Tech Buying Guides
Our experts recommendations on the best gadgets and software, all in one place.
Headphones
Active Noise Canceling
Everything you need to know before buying your next pair of headphones.
There are more wireless earbuds than ever before that have active noise cancellation.
What's the difference between $100 and $500 noise-canceling headphones? We explain.
Wireless Earbuds
It's 2023 and there are a lot of different wireless earbuds to choose from. We've rounded up the best wireless earbuds of 2022.
Don’t own an iPhone? Or do AirPods not fit in your ears? Get these wireless earbuds.
Don't want to spend $129 on AirPods? No problem. We've rounded up the best true wireless earbuds that cost less than $100.
It’s time to swap out your basic buds for a pair that goes the extra mile. These are the best wireless earbuds for running.
Hi-Fi Headphones
We've rounded up our favorite high-end headphones that cost $150. All are wired. All great for at-home listening.
When nothing but the best sound will do, turn to these magnificent buds.
If you're a hi-fi enthusiast or music professional, you might want to seriously consider buying open-back headphones.
With so many expensive headphones flooding the market, how do you know which pair makes sense for you?
Home Theater
TVs
These are the best OLED TVs that you can actually afford.
There are two 4K TVs. They are the same size, made in the same year, and have the same resolution.
If you don’t want to break four digits on a 4K TV, you no longer have to.
It's not as straightforward as hanging a picture.
TV Audio
There are more soundbars that support Dolby Atmos and deliver a pretty epic home theater experience. These are the best of the best.
The sound quality of your TV’s built-in speakers is trash. It's time to upgrade.
A soundbar is an easy and affordable way to get better sound out of your TV. We've rounded up the best soundbars under $150.
True surround sound, fit for your space.
Home Audio & Hi-Fi
Speakers
It’s all about the speaker-and-amplifier combo.
Sonos, DTS Play-Fi, Amazon Multi-Room Music, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast — what’s the difference?
This large and in charge Bluetooth speakers are great for your living room.
Snag an upgrade for your home audio setup.
Digital Hi-Fi
There is more to mobile music than your smartphone.
Want better-sounding audio from your iPhone or Android? Get a portable DAC/amp.
Is there any reason why you should invest in a digital music streamer? Actually, yes.
Amplifiers
They’re the best option for most people building a home stereo system.
How many hours do you listen to Spotify at work per day?
Mike Garry, owner of Hudson Valley HiFi, reveals the most popular vintage receivers and amplifiers that people are buying.
Turntables
When shopping for an entry-level turntable, make sure it has a built-in preamp.
Vinyl geeks rejoice — great sound doesn’t have to come with a four-digit price tag.
Can you get a great-sounding turntable for under $500?
Do automatic turntables sound better, worse or the same as manual turntables?
Vinyl Records
For the best listening experience, you want to make sure your vinyl records are in tip-top shape.
Vinyl records have a warmth, crackle and pop that digital audio files can’t replicate.
Put on these records and they’ll sound are a million light years away from today’s sterile digital soundscapes.
Turntable Accessories
If you have a turntable, a new phono cartridge can greatly improve how your records actually sound. Here's what you need to know.
Forget all the moving parts. With these no-hassle hi-fi setups, all you need is a turntable and a set of speakers.
An external phono preamp is a simple, relatively affordable way to upgrade your entry-level turntables.
Smartphone Accessories
Charging & Battery Packs
Wireless charging pads have come a long way in the last few years. Get the one that best matches your iPhone and Android.
Not all power banks are created equal, and it's worth springing for the best.
How often to charge, how much to fill up, and more.
MagSafe Accessories
We've rounded up all the best MagSafe accessories for the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. (Updated for 2023.)
We've rounded up the best smartphone cases for the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and newest iPhone 14. All support MagSafe.
A MagSafe-compatible car mount will magnetically hold your newer iPhone in place while you drive. Some will even charge your iPhone.
Home Office Tech
Computer Accessories
These are the best USB-C monitors that work with today’s newest laptops.
These are the best external hard drives to backup your files and free up space.
You're still taking a lot of video calls and your computer's built-in camera stinks. It's time to buy an external webcam.
Keyboards & Mice
Contrary to what many think, mechanical keyboards don’t have to be loud and flashy.
A better wireless mouse can help you be more productive. Get one that works for you.
Trackballs are more more comfortable, more useful, more efficient and cooler than every alternative.
Fast and reliable, a wire-free life will lead to a more productive workspace.
Desk Upgrades
Desk pads are the humblest of workspace accessories, but they can significantly improve your desktop cleanliness and organization.
A set of computer speakers is an easy (and relatively affordable) way of upgrading the audio quality of your desktop or laptop.
Turn your laptop into a desktop workstation.
Smart Home Gear
Here’s what you need to know before buying your first smart thermostat.
You can to control a fan, lamp or coffee maker with your voice? Get a smart plug.
A smart alarm clock can set alarms, play calming music while you sleep, and answer questions in the morning about the day ahead.
Gone are the days of mandatory multi-year contracts, wires running down widow frames, and keypads requiring home phone lines.
From smart speakers to smart door bells, smart lights to smart locks. All small, wireless and easily DIY installable.
Ikea says it’s “just getting started” in the smart home world. Here’s everything you need to know.
These days, anyone can use their phone to turn on the lights.
Networking, Privacy and Security
Password Managers
Apple's cloud-based storage service makes a good (and free) password manager. It's easy.
Online Security & Privacy
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) make going online safer by hiding your data and identity.
Follow these steps to completely disappear from the online world.
Wi-Fi
Need some helpful tips to improve the Wi-Fi in and around your home?
Roughly 90-percent of homes complain of dead zones and slow Wi-Fi. A mesh system like Nest Wifi can solve that.
Safe and secure, a hotspot lets you take Wi-Fi with you.
Apps & Software
Video & Audio Streaming
Wondering if a streaming service has a free trial? From Netflix to Max, Apple Music to Tidal — we break it down.
In order to listen to Apple Music's lossless audio tracks, you need the proper hardware. Here's what you need to know.
We’ve rounded up the best tricks of the trade to help you get the most out of your Spotify subscription.
Mobile Productivity
These alternative apps can help supercharge your Gmail account.
There are a lot of different note-taking apps out there, but they're far from all the same.
Think you need a physical scanner? Odds are you don't.
Desktop Productivity
If Slack is your new cyber-office, it’s worth taking some time to get everything set up right.
You should definitely customize one of the most important parts of your Mac.
Whether it's your work or personal life, a calendar app is a vital tool for staying organized, productive and on schedule.
Wearables & Health Tech
Smartwatches & Wearables
Before buying a smartwatch, there are few vital things to know as well. We've also rounded up the best smartwatches to buy.
In the past, there was a clear divide between fitness tracker and watch. Not anymore.
And is traditional watchmaking compatible with wearable tech?
Smartwatch functionality and mechanical watch looks combine in these hybrid timepieces that offer the best of both worlds.
Apple Watch
We've rounded up the best chargers, protective cases and accessories for your Apple Watch.
Apple finally has a sleep-tracking app for the Apple Watch. But there are some great third-party alternatives, too.
The universe of Apple Watch bands is vast, and that's a good thing.
Fitness & Wellness Tech
Countless apps strive to help make you fitter, stronger and leaner than ever before. Here are our favorites.
Are you using the Health app on your iPhone? If not, you should be.
Get a handle on your screen time with apps that help you track your usage, and even limit it.
Photography
Film Cameras
Vintage film cameras from every era still worth adding to your collection.
These still-great bits of kit are a great way to get (or stay) into film.
Many brands did not survive the transition to digital, but their cameras are still around.
Film & Development
Looking to shoot film? These are the eight best films for every situation.
It's easier than you might think.
It's not just hipster nonsense. There are terrific practical reasons for any photographer to shoot a roll or two.
Camera Accessories
A tripod might be the signal most important tool for photographers and videographers.
Savannah Cummins, Jeff Johnson and Chris Burkard share their favorite accessories for outdoor photography.
We've round up the best camera accessories and gadgets, all under $25, that deserve a place in your camera bag.
The best bags to haul and protect your photography equipment around town or into the mountains.