Sure, they are a bit thicker than a typical smartphone, but the versatility they offer is unparalleled.

Unfolding the phone reveals a tablet-sized inner display that will surely make any tech enthusiast’s eyes well up with joy. The size and design aren’t for everyone, but as the technology matures, this is likely the future of smartphones.

It might also be the future of laptops, as big names like HP have recently released single-screen foldable devices.

Samsung was the first manufacturer to release a foldable device and has been steadily improving its designs ever since. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the latest Z Fold device and it’s a technical marvel.

OnePlus recently entered the foldable market with the OnePlus Open, and on its first try, built an impressive device. Let’s find out which device truly reigns supreme.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs OnePlus Open: Price, availability, and specs

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 has been available to purchase since August 11, 2023, and comes with a starting price of $1800 for the 256GB model. The 512GB version retails for $1920 and the 1TB comes in a whopping $2160.

At first glance, the price seems extremely high, and it is, but at least there is a ton of technology packed into it. It comes in blue, grey, phantom black, cream, and icy blue.

You can get the Galaxy Z Fold 5 from Samsung directly, from major carriers such as Verizon or T-Mobile as well as authorized retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

OnePlus launched the OnePlus Open on October 19, 2023, and comes in a single configuration that retails for $1700. The OnePlus Open is a bit harder to find compared to the Z Fold 5.

No carriers have picked up the device, so if you want the OnePlus Open, you are going to have to get it from OnePlus directly or from a retailer like Amazon or Best Buy. It’s available in two colorways: emerald dusk and voyager black.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5	OnePlus Open
4.0	4.5
$1,799.99	$1,699.99$1,499.99
Check Availability	Check Availability
Display: 7.6-inch, AMOLED, 2176 x 1812, 120Hz - Cover: 6.2-inch, AMOLED, 2136 x 904, 120Hz	Display: 7.82-inch, AMOLED, 2440 x 2268, 120Hz - Cover: 6.31-inch, OLED, 2484 x 1116, 120Hz
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Ram: 12GB	Ram: 16GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB	Storage: 512GB
Front Camera: 4MP f/1.8 under display - Cover: 10MP f/2.2	Front Camera: 20MP f/2.2 - Cover: 32MP f/2.4
Rear Camera: 50MP f/1.8 main, 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 10MP f/2.4 telephoto with 3x optical zoom	Rear Camera: 48MP f/1.7 main, 48MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 64MP f/2.6 telephoto with 3x optical zoom
Battery: 4400mAh	Battery: 4805mAh
Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wired	Charging: 67W wired, reverse wired
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C	Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C
IP Rating: IPX8	IP Rating: IPX4
Dimensions: Unfolded: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm - Folded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm	Dimensions: Unfolded: 153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8mm - Folded: 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7mm
Weight : 253g	Weight : 239g
Operating System: Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6	Operating System: Android 13, OxygenOS 13.2

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

4.0

$1,799.99

Check Availability

Display:

7.6-inch, AMOLED, 2176 x 1812, 120Hz - Cover: 6.2-inch, AMOLED, 2136 x 904, 120Hz

Chipset:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Ram:

12GB

Storage:

256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

Front Camera:

4MP f/1.8 under display - Cover: 10MP f/2.2

Rear Camera:

50MP f/1.8 main, 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 10MP f/2.4 telephoto with 3x optical zoom

Battery:

4400mAh

Charging:

25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wired

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C

IP Rating:

IPX8

Dimensions:

Unfolded: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm - Folded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm

Weight :

253g

Operating System:

Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6

OnePlus Open

4.5

$1,699.99$1,499.99

Check Availability

Display:

7.82-inch, AMOLED, 2440 x 2268, 120Hz - Cover: 6.31-inch, OLED, 2484 x 1116, 120Hz

Chipset:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Ram:

16GB

Storage:

512GB

Front Camera:

20MP f/2.2 - Cover: 32MP f/2.4

Rear Camera:

48MP f/1.7 main, 48MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 64MP f/2.6 telephoto with 3x optical zoom

Battery:

4805mAh

Charging:

67W wired, reverse wired

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C

IP Rating:

IPX4

Dimensions:

Unfolded: 153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8mm - Folded: 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7mm

Weight :

239g

Operating System:

Android 13, OxygenOS 13.2

01/24/2024 03:06 pm GMT

Design

Both devices are well built and just scream quality. From the outside, they look like any other flagship device. The front is all display, with a hole-punch camera at the top, and their respective camera assemblies on the back.

Both the Z Fold 5, and the OnePlus Open have aluminum frames and are similar in size. When folded, the Galaxy is 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm and 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm when unfolded.

The OnePlus Open is a tad shorter, wider, and thinner than the Z Fold 5. The Open is 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7mm when folded and 153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8mm when unfolded.

The Z Fold 5 clocks in at 253g, and the OnePlus Open is 239g for the black version or 245g for the green one.

Whether open or closed, the Z Fold 5 has its power and volume buttons along the right edge of the device and a USB-C port at the bottom.

The OnePlus Open also has its power and volume buttons along the right edge and a USB-C port on the bottom. The alert slide is on the right side when folded or the left when unfolded.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5’s IPX8 gives solid water protection but lacks dust protection. The OnePlus Open has an IPX4 rating, which means it can survive some rain or a splash of water.

The lack of a dust rating on both devices is disappointing and a pain point for foldables as a whole.

Turning these devices over, you will notice the first major difference. Samsung went with its tried-and-true triple camera setup, with each lens neatly tucked in a vertical line. It’s a clean aesthetic and does its job of being unintrusive.

The OnePlus Open, on the other hand, has a massive circular camera bump that takes up a little less than half of the back.

I don’t find it as offensive on the black version because it blends in nicely, but it just looks gaudy against the green color. It also protrudes out of the back, so the phone rests on the camera housing.

Display

If you are considering a foldable device, you are likely most interested in the displays. Luckily, both devices knock it out of the park in that department.

The Samsung Z Fold 5 has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display. It has a 2316 x 904 resolution, a 120Hz (adaptive) refresh rate, and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

The internal AMOLED 2X display is a whopping 7.6 inches. It has a 2176 x 1812 resolution and a 120Hz (LTPO) refresh rate.

The internal display is protected by a plastic cover and has a peak brightness of 1,750 nits, allowing easy viewing outdoors.

The OnePlus Open has a 6.31-inch, 2484 x 1116 OLED cover display protected with a Ceramic Guard. It has an eye-searing peak brightness of 2800 nits and a LTPO3, 120Hz refresh rate.

Opening the OnePlus reveals a massive 7.82-inch AMOLED LTPO3 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It has the same 2800 nits of peak brightness, making it easy to see in the brightest of conditions.

Of the two devices, the OnePlus Open has the better overall displays. I have always found the Z Fold cover display too narrow, and the OnePlus Open fixes that.

The OnePlus Open also has a higher peak brightness and more pixels per inch on the internal displays, 426 for the OnePlus compared to 373 for the Galaxy.

Performance

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the OnePlus Open are absolute performance beasts thanks to their Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors.

Now that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors are here and used in devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24, you would be forgiven for thinking that the previous generation is inferior.

The benchmarks and total performance might be lower on the previous generation Gen 2 chipset, but in real-world use, these devices fly.

Where these two devices differ is in their overall configurations. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 comes with 12GB of RAM and either 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

The OnePlus Open has a single configuration and ships with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

The extra RAM is nice to have on the OnePlus Open, but unless you are the ultimate power user, you will not likely notice much of a difference between 12GB and 16GB of RAM.

What you will notice is that neither device will have issues multitasking, playing your favorite games, or even editing videos.

Camera

For years, fans of foldable devices had to make do with subpar camera setups. The typical excuse thrown out is due to the phone’s thinness; there just wasn’t space to put flagship-level cameras on these devices.

Then the competition came for Samsung and upended that belief.

Whether in image quality or overall versatility, these two devices aren’t on the same playing field. The OnePlus Open’s camera setup trounces the one on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

The OnePlus Open has a triple camera setup consisting of a 48MP f/1.7 OIS primary lens, a 48MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens, and a 64MP f/2.6 OIS telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

Depending on what you need, all three lenses will give you some excellent shots with good details.

The Z Fold 5’s primary lens is comparable to a 50MP f/1.8 OIS lens. Where the Z Fold 5 falls off is with its 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens and 10MP f/2.4 OIS telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

They will work in a pinch but won’t be as clear or have as much detail as the ones on the OnePlus.

The OnePlus Open and Z Fold 5 give you two different selfie cameras each. Again, the OnePlus Open has better cameras for taking a great selfie.

The Open has a 32MP f/2.4 cover camera and a 20MP f/2.2 lens when the device is opened. The Z Fold 5 has a 10MP f/2.2 cover camera and a 4MP f/1.8 under-display camera.

Software

Foldable devices rely heavily on software to take advantage of the larger screens, and both Samsung and OnePlus have their takes on Android that do just that.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 shipped with Android 13 and One UI 5.1, which has since been upgraded to Android 14 and One UI 6. The OnePlus Open comes with Android 13 and OxygenOS 13.2.

Both One UI and OxygenOS offer great customization options, allowing you to tweak the theme and feel until you are completely satisfied.

You get split-screen multitasking on both devices, each allowing for up to three apps to be active simultaneously. Android apps take advantage of the larger internal display, allowing you to open apps side by side.

Samsung’s One UI pulls away with the inclusion of DeX, which allows you to plug your Z Fold 5 into an external display, giving you a ChromeOS-like experience. It’s great when you need to get real work done and don’t have a ,computer nearby.

Samsung is also a bit more reliable when updating their devices. Both phones offer four years of Android updates and a fifth year of security updates.

Samsung provides security updates every month, while OnePlus updates theirs on a bi-monthly basis. Samsung is also faster to upgrade Android. The Z Fold 5 has already been upgraded, while the OnePlus Open is still on Android 13.

Battery life

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 comes with a 4,400mAh battery and is capable of 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

OnePlus is the leader in the battery department when it comes to capacity and charging speeds. It equipped its device with a 4,805mAh battery that offers 67W wired charging and reverse wired charging.

OnePlus decided not to equip the Open with wireless charging, which is a huge letdown. At this price point, manufacturers shouldn’t be skimping out on features, no matter how big or small.

The Z Fold 5 can charge about 50% of its battery in about 30 minutes using a 25W wired charger. The Open can charge 100% of its battery in about 42 minutes.

The extra capacity of the OnePlus Open gives it the edge in overall battery life as well. You can expect the OnePlus Open to last anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours longer than the Z Fold 5.

Which is right for you?

Samsung and OnePlus both offer fantastic devices that do so much right. Overall, the OnePlus Open has done enough to unseat Samsung from its throne.

The OnePlus Open offers a wider and more comfortable cover display, great performance, awesome cameras, and amazing battery life. OxygenOS is also customizable and enjoyable to use daily.

The issue for OnePlus is how quickly it will get its software updated and the lack of wireless charging. Even with these minor shortcomings, it does so much right that it deserves to be the winner.

OnePlus Open

4.5

$1,699.99 $1,499.99

The OnePlus Open is a true foldable flagship killer, with great cameras, bright and beautiful screens, and a sturdy construction. It's also got tons of power and productivity tweaks to the software for multitasking performance.

Check Availability Check Availability at OnePlus

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01/24/2024 03:42 pm GMT

That’s not to say the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a bad phone, far from it.

It still offers a fantastic package and a great user experience. It too has great performance and amazing-looking displays, but trails in the camera and battery categories.

Samsung is more reliable when it comes to software updates and its software is a little better. This is especially true if you take advantage of DeX.

Just make sure you put a quality Galaxy Z Fold 5 case on it to make sure that it stays looking amazing for years to come.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

$1,799.99

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a book-style foldable phone with a large, bright AMOLED screen and the ability to use the S Pen stylus for notetaking and other tasks.

Check Availability

01/24/2024 03:06 pm GMT

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Best PlayStation 5 accessories
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• Best home security cameras
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The post Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs OnePlus Open: Competition is good appeared first on KnowTechie.

PlayStation 5: Play Has No Limits

From $449.99

The new, slim PlayStation 5 and slim Digital Edition PS5 sells like hotcakes, with its powerful CPU and GPU using AMD's technology, and a super-speedy SSD to store games on. It's also the only place to play games like Spiderman: 2.

What We Like:

• New, slim PlayStation 5 consoles are up to 30% smaller, saving you space on your TV cabinet
• Removable Blu-Ray drive can make the Digital Edition into a disc version
• The only home console with a dedicated VR headset

Check Availability

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So you’ve finally got your hands on a PlayStation 5? Ok, maybe that’s a bit of hyperbole, as the PS5 has been on the market for four whole years, but not everyone was willing to pay secondary market prices.

Plus, Sony recently refreshed the whole lineup, with slimmer PlayStation 5 models with a removable Blu-Ray disc drive.

They still come in Digital Edition and standard versions, but now you can add the drive to the Digital version if you later decide you want the drive.

But even if you just acquired one or its been sitting on your entertainment center shelf for a few years, there are some must-have accessories for the PlayStation 5 that you really shouldn’t go without.

From chargers to controllers, headsets and extra memory, it’s time to upgrade that PS5 from out-of-the-box to awesome box.

Best PS5 Accessories for 2024

Best Controller

Sony PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller

From $49.00

The Sony DualSense controller for PS5 is also one of the best mobile gaming controllers on the market, thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity. It's also got a more natural thumbstick arrangement and a more sculpted design.

What We Like:

• Symmetrical thumbsticks because your hands aren't different sizes
• Ergonomic shape that suits some hand shapes better
• Bluetooth connectivity and in-built rechargeable battery
• Immersive haptic feedback on triggers and main body of controller

Check Availability at Walmart Check Availability at Amazon

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01/25/2024 01:23 am GMT

This is the top item on many a list for a good reason. You need a controller to play the games, and that controller is the DualSense PS5 Controller.

While the PS5 comes with one of these in the box, that’s only acceptable if you have no friends. We’re not here to judge, but if you have a second pair of hands, you’ll need a second controller.

This controller is next-gen awesome, as the haptics fully engage you in the worlds your characters inhabit.

Toss in some adaptive triggers that provide different levels of resistance based on in-game situations, and a build in secondary speaker, and you’ve got a physical connection to your games.

The Sony DualSense PS5 controller is a must-have for any PlayStation gamer.

Best Charging Station

Playstation DualSense Wireless Charging Station

$29.99

The DualSense Wireless Charging Station keeps up to two controllers topped up while you're not gaming, with a design that looks like a mini PS5. It also keeps your PS5's USB ports free for other uses.

What We Like:

• Charge up to two DualSense controllers without needing to plug them into your console
• Drop your controller onto the dock to get it charging, lift it up whenever you want to play
• Also keeps your controllers stored when not in use

Check Availability

01/23/2024 04:57 pm GMT

DualSense controllers work better when charged, so the PlayStation DualSense wireless Charging Station is probably the best bet.

With a charging stand, you don’t have to clog your PlayStation’s USB ports. You can just click-in your controllers, and watch them glow yellow until they glow blue. Then they don’t glow. That means they are charged.

It’s recommended that you purchase official Sony chargers for official Sony controllers, but if you have a 3rd party controller, a 3rd party charging station will work just fine.

The end result is your PlayStation DualSense wireless Charging Station will eliminate wasting batteries and time so that you can keep on gaming.

Best Headset

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Headset

$349.99 $296.91

Upgrade your gaming audio with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, featuring Hi-Fi quality drivers and 360-degree Spatial Audio, which is compatible with Tempest 3D Audio on the PS5 console. You also get active noise cancelation, and hot-swap batteries to get even more gaming time in.

What We Like:

• Hi-Fi quality drivers for great gaming immersion
• Dedicated gaming DAC for quality sound
• Hot-swap batteries so you can extend your gaming sessions

Check Availability

01/24/2024 02:50 pm GMT

The Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is fine if you want to stick with Sony stuff, but the SteelSeries Arctis Nova headset is for true gamers.

With Hi-Fi drivers, active noise cancellation, and a ClearCast Gen 2 Mic, this headset is powerful. But really, it’s the 360° spatial audio that really sets this particular headset apart from the rest.

Here’s something you’ll love: you can hot-swap a second battery that’s kept charged in the base unit until needed.

That means you don’t have to stop gaming and risk waking the family when the charge runs out. Just swap the battery, slam the charging cable into the used one and keep going.

Ultimately, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset is for that next-level sense immersion.

Best Subscription

PlayStation $30 Plus – Wallet Funds [Digital Code]

$30.00

With PlayStation Plus now having three subscription tiers, the best way to gift a PlayStation gamer is with Wallet Funds so they can choose the tier they want. Plus, it can get to them instantly which is always the best way.

What We Like:

• $30 of instantly redeemable credit for the PlayStation Store to use on games or Plus

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01/24/2024 02:36 pm GMT

How we access games has changed over the years, and the PlayStation Plus service understands that. It’s a subscription tier that offers different levels of exclusives, new-ish games, classic games, and cloud storage.

It’s a subscription, but a better deal than buying one game at a time. PlayStation Plus is an essential service if you play more games than you want to buy.

The cheapest plan is PlayStation Plus Essential, and it’s the same as the old PS Plus service. It costs $9.99 per month or $79.99 for 12 months.

The Extra tier is the next step, offering up to 400 downloadable PS4 and PS5 games. This is $14.99 per month, or $134.99 per year.

Then there is Premium, offering downloads of nearly the entire PS library or cloud streaming for the rest. This is $17.99 per month, or $159.99 per year.

Best External Drive

Avolusion Pro-5X Series 8TB External Drive for PS5

$105.88

With the PlayStation 5's limited internal storage, you might want a place to offload those huge game files while you play something else. So you're not downloading from the internet all the time, put them on this 8TB drive from Avolusion and save your internet for other uses.

What We Like:

• 8TB of storage for temporarily offloading your PS5 games
• Designed to compliment the PS5's look
• USB 3.0 for speedy transfer speeds

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01/24/2024 01:56 pm GMT

If you give a mouse a cookie… then you’ll need the Avolusion PRO-5X Series 8TB External Gaming Hard Drive. Well, you’ll need it if you subscribe to PlayStation Plus for sure.

Because the PlayStation itself has limited storage, you’ll need extra storage. 8TB should do it, even if youhave to move games back and forth between your PS5 and this hard drive.

Honestly, it’s the closest you’ll get to owning a physical copy of a game, without purchasing a physical copy of a game.

The Avolusion PRO-5X Series 8TB External Gaming Hard Drive uses USB 3.0, so those game transfers will take as long as it takes you to finish that taco. Plus, you can play PS4 games that are installed on it.

Best Virtual Reality

PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2)

$549.00

PlayStation is the only console maker to embrace VR gaming, and the VR2 headset is ready to transport you into the virtual game worlds PlayStation can think up. Enjoy titles like Horizon Call of the Mountain in eye-popping immersion at up to 120Hz and you'll wonder why other consoles don't get on board.

What We Like:

• 4K HDR display to show off impressive gaming visuals
• Eye-tracking and tracking cameras for positional accuracy
• Haptic feedback on the headset and the two controllers for better immersion

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01/24/2024 01:56 pm GMT

You can look at the PlayStation VR2 headset either as its own gaming device or as accessory. Since it needs a PS5 to work, it’s probably an accessory. Regardless, it’s a great way to expand your gameplay out of reality and into virtual reality.

With some of the same features as the DualSense controller, such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, it also adds finger touch detection and 3D audio to fully immerse your brain.

Virtual worlds can be a bit scary, but from Horizon Call of the Mountain to Iron Man VR to the hundreds of other games available, the PlayStation VR2 headset will certainly expand your gaming universe.

Best Camera

PlayStation HD Camera, Black

$59.99 $57.00

Add the official PlayStation HD Camera to your PlayStation 5, and you'll be set to livestreaming your gameplay to any supported streaming site. Plus, it looks like your console and captures a 1080p Full-HD image.

What We Like:

• 1080p capture with background-removal tools so you get virtual greenscreen on your PS5
• Looks like your PS5, just smaller
• Built-in stand for either on top or below your TV

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01/24/2024 01:50 pm GMT

If you are into streaming, and you have ahem the assets to put yourself on camera with your streams, then you’ll need a PlayStation HD Camera.

It’s a full HD camera with dual wide-angle lenses so you can easily record or stream your twisted face as you deal with angry gods in God of War: Ragnarok or die incessantly in Ghost of Tsushima.

There are plenty of other 3rd party cameras available, but the PlayStation HD Camera takes advantage of built-in PS5 tools like background removal, and that’s worth the price of admission.

Best Mobile Accessory

Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller - PS Edition

$99.99

Use your smartphone as a PS Remote Play screen by adding the Backbone One controller, which comes in USB-C and Lightning port versions depending on your phone's needs. It adds physical controls to turn your phone into a PS Portal-like device for on-the-go gaming.

What We Like:

• Use PS Remote Play from the comfort of your smartphone
• Comes in USB-C and Lightning port versions
• Gives you a centralized dashboard for all your mobile gaming
• No batteries needed

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01/24/2024 01:46 pm GMT

The Nintendo Switch is popular because you can take it on the go, which the Backbone One mobile gaming controller offers PS5 gamers.

It’s a portable controller that works with your phone in place of your PS5 and a monitor. It uses the PS Remote Play service, so you can play on the go with your iPhone.

While the controller isn’t a full DualSense replacement in the way of features, it does have responsive analog triggers, tactile buttons, and clickable thumbsticks.

You can also connect a headset through a 3.5mm headphone jack. Backbone One mobile gaming controller is your solution for PS5 gaming on the go.

Best Racing Wheel

Thrustmaster T300 RS - Gran Turismo Edition

$449.99

To get the most immersive driving game experience, a sim racing wheel and pedals are paramount. This set is made by Thrustmaster, one of the biggest names in sim gear, and will have you doing victory laps in no time.

What We Like:

• Designed in collaboration with Gran Turismo for the best in-game experience
• GT-style wheel and three adjustable metal pedals
• Works with PS5, PS4, and PC

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01/24/2024 01:36 pm GMT

The Thrustmaster T300 RS sounds like something it’s not, it’s a steering wheel and pedals. Get your mind out of the gutter.

If the top of your gaming library includes games such as Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged, Wreckfest, F1 23, or Gran Turismo 7, then you’ll want to take the next logical step and stop using your thumbs to drive.

With three adjustable metal pedals and a detachable racing GT style wheel, this racing set was developed in collaboration with Gran Turismo.

And if the Thrustmaster T300 RS isn’t enough to up your racing game, there’s a gear shifter available as well.

Best Fighting Stick

HORI PlayStation 5 Fighting Stick Alpha for PS5

$229.99 $204.68

We don't know about you, but playing fighting games with a joypad just doesn't hit the same. Bring the arcade home with this officially licensed Street Fighter 6 fightstick from HORI, featuring tournament-ready buttons and joystick to smash out some hadoukens.

What We Like:

• 18 free downloadable hi-res images of SF6 characters to print out and customize the transparent faceplate with
• Solid build for stability when on your lap or desk
• HORI's proprietary Hayabusa buttons and joystick for tournament-ready toughness

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01/24/2024 01:30 pm GMT

Conversely, if fighting games like Street Fighter 6 are more your speed, then the HORI PlayStation 5 fighting stick controller might spark your guts a bit more than a racing wheel.

This is a high-end tournament-ready fight stick officially licensed by Sony. You can customize the top panel with 18 free downloadable hi-res images of Street Fighter 6 characters.

Features include high-speed buttons, a touchpad, tournament lock, a 10ft cable, and on-board audio and mic controls. All these features in the HORI PlayStation 5 fighting stick help you keep your hands and mind engaged in the fight.

Best Remote

Playstation Media Remote

$29.99

Make your PlayStation 5 into a media streaming powerhouse by adding the Media Remote, which gives you all the controls you need without having to remember which button is which on your DualSense. Plus, you can let your controllers recharge while you kick back and watch some movies.

What We Like:

• Control all of your streaming media while still staying in your PS5 dashboard
• Let your DualSense controller recharge while you stream videos
• Classic styling to match your PS5

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01/24/2024 01:26 pm GMT

Your new PlayStation 5 isn’t just for fighting and driving, it’s for watching things too. Control all your streaming services with the PlayStation media remote.

It’s got all the classic features of any other television remote control, but specifically tuned to your PlayStation.

And it helps keep your DualSense controllers charged and ready for play, instead of serving as a TV remote. That’s what the PlayStation media remote is for.

Best Stand

PS5 / PS5 Slim Stand and Cooling Station with Charging

$38.99

This stand from Oivo doesn't just give you space to store game boxes, the Media Remote, two DualSense controllers, and external storage. It also gives your PS5 some much-needed fresh air thanks to a couple of fans and more USB ports to access and charge peripherals.

What We Like:

• Fan-assisted cooling for your PlayStation 5
• Two charging stands for DualSense controllers
• Storage slots for your other accessories like the Media Remote, external drives, or physical game boxes

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01/24/2024 01:20 pm GMT

And wow, we’ve compiled quite the collection of accessories, so you better get a PS5 stand and cooling station to store them all.

This bad boy has a turbo fan to keep your PS5 running cool, two charging stands for your DualSense controllers, slots for your external drive and media remote, space for physical games, and a headset hook.

Additionally, the fan has three levels, and there is a 3-port USB hub. LED indicators let you know when things are charged.

If you want a clean, organized PS5 workstation, then the PS5 Stand and Cooling Station is an essential buy.

Best Controller Adaptation

MoKo Keyboard for PS5 Controller

$28.95 $26.95

Voice chat isn't everyone's favorite, and trying to enter chat messages on the PS5 with the virtual keyboard is difficult and slow. Speed up the process with this Bluetooth keyboard from MoKo, which slots onto the DualSense so you have a QWERTY keyboard at your thumbtips.

What We Like:

• QWERTY keyboard for faster chatting
• Avoid voice chat because it's universally terrible, while being able to chat to teammates
• Fits perfectly onto the DualSense
• 100 hour battery life between charges

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01/24/2024 12:46 pm GMT

The MoKo Keyboard for PS5 controllers is specifically designed to integrate into your PS5 controller so you can chitter chatter with your thumbs instead of your mouth.

If you are a smash talker and often get banned from Roblox for calling people “losers” then a keyboard probably appeals to you.

With a green backlight and audio jack, the keyboard keeps you chatting and in the game without saying a word. It’s made of silicone, so your thumbs won’t get fatigued over long gaming and smash talk sessions.

The MoKo Keyboard is a great addition if you spend a lot of time online, but don’t want to say much with your mouth.

Best SSD

Western Digital 2TB Officially Licensed SSD for PS5 Consoles

$229.99 $179.99

The PlayStation 5 comes with about 660 GB of storage once you account for formatting and the operating system, which isn't much when you consider AAA games can take up 120 GB or more. Add another 2TB of storage by slotting this SSD into the expansion port and enjoy having more games installed.

What We Like:

• 2TB of storage, giving your PS5 three times as much total storage capacity for the latest games
• Already has a heatsink applied so it stays cool while gaming or transferring game data
• Up to 7,300MB/s of transfer speed

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01/24/2024 12:39 pm GMT

Did you know that you can open up your PS5 and install an SSD drive like the Western Digital 2TB NVMe SSD and Sony is totally cool with it?

Unlike Apple, Sony encourages gamers to mod out their PlayStation, which is basically a PC anyway. So while you’re installing a heatsink, you can toss in this internal SSD.

The Western Digital 2TB SSD is one of the best SSDs for the PlayStation 5, and transfers files at speeds up to 7,300MB/s, which is a bit better than any external drive.

Of course, you have to be willing to open up your PS5 if you want to go this route.

Best Heatsink

Archgon PS5 Heatsink for M.2 NVMe SSDs

$25.00

If you're worried about temperatures while adding a second storage SSD to your PlayStation 5, this heatsink from Archgon will keep it running at optimal temperatures while providing some physical security.

What We Like:

• Designed for the PS5 to fit in the secondary SSD slot perfectly
• Can cool up to 25C to keep the SSD running at optimal temperatures
• Fits any M.2 SSD that is compatible with the PS5

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01/24/2024 12:27 pm GMT

While nothing close to a full gaming PC, PS5s can tend to run hot, and the Archgon PS5 Heatsink alleviates that heat.

It’s worth mentioning this is only necessary if you’ve added a second SSD to your PS5. It’s also unnecessary if you bought the Western Digital drive above, as that already has a heatsink.

This heatsink has up to a 77F (25C) cooling effect and is installed inside your PS5 to dissipate hot air. This is not an accessory for everyone, but hardcore, long-hour gamers will appreciate the drop in internal temp.

During heat tests, the Archgon PS5 Heatsink came in most handy when constantly transferring games from an external drive to the internal drive. Stay cool gamers.

Best Capture Card

AverMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 USB Capture Card

$299.99 $269.99

The AverMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 USB capture card is the best capture card for any aspiring livestreamer. It can capture 4K60 content with 4K144 passthrough thanks to the HDMI 2.1 ports, so you don't have to sacrifice your game's quality to stream.

Quick Verdict:

Pros:

• First HDMI 2.1 capture card
• Capture 4K60 content or 4K30 with HDR
• Use 4K144 pass-through for the latest consoles

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01/24/2024 01:00 pm GMT

The PlayStation 5 has HDMI 2.1 output to your TV or monitor, so using a capture card that also supports that format makes sense.

That means purchasing an AverMedia device, as they’re the first on the market with an HDMI 2.1-capable capture card.

This USB-C-powered capture card can pass through 4K 144Hz, so it’s perfect for the 4K120 that the PlayStation 5 can output. The 3.5mm jack also means you can easily pipe in your party chat.

That enables capture of 4K at 60FPS (or 30FPS with HDR), making your YouTube videos look crisper than ever. This is the first card with variable refresh rate pass-through support, so your gaming won’t suffer while you record.

Best Grips

KontrolFreek Performance Grips for Playstation 5

$14.99

Keep your DualSense controller in pristine condition while adding a nice cushioned coat of grip with these stick-on performance grips from KontrolFreek. They might not make you into a MLG gamer but you'll feel like one.

What We Like:

• Adds comfort and protection to your DualSense controller
• Easy to apply and to take back off again
• Will last for a long time

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01/24/2024 12:27 pm GMT

If you are a long-time gamer you know that the physical aspects of your controllers break down over time, which is where KontrolFreek Performance Grips come in.

Your body oils, Cheetos dust, and spittle wear down the shell on your controller, leaving them slippery and smooth.

These are expensive controllers, so keeping them working well as long as possible is essential to saving money and gaming hard.

KontrolFreek Performance Grips protect the body of your controller with anti-slip material, keeping your DualSense controller working just a bit longer.

And you’ll probably want some thumbstick extenders, which make the DualSense sticks easier to use for precision aiming, while protecting the tops.

Things to consider before buying PlayStation 5 accessories

There are a lot of accessories available for your PlayStation 5. It’s hard to imagine gaming without some of them, especially controllers and charging stands. Well, headsets and external drives, too.

The point is, you don’t have to get every single accessory. It’s all based on your needs. There are three things you should consider before buying any accessory.

1. Does this accessory improve my gaming experience?

Between fight sticks and racing setups, there are a few accessories available to enhance your gaming experience. That is, if it needs enhancement.

Casual gamers likely will find a different value in these items than hardcore fight or race fans. So buy what fits your gaming style, not just whatever is available.

2. Do I want to open my PS5?

Specific accessories, such as heatsinks and internal fans or drives, require you to open your PS5. This alteration is only for some; if you lack the experience or are anxious about opening it up, you probably don’t need it.

3. Physical or downloaded?

Buying certain accessories depends on whether you prefer physical games or downloaded games. Don’t buy an external hard drive or SSD drive if you only buy physical copies.

Or search for a different cooling stand if you only download games. Remember, just because the accessory exists doesn’t mean you absolutely have to have it, even if you don’t need it.

Final thoughts on the best PlayStation 5 accessories of 2024

There are many levels of gamer, from casual to hardcore and everything in between. Some accessories are better for the hardcore, while the casual gamer might enjoy the less-is-more approach (but still open to some external storage).

When purchasing PS5 accessories, read a few reviews and recommendations because there’s a lot of junk out there. Ultimately, whatever accessory enhances your gaming experience is the accessory you need.

PlayStation 5: Play Has No Limits

From $449.99

The new, slim PlayStation 5 and slim Digital Edition PS5 sells like hotcakes, with its powerful CPU and GPU using AMD's technology, and a super-speedy SSD to store games on. It's also the only place to play games like Spiderman: 2.

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Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• The best SSDs to expand your PlayStation 5 storage
• What to look for when buying a new smart TV
• The best smart thermostats
• Best home security cameras

The post Best PlayStation 5 accessories (2024) appeared first on KnowTechie.

It’s no secret that technology is rapidly changing the world around us. And as it turns out, our furry companions aren’t exempt from this revolution thanks to high-tech pet gadgets.

Pet gadgets have come a long way in recent years, offering various innovative features that make taking care of our pets easier and more convenient than ever before.

Whether you’re a pet parent to a dog, cat, or any other animal, there’s no denying that these high-tech pet tech/gadgets are changing the game.

We’ve searched to the corners of the internet for our picks this year, with options from camera-enabled pet cameras to trackers and everything in between, so the heavy lifting of gift-giving is already done for you.

Well, unless you’re buying something heavy, that is.

If you don’t see anything suitable right now, bookmark the page and return every so often to see what the newest ideas are.

The best high-tech pet gadgets you can buy right now

Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at some of the best high-tech pet gadgets that money can buy.

Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a newbie, these products are sure to make your life easier and your pet’s life more comfortable.

Casa Leo Interactive Laser Toys

The Casa Leo Toy isn’t just another laser pen for your kitty to lose their mind over – it’s the Swiss Army knife of cat distractions. For a cool $19.99, it’s a mash-up of pet amusement and human flair.

It offers a light show for Mr. Whiskers with five laser options. Dead battery panic is a no-show here, thanks to a nifty USB bracelet charger.

And it’s not shy about its good looks either, doubling as a snappy accessory that screams, ‘I love my cat, and I’ve got killer taste (or problems).’

Casa Leo Interactive Laser Toys

The Interactive Laser Toy Kitty offers a hands-free play experience for your cat, with adjustable speeds and random patterns to entertain and exercise your pet. Trust us, it's going to drive your cat crazy.

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iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

Unless your pet has zero hair, you’ll want a robovac to tame all of that shedding fur. The j7+ is “ideal for pet hair,” but what we really care about is that it’s self-emptying for up to 60 days.

Yes, you can be lazy for two whole months. It’s also got advanced smarts to avoid those “packages” that little Fido might leave on the carpet.

Roomba Combo j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop

4.5

The Roomba j7+ aims to be much more than just a vacuum cleaner. Utilizing sophisticated AI to map and learn your house, the robot vacuum aims to give customers top-notch cleaning with peace of mind from the machine’s effectiveness and efficiency.

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Wisdom Panel Premium

Did you know you can DNA test your pooch? Yes, just like those ancestry-finding tests for humans, you can figure out which breeds your less-than-purebred is from.

Unless you have a purebred, in which case consider this as a double-check against the lineage your breeder gave you.

You also get over 200 health tests to ferret out any potential issues or drug sensitivities.

Wisdom Panel Premium: Dog DNA Test

$159.99 ($159.99 / Count)

You can now get a DNA test for your pooch, just like the ones humans use to trace their ancestry. No more guessing games about your less-than-purebred pup's heritage. This test gives you the inside scoop on where your fur baby hails from.

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01/25/2024 05:46 am GMT

HERTZKO Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Most pets love having their fur brushed, and we love the lack of tangles it produces. Cleaning off those brushes is normally a real pain, but this self-cleaning brush retracts the bristles, so all the hair slides right off.

Why isn’t anyone making this for humans?

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs, Cats

$14.99

This self-cleaning pet brush is an absolute game-changer. With its retractable bristles, this brush makes quick work of even the most stubborn tangles while keeping things clean and tidy. No more fussing around; this innovative tool does everything for you.

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01/23/2024 01:00 pm GMT

Fi Series 3 smart collar

We all worry about our furry friends going missing, so why not slap a GPS tracking collar on them?

Fi’s uses the LTE-M network for low-power, long-distance communication to get about three months of battery life.

It also uses Wi-Fi access points or Bluetooth to aid in detection. Neat. It’s also super quick to let you know if Fido has escaped past the fence, so you can get them back home safely.

Fi Smart Dog Collar - GPS Dog Tracker

Get ready to experience the future of pet monitoring! With the advanced GPS and LTE-M cellular networks featured in the Fi dog collar tracker, you can keep tabs on your furry friend's whereabouts no matter where you are. 

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PetSafe Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

Okay, so this is really a gift for you and your pets. Possibly the worst part about having cats is having to clean up that filthy litter box.

With these automatic self-cleaning litter boxes, you won’t have to worry about scooping that mess up anymore.

These litterboxes will automatically clean themselves, and all you’ll have to do is empty the cleanup tray every couple of weeks.

PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

$349.99 $229.95

With PetSafe's automatic self-cleaning litter box, you can say goodbye to messy scooping and hello to a cleaner, more hygienic litter box. Which means more time cuddling your cats and less time cleaning up after them.

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01/23/2024 01:40 pm GMT

Furbo Dog Camera

Do you ever have to leave your furry friend at home for periods of time but get worried about what they might get into?

The Furbo Dog Camera offers 1080p video straight to your phone, so you can check in on your pets anytime you’d like.

With 2-way audio and a fun treat dispenser that you can use to launch treats to your pets, the Furbo Dog Camera can make it seem like you never left.

Furbo Dog Camera

$209.99

With 1080p video streaming straight to your phone, you can check in on your furry friend anytime you want. Plus, with two-way audio and a fun treat dispenser that lets you launch treats to your pet.

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01/24/2024 06:20 am GMT

Pioneer Pet Raindrop drinking fountain

Got a pet that just loves to drink water out of the toilet? What they really like is the fact that that water is running, even if they don’t know quite how nasty it is.

The Pioneer Pet Raindrop drinking fountain offers an alternative to toilet water, with a constantly circulating flow and a built-in charcoal filter to make sure the water stays fresh.

Give your pets the running water they want without having them drink up your toilet water.

Pioneer Pet Stainless Steel Fountain Raindrop Design

$41.13

Thi is the ultimate solution to your pet's thirst. With its constantly circulating flow and built-in charcoal filter, this fountain offers a cleaner, fresher alternative to toilet water.

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01/23/2024 01:40 pm GMT

MalsiPree dog water bottle

One of the biggest questions on those hot summer days is how are you going to make sure they stay hydrated?

With the MalsiPree dog water bottle, you won’t have to worry about that anymore. The bottle is leak-proof and features a tray that lets you dispense out water a little bit at a time in a way that’s easy for your furry friends to drink.

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle

$19.99

This innovative bottle features a leak-proof design and a handy tray that dispenses water in small amounts, making it easy for your pets to drink. With the MalsiPree, you won't have to worry about dehydrating your pets while you're out and about.

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01/23/2024 02:40 pm GMT

FurZapper

Just because you’re obsessed with your furry companions doesn’t mean their hair should be a permanent fixture on every single one of your outfits.

With FurZapper, you can say goodbye to all those unsightly fuzz balls that cling to your clothes, bedding, jackets, dresses, blankets, and sheets.

And the best part? It works its magic in both the washer and dryer, leaving your laundry looking fresh and clean.

FurZapper Pet Hair Remover for Laundry

$23.99 $12.88 ($6.44 / Count)

FurZapper attracts pet hair, lint, dander, and other pesky debris like a magnet, leaving your laundry looking as good as new. Plus, it works its magic in the washer and dryer, shooting all that unwanted fuzz straight down the drain or into the lint trap.

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01/23/2024 02:40 pm GMT

Petlibro Granary Pet Feeder

Whether you’re away on travel or want to make your pet is getting its daily diet, having something that automates this daily routine is truly something every pet owner could appreciate.

Just fill the dispenser with dry food and set your daily automatic feeding schedule – Granary handles the rest.

And if you don’t feel like setting up a schedule, you can always dispense food manually via the Petlibro app. And yes, you can watch your pets eat thanks to the built-in camera.

PETLIBRO Granary Automatic Smart Pet Feeder With Camera

4.5

We all know how hectic life can get, whether you're traveling or just juggling a busy schedule. And let's be honest, ensuring your friendly feline gets their daily diet can be a real hassle. That's why having an automated system to handle this daily routine is a must-have.

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Editors’ Recommendations:

• The Lucy Ultra robot vacuum is a pet owner’s dream come true
• The Trifo Ollie robot vacuum makes pet clean-up quick and easy
• DogPhone flips the script and lets your pet video call you
• The best AirTag accessories

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post The best pet tech (2024) appeared first on KnowTechie.

With how many cameras are on the market now, it can be challenging to research which are best. Add to that decision that there isn’t a one-camera-fits-all option, and it gets even more complex.

You don’t have to do any of that, though, as we’ve spent countless hours researching the market while doing hands-on testing on many of the brands on the market.

If you already have smart home devices, you’ll want security cameras that work with your voice assistant, whether Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, or HomeKit for Apple users.

And some security cameras can control your other smart devices, like your smart thermostat, so you don’t waste money running the air conditioning while a door or window is open.

Any of our camera recommendations will do the job, so finding the right fit for your home comes down to the additional features you need.

The best security cameras to roll your own security

Best dual-camera system

TP-Link Tapo 2K Outdoor Wireless Security Cameras

$199.99 $139.99

TP-Link's Tapo outdoor security cameras are completely wireless, with a 180-day battery life. They feature a 2K resolution video feed, color night vision with embedded spotlights if you prefer, and work with Google Home and Alexa.

What We Like:

• Kit comes with two wireless and weatherproof cameras and a hub for an affordable price
• 2K resolution video feed with color night vision and embedded spotlights
• Local and cloud storage options

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01/23/2024 07:20 pm GMT

TP-Link has been building a name for itself in the home security market, and this Tapo security camera system is an affordable way to cover multiple angles of your home.

This kit gets you two 2K wireless video cameras with color night vision and a 180-day battery life, and the hub to connect them to your network.

The cameras are IP65 weatherproof rated, which means they’ll survive in the rain, and they have two embedded spotlights so they can light up your yard if they sense motion.

You can record video locally by popping a microSD card into the hub or subscribing to the Tapo Care cloud subscription for 30 days of unlimited recording history ($3.49 per month per camera or $11.99 per month for up to ten cameras).

Best with sensors

ecobee SmartCamera Smart Security Bundle

$179.98

Ecobee makes super stylish smart home devices, and this SmartCamera kit with SmartSensors for doors and windows is no exception. It works with HomeKit and connects to Ecobee's thermostats to control your A/C if a door or window is left open.

What We Like:

• Stylish camera and small, unobtrusive sensors for door and window monitoring
• Can sense movement, when doors or windows are open, or smoke alarm sounds and alert you or trigger responses like pausing your A/C
• Quick setup process
• Automatic pan and tilt, plus doubles as base unit for your home security system

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01/23/2024 07:15 pm GMT

The Ecobee SmartCamera is a great way to add interior monitoring to your home, and it also doubles as a hub to pull in notifications from the SmartSensors included in this kit that monitor the doors or windows they are installed on.

It features a 1080p video feed, looks stylish, and is pretty small and unobtrusive. What it also can do is act as an Alexa device, including responding to voice commands, playing music, giving you the news, or running Alexa Routines.

While the camera is capable of motion sensing, you won’t get alerts unless you subscribe to Ecobee Smart Security, which is $5 per month for one camera or $10 per month for an unlimited number of cameras.

The plan also enables video clip recording, as you only get a snapshot image without it.

The window and door sensors also need the subscription for advanced features like being able to pause your A/C when they’re open (this also requires an Ecobee thermostat).

Best without subscriptions

Eufy Security eufyCam S330 2-Cam Kit

$549.99

Eufy's new S330 cameras are battery-powered and record 4K footage, but what makes them stand out is including solar charging, which only needs a couple of hours of sun per day to supply all of its power needs. The system needs a hub (included) but that enables local recordings without needing a subscription.

What We Like:

• 4K resolution for crystal clear video footage
• Local expandable storage in the HomeBase 3 hub (included)
• Solar panels on the cameras only need two hours of sunlight a day to charge the batteries enough for 24hrs of use
• Completely wire-free install

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01/23/2024 06:49 pm GMT

Eufy’s EufyCam 3 S330 kit isn’t just a great pair of 4K resolution wireless battery-powered security cameras that are IP67-rated and weatherproof. It is, but that’s not what’s so great about them.

The killer feature is the solar panels on top of each camera, which continuously recharge the internal battery. It only needs two hours of sunlight to get enough power for the other 22 in a day, which is incredible.

That means no more having to go up a ladder to recharge batteries every six months, like on competitor’s units, or even yearly based on Eufy’s estimates for this camera.

The cameras do need a hub to connect to the app and your network, but that’s included in this bundle and it also enables local recordings with the ability to expand storage up to 16TB with a 2.5-inch hard drive.

Best for advanced setups

Ubiquiti Networks UVC G5 Bullet Camera

$161.95

These G5 Bullet cameras from Ubiquiti are perfect for making your own self-hosted security camera system, with 1440p resolution streaming, PoE installation, IR night vision and weatherproof construction. They do need a more involved installation though, with Ethernet cables and your own on-premises server to store video footage.

What We Like:

• Professional quality for making your own self-hosted security camera system
• 4MP (1440p) resolution with 24 FPS video streaming
• Powered by Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) so only one cable is needed for installation
• Weatherproof so can be used indoors and outdoors

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01/23/2024 06:06 pm GMT

To unburden yourself from subscription fees and to get the best image available, you’ll have to hardwire cameras into a video storage solution in your home.

Ubiquiti makes this process easier, with PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) cameras like the G5 Bullet, which give you a 2K resolution feed and only need an Ethernet cable run to them, and a switch that supports PoE.

They’re IPX4 weatherproof, can record sound and have 30ft of IR night vision, and are pretty easy to mount once you’ve run the cable.

This is a more expensive system overall than most of this list and might need a professional to install. Still, then you’ll have a more robust security system with local storage and the ability to monitor remotely through an app.

Surprisingly affordable

Zmodo Security Outdoor 1080p Wi-Fi IP Camera

$34.99 $31.99

For a more traditional look, this Wi-Fi IP camera from Zmodo is an affordable way to add a visual deterrent to outside of your property, while gaining 1080p streamed video, motion alerts, and the ability to link to Alexa and compatible smart displays.

What We Like:

• Traditional design is a visual crime deterrent
• 1080p video streaming and night vision with adjustable sensitivity
• Motion alerts
• IP65 weather resistance and metal case

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01/23/2024 06:00 pm GMT

There’s no rule about good security cameras needing to be expensive, as evidenced by this Zmodo model. The only real tradeoff is that it needs wiring to power, but that can also be supplied by a USB power bank if you get creative.

It’s got Wi-Fi for its video feed, although only on the 2.4GHz band, and the Zmodo app can monitor up to four cameras at one time which is handy.

Adding a monthly Zmodo cloud subscription of $9.99 adds long-term cloud storage, up from 36 hours without paying. And you also get AI-powered motion notifications from the subscription.

They also have adjustable night vision so you can tweak things to get color images at night, or find the level of night vision that your environment needs.

Best with pan and tilt

Wyze Cam Pan v3 Indoor/Outdoor

$39.98 $33.99

Wyze makes some of the best affordable security cameras, and the Pan v3 adds remote controlled pan and tilt motors so you can get the view you want without a complicated setup process. It's also weatherproof, so it can be used outdoors and gives a sharp video feed that can be stored locally or in the cloud.

What We Like:

• Mechanical pan and tilt controls for getting the perfect field of view
• Local and cloud storage options
• Weatherproof design so can be used indoors or outdoors
• Affordable price for the number of features it has

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01/23/2024 05:56 pm GMT

Wyze makes impressively affordable security cameras that can be used all over your home. This model is IP65 weatherproof rated, so it can be used outside, and it has mechanical pan and tilt functionality.

That’s a rarity even among more expensive cameras, so to see it on one that costs less than $40 is astonishing.

You also get a 1080p video feed and automatic motion tracking to keep a subject in frame for longer. Or set up to four predefined waypoints, and the camera automatically scans between them to cover a larger area.

You can record continuously to a local microSD card, or the three subscription options enable 14-day cloud storage and smart alerts, or facial recognition and agent-based monitoring on the higher tiers to create a full security system.

Best for cellular connectivity

Arlo Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi Spotlight Camera

$249.99

The Arlo Go 2 is a perfect choice for those wanting to cover a larger property with recorded video. That's because it's battery-powered and has optional cellular connectivity so you can install it out of range of your home's Wi-Fi (but you can use Wi-Fi too if you wanted).

What We Like:

• Completely wire-free installation and operation
• Color night vision and 1080p video feed
• Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
• Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity options so it can be placed further away from your home

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01/23/2024 05:51 pm GMT

Sometimes you want to monitor part of your property that isn’t close enough for Wi-Fi signal to reach reliably. The Arlo Go 2 fixes this by also offering 4G LTE cellular connectivity, and local microSD card recording.

That means it requires a data plan from either T-Mobile, US Cellular, or Verizon, and you’ll use anywhere up to 2GB of data a month depending on settings and how often it’s recording.

But that might be the best option for monitoring a remote garage, trail, or anywhere else on your property, like an access gate at the end of a long driveway.

You get 1080p video and night vision, Alexa and Google Home integrations, and a spotlight in case you want color video at night.

Just to let you know, some other features need a subscription, which starts from $4.99 a month per camera or $12.99 per month for an unlimited number. That gets you a 30-day cloud-based video history, various AI detection features, and better notifications.

You can also pay for Secure Plus at $17.99 monthly, which adds 24/7 emergency response, or for Safe & Secure Pro at $24.99 monthly, which adds 24/7 professional monitoring and more.

Best bundle for Alexa users

Blink Whole Home Bundle

$214.97 $189.97

Blink makes some of the best low-cost security cameras, and this bundle gets you all of its best devices to cover your home in streamable video. You get a video doorbell, an outdoor camera, a wired camera for inside and the Sync Module to tie it all together.

What We Like:

• Cover your front and back doors and your largest indoor space with this full kit of security cameras
• Easy installation with most cameras being wire-free
• Two-year battery life on the battery-powered cameras
• 1080p live feed through the Blink app and Alexa control

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01/23/2024 05:16 pm GMT

Blink is owned by Amazon, so you get deep Alexa integration from all of its affordable security cameras. The video doorbell and Outdoor 4 cameras in this bundle are battery-powered, with up to two years of battery life.

All three cameras offer 1080p video through the Blink app, infrared night vision and two-way audio. You can set up local recording by plugging a USB drive into the Blink Sync Module (included in the kit).

A Blink subscription plan ($30 per year for one camera, $100 per year for unlimited cameras) is needed for several functions.

That includes live view watching over five minutes, where you get 90 minutes with a subscription, recordings triggered by motion detection, a 60-day recording history, and easy sharing of clips.

You also get a few more notification options and an extended warranty.

Best for easy install

Ring Stick Up Cam Pro Battery

$179.99

The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro with battery is a completely wire-free security camera that can be used indoors or outdoors and installed in minutes. It can record motion-activated video and stores it in the cloud, but you'll need a subscription to access more than the last few days of recordings.

What We Like:

• Easy installation with no wiring necessary
• Integrates with Alexa and IFTTT
• No hub needed
• Inbuilt siren and 1080p video feed

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01/24/2024 09:06 pm GMT

Ring’s Stick Up Cam Pro Battery is its most advanced security camera, able to be placed anywhere as it’s completely wireless. You can expect at least six months of use between charges, depending on how often it records.

You get crisp HDR-enhanced 1080p video footage, advanced motion detection, color night vision and dual-band Wi-Fi so you have a better chance of solid connectivity.

The motion detection is helped by radar, so it pulls fewer false alarms than camera-only detection systems.

It does have one main drawback though, in that you need a Ring Protect subscription to access recorded events. That’s $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year for one camera, or $10.99 per month, $100 per year for unlimited cameras and a longer warranty.

And for $20 per month or $200 per year, you also get 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, and a few Ring Alarm Pro services. That’s still highly competitive when you look at other professional monitoring options from the big brands.

Best for Google Home users

Google Nest Cam Outdoor or Indoor Battery

$179.99 $163.96

The Google Nest Cam uses a rechargeable battery for power, so it can be installed in minutes at any location, providing excellent video streaming from the dual-band Wi-Fi. It's also usable indoors or outdoors, thanks to a weatherproof exterior.

What We Like:

• Weatherproof housing so can be used anywhere
• Dual-band Wi-Fi for better connectivity
• Installs quickly with no need to run wires

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01/24/2024 08:42 pm GMT

For those heavily in the Google Home ecosystem, only one name will do for a security camera. That’s the Google Nest Cam, which runs on a rechargeable battery and can be used indoors or outdoors.

That means no wires to install, and as it has dual-band Wi-Fi, you can often get a stronger video stream than cameras with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.

You get 1080p video and great motion detection, but you’ll need a Nest Aware subscription to view any recorded events older than three hours ago, limiting its utility until you pony up $6 per month for 30-day history or $12 per month for 60 days.

Everything is handled in the Google Home app, whether that’s live viewing the feed or checking notifications or watching recorded clips.

The best security camera is the one you’ll use

With smaller camera sensors getting ever cheaper, even the most affordable security cameras can give you 1080p video recording and live feeds.

The question is which other added extra features you want, and if you are okay paying for a subscription to cloud recording (handy if the power goes out) or if you prefer local recording options.

Whatever your needs, you’ll find something on this list that will fit the bill.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• The best smart thermostats
• Best iPhone 15 cases
• The best Steam Deck accessories
• Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 accessories

The post Best home security cameras (2024) appeared first on KnowTechie.

They range from pretty simple affairs that give you control over your home’s central heating from anywhere to more complicated on-device AI that controls your settings based on learning your routine.

Many have voice control, whether from an inbuilt microphone or by connecting them to a smart display or speaker, so you can ask Alexa, Google Assistant, or even Siri to change the temperature.

The more advanced models have sensors to check for occupancy. Satellite sensors can track the temperature in other rooms to keep every part of your home comfortable, and all of them look nicer than your basic thermostat.

But you might be wondering which is the best smart thermostat to buy. Well, that depends on your home, as a one-floor apartment has different needs than a ranch-style house, a townhome, or a single-family home.

We’ve got you covered with a handy list of the best smart thermostats and more importantly, who they’re best for.

Our picks of the best smart thermostats for 2023

All of these picks will add smarts to your HVAC unit, the only question is how hands-off you want to be.

Amazon Smart Thermostat

Amazon Smart Thermostat

$79.99

The Amazon Smart Thermostat isn't just the best smart thermostat for those embedded in the Amazon ecosystem (Ring, eero, Alexa). Still, it could just be the best for most users with its affordable price tag and deep smart home integrations, thanks to Alexa.

What We Like:

• Works with Alexa and Ring, so it's perfect for those already deeply in the Amazon ecosystem
• Adds HVAC energy tracking into the Alexa app
• Made in partnership with Honeywell Home

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01/24/2024 02:02 am GMT

The Amazon Smart Thermostat is a stylish, minimalist thermostat that will blend into most decor. While it’s not packed with advanced features, that makes it affordable, which is always good.

It can schedule temperature changes in advance, or use Alexa Hunches to learn your routine for automatic temperature controls.

The only thing missing from this thermostat that the more expensive picks have is the ability to use remote sensors so that the temperature in another room can control it.

ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

ecobee New Smart Thermostat Premium

$242.99

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is the best smart thermostat on the market, with accurate sensors including many premium additions, including smoke alarm detection, air quality sensing, and an inbuilt smart speaker and mic to work with Siri or Alexa without needing any other

What We Like:

• It comes with smart sensor for another room
• It has an air quality sensor so you can see how well your home's ventilation works
• Large, stylish display with touchscreen
• Inbuilt smart speaker and mic to work with Siri or Alexa without needing a separate smart speaker

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01/23/2024 06:58 pm GMT

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium isn’t just a smart thermostat that can use remote sensors. It’s also the start of a smart home hub for security.

It can be controlled from its touchscreen or the app or by voice commands as it’s got a built-in Alexa speaker and microphone. It also has an air-quality monitor built-in.

The premium bundle comes with a SmartSensor that can detect temperature and room occupancy, and you can add up to 32 of these sensors if you’ve got an enormous home.

And it links up with Ecobee’s other smart home devices. You can see the feed from the video doorbell on the thermostat’s touchscreen, or set or disarm Ecobee security sensors if you have them.

Honeywell Home Programmable Thermostat

Honeywell Home RTH6580WF Programmable Thermostat

$119.99 $69.99

The Honeywell Home RTH6580WF is an affordable way to add Wi-Fi control and scheduling to your HVAC system, and it has physical buttons if you prefer that to the touchscreens of most smart thermostats.

What We Like:

• Seven-day programmable schedule for set-and-forget temperature control
• Physical buttons for those who prefer that
• Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant

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01/23/2024 06:58 pm GMT

This smart thermostat from Honeywell is less pretty than the others on this list, but sometimes all you need is a basic-looking thermostat that works well, and this is that.

It has app control for remote temperature changes and monitoring, can be controlled by Google Assistant or Alexa, and has a wide range of other smart home brands that it can link with including Lutron, Arlo, HomeKit and more.

It doesn’t have remote sensor capabilities, but that’s okay at this price. Plus, it might be better for older users as it has physical controls just like a manual thermostat.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat

Google Nest Learning Thermostat

249.00

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a stylish smart thermostat that gets better the more you use it, as it learns your family's routines and preferences. It's also stylish, and the outer bezel rotates for controlling temperature and other settings.

What We Like:

• Learns from you as you use it to control your home's HVAC without you having to program it
• Geofencing and occupancy sensor to enable automatic home and away schedules so you're not wasting energy when not at home
• Nest Renew which helps you use greener energy by prioritizing use when energy is cleaner or less expensive

Check Availability at Target Check Availability at Amazon

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01/24/2024 01:24 am GMT

This is the thermostat we’ve used most over the last few years, and it’s definitely saved on our heating costs versus the manual thermostat that was installed before.

It has a bright, clear display that can be viewed from a long way away, thanks to a function called FarSight that turns the display on when someone is detected in front of it. It can schedule multiple temperature changes daily, but that’s not the best feature.

It learns your routine over time and automatically schedules temperature changes based on what it thinks you’ll do next. It can also automatically change the temperature when you leave or return home, saving you money.

Bosch BCC100 Smart Thermostat

Bosch BCC100 Smart Thermostat

$169.99 $122.26

This Bosch smart thermostat has a large 5-inch full-color touchscreen for controlling your HVAC system at a glance. It's also compatible with a wide range of systems, including Dual Fuel, internal humidifiers or dehumidifiers, conventional systems or heat pumps.

What We Like:

• One of the largest touch screens on any smart thermostat, with plenty of space for important information and controls
• Room humidity sensor
• Easy to control, with programmable schedules and Alexa and Google Home compatibility

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01/23/2024 06:50 pm GMT

This Bosch smart thermostat has a huge touchscreen for controlling its many features. Or you can use Alexa for voice control, and never have to get up again.

It’s easy to install, has threshold alerts and will work with most HVAC systems. Unlike some of the others on this list, it can’t integrate with other smart home devices, if that’s something you need.

And it doesn’t have geofencing or remote sensor capabilities, so it won’t automatically change temperatures when you leave or move around your home.

Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat

Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat

The Emerson Sensi ST55 is a relatively affordable smart thermostat that features HomeKit support when connected by a C-wire and has a familiar design with physical buttons to ease the transition into using a more intelligent device.

What We Like:

• The cheapest smart thermostat with Apple HomeKit support
• Physical buttons to ease the transition from a manual thermostat
• Battery or C-wire operation, depending on what HVAC equipment your home uses
• Same size as a normal thermostat so doesn't require a faceplate or patching holes in most cases

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This relatively boring looking smart thermostat from Emerson works with HomeKit, so you can use Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant for controlling the temperature.

It also supports geofencing, which is nice if you want your thermostat to change when you leave and return home. And it works with multiple home automation platforms, so you don’t have to use the Emerson app if you don’t want to.

Honeywell Home T9 WiFi Smart Thermostat

Honeywell Home T9 WiFi Smart Thermostat

$209.99 $145.01

The Honeywell Home T9 smart thermostat can be paired with multiple room sensors (with a 200ft range) that control the temperature automatically based on occupancy sensors or the schedule you select.

What We Like:

• Compatible with remote sensors so the conditions in another part of the house can control it
• Stylish minimalist design
• Works with Alexa, HomeKit, Google Assistant, the Resideo app and more

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01/23/2024 06:50 pm GMT

The Honeywell Home T9 is a Wi-Fi-connected thermostat with touch controls and one remote sensor. That’s a great addition, as it means you can base the temperature on the room you’re in.

That smart sensor can sense humidity, temperature, and proximity, which is more advanced than any other sensor on this list. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit for hands-free voice assistant control.

Google Nest Thermostat

Google Nest Thermostat

$129.99 $97.50

The more affordable Google Nest Thermostat might not have the auto-scheduling algorithms of its sibling, but it still has the capability to save you money with automatically turning the temperature to more economical settings when you leave the house.

What We Like:

• Easy to install with everything you need (except a screwdriver) inside the box
• Home and Away auto-scheduling for more economical use
• Stylish minimal design that blends into any decor and comes in several colors
• Control from the touchpanel or from anywhere with the Google Home app

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01/23/2024 06:50 pm GMT

If you don’t need the learning part of the Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest has this version which is half the price and still just as capable.

It works with Alexa, HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and SmartThings, and has a stylish design with a mirrored front and touch-sensitive strip on the side for controls.

It doesn’t have remote sensor capability either, so if you want that, you’ll have to stump up for the more expensive sibling.

Wyze Programmable Smart WiFi Thermostat

Wyze Programmable Smart WiFi Thermostat

$79.98 $52.79

The Wyze smart thermostat is a low-cost way to add some smarts to your HVAC system, with voice assistant controls, seven-day scheduling, and the ability to control the temperature from anywhere. It also has the ability to turn off and on based on the inbuilt motion sensor or phone location data.

What We Like:

• Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control
• Robust 7-day scheduling controls
• Get tips for energy-saving based on historical usage

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01/24/2024 02:02 am GMT

The Wyze Thermostat is a great, affordable way to give your HVAC system some smarts. It even comes with a C-wire adapter in case you need it, something many others sell as an added accessory.

It’s quick to set up with the Wyze app and can be connected to Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free voice control.

Users mention it can be slightly irritating to control from the physical controls on the thermostat, but if you plan on using the app or voice controls, that shouldn’t be much of a problem.

Mysa Smart Thermostat for Electric Baseboards

Mysa Smart Thermostat for Electric Baseboards

$149.00 $128.00

Upgrade your old electric baseboard heaters with Mysa, one of the best smart thermostats that works with 120-240V systems. It adds the ability to control your system from anywhere, scheduling abilities, and gain insight into your home's energy use.

What We Like:

• One of the only smart thermostats that works with 120-240V electric baseboard and in-wall heaters
• Unobtrusive design
• Works with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Assistant for hands-free control

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01/23/2024 06:58 pm GMT

For those homes with baseboard heaters, the selection for smart thermostats compatible with your systems is small. Thankfully, this Mysa model will fit all your needs.

It works with either 110V or 240V electrical heating sources to add smart controls, and links to all the major smart-home systems.

It also supports geofencing, scheduling, and zoning to keep your home comfortable while saving you money, and the smart eco setting will save you money.

Picking the best smart thermostat for your home doesn’t have to be tricky

Smart thermostats add energy-efficiency and time-saving technology to your HVAC system. With how many different models are on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which to pick.

For most users, we recommend the Amazon Smart Thermostat, which comes with deep integration to Amazon’s other products like Ring and Echo.

If your home is powered by Google, the Nest Thermostat or Nest Learning Thermostat are the ones to look at, with a common core of scheduling and easy access, and the more expensive Learning model adding on-device AI to learn your habits.

And if your home is older and has baseboard heating, the Mysa Smart Thermostat is the one to go for, as it will blend into the charm of your home.

Whichever model you choose, you can enjoy not having to stand up to change the temperature, and that’s worth any price

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post The best smart thermostats (2024) appeared first on KnowTechie.

Shopping for friends and family can be tough because spending money on someone other than yourself is harder.

So, with support from KnowTechie, a stable internet connection, and GOD HIMSELF, I’ve put together an exhaustive list of all the best gifts for literally anyone in your life.

We cover home and garden, tech, gaming, and entertainment. We put in the hours, so you don’t have to. So please, grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and bask in the glory that is this best gifts guide. You’re welcome.

The best gifts you can literally give anyone this holiday season

Amazon Gift Card – $25

This will be the bare minimum, the $25 gift you give to someone you… just know.

Not someone you invite to the house, mind you, but that friend or family member you hit up when you are in the area and need to kill an hour.

They probably send you a Christmas card each year with their spouse and dog on it, and after five years of getting these cards, you’ve decided to acknowledge their existence with this gift card.

$25 Amazon Gift Card

$25.00

A $25 Amazon gift card lets you buy anything from Amazon's wide selection, making it a handy gift or a simple way to manage spending.This is by far the best option out there.

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01/24/2024 05:25 pm GMT

Amazon Gift Card – $30

The $30 option will be another great choice for an acquaintance. Maybe you went to high school or college with them.

Maybe you used to hang out. Who knows, the point is now that has devolved to nothing more than “yeah, let’s get up soon!” and other empty promises.

You like their family photos on Facebook and laugh and react to their lame memes to make them feel better about themselves.

$30 Amazon Gift Card

$25.00

A $30 Amazon gift card provides flexibility to shop from Amazon's extensive product range, suitable as a thoughtful gift or for personal use.

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01/24/2024 01:20 pm GMT

Amazon Gift Card – $40

We’re starting to get serious now; buckle in.

A $40 Amazon gift card teeters on the realm of “you’re a real friend” or “I’m glad you’re my son.”

Mind you, it isn’t quite there and if you receive a $40 Amazon gift card this year, know that you’re almost important to that person.

Almost.

$40 Amazon Gift Card

$50.00

A $40 Amazon gift card: because nothing screams "I actually thought about your gift" like precisely 4,000 pennies of online shopping freedom.

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01/24/2024 05:50 pm GMT

Amazon Gift Card – $50

Let a person know that you actually care that they exist with a $50 Amazon gift card.

$50 says “I hope you can get something you actually want.” Anything below $50 is just charity towards something that the person actually wants to buy.

I don’t make the rules.

$50 Amazon Gift Card

$50.00

A $50 Amazon gift card: It's like saying, "Go wild on a shopping spree," with the exact enthusiasm of a pre-programmed birthday card.

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01/24/2024 05:50 pm GMT

Amazon Gift Card – $51+

Anything above $50 is just showing off. We get it; you have money; stop rubbing it in everyone’s face Curtis.

I know Kevin doesn’t pay me; stop reminding me. You’re not my dad.

And that’s a wrap for KnowTechie’s procrastinator-friendly holiday gift guide.

If you’re feeling a little lazy and don’t want to put too much effort into your holiday shopping this year, we hope this helps. If not, there’s always next year.

What do you think? Is this the best gift guide of all time? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• KnowTechie’s Holiday Gift Guide
• The best wireless earbuds
• The best Steam Deck accessories
• The best Xbox controllers

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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It looked like I’d just reenacted my teen rebel days when I thought smoking a joint in the church parking lot was a stroke of genius.

But no, this wasn’t a walk of shame down memory lane; this was the wake-up call of the century from my laptop screen. My wife, who’s got this annoying habit of being right, pointed out that my marathon screen sessions could be the villain here.

Turns out, she nailed it. My MacBook’s bright screen was frying my eyeballs, and I needed a solution, pronto.

That’s when I stumbled upon Ocushield, the screen protector that’s all about blocking nasty blue light that our tech loves to throw at us.

Ocushield Blue Light Screen Protector for MacBook Air & Pro

4.5

The Ocushield Blue Light Screen Protector: like sunglasses for your MacBook Air & Pro. It cuts down on the blue light that messes with your z's and gives your eyes a breather

What We Like:

• It's like a spa day for your peepers – clinically proven to dial down the eye strain.
• Slaps on easy. Peels off clean. Your screen stays crisp and touchable.
• Fits your Mac like it was born with it. Protection that doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.

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Blue light: the invisible eyeball enemy

Blue light is a type of light with shorter wavelengths, which can be beneficial during the day as it improves attention and mood, much like the sun.

However, as we all know, too much sun isn’t a good thing either.

According to Harvard Health, too much exposure to blue light, especially at night from electronic devices and certain types of lighting, can disrupt sleep and may potentially contribute to health problems like sleep disorders, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

It’s the same with the blue light from our screens, except instead of a hangover, it’s giving us dry, itchy eyes and messing with our sleep. Not cool.

But hey, there’s good news. You don’t have to ditch your digital life to save your peepers.

I’ll break down how this slick little screen protector from Ocushield can make binge-watching and crunching numbers a whole lot easier on your eyes.

Meet Ocushield: your laptop’s new best friend

So, what is this, a sheet of plastic? Well, sort of. Simply put, it’s a protective layer for your laptop or phone screen that combats the harmful effects of blue light.

It’s not just a flimsy piece of plastic; it’s a carefully crafted barrier designed by optometrists who know a thing or two about keeping your eyes in tip-top shape.

The company claims Ocushield is clinically proven to block up to 99% of harmful blue light emissions. That’s like SPF 100 for your eyes.

And it’s not just about protection.

This screen protector maintains your screen’s original image quality and color, so your Netflix binges and photo editing sessions are still in glorious high-def. Although this argument is still up for debate, more on that later.

Plus, and this is my personal favorite, it’s got a privacy filter that prevents nosy onlookers from staring at your screen, so the only person creeping on your screen is you.

DIY Installation: Not for the Faint of Heart

Installation isn’t too difficult, but I admit I made a mistake on my first try. I tend to skip directions and do things my own way. So, read the instructions first, because that’s the best advice I can give you.

Trust me, you want to avoid turning your screen into a terrarium for dust mites and sandwich crumbs. If you have any experience installing screen protectors for your phone, you’ll understand what I’m talking about.

Here are some tips that I learned the hard way:

• Use a microfiber cloth and make that screen shine before you start.
• Tackle the task in a calm, dust-free spot. Think zen garden vibes, not your chaotic kitchen table.

So, does Ocushield do what it says it does?

As I mentioned earlier, the Occushield screen protector claims to block up to a whopping 90% of harmful blue light. You know me, I’m skeptical about these big promises.

But I’ve got to tell you, after days of non-stop use, my eyes felt less strained. One day, I even did an 8-hour marathon (don’t judge, we’ve all been there), and my eyes didn’t feel like they’d been sautéed.

So far, so good.

Trade-offs: a slight blur for major benefits

Does putting a screen protector change picture quality? Well, it depends on who you ask. But yes, slapping on the Ocushield does fuzz things up a bit at first.

But give it a day, and you’ll adjust faster than you can say, “Eye strain, be gone!” Seriously, it’s a small price to pay for not looking like you’re auditioning for a zombie flick.

A shield of privacy

Now, onto my favorite part: the privacy feature. It’s like a cloak of invisibility for your screen.

Working in a co-working space means your screen is up for grabs to any curious eyes. But with Ocushield, it’s your business, your eyes only.

Just be prepared to swivel your laptop around in a bunch of different angles to show someone your screen because the privacy shield works too well.

Sure, sharing the latest viral cat video requires a group huddle, but how often does that happen?

Final verdict: to shield or not to shield?

Alright, let’s wrap this up. If you’re tired of your MacBook giving you the red-eye special, Ocushield is worth a look. Just remember:

• It’s a solid sidekick against blue light.
• Installing it is a test of patience, but you’ve got this.
• The privacy feature is clutch for keeping your screen to yourself.

So, if you’re looking to keep those eyes clear and your screen contents private, check out Ocushield. It’s not only for laptops, either. If your device has a screen, Ocushield has something for you.

Trust me, your eyes (and maybe even your nosy neighbor) will thank you.

And hey, here’s a little holiday cheer for you. From now until December 25, you can get 15% off on all Ocushield products with the promo code XMAS15.

Ocushield Blue Light Screen Protector for MacBook Air & Pro

4.5

The Ocushield Blue Light Screen Protector: like sunglasses for your MacBook Air & Pro. It cuts down on the blue light that messes with your z's and gives your eyes a breather.

What We Like:

• It's like a spa day for your peepers – clinically proven to dial down the eye strain.
• Slaps on easy. Peels off clean. Your screen stays crisp and touchable.
• Fits your Mac like it was born with it. Protection that doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.

Check Availability

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

Missed the holiday deadline? No worries. Use the promo code BOXING2023 for the same deal, valid through 12/31/2023. Now, that’s a deal to keep your eyes on.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to test if my glasses block blue light
• Review: Gunnar Optiks blue light blocking glasses
• How to use a blue light filter on your phone to save your eyes
• How video games can help with one’s mental health

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Is your laptop screen cooking your eyeballs? Ocushield is the answer appeared first on KnowTechie.

Now, depending on who you’re buying for, you might want one of our other guides. The Secret Santa in you probably wants the under-$25 holiday gift list.

This list is for the truly special people in your lives, the ones that you spend big because you love them big.

Most items on this list are things the KnowTechie staff have personally used, so we know they’ll be well-received. With that out of the way, let’s get on with the best holiday gift ideas for 2023.

Here’s our picks of the best holiday gifts this season

Whether you’re buying for a gamer, a reader, a younger member of the family, or just picking something nice up for yourself, we’ve got you covered for gift ideas this holiday season.

Prox PRD

4.0

$69.95 $57.95

Designed by Prox Devices, this little guy is a no-hassle solution to keep your phone by your side. Forget complex setups. This is a simple, no-subscription, no-app-required approach to ensure your smartphone isn't left behind.

Amazon Website - Promo Code: AN15%OFF

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01/24/2024 02:28 am GMT

Audible Gift Memberships

The Plus Catalog: the all-you-can-listen catalog, including thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and originals. Plus, 1 credit a month good for any title in the app to keep forever, and all the best audio entertainment, all in one free app

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BOOX Note Air3 Monochromatic Note Taker

$399

The Onyx BOOX Note Air3 is a monochrome digital notepad that aims to simplify and enhance note-taking. With a 10.3'' E Ink screen, Android 12 OS, and innovative features like Smart Scribe, it combines functionality, ease of use, and affordability

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Ocushield Blue Light Screen Protector for MacBook Air & Pro

4.5

Experience healthier screen time with the Ocushield Anti-Blue Light Filter for MacBook. Developed by optometrists, it blocks 99% of harmful UV and blue light, mitigating eye strain and improving sleep. Plus, its tempered glass doesn't distort your screen colors. Expert-endorsed, it's your guard against digital glare.

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beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless Gaming Headset

$249.00

These gaming headphones are sure to impress, with powerful sound and a clean, crisp microphone for crystal-clear in-game comms. They've also got multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, low-latency wireless, and USB.

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01/24/2024 11:26 am GMT

Onanoff Cosmos+ ANC Bluetooth Kids Headphones

Worried about your little one's hearing? These BuddyPhones have safe audio limits to not hurt growing eardrums, and this model has ANC so their iPad-playing is undisturbed by the rest of the family.

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HHKB - Happy Hacking Keyboard Studio

$449.00 $345.60

The HHKB is near-legendary in typing circles, but this new version is different. It's got hot-swap sockets to use any mechanical key switches, a touch-point cursor, and touch-sensitive sections for even more control.

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01/24/2024 02:39 pm GMT

PDP Victrix Pro FS-12 Fight Stick for PS5/PC

$399.99

This is the ultimate fight stick for fighting game fans, with either a standard joystick or a specially designed button-only layout, both with Sanwa Denshi buttons.

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01/23/2024 06:46 pm GMT

PDP Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller

$174.00

The Pro BFG is a great controller for PlayStation or PC gamers, with a modular construction that allows them to create their favorite layout. It's also got remappable buttons for even more personalization.

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01/24/2024 02:45 pm GMT

Audio-Technica Turntable Bundle with Speakers

Retro is in again, and that means vinyl is in vogue. There's nothing quite like the pops and crackles from a record spinning, perfect for some nostalgic tracks during the holiday season and beyond.

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AT2040 Hypercardioid Dynamic Podcast Microphone

$99.00

The AT2040 is one of the best affordable XLR microphones for podcasters, livestreamers, and those wanting to upgrade their work-from-home video meeting equipment. The dynamic microphone with hypercardioid polar pickup pattern will pick up your voice with a warm, ready-for-broadcast tone while rejecting off-axis sounds.

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01/24/2024 02:17 pm GMT

AMIRO M2 LumoCube Portable LED Bag Mirror

$119.99

This thoughtful makeup bag has an integrated, magnetic smart mirror, to always show them in the best light. And it'll keep them organized too, with magnetic compartments to store all their makeup and tools.

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01/23/2024 05:41 pm GMT

Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet with Screen (2023)

$399.95

A drawing tablet is one of the best tools any digital artist can have, and Wacom is arguably the best. With a battery-free pen and an anti-glare screen, this drawing tablet will inspire creativity.

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01/23/2024 05:36 pm GMT

Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel and Pedals

$1,199.04

If you know a sim racer, there's a good chance that this awesome wheel and pedals combo is already on their wishlist. Whether they like F1, touring, or rallying, the Logitech G Pro is the wheel to get for their virtual racing adventures.

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01/23/2024 05:41 pm GMT

Nebula by Anker Mars 3 Outdoor Portable Projector

$1,099.99 $999.99

This portable projector has one feature that beats the rest: 1,000 Lumens of brightness. That's enough to use during the day, outside, but why would anyone do that while it's so cold out? Just stay in with a hot cocoa and catch up on holiday movies.

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01/23/2024 05:41 pm GMT

XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro 1080P Portable Projector

$599.00

Holiday movies are a staple of this season. Watch them from anywhere with this portable projector with 400 Lumens of brightness, great color accuracy, and the ability to power via USB-C to use any power bank.

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01/23/2024 05:36 pm GMT

All-new Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet (2023)

4.5

$189.99 $149.99

The best tablets for kids are all from the Amazon Fire range, and this all-new 10-inch version is the best of them all. You get a 1080p screen that's bright and colorful, a thin but sturdy case, a year of Amazon Kids+ for content, and two years of ironclad warranty service.

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01/25/2024 12:07 am GMT

Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer

$359.00 $279.00

The Dreo ChefMaker is an airfryer on steroids, able to cook a wide variety of foods and meals without fuss. It's even got an internal probe to keep your meats to the perfect doneness, without drying out as it has a fancy sous vide option where it mists water into the basket during the cook.

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01/24/2024 10:26 pm GMT

PITAKA 3 in 1 MagSafe Charging Station

$179.00

This MagSafe charger doesn't just charge up Qi-enabled devices on the desktop. It's got a removable battery pack for on-the-go charging, a place to charge AirPods, and a plug-in charger for the Apple Watch.

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01/24/2024 10:20 pm GMT

Sphero BB-9E App-Enabled Droid with Trainer

$199.99

Give the Star Wars fan in your life their own droid, with this great Sphero BB-9E. Yes, that's the Imperial one, not the cute orange-and-white one, but it'll still be awesome fun zipping around the living room.

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01/25/2024 01:27 am GMT

Keychron Q6 Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard

$225.99

We love Keychron mechanical keyboards for their solid build quality and typing feel, and anyone you buy this for will feel the same way. This model has a fullsize form factor with a numpad, and a handy knob for volume control.

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01/25/2024 01:18 am GMT

Sphero Specdrums

$58.95

Get toes (and fingers!) tapping this holiday by giving some Specdrums. These clever musical devices turn color into music, with a tactile way to bop the night away. Use the included color pads, or experiment with anything around the house.

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01/23/2024 05:46 pm GMT

NuFACE Mini+ Starter Kit

$250.00 ($250.00 / Fl Oz)

Make her eyes light up with this highly sought-after microcurrent set for toning facial skin. It comes with everything they need to get started, with a rechargeable microcurrent device, activation gel, and more, to bring the spa home.

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01/25/2024 01:03 am GMT

Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra

$299.99

Have a photographer on your list this year? They'll appreciate this color calibrator, so that their creative vision isn't held back by substandard monitor calibration.

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01/23/2024 05:46 pm GMT

Typhur Dome Air Fryer

$499.00 $399.00

You might want to break this one out before the festivities, as the huge cooking area inside the Dome can cook up tons of festive fingerfoods in time for Christmas morning. Plus, you'll have trouble fitting it under the tree.

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01/24/2024 10:21 pm GMT

Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap

$59.95

Instead of tying yourself in knots trying to decide what to get your photographer friend, a Peak Design carrying strap is a perfect choice. After all, it'll work with any camera, looks great, and has quick-release ends so knots are a thing of the past.

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01/24/2024 09:16 pm GMT

Typhur Sous Vide Station

5.0

$999

The Typhur Sous Vide Station, a first-of-its-kind all-in-one design, offers precision temperature control for flawless cooking results. Its user-friendly features, including a large display and a connected app, make sous vide cooking more accessible than ever.

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Peak Design Tech Pouch

$59.95

Everyone can do with more storage for the dongles, cables, and other tiny peripherals of modern, interconnected life. Peak Design's tech pouches are some of the best around, with hardwearing fabrics and tons of useful inner dividers and pockets.

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01/24/2024 10:16 pm GMT

Scosche PowerUp 700 Portable Car Jump Starter

$129.99

Oh the weather outside is frightful... which means this handy jumpstarter for any car or truck will be a welcome present, and might actually get used right away. Nothing deflates holiday cheer than a flat battery after all.

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01/24/2024 08:30 pm GMT

Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charger

$148.15

Know someone with tons of Apple devices? Chances are they have a rats-nest of cables to charge them all up with. Solve their mess with this highly-rated Belkin charger that supports MagSafe and charges an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once.

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01/24/2024 08:22 pm GMT

SanDisk 1TB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card

$97.49

With fast transfer speeds up to 190MB/s, this microSDXC card from SanDisk is perfect for applications needing speedy storage like recording 4K video, or playing video games on a portable console.

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01/24/2024 12:56 pm GMT

WD_BLACK 2TB SN850 NVMe SSD for PS5 Consoles

$299.99 $183.59

Instead of getting a game for your favorite PlayStation gamer, how about getting them 2TB of speedy storage to slot into their console? That way, they can install more things and you don't have to worry if the game you buy is right for them.

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01/24/2024 08:01 pm GMT

Micron 2TB 2400 M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe

$169.95 $149.99

If you're buying for a portable console gamer or gifting a console as well, this tiny SSD is one of the most cost-effective ways of adding 2TB of storage. That's up to eight times the base storage ready to stuff full of games.

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01/24/2024 07:26 pm GMT

AMIRO R3 Turbo Facial RF Skin Tightening Device

You might have heard about microcurrent for facial toning, but this device also adds RF, IR light, and yellow light to stimulate deep rejuvenation and even tackle those under-eye bags. The gift of a youthful complexion is priceless.

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Carved Wood and Resin Case

$58.89

Carved makes unique, 1-of-1 phone cases for a wide variety of devices, making this a gift special to the person you're buying for. Pick their favorite color palette and pick up a live edge case that nobody else in the world will ever have.

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BOOX Tablet Tab Ultra C Pro

$649.99

Color e-ink tablets are fairly new, and BOOX is leading the pack with its Android-based devices. They're great for the reader on your list, and they can be used for presentations and other productivity tasks too thanks to 6GB of RAM and a speedy processor.

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01/24/2024 05:56 pm GMT

Earthworks ETHOS Streaming and Broadcasting Microphone

$399.00

This gorgeous XLR mic from Earthworks sounds every bit as good as it looks, with a neutral but still broadcast-y pickup that will make anyone's voice sound amazing. It's also great for budding musicians, as the quick response means every nuance of instruments or songs is reproduced.

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01/24/2024 05:51 pm GMT

Sennheiser Pro USB Microphone Streaming Set

$199.00

Know an aspiring streamer or someone who spends all day on Zoom? Get them this Sennheiser set with a quality USB microphone and accompanying mic arm so they can get it to the sweet spot for picking up their voice.

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01/24/2024 05:16 pm GMT

H2O Audio Tri Pro Multi-Sport Headphones

$179.99 $159.99

Know someone who spends more time in the pool than out of it? Give them these waterproof bone conduction headphones so they can soundtrack their swims.

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01/24/2024 05:10 pm GMT

Chipolo Card

$30.00

Chipolo makes some of the best Bluetooth trackers, which are able to be used on both Android and Apple devices to keep track of whatever, wherever. With up to two years of battery life, the only thing you need to remember is the smartphone used for tracking.

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01/24/2024 04:47 pm GMT

KOBOTIX Real Racer RC FPS Racing Car

$149.99

This AR-enabled RC car can turn your home into a racetrack. Pop a smartphone into the headset and it'll display a FPS view from the car as it zips around your floors, perfect for hours of fun.

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01/24/2024 04:31 pm GMT

Withings Scanwatch 2 38mm RG White

$363.78

Give the gift of health with ECG and AFib detection, SpO2, 24/7 temperature tracking, sleep and respiratory insights, activity tracking and more with the stylish ScanWatch 2.

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01/24/2024 03:36 pm GMT

Garmin Venu 3S

$449.99

Garmin makes some of the best outdoor smartwatches, packed with maps on your wrist, fitness tracking, and the ability to take phone calls without taking your phone out from your pocket.

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01/24/2024 04:10 pm GMT

Nanoleaf 4D – Immersive Lightstrip Kit

The Nanoleaf 4D TV Sync Camera and Smart Gradient Lightstrip Kit is a bias lighting system to make TVs up to 65" more immersive by extending the onscreen colors past the bezels. Lighting effects include 1D white bias, 2D dominant color, 3D multiple colors, and 4D exact match of the onscreen action.

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Steam Deck OLED

$549

The Steam Deck OLED has a slightly larger screen at 7.4 inches but the same 1280x800 resolution, HDR support, an upgraded battery at 50Wh, Wi-Fi 6E, and a new 6nm APU that should be better for battery life.

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Ekster Aluminum AirTag Wallet

$109.00

Ekster makes some of our favorite wallets, and the new range adds the ability to add an AirTag to them, so they're easier to find when misplaced. This card holder holds up to six cards with a one-button press to get them out for use.

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01/23/2024 05:10 pm GMT

Victrola Stream Onyx Turntable for Sonos

$599.99

Add some analog flair to the Sonos lover in your life's system this holiday with the Stream Onyx turntable. It'll pipe 33 1/2 or 45 rpm vinyl into any Sonos device, with a high-precision cartridge to ensure audio quality.

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01/23/2024 05:41 pm GMT

TCL Nxtpaper 11 Android Tablet

The TCL Nxtpaper 11 is an 11-inch Android tablet with a paper-like screen that's perfect for catching up on ebooks, movies, and more. It's got 256GB of storage capacity and a 8,000mAh battery for long battery life.

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BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller

$99.99

The Backbone One is one of the best mobile gaming controllers. Get it in the Lightning port version for anyone with an iPhone 14 or earlier, or the USB-C version for Android fans or iPhone 15 users and give them the joy of physical controls for their mobile games.

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01/23/2024 02:56 pm GMT

Solawave 4-in-1 Facial Wand

The Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand uses red light therapy to use your skin's natural rejuvenation to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other blemishes. That'll be great for looking our best once the cold months pass.

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Ricoh GR IIIx Compact Digital Camera

$1,046.95

The Ricoh GR IIIx digital camera is a super-compact 24MP APS-C sensor with a fixed 40mm f/2.8 lens that's perfect for the budding nature and street photographer. Spark their creativity with this powerful, but pocketable camera.

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01/23/2024 03:40 pm GMT

Ricoh C125MF Multifunction Color Laser Printer

$469.99

The Ricoh C125 MF multifunction color laser printer might not be the most glamorous gift, but you can be sure they'll appreciate how versatile it is for any home office tasks. Scan, print, fax, and copy, with up to 26ppm in full color.

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Tidbyt

Tidbyt is a retro-themed digital display that is perfect for gifting. They can use it to show the weather, stocks, low-res photos, or whatever else they can think of. It's a beautiful panacea for the glaring nature of modern notifications.

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HyperJuice 140W PD 3.1 USB-C GaN Charger With Adapters

$80.99

Got a frequent flier to buy for? This space-saving 140W charger uses GaN technology for a tiny footprint, and it comes with international adapters so they'll always be able to plug it in.

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Twelve South AirFly SE, Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

4.5

$34.99

The AirFly SE Bluetooth Transmitter is a compact, user-friendly device that bridges the gap between wired audio sources and wireless headphones. It's an essential accessory for those who find themselves crammed in a plane a lot.

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01/23/2024 06:10 pm GMT

X-Chair X3 Management Office Chair

$1,459.99 $1,094.00

The X-Chair X3 is an x-cellent office chair with comfortable mesh, and a huge range of adjustments to get it to fit your body. It's also solidly built, for years of comfort.

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01/24/2024 07:57 am GMT

GVM Pro SD650B 650W Led Video Light

$999.00

Do you know someone who wants to break into YouTube or one who's a photographer on the side? They'll appreciate the gift of great lighting, and you might end up with some portrait snaps as a thank you.

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01/24/2024 01:50 pm GMT

Wacom One 13 Touch Drawing Tablet

$599.95

The Wacom One 13 is a quality drawing tablet with stylus and touch capabilities for one-device designing. The best-in-class EMR battery-free pen is perfect for creatives of any age to pick up and get creating.

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01/23/2024 06:15 pm GMT

HyperJuice 245W USB-C Battery Pack

$159.99

Nobody wants to run out of power for their devices, and this HyperJuice 245W battery pack will help them stay connected. It's got 27,000mAh of capacity, while being pocketable and able to charge up to four USB-C devices at once.

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Vanpowers Manidae - Powerful eMTB

$1,999

This stylish eMTB is just at home on the trails or roads, with oversized tires, disc brakes, and aggressive geometry. It's also got a hidden electric motor and battery, capable of 28 mph ride assist, for when they get tired of going up hills.

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Nixplay Digital Touch Screen Picture Frame

$189.99 $109.99

The thing about the digital age is that cherished memories live in our devices or the cloud, and not on the furniture like they used to. Change that by giving the Nixplay digital touchscreen picture frame, stuffed full of pictures of friends and family.

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01/25/2024 04:46 am GMT

Roland Bridge Cast Gaming Mixer in Ice White

$299.99

If you've got to find a gift for an aspiring livestreamer, look no further than the Roland Bridge Cast Gaming Mixer. It's got everything they need to control their stream's audio, including a powerful preamp for XLR microphones.

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01/24/2024 01:23 am GMT

GVM LED Ring Light Kit

$89.99 $79.99

With how much time we all seem to be spending on video calls, isn't it high time to look our best? Gift the present of immaculate lighting and give them the New Year glow-up they really deserve.

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01/24/2024 01:50 pm GMT

We hope we’ve helped with your holiday gifting

Those are our gifting picks for this holiday season so far, although we’ll keep on adding new items as we see them.

Check in every so often so you don’t miss the perfect gift. And if we don’t see each other before the holiday, happy holidays to you and your family from the team here at KnowTechie.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• The best Steam Deck accessories
• iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Pixel 8 Pro: Worthy of the Pro moniker?
• Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 accessories
• Best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 accessories

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post KnowTechie’s holiday gift guide (2023) appeared first on KnowTechie.

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

It’s nearly the holiday season, Mariah has been woken from her slumber, and the last vestiges of Halloween decorations are coming down.

That means it’s time to start thinking about the people in your life and what they might want as gifts. While we’ve got guides for more thoughtful items, this one is about low-cost, high-reward gifts that all cost under $25.

These are all perfect gifts for the techie people in your lives. If we see anything else that catches our eye between now and the holidays proper, we’ll add them to the list so check in every so often.

The best gifts under $25

Whether you need a Secret Santa gift or want some stocking-stuffer options, KnowTechie has you covered.

Audible Gift Memberships

The Plus Catalog: the all-you-can-listen catalog, including thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and originals. Plus, 1 credit a month good for any title in the app to keep forever, and all the best audio entertainment, all in one free app

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Ocushield Blue Light Screen Filters & Protectors

Shield your eyes and your privacy with Ocushield's Blue Light Screen Filters & Protectors. Expertly blocking harmful blue light and blacking out screens from side views, they offer a double layer of protection for the tech enthusiast. A thoughtful gift for the digital age.

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Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C

$19.00 $17.98

EarPods with USB-C are an inexpensive way to give a piece of Apple this year, that's more interesting than the expensive polishing cloth. They're great stocking stuffers, or just as a second pair of 'buds for the gym.

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01/23/2024 06:11 pm GMT

Beanie With a Light

$21.99 $17.99

What's better at the holidays than a warm, useful hat? How about a hat with an integrated, rechargeable LED light so you they can stay warm and see where they're going when the days grow short.

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01/23/2024 02:56 pm GMT

CuberShop Moyu Speed Cube

$12.99 $11.99

Everyone had a Rubik's Cube growing up, so tie into that nostalgia while you're picking out gifts this year and get this great speed cube from Moyu. It's made with magnets for a smoother solve than traditional cubes, and will get their brains working overtime.

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01/23/2024 03:06 pm GMT

Anker 313 Wireless Charger

$19.99 $15.98

Everyone can do with another spare charger, especially if that charger allows them to wirelessly charge without having to fumble with cable plugs. This stylish charger from Anker is both affordable and able to charge Galaxy devices at 10W and all other at 5W.

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01/25/2024 04:19 am GMT

Koss KSC32i GRY Sport Clip Headphones

$19.99

If you're buying for a runner or exercise nut, these Koss earbuds with over-ear hooks are a perfect small gift that they'll appreciate every time they lace their sneakers.

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01/23/2024 03:17 pm GMT

Gamer Grip

$13.95

This multi-purpose grip gel stops sweat on contact, so whether you're in the sweatiest CoD lobby or shooting some hoops at the park, you won't have to worry about your grip.

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01/23/2024 02:50 pm GMT

Cordbrick

$22.97

Useful knickknacks are great as affordable gifts, and Cordbrick is as useful as it comes. It'll stop charging cords from sliding off a desk, or hold a phone at a viewable angle, or use it as a cable tidy while traveling.

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01/23/2024 02:46 pm GMT

ESR Charger for Magsafe

$18.99 $15.99

Everyone with an iPhone could do with an extra charger, especially if they've recently upgraded to the USB-C iPhone 15 series. This MagSafe-compatible charger is perfect for fuss-free charging, and comes in multiple colors.

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01/23/2024 02:46 pm GMT

iFixit Moray Driver Kit

$19.95

Everyone can do with a precision set of screwdrivers, and this iFixit kit is one of the best. It's got the most common tips needed for small electronics, and even a SIM card ejector that's part of the screwdriver handle so you won't lose it.

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01/23/2024 02:46 pm GMT

JLab Go Air True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

$30.00 $19.99

Earbuds are a great gift, and these JLab Go Air are small enough to fit into cute gift boxes while staying under the limit for most Secret Santa exchanges. Oh, and they sound pretty good too.

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01/23/2024 02:40 pm GMT

Lexar E-Series 128GB Micro SD Card 2 Pack

$22.99

Remember when large capacity MicroSD cards where prohibitively expensive? We can, which is why we're amazed that you can get a two pack of 128GB MicroSD cards to stuff in someone's stocking this holiday at this price.

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01/23/2024 02:40 pm GMT

elago W4 Apple Watch Stand

$13.99

Give the Apple Watch wearer in your life the gift of a quirky stand to adorn their desk, nightstand, or wherever else they have their charger.

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01/23/2024 02:36 pm GMT

CrunchCup

$27.49

The CrunchCup solves one of humankind's longest running questions: how can I eat cereal all day, every day? With a two-part container that keeps the cereal and milk separated until you want to eat, of course!

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01/23/2024 02:31 pm GMT

Gift Cards

If you can’t decide what to get them, the safe option is always to get a gift card. That could be for their favorite gaming console to get a new game, or a general-purpose one from Amazon or another big retailer.

Just remember a couple of things. First, modern games start at $70, so if you intend it to be instead of a game, that’s the monetary value you should aim for.

And you might want to jazz up the gift, like inside this gift card snowglobe (don’t worry the card won’t touch the liquid inside).

$70 Xbox Gift Card [Digital Code]	PlayStation Sony Store Gift Card	$70 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]	Steam Gift Card - $50
3.5	3.5	3.5	3.5
$70.00	N/A	$70.00	$64.95
Check Availability	Check Availability	Check Availability	Check Availability

$70 Xbox Gift Card [Digital Code]

3.5

$70.00

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PlayStation Sony Store Gift Card

3.5

N/A

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$70 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]

3.5

$70.00

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Steam Gift Card - $50

3.5

$64.95

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01/23/2024 04:47 pm GMT

Those are our top gifting picks for this holiday season, and we’re continuously updating our selection with new items as we come across them.

However, if you’re still in search of more products, we have a wide variety that we couldn’t include in our list of the best Holiday Gift Ideas under $25 below.

READ MORE: KnowTechie’s Best Holiday Gift Guide under $25

For even more gift ideas, be sure to visit KnowTechie’s Best Holiday Gift Guide under $25. Make sure to check back regularly so you don’t miss out on finding the perfect gift.

And if we don’t have another chance to connect before the holidays, the team here at KnowTechie wishes you and your family a joyful holiday season

Editors’ Recommendations:

• The best Steam Deck accessories
• iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Pixel 8 Pro: Worthy of the Pro moniker?
• Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 accessories
• Best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 accessories

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post KnowTechie’s best gifts under $25 (2023) appeared first on KnowTechie.

Editor's choice

Nothing Phone (2)

4.5

$599.00 at Nothing

Quick Verdict: The Nothing Phone (2) is the second phone from Nothing, but already has the makings of a mature phone, and is one of the best mid-range phones you can get today.

Pros:

• Eye-catching design with Glyph notification lights
• Solid overall camera performance
• Smooth software experience
• Above average battery life and fast charging

Cons:

• Too slippery
• A bit too large
• No charger in the box

Check Availability at Nothing Check Availability at Amazon

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The quest to beat the iPhone as the default smartphone has been ongoing. There have been a lot of attempts to do that, with the result being some fantastic Android phones. 

The Nothing Phone (2) is a grand entry into that competition, and it gets a lot of things right. It comes with its own set of unique features that sometimes border on gimmicks.

However, the phone is overall a great package and is a fantastic Android phone, especially if you want a well-rounded Android experience without spending $1,000 or more.

I used a Nothing Phone (2) in the 12/256GB configuration, sent over by the company, for a period of three months. It feels like the making of a new strong competitor to the best Android right now, if not the iPhone.

Price, specs, and availability

Nothing is going more global than before with the Nothing Phone (2). What that means is that it is available in the US, in addition to the UK, Europe, India, and a few other regions.

The Nothing Phone (2) pricing is as follows, available in Dark Grey and White:

• 8/128GB model: Currently $549/£499/€579, down from $599/£579/€679
• 12/256GB model: Currently $599/£549/€629, down from $699/£629/€729
• 12/512GB model: Currently $649/£599/€699, down from $799/£699/€849

The phone is available on Nothing’s online storefront across all regions. Additionally, the Nothing Phone (2) has also recently landed on Amazon in the US. 

However, Amazon doesn’t have the 8GB variant, so you’ll have to pick between the 12GB versions with 256GB or 512GB storage, which cost $769 and $799 respectively.

Design: With or without Glyph

The Nothing Phone (2) design is pretty polarizing on paper, but it has been very well-received in reality. It’s similar to the Nothing Phone (1) but makes meaningful changes.

The functional design is an improvement here. The flat edges look unwelcoming but are rounded enough not to dig into your palms.

The rounded back glass is a huge help in hand feel, but it comes with a flaw that you need to be careful about — the Nothing Phone (2) is the most slippery phone I have ever used.

The phone is great in hand, but it starts to slide if you place it on any surface that’s not perfectly flat. I would not recommend using it without a case, even though the build quality is great.

For starters, the Dark Grey colorway doesn’t look as good as the Phone (1)’s black colorway, but it still looks great. I prefer the white option, but the contrast of the Glyph lighting is better on the Grey.

Speaking of which — the Glyph lights greatly add to the design. The phone stands out because of the lights, making the Nothing Phone (2) much less boring than its competitors. 

The one design change I would have liked was for the phone to be small. A 6-inch screen would make this phone a lot more fun, even though smaller phones come with their own disadvantages.

Display

The Nothing Phone (2) has a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a 1080 x 2412 pixels resolution. On paper, the display is adequate for the size and price of the phone.

During my usage, the display was pretty great. It’s easy on the eyes, with pretty good-looking colors, and gets abundantly bright outdoors.

At the size, I would’ve liked to see a higher-resolution screen. However, the pixel density on this display is plenty good for most folks, and the overall quality is superb.

The display comes with a pre-applied screen protector. It peels away after a bit of use. During my usage, the display picked up quite a lot of minor scratches and scuffs as a result, although they’re not noticeable during use.

I recommend you get a tempered glass screen protector for this one, though, especially since the slippery nature of the phone is likely to land some blows to the display.

Nothing Phone (2) camera quality

This is a mid-range phone, and it punches above its weight in most areas. The camera performance is solid for the price.

The primary camera could be better, thanks to the Pixel A-series models and some iPhones and Samsung options at the price.

However, it’s no slouch. It reproduces details well, the color science is balanced, and the camera interface is simple and elegant.

What impressed me was the ultrawide camera, which is surprisingly consistent with the primary camera. It manages to keep a similar color science, and the loss of detail is minimal.

There’s no zoom camera on this phone, which is acceptable for the price. However, a zoom lens would have complemented this camera setup well, so it seems like a miss, regardless.

The selfie camera is also what you would expect. It takes crisp shots, maintains skin tone well, and has the face retouching option if you like it. It’s not groundbreaking, but you get good-quality shots with consistency.

Software

The software is a big talking point about Nothing’s phones and any smartphone company that tries to do something new.

Nothing OS seemed too gimmicky to me the first time I laid eyes on it. The dot matrix design was just not for me, and the overall theming seemed too pigeonholed in the same direction for me to like.

However, that’s not quite the case, and my first impression was entirely wrong. The software is immaculate, and you can opt out of the typical dot matrix-styled UI when setting up the device or later if you choose.

That leaves you with a very normal-looking Android skin, which is smooth as butter. I’m not kidding when I say that the Android experience felt more pristine than the Pixel 7 Pro, which was my daily driver for a while.

Overall, Nothing OS 2.0 keeps the best of Android. It does add some bells and whistles, but they’re largely easy to ignore. That makes this an excellent software experience.

Nothing phone (2) performance and battery life

The performance is excellent, too. The smoothness translates to real-world use, and the phone holds up quite fine in daily applications. It doesn’t have the latest hardware, but you get a pretty high-end chip.

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 does quite well in the Nothing Phone (2). It’s not as good as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but you can expect flagship-tier performance with a bit more heat.

I ran Geekbench 6 to get an idea of the performance on offer and the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test to check sustained performance.

The Geekbench 6 benchmark result was just about right for the hardware.

On the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test, the Nothing Phone (2) didn’t do well. The stability figure was 71.6%, which isn’t great if you want to expect to do a lot of gaming on this phone over more extended periods.

I did play Fortnite on the Nothing Phone (2) to see how it performed. At 100% 3D resolution, I could get 60fps at Epic quality and 90fps at Low quality settings. 

It did have some frame drops but stuck to the frame rates for most of the playtime. I didn’t find any noticeable drop during my hour-long session.

The battery life of this phone is solid. I was able to get all-day usage, with about 10-15 percent left at the end of the day.

My usage included a lot of texting via Telegram, web browsing on Google Chrome, and a lot of Instagram and X/Twitter use.

My one complaint would be the lack of a charger in the box. I used a Nubia 65W charger, which charged the phone from 0-100% in under an hour at the 45W rate, which is pretty great. You also get 15W Qi wireless charging.

Alternative options to the Nothing Phone (2)

Apple iPhone 15	Samsung Galaxy S23 FE	Google Pixel 8
3.5	4.0	3.5
$799	$599	$999.00
Check Availability	Check Availability	Check Availability

Apple iPhone 15

3.5

$799

Check Availability

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

4.0

$599

Check Availability

Google Pixel 8

3.5

$999.00

Check Availability

01/24/2024 10:01 am GMT

Should you buy the Nothing Phone (2)

The Nothing Phone (2) is an easy recommendation, especially at the currently lowered prices. The phone gets nearly everything right and establishes Nothing as a good phone maker to watch out for.

It’s a well-rounded package with decent hardware and great software, and despite some of the hiccups we have seen the company face, the phone itself is pretty great.

So, if you’re looking for a midrange phone that will service you well and has a bit of personality, the Nothing Phone (2) is the way to go.

Just make sure that the phone is well-protected because even though it has excellent build quality, it is still pretty slippery, and a little extra protection never hurts anyone.

Editor's choice

Nothing Phone (2)

4.5

$599.00 at Nothing

The Nothing Phone (2) cements the company as a serious phonemaker, and with the phone now available in the US, it's one of the best mid-range phones you can buy. You get a solid balance of great hardware and software, and the Glyph lights, while a novelty gimmick, add some personality to the phone, which isn't all that common at this price.

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Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: OnePlus Open
• Review: Roccat Kone Air Mouse
• Review Roundup: Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
• Review Roundup: iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Plus – worth the hype?

The post Review: Nothing Phone (2) appeared first on KnowTechie.