The HP DeskJet and OfficeJet printers both belong to the inkjet printer family. However, while the former is geared toward home use, the latter is designed to cater to the demands of a small business or home office. This difference in their intended audience significantly influences their feature sets and which line of printers is right for you.

In this article, we’ll review what makes each type of HP printer unique and whether you should invest in a home-grade printer or one designed for business needs.

HP DeskJet

HP DeskJets are all-in-one inkjet printers built with home users in mind. They are compact, affordable, and simple to use. They are perfect for occasional printing tasks, including text documents, homework assignments, and photo printing.

DeskJet printers use two ink cartridges, one for black ink and the other for color. They deliver decent print quality with a resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, depending on the model.

Note: There are some exceptions to the two-cartridge setup most DeskJets use. For example, the DeskJet 3520 used a four-cartridge system, so be sure to confirm the system your specific DeskJet uses before buying,

The print speed is relatively slow, with most models producing about ten pages per minute (ppm) in black-and-white and seven ppm in color. Home users generally are fine with this print speed, and if you need large amounts of black-and-white printing at home at reasonable speeds, you’re better off going for a laser printer instead.

The DeskJet series is known for its various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi Direct. The HP Smart app allows for easy mobile printing from smartphones or tablets. Some models even offer borderless photo printing, an excellent feature for photo enthusiasts. We spend so much time taking awesome photos with modern smartphone cameras that it makes sense to show some off as physical prints!

Tip: If you’re specifically looking for a photo printing solution for smartphone photos, consider something like the HP Sprocket, which turns your smartphone into the equivalent of a Polaroid camera.

While most HP DeskJets might not come with a touchscreen, the included software and the intuitive button layout make their operation straightforward. These printers typically don’t have an automatic document feeder or double-sided printing, features more common in office-oriented models.

DeskJet printers come with a warranty geared to home use and vary depending on the model and where you purchase them. You can find a range of HP DeskJet printers on Amazon and most similar retailers, offering different features. While DeskJets are meant for home users, there’s a significant difference between models, so business customers should pay attention to DeskJets in principle, especially if you’re looking for a personal, single-user inkjet for work.

HP OfficeJet Pro

OfficeJet Pro printers are more robust and feature-packed compared to their DeskJet counterparts. In some models, these all-in-one printers are multifunction printers capable of copying, scanning, and even faxing (remember that?). The HP OfficeJet Pro series is particularly popular among small businesses.

One of the distinguishing features of the OfficeJet printer series is its print speed. Some models can reach speeds of up to 20 ppm for black-and-white documents and 11 ppm for color documents. They also typically offer higher print quality with a resolution of up to 4800 x 2400 dpi.

OfficeJets use separate ink cartridges for each color, which can save cost as you only need to replace the color that has run out.

Note: As with DeskJet printers, there are exceptions regarding the ink cartridge setup. While OfficeJet printers tend to use separate ink cartridges, there are models, such as the OfficeJet 3830, which use a tricolor tank and a black ink tank.

Another cost-saving feature is the HP Instant Ink service, which automatically delivers ink cartridges when your printer is low on ink.

OfficeJets also boast (generally) superior connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and even NFC in some models. Like the DeskJet series, they support mobile printing through the HP Smart app and have Wi-Fi Direct capabilities.

Other professional features in OfficeJet include an automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning or copying, duplex printing, and a larger paper tray capacity. Higher-end models come with a touchscreen for more straightforward navigation. They also offer more robust warranty options to match their business-oriented use.

HP Enterprise – Big Business!

The HP OfficeJet Enterprise series targeted larger businesses with higher printing volumes. These printers were designed to meet the demands of a busy office environment, offering faster print speeds, larger paper tray capacities, and more robust construction than typical home models.

While the OfficeJet Enterprise printer line seems to be discontinued as of this writing, you can still buy them refurbished or as new, in cases where new stock is still available.

A notable feature of the OfficeJet Enterprise series is its exceptionally high print speed, with some models reaching up to 75 pages per minute.

They also offer high-resolution printing at up to 2400 x 1200 dpi for color prints, ensuring crisp and vibrant outputs. Additionally, these printers support high-capacity ink cartridges, helping businesses manage their printing costs more effectively.

Designed for large-scale, multifunction use, these printers also support advanced features like automatic duplex printing and scanning, touchscreen controls, and network connectivity options. Thus, the OfficeJet Enterprise series provides a reliable, high-performance printing solution for businesses with demanding printing needs.

The OfficeJet Enterprise printers were replaced by the HP PageWide Enterprise inkjet printers, but these have also been discontinued.It seems that HP’s Enterprise line is now almost entirely focused on color and mono laser printers, in the form of LaserJet Enterprise products.

Don’t Forget About OfficeJet Mobile

The OfficeJet Mobile series from HP caters specifically to those needing printing solutions on the go. These printers, designed with mobility in mind, are compact and lightweight. Despite their diminutive stature, they maintain many essential OfficeJet series features, including versatile connectivity and reliable print quality.

Much like their full-sized counterparts, the mobile variants provide up to 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution for color prints. Their print speed is competitive, with up to 10 ppm for monochrome prints and seven ppm for color. They employ two cartridges, one black, and one tri-color. Users can also enrol in HP’s Instant Ink service for convenient cartridge replacement. However, these printers have a smaller paper tray capacity and usually lack the automatic duplex printing feature due to size constraints.

The OfficeJet Mobile series is an interesting adaptation of the traditional OfficeJet line, focusing on portability. In some ways, OfficeJet mobile printers are like portable DeskJet printers when you compare their specs and features.

What About the HP Envy Range?

The HP Envy printer range offers a unique aesthetic design and functionality blend. These all-in-one color inkjet printers deliver high-quality prints, scans, and copies, ideal for various tasks at home. The Envy printers yield crisp, vibrant results with print resolutions similar to the DeskJet and OfficeJet series at 4800 x 1200 dpi for color prints. However, their print speed is typically slower, with around ten ppm for black and seven ppm for color prints.

The Envy series also has integration with the HP Smart app. This lets users control their printer directly from their smartphone, offering mobile printing capabilities and convenient printer management. Envy printers also provide robust networking, including Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi Direct. Some also support HP Instant Ink service for convenient ink management.

Despite their functionality, Envy printers are not designed for high-volume printing. They are more suited for moderate home use, as their paper tray capacity and durability may not withstand heavy-duty printing tasks. If you were considering one of the HP DeskJet models, you should also include the Envy range since there is considerable overlap in their intended audiences.

DeskJet vs. OfficeJet: Which Is Right for You?

The choice between a DeskJet and an OfficeJet printer largely depends on your printing volume and the types of documents you need to print.

If you need a printer for occasional use at home, the DeskJet series offers a good blend of affordability and functionality. It handles everyday printing tasks effectively while maintaining a compact footprint. Its competitors in the home use category include printers such as Canon Pixma and Epson. If a DeskJet sounds right for you, make sure to also look at the Envy range.

On the other hand, if you have a home office or run a small business, the OfficeJet series could be a more appropriate choice. It’s designed for higher volume printing and includes more advanced features, such as duplex printing, faster print speeds, and robust connectivity options. Its main competitors in this category include the HP Laserjet series, which are monochrome and color laser printers, and other brands like Canon and Epson.

Laser printing, especially in color, has come a long way in the last few years, and for any business we’d recommend looking at these printers first, unless you absolutely need a high-volume photo printer as well.

Laser printers use toner cartridges instead of ink, offering faster print speeds and better text quality. However, they can be more expensive initially and are usually bulkier than their inkjet counterparts. In terms of per-page printing cost, however, laserjet printers quickly pay for themselves.

Powered by the Unisoc T606 processor and featuring 8 GB of RAM (expandable by 6 GB) and 256 GB of built-in storage (with support for up to 1TB micro-SD expansion), the Oscal Pad 13 ensures smooth multitasking and ample space for your files and apps.

Check out our hands-on review of the Oscal Pad 13 to see if this is the right Android tablet for you.

Blackview Oscal Pad 13 Tablet: First Impressions & Specs

The Oscal Pad 13 is a tablet device that combines portability with productivity. On unpacking, one of the first things I noticed was how lightweight and compact this tablet is. It weighs only 15.3 oz (435g) and measures only 0.3 in (7.6mm) in thickness. It’s slim and portable enough to fit in almost any bag you take with you.

The tablet also comes with a protective case, so you don’t have to worry about scratching it while transporting.

Blackview Oscal Pad 13 has a 10.1-inch display that boasts a high-definition resolution of 1200*1920, allowing you to comfortably do your work and stream your favorite content. The tablet also comes with a stylus pen, which is handy for taking notes, journaling, and drawing.

Before we dive into the Oscal Pad 13 review, here’s the complete list of technical specifications of this Android tablet.

• Brand: Blackview
• Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.3 in (239.2 x 157.95 x 7.6mm)
• Weight: 15.3 oz (435g)
• Display: 10.1-inch IPS LCD
• Resolution: 1200*1920 pixels
• Screen-to-Body Ratio: 81%
• CPU: Octa-core UNISOC T606 (2 x A75 cores @ 1.6GHz, 6 x A55 cores @ 1.6GHz)
• Operating System: DokeOS_P 3.0 (based on Android 12)
• RAM: 8GB (expandable up to 14GB)
• Storage: 256GB ROM (expandable up to 1TB with a TF card)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.⅘ GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS
• Rear camera: 13MP, 1080P video recording at 30fps
• Front camera: 8MP
• Speaker: 1224 2PCS speakers
• Ports: USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Supported video streaming services: Widevine L1 certified
• Navigation: GPS + Glonass + Beidou + Galileo
• Extra features: versatile desktop, smart floating windows, data migration assistant, system manager
• Battery: 7,680mAh, 18W quick charge
• Accessories: stylus pen, screen protector
• Colors: space grey, glacier blue
• Price: $319, currently on sale for $240 on Aliexpress or $250 on Amazon.

Pad 13 is currently on sale on Aliexpress, and you can order it for just $240. For a budget-friendly device, Pad 13 includes a lot of surprising functionality and accessories. In the box, you’ll find a high-quality screen protector to avoid scratching your tablet’s display and a universal stylus pen that works with any device. Today manufacturers tend to stick with the bare minimum when it comes to accessories, but it’s not the case with Oscal.

Another surprising factor for me was the 4G cellular connection option for European and Asian consumers. It means you won’t have to rely solely on a Wi-Fi connection while on the go and can use your tablet with a sim card.

Design and Unpacking

The Oscal Pad 13 tablet has a stylish and modern design. It’s slim and has smooth edges, making it look classy. The tablet is packed securely to keep it safe during shipping.

What’s in the Box

Here’s everything you’ll find when unpacking your Oscal Pad 13:

• Blackview Oscal Pad 13 Tablet
• Stylus pen
• USB-C charging cable
• Power adapter to connect the USB-C cable for charging the tablet
• Tempered membrane screen protector
• Sim card ejector tool
• Quick start guide & warranty card

The front of the Oscal Pad 13 has a big and colorful screen with slim bezels that maximize the screen-to-body ratio. It fills up most of the front, so you can enjoy watching movies, browsing the web, or playing games. The camera and sensors are placed neatly at the top so they don’t get in the way.

The back panel of the tablet has a solid cover made of strong materials and features a matte finish. The main camera is also placed on the back of the tablet.

There are buttons and ports on the sides of the Oscal Pad 13. These include the volume buttons, power button, charging port, headphone jack, and a card slot for dual SIM and micro SD memory card. A SIM card ejector tool is included in the package, so you can easily open the slot and install/remove the cards.

You’ll also find some other extra things that come with the Oscal Pad 13 inside the box. There’s a sturdy screen protector for your tablet’s display and a stylus pen tool. The stylus is a great and versatile tool, and it’s an excellent addition to the package. However, there’s no magnetic mechanism to attach it to your tablet. You have to always keep an eye on it if you don’t want to lose it.

The Oscal Pad 13 is thoughtfully designed. Thanks to the slim structure and the placement of the buttons, you’ll find no problem using the Pad 13 even if you’ve never used a tablet before.

Software and Features

The Oscal Pad 13 tablet is equipped with the Unisoc T606 octa-core processor, which acts as the brain of the tablet. The Unisoc T606 octa-core chipset ensures that the Oscal Pad 13 can handle various tasks with ease.

The Pad 13 is running on the older Android 12. It’s enough for ordinary everyday use, but if you’re after the latest Android UI and optimizations, the Pad 13 may not be the right tablet for you. I mostly use the tablet for streaming services and browsing the internet and found everything running smoothly.

One notable feature of the Oscal Pad 13 is its PC mode, which allows the tablet to function like a traditional computer. With this mode, you can connect an external keyboard and mouse to the tablet, enabling you to work on documents, browse the web, or perform other tasks more efficiently. This versatility makes the Oscal Pad 13 a convenient tablet PC option for both work and entertainment on the go.

Speaking of productivity features; the Oscal Pad 13 comes preloaded with the WPS office suite, providing you with a comprehensive set of productivity tools on the go. You can work on documents, spreadsheets, or presentations using the WPS suite, and it’s a great alternative to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint altogether.

The Oscal Pad 13 tablet offers three reading modes for a more comfortable user experience in any light condition. The first mode is the standard mode, the second mode is the night mode, which reduces blue light emission to minimize eye strain during nighttime reading sessions, and the third is the sunlight mode, designed for outdoor reading.

Some other features you may find useful are face unlock and the 4-in-1 navigation system. If you don’t like passcodes and patterns, you can use the advanced face unlock option to access your Pad 13. The tablet can securely recognize your face and unlock the device with just a smile.

The 4-in-1 navigation system includes GPS, Glonass, Beidou, and Galileo, which allow you to navigate with confidence. This is useful when traveling to a new city or country or when you need to quickly find a specific place or an object in your surroundings.

Storage

In terms of storage, the Oscal Pad 13 offers ample internal storage capacity to store your files, apps, and media. Oscal Pad 13 comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB built-in storage.

The tablet also supports expandable storage through a dual 4G SIM card slot, allowing you to add more space for your data if needed. You can use one slot for a 4G SIM card and the other slot for a TF card with a storage capacity of up to 1TB. This dual 4G capability provides flexibility and convenience for both data connectivity and storage expansion.

Gaming and Entertainment

If you’re looking for a portable tablet to use for gaming and entertainment purposes, the Pad 13 has a lot to offer in this sphere. The optimized software, vibrant display, generous internal storage, PC mode, and immersive audio all work towards the best possible gaming and entertainment experience you may have using a tablet.

While we already touched upon other things from this list, what I found especially impressive is Pad 13’s performance in the audio department. The tablet’s equipped with smart quad-box speakers that provide an immersive audio experience – another surprising feature for a portable tablet like the Pad 13.

Photo & Video Quality

The Oscal Pad 13 tablet features a 13-megapixel AI camera at the back, allowing you to capture photos with impressive detail and clarity. It’s also capable of recording videos in 1080p resolution, ensuring smooth and high-quality video footage.

For video calls and selfies, the tablet is equipped with an 8-megapixel front-facing camera.

*selfie taken with Oscal Pad 13

While the camera performance of the Pad 13 is not exceptional, it delivers satisfactory results for everyday photography needs. The cameras may not stand out as extraordinary, but they get the job done.

*selfie taken with Oscal Pad 13

Whether you want to snap quick photos, record memorable moments, or engage in video calls with loved ones, the Pad 13’s cameras offer decent performance and functionality.

Battery Life

The Oscal Pad 13 is equipped with a powerful 7680mAh battery that offers impressive battery life. With such a large capacity, you can enjoy your tablet for extended periods without worrying about running out of power quickly.

I use this tablet primarily for streaming TV shows and watching YouTube in the evening, and the battery easily lasts me from several days to a week. Otherwise, the battery should last you up to 18 hours of music playback or up to 33 hours of calling.

Oscal Pad 13 also supports fast charging technology, so you can quickly refill the battery using the 18W quick charge.

Thanks to the combination of the high-capacity 7680mAh battery and fast charging, you can keep using your tablet for work or entertainment purposes for longer periods without interruptions.

Should You Buy the Blackview Oscal Pad 13 Tablet?

The Oscal Pad 13 is a budget tablet that comes with impressive features and accessories. It’s equipped with a beautiful vibrant display, generous internal storage, lots of connectivity options, and a powerful battery. Not to mention the added accessories and capabilities, like the screen protector, stylus pen, and dual SIM card slot.

The specs may not be cutting edge, with the somewhat outdated Android 12 and average camera performance, but the price tag of under $250 makes it an attractive buy.

The Golden X1 specs look impressive, but can this headset live up to the hype? Check out our in-depth TOZO Golden X1 review to see whether you should get it as your next true wireless earbuds.

TOZO Golden X1 Wireless Earbuds: First Impressions & Specs

My first impression of the TOZO Golden X1 earbuds was that they stand out among countless other modern earbud models that mostly just copy one another in terms of design and overall look. Some things that TOZO did differently are better, like the eartips’ shape or sound quality. However, other things are a miss, like the charging case design.

Overall, I’d say if you’re after the performance and great sound quality, you’ll enjoy using the Golden X1. You’ll find many premium-grade features in X1, including the dual driver with Hi-Res certification and eight microphones for calls and ANC. At the same time, if looks are just as important to you and you want the longest possible battery life that you can get for $150, then the X1 might disappoint you.

Before we dive into the X1 earbuds review, here’s the full list of tech specifications of these wireless earbuds:

• Dimensions of the charging case: 2.75 x 1.35 x 1.5in (69.9 x 34.2 x 38.2mm)
• Weight: 0.2oz (5.8g) each earbud, 1.5oz (43g) charging case, 1.9oz (54.6g) entire device
• Type: In-ear true wireless earbuds
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, wireless range up to 10m, USB-C port
• Drivers: 12mm dynamic driver + knowles balanced armature driver
• Audio codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
• Frequency response range: 12Hz – 44.1kHz frequency range
• Active noise cancellation: ANC and ENC noise cancellation modes
• Water resistance rating: IPX6
• Color: Black
• Battery life: Up to 8 hours with noise cancellation off, up to 5h with noise cancellation on max level
• Price: $149.99 on the official TOZO website and on Amazon.

The Golden X1 with the $150 price tag is quite a jump from Tozo’s usual under $50 products, but the sound quality alone is worth it. The X1 may be no match for the latest Apple Airpods, but it can definitely compete with other high-end earphones in the same price category by Sony or Bose.

Design and Unpacking

Tozo Golden X1 comes in a premium-looking black box. The earbuds feature a sleek design and premium build, which unfortunately cannot be said about the charging case. It’s a shame that the charging case looks somewhat flimsy and feels like cheap plastic.

My impression was that design-wise, the cheap build of the charging case is really taking away from the X1’s value. However, if you’re willing to overlook this bit, the earbuds themselves won’t disappoint you, and the build quality of the earbuds feels better than that of the charging case.

What’s in the Box

Here’s everything you’ll find when unboxing your TOZO Golden X1:

• Golden X1 tws (true wireless) earbuds with a charging case
• USB-A to USB-C charging cable
• Six pairs of silicone eartips
• Quick start guide
• User manual

The charging case is made of black plastic and is pill-shaped. On top of it, you’ll find the company logo in gold. On the back of the case, you’ll find a USB-C charging port. However, the X1 also supports wireless charging.

Inside the case, you’ll see a display that shows the current battery level of the charging case with the symbols that indicate each earbud inside.

The earbuds feature a sleek, modern look with a smooth, glossy finish. The all-black body of the earbuds is complemented by gold accents with the Tozo logos on them.

The earbuds have a compact and lightweight construction, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. They have an oval ergonomic shape to fit securely in the ear, providing a snug and stable fit. I, for one, have weirdly-shaped ears, and most of the earbuds fall out of them. I can testify that the X1 stays in even while I’m running, all thanks to its unusual shape.

The TOZO Golden X1 earbuds come with a selection of ear tips in six different sizes to accommodate various ear shapes and sizes. This allows for a personalized and comfortable fit, ensuring the earbuds stay securely in your ears and create a proper seal to enhance sound quality and isolation.

The touch controls are touch-sensitive and are seamlessly integrated into the surface of the earbuds. You can use four different gestures – one tap, double tap, triple tap, and long press to effortlessly manage your music playback, answer or end calls, and activate voice assistants with simple taps or swipes. This eliminates the need to reach for your phone or other devices, providing convenient and hands-free control.

The charging case of the TOZO Golden X1 earbuds is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your pocket or bag. The case is magnetically sealed, ensuring that the earbuds are securely stored and protected when not in use.

Audio Quality & Features

Regarding audio quality, the TOZO Golden X1 Wireless Earbuds provide high-quality sound for an immersive listening experience. They have a wide soundstage, which means you can hear where the instruments and voices are coming from in your favorite music.

The treble, the high-pitched part of the sound, sounds clear and sharp. It adds a nice sparkle to your music. Whether listening to delicate piano melodies or soaring vocals, the earbuds capture the treble range pretty accurately.

The vocals and instruments in the midrange sound rich and clear. You can really hear the details and emotions in the music.

One useful feature of the TOZO Golden X1 earbuds is their multipoint connectivity capability. This means you can pair the earbuds with two devices simultaneously and easily switch between your phone and tablet or laptop.

If you need to be aware of your surroundings while listening to music, you’ll enjoy using the transparency mode on your X1 earbuds. When you activate the transparency mode, you can hear ambient noise and sounds from around you together with the audio playback. This is a great feature to use when you’re walking on busy streets or need to have a conversation without removing the earbuds.

The earbuds also reduce background noise so you can focus on your music even in noisy places like cafes or trains.

If you care a lot about sound quality, the TOZO Golden X1 earbuds are a good choice. They reproduce sound accurately, which is important for audiophiles who want the best possible audio. While they can’t compare to Apple AirPods, you’re still getting an excellent audio experience for just $150 with the X1.

Overall, the TOZO Golden X1 Wireless Earbuds offer an impressive listening experience with their wide soundstage, detailed treble reproduction, multipoint connectivity, transparency mode, noise reduction capability, and well-defined midrange.

App and Connectivity

The TOZO Golden X1 earbuds come with an app called the TOZO app. You can download this app on your Android or iOS device. Once you install the app, you can use it to change the settings of your earbuds. You can adjust the sound using EQ settings.

Connecting the TOZO Golden X1 earbuds to your device is easy. Once you connect them the first time, they will connect automatically when they’re nearby. The connection stays strong, so you can listen to music or take calls without any problems.

The TOZO app offers a variety of preset sound options, allowing you to easily find a sound profile that suits your preferences without the need for extensive customization. There are different sound options you can choose from, or you can create your own.

The app also has a unique feature called Earprint. It lets you take a hearing test to see how well you can hear.

Based on the results, the app will make the sound better for your ears.

You can also use the app to control your earbuds. You can change the volume, pick different sound options, and turn on a mode that lets you hear what’s around you.

The app also shows you how much battery is left in your earbuds. This way, you know when you need to charge them.

Battery Life

TOZO Golden X1 comes with a 500mAh battery in the charging case and a 55mAh battery in each earbud. This battery allows you to play music for up to 8 hours with the noise cancellation off and up to 5 hours with the max noise cancellation on.

While testing, these earbuds lasted about 4.5 hours on a single charge with the noise cancellation on – close to what TOZO claims.

When the earbuds hit zero, you can charge them using the included USB-C charging cable in just 2 hours (from zero to full). Even though there’s no mention of fast charging on the official website, the earbuds charge pretty quickly. The Golden X1 model also supports Qi wireless charging so you can use it with a wireless charger.

Should You Buy the TOZO Golden X1 True Wireless Earbuds?

TOZO Golden X1 offers an impressive combination of high-quality sound, performance, and customization. Add the comfortable fit, intuitive controls, and reliable battery life to that, and you’ll get an excellent set of true wireless earbuds, probably one of the top options in this price category.

At the same time, if you’re after the looks and design, the X1 may not be the best option for you, as it’s clear TOZO was doing some experimental work here, and not all of it turned out as good as the rest of the earbuds.

Keep in mind that being waterproof does not mean that you can chuck your speaker into a pool and take it out weeks later – the idea is to save it from accidental splashes and the rare dunking, not operate it in fluids. A waterproof speaker might handle being occasionally sprayed, but not held under a constantly running stream of water for long.

What Is IP Rating And Why Does It Matter?

It’s all very well to claim that a speaker is waterproof, but what exactly does it mean? Is it waterproof in the sense it can survive a few droplets of water, or in the sense that you can immerse it in a pool and still not damage anything?

That is where the IP rating comes in. The degree of waterproofing on a speaker (or any electronic device, really) is measured by the IP rating or the Ingress Protection rating.

As the name suggests, the IP rating of a device suggests how protected it is against intrusion by foreign particles. This includes both solid particulate matter like dust along with liquids like water.

Therefore the IP rating of a device consists of two digits; the first denotes its immunity to dust while the second digit measures how it fares against water. It is occasionally also followed by an alphabet to indicate additional capabilities – for example, K denotes resistance to pressurized water jets.

What Should Be the IP Rating of a Waterproof Speaker?

When you are shopping for a waterproof speaker, you want an IP rating of IP64 or better. The 6 indicates complete immunity to dust, while the 4 in the second digit means that the speaker can take water splashes without breaking down.

Of course, a better rating is always better, especially if your speaker is going to be subjected to more than just stray splashes. A rating of 5 or 6 (in the second digit) is required for withstanding water jets, while 7 and 8 deal with immersion.

9K is the highest possible value and denotes immunity to high-pressure jets – basically, equipment that is meant to be cleaned with jets of pressurized water, usually required in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Is a Waterproof Speaker Worth It?

At first glance, waterproof speakers sound like a stupid idea. After all, why on earth do you need your speakers to be waterproof?

But if you think about it, waterproof speakers are actually pretty useful. There are many situations that can bring your speakers in contact with fluids, and buying one that can weather these conditions can save you a lot of pain in the long run.

Pool Party

A party means music, calling for a great portable speaker to pump out those groovy tunes, but a pool party makes things tricky. No matter how careful you try to be, one of your friends is going to splash your expensive speaker, and for some models, that doesn’t end well.

A waterproof speaker (with a rating of at least IP64) can take a few splashes of water and keep going. An even higher-rated speaker will even survive being dunked into the pool, though no one is going to do that. Right?

Shower

Listening to music while showering is a common habit, even if it can be an expensive one. Most speakers don’t do well with water, particularly when it is coming out of a high-pressure nozzle.

Ideally, you want a speaker rated IP66K or IP69K (the K means they can deal with high-pressure water jets), but you can also use an IP65 speaker if you manage to keep it away from the direct spray.

General

A waterproof speaker isn’t useful only if you are looking to play music around water sources. Even a low-cost waterproof speaker can save your day if you happen to spill water on it by accident.

And if you are fond of wiping your devices clean with a damp cloth, an IP-rated enclosure can protect the moisture from getting in. Playing music in the kitchen, for example, becomes far more stress-free if the Bluetooth speaker can handle a little water.

#1: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 – Best Overall

When it comes to Bluetooth speakers (or any electronic device, really) there is no upper limit. No matter which model you buy, you will almost always get better sound quality in a more expensive one.

But if we’re talking about the best waterproof speaker overall, we need to balance the cost with the performance. This makes Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 the clear winner.

It combines a powerful bass and excellent sound quality with an IP67 rating, making it impervious to dust, water sprays, and even short-term immersion. And all this at less than a hundred bucks.

To be fair, the lack of USB-C charging does sting a bit since it makes the charging process much slower, and there are speakers with better sound quality out there. Yet all said and done, you would be hard-pressed to find a better waterproof speaker at this price range.

Pros

• IP67 rating
• Small and portable
• Decent battery life (around 14 hours)
• Supports pairing for Stereo sound
• Specialized outdoor mode for listening in open spaces
• Powerful bass and good sound quality
• Everything configurable with physical buttons

Cons

• Lacks USB-C charging
• Not supported by the Ultimate Ears app
• Not the most powerful speaker

Price

$85.00

#2: Sonos Roam – Best Smart

Sonos is known for its high-quality smart speakers, and its cheapest model makes for the perfect portable speaker. Appropriately named Sonos Roam, the speaker offers voice assistant support and great sound quality in an IP67-rated enclosure – which means it’s all but immune to water, surviving even complete submersion for a limited time.

While priced higher than Wonderboom 3, the Sonos Roam is nevertheless the most affordable model of the Sonos lineup, and actually has a few extra features than its competitor.

It charges using a USB-C cable, for example, allowing the speaker to charge rapidly using the same cable you use for your smartphone and laptop. Then there’s the wireless connectivity, leveraging both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections to play music and receive voice commands.

But its best feature has to be Auto TruePlay. This functionality ensures that the sound output is constantly modulated to carry through the background noise, letting you listen to your favorite tracks in the middle of a busy outdoor area.

Pros

• IP67 rating
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support
• Auto TruePlay feature for outdoor listening
• USB-C charging
• Great sound quality
• Alexa and Google voice assistant integration

Cons

• More expensive than Wonderboom 3
• Complicated setup

Price

$199.00

#3: JBL Charge 5 – Best Powerbank

The JBL Charge 5 brings an interesting quirk to the table – it is a waterproof speaker that can also function as a power bank, charging other devices through a USB cable. Even if you choose not to use this feature, it translates into a much larger battery capacity, which is always great for a portable speaker.

Apart from that, it is a pretty solid Bluetooth speaker, with an IP67 rating and powerful audio output. The bass is surprisingly good for its size, even at low volumes. A dedicated PartyBoost (along with the JBL Portable app) lets you connect the device with any compatible JBL speaker, playing the same audio from multiple angles.

Thanks to the use of Bluetooth 5.0, you get a low-latency high-range connection that can smoothly play your music without any degradation in quality. In a departure from Charge 4, however, the JBL Charge 5 ditches the AUX port, which might be a deal breaker if you intend to plug in your phone with an audio jack.

Pros

• IP67 rating
• 7500 mAH battery
• Can act as a power bank
• Can connect with other JBL speakers using PartyBoost
• Bluetooth Multipoint support

Cons

• Lacks wired audio connectivity
• No specialized outdoor sound mode

Price

$149.95

#4: Tribit Stormbox Micro – Best Portable

If you’re looking for the cheapest possible waterproof speaker to carry around everywhere you go, the Tribit Stormbox Micro is just the device for you.

While not the smallest speaker you can buy, the 4×4-inch footprint is pretty tiny, fitting even in a small handbag. The build quality is solid, with an IP67 rating that makes it untouchable from dust and water.

You’ll be surprised by the pretty powerful audio output, even if it distorts a bit at the maximum volume. It has pretty good bass though, and Bluetooth multipoint support to boot. At a little over $50, it is certainly a steal.

Pros

• Small and lightweight
• Very affordable
• IP67 waterproof rating
• Built-in microphone
• Bluetooth multipoint
• Good bass and volume output

Cons

• Distorted sound at higher volumes
• Lacks advanced modes or a dedicated control app

Price

$49.99

#5: Anker Soundcore 3 – Best Value

The Anker Soundcore 3 doesn’t look particularly fancy, but with its $50 price tag, it doesn’t need to be. It is a portable speaker with a decent audio output and an IPX7 rating, making it one of the best value-for-money Bluetooth speakers you can buy.

Of course, the sound quality isn’t exactly great, especially as you approach the really higher volumes. The bass is lacking as well, even if Anker’s BassUp feature tries its best to push the bass.

That being said, the Anker Soundcore 3 performs pretty well as an everyday speaker. The battery life is pretty good for its price, and the inclusion of a Soundcore app to control the speaker and modify the EQ settings is a godsend. All in all, the Soundcore 3 is a great waterproof speaker for your simple music needs.

Pros

• IPX7 waterproof rating
• Very affordable
• EQ settings through the Soundcore app
• Good battery life

Cons

• Insufficient bass
• Average sound quality
• Simple design

Price

$50.99

#6: JBL Flip 6 – Best Sound

JBL speakers are all the rage and for a good reason. They offer a good balance of affordability and quality, with a variety of different models suitable for various use cases.

The JBL Flip 6 is perfect for a handy portable speaker with amazing sound quality. The clarity is incredible, and the vocals are pretty crisp. You do miss out on voice assistant integration, but if you just want to listen to music, that’s not an issue.

This model supports PartyBoost as well, so you can pair other JBL speakers for a Stereo sound. Better yet, the IP67 rating protects from dust and water submersion, unlike Flip 5’s waterproof-only rating.

Ultimately the best part about this speaker is the sound quality, which is way better than most of its competitors in the same price bracket. Of course, you can always use the JBL Portable app to tweak the EQ settings, perfectly customizing the sound.

Pros

• IP67 Rating
• Great sound quality
• Graphical EQ
• Decent battery life
• Bluetooth 5.1

Cons

• No integrated voice assistant
• No outdoor mode

Price

$99.95

#7: Sony SRS-XB33 – Best Bass

If you love listening to bass-heavy soundtracks, the Sony SRS-XB33 is just the speaker for you. Part of Sony’s EXTRA BASS series, the SRS-XB33 packages some powerful bass into a portable package.

While the audio clarity suffers a bit, there is no beating the thumping bass of this speaker at this price range. Add to that the cool RGB lighting that flashes with the beat, and you get a cool party speaker for carrying around with you.

Since it’s Sony, you can use the Sony Music Center app to customize the LED lighting or the EQ settings, giving you complete control over the speaker. The Party and Stereo pairing modes can be used to connect with other SRS speakers, along with a battery-saving mode to make the charge last longer.

You can even plug in other devices with a USB-A cable to charge them using the speaker’s battery, letting it double up as a power bank of sorts. Although you should perhaps refrain from doing that since the powerful bass and the LED lighting are going to burn through the battery pretty quickly on their own.

Pros

• Incredible bass
• Customizable RGB lighting
• Graphical EQ
• Powerbank feature
• IP67 waterproof rating

Cons

• Average sound quality
• Battery drains quickly

Price

$59.99

What’s the Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker?

Waterproof Bluetooth speakers are no longer a rare breed, and you can find a great option at almost any price range. Almost all of them have an IP67 rating (or at least IPX7), allowing them to be carried into your shower or even submerged in a pool without going kaboom.

Go with the Tribit Stormbox Micro or the Anker Soundcore 3 if you are looking for an affordable option, otherwise, something like Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 would be perfect.

Of course, if you’re more interested in the sound quality, something like the JBL Flip 6 (or the Sony SRS-XB33 for bass lovers) might serve you better. No matter which speaker you choose from the list, you will get a waterproof device that you can carry with you and blast music anywhere.

The Oculus Quest 2 is a phenomenal VR headset with amazing games and experiences. However, sometimes casting the headset’s display to a larger screen, like a Chromecast or a smart TV, can be tricky to get right. Let’s explore several fixes to common casting issues.

Note: In this article, we’re referring to the “Oculus” Quest since that’s the name most people know and still use with search engines. However, the company has changed its name to “Meta,” so the correct name for the headsets is now the Meta Quest and Meta Quest 2.

Understanding Your Router’s Role in Oculus Quest 2 Casting

Your Wi-Fi network is vital to cast to an external device. Your router facilitates communication between your Oculus Quest 2 headset, mobile device, and casting device. If you’re experiencing casting issues, ensure your Wi-Fi router functions correctly.

While we can’t offer a comprehensive router troubleshooting guide in this article, when it comes to optimizing things for use with Quest casting, there are a few basic tips to consider:

• Assess your router’s power and connectivity through LED indicators: Take a moment to examine your router’s LED indicators to confirm it’s powered on and connected to the internet.
• Keep your router’s firmware updated: Staying up-to-date with the latest firmware not only boosts your router’s performance but also addresses bugs and bolsters security. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or contact their support team to ensure your router runs the latest firmware version. Many modern routers have a companion app that lets you check for and install firmware updates from your phone.
• Compatibility is key: Double-check that your router, Oculus Quest 2 headset, and casting device are all playing nicely together. If your router uses an older Wi-Fi standard than the Quest, consider upgrading your router to one that supports the most recent Wi-Fi standards for a smoother casting experience.
• Give your router a quick power cycle: Unplug your router, count to 30, then plug it back in. This simple trick can reset your internet connection, resolving temporary hiccups and reestablishing a stable connection between your router and devices. If you’re using mesh Wi-Fi, check out our Mesh Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.
• Router placement matters: Find a central spot in your home for your router, ensuring it’s free from obstructions and far from other electronics that might cause interference. This will provide your Oculus Quest headset and casting device with a strong Wi-Fi signal for a seamless casting experience.
• Use a wired connection: If possible, connect your target device to the network using wired Ethernet. This can improve the entire experience, including connection issues.

If you’re confident that your router isn’t the reason casting isn’t working correctly, it’s time to move on to other likely culprits.

1. Ensure That Your Headset Is Properly Configured for Casting

To cast from your Oculus Quest or Quest 2 headset, you need to have the Oculus app installed on your mobile device, and you must have paired your Quest with the app, according to Meta’s instructions. Assuming your headset is paired with the app, launch the app and make sure your headset is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your casting device.

2. Troubleshoot Any Bluetooth Connectivity Issues for a Seamless Cast

Bluetooth connectivity is crucial for the Quest 2’s casting feature. While the Quest uses Wi-Fi for the actual video data, Bluetooth is necessary to communicate with the mobile app, and that’s the easiest way to manage and troubleshoot casting issues.

If you’re using an Android or Apple iPhone, ensure your mobile device’s Bluetooth is also turned on. With some mobile devices turning mobile data off temporarily may improve Bluetooth connectivity.

3. Use This Step-by-Step Guide: How To Cast Oculus Quest 2 to Your Preferred Device

Casting your Oculus Quest 2 to a compatible device, such as a Chromecast or Samsung TV, is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Ensure your casting device and headset are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Turn on your casting device, and switch to the HDMI input where it’s connected.
3. Open the game or VR app you want to Cast from. You can’t initiate casting from the home interface.
4. On your hand controller, press the Oculus button to open the menu.
5. Select the casting icon.

6. Choose your casting device from the list, and press Start Casting.

Your VR experience should now appear on your chosen device. If you encounter any issues like a black screen or glitches, try rebooting your headset or performing a factory reset as a last resort.

You can also initiate casting from the Meta Quest app. On the Explore page, you’ll see your Quest (if it’s on and paired) and a Cast button.

4. Update Your Oculus Quest 2 and Casting Device

Keeping your Oculus Quest 2 and casting device updated with the latest software is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and compatibility. Regular updates often include bug fixes, improved functionality, and enhanced security measures.

To update your Oculus Quest 2, follow these steps:

1. Put on your headset and ensure it’s connected to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Press the Oculus button on your right controller to access the menu bar.
3. Click on the Settings icon.

4. Select System.

5. Select Software Update.

6. If an update is available, install it.

For your casting device, such as a Chromecast, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for updating to the latest software version.

5. Verify Casting Device Compatibility

Not all casting devices are compatible with the Oculus Quest 2 headset. Ensure that your casting device, such as a smart TV or Chromecast, is compatible before casting. Oculus Quest 2 is compatible with Chromecast devices, including Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast with Google TV. For smart TVs, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for compatibility information.

6. Use Screen Mirroring (if Supported)

Some casting devices support screen mirroring, which allows your mobile device to project its screen onto a larger display. If your casting device supports this feature, try using screen mirroring as an alternative method for casting your Oculus Quest 2. Cast your Quest to your Meta Quest app while mirroring the device to your TV.

We tested this with a Quest 2, an iPhone 14 Pro, and an Apple TV 4K. To get it to work, we first mirrored the iPhone to the Apple TV, then initiated casting to the Quest app, rather than the TV.

You may run into stability or performance issues if you’re simultaneously casting to the mobile app and wirelessly mirroring the phone to a compatible TV or another device. Instead, consider using a USB to HDMI (or similar) adapter to mirror the mobile device to a large screen and then cast from the Quest to the mobile app.

7. Keep Your Oculus App Updated and Connected

The Oculus app on your mobile device is essential for managing your Oculus Quest 2 headset and casting to other devices. Ensure your app is updated to the latest version, as this can resolve compatibility issues and improve overall performance.

8. Restart Your Oculus Quest 2 Headset

Sometimes, restarting your Oculus Quest 2 headset can resolve casting issues. To restart your headset, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the power button on the side of your headset for a few seconds.
2. A menu will appear; select Restart to reboot your device.

Enjoy Seamless Casting

Casting your Oculus Quest 2 to a larger screen can significantly enhance your virtual reality experience and allow you to share your adventures with others. By following the steps and troubleshooting tips outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the most common casting issues and enjoy a seamless connection between your headset and the casting device.

Maono created a budget-friendly condenser microphone that could be the answer to your prayers. Check out our Maono DM30 Microphone review to see whether you should buy it as your next USB condenser mic.

Maono DM30 Programmable USB Condenser Microphone: First Impressions & Specs

If you’re looking for a budget USB microphone to complete your setup but are confused by the diversity of options available, you want to get the best value for your money. The DM30 seems like a suitable option here, as it comes with promising gaming mic specs while not breaking your bank at under $50 (even under $35 if you manage to catch a sale on Amazon).

The DM30 is marketed as a gaming microphone and would be an excellent choice for live streaming your game sessions on Twitch or Discord. However, if you’re looking for a mic to do podcasting or any other work in your home studio, that shouldn’t discourage you from picking the DM30.

This mic comes with a professional sound chipset to ensure great sound quality, high-sensitivity cardioid pickup, good durability thanks to the high-quality metal and plastic materials used to make it, and RGB lighting with different modes that you can control via a physical button on the mic or the Maono Link app.

Honestly, all of that sounds like more than you’d expect to get with such a price tag. Before we dive into our review of the Maono DM30, here’s the complete list of tech specs of this USB condenser mic:

• Weight: 16.9 oz (480g)
• Pickup device type: condenser
• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Connectivity: USB 2.0, USB type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Sensitivity: -4dBFS (1V/PA at 1 kHz)
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
• RGB modes: 7 solid colors + rainbow effect
• Color: black, purple, pink, white
• Price: from $33.59 (on sale) on Amazon or $49.99 on the Maono website.

Design and Unpacking

Typically, you wouldn’t expect much in terms of design and build quality from a budget microphone. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that the Maono DM30 went the other way and really focused on both those areas. While the mic follows the standard simple shape, Maono managed to make it look stylish and, dare I say, quirky, especially if you choose one of the colorful options – white, pink, or purple (I had the DM30 in purple color for testing).

What’s in the Box

Here’s everything you’ll find during the Maono DM30 unboxing experience:

• Maono DM30 Programmable USB Condenser Microphone
• USB-A to USB-C cable
• Desktop stand
• Use Manual

The build quality is quite impressive. The mic is relatively light, but the metal stand is solid and surprisingly heavy (so you don’t have to worry about accidentally knocking it over). The stand also has adhesives on the bottom if you want to mount the base of your mic onto your computer desk more permanently.

Thanks to the flexible knob on the side of the mic, the stand is adjustable and allows you to rotate your mic up to 300 degrees to accommodate a big range of motion.

If you want more control over your microphone’s position, you can purchase a boom arm stand separately. Some also let you hide the cables by placing them inside the cantilever frame to avoid dangling. You can then mount your DM30 on the boom arm by removing the bottom part of the mic’s all-metal base and using the screw hole on the bottom of it.

Maono has built the peripheral almost entirely of metal, except for the plastic top and buttons. The main button is the knob on the front of the mic – the headphone volume button. Aside from volume control, it functions as a mute button and allows for microphone gain control adjustment. Underneath the button are two LED lights, one for the microphone, which turns green when you plug in your mic and turns red when the mic is on mute, and one for the headphones, which is always off unless you plug in a headset.

On the bottom of the mic, you’ll find a USB-C port, a 3.5mm jack, and a button to control the RGB lighting. The USB cable that comes with the DM30 is a two-in-one USB-C and USB-A cable which comes in handy when you need to use the mic for recording on different devices, like a smartphone with a USB-C port or a computer with USB-A ports only. The headphone jack lets you connect your headphones for real-time monitoring of what the DM30 captures.

The bottom of the DM30 has an array of holes for the RGB lights. There are 9 RGB lighting modes you can choose from: red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple, rainbow loop, and off. The rainbow mode is just a loop, there are no fancy effects like Breathe or Strobe. You can switch the modes using the physical button on the bottom of the mic or via the Maono software.

If you want to create a more colorful atmosphere on your computer desk, check out the Maono DM30RGB mic. It’s a similar model that comes with more RGB lighting – not only the bottom but the mic’s body lights up as well.

Audio Quality & Features

Maono DM30 is extremely easy to set up with plug-and-play connectivity. I tested the microphone with my Mac and an Android smartphone. Maono DM30 delivers great sound quality for its price. You can expect your voice to sound clear on your recordings even if you move away from the mic slightly while recording.

The microphone captures a lot of detail, making the DM30 an excellent option for recording your singing or playing musical instruments. Besides, you can use the Maono Link app to tweak the audio settings and make your voice sound deeper by switching the preset sound modes. The DM30 would do well as a podcasting mic, as it makes your voice sound crisp and clear.

The mic has a cardioid polar pattern and is directionally sensitive, which is most important if you’re a gamer or a streamer. This means the DM30 picks up sounds in a heart-shaped pattern in front of the microphone, effectively filtering out the background noises that can be heard at a distance. However, if you put the mic directly on your desk and use it while gaming, it’s likely to pick up those keyboard and mouse clicks. If that’s the case, consider investing in a boom arm to place your mic over the desk rather than on top.

The DM30 has a high-sensitivity condenser microphone core with a sampling rate of 24-bit/48 kHZ. This allows you to get good audio recordings even if you don’t sit close to the microphone.

App and Compatibility

Maono DM30 is a plug-and-play microphone, so it’s ready to use as soon as you plug it in. However, if you want to get access to more advanced customization options, you can download the Maono Link software from the company’s website and install it on your device.

In the app, you can access the full capabilities of the microphone. The app’s interface is divided into two areas: Standard and Advanced. The Standard tab has some basic mic controls, while the Advanced allows you to tweak the rest of the microphone’s settings. There’s also a section that allows you to change the RGB lighting regimes. There’s a toggle that allows you to switch the RGB on and off, a section to choose the color, and an option to set the Lamplight Brightness.

Under the Standard tab, you get the microphone gain control, the headphone monitor, and the headphone volume control – all of the functions you can manually control using the buttons on the mic’s body. The interesting feature is the tone change. You can choose from 4 presets: Deep, Natural, Bright, and Legacy. You can test all four until you’ve found your perfect voice settings. I personally prefer the Deep setting, as it makes my voice carry more weight and sound less bubbly.

When you go to the Advanced tab, you’ll find all the same controls plus a few more for further customization of your audio recordings. There’s an equalizer that allows you to choose from four different presets: one for flat sound, one with a high-pass filter, one for boosting the mid-range presence, and a combination of the two middle options. There’s no option to create your own custom EQ preset. In this tab, you’ll also find advanced options to tweak your audio input, like the Limiter and Compressor controls.

Should You Buy the Maono DM30 USB Microphone?

The DM30 isn’t the first microphone I tested. I previously reviewed the Maono WM821 and was impressed by how much Maono managed to pack into their dual wireless mic system. While the DM30 is an impressive USB microphone, I wouldn’t recommend it for professionals looking for a premium-grade peripheral due to its lacking advanced audio features.

At the same time, the Maono DM30 is one of the best entry-level microphones currently on the market, and it’s a steal for anyone looking to buy a budget microphone.

In this article, we’ll explain how to use the Google TV remote app from any mobile device.

What Is the Google TV App?

Google TV launched in 2010 as a smart TV interface. These TVs came with a remote called the Google remote that could be used to control the television. Previously, Google had two apps: Google Play Movies and TV and Android TV Remote Service.

These have now been combined into the Google TV app that works with all Google and Android TV devices.

Using the new Google TV app, you can connect your phone to your Google or Android TV device via your Wi-Fi network. Then, you can stream movies & TV shows, control media playback, turn the TV off, activate Google Assistant, use volume controls, and use your phone’s keyboard to search.

Android, iPad, and iPhone users can make use of the Google TV gadget. The Google TV app also works with Chromecast, allowing you to cast videos to non-smart TVs.

How to Install the Google TV App

To install the Google TV app:

1. On your Android phone or iPhone, head to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and download the Google TV app.

2. Open the app and add your Google account. Once your account is added, select Continue.

3. Choose which streaming services you want to add to the Google TV app or select Done to complete this later.

How to Connect the Google TV App to Your TV

The next step is to connect the Google TV app to your Google TV device. To do so:

1. Using your Android device, iPhone, or iPad, open the Google TV app and make sure your TV is turned on.
2. At the bottom-right corner of the screen, select Connect TV. This looks like a remote button.

3. Select your TV, then enter the code that appears on your TV screen.
4. Select Pair to finalize the process.

How to Use the Google TV App As a Remote

Once you’ve linked your smart TV to the Google TV app, a dialog box will pop up saying that you can use your phone as a remote. Select Got it to dismiss the dialog box, then press TV Remote to begin using your phone as a remote.

If you don’t see this message, go to Google TV Settings and ensure that “Use phone as a remote” is toggled on.

You can now cast videos on your TV by pressing the Cast button in the bottom corner of the app. This looks like an image of a phone in front of a TV. Then, select the video you want to watch and tap Watch on TV.

Note: On Android phones, you can swipe down from the top of the home screen to access Quick Settings—here, there’s an option to open the Google TV remote control easily.

Streaming Has Never Been Easier

Like Amazon and Apple TV, Google has created a smart home ecosystem that makes it easy to control all of your devices from your phone or tablet. This means you can do things like stream videos from Netflix, control your Google Home app,

Many brands decided to jump on the bandwagon since, and Acefast is one of them. In this review, we’ll tell you about the latest true wireless earbuds by Acefast inspired by Nothing Ear (1) design. Let’s check out the Crystal (2) T8 model, so you can decide whether you should buy them as your next earphones.

Acefast Crystal (2) T8 Earbuds: First Impressions & Specs

While most modern smartphones look increasingly similar, earbuds manufacturers strive for authenticity, coming up with new trends and innovative designs. Being able to see the inside of your gadgets might be my favorite trend yet.

Acefast Crystal (2) T8 is a TWS headset that will catch the attention of the people around you. These lightweight earbuds are pleasant to look at and nice to touch. But once you get past the flashy design, you wonder whether the contents correspond with the looks.

Before we dive into the Acefast T8 review, here’s the full list of tech specs of these earbuds:

• Type: in-ear true wireless earbuds
• Weight: 0.4oz headset only, 1.65oz total (11g / 47g)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C
• Audio codecs: SBC/AAC
• Frequency response: 20Hz~20kHz
• ANC: no
• Speaker: coaxial aluminum moving coil, 10mm drivers, 6mm dome tweeters
• Water resistance rating: IPX4 (splash resistant)
• Color options: bright black, ice blue, mint green, lotus pink, alfalfa purple, white moon
• Battery: 45mAh headset battery + 480mAh charging case battery
• Price: $69.99 (on sale) on the Acefast website and $66.59 on Amazon

Design and Unpacking

The earbuds come in six different color variations – black, white, blue, green, pink, and purple – all of them with transparent bits that expose the insides of the charging case and the buds. We had the ice blue version for testing.

What’s in the Box

Here’s everything you’ll find when unpacking your Acefast earbuds:

• Crystal T8 earbuds by Acefast
• Charging case
• USB-C cable
• Silicone case + silicone lanyard
• Four pairs of different size ear tips + storage box
• User Manual

The charging case has a 3D LED digital display that features breathing light and shows the remaining battery percentage on the case and each earbud. When you remove one of the earbuds from the charge, only the other half of the display is lit up. When you put the two earbuds back, the indicators on both sides of the display light up.

All of that is most likely inspired by the Nothing Ear (1) design. However, what makes the Acefast earbuds different here is how the buds attach to the charging case – via magnets on each side. When the earbuds attach, they make a distinctive click. During testing, I often found myself repetitively taking earbuds out of the case and putting them back. I can only compare that to a fidget spinner. If you’re a fidgeter like me, you’ll enjoy this.

The half-transparent case doesn’t have any buttons on it, and you can only control the earbuds via the touch controls on the buds themselves. It’s a shame, as I feel like a physical button allowing you to turn the display on and check the battery level would be a great addition. As it stands now, you have to take out one of the earbuds to switch on the display.

Each earbud weighs 5.5 grams, and the total weight of the buds with the charging case is 47 grams. These aren’t the lightest earbuds I’ve tested, but they’re definitely on the smaller side and compact enough to carry them in your jeans pocket.

The case is made of plastic and feels solid and smooth. The earbuds don’t fall out of the case and stay in once you put them there. On the bottom of the charging case, you’ll find a Type-C charging port. The earbuds have white lights on them that light up while charging or connecting.

The Accessories

The accessories are where Acefast Crystal T8 shines. When unpacking your earbuds, you’ll find three different compartments, each with a different add-on for your Crystal T8. You’ll find a silicone gel case matching your earbuds, a lanyard strap, and the extra silicone ear tips housed in a separate plastic container.

While the extra accessories are a nice touch, they mostly seem useless. The lanyard and the protective silicone case are both something I’d love when I was a kid, so they may be a good addition if you’re gifting these earbuds to a child. But the plastic storage box for the ear tips is utterly pointless, and you can bin it right after you’re finished with the unboxing experience.

The package also contains an extra leaflet with all the Acefast products and promo images. Overall, it’s a nice idea to put some thought into unique accessories, but in this particular case, they seem not very well thought through.

Audio Quality & Features

Regarding the listening experience, Acefast T8 delivers a pretty decent sound quality. Remember that these aren’t audiophile-grade earphones but rather a basic headset for everyday listening.

The earbuds come with 10mm drivers with an aluminum moving coil and 6mm dome tweeters. The sound produced appears too bassy for my taste. The vocals are clear enough, and the highs sound good, but the mids leave much to be desired. In general, I found that these earphones don’t handle well anything with a lot of musical instruments in them. However, the pop tracks sound fine. An equalizer could be Acefast’s saving grace in terms of audio quality. However, there’s no Acefast app and no such feature available.

When it comes to phone calls, the Acefast T8 works perfectly fine. The wireless earphones provided clear audio and no connectivity issues (tested with an Android smartphone, iPhone, tablet, and MacBook Air).

Once you get past the fascinating translucent design, the Crystal T8 falls a little flat in terms of features. The only audio codecs available are SBC and AAC, with no Hi-Res Audio support. There’s no in-ear/wear detection for pausing and resuming playback when you remove your earbuds and put them back in. There’s also multipoint pairing. The absence of a smartphone app prevents you from tuning the audio or updating your device to the latest firmware. Finally, there’s no ANC (active noise cancelation). Instead, these TWS earbuds have dual microphones on each earbud, offering ENC call noise reduction.

On a positive note, the buds support the latest Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity standard – something missing in the Tribit FlyBuds C1 Pro I reviewed recently. And, of course, the LED display on the charging case is one of my favorite features of the Acefast Crystal (2) T8. Whenever you remove the buds (or a bud) from the case or put them back in, the display lights up for a few seconds to show you the remaining battery. It’s very convenient; you don’t have to dig through your device’s Bluetooth settings to find this information.

Controls & Overall Fit

I have weird ears, and the fit of the earbuds is extremely important to me. The Crystal T8 sits pretty good inside the ears once you find the right size silicone ear tips. However, I wouldn’t run in them or exercise, as they’ll fall out pretty quickly.

The controls on the earbuds proved to be disappointing for me. The controls are done on the top part of both earbuds, and volume controls are the only ones I found very responsive. The rest—pausing the track, skipping songs, as well as answering calls – often took time before registering, and I had to perform them repeatedly to get the earbuds to work.

Having said that, I might be spoiled by having a physical button for controls on the earbuds. So far, that’s the only solution I found working with 100% efficiency when controlling your earbuds.

Since there’s no app allowing you to remap the controls, you have to get used to the Acefast pattern, even if your previous earbuds had a different control scheme.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Acefast T8 is pretty impressive. Each earbud has a 45mAh battery, and the charging case has a 480mAh battery. Crystal T8 has proven to last me about 7 hours on a single charge with continuous music playback and about 4-5 hours in calls mode, corresponding to what is advertised on the Acefast website. The charging case can extend the total listening time up to 30 hours. That’s more than many competitors offer in the same price range.

There’s a fairly short charging cable included with the headset. Full charging from zero takes about 1.5 hours, with every 10 mins of charge giving you two extra hours of usage.

There’s no wireless charging option, so you must be next to a power outlet to plug in your charging cable when the earphones and the case reach zero.

Should You Buy the Acefast Crystal (2) T8 Earbuds?

Acefast Crystal T8 earbuds lack a lot of features that I’ve become accustomed to as a TWS user, like the ANC mode or a smartphone app. But while there are better Bluetooth earbuds in the $100 price range, the Crystal T8 is currently on sale for $60-70, which puts them in a different price category.

As an entry-level headset, the Crystal T8 has plenty of great qualities, including excellent battery life, a magnetic storage case with the LED battery indicator screen, and of course, the stunning translucent design elements that will surely turn heads.

Back in the day, every device you owned had a different charging cable to go with it. Today when you can use one USB-C cable to power up most of your gadgets, it’s time to buy a GaN charger and enjoy.

What’s a GaN Charger and Why Do You Need One?

With more power-hungry devices appearing every day, the technology behind charging is evolving as well. Today, traditional wall chargers face a lot of competition: wireless chargers, environmentally-friendly solar charging options, and finally, the GaN fast chargers.

GaN stands for Gallium Nitride – a type of material used to make power electronics. It’s a semiconductor that runs cooler than standard charger components like silicon. Thanks to this material, the manufacturers can increase the charger’s efficiency while reducing the size and weight of their product.

GaN chargers are known for their fast-charging capabilities. They can charge your devices up to 3 times faster than a traditional wall charger due to the higher power density. Basically, these chargers provide more power to the device while charging.

Thanks to the material used to make them, GaN-type chargers are smaller and lighter than traditional, mostly silicon-based chargers. GaN chargers are also compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more. They’re compatible with both USB-C and USB-A devices, making them a versatile choice for an all-in-one travel charger.

In this article, I’ll share the results of testing two different GaN chargers – the Ugreen 65W travel-oriented model and the VOLTME 140W powerful compact charger. We’ll compare them in terms of charging speed, power delivery, portability, and of course, pricing to see whether you should buy one of these chargers to use and take it with you on your next trip.

Ugreen 65W GaN Charger For Travel

Our first contestant is the 65W GaN multi-port travel charger by Ugreen. Here’s the full list of tech specifications of this power adapter:

• Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 1.25in (6.5 x 6.5 x 3.2cm)
• Weight: 7.4oz (210g)
• Total USB ports: three – two USB-C ports and a single USB-A port
• Input: 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 1.8A Max
• Max power output: 65W (for single-port charging)
• Type of plug: US, EU, UK switchable plugs
• Multi-protection: short circuit protection, over-voltage protection, thermal guard to overheat protection, overcurrent protection, power dispenser system, overcharge protection
• Compatibility: Apple MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell XPS, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPad, Galaxy S23, Google Pixel, Apple Watch Ultra, Steam Deck, and more – you can see the full list of compatible devices on the Ugreen website
• Price: from $52.99 (currently on sale) on the Ugreen website or $55.99 on Amazon.

Design & Unpacking

The key selling point of this GaN charger is its size. It’s tiny and light for a 65W charger and, from the get-go, looks just like your regular USB-C charger that you’d use with your smartphone. It weighs about 7.4oz with the US adaptor on.

Like the Ugreen Nexode line, this Ugreen GaN charger follows the same color pattern: a two-tone look with a matte black charger’s body and grey side plates. On one side, you’ll see the Ugreen branding, while the max wattage is listed on the other side of the charger.

The charger’s body feels solid and is made of quality materials, so you don’t have to worry about tossing it around in your bag when traveling. Inside the box, you’ll find three interchangeable plus – for the US (with foldable prongs), EU, and UK sockets. Changing them is extremely easy – press the button on top of the charging block, and replace one plug with another.

Together with the charger block, you’ll receive a Ugreen-branded carrying pouch. This reinforces the idea of the Ugreen 65W being a perfect travel charger – just put the charging block and all the plugs in the carrying pouch and put it in your bag. That way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to bring travel adapters with you.

Together with the charger, I received two cables for testing: the Ugreen 100W USB-C cable (Buy on Amazon)and the Ugreen USB-C to Lightning cable (Buy on Amazon). Both of them follow the same style and color pattern as the charger. The cables are nylon braided, which prevents tangling, and have sturdy reinforced connectors to avoid breakage over time.

Ports Selection and Plug Type

The Ugreen travel charger has three charging ports – 2 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A. You can charge up to three devices simultaneously using the Ugreen GaN charger. For example, when traveling, you can charge your smartphone, your laptop, and your powerbank at the same time.

However, bear in mind that you’ll only get the maximum 65W output if you’re using only one charger’s port at a time. Otherwise, the power output will differ depending on how many ports you’re using simultaneously.

I found that when you want to use the Ugreen adapter as a laptop or desktop charger, the best way is to only use single-port charging. As soon as you start using two ports simultaneously, the max amount of power changes to 45W, and that might not be enough power to charge your laptop efficiently.

Performance & Safety

Using the Ugreen 65W GaN fast charger, I was able to charge my 13-inch MacBook Air from 0% to full in just under an hour (using the single-port charging). This time increased significantly when I tried charging it with my Android phone and a powerbank. However, all gadgets still charged quickly compared to charging them using their native chargers.

The Ugreen 65W charger did get slightly warm when I used the three charging ports simultaneously, but not alarmingly warm. Ugreen is a big brand that specializes in power solutions (like power adapters, charging stations, cables, and more) on par with such brands as Anker with their GaNPrime chargers or Belkin and their BoostCharge line.

All Ugreen gadgets come with an extensive warranty, and the 65W travel charger is no exception – as a buyer, you’ll get the two-year product warranty, as well as the 30-day risk-free trial.

VOLTME Revo 140 PD3.1 GaN Charger

The Revo 140 PD GaN charger by VOLTME isn’t labeled as a travel charger but is just as portable and comes with multiple charging ports to make it easy to charge multiple devices at once. Let’s have a look at the list of technical specs of this GaN wall charger:

• Dimensions: 3.05 x 1.24 x 2.89in (7.7 x 3.1 x 7.3cm)
• Weight: 10.2oz (289g)
• Technology: GaN III/V-Dynamic/PD3.1/QC5/PPS support
• Total USB ports: three – two USB-C ports and a single USB-A port
• Input: 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 2A Max
• Max Power Output: 140W (for single-port charging)
• Multi-protection: dynamic power protection, short circuit protection, over-voltage protection, over-temperature protection, overheating protection, over-current protection
• Compatibility: MacBook Pro/Air, HP Elite/Spectre/ZBook, Google Pixelbook, ASUS ROG, iPad, iPhone, Samsung, AirPods and other earbuds, Steam Deck, and more – you can see the full list of compatible devices on the VOLTME website
• Color: black, white
• Price: $95.99 on Amazon.

Design & Unpacking

The VOLTME 140W is a three-port GaN charger you can plug in and charge up to three devices simultaneously. If you don’t travel to countries that use a different type of plug or use gadgets that require more power, this charger is a great do-it-all option.

The charging block has a matte black finish with VOLTME branding on the side. On the front side of the device, you’ll find the three charging ports. On the back side, you’ll find the plug (non-interchangeable). The charger I received for testing has an EU plug, but the US version comes with foldable prongs that are convenient for transportation.

This is not the smallest charger (even out of the two we tested here), but it’s not particularly heavy, and it’s definitely worth it for the power it’s packing.

I received the VOLTME 140W charger together with the VOLTME Powerlink Moss series USB-c cable. The cable is made of liquid silicone, that is super soft and has a pleasant texture. The cord is covered with a graphene coating that makes it stronger and more flexible and will ultimately make it last longer.

Ports Selection and Plug Type

Even though there’s no choice of a plug here (you only get one plug which you cannot change), I’d still consider the VOLTME 140W GaN a great charger for traveling. It’s still very small and lightweight, and when you’re plugging in only one device, the top USB-C port will provide up to 140W, which is a very impressive amount of power.

The second USB-C port can provide up to 100W, and the USB-A port – up to 22.5W. With this multiport charger, you can plug in multiple gadgets simultaneously and still expect a quick charge.

Performance & Safety

The VOLTME 140W GaN charger delivers exactly what it promises – up to 140W on a single charge or the same amount distributed to multiple gadgets. Thanks to the USB-C PD 3.1 charging technology, the VOLTME 140W managed to charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro from zero to 50% in just half an hour.

This charger is definitely my personal choice when it comes to USB-C charging, and it’s still portable enough for me to throw it in a bag whenever I’m going on a trip.

In the few months I spent testing this device, it proved a reliable charger that never failed to keep my devices at full power. This particular model also comes with an 18-month VOLTME warranty.

Which GaN Travel Charger Should You Buy?

The ultimate question is, which one is the best GaN charger to take with you on a trip: the Ugreen 65W or the VOLTME 140W model? Once again, the answer depends solely on your personal needs.

If you’re after the multiple interchangeable plugs and don’t mind having less power, we recommend going with the travel-specific Ugreen 65W charger. However, if you want more power packed in a small-sized charging block and don’t mind paying extra for it, the VOLTME 140W would be the best USB-C accessory for you.

Finally, if you own devices that support wireless charging, you may have to look elsewhere and check out some charging stations for your gadgets.

For those with piano skills, this device also works well as a portable keyboard. You can take this smart piano with you anywhere, improve your skills, and practice new songs on the go.

If you’re unsure whether this digital piano is for you, check out our PopuPiano review to see whether you should buy this musical instrument.

PopuPiano Smart Portable Piano MIDI Controller: First Impressions & Specs

PopuMusic is a company that makes smart music instruments accompanied by apps with tutorials and free lessons. Some of the most popular smart portable music instruments they make started as Indiegogo crowdfunding campaigns – the Poputar T1 and T2 (smart guitar), Populele 1 and 2 (smart ukulele), and Popupiano smart portable piano.

Popupiano isn’t your ordinary keyboard but a MIDI controller (or MIDI keyboard) instead. MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface and gives you more possibilities in terms of sound effects than a traditional music instrument.

While a MIDI keyboard may look like a regular keyboard (which is true in the case of PopuPiano), it doesn’t make a sound on its own. That means that PopuPiano doesn’t have a built-in speaker and requires a mobile app to function properly, i.e., to produce sound. The good news is that PopuPiano has an excellent PopuMusic app with everything you need to learn and practice your music skills.

Can you learn to play piano with PopuPiano MIDI keyboard? Before I share my own experience with the instrument with you, here’s the complete list of tech specifications of the PopuPiano smart portable piano by PopuMusic:

• Dimensions: 18.3 x 4.8 x 1.3 inch (46.5 x 12.2 x 3.3 cm)
• Weight: 3.85 lbs (1.75 kg)
• Keys: 29 LED keys + chord pad
• Audio player codec: MIDI
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 BLE (support Bluetooth MIDI), USB Type-C
• Battery: 2200mAh lithium battery, with 1.5 hours of charging time
• Colors: glowing black, sparkling white.
• Extra features: supports professional arrangement software Logic, Cubase, Garageband, and other software
• Price: from $348 (with bag) on Amazon and $299 (without bag) on the PopuMusic website – you can choose whether you want the version with or without the carrying case at checkout.

Design and Unpacking

Before I received the PopuPiano, I was intrigued and somewhat worried about the product I would receive. While the keyboard has 29 keys which suits my needs, it also looks like a big shiny toy in the picture. I wondered whether this product is aimed mainly at kids and if I could use it without getting annoyed by all the lights and constantly changing colors.

However, when I received the PopuPiano, I couldn’t take my hands off it for several hours! While shiny and colorful, it’s also an interactive MIDI keyboard that makes you want to learn and play more.

What’s in the Box

The bundle I received for the review is a black PopuPiano with a carrying case (or PopuBag). Here’s everything you’ll find when in the package when unboxing your PopuPiano:

• PopuPiano LED keyboard
• Chord pad
• USB-C charging cable
• User Manual
• PopuBag carrying case

PopuBag is a sturdy strapless carrying case with a glossy plastic finish for your PopuPiano and chord pad. The case has a rubbery handle, making it easy to carry your PopuPiano. The bag may look waterproof, but there’s a hole on top of it for powering up your device while on the go.

The keyboard itself is relatively small and light. Contrary to what I imagined before getting the product, the keys are of decent size (not too small as I expected), and I didn’t experience any difficulty while playing. At the same time, if you have bigger hands, you’ll probably wish the keys were a little wider.

The main keyboard has 29 acrylic keys with LED lights underneath them. The LED light keys light up as interactive fingering guides and help you learn your way around the keyboard. For my taste, the keys look even more beautiful when the piano is powered off, but of course, the visual guides are an essential part of learning how to play.

The chord pad has 18 buttons grouped as six keys of different colors. It connects to the main keyboard via a magnetic connector which you’ll find on the sides of the chord pad and the keyboard. You can use the PopuPiano keyboard without the chord pad, but not vice versa. The chord pad cannot function when not connected to the main keyboard.

Although I couldn’t find it on the website when writing this review, PopuMusic originally offered a left-handed keyboard as an add-on for your PopuPiano on their Indiegogo campaign page. It would connect to the main keyboard instead of a chord pad, and you could use your PopuPiano to play duets with a friend.

Is It Suitable for Beginners?

The main questions people seem to be asking about the PopuPiano are: is it suitable for beginners, and can you learn to play the piano with PopuPiano if you’ve never done it before?

Surprisingly, the answer to both questions is yes. I have some musical background, having spent ten years in music school as a kid, mostly playing piano. At the same time, I haven’t touched a piano in over ten years, which made me lose most of my skills in that sphere.

With that background, I downloaded the PopuMusic app on my smartphone, connected the keyboard via Bluetooth, and decided to dive into it. I opened the Pop Hits module, expecting the worst – that I won’t be able to keep up with the app and would have to start with beginner tutorials.

To my surprise, I didn’t have any issues following both the instructions on the screen and the LED guides on my keyboard. However, when facing those issues, the app has Practice and Demonstration options to get you playing quickly.

Next, I gave PopuPiano to my boyfriend, who has zero experience playing any musical instrument, let alone the piano. Since he’s a complete beginner, he started with the Piano learning course.

The course starts with simple things like correctly positioning your hands on the keyboard to make your wrists comfortable while playing. Then, the course is divided into sections that playfully introduce new skills. Plus, the lessons are constructed in the form of challenges. You can only move forward after you complete a challenge from the previous section, which makes the learning process similar to playing a video game and gives you a feeling of achievement.

Compared to standard tutor lessons (which I had to take for ten years, so I’m speaking from experience), the PopuMusic app will teach you the same skills you’d get in half a year within a few hours.

Visual LED guides and real-time feedback also help you master finger movements. The lessons further into the course reinforce the basics, and you’ll start getting the hang of it before you notice.

How About Advanced-to-Pro Musicians?

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore other sections of the PopuMusic app aimed at more advanced players and musicians. One of my favorites is the Freeplay section, which allows you to use PopuPiano to create tracks and share them with the online community.

This is also where the powerful Chord pad comes into play. While its primary function is to replace the chord keys found on a standard digital keyboard, you can get creative with it. For example, in the Freeplay section, change the keyboard’s voice from piano to drums and use the chord pad as a drum pad.

If the PopuMusic app feels like something you’re done with, you can use PopuPiano for its MIDI capabilities. Thanks to the USB-C connectivity, you can connect your PopuPiano to a digital audio workstation, like Garageband or Logic, and use it to compose your tracks from scratch. (You can then use your tracks in your YouTube videos instead of looking for royalty-free music online).

The Companion App

We already touched on the PopuMusic app, but I’ll repeat it: the app is very impressive in terms of both the learning tutorials and practicing your skills. Learning which section hosts what may take some time since they aren’t always clearly labeled, but you won’t regret going through this learning curve. Having owned the PopuPiano for a few months, I still find new things to do and learn in the app.

Some of my favorite features this music app offers include playing with your favorite artists in the Pop Hits section and recording your voice with the music using the Tap and Sing module.

You can download the PopuMusic app for free on iOS and Android and the APK file. The app supports the following languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

Battery Life

PopuPiano is powered by a 2200mAh lithium battery which provides enough power for a decent 5-hour playing session when used continuously. The charging port is located at the back of the main keyboard. Once you plug the charger in, the green flashing light will show the battery status.

When the battery level gets to as low as 10%, the keyboard will flash red to remind you to charge the battery. You can recharge your keyboard using the USB-C charging cable provided in about 1.5 hours from zero.

Should You Buy the PopuPiano Smart Portable Piano MIDI Controller?

In my reviews, I usually recommend the products I test only for a particular type of person. “If you own pets, this gadget is perfect for you, but if you have kids, avoid buying this one.”

With PopuPiano, I’d recommend buying it for pretty much anyone. If you love music and are even remotely interested in learning to play or make your own music, the PopuPiano will fit well in your home and find its place in your soul.

But if you want to personalize your style, you can tap into the vault containing many watch faces. It doesn’t matter if you own a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 pro, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, or an older version such as Samsung Galaxy Watch 3.

The wide-ranging collection of watch faces is available in the Galaxy Store and Google Play Store. Whether your watch is powered by Google’s Wear OS or the older Samsung’s Tizen software, you’ll have some intriguing choices to select from. Whether you prefer a modern or classic finish, sleek design, or glittery glamor, our top picks of the best watch faces for your Samsung Galaxy Watch will have something perfect for every occasion.

Best Samsung Galaxy Watch Faces for Wear OS

Here are the top watch faces for your Samsung Galaxy watch that runs on the Wear OS.

1. Pixel Minimal Watch Face

Price: Free

If you like a minimalistic design and you want to apply it to your new Galaxy Watch 5 or Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, try the Pixel Minimal Watch Face. It’s free in the Google Play Store, but there are some in-app purchases available. This is not a flashy watch face, but it has a Google Pixel vibe to it. It’s clean and minimalistic, and it won’t distract you with too many details.

Pixel Minimal Watch Face will let you display simple widgets such as time, date, and temperature. But with a premium version, you can add more widgets such as battery status or real-time heart rate monitoring. This is a perfect Galaxy Watch face for all those who want to display their Wear OS device.

2. Health Dashboard

Price: Free

There are tons of apps that’ll help you follow your health metrics, both for smartphones and smartwatches. But when it comes to Wear OS, lots of these apps are overwhelming the users by displaying all the info at once. Health Dashboard is a watch face that keeps its layout clean and simple. All the activity levels are displayed around the edge of the watch instead of being clustered in the middle.

With this app, you can track how far you walked, ran, or even climbed. You can add or remove the stats you want to track, such as calories burned, or step count. The Health Dashboard is very detailed, and you’ll always have an insight into your health metrics.

3. Analog Watch Face

Price: free

Analog Watch Face brings us the nostalgia of simpler times. Show off the time on your Galaxy Smartwatch in a unique way. Although it looks simplistic and minimalistic, this watch’s face is highly customizable. You can change its complete look by selecting your analog style. It’ll display only the time, or you can add custom features such as battery status or date.

If you miss telling the time by looking at the minute, hour, and second hands, this is the Samsung Galaxy Watch face designed for you. Classy and clean but with the capability to display more, especially if you select the ambient mode.

4. Top Gun

Price: Free

If you’re searching for a unique watch face for your Samsung Galaxy smartwatch, Top Gun is an extremely popular choice. It has a sleek design and an easy-to-use interface with tons of features. The futuristic look offers different color themes, so you can match it with your personal style.

The Top Gun Galaxy Watch face has three complication slots that are customizable. Choose what to display, as well as when to display. This watch face will remain dark when you need it to look professional.

5. E-Look Watch Face

Price: Free

If you would like an animated watch face for your Galaxy smartwatch but you still want to display all the popular widgets and complications, E-Look might be the perfect choice. This digital face somehow manages to fit eight data fields without looking too cluttered and without order. It actually looks very modern and sleek, even though it displays tons of information.

You can customize this watch face to display temperature, step count, battery life, and more. But if you don’t have a Galaxy smartwatch, you can use this watch face as a clock widget on your smartphone, such as Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

6. Facer

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Facer is an app for all those who want complete freedom when it comes to personalizing your Galaxy Watch face. In fact, this app lets you create your own faces from scratch. You’ll have to come up with a complete design and simply add the widgets and complications of your choosing.

Even if you don’t want to design your own watch face, Facer will let you choose one of the preloaded watch faces. You’ll also be able to shop for more if you get bored with the in-app options. You can expand your choices to over a thousand.

Best Samsung Galaxy Watch Faces for Tizen

Here are the top watch faces for your Samsung Galaxy watch that runs on the Tizen OS.

1. Tomcat

Price: Free

Tomcat is a stylish watch face that’ll always be in. Its timeless design ensures elegance that can fit any occasion, from business meetings to sports events. The traditional analog look of this watch face is a great choice for those who need a vintage vibe. But you can customize the color schemes to make it more personal.

There are three complication slots, and you can set them to display anything from weather, compass, date, battery status, and step count. This is truly one of the nicer looking and cleanest digital watch faces out there.

2. Digital Neon

Price: Free

If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-read watch face for your Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, consider Digital Neon. This watch face is highly customizable but it has a pretty straightforward look that’s extremely basic. But that’s a good thing if you need your watch clean and decluttered from all those unnecessary widgets.

The digital clock fills the screen with large neon-colored numbers, but three small icons underneath are complications that can display one of 28 different types of information. You can customize it to show your workout, step counts, music, weather, date, and so much more. You can also choose the neon color of your liking.

3. Simple Analog

Price: Free

Simple Analog is a very traditional watch face that users still enjoy. That’s because it’s loaded with customization options such as background color or the size of the numbers. The heart rate icon has 23 different customization options.

Although customizable, this watch face is very minimalist and classy. Unfortunately, customization options are not available for the Galaxy Watch Active 1. Still, the design display is beautiful and worth a try.

4. Live Wallpaper

Price: free

Live Wallpaper is probably the best-looking Samsung Galaxy Watch face for older models. It’s a perfect choice for all those who want to move away from the static background. There are various effects you can choose from, and they resemble computer screen savers.

These watch faces are not widely customizable, but they are elegant and simply beautiful to look at. The movement of the background is mesmerizing, and the colors and abstract designs capture your attention. When you get bored of the current wallpaper, simply tap on your watch’s screen to change it.

5. Fresh

Price: Free

Fresh is the best Tizen Samsung Galaxy Watch face for fitness-focused people. It looks cool, and it won’t overwhelm your watch display with unnecessary stats and visuals. That’s because Fresh replaces the cornerstone numerals (12, 3, 6, and 9) with basic fitness metrics such as steps, calories burned, date, and climb.

The mix-toned quadrants in which the screen is divided give the impression of a three-dimensional space. The colorful clock hands make it easy to track time. However, you can’t customize the background or the color scheme, so this face won’t match every Samsung Galaxy wristband.

6. Pixel Heart

Price: Free

This Samsung Galaxy smartwatch face app focuses on tracking your heart rate. There are no other customizable complications. This watch face really wants to tell you the time and to be mindful of your heartbeat. A great option for all those concerned about their cardio performance.

However, the big red pixelated heart that’s always on display on the Galaxy Watch screen is quite a beautiful design choice. It’s simplistic but meaningful, and it can easily be nothing else but a style statement.

Customize Your Samsung Galaxy Watch

It’s always exciting to explore new watch faces and add a unique element to your smartwatch. There is something special about finding a watch face that captures a unique piece of you, whether that be a hobby, pet, or passion. With the twelve best watch faces for your Samsung Galaxy Watch all in one place, you can easily explore the wide range of possibilities and find the perfect one for you! Who knows? You might even find yourself with more than one favorite. After all, it’s always awesome to spruce up your watch and keep things fresh with the rotating selection. So what’s your favorite watch face? Let us know in the comments below!

We’ll show you what to do if your Samsung Galaxy Watch isn’t charging. The troubleshooting steps in this tutorial apply to all Samsung Galaxy Watch models. If your watch won’t turn on or charge, refer to our tutorial on fixing a Samsung Galaxy Watch that won’t turn on.

1. Charge the Watch Correctly

Ensure the back side of your Galaxy Watch sits and aligns with the center of the wireless charger. Third-party charging accessories not certified by Samsung may not charge your Galaxy Watch. They could even damage your Galaxy Watch or its battery.

We recommend using the wireless charging cable included in the box and a compatible USB wall charger or adapter. If your Galaxy Watch’s wireless charger gets missing or damaged, buy a certified replacement from Samsung’s official store.

Galaxy Watches (and other devices) won’t charge via Wireless PowerShare if your Samsung phone battery is below 30%. Charge your phone past 30% and check if your watch charges via Wireless Powershare.

Place your watch horizontally on the back of your phone and align it correctly until it starts charging. Remove any case or protective covering on the back of your phone if your Galaxy Watch still won’t charge.

It’s also worth mentioning that Qi-compatible Samsung phones won’t charge your Galaxy Watch if the watch doesn’t support Wireless PowerShare. These Galaxy Watch models can be charged via Wireless PowerShare:

• Gear S3
• Gear Sport
• Galaxy Watch
• Galaxy Watch Active
• Galaxy Watch Active2
• Galaxy Watch3
• Galaxy Watch4
• Galaxy Watch4 Classic
• Galaxy Watch5
• Galaxy Watch5 Pro and newer models

2. Try a Different Power Adapter or Outlet

Samsung Galaxy Watches only ship with a wireless charger. You must purchase a compatible wall charger or power adapter separately. Power adapters whose output ratings are below 5 Volts and 1 Ampere (5V, 1A) might not charge your Galaxy Watch properly.

Connect your wireless charger to a different adapter with a higher output rating and check if your Galaxy Watch charges. Also, ensure the power source (wall socket, power strip, etc.) is switched on and functional. Charge your Galaxy Watch from a different power outlet if the issue persists.

3. Clean Your Galaxy Watch and Wireless Charger

Your Galaxy Watch might not charge if there’s foreign material (dirt, debris, lint, etc.) between the watch and wireless charger. Use a clean and dry cloth to wipe the back of your Galaxy Watch and wireless charger’s surface.

4. Leave Your Watch to Cool

Samsung Galaxy Watches have a thermal protection system that halts charging if your watch’s battery gets too hot. If your Galaxy Watch randomly stops charging, disconnect it from the wireless charger and wait 10-15 minutes for it to cool.

Place the watch on the charger again and check if it charges. Replace your USB power adapter or wireless charger if the issue persists.

Again, avoid using non-certified accessories, as they can cause your Galaxy Watch’s battery to overheat during charging. They could also cause irreparable damage to your watch or its battery.

5. Reboot Your Galaxy Watch

If your Galaxy Watch is on but won’t charge, reboot the watch and try charging it again. Disconnect the watch from the wireless charger before rebooting it.

Swipe down from the watch face, tap the Power icon, and select Turn Off.

Wait 15 seconds for your watch to shut down. Afterward, press and hold the Power button for 3-5 seconds to turn it back on.

Force restart your Galaxy Watch if it’s unresponsive or frozen. Press and hold the Power and Home buttons for at least 7-10 seconds. Release both buttons when you see a “Rebooting…” message on your watch screen.

Connect the wireless charger to a power outlet, place your Galaxy Watch on its charger, and check if it charges.

6. Update Your Galaxy Watch Software

Your watch might exhibit unusual performance if its operating system is buggy or outdated. Update your watch’s software and check if that resolves the charging problem.

Connect your Galaxy Watch to Wi-Fi, open the Settings app, select Software Update, and tap Download and Install.

You can also update your watch via the Galaxy Wearable app on your Android device. Open the app, head to Watch settings > Watch software update, and tap Download and install.

Wait while your smartwatch or Galaxy Wearable app checks for new software and follow the prompt to install available updates.

Get Your Watch Serviced

Backup and factory reset your Galaxy Watch if it won’t charge after trying all the troubleshooting steps above. Contact Samsung Support or visit a nearby Samsung Service Center to have your Galaxy Watch serviced.

Samsung might repair/service your watch for free if it’s under warranty. However, note that damages caused by non-certified charging accessories may not be covered by warranty.

If your place also has a lot of hard-to-reach corners, that also rules out most of the robot vacuums. If all this sounds familiar, check out the Shark Wandvac Self-Emptying System as a cleaning tool. In this vacuum review, we’ll look at this powerful, lightweight cordless vacuum and share the results of our tests so that you can decide if this vacuum suits your house cleaning needs.

Shark Wandvac Self-Empty System: First Impressions & Specs

Shark is a big brand name in the vacuuming world. Shark vacuum cleaners are often compared to some of the most popular vacuums on the market, like Dyson’s.

The Shark Wandvac is designed as a lightweight cordless stick vacuum that empties itself. So if you’re someone who regularly forgets to empty your vacuum’s dustbin (or maybe you’re like me and just don’t like doing it), the Shark Self-Empty System is a perfect find for you. The system takes this bit of maintenance off your hands, and you always have your vacuum ready to start cleaning your house.

Another obvious perk of this vacuum is that it’s cordless and ultra-lightweight. I’ve experienced a few handheld vacuums before, which were too heavy for me to finish cleaning in one go. The Shark Wandvac System weighs 13.85 lbs (6.3kg) together with the charging base (which you won’t have to move during cleaning).

The vacuum itself transforms from the upright stick to an above-floor vacuum and to a small hand vacuum that only weighs 2.1 lbs (0.9kg), which you can use to quickly clean a spill without any effort.

Before we move on to talk about the Shark vacuum’s design and performance, here’s the list of tech specifications of this cordless vacuum cleaner.

• Dimensions: 8.75 x 11 x 43.5 in (22 x 28 x 110cm)
• Weight: 13.85 lbs (6.3kg)
• Type: cordless bagless stick vacuum
• Cleaning path width: 8.35 in (21.2cm)
• Capacity: 2.2 lbs (0.99kg)
• Dust cup capacity: 0.13 quarts
• Filter: HEPA H-10, washable
• Wattage: 120W
• Voltage: 14.4 Volts
• Noise level: 80 dB
• Extra accessories: duster crevice tool, pet hair multi-tool
• Battery type: lithium Ion
• Color: white
• Price: $329.99 on the Shark website and Amazon.

Design and Unpacking

The Shark Wandvac comes unassembled, with all parts fitting together in one box. After taking all of the contents out of the box, you can either use a quick start guide to put your cordless vacuum together or do it without using any instructions. The whole system is intuitive. I put the Shark Wandvac together in a matter of minutes without looking at the guide.

What’s in the Box

Here’s everything you’ll find in the box while unpacking your Shark Wandvac Self-Empty System vacuum:

• Shark Wandvac Self-Empty System Vacuum
• Self-Empty Charging Base with HEPA filter & quiet mode
• Duster crevice tool
• Pet tool
• Quick Start Guide & Owner’s Guide

Right from the start, I recommend doing one thing that will improve the look of your Shark Wandvac vacuum – peeling off all the labels you find on it. The labels are a thoughtful touch. Each of them helps you assemble and get to know how the vacuum works, but they spoil the overall appearance of the gadget. I believe the labels are there to be peeled off after (or even before) the first use.

The Shark Wandvac feels well-built and not fragile. The body of the vacuum, as well as the charging dock, are made of sturdy hard plastic. All parts easily connect together, and don’t feel like they’d easily break in case you drop them. The smaller part of the vacuum – the ergonomic handheld vacuum – feels super light and comfortable to hold.

The charging base doesn’t take up too much space, so you’ll be able to find a corner to tuck it in, even in a small apartment. The whole unit, together with the vacuum, doesn’t take up too much space either, so you won’t have a problem storing it in tight spaces. Plus, it looks stylish and modern. If anything, it’ll complement your apartment.

The back of the charging dock comes with an accessory storage space where you can attach one of your accessories – the duster crevice tool or the per multi-tool.

One thing that I found frustrating was the power cord, which I found too short for my apartment. You’ll probably have to find a place for the charging station right near the plug for the charger to reach the wall easily. Alternatively, you’ll have to use an extension cord as I did.

On the other hand, if you place the dock too close to the outlet and don’t want the charging cord to be visible, you can wrap the excess cord around the cord management slot near the bottom of the dock base.

On the handle of the vacuum, right under the power button, you’ll find three bright LED lights. These lights indicate how much battery you have remaining in your vacuum. Three lights are illuminated when the vacuum cleaner is fully charged, two lights for mid-charge, and one light for about 30% charge left. When the light starts blinking, you’ll know it’s time to pause your cleaning and charge your Shark Wandvac handheld vacuum.

Cleaning Performance

I found the Shark Wandvac Self-Emptying system to be a great help around the house. We tested the vacuum on hard floors, and it had no problem picking up large debris and fine dust. We don’t have a carpet at home, but the test we did on a couch proved that this vacuum could tackle different types of surfaces.

However, before you get to cleaning, you need to assemble your Shark Wandvac vacuum and put it on charge.

The Setup Process

After you get your cordless handheld vacuum out of the box, you’ll need to go through the setup process before you get started cleaning. Luckily, assembling the Shark Wandvac isn’t complicated and will only take a few minutes of your time. To assemble the vacuum, connect the wand to the nozzle of the main brush and then connect the hand vacuum to the wand.

When you put each part in place, you’ll hear a distinctive click. To assemble the dock, slide the charging post into the slot located on top of the charging base until it clicks into place. Then place the vacuum on the dock in a downward motion. You’ll know it’s properly attached when you hear the emptying of the dust cup process begin (it’s pretty loud, so you won’t miss it).

Make sure you fully charge your Shark Wandvac vacuum before the first use. That should take about 3 hours.

Vacuuming

Thanks to the different accessories included in the package, there are many different ways you can use the Shark Wandvac System to clean your apartment. If you prefer the upright stick mode, you can keep the PowerFins floor nozzle on for a deeper floor cleaning. Or you can ditch the wand and switch to the handheld vacuum cleaner mode with an accessory of your choice.

In our experience, the PowerFins nozzle is the best for general floor cleaning. The suction power is strong enough to pick up all of the messes in our apartment. We also tested it in our neighbor’s place, which has a massive dog hair problem, and the vacuum did a wonderful job there as well. The self-cleaning brushroll must be really working since we never experienced any hair wraps or traps during testing.

The duster crevice tool is perfect for cleaning up any tight spaces you may have in your apartment. In my experience, it was the spider web on the ceiling of our mezzanine that I kept looking at but could never get to. The Shark Wandvac + the duster crevice worked great at picking all of that up for me.

The multi-tool is designed for pet hair and upholstery and will do a great job at cleaning your car as well. Shark Wandvac is probably one of the best cordless vacuums for car cleaning, thanks to its portability and lightweight design. Detach the handheld vacuum from the wand and carry it inside your car without worrying about a power cord getting in the way. You can use both accessories for cleaning the vehicle’s salon and for getting into tight corners.

Aside from car cleaning, I found that this hand vac works great on furniture, dusty window sills, bookshelves, and stairs. In other words, all of the places that a standard stick vacuum would struggle to get to.

The handheld part of the Shark Wandvac system has a dust cup, which you can empty manually or let the vacuum do it automatically once you place the vacuum back onto the charging dock. The dust cup has a small capacity of 0.12 liters. When you slide the release button forward, the dust cup will swing open.

The Self-Emptying Process

If you’re not a fan of emptying the vacuum’s dust bin yourself, the Shark Wandvac Self-Empty System can do it for you. After you’re finished cleaning, place the vacuum on the charging dock until it clicks.

Once it’s attached, you’ll hear the auto-evacuation process begin. The self-emptying process is rather loud (surprisingly, not as loud as the auto-emptying on the Botslab S8 Plus), but it only lasts for 10 seconds.

If you need the vacuum to be quiet, you can disable the auto-emptying process for the time being. To do that, press the mute button on the charging dock. Quiet mode is perfect for when you don’t want to disturb other people or pets in the house.

The best part about the auto-emptying feature is that you can forget those nasty dust clouds when you empty the vacuum’s dust bin manually. The Wandvac automatically empties fine dust, debris, and allergens into a sealed system with HEPA filtration.

Short Run Time

The first time I got to use this vacuum, I felt like it was too good to be true. And then I noticed that after about 12 mins of run time, the LED light started blinking, reminding me that I needed to put the vac on charge. The next time I used the Wandvac, I managed to get the whole 15 mins out of it, but that was its maximum.

To be fair, I only have two small rooms, and I’m done cleaning before the battery runs out. But if you own a bigger home, this vacuum won’t suffice for any significant cleaning sessions. The Shark Wandvac is perfect for quick clean-ups but not for a top-to-bottom deep cleaning of your entire place.

Battery Life

The Shark Wandvac Self-Empty System comes with lithium-ion batteries pre-installed. You’ll need about 3.5 hours to charge the vacuum from zero fully.

Shark claims that the unit will run for 17 mins at full charge, but remember that you can only reach those results using the handheld vacuum. When you attach the wand and the floor nozzle, the time is reduced by a few minutes, making the already short battery life even shorter.

Like all lithium-ion products, the battery will naturally decrease in capacity over time. However, the Wandvac system comes with a long 5-year limited warranty, with a 2-year battery warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee. If the battery fails during the warranty period, you can request a free replacement.

Should You Buy the Shark Wandvac Self-Empty System?

Shark Wandvac Self-Empty System is a perfect vacuum cleaner for anyone who lives in a small-to-medium-size apartment, doesn’t like to empty the vacuum’s dust bin manually, and needs a versatile cleaning tool that can tackle different surfaces.

Add the lightweight and portability factor, and you’ll get a definite yes to whether you should get this vacuum for your house cleaning needs. The only real downside of this cleaning beast is the short run time, so I wouldn’t recommend getting it as a primary vacuum cleaner for a big house.

And if you’re looking for a fully-automated cleaning option, consider getting a robot vacuum that will do all of the house cleaning for you.

But what happens if you can’t restart your Samsung Galaxy watch? Look no further. In this tutorial, we’ll explain how to turn your Samsung Galaxy Watch on or off.

How to Turn On Samsung Galaxy Watch

If you’ve just purchased your watch, you’ll have to turn it on when you take it out of the box. To do so:

1. Press and hold the Home key for a few seconds. On Galaxy Watch 3 and earlier, this is the button that’s lower down. On Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, and newer models that use Wear OS 3 software, the button is higher up on the side.

2. Wait for the device to turn on.

Note: If it doesn’t boot up, you might need to charge the battery with a charger. Samsung watches have a great battery life, but if you’ve just purchased one, it might need charging. While it’s turning on, don’t forget to download the Galaxy Wearable app for your Android phone or iOS device from the Google Play Store or App Store.

How to Turn Off a Samsung Galaxy Watch

To turn off your Galaxy watch, press and hold the Home key for a few seconds, then tap Power off. You can also drag down from the top of the screen to access the Quick Settings panel. Here, select the Power off icon and confirm your choice.

How to Reset Your Galaxy Watch

If your Samsung smartwatch remains unresponsive, you can restart it by pressing and holding the Home button and Back button simultaneously for 7 seconds. The Back key is the only other button on the side of the watch face.

To factory reset your Galaxy smartwatch, you must access the watch’s settings on your mobile device. To do so, open the Galaxy Wearable app and tap Settings. Then, tap General > Reset. Confirm your choice to factory reset your watch. You may wish to back up your device before doing so.

Note: If you cannot turn your Galaxy watch on, you cannot perform a factory reset.

As Simple As That

The Galaxy Watch is Samsung’s response to the Apple Watch and Fitbit. It can connect to your smartphone so that you can get notifications, use Galaxy Watch apps via the app screen, and automatically collect information through Samsung Health to track your fitness and activity levels all via the watch face.

We’ve spent an unhealthy amount of time on Amazon racking our brains about which machine offers the best laptop gaming experience for no more than $2000. After lots of coffee and dreams about GPUs, here’s what we found.

What to Look For in a $2000 Gaming Laptop

With a budget of up to $2000, you’re right in the price-to-performance sweet spot for gaming laptops. In this price bracket, you can access some of the fastest available laptop CPUs and GPUs, but you’ll still have to make some compromises in build quality or some features that aren’t directly related to performance.

Our criteria for laptops in this price range aren’t complicated. At the time of writing, NVIDIA has just released its first 40-series GPUs, so there is a bit of confusion about whether gamers should go for discounted last-generation laptops or these new shiny systems. We’ve included great laptops from both generations, although it’s usually better to go with newer systems when possible. However, the state of the computer market being what it is, you’re likely to have a hard time finding the latest laptops in stock, so we’ve gone for a mix of new and slightly older machines that might be easier to buy.

Our strategy at this price point is to select laptops with the best possible performance components while accepting small sacrifices in areas such as build quality, screen specifications, or other irrelevant gaming factors. Each laptop has a slightly different purpose, but that’s the main thrust of our filter. We want something that can handle demanding games and stay relevant for some time.

We’re not considering laptops under $1500, but we have a dedicated review roundup for the best gaming laptops under $1500 if that’s a price tag you find more agreeable. For the most affordable options, head to our best budget gaming laptop roundup. If you’re not looking for a laptop in particular and want to know about the budget options, we also have a roundup of the best gaming systems under $1000.

The Best Gaming Laptop Under $2000: ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023)

This is the latest ROG (Republic of Gamers) Strix G16 at the time of writing and comes in at exactly our upper budget limit. You can donate the 1c of change to a charity of your choice.

This is a high-performance machine that’s geared toward gamers and power users. It comes with Windows 11, a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop graphics card at 140W Max TGP, which delivers impressive frame rates for gaming and multitasking. This is about as good as it gets at this price point, and really you might be getting a taste of more expensive laptops here with this visual design.

With 16GB RAM (DDR5-4800MHz) and 1TB of PCIe 4×4 storage, this laptop is OK for modern games in terms of memory, but in the medium term, you’ll want to upgrade that to 32GB. Still, you’ll get fast loading times out of the box with that SSD. The advanced cooling solution, which includes Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU and a third intake fan, promises that the laptop can handle the power it can deliver over long gaming sessions.

The Strix G16 has a fast FHD 165Hz refresh rate panel with 100% sRGB color space coverage, Dolby Vision, Adaptive-Sync support, and a thin bezel 90% screen-to-body ratio offers a great gaming and viewing experience. QHD would have been nice, but at least you won’t have issues hitting that 165Hz high refresh rate.

Between its solid cutting-edge specs and Cyberpunk-inspired design, this laptop is at the top of our wishlist for this budget segment if you can find one!

Last Year’s High-end: Asus ROG Zephyrus G15

The various Zephyrus laptops from Asus always impress in the categories they’re designed for, and as a ROG (Republic of Gamers) machine, this G15 has a lot to live up to. Priced so that there’s still enough cash for a decent mouse and headset left in our $2000 budget, the spec sheet is impressive.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 8GB GDDR6 and ROG Boost up to 1345MHz at 80W (100W with Dynamic Boost 2.0) means plenty of gaming performance at the screen’s native resolution and medium-detail 4K gaming if you hook it up to an external display. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS processor and 16M Cache offer plenty of power for multitasking, despite being a slightly older generation of AMD CPU.

The 15.6” 165Hz IPS-Type Quad HD display with adaptive sync is a nice touch, offering sharp visuals. That said, some reviewers think this panel isn’t as vibrant and colorful as it could be.

The 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM and 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD provide ample storage and memory, although new laptops are moving to DDR5 now, and 32GB should be on everyone’s medium-term upgrade list. The new memory standard isn’t worth the cost right now, but some future applications may benefit more from DDR5, so if you want to buy a laptop to use for an extended period, you might want to look for something newer in this roundup.

The main “problem” with this laptop is the RTX 3080 GPU. At this wattage, it won’t perform any better than an RTX 3070 Ti. So you’re better off buying the version of this laptop with the GPU model one tier down. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any in stock as we wrote this. However, the 3080-equipped model is still a great deal in isolation at this price, so we still recommend it. Just note that this laptop has no webcam! Would you even notice?

That Alienware Magic: Alienware m15 R7

Alienware has quite the reputation for gaming laptops that have great specs and performance and bring something different to the design department.

The Alienware m15 R7 is equipped with a crisp QHD (2560×1440) 240Hz display, and the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor and 32GB DDR5 RAM should be plenty for even the most demanding non-gaming tasks.

With 170W of total power available, its 3070 Ti might not get to stretch its legs as much as with larger laptops, but it should be more than enough for QHD gaming at up to ultra settings depending on the game.

The updated Cryo-tech cooling system and hexagonal-shaped vents help to maintain performance by maximizing air movement and dissipating heat during high-performance tasks. This helps to keep the laptop cool even during long gaming sessions. This also plays into Alienware’s signature style, and we think it looks fantastic, but that’s highly subjective.

In short, this is one slick laptop with good performance to be relevant for years to come, and since it’s a Dell product, you know you can RMA it easily if the worst happens.

The Dark Horse Option: Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

Lenovo is better known for making retro-styled ThinkPad laptops, but its Legion line of gaming laptops has slowly been building a reputation for performance at a fair price.

The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16″ boasts some impressive specs for the money. Its WQXGA (2560×1600) 165Hz display delivers vibrant visuals with remarkable clarity and offers that golden 16:10 aspect ratio to make this a great machine for gamers who also do creative work. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 8 GB GPU offers more than enough power to run modern games at the panel’s native resolution, and don’t forget that most new big games have DLSS support.

The laptop features the Latest AMD Ryzen 7 6800H Processor Octa-Core, clocked at 3.2 GHz (guaranteed base clock) and up to 4.70 GHz Max Boost, with 8 cores, 16 threads, and 16 MB Cache. Eight cores are more than adequate for gaming, and it should be just fine for creative work if you don’t mind waiting just a little longer for renders to finish.

The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro comes with 32GB of fast DDR5 4800 MHz RAM and a 1TB SSD, allowing faster performance for memory-hungry applications and multitasking. It may not yet be one of the go-to laptop gaming brands, but you’d be making a mistake if you overlook the Legion 5 just because it’s not established in the gaming laptop space yet.

Business in the Front, Party in the Back: MSI Stealth 15

MSI makes various gaming laptops, including its enormous desktop-killer Titan series and the uber-gamer Raider series. Its Stealth laptops are the antithesis of those machines, packing serious gaming hardware into an understated chassis that wouldn’t draw any attention in the boardroom.

This 15.6″ FHD 144Hz Gaming Laptop has no trouble living a double life. The 13th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor offers reliable performance for gameplay, multitasking work, and productivity. Depending on your needs, you may want to opt for the QHD option, although that will push the laptop’s price well over our budget limit here. The good news is that with an RTX 4060 mobile chip in play, you’ll have no trouble hitting the 144Hz limit of the panel at 1080p.

The laptop has USB Type C and DDR5 memory, which you’d expect in an up-to-date 2023 machine, but sadly no Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. MSI’s latest Cooler Boost Trinity+ cooling system includes 3 fans, 7 pipes, and (they claim) the world’s thinnest 0.1mm fan blades, which help to ensure optimal thermal dissipation. In a thin-and-light gaming laptop like this, noise and thermals are always a central issue, but based on user reviews, it seems like whatever MSI is doing here is keeping noise at bay. Although the laptop does get quite hot by all accounts.

One minor issue is that when using this laptop for non-gaming purposes, such as watching videos or browsing the web, it is just short of six hours. That should be fine for most people’s mixed usage, but if you need more battery life than that, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Gaming on battery power is just as pointless here as on any modern gaming laptop.

If you don’t care about portability and live for that gamer aesthetic, there are better choices than the Stealth 15, but if you want a single laptop that can be used for work, play, and any creative hobbies you may have, it’s a killer machine. However, you may also want to consider a Razer Blade if you have more to spend.