The AirPods Max are a luxury item in every sense of the word. They offer one of the highest-tier listening experiences but are also one of the most expensive headphones you can buy. These headphones rarely go on sale and are normally over half a grand, but you can get them for $100 off on Amazon if you have $449.99 to play with. If that's still too much, keep in mind all the other AirPods are also discounted at the moment.
When the AirPods Max came out in 2020 (yes, they're old now), there wasn't a lot of competition for headphones that could do active noise canceling (ANC) and ambient awareness and give you good audio well. These days, there's stiff competition in all of those categories, especially at this price point. However, buying AirPods Max is a statement. Even though they don't have the Apple logo, you're paying a premium price for the recognition. If that's what you're after, these headphones are it.
When it comes to features, the AirPods Max aren't jam-packed. But the few they do have are very good quality (on-brand from Apple's minimalist standard). They are one of the best ANC headphones you can buy (they don't give you that weird pressure sensation when you turn them on), have very good ambient awareness to hear your surroundings well, have adaptive EQ and spatial audio which adjusts the audio automatically to you and your environment, and hands-free Siri, according to PCMag's "excellent" review.
Some of the downsides are that they are heavier than regular headphones, at 13.6 ounces. This comes from the choice to use metal for the material of the design. You also can't manually adjust the EQ to your liking, so if you don't like the sound signature, you're out of luck. Finally, the smart case it comes with is ugly and doesn't protect the mesh that rests on your head (a delicate part of the headphones). You also need them to put your headphones in "sleep" mode so your 20 hours of battery aren't drained.
Prepare your wallets and get ready to sign up for that free Amazon Prime trial membership: An Amazon press release has officially revealed that Prime Day 2024 will occur this July. (Not that it is much of a surprise—this will be the 10th annual Prime Day sale, after all.)
Amazon's biggest sale of the year (and arguably the biggest sale of any retailer) will soon be underway, and Lifehacker will be bringing you the best deals available while warning you of the ones you should stay away from.
Here is everything there is to know about Prime Day 2024..so far.
What is Amazon Prime Day 2024?
Amazon Prime Day is a 48-hour sale, offering discounts on the Amazon website in virtually every category. It began in 2015 as a one-day event to celebrate Amazon's 20th anniversary, but it has grown exponentially since then, and now qualifies as a major shopping event, with other retailers spinning up there own sales to capitalize on the hype.
Of course, calling it "Prime Day" is a bit of a misnomer. In recent years, Amazon has also released "early Prime Day" deals that can last up to a week or two, and there's another "Prime Day"-like sale in the fall, officially called Prime Big Deal Days (though the deals usually aren't quite as impressive).
What are the dates for Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon hasn't officially announced the dates of Prime Day 2024, but the company did indicate it will be sometime in July. Their last few Prime Days have been on the second week of July, so it will likely fall between July 7 and 14, with "early" deals starting a few days or weeks earlier.
Can you shop on Prime Day without being a Prime member?
You don't need to be a Prime Member to shop on Prime Day, but most of the best deals are for Prime Members only. If you aren't a member, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial, which is definitely enough to cover the whole event. However, not everyone will be eligible for these trials, so be sure to read the terms.
What is special about Prime Day?
As a shopping writer, I can tell you that most of the lowest prices I have seen, whether for a tablet, a TV, or an appliance, hit on Prime Day (at least according to price-checking tools). The breadth of products on sale is also much greater than at other points throughout the year. But that doesn't mean all of the deals are great—you'll still have to do your due diligence to make sure the deal you're looking at is legit.
Is Amazon Prime worth it?
While it probably doesn't make sense to become a Prime member only to score Prime Day discounts, there are a lot of other benefits, which Lifehacker Senior Finance Writer Meredith Dietz runs down here. In any case, if you're shopping for Prime Day, make sure you come out a winner, and go in with a plan.
This post will be updated with all the latest information about Prime Day 2024 as it is released.
The iPad Pro has a new design, a new M4 chip, and an OLED display. You can choose between the 11- and 13-inch sizes that start at $999 and $1,299 for the 256 GB and wifi versions, respectively. The iPad Pro is Apple's thinnest product ever made at 0.2 inches thin for the 13-inch screen, according to their press release. iPads completely skipped over the M3 chip, going from the M2 straight to the M4, which is supposed to have a 50% faster CPU performance and up to four times faster GPU performance than the 10th generation iPad Pro's M2 chip. The new "Ultra Retina XDR" OLED screen can get up to 1,600 nits of brightness and claims to give rich, vivid colors and details.
Best Buy: Best Buy offers the best preorder deal with $50 off for My Best Buy Plus Members, which costs $50 for a year of benefits. You can also get up to $600 off with eligible trade-ins. No matter which route you take, you will also get three months of Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Fitness, Apple Arcade, and one month of the MLS season pass.
Apple: If you're looking to trade in some old tech gadgets, Apple is offering up to $580 for eligible products.
Amazon: Amazon has both the iPad Pro and iPad Air available, but it's offering no preorder deals, at least for now. They have done preorder deals in the past, so it wouldn't surprise me if they did come up with one before the May 15 launch date.
The new 2024 iPad Air now comes in two sizes, the 11-inch model, which starts at $599 and the 13-inch model, which starts at $799. The iPad Air is upgraded to the M2 chip and 128 GB, with 256 GB, 516 GB, and 1 TB options available. The new chip gives it a faster CPU, GPU, and neural engine speed. Some new features on the iPad Air include split view screens, subject lift, and live text features.
Best Buy: Best Buy offers the same three months of Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Fitness, Apple Arcade, and one month of the MLS season pass, but no $50 discount for My Best Buy Plus Members. You can get up to $310 if you trade in eligible products though.
Apple: Apple offers the same trade in deal as the iPad Pro of up to $580 for eligible products.
Amazon: Like the iPad Pro, there is no preorder deal at the moment, but they might come out with one later.
Most of Beats by Dr. Dre's lineup of headphones and earbuds are on sale right now, coinciding with the release of the new Beats Solo 4. The brand has been slow to release new products since the acquisition of Apple back in 2014, but they do usually have solid deals every now and then. At the moment, you can get the Beats Studio Pro, Beats Fit Pro, Beats Studio Buds, and the Beats Powerbeats Pro for up to 49% off.
You can get the Beats Studio Pro for $179.99 (originally $349.99) after $170 off its listing price. This is matching the lowest price it has ever been after Black Friday, according to price-checking tools. The Studio Pro has been around since the summer of 2023 and is the premium headphones from Beats, offering active noise canceling (ANC), spatial audio with head tracking, hands-free Siri access, one-touch pairing on iOS and Android devices, and a transparency mode. You can read more about them from PCMag's review.
The Beats Fit Pro can be a great alternative for Apple users who don't like Airpods for $159.99 (originally $199.95) since they have Apple's H1 Headphone Chip and have one-touch pairing with iOS devices. Android users can also take advantage of some features that many Apple users enjoy as long (as long as you download the Beats app), like the ear fit test, listening mode controls, and firmware updates. You just won't have support for Spatial Audio with head tracking, hands-free Siri, Find My compatibility, audio sharing, and automatic switching between paired sound sources, according to PCMag.
The Beats Studio Buds at $79.99 (originally $149.95) is matching its lowest price after a 47% discount. Like the Fit Pro, the Studio Buds have ANC, Spatial Audio on certain Apple Music tracks, and one-touch pairing for both iOS and Android devices. You can read more about them in PCMag's review.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro also sports the Apple H1 chip along with the mentioned features for Apple users that come with it. They're also a great alternative over AirPods, since they have a stronger audio performance, easier controls, and a more secure fit, according to PCMag. You can get them for $159.95 (originally $249.95), matching the lowest price they have been after Black Friday.
When it comes to robot vacuums, Roborock has been innovating and creating some impressive cleaning devices. One of their upper mid-tier robot vacuums, the Roborock Q7 Max+, is seeing its best discount since its release after a 47% discount from Amazon. The Q7 Max+ is now $459.99 (originally $869.99), the lowest price it has been, according to price-checking tools. This is my favorite Amazon deal of the day.
The Roborock Q7 Max+ robot can mop with its single brush, but it doesn't scrub your floors like the higher-tier Roborock S8 does. It will still be able to clean surface-level stains, though. The Q7 Max+ has a LIDAR system that it uses to map out your home. If you have rugs or carpets in certain areas, you can designate no-mop areas or zones to avoid getting them wet. If there are objects in the way, it will remember them and can maneuver around them to avoid accidents.
The Q7 Max+ has a self-emptying dock station, and it can hold up to seven weeks of debris with its 2.5-liter bags. The suction power is 4,200 pascals, which is good for its current price point, but not nearly as good as the high-end tier robot vacuums that can get you from 5,000 to 11,000 pascals. The battery will last three hours or up to 3,229 square feet, which should be enough to vacuum most homes. If you want to schedule a routine cleaning while you're not home, you can do so by setting up a scheduled cleaning. It also has voice control and is compatible with smart speakers like Google, Alexa, or smartphones.
There are two things to keep in mind with this vacuum: You will be making purchases on the mop pads as you use them up as well as the bags on the self-emptying dock.
You can get thousands of free e-books over the course of 2024 if you know where—and when—to look. All year long, Amazon is offering up free Kindle e-books to readers, with new opportunities popping up every month.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Stuff Your Kindle Day, the biggest free e-book event of the year, offering up over a thousand free e-books. But that's later this year. In May, Prime members can get two free Kindle e-books from Amazon's First Reads program, one of them being this month's short read.
What is Amazon's First Reads?
Amazon First Reads is a program aimed at Prime members that offers early access to new e-books across many genres, as curated by First Reads editors (one of your many Prime Member benefits). Prime members can choose to download one free e-book every month from a rotating list—though some months that number is bumped up to two—and non-members get them for a discounted price. These e-books can be read on any compatible Kindle device or via the free Kindle app.
Go to the First Reads landing page to see the full list of e-books available this month. Once you find a book that seems interesting, click the "Shop Now" button. Make sure you’re not being redirected to the Kindle mobile application because you won't see the free book option; instead, use your browser (or just "check out" your free book on your computer).
Make sure you’re not clicking the ”Pre-order for...” button, as that will direct you to pay; instead, click the “Read for Free” button under the First Reads banner. This will send the e-book directly to the Kindle linked to your Amazon account.
You can see what it should look like from the screenshot below.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza
You’ll know you did it right when you see a “Thanks, [your name]!” order summary indicating the e-book is being auto-delivered to the Kindle Cloud Reader.
Free Amazon Kindle e-books available in May 2024
This month, you can choose one from eight Kindle e-books, plus you get the free "bonus short read," Tiger Chair: A Short Story by Max Brooks, author of World War Z.
Amazon notes the genre for each of the books above the title, offering a quick way to narrow down your options. If you hover over the "See Editor Notes" under the "Shop Now" button, you'll be able to read a short synopsis from the First Reads editor who picked the book.
The Google Pixel 8a is officially available for preorder, and Amazon is offering a $100 Amazon gift card if you buy the new phone from them. The budget phone from Google's latest 8 Series is a great value considering that it starts at $499 and comes with many of the features and specs from the Pixel 8. Basically, if you waited around for the 8a to come out, your patience is being rewarded.
The $100 Amazon gift card deal runs until May 20 at 2:59 am ET or while supplies last. If you return the phone, you'll be charged $100 from Amazon (but you get to keep the gift card).
Google has been releasing the "a" series in their new lineups for some years now, and personally, they're my favorite smartphones. The "a" series Pixels are the budget version of the series and usually come out about six months on average after the release of the new lineup, and as Lifehacker's Associate Tech Editor Michelle Ehrhardt explained, the Pixel 8a is almost pound-for-pound replacement for the 8. It has the same Tensor G3 processor as the Pixel 8/8 Pro, a slightly smaller 6.1-inch 120Hz “Actual” display, and a slightly better camera system in terms of pixels, but it may have weaker sensors. The 8a is also getting Google Gemini Nano support like the other Pixels. Like the other Pixel 8s, you'll get 7 years of guaranteed software support as well as the same new drop features.
Considering the Pixel 8a is $200 less than the Pixel 8, it makes for not only a great cheaper Pixel option, but also one of the best Android budget phones you can get right now. The $100 Amazon gift card just makes it a better deal.
Whether you're looking for a TV, security camera, smart speaker, or streaming device, there's an Amazon device with a good discount that might turn your head. Amazon's Mother's Day sale has many of these Amazon devices going up to 50% off. These are my favorite Amazon deals of the day.
Fire TVs are all smart TVs with, essentially, a Fire TV Stick streaming device already pre-installed in them. Right now, both the 2-Series and 4-Series are well-discounted. The 2-Series starts at $119.99 (originally $199.99) for the 32-inch, which only has a 720-pixel resolution. The 4-Series starts at $249.99 (originally $369.99). But if you want to save even more, the refurbished 4-Series is just $199.99 right now.
If you're looking for an Alexa smart speaker (or multiple speakers), it is a good time to look into the 5th Generation Echo Dot for $27.99 (originally $49.99) or the Amazon Echo Pop for $19.99 (originally $39.99). You can think of the Echo Pop as an Echo Dot sliced in half, with most of the same features, just not as powerful of audio as the Echo Dot.
Fire TV sticks can make any TV have the Fire TV operating system—even other smart televisions like Roku TVs. What sets them apart from the competition is that you can install Kodi on them (fairly easily), which gets you unlimited access to essentially any movie or show. The Fire TV Stick for $24.99 (originally $39.99) is the best option if you don't get 4K on your TV.
If you're looking for an affordable security camera, the Blink Outdoor 4 is a great affordable entry-level camera. Right now, the more you get, the better discount you'll receive. Right now, three Blink Outdoor 4s are $139.99 (originally $259.99). If you get five Blink cameras, you'll get a 50% discount. That bundle is currently $199.99 (originally $399.99).
There are few brands that are as synonymous with e-readers as Kindles are, and for good reason. Kindles are arguably the best e-readers in the market today, and right now, you can get the Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Scribe for up to $105 off after dropping to some of their lowest prices in recent months. The deals come during an Amazon device sale for Mother's Day. These Kindles are my favorite Amazon deal of the day.
The latest Amazon Kindle is enough for most people looking to take their stories with them. With 16 GB of storage, you can fit thousands of ebooks in its library. The 300 ppi high-resolution display makes it look like you're actually reading a printed book. It's also glare-free with a paper-like display that feels somewhat like paper. The battery lasts an impressive average of six weeks, depending on your use and brightness settings. You can get the Amazon Kindle for $79.99 (originally $99.99), matching the lowest price it has been over the last few months according to price-checking tools.
For those more dedicated readers who want to take their e-readers places, the Kindle Paperwhite might be a better fit. It's a bit bigger, with a 6.8” display and thinner borders. The Paperwhite also gives you adjustable warm light to give your eyes a break from blue light if you like to read before bed. The battery is longer, with up to 10 weeks of juice, and the pages turn a bit faster than the Kindle. It is much brighter, with a front light of 17 LEDs over the Kindle's 4 LEDs. You can also submerge it underwater or read in the shower—it has a waterproof IPX8 rating. You can get the Kindle Paperwhite for $114.99 (originally $149.99).
The Amazon Kindle Scribe is for those who like to be hands-on and take handwritten notes. As our Tech Writer Joshua Hawkins said in his review, the Kindle Scribe is one of the best e-readers you can buy. It has the same features as the Paperwhite but also has an auto-adjusting light and wireless charging (and can take notes with the included stylus, of course). The Kindle Scribe is available for its lowest price yet: $264.99 (originally $369.99).
When it comes to high-end robot vacuums, there are a few brands that stand out from the rest. Yeedi and Ecovacs, for example: These companies are consistently innovating new features, increasing battery life and suction power, and improving their companion apps. Here are the best high-end robot vacuum deals available right now.
Like all the devices here, the Deebot T10 Omni is a vacuum and mop robot vacuum with a self-emptying home base that also charges the robot. It has a decent suction power of 5,000 Pa and mops with cold water. There is no auto-mop lifting feature, so you'll have to designate no-mop zones on your app if you don't want your carpet getting wet. The T10 has a camera with AI technology that it uses to avoid and recognize obstacles. You can also use the camera to monitor where the vacuum goes on a live video stream that also has two-way audio. You can get the Deebot T10 Omni for $599.99 (originally $1,199.99), the lowest price yet according to price-checking tools.
When the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Robot Vacuum came out, the 8,000 Pa suction power was top of the line. This one works with carpets since the mop has a clearance of 15mm. The long rubber brushes for mopping leave my floors looking fresh, and it has yet to run out of battery mid-job with a long 200 minutes of run time. I've yet to take the debris out of the 90-day self-emptying home base (I don't use it every day). The mopping is done with two powerful brushes and hot water. The X2 will also dry your floors with hot air. You can get this cleaning machine for $999.99 (originally $1,499.99) after a 33% discount.
The newest high-end robot vacuum from Yeedi is impressive on paper, and it is already $300 off. The Yeedi M12 PRO+ has a powerful 11,000 Pa suction power, which is the highest suction I've seen in a robot vacuum. It also has a self-emptying dustbin, hot water mopping, self-washing extending mop pads, a tangle-free V-shaped roller brush, and a spot-cleaning feature in case you make a mess in one specific spot of the house. The M12 PRO+ has obstacle avoidance, but it may still try to clean objects it should probably avoid, like food wrappers or napkins. The auto-lift of 9mm means if you have a thicker carpet, you might want to tell your vacuum to work around it, or it will likely get wet. The fact that you can get a robot vacuum of this quality for $799.99 (originally $1,099) after using the $100 on-page coupon is impressive.
When it comes to OLED TVs, LG's C series has been near the top of the pack for years. The 2023 model was no different, with PCMag giving it an "outstanding" review. And right now, the LG C3 65-Inch Evo OLED TV is on sale for $1,446.99 (originally $2,499.99) after a 42% discount.
The TV is new, not refurbished, and only available in the 65-inch size. The deal runs until May 10 or until the TVs run out. Remember, Woot only ships to the 48 contiguous states in the U.S. If you have Amazon Prime, you get free shipping; otherwise, it’ll be $6 to ship.
What makes the C3 Evo different from other OLEDs and its predecessors is how much brighter it gets than the competition, up to 651 nits. Its color performance is also better than its predecessor. Gamers should appreciate the under 1 ms input lag once the TV’s Game Optimizer feature is on, and with a 120 Hz refresh rate, games will look smooth. The TV has 4K 3,840 by 2,160 resolution, four HDMI ports, and hands-free Amazon Alexa voice assistant compatibility through the TV's microphones.
According to price-checking tools, the 65-inch LG C3 Evo OLED TV didn't drop in price until February of this year. Although this isn't the lowest price this TV has it, it is only a few dollars away from it. At the time of this writing, the next cheapest place to get the C3 Evo is Amazon, which sells it for $1,596.99.
Woot has a liquidation sale for tech products happening right now, and their television and projectors section has some good discounts on last year's Samsung OLED and QLED 4K TV models. You can find them going up to 48% off at Woot right now.
The deal runs until May 9, 2024, or until the TVs sell out. Woot only ships to the 48 contiguous states in the U.S. If you have Amazon Prime, you get free shipping; otherwise, it’ll be $6 to ship. Here are the best TVs on sale.
The 65-inch Samsung S95C OLED TV was released about a year ago, when Samsung released what was then its latest OLED 4K TV. PCMag gave it an "outstanding" review because of its bright display despite being an OLED, great colors, low input lag, and support for AirPlay 2 and voice assistants Alexa and Bixby (Samsung's equivalent). Right now, you can get the 65-inch Samsung OLED 4K S95C for $1,777.99 (originally $3,297.99) or the 77-inch for 39% off. This TV was a bit cheaper when Woot had a Samsung TV sale last month, but it is the cheapest you can find from a reputable store at the moment, with Walmart being the runner-up.
If you're looking for a good deal on an 85-inch QLED TV, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than the Samsung QLED 4K Q80C Series for $1,727.99 (originally $3,297.99). You won't find the same mini-LED backlighting screen technology that you'll find in other high-end Samsung TVs, giving you some limitations on your viewing angles—however, you also won't find those TVs 48% off. At its current price, the QLED technology and 85-inch size give you great value for your money for those looking for bright and colorful 4K images.
The Samsung QN90C Neo QLED TV is a premium 4K mini LED TV on paper without the price tag. It offers one of the best HDR brightness of 2023, great off-angle viewing, strong picture performance, 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, and a rechargeable remote. It was one of the best QLED TV's last year, according to Tom's Guide. You can get it starting at $1,887.99 (originally $3,297.99) for the 75-inch size.
When it comes to foldable e-bikes, there is one thing that most of them have in common: a straight handlebar with a high and narrow grip. The RadExpand 5 Plus breaks away from that status quo with a low BMX-style handlebar that sets the tone for how comfortable and fun it feels to ride it. The RadExpand 5 Plus is an upgraded version of the previous RadExpand 5, and it brings many great improvements and features that make this e-bike a tough one to compete against. The battery and motor are impressive, but being only able to go up to Class 2 means the RadExpand 5 Plus is limited in its abilities.
I received the RadExpand 5 Plus as a review unit. The e-bike came pre-assembled, and I only needed to install the handlebar and some other minor parts, which was fast and easy to do. Rad Power says all of their RadExpand 5 Plus come pre-assembled, so it should be an easy set-up. You can see a full breakdown of how to install the e-bike from RadPower here.
Handling: The low BMX-style handlebar and a well-thought-out design make the handling top-tier.
Accessible: The user-friendly controls make it easy to pick up and get to the fun parts.
Comfortable: The 4-inch tires, a padded saddle, and front suspension make this a comfortable ride.
Versatile: There are many ways to customize the e-bike and add any accessory you can imagine.
Cons
Class: Although the motor is strong and capable, the bike only goes up to Class 2, topping at 20mph.
Portability: The BMX-style bars mean it might not be as compact in tight spaces, and the 72.5 lb weight doesn't help.
Not for tall people: The bike only works for people between 4'10"-5'10", leaving tall people out of the equation.
Specs:
Classification: Class 1 or 2 (up to 20 moh)
Brakes: Gemma Hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors
Tires: Beefy 20" by 4" tires with some off-roading treads
Frame geometry: Step-through frame
Lights: LED brake light, tail light, and LED front headlights.
Battery: 48V 15 Ah 720 Wh with Safe Shield Technology
Display: Full-Color LCD Display
Motor: 750W with 64 Nm of Torque
Pedal Assist: 5 Levels (magnet-sensing cadence assist with pedals)
Claimed Range: 60 mi on average, but can get up to 80 mi
Throttle: Grip twist
Weight of e-bike: 73.8 lb with battery
Rider height range: One frame fits 4’10” to 5’10”
Maximum rider weight: 315 lbs
Maximum load on the rear rack: 59 lbs
The RadExpand 5 Plus is a big improvement on its predecessor, and it should be to justify the $300 price tag increase. It now comes with 50 mm travel front suspensions with preload adjustments and lockouts so you can choose your preferred level of bumpiness; hydraulic disc brakes over the mechanic disc brakes; a much-improved LCD display over the LED one; turn signals; a battery with "Safe Shield Technology," which improves battery fire safety; and an improved torque sensor, which is supposed to feel more natural and improve the mileage. You can see more about the specs and other details from the Rad Power website.
How does the RadExpand 5 Plus e-bike ride on the street?
Credit: Daniel Oropeza
The RadExpand 5 Plus did not feel like a foldable e-bike when I rode it, in a good way. Yes, the step-through design is the same, but the choice to go for a BMX-style handlebar was bold, and it paid off. Your run-of-the-mill folding bike usually has an elongated handlebar stem, putting your grip in a higher and more narrow place than normal. This can make handling feel less in control, especially at high speeds. The RadExpand 5 Plus' lower grip and wider-stance handlebar gave me more control on my ride. It felt much better than other folding bikes I have ridden before. The e-bike handles like a mix between a cruiser and a mountain bike, and the four-inch-wide beefy tires have some off-roading treads, which made me feel comfortable riding it on some dirt paths. Even when going downhill and hitting around 28 mph, the handling felt so secure that I was always in control.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza
When it comes to pedal assist, the RadExpand 5 Plus has a 64 Nm torque sensor that matches your level of effort, so if you pedal harder, it gives you more pedal assistance and vice versa. I can change the level of pedal assist from one to five (or zero for no pedal assist and just leg power alone). Adjusting the pedal assist and finding the right level while going up a hill was smooth and practical with the controls placed on the left side of the handlebar. Hitting the maximum speed of 20 mph in class 2 with a pedal assist of 5 was very easy and quick, but I did have to move my legs very fast, and I wish there were an eighth gear to make it easier. With torque alone and no throttle, I was able to reach 20mph smoothly as I moved up through the five levels. My terrain was flat, and it took less than 15 seconds to get there. On the left side of the handlebar, there are also the controls to turn on the turning signals and a bell to alert those around you.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza
I was pleased with the LCD display. It shows all the information you need to know, and it is easy to navigate. I just wish it showed a percentage on the battery bar. The half-twist throttle on the right side of the handlebar is powerful for a foldable e-bike. On just throttle alone, it was able to go up the meanest hill in my area with ease, which is about nine degrees. That same hill on pedal assist level five felt like I was cruising on flat ground. I am confident that if you use the throttle and pedal assist level five, the bike can go up most hills without issues. With such a responsive pedal assist and powerful motor, it is a shame that Rad Power didn't give the rider the option to go up to class 3. It leaves a lot of untapped potential that the RadExpand 5 Plus could have on the table.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza
Rad Power says you will get an average of 20 to 60 miles on a single charge, but of course, it will depend on your use of pedal assist, throttle, weight, terrain, and other factors. Judging from my time riding it and the distance I covered, I feel like you can easily push past the 60-mile range if you're conservative. My estimation is you can get more than 80 miles of riding on a single charge.
How does the RadExpand 5 Plus fold?
Credit: Daniel Oropeza
A foldable e-bike's main purpose is to be portable and compact. And that's where the RadExpand 5 Plus fell a bit short. The e-bike weighs 73.8 pounds, and it was not easy to fold or maneuver by myself. It also has a detached Velcro wrap that I'm not exactly sure where is meant to hold the e-bike together once folded. I did end up finding a place that made sense, but I think a permanent place with an easier snap-on device like Ride1Up's Portola would've been an easy and smarter design choice.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza
The decision to give the e-bike a BMX-style handlebar means it isn't as compact as a flat and narrow one. On my usual test to fit it in my 2011 Toyota Corolla's trunk, I struggled to make it fit, almost giving up at one point. (I did eventually manage to make it fit, thanks to some smart maneuvering on my part.) If you don't plan to take the RadExpand 5 Plus on your car, this is probably not a big issue. The e-bike does compact well otherwise.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza
The RadExpand 5 Plus is versatile and customizable
Credit: Daniel Oropeza
One of my favorite parts of an e-bike experience is sharing it with loved ones. The RadExpand 5 Plus has access to many accessories from the Rad Power store. I used the Rad Trailer with the Pet Insert to take Gambino on a ride. The pedal assist and throttle make even carrying the trailer a breeze. Even going up some hills, I was able to easily find the right combination to make it through easily. You can carry a maximum weight of 100 pounds on the trailer and 84 pounds on the Pet Insert. You can get a rear and/or front rack to be able to use many of their accessories. Some are easier to install than others, but the Rad Trailer and Pet Insert were easy and quick to assemble as well as take on and off the bike (they just need a single bolt to put on the e-bike). Unfortunately, the rear can only hold a maximum of 59 pounds, so you can't have another adult in as a passenger on the back.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza
Closing thoughts
The RadExpand 5 Plus was a joy to ride. It felt like a comfortable BMX/mountain hybrid e-bike that also happens to fold in half. The inclusion of small details like rear light turning signals, a bell, a nice LED screen, and compatibility with many accessories makes the RadExpand 5 Plus a well-rounded e-bike that can be a good fit for most people looking to save some space at home or take their e-bike on their trunk. The five-level pedal assist with the torque sensor is very responsive and easy to use. The throttle is powerful yet smooth and easy to control thanks to the top-tier handling from the BMX-style handlebars and beefy tires. If Rad Power had made the RadExpand 5 Plus able to fit people taller than 5'10" and get up to class 3, I could see this being one of the best foldable e-bikes for comfort and versatility.
All three of the popular models of Apple's AirPods earbuds are discounted on Amazon right now, reaching a new record low price or matching the lowest price they've ever been. The 2nd Generation AirPods Pro is $179.99 (originally $249), which is the lowest I've ever seen them after looking at price-checking tools. The 2nd Generation AirPods are $79.99 (originally $129) after a 38% discount, $10 lower than it was a week ago. The 3rd Generation Apple AirPods also dropped to $138.59 (originally $169.99), which they last hit this past December.
If you're not sure which AirPods to pick, we have a breakdown of all three to help make the choice a little easier.
The 2nd Generation AirPods Pro are some of the best earbuds you can get if you have the funds for them. This newest model, which came out in September, is the first to feature charging via USB-C as opposed to a lightning cable. They have a few new features, like adaptive transparency, but the change in the charging port is the biggest difference. You can expect solid battery life, with Apple claiming up to 30 hours of listening time on a single charge.
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