Articles by Joe Maring

If you want to get the most out of your favorite music or podcast, the best cheap noise-canceling headphones are the way to go. They block out ambient noise around you, making it easy to focus on what’s playing — something that’s especially useful when flying, working at a noisy coffee shop, or just being out in public. We’ve rounded up eight of the best ones you can get for less than $100, including the Soundcore Life Q30 as our top overall pick.

Best overall: Soundcore Life Q30

Anker’s Soundcore brand has been at the forefront of the best wireless earbuds and best wireless headphones, and the Life Q30 are another reminder of why Soundcore is one of the most compelling players in the game.

When it comes to active noise cancelation (ANC), the Soundcore Life Q30 feature three customizable modes to help you get the perfect listening experience. Transport Mode helps block out things like an airplane engine (remember those?), Outdoor Mode reduces traffic and wind sounds, and Indoo…

Counting down the days until Google opens up Pixel 6 preorders.

Not since the original Pixel launch have we seen this level of hype for a new Google phone. The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will dramatically improve on the mid-range Pixel 5, offering true flagship specs. And thanks to its striking two-toned design, Google-made Tensor chipset, exclusive Android 12 features like Dynamic colors for the new Material You UI, and improved camera sensors, the 2021 Pixels are set to make a big splash.

Google gave us the first official peek at the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro on August 2 after months of rumors, giving us our first proper glimpse of the phone outside of leaks. Since then, Google has kept silent about the phone; but recent rumors and leaks suggest we could see the final announcement soon, which will unveil the release date, price, and full specs.

With the iPhone 13 set to arrive in late September, we’re primed to see an all-out brawl between Apple and Google in 2021’s closing mo…

It’s no secret that Android tablets have waned in popularity over the past few years. Despite that, Samsung regularly releases new tablet options, channeling its Android know-how into respectable software hosted on killer hardware. Whether you choose our top overall pick — the Galaxy Tab S7 — or any other option in this roundup, the best Samsung tablets all have plenty to recommend compared to iPads, Fires, and other popular brands.

Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7

You have a large number of Galaxy Tabs to choose from, but above everything that’s on offer, the Galaxy Tab S7 stands out as our go-to recommendation. It’s one of the newest tablets in Samsung’s lineup, and for most folks, it’ll be the best one you can buy.

The most important aspect of any tablet is its display, and in this regard, the Tab S7 has a lot going for it. You’re treated to an 11-inch LCD panel with a 2560×1600 resolution and a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate. So whether you play a lot of games or w…

Get what you’re looking for without any hassle by starting right here.

We hear a lot of talk about the benefits of buying an unlocked phone. You can use it on any network, you don’t have a carrier deciding which apps are pre-installed or when you get updates, and you typically don’t have to pay more for the privilege. As unlocked phones get dramatically more popular in the U.S., the number of choices for where you buy one has exploded — and as always, some are better than others.

If you’re in the market to buy one of the best Android phones and want to make sure you buy unlocked, here are the best places you should buy from in 2021!

Amazon

Amazon has revolutionized the way we shop for just about anything, and that includes smartphones. You’ll find phones direct from the companies that make them as well as phones from specialized importers and bulk buyers, which can offer additional savings if you do your research.

From Amazon’s cell phones page, you can quickly narrow down y…

There are plenty of ways to stream content on your television, and if you get one of the best Android TV boxes, you can make sure that the experience is as fast, seamless, and enjoyable as possible. Android TV boxes allow you to instantly access all of your favorite video and music apps, along with some light games, without going out and buying a completely new TV. There are a few different options to choose from, with these being the best of the best.

What are the best Android TV boxes?

Our overall pick has to be the Chromecast with Google TV when it comes to the best Android TV boxes. In almost every regard, the new Chromecast is basically perfect. It has 4K HDR streaming with support for Dolby Vision/Atmos, a great remote that’s easy-to-use, and comes in at an incredible price. However, the star of the show is the special Google TV software that’s layered on top of Android TV, offering new features and an upgraded design that we think you’ll love.

If you aren’t thrilled with what…

If you want to go all-in with smart home gadgets, there’s a lot you can get, from smart speakers to smart lighting. Smart locks for Google Home are also worth the investment. Not only do they keep your home safe and secure, but they can be also be controlled remotely, and you can give access to other family members or friends easily. Here are the best Smart locks for Google Home that can be controlled using Google Assistant.

Google Assistant’s best friend

Google Nest x Yale Smart Lock

Staff Pick

You can control this smart lock from anywhere through Google Assistant, and it ties in beautifully with other Google Nest products with automated features like disabling your Nest Secure alarm when you come home. It can unlock automatically with your phone and has a backup number pad.

From $275 at Amazon

Budget choice

August Smart Lock – Keyless Home Entry

August’s third-generation smart lock is a real treat. It unlocks automatically with your phone and has a deadbolt thumb turn o…

You can get a lot of phone for a modest price these days, and to prove it, we’ve rounded up a list of the best Android phones under $300 for your consideration. Motorola has been a leading name in mid-range options for years, and that holds true with its excellent Moto G Power (2020). You get capable specs with a big display and simple software that anyone can figure out for an extremely competitive price. Plus, it has a massive battery and convenient USB-C charging.

Best overall Android phone under $300: Moto G Power (2020)

Motorola launched a few different Moto G phones for 2020, but the one that stands out as the best pick for most people is the Moto G Power (2020). This phone nails all the basics, has a very affordable price, and a cool trick up its sleeve — battery life.

A 5,000 mAh battery is crammed inside of the Moto G Power, meaning you can get between two and three days of use out of the phone before needing to charge it up. In a world where a lot of $1,000 flagships…

Could this be the Xperia we’ve been waiting for?

Sony is — and has been for a while — in a tough spot with its smartphone business. We still see regular releases from the company every year, but time and time again, its devices just fail to cultivate any sort of meaningful audience. In 2021, all eyes are set on the Sony Xperia 1 III, possibly being able to change that.

The Xperia 1 II was a great Android phone in more ways than one, but a lack of 5G and a steep price made it a difficult recommendation compared to its competitors. Now, after waiting impatiently for months since Sony’s April announcement, the Mark III phone is finally shipping out around the world in late August.

Do its never-before-seen dual focal length telephoto lens, louder stereo speakers and 120Hz 4K display make it worth the hefty cost? Let’s help you decide; here’s everything you need to know about the Sony Xperia 1 III.

Sony Xperia 1 III:

Price
Availability
Design
Specs
FAQ

Fanciest of flagsh…

The OnePlus 6T may be old, but it’s still a good-looking phone by today’s standards. Heck, it’s actually quite stunning. Those good looks do come at a cost, however, as the all-glass back will likely show signs of use a lot sooner than you’d like. Thankfully, you can prevent that and keep the 6T looking some of the best OnePlus 6T cases. Here are our most trusted options to keep your phone looking sharp for years to come.

Thinnest you can get

Anccer Compatible for OnePlus 6T Case

Staff Pick

Once again, Anccer delivers one of the best thin cases you can get. Measuring in at just 0.3mm, the Anccer Colorful Series case offers basic scratch and drop protection, so your 6T will keep looking nice without adding any extra bulk. Better yet, you’ve got eight gorgeous colors to pick from.

$12 at Amazon

Double layer protection

TUDIA Dual Layer Case

This basic yet durable protective case has two layers of shockproof TPU and polycarbonate that will help keep your precious phone safe f…

The OnePlus 8 brings a plethora of high-end specs and features to a smartphone with a very respectable price tag. One of the device’s highlights is its 90Hz AMOLED display, meaning you’ll want to do everything in your power to keep it protected. The OnePlus 8 does come with a pre-installed screen protector right out of the box, but if that gets damaged or you want a backup. Here are our top picks for the best OnePlus 8 screen protectors available to you now.

All around great

QITAYO Flexible TPU Film Screen Protector (3-Pack)

Staff Pick

QITAYO’s screen protector is the most similar to what’s pre-installed on the OnePlus 8, seeing as how it’s made out of a flexible TPU material. The protector is fully compatible with the phone’s in-screen fingerprint sensor, is easy to install, and can even self-repair small scratches and bubbles in about 24 hours. The best part? You get a pack of three for a really competitive price.

$10 at Amazon

No scratches here

Orzero Edge-to-Edge S…