Quick OverviewMore options

Anker Soundcore Space A40

$59 at Amazon$100 at NeweggSee more options

OluKai Kipuka Hulu Slippers

$130 at OluKai

Instant Pot Vortex Mini Air Fryer (4-in-1, 2-quart)

$40 at Amazon

Tomtoc Defender-A13 Laptop Sleeve

$27 at Amazon

Anker 733 Power Bank

$100 at Amazon

LapGear Designer Lap Desk

$34 at Amazon

Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand

$127 at Amazon

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

$48 at Amazon

Timbuk2 Lane Commuter Laptop Backpack

$189 at Timbuk2

Blue Apron gift card

$70+ at Blue Apron

Bookshop.org gift card

$10+ at Bookshop.org

Hulken Bag

$90 at AmazonMore options

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

$15 at Xbox$15 at AmazonSee more options

Away Carry-On

$275 at Away

Moshi Digits

$30 at Amazon

YouTube Premium

$14/month at YouTubeMore options

GrubHub Gift Card

$50 at Amazon$50 at GrubHubSee more optionsSee 12 moreSoundcore

Anker Soundcore Space A40

If your grad needs a new set of wireless earbuds that’ll work during the commute, at the gym or just while listening to music at home, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 should satisfy. The top pick in our budget wireless earbuds guide, this set is compact and comfortable, with a pleasantly bassy sound and strong active noise cancellation. It doesn’t have the best mics for phone calls, but it gets a good eight hours of battery life per charge, and it can connect to multiple devices simultaneously. Provided your grad doesn’t insist on getting AirPods, it should be a great value for you as well, as it usually costs around $60.

$59 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$100 at NeweggOluKai

OluKai Kipuka Hulu Slippers

For keeping warm during the cold winter months or simply not walking around the dorm barefoot, a set of OluKai slippers should be a great gift to make your grad’s day-to-day more comfortable. The Kipuka Hulu (for men) and Ku’una (for women) both slip over the whole foot easily and have delightfully soft interiors (the latter has a bit more fuzz around the heel). Both have simple yet attractive leather exteriors, plus sturdy rubber outsoles that will allow your grad to make quick jaunts to the bodega or around campus with minimal discomfort.

$130 at OluKaiInstant Pot

Instant Pot Vortex Mini Air Fryer (4-in-1, 2-quart)

An air fryer is a no-go in many college dorms, but for grads moving into a new apartment, it’s a fast and accessible tool for cooking many smaller meals. Among these, the Instant Pot Vortex Mini is a good option for cramped living spaces that we recommend in our guide to the best air fryers. It’s a two-quart model that takes up very little countertop space, and while it can’t cook a ton of food at once, it can still prepare things like wings, tofu and roasted veggies with minimal fuss. Its controls and pre-programmed settings are all dead simple to operate, and like most air fryers, it’s not a pain to clean. For grads who could use something beyond a microwave, it should make meal time easier. If you’d rather buy something bigger, consider the top pick in our guide, the Instant Vortex Plus.

$40 at Amazontomtoc

Tomtoc Defender-A13 Laptop Sleeve

Having a dedicated sleeve for their laptop can give your grad an extra bit of protection for one of the most important (and expensive) gadgets they have to carry around every day. There are a ton of suitable options here, but we’ve found Tomtoc’s Defender A-13 series to offer a tight yet secure fit, enough protection to fend off scuffs and scratches and enough water resistance to withstand spilled drinks. Plus, it has a pouch for holding accessories. Several colors and sizes are available, and at $30, it’s relatively affordable.

$27 at AmazonAnker

Anker 733 Power Bank

A portable power bank will keep your grad’s devices alive while they’re out of the house (and save you a little stress in the process). Anker’s 733 Power Bank is a particularly versatile take on the concept, as it can plug into an outlet and double as a wall charger. It has two USB-C ports and a USB-A port, so your grad can top up multiple devices at once. In wall-charger mode, it can deliver up to 65W of power, which is enough to charge some smaller laptops. As a portable battery, this drops to 30W, but that’s still enough to charge any iPhone at full speed. The 733 itself is fairly compact given its functionality, but if you think your grad would prefer something more pocketable, the Anker 511 Power Bank is a much smaller 2-in-1 option that we recommend in our guide to the best power banks.

$100 at AmazonLapGear

LapGear Designer Lap Desk

When your grad doesn’t feel like sitting at their actual desk, a lap desk can make working from the couch more comfortable. If nothing else, it’s a more organized solution than having them prop their laptop up on a throw pillow. If you think the graduate in your life could use one of these, the LapGear Designer is a fine choice. Its underside is soft yet stable, while its smooth top surface is easy to clean and large enough to fit a 17-inch laptop. There’s a stop at the bottom that helps keep their stuff from sliding off when the desk is slanted at an angle, as well as an elastic band for holding pens and notepads and a storage slot for phones. The accessory only weighs about two pounds on its own, while a built-in handle makes it easier to carry around.

$34 at AmazonBelkin

Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand

Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro is a sturdy wireless charger that can refill an iPhone, an Apple Watch and a set of AirPods (or any other wireless earbuds) at the same time. It supplies up to 15W of power to an iPhone, which is the fastest rate possible for this kind of device, and its MagSafe-compatible mount makes it all but impossible to align the device incorrectly. It also just looks nice, with a slick metal branch that extends from its base and makes the phone and watch look as if they’re floating in the air. If your giftee is all-in on Apple gear, it should be a stylish yet practical addition to their nightstand.

$127 at AmazonWill Lipman Photography for Engadget

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

It’s 2024, so we’re guessing there’s a good chance your grad won’t be subscribing to cable once they get an apartment. If that’s the case, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a speedy and uncomplicated way to get streaming apps on their TV. It performs well, it’s dead simple to navigate and it supports just about all of the major services (Twitch aside). It also works with Apple AirPlay, so your grad can beam shows to it directly from an iPhone. An Apple TV 4K is faster and less ad-heavy if you can afford it, but the Roku stick gets most of the way there for less than half the price, and its smaller design is much more convenient for travel.

$48 at AmazonTimbuk2

Timbuk2 Lane Commuter Laptop Backpack

There are any number of backpacks that could work for a graduate in need of a bag refresh, but Timbuk2’s Lane Commuter Backpack is one we’ve recommended before. This 18-liter bag isn’t the largest pack, but it’s light, comfy and sturdily constructed, with a pair of bottle holders, a compartment for a 15-inch laptop and enough pockets for carrying the essentials to work or class. It has reflective panels on the front and shoulder straps to keep itself visible at night, and while it’s water-resistant on its own, it comes with a removable sleeve for full protection from heavy downpours.

If your grad needs more space for stuffing lots of tech, Timbuk2’s Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe (28L) might be a better buy. SwissGear’s 1908 ScanSmart is another hefty option (32L) that has served yours truly well for years and costs less than $100, though it doesn’t look as nice and is more likely to show more signs of wear over time. You can read our roundup of our favorite backpacks for other suggestions, too.

$189 at Timbuk2Blue Apron

Blue Apron gift card

A meal kit service is a relatively approachable way to get your grad in the habit of cooking for themselves. There are roughly two quintillion meal kit services to choose from these days, few of which are actually bad, and some of which may be better than others depending on your grad’s preferences. If you just want us to pick one, Blue Apron is a particularly no-fuss choice for newbie cooks, with straightforward recipes, various menu options, generally high-quality ingredients and an intuitive website. While none of these services deliver meals on par with a good restaurant, they should still please most tastes.

$70+ at Blue ApronBookshop.org

Bookshop.org gift card

Reading! Sources say that it’s something your grad should continue to do, even when they don’t have a professor forcing their hand. Gifting them a free book or two with a Bookshop.org gift card is a good way to keep them going, or reignite their love of reading for fun. Apart from having a wide selection, the marketplace doles out a percentage of its profits to independent booksellers, so you and your grad can feel a bit better about supporting a good cause (or, if nothing else, a better cause than Amazon’s). It also allows you to order books from one local bookseller and direct the full profit to that specific store alone.

$10+ at Bookshop.orgHulken

Hulken Bag

The Hulken bag is a big rolling tote that your grad can use to more comfortably wheel around groceries, laundry or any other large hauls. It’s available in three sizes, and while it’s not exactly cheap, it feels comfortably durable. (Anecdotally, mine has shown little sign of wear after about a year of weekly use.) The bag folds up for tidier storage, and there are a few built-in handles that make it easier to lift up stairs or carry around campus. All told, Hulken says the bag can carry up to 66 pounds. Something like this might be most useful for city dwellers, but if your grad hasn’t done their own laundry and grocery shopping much before, it should take some weight off their shoulders, literally and figuratively.

$90 at AmazonXbox

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass remains a great value for any grad who owns an Xbox or gaming PC. The subscription’s library includes big-name series like Halo and Minecraft alongside more experimental gems like Hi-Fi Rushand Pentiment, and it still gets you access to first-party Xbox games on day one. Everything is available to download on-demand. The Ultimate tier includes perks like cloud gaming and online play, but there are cheaper options for just Xbox consoles or PCs as well.

If your graduate plays more on PlayStation or the Nintendo Switch, there are similar services you can gift: PlayStation Plus for the former, Switch Online for the latter. These will almost certainly be appreciated if you’re buying for someone who games frequently, though they’re not quite as strong a value as Game Pass in terms of cost or included games.

$15 at XboxExplore More Buying Options$15 at AmazonAway

Away Carry-On

The popular Away Carry-On is a stylish and sturdy hard-sided suitcase your grad should appreciate when it’s time to come back home. Its polycarbonate shell is tough but not overly stiff, and it’s available in several bold colors. Its zippers, adjustable handle and fully rotatable wheels all feel substantial. As a 40-liter suitcase, it can fit enough items to last a week or so on the road, plus it comes with a breakaway bag for dirty laundry. Away sells larger models as well, and it backs all of them with lifetime limited warranty.

The Carry-On has been my personal suitcase for several years now, and while it has caught some scuffs over time (like most polycarbonate cases), it hasn’t shown any major signs of degradation after several international trips. You can get luggage with more compartments if efficiency is your main concern, and it’s hard to call this a strong value, but as a gift, the Carry-On should delight any grad who’d like a fashionable and lightweight suitcase.

$275 at AwayMoshi

Moshi Digits

Your grad probably won’t need them for a few more months, but the Moshi Digits are the rare winter gloves that are both warm and not impossible to use with a smartphone. Their knitted exterior and microfleece lining are sufficiently protective from the cold, while a set of rubber strips make it easier to keep hold of a phone. Typing with the Digits on isn’t as fast as using your bare hands, but it’s responsive enough to pull off brief texts and searches without constant typos. The gloves aren’t perfect: They’ll run tight for those with large hands, and they can be susceptible to loose threads. But if your grad is heading somewhere cold and needs to text on the go, they should help.

$30 at AmazonEngadget

YouTube Premium

If your grad spends a good chunk of time on YouTube, the first thing you should probably do is remind them that there are much better ways to spend their time. (I speak from experience.) But the second, and more practical, thing you can do is buy them a YouTube Premium subscription. This will let them download YouTube videos for offline viewing and play videos in the background on a mobile device and, most importantly, remove ads across the service. It also includes access to YouTube Music, a full-on Spotify competitor and a recommendation from our guide to the best music streaming services.

The catch here is that there’s no easy way to actually gift the subscription, so you may have to just pay their bill for however long you’re comfortable doing so. Premium costs $14 a month for individuals, which isn’t cheap, though it drops down to $8 a month for students. You could also put multiple users on a family plan, though that hikes the price to $23 a month. Regardless, for those who watch YouTube almost as much as traditional TV, most of Premium’s features are borderline indispensable once you’ve had them. Yes, that’s partly because the ad experience on YouTube is so terrible, but an upgrade is an upgrade.

$14/month at YouTubeGrubHub

GrubHub Gift Card

Here’s a simple one: Regardless of their current culinary skills, your grad is probably going to use a food delivery service like GrubHub sooner rather than later. We’ve yet to find a young adult who will say no to free food, so gifting them a couple of meals is an immediate and practical way to make their early days of independence more manageable.

$50 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$50 at GrubHub

The post The best high school graduation gifts in 2024 appeared first on Best News.

Quick OverviewMore options

Ember Mug 2

$114 at Amazon$140 at Verishop$120 at Abt ElectronicsSee more options

Levoit Core 400S air purifier

$220 at Amazon

Trade Coffee subscription

$40 at Trade Coffee

Mpix photo books

$20 at MpixMore options

Instant Vortex Plus air fryer

$130 at Amazon$152 at Walmart$100 at BelkSee more optionsMore options

Fitbit Inspire 3

$89 at Amazon$97 at Walmart$100 at AdoramaSee more optionsMore options

Echo Show 15

$280 at Amazon$280 at Kohl’s$280 at TargetSee more optionsMore options

Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender

$130 at Amazon$130 at Sur La Table$130 at Bloomingdale’sSee more optionsMore options

OluKai Ku’una Slippers

$130 at Nordstrom$176 at AmazonSee more optionsMore options

iRobot Roomba 694

$180 at Walmart$180 at Wayfair$180 at AmazonSee more optionsMore options

Apple Watch Series 9

$299 at Walmart$299 at Amazon$399 at AdoramaSee more optionsMore options

Beats Fit Pro

$160 at Amazon$181 at Groupon$200 at VerizonSee more options

Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh)

$40 at AmazonMore options

Breville Juice Fountain Plus Juicer

$140 at Amazon$140 at Macy’s$150 at WayfairSee more options

Headspace subscription

$70/year at HeadspaceMore options

JBL Flip 6

$100 at Adorama$94 at Walmart$100 at AmazonSee more options

Hatch Restore 2

$200 at Hatch

Universal Yums subscription

$15 at Universal YumsSee 13 moreEmber

Ember Mug 2

Take your mother’s morning coffee routine up a notch with the Ember Mug, a self-heating smart mug that keeps beverages at just the right temperature for up to 1.5 hours or all day if the mug is kept on its charging coaster. It has a temperature range between 120 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which lets your mom dial in just how hot she wants her brew. There’s also a companion app which lets her save preset temps for her favorite drinks, track her caffeine intake, customize the color of the LED light on the front of the mug and more. The latest version comes in a pretty rose gold color as well as white, black, gold, silver and copper. — Nicole Lee, Commerce Writer

$114 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$140 at Verishop$120 at Abt ElectronicsLEVOIT

Levoit Core 400S air purifier

When I tested air purifiers for our guide, I found the best way to clear the air was by opening windows — but if the mom in your life deals with allergies or lives where the air quality can get bad, an air purifier can be the next best thing. The Levoit Core 400S Smart Air Purifier was one of the quietest models I tested and performed on a level with models three times as expensive. It has a three-stage filter (including an activated carbon layer and particulate filter), and the internal particulate matter sensor can automatically adjust fan speed as air gets murkier. The companion app both shows historical air quality readouts and makes the unit itself easy to control and schedule. Plus, the replacement filters aren’t overly expensive like they are with other units. — Amy Skorheim, Reporter, Buying Advice

$220 at AmazonTrade Coffee

Trade Coffee subscription

If you think mom would enjoy upgrading her morning cup of java, a Trade Coffee subscription can help. It offers a curated selection of more than 450 coffees from across the US and smartly personalizes which ones it recommends to each subscriber. Upon redeeming her gift, she’ll be prompted to take a brief quiz that asks about her flavor and brew preferences, information Trade will use to suggest a specific bag catered to her taste. Mom can then give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to any coffee she receives, which the company will use to hone its future recommendations. Managing her coffee queue online is easy enough, too. You can gift anywhere from two to 24 bags, and Trade says any gift subscriptions will not automatically renew so neither you nor mom will have any surprise charges to deal with down the line. — Jeff Dunn, Senior Reporter, Buying Advice

$40 at Trade CoffeeMpix

Mpix photo books

So many of us take hundreds of photos with our phones and then never do anything with them. They’re left to languish in our camera rolls, only to be uncovered when you have to scroll back months to find that one image you’re searching for. If you want to give mom a more polished way to look back at her favorite photos, an album from Mpix will do the trick. You can customize your photo book from the ground up, choosing the best images of her family and friends and laying them out on each page in a neat way. You can also pick from different types of cover options and paper weights, making the final product as premium as you want it to be. With options starting at $20 per book, it’s pretty easy to make mom a gift she’ll want to revisit long after Mother’s Day is over. – Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor, Buying Advice

$20 at MpixInstant Pot

Instant Vortex Plus air fryer

Some moms cook multi-course dinners every night. Others, like me, are proud when the evening’s meal is more elaborate than a PB&J. The microwave is a perfectly fine way to get food on the table but I’ve found an air fryer makes low-effort dinners feel fancy. Instant’s Vortex Plus crisps the exterior of the veggie corn dogs my kid loves and gives chicken nuggets a golden patina that looks nice next to my signature (microwaved) broccoli and cheese. There’s even a viewing window to peek at food’s progress and the replaceable filter does a good job tamping down odors and smokiness. I got my Vortex Plus because it tops our guide to air fryers and couldn’t agree more with my team’s assessment. — A.S.

$130 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$152 at Walmart$100 at BelkWill Lipman Photography for Engadget

Fitbit Inspire 3

After the past few years, your mom is likely excited to get out of the house more often – especially as the weather improves – and maybe she wants to take more regular walks and runs in her neighborhood. The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a low-cost and easy-to-use way to track her steps and sleep, along with other stats that indicate our overall fitness level. New users can also snag six months of Fitbit Premium to add even more fitness guides and meditation features to the already-great app. — Kris Naudus, Commerce Writer

$89 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$97 at Walmart$100 at AdoramaWill Lipman Photography for Engadget

Echo Show 15

The Echo Show 15 is 2024’s answer to the tiny TV so many of us remember our parents having in the kitchen back in the day. It’s small enough to mount on the wall in even a tiny space, but the screen is big enough to do justice to a casual sitcom or silly reality show while you make pesto. In addition to smart TV duties, it can handle all the stuff Alexa can do: tell you the weather, set timers and remind you when it’s trash night. On top of that, it can control compatible smart home gadgets and check in on your connected cameras and video doorbells. When you’re not using it, the Photo Frame feature cycles through pics you upload to the Alexa Photo app. Since getting one as a gift from my own mother, washing dishes no longer feels like such a slog. — A.S.

$280 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$280 at Kohl’s$280 at TargetBreville

Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender

If your mom already knows her way around the kitchen, a new toy like the Breville Control Grip could inspire her to experiment and try out new recipes. Our favorite immersion blender has a powerful 280-watt motor and comes with a separate bowl for chopping and mincing, as well as a larger jug for preparing soups and smoothies. It supports 15 different speeds, making it versatile enough to craft all kinds of dishes, and the included whisk attachment turns it into a makeshift hand mixer, too. It’s one of those unicorn-like multipurpose kitchen gadgets — it does a lot of different things and does them well. And, unlike a high-powered blender or stand mixer, it won’t take up too much space in a cabinet. — V.P.

$130 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$130 at Sur La Table$130 at Bloomingdale’sOluKai

OluKai Ku’una Slippers

If your mom doesn’t like to walk around the house barefoot or literally gets cold feet with any regularity, a set of OluKai slippers should make her day-to-day more comfortable. The Ku’una pair slip over the whole foot easily and have a delightfully soft interior. The understated leather exterior is attractive, and the sturdy rubber outsole makes it so mom can walk the dog or mosey around the backyard with minimal discomfort. — Jeff Dunn, Senior Commerce Writer

$130 at NordstromExplore More Buying Options$176 at AmazonPhoto by Valentina Palladino / Engadget

iRobot Roomba 694

While a robot vacuum won’t eliminate all the cleaning your mom might already do around the house, it definitely makes one portion of it easier. The Roomba 694 is one of our favorite budget robot vacuums in part because it provides a ton of value for its $274 price. Most importantly, it does a great job cleaning both hard and carpeted floors and it runs long enough that it should get to most areas in your home before needing to recharge. It connects to WiFi so you can control it either with its companion mobile app, or using Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands. Your mom can even use the mobile app to set a cleaning schedule, so she doesn’t even have to think about the machine — it’ll scurry around the house, sucking up dirt and debris, all on its own time. — V.P.

$180 at WalmartExplore More Buying Options$180 at Wayfair$180 at AmazonApple

Apple Watch Series 9

The Apple Watch Series 9 will be the ultimate iPhone accessory for mom, and one that may actually reduce the number of times she has to pick up her phone during the day. It’ll deliver all of your texts right to her wrist, along with any other notifications that ping her handset throughout the day. She may also appreciate that it passively tracks her activity all day, every day, and she can use it to record almost any workout from yoga to HIIT. And then there are the features that are nice to have, but hope she’ll never have to use, like fall and crash detection. If you’re looking to gift your mom the best smartwatch on the market right now, the Series 9 is the way to go. — V.P.

$299 at WalmartExplore More Buying Options$299 at Amazon$399 at AdoramaWill Lipman Photography for Engadget

Beats Fit Pro

The Beats Fit Pro may be our favorite wireless earbuds for working out, but your mom doesn’t have to be a regular running or pilates enthusiast to get a lot of use out of them. These buds have a comfortable, secure fit thanks to their flexible wing tips, plus a great sound profile out of the box thanks in part to Adaptive EQ technology. Active noise cancellation is solid as well, which will come in handy when she wants to block out distractions at work or while running errands, and she’ll be able to quickly jump into any conversation she deems important by using Transparency Mode. If your mom has an iPhone, she’ll benefit from the H1 chip inside the Beats Fit Pro, which enables things like quick pairing and switching between Apple devices and hands-free Siri. But Android toting mothers won’t be left out either — the Fit Pros have their own Android app that supports many of the same features. — V.P.

$160 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$181 at Groupon$200 at VerizonAnker

Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh)

Nobody wants to be left with a dead smartphone, moms included, but having to carry a cable alongside a portable battery can be a hassle. This Anker Nano power bank fixes that with a built-in USB-C cord, giving your mom one less thing to take with her before leaving the house. She’ll need to own an iPhone 15 or Android handset to make use of that cable, and the battery itself isn’t the absolute fastest thing out there. But its 30W power output is enough to top up Apple’s latest phones at full speed, and its 10,000mAh capacity is enough to supply about two refills. There’s a little display that shows its current charging status as well, and at four inches tall and roughly half a pound, it’s easy to toss in a bag. A device like this isn’t the flashiest gift, but it should be practical. — J.D.

$40 at AmazonPhoto by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

Breville Juice Fountain Plus Juicer

What is it with moms telling everyone to eat their vegetables? In my experience, it’s an involuntary response to motherhood. The Breville Juice Fountain Plus is a way for moms to make drinks loaded with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that actually taste good too. The Juice Fountain Plus’ titanium and steel extraction disc works with an 850 watt motor to squeeze a lot of juice from even tough root veggies. The three-inch chute accepts big chunks of produce, which cuts down on prep time, but even more importantly, the machine disassembles easily and isn’t a pain to clean. – A.S.

$140 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$140 at Macy’s$150 at WayfairHeadspace

Headspace subscription

Nobody needs to pay for an app to practice better mindfulness and flush out bad vibes, but if your mom has expressed interest in guided meditation, Headspace is our favorite service of the bunch. It offers a buffet of exercises aimed at different life goals and situations, from boosting creativity to increasing relaxation to creating a soothing sleep environment. Most of the meditations let you choose between different instructors, and we’ve found the multi-step courses to gradually build on themselves well. All of it comes in an app that’s clean and easy to navigate. Headspace costs $70/year for an annual subscription, so it may not be something your mom wants to stick with forever. Still, it should be a welcome gift for those looking for a more structured way to get (and stay) in the mental self-care habit. — J.D.

$70/year at HeadspaceJBL

JBL Flip 6

Laundry, dishes, garden maintenance and garage tinkering all take place in different locations. JBL’s Flip 6 is about the size of a crowler and easily relocates with me so I can listen to music as I take care of what needs doing. The portable Bluetooth speaker made the list in our buyer’s guide because it puts out a good amount of volume for its size and delivers balanced sound with crisp highs and solid lows. I like how it fills a room but you can still pick out the layers in a Grouper track and enjoy the lows on a Low album without muddiness. The cylindrical design stands on its end or lays flat (without rolling around), so the mom in your life can plonk it down wherever she needs to be. — A.S.

$100 at AdoramaExplore More Buying Options$94 at Walmart$100 at AmazonHatch

Hatch Restore 2

Assuming the mom in your life has moved beyond the mother-of-a-newborn phase, she might be looking for ways to get better rest each night. The Hatch Restore 2 covers three areas: wind down, sleep sounds and a gentle wake up. Each segment is programmable through the app and offers choices like chillout routines, meditations and stories to help her fall asleep; white noise and nature soundscapes help her stay asleep; and lights, tones and guided stretches to wake up to. The device itself is an attractive domed shape with a textured linen face and a few subtle, yet easy-to-find buttons. Accessing the full library of routines requires a $5 monthly subscription, but there’s enough free, included content to make the device effective without it. – A.S.

$200 at HatchUniversal Yums

Universal Yums subscription

A Universal Yums subscription is a way to make mom’s snack time a little more exciting. Each month, this service ships out a bundle of goodies from a different country (April’s was / is Belgium) alongside a tour guide-style booklet with little games and information about the highlighted nation. Not every treat will be a home run, but if your mom has a more adventurous palate, getting a literal taste of somewhere new can be fun. Gift packages are available in several different sizes and lengths of time. — J.D.

$15 at Universal Yums

The post Gadgets that make great Mother's Day gifts appeared first on Best News.

Quick Overview

Lume Cube Edge LED Desk Light

$140 at AmazonMore options

Logitech Brio 500

$90 at Amazon$130 at Staples$130 at Office DepotSee more optionsMore options

Anker 525 Charging Station

$45 at Amazon$66 at NeweggSee more optionsMore options

Sony WH-1000XM5

$316 at Groupon$319 at Amazon$348 at AdoramaSee more options

Mooas Multi Cube Timer

$19 at AmazonMore options

Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Keyboard

$110 at B&H Photo$130 at Adorama$130 at WalmartSee more options

Sonos Era 100

$249 at SonosMore options

Mophie PowerStation Pro AC

$164 at Amazon$200 at Lenovo$200 at AdoramaSee more options

Keychron V3 Max

$94 at Keychron

Bellroy Transit Workpack

$199 at Bellroy

Elevation Lab Go Stand

$20 at Elevation Lab

ErgoFoam Adjustable Desk Foot Rest

$40 at AmazonMore options

Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed Wireless Mouse

$59 at Amazon$59 at Walmart$65 at Macy’sSee more options

Roost laptop stand

$90 at Roost

Uplift standing desk

$599 at UpliftMore options

Anker Surge Protector Power Strip

$30 at Amazon$30 at NeweggSee more optionsMore options

Creative Pebble Pro

$50 at Amazon$94 at NeweggSee more optionsMore options

Sorbus 3-Tier Bamboo Shelf Organizer

$37 at Groupon$40 at Amazon$45 at Kohl’sSee more options

Ergotron – LX Premium Monitor Arm, Single Monitor Desk Mount – fits Flat Curved Ultrawide Computer Monitors up to 34 Inches, 7 to 25 lbs, VESA 75x75mm or 100x100mm – Polished Aluminum

$191 at AmazonSee 14 moreLUME CUBE

Lume Cube Edge LED Desk Light

Even if your graduate already has an upgraded webcam, bad lighting can prevent them from putting their best face forward when speaking with colleagues on video calls. The LumeCube Edge Desk Light can fix that with its multiple brightness and warm-light settings, plus a bendable neck that makes it easy to adjust the light’s position. Since it’s quite flexible, they can use it for other things, too, including note-taking and live streaming. And we know they’ll appreciate its built-in USB-C and USB-A charging ports, which will let them conveniently power up their phone, earbuds and more while getting all of their work done. — Nicole Lee, Commerce Writer

$140 at AmazonLogitech

Logitech Brio 500

There’s a good chance your grad will have to take regular video conference calls at their new job, even if they go into the office from time to time. Sure, they could use their laptop’s built-in basic camera, but a webcam like the Logitech Brio 500 can help them put their best face forward on every call they take. The Brio 500 shoots 1080p video and they can customize aspects of their feed, including brightness, contrast and additive filters, by using the free Logi Tune software. But most of the time, the cam will do the hard work for them: it has remarkably good auto-light correction, which will help them look better in dark environments, noise-reducing dual microphones and auto-framing with RightSight. If the latter is enabled, your grad can shift in their chair and move around and the Brio 500 will adjust automatically to keep them in the center of the frame. And when they’re not on a call, there’s a handy shutter that covers the camera lens for extra privacy. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor, Buying Advice

$90 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$130 at Staples$130 at Office DepotAnker

Anker 525 Charging Station

In a world that runs on batteries, you can never be too far from a charger. A reliable charging station like the Anker 525 is a real convenience for topping up a smartphone, tablet, wireless mouse or any other device that may need refilling. It puts four charging ports within arm’s reach — two USB-C and two USB-A — and it measures less than five inches wide, so it’s compact enough to fit on a crowded desk. Those USB-C ports can supply up to a 67W charge, so this isn’t the most powerful station out there, but it’s still enough to charge many mobile devices and slim laptops at full speed. — Jeff Dunn, Senior Reporter, Buying Advice

$45 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$66 at NeweggWill Lipman Photography for Engadget

Sony WH-1000XM5

Blocking out the world in an attempt to focus isn’t something that only new graduates do — but they, too, can benefit from having a little help in that area. Whether they’re going to work on a loud train or trying to finish prepping a presentation at home, a pair of ANC headphones like Sony’s WH-1000XM5 is one of the best gifts to help them stay in the zone. The XM5 are Sony’s latest flagship model and the best wireless headphones you can get right now by our standards. Sony packs so much into these cans: improved noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, handy touch controls and a 30-hour battery life, just to name a few things. Their redesigned design makes them even more comfortable to wear for hours on end, and their ability to connect to two devices at once means your giftee can easily switch from taking a call on their phone to listening to music on their laptop. — V.P.

$316 at GrouponExplore More Buying Options$319 at Amazon$348 at Adoramamooas

Mooas Multi Cube Timer

One of the most difficult obstacles with working from home is all the distractions. Even seasoned WFH folks can get sidetracked by temptations like TV, the internet or just easy access to the kitchen — any grad new to remote-work life could feel the same way. A potential solution to that is to use one of these multi-cube timers from Mooas as a productivity tool. Each side corresponds to different lengths of time; to start the timer, they’ll flip the cube so the desired time faces upwards. Flipping the LCD display upwards again will pause it, while turning the display downwards will stop the timer.

There are a number of ways to use them, but I like using the Pomodoro Technique with these. I’ll enable the 30 minute timer, which then encourages me to focus just on my work for the allotted time period. Once time is up, I give myself a five minute rest, and then I start it over again. Your giftee can also use them as a reminder to stand up and stretch every so often. These timers come in a variety of colors, each with different time pre-sets, so be sure to pick the one with the time lengths you think your loved one will want. — N.L.

$19 at AmazonLogitech

Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Keyboard

After a decade spent typing in front of a computer, I started looking for ways to make my body hate me less come Friday afternoon. You can get your grad working more ergonomically from the jump with Logitech’s ERGO K860 wireless ergonomic keyboard. It’s a full sized keyboard complete with a number pad and wrist rest, plus it has keys that gently shift outwards to create a more natural hand position for typing. That subtle change lets the elbows move away from the ribs and keeps a straighter line from forearm to middle knuckle, which generally feels much less straining. It also connects via Bluetooth quickly, pairs with Macs and PCs and can switch between three different devices with a press of a button. — Amy Skorheim, Reporter, Buying Advice

$110 at B&H PhotoExplore More Buying Options$130 at Adorama$130 at WalmartPhoto by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Sonos Era 100

Laptop speakers are fine for playing music while you work, but to do lofi chill hop beats justice, your grad may appreciate a quality speaker. We’re big fans of Sonos’ latest, the Era 100. Deputy editor Nate Ingraham gave it an 88 in his review, praising its loud, room-filling sound that combines heavy bass with a defined higher end. It looks great on a shelf thanks to its clean, compact design and it comes in white or black, so you can match it to your home’s aesthetic. It has a line-in port for turntable or other auxiliary connections, and is one of Sonos’ first plug-in models that includes Bluetooth connectivity. However, most people will likely use Wi-Fi connectivity and Sonos’ app to control their streaming services of choice. — A.S.

$249 at SonosMophie

Mophie PowerStation Pro AC

This is not so much a battery for casual use as it is portable fuel for an off-site workstation. The Mophie Powerstation Pro AC packs a 27,000mAh capacity, which translates to multiple charges for small devices and enough oomph to power up larger machines like laptops. At the same time, it still falls within TSA requirements for carry-on luggage. In our tests it not only juiced up a MacBook Pro, it powered a printer, LED lights and a speaker — very handy if your grad’s job takes them away from their desk and into the field. — A.S.

$164 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$200 at Lenovo$200 at AdoramaPhoto by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

Keychron V3 Max

A keyboard is one of the few things your grad (and you) might have to use for hours every day, so why not make it as pleasing as possible? If your giftee is willing to jump on the mechanical keyboard bandwagon, the Keychron V3 Max is a fantastic value for just under $100. It’s a wireless model that makes keystrokes feel soft and springy without sounding overly loud or harsh. Its keycaps are crisp and comfortable shaped, and it’s configurable with a few different switch types, all of which are easy to swap out if the (nerdy) mood strikes. While its casing is mostly made of plastic, it doesn’t flex under pressure or feel especially cheap. Note that the V3 Max has a tenkeyless layout; if you want a full-size model or something smaller, there are other V Max models that should work just as well. — J.D.

$94 at KeychronBellroy

Bellroy Transit Workpack

If your grad’s first gig is hybrid, freelance or in-office, there’s a good chance they’ll be on the move a lot. Daypacks and laptop bags specifically designed for work are easy to carry like a standard backpack, but include enough pockets and pouches to organize the necessities of a modern work day. We like Bellroy’s Transit Workpack because it has dedicated spaces for a laptop, headphones, wallet, tech organizers and even a change of clothes. If you go for the larger 28-liter size, a pair of shoes will fit too. We also appreciate that the sleek profile hides the water bottle pocket on the side so the bag looks like something meant for the office rather than a hike. – A.S.

$199 at BellroyElevation Lab

Elevation Lab Go Stand

Some advice if you end up buying the Go Stand for your grad: snag one for yourself, too. This clever folding stand holds a phone or tablet at an adjustable angle, so the screen is easy to read, sans an awkward balancing act. I use one daily to keep my phone visible on my desk and I find it works better than any stand built into a phone or tablet case. It folds to a tiny flat wedge that fits in a pocket when not in use, and it has a nice rubberized, non-skid texture. I ended up buying a second one when my family kept stealing mine. – A.S.

$20 at Elevation LabErgoFoam

ErgoFoam Adjustable Desk Foot Rest

A dedicated footrest can help your legs feel more comfortable during those long stretches of sitting in your desk chair. The ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest is a good example: It strikes the right balance between cushy and firm, and its velvety, gently arched frame encourages your legs to rest at an angle that feels natural. This model has a removable, two-inch base that you can take off if you find the standard height uncomfortable. It can also be flipped over and used as a foot rocker if you want to move your feet around while working. None of this is a substitute for periodically getting up and moving over the course of the day, but when that’s not feasible, it can help. — J.D.

$40 at AmazonRazer

Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed Wireless Mouse

An ergonomic mouse is one of those investments that can add at least a little bit of comfort to your grad’s work time. Clunky name aside, the Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed is a great choice. While it’s marketed toward gamers, its contoured shape, ample thumb rest and easy-to-reach buttons should feel comfortable in anyone’s hands. (Provided they’re a righty, at least.) Its scroll wheel is quiet and precise, and all of its buttons — including a programmable pair on the left side — have a satisfying sense of travel. The mouse itself is made from a sturdy matte plastic with grippy rubberized sides. This is a wireless mouse that runs off a single AA battery, so it’s a little heavy for fast-paced games, but it can last hundreds of hours before needing a change. There’s a dash of RGB lighting on the scroll wheel, too, but that’s simple to turn off if that’s not their thing. — J.D.

$59 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$59 at Walmart$65 at Macy’sRoost

Roost laptop stand

Hunching to stare at a desk-level laptop is hard on anyone’s back and neck. You can help protect your grad’s posture, and possibly alleviate back pain, with a Roost laptop stand that raises nearly any laptop to eye level. I’ve used a previous generation Roost for about four years running and it still works like it did when it was brand new. It folds down to a skinny stick and fits in any pack that can hold a laptop. Once unfurled, it can accommodate nearly any notebook, including larger ones like a 16-inch MacBook Pro. One thing to note is that your grad won’t be able to use their computer’s trackpad or keys when the stand is in use, so they’ll need an external keyboard and mouse. – A.S.

$90 at RoostPhoto by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

Uplift standing desk

There are endless brands selling standing desks now, and Uplift makes some of the best ones. The V2 model I bought has made my workdays far more comfortable. After two and a half years, it still raises up and lowers down multiple times a day, all week long without complaint. If your grad will be working from home, a standing desk will make a difference since experts advise incorporating some movement throughout the day. That said, this is no small investment and the amount of customization Uplift offers verges on overwhelming. If you don’t know exactly what your grad might want, you may be better off skipping the surprise and ordering the unit with them. If that’s not possible, the company does offer gift certificates. – A.S.

$599 at UpliftAnker

Anker Surge Protector Power Strip

Is a surge protector a sexy gift? No. But as someone who primarily works from home, it’s one of the mundane gadgets that I find myself needing regularly (and buying spares often). Any recent graduate who’s working partly or primarily from home will appreciate one of these from Anker. This model provides 12 additional outlets, plus two USB-A and one USB-C port to handle a few smaller gadgets without the need for an adapter. The attached five-foot cable is also convenient since it’ll let them place the bulk of the protector in the right spot, say next to their desk or behind a couch, without needing an extension cord to do so. And unlike other surge protectors, Anker built in a decent amount of space between each outlet — roughly 1.5 inches, which means they can still use most of those bulky adapters that came with their gear without overlapping another outlet. — V.P.

$30 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$30 at NeweggCreative

Creative Pebble Pro

If your giftee is going to be stuck at their desk all day, you can make their music and podcasts more enjoyable with a good set of desktop speakers. The Creative Pebble Pro is a solid first upgrade for those on a tighter budget. It’s an obvious step up over the thin speakers built into most laptops and monitors, and it doesn’t hog up too much room on a desk. The globe-shaped speakers are still too small to provide the kind of wide soundstage or deep bass that larger options do, but they don’t distort at higher volumes and can play audio over Bluetooth, USB-C or a 3.5mm cable. They also have a modicum of customizable RGB lighting. If you can spend into triple figures, the higher-end Pebble X Plus offers similar convenience and includes a subwoofer for improved bass response. — J.D

$50 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$94 at NeweggSorbus

Sorbus 3-Tier Bamboo Shelf Organizer

As you accumulate more papers, accessories and random tchotchkes at your desk, it’s easy for your workspace to become cluttered. Stuffing some of that mess into a dedicated organizer is a simple way to save space and make your environment feel less chaotic. The Sorbus Bamboo Desk Organizer should help here: It’s about a foot wide and offers three drawers for tucking away smaller accessories like notepads, jewelry or charging cables, plus a top shelf space for more essential items you want to keep in view. The light wood finish shouldn’t look out of place on most desktops, either. — J.D.

$37 at GrouponExplore More Buying Options$40 at Amazon$45 at Kohl’sErgotron

Ergotron – LX Premium Monitor Arm, Single Monitor Desk Mount – fits Flat Curved Ultrawide Computer Monitors up to 34 Inches, 7 to 25 lbs, VESA 75x75mm or 100x100mm – Polished Aluminum

If you plan to work in front of a monitor for most of the work week, you should make sure it’s positioned around eye level to avoid excess strain on your neck and back. The stand that comes with your monitor might be flexible enough as it is, but if not, consider a monitor arm. It’ll give your display a wider range of motion, and it can save desk space to boot.

Ergotron’s LX Desk Monitor is a well-regarded take on this idea. Its aluminum frame lets you comfortably move a VESA-compatible monitor in any direction and supports panels up to 34 inches and 25 pounds. When it’s hooked up, the arm can lift your screen up to 17.3 inches above a desk surface, pull it forward about 25 inches, tilt it 75 degrees and rotate or pan it a full 360 degrees. It’s fairly simple to set up, too, plus it comes with a 10-year warranty. Just note that if you’re a little over six feet tall, you should get the “Tall Pole” model instead. — J.D.

$191 at Amazon

The post The best work-from-home and office essentials for graduates appeared first on Best News.

The new Instax mini 99, which was released this month, comes in black. It looks more like my X-T2 and other Fujifilm models than a Polaroid. From a distance, it looks like a pricey digital camera, although it costs only $200. When you get to handle it though, you might be a little disappointed by the plasticky build. Still, there are parts where Fuji has lavished the camera with machined elements, like a tripod stand converter and some of the controls.

With a matte finish, the Instax mini 99 looks more professional, even cooler, than most of its predecessors. While there are no hybrid digital camera features, it delivers far more versatility than pretty much any other instant camera.

Fujifilm Instax mini 99

$199 at Amazon

There are a lot of controls here for an instant camera, including three shooting options with different focal lengths. You twist the lens to switch between landscape, macro and standard settings, and each is (fortunately) labeled with a distance marker so you can best eyeball your shot. While there is a viewfinder, it won’t scale based on your shooting mode. Again, let’s not forget this is an instant camera. Having said that, with the mini 99 you do get access to filters and some basic exposure options.

Those filters attempt to strike those nostalgia chords. Normal is your typical shooting mode, and there’s faded green, soft magenta, light blue, warm tone and of course, sepia.

Light leak, meanwhile, sort of messes up your shots with LEDs built inside the camera, adding a burnout effect to your photos as they’re captured. What impressed me further were even more shooting modes, adding the ability to capture double-exposure shots, a manual vignette switch – which was nearly always on when I was shooting – and even fill-in flash, red-eye removal and automatic flash options. There’s also a sports mode that attempts to avoid blur when capturing moving subjects. Photos weren’t pin-sharp, but the mode seemed to capture things a little bit more crisply than in auto mode.

It’s an awful lot for an instant camera, and I found half the fun was in experimenting with modes and shooting effects. While I wouldn’t go so far as to call each shot a risk, it’s been so long since I’ve used film of any kind that each time I reached for the shutter button (of which there are two), I tried extra hard to nail framing and composition – probably more than I would with digital.

A lot of the shots I took (at a family birthday party with constantly moving babies and toddlers) were in ideal sunny outdoor lighting, but when I was indoors or areas with less light in general, I leaned heavily on the flash, which muddied a lot of the photos.

The learning curve is a bit steep if you haven’t owned an Instax over the last decade(or three). Each messed-up shot is roughly a dollar down the drain. But with each attempt, you begin to gauge lighting and focal distances better. An hour and ten photos later, I got nice shots of my nieces’ birthday party, even catching them looking at the camera on a few instances. Some photos I seemed to nail the correct focal distance, but that was the exception rather than the rule. Fortunately, half the appeal is off-focus moments, off-center framing and other happy accidents. I chose to apply a light leak effect – why would I complain if it’s not as pin-sharp as my iPhone 15 Pro?

There are a few things I’d love to see Fujifilm tackle if it attempts to make another premium Instax mini. First, add a small mirror for taking photos of yourself with the lens facing you. Many cameras offer a tiny mirrored surface so you can loosely tell you're pointing in the right direction. One selfie attempt with my niece cropped her almost entirely from the shot. Also, to recharge the Instax mini 99, you must take out the battery and put it into the included charger with a USB cable. That's too much of a hassle, and Fujifilm should offer a simpler method in future. Fortunately, I didn’t ever need to recharge the camera as I captured over 20 shots.

The Instax mini 99 uses the same smallish Instax film as other models, but with more controls, options and effects, it delivers on its attempt to be the premium instant camera. The film is still expensive, yes, and the device feels a little cheap for the price, but ultimately it delivers satisfying instant photo moments.

The post The Instax mini 99 could pass for a real Fujifilm camera appeared first on Best News.

Quick OverviewMore options

Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release)

$65 at Amazon$65 at Target$80 at Shop Premium OutletsSee more optionsMore options

Kasa Smart Light Bulbs

$27 at Amazon$43 at NeweggSee more optionsMore options

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

$39 at Amazon$40 at Kohl’s$40 at TargetSee more optionsMore options

Blink Mini 2

$30 at Lowe’s$40 at Amazon$40 at Kohl’sSee more options

Levoit Core 300S

$150 at AmazonMore options

Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A

$36 at Amazon$55 at NeweggSee more options

Govee M1 RGBIC LED Strip Lights

$70 at AmazonMore options

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

$180 at Walmart$180 at Wayfair$180 at AmazonSee more options

Sonos Roam

$179 at SonosMore options

TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender

$23 at Amazon$40 at B&H Photo$38 at NeweggSee more optionsMore options

Instant Pot Duo (3-quart)

$80 at Amazon$80 at Newegg$80 at InstacartSee more optionsSee 6 moreAmazon

Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release)

You can think of the Echo Show 5 as the command center for your automated home. Amazon tweaked their smallest display in 2023 to be a little faster and a little bassier than its predecessor, and it’s still a good smart display for a compact space. It shows footage from your connected cameras and grants voice control over your smart plugs and other devices. Plus, it’ll play your music or podcasts, tell you the weather and even stream your favorite show (just note that the Netflix app isn’t supported).

$65 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$65 at Target$80 at Shop Premium OutletsTP-Link / Kasa

Kasa Smart Light Bulbs

Connected bulbs might be the easiest way to turn your analog home into a “smart” one. A single smart light can ensure you never walk into a dark apartment again. You can set schedules for your daily routines or make it look like you’re home when you’re not. Being able to turn things off with just your voice or via an app can save you from getting out of bed when you’re ready to crash. Our senior commerce editor, Valentina Palladino tested a number of bulbs for our guide and thinks TP-Link’s Kasa Smart Bulbs give you the best value. Installation will be easy, even for those new to smart devices, thanks to Kasa’s clean and simple app. It’s worth noting that voice control is only available with Alexa or the Google Assistant; Siri is unfortunately incompatible.

$27 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$43 at NeweggRoku

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K turns any screen with an HDMI port into a smart TV for under $50. Our commerce writer, Nicole Lee, likes Roku’s straightforward interface and the fact that it supports universal search so you can find out which service a given show is playing on. Unlike some streaming sticks, Roku works with all the major voice assistants: Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa. You can even control your TV by saying “hey Roku” to the included remote or through the Roku app. The same app turns your phone into a second remote and enables private listening through your headphones as well. The 4K dongle is made for high-resolution screens, but if you don’t have a 4K TV and want to save more money, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick Lite is our favorite budget option.

$39 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$40 at Kohl’s$40 at TargetBlink

Blink Mini 2

An indoor security camera can give you eyes on your pets when you’re out, or just some peace of mind when you’re away for the weekend. The updated Blink Mini 2 camera now packs a spotlight, offers better night vision and is rated for both indoor and outdoor use. The price went up $10 as a result, but it still ranks as one of the more affordable smart security cameras out there. Blink is an Amazon brand, so the camera should sync easily with Echo Show displays, but will also send video feed to your phone or Fire TV. A built-in mic and speaker let you hear and talk to anyone in the room, nice for confusing the cat or freaking out your guests.

$30 at Lowe’sExplore More Buying Options$40 at Amazon$40 at Kohl’sLEVOIT

Levoit Core 300S

Whether it’s traffic exhaust in the city, pollen in the suburbs or wildfire smoke everywhere, it’s not always ideal to throw open your apartment’s windows to get some fresh air. An air purifier can help keep your indoor air healthier when you’re shut inside, and we like this small-space unit from Levoit. The Core 300S smart air purifier is an app-compatible gadget that can automatically adjust its fan speed depending on how much particulate matter it detects in the air. We found it to be nearly silent running on low and not too distracting when on high. Plus it’s relatively affordable and the replacement filters only cost around $35.

$150 at AmazonKasa Smart

Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A

I found the tackiest, most amazing lamp in the lobby of one of my first apartment buildings and I still cherish it to this day — but its rotary switch is extremely hard to turn. I’ve since plugged it into one of Kasa’s EP25 Smart Plugs and now it automatically comes on just before sunset and goes off when I say goodnight to Alexa (or ask it to turn off the “ugly lamp”). Many smart plugs out there will do this, but the EP25 is the top performer from our guide because we found it connects easily, works reliably and is compatible with all four major smart home platforms.

$36 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$55 at NeweggGovee

Govee M1 RGBIC LED Strip Lights

Nobody’s knocking Christmas lights as decor, but strip lights are a slightly classier way to add flair to your space. You can use them to light up bookcases, create ambiance for your streaming setup or turn your bedroom into a color-coordinated haven. Govee makes many different smart LED strips, but the one senior commerce editor Valentina recommends in our guide is the M1 RGBIC. She was impressed by the light’s brightness and wide spectrum of available hues. You can control different segments independently and the app has an “effects lab” that offers pre-programed lighting presets like sunsets, starry nights and movie-themed color palettes.

$70 at AmazonPhoto by Valentina Palladino / Engadget

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

Engadget’s Valentina Palladino has tested more than a dozen robot vacuums and recommends iRobot’s Roomba 694 to anyone looking to keep their floors clean without spending too much money (or time). The company’s companion app is simple and probably the 694’s biggest selling point, guiding you through installation and programming. The vacuum can handle hard floors and carpet, and it runs for about 45 minutes on a charge, which should be enough for most smaller apartments. You’ll have to help it out when it gets snagged on a cable and empty the bin when it’s full, but other than that, it’s a fairly hands-off way to get cleaner floors.

$180 at WalmartExplore More Buying Options$180 at Wayfair$180 at AmazonPhoto by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

Sonos Roam

The Sonos Roam is both a smart and portable speaker, packing a decent amount of utility into a $180 package. While not the cheapest around, it’s relatively low-cost for Sonos, a brand known for quality audio. The Roam will play whichever music service you prefer, delivering clear highs and impressive bass for its size. Alexa is built in and you can access the Google Assistant too, which means you can use the speaker to order around your compatible smart home devices. And when it’s time to relax, you can ask Roam to play just about any song you can think of.

$179 at SonosTP-Link

TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender

Thick walls, weird layouts and other factors can make home WiFi reception spotty. If you’re experiencing dead zones in your apartment, a WiFi extender might help. TP-Link’s AC1200 RE315 is our favorite budget pick: it covers 1,500 square feet and delivers speeds of up to 1,200Mbps – plenty fast for streaming and working from home. It also has a built-in Ethernet port, which should provide an even more reliable connection to essential tech like your TV or game console.

$23 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$40 at B&H Photo$38 at NeweggInstant Pot

Instant Pot Duo (3-quart)

Cooking for yourself is one of the bigger adjustments of adulting – it certainly was for me. Luckily a big batch of beans and rice can keep most humans alive for much longer than you’d think. The Instant Pot Duo cooks beans without soaking and makes fluffy rice; add a jar of salsa and you have a fairly well-rounded meal. Of course, it can cook more elaborate stuff too: search for Instant Pot recipes and you’ll get a lifetime’s worth of ideas. We recommend a larger version in our guide to kitchen gadgets, but this three-quart model is both more affordable and a better size for just one or two people.

$80 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$80 at Newegg$80 at Instacart

The post The best smart home gadgets for your first apartment appeared first on Best News.

Quick OverviewMore options

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Best noise-canceling earbuds overall

$249 at Adorama$249 at Walmart$249 at AmazonSee more optionsMore options

Sony WF-1000XM5

Best noise-canceling earbuds – runner-up

$298 at Adorama$246 at Walmart$298 at AmazonSee more optionsMore options

Anker Soundcore Space A40

Best budget noise-canceling earbuds

$59 at Amazon$100 at NeweggSee more options

Master & Dynamic MW09

Best battery life

$349 at Master & DynamicMore options

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Most impressive noise-canceling features

$180 at Amazon$249 at AdoramaSee more options

Looking for new ANC headphones but don't like the feeling or style of earbuds? Check out our picks for best noise-canceling headphones, which focuses on full-size models.

How to choose the best noise-canceling earbuds for you

Design

Most true wireless earbuds these days have a “traditional” design that’s a round bud that fits in your ear. However, there are some variations on the formula in terms of shape, size and additional fitting elements. Some companies include fins or fit wings to help hold their earbuds in place while others opt for an over-the-ear hook on more sporty models. You’ll want to pay attention to these things to make sure they align with how you plan to use them. Also consider overall size and weight since those two factors can impact the fit. A less-than-ideal seal due to a weird fit will affect the performance of active noise cancellation.

Type of noise cancellation

Next, you’ll want to look at the type of ANC a set of earbuds offer. You’ll see terms like “hybrid active noise cancellation” or “hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation,” and there are key differences between the two. A hybrid ANC setup uses microphones on the inside and the outside of the device to detect ambient noise. By analyzing input from both mics, a hybrid system can combat more sounds than “regular” ANC, but it’s at a constant level that doesn’t change.

Adaptive ANC takes the hybrid configuration a step further by continuously adjusting the noise cancellation for changes in your environment and any leakage around the padding of the ear cups. Adaptive ANC is also better at combating wind noise, which can really kill your vibe while using earbuds outdoors. For this best wireless earbuds list, I’m only considering products with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups because those are the most effective at blocking noise.

Customization

You’ll also want to check to see if the ANC system on a prospective set of earbuds offers presets or adjustable levels of noise cancellation. These can help you dial in the amount of ANC you need for various environments, but it can also help save battery life. Master & Dynamic, for example, has ANC presets that either provide maximum noise-blocking or prioritize energy efficiency. Other companies may include a slider in their companion apps that let you adjust the ANC level.

How we test noise-canceling earbuds

The primary way we test earbuds is to wear them as much as possible. I prefer to do this over a one-to-two-week period, but sometimes deadlines don’t allow it. During this time, I listen to a mix of music and podcasts, while also using the earbuds to take both voice and video calls.

Since battery life for ANC earbuds is typically 6-10 hours, I drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). When necessary, I’ll power the headphones off during a review without putting them back in the case. This simulates real-world use and keeps me from having to wear them for an entire day.

To test ANC performance specifically, I use the earbuds in a variety of environments, from noisy coffee shops to quiet home offices. When my schedule allows, I also use them during air travel, since plane noise is a massive distraction to both work and relaxation. Even if I’m not slated to hop on a flight, I simulate a constant roar with white noise machines, bathroom fans, vacuums and more. I also make note of how well earbuds block human voices, which are a key stumbling block for a lot of ANC setups.

I also do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as I work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double-checked for improvements or regression. If the earbuds I’m testing are an updated version of a previous model, I’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older set, and revisit the closest competition as well.

Bose

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Best noise-canceling earbuds overall

ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 6 hours | Transparency mode: Yes

Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Bose’s Immersive Audio feature may be the headline grabber on its QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, but these also come with the company’s stellar noise-canceling abilities. This model is especially adept at battling airplane noise during a flight, a task I typically rely on over-ear headphones for. The QC Ultra Earbuds are slightly less effective on human voices, but that’s true of many noise-canceling earbuds. But with any kind of constant hum, and many irregular sounds, these earbuds will serve you well. Plus, Bose’s CustomTune tool analyzes the shape of your ears and personalizes both sound and ANC.

While the QC Ultra Earbuds offer the best pure noise-blocking performance on this list, the extra audio features mean they have less battery life than the rest of our picks. It lasts six hours with ANC on and Immersive Audio off, but turn on the latter and that number dips to four hours. And although Bose’s take on spatial audio yields mixed results at times, the stock tuning is an improvement over the company’s last model.

ProsStellar ANCSpatial audio doesn’t require special contentUpgrades with no price increaseConsEarbuds are still bigImmersive Audio significantly impacts battery lifeWireless charging costs extra$249 at AdoramaExplore More Buying Options$249 at Walmart$249 at AmazonSony

Sony WF-1000XM5

Best noise-canceling earbuds – runner-up

ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 8 hours | Transparency mode: Yes

Read our full review of the Sony WF-1000XM5

If I could pick two best options, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 would be the co-champion. Since its introduction, the company has improved the 1000X line of earbuds from model to model – especially in ANC performance. The gap between Sony and Bose in this respect is so slim, you’ll be happy with either set if noise-cancellation is your top priority. You’ll also get Sony’s DSEE Extreme upscaling to recover sound detail lost to compression and handy features like onboard volume controls and automatic pausing when you speak.

Like it does on its 1000X over-ear headphones, Sony uses two separate chips for audio and ANC processing on the M5 earbuds, which leads to more robust noise-blocking than on previous models. Six dual-feedback mics are better than the M4 at combating the low-frequency roar of airplanes, vehicles and transit scenarios and the ANC is adjustable in Sony’s app. What’s more, the company’s Adaptive Sound Control allows you to configure presets that can automatically change based on your activity or location. Even if you don’t want to give the software permission to track your whereabouts, there are plenty of options, including the ability to dial-in transparency mode when you need to hear more (or less) of your environment.

ProsExcellent sound qualityImproved designMore comfortable fitLoads of handy featuresConsMore expensiveNo battery life improvementHead tracking is Android onlySome features still need fine-tuning$298 at AdoramaExplore More Buying Options$246 at Walmart$298 at AmazonPhoto by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

Anker Soundcore Space A40

Best budget noise-canceling earbuds

ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 8 hours | Transparency mode: Yes

For years, Anker’s Soundcore line has consistently offered some of the best true wireless models at a more affordable price than a lot of the competition. The company typically doesn’t cut too many corners to achieve this, either. The best current Soundcore model in terms of pure ANC performance is the Space A40. During my tests, these earbuds were particularly adept at fighting low-to-mid-range noise during flights and other transit scenarios. There’s an adaptive ANC system at work here to automatically adjust based on your environmental sound, but you can also set it to strong, moderate or weak levels of intensity.

While Anker rates the Space A40 at 10 hours on a charge, I got closer to eight during my tests with ANC on. Sound quality is also above average for this price, with a warm tone and noticeable bump to the bass. A solid but less-than-stellar transparency mode lends a hand and the companion app will let you assign up to six different gestures for various playback and call controls.

ProsExcellent ANC for the moneyPleasant, warm soundMulti-device connectivity and wireless charging supportComfortableGood battery lifeConsNo automatic wear detectionCall quality isn’t greatAudio performance isn’t as detailed as higher-end options (as expected)$59 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$100 at NeweggPhoto by Billy Steele / Engadget

Master & Dynamic MW09

Best battery life

ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 12 hours | Transparency mode: Yes

Read our full review of the Master & Dynamic MW09

We’re well aware there are ANC earbuds that last much longer than 12 hours. But out of all of the models we’ve tested in the last two years, the MW09 offers the longest play time while still offering solid active noise cancellation. The ANC performance here isn’t as robust as the QC Ultra Earbuds’ or the WF-1000XM5’s, but Master & Dynamic offers three presets to help you adjust the noise blocking to your situation and to make your battery consumption more efficient.

The MW09 does, however, give both Bose and Sony a run for their money in the audio department. M&D’s trademark sound profile is on display, matching balanced, natural tuning with great clarity and detail. For example, you can hear every bit of texture in Chris Stapleton’s bluesy rock riffs, as well as things like the subtle decay in the snare drum rattle on Higher that are easily lost on other earbuds. ANC modes and volume will impact battery life, but even at their worst, the MW09 still consistently lasted 10 hours during my tests. That’s longer than both Bose and Sony manage with their flagship ANC buds.

ProsGreat clarity and detailLots of fit optionsSolid ambient sound modeIn-app customizationConsPriceyAverage ANC performanceOverstated battery life$349 at Master & DynamicApple

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Most impressive noise-canceling features

ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 6 hours | Transparency mode: Yes

Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd-gen)

The latest AirPods Pro aren’t higher on this list primarily because you need an iPhone to unlock their maximum potential. However, the combo of hardware and software tricks that they offer for ANC performance makes them a worthy consideration. Out of the box, the H2 chip powers noise-canceling processing that wasn’t previously possible on such a small device. When used with the drivers, vents and microphones, the AirPods Pro can block twice as much noise as the previous model.

Apple also includes a handy tool that automates noise-canceling and transparency mode so you’re not making adjustments on your phone throughout the day. Adaptive Audio blends ANC and ambient sound, using cues changes in environmental noise to gradually change device volume as background noise increases or decreases. The setup takes into account whether you’re stationary or in motion as well as if you’re listening to music or on a call when making the tweaks. Plus, the AirPods Pro offer the best, most natural-sounding transparency mode of any wireless earbuds – a feat that shouldn’t be overlooked during your decision-making process.

ProsImproved soundStellar transparency modeSolid ANCSeamless switching between Apple devicesConsSame designNew touch gesture takes practiceAverage battery lifePersonalized Spatial Audio results vary$180 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$249 at Adorama

The post The best noise-canceling earbuds for 2024 appeared first on Best News.

The dramatic behind-the-scenes changes prompted some fundamental questions about how Doctor Who would thrive in this new world. Would Davies be able to bring the show back from the brink a second time? And would the show appeal to Zoomers in the same way it found a devoted audience of Millennials? And would Doctor Who survive intact under Disney, which is used to obsessive levels of control?

It’s that last question I can already answer, having watched the first two episodes of this new eight-episode season: Doctor Who hasn’t been watered down to suit its new paymasters or the broad international audience who will see this show pop up every Friday. In fact, Who ‘24 has doubled down on being weird, avant-garde, difficult to handle and harder to pigeonhole. It’s a little punk and a little rough around the edges which makes it all the more interesting compared to, say, some other Disney+ series I could choose to mention.

I’m not allowed to share much of what I saw, but episode one, “Space Babies,” features the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby (Millie Gibson) visiting a space station crewed by babies. As you can see in the trailer, there’s liberal use of unconvincing and creepy CGI mouths for said rugrats. “The Devil’s Chord,” meanwhile, sees the TARDIS head to Abbey Road to meet the Beatles at the dawn of their careers.

If this is your first experience of Doctor Who, please start with the Christmas Day special “The Church on Ruby Road.” These first three episodes are the jumping-on point, and form Davies standard “Present,” “Future” and “Past” trilogy he uses to open his runs. All three are sold as fun romps, but there's a spikiness that stems from Davies’ underlying cynicism. As much as he may paint in primary colors, his worldview is a lot darker than some of his colleagues.

Davies is a strong advocate for better queer representation in film and TV and is arguably one of the most powerful gay men in media. Many of his shows, including Queer as Folk, Cucumber, A Very English Scandal and It’s a Sin center on queer narratives. Davies has made it clear he wants to foreground queer experiences in this season of Doctor Who and does so, proudly. He toldVariety that the Doctor “chimes with queer energy” and that he’s not a “neutered Doctor.”

Some context: In 2021, Davies called out Disney+ for its lack of real representation in some of its other shows. During a virtual panel as reported by Pink News, he pointed at Loki’s single reference to the lead character’s fluid sexuality as a warning sign. “Loki makes one reference to being bisexual once and everyone’s like ‘oh my god, it’s like a pansexual show,” he said. Adding the single spoken reference was a “a ridiculous, craven, feeble gesture towards the vital politics and the stories that should be told.”

Davies returned to the job after the failure of his immediate predecessor, Chris Chibnall, who will likely go down in infamy. Chibnall inherited a successful show and opted to broaden its horizons by hiring a far more diverse crew both in front of and behind the camera. That included writers like Malorie Blackman and Vinay Patel and casting two women, Jodie Whittaker and Jo Martin, to play the Doctor. Chibnall also refused to bow down to culture war pressure when tedious people started screaming that the show had “gone woke.”

But for all of the goodwill the show had — and which Chibnall’s early decisions helped accrue — the showrunner quickly started to burn his own legacy as he built it. The quality of his episodes were never great and he wrote episodes that were incoherent, or said some pretty awful things by implication. He then started using the show as a vehicle for his own fan theories, re-litigating niche matters of continuity so nit-picky even I rolled my eyes so hard my skull caved in.

And then he created a secret origin story for the Doctor that essentially overwrote much of the previous 60 years’ worth of character development. He turned the Doctor into some sort of Space Jesus and then set about destroying a significant amount of the series’ fictional universe. Audiences were not thrilled: 8.2 million people watched Chibnall’s first regular-season episode but, by the end of his tenure, the figure had tumbled to 3.47 million.

It would have been smart to ditch all of this and declare a fresh start but Davies took a different approach. He has opted to Yes-And Chibnall’s hamfistedness, incorporating the catastrophic events of the last season as a new backdrop for the series. The universe is now "knackered," which has led to the show’s fictional reality warping in new, weirder and more whimsical directions. Whereas before Doctor Who sat at the crossroads of science and fantasy, it has now become a soft fantasy show. Villains like the Toymaker and the Goblin King push the Doctor into a more mythic register than ever before.

CGI baby mouths aside, Doctor Who’s slick production values don’t work unless they're tied to great writing and great acting. Ncuti Gatwa had already become a superstar thanks to his work on Sex Education and Barbie and is a magnetic presence on screen. I struggle to take your eyes off him, but he’s clearly willing to cede space and time to his co-stars. Millie Gibson has the harder role as Ruby Sunday, having to keep her character grounded and believable in this fantastic world. The role of the Doctor’s traveling companion has minted many British A-listers since the show’s return and Gibson is clearly destined for big things.

If there’s one thing that comes across too much in these opening episodes, it’s that Doctor Who isn’t the same show from one week to the next. It revels in being chaotic, freewheeling through genres and styles with the freedom its lead character so relishes. So, if this is your first time on board the TARDIS, welcome, and strap yourselves in for some silly and serious fun.

Oh, and they fixed the title sequence.

The first two episodes of Doctor Who arrive globally on Disney+ on Friday, May 10 at 7:00pm ET and in the UK on BBC iPlayer at midnight on Saturday, May 11. One episode will arrive at the same time for the following six weeks.

The post Doctor Who is back, louder and more chaotic than before appeared first on Best News.

Quick Overview

Dell XPS 13 Plus

$999+ at Dell

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

$1,269 at Amazon

Apple MacBook Air with M3 chip

$999 at Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Pro chip)

$1,799 at Amazon

Acer Chromebook Spin 714

$599 at Amazon

Apple iPad Air (5th Generation)

$500 at Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

$695 at Amazon

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

$1,199 at Apple

Google Pixel 8 Pro

$900 at Amazon

Sony WH-1000XM5

$348 at Amazon

Sony WF-1000XM5

$298 at Amazon

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

$180 at Amazon

LG 32UN650-W Monitor

$389 at Amazon

ASUS ROG Strix 25” 1080P HDR Gaming Monitor

$423 at Amazon

Waterfield Executive Leather Messenger

$399 at Waterfield

Waterfield Essential Messenger

$179 at Waterfield

Peak Design Everyday Messenger

$230 at Peak DesignSee 12 more

Laptops

A good laptop remains the standard, go-to tool for getting things done. But it’s also a personal purchase, with people having strong opinions about which operating system, screen size and specs they need. So there are a few things you’ll want to know going into this purchase, but all of these laptops we recommend are some of the best and most well-rounded options on the market. Unless the person you’re shopping for has some specific needs, one of these machines should hit the mark.

Dell’s XPS 13 Plus is easy to recommend for anyone who uses Windows. At this point, Dell has almost perfected its industrial design: it’s thin and light, but not at the expense of power or battery life. The keyboard and display are excellent, and you can get impressive specs without breaking the bank. One downside is that Dell seems to have moved fully to a design that only has two USB-C ports and no headphone jack, which can be a bit limiting. But those quibbles aside, the XPS 13 Plus remains an excellent choice.

Right now, the XPS 13 Plus includes Intel’s 13th-generation Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. That also includes a 13.4-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 display, and the whole package costs a very reasonable $999 direct from Dell right now. Dell has also offered the same configuration with a 4K display for $200 more, but as of this writing it’s unavailable. Either way, that’s a lot of power for the price.

Dell XPS 13 Plus

$999+ at Dell

For someone who’s a gamer, though, we recommend going in a different direction. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 has been our favorite gaming laptop for a few years now, one that combines relative portability (3.5 pounds and a 14-inch screen) with serious power. In our review we said that the laptop was incredibly compelling, even if it’s more expensive than it used to be. It has a powerful AMD processor and graphics card coupled with a great display, comfortable keyboard, spacious trackpad and solid design. It’s not a champ on battery life, but we got seven hours of non-gaming use out of it – pretty decent considering the specs.

You can get the Zephyrus G14 in a wide variety of configurations, but one we’d recommend includes an AMD Ryzen 9 8000 series processor, NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and a 2,560 x 1,600 OLED display with a 120 hz refresh rate.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

$1,269 at Amazon

For people who prefer a Mac, Apple’s lineup can be surprisingly complicated. Fortunately, the company just updated all of its laptops with its latest series of M3 processors, so now is a great time to purchase one.The MacBook Air is still the company’s best laptop for most people, and it now comes in both 13- and 15-inch configurations. In both cases, it’s an extremely light and portable computer that has better battery life than almost anything you can buy. The best option if you’re looking for longevity is the $1,499 13-inch model that includes 512GB of storage, 16GB of RAM and the M3 chip with a 10-core GPU. You can grab that same configuration with a 15-inch display for $1,699. And while we think that the Air is enough computer for most people, if you’re buying for someone who has a heavier workload like photo or video editing, the $1,999 MacBook Pro is worth considering. It gives you a significantly more powerful M3 Pro chip with a 14-core GPU along with other niceties like a gorgeous 14-inch mini-LED display.

Apple MacBook Air with M3 chip

$999 at Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Pro chip)

$1,799 at Amazon

Given how dominant a force Chromebooks are in education, it’s entirely possible that someone just finishing school might want to continue using Chrome OS. Fortunately, there are lots of premium Chromebooks that are well-designed and capable enough to last for years. One of our favorites is Acer’s Chromebook Spin 714. It includes a 13th-gen Intel Core i5 processor alongside a 14-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 display that offers a little more vertical space than your average 1080p screen. Add in a solid keyboard and trackpad, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage and you have a Chromebook that doesn’t require many compromises. The one downside is that its 7ish-hour battery life isn’t spectacular — but given the laptop’s price, it’s probably good enough.

Acer Chromebook Spin 714

$599 at Amazon

Tablets

No, tablets have not replaced laptops as some predicted when the category started blowing up last decade. But they also still do a ton of things well. They can be a great option for getting work done, engaging your creative side with art and music-making apps or just enjoying movies and games. For the vast majority of people, Apple’s iPad is the only tablet worth considering, even if they don’t otherwise use Apple products. That’s thanks to time-tested, reliable hardware and a massive software library with hundreds of thousands of apps optimized for the iPad’s larger screen.

As for which is the best iPad, the iPad Air remains the right choice for most at the moment – especially if you’re looking for a good graduation gift. While the basic iPad is a great value, you get a lot when you step up to the Air. Perhaps most importantly, the Air has Apple’s M1 chip, a very powerful chip for a tablet that was in many Macs for years. This means the Air is extremely fast, even though the M1 is a few years old at this point.

Apple iPad Air (5th Generation)

$500 at Amazon

The rest of the iPad Air’s hardware is also impressive for the price. It has a large 10.9-inch screen with thin bezels and an anti-reflective coating; the display is also laminated directly to the glass, so there’s no distracting gap beneath the surface. The Air includes 64GB or 256GB of storage, 10 hours of battery life, support for the second-generation Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard and an improved 12-megapixel front-facing camera. For $599, you’re getting almost everything that the iPad Pro offers for a lot less cash. The only caveat here is that Apple is expected to release new iPads this spring. As of this writing, the M1 iPad Air is our favorite, but just know that there may be a new Air on the way in the coming weeks.

Android tablets have never had the same level of success as the iPad, largely because of the well-documented software issues on larger-screen Android devices. But if you’re shopping for an Android diehard, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 (or S9+) are solid choices. The S9 features a high-resolution 11-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and has an S-Pen stylus included in the box. For someone looking for a bigger canvas, the S9+ steps things up to 12.4 inches. And while Android historically hasn’t been the best option for large-screen devices, Samsung’s Dex feature switches things up into a more desktop-like multi-window mode, which can be great for productivity. Samsung’s built-in apps that take advantage of the S-Pen are solid as well. You might have a hard time finding apps that are designed for the Tab S9’s larger screen, but if you’re buying this for someone familiar with Android, they’ll likely be aware of the trade-offs.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

$695 at Amazon

Smartphones

The most important computer people own, or at least the one they probably rely on the most, is their smartphone. And if you know someone who is still rocking the same device they brought to campus with them four years ago, they’ll definitely appreciate an upgrade. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to pick out a phone that’ll satisfy just about anyone, regardless of whether they prefer Android or iOS.

This year, we’re recommending the iPhone 15 Pro Max for new graduates. The standard iPhone 15, 15 Plus and 15 Pro are all excellent phones, but the Pro Max is undeniably the best option out there. The 15 Pro Max has the best iPhone camera you can buy, with a 5x telephoto lens that gives it a big advantage over the 3x option on the standard iPhone 15. Other significant features include the massive and gorgeous 6.7-inch always-on display with a 120Hz refresh rate and the A17 Pro chip.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is expensive at $1,199, and some people may not be happy with such a large device. As such, the $999 iPhone 15 Pro is easy to recommend as an alternative, but camera nerds will really enjoy the 15 Pro Max. And the extremely fast processor and Apple’s track record of delivering software support for years means this investment should last a long time.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

$1,199 at Apple

Unsurprisingly, Samsung continues to make the best Android devices you can buy – as such, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is our pick this year. At $1,299, it’s another pricey device, but it delivers everything you could ask for: an incredibly bright and high-quality 6.8-inch OLED screen, a high-resolution 5X telephoto camera (along with other excellent lenses and sensors), nearly two full days of battery life and strong performance. The latter comes thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 12GB of RAM. It also comes with Samsung’s handy S Pen, for anyone who wants to use a stylus on the S24 Ultra’s giant screen. Given how thoroughly Samsung dominates the Android space, this isn’t a surprising recommendation, but it will make most Android fans happy.

While Samsung’s devices are hard to compete with, Google has routinely made excellent Android phones for a bit less cash. The $999 Pixel 8 Pro is worth a look if you’re a fan of Google’s clean take on Android, and their phones always have some nifty software tricks baked in. Battery life has been upgraded over the Pixel 7 Pro, the latest Tensor 3 chip keeps things speedy and its camera performance is as good as ever. And the fact that this phone is built by Google means it’ll get software updates before any other Android phone on the market; Google is also promising seven years of software updates.

Both of these phones are big (the Pixel 7 Pro’s screen is 6.7 inches while the S23 Ultra has a 6.8-inch display), but the good news is that both Google and Samsung offer smaller-screened devices that keep most of the same features and specs as their larger siblings. You’ll save some cash with a smaller device, too.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

$900 at Amazon

Headphones

Almost anyone would benefit from a good pair of noise canceling headphones, and once again Sony has made our top pick. While Sony’s WH-1000XM5 is almost two years old at this point, it’s still the best over-ear option on the market. At $400, they’re more expensive than the XM4, but they offer a combination of incredible sound, a time-tested, refined design and excellent noise-canceling that is hard to beat. They also fit better and more comfortably than ever, and have 30 hours of battery life. The 1000XM5 looks better, sounds better and wears better than the previous model – it’s hard to ask for much more.

Sony WH-1000XM5

$348 at Amazon

While the WH-1000XM5 is getting a little old, Sony refreshed its wireless earbuds last year, making them our new favorite pick. As with its over-ear headphones, the $298 WF-1000XM5 earbuds feature incredible sound quality, long battery life, excellent noise cancellation and a comfortable design. Sony completely redesigned the WF-1000XM5 inside and out, with a new design and drivers as well as updated chips that power their noise-canceling features. Battery life hasn’t improved, but it’s still impressive. The earbuds can get about eight hours of playback with ANC active – that jumps up to 12 hours if you turn it off. Sony also included a host of smart software features like Speak-to-Chat automatic pausing, Adaptive Sound Control adjustments based on movement or location, 360 Reality Audio and a customizable EQ.

Sony WF-1000XM5

$298 at Amazon

If you’re buying earbuds for an Apple user, though, consider the second-generation AirPods Pro. They don’t quite beat Sony’s WF-1000XM5 in sound quality or battery life, but there are a host of features that make them the best earbuds to use with an iPhone, iPad or Mac. The fast pairing tech Apple introduced with the first AirPods still makes it extremely easy to start using these earbuds, or to switch them seamlessly between different Apple devices. Both the case and buds are sweat and water resistant, making them a better option for workouts.

These second-gen AirPods Pro also have big improvements in noise cancellation and sound quality, and the “transparency” mode that lets in outside sound lets you have a conversation or hear the world around you in a totally natural way. Apple improved on that last summer with a new “Adaptive Audio” feature that blends noise cancellation and transparency depending on your environment. And, Apple finally added USB-C to the charging case!

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

$180 at Amazon

Monitors

There are a dizzying number of computer monitors on the market, at basically any price you can think of, which makes recommending a single monitor a very difficult task. Fortunately, we’ve looked at a host of options and have a few good ones that don’t break the bank and offer a great viewing experience. LG’s 32-inch 32UN650-W is an excellent choice for a large, high-resolution panel that includes niceties like built-in speakers, HDR, support for AMD Freesync and a stand that offers tilt and height adjustments. It sticks with a standard 60Hz refresh rate rather than anything faster, but it’s an excellent choice for most people, especially given its $450 price.

LG 32UN650-W Monitor

$389 at Amazon

As usual, gamers require something a little different. For that set, check out the 25-inch ASUS ROG Strix 380Hz monitor. The resolution maxes out at 1080p, and it’s a much smaller display compared to the LG — but a 380Hz refresh rate is wildly quick, and the 1m GtG response time will go a long way towards eliminating motion blurs. It also has HDR, but with a higher maximum brightness than the LG. It’s a rather specialized piece of equipment, but one that’ll undoubtedly be appreciated by gamers.

ASUS ROG Strix 25” 1080P HDR Gaming Monitor

$423 at Amazon

Bags

As important as the right gear is, your grad also deserves something classy and stylish to carry all that stuff around. The Executive Leather Messenger from Waterfield Designs is an expensive choice, but it’s worth the cost. Waterfield makes everything by hand in its San Francisco shop, and the materials it uses are top notch. I’ve owned a lot of their products over the years, and I can safely say this bag will last a decade or more, and the leather will only look more attractive as time goes on.

On the inside are two padded slots, one for a tablet and one for a laptop. There are also two pockets, one zippered, as well as a pen slot and a metal key fob. Finally, there are two easily-accessible hand pockets under the flap, both with an extremely soft plush lining. The Executive Leather Messenger comes in three different leather colors and costs either $399 or $419, depending on which size you choose. It’s an investment, for sure, but it will last a long time.

Waterfield Executive Leather Messenger

$399 at Waterfield

Waterfield’s bags are typically quite pricey, but the company recently released a new line of “essential” options that offer the company’s excellent construction and smart features at a lower price point. The $179 Essential Messenger is a lightweight option that does away with the leather and uses tough textiles instead. But its magnetic closures are fast and easy to undo, the strap is easily removable for wearing over whichever shoulder you choose, and it has foam inserts to help it keep its structure. There’s a built-in sleeve for a laptop up to 14 inches, and I can confirm you can shove a surprising amount of gear in it considering its smaller size.

Waterfield Essential Messenger

$179 at Waterfield

There’s also something to be said for a good backpack. For that, check out Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack. As the name suggests, it’s a fairly minimalist design that works in a lot of contexts, and it comes with the company’s typically smart organization features. It has a number of configurable dividers inside to keep everything from pooling at the bottom, and it combines the large internal space with a host of internal and external pockets and access points. Finally, it also has a number of external straps that can be easily hidden if you don’t need them — but they provide versatile expansion of the bag’s carrying capacity. If you want to attach things like a tripod or tie a jacket or blanket on, go right ahead. There are a ton of different ways to use this bag, which means it should last years as it can just be customized to fit commutes, vacations or any other excursion.

Peak Design Everyday Messenger

$230 at Peak Design

The post The best gifts to upgrade your grad’s tech setup appeared first on Best News.

Quick OverviewMore options

Sony WH-1000XM5

$319 at Amazon$398 at Adorama$400 at Macy’sSee more options

Chipolo ONE

$25 at AmazonMore options

Marshall Emberton II

$160 at Amazon$170 at Nordstrom$182 at Macy’sSee more options

Cartman 39 Piece Tool Set

$23 at Amazon

Levoit Core 300s air purifier

$150 at AmazonMore options

Apple Watch Series 9

$299 at Amazon$299 at Walmart$399 at AdoramaSee more options

Spotify 6-month gift card

$60 at WalmartMore options

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

$47 at Amazon$50 at Kohl’s$50 at TargetSee more options

Instant Pot Vortex Mini Air Fryer

$50 at Amazon

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

$45 at Amazon

Anker MagGo Power Bank, Qi2 Certified 15W

$90 at AmazonMore options

Anker PowerConf C200

$48 at Amazon$60 at NeweggSee more options

1Password

$25+ at 1PasswordMore options

iRobot Roomba 694

$180 at Walmart$180 at Wayfair$180 at AmazonSee more options

Kobo Clara 2E | eReader | Glare-Free 6? HD Touchscreen | ComfortLight PRO Blue Light Reduction | Adjustable Brightness | WiFi | 16GB of Storage | Carta E Ink Technology | Waterproof

$120 at Walmart

Headspace

$6 at Headspace

Nuphy Air75 V2

$140 at Amazon

Otterbox Otterspot wireless charger

$100 at Otterbox

Anker Prime Power Bank 200W

$185 at AmazonSee 14 moreWill Lipman Photography for Engadget

Sony WH-1000XM5

There’s a good chance that your graduate will be working from a few different locations when they start their first job. Maybe they’ll spend half of their time in an office and the other half in their new apartment, but you can help them stay focused anywhere by gifting them the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. These are our current favorite high-end cans thanks to their excellent sound quality and equally stellar active noise cancellation. Their Adaptive Sound Control feature automatically changes the level of noise cancellation depending on your location and what you’re doing, blocking out as much of the world as necessary without the user needing to do much work. There’s also multi-device connectivity, so your graduate can seamlessly go from listening to music on their laptop to taking a call from their smartphone. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor, Buying Advice

$319 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$398 at Adorama$400 at Macy’sChipolo

Chipolo ONE

Losing stuff is a bummer for anyone, grads included. I tried out Apple’s AirTags, Tile trackers and Chipolos for our Bluetooth tracker guide and ended up picking the Chipolo One as the best option for most people. That’s because it simply does what it’s supposed to do without hassle: help people locate their keys and let them know when they’ve been left behind. Chipolo One doesn’t have the massive, community-enabled (and potentially creepy) location tracking of Apple’s FindMy, but it rings loud with a tap from your phone and sends alerts about forgotten items faster than any other tracker we tried. – Amy Skorheim, Reporter, Buying Advice

$25 at AmazonPhoto by Jon Turi / Engadget

Marshall Emberton II

The Marshall Emberton II is a stylish Bluetooth speaker that offers impressively smooth and balanced sound for its compact size. It’s not the loudest or most bass-heavy device of its kind, but it’s a pleasant listen for smaller get-togethers and personal use. The six-inch frame has an IP67 rating, so your grad can safely use it to listen to podcasts in the shower, and Marshall says it can last up to 30 hours on a charge. Most appealingly, the guitar amp-style design looks classy in both its cream or black finishes. All of this was enough to earn the Emberton II a spot in our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers. — Jeff Dunn, Senior Reporter, Buying Advice

$160 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$170 at Nordstrom$182 at Macy’sCARTMAN

Cartman 39 Piece Tool Set

I received this Cartman 39-piece tool set right after college when I moved into my first apartment, and now, over 10 years later, it’s still with me in my home’s garage. I put this thing and all its contents through the ringer hanging pictures, putting together Ikea furniture, changing light fixtures and even repairing a broken door lock late on a Saturday night after coming home from a party (ah, youth). It includes all of the essentials one would need to do what I listed above, and much more, without much hassle: a measuring tape, hammer, screwdriver with 20 different bits, pairs of pliers and scissors and more. The plastic case that comes with all of the pieces has spaces designed to fit each tool and, while it’s a little flimsy, mine lasted a number of years before I accidentally broke the handle (totally my fault, too). The fact that it comes in a few different accent colors is icing on the cake; my “pink toolset” was a running joke in my family for a long time, but we were always laughing with the tools rather than at them because I used them so much. This is one of those gifts for graduates that isn’t flashy, but it’s necessary — and they will thank you for it. – V.P.

$23 at AmazonLEVOIT

Levoit Core 300s air purifier

That first domicile after college isn’t always ideal — mine was above a heavily-trafficked LA boulevard, which didn’t result in the cleanest indoor air. We tested out the Levoit Core 300s air purifier and found it cleared out both VOCs and particulate matter (PM) quite efficiently, particularly for its size. It runs quietly and can automatically increase the fan speed when it detects the air is getting murky. Plus the replacement filters are much more affordable than other models, something any recent grad will appreciate. — A.S.

$150 at AmazonApple

Apple Watch Series 9

If you really want to treat the iPhone-toting graduate in your life, get them the Apple Watch Series 9. It’s the best Apple Watch for most people right now, and it’s the best smartwatch, period. In addition to delivering all of their phone’s alerts to their wrist, the Series 9 is a solid workout companion, tracking most exercises and even connecting to some gym equipment. The new S9 SiP makes the Watch run a tad faster and makes Siri speedier at responding to requests, adding reminders to their lists and more. The new Double Tap feature is handy as well, as it lets the wearer use gestures to navigate the Watch’s interface if they’re unable to tap the screen at any time. If you have a new grad who’s constantly on the go, or who wants to whip out their phone less during the day, the Series 9 will be a welcomed gift. – V.P.

$299 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$299 at Walmart$399 at AdoramaEngadget

Spotify 6-month gift card

If the graduate in your life constantly has Spotify playing in the background, switching from lo-fi beats while working to today’s top hits when they want to unwind, a gift subscription will be much appreciated. A six-month gift card will set you back $60, but it will give them peace of mind knowing that something they already use regularly is paid for the next few months. Spotify is one of the best music streaming services available right now, and it’s particularly adept at suggesting new music that listeners might like based on their current habits. There are also a bunch of podcasts and audiobooks available to Spotify subscribers as well; in fact, Premium subscribers can listen to 15 hours of audiobooks per month for no extra cost. Ultimately, the best part of this gift is taking care of a recurring monthly cost for your graduate, just for a little while, so they can use those funds for other things. — V.P.

$60 at WalmartWill Lipman Photography for Engadget

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Google’s Chromecast dongle topped our list of streaming devices, but our runner up is probably better for new grads. Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K not only converts just about any screen into a smart TV, it also opens up access to an endless flow of free content and live programming (most of which is also free). Even if they don’t pay for every streaming service under the sun (or any), they’ll still find loads of stuff to watch. We like Roku’s uncluttered interface and playful illustrated robot motif. Plus the dongle hides neatly behind the screen, supports 4K content with Dolby Vision and has a long Wi-Fi range. – A.S.

$47 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$50 at Kohl’s$50 at TargetInstant Pot

Instant Pot Vortex Mini Air Fryer

The Instant Vortex Mini is a powerful little air fryer that any new college grad should be able to fit into even the most cramped of kitchen setups. It has an easy to use touchscreen with a few different cooking modes, but we expect most graduates will use it to cook snacks like mozzarella sticks and reheat leftovers to crispy perfection. We recommend checking out our air fryer guide if you want to give them something a little bigger that can cook more food at once — but if you’re only looking out for your grad and maybe their partner or favorite roommate, the Instant Vortex Mini will feed them well. — V.P.

$50 at AmazonEngadget

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass remains a great value for any grad who owns an Xbox or gaming PC and likes to play games in their downtime. The subscription’s library includes big-name series like Halo and Minecraft alongside more experimental gems like Hi-Fi Rushand Pentiment, and it still gets you access to first-party Xbox games on day one. Each title is available to download on-demand. The Ultimate tier includes perks like cloud gaming and online play, but there are cheaper options for just Xbox consoles or PCs as well.

If your graduate plays more on PlayStation or the Nintendo Switch, there are similar services you can gift: PlayStation Plus for the former, Switch Online for the latter. These will almost certainly be appreciated if you’re buying for someone who games frequently, though they’re not quite as strong a value as Game Pass in terms of cost or included games. — J.D.

$45 at AmazonAnker

Anker MagGo Power Bank, Qi2 Certified 15W

Whether they’re hitting the streets for interviews or heading out for the weekend with friends, either way, your grad will likely appreciate having a way to recharge their phone on the go. The Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K is our current favorite MagSafe charger in our guide. It has a sturdy but unobtrusive stand to prop up an iPhone, holding it in either landscape or portrait orientation so your grad can still make use of the handset as it charges. There’s a readout on the side that tells you how much juice remains and it can even charge the phone while it’s plugged into the wall. Plus, thanks to the new Qi2 charging standard, the wireless charging speeds are impressive — it got our tester iPhone 15 from near-dead to half-full in about 45 minutes. — A.S.

$90 at AmazonAnker

Anker PowerConf C200

If your grad plans on working remotely, a webcam that keeps them looking sharp and in focus during video calls is a wise investment. The Anker PowerConf C200, a recommendation from our webcam buying guide, is a great choice: It shoots crisp 2K resolution video, autofocuses quickly and does well to keep its subjects visible in darker settings. It can’t swivel from side to side, but it’s a cinch to set up and has a built-in lens cover for extra peace of mind. At $60, it’s relatively affordable to boot. — J.D.

$48 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$60 at Newegg1Password

1Password

If your giftee thought they had a lot of logins to keep track of in school, just wait until they get into the workplace. A password manager will be a must-have, and you can easily give them a 1Password digital gift card so they have no excuse not to use one. Our favorite password manager is easy to use, even for those who have never had a password manager before, and it provides top-notch security. It uses industry standard encryption, a “secret key” that only your giftee knows along with their one password to keep all of their other information safe. In addition to login credentials, new graduates can keep other information like credit card numbers, banking information and sensitive notes in their 1Password vaults for safekeeping — and they can easily access it all on their phone or laptop whenever they need. At minimum, it’s much more secure than a tattered sticky note for keep tracking of their most important passwords. At best, it could be a crucial service that your grad decides to keep paying for long after they’ve used up their gift card. – V.P.

$25+ at 1PasswordiRobot

iRobot Roomba 694

There are a lot of things you need to learn (and remember) when you first move out of your dorm room and into your own space — keeping your home clean is one of them. And even if your grad isn’t “moving out” as much as they are moving into a dedicated portion of their parents’ home, they still need to make sure they’re tidying up on a regular basis. iRobot’s Roomba 694 is one gadget that can help them partially automate their cleaning routine. Our favorite budget robot vacuum, the Roomba 694 is dead simple to use — it can be a one-button process if they want it to be — and it does a good job sucking up dirt and debris across carpet and hard flooring. We also like iRobot’s mobile app, which is just as easy to use as the machine alone, and it gives them the ability to set cleaning schedules. If they go that route, it’s a one-and-done situation and they can sit back and watch the robo-vac do the work for them. — V.P.

$180 at WalmartExplore More Buying Options$180 at Wayfair$180 at AmazonKobo

Kobo Clara 2E | eReader | Glare-Free 6? HD Touchscreen | ComfortLight PRO Blue Light Reduction | Adjustable Brightness | WiFi | 16GB of Storage | Carta E Ink Technology | Waterproof

Now that they’re done with syllabi, recent grads can read whatever they want (and maybe enjoy it). Topping our list of the best ereaders is the Clara 2E from Kobo, which has a six-inch, 300 ppi E-Ink display that’s far easier on the eyes than a tablet. The Clara 2E is waterproof, comfortable to hold and has a quick, responsive interface. It can access titles from the Kobo store, the local public library via built-in Overdrive integration or any other e-book source (except the Kindle store). On top of that, the warm light is great for reading late into the night – something that’s far more fun when you’re not doing so to cram for a test. – A.S.

$120 at WalmartHeadspace

Headspace

Those early days in the working world can be an especially stressful time in anyone’s life. If your grad has expressed interest in using meditation to help manage their mental health, a Headspace subscription could be useful. It has a large and well-organized selection of guided meditations and mindful exercises to help reduce anxiety and build self control, including several sessions for beginners. There are one-off exercises designed to help with specific, real world crises (nerves before a job interview, for example) as well as courses that seek to address more complex states (grief, self-doubt, lack of focus, etc.) over multiple sessions. A “sleepcasts” feature, meanwhile, combines guided relaxation exercises with soothing narration to create a more healthy sleep environment. Apps like this aren’t cure-alls for mental distress, nor are they the only ways to meditate. Still, they can provide a more organized way for your grad to work toward better peace of mind. — J.D.

$6 at Headspacenuphy

Nuphy Air75 V2

Mechanical keyboards can be pretty noisy, so they may not be the best gift if your grad has to work in an office all the time. But if they won’t have any coworkers or roommates around during the workday, a good keyboard like the NuPhy Air75 V2 should be a welcomed upgrade. This wireless, low-profile model puts the more gratifying feel of mechanical switches in a design that’s flatter and thinner than most enthusiast keyboards. For something so compact, it’s a joy to type on, with crisp keycaps, a wealth of different switch options and no annoying rattling on the larger keys. It works across Windows and macOS, and its playful design is just plain cute. Plus, if your grad ever wants to go wild and customize it with new switches and keycaps down the road, doing so is straightforward. — J.D.

$140 at AmazonOtterbox

Otterbox Otterspot wireless charger

A recent graduate might be simultaneously looking for jobs, apartments and new places to hang out, so they’ll be out and relying on their phone a lot. If they have a model that accommodates wireless charging, they could probably use the OtterSpot wireless charging system from Otterbox. It earned the top spot in our guide to wireless chargers because it pulls double duty as a desk-based charger and a portable battery. The disc-shaped accessory accommodates up to three, coaster-like 5,000mAh batteries that can charge devices on the go. The batteries stack on the charger and the phone goes on top, allowing everything to power up at once. The batteries can even deliver a charge via USB-C, too. – A.S.

$100 at OtterboxAnker

Anker Prime Power Bank 200W

A good power bank will be an accessory your graduate won’t want to leave home without. The Anker Prime Power Bank is one of our favorites, and it’s pretty luxe for a portable battery. It has an attractive yet compact, rectangular design with a built-in screen that shows you how many watts are being pumped out into each device you’re charging, plus the remaining juice in the battery itself. The included base makes it easy to recharge the power bank, too, and it has a few extra built-in ports so they could treat the whole thing like a power station. The portable charger’s 20,000mAh capacity will be more than enough to juice up a smartphone a couple of times, and it can power larger devices like a tablet or laptop easily, too. – V.P.

$185 at Amazon

The post The best college graduation gifts appeared first on Best News.

There can’t be many people unfamiliar with Bluey, the biggest kids’ TV series on the planet, if not the biggest series overall. Each seven-minute episode is a slice-of-life sitcom about the Heelers, a family of anthropomorphic dogs living in Brisbane, Australia. Bluey and her younger sister Bingo live with parents Bandit and Chilli. The show started out focused on the playtimes the kids would have with each other or their parents. But it quickly sprawled out to create a rich world in the vein of The Simpsons, with a whole city’s worth of storylines. It can now regularly relegate the Heelers to the background to focus on the show’s deep cast of characters.

It closed out its third season with last Sunday's “The Sign,” a (comparatively) epic 28-minute episode and this week with “Surprise,” a sweet little postscript. The former’s long running time was described as a dry-run for any potential Bluey movie, wrapping up a number of the show’s storylines. It focuses on a wedding taking place at the Heeler’s home in the shadow of the family’s plan to relocate to another city. I won’t spoil too much beyond saying “The Sign” is a story about the bigness of change and how that affects parents and kids alike. Much of it focused on Bandit’s decision to move for a better-paid job and the way that impacted Chilli and the two girls. It’s a complicated issue, especially because it highlights that parents often just want to do what’s best for the kids.

“Surprise,” meanwhile, focuses more on the mundane struggle of Bandit trying to play two different games with his daughters at the same time. Much as Bluey wants to be just seven minutes of silly fun, it can’t quite help but be honest about the emotional and physical labor of parenting. All Bandit wants to do is sit down and watch sport on the TV but his daughters won’t allow him that luxury. He’s chased around the house, forced to pretend to teach a tennis ball to ride a bike and then pelted with ping pong balls fired from a toy launcher. (Bluey’s happy to highlight how often Bandit will get hit in the groin as a consequence of whatever game the girls are playing.)

The payoff to all of that effort comes in the final half minute of the episode, which is when I started sobbing. As much as it may be pitched as a palate cleanser after the scale and emotional heft of the previous episode, the final moments offer a real (if pleasant) punch to the gut. I can’t help but feel plenty of parallels in Bluey’s life and that of my own (similarly-aged) daughter, and feel a lot of kinship with Bandit as well. If I’m one one-hundredth as good a parent as this silly cartoon dog who often gets it wrong, then I’ll feel like I’ve done a good job.

There’s been speculation that this third season may be the end for Bluey. Bloomberg reported the uncertainty around creator Joe Brumm’s future with the show, although producer Sam Moor has said it will continue in some form. Any delay would also risk that the child actors – who remain anonymous for their own safety — will age out of being able to play their roles. But in many ways, Bluey can’t not continue given the show is now a multi-billion dollar cash cow for the BBC, which owns a big chunk of the show’s rights.

I don’t want to say goodbye to Bluey and the Heelers, and I’d prefer they kept the cast as-is and let them grow up alongside Bandit and Chilli. That, to me, would be an honest thing to do, rather than indulging in the fakery that dogs so many TV shows which face this problem. But if they have to go, I’ll choose to remember Bluey’s three perfect seasons through the highs and lows of parenting.

The post What we watched: Bluey’s joyful finales appeared first on Best News.