Brandon Russell | The VergeThe Verge is about technology and how it makes us feel. Founded in 2011, we offer our audience everything from breaking news to reviews to award-winning features and investigations, on our site, in video, and in podcasts.2026-03-20T23:37:41+00:00https://www.theverge.com/authors/brandon-russell/rsshttps://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/verge-rss-large_80b47e.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1Brandon RussellChris Welch<![CDATA[The best AirPods to buy]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=6452172026-01-20T19:00:28-05:002026-01-20T19:00:00-05:00
Whether you’re buying your first pair of AirPods or replacing a well-used older pair, it’s easy to understand why so many iPhone owners prefer Apple’s earbuds and headphones over other options. Apple has spent years gradually adding new features that work best — and sometimes only work at all — with the company’s own devices. These convenient tricks include audio sharing, automatic switching between Apple’s various devices, live translation, Apple TV integration, and more.
There are currently four AirPods models to choose from, each with its own distinct appeal and upside. You likely already know whether you’re more interested in earbuds or over-ear headphones, so that’s the first divide. In the case of over-ear headphones, your only choice is the AirPods Max. But in the earbuds category, Apple offers three options: the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and the plain old AirPods 4.
How we test AirPods
We spend dozens of hours using AirPods products for our initial reviews, and that testing extends for weeks and months afterward. That’s where we assess sound quality, mic performance, and overall reliability. Where applicable, we test the active noise cancellation across a wide range of environments and have put the hearing protection of the AirPods Pro through the paces at concerts. We also closely examine ecosystem benefits and how the AirPods and Apple’s other products work together.
The best AirPods overall
AirPods Pro 3
Score: 9
Pros
Cons
Improved ANC and sound
Longer battery
Standalone workout tracking
Live translation
Same price
IP57
Better fit
Camera remote control is handy!
If you’re hoping for traditional foam ear tips, this isn’t that
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 8 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP57 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No/ Works best with: iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Foam and silicone (XXS, XS, S, M, L)
The third-gen AirPods Pro are better than their predecessor in numerous ways, starting with the fit. Apple’s latest flagship earbuds feature a more angular design and a wider range of ear tip sizes — including an XXS option. Their “foam-infused” tips combine foam and silicone, so they expand slightly for better comfort and a tighter seal. If you’ve ever cursed at AirPods for falling out of your ears, the Pro 3’s improved fit alone might sell you.
They also deliver upgrades to noise cancellation, which allow them to rival even the AirPods Max. They’re noticeably better at dampening high-frequency sounds, like voices, than prior generations of AirPods Pro, and they can eliminate the low hum of an airplane engine. Sound quality has also been improved in ways that were surprisingly easy to pick out: bass is punchier, vocals are clearer, and you’ll notice new layers in your favorite tracks. Meanwhile, battery life will last you a full work day with ANC enabled before the buds need to go back into the charging case for a refill.
In addition to giving users the flexibility to use these earbuds as clinical-grade hearing aids — a feature Apple introduced in late 2024 — Apple has added a heart rate sensor to this model, allowing you to track workouts right from your ears. Add in IP57 water and dust resistance, stronger Find My capabilities, and a live translation feature, and it’s clear the AirPods Pro are Apple’s best wireless earbuds by a wide margin.
Noise cancellation: No / Battery life: 5 hours / Water resistance: IP54 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, Windows, macOS
Not everyone likes the way ear tips feel. Even with venting and the other measures Apple has taken to improve comfort and reduce that clogged-up sensation in the AirPods Pro 3, some people just prefer the regular, one-size-fits-most AirPods. Their open design means you’re never totally cut off from the outside world. The AirPods Pro have an impressive transparency mode, but the AirPods 4 don’t need it.
Apple currently sells two versions of the AirPods 4. No matter which you choose, you’ll get the same good sound quality, microphone performance on voice calls, and IP54 water resistance. The more expensive pair has features that you might want, including active noise cancellation and a more advanced charging case (it supports Find My and wireless charging). You might be surprised by how well the noise cancellation works even with an unsealed design; it reduces office ambience and annoying hums, but louder sounds and voices still cut through the ANC, since these don’t use a sealed ear tip.
If you’re truly interested in noise-canceling earbuds, consider upgrading to the AirPods Pro 3. They offer much better audio quality, stronger ANC, and a better experience overall. I’d only steer you to the noise-canceling AirPods 4 if you’re really opposed to ear tips.
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 20 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: No / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, Windows, macOS
We’ve gone back and forth recommending Apple’s $549 AirPods Max over the last few years. They have a standout design, but the good looks and premium feel come at a high cost. Not just that, these headphones are considerably heavier than most competitors and can get fatiguing over extended use. But the fabric ear cups on the AirPods Max are much more pleasant in warm weather than the pleather you’ll find on Bose and Sony products, and probably won’t leave you with sweaty ears.
The AirPods Max provide impressive noise cancellation, and the transparency mode is clearer and more natural-sounding than any other set of headphones on the market. As for sound, Apple’s headphones have a pleasant sound signature that works well across a wide range of genres. They’re easy to listen to with an impressive soundstage for closed-back headphones.
You lose some features found in the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 with ANC — including conversation awareness and adaptive audio — because the AirPods Max use Apple’s older H1 chip. However, the company added lossless audio over USB-C in April, meaning these headphones offer the richest audio fidelity in Apple’s entire lineup.
With Apple’s fall hardware event in the rearview mirror, we’re at a point where the company’s lineup seems settled (for now). Apple doesn’t upgrade its entry-level AirPods line on an annual basis like some of its other products, and the Pro 3 just recently hit the market. Meanwhile, the AirPods Max have gone relatively unchanged since their release in 2020, with Apple adding a USB-C model and a new color in 2024. It’s possible that we’ll see a camera-equipped pair of AirPods with support for Apple Intelligence in the future — previous reporting has indicated as much — but it’s not likely to be anytime soon.
Update, January 20th: Adjusted to reflect current pricing and availability.Brandon Widder also contributed to this post.
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Brandon Russell<![CDATA[The Pixel 10, our favorite Android phone, is nearly 50 percent off right now]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8369952025-12-26T10:02:50-05:002025-12-23T16:00:00-05:00
If you’re in the market for a new Android smartphone — or on the hunt for a solid last-minute gift — Google’s Pixel 10 is a great place to look. We consider it the best Android phone you can buy, and right now, you can grab it at Amazon starting at $449 ($350 off) when you use promo code PIXEL10, which drops Google’s entry-level flagship to its lowest price to date. If you prefer better cameras or a bigger screen, Amazon is also offering the Pixel 10 Pro and the Pixel 10 Pro XL for $649 ($350 off) and $799 ($400 off), respectively, using the same code.
In her review, Verge senior reviewer Allison Johnson called the Pixel 10 a great, basic Android phone that offers some notable upgrades over its predecessor. It features a 6.3-inch OLED screen and a 120Hz refresh rate, along with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it easy to see in direct sunlight. It also includes an array of helpful AI-powered tools and a dedicated telephoto camera — a first for a non-Pro Pixel phone — which is great for capturing portrait photos.
One of the Pixel 10’s more notable upgrades, though, is the addition of Qi2 wireless charging with built-in magnets — arguably the coolest part of the device — which means you don’t need a separate case for easy and precise charging alignment. The device also includes Google’s Tensor G5 chip, which is the same one found in the pricier Pro models; however, the Pixel 10 has slightly lower RAM (12GB versus 16GB). Still, you shouldn’t notice any major differences in everyday performance, unless you’re really pushing it with heavy multitasking and serious mobile gaming.
Our main gripe with the Pixel 10 is that its main and ultrawide cameras aren’t quite as good as those on the Pro. That said, the standard Pixel produces pictures that are perfectly fine, while the telephoto camera makes for a nice addition. At its normal $799 price, we think the Pixel 10 is already a great value. At $449, it’s a dang good deal.
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Brandon Russell<![CDATA[We found 80 stocking stuffers under $100 that are actually useful]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8430792025-12-19T16:48:50-05:002025-12-19T16:48:09-05:00
Apple’s AirTag is great way to keep tabs on your keys or bag if they get lost.
Let’s face it, it’s easy to fixate on the big gifts that crowd around the Christmas tree. However, we’d argue that the true treasures are the small, useful, and thoughtful gifts tucked within stockings. That’s why, for this guide, we’ve pooled together a bunch of tried-and-tested gadgets and goods to help bolster someone’s everyday carry or, at the very least, provide them with something that comes in clutch every once in a while. It certainly isn’t about gag gifts and cheap trinkets.
AirTags can function as a second set of eyes for iPhone owners, allowing you to keep tabs on everything from your car keys to your backpack. That’s because the ultra wideband location trackers tap into Apple’s extensive Find My network, which allows for impressively precise tracking and lets users share the tracker with up to five other people for even greater peace of mind.
Most people don’t want to wrangle cables… and who can blame them? Not us, which is why several folks at The Verge own Baseus’ handy, retractable USB-C option. The Free2Pull comes in two sizes, each of which conveniently pulls the excess cable into a small puck that’s far tidier and easier to manage than a loose cord.
This Landmark Project keychain can add a bit of color and personality to an otherwise vanilla set of keys. The retro-inspired doohickey features a glossy emboss finish and harkens back to classic motel tags, while reminding you to respect the great outdoors. It’s also made of durable ABS plastic and features metal hardware, so it should withstand miles upon miles of abuse.
Anker’s Nano Travel Adapter is a versatile charger for globe-trotters. It features four plug types, providing compatibility in over 200 countries, along with an AC connector, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. The adapter is also relatively tiny — each plug type either extends / retracts or folds up — so it’s easy to slot into your bag.
Powerful power banks don’t have to be cumbersome. Iniu’s 10,000mAh P50 is about as thick as a deck of cards, but features 45W charging speeds, two USB-C ports, and one USB-A port. Its braided lanyard also doubles as a USB-C cable, providing everything you need to keep all of your electronics fully juiced on the go.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 breaks the mold of classic RPGs. The story is just as grandiose and gripping as the best Final Fantasy games, but by allowing you to dodge and parry every enemy attack, it flips more traditional turn-based combat on its head. Then there’s the score and visually striking world, both of which are just as refreshing to behold.
The Notes app is great, but sometimes pen and paper are where it’s at. Field Notes are small enough to fit in your pocket or a small bag, yet spacious enough to house all your big ideas and errant thoughts. The “Flora” Edition can even add a much-needed pop of color to any desk setup.
The original LifeStraw was designed for those heading into the backcountry. The new LifeStraw Sip? Not so much. The reusable steel straw is geared more toward travelers than outdoor enthusiasts, though fortunately it still manages to remove about 99.99 percent of microplastics, bacteria, and parasites from your drinking water.
Crumbs don’t stand a chance on your keyboard with OXO’s laptop cleaner. The double-sided tool has a retractable soft brush that gets into tiny crevices to sweep away dust, and the microfiber pad can remove fingerprints and smudges on screens. I’ve been using one for the past few years, and it’s great for quickly tidying up after a long day of clacking away.
Leatherman’s Skeletool CX comes with a 25-year warranty and all the basics you need for everyday use. The convenient multitool conceals a sturdy steel blade, a pair of pliers, and a large bit driver within its compact build, which easily slides into your pocket. It’s the kind of gadget that proves you don’t need every tool under the sun just to get the job done.
CMF’s higher-end earbuds offer a lot for the price, including active noise cancellation and a transparency mode that should keep you aware of your surroundings. The charging case also has a smart dial that lets you adjust the volume and switch between noise modes, while multipoint support means the Buds Pro 2 can connect to two devices simultaneously.
Donkey Kong Bananza for the Nintendo Switch 2 is a bona fide system seller. Made by the same team behind Super Mario Odyssey, it delivers satisfying punch action and environmental destruction. If you want a game where you can — if you’ll excuse the pun — go ape shit, then Bananza is for you.
The Amazon Smart Plug is a simple and inexpensive way to automate gadgets around your home. For instance, you can instruct Alexa to turn on a lamp that’s connected to the plug or control it via the Alexa app — no smart home hub required. The plug is compatible with most devices with an on / off switch, including fans, coffee makers, and other common household devices. It’s also great for controlling holiday lights.
Anker’s 3-in-1 charger features a trifold design, making it easy to fold down and throw in a bag. Its main wireless pad supplies up to 15W of power to your phone, while the other two are suitable for charging a smartwatch and a pair of wireless earbuds. Your purchase comes with a 40W adapter and 5-foot USB-C cable, too, giving you everything you need to start charging.
If your giftee ever had a soft spot for Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance SP, the RG 34XXSP won’t disappoint. Anbernic’s newer handheld emulator sports a classic clamshell design with a 3.4-inch 720p IPS display, as well as dual joysticks, four shoulder buttons, and a 3:2 aspect ratio that’s ideal for retro titles like Golden Sun and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.
Instead of sifting through a rat’s nest of cables, Anker’s dual-headed USB-C cable makes it easier to travel light. Thanks to its 2-in-1 design, you can charge two devices simultaneously — like a laptop and smartphone — with a peak power output of 140W. You don’t have to worry about the cable fraying, either, as it’s made from a durable braided nylon and has been tested to survive more than 10,000 bends.
There are few better ways to pass the time than getting lost in a good book (I’m reading Thomas Pynchon’s new Shadow Ticket). The latest base-model Kindle is our favorite cheap ebook reader, with a sharp 6-inch display, an adjustable frontlight, and a battery that lasts up to six weeks. And at just 158 grams, its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and hold for extended reading sessions.
The AirFly Pro 2 can amp up the sound quality of in-flight entertainment, making it a handy tool for frequent travelers. The long-lasting Bluetooth adapter can sync with two pairs of wireless earbuds or headphones at once, allowing you and a partner to share a movie, a podcast, or music without relying on the subpar earbuds most airlines provide.
Between the noise of airport terminals and snoring seat companions, traveling can be loud. Loop’s reusable Quiet 2 deliver 24 decibels of noise reduction, so you can snooze even when the person next to you is watching a movie at full volume. They’re made from a light, flexible silicone and come with four ear tip sizes, including an extra-small option.
Ugreen Nexode Charger with Retractable USB-C Cable
The allure of Ugreen’s 65W Nexode charger is simple: It features a built-in retractable USB-C cable, so you don’t need an extra accessory to charge your gadgets. The cable extends to over 2 feet and securely locks at any length. It also features additional USB-C and USB-A ports, allowing you to charge three devices simultaneously.
With the film adaptation of Project Hail Mary just around the corner, now’s a great time to catch up on the book from The Martian author Andy Weir. The space odyssey chronicles one man’s mission to save the Earth; however, in doing so, it also explores the nature of sacrifice, friendship, and particle physics. Lots and lots of particle physics.
The MX Anywhere 3S is a compact, do-everything mouse that travels well. It offers 8K DPI tracking, so movements cover big distances, and it works on glass. The MagSpeed wheel can rip through long docs or switch to precise ratchets. It can pair with up to three devices over Bluetooth, works with both macOS and Windows, and offers up to 70 days of battery life.
This single-use camera from Kodak comes preloaded with 27 exposures of Tri-X 400, a gorgeous, grainy black-and-white film. It sports a 30mm f/10 plastic lens that churns out decently sharp images, plus a built-in flash that you can turn on and off via a button on the front. Like most single-use cameras, this one has a lens with a fixed focus range (about 3 feet to infinity) and shutter speed of 1/125 second.
Good, screen-free entertainment can be hard to come by for kids — which is where the latest Yoto Mini comes in. The travel-friendly audio gadget features a clock, an alarm, white noise, and a night light; however, its real selling point is that you can use it to play music and tell stories via a robust collection of more than 1,000 cards.
Who needs magnets when you have suction cups? Octobuddy’s cheap silicone mount works with most phones to provide hands-free flexibility whenever necessary. It features 24 single-sided cups, which allow you to stick your phone to a mirror, window, or any other surface you think will provide that perfect TikTok angle.
The Lego Animal Crossing Stargazing with Celeste set lets fans bring Animal Crossing into the real world. With just 78 pieces, you can build a peaceful outdoor scene featuring Celeste, the astronomy-loving owl. It also connects to other Animal Crossing playsets, if your giftee wants to expand on it.
This past year might not have been as life-shattering for most as 2020, but we’d argue life doesn’t have to be pure chaos for a stress ball to come in handy. The NeeDoh Groovy Glob, like all of Schylling’s colorful dough-filled shapes, makes for an inexpensive release that can be squeezed, squashed, and pulled to your heart’s content.
Bluetooth earbuds are all the rage, but you’d be surprised how often a wired pair comes in handy. Apple’s EarPods have a surprisingly good microphone, never need to be charged, and should work with all your USB-C devices. An inline controller on the earbuds’ cable lets you change your volume and pause or skip tracks.
Glocusent’s Bookmark Style Reading Light is perfect for those who burn the midnight oil reading. The clip-on USB light offers a lightweight design and multiple brightness levels, providing a soft, warm glow that’s dim enough that it won’t disturb anyone else trying to get some shut-eye nearby.
You’ve heard of procedurally generated video games, but how about procedurally generated paper dungeon crawlers? Each 60-page Dungeon Notebook is completely unique and requires nothing other than a six-sided die and a pencil, which give you the means to navigate a variety of floors filled with coins, four-legged baddies, and hearts.
Holiday meals can leave you with a full belly and a foul-smelling fridge, which is where the Fun Guy comes in. The playful odor absorber can add a whimsical touch to your kitchen while serving a practical need. Just pop the mushroom top and load the smiley, spore-tacular container with baking soda to keep unwanted odors at bay.
Sucker Punch’s follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima is everything you could want in a sequel. The open-world revenge epic brims with fluid combat and a host of welcome narrative twists, all set against the gorgeous backdrop of Japan’s Edo period. It’s precisely the type of game photo modes were made for, even if you never use them.
Part wall wart, part magnetic wireless charger, Twelve South’s StandBy-ready PowerBug is about as unique as chargers come. The simple contraption can top off both MagSafe and Qi2-compatible devices — including the latest Google Pixel models — while simultaneously supplying 35W charging speeds to a second gadget via USB-C.
A swivelable spork might not be what your giftee had in mind for the next addition to their keychain, but hear us out: they’ll no longer have to ask for disposable cutlery, and they’ll never be without a dignified way to munch on the go. It’s also, you know, good for the environment.
Idlewild’s slim ballpoint pens look as good as they write. Each features a scratch-proof barrel, black ink, and a colorful, two-tone design, which makes them a lively piece of desk decor and the perfect instrument for jotting down thoughts in your favorite notebook. See? Who needs ChatGPT, anyway?
Everybody forgets to bring their charging cable with them from time to time, but it’s a lot harder to do with Nomad’s ChargeKey. The 6-inch zinc cable comes attached to a loop, which is easy to affix to the same ring as your keys. It even supports up to 240W of power and 10Gbps data transfer speeds, despite its short stature.
Scissors are overrated. Slice’s retractable box cutter has been a mainstay in our gift guides for years, primarily because the finger-friendly ceramic blade is great for tearing through packing tape and cutting plastic wrapping. The comfy tool also features a sturdy, reinforced nylon handle and a hooked design that makes it easy to stow when not in use.
Keychains make for a great gift, even if we do live in an age when keys themselves are becoming a bit of a novelty. Veraloop’s 7-inch Colorblock is a sturdy two-tone option made from deadstock and polyester, one that easily attaches to your purse, pouch, or other bags via the included carabiner.
Do you ever wish you could turn on your coffee maker or hit the light switch without getting up? The SwitchBot Bot lets you do that. All you need to do is stick the inexpensive contraption on a standard button or rocker switch, which will allow you to control or schedule your pet feeder, garage door, and a wide range of other devices from your smartphone.
Anker’s compact Prime Power Bank is a wall charger that doubles as a portable battery, delivering a total output of up to 65W through its two USB-C ports. At home, you can leave it plugged in like a standard wall charger. Hit the road, though, and the 9,600mAh battery can simultaneously power your phone and laptop or other gadgets.
The Fanttik X9 Pro can inflate a car tire in under a minute, making routine maintenance fast and easy. There are four one-click presets for cars, motorcycles, bikes, and balls, along with a manual mode that reaches a maximum pressure of 150 PSI. A flexible hose makes it easy to reach into tight spaces, and the battery lasts for up to 23 minutes without shutting off.
Metroid Prime 4 is still a first-person adventure game like prior entries in the series, but this time around, bounty hunter Samus Aran is armed with a motorcycle and a slate of psychic powers. Not all of the new gameplay elements work, but Beyond is a fitting follow-up to what came before, with a lore-heavy story, great combat, and plenty of eerie exploration.
Psh. Who needs an onslaught of push notifications and heart rate monitoring, anyway? Casio’s retro, Y2K-styled WS-B1000 pairs with your phone via Bluetooth and lets you track steps, set timers, and perform only the most basic wristwatch functions imaginable. Nothing more, nothing less.
This 8-in-1 USB-C hub delivers plenty of connectivity, including ethernet, a 4K / 60Hz-capable HDMI port, microSD / SD card readers, USB-C, and USB-A. It can also power your laptop with up to 85W of power.
The Wuben G5 is a rechargeable flashlight about the size of a Zippo lighter, which makes it easy to slip into your pocket. The main light rotates 180 degrees and delivers up to 400 lumens, which you can easily adjust with a scroll wheel. The battery can last up to 65 hours, and a second multicolor LED can cycle through the entire spectrum.
Lego’s Happy Plants can add a little burst of joy to your desk or bookshelf. The set features two playful builds — specifically a baby dracaena and a baby pilea — which fit neatly into a pair of bright, smiley pots. They’re easy to assemble and fun to fiddle with at just 217 pieces, and it’s impossible to be in a bad mood when you look at them considering their adorable faces.
While the Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a respectable 256GB of internal storage, Samsung’s P9 microSD Express card provides double the capacity for your digital library. It offers sequential read speeds of up to 800 MB/s, promising quick launch and load times. It’s also compatible with a wide range of gadgets, including cameras, tablets, and drones with a microSD USH-I slot.
Whether you’re relaxing at home or braving the elements, keeping your extremities warm is paramount. Fortunately, Unihand’s rechargeable hand warmers can keep your digits limber for up to 20 hours on a single charge; they also feature three distinct warmth levels, the most powerful of which can hit 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soldering can be intimidating for beginners, but iFixit’s FixHub smart soldering iron makes it simple. It quickly heats up fast via USB-C, and packs safety features like a heat-resistant magnetic storage cap, an LED warning light, and motion sensors to automatically shut off if it falls from your hand. You can also adjust the iron’s temperature settings via your laptop or the Android app.
Don’t get tripped up by the “poetry” part — the Magnetic Poetry Kit is really just about having fun with words. The Original Edition comes with more than 300 magnetic tiles to mix and match, allowing you to cover your fridge with random thoughts, inside jokes, and other carefully chosen creations.
With a sharp rotating blade, Worx’s electric scissors make light work of tougher materials, including quarter-inch plastic, fabric, leather, and cardboard. A safety switch ensures it doesn’t unintentionally turn on, too, while a blade guard can help prevent an unwanted trip to the emergency room.
It’s still hard believe the Amazfit Active 2 retails for less than $100. The humble smartwatch includes everything from offline navigation and voice commands to a strength training mode that can auto-detect sets, reps, and rest periods. It also features a vivid OLED display and a super stylish watchface — which isn’t something often associated with affordable fitness trackers.
If you don’t like the idea of using a hotel towel, then Matador’s Ultralight Travel Towel deserves a spot in your bag. The large version is roughly the size of a standard towel, yet it can pack down into a small mesh bag. It’s made from a soft nanofiber material that can absorb double its weight, and it wrings out easily, so it dries fast. The towel is also machine washable, so you can easily get it ready for your next journey.
You’ll probably need a good pick-me-up while traveling, but you don’t have to settle for bad gas station coffee. First Ascent’s Instant Coffee gives you a solid caffeine boost and a flavor that holds up well, with light, medium, and dark roasts. You just pour it in hot water, stir, and it’s done. Don’t you just love the smell of fresh coffee?
If you’re on a DIY kick, iFixit’s Pro Tech Go Toolkit deserves a spot in your bag. The portable driver kit includes a variety of specialty bits needed to open devices ranging from phones to laptops and gaming consoles. It also comes with tweezers, spudgers, a small suction cup, and opening picks to pry open your devices. Good luck on your repairs!
Percival Everett’s first work of fiction earned him the Pulitzer this year — and it’s no surprise. The bold 2024 tale serves as a reworking of Huck Finn as told by the enslaved man who travels with him down the Mississippi, and although it’s dead serious at times due to the subject matter, it’s also inventive, poetic, and surprisingly funny.
8BitDo’s Micro is a pocket-friendly, 16-button wireless game controller compatible with iOS, Android, and the Nintendo Switch. It can make playing mobile games easier than tapping a touchscreen, and it’s perfect for playing NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance titles on the Nintendo Switch.
Lego delivered a gigantic dose of nostalgia with a near-perfect replica of Nintendo’s 1989 handheld. The 421-piece set captures the Game Boy’s many buttons, grilles, and curves remarkably well, while the lenticular screen inserts give the illusion of a working unit. It even comes with several brick-ified cartridges you insert into a slot in the back.
While most people are content to store their files in the cloud, some content is too precious not to save on personal digital devices. Sandisk’s multi-plug flash drive makes it easy to move data between phones, tablets, and computers.
Two things most people need at some point are a flashlight and a Bluetooth tracker. So why not gift both devices at once? The FlashFinder is a rechargeable, 300-lumen light outfitted with a magnetic mount you can track via Apple’s Find My network, so you never have to worry about trying to find the flashlight — or your keys — again.
If you own an Android phone, the Google Pixel Buds 2A are a solid, relatively cheap pair of wireless earbuds. They offer crisp sound quality, a comfy design, and solid ANC, which is great given their budget-friendly price tag. They even offer built-in support for Gemini and, unlike the entry-level AirPods, a purple option!
Pocket-friendly power banks that come with built-in USB-C cables are beloved, and it’s easy to see why. Anker’s 10,000mAh Zolo with 30W charging speeds is just big enough, and fast enough, to quickly recharge most small gadgets.
Anker’s 67W Prime charger features two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, along with retractable prongs, rendering it one of our go-to travel companions. It’s a gadget that lets you easily charge a MacBook Air and a Nintendo Switch 2 with a port to spare.
If you attach the Kershaw Recap to your keychain, you’ll always be ready to tackle tiny repairs. The multitool features a flathead screwdriver tip, a bottle opener, and can even double as a pry bar. Plus, it’s made from a durable steel, so it can handle everyday wear and tear, whether you’re tightening the occasional screw or cracking a cold one.
Uno Go is a more portable version of the classic card game. Whether you’re on a plane, at the park, or waiting in line, you can get in a few quick rounds before having to tuck it away in your pocket. It’s an easy way to combat boredom — and a heck of a lot better than staring at a phone or tablet screen.
Amazon’s Echo Spot is a smart alarm clock that can also show you the weather, play music, and set timers. It features a bright, 2.83-inch touchscreen, but you’ll primarily interact with it using your voice, which lets you carry out all sorts of Alexa-based commands.
A basic timer may seem like a thoughtless gift, but there are many tasks we procrastinate on every day that could be more easily managed if we dedicated a little bit of time to them. A visual Pomodoro timer, such as the colorful MOD (Home Edition), is key to helping break tasks into manageable, bite-sized chunks.
It’s not the timeless look that makes Distil’s Folly Sunglasses attractive — though they do look quite good. The real appeal lies in their hidden neodymium magnets, which allow you to clip the polarized shades to your shirt or bag without having to worry about them falling off. That alone is worth the $69 price tag.
A level is an essential tool for DIYers, and none is more foolproof than Franklin’s 12-inch Light Level. The magnetic device turns red when it’s crooked and green when it’s level, so you don’t have to rely solely on a bubble vial (though it includes two built-in bubble vials as well). It runs on a single AA battery and can be seen from almost every angle, regardless of how bright your environment is.
Nomad’s leather MagSafe wallet snaps to the back of your iPhone and has enough space to hold up to four cards. More importantly, it offers integration with Apple’s vast Find My network, allowing you to track its location. Its battery can last up to five months, too, and it can be topped off on a Qi wireless charger.
Anker’s Laptop Power Bank is a lifesaver for anyone on the go. It boasts a 25,000mAh capacity and a total output of up to 165W, allowing you to charge a powerful MacBook Pro to 50 percent in less than 30 minutes. The portable battery also features two built-in USB-C cables, one of which is retractable, so you needn’t worry about tossing yet another cable in your bag.
Stanley’s classic eight-ounce flask is great for tailgating, camping, and summer BBQs. It features a pocket-friendly design, a wide mouth for easy refills, and a hinge-connected cap that won’t get dropped or lost. The flask also features a durable stainless steel design that’s leakproof, ensuring your libation of choice doesn’t spill.
If your TV struggles to run streaming apps well (or at all), consider Onn’s 4K Streaming Device. It supports Dolby Vision HDR and all your favorite apps via the Google TV interface, from Netflix and Disney Plus to YouTube. Recommendations are pulled from across services, and you can even use Google Assistant to search for shows and movies using your voice instead of the remote.
Whether you’re into birding, hiking, or just getting a closer look at far-off signs and locales, you’ll look cool whipping out the ol’ Zoom Tube. This monocular telescope comes in some truly fabulous color schemes, and even if it can’t rival a legitimate pair of binos, it still affords you clear 8x magnification and a terrific field of view.
GE’s 800-lumen Wi-Fi bulbs serve as a great entry point for making your home a little smarter. The color-changing LED bulbs work with Alexa and Google Assistant without a hub, and they support Matter for interoperability with Apple Home, making them a great choice if you’re unsure which smart home platform your giftee uses.
JLab’s ultra-portable speaker can pump out the holiday tunes wherever you celebrate. It offers up to eight hours of continuous playtime, and it can pair with a second Pop Party to create stereo sound. You can also customize the speaker’s RGB lighting, while its IP55 rating means it can endure an accidental spill.
Even the most advanced smartphone cameras struggle to stabilize shaky video. However, with the DJI Osmo Mobile 7, you can attach your phone and record pro-level footage that’s silky smooth, whether you’re vlogging or capturing holiday shenanigans. The handy gimbal features easy-to-use controls, an ergonomic handle, and a built-in tripod, so you can place it on a flat surface if necessary.
Finding the right video game to gift can be a challenge, but Paladone’s cartridge-shaped coasters are a fun alternative for fans of the 8-bit era. Each coaster features cover art from a popular game — whether it be Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, or Metroid — and can be hand-washed should a beverage spill on it.
Tough hikes require tough socks — or they should, anyway. Luckily, Darn Tough’s merino micro-crew socks offer a well-balanced blend of comfort, cushioning, and durability. In fact, they’re so durable the company continues to pair them with a lifetime guarantee should anything happen to them. No receipt necessary.
Leatherman’s compact Free T4 is a nice entry into the world of multitools, and the one I carry every day. Despite its smaller size, it features 12 tools, including a 420HC knife and spring-action scissors. My favorite is the combination package opener and awl, which is great for opening boxes and plastic blister packaging. Plus, it comes with Leatherman’s famed 25-year warranty.
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Brandon Russell<![CDATA[Bose’s first-gen QC Ultra headphones just hit their lowest price to date]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8468812025-12-19T11:33:13-05:002025-12-19T12:00:00-05:00
The QC Ultra remain a great noise-canceling option if you plan on traveling during the holidays. | Image: The Verge
If you value peace and quiet, particularly when traveling, Bose’s first-gen QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are worth checking out. They’re our favorite noise-canceling headphones for travel, and right now, you can snag a pair for an all-time low of $279 ($150 off) in select colors from Amazon, Best Buy, and Bose. All three retailers estimate that shipments should arrive before Christmas, with Bose saying its cutoff for free two-day shipping is December 22nd at 12PM ET.
The QC Ultra offer top-tier noise cancellation, allowing you to block out the chaos of the holidays. They also feature some of the best comfort you’ll find in this category, which is fitting considering the name. The design is lightweight, the ear cushions are nice and soft, and the headband features a relatively gentle clamping force, making them comfortable to wear over extended periods. They can also fold down for easy storage, while the battery can last up to 24 hours, so you don’t have to worry about charging while on the go.
In his review, former senior reviewer Chris Welch said the headphones put a bit more emphasis on bass than Bose’s Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which the first-gen QC Ultra replaced. The overall sound is more detailed and preserves the lows and highs even when the volume is dialed down. The QC Ultra also support high-end features like wear detection, which will automatically pause your audio when you take them off, and a natural-sounding transparency mode that pipes in ambient noise to keep you aware of your surroundings.
It’s worth flagging that Bose introduced a new version of the QC Ultra Headphones a few months ago with a higher starting price of $449 (though you can currently snag a pair at Amazon, Best Buy, and Bose for $50 off). While the latest model resembles the original, the second-gen headphones offer better battery life and several new features, including support for lossless audio over USB-C and an enhanced transparency mode that can filter out sudden noises. The first-gen version is still a great buy, though, and at just $279, a much better value right now.
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Brandon Russell<![CDATA[The Verge’s 2025 holiday gift guide for tinkerers]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8004442025-12-19T11:16:06-05:002025-12-19T10:00:00-05:00
As AI tools continue to rise in popularity, it’s easy to forget the satisfaction of using something that doesn’t need an update or a prompt to help you get things done. I’m talking about tools. They’re simple and rugged, and they don’t make things needlessly complicated. And now that the holidays are approaching, these tools can help you tackle projects you didn’t finish over the summer (or, let’s be real, two summers ago).
If you’re shopping for someone who would rather read a repair manual than scroll through a social media feed, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up options ranging from a long-lasting cast-iron skillet to a versatile multitool that’s useful for a number of tasks. There are also tools for tinkering with gadgets, like iFixit’s comprehensive Manta Driver Kit and CanaKit’s Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit Pro. Other tools we include can help you to improve your fitness or write and read on a tablet that’s free of incessant notifications.
OXO Sweep & Swipe Laptop Cleaner
Crumbs don’t stand a chance on your keyboard with OXO’s laptop cleaner. The double-sided tool has a retractable soft brush that gets into tiny crevices to sweep away dust, and the microfiber pad can remove fingerprints and smudges on screens. I’ve been using one for the past few years, and it’s great for quickly tidying up after a long day of clacking away.
The Trmnl (OG) is an ambient E Ink display that taps into a powerful community of plugins. You can use prebuilt plugins to show info like the weather, your calendar, and to-do lists, or you can build a completely custom dashboard tailored to your needs. There are no apps to install, and the 7.5-inch device’s battery can last up to six months on a single charge.
BioLite’s versatile lighting kit comes with six hangable bulbs and six “hammer-proof” stakes, so you can set the ambiance at your campsite or even illuminate a workspace. The included solar-powered charging case can recharge each bulb twice, providing extended use when you’re off the grid, and each weatherproof bulb provides up to 20 hours of continuous use per charge.
Hoto’s rechargeable screwdriver is ideal for small repairs. It offers three torque modes, a rotational speed of up to 220RPM, and a helpful circular LED to illuminate dark spaces. The durable case also holds all 25 steel bits and an extension bar for getting into hard-to-reach places.
Few tools in the kitchen are more versatile than a cast-iron skillet. You can sear a steak, roast veggies, and fry an egg, all with the same pan. It can be used on the stove or in the oven, and the more you use it, the better it gets, developing a seasoned surface that adapts to your cooking needs.
Franklin Sensors’ 12-inch light level blends classic bubbles with a smart light system that turns green when perfectly level. The LEDs are visible from nearly any angle and in dim spaces, making night RV leveling or crawlspace work more manageable. A magnetic edge steadies it on metal, while the compact build is easy for one-hand use.
The Manta Driver Kit is iFixit’s most comprehensive set, perfect for building PCs, taking apart radios, and maintaining road bikes. It features a wide assortment of precision driver bits — 112 in total — including your standard Phillips and flathead, but it also includes pentalobes and gamebits.
Leatherman’s Skeletool CX comes with a 25-year warranty and all the basics you need for everyday use. The convenient multitool conceals a sturdy steel blade, a pair of pliers, and a large bit driver within its compact build, which easily slides into your pocket. It’s the kind of gadget that proves you don’t need every tool under the sun just to get the job done.
The Thorvald carpenter pencil is a simple upgrade for a woodshop or jobsite. The bright orange body is easy to spot, and the built-in sharpener keeps lead ready for making marks. It can write on wood and metal, and it includes yellow leads for writing on darker surfaces. Plus, it features a removable finger grip, making it easier to mark in deeper holes.
This Escali Primo digital scale is a trusty kitchen helper for making precise measurements. It measures in grams, ounces, and pounds, with 1g precision up to 11lb. The sealed, two-button control panel means you don’t have to worry about spills, while the scale’s compact design makes it easy to store.
With a sharp rotating blade, Worx’s electric scissors make light work of tougher materials, including quarter-inch plastic, fabric, leather, and cardboard. A safety switch ensures it doesn’t unintentionally turn on, too, while a blade guard can help prevent an unwanted trip to the emergency room.
The CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit Pro includes an 8GB RAM circuit board, a case with cooling components, and a 128GB microSD card. You can do a lot with this platform, like create a custom media server and emulate retro consoles.
The Thrunite Archer 2A C is a powerful flashlight that’s about the size of a Sharpie. It supports five different modes, from firefly (0.3 lumens) to high (1,018 lumens). It also has a built-in rechargeable battery that can last up to 27 days, and can work with two AA batteries as a backup.
With just 30 minutes per day, this kettlebell from Rep Fitness can get you into the best shape of your life. It has a sturdy handle and features a textured matte finish that won’t slip out of your hands. Each one is also marked in both kilograms and pounds, making it easy to follow your favorite program.
Megapro’s ratcheting driver offers a 28-tooth ratchet capable of putting out 225 inch-pounds of torque, making it suitable for tough jobs. It also features a durable, rubberized handle and a retractable rear cartridge that can hold six double-sided bits, fit for assembling furniture and numerous other tasks.
The DeWalt 12V cordless drill / driver offers a great balance of power and portability, making it suited for heavy-duty jobs. At just 5.97 inches and less than 2 pounds, it manages to pack a brushless motor, two-speed transmission, 15 clutch settings, and a 3/8-inch ratcheting chuck for versatile bit use.
These are among the best open-ear headphones for outdoor workouts. They rest on your cheekbones, delivering great bass and AI-powered noise cancellation, keeping your ears open to hear your surroundings. Their thin earhooks make them feel secure and comfortable — even if you wear glasses.
The GooLoo GP4000 is something you’ll hopefully never need. But if your car’s battery ever goes kaput, the portable jump starter (that doubles as a gadget charger) can help bring it back to life with a surge of 4,000 amps — no tow truck needed. There’s even a boost button for batteries that are truly dead.
EcoFlow’s midrange River 3 Plus is a great backup solution for emergencies and outdoor use, particularly when paired with an optional solar panel. The 268Wh generator delivers 600W of total output and features seven outlets — including a 140W USB-C port — for uninterrupted power to laptops, space heaters, and other small electronics.
With up to 180mph at your fingertips, Ego Power’s 56V blower can easily shove aside wet leaves and grass clumps for up to 90 minutes per charge. The variable trigger and dial lock let you cruise between 225 to 500CFM, while a turbo button gives you a boost up to 650CFM.
The Remarkable Paper Pro is the rare device that doesn’t distract you with apps or algorithms, allowing you to focus on doing your best work. It has an 11.8-inch color display and an adjustable reading light, and it offers a smooth writing experience thanks to the included Marker Plus pen, which has a built-in eraser.
The Anker EverFrost 2 is a rugged, 58L dual-zone electric cooler that chills from -4–68 degrees Fahrenheit. It features three cooling modes (Max, Eco, and Smart), plus a retractable handle and wheels, making it easier to tow. You can recharge it with a wall outlet, solar panel, car port, or USB-C.
This 20-piece DeWalt bit set covers the essentials without complicating your kit. The sturdy case has a clear lid and a bit bar that holds each piece in place, so you can see and grab the right bit without digging around. The magnetic drive guide helps keep screws steady so they’re easier to start.
Soldering can be intimidating for beginners, but iFixit’s FixHub smart soldering iron makes it simple. It quickly heats up fast via USB-C, and packs safety features like a heat-resistant magnetic storage cap, an LED warning light, and motion sensors to automatically shut off if it falls from your hand. You can also adjust the iron’s temperature settings via your laptop or the Android app.
Anker’s compact Prime Power Bank is a wall charger that doubles as a portable battery, delivering a total output of up to 65W through its two USB-C ports. At home, you can leave it plugged in like a standard wall charger. Hit the road, though, and the 9,600mAh battery can simultaneously power your phone and laptop or other gadgets.
Keychron’s V1 Max is an excellent entry-level mechanical keyboard. It offers hot-swappable switches, web-based programming, and gasket-mount construction. We like the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches, but the beauty of mechanical keyboards is that you can customize them to find the perfect typing experience.
Elgato’s Stream Deck Plus is a powerful productivity console for your computer. With its eight LCD keys, four push dials, and a touch strip, you can quickly launch apps, manipulate camera settings, and adjust audio sources. It supports a rich plugin ecosystem, too, allowing you to customize the experience. It works with macOS and PC, making it a versatile command center for tinkerers.
What’s more fun than a small box of Lego? The Large Creative Brick Box, which comes with 790 colorful pieces, including different types of baseplates, wheels, windows, and doors. The set’s open-ended nature means you can build houses, creatures, and other wild inventions, with simple starter ideas to kick things off. It all comes packed in a handy storage bin and is compatible with other Lego sets.
The Fanttik X9 Pro can inflate a car tire in under a minute, making routine maintenance fast and easy. There are four one-click presets for cars, motorcycles, bikes, and balls, along with a manual mode that reaches a maximum pressure of 150 PSI. A flexible hose makes it easy to reach into tight spaces, and the battery lasts for up to 23 minutes without shutting off.
Espresso takes endless adjusting — grind size, tamp, dose, and temperature all come into play — and the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro embraces that tinkering ethos. Its 25 grind settings, integrated tamper, and weight-based dosing let you dial in shots with the utmost precision, allowing you to quickly whip up a barista-worthy cup of joe so you can get back to the shop in no time.
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Brandon Russell<![CDATA[The Verge’s favorite holiday gifts under $100]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8004402025-12-18T15:00:23-05:002025-12-18T15:00:00-05:00
Between all the new phones, smartwatches, and laptops we see throughout the year, it often feels like we’re constantly being nudged toward shinier, more expensive gadgets. And I get it. As a self-professed gadget nerd, few things are more exciting than unboxing and setting up a new device.
But the truth is, you can still find plenty of great gifts for under $100. I use the Leatherman Free T4 every day, while Donkey Kong Bananza has provided me (and other Verge staffers) with hours of entertainment. If someone in your life loves the satisfaction of building and has shelves full of knickknacks, the Lego Game Boy is (as our reviewer termed it) a brick masterpiece. To make your holiday shopping easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best gadgets and gear under $100, from durable travel bags and books to an affordable pair of wireless earbuds.
Amazon Echo Dot Max
The Echo Dot Max is an elegant redesign of Amazon’s orb-shaped smart speaker, with high-quality knit fabric, a flat face, a new LED ring, and touch controls. It’s the first Echo Dot with Amazon’s improved two-way speaker system and support for its new AI-powered assistant, Alexa Plus, which is enabled out of the box.
Nomad’s leather MagSafe wallet snaps to the back of your iPhone and has enough space to hold up to four cards. More importantly, it offers integration with Apple’s vast Find My network, allowing you to track its location. Its battery can last up to five months, too, and it can be topped off on a Qi wireless charger.
Ugreen Nexode Charger with Retractable USB-C Cable
The allure of Ugreen’s 65W Nexode charger is simple: It features a built-in retractable USB-C cable, so you don’t need an extra accessory to charge your gadgets. The cable extends to over 2 feet and securely locks at any length. It also features additional USB-C and USB-A ports, allowing you to charge three devices simultaneously.
We here at The Verge are big fans of pen and paper for taking notes, jotting down ideas, and keeping track of assignments. The Midori MD Notebook is a minimal A5 lined notebook that features high-quality paper that won’t bleed through. A slight texture gives the paper a satisfying feel while writing, and the notebook can lie flat without you having to fight it to stay open.
If you’re on a DIY kick, iFixit’s Pro Tech Go Toolkit deserves a spot in your bag. The portable driver kit includes a variety of specialty bits needed to open devices ranging from phones to laptops and gaming consoles. It also comes with tweezers, spudgers, a small suction cup, and opening picks to pry open your devices. Good luck on your repairs!
Lego delivered a gigantic dose of nostalgia with a near-perfect replica of Nintendo’s 1989 handheld. The 421-piece set captures the Game Boy’s many buttons, grilles, and curves remarkably well, while the lenticular screen inserts give the illusion of a working unit. It even comes with several brick-ified cartridges you insert into a slot in the back.
A level is an essential tool for DIYers, and none is more foolproof than Franklin’s 12-inch Light Level. The magnetic device turns red when it’s crooked and green when it’s level, so you don’t have to rely solely on a bubble vial (though it includes two built-in bubble vials as well). It runs on a single AA battery and can be seen from almost every angle, regardless of how bright your environment is.
A thoughtful gift that works for nearly everyone, Apple Gift Card lets recipients choose what brings them joy. They can put it toward a subscription they already love, discover new cooking and travel apps, or pick up Apple accessories. Delivery is simple with digital or physical options, fitting any holiday moment.
Leatherman’s compact Free T4 is a nice entry into the world of multitools, and the one I carry every day. Despite its smaller size, it features 12 tools, including a 420HC knife and spring-action scissors. My favorite is the combination package opener and awl, which is great for opening boxes and plastic blister packaging. Plus, it comes with Leatherman’s famed 25-year warranty.
A desk pad is a simple, affordable way to elevate your entire setup. Twelve South’s is made from soft vegan leather that’s comfortable and looks great, with a textured surface that provides subtle resistance for more precise mouse movements. And, like any good pad, it protects your workspace from dings and spills while keeping accessories in place.
CMF’s higher-end earbuds offer a lot for the price, including active noise cancellation and a transparency mode that should keep you aware of your surroundings. The charging case also has a smart dial that lets you adjust the volume and switch between noise modes, while multipoint support means the Buds Pro 2 can connect to two devices simultaneously.
Anker’s 3-in-1 charger features a trifold design, making it easy to fold down and throw in a bag. Its main wireless pad supplies up to 15W of power to your phone, while the other two are suitable for charging a smartwatch and a pair of wireless earbuds. Your purchase comes with a 40W adapter and 5-foot USB-C cable, too, giving you everything you need to start charging.
Victrola’s AM / FM Bluetooth radio features a retro-inspired design, complete with an analog tuner and dials for controlling the volume, bass and treble, and different listening modes. The wood finish, rotary dial, and gold accents really complete the vintage look, while its compact design makes it easy to place on a desk or bookshelf.
Donkey Kong Bananza for the Nintendo Switch 2 is a bona fide system seller. Made by the same team behind Super Mario Odyssey, it delivers satisfying punch action and environmental destruction. If you want a game where you can — if you’ll excuse the pun — go ape shit, then Bananza is for you.
The Criterion Channel is a streaming service that offers a curated selection of classic and contemporary films that appeal to both enthusiasts and general audiences. The service is home to great ’70s thrillers like All the President’s Men and The Long Goodbye and horror classics like The Fly and Cure. If you’re looking for an alternative to Netflix, it doesn’t get much better than this.
This leather valet tray has been a favorite of mine for years, providing an excellent spot for my keys, wallet, and sunglasses. It features a simple, elegant design that’s made from vegetable-tanned leather and finished with a soft suede interior, so it shouldn’t scratch your lenses or other delicate belongings. Mine has aged beautifully and makes for a great accent on our entry table.
Everyone needs a good tote bag. Patagonia’s Black Hole offering is made from a recycled ripstop that can shrug off rain and everyday wear and tear. It’s an excellent go bag for a weekend getaway, with a large main compartment, a small interior pocket, and exterior daisy chain webbing that allows you to easily tack on extra gear.
The Amazon Smart Plug is a simple and inexpensive way to automate gadgets around your home. For instance, you can instruct Alexa to turn on a lamp that’s connected to the plug or control it via the Alexa app — no smart home hub required. The plug is compatible with most devices with an on / off switch, including fans, coffee makers, and other common household devices. It’s also great for controlling holiday lights.
With the film adaptation of Project Hail Mary just around the corner, now’s a great time to catch up on the book from The Martian author Andy Weir. The space odyssey chronicles one man’s mission to save the Earth; however, in doing so, it also explores the nature of sacrifice, friendship, and particle physics. Lots and lots of particle physics.
JLab’s ultra-portable speaker can pump out the holiday tunes wherever you celebrate. It offers up to eight hours of continuous playtime, and it can pair with a second Pop Party to create stereo sound. You can also customize the speaker’s RGB lighting, while its IP55 rating means it can endure an accidental spill.
The Switch 2 Pro Controller is a solid upgrade over its predecessor, offering two extra programmable rear buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a more premium look and feel. It offers the usual motion controls and Amiibo NFC support, too. The controller can also wake the Switch 2 from sleep, something that many third-party controllers can’t do.
Dessert for breakfast? With Ninja’s Belgian waffle maker, it’s never been easier to make a batch of perfect golden waffles. The vertical design promises even heating, while a specialty setting can accommodate thicker batters like cake and brownie mix. An alert system will also beep when cook time is up, ensuring you get a perfect waffle every time.
Keychrons are the equivalent of Toyotas in the mechanical keyboard world, offering reliability and a great value for the money. The 75-percent V1 Max features RGB backlighting, USB-A and USB-C 2.4GHz dongles, and modifier keycaps for both Windows and Mac. Plus, it offers simple customization that lets you remap any key to your favorite macro command.
Ikea’s Blomprakt is a Bluetooth speaker lamp that looks like normal home decor. It features Spotify Tap functionality and an integrated LED light, which you can dim as you wind down for bed. It also leverages Bluetooth 5.3 to offer a multi-speaker setup, making it easy to pair with a second model with just the tap of a button.
Historical horror, as a genre, is severely underrated. Stephen Graham Jones’ gruesome tale of a Blackfeet man who becomes a vengeful vampire in 19th-century Montana is proof that, when done right, it can be as poetic and pointed as any piece of contemporary literature.
This single-use camera from Kodak comes preloaded with 27 exposures of Tri-X 400, a gorgeous, grainy black-and-white film. It sports a 30mm f/10 plastic lens that churns out decently sharp images, plus a built-in flash that you can turn on and off via a button on the front. Like most single-use cameras, this one has a lens with a fixed focus range (about 3 feet to infinity) and shutter speed of 1/125 second.
The MX Anywhere 3S is a compact, do-everything mouse that travels well. It offers 8K DPI tracking, so movements cover big distances, and it works on glass. The MagSpeed wheel can rip through long docs or switch to precise ratchets. It can pair with up to three devices over Bluetooth, works with both macOS and Windows, and offers up to 70 days of battery life.
If you’re tired of digital to-do apps, this starter kit from Ugmonk is a nice analog alternative. The task cards are split into today, next, and someday, while the steel holder keeps your current card visible, so you always know what’s going on. You get 30 today cards, giving you a clean slate each morning, and the tabbed divider turns the finished cards into a small archive.
The Roku Ultra streams in crisp 4K and supports premium formats like Dolby Vision and Atmos. The latest model is faster than its predecessor, adds Wi-Fi 6 and HDMI 2.1, and keeps the ethernet port. Meanwhile, the upgraded Voice Remote Pro adds backlit buttons, USB-C charging, and new quick-launch controls, making it easier to navigate to your favorite service.
Acquire is one of those board games that continues to fly under the radar decades into its existence. The family-friendly strategy game puts you in charge of various hotel chains, which you’ll build, expand, and merge over the course of 90 minutes or so. It’s not as tough to learn as Monopoly, though it can be just as ruthless when you factor in the trades and the volatility of the stock market.
Even the most advanced smartphone cameras struggle to stabilize shaky video. However, with the DJI Osmo Mobile 7, you can attach your phone and record pro-level footage that’s silky smooth, whether you’re vlogging or capturing holiday shenanigans. The handy gimbal features easy-to-use controls, an ergonomic handle, and a built-in tripod, so you can place it on a flat surface if necessary.
Ring’s latest battery buzzer features head-to-toe video, improved battery life, and color night vision, all of which are great features for keeping an eye on deliveries. It can also send you motion alerts and capture sharp 1080p HD video, while a two-way talk feature lets you have a quick convo with visitors directly from the Ring app.
Slippers are a tried-and-true holiday gift, no matter your age or gender. The North Face’s outdoorsy take reimagines the classic booty with a water-repellent DWR finish, a grippy rubber sole, and warm, synthetic insulation that holds up even when wet. They might look a little funky on the street, sure, but don’t ever forget that Uggs were once a capital-T Thing.
This retro-style alarm clock features a delightful spherical design with a bright LCD. It plugs in via USB for the illuminated display, but uses AAA batteries to remember the time and alarm if power cuts out. You get one alarm with snooze, three brightness levels, plus a temperature readout. The throwback design will look great on a desk or nightstand.
Good, screen-free entertainment can be hard to come by for kids — which is where the latest Yoto Mini comes in. The travel-friendly audio gadget features a clock, an alarm, white noise, and a night light; however, its real selling point is that you can use it to play music and tell stories via a robust collection of more than 1,000 cards.
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Brandon Russell<![CDATA[Sony’s XM5 over-ear headphones are cheaper than ever — and they come with free wireless earbuds]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8455272025-12-16T12:54:27-05:002025-12-16T12:54:27-05:00
The XM5 headphones come with a free pair of Sony WF-C700N earbuds, which you can gift to someone for the holidays. | Image: The Verge
If you’re looking for a solid pair of noise-canceling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are a great option. While they’re not the latest version in Sony’s lineup — that’s the WH-1000XM6 — they still offer excellent active noise cancellation, detail-rich sound, and enhanced voice call quality thanks to the inclusion of eight microphones. And right now, they’re down to their best price of $248 at Amazon — and the deal includes a free pair of WF-C700N earbuds, which would make for a nice stocking stuffer. The bundle price is listed at $519.98, so you’re saving nearly $272 with this deal.
The WH-1000XM5 feature an ultra-comfy design, with ear pads that are wider and offer just the right amount of cushion. The headphones have recently been bolstered by new features, too, including audio sharing and Google’s Gemini Live conversational AI assistant. If you travel a lot, though, the XM5’s design may be seen as a downgrade compared to the older WH-1000XM4 or newer XM6. That’s because the headphones can’t fold. Instead, only the ear cups turn to lay the headphones flat, so they’re not as easy to pack for a trip.
Meanwhile, Sony’s WF-C700N earbuds offer a great fit, decent sound, and plenty of software tricks. In his review, former senior reviewer Chris Welch said he was particularly impressed by the in-ear fit, which offers a secure seal that naturally blocks out a lot of ambient noise and makes them a decent option at the gym. You don’t need to worry about them getting wet either: they feature an IPX4 rating against water and sweat. They also deliver great sound, with full-bodied bass and pleasing mids.
At $248, the XM5 are a great deal by themselves, but you’re getting more bang for your buck with the free earbuds. Even if you don’t need earbuds right now, you can use them at the gym without worrying that they’ll get ruined somehow. Or, if you’re feeling generous, you can gift the earbuds to a friend or family member for the holidays.
If there’s a PlayStation 5 owner in your life, you may want to take note of this deal at Best Buy. The retailer is currently offering a bundle that includes a DualSense Wireless Controller and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 for $69.99 ($74.99 off). Considering the game retails for $69.99, the discount means you’re getting a free controller, allowing you to get two gifts for the price of one. There are some other great ongoing PlayStation deals available for a limited time, including a $21 drop on the PlayStation Portal.
The Keychron V1 Max is an excellent entry point into the world of mechanical keyboards, and right now the model with the quieter Silent K Pro Red switches is back to its best price of $95.99 ($24 off) at Amazon. The V1 Max is among the most reliable options out there, with hot swappable switches, QMK/VIA programming, and gasket-mount construction. Personally, we like the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches, but that’s the beauty of mechanical keyboards: it invites endless experimentation to find the perfect typing experience.
The Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 Deluxe is currently on sale for $59.99 ($10 off) at Amazon and Twelve South’s online storefront, its second lowest price yet. The Bluetooth transmitter / receiver plugs into any 3.5mm audio jack, including cars, treadmills, and in-flight entertainment systems, allowing you to listen using your own wireless headphones. The deluxe version is the same as the standard AirFly Pro 2, but it comes with Twelve South’s international airline adapter and a premium travel bag.
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Brandon Russell<![CDATA[The PS5, PlayStation Portal, and Sony’s DualSense are still on sale for a limited time]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8446982025-12-15T15:51:59-05:002025-12-15T15:30:00-05:00
Sony’s annual PlayStation sale has been going on for nearly a month now, offering discounts on everything from the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition and PlayStation Portal to Sony’s standard DualSense controller. However, the end of the sale is quickly approaching, with Sony’s website showing that some deals are set to expire as soon as Friday, December 19th, while others have a little more runway through December 28th. That means you don’t have much longer to sneak in a last-minute gift for yourself or someone you love.
Now through December 25th, the PS5 Digital Edition is on sale for $399 ($100 off) — its lowest price of the year — at Amazon, Walmart, and Sony’s PlayStation Direct storefront. While this version is the least expensive console in Sony’s lineup, it lacks a disc drive, so games have to be downloaded. With modern titles often topping 50GB, a fast, consistent internet connection is a must. That said, you can pick up an external disc drive designed to work with the system for $79.99 if you later decide you’d rather go the physical media route.
The standard PlayStation 5 slim is also on sale at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy through December 25th, matching its lowest price of the year at $449 ($100 off). It’s similar to the Digital Edition and supports all of the same games, but it features a built-in disc drive, allowing you to play your stack of older PlayStation titles, the latest PS5 games, and Blu-rays right out of the box. If you prefer physical media, the PS5 is the way to go, as it’s ultimately more affordable than the combined price of a PS5 Digital Edition and Sony’s external drive.
If you want a little more oomph, you can also save on the more powerful PlayStation 5 Pro through December 25th, which is currently matching its all-time low of around $649 ($101 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and PlayStation Direct. The PS5 Pro features a bigger GPU, faster memory, improved ray tracing, Wi-Fi 7 support, and AI-based upscaling. The upgraded internals let you play “PS5 Pro Enhanced” titles at higher resolutions or frame rates than on a standard PS5; however, there are no PS5 Pro-exclusive games. While we did notice some slight graphical improvements when playing games on the more powerful console, the differences were only apparent when sitting closer than 10 feet away from the TV.
The PlayStation Portal is currently down to its all-time low of $178.99 ($21 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy through December 25th. When the handheld remote player originally launched in 2023, its sole function was to remotely stream games from the PS5 via Wi-Fi. The Portal has improved since then, with Sony introducing a new cloud streaming feature that allows PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers to stream select PS5 games, including Astro Bot and Resident Evil 4, directly from the cloud instead of from their console over Wi-Fi. Portal users can also stream select titles from their own library without needing to connect to their PS5 console at all, making the 8-inch device a little more versatile than it was at launch.
Now through December 19th, you can snag Sony’s DualSense Wireless Controller in select colors starting at $54 (about $21 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. The PS5 gamepad helps enhance the gaming experience with haptic vibrations and rear triggers with variable tension. The wireless controller also features a built-in speaker, gyroscope, accelerometer, and a touchpad, and it’s compatible with both macOS and Windows if you like to game on other platforms. Whereas the PS5 and Portal may not arrive in time for Christmas, Amazon says the DualSense will be ready to unwrap on the big day.
Finally, the Pulse Explore wireless earbuds have returned to around $169 ($31 off), their best price to date, at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. The wireless earbuds are tailor-made for Sony’s consoles, allowing you to take advantage of lossless, ultra-low-latency audio when using the PlayStation Link protocol. In our testing, the planar magnetic drivers delivered an audio experience that offered great clarity and separation, making it easy to distinguish small details and individual sound effects. When you’re done gaming with them, you can even pair the Pulse Explore to your phone and other Bluetooth devices, making it easy to use them as plain ol’ earbuds.
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Brandon Russell<![CDATA[The Nex Playground and Pixel Buds 2A top our list of the best deals this week]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8440932025-12-13T12:53:02-05:002025-12-13T10:16:08-05:00
The Nex Playground is a compact, cube-shaped console that’s currently on sale for $50 off. | Image: The Verge
The Nex Playground is apparently one of the hottest consoles this holiday season thanks to its kid-friendly games and fun, motion-controlled gameplay. And now through December 14th, the cube-shaped console is on sale for its Black Friday low of around $199 ($50 off) at Amazon. There are some other great deals still available you might have missed this week, too, including a sizable discount on the new Google Pixel Buds 2A and Genki’s Moonbase Charging Station, which looks straight out of Star Wars.
The Nex Playground easily connects to your TV and provides a clever interactive solution that encourages you and your family to move around. A built-in camera and AI software track your movements with precision, so you are the controller. The cube-shaped console comes with five games (Fruit Ninja, Starri, Party Fowl, Go Keeper, and Whack-a-Mole Deluxe), but there are a ton of others you can download; however, a three-month subscription ($49) or an annual Play Pass ($89) is required to enjoy the full catalog and seasonal drops.
Genki’s Moonbase features a sleek retro-futuristic design, and it’s currently down to an all-time low of $89.99 ($50 off) at Amazon. The power strip features three AC plugs (1,250W max power) and four USB-C ports that can deliver up to 240W of total power; a single USB-C port, meanwhile, can go up to 140W with the right cable, though one isn’t included with your purchase. The strip also features a non-removable, 1.5-meter braided cable, making it easy to reach the nearest outlet.
Each AC plug is spaced far enough apart to accommodate larger power adapters, but the main selling point here is a touch-sensitive button that lets you cycle through colors and toggle the charging station’s lights on and off. All in all, the Moonbase is a powerful power strip that looks cool and lets you charge up to seven devices simultaneously.
Google recently launched a holiday sale that runs through December 24th, with many items matching the pricing we saw during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. One of the standout deals is the Pixel Buds 2A, which have returned to their all-time low of $99 ($30 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store.
The Pixel Buds 2A are Google’s latest, most affordable pair of wireless earbuds, but they don’t skimp on features. They offer active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode, along with excellent sound for the price. They also provide hands-free Gemini support, allowing you to quickly get directions, brainstorm ideas, and summarize messages. The earbuds offer up to 10 hours of listening time with ANC disabled and carry an IP54 rating, too, which isn’t great but should provide at least some protection against rain and sweat.
A few more deals to check out
Apple’s M4-powered MacBook Air 13 is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy starting at $749 ($250 off), which is just a few dollars shy of its Black Friday low. However, if you purchase it at Best Buy, you’ll also get a free $25 gift card. The slim laptop offers an impressive combination of performance and battery life, with double the base RAM of its predecessor (16GB versus 8GB) and two Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports. It’s still relatively limited with 256GB of base storage, but it remains one of the best laptops available, especially with the current discount. Read our review.
Hoto’s new PixelDrive electric screwdriver is on sale for the first time at Amazon, where you can snag it for $59.99 ($20 off). The cordless PixelDrive is great for small- to medium-sized projects, whether you’re assembling electronics or putting together furniture. It features up to 6Nm of torque, along with a single multi-function button that allows you to change the screwdriver’s direction, switch to an 80RPM precision mode for delicate tasks, or boost up to 200RPM with one finger. It also has a built-in pixelated display, so you can quickly check the battery life and see which of the six torque levels you’re using.
The Lego Super Mario Goombas’ Playground set is as adorable as it sounds, and it’s currently down to $8.99 ($6 off) at Amazon and Best Buy. The set comes in at a relatively light 171 pieces, which you can use to build three Goomba figurines, a tree trunk, and a seesaw. Each Goomba has its own evil (but cute) expression, and they can stack on top of each other to make a small Goomba tower. There’s even a lever on the back of the tree trunk that can make a Goomba pop out, so you can play a round of peekaboo before placing the set on a desk or bookshelf.
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Brandon Russell<![CDATA[The AirPods Pro 3 just dropped below $200 for the first time]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8425512026-03-20T19:37:41-04:002025-12-11T12:10:00-05:00
The AirPods Pro 3 are better than their predecessors in every way.
Apple’s latest gadgets have gotten some notable discounts lately — including the recently released Apple Watch Series 11, which is still on sale for $100 off at Amazon. Now, we’re seeing the AirPods Pro 3 drop down to their lowest price to date, with the noise-canceling earbuds going for just $199 ($50 off) at Amazon and Walmart.
Even without a discount, we highly recommend the AirPods Pro 3 for iPhone owners, as they integrate seamlessly with other Apple products for instant pairing, automatic device switching, and Find My support. The wireless earbuds are better than their predecessors in a myriad of ways, with better active noise cancellation, improved audio quality, and a more secure, comfortable fit. While they look similar to the last-gen model, the Pro 3 feature a new angled design, allowing them to fit more naturally into your ear canal. If you had fit issues with either of the previous models, the newer design should be a big improvement.
The ANC performance has also improved this time around. As noted in her review, senior reviewer Victoria Song put the feature to the test on a six-and-a-half-hour flight, finding that they completely eliminated the plane’s dull hum. They’re also great at dampening higher frequencies, such as voices, and deliver a richer listening experience overall. We noticed improved bass and more layers in the sound production of new and old favorites.
As for battery life, you can expect around eight hours with ANC enabled, while the included MagSafe charging case can extend your listening time up to 24 hours. The earbuds also feature an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, along with a heart rate sensor, allowing iPhone owners to track calories burned during workouts. It’s a nice addition if you don’t use an Apple Watch; however, it may not be as useful for those who already own and rely on the Apple Watch for its health tracking and wellness features.
