Sheena Vasani | 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.2026-04-23T17:02:48+00:00https://www.theverge.com/authors/sheena-vasani-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/rsshttps://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/verge-rss-large_80b47e.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[Keychron’s customizable V1 mechanical keyboard is back down to $45]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9167572026-04-23T13:02:48-04:002026-04-23T13:02:48-04:00
If you’ve ever wished your laptop keyboard was better tailored to your workflow, the Keychron V1 is a solid upgrade. It doesn’t cost as much as most other mechanical keyboards, but it still offers a lot of the same flexibility. And now through April 25th, you can buy the wired board for $44.99 ($30 off) with red switches from Woot, matching its all-time low price. Other models are also on sale at Amazon and directly from Keychron for about $25 more.
The V1 includes features you don’t always get at this price. It nearly matches the typing experience of more expensive keyboards, offering a sturdy build that feels nice to type on. The keyboard also offers a small 75 percent layout that mimics a laptop-style keyboard without the numpad.
It’s also customizable. The V1 supports hot-swappable switches, so you’re not stuck with the red ones that come with this discounted model and can easily change how it feels later on. It also works with VIA software, letting you customize keys and create shortcuts that fit how you actually use your keyboard, whether that’s for work or play. You also get customizable RGB backlighting if you want to add a bit more style to your work setup.
Beyond that, the keyboard offers double-shot PBT keycaps that are more durable than what you’ll find on cheaper boards, so they won’t wear down quickly. It also works with both Mac and Windows right out of the box. A switch on the back lets you toggle easily between the two.
More deals and discounts
Skullcandy’s Method 360 ANC are on sale for $77.99 ($52 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which is $3 shy of their all-time low price. Created in partnership with Bose, the budget-friendly wireless earbuds feature sound tuning alongside a secure, comfortable fit, thanks to three ear gel and fin sizes that help block out noise. A four-mic hybrid ANC system helps tune out distractions, while a Stay-Aware mode lets in sound when needed. They also come with a sliding charging case and a built-in clip for attaching to things, along with extra conveniences like a low-latency mode.
You can buy the Lego Flowering Cactus for $29.99 ($5 off) at Amazon and Target, which matches its all-time low price. The 482-piece set lets you create two small cacti, one in full bloom with a pink-and-yellow flower and the other with smaller buds. Both sit in a pastel blue plant pot, and make for cute decor once built.
The 15.6-inch Espresso Lite 15 Portable Monitor is on sale for $219 ($30 off) at Amazon when you clip the on-page coupon, which is its best price to date. The 1080p panel is sharp and bright enough for everyday work, and the magnetic folding stand makes it easy to carry and prop up anywhere. The lightweight monitor’s also powered by a single USB-C cable, so you don’t need to worry about carrying a bunch of adapters.
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[Ember’s self-heating smart mug is more than $50 off ahead of Mother’s Day]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9168182026-04-22T13:58:23-04:002026-04-22T13:58:23-04:00
The Mug 2 can keep coffee, tea, cocoa, and other drinks warm for as long as you’d like. | Image: Ember
Coffee is what gets many of us through the workday, and a proper smart mug can keep it hot for hours so you can maintain your focus without constantly getting up to reheat your cup. Thankfully, if you don’t own one, the 14-ounce Ember Mug 2 is now available for $97.49 ($52 off) from Amazon, Target, and Ember as part of Ember’s ongoing Mother’s Day sale. You can also buy the smaller 10-ounce model for $84.47 ($46 off) from the same retailers (Amazon, Target, Ember).
Using the Ember app, the Mug 2 lets you set an exact drinking temperature between 120 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which it can maintain for up to 90 minutes or all day using the included charging coaster. You don’t have to worry about the battery draining unnecessarily, either, thanks to an automatic sleep function, which powers down the smart mug when it’s empty or hasn’t been used for several hours.
The smart mug offers a fair amount of control beyond that, too. Within the Android / iOS app, you can also create and save preset temperatures for different beverages and set up notifications for when your drink reaches your preferred temperature. Meanwhile, a customizable LED indicator on the coaster lets you quickly check heating and battery status at a glance.
As a bonus, the Ember Mug 2 is also relatively easy to care for. It features a scratch-resistant coating to help prevent wear over time and carries an IPX7 water-resistance rating, so it can be safely hand-washed (just don’t put it in the dishwasher).
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[Twelve South’s magnetic PowerBug charger is down to just $35]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9159782026-04-21T13:36:49-04:002026-04-21T13:30:00-04:00
Twelve South’s PowerBug supports Apple’s Standby mode, which allows you to turn your phone into an ad hoc smart display. | Image: Twelve South
If you’re tired of dealing with a cluttered desk or nightstand, the Twelve South PowerBugcuts down on cables by plugging directly into the wall and handling multiple devices at once. And right now, it’s down to a new low price, starting at $35.05 ($15 off) at Amazon.
All you need to do is plug it in, and it turns any wall outlet into a charger that can power two devices at once, without the clutter of loose cables and bulky wall chargers. The 15W Qi2 pad wirelessly charges MagSafe-compatible iPhones and other Qi2 devices, while a 35W USB-C Power Delivery port underneath simultaneously handles a second gadget. That means you can stick it next to your bed and charge your phone overnight while topping up your AirPods, or use it at your desk to keep your phone in view while your tablet charges underneath.
Aside from charging, it also doubles as a phone stand with support for Apple’s StandBy mode, letting you use your iPhone to display the time or upcoming calendar events at a glance. Because it holds your phone in place, it’s also convenient for hands-free FaceTime calls, keeping an eye on notifications, or following along with a workout or recipe without having to hold it.
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[You can grab a Sonos Era 100 for $85 off thanks to Sonos’ latest refurb sale]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9149002026-04-20T14:05:33-04:002026-04-20T14:05:33-04:00
The new Sonos Era 100 SL keeps costs down by dropping the mics, but if you’d rather keep hands-free voice controls, picking up a refurbished, non-SL model is the way to go. Thankfully, Sonos is taking up to 25 percent off a range of refurbished gear through April 24th, dropping the price of the Sonos Era 100 to $134 with a one-year warranty. That’s $85 cheaper than buying a new model, and still $55 less than the mic-less SL. If you want bigger, more immersive sound, the Era 300 is also available for $329, which is $150 less than buying it new.
Equipped with dual tweeters and a larger midwoofer, Sonos’ midrange smart speaker produces rich, detailed sound that handles bass surprisingly well. It also supports Bluetooth and line-in audio via an optional USB-C adapter, so you can connect external sources such as turntables. You can also use the Era 100 as a reliable assistant, thanks to built-in mics that let you play music, adjust the volume, and perform other hands-free actions via Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control (there’s also a switch on the back to disable the mics entirely).
Like other Sonos speakers, the Era 100 also integrates well with the broader Sonos ecosystem. You can pair two Era 100s for stereo sound, or pair them with a Sonos soundbar. It also supports Apple’s AirPlay 2 and Sonos’ Trueplay tuning, which optimizes sound based on your space.
The Era 300, meanwhile, offers many of the same features — including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and line-in support — but is a larger, more powerful speaker designed for spatial audio. It delivers more robust sound than the Era 100 thanks to its six drivers and support for Dolby Atmos, making it a better choice if you want a more immersive listening experience, especially in larger rooms or as part of a home theater setup.
Anker’s latest Nano Charger is available from Amazon and Anker (with promo code WS7DV2W3RHK1) for $27.99 ($12 off), its best price to date. The compact charger delivers up to 45W of power and can intelligently adjust charging speeds for iPhone 15-series phones and newer, as well as more recent iPad models. It also features a built-in smart display that shows charging status, power output, and the temperature of the device you’re charging.
Amazon is currently throwing in a $50 gift card when you buy the 128GB Galaxy A37 5G starting at $449.99. Samsung’s new budget phone covers the basics well, with an OLED display, an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a speedy Exynos 1480 chipset, and fast 45W wired charging (alas, there’s no wireless charging). It also stands out for its long-term support, which includes six years of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates.
You can buy Lego’s Retro Camera at Amazon, Target, and Walmart for $15.99 ($4 off), which is its best price so far this year. The 261-piece set lets you build a retro-inspired camera, a video camera, or a TV. Each build includes fun details, like a moving lens on the camera, an opening flap on the camcorder, and an antenna on the TV. It also comes with stickers, and once built, each can be displayed on a shelf or desk.
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[Cheap stuff that doesn’t suck, take 3]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9126202026-04-18T11:45:47-04:002026-04-18T11:33:00-04:00
So, as we did last year, we asked The Verge staff to share some of their favorite gadgets under $50. These are the gizmos that don’t fall apart after a few weeks, as cheap stuff often does, and quietly improve our lives. Some are practical purchases, like portable power banks and backup bulbs, while the rest are useful in other ways. After all, who doesn’t want a dirt-cheap Bluetooth speaker, a feature-packed pair of earbuds, or a fitness tracker that punches well above its weight?
If you’re curious, you can check out our favorites below.
This keychain thingy costs less than seven bucks, is about the size of an actual key, and clips onto your keyring with a built-in carabiner latch. It’s perfectly suited for opening boxes, popping bottlecaps, or tightening a screw or a bolt in a pinch. While it’s not as good as a dedicated tool — or even a larger multitool like a Leatherman — at any of those things, I’m also way more likely to have it on me when I need it. — Nathan Edwards, senior reviews editor
When it comes to earbuds, my daily drivers are a pair of AirPods Pro 3. However, given how often I find myself sitting in my car due to my extracurriculars (I volunteer with search and rescue), I decided to pick up a pair of Nothing’s CMF Buds 2A as a backup for my bag. The budget earbuds are often on sale for a tenth of what the Pro 3 cost, and while they certainly can’t compete with Apple’s high-end earbuds, their pack-in features and overall performance make them a terrific value.
For $49, you get decent sound and customizable touch controls, along with up to eight hours of playback on a single charge (or up to 35.5 hours with the included USB-C charging case). They also support Google’s Fast Pair feature, carry an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, and offer a touch of active noise cancellation. They’re not going to drown out sharper sounds or all subway chatter — you only get about 42 decibels of noise reduction — but it’s a hell of a lot better than going it alone. — Brandon Widder, senior commerce editor
Want a more secure grip on your phone? You can find countless rings that magnetically snap onto your phone, then physically slip onto your finger. But the Syncwire AirGrip is better than that — it’s got magnets on both sides of the ring, so it can snap your device to any ferrous metal surface: your car mount, your fridge, your filing cabinet, you name it. Depending on which design you buy, I’ve found it has the right amount of magnet strength for these tasks, and while you can’t wirelessly charge through it like its OhSnap competition, it also costs much less. The best part might be the built-in ratchet, though: you can securely spin the inner ring 360 degrees while it makes an incredibly satisfying clicking sound. — Sean Hollister, senior editor
Before I moved closer to the coast, I relied on Vornado fans to survive inland Southern Californian summers, where temperatures regularly push past 100 degrees for much of the summer and early fall. I’ve used them through intense heat waves, buying multiple when my AC stopped working entirely for a week, and they’ve never let me down. The Vornado 133 is one of the smaller models I own, but it’s still impressively powerful. It’s ideal for placing on a desk or a nightstand when you need a strong, focused blast of cool air during those ridiculously hot days when a fan across the room just isn’t enough. — Sheena Vasani, commerce writer
If you’re searching for a thin, magnetic wireless power bank that’s among the fastest out there (both in terms of wireless and wired output), Iniu’s P781 Magnetic Portable Charger is worth $49.99. It can deliver up to 25W wireless charging to iPhone 16 and newer phones, as well as the Pixel 10 Pro XL. What’s more, its braided USB-C cable — which doubles as a lanyard — supports up to 45W, and it can simultaneously charge devices both wired and wirelessly with the press of a button. There are a number of similar wireless power banks out there, but this one delivers good specs at a more digestible price point. —Cameron Faulkner, commerce editor
There are many better-sounding Bluetooth speakers on the market that also offer upgraded features, from dedicated woofers and tweeters to waterproofing, stereo pairing, and even solar-powered charging. What Ikea’s wireless Kallsup speaker has going for it is a simple design, bright colors, and a $10 price tag. The Verge‘s John Higgins preferred the sound from the Kallsup over the “thin-sounding built-in speakers” in his MacBook Air, and if you need to crank the volume, you can pair up to 100 of them together to better fill a room with sound. — Andrew Liszewski, senior reporter
The beauty of a cheap knife is that I never fear using it for dirty jobs — like cutting through the endless strips of box tape and cardboard boxes that wind their way to my door. But my favorite knives are lightweight and effortless to open and close one-handed, and cheap utility knives usually aren’t!
That’s why I love my dirt-cheap Workpro EDC: one push of the side-mounted button, and I can flick it into or out of action. It takes standard utility knife blades, and one pull of a spring-loaded plate lets you swap for a new razor-sharp blade after the old one gums up. (I don’t want to dull my SOG Ultra C-Ti or A.G. Russell FeatherLite’s Japanese steel on all that cardboard!) You can make the Workpro even easier to open if you replace the money clip with a small washer or two: just push the button and let gravity do the rest.
Just know the push button isn’t easily reversible for left-handers, since its spring is held in by a rivet. I also haven’t tried the newer version with a thicker comfort handle; let me know if that one’s even better? —Sean Hollister, senior editor
Given that our own Sean Hollister recently did a deep dive into Zepath’s rechargeable lithium-ion AAs, I won’t wax poetic here. What I will say is that I actually prefer Zepath’s option over more traditional integrated USB-C batteries, which I’ve always found to become somewhat finicky to charge over time. When you need to top them off, Zepath’s 1.5V batteries easily slot into the included clamshell charger, a la a pair of wireless earbuds, letting you charge up to eight batteries at once with a single connection. I wouldn’t necessarily want to take the case with me on the go — it’s bulkier than a multi-headed USB-C cable — but I’m perfectly content with it sitting on my laundry room shelf alongside the rest of my tools. — Brandon Widder, senior commerce editor
For several years, I kept losing the power cable for our baby monitor behind a shelf whenever I unplugged it, which meant I had to fish for it before plugging it back in. The same thing happened every day. I knew that cord wrangling devices existed, but I was wary about sticking an adhesive-backed gizmo to my furniture. I eventually got a couple of eight-packs of Lamicall’s magnetic-clasping cord catchers, which were under $10 a pop, and I haven’t looked back. Now, my cords don’t fall, and I don’t have to bend over as much. I’m extremely late to the party here, but you don’t have to be. — Cameron Faulkner, commerce editor
I’ll be the first to admit I buy more flashlights than I’ll ever need, and the problem has only gotten worse as flashlight makers pack more features into smaller designs. The most recent addition to my stockpile, the Wuben G5, squeezes a lot of functionality into a Zippo-sized flashlight that’s just $25. It’s got a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 65 hours at the lowest setting, or the G5 can be maxed out at up to 400 lumens using a wheel to dial in an exact brightness. Its lamp rotates 180-degrees, there’s an adjustable clip and a magnetic base for hands-free use, and a second LED that cycles through or flashes multiple colors. —Andrew Liszewski, senior reporter
I picked up the Amazfit Band 7 after my colleague Victoria Song recommended it as a budget fitness tracker back in 2023, and it has lasted me far longer than I expected. I’ve mostly used it for basics like tracking steps, heart rate, and sleep quality, but it offers far more than that. It can alert you to abnormal heart rates, integrates with Amazon Alexa, tracks your menstrual cycles, includes a random Pomodoro timer, and features a colorful OLED display with some genuinely cute watch faces.
The only real downside is the strap, which started to feel flimsy after a few months and eventually fell off after a year and a half of use. The good news is that it’s easy and relatively cheap to replace. Still, for something that held up for a couple of years and still works to this day, it’s hard to complain. I eventually upgraded to a Fitbit Charge 6 after getting one as a birthday gift last year, but I still have the Amazfit Band 7 lying around as a backup. — Sheena Vasani, commerce writer
Do you have Game Boy cartridges (and savegames) from childhood like me? Either way, the GB Operator has become one of my favorite gadgets for connecting those carts to a Windows PC, a Mac, or even a Linux machine like my Steam Deck. You can play carts “directly” on those computers (it’ll technically dump the ROMs first), back up old battery-backed Pokémon save games before the battery dies (except most Gold, Silver, and Crystal carts whose batteries infamously died too soon), and rip games so you can use them in emulators on your PC or other handhelds. You can even transfer savegames back to your genuine cartridges and pick up where you left off on original hardware.
It supports Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance carts, up to and including things like the Game Boy Camera, which you can even turn into a PC webcam using an OBS screen capture trick. —Sean Hollister, senior editor
Power outages have started happening frequently enough in my neighborhood for me to start seriously looking into a whole home backup power solution. Until I choose one and sign a big check, Globe’s 800-lumen LED light bulbs have at least been a useful way to avoid stubbing my toe when the power goes out. They’re slightly more expensive than a basic LED bulb at $35 for six, but they feature built-in backup batteries that recharge whenever a lamp or light socket is turned on. When the power goes bye-bye, the bulbs automatically turn on and will glow for up to 10 hours straight. They also work without being screwed into a socket and can be attached to the included handles so you can carry them around like a flashlight. —Andrew Liszewski, senior reporter
We’ve got this power outlet near our fridge that has just one spare outlet for a USB-C wall adapter to charge our laptops and iPad. Now, I could get a speedy, new adapter that has multiple USB-C ports so I can charge them all at once. Or you could do as I did: buy Anker’s affordable 2-in-1 USB-C cable that can charge two devices at once. The six-foot cable costs $19.99 (sometimes less) and is capped at 140W of peak passthrough charging speeds with the right wall adapter. It can automatically divvy up the power from your adapter or battery to deliver the optimal amount of juice to your devices, too, making it the perfect cable for overnight charging. —Cameron Faulkner, commerce editor
I keep thinking a new notebook would fix me. It hasn’t worked yet, but I still really like this one. Like other Mnemosyne notebooks, it has really nice paper that’s great for my intermittent fountain pen experimentation because there’s very little feathering and less bleedthrough than, say, a Leichtturm or Moleskine. It’s meant as a bullet journal, and it has all the features you’d want there: a four-page index at the front, page numbers, multiple bookmarks, and dot grid markings with guide marks so you can easily divide pages by thirds or quarters, horizontally or vertically. It also just looks good. — Nathan Edwards, senior reviews editor
If you play a lot of games on the Nintendo Switch 2 or Steam Deck, you’re likely all too aware of how long it can take to download titles over Wi-Fi. Like “I need to find another activity to keep myself busy” long. Luckily, there’s another way if you don’t mind welcoming another dongle into your life. Ugreen’s ethernet to USB-C adapters (which usually retail for less than $15) connect to an ethernet cable, then plug it directly into your handheld to get the fastest-possible download speeds. I’ve had what would have been 30-minute wireless downloads take around two minutes when wired up with this dongle. —Cameron Faulkner, commerce editor
I originally bought the Glocusent Rechargeable LED Neck Reading Light for my mom, whose eyesight isn’t great and lives with me in a very dim apartment. She only used it a couple of times while reading and attempting to knit before abandoning it, so I picked it up, and now it’s like my go-to hands-free flashlight. I like that it offers both warm and cool lighting, and while it’s great for nighttime reading, I’ve also found it useful during power outages, walking down the dark hallway to the bathroom at night, while traveling, or really just anytime I need a little extra light. — Sheena Vasani, commerce writer
For $35, you can turn your smartphone into a Game Boy-like handheld so you can play retro titles without the frustrations of finicky touchscreen controls. GameSir’s Pocket Taco is a wireless Bluetooth controller, but instead of functioning as a standalone gamepad, it clamps onto the bottom of your phone, adding a physical D-pad and action buttons to the bottom half of the screen. The lack of thumbsticks makes it better suited for playing games on older consoles predating the PS1. It also has its own battery, so while it is another accessory you’ll need to remember to charge, it won’t drain your phone’s battery while you play. — Andrew Liszewski, senior reporter
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[The AirPods Pro 3 are $50 off right now, nearly matching their best-ever price]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9138572026-04-17T12:18:59-04:002026-04-17T11:07:50-04:00
The latest AirPods Pro $50 off at multiple retailers, which is their second-best price to date.
From OLED TVs to smartphones, Best Buy’s Upgrade Sale has slashed prices on all kinds of tech, including a wide range of Apple devices. We’ve rounded up the best deals from the sale here, but one of the most notable is the AirPods Pro 3, which are down to $199.99 ($50 off) at Best Buy, with Amazon and Walmart matching said price. That’s their second-best price to date and just $15 shy of their all-time low.
The AirPods Pro are Apple’s high-end wireless earbuds, and as such, they offer the best sound quality and most effective active noise cancellation you can get in a pair of earbuds. They’re also more versatile than prior models, thanks to a built-in heart rate sensor that works with Apple’s Fitness app to monitor calories burned across more than 50 workout types. You also get access to a number of more advanced features courtesy of Apple’s newer H2 chip, including real-time translation and conversation awareness, which automatically lowers the volume when you start speaking to someone nearby. You can even use your AirPods as a camera remote, letting you snap photos or start recording video on your iPhone with the press of a stem.
In addition, the third-gen AirPods Pro come with a fifth ear tip size (XXS) and an IP57 rating for sweat and water resistance, making them a better fit for a wider range of users and improving durability. Their angled design helps them fit more securely in your ear, too, while subtle improvements in battery life let them last up to eight hours with active noise cancellation enabled. Unsurprisingly, they also offer clear call quality and integrate well with the rest of the Apple ecosystem, so you can easily switch between your phone and Mac or easily track your earbuds using their Find My-compatible charging case.
Blink’s latest Video Doorbell is on sale at Amazon with a Blink Outdoor 4 camera and a Sync Module Core for an all-time low of $43.99 ($96 off), which means you’re basically getting the outdoor cam for free. Both cameras capture 1080p video and support motion alerts, two-way audio, and Amazon Alexa; however, the battery-powered buzzer is meant for monitoring your front door, while the weather-resistant Outdoor 4 gives you a bit more flexibility for keeping tabs on other areas outside your home.
Now through Sunday, April 19th, Verge readers can use promo code 15VERGEVAC at Wellbots to grab a Dreame X40 Ultra for $458.15 ($192 off), which is a new low for what was once our favorite robot vacuum / mop for hard floors and carpets. While it’s not as powerful as the newer X50 Ultra and lacks its motorized swing arm, the X40’s dual oscillating mop pads still do a great job of scrubbing floors. It can also empty its own dustbin, refill its own water tank, clean the base, and wash and dry its own mop pads.
Okay, this isn’t technically a deal, but if you’re looking to save on the Meta Quest 3S or Quest 3, now might be a good time to buy. Starting April 19th, Meta is raising prices by $50 for the Quest 3S and $100 for the Quest 3. For now, though, you can still pick up the 128GB Quest 3S for about $299.95 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, and the 512GB Quest 3 starting at about $499 (Amazon, Best Buy, and Target). Both VR headsets can play the same games, though the Quest 3 offers better display resolution and optics quality.
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[Ozlo’s comfy Sleepbuds are nearly 30 percent off in the run-up to Mother’s Day]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9133522026-04-16T14:10:53-04:002026-04-16T15:00:00-04:00
If you’re struggling to get a full night of rest, a good pair of sleep earbuds can help you tune out unwanted distractions. The Ozlo Sleepbuds are one such option, and they’re currently available for $249 ($100 off) in the run-up to Mother’s Day at Amazon and Ozlo’s online storefront, which is easily the lowest price we’ve seen.
Made by former Bose engineers, Ozlo’s Sleepbuds are extremely similar to Bose’s discontinued Sleepbuds. They work well as a white noise machine and helped our reviewer, Victoria Song, get better sleep during her testing. The biggest upgrade over the Bose Sleepbuds II is that you’re no longer limited to a small library of white noise sounds. The Ozlo buds let you play your own audio, then switch back to white noise once you’ve fallen asleep. In our experience, that feature is a bit hit-or-miss, but when it does work, it’s helpful. In November, Ozlo added a host of sleep tracking features to both the earbuds and their charging case as part of a beta, allowing you to track your sleeping habits and the factors that might disrupt your cycle (we’ve yet to test them).
Otherwise, the Ozlo Sleepbuds are largely similar to the last-gen Bose. They’re lightweight, comfortable for side sleepers, and stay put overnight. Battery life still lasts up to 10 hours, which is enough for a full night, and you can set private alarms that won’t disturb anybody else. They’re not quite as advanced as Soundcore’s newer Sleep A30 earbuds — which offer active noise cancellation and an adaptive snore masking feature — but if you just want a comfortable pair of earbuds built specifically to help you sleep, they do the job quite nicely.
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[Best Buy’s Ultimate Upgrade Sale features deals on dozens of our favorite gadgets]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9118532026-04-15T13:04:34-04:002026-04-15T13:04:34-04:00
The AirPods Pro 3 are $50 off, which is one of the biggest discounts we’ve seen this year. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
If you missed out on Amazon’s recent spring sales event, Best Buy’s Ultimate Upgrade Sale presents yet another opportunity to score steep discounts on some of our favorite gadgets. The five-day sale runs through April 19th and features deals on a wide range of tech, including 4K TVs, Apple gear, smartphones, smart home devices, and more.
Whether you’ve had your eye on LG’s budget-friendlier B5 OLED or Bose’s latest QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, several Verge favorites are either at or near their record-low price. Even products released just last month — including Google’s Pixel 10A and the new 11-inch iPad Air — are on sale, so it’s not just older devices. Best of all, competing retailers like Amazon are matching many of these prices, so you can snag the same deals no matter where you shop.
LG B5 OLED TV
LG’s B5 TV is a great way to get OLED picture quality for less. It features support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, along with a 120Hz panel and four HDMI 2.1 ports for hooking up the latest gaming consoles. It also runs LG’s webOS platform, supports Amazon Alexa, and provides easy access to a wide range of popular streaming apps.
The AirPods Pro 3 have a new design that improves their fit, superior noise cancellation, better bass, and fairly accurate heart rate sensors. Read our review.
Google’s new Pixel 10A introduces faster wired charging, Satellite SOS, and new AI tools like Camera Coach and Auto Best Take. Otherwise, it’s basically the Pixel 9A, with the same Tensor G4 chip and a dual-camera system. Read our hands-on impressions.
The second-gen QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have dynamic, rich sound and the best noise cancellation currently available in a pair of true wireless earbuds. They’re a terrific pick if you want to listen to your music in peace. Read our review.
Anker’s 25,000mAh power bank sports two built-in USB-C cables (one of which is retractable), plus one USB-C and USB-A port. It tops out at 165W when charging two devices simultaneously, or 130W when charging three or four.
Developed in partnership with Ray-Ban, Meta’s last-gen smart glasses can perform a range of tasks. They can capture 1080p video and play music, and thanks to a suite of AI-based features, you can even use them to translate from a myriad of languages in real time. Read our review.
Apple’s entry-level iPad is an excellent tablet for casual use, even if it is getting a little long in the tooth. Its high-res screen is great for watching video, and its A16 processor is still fast enough to handle light games and productivity apps. Read our review.
Blink’s latest Video Doorbell is one of the best options available if you want a budget-friendly buzzer with motion-activated recording and alerts, night vision, two-way audio, and up to two years of battery life. Just know that a Sync Module is required for the doorbell to work properly.
Samsung’s 6.9-inch S26 Ultra is the only model in the lineup with the new privacy display, designed to limit what people around you can see on your screen. It also includes the S Pen and upgrades the camera hardware, adding dual telephoto lenses alongside a 200-megapixel main sensor. Read our review.
Google’s newest wired doorbell offers 2K video and support for the Gemini for Home AI assistant, along with free alerts for people, packages, and animals. It also supports night vision and two-way audio, but if you want 24/7 recording and more advanced features, you’ll need to pay for a Google Home subscription.
Powered by Apple’s new M5 chip, the latest MacBook Airs are more powerful than prior models and offer double the base storage (512GB). They also support faster wireless standards, specifically Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Read our review.
The older QC Ultra were a replacement for the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 with a more travel-friendly design, spatial audio, and better call quality. Thankfully, they still offer excellent comfort and some of the best noise cancellation available. Read our review.
Bose’s QuietComfort Headphones, which replaced the QuietComfort 45, feature adjustable noise cancellation and the ability to set custom modes. However, they lack the immersive audio mode and higher-quality Bluetooth found in Bose’s higher-end QC Ultra Headphones.
The Clip 5 is a compact Bluetooth speaker that provides big sound. It has a customizable equalizer, so you can adjust the sound to your taste, along with an IP67 rating and up to 12 hours of playtime. It also has a built-in carabiner (hence the name), making it easy to clip the speaker to a backpack for easy listening on the go.
The Sony WH-CH520 offer a lot for very little. The on-ear Bluetooth headphones provide 50 hours of battery life and support hands-free voice assistants, including Google Assistant and Siri. They also offer multipoint Bluetooth support and can tap into Google’s Find Hub network.
Samsung’s last-gen Frame Pro shows art when you’re not watching TV on a matte, anti-glare screen. It also includes a Wireless One Connect box to keep cables out of sight, and supports Amazon Alexa for hands-free control.
The latest 11-inch iPad Air comes with Apple’s M4 chip and 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB. It also features Apple’s N1 wireless chip — which adds support for Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 7, and Thread — allowing it to connect faster and more reliably to wireless networks, accessories, and smart home devices. Read our review.
The second-gen SoundLink Flex builds on the original with more intuitive controls, including a new play / pause button. It also adds adjustable EQ and support for higher-quality audio via AAC and aptX, while retaining a rugged IP67-rated design and the ability to pair two speakers for stereo sound.
The IdeaPad Slim 3x offers a 15.3-inch touchscreen and a comfortable keyboard. It runs the super efficient Arm-based Snapdragon X1-26-100 chip, making it well-suited for everyday tasks, even if it’s not built for heavy workloads. The real highlight is battery life, though, which can easily last over a full day on a charge; it also features a solid port selection that includes USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and an SD card slot. Read our review.
The JLab Go Air Pop are an affordable pair of wireless earbuds with eight hours of battery life (or 32 hours with the included charging case). The case also houses a built-in USB-A charging plug, so you’re never without a charging cable.
The latest version of Amazon’s zippy Fire TV Stick 4K streams in 4K resolution, as its name suggests, and features support for Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Atmos / Vision, and HDR10 Plus.
The last-gen JBL Go 4 has been around for a bit, but the pocket-sized Bluetooth speaker still delivers with up to seven hours of runtime, dual device connectivity, and an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. You can also pair it with other Go 4 speakers for bigger stereo sound, if desired.
The last-gen Blink Mini includes a ball-and-socket mount, a USB-C cable for powering it, and a power adapter. However, note that you’ll need to opt for the optional Blink subscription plan to take advantage of cloud storage and some features.
Sony’s quirky wireless earbuds clip behind your ear, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings while maintaining a secure fit. They also offer up to nine hours of battery life per charge, excellent voice call quality, and good sound, particularly for a pair of open-style earbuds. Read our review.
Ninja’s clever 2-in-1 machine can spin up soft serve and traditional hard scoops in a few easy steps, not to mention creamy milkshakes, gelato, and frozen yogurt.
The Vivobook 14 runs on the Snapdragon X processor, offers up to 29 hours of battery life, and can be charged to 50 percent capacity in about 30 minutes. It’s not built for demanding workloads, but it’s a solid pick for everyday tasks such as web browsing and light content creation. You also get a good port selection, a 1080p webcam, and a physical privacy shutter.
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[You can grab LG’s B5 OLED TV for over 50 percent off right now]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9117192026-04-14T13:38:23-04:002026-04-14T13:38:23-04:00
LG’s B5 OLED TV isn’t as bright as higher-end models, but it still looks great. | Image: LG
If you’re looking to get OLED picture quality without spending a couple thousand dollars, LG’s 48-inch B5 OLED TV is on sale for $599.99 ($700 off) at Best Buy, which is one of the best prices we’ve seen on the budget-friendly TV. You can also buy the 55-inch model from Amazon, Best Buy, and LG for $799.99 ($700 off), matching its all-time low price.
Our AV reviewer John Higgins was impressed with LG’s B5 OLED. It’s not as bright as higher-end models he’s tested, but the 4K TV still delivers a great-looking picture with accurate, realistic colors. You’re also getting all the features that characterize OLED TVs, like deep black levels, rich contrast, and excellent viewing angles. It doesn’t offer the higher refresh rate found on pricier LG models, but its 120Hz panel still keeps fast-moving scenes looking smooth and clear, whether you’re watching sports or gaming.
Beyond picture quality, the B5 has a lot of other things going for it too. You get four HDMI 2.1 ports for connecting the latest gaming consoles, along with support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. LG’s webOS platform also grants access to a wide range of streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and more, while support for Amazon Alexa lets you control the TV with your voice. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast, so you can easily stream from your phone or other devices.
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[The Apple Watch Series 11 has returned to its best-ever price]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9111912026-04-13T19:43:21-04:002026-04-13T14:48:17-04:00
You can buy the Apple Watch Series 11 for $100 off in multiple sizes and colors. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
If you’re still holding onto an older Apple Watch, now might be a good time to upgrade. Right now, the 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 with GPS is on sale for around $299 ($100 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, which is its best price to date. If you prefer a larger size, the 46mm is also $100 off for a limited time, with the base GPS configuration selling for about $329 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.
While it’s not a significant upgrade over the Apple Watch Series 10, we still recommend it if you’re using a Series 5 or Series 6. It’s Apple’s fastest and most durable flagship wearable yet, with a bright, wide-angle OLED display that’s easy to read at a glance. It offers the longest battery life of any Series model to date, allowing you to eke out up to 24 hours (or 38 hours in low-power mode) on a single charge with the base configuration. The LTE version doesn’t drain as quickly either thanks to Apple’s power-efficient 5G modem, and you can charge a dead watch to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes.
On the health and wellness side, it offers a diverse range of features, from FDA-cleared hypertension notifications and sleep scores to ovulation tracking, sleep apnea detection, and fall detection. Beyond that, you get access to watchOS 26 features like Workout Buddy, which offers real-time coaching, as well as wrist flick and double tap gestures so you can control the watch without touching the screen. Rounding things out, you also get Apple’s usual set of smart features, including Apple Pay, Siri, and access to music directly from your wrist.
