harder to follow what someone else is saying in a noisy environment. That’s why Sennheiser—a company known for capturing and conveying the richly expressive clarity of audio—has introduced OTC listening-assistant true wireless earbuds. Packed with intuitive features like Automatic Scene Detection, the Conversation Clear Plus can analyze the noise level and match the speech enhancement level to the surroundings. You can also toggle between active noise cancellation and ambient modes, depending on whether you want more or less of the background present. And, yes, you can use them as standard Bluetooth 4.2 earbuds—complete with a 9-hour battery life (27 more from the charging case)—if you want to listen to streaming content from a smartphone, laptop, TV, etc. The Conversation Clear Plus hearing solution is available to preorder now for $849 and will ship Jan. 20.

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The CES 2023 press-day activities gave us plenty of impressive new gadgets to gawk at Jan. 4. But now the show is officially underway, and the torrent of technological gizmos has reached its full potential. We have seen a few distinct trends pop up within the hordes of new products. Skinny TVs are still in as they have been forever. High-resolution monitors have taken a big jump in prominence this year. We’re also still seeing just about every gadget get the “smart” treatment, including Masonite’s $6,500 smart door that comes with Ring cameras built-in.

We’re going to spend the rest of the week scouring the CES announcements for the coolest (and weirdest) products but, for now, enjoy this list of the best new stuff we found today. As always, remember that products announced during CES may not come out for quite some time. Some of them may never even come out. So, while it’s OK to get excited about new gadgets, don’t let the promise of an ambitious but ill-fated product break your heart.

Lenovo Yoga Book 9i

Lenovo’s Yoga Book line of laptops has always been about flexibility, but the Yoga Book 9i takes that to an entirely new level. The notebook has two 13.3-inch 2.8K touch screens, which fold open like a traditional book. Each screen is distinct, unlike foldable phones, so using the 9i is equivalent to carrying an external computer display all the time. The computer is smart enough to know when it’s being used in portrait or landscape mode and will adjust its interface accordingly. Lenovo is shipping the laptop with a folio stand, and it’s designed with a detachable keyboard and stylus to work with it. An Intel Iris X processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an assortment of USB-A, USB-C, and Thunderbolt 4 ports complement the Yoga Book i9’s dual screens. Many laptops have been announced at CES 2023, but this is the most interesting one we’ve seen.

OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock

OWC has been making multi-port hubs for several years, but the $399 Thunderbolt Go Dock will be the first one with a built-in power supply when it launches this April. This level of portability (hence the name Go) is impressive, given this dock’s specs. The OWC Thunderbolt Go Doc features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one HDMI port, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, a headphone jack, and a MicroSD Card Reader. Anyone who splits their time between two workstations will find immediate value in the dock, as will anyone who travels with many necessary tech accessories. The Go Dock is one of those practical CES announcements that make us go “finally,” especially since OWC’s announcement comes with a price and release date.

Ring Car Cam

Ring has already conquered the at-home security world, so its move to the world of dashcams is welcome but not surprising. The Car Cam is available for preorder for $199.99 if you order before Jan. 31, and it ships Feb. 15. Car Cams ordered after Jan. 31 will cost $249.99. The camera can record video in 1080p, begins recording when its motion sensor is triggered, and comes with both front- and rear-facing lenses. If you pay for an optional Ring Protect Pro subscription ($6 per month or $60 per year), you can activate the Car Cam’s 5G antenna and monitor your vehicle from anywhere. One of the most clever aspects of Ring’s Car Cam is that it’s powered by your car’s OBD-II port rather than its cigarette lighter. Ring recommends using the Car Cam only with vehicles whose OBD-II ports are on the left side of its steering wheel for safety, and lets you check the make and model of your car to ensure compatibility. If you’re already a part of Ring’s home security ecosystem, the Car Cam seems well worth considering, though you’ll have to act fast to get its early bird price.

Rachio Smart Hose Timer

Rachio’s Smart Hose Timer offers the convenience of an underground sprinkler system without digging holes.

The Rachio Smart Hose Timer is an elegant solution to a common problem for many homeowners: watering the grass or a garden without having to do it yourself. The Smart Hose Timer attaches to your spigot and hose and automatically turns the water on and off at set times. The device will track how much water you use and allows you to manage its usage remotely using an app. If you know it’s going to rain, for instance, you can instruct the Smart Hose Timer not to activate. Setting up an underground irrigation system is time-consuming and expensive, which makes Rachio’s Smart Hose Timer an excellent addition to smart homes with a lawn.

BMW i Vision Dee

Move over dogs, man has a new best friend: cars, according to BMW. The company’s i Vision Dee concept car was joined by Herbie and KITT—sentient vehicle-besties of pop culture yore—to showcase the feature-packed hypothetical mid-sized sedan that wants to be your loyal companion. Dee—short for Digital Emotional Experience—includes software and hardware beyond voice control and driver assistance. Standouts include the BMW Head-Up Display, which turns the windscreen into just a screen, displaying information and facial expressions; iX Flow featuring E Ink—which the company unveiled at last year’s CES—now has full-color capabilities, with 32 colors to choose from. Although it’s not clear when you can buy Dee for yourself, the Heads-Up Display will be rolled out into BMW’s NEUE KLASSE EV line from 2025 on.

New vacuums from Roborock

Roborock announced its latest line of vacuums and robovacs, including the Dyad Pro—the company’s new wet-dry cordless vacuum, which allows you to vacuum and mop simultaneously. Its rollers are self-cleaned and dried when docked, meaning you can say goodbye to weird smells coming from your vacuum. Plus, it packs plenty of suction power thanks to 17,000Pa suction. You can buy it on Amazon and the Roborock store later this month for $449.

The company also announced its S8 line of robot vacuums. The S8 sucks up dirt, dust, and crumbs at 6,000Pa, while a dual rubber roll brush allows for fewer hair tangles. The S8 Pro Ultra—a combo vacuum-mop robot—includes a liftable brush that prevents cross-contamination and damage to the robot. The mop also automatically lifts when cleaning carpets. The S8 lineup goes on sale in April, but you can still snag the S7 models on Amazon—the S7+ is currently $200 off.

Panasonic nanoe X Portable Air Purifier

If you want to up your safety game while you travel, Panasonic unveiled a portable air purifier that fits in a car cupholder. Perfect for rideshare drivers or public transit riders, the nanoe X Portable Air Purifier uses hydroxyl radicals to reduce odors and in-air nasties. It can clean car cabins in two hours at a barely noticeable 36 decibels. Although it’s not HEPA-certified, it’s CARB-compliant and lessens the germy impact of that kid who just open-mouth cough six feet away from you on the subway.

Withings U-Scan

If you’ve ever peeked into your toilet after a workout on a hot day, you may have glimpsed one of the telltale signs of dehydration: dark urine. But pee, which contains 3,000 metabolites, can also tell us a lot more about the state of our metabolic and reproductive health. Withings, known for smart scales, has now made checking in on your ovulation cycle or ketones as easy as a trip to the bathroom. 

The company’s new U-Scan devices let users affix a cartridge inside their toilet that filters urine from other liquids. Test pods within the devices then provide a chemical analysis in minutes. The results then show up in the associated app. It even lets you separate urine tracking for different people with a feature called StreamID. Best of all, the system empties itself, and there’s no need for you to mess with test strips or mailing.

The company has developed two models: U-Scan Nutri Balance, which breaks down hydration and nutrition, and the U-Scan Cycle Sync, which tracks women’s monthly cycles. Depending on the option you choose, the device can determine a woman’s ovulation window, or make recommendations for workouts and diet tweaks and even provide recipes. A winner of the CES Innovation Award in the categories of Smart Home, Fitness & Sports, and Digital Health, U-Scans are currently only available in Europe. They will need FDA approval before you can get them in the United States.

Asus ROG Raikiri Pro gaming controller

Perhaps I’m particularly tuned into game controller news because my Xbox Elite 2 controller recently started rattling when I shake it. Or, it’s possible Asus just dropped one of the coolest gaming controllers I have seen in a while. The ROG Raiki Pro works on current-gen Xbox consoles, PCs, and even mobile devices. It can connect via Bluetooth, USB-C, or traditional 2.4GHz wireless. 

Like many other high-end controllers, it offers four programmable buttons on the back of the controller. Plus, it has a built-in ESS digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for high-fi audio when listening through the built-in headphone jack. 

While all the performance elements make it appealing, the real draw comes from the built-in, customizable OLED display at the top of the controller. It doesn’t seem all that practical, but it sure is cool.  

Unistellar eQuinox 2 smart telescope

Light pollution plays havoc with stargazing. Even powerful traditional telescopes have difficulty piercing through the view-ruining glow from populated areas and their artificial illumination. This smart telescope, however, relies on a digital sensor and computational photography (like you’ll find in your smartphone) to provide a clear, detailed image of more than 5,000 different space objects without the light pollution spoiling things. It’s also super simple to set up: Once you’ve put the telescope together and connected to the app, the scope can typically locate its own position in under two minutes. You can then simply use the app to select the part of the sky at which you want to gawk. It comes with a high price tag ($2,499), but it’s a great option for city dwellers or people who want the easiest possible astronomy experience.

Nakamichi DRAGON 11.4.6 Wireless Home Surround Sound System

Japanese consumer electronics brand Nakamichi already produces the Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 eARC SSE Max, the popular setup that tops our wireless surround sound systems list. So what do you do when you’ve got a highly successful $1,999 soundbar + surround speakers + subwoofer bundle that’s already massively overpowered for many rooms? Double down and produce a new flagship that’s even more expansive and expensive, that’s what! The Nakamichi Dragon, premiered at CES 2023 and currently slated to ship in Q2, is an 11.4.6 configuration pumping 21 channels of audio through 31 drivers. Supporting Dolby Atmos/Vision, and the first soundbar to feature the less-common DTS:X Pro spatial-audio protocols, the Nakamichi Dragon’s distinctive architecture delivers positional precision to home cinema through components including 6 upfiring height channels (with units angled at both 10 and 20 degrees), 7 Air Motion Transformers tweeters, and individually managed dual dual subwoofers (yes, a quad kicker setup in an isobaric configuration split between and two wireless cabinets). A total of 15 amplifiers (3000W of total power) are split between the 58-inch soundbar, subwoofers, and two 9-pound adjustable Omni-Motion Reference Surrounds, pushing an immersive soundstage with adaptive overhead effects. Plus there’s Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth 5.0 for streaming music from smartphones, tablets, etc. If you’ve got the space (think a 65-inch TV and a medium-sized viewing room at a minimum), as well as the budget, the Dragon will be available for $3,499.

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Every January, the entire tech world descends upon Las Vegas for a gadget-fueled bacchanal known as the Consumer Electronics Show. Manufacturers come toting their shiny new products—some of which are almost ready for the store shelves, and others that imagine what devices will be like down the road. This year’s show officially kicks off Jan. 5, but Jan. 4 was press day, meaning tons of new products saw sunlight (or whatever kind of light you get inside the Las Vegas Convention Center) for the first time.

We’re not on the floor of CES this year, but we keep track of all the new products making their debut, highlighting the ones we feel stand out. We’re hoping to review a ton of them this year, but for now, here’s a list of the coolest stuff we’ve seen so far from CES 2023.

Formlabs Automation ecosystem

3D printers are fun and surprisingly useful, but they require attention and babysitting, which leads to downtime between prints. Formlabs has announced a new automation ecosystem line of add-ons for its resin-based printers that automate the production process to improve their overall efficiency drastically. 

Form Auto, for instance, automatically removes a finished printed object from the platform and starts the next print in the queue without the need for human interaction. The new Fleet Control function allows for streamlined control over multiple printers from a single dashboard. And the High Volume Resin System increases overall resin capacity to 5 liters to cut down on time lost to empty reservoirs and cartridge switching. 

These add-ons essentially turn Formlabs resin printers, like the Form 3 and Form 3+, into little factories. Think of all the 3D-printed lobsters with Dwayne Johnson’s face you could make. 

Citizen CZ smartwatches

Modern wearables never miss out on an opportunity to tell you when you’re doing your body a disservice. The new Citizen CZ smartwatches run you through occasional awareness tests created by the Ames Research Center Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory to see how your brain functions in a given moment. Then, with help from IBM’s Watson algorithms, it makes recommendations about how and when you should try to get some sleep to keep your body running as it should. They’re not the most modern-looking smartwatches, but we’re curious to see how the recommendations and analysis match up against something like the Whoop strap.

Alienware M18 laptop

Laptop manufacturers have found ways to cram more display real estate into their machines without adding much bulk to the laptops. Many 13-inch and 15-inch models have migrated to 14-inch and 16-inch models (respectively) in recent years. Now, Alienware has applied the same concept to its new M18 laptop. It offers 14% more screen real estate than the 17-inch model that came before it, but the computer remains essentially the same size. Aside from the screen, the Alienware M18 also offers “13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU,” all of which funnel heat away via a complex and multi-faceted cooling system. It’s a beast of a machine in more ways than one.

Samsung’s future folding OLED screen tech

Phones have been folding for years, but Samsung’s new concept device demonstrates the next evolution of that flexy tech. Samsung’s Flex Hybrid display folds on the left side, but the right side actually slides outward to give the entire screen a much wider aspect ratio. It’s a 10.3-inch 4:3 display before the slide expansion and a 12.4-inch 16:10 screen when fully expanded. We’ve seen OLED screens used for tech like this before. Last year, Samsung introduced a concept 17-inch screen with sliding capabilities, and LG showed off a similar tech at its CES press conference last year.

Nanoleaf’s Skylight Smart Lights

Smart light bulbs have been around for over half a decade, but Nanoleaf has differentiated itself by making light panels that can be arranged into aesthetically pleasing designs. Its Skylights follow the same formula but are specifically designed to be mounted to your ceiling. The set of square tiles can be arranged in several configurations, giving you many more options than traditional (or even smart) light bulbs. It doesn’t hurt that the sleek look of Nanoleaf’s smart lights allows them to fit in with any decor without appearing unnecessarily techie.

It’s not a Roku TV, it’s Roku’s TV

Roku has officially made the leap from a company making media streamers, speakers, and software to actual television sets, which will be available in the spring of this year. Roku’s TVs fall into two lines: Select and Plus, which start at $119 and come in sizes from 24 to 75 inches. It’s refreshing that Roku is catering to folks who need a smaller, lower resolution TV (some of its sets are 2K, which is better than HD but not by much), in addition to those who want a big screen in their living room. This tactic follows Roku’s historically consumer-focused strategy, appealing to the average person and enthusiasts. It’s rare to see an entirely new entrant in the TV hardware space, and we look forward to learning more.

GE Profile Smart Mixer

Smart home tech hasn’t fully reached the kitchen, but GE plans to change that with its Profile Smart Mixer. The mixer, which will be available exclusively at Crate & Barrel for $999 when it launches later this year, can automatically sense when your dough is ready to avoid under- or over-mixing your dough or batter. It even has a built-in scale, so you can weigh your ingredients in its bowl to reduce the number of dishes you’ll dirty while baking. You can even sync the mixer with an app on your phone to guide you through recipes or enable you to control the gadget using Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant. GE has released a video of the mixer in action, and it looks slick, combining everything bakers love about a traditional stand mixer with extra features that actually help bakers.

JBL Tour PRO 2 true wireless earbuds

The allure of true wireless earbuds is their portability and relatively good audio quality, but JBL’s Tour PRO 2 true wireless earbuds have another draw: a battery case with wireless charging and a 1.45-inch touchscreen. Using the case’s screen will allow you to see your phone’s notifications and change the settings of the JBL One app without touching your smartphone. The display will also show the battery life of each bud and the case itself, which is especially helpful information to have at a glance. Surprisingly, this futuristic feature doesn’t come with a substantial cost: JBL has priced the Tour PRO 2 (previously previewed in Europe) at $249.95, which is in line (or less expensive) than what other premium audio brands are charging for their ‘buds. The PRO 2 battery case may be its flashiest feature, but it’s what’s on the inside that also counts. These earbuds support active noise cancellation, have a runtime of up to 10 hours (eight with ANC enabled), and IPX5 water and dust resistance.

Hisense ULED X

You’ve heard of OLED, but Hisense announced the first-ever ULED TV X as part of a flurry of CES hardware announcements. ULED X is a screen technology developed by Hisense to create an LED TV that rivals the performance of an OLED set. Its 4K 75-inch ULED X has 20,000 LEDs, more than 5,000 local dimming zones, a 150,000:1 contrast ratio, 2500 nits of peak brightness, and support for every HDR (high dynamic range) standard under the sun. The TV is powered by a custom-designed chipset called the Hi-View Engine X, which controls its dimming zones and performs other optimizations in real-time. Hisense is hoping to capture the high-end TV market by offering though it remains to be seen whether it can do so at a more affordable price.

BHeart by Baracoda

Most fitness trackers and wearables require a good night’s charge to last the next day or don’t match your carefully crafted ‘fit. Enter the BHeart by Baracoda, which uses energy harvesting tech to recharge itself by body heat, motion, and environmental light. This CES Innovation Award winner is sustainable and stylish. You can attach the gold, silver, or dark silver-toned metal links to an existing watch face or wear it like a bracelet. Even better, it’s only $100 with a free app, lowering the barrier to entry into wearable tech.

Seagull Pro

Cleaning the pool gets smarter with the Seagull Pro, which uses a world-first quad-motor system to clean in-or above-ground pools up to 3,200 square feet. Wall-climbing capabilities, three cleaning modes, and its lack of cords complete this tiny machine’s big capabilities. If you’re itching to get your hands on one sooner than later, fear not: the company’s upgraded Seagull SE is now available online, and the Elite Pro can be yours Jan. 5. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until March for the $899.99 robot.

Bluetti AC500 & B300S system

Bluetti’s AC500 & B300S system—which raised $11 million on Indiegogo a month before—hits the stage as the first solar generator with 5,000 watts of continuous power. 16 outlets rid the need for adapters, and the generator can be used with up to six B300S batteries to pump up the 5,000-watt capacity to 18,432Wh—up to six days of power. We also love that it charges to 80% power in less than an hour—important to RV-ers who need to get back on the road or those who need to prep for the storm over their lunch break.

HyperPack Pro

Save the AirTag for your keys. The HyperPack Pro comes with an Apple Find My-compatible location module so you can keep an eye on it while using your laptop. An RFID protective pocket, interlocking zippers, and a hidden back pocket prevent stolen valuables. It’s also lightweight, water-resistant, and includes charging pass-throughs and pockets. For a creative who frequently travels, $200 is a low price to pay for peace of mind in airports and on the road.

Kohler Statement VES (Variable Eco-Spray) Showerhead and Handshower

Kohler’s Statement VES (Variable Eco-Spray) Showerhead and Handshower use up to 40% less water without losing rinsing coverage or warmth—perfect for those who want a luxurious shower that doesn’t hurt the watershed. That’s thanks to Kohler’s Katalyst air-induction tech that fills air into the water droplets to make them feel larger and retain heat longer. And, Statement showerheads are compatible with your current pipes for hassle-free upgrades, making your weekend DIY bathroom project easier.

JBL 4329P Studio Monitor powered loudspeakers

In January 2022, JBL/HARMAN Luxury Audio Group introduced the 4305P bookshelf speaker streaming system, which quickly made an impression and established itself as a standout in our best powered speakers list. One year later, the 4329P Studio Monitor self-contained loudspeaker system builds on the accomplished audio engine and comprehensive connectivity found in that potent speaker pair but increases the size of the woofer and internal amplification to push even more of the punchy authority that’s JBL’s trademark. Pairing a JW200P-4 8-inch pure-pulp black paper cone and JBL 2409H 1-inch compression driver mated to a High-Definition Imaging horn, powered by 250W to the woofer and 50W to the tweeter, the 4329P standmount speakers should deliver lively dynamics capable of filling a sizeable room with sonic presence. And with copious digital/analog wired capabilities and network audio via Ethernet, Google Chromecast Built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.3 (with aptX Adaptive audio), the 4329P can be integrated with a turntable or TV, DAP or external drive, or any high-resolution streaming service or file server. Shipping in Q2, the 4329P will cost $4,500/pair.

Want to reinforce the low end and open up the headroom of the 4329P (or the 4305P) while complementing the classic aesthetic? JBL/HARMAN Luxury Audio Group is also introducing the $700 L10cs 10-inch powered subwoofer—a down-firing polycellulose white cone woofer driven by a 250W RMS (500W dynamic) built-in amplifier in black and natural walnut real-wood veneers.

Want to play LPs on an active loudspeaker system such as the 4329P (or a traditional audio component system)? JBL/HARMAN Luxury Audio Group is also introducing the $399 JBL SPINNER BT turntable, featuring a black MDF plinth with JBL’s signature orange accents that both transmits audio via Bluetooth 5.2 (with aptX HD) and has an analog output with switchable moving magnet phono stage. A belt-driven aluminum platter, with speeds locked by a speed sensor, is coupled with an Audio-Technica moving magnet cartridge pre-installed on a removeable head shell. In total, these components let vinyl enthusiasts listen on Bluetooth-equipped headphones/earbuds, soundbars, speakers, as well as through a wired connection.

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New York-based boutique audio brand Master & Dynamic produces precision-engineered, painstakingly stylized wireless headphones and earbuds. The premium builds—all polished magnesium, supple lambskin, steel, ceramic, and gleaming tempered glass—have attracted many luxe collaborations, from prestige sports teams (Paris Saint-Germain) to high-end retailers (Leica). But, as you’d expect, Master & Dynamic items don’t come cheap. They do at least come cheaper, however, if you buy during the Master & Dynamic Boxing Day sale, offering 30% off on select items through Dec. 27 (while supplies last).

SEE IT

One of the models available is the MG20, a gaming headphone that our review said “… looks, feels, and sounds like a finer class of device.” What’s inside these ovular ear cups are angled 40mm drivers in Beryllium—a material found in similarly plush, even more indulgently priced headphones from the $999 Mark Levinson No. 5909 to the $2,999 Focal Stellia. What this rigid but reactive diaphragm means when well-implemented—as it is here— is spry highs that achieve rarefied air, mids that are rich but refined, and bass that is resonant … reaching and rolling effortlessly.

The MG20 (on sale for $314, down from $449) offers a fair number of both wireless and wired connection options, opening the door for easy pairing with multiple devices (PlayStation, PC, and mobile devices are specifically compatible). The primary connection for gaming is a 2.4GHz wireless connection via USB dongle, as has become common practice for wireless headset makers because of the reduced latency. You can also simultaneously connect to a second device via Bluetooth 5.0 (with support for the SBC, AAC, and aptX LL/HD codecs), making it easy to switch between using it for games at home and with your phone. Specifically for gaming, there are 7.1 virtual surround sound and a detachable mic on an adjustable wire boom, among other features.

In addition to the MG20 (offered in various colorways/collaborations), the sale includes the MW08 True Wireless Earbuds (on sale for $209, down from $299), a supremely sleek Bluetooth 5.2 device with active noise cancellation, wind-reduction-equipped microphones, and 11mm version of those expressive beryllium drivers, among other features. In addition, there is the MW65, a non-gaming wireless noise-cancelling over-ear headphone (on sale for $349, down from $499) with many of the sonic and connectivity attributes already discussed, plus more finessed facets.

Note that the Master & Dynamic Boxing Day sale requires you to use code TAKE30, and these limited-time prices end Tuesday evening (or when the models run out). So take a moment to take advantage of these rare discounts ASAP.

The post Save 30% on premium audio gear during Master & Dynamic’s Boxing Day sale appeared first on Popular Science.

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So you’re flush with gift cards and $5 checks from grandparents but aren’t sure what in the wild world of e-commerce is noice and what’s noise. Luckily, the PopSci staff is always searching for tech toys that live up to the hype. One of the perks of the job is we get to go hands-on with a ton of stuff every year, so when something stands out it’s either really dope or truly helps us cope. Eager to share our personal discoveries with equally passionate gadget geeks, we’ve put together this short list of our No. 1 purchases in 2023 so you can shop for the best things with confidence.

• Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Gooseneck Electric Kettle
• Red Wing Iron Ranger Boots
• Squid Industries Squiddy B
• Garmin Instinct GPS Smartwatch
• Ninja NC299AMZ CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
• The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen Cookbook
• Elden Ring
• Game Boy: The Box Art Collection
• Fluance Ai61 Bookshelf Speakers
• BOSGAME Mini PC
• Leg and Hip Recovery System
• Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs Recovery System
• PURITO Daily Go-To Sunscreen
• Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater with Remote
• Kenny Hoots Mini Hero Tabletop RPG Treasury
• Planta and Reframe apps/subscriptions
• Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50
• Welly Traveler 20oz insulated bottle
• Bearaby Cotton Napper knitted weighted blanket

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Gooseneck Electric Kettle

SEE IT

Fellow’s maximized minimalism designer accessories aesthetic has become iconic in barista circles (and corners), and for good reason. This electric kettle, available in multiple finishes, sits on a minimalist base equipped with a 1200-watt quick-heating element and coin-shaped sleek LCD screen so you can quickly dial in to-the-degree temperature/set a brew stopwatch for the coffee-brewing method/tea type you’re using. And the gooseneck spout allows for precise saturation. The standard edition is a proven workhorse, but I recommend you go all-in and splurge on this newer Pro edition. For an extra $30, it adds a high-resolution color LCD, plus more scheduling options/guide modes/temperature hold time adjustments (Wi-Fi upgradeable if/when new features get released). I’ve found it invaluable as my mood swings like a jittery overcaffeinated pendulum between pour-overs and French press coffee, oolong and Earl Grey teas. — Tony Ware, associate managing editor, gear and reviews

Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Boots

SEE IT

Some things you wear just because they look good, and some things you wear just because they feel good. Then there’s that rare third category, the things that constantly make you feel good about your look. The Red Wing Iron Ranger 6-inch boots are a $350 investment in timeless style for decades to come. These rugged oil-tanned full-grain leather service boots—originally crafted for Minnesota miners—are distinctive and dependable, carrying a long legacy and manifesting raw denim’s perfect complement. To get them to their optimal state, however, they demand respect. First, they run big, and the right pair can be anywhere from one half- to a full size smaller than your sneaker size. Second, the break-in period is rough. Real rough. Am I going to let a boot break my will? Maybe, though it might break my body first. However, after a couple of weeks and five to eight wear sessions, the leather upper and the cork midsole mold to your feet and reveal themselves as now perfectly yours, setting the stage for enviable polish, comfort, and longevity. — Tony Ware, associate managing editor, gear and reviews

Squid Industries Squiddy B

SEE IT

I have never met a fidget device that scratches my itchy brain quite like this one from Squid Industries. It’s styled after a balisong (or butterfly knife), which typically includes a blade sandwiched between two handles attached to hinges on one end. The design allows it to flip open in a practical use case quickly, or perform elaborate tricks. The Squiddy B is plastic instead of metal and replaces the blade with a dull, spatula-like plank that won’t leave you with a stab wound if you mess up a trick. It has a learning curve, and I’m still horrible at the more advanced tricks, but that’s part of why I like it so much. I can mindlessly flip it or concentrate on practicing the skills depending on my mood. The lowly fidget spinner can’t compete. — Stan Horaczek, executive editor, gear and reviews

Garmin Instinct GPS Smartwatch

SEE IT

I’m a fan of Garmin’s Instinct line of rugged outdoor watches, and those with the solar-charging option can keep ticking for a long time without being plugged in. These adventure watches can be expensive, however, so I bought a gen-one model without solar when it was on sale. These are great everyday timepieces that aren’t too bulky and come in handy for tracking outdoor activities, as well. — Rob Verger, Technology editor

Ninja NC299AMZ CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

SEE IT

One of PopSci‘s “Best of What’s New” winners for the home category in 2021, the Ninja CREAMi easily makes any frozen dessert you can fit in its pint containers. If you can freeze it, you can turn it into ice cream, and the machine has several other settings for milkshakes, mix-ins, and more. The only real limiting factor is how good you are at combining ingredients. — John Kennedy, DIY editor

The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen Cookbook

SEE IT

Crafted by Sean Sherman, James Beard award-winning chef and member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe, this acclaimed cookbook goes beyond sharing recipes and culinary anecdotes: It shares a new vision of foods and dishes that are truly native to North America. That means no dairy or beef products and no grains. Despite the dietary exclusions, the ingredient lists are rich, diverse, and easy to access. You’ll learn about fishing, foraging, and, best of all, sustaining yourself from the land you live on. — Purbita Saha, deputy editor

Elden Ring

SEE IT

Elden Ring is officially the “Game of the Year,” at least according to the Game Awards. Personally, I think it lives up to that title (and then some)! This game has over 200 hours of content in the first playthrough, and even then, it has high replayability. It has thrilling combat that feels great (hello, parries), an open world packed with secrets to discover, and one of the best stories Hidetaka Miyazaki has ever crafted (though he had some help from George R. R. Martin). And if you’re worried that this Fromsoftware or “Soulsborne” game is too difficult, don’t be! This is their most accessible title ever. Play Elden Ring! — Jess Boddy, associate editor, special projects

Bitmap Books’ Game Boy: The Box Art Collection

SEE IT

As a fan of retro video games, my jaw dropped when flipping through Bitmap Books’ Game Boy: The Box Art Collection. Lovingly assembled, the hardcover book contains scans and screenshots of titles from the Game Boy’s entire library—both domestic and abroad—along with information on each title. It’s clear this was a labor of love, and supporting Bitmap Books is one of the surest ways to guarantee video game knowledge is preserved for generations to come. — Brandt Ranj, commerce reporter

Fluance Ai61 Bookshelf Speakers

SEE IT

Powered bookshelf speakers are my favorite audio hardware category, and Fluance’s Ai61s offer everything I could ask for. The speakers have USB, RCA, and optical inputs, plus support for Bluetooth, so I’ve been able to connect them to everything from a turntable to my smartphone without an adapter. Soundwise, the Ai61s punch well above their weight, offering deep bass and smooth midrange without distortion at high volumes. The company even made sure the volume knob felt good to turn, although I’ll admit to using the included remote a lot of the time. If you’re short on space but want big sound, these speakers get my highest recommendation. — Brandt Ranj, commerce reporter

BOSGAME Mini PC

SEE IT

I’ve always wanted to get into PC gaming, but my preference for the Mac and distaste for tower-shaped computers has always held me back. Bosgame’s Mini PC has solved that problem for me. The lunchbox-sized PC fits neatly in my home entertainment center, and is powerful enough to play the titles I want at 1080P without struggling. Its integrated graphics card may not be able to handle Elden Ring at 4K and 120fps, but for mid-tier games (or older titles) it’s just fine. The convenience of being able to hit a button and have a console-like experience using Steam’s Big Picture mode is well worth the price of admission. — Brandt Ranj, commerce reporter

NormaTec Pulse 2.0 Leg and Hip Recovery System

SEE IT

I’ve had pain in my feet and legs due to chronic plantar fasciitis since I was only six years old. A friend and fellow athlete introduced me to these boots, and I love them. They are really helpful after a tough swim or dryland workout. I’ve typically paid per session to use them at a recovery center or gym, but would love to be able to sit at home and watch Jeopardy! while getting some sweet compression therapy. The bags inflate and deflate to give your legs and feet a nice massage that helps reduce pain, improve circulation, and improves recovery. It’s a crazy expensive gift, so I hope that inflation hasn’t affected the North Pole quite so much. — Laura Baisas, science news writer

Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs Recovery System

SEE IT

These also make my legs feel amazing and are super easy to use. They’re great if you are an athlete, work on your feet all day, or just want to give your legs some TLC. — Laura Baisas, science news writer

PURITO Daily Go-To Sunscreen

SEE IT

It’s just a great product—it’s inexpensive, has amazing SPF performance (Korean sunscreens FTW), has a smooth texture that doesn’t leave a white cast or oily residue, absorbs beautifully, doesn’t stain my white shirts, and it doesn’t peal. I honestly don’t know why people are not only buying this SPF. The only drawback is that it’s an import, so it takes a bit longer to get to you, but honestly, that only matters because we’re spoiled kids who expect things to be on our doorstep in 24 hours. — Sandra Gutierrez, associate DIY editor

Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater with Remote

SEE IT

I live in a cold apartment and am also a person who gets cold easily. This space heater from Lasko keeps me cozy and comfortable as the temperatures drop. It heats a cold room super fast thanks to its oscillation, and I’ve never been afraid that it will catch on fire. The remote means I can turn it on without getting out of bed or off the couch. And that remote is attached to my hip at all times because this heater has made me infinitely less cold-cranky when the temperature hits below 45 degrees. — Amanda Reed, commerce staff writer

Kenny Hoots Mini Hero Tabletop RPG Treasury

SEE IT

The pandemic finally allowed me to embrace my inner tabletop RPG fan, and these handmade gaming accessories are gorgeous, handy, and super fun to use. For the truly discerning D&D dungeon master, you really can’t beat these bespoke kits and battle maps made in New Orleans. — Andrew Paul, news writer

Planta and Reframe apps/subscriptions

SEE IT

I guess these aren’t officially “things,” but this was definitely a year of getting my stuff together, in terms of keeping plants alive and being more conscious of the way alcohol affects our lives. Planta and Reframe both kept me on track, offered help when I needed it, and, in general, made me feel less clueless and stressed about what sounds like pretty simple stuff, but it turns out is hard. Would recommend spending a lil extra $$. — Sara Kiley Watson, news editor

Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50

SEE IT

The Vitamix FoodCycler isn’t cheap, but I love how it converts the banana peels, coffee grounds, and newspaper I produce daily into something useful. I pop the scraps into the device, and I’ve got several cups of fertilizer for my plants and neighborhood trees a few hours later. — Jen McCaffery, commerce special projects director

Welly Traveler 20oz insulated bottle

SEE IT

There’s no shortage of water bottles to choose from, but Welly’s Traveler takes it up a notch. This vacuum-insulated stainless steel bottle keeps your favorite drinks hot for 12 hours or cold for 24. It’s also designed with a removable infuser for enhancing your beverage of choice. The Traveler is also dishwasher safe, and Welly donates 1% to clean water efforts around the globe for each purchase. — Jen McCaffery, commerce special projects director

Bearaby Cotton Napper knitted weighted blanket

SEE IT

Whether I’m curling up with a book or streaming “White Lotus,” the Bearaby Cotton Napper is a cozy companion. This blanket comes in four weights (10, 15, 20, and 25 pounds) and wraps you like a hug. Its chunky, knitted design is made from organic cotton that’s OEKO-TEX-certified for not using any artificial fillers. And this wrap comes in a range of subtle colors (Midnight Blue, Moonstone Grey, Asteroid Grey, Evening Rose, and Cloud White) that look great on your couch. — Jen McCaffery, commerce special projects director

We would be remiss if we didn’t say that we’d be honored if you used some of your holidays haul to subscribe to PopSci+, a premium subscription that allows readers to access all our magazine stories, exclusive columns, and in-depth photo tours on a new, ad-free platform. That’s 150 years of scientific knowledge and authority for only $12 a year.

The post The best things we bought in 2022 appeared first on Popular Science.

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• Best bang-for-the-buck headphones: Meze Audio 109 PRO
• Best professional-grade headphones: Audeze MM-500 Planar-Magnetic Headphones
• Best summit-fi headphones: Focal Utopia 2022
• Best portable DAC/amp: iFi xDSD Gryphon
• Best Bluetooth turntable: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB Manual Direct-Drive Turntable
• Best powered stereo speakers: KEF LS50 Wireless II + KC62 Subwoofer
• Best compact connected speaker: Bluesound PULSE M

Best bang-for-the-buck headphones: Meze Audio 109 PRO

SEE IT

Since being launched in 2015, the Meze Audio 99 Classics headphones have been a gateway drug to the audiophile addiction because of the immediate rush delivered by the detailed but never-fatiguing sound. Well, that precision-driven high is heightened 10x by the Meze Audio 109 PRO, one of the all-star introductions of 2022 for its comfortable balance of euphoria and technicalities. A dynamic, open-backed headphone, the 109 PRO shares the design language and agreeable ergonomics of its sibling but refines and reinforces the organic texturing and warm but never congested bass response thanks to a new beryllium-coated polymer + cellulose-carbon driver in the sustainably harvested walnut ear cups. Punchy with panache that performs well above its $799 price point, the 109 PRO can be another flavor to some and end-game to others, able to please an audiophile regardless of experience.

Best professional-grade headphones: Audeze MM-500 Planar-Magnetic Headphones

SEE IT

Know someone with a home studio that wishes they could work on their mixes more but is worried about disturbing housemates or neighbors? But they’re also just a music lover in general? Audeze—the Southern California-based headphone designers that probably did the most to popularize planar-magnetic headphones—has introduced what amounts to a set of portable, personal near-field studio monitors in 2022. And they’re equally amazing for less analytical, more leisurely listening—especially with vocal material. Developed with renowned mix engineer Manny Marroquin, the $1,699 MM-500 feels solid in the hand but not excessive on the head. And, once music starts playing, it’s like the headphone itself isn’t even there—the song laid out before you without ever being overly diffuse, perfectly poised for a scintillating playback session or identifying where to apply that last little bit of EQ glue. Thanks to the lithe transients, spacious midrange, and energetic bass of its orthodynamic drivers, the MM-500 headphones can be both a daily driver and a sonic scalpel as it makes music more approachable and more transparent. It’s an imminently pleasuring, natural not just neutral response. (And, if you’re looking for something portable and potent, the Audeze Euclid is the best planar-magnetic in-ear monitor you can gift before going all-in on something custom like the superlative Campfire Supermoon. And both of these take on even more life/reveal even more layers when paired with the XBass II and XSpace processing of the iFi xDSD Gryphon, featured below.)

Best summit-fi headphones: Focal Utopia 2022 Headphones

SEE IT

Suppose someone you love is looking to replicate the indulgence of a luxury listening station. In that case, the Focal Utopia headphones are as close to a pair of freestanding loudspeakers as you can slap on a head. These flagship open-back over-the-ear headphones produce an ultrawide frequency response and holographic imaging with startling realism thanks to 40mm M-shaped beryllium drivers inspired by high-end audiophile towers. Soft lambskin earcups and headphone padding make these headphones feel as good as they sound. As we said in our best headphones roundup, the Focal Utopia 2020 (still a compelling buy at its $3,399 “closeout” price) is “the idyll ideal—impressing not with its sheer power, but with its absolute prowess.” And the $4,999 2022 model further enhances the emotional resonance while reducing the detrimental vibrations. Both highs and lows are extended without reduced focus or lightning-quick finesse, especially when paired with a DAC/amp such as the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition.

Best portable DAC/amp: iFi xDSD Gryphon

SEE IT

Those new ‘cans can’t showcase their best without proper power, which can be difficult to get on the go … difficult, that is, if someone doesn’t have the iFi xDSD Gryphon. The magic of the Gryphon lies in its versatility, which more than justifies its $599 price. You can cut the cord and use it, when fully charged, for up to 8 hours on the go with Bluetooth streaming over SBC, AAC for iOS, and up to 96kHz using LDAC, LHDC/HWA, or aptX HD/Adaptive on Android devices. Or you plug it in via USB, Coax, or Optical and ensure that no audio bit gets adulterated by wireless compression. Once you’re listening, you can enhance bass and/or upper midrange presence, as well as soundstage with iFi’s innovative XBass II and XSpace analog enhancements. Connected to your PC over USB-C, it will act as an external soundcard, eliminating the need for a dedicated desk setup—perfect with headphones and, when the Gryphon accepts a digital source, ports on the back can even be used to feed an external amp or powered monitors. The tremendous 1000mW @ 32 ohms of power on offer over its balanced connection also means this DAC can drive even very demanding headphones. The single-ended connection is much more limited at 320mW but is still enough to drive the vast majority of cans available today. And if you’re a fan of sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs), don’t worry. The Gryphon also offers an iEMatch mode (assignable to either output) to prevent hiss from invading your favorite tracks, while maintaining dynamics.

Best Bluetooth turntable: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB Manual Direct-Drive Turntable

SEE IT

Audiophiles don’t emerge like Athena, fully formed from another’s headspace and innately imbued with wisdom. No, they must be nurtured and taught the ins and outs of signal-chain foibles. And they’re not all going to have the space or inclination to start stacking components. A great entry point for the budding music-first audiophile is a turntable packed with connectivity options. The $399 Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB—featuring a high-torque DC servo direct-drive motor with selectable 33-1/3, 45, or 78 rpm speeds—is compatible with virtually any music system, thanks to its variety of outputs, both digital and analog. On the digital side, you can pair the turntable via aptX with Bluetooth speakers, headphones, or DAC/amps like the Gryphon above. Listeners can also use the USB port for copying your albums digitally to a computer. In the analog domain, the built-in preamp allows you to connect the turntable to line-level inputs on a preamp or receiver. You can also bypass the preamp to connect to an external unit. Thanks to its multiplicity of output types, the AT-LP120XBT-USB is a turntable you can hold onto as you amass a rig and bank account more in line with boutique turntables that cost in the multi-thousands. If you’re more concerned with budget, maybe because you’re gifting a teen their first turntable, Audio-Technica also offers a more affordable belt-driven Bluetooth option, the AT-LP60XBT-BK.

Best streaming speakers: KEF LS50 Wireless II + KC62 Subwoofer

SEE IT

If you want to give someone sonic depth without a deep footprint, package the KEF LS50 Wireless II standmount speakers with the KC62 subwoofer. The dual 6-inch woofers in the improbably small sealed subwoofer couple perfectly to one of our top powered speakers, an effortlessly integrated component capable of bringing a wide sweet spot to a small room. KEF’s striking, copper-hued Uni-Q driver—backed by Metamaterial Absorption Technology to reduce unwanted reflections and distortion—orients a 1-inch vented aluminum-dome tweeter in the acoustic center of a 5 ¼-inch magnesium-aluminum alloy woofer cone to create a wide listening sweet spot. A bass-reflex cabinet with elliptical rear ports is designed to maximize accurate, musical low end. And those bass notes can reach as low as 11Hz once handed off seamlessly via DSP to the KC62, opening the LS50’s headroom to soar. Plus, copious connectivity (Spotify to TIDAL to Apple Music; AirPlay 2, Google ChromeCast, and Roon to Optical, Coaxial, and HDMI, plus more) means you’ll never want for showcase sounds. At a little under $4,000 for the pair, it’s not a cheap set-up, but its wow factor is priceless.

Suppose you’re looking just for bookshelf speakers that still offer plenty of lows and hi-fi pedigree. In that case, we recommend the JBL 4305P ($2,200/pair), which debuted at CES in January 2022 and is the first powered model in its consumer Studio Monitor series. This fully loaded speaker features a 45-25,000 Hz frequency response, built-in Class D amplification, 24-bit/192 kHz converters, and six audio inputs that can connect to a huge range of digital and analog sources to provide comprehensive, hi-res wired and wireless connectivity. Each speaker features a 2410H-2 1-inch compression driver mated to a High-Definition Imaging horn for crystal-clear highs and lifelike dynamics. A 5.25-inch cast-frame, fiber-composite cone woofer operates in a bass-reflex configuration with dual front-firing tuned ports. The end result is the lively dynamics expected from a horn-guided tweeter presented with punchy authority, especially in its beefy midrange, that’s not surprising for a company with heritage firmly entrenched in both control rooms and live sound reinforcement. When it comes to high-res streaming, the 4305P takes quality to the next level, thanks to an integrated streaming engine that provides wired and wireless network audio capabilities via Ethernet, Google Chromecast Built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.1, combo XLR and ¼-inch TRS phono connectors, asynchronous USB and optical digital inputs and a 3.5mm analog in.

Best compact smart speaker: Bluesound PULSE M

SEE IT

So far, we’ve suggested lots of gear for an optimized listening station. But maybe you are shopping for someone interested in a multiroom set-up. A great place to start is any place with the $449 Bluesound PULSE M, a compact cylinder of a speaker that runs off BluOS, letting it stream music from a myriad of sources over Wi-Fi. Whether in the corner of a kitchen counter or on a bedside table, the PULSE M’s upward-firing woofer and dual tweeters (angled outward 45 degrees) disperse a surprisingly expressive, expansive soundstage considering its more diminutive dimensions. Pair two in parallel and you can have a wider, true stereo setup, or put them throughout a home and organize them by zones to handoff audio just to the speaker where the listener is or broadcast the same track throughout all rooms. (You can integrate these with any speaker system running BluOS; for example, augment them with the Bluesound PULSE SUB+, put them as rear channels with the $999 Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+, or use them on the same network as the $1,499 PSB Alpha iQ stereo speakers, if you want something more powerful.) AirPlay 2 or aptX HD Bluetooth let you stream directly to the PULSE M (from, say, a Bluetooth turntable like we recommended above), plus the PULSE M has a USB-A port for connecting file-filled thumb drives and a 3.5mm dual analog/digital input for connecting a source with an aux cable.

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Small faces look up at the big sky frequently in the weeks leading up to Christmas, craning their necks, hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa’s sleigh. Maybe this fascination with what’s beyond the horizon fades come Christmas morning, or maybe enough nights scanning the stars leads to a lifetime of cosmos curiosity. For those truly captivated kids, nurture that interest in the empyrean with BlisslIghts LED laser projectors, on sale for a limited time and—at least for now—able to be delivered before Christmas.

SEE IT

The BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve, usually $59.99 but only $34.99 during Amazon’s Deal of the Day sale, is a compact sphere that projects vivid nebula clouds. The display can billow across 900 square feet, cycling through blended colors beneath an overlay of ultra-sharp green stars. This soothing night light, or serene party decoration, sets a transcendent atmosphere. And you can customize the perfect settings with the BlissHome app, syncing it with your Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz) and Google Home/Amazon Alexa to unlock voice control capabilities. With the BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve, you can transform a space instantly, whether calming a child or having friends over for game night.

Also on sale is the BlissLights ARK Lite for $20.99 (usually $29.99)—if you want a simpler soothing aurora effect—and the BlissLights Sky Lite 2.0—$49.99, down from $59.99—if you want more groovy “galaxies.” Or, if the sky’s not the limit, so to speak, check out dozens of our other picks for last-minute gifts that can still get there by Christmas.

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Best espresso machine		Breville Barista Express		SEE IT	Pull your own specialty shots at home with this professional-grade espresso machine.
Best coffee-pods system		BRUVI		SEE IT	Make espresso, coffee, cold brew, and more at home with the BRUVI.
Best nitro cold-brew system		GrowlerWerks uKeg		SEE IT	You don’t need to leave your home to get nitro cold brew.

It’s hard not to love local coffee shops. Members of your community often run them, and they’re a great place to hang out, catch up, or get work done. They often have a unique energy and drinks that, once upon a time, you probably won’t find at home. With the right gadgets, however, your friends and family members can get that elevated experience in their hyperlocal café—the one in their own kitchen. And if selecting something for a caffeine connoisseur makes you jittery, don’t worry. We’ve got you. Pick one or two of the options below to help them make delicious DIY drinks, or buy them the whole lot so they can live a life of liquid luxury, whether you’re getting something delivered in time for holiday cheer or a sweltering summer. No matter the temperature, you can get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing you gave great coffee gifts and they can brew something to match the mood.

• Best coffee subscriptions: Roasting Plant Coffee 
• Best coffee bean canister: Fellow Atmos Vacuum Coffee Canister
• Best travel mug: Welly Camp Cup
• Best Burr grinder: OXO Conical Grinder with Scale 
• Best coffee scale: Acaia Lunar Coffee Scale 
• Best kettle: Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle 
• Best French press: Simpli Press 
• Best for pour-overs: Origami Pour-Over Coffee Dripper
• Best automatic siphon: Tiger Siphonysta
• Best portable coffee maker: AeroPress
• Best one-touch coffee brewer: Bonavita Connoisseur 8-Cup Drip Coffee Maker Machine
• Best programmable drip machine: Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker
• Best espresso machine: Breville Barista Express
• Best one-touch espresso machine + milk frother: Café Affetto
• Best coffee-pods system: BRUVI
• Best DIY cold brew: Ball wide-mouth Mason jars + a Klein reusable filter
• Best cold-brew pitcher: Takeya Deluxe 
• Best nitro cold-brew system: GrowlerWerks uKeg
• Best milk frother: Zulay Executive Series Milk Frother w/ Stand
• Best instant coffee: Cometeer
• Best flavored syrups: Torani variety pack
• Best canned caffeine: Taika Canned Coffee + Tea
• Best caffeinated snack: Pocket Latte Choco Nuts

Best coffee subscriptions: Roasting Plant Coffee 

SEE IT

If the budding barista doesn’t start with actually good coffee, none of the rest of this guide will amount to a hill of beans. The problem is, most store-bought coffee you’d pick up for a gift basket, care package, etc., is already past peak freshness. So just skip the middle man and buy them a freshly roasted micro-batch from Roasting Plant Coffee—a Lower East Side New York roaster with a patented, automated Javabot system that pulls together on-demand blends via pneumatic tubes, then roasts them on the spot for shipping. This assures what arrives at the door—whether it’s a single bag of the rich, redolent, decadently chocolatey house blend or dynamic single-origin samplings as part of Roasting Plant’s subscription service—is a never-stale, constantly satisfying staple in your house.

A cup of coffee is a part of the routine for millions of people, but how many people can say they enjoy that sip down to a cellular level? Danger Coffee offers whole beans and grounds, augmented with 50 trace minerals, nutrients, and electrolytes to remineralize the body and ensure more than a caffeine buzz. Danger Coffee prides itself on sourcing the best beans and blends them with regularly depleted micronutrients to make the discerning, daring connoisseur feel more energized, engaged, and powerful. And none of the antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, etc., take away from the heady aroma or robust flavor. Heard of butterproof coffee? It’s from the same mind, biohacker Dave Asprey, so Danger Coffee pairs perfectly with the original recipe for coffee blended with grass-fed butter and MCT oil.

Got wanderlust but won’t have the chance to get on the road anytime soon? Whether you want a Pacific Northwest pick me up (savor Caffe Ladro) or North Carolina cuppa (source Counter Culture), you can sample the spectrum of light to dark roasts from around the country (and the globe) with a highly customizable Seattle Coffee Gear Coffee Subscription. If you want a crowd-pleaser in the box, the Crew Brew Blend by Tony’s Coffee has a jammy, creamy, vivacious nature. (Some of us are only slightly biased by actually being named Tony, and who doesn’t want a signature blend.) Oh, and Seattle Coffee Gear is a great place to buy all kinds of coffee-making accessories—small manual components all the way to superautomatic espresso machines—while you’re setting up a delivery. A true one-stop shop. 

Best coffee bean canister: Fellow Atmos Vacuum Coffee Canister

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There’s not much point in sourcing freshly roasted coffee beans if they’re just going to be left to let the oils stagnate and turn bitter. Preserve flavor and aroma by limiting oxygen exposure. Fellow makes a lot of our favorite coffee accessories because of a minimalist modern aesthetic that belies the functionality. This vacuum-sealed storage container (available in glass or steel and 0.4L, 0.7L, and 1.2L sizes) has a tight silicone seal and a twist mechanism to air, then a button to release pressure, to increase the stuff of life’s shelf life. 

Best travel mug: Welly Camp Cup

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The coffee lover will ingest a lot of java over their lifetime, so they should have a cup they can enjoy for just as long. Minimize waste and maximize enjoyment with the Welly Camp Cup, which you can take from car to campsite. Copper insulation keeps beverages hot or cold up to 14 hours, and the slide top is leak-resistant. The handle is made from environmentally friendly bamboo and comes in four fun colors: black, bone, berry, and navy. The company also makes a fabulous bottle, the Welly Traveler. This large-capacity bottle is triple-insulated and made from BPA-free and eco-friendly materials, including natural bamboo. Its stainless-steel construction allows it to trap heat or, alternatively, prevent heat from seeping in to keep beverages cold. Welly offers its bottles in several sizes, but we like a larger version that’s big enough to last through long meetings or a day-long hike. Our coffee consumption isn’t a problem; it’s a solution!

Best Burr grinder: OXO Conical Grinder with Scale 

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Before you drink coffee, you have to grind coffee. Crushing up those little brown beans increases their surface area and allows you to extract everything tasty. Doing it yourself ensures optimal freshness. Burr grinders churn out more uniform grounds than those with blades, which is imperative for an enviable end result. The OXO Conical Grinder has a large hopper that can hold up to 12 oz. of beans, 15 grind settings (fine espresso to coarse French press, with many micro-adjustments in between), plus an integrated scale. You just dial in exactly how much coffee you want ground, push a button, and the OXO stops grinding when it hits your desired grams. The self-measuring capabilities really help with consistency and remove an additional step between you and that first sumptuous sip. 

Are you a fan of AeroPress, pour-over, French press, or cold brew specifically and looking for a statement piece? The Fellow Ode Brew Grinder is a compact obelisk found in many hip cafés. Its single-dose hopper and 31-step mechanism (with 64mm flat burrs and grinds knocker) are perfect if you approach the ritual of making each cup as captivating chemistry. (Note, however, that it’s not great for a fine espresso grind.)

Best coffee scale: Acaia Lunar Coffee Scale 

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A kitchen scale comes in handy for many things, including measuring out coffee grounds. Acaia Lunar Coffee Scale displays weights to 0.1 grams on a backlit digital LCD screen and can hold about 4 pounds (plus it connects to your phone via Bluetooth for additional views/functionality). That’s more than enough for brewing, but it’s also good for home bakers who want to move beyond the standard cup, tablespoon, and teaspoon measurements. And its coffee applications go beyond dry beans. Waterproof, it’s compact enough to fit into the drip tray of an espresso machine for dialing in shots as you watch the timer and yield display. Of course, it’s also pricey, so if budget is a concern, or pour-overs are your preference, we recommend the tried-and-true Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer.

Best kettle: Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle 

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There’s that name again. Fellow gear has become iconic in barista circles (and corners), and for good reason. This quick-heating electric kettle, available in multiple finishes, sits on a minimalist base equipped with a 1200-watt quick-heating element and coin-shaped sleek LCD screen so you can quickly dial in to-the-degree temperature/set a brew stopwatch for the coffee-brewing method/tea type you’re using. And the gooseneck spout allows for precise saturation. A newer Pro edition adds a high-resolution color LCD, plus more scheduling options/guide modes/temperature hold time adjustments. More of a manual type when it comes to your pour-over? There’s the Fellow Stagg Stovetop Pour-Over Coffee and Tea Kettle.

Best French press: Simpli Press 

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One of the most convenient things about a French press is having one vibrant vessel able to make enough indulgent coffee for two people. One of the least convenient things about a French press is sediment seeping into the coffee, and then having to scrape out soggy grinds, really sapping some perk off the experience. Simpli Press, however, makes the promise of “French press without the mess” through the use of a stainless steel double filter that locks into a coffee basket, maintaining all the ambrosial oils while holding back more silt and making it easier to lift and dispose of the residue. If the price is a bit too high and you don’t mind an old-fashioned cleanup, however, the Bodum Chambord French Press is a classic for a reason.

Best for pour-overs: Origami Pour Over Coffee Dripper

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The Origami Pour Over Coffee Dripper might be the nicest looking “coffeemaker” we’ve ever seen. Think of it as doing double duty as a home decor gift and a way for someone to get their morning fix. The Origami’s ceramic body works with most paper filters (such as the Melitta #4 Cone Coffee Filters, Natural Brown). It features a wave-like design to allow for increased airflow and easy drainage. Combined with the right water temperature, grind size, and amount of coffee, these elements result in a smoother flavor. The dripper comes in 16 colors and two sizes: 4.3- and 7-ounce. Make sure you grab a resin or wood holder to ensure the dripper sits snuggly on your cup when pouring the hot water over. It’s dishwasher safe, but we’d still recommend giving it a light hand-wash yourself.

Best automatic siphon: Tiger Siphonysta

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It’s hard to enjoy an impossibly smooth cup of coffee if making it is incredibly rough. Luckily, Japan electronics company Tiger Corporation has introduced an automated siphon machine, helping take the hassle out of one of the most statuesque and scientific methods of coffee brewing. Instead of percolating, aka boiling, the coffee as in a traditional drip machine, a siphon uses a two-chamber system, vapor pressure, and gravity to transport heated water up to and pull it down from coffee grinds. Typically a lengthy, theatrical process, vacuum brewing with the automated Siphonysta is a so much simpler, but no less dramatic experience that transforms freshly ground specialty beans into a single luxuriously smooth cup, almost tea-like in subtleties, but in under three minutes. The lack of a paper filter means every sip is as divine as the first. Plus, you can adjust acidic to bitter to really extract exactly how you’d like to start your day. If you’ve got a more steampunk aesthetic in your kitchen, however, there’s always a manual siphon machine for that.

Best portable coffee maker: AeroPress

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Absolutely do not just mix grounds directly with water in a desperate attempt to get a buzz. I’ve done it (on a dare). Inadvisable. The AeroPress makes it easy to make actual coffee on the go. The portable press comes with a funnel, a scoop, and a stirrer to help you fill its narrow cylindrical body. Just add water, wait a few minutes, and press the plunger down, and you’ve got brew in your cup. Your initial purchase also includes 350 paper microfilters and a filter holder, so you’re set for almost a year’s worth of joe from the get-go. Plus, there are reusable metal filters for various grind sizes available if that’s more your speed.

Best one-touch coffee brewer: Bonavita Connoisseur 8-Cup Drip Coffee Maker Machine

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If you’re having people over for dinner or game night, etc.—or maybe your day is just stacked with meetings—you might not have the time or desire to make individual cups of coffee, no matter how delicious. That’s where a trusty drip machine comes in. This one can fill the stainless steel, double-walled thermal carafe in just six minutes, using a 1500W heater to douse the hanging flat-bottom filter basket with 198°-205°F water, including a pre-infusion mode, for optimal saturation. The result mimics artisan pour-overs but with a compact brewer’s on-demand capacity, proving you don’t have to sacrifice café quality for convenience.

Best programmable drip machine: Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker

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You’re very connected to your daily coffee, so why not be connected to your coffee maker. Wi-Fi-enabled—able to be controlled through the SmartHQ app, Alexa, and Google Home, with Voice-to-Brew controls—this 10-cup machine with insulated thermal carafe lets the countertop connoisseur store settings for cups, temperature, and strength, whether you prefer Gold, Light, Medium, or Bold roast. And if you don’t want to speak, or even tap, to get the coffee process bubbling, you can also schedule your personalized preferences to start your day off right.

Best espresso machine: Breville Barista Express

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When you really want to go hard at home, you want the Breville Barista Express. It’ll grind beans to espresso-grade fineness, compress them into a dense puck for flavor extraction, brew one or two shots at a time, and even froth milk for luxurious lattes. It’s a beast of a machine and an expensive item, but if you’re looking for a splurge, it’s great at what it does. You might need a few tries to perfect your skills, but the process is ultimately straightforward. All that’s left to do is practice your latte art.

Best one-touch espresso machine + milk frother: Café Affetto

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Like its connected coffee maker above, the Café brand’s Affetto model uses Wi-Fi and automation to take the guess(and mess)work out of espresso. This local network espresso machine dispenses a ristretto shot, an Americano, a customized cup, or hot water at the push of a button—on the machine or your smartphone, as the SmartHQ app allows users to set drink preferences by volume and strength. An integrated hopper stores the beans, then a stainless steel conical burr grinder delivers an adjustable, but consistent grind on demand. A gentle bloom gradually increases under 20 bars of pressure for even extraction, and a built-in foaming wand lets you achieve an airy cappuccino, a denser latte macchiato, and other beverage recipes in the app. This is the machine for when you need a little push but don’t have the time to pull.

Best coffee-pods system: BRUVI

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If you want a complete home coffee setup in a single click, we highly recommend taking advantage of the BRUVI Bundle. It includes BRUVI’s BV-1 coffee maker, 20 B-Pods (which feature 40% more sustainably sourced coffee than other systems), a premium water filter, and a reusable Japanese Knot bag. The BV-1 can scan the B-Pods to customize how the machine should optimize the brew, achieving what the roaster and you intended every time, and it allows you to set it on a timer using a smartphone app. If you want fresh, great-tasting coffee—whether espresso, Americano, cold brew, etc.—conveniently waiting for you every morning, this is the best investment you’ll make all year. Oh, and the B-Pods are designed to break down in landfills, so the BRUVI means less wasted time and less waste on the Earth.

Best DIY cold brew: Ball wide-mouth Mason jars + a Klein reusable filter

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A set of truly massive 64-ounce mason jars will serve you in countless ways, but they’re especially excellent for making cold brew. Fill one of Ball’s wide-mouth jars with water, add a reusable filter or disposable bag full of grounds, let it sit for a day, and you’ll have enough of the stuff to last two people at least a week. You probably won’t need 3 gallons of cold brew at a time, so fill the others with dry goods like flour or sugar, or learn how to preserve food. You can even use one as a big water bottle—hydration is important.

Klein’s stainless steel, 100-micron mesh reusable cold brew filter fits all wide-mouth mason jars, so it’ll sit tight in whatever you have. It’s not just good for coffee, either—you can stuff it with loose-leaf tea or use it to infuse water with various flavors. There’s the added benefit of not having to buy new filter bags when you run out, but if you prefer disposable ones, you can get 120 from Homyhee for about the same price. If you plop ‘em into a 64-ounce jar, though, you’ll have to use two, as the company recommends about a ¾-cup (100 grams) for a 32-ounce container.

Best nitro cold-brew system: GrowlerWerks uKeg

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Nitro cold brew is infused with nitrogen gas for a creamy, smooth, somewhat fizzy feel that can be likened to beer. The uKeg Nitro is the first piece of gear to cover coffee brewing and nitro infusion in a single appliance. Use the 12-cup capacity keg to make cold brew just as you would in a Mason jar, then charge the lid with a nitrogen cartridge, shake it a bit, and open the tap to dispense your drink. It takes up slightly more space in the fridge than a big Mason jar, but it also keeps your brew good for a bit longer.

Best instant coffee: Cometeer

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Take the hassle out of your morning routine whether you’re living through blistering heat or numbing cold. I’d wanted to try Cometeer ever since it popped up on my Instagram feed, and I’m glad I finally did. The flash-frozen, recyclable brew capsules not only produced a more balanced and complex cup than most bland instant coffees, but they are insanely easy to make. Toss a pod or two in a glass of liquid (hot or cold) and you’re ready to go. I threw two pods into my to-go container with about 14 ounces of water and ice, shook, and it was ready to drink. Cometeer grinds the beans at their freshest, brews the coffee into a 10x concentrate, and then uses a nitrogen shower to capture its peak flavor before shipping it to your door. And you can customize your roast and delivery preferences. If you’re looking for an elevated quick fix in the morning, a Cometeer subscription is the way to go.

Best flavored syrups: Torani variety pack

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Not everyone likes their coffee black, and that’s OK. With this four-pack of Torani syrups, you get 25.4-ounce bottles of caramel, French vanilla, hazelnut, and vanilla flavorings to suit any coffee mood. You can also mix and match with other tastes to make unique sips. If you’re not a fan of those oft-used syrups, you can choose coconut, peppermint, or white chocolate, too.

The post Last-minute coffee gifts to turn any kitchen into a café appeared first on Popular Science.

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Sequels can suck. This isn’t news if you’ve seen pretty much any movie with 2, II, Too, and even 2000 in the title. But, just in case selective amnesia is helping you cope with the life you lost to a Transformers film, I’ll say it again: Sequels can suck, but that doesn’t mean they do suck. Sometimes a bigger budget isn’t squandered on a follow-up. Sometimes, more does get you more. In the personal audio world, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 is a flagship Bluetooth active noise cancellation over-ear headphone that shows how refocusing energy can be done right—a Mad Max: Fury Road for the headphones sector.

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The build

Practical effects versus CGI. The choice of one over the other is why some action movies feel timeless while others don’t. The decision to center the action around purpose-built set pieces, using evocative locations to immerse you in deliberate world-building. Similarly, the best audio gear proves itself adept at executing highly technical maneuvers without challenging you to a race through the uncanny valley. And, with the Px8, Bowers & Wilkins has achieved its refined road warrior.

Released in June 2022, the highly celebrated Px7 S2 headphones ($399) established the visual language for the current generation of B&W Bluetooth ANC headphones. The Px7 S2 and its sequel—the Px8 ($699), released in September 2022—arrive in a fold-flat hardshell carrying case embossed with a matte rubberized “Bowers & Wilkins” across it—the subtle difference being the zipper pull of the Px8 is leather versus fabric. Both are accompanied by a 1.2mm USB-C to USB-C cable and a 1.2m USB-C to 3.5mm stereo jack audio cable.

Carrying hallmarks of the British speaker designer’s decades of high-end industrial design, the Px7 S2—and, subsequently, the Px8—feature gently elliptical ear cups suspended on a C-shaped yoke with friction-fit adjustment tubes. Like the carry case that echoes the ear cups’ oval shape, “Bowers & Wilkins” is emblazoned on the exterior in textured printing. As you might expect, this uneven surface means no touch controls. An ON/OFF/Bluetooth pairing toggle—as well as physical volume +/- and multifunction buttons—populate the rear right ear cup, as does a USB-C port. A Quick Action button sits on the left.

And this tactile approach becomes more and more of a focus once you take a closer look at the Px8’s elevated build. Whereas the Px7 S2 is clad in woven fabric, the Px8’s precision-cut brushed aluminum ear cups and adjustable headband are trimmed in buttery Nappa leather (available in black or tan). The cast-aluminum arms of the Px8 have a patina that stands out from the Px7’s matte black. And the branding has evolved from the metallic ink on the Px7 to raised, reflective lettering on the Px8 that, combined with a beveled ring around the logo plate, gives the illusion of greater depth when catching the light. Surprisingly, these material upgrades only add up to a 13g difference between the Px8 (320g) and the Px7 S2 (307g). But they make a huge difference in presenting the Px8 as a more luxurious product that promises, and delivers, a palpable experience both physically and audibly.

The setup

Internally, the Px8 again has some similarities to the Px7. Using the same core circuitry, Bluetooth 5.2 supports the SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive (with aptX HD) codecs for maximum iOS/Android compatibility. There’s no LDAC support, so folks with a high-end digital audio player won’t be able to take advantage of Sony’s niche, though noticeably high-resolution, protocol. The internal digital audio converter can handle up to 24-bit audio, and aptX claims to fold up to 24-bit/48 kHz audio in. While aptX is the superior wireless option, the Px8 will only consistently achieve its highest specs potential when connected to a computer (or handset/iPad, etc.) via USB-C cable and fed appropriate files or streaming Apple Music Hi-Res Lossless or TIDAL Masters tracks.

Pairing is as simple as you’d expect: Push the ON/OFF/Bluetooth toggle to the top and briefly hold till you hear a pinging. The Px8 will then be discoverable on your device. With the Bowers & Wilkins Music app (iOS/Android), you can switch between Noise Cancellation/Pass-Through/Off modes to take advantage of the built-in four-mic ANC array—again, the same proven platform as the Px7, which also includes two additional vocal mics for phone calls. Additionally, you can assign the Quick Action button to either cycle through those “Environment Control” modes or have it trigger a Voice Assistant. You can also toggle on/off Auto Standby (power down after 15 minutes of inactivity) and Wear Sensor (automatic off-head pause/on-head restart playback).

When used primarily in wireless mode, the Px8’s battery life is rated at 30 hours (fully charged in 3 hours), though actual hours achieved usually dipped a bit below that (averaging 27 hours). Still, that keeps the Px8 competitive with the Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399), Master & Dynamic MW75 ($599), and the competitively indulgent Focal Bathys ($799), though not the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 ($349) and its 60-hour battery.

The sound

While far from the largest ear cups (definitely more compact than the aforementioned, larger ear-friendly Focal Bathys), the Px8’s plush memory cushion pads lock into place with a confident, gasket-tight embrace and clamping force that’s tight but not tyrannical. Even with glasses, there was no discomfort, nor a swampy feel, after hours of use. And it’s within this slim silhouette that an enhanced audio engine purrs.

Whereas the Px7 uses 40mm bio-cellulose drivers to achieve a dynamic listen, the Px8 swaps in bespoke 40mm carbon cones—derived from the B&W 700 Series loudspeakers domes—that are coupled with an optimized basket/motor system. This tilts the sound signature from body blows to landing right on the button. Separation and control are heightened, which at times makes the Px7 S2 seem the brighter headphone of the two. But this is just because the Px8 are tighter, tempering unruly transients that can come across as excitement but threaten to trip up accuracy. Angled to attain a uniform alignment between every point of the ear and driver surface, these light-yet-rigid carbon cones are intended for low-distortion (THD+N <0.1%), high-engagement listening.

While more and more headphones integrate algorithm-driven spatial audio to manufacture excitement, the Px8 impresses with precision-engineered spacious audio. You can tell there is a speaker manufacturer’s mentality in the Px8’s stereo field, as it truly opens up with some volume. That’s not to say you need to sacrifice your hearing to fully experience the Px8’s best, as you will still get a cohesive listen at lower levels, but applying some pressure helped maximum timbre and timing when putting the Px8 through an assault of Massive Attack, Bloc Party, black metal, and IDM songs, to name a smattering of splatterings. 

In terms of imaging and layering, the Px8 does deeper than it goes wide but is far from myopic. An ample, articulate midrange establishes the footing, with precisely shaped mid-bass and airy highs setting the pace. “Presence” is a good summation of what’s achieved. Vocals, especially, benefit from a slightly intimate expression, coming across as mildly warm but capable of conveying every inflection. Lows reach when called upon, but clarity is prioritized over a more colored response. The Px8 doesn’t introduce a point-of-view character to translate the narrative; songs present themselves in their native language, free from exaggerated frequencies.

As is common with almost every ANC headphone, there’s some thickening in the bass with the solidly effective, but not standard-setting, noise cancellation turned on. So the native DSP is one way to get more thump. In addition, the B&W Music app does offer +/- 6dB Treble & Bass sliders for some rudimentary EQing, but the stock tuning has a natural, endearing agility. Touching on the practical effects vs. CGI conversation again, it’s sacrificing infinite flexibility for a more tangible world, and I prefer the latter.

The conclusion

There are increasing options in the premium wireless headphones sector, which means there’s a tuning option for everyone. Want a more sub-bass-focused response? I’d lean toward the M&D MW75. Want a more analytical, shimmery session? Go for the Focal Bathys. Care more about top-tier noise cancellation and sensor customization? The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are the undisputed software heavyweight. However, if it’s a high-octane but not overblown sound you’ve been searching for in an audio war rig, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 is fueled by assertive expression. Pure guzzolene.

The post Bowers & Wilkins Px8 wireless headphones review: Ride eternal, shiny and chrome appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best for Instagram lovers		Sunset Projection Lamp		SEE IT	Make their home look like a colorful kaleidoscope.
Best for multitaskers on the move		Anker Portable Charger		SEE IT	Stay powered up wherever you go with this 10000mAh portable battery pack.
Best for game night lovers		Sushi Go Party!		SEE IT	A fun household game that’s a welcome addition to any party.

Holiday party season is in full swing. So, whether you’re back mixing and mingling with coworkers or stockpiling last-minute goodies for a family and friends get-together, we can help! And you don’t need to spike the punch to loosen things up some last-minute fun you’re attending or organizing. A Yankee swap, aka White Elephant, gift exchange is a great way to manufacture some mirth at an office party or relatives round-up. With that in mind, here are some of our favorite White Elephant gifts (which, conveniently, also make for great one-last-thing selections to put under the tree).

From the niche and novel to the impractical and inappropriate to the surprisingly sensible, a White Elephant gift exchange is the best party game where you might walk away with a party game. Or an oddly useful accessory. Or a kitschy knick-knack—something “As Seen On TV” (or “As Seen On TikTok,” more likely). The White Elephant rules are relatively simple. You pick from a pool of random wrapped gifts but then, once you’ve revealed your gift, have the opportunity to “steal” (aka, exchange for) someone else’s gift. And the next round you can just as easily have the gift you’re holding “stolen.” It’s chaos and strategy … and a lot more fun if everyone doesn’t just bring coffee gift cards (not that we couldn’t live on coffee gift cards). So—whether you’re looking for the best gifts under $50, the best gifts under $25, you’re exchanging with executives, or you want to be remembered for bringing the best funny present—we’ve put together these great White Elephant gifts so you can “win” the game where you always know that you never know what to expect.

Snoopy under the mistletoe ornament

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If someone you know in your cube farm or friend circle has searched every thrift and antique store in a 60-mile radius for the infamous Lenox Spice Village Set from the ’80s, please give them a less-elusive Lenox treasure to add to their collection: Snoopy under the mistletoe. This adorable 2022 ornament is made of porcelain that can stand the test of time without the multi-hundred dollar price point that the Lenox spice set is going for nowadays—good grief!

Burritos Tortilla Blanket

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When it’s cold outside, turn to the blanket that’s less brrrrrr and more burr-ito. The mermaker Burritos Tortilla Blanket 2.0 double-sided 71-inch blanket is non-fading, lint-free, ultra-soft 285 grams-per-square flannel with a delicious design on each side. It’s great for sofas, beds, traveling—anywhere you know someone gathering the ingredients for comfort. (There are also pepperoni pizza, waffle, and chocolate cookie options, if that’s more where your appetite for gifts is.) So, if you’re looking for a great gift, grab this and, well, wrap up your shopping.

3D Skull Ice Mold Trays

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If you know someone having difficulty wrapping your head around the perfect way to spice up their bar, one simple solution is to wrap drinks around a skull. Grab one (or more) of these 100-percent BPA-free, non-toxic, food-grade, dishwasher-safe silicone molds, each of which makes six 6.5-inch by 5.4-inch by 2.3-inch skulls at one time. Know someone feeling crafty? The mold can also be used to make everything from chocolate to soap. These ice cubes will be a great party starter, no bones about it.

French vanilla cereal bowl candle

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Childhood is full of smelly things, but not all of them are questionable or objectionable. Some, like this delicious-looking candle with a tasty vanilla scent, just take you back to happier times. The perfect decor for any office communal kitchen or the home of a notorious cereal lover, this candle comes in several options, including Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Fruity Pebbles. Not only will this candle look pretty on any surface, but it’s also a great conversation starter and will delight your nose with some cereal-ously great aromas. Just, please, don’t eat it.

Orange juice vase

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If you’re on a morning meal-as-ornamentation kick, this adorable ceramic orange juice carton gives any room an extra dose of sweet decor. The bright hand-painted oranges give any cold kitchen a healthy hue of sunshine. Or, if flowers aren’t your thing, the vase can be a great office supplies holder and brighten up any dull desk with juicy joy. 

JBL Go 3 Bluetooth speaker

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If you’re looking to gift someone big sound from a little speaker, the JBL Go 3 is your go-to. An ultraportable, less than 8-ounce block with surprisingly potent bass, the battery-powered Go 3 packs 5 hours of playback so its owner can stay motivated in the gym, on the trail, on a bike, or wherever else they need a soundtrack to fuel success. In the pool? Sure! The desert, too. The Go 3’s IP67 rating means it’s waterproof and dustproof.

LifeStraw

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For the coworker/weekend warrior who could be the next winner of Naked and Afraid, help them practice their prepper skills by gifting a LifeStraw. Always handy in an emergency, or just a weekend camping trip, the LifeStraw protects against 99.999999% of waterborne bacteria like E. coli with a membrane microfilter. Stick the straw right in a river, and you’re headed for hydration. Because we all deserve a break without worrying something will break us.

Sunset Projection Lamp

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Your cubicle neighbor is talking about it constantly: the tropical vacation, the palm trees, the sugar-infused rum drinks served in coconuts with little umbrellas in them. Next-door Nick/Nicole wants the sand in their toes and the sun on their skin. Nobody is suggesting you gift airfare to Hawaii but if you can’t send your coworker to paradise, bring paradise to them. This sunset lamp, which can rotate 180 degrees, is the perfect ambiance for a living room or bedroom. As a bonus, if your coworker is constantly posting selfies on Instagram, the RGB LED lamp—with its 16 colors, IR remote control, and flash/strobe/fade/smooth effects—adds a bit of variety and flavor to their Friday-night-at-home-with-the-cat fashion shoots. Don’t let the sun go down on your officemate unless it’s by choice. 

Anker PowerCore Slim 10K Battery Pack

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Devices are our vices. We love how they can accompany us on the go, but they occasionally make us pause for a plug. Our phones, tablets, headphones, pocket Wi-Fi transmitters, and Nintendo Switches demand voltage and we want to provide them with what they need. Portable power blocks make changing the sheen on that battery icon from red to green a snap without slowing you down. One of the slimmest 10,000mAh packs on the market—perfect for gamers, tech-heads, joggers, travelers, or honestly any variety of coworker—This power block is a necessity you never knew you needed and is even useful in multiples. Using PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technology to maintain the health of your devices’ batteries, it can provide almost 2 charges for an iPhone 14 or Galaxy S22, for example. Nobody is excited to get a power block, but nobody is disappointed to have this simple black brick when they need it. Whether I’m shopping for friends, coworkers, or loved ones, a power brick is always one of the first White Elephant gifts on my list.

Victorinox SwissCard Lite

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Everyone with a smartphone loves the convenience of having the world at their fingertips, but there’s a limit to what data can do. A phone flashlight can be handy, but let’s face it: iTweezer isn’t really a practical option for removing a splinter on the go. With the SwissCard, however, practical, tangible tools come in an ultra-thin container that can slip seamlessly into a wallet. This card includes scissors, a magnifying glass, a ruler, an LED light, various sizes of screwdrivers, a blade, and tweezers, to name a few. This mini-tool set can turn any coworker or cousin into a handyperson, and everyone can benefit from having it in their back pocket for everyday emergencies.

Nodpod Sleep Mask

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You spend all day under pressure, so when you get home at night you’d think the last thing you’d want is more pressure. Well, if you’re Queen featuring David Bowie or looking for an amazing night’s sleep, you’d be wrong. The nodpod sells itself as a “weighted blanket for your eyes” and the gentle pressure it applies, plus the 100-percent blackout design, really does lead to better sleep—something I know from experience. You can even throw it in the freezer if you need to cool down after exercise, or to soothe a migraine, or to try and take your mind off of all the TPS reports you have due. And when you give a coworker this “hug for your head” they won’t even get HR involved.

Stylophone Retro Pocket Synth

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If “oddly endearing” is how you’re described around the office, you won’t find a more apropos white elephant gift to give than this pocket-sized synthesizer. First released in 1967 and perhaps most famously featured on David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” Dubreq’s Stylophone sounds like an 8-bit video game blaring out of the punctured speaker of an old ice cream van—and I say these things with love. It’s a lot of fun to listen to the oscillating tones as you slide the stylus up and down the metal keyboard, and a headphone jack means someone can even indulge some lo-fi love at work without disturbing a cubicle mate. Just remember to wrap three AAA batteries with this retro-futuristic icon to ensure the analog anarchy can begin immediately. 

Stealing piggy bank

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Every office has an extreme cat lover (it’s me). Distract them with this charming cat-thief piggy bank. Just place a coin on the dish, and the cat will pop out of the box and steal the money. It’s like giving yourself the gift of sanity by eliminating their incessant desire to show you pictures every 20 minutes of their cat looking the same (“No, I swear, look at how his paw is moving in this one!”). You’ve still got options if a cat lover isn’t on your list: This piggy bank also comes in an adorable panda edition.

Felt Letter Board

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Ever look at a church or fast-food signboard and feel so jealous? Why do they get to share their witticisms about deadly sins or daily combos and you have no such platform!? Well, now you’re in luck. From famous quotes to limericks that might require a visit from HR, you can broadcast it all the old-fashioned way, right from the comfort of your cubicle. With a 10×10 inch space, this felt board has room for opinions cliché to controversial. The 374 pre-cut letters feature a rustic style and bold font, and you even get nine bonus cursive words for extra flair, plus extra clips to hold photos or notes. With this set, your coworker can make every day a red letter—er, white letter—day.

Rocketbook smart reusable notebook

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If your coworker constantly reminisces about the days when all their work could be done on paper, the Rocketbook smart reusable notebook might ease their woes. This isn’t your typical notebook, but the learning curve is small. Write notes like normal with the included erasable pen, take a picture with your phone using the Rocketbook app, and the notes are automatically uploaded to the cloud as scans so you can organize and access them anywhere you have service. Then, wipe away the page with the included cloth, and the page is ready to be used again. With the Rocketbook, you’re basically giving the gift of never having to buy another notebook again.

Skullcandy Dime 2

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We like the Skullcandy Dime. We think that if you spend less than $30 and don’t want to sacrifice convenient features (like 12 hours of total battery life, IPX4 sweat/water resistance, and an isolating fit), it’s one of the best cheap earbuds out there. If we opened a pair of true wireless earbuds at an office party, we’d be excited. We think we’d be a little kinder this Christmas season if we could go to the office on Monday with a new way to drown out all the distractions (or to take calls, even during solo ’bud use). I mean, seriously, we can’t sit through Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” one. more. time. Now “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)” by the Darkness, that’s our kind of carol. 

MILKBOSS Electric Handheld Milk Frother