Best headphones with built-in microphones
Talk as well as you listen with these headphones and their stellar mics
If you use headphones for phone calls, gaming, or work, chances are you'll need a pair that has a mic just as good as its audio quality. Thankfully, there are plenty of options out there to choose from. To help narrow down the field, here are eight of our picks for the best headphones with built-in microphones.
Mobile phones often boast fancy cameras or big screens, but even top-performing consumer models probably wouldn't survive on a construction site or other punishing scenarios. Fortunately, there are rugged phones out there that are built to handle impacts, dirt, moisture, and more. Some of them might come from the same brands that make notable flagships, but others are from dedicated manufacturers that focus on making the toughest devices they can. To help you sort through the many models available, I've gathered this list of the best rugged phones available.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus: Which phone should you buy?
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are pretty similar; which is right for you?
Apple unveiled the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus at its 2023 event. Much like previous generations, Apple has a base iteration, a Plus variant, and a Pro lineup for its flagship smartphone. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus may not be top-of-the-line models, but they still offer plenty to like. In fact, many features found on last year's Pro have now made it to the base lineup, including Dynamic Island support. So, which should you choose?
Apple products tend to offer excellent hardware and software qualities. So when you buy an iPhone or one of the excellent Macs, you're investing in a device that should work reliably and last you for years to come. Though usually, the company's cables aren't as durable, and you may need to buy several units during an iDevice's lifetime. Fortunately, there are plenty of Lightning cables available out there, and we've highlighted the best ones below.
Best iPhone 13 series chargers in 2023
The iPhone 13 series box doesn't include a charger. If you have any of those devices, these are the best chargers to get.
Despite Apple launching the iPhone 14 Pro Max, the iPhone 13 series still offers excellent smartphone options for those on lower budgets. However, what all these phones have in common is the lack of a charger in their box. The iPhone maker only provides a Lightning to USB Type-C cable for charging and data transfer. Consequently, you will have to buy a charging brick separately. Alternatively, you can invest in a MagSafe or Qi wireless charger if you'd rather not depend on cables. Regardless of your choice, we've compiled a list of the best iPhone 13 series chargers currently available, including a wide variety of brands and product types.
Headphones can end up costing a pretty penny, but they don't have to. Yes, you can dish out upwards of $400 or more on a pair, but for far less than that, you can still snag a great set of cans. You won't have to sacrifice many bells and whistles, either. Even at this price point, there are still plenty of options to choose from, so it's easy to get overwhelmed. But fear not — I've narrowed down the list of best over-ear and on-ear headphones for less than $100. If you're more interested in great earbuds, we cover those in our list of the best wireless earbuds.
Best kids smartwatches in 2023
Kids smartwatches are the perfect bridge tech for little ones while still offering plenty of controls for concerned parents
These days, technology is everywhere, and even the youngest among us want to get in on the action. It’s not surprising to see small toddlers operating a smartphone better than their parents or grandparents. As much as you might want to resist introducing technology to your kids, it’s inevitable. This is where a great smartwatch can be a good tech gear bridge.
Best headphones for school in 2023
Whether you're in college or a grade school kid, these eight headphones are ideal for studying
Studying doesn't have to be boring if you've got tunes to listen to along the way. A solid pair of headphones can block out the world, help you focus on your work, or let you take a break occasionally. Whether you're off to college or need a pair for your kids, this list of the best headphones for school has options for all kinds of learning.
Samsung Galaxy A54 vs. Galaxy S22+: Sibling rivalry
It's Samsung vs. Samsung, so will it be the Galaxy A54 or the S22+?
While it might seem like common sense to pick a flagship phone over a mid-range model, there's much nuance in this comparison that deserves a closer look. The newer Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, with its 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, and a Samsung Exynos 1380, did quite well in the review. The Galaxy S22+ is last year's flagship, but we liked it so much that in our review, we crowned it the best of that year, and it boasts a 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen, 8GB of RAM, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Can it still hold that position, or does the Galaxy A54 make a compelling case? Let's find out in this comparison.
OnePlus Pad vs. Apple iPad Air 5: Can any other tablet topple Apple?
Apple has long made some of the best tablets around, but One Plus has made a solid effort, is it enough to win?
Tablets are everywhere these days, and Apple seems to have cornered the market, so much so that the term "iPad" often gets used generically to refer to all tablets. But that doesn't mean there's no worthy competition out there. We've reviewed the iPad Air 5 (2022) before, and it boasts an M1 chip, 8GB of ram, and up to 256GB of storage, making it quite the contender. Meanwhile, we've also covered the OnePlus Pad, and it put up a notable showing with its 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, along with a MediaTek Dimensity 9000. In fact, it did so well that it ranks among the best Android tablets around. But is that enough to topple Apple from the top spot?
Best headphones for kids in 2023
Protect your child's hearing while they enjoy music, games, and more.
Whether listening to their favorite tunes, playing games, or remote learning, there are plenty of reasons why kids would want or need a pair of headphones. But unlike adults, their ears are still developing, plus most grown-up-sized headphones likely won't fit them. That's where headphones made specifically for kids come in. Plenty of models are available at varying prices, however, and it can quickly become overwhelming trying to figure out which pair to buy. But don't worry; I've narrowed the field to include 12 pairs of the best headphones for kids. All of my selections below include volume-limiting technology, too, so you can rest assured children can't make them too loud and risk damaging their hearing.
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. Bose NCH 700: Who wins the noise-canceling headphone throne?
Both Sony and Bose have long vied for the title of best ANC over-ear headphones, but who will reign supreme?
When it comes to the best over-ear headphones out there, the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 both contend for the top spot. Sony’s offering is newer and splashier, with claims of up to 30 hours of battery life, excellent active noise cancelation (ANC), and a feature-packed mobile app, along with great sound quality. Meanwhile, Bose’s headset has been available for a few years and has shown to be a capable performer with good ANC, solid sound quality, and a comfortable fit. Let’s examine these two contenders to determine the best pair of noise-cancelling headphones for you.