May isn’t traditionally known for its laptop deals but the official Dell Store has some absolutely awesome choices right now across its entire range of machines.
For example, not only are there great cheap Windows machines starting at just $299, but you can also pick up a Dell XPS 13 for just $599. That’s the cheapest price we’ve ever seen for this premium Ultrabook – although it is on the relatively basic Core i5 configuration with a 256GB SSD.
If you want something more powerful, consider this compellingly priced mid-range Dell XPS 13 for $799 (was $999). This one features a much bigger 512GB SSD storage drive, 16GB of RAM, and a Core i7 chipset. That means it should speed through all but the most intensive of tasks.
Finally, we’d recommend Dell’s excellent range of gaming laptop deals today, which include this Dell G15 with an RTX 4060 for just $849, this Dell G16 with an RTX 4070 for $1,299, and this high-end Alienware x14 for $1,499.
You can read more about all these deals just down below or head on over to our main laptop deals page for recommendations from other retailers.
Best Buy has the first discounts we’ve tracked on the brand new M4 iPad Pro, available exclusive to My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members. If you are a member, you’ll find $50 off nearly every model of these new tablets at Best Buy.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
With this discount, the 256GB Wi-Fi 11-inch iPad Pro is available for $949.00, down from $999.00. The 256GB Wi-Fi 13-inch iPad Pro is available for $1,249.00, down from $1,299.00. You’ll also find the same $50 discounts on higher storage models with the Nano-texture glass option.
Note: You need a My Best Buy Plus/Total membership to see these deals.
Shoppers should note that these are pre-order prices at Best Buy, and the M4 iPad Pro is set to launch next Wednesday. If you’re looking for more details about the M4 iPad Pro, be sure to check out our recap article of this week’s Apple event. Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Apple today unveiled redesigned iPad Pro models featuring the M4 chip, Ultra Retina XDR OLED displays, a nano-texture display option, and more. The new iPad Pro offers a considerably thinner design and slightly larger 11- and 13-inch display size options. The 11-inch model is 5.3mm thick and weighs less than a pound, while the 13-inch model is just 5.1mm thick and weighs a quarter pound less …
Apple’s “Let Loose” event kicks off today at the unusual time of 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time, and we’re expecting to see an iPad-focused event with new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, updated Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard accessories, and perhaps some other announcements. Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company’s TV app across various platforms. We…
Apple today announced that iOS 17.5 will be released to the public “soon,” following over a month of beta testing. While the software update is relatively minor, it does have a few new features and changes, as outlined in the list below. “The new Pride Radiance watch face and iPhone and iPad wallpapers will be available soon with watchOS 10.5, iOS 17.5, and iPadOS 17.5,” said Apple, in its…
Apple at its “Let Loose” event today announced a new Magic Keyboard for the latest iPad Pro models, with a thinner, lighter design. Apple says the Magic Keyboard has been redesigned to be thinner and lighter, while maintaing the same floating design. Two colors are available that match the new iPad Pro. New features include a function row with screen brightness controls, an aluminum…
Apple today held the first event of 2024, debuting new iPad Air and iPad Pro models and accompanying accessories. While the event was faster than normal and took 40 minutes, we’ve condensed it down even further for those who want a quick overview of everything that was announced. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. We’ve also got a full recap of all of the coverage…
While the iPhone 16 series is still months away from launching, an early rumor about an all-new iPhone 17 model has now surfaced. In a research note with investment firm Haitong this week, analyst Jeff Pu said Apple is planning a so-called “iPhone 17 Slim” model that would replace the Plus model in the lineup. Pu said this model will feature around a 6.6-inch display, a slimmer design, an…
Apple unveiled a slew of new iPads on Tuesday, and the updates have brought a bit more clarity to the company’s tablet selection. Yes, there are still six different models in total, but the lines separating those slates are more firmly drawn: You have a good option (the base iPad), a better option (the iPad Air) and a best option (the iPad Pro). Both the Air and Pro are available in 11- or 13-inch frames, but those SKUs are more or less identical outside of their size. The iPad mini, meanwhile, is still off to the side for the relatively small niche that prefers a compact tablet.
Within those announcements, however, the Apple Pencil became even more of a mess. Apple introduced a new top-end stylus, the Pencil Pro, but didn’t discontinue any older model. As a result, prospective shoppers now have four (4!) different styluses to choose from. Each has different features, two are the same price, and only the lowest-end model works with every iPad in Apple’s now-current lineup. And the highest-end version prior to yesterday is no longer compatible with the latest iPad Air or iPad Pro.
This is pretty bad! Exactly how Apple got here may stem from what the company calls a “new magnetic interface.” This is what the Pencil Pro uses to connect and charge with compatible iPads, which in this case only includes the new iPad Airs and iPad Pros. Those tablets have been redesigned to place their front-facing cameras on the long edge, which is a welcome change in a vacuum, but could have resulted in the devices no longer supporting the charging system used by the second-generation Pencil. Apple hasn’t formally confirmed any of this, however. When reached for comment, the company did not provide additional information aside from noting that the new Pencil charging and pairing interface was created to work with the latest tablets’ designs and accommodate their landscape front cameras.
It’s more than possible that we’re in an awkward transitional period, with the first- and second-gen Pencils on the way out whenever the entry-level iPad and iPad mini are refreshed. As it is today, though, it’d be hard for digital artists and note-takers to look at the Pencil lineup as anything but chaotic. That there’s a “lineup” at all, and not one product that just works with every iPad, feels like a condemnation in itself. But if you’re in the market for a new Pencil and not sure which one to get, we’ve broken down the current offerings below.
Apple
Who should get it?: Those who plan on buying the iPad Air (M2) or iPad Pro (M4) at any point in the near future (most likely).
Pros
Latest and most advanced Pencil, with squeeze gesture, gyroscope and Find My support
The Apple Pencil Pro is the newest and most technically advanced Pencil. It costs $129 and is up for pre-order now, with full availability starting on May 15. As noted above, it’s only compatible with Apple’s latest tablets: the 11- and 13-inch iPad Air (M2), and the 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro (M4).
To keep things simple, if you’re going to buy one of those iPads, this is almost certainly the stylus you should get. We still need to review it, but it’s essentially an upgraded version of the second-gen Pencil, which we previously recommended in our guide to the best iPad accessories. It has virtually the same comfortable shape and matte finish, though it’s technically 0.05 ounces lighter. It still supports pressure sensitivity, so your marks will be darker if you press down with more force, and tilt detection, so you can hold it at an angle for light shading and similar effects. It still pairs and charges magnetically, and it can still utilize a “double-tap” feature that lets you quickly swap between tools in certain apps. With certain iPads, a “hover” feature allows you to interact with elements on screen by holding the stylus just over the display.
The Pencil Pro has a few exclusive perks on top of that. You can squeeze it to open a contextual menu for changing colors, line weights and similar tools. A built-in gyroscope can detect when you roll the stylus, which should make it simpler to change the orientation of shaped pen and brush tools. There’s a haptic engine to deliver more tangible feedback as you use the pen. And, maybe most conveniently, it works with Apple’s Find My network, so it should be easier to locate if you ever misplace it.
Apple
Who should get it?: Those who own an older iPad Pro or iPad Air, or the current iPad mini, and will not upgrade to a new iPad anytime soon.
The second-generation Pencil was released in 2018 and remained Apple’s best stylus until this week. It, too, costs $129, though recent sales have dropped it as low as $79. It’s compatible with the following iPads: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gen), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gen), iPad Air (4th and 5th gen) and iPad mini (6th gen).
To reiterate, Apple says it is not compatible with any of the iPad Airs or iPad Pros announced on Tuesday. Yes, paying $129 for a stylusonly to be forced into replacing it a generation or two later is obnoxious.
The second-gen Pencil lacks the squeeze and “barrel roll” gestures, increased haptic feedback and Find My support of the Pencil Pro. Otherwise, it includes all of the same core features. If you own one of the compatible iPads listed above and do not plan on upgrading anytime soon, it’s the Pencil to buy, as it remains a significant upgrade over Apple’s lower-cost models. But if you plan to buy a new iPad Air or iPad Pro in the near future and don’t desperately need a stylus today, it’s worth holding off and buying the Pencil Pro alongside your new tablet, as much as that sucks.
Apple
Who should get it?: Those who must have an Apple stylus but can’t afford the Pencil Pro/second-gen Pencil and only care about casual writing. Also, iPad (10th gen) owners who don’t care about pressure sensitivity. Some third-party options may be a better value, however, depending on sale prices.
Pros
Less expensive than Pencil Pro and second-gen Pencil
The USB-C Apple Pencil was released late last year and effectively serves as Apple’s “budget” stylus. With a list price of $79, it’s still not outright cheap, though we’ve seen it go for $10 less with recent discounts.
This is the only Pencil that’s compatible with every iPad in Apple’s current lineup: the iPad Air (M2), iPad Pro (M4), iPad (10th gen) and iPad mini (6th gen). Besides those, it works with the the older 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd-6th gen), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st-4th gen) and iPad Air (4th and 5th gen).
However, it’s also a clear downgrade from the Pencil Pro and second-gen Pencil, as it lacks pressure sensitivity and magnetic charging support. The former means it’s less precise for illustrations, while the latter means you’ll need a USB-C cable handy when it comes time to recharge the device. You can still attach the USB-C Pencil to the side of iPads with magnetic holders, which is convenient, but it won’t power up. It doesn’t work with Apple’s double-tap feature, either, though it does support “hover” and basics like tilt sensitivity. It’s also slightly shorter than the higher-end models.
For most people who care about drawing or note-taking enough to buy an Apple Pencil in the first place, I’d recommend just paying up for the Pencil Pro or second-gen Pencil, depending on your iPad. But for those who really want to save cash and may only want a stylus for casual writing or generally navigating their device, the USB-C Pencil could make sense. This is especially the case for the iPad (10th gen), which doesn’t work with either of Apple’s superior models.
Apple
Who should get it?: Just about nobody, unless you plan to use the iPad (10th gen) or an older Lightning-based iPad for the foreseeable future and need pressure sensitivity for drawing.
The original Apple Pencil was introduced way back in 2015. Apple still sells it for $99, though these days it’s frequently available for $20 to $30 less at other retailers. Most people can safely ignore it: The only modern iPad it works with is the entry-level iPad (10th gen), but even then it requires a Lighting to USB-C adapter to charge, which looks ridiculous and gives you more things to potentially lose. It can’t attach magnetically, and it has a glossier, more rounded design that can more easily roll away on a flat table. It also lacks most of the more advanced features found in newer Pencils.
The one thing the first-gen Pencil does have over the USB-C model, though, is pressure sensitivity. Yes, even though it’s eight years older, it’s technically better in at least one meaningful way. So, if you own the iPad (10th gen) and are willing to deal with the dongle-ridden charging situation in exchange for a more precise drawing experience, there’s a world in which the first-gen Pencil is still justifiable. But most people in that situation should just step up to an iPad Air and the Pencil Pro.
Just for posterity, here’s the list of iPads that support the first-gen Pencil: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd gen), 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad mini (5th gen) and iPad (6th-10th gen).
Thanks to yesterday’s Apple event, which unveiled the newest iPads, Amazon is having a massive sale on older model Apple products. You can score record-low prices on some of Apple’s best-selling devices, including AirPods, iPads, Apple Watches, and MacBooks. I’m rounding up today’s seven best deals just below, with prices starting at just $79.99.
While Apple deals are a regular feature on Amazon, today’s prices are some of the best we’ve seen, with discounts that match Black Friday and drop even further. Some highlights include the best-selling AirPods Pro 2 on sale for $179.99, the 10.9 iPad on sale for $349, and the Apple Watch 9 down to an incredible price of $299.
Keep in mind that all of the deals listed below are best-ever offers, and we typically don’t see prices like this outside of holiday sales. If you’re interested in the newest iPads, you can also check out our iPad preorders page for all the best deals around the web.
Just moments after Google announced its latest smartphone, both Amazon and Best Buy swooped in with deals to convince you to get yours from one of them. Right now, the Pixel 8a is open for pre-orders at Google’s storefront, but if you go through Amazon, you’ll get a physical $100 Amazon gift card once the phone ships. Purchase through Best Buy and you’ll get a$100 gift card for its store, plus a one-month membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Whichever way you go, your new phone will ship May 14, the same day as Google’s I/O developer conference.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Buy the new Google Pixel 8a smartphone from Amazon and get a free gift card for $100. If you buy from Best Buy, you’ll get a $100 gift card to spend at the retailer, plus a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
On both Amazon and Best Buy, the offer apples to the 128GB model in any of the four colorways, including the new Aloe hue. The model with a larger 256GB capacity, a first for A-series Pixel phones, goes for $559 and also includes the $100 gift card, but only if you order it in Obsidian.
New for this latest generation of Google’s most affordable smartphone is a screen that’s a little brighter and smoother thanks to a higher peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. The battery is slightly larger than it was on the Pixel 7a and software improvements should help it last longer. The camera array stayed the same as with the previous generation, but a few more of Google’s AI tricks, like Best Take and Magic Editor should help you get more out of what the lenses pick up.
Engadget’s Sam Rutherford had a chance to check out the new Pixel 8a ahead of its release and, while a full review is still forthcoming, he said the new handset is “shaping up to once again be the mid-range Android phone to beat.” And if a $100 gift card sweetens the deal for you at all, now might be a good time to pre-order. Amazon says its deal will run through 5/19 or until supplies run out, so if you want to wait to see what we think, you may have some time.
Apple has announced a new iPad Pro and iPad Air at its latest big reveal event – and both devices are available to preorder now. I’ve gathered together where you can buy these new tablets right here, including all of the top preorder deals for the brand-new iPad Pro and iPad Air.
Let’s start with the iPad Pro (2024). This model is available in either 11 inches or 13 inches with up to 2TB of storage and prices start at $999 / £999. That’s $200 more than the base price for both previous-generation models, but you do get the brand-new M4 chip, high-quality tandem OLED display and twice as much storage (256GB) as standard.
Meanwhile, the new iPad Air 6 also has 11-inch and 13-inch models with storage starting at 128GB. Prices start at $599 / £599 for the 11-inch version and $799 / £799 for the 13-inch – that’s the same as the last generation model. In terms of new features, the latest iPad Air is powered by the M2 chip for up to 50% faster performance compared to the M1.
Both devices are available to order right now and will ship from May 15. Currently, I’m only seeing them direct from Apple, but you can check in regularly for all the latest retailer availability below. I’ll be here to share any of the best preorder deals we see – if any – over the coming days.
iPad Pro and iPad Air preorders in the US
iPad Pro and iPad Air preorders in the UK
With the new iPad Pro and iPad Air on the way, we could be about to see some big discounts on the previous models for those after a bargain. We’re always on the lookout for the best iPad deals here at TechRadar so will share any we spot.
And considering Apple also confirmed that the iPad 10.9 is now going to start at the much cheaper price of $349, that could be a bargain pickup when it goes on sale. It’s one we’ll keep an eye on in this month’s Memorial Day sales.
These 2024 headphones pack in a full suite of smart features and impressive sound into a $200 package, with vibrant, detailed audio and an excellent range of EQ functions to cater to your desired sound profile. The 50 hours of battery life don’t hurt either. The rigid construction means it’s not as portable, or possibly as accommodating to every person’s head, but these are still an excellent pair of over-ear headphones for the price.
For
Big, quite assertive sound
Good battery life
Well-made and comfortable
Against
A fractionally blunt listen
The fit won’t suit every head
On-ear volume control is a tad hit and miss
Battery: 25 hours ANC: Yes
After three years on the market, there are newer, better Bose models than the QC45s, but they still pack a punch in the audio department, with consistently excellent sound that’s as easy on the ears as the headphones’ soft, pliable construction. The battery life is likely enough, if a little short by modern standards, and these headphones are a joy to wear even for long periods – just know that you’re going without some of the more forward-looking smart features found elsewhere.
For
Fantastic noise cancellation
Intuitive control scheme
Lightweight and comfortable
New ambient aware mode
Against
Missing a few features
Lackluster clarity
Call quality isn’t great
Occasional dropout
It’s a very good time to be shopping for the best over-ear headphones. Between the Sennheiser Accentum Plus, Bose QuietComfort 45, and myriad of other competing models, there’s a huge range of quality headphones ready to rock your ears, block out environmental noise, and give you the comfort needed for long listening sessions, whether you’re traveling, working, or lying on the sofa with The Tortured Poets Department playing on loop.
But how to choose which headphones are right for you? In this guide, we’ll run you through the major differences between the Bose QuietComfort 45s, one of the best headphones on the market since they released back in 2021, and new-kid-on-the-block Sennheiser Accentum Plus, to help you decide whether excellent legacy headphones or a new modern upstart are the way to go.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Price and release dates
Both the Sennheiser Accentum Plus and Bose QC 45 headphones look similar, but the latter is more easily collapsible. (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus are surprisingly affordable for ANC headphones with touch controls and such a premium finish, at just £199.99 / $229.99 / AU$399.99. That’s an increase over the £159 / $179 / AU$299 Sennheiser Accentum, but not a huge one, making the Plus model a sensible upgrade for those who can afford it.
The Bose QC45 headphones are a little pricier at $329 / £329 / AU$499, and getting a little long in the tooth – the QC45s came out in 2021, and have a formal successor in Bose’s new QuietComfort model. You can still buy the QC45s in a few retailers, but it’s getting harder to find stock across the board. The Accentum Plus, meanwhile, released in early 2024 and feels a little fresher.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Features
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus, a flashy 2024 model, has a few more features that are immediately apparent, including touch controls; while there is a single button for power (and which also activates Bluetooth pairing), most controls like playback or volume are navigated through touch-based gestures, sliding a finger vertically or horizontally across the right earcup.
The Bose QC45s are simpler in this regard, with a small handful of clickable buttons (volume, power, etc) without any touch functionality, and one button on the left earcup for switching between ‘Quiet’ and ‘Aware’ modes – to block outside noise or let it filter in, respectively.
This is largely a matter of preference: touch controls can feel more sleek, and are usually included in high-end models these days, but are occasionally harder to control and easier to activate by accident. Trying to adjust your headband and shooting up the volume unintentionally isn’t a great feeling, though it didn’t happen often in our tests.
Both headphones feature ANC, or active noise cancellation, which is an audio suppression technology that records outside noise through your microphone array and cancels out the sound with opposing frequencies. This is now an industry standard for headphones above $100-200, and a must-have for most listeners, helping you to hear your music, podcasts or calls more clearly in noisy environments (offices, trains, etc). However, the way they use ANC is quite different.
The Bose QC 45s are all about clickable buttons – no touch controls here. (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
The Bose QC45s feature standard ANC, with the option to turn on the noise suppression (‘Quiet’) or use external microphones to let outside noise filter in (‘Aware’). It does work brilliantly, filtering out harsh sounds and some ambient noise so you can focus better on what you’re listening to, without totalling cocooning your ears from the world. There is, sadly, no option to turn off ANC entirely, which would no doubt help with its limited battery life.
The Bose Music app also includes an EQ setting to enhance bass, mid or treble output – not crucial per se, but particularly handy for boosting bass output or tailoring a good sound profile to the kind of music you like.
Sennheiser’s Smart Control app is similar, but has preset sound profiles, and even a slider for gradually phasing environmental sounds in or out – so you can control exactly how much the outside world comes through – or an ‘adaptive’ ANC function that responds automatically to the sounds around you, turning the ANC up or down as needed. There are also more optional smart features, like pausing playback when the headphones are taken off your head, or automatically connecting to a call when you put them on.
Neither headphone comes with a built-in smart assistant, but uses whatever assistant is active on your phone. Both feature similar Bluetooth standards too, though the Accentum Plus’ Bluetooth 5.2 nudges a little ahead with the addition of Bluetooth LE (Low Energy), aiding power efficiency and no doubt helping with their hefty battery life (more on this below).
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus headphones have the edge one sound, thanks to newer tech. (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Audio performance
Of course, few things are more important with headphones than the sound – part of the reason people buy over-ear models, particularly, is that you get room for larger drivers, better audio detail, and a larger soundstage.
The Bose QC45s offer excellent sound recreation, clear vocals, great instrumental separation, and a relaxed sound profile that prevents ear fatigue for long-term listening. That last point means the QC45s aren’t overly prominent on the bass end, despite some ample 40mm drivers, and are lacking some of the audio precision of newer headphones that draw out more texture from individual notes. But there’s no doubt that it’s a pleasant listening experience that your ears can handle for long periods, and the overall balance makes the QC45s good for most genres of music, and most people.
The Bose QC 45s can fold up easily into a portable case – great for frequent travellers. (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
Sennheiser’s Accentum Plus headphones have a similar sound profile, if a little fresher. You’ll find balanced frequencies that don’t disappoint when it comes to vocal/instrumental detail, and 37mm drivers that offer a consistent, but not overpowering bass response that can still punch through at the right moments. Sennheiser’s more advanced EQ settings certainly help, as does a bass boost feature with a more noticeable impact than the simpler Bose app’s EQ – though this is partially due to Sennheiser softening high frequencies to accentuate the difference more.
The Accentum Plus’s main gains are in its smart features, though they do have a slight edge in the audio department. Listening to Billie Eilish’s ‘What Was I Made For’, there’s a slightly wider soundstage on offer, with sharper, more layered vocals and a touch more audio detail, really helping the listener appreciate the full texture of Eilish’s crooning voice as it ebbs and swells into earshot. The vocal tension in Ethel Cain’s breathtaking track ‘Crush’ also comes through more clearly, with subtle vibrations that are hard to pick up with Bose’s older model.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Design
There are some key differences in design philosophy between the Bose QC45s and Sennheiser Accentum Plus worth thinking about.
The Bose QuietComfort 45s are, as the name implies, focused on comfort. They’re almost unrivaled for long-haul flights, with a focus on comfort and listenability over anything else. Unlike the Accentum Plus’ touch controls, Bose sticks with more precise buttons for volume, power, ANC, and Bluetooth activation.
There’s a huge amount of flexibility in how you arrange Bose’s headphones. The QC45s are fully collapsible, making them compact and portable at a moment’s notice, and extending the length of the headband to suit your head size is simple enough.
The Sennheiser case is a little bulkier, and made of a soft synthetic material, unlike the Bose QC 45 hard case (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
The Sennheiser headset is a little more rigid in its construction. There’s considerably more tension in the headband, ensuring that the Accentum Plus cans fit snugly, though making them a bit more oppressive during long listening sessions. While you can twist the earcups, there’s no way to ‘collapse’ them as with the Bose model, meaning they’re a little bulkier in transit.
The QC45s also come with a superior, hard carry case that can handle a jolt or two. Sennheiser’s headset comes packed in a semi-structured soft case with considerably less protection.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Battery
(Image credit: Future)
Sennheiser is a clear winner in the battery life department, with a listed 50 hours and the ability to gain five hours of use from a breezy 10-minute charge. The Bose QC45s, by contrast, lasts up to 25 hours, with a fast charge feature that provides three hours after a 15-minute charge.
Both are sufficient for a full day’s use – not that we’d recommend using headphones for 24 hours straight – but Sennheiser pretty much doubles the time needed between charges, making it far more convenient whatever you plan on using them for.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Verdict
(Image credit: Future)
For most headphone shoppers, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus will be the most impressive option, with a lower retail price, advanced touch controls, better audio detail, superior ANC, and more widely available retail stock.
But we wouldn’t write off the Bose QC45s just yet. For those prone to long listening sessions – say, 10,000 miles in the air – its perfect marriage of physical comfort and relaxed sound recreation makes it a better bet, especially with its compact design and brilliant hard case. I’ve tested many headphones over the years, and there’s a reason the Bose QC45s are my go-to travel option most of the time.
Bose’s model is aging a little, so it might be smart to check out the new Bose QuietComfort model, or high-end QuietComfort Ultra for those who can spend the extra cash. For the price, though, it’s hard not to recommend Sennheiser’s newer model, with all of the modern enhancements that it brings.
Best Buy has launched a massive 4K TV sale featuring up to $800 off many top-rated TVs from Sony, Samsung and LG. Most of the offers are on previous-generation models which are still excellent to this day, so it’s a great opportunity to pick up a bargain on a premium display. I’ve searched the Best Buy TV sale and picked out 8 of the best deals I recommend.
Let’s start with the LG C3 77-inch 4K OLED TV for $2,299.99 (was $2,699.99). This display still holds firmly in our best TV guide for its great performance and fantastic picture quality for TV shows, films, and gaming. While it has been slightly cheaper before, this is still a great price for an enormous OLED screen.
If you want a cheaper but still top-quality display, consider this Samsung Q80C 65-inch 4K QLED TV for $999.99 (it was $1,299.99). It’s a steal at $1,000, which is a benchmark we like to aim for if you want an affordable QLED TV. It’s especially great for sports and gaming, thanks to its high brightness levels and impressive ability to handle motion.
Those are just two of the many highlights from the latest Best Buy 4K TV sale. You can check out more of my recommendations below.
If you want to browse more options you can find more of the latest TV deals hand-picked by TechRadar below. And if the set you’ve been waiting for isn’t in this sale then do check back soon as we’ve got the Best Buy Memorial Day sale and Memorial Day TV sales coming at the end of May.
Here at WIRED, we like Sonos speakers. We really do. Throughout the past decade, we’ve reviewed all of the company’s wirelessly connectable speakers, from its small shelf speakers to its TV soundbars, and we’ve recommended every one of them. But turning your home into a Sonos-powered shrine to sound isn’t cheap. Like Apple products, Sonos speakers sell at a premium, starting at $120 for a basic model. But which ones should you buy? Read on for our favorites, from tiny Bluetooth speakers to full home theaters.
Updated May 2024: We’ve added the Victrola Stream Carbon as another great Sonos turntable option, and we’ve updated links and prices.
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Best Overall Sonos Speaker
The Sonos Era 100 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is our favorite Sonos speaker, for its perfect blend of sound and features. It’s the same shape and size as the Sonos One that came before, which means it easily blends into most spaces. The speaker comes equipped with a volume slider and a play-pause button so you don’t have to take your phone out whenever you want to control it. It has a USB-C input as well, along with a switch on the back of the speaker to manually disable the built-in microphone for privacy.
The Era 100 has large woofers and angled tweeters that create real stereo sound, along with a fast processor that allows the speaker to receive software updates for longer. WIRED senior editor Parker Hall says the speaker sounds noticeably better than the two generations of Sonos One speaker that came before it. It packs a punchier, more defined bass, crisp definition, and room-filling sound. There’s also a room-tuning feature that adjusts the audio based on where you put it (but this works better on iOS devices). We’re also happy to see the addition of Bluetooth pairing, in addition to Wi-Fi, so you can stream audio without a Sonos account and also pair it with a phone easily.
Sonos One SL
Photograph: Sonos
If you’re looking for a less expensive speaker that’s also free of microphones, the Sonos One SL is a solid alternative. You can only control it from your phone or the touch buttons on it (and you don’t have to worry about someone listening in to your home). The SL is also a good way to add more satellite speakers to your home.
Best Speakers to Fill Out a Room
In 2022, Sonos reunited with Ikea to release a second-generation version of its bookshelf speaker. At $130, it’s a bit pricier than its $99 predecessor, but it does come with a few upgrades, including an increase in memory and a faster processor. We still have yet to test the second-gen model, but we did like the first-generation version.
You can mount it right to your wall or stand it upright on a bookshelf or table. And if you want to network a few speakers together for a larger room, or connected rooms, this is the cheapest way to do it. It doesn’t directly take audio commands, because it has no mic, so you’ll need a Sonos One, Sonos Era 100, Google speaker, or Alexa speaker that you can yell at if you want to control it with your voice. Other than that, it does everything you’d want a Sonos to do.
Photograph: IKEA
As with the first model, the second-generation Symfonisk Speaker Lamp has great sound, and it makes for a nice addition to any room. I keep it on the media console in my apartment. The lamp gets bright enough to light the living room, and I love using the speaker to listen to podcasts every morning. It also has a more modern and elevated look compared to its predecessor—with glass shades that come in both black and white. But it’s a fingerprint magnet. I’d recommend the textile shade ($240) if that’ll bother you. My only gripe is that it lacks a microphone, so you can’t control it using voice commands. You can, however, connect it to an Amazon or Nest smart speaker to take advantage of the smart assistant support. If wall art is more your style, Ikea offers the Symfonisk Picture Frame with a built-in Sonos Wi-Fi Speaker for $260.
Best Large Speaker
The Sonos Era 300 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has a rather awkward and startling appearance (we think it looks like a robot’s butt), but the sound quality makes up for it. Under the hood are six speaker drivers, four tweeters, and a couple of mid/bass drivers—all of which deliver detailed, big, and confident sound. The standout feature, however, is spatial audio. With sound that spreads in all directions and for a substantial distance without lacking definition, we think the Era 300 surpasses the Apple HomePod by a wide margin when filling rooms. It’s worth noting that it supports Amazon and Apple’s spatial audio catalog, but not Tidal’s library of Dolby Atmos content.
As with the Era 100, the Era 300 has physical controls including a volume slider, play/pause, skip forward/backward, and voice-assistant interaction (with a choice between Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control). In the back, you’ll find a socket for power, a switch to mute the mics, a USB-C auxiliary input, and a button for Bluetooth pairing (which means you don’t have to use the Sonos app to control it). If you opt for the Sonos companion app, you can adjust EQ, tune the speakers to your environment via the TruePlay feature, and pair other Sonos speakers together.
Best Portable Speaker With Bluetooth
The Sonos Roam (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the company’s smallest and most portable speaker. With built-in Bluetooth connectivity (it’s one of our favorite Bluetooth speakers), you can easily throw it into a tote bag and play music on the go. Using the Sonos app, available for Android and iPhone, you also have the ability to stream from major services like Spotify, Apple Music (with support for AirPlay 2), Tidal, and more. And you can control the speaker via voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
It may not offer audiophile-approved sound for its stature, but it’s still fairly impressive. The dual-driver system, subwoofer, and tweeter work in tandem to provide a bold bass and clear highs—with zero distortion when the volume is cranked up. And with up to 10 hours of listening, it’ll last you a full beach day—and then some.
Photograph: Sonos
The Sonos Move 2 (8/10, WIRED Reviews) isn’t as portable as the Roam—it weighs in at 6.1 pounds while the Roam is 0.95 pounds—but the second-generation version comes with a fair share of upgrades (which explains the higher price). It packs 24 hours of battery life (a major increase from 11 hours on its predecessor), a touch interface for media controls (instead of physical buttons), and the option to connect via Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi (the original Move was strictly Bluetooth or Wi-Fi when in use). It also comes equipped with a second tweeter (both of which fire on both the left and right above the mid/bass driver) and a third digital amplifier—delivering punchy, detailed sound. It’s worth noting that, unlike the first Move, the latest version doesn’t have support for Google Assistant. You’ll have the choice between Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control. It’s a solid speaker for those who are already part of the Sonos ecosystem and are looking for a speaker they won’t take beyond their living room or backyard.
Best Sonos Soundbar (for Most)
As with the original Beam (8/10, WIRED Recommends), the second-generation Beam delivers impressive sound and has a sleek design. In terms of upgrades, it has a faster processor, support for Dolby Atmos (with compatible TVs and streaming apps) for enhanced sound, and an HDMI eARC port for higher-definition audio. You’ll also get hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant, and it works with Airplay 2. You can pair it with a Sonos Sub (an expensive subwoofer) and two other Sonos speakers for surround.
Sonos tweaked the design too, adding a polycarbonate grille to the front instead of a fabric cover as seen on the Gen 1 model. That’s supposed to make it easier to blend in with your interior decor. It’s $50 more than the previous model, which isn’t that much more expensive than the already expensive soundbar. For non-Sonos alternatives, read our Best Soundbars guide.
Sonos sub speaker gen 3Photograph: Sonos
The standard Sonos Sub will cost you $799 at Sonos. It’s superb but expensive. If you’re working with a smaller space, the less costly Sonos Sub Mini is $430 at Best Buy. Don’t bother buying surround speakers until you own a Sub, though. It will make a profound difference.
Best Small Soundbar
If you have an apartment or a smaller room, or are just getting started in the soundbar department, the Sonos Ray (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a solid option for you. The Ray comes in a compact frame, but don’t let that fool you. The soundbar produces clear, crisp sound that easily fills your space with zooms and booms, quiet conversations, and any other moments you wouldn’t want to miss in your favorite movies and shows. Plus, with adjustable settings in the Sonos app, you can configure your ideal listening experience for every song on your favorite album.
This small soundbar easily fits on entertainment centers and dressers, or you can mount it on your wall to free up as much precious space as possible.
Wanna take it to the next level? You can pair the Ray with the aforementioned Sonos Sub Mini to round out the sound in your room. The Sub Mini is wireless (aside from a power cord), so it connects seamlessly to your current system through the Sonos app.
Best for Big Home Theaters
A soundbar can make all the difference in a home theater, and they cost a lot less than a full surround-sound setup. And if you’re looking for one that’s really powerful, the Sonos Arc (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the way to go. It has full Dolby Atmos support, and in many rooms, it can bounce sound off your walls and ceiling well enough that it sounds like you have a surround setup.
With three tweeters and eight mid-woofers, it delivers deep bass and has more balance and depth than the Beam. It’s also a lot longer, stretching 45 inches, or about the width of a 55-inch TV. Its design is elegant and understated in the usual Sonos way—you won’t always notice the bar, but when you do, it’s not an eyesore at all.
I search the web almost every week and pick out the best laptop deals that are available and worth buying for multiple budgets and needs. There’s usually a small selection at any one time, but Amazon is in the middle of a big laptop sale right now with dozens of great devices to choose from. I’m here to help narrow them down, with the seven top laptop deals I recommend at the mega-retailer.
The first and best option for most is this affordable Asus Vivobook 15 for $259.99 (was $329.99). It’s a great price for a standard everyday laptop that will easily handle your basic computing needs, such as web browsing, sending emails, light admin work, streaming media and more.
If you’re after more power then you’ve got several good options. The highlight is the MacBook Air M2 for $849 (was $1,049), which is a return to the record-low price for Apple‘s highly-rated premium laptop. For those who would prefer a Windows machine, this Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro is down to $919.99 (was $1,449.99) – that’s another lowest-ever price for a slick and powerful laptop with a stellar AMOLED display.
Find all of these offers and more below, including a super-cheap Chromebook and budget gaming laptop that I’ve picked out from the Amazon sale.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
