Reading view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.

The JBL PartyBox Stage 320 Is the Only Speaker I Want for My Parties

JBL's PartyBox Stage 320 is a powerful speaker with a well-balanced sound and punchy bass, with many features that make me want to host house parties just to have an excuse to use the speaker.

As the name implies, it's a speaker made for parties, meaning it's loud and fun but also has features made to enhance a party atmosphere. You can dabble in being a DJ with the Effect Lab, connect up to two microphones for karaoke, or even play over your music with an electric guitar. I was sent the PartyBox Stage 320 by JBL to review, and though it's not cheap ($599.95), after spending some time with it, I think it's worth every penny.

Pros and cons of the JBL PartyBox Stage 320

Pros

  • 240 Watts of output power or about 100 decibels of sound

  • A portable design that makes it easy to carry

  • Powerful bass

  • Adjustable EQ

  • Can have up to two microphones (or one microphone and one electric guitar)

  • Replaceable battery

  • Can play with just the power cord (without the battery)

  • Fun in-app features for parties

Cons

  • Only IPX4 for splashproof, not waterproof

  • Heavy at 36.38 lbs

  • No microphone

Specs

  • Battery life: Up to 18 hours (3 hours charge time)

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 with Auracast support

  • Inputs: 2 ¼-inch jacks, 3.5mm aux input and USB-A port

  • Drivers: Two 6.5-inch woofers and two 25 mm dome tweeters

  • Power output: 240 W total

  • Water resistance: IPX4 (splashproof)

  • Size: 26.3 inches by 15.2 inches by 13.2 inches

  • Weight: 36.3 pounds

First Impressions of the JBL PartyBox Stage 320

This is the first PartyBox I've reviewed, even though they've been around for some time. I must admit that I wasn't particularly excited about this speaker. The flashy pulse-beating lights looked gimmicky to me, and the speaker just seemed unnecessarily expensive. But as I learned more about the speaker, took it out to the soccer field, and messed with the app and features, I became obsessed with it.

JBL PartyBox Stage 320 in soccer field.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza photo.

I was able to comfortably roll the speaker through asphalt with its telescope handles and up a grassy hill to get 20 soccer players outdoors to enjoy some FIFA music. Like all JBL speakers, it comes with the JBL signature EQ, which sounds great out of the box. But you can customize the low, mid, and highs with five levers in the app.

Features of the JBL PartyBox Stage 320

Where the PartyBox Stage 320 shines for me is in its features, which you can control on the top of the speaker via an interactive control panel. The triangle-looking button to the right is the Auracast button, which allows you to pair two JBL TWS compatible speakers together or multiple JBL Aurocast speakers. The Bass Boost button on the right is a bass enhancer with a "deep" and a "punchy" option.

Panel control of the JBL PartyBox Stage 320.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Then you have the three emoji-looking buttons in the center, and this is where the (admittedly cheesy) fun starts. They're the "party buttons" and each plays a different sound on the speaker that you can hear clearly over the music without interrupting it. You can change what each button does or says in the app, but for the most part, the first is the "voice," or a cheesy party voice that you would hear a DJ say over a mic to hype the party up. The thumbs-up is the "Vibe Tone" which has my personal favorite sound, the classic DJ "horn." And finally, the yellow disc is called "DJ sound" and is mostly different types of DJ scratches. I used many combinations of these sounds when hosting my Street FC games and had a blast messing with my players, depending on what was happening during the game.

You can change what each panel button does in the JBL speaker app.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza

The sliders at the top of the panel control the EQ of a microphone. You can change the bass and treble and add echo to the sound, making it fun to mimic certain lead singer sounds during karaoke. The speaker app lets you go even deeper into most of these features.

You can change how your kareoke microphone sounds like.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza

The JBL PartyBox app

The JBL PartyBox app is easy to use, although it can be slow to connect to the speaker sometimes. Here, I was able to control the lights in more detail and customize which lights I wanted to use. But where I think JBL really set itself apart from portable party speakers was with the "Effect Lab."

Speaker menu in the JBL speaker app.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza

The Effect Lab is essentially a mini DJ mixer. I've never DJ-ed before, so it took some time to understand what each function does and how to use it properly, but I had a lot of fun learning on-the-go with trial and error. There are no directions in the app on how to use it, but you can easily learn what everything does with the internet and after 10 minutes of playing around with it, I got a good hang of it. Combine this with some microphones for karaoke, and I have myself a deadly combination to hype up, embarrass, or impress my friends at my next house party.

The JBL Effect Lab lets you DJ your music.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Details done right

The PartyBox Stage 320 does the little things right that make a huge difference to a party speaker. The battery is replaceable, which means the speaker's longevity is not dependent on the battery's lifespan. I love that you can use the speaker with just a power cord as well, so I can leave the speaker on for very long periods of time and still have my fully charged battery if I want to be completely portable. The speaker also gets a noticeable audio boost when plugged in. The battery itself lasts up to 18 hours at 50% volume, which is loud enough for an indoor house party. When I set the volume to 70% (which I don't recommend doing indoors), with the lights on and the Bass Boost on, the battery lasted about seven hours.

Removable battery.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Another impressive detail is that JBL made it very difficult to create that ultra-whiny feedback sound when you have a microphone plugged into the speaker. I have to essentially rub the microphone on the speaker to hear some sort of feedback. JBL seems to be using technology to suppress the feedback sound, giving you instead a more space-ship-zooming-by sound rather than the high-pitch feedback sound we all hate. (When I turned the echo, treble, and boost sliders up on the mic settings, I was more likely to get feedback, though.)

Back panel of the JBL PartyBox Stage 320.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza

The back panel also has an LED light that is useful when trying to plug things in at at night. As mentioned, you can connect up to two microphones to the speaker or one microphone and an electric guitar. There's also an AUX in if I want to practice my karaoke singing or DJ scratching without disturbing my dog. I don't have other speakers I can daisy-chain together, but the option is there if I want to connect the speaker with another one.

Closing thoughts

JBL PartyBox Stage 320 in grass.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza

The JBL PartyBox Stage 320 exceeded my expectations as a party speaker. Although the speaker is on the heavy side at about 36 pounds, the handle and thick wheels make it easy to move around in different terrains. It is disappointing it isn't waterproof, with only an IPX4 rating, and that the speaker doesn't include a microphone.

Even though it has a powerful bass, the sound is well-balanced and doesn't overtake the vocals or treble. The interactive DJ features on the speaker and in the app take the speaker to another level of fun for parties and karaoke sessions. I loved having the option to have up to two microphones or an electric guitar plugged in, giving me a lot of possibilities on how to set up. Being able to change the battery and use the speaker with just the power cord also gives the speaker a great deal of longevity and dependence for long sessions.

I would recommend the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 to those who love hosting house parties or karaoke sessions. While the speaker is pricey at $599.95, I think it's worth the cost for someone looking for a great party speaker filled with fun features.

These Sonos Smart Speakers Are 25% Off Right Now

Sonos's smart speakers aren't as ubiquitous as Apple, Google, or Amazon's voice-activated devices, but they've got it where it counts in terms of audio quality. And like Apple products, Sonos devices rarely go on sale, but right now, Amazon and Best Buy are offering discounts of up to 25% off two of the company's best bets, both of which are at record-low prices, according to price-checking tools.

The Sonos Move 2 is $113 off

The Sonos Move 2 is a portable speaker and a smart speaker in one—a rare combo—and it's currently $336 (down from $449). As the name implies, it was made to be used on the go; it has a 24-hour battery life, is drop resistant, and has an IP56 rating, meaning it can handle heavy rain and splashes without missing a beat, but it will not survive if you fully submerge it.

As noted in PCMag's "excellent" review of the device, the second iteration of the Sonos Move does away with Google Assistant, but it still can be used with Alexa, as well as Sonos' own voice assistant. The Sonos app provides access to media from major streaming music services like Spotify, as well as podcast apps, and the Libby app (for audiobooks). If you have other Sonos speakers, they can be networked together to play the same media.

The Sonos Era 300 is more powerful but lacks portability

If you don't care about the portable aspects and plan to keep the speaker in the same place most of the time, you can opt for go the Sonos Era 300 for $359 (originally $449). It has better bass, plays Dolby Atmos tracks from Apple Music and Amazon Music, and retains most of the other features as the Sonos Move 2. (Learn more about the Sonos Era 300 from PCMag's "excellent" review.)

Whether you go with the portable Sonos Move 2 or the more powerful Sonos Era 300, you'll be getting a quality smart speaker at its best price since release.

My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: The 5th Generation Apple iPad Air

Apple released a new iPad Pro and iPad Air, among other products and announcements, during its May 7 "Let Loose" event. As is normally the case when newer versions are released, the older ones go down in price. Right now, the 5th generation 256GB iPad Air is $549.99 (originally $749). This iPad Air is the thinnest—and still one of the best—tablets Apple has to offer right now.

This wifi-enabled iPad Air, which PCMag said is "outstanding," was released in 2022. It comes with an M1 system-on-a-chip (SoC), a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, a 12MP front and back camera, as well as Touch ID through the tablet’s power button. It's just a tenth of an inch thinner than the iPad Mini (and matching the 6th generation in thickness) but about twice as heavy as the Mini. Unlike previous iPad Airs, this one offers many of the same features as the 2021 iPad Pro, like the M1 processor and second-gen Apple Pencil support. The iPad Air does fall short compared to the Pro lineup when it comes to the camera, audio, and graphics, but considering it is almost half the price, it may be worth the tradeoff.

My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: PlayStation VR2

The PlayStation VR2 was expensive when it launched in early 2023—and today, it is still expensive. But you can save $100 from its $549.99 listing price from Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy, bringing the current $449 price down to the lowest it has been since its release. The deal comes during Sony's Days of Play sale, where you can also find the PlayStation 5 widely available for $449.99, among other PlayStation deals.

The PlayStation VR2 is exactly what it sounds like: a VR headset for your PS5. It is the second version of the PlayStation VR with big upgrades that justify the $150 price increase, including an improved 2,000 by 2,040 resolution HDR OLED screen, a 110° field of view (that's 10° more than the VR1), pass-through view technology so you can see your play area (and not break your TV), and much-improved PSVR 2 Sense controllers with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that will make your games feel more immersive (the headset also vibrates). The setup is also much easier, with just a USBC cable needed to be plugged into the console. IGN gave the headset an "amazing" 9 out of 10 score on their review.

It's not perfect, though. One of the biggest disappointments is that there is no backward compatibility with the original PlayStation VR, meaning you'll have to buy the same games again to play them on the PlayStation VR2.

Sony has been slowly releasing more games to be compatible with the VR2 headset. Right now, there is a good selection of games available, with more on the way.

My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: PlayStation 5 Slim

The PlayStation 5 Slim has been hard to come by since its release, spurring some shoppers to pay over-market prices from other sellers. But for now, there seems to be ample supply during PlayStation's ongoing Days of Play sale.

Currently, the PlayStation 5 Slim is on sale for $449 (originally $499.99) after a $50 discount from Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. The PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition is also available for $399 (originally $449.99).

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Bundle (Full Game Download Included) - White
PlayStation 5 Slim Console – Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Bundle
$449.99 at PlayStation
$499.99 Save $50.00
PlayStation 5 Slim Console – Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Bundle
$449.99 at PlayStation
$499.99 Save $50.00
1TB Storage and Ultra HD Blu-ray Player.
PlayStation 5 Slim Console
$449.00 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $50.99
PlayStation®5 console (slim)
$449.00 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $50.99
1TB Storage and Ultra HD Blu-ray Player.
PlayStation 5 Slim Console
$449.99 at Walmart
$499.99 Save $50.00
PlayStation®5 console (slim)
$449.99 at Walmart
$499.99 Save $50.00
1TB Storage and Ultra HD Blu-ray Player.
PlayStation 5 Slim Console
$449.99 at Best Buy
$499.99 Save $50.00
PlayStation®5 console (slim)
$449.99 at Best Buy
$499.99 Save $50.00
1TB Storage and Ultra HD Blu-ray Player.
PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition
$399.00 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $50.99
PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition
$399.00 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $50.99
1TB Storage and Ultra HD Blu-ray Player.
PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition
$399.00 at Walmart
$449.99 Save $50.99
PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition
$399.00 at Walmart
$449.99 Save $50.99
1TB Storage and Ultra HD Blu-ray Player.
PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition
$399.99 at Best Buy
$449.99 Save $50.00
PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition
$399.99 at Best Buy
$449.99 Save $50.00

As mentioned, consoles tend to sell out quickly, so keep an eye on stock if you plan to buy, and consider acting quickly. The PlayStation store is the only one offering the PlayStation 5 with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle for $449 at the moment, with Best Buy's supply already running dry. If you're a PlayStation Plus member and you buy the console or a PS VR2 headset through Sony, Sony will include 12 months of Netflix Premium as long as you make the purchase between May 29 and June 12. The offer applies to new and existing Netflix subscribers.

If you already have the older PS5 and are wondering about upgrading to the slim version, keep in mind that it offers more than just a sleeker design (about 30% slimmer, according to IGN's review). The PS5 Slim also has 1TB of internal storage space, which results in an additional 181GB of usable space when compared to the original PS5. This addresses two of the biggest cons of the original PS5: the bulkiness and lack of storage space compared to the Xbox Series X.

The PS5 Slim can be oriented both horizontally and vertically, but if you choose the latter, you'll need a vertical stand, which costs $29.99.

My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose is a recognized name in audio tech and has been making capable active noise canceling headphones since 2016, when the company launched the QuietComfort line of devices. Right now, you can pick up the 2023 model of Bose's QuietComfort headphones for $249, $100 off the original price of $349. This is the lowest price they've reached, according to price-checking tools, making them a good bet if you're looking to get a high performance pair of headphones without spending a fortune.

Bose headphones are often found at the top of any roundup of the best headphones on the market, and have been consistently praised for years. The Bose QuietComfort lineup in particular excels in comfort (hence the name) and ANC. If those are features you're after, these headphones are worth considering, especially at this price point.

Keep in mind that this is the lesser model in the current QuietComfort line. Bose released both the Bose QuietComfort and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra last year. The Ultras are more high-end and include extra functionality, but they retail for $100 more and aren't necessarily the best bet for every user—if you don't care about Bluetooth 5.3 versus 5.1, immersion mode (which allows you to hear the audio as if it is coming from different directions), or other extraneous features, you can save yourself some money and go with the basic Bose QuietComfort.

These headphones can connect to multiple devices at once, so you can seamlessly transition from one device to the next without repairing. They also offer a transparency mode that lets you hear your surroundings while wearing them, a customizable EQ so you can listen to your music how you like it to sound, and an impressive 24 hours of battery life, according to PCMag's "excellent" review." Also worth noting: They have physical buttons rather than touch controls, which will be a plus or a minus, depending on your preferences.

You Can Get a Google Pixel 7 or 7 Pro for up to 56% Off Right Now

With the release of the Google Pixel 8 lineup last fall, the Pixel 7 lineup understandably lost some of its luster. But these are still great phones and very appealing at the right price—and I would argue that Woot has found it.

Until June 1 (or while supplies last), you can get a new, unlocked Google Pixel 7 Pro for more than 50% off its original $899 price, with the 128GB model starting at $399.99. And if you'd rather save some more money over having a fancier camera, the 128GB Google Pixel 7 is $354.99 (originally $599.99) after a 41% discount. (Note that Woot only ships to the 48 contiguous U.S. states in the U.S. If you have Amazon Prime, you get free shipping; otherwise, it’ll be $6.)

During Black Friday, the 256GB Pixel 7 Pro reached $699 on Best Buy and Amazon and later dropped to $599 around Christmas. Now you can get the 256GB version for $439.99, the lowest price I've seen (even cheaper than Amazon). The same goes for the 128GB and 512GB versions. I think 128GB will be enough space for most people, but doubling the storage for $40 is not a bad deal. When the Google Pixel 7 Pro came out in October of 2022, our friends at PCMag named it the best Android phone on the market and gave it an "excellent" rating.

When Google released both of these phones, the Pixel 7 had a strong leg to stand on, with a $300 difference that justified its place. Right now, the difference between both of these phones is $45. The Pixel Pro has a better telephoto camera, better Super Res Zoom, and a larger display with a slightly better refresh rate, as pointed out by Senior Tech Editor Jake Peterson in the head-to-head breakdown of these phones. But if you don't care about those things, spend that $45 on a very nice phone case.

In general, Pixel phones are impressive devices and my personal favorite smartphones. My Pixel 6a is still going strong, though at this price, I'd consider upgrading, were it giving me any problems at all. Alas, I'll have to restrain myself for a while longer: As Google continues to offer even older Pixels security fixes as well as quarterly feature updates (including the "circle to search" capability), my 6a will be well supported for years to come—and the Pixel 7 Pro should last you even longer.

My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: iPad 10th Generation

The iPad Pro and iPad Air came out earlier this month, but the 10th Generation iPad is yet to have its predecessor announced, with only rumors about its release. Back in 2022, when it was released, the 10th Generation iPad was $449, with some limited-time deals dropping the price to $349 earlier this year. Right now, you can get the 64GB Wifi iPad for $299.99 after using the $29.01 on-page coupon, the lowest price it has been since its release (including Black Friday), according to price-checking tools.

The 10th-generation iPad is considered Apple’s entry-level tablet and is one of the best tablets you can buy. It was considered the “best tablet for most people” in 2022, according to PCMag’s “excellent” review. Back then it was not considered a "budget" tablet, given its higher base price when compared to previous models. However, at its current $299.99 price, it's much more affordable and trumps any tablet below the $300 price.

One of the best upgrades this iPad received is its buttonless design, which brings it in line with its higher-end Apple Pro tablet sibling. It measures 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches and includes the latest A14 Bionic chip, a 10.9-inch liquid retina display, 64GB of storage, a 12MP front and back camera, Touch ID, and a battery that Apple promises will last all day.


Recommended iPad accessories:


If you are considering this iPad, useful accessories include the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio, which will make your iPad work like a laptop, and the Apple Pencil USB-C, which will allow you to make the most of your iPad's touchscreen abilities.

My Favorite Memorial Day Sales on Tablets

Today is Memorial Day, and many retailers are offering deals on laptops, TVs, headphones, Bluetooth speakers, smartphones, and tablets. If you want a new tablet, consider these deals on Apple, Samsung, and Amazon Fire devices.

The best Memorial Day sales on an iPad

The iPad Air is one of Apple's best and thinnest iPads (even thinner than the iPad Mini), and it's on sale for its lowest price ever. You can get the 5th generation iPad Air with 64GB of storage for $399.99 (originally $599.99) at Amazon or Best Buy. You'll get an M1 system-on-a-chip (SoC), a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, a 12MP front and back camera, as well as Touch ID through the tablet’s power button. As PCMag described it in its "outstanding" review, the iPad Air offers many of the same features of the iPad Pro, like the M1 processor and second-gen Apple Pencil support.

The best Memorial Day sales on a Galaxy Tab

If you're looking for a budget-friendly Android tablet, consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet. Right now, the 128GB Galaxy Tab A9+ is $209.99 (originally $269.99), the lowest price yet per price-checking tools. This tablet is considered one of the best-value Android tablets by PCMag, which gave it an "excellent" review. This version comes with 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, and an 11-inch LCD screen with 1920 x 1200 resolution.

The best Memorial Day sales on an Amazon Fire tablet

If you really don't want to spend much, Fire Tablets are your best option. The Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet was already well priced at $139.99, but with Amazon's current deal, it drops it to $94.99, a great option if you're looking to stay under $100. You can read more about this Amazon tablet from PCMag's "excellent" review.

My Favorite Memorial Day Sales on Smartphones

Today is Memorial Day, and sales on laptops, TVs, headphones, and smartphones are in full swing. Phone companies will generally have better deals (especially for brand new customers), but if you're looking for an unlocked phone without any strings attached, these are your best bet.

256GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, 200MP, 100x Zoom Cameras, Long Battery Life, S Pen, 2024.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 256GB
$1,237.00 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $62.99
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 256GB Unlocked Phone (Titanium Black)
$1,237.00 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $62.99
256GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, 50MP Camera, Fastest Processor, Long Battery Life, US Version
Samsung Galaxy S24+
$799.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $200.00
Samsung Galaxy S24+
$799.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $200.00
2023, Unlocked, Made for US 8/256GB, 50MP Camera
Motorola Edge
$349.99 at Best Buy
$599.99 Save $250.00
Motorola Edge (2023)
$349.99 at Best Buy
$599.99 Save $250.00
2023, Unlocked, Made for US 6/256GB, 50 MPCamera, Cosmic Black, 162.83x73.77x9.29
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
$249.99 at Amazon Amazon Prime
$399.99 Save $150.00
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
$249.99 at Amazon Amazon Prime
$399.99 Save $150.00
5G Android Phone - Unlocked Smartphone with Telephoto , Wide Angle Lens, and 24-Hour Battery - 128GB
Google Pixel 7 Pro
$399.99 at Woot
$899.00 Save $499.01
Google Pixel 7 Pro's (Unlocked)
$399.99 at Woot
$899.00 Save $499.01

The Samsung Galaxy Ultra and Plus

If you're looking to upgrade to one of the latest Android phones, the Galaxy Ultra and Galaxy Plus are both seeing good deals through multiple retailers. The Galaxy Ultra is a flagship phone with impressive AI features. The best place to get the Galaxy S24 phones is Amazon, where they are currently going for $1,039.99 (originally $1,299.99) for the 256GB Galaxy S24 Ultra and $799.99 (originally $999.99) for the 256GB Galaxy S24+.

If you're looking to trade in any tech products, Best Buy and Samsung are also offering deals on both Galaxy S24 smartphones.

Motorola smartphones starting at $249.99

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G and Motorola Edge are decent budget phones by today's standards, and at their current prices, they're great deals for Android users looking to save money without giving up too much of the "smart" aspects of a smartphone.

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is $249.99 (originally $399.99) for the 256GB version, a great option for those looking for good battery life and like to work with a stylus. You can read more about it in PCMag's review.

If you don't care about a stylus and would prefer a slightly better-performing software at the cost of a shorter battery life, consider the Motorola Edge for $349.99 (originally $599.99) after a 42% discount from Amazon. You can read more about it in PCMag's review.

The best Memorial Day smartphone deal is the Google Pixel 7 Pro

The Google Pixel 7 Pro came out in the fall of 2022 and was considered the best Android phone for its time, according to PCMag's review. In general, Pixel phones are impressive devices and my personal favorite smartphones. (I still use my Pixel 6a without any issues.) Woot is offering the Pixel 7 Pro for an impressive $399.99 (originally $899.99), undercutting Amazon's own Pixel 7 Pro deal, which would otherwise also be a great deal. This is the cheapest I've seen the Pixel 7 Pro and I would personally upgrade if my 6a were exhibiting any signs of giving up. If you're looking for a high-end Android phone for an affordable price, you should take the Pixel 7 Pro, which will be covered by Google's ongoing security updates and Pixel feature updates for years to come.

My Favorite Memorial Day Sales on Wireless Speakers

Memorial Day is here, and many retailers are offering great sales on laptops, TVs, headphones, and Bluetooth speakers. If you need a new speaker to power your summer lounging, consider these Bluetooth-enabled models, ranging from small clip-on portable speakers to ones that can handle an entire house party.

The best Memorial Day sales on portable Bluetooth speakers

The JBL Clip 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a good-looking budget speaker that is perfect for clipping on your hiking backpack without worrying about the weight. The small speaker has a surprising sound, according to PCMag's review, but it won't have great bass. It's on sale for $46.74 (originally $79.95) from Walmart.

Like the JBL Clip 4, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is small and portable, but instead of a clip, it has a flap designed to wrap around bike handlebars (although you can wrap it around a backpack, too). The Stormbox Micro 2 has better bass than the Clip 4, longer battery life, and can sync up with other Tritbit speakers. It's on sale for $42.99 (originally $79.99) after using the $5 on-page coupon on Amazon.

If you're looking for a bigger speaker that is still quite portable, consider the Sony SRS-XB23. It has more of a presence and an Extra Bass setting that delivers solid audio, according to PCMag's review. Like the previous speakers, it is water and dust proof. It's on sale for $89 (originally $129.99).

The best deals on Bluetooth speakers with more oomph

Summer is about vibes, friends, and good music. To keep a house party or backyard gathering going, you'll need a bigger and louder speaker than the ones mentioned so far. Consider these Bluetooth speakers if you plan to host this summer:

  • If you want a JBL but not break the bank: The JBL Charge 5 is powerful for its size, carrying a 10W tweeter and a 30W woofer, according to PCMag's review. Get it for $129.70 (originally $179.95). If you prefer a JBL with a speakerphone, consider the JBL Xtreme 2 for $169.77 (originally $224.95).

  • If you don't mind a quirky design: The Harmon Kardon Onyx Studio 6 is a waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker that looks very different from its competition. You can connect up to two phones at the same time and take turns playing music on the loud 50W speaker, according to PCMag's review. It's on sale for $127.02 (originally $479.95).

  • If you need a loud speaker: The Tribit StormBox Blast is the loudest speaker of the bunch with a 90W output of sound. It's also a stereo speaker with LED lights and an adjustable in-app EQ, according to PCMag's review. It's on sale for $159.99 (originally $199.99) after using the $40 on-page coupon.

My Favorite Memorial Day Sales on Headphones and Earbuds

A bunch of headphones and earbuds are on sale for Memorial Day today, and while there aren't quite as many discounts as we might expect from something like Prime Day, a few of the items I found are at or very close to the lowest price they've ever been after looking at price-checking tools.

The best Memorial Day sale on bone conduction headphones

Bone conduction headphones are great for runs, allowing you to still hear your surroundings. They're also great for swimming and listening to music underwater (or in the shower). The Shokz OpenRun Pro are the best bone conduction headphones you can buy, and they're currently $139.94 (originally $179.95) after a 22% discount.

The best Memorial Day deals on earbuds

  • If you want a good battery life and ANC (active noise canceling): The Soundcore by Anker Space A40 are my favorite budget ANC earbuds, and their charging case gives them 50 hours of battery. They're on sale for $49 (originally $59).

  • If you're looking for workout earbuds: The Soundcore Sport X10 has rotatable hooks to fit securely in your ears while you work up a sweat. They're on sale for $49.99 (originally $79.99).

  • If you have a Galaxy phone: The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 sounds much better if you listen to them with a Galaxy phone, due to the Samsung Seamless codec. They're on sale for $109 (originally $229.99).

  • If you have an iPhone: The Beats Studio Buds come with two years of AppleCare+ and have ANC, Spatial Audio on certain Apple Music tracks, and one-touch pairing for both iOS and Android devices. They're on sale for $108.99 (originally $178.95).

The best Memorial Day deals on headphones

Over-ear headphones can feel more comfortable and offer a more immersive listening experience than earbuds. They're also harder to misplace, given their size, but you won't see many people using them to go on runs, for obvious reasons. Here are some of the best over-ear headphone sales I've found leading up to Memorial Day.

  • If you're a sucker for bass: The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 are my favorite over-ear headphones when I'm in the mood for some serious bass. They're on sale for $129.99 (originally $229.99).

  • If you're looking for the best discount: The Skullcandy Crusher Evo have the best discount after a 55% price drop. They're similar to the Crusher ANC 2 except there is no noise-canceling. They're on sale for $89.99 (originally $199).

  • If you are a stickler for audio: The Sony WH-1000XM4 is one of the best over-ear headphones for quality audio after the newer Sony WH-1000XM5. They're on sale for $248 (originally $349.99).

  • If you want the latest Beats: The Beats Solo 4 just released last month, and are already seeing $50 off their listing price. They're on sale for $149.95 (originally $199.95).

  • If you want the longest battery life: The Edifier WH950NB has great audio, good ANC, and the best battery life of the bunch, with a 55-hour playtime on a single charge. They're on sale for $119.99 (originally $179.99) after using the 20% on-page coupon.

  • If you're an Apple/iPhone loyalist: There's not much to say about the Apple AirPods Max that most people already don't know. They're the best high-end headphones for Apple users (they're also compatible with Android). They're on sale for $449.99 (originally $549).

My Favorite Memorial Day Sales on Laptops

If you're in the market for a new laptop, Memorial Day sales include some good options from HP, Lenovo, Best Buy, Walmart, and other retailers. I've rounded up some of the best laptop deals I've found after looking at price-checking tools and multiple online retailers.

The best Memorial Day laptop sales for under $400

The best laptop deal for a "budget" laptop right now is the Acer Aspire 3 15.6 inch Laptop AMD Ryzen 7 for $359 (originally $499). I put budget in quotes because although this laptop is affordable, it has the specs of a mid-tier/high-end laptop. I've never seen an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and 16GB of RAM on a new laptop for under $400. The 512GB SSD storage is also impressive for its price. The Acer Aspire 3 isn't pretty, and you won't find fancy design details or special features, but it's a no-nonsense laptop perfect for those looking for great performance at a cheap price. You can read more about a weaker AMD Ryzen 3 version from PCMag here.

Best Memorial Day laptop deal under $1,000

It's hard to justify paying $640 more for a laptop with a very similar processor power and the same RAM as the Acer Aspire 3, but the HP Envy 16" Wide Ultra XGA makes a case to do so. For $999.99 (originally $1,499.99), the HP Envy Wide Ultra XGA comes with 1TB of SSD, 2560 by 1600 pixels of resolution, an LED IPS display, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card perfect for people looking to play games. The HP laptop also comes with a backlit keyboard and has a touchscreen. You can read more about the Intel Core i9 version from PCMag's review here.

Another great option is the HP Pavilion Laptop 15t-eg300 for $549.99 (originally $999.99) from the HP website. The graphic card is not as good as the HP Envy, and it comes with half the SSD storage, but it's also almost half the price.

If you can wait until June 18 for your new laptop to arrive, I recommend pre-ordering the new Microsoft Surface Laptop with Copilot+ PC going for $999.99. It also comes with a free 4K Smart TV if you are a paid Best Buy member (it starts at $50 per year, and you can always cancel after the year).

My Favorite Memorial Day Sales on Smart TVs

Amazon Prime Day is quickly approaching, with the two-day sale likely sometime in the second week of July. But if you don't want to wait until then, Memorial Day is another great option to shop for TVs and is, in some ways, better. Prime Day will only have deals from Amazon, but Memorial Day has deals from many retailers, bringing you more options. If you know what you're looking for, it's a great opportunity. I've done all the leg work for you using price-checking tools, reading reviews, and scouring the web to bring you the best TV deals you can find right now.

The best Memorial Day sales on budget TVs

If you're looking for deals on budget TVs, you have a few options. Amazon has Fire TVs as low as $119.99 with the Amazon Fire TV 32" 2-Series (originally $199.99); just keep in mind that TV only goes up to 720p HD resolution. If you want to have 4K, the 43-inch 4-Series starts at $249.99 (originally $369.99). The advantage of Fire TVs is that you can install Kodi on them, which gives you access to stream virtually anything for free.

Another great option for a budget TV is the TCL's 43" Class S4 from Best Buy, which is currently $189.99 (originally $239.99). The TV comes with the Google TV operating system and is 4K as well.

The best Memorial Day sales on mid-tier TVs

For those willing to pay a bit more for a better image, ULED and QLED TVs are great options. The Hisense U6HF Series Fire TV is one of the best options if you still want to keep the price reasonably low, and it's a sweeter deal for NBA fans since it comes with a $50 NBA store gift card. You can get it for its best prices after a 40% discount from Amazon, starting at $299.99 (originally $499.99) for the 50-inch model.

If you want to get as close to an OLED visual experience without the OLED price tag, the Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C TV is a great option. The 55-inch model starts at $997.99 (originally $1,997.99) is at its best price after a 50% discount on Amazon. The QN90C, being a QLED, will give a much brighter experience than an OLED would.

The best Memorial Day sales on high-end TVs

OLED TVs are not cheap, but if you're looking for one, it's because you know what you like and are willing to pay for it. That doesn't mean you can't find good deals on OLED TVs. In fact, one of the best OLED TVs of 2023 is over $1,000 off. The LG C3 65-inch Evo OLED TV is on sale for $1,446.99 (originally $2,499.99) after a 42% discount from Woot. Amazon also has the 77-inch version going for $2,186.99 (originally $3,499.99) after a 37% discount.

If you're not sold, check out Woot's sale with many OLED and QLED TVs—new and refurbished—at steep discounts.

My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: Samsung QN90C Series Smart TV

Amazon's Memorial Day Sale has some good deals on tech products leading up to May 27, including great deals on TVs. If you're looking for a budget TV, the Hisense 50U6HF is a great option (it comes with a free $50 NBA gift card as well), but if you're looking for a more impressive TV, consider the 55-inch Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C TV, currently $997.99 (originally $1,997.99) after a 50% discount on Amazon. The QN90C brings you very close to the picture quality of an OLED TV without the brightness issues or the expensive OLED price tag.

When the Samsung QN90C Series came out in early 2023, reviewers like IGN harshly criticized it for its high price, which makes sense given that it was very close to the price of OLED TVs without having that technology. But a year and some change after its release, the QN90C has dropped to a more realistic price. The 55-inch, in particular, is much cheaper than the other sizes and offers a great deal for anyone looking for more than a budget TV. If you're looking for a TV to watch TVs and shows, the Samsung QN90C excels. But if you're looking for a gaming TV, you might notice local dimming issues as it struggles to figure out how much brightness to deliver when transitioning from dark to bright areas, according to IGN's review.

The QN90C comes with a 3,840 x 2,160 resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, and an incredibly bright screen that reaches 1987.34 nits in the "Filmmaker" mode when watching HDR content. The TV has four HDMI 2.1 and two USB and comes with the Tizen OS interface, meaning you can use the Samsung TV Plus streaming to catch over 350 live TV channels with no need to download or sign up for anything. A nice touch from Samsung also worth noting is that the remote is rechargeable, so you don't need to worry about buying batteries.

My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: Blink Security Cameras

It sounds obvious, but the best time to get security cameras is before your home gets broken into. I recently had a break-in before I could install any security cameras on my new home, and I'm convinced the reason was that I was one of the few homes around the block with no cameras. If your home also doesn't have any cameras, Amazon's Memorial Day sale currently has Blink cameras discounted up to 50% off with bundles designed for those just getting started or people looking to expand on their current system.

When it comes to Blink cameras, you'll need a Sync Module if you want to use local storage instead of paying for cloud storage with the Blink subscription plan. The Sync Module gives you local storage for your videos with a USB stick. Most bundles have the option to include the Sync Module 2 for much cheaper than buying it individually (sometimes for as little as $5 more). The Blink subscription plan starts at $3 monthly for one device and up to $10 for multiple devices. You can learn more about the subscription options here.

The Blink Whole Home Bundle is a good way to get started

The Blink Whole Home Bundle has everything you need to get started with a security camera system, and right now, it's $131.97 (originally $199.97) after a 34% discount. It comes with the Blink Video Doorbell, a Blink Outdoor 4 camera, the new Blink Mini 2, and the Sync Module 2 for local storage. The new Blink Mini 2 also works as an outdoor camera if you get the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter, so you can essentially get two outdoor cameras if you prefer that.

Save with the Blink Outdoor 4 if you already have a security camera system in place

This bundle is great for those who already have the basics (like a doorbell camera) in place and just need more cameras. The Blink Outdoor 4 is a great outdoor wireless camera, and the four-camera bundle is 50% off, so each camera is essentially $42.50 instead of $119. This bundle still includes Sync Module 2, so you'll be able to use local storage if you want to avoid the monthly subscription.

The Apple Watch Series 9 Is $140 Off Right Now

The Apple Watch Series 9 is Apple's second-most expensive watch after the Apple Watch Ultra 2, both released in the fall of 2023—and for a limited time, the Series 9 is discounted to a lower price than it was during Black Friday. The extremely brief sale, via Best Buy (it lasts until May 23, 1 a.m. ET), features the 45mm GPS + Cellular sport loop Series 9 with four free months of Apple Fitness+ for $389 (originally $529) after a $140 discount. This is the lowest price I have seen for the Series 9, after looking at price comparison tools.

Like most tech products, the Apple Watches have a basic model (the SE), a mid-tier model (the Series 9), and a high-end version (the Ultra 2). But the Series 9 has arguably the best bang for your buck, with many premium features and designs, while being closer to the price of the SE than the Ultra 2.

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 were making headlines in January because of the ban on its blood-oxygen feature, which you might not need anyway. If you purchase a Series 9 from Best Buy, you're likely to get them with the blood-oxygen feature—so far, only the Apple store has stopped selling those models (the Best Buy product page still lists the feature as available). There is no indication that Apple will get rid of the feature via software updates for those who already have it or manage to get them from third-party stores before that stock runs out.

Since this is the GPS + Cellular version, you won't need to have your iPhone near your Apple Watch to take calls or send messages; you'll be able to leave your iPhone behind on runs. The aluminum case is cheaper than the stainless-steel model, and the 45mm screen is for those who prefer a bigger screen compared to the 41mm one. You can check out all the watchOS features here and read a full review of the Series 9 over at PCMag.

My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: This Hisense Fire TV

Since April, Hisense TVs have had a promotion with the NBA store where you can get up to $200 in an NBA gift card when you buy a Hisense TV or projector from one of a couple of major retailers. The 50-inch Hisense Class U6HF Series is already seeing one of its best prices after a 40% discount from Amazon, currently $299.99 (originally $499.99). If you're an NBA fan or just like free gift cards, Amazon sweetens the deal by giving you a $50 NBA store gift card with the smart TV. This Hisense model comes with a Fire TV operating system, accurate colors, many features, and offers a solid value for money.

The Hisense 50U6H came out in the summer of 2022 with an "excellent" review from PCMag (they reviewed the Google version). One of the highlights of this TV is the great picture it gives for its price and the excellent color performance, although the 19,608:1 contrast is likely where Hisense made cuts for this TV. The 50U6H is an LED panel TV with 3,840 by 2,160 resolution, HDMI, USB, Composite, and RF video inputs, four HMDI ports, and 588.25 nits of brightness. Don't expect to play competitive video games with a 60 Hz and a 11.1 ms input lag though. This TV is made for streaming TV, and one of my favorite things about Fire TVs is that you can install Kodi on them, which gives you access to stream virtually anything for free. For the price, you're getting one of the best values for your money with this model.

Once you buy the TV, go to this offer redemption page on the Hisense site, select Amazon, then choose the 50U6H. You will need to provide your purchase information within 30 days of your purchase. Once you do, you will receive your gift card within 72 hours at the email you used for your purchase claim.

Best Buy Will Give You a Free TV When You Preorder a Microsoft Surface Device

This week, Microsoft unveiled a new lineup of Surface computers included in its Copilot+ PC Windows AI lineup, which Microsoft claims are faster than the new M3 MacBooks. Whether or not those results are born out by real world testing, the devices are up for preorder now, and one preorder deal in particular looks pretty good.

The new Surface lineup includes the Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC and the Surface Pro Copilot+ PC, both starting at $999.99. Best Buy immediately dropped a pre-order deal for all Copilot+ devices, announcing in a press release that My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members can get a free 50-inch 4K Smart TV when pre-ordering one of the AI-capable devices.

While the Best Buy preorder deal applies to any of the new Copilot+ PC devices, the new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro are arguably the most interesting new announcements. Both Surface devices run the Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips and come with all the Copilot+ PC perks, and you can choose whether to go for the laptop or the convertible laptop/tablet device.

Here is how Senior Tech Editor Jake Peterson described the Surface Laptop:

The Surface Laptop has a new design with thinner bezels and a haptic touchpad, and comes in either a 13.8-inch display, or a 15-inch display, both with 120Hz refresh rates. Microsoft says this machine gets up to 20 hours of local video playback (not streaming, mind you) on the 13.8-inch, and 22 hours on the 15.8-inch, and supports Wi-Fi 7. As its name implies, this is a laptop, so while it has a touchscreen, it's not detachable. It's available for pre-order now, and starts at $999.99 (13.8-inch) and $1,299.99 (15-inch). If you want the Snapdragon X Elite on the 13.8-inch, that'll increase the price to $1,399.99, making it $100 more than the 15-inch that comes with the Elite already.

This is what Jake had to say about the Surface Pro:

If you're looking for a machine with a detachable tablet, that's the Surface Pro. The latest 2-in-1 Surface comes in an optional 13-inch OLED configuration, with an ultrawide camera, two USB-4 ports, Wi-Fi 7, and support for outputting to up to three external 4K displays. Notably, you can actually replace many of the parts of the Surface Pro, including the motherboard, battery, and cameras. (What year is this?) Finally, the new Surface Flex Keyboard actually works while detached, so you don't need to physically connect it to the display in order to type.

The free 50-inch Insignia Class F30 Series 4K Fire TV that comes with the computers usually goes for $299.99. Considering the most basic paid Best Buy membership is $49.99 per year, this deal is well worth it, provided you need a new TV. You will get other perks, including extra discounts on their Drops sales, and you can always cancel your membership after the year.

The New Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Drops to $160

When it comes to the best Android tablets, Samsung's Galaxy Tab series has some of the best in class for many categories. The S9, S8, and S6 Lite series have great options for budget, midrange, and high-end tablets. But if there is one Android tablet that is best value for your money and considered "budget," it's the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet. Right now, the Galaxy Tab A9+ starts at $159.99 (originally $219.99) after a $60 discount from Samsung's summer sale leading up to Memorial Day, bringing it down to its lowest price yet per price checking tools.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is considered one of the best-value Android tablets by PCMag, who gave it an "excellent" review. They named it their Editor's Choice for the best affordable Android tablet for its low price, large 11-inch screen, expandable storage, good performance, and ability to handle productivity tasks smoothly with Samsung's software aids. This Samsung tablet came out in 2023 and starts with 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, and an 11-inch LCD screen with 1920 x 1200 resolution. You can get the 128 GB storage version for $209.99 (originally $269.99). Both versions have a 5MP front-facing camera and an 8MP on the back.

Most people will probably want more than the 64 GB of storage that the base model offers. If you already have storage at home, keep in mind that the tablet has a microSD slot for expandable storage. The battery will last for around seven hours of use, which isn't impressive, but for a budget tablet, it's expected.

My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: Amazon Kindle Scribe

When it comes to e-readers designed for note-taking, there isn't a lot of strong, reputable competition. The Kindle Scribe is not the first of its kind (the first Onyx Boox Note Air launched in 2020), yet it remains one of the most recognizable names in its category. And right now, the 16 GB Kindle Scribe is seeing its best price, $239.99 (originally $339.99), after a $100 discount. This is the lowest price this device has been, according to price-checking tools.

The Amazon Kindle Scribe is great for those who like the Kindle Paperwhite but want to be able to take handwritten notes. As our Joshua Hawkins said in his review for Lifehacker, the Kindle Scribe is one of the best e-readers available right now. It has the same features as the Paperwhite but can take notes with the included stylus, has an auto-adjusting light, and supports wireless charging. The screen is big (10.2 inches) and can be awkward to handle with one hand, according to PCMag's "excellent" review. Unlike the Paperwhite, though, it isn't waterproof.

Though it supports note-taking, don't confuse the Kindle Scribe for an electronic sketch book. It can definitely be a great doodling device, but it lacks many of the tools and features you can find on a device like the iPad. Its high battery life and simple functionality is what sets it apart. The big matte screen is perfect for reading comics or manga, and you can read files in DOC, EPUB, HTML, MOBI, PDF, RTF, and TXT text formats, as well as BMP, GIF, JPG, and PNG image formats. The note-taking aspect doesn't lag between contact from the stylus and the screen, offering a smooth note-taking experience.

Apple Just Raised the Trade-in Value for Your iPhone

Apple wants you to upgrade your old iPhone and is willing to give you a bit more trade-in credit to convince you to do so. Until June 3, the Apple Store (both online and physical locations) is offering more money in trade-in value for your old iPhone when you trade it in for a newer iPhone.

The promotion applies to the iPhone 11 and newer, but Apple continues to accept the iPhone 7 Plus or newer for the usual trade-in value. The other thing to note is that you don't need to get the latest iPhone 15 to trigger the credit boost for trade-ins; you just need to get a newer iPhone than the one you're selling.

Although Apple has published the higher values for trade-in credit (anywhere from $10 to $30 more), the ultimate amount Apple offers you will depend on the condition of your phone. You get a preliminary amount when you answer some questions about your device, and Apple will issue you the credit once they receive the device and confirm the description of its quality is accurate.

Here is how much you can get for your iPhone right now:

Remember that the boosted credit only kicks in if you are using the credit to upgrade to a newer iPhone. Also, even with the boost, you may be able to find a better trade-in value for your iPhone from third-party retailers like Back Market. Before you finalize the trade-in through Apple, do a quick check with other retailers to see if you could get more money elsewhere.

My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: 13-inch M3 Apple MacBook Air

The new lineup of M3 MacBook Air laptops launched this March and, surprisingly, have seen discounts since their release. As is typical for Apple products, though, the discounts haven't been revolutionary: Most have been $50 here or $100 there. The latest discount for the basic M3 MacBook Air, however, is the steepest one yet. You can get the 13-inch MacBook Air laptop with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage for $949 (originally $1,099) after a $149 discount on Amazon. (You must click the $49.01 on-page discount.) This is the lowest price this MacBook has been since its release, according to price-checking tools.

The MacBook Pro lineup is also discounted up to $300 if you're looking for the best Apple laptop your money can buy right now. But if you're just looking for something to do your everyday work, go to school, or for personal use, the MacBook Air is a great choice and will save you a lot of money. All MacBook Airs, including the M2 and M1 chips, are also seeing good discounts right now, but if you can afford the extra $100 to upgrade from the M2 to the M3, you'll be getting a much better value for your money.

According to Lifehacker tech writer Khamosh Pathak, the M3 chips have almost double the read speeds of the M2 and 33% faster write speeds. If you're not sure if it's worth upgrading from the M2 or are undecided about which one to get, you can read our breakdown of choosing between the M2 and M3. One of the best advantages of getting the M3 is the dual monitor support that the M3 MacBook Air now has, a feature that only used to come from the MacBook Pro lineup. The current discount is available for all four colors of the MacBook Air.

❌