Arguably the pick of Saturday’s fixtures in the English Premier League sees two in-form sides go head-to-head at Anfield, with European aspirations for Liverpool and Aston Villa at stake.
The hosts will be hoping to keep their slender hopes of catching arch rivals Man United alive as the fifth-placed Reds look to claim the final Champions League qualification spot. Jürgen Klopp’s men are on a superb late season run of seven consecutive wins.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, find themselves in eighth place in the Premier League standings, and will be looking to cap off their resurgence under Unai Emery by claiming a Europa League spot ahead of Brighton and Spurs.
The match will see longtime Liverpool stars Roberto Firmino and James Milner bid emotional farewells to Anfield in what is set to be both players’ final home games for the Merseyside club.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game live wherever you are in the world.
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp won’t be on the bench after he was hit with a two-match touchline ban plus a 75,000 fine for comments he made about referee Paul Tierney.
Tim Goode/PA Images/Getty Images
Liverpool vs. Aston Villa: When and where?
Liverpool host Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday, May 20. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. BST local time in the UK (10 a.m. ET, 7 a.m. PT in the US, and at 1 a.m. AEST on Sunday, May. 21 in Australia).
How to watch the Liverpool vs. Aston Villa game online from anywhere using a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view the game locally, you may need a different way to watch the game — that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it’s also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.
With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.
Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.
Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 per month, and you can sign up for ExpressVPN and save 49% plus get three months of access for free — the equivalent of $6.67 per month — if you get an annual subscription.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Livestream the Liverpool vs. Aston Villa game in the US
This EPL fixture is streaming on Peacock. You’ll need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus account to catch the game live.
NBC’s streaming service Peacock offers access to plenty of Premier League soccer throughout the season. You’ll need to be signed up with a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus account to stream games live. For a limited time, you can sign up for Peacock Premium at a 60% discount, dropping the monthly cost as low as $2 (or even less with an annual account).
Livestream the Liverpool vs. Aston Villa game in the UK
No broadcaster has the rights to show this game live in the UK, due to the traditional Saturday 3 p.m. kick-off blackout, which prohibits matches being shown in the region at that time in order to protect attendances throughout the English football pyramid.
That also means that if you’re in the UK traveling for pleasure or for work, you’re unlikely to be able to watch the game like you normally would at home thanks to geo-blocking.
There is one option to get around this, however. By using a VPN, as explained above, you can set your location to a country where the match is being broadcast and go from there.
Livestream the Liverpool vs. Aston Villa game in Canada
If you want to stream this EPL clash live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to FuboTV Canada. The service has exclusive rights to this Premier League season.
FuboTV is the go-to destination for Canadians looking to watch the Premier League this season with exclusive streaming rights to every game. It costs CA$25 per month, though you can save some cash by paying quarterly or annually.
Livestream the Liverpool vs. Aston Villa game in Australia
Football fans Down Under can watch this EPL fixture on streaming service Optus Sport, which is showing every single Premier League game live in Australia this season.
With exclusive rights to screen every EPL match live this season, as well as German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga games, streaming service Optus Sport is a particularly big draw for Aussie soccer fans.
If you’re already an Optus network customer you can bag Optus Sport for a reduced price, with discounts bringing the price down to as low as AU$7 per month. If you’re not, a standalone monthly subscription to the service starts at AU$25.
Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming EPL matches may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
If you’re looking for productivity tools, it’s difficult to match the Microsoft Office suite of apps. Office is the industry standard when it comes to word processing, spreadsheets, mail and more — and it’s used by businesses, schools and individuals around the world, making it an essential part of most people’s lives at one time or another. You’ve probably used Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook before, but Office apps aren’t always included with computer purchases, and getting access on your own can carry a hefty price tag.
There is technically a barebones freebie version of Office out there, but assuming that basic version of Office won’t work for you (see below), your options essentially come down to paying a rolling monthly or yearly fee for a Microsoft 365 subscription or opting instead for a one-time Office license with the full panoply of apps, which typically costs as much as $430. But right now, StackSocial is offering a Microsoft Office 2021 license for just $30. That’s around 86% off its usual price. Better yet, this license, which is available for either Windows or Mac, is a one-time purchase that grants you unlimited access with no recurring charges.
Now, a deal this good comes with some caveats. First, this key is good only for a single computer, so you won’t be able to install it on various machines in your home, and if your current computer happens to die, you could run into a snag when trying to transfer it. Likewise, you’re passing up on other benefits you’d get as a 365 subscriber. You won’t get any OneDrive Cloud Storage, nor will you get the fancy new cloud-based AI features like Microsoft Copilot. And while the apps should continue to work as long as your computer does, Microsoft’s support for this version of Office ends on Oct. 13, 2026.
To that last point: Though this is listed as a “lifetime license” — that is, the lifetime of the computer you installed it on — it’s worth noting there’s always a risk that Microsoft could terminate the license. But versions of Stack’s deal have been running for more than a year — the one we bought in early 2022, for instance, still works fine. At this cost, it takes a little over four months for you to get a full return on the investment compared with buying the subscription, so the risk factor isn’t super high here.
Kentucky Derby winner Mage could take a step closer to legendary status on Saturday, as the Gustavo Delgado trained horse lines up in the Preakness Stakes.
A fortnight on from triumphing at Churchill Downs, the chestnut colt is a confirmed runner at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, keeping alive hopes of his historic pursuit of horse racing’s Triple Crown.
Those hopes have increased with the news that First Mission, widely thought to be his biggest challenger, was ruled out of action on Friday thanks to a left hind ankle injury, with the Bob Baffert-trained National Treasure now set to be the main position in the seven-horse field.
The 2023 Preakness Stakes takes place today and will be broadcast on NBC. Here’s how you can watch live, no matter where you are in the world.
Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post/Getty Images
When does the Preakness Stakes start?
The Preakness Stakes takes place today, May 20. TV coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET onCNBC and Peacock before moving to NBC from 4:30 p.m. ET.
Post time is set for approximately 6:50 p.m. ET (3:50 p.m. PT) — that’s a 11:50 p.m. BST start on Saturday night in the UK and 8:50 a.m. AEST on Sunday morning for those watching live in Australia.
How can I watch the Preakness Stakes on TV in the US?
If you don’t have cable, you still have plenty of options. The least expensive that doesn’t require streaming is to connect an over-the-air antenna to your TV and watch your local NBC station.
If you’re streaming on a PC, phone or tablet you can watch on NBCSports.com, Peacock Premium or the NBC Sports app.
You could also check out a live TV streaming service, all of which offer free trials. Not every service carries your local NBC station, however, so check the links below to make sure.
Peacock, owned by NBC, offers some live sports to go along with its on-demand entertainment. The $5-a-month tier gives you access to the Preakness Stakes, English Premier League soccer, the Olympics, Sunday Night Football, select WWE events, Indy Car races and some PGA golf tournaments. The service also airs a few other less popular sports, such as rugby, figure skating, track and field and cycling.
YouTube TV costs $65 a month for the first three months for new customers and $73 a month thereafter, and includes NBC in most markets. Plug in your ZIP code on its welcome page to see which local networks are available in your region.
Hulu with Live TV costs $70 a month and includes NBC in most markets. Click the “View channels in your area” link on its welcome page to see which local channels are offered in your ZIP code.
DirecTV Stream’s $75-a-month Plus package includes NBC in most markets. You can use its channel lookup tool to see which local channels are available where you live.
How to watch the Preakness Stakes 2023 online from anywhere using a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view the Preakness Stakes locally, you may need a different way to watch the race — that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it’s also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.
With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.
Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.
Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 per month, and you can sign up for ExpressVPN and save 49% plus get three months of access for free — the equivalent of $6.67 per month — if you get an annual subscription.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Livestream the Preakness Stakes 2023 in the UK
Horse racing fans in the UK can watch all of the action live from Maryland via Sky and its At The Races channel. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the Preakness Stakes via its Sky Go app, but cord-cutters will want to get set up with a Now account, and a Now Sports membership, to stream the race.
Sky subsidiary Now (formerly Now TV) offers streaming access to Sky Sports channels with a Now Sports membership. You can get a day of access for 12, or sign up to a monthly plan from 25 per month right now.
Can I livestream the Preakness Stakes in Canada?
While TSN has been the long-term broadcaster of the Preakness Stakes across the border, this year’s event isn’t currently on the network’s schedule.
Livestream the Preakness Stakes in Australia
Racing fans Down Under can watch this year’s event on ESPN via Foxtel. If you’re not a Fox subscriber, your best option is to sign up to streaming service Kayo Sports.
A Kayo Sports subscription starts at AU$25 a month and lets you stream on one screen, while its Premium tier costs AU$35 a month for simultaneous viewing on up to three devices.
The service gives you access to a wide range of sports including F1, NRL, NFL, F1, NHL and MLB, and there are no lock-in contracts.
Better still, if you’re a new customer, you can take advantage of a one-week Kayo Sports free trial.
Quick tips for streaming the Preakness Stakes 2023 using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming the race may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
Having a set of noise-canceling earbuds makes it easy to immerse yourself in your favorite content throughout the day, whether you’re trying to focus, workout or just stay entertained on your commute. While the Jabra Elite 85t were released in 2020, they offer quality sound and adjustable noise cancellation, making them a solid option for a lot of people who don’t want to pay top dollar for the latest models. Right now you can save $100 on Jabra Elite 85t earbuds, dropping the price to $130. Just use code SAVE85T at checkout to get the savings. We don’t know how long this offer will last, so we recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later.
The Elite 85t has 12mm drivers that deliver a stronger bass sound than a lot of the competition. Plus, they offer active noise canceling and a HearThrough setting so you can stay aware of your surroundings. They also have six-microphones and wind protection that should reduce noise and maintain a decent call quality wherever the day takes you. They’re IPX4-rated dust- and water-resistant, too. As for battery life, you’ll get up to 5.5 hours of playback on a single charge when using ANC, and up to 25 hours of battery with the included wireless charging case. And for those who prefer buds that can connect to more than one device, these do offer multipoint Bluetooth pairing. At this price, they’re a solid deal.
If you’re looking for an even cheaper pair of budget-friendly earbuds, we’ve rounded up several options for under $100.
Stellar sound and very good noise canceling with improved fit
Good battery life
Can pair with three devices simultaneously
LDAC audio codec support for Android devices
Don’t like
Pricey
Voice-calling performance is decent but could be slightly better
At the time I’m writing this review, Sony is gearing up to release its rumored and much-anticipated WF-1000XM5 earbuds, the follow-up to its excellent XM4s that earned a CNET Editors’ Choice in 2021. Those upcoming Sony buds — presumably dubbed the WF-1000XM5s — are considered the odds-on-favorite to be the top earbuds for 2023. But wait! Another Japanese company, Panasonic, has released a surprise contender, the EAH-AZ80, under its flagship Technics brand. These are next-generation earbuds that not only sound terrific but feature very good noise canceling in a more ergonomic design. They’re available in two color options — black or silver — and carry a list price of $300.
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the EAH-AZ80s have just about everything you’d want in a set of earbuds, including wireless charging, support for Sony’s higher-resolution LDAC audio codec for Android and other devices that support it and the ability to pair with up to three devices simultaneously (Panasonic says this is an “industry first” for multipoint pairing). But more on all that in a minute. Let me start with my one small gripe, which may not apply to you — and your ears — but could impact some people.
Panasonic learned something from its previous earbuds, which included the EAH-AZ70W that I reviewed favorably back in 2020. Due to their shape, they didn’t quite nestle in my ears as well as they probably should have and some people complained that they put pressure on certain parts of their ears after using them, for a little while. That’s changed with this model as Panasonic has revised its design to betterconform to the natural shape of your ear, particularly that part of the ear called the concha.
The EAH-AZ80s now nestle in my ears better, fitting more comfortably and securely. My only issue was that I was sort of in between a large and extra-large ear tip — six sizes are included — and the shape of the ear tip wasn’t quite perfectly suited to my ears (I had the same issue with Sony’s WF-1000XM4 buds). I was able to get a tight seal, but the more compact AirPods Pro 2 and new Beats Studio Buds Plus fit a little more comfortably.
The EAH-AZ80s nestle better in your ears than their predecessors.
David Carnoy/CNET
Since I review so many earbuds, I’ve got a lot of extra ear tips, so I went in search of a better fit and eventually found a set of tips from my collection that worked a little better. The majority of people probably aren’t going to have my problem, but somewhat beefier buds like Sony’s WF-1000XM4 and Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 3 can pose a fit challenge for some people. The EAH-AZ80 aren’t overly weighty for high-performance earbuds but they do weigh 7 grams per bud or just 0.3-gram less than the Sony WF-1000XM4s. They seem fairly sturdy — I dropped a bud onto the pavement as I was walking my dog — and are IPX4 splash-proof so you can run with them (they did stay in my ears while I ran with them, but that may not be the case for everybody).
I thought the touch controls were quite responsive and worked well. You can customize what your taps (or taps and holds) do in the Technics Audio Connect app for iOS and Android, which does offer a wealth of settings options, not so unlike Sony’s Headphones app.
Impressive sound
I praised Technics’ earlier earbuds for featuring very good sound quality. But the EAH-AZ80s take it up a notch on the sound front and are right up there with the very best-sounding earbuds, including the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2. These buds don’t feature dual drivers like the Bowers & Wilkins’ buds do, but Panasonic says they have a new 10mm driver with a “free-edge aluminum diaphragm that delivers the greatest sound quality ever from Technics’ true wireless earbuds, extending high and low frequency response while reducing unwanted resonance and distortion.”
Both the buds and case have a premium look to them.
David Carnoy/CNET
The clarity and depth to the sound is impressive, and I noticed a slight boost in sound quality when I paired them with a Pixel 7 Pro with LDAC support and a streaming service like Qobuz that serves up high-resolution audio tracks. They also sound excellent with an iPhone 14 Pro, which uses the AAC audio codec, though Qobuz does sound better than Spotify. Note that you have to activate LDAC in Technics Audio Connect app to use that audio codec on Android and other devices that support it.
They lack that extra bit of bass extension that high-end wired earbuds offer, including Panasonic’s own Technics EAH-TZ700 in-ear monitors ($1,200), but for wireless earbuds, they deliver a premium audio experience that measures up to pretty much everything that’s out there in this price range and even higher. You get a lot of earbuds that sound very good for their size, including the AirPods Pro 2, but fewer that feature the accurate sound with extra clarity and three-dimensionality that you expect from pricey headphones.
These are the type of earbuds that allow you to distinguish separate instruments, even in complicated tracks where instruments get mushed together when listening to lesser Bluetooth headphones. Singers’ voices sound natural, there’s good sparkle to the treble (with no sibilance), and the bass is tight. They don’t have quite as much bass energy as the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 but you can kick up the low-end a bit with the bass or superbass boost settings in the Technics Audio Connect app if bass is your thing. (I test bass with tracks like Spoon’s Knock Knock Knock, Athletes of God’s Don’t Want To Be Normal, Orbital’s Dirty Rat and sometimes throw in Taylor Swift’s Vigilante Shit for good measure, because my kids tell me she’s kind of popular.)
Beyond the handful of preset EQ modes in the app, you can also create your own custom equalizer setting. I mainly stuck with the default signature sound setting because it sounded just fine.
Note that Panasonic has also released a new step-down model to the EAH-AZ80 called the EAH-AX60M2. They feature the same features as the EAH-AZ80 but have smaller 8mm drivers and are missing the ergonomic design upgrade found on the step-up model. I have not tried them yet, but they list for $50 less and I suspect will be discounted to less than $200 in the not-so-distant future. I’d personally advise you to pay the extra money for the EAH-AZ80 buds.
The buds’ new design conforms to the natural shape of your ear.
David Carnoy/CNET
Upgraded noise canceling and improved voice-calling
When it comes to noise-canceling for earbuds, Bose and Sony are at the top, with Apple nipping at their heels. It’s always really hard to say which company’s noise canceling is better — or best — but the EAH-AZ80 features excellent noise canceling with a couple of ambient sound modes (Apple calls it a transparency mode) that lets ambient sound in and allows you to hear the outside world.
I spent a few days commuting on foot in the streets of New York and the buds reduced what seemed like about 85% of the noise around me. Some higher pitched frequencies leaked in (I could hear people’s muffled voices) but traffic noise was muted to a nice degree, as was the rumble of trains in the New York City subway. I don’t think these are quite on the level of the Bose QuietComfort 2 earbuds, the current gold standard for noise canceling, but they seemed right there with Sony WF-1000XM4 and AirPods Pro 2 in terms of their noise muffling capabilities. (I am assuming Sony will raise its noise-canceling game with the arrival of the XM5s, however.)
In the app for iOS and Android, you’ll find a noise-canceling optimizer option that you can engage (I ended up jacking it up to the Max setting whenever I was outside). There’s also an option in the app to run a test to hear how much background noise is being reduced while you’re making a call. Also, you can opt for a “normal” noise reduction setting and a “strong” noise-reduction setting (at the strong setting your voice quality suffers a bit).
The Technics EAH-AZ80 is shown in black.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
Panasonic says its improved JustMyVoice technology “uses eight high-sensitivity MEMS mics, a sensitive voice detection signal, and surrounding noise suppression to capture and transmit your voice clearly.” Callers told me they could hear my voice clearly at the “normal” noise reduction setting but also heard a fair amount of background noise, especially when I spoke. At the “strong” setting, background noise was greatly reduced but I sounded like I was in a tunnel, callers said (I could hear them just fine). I had two people tell me they thought the call quality was reasonably good but not up to what you get with new Beats Studio Buds Plus and AirPods Pro 2. (I did one firmware upgrade already but we may see more as Panasonic tweaks features and performance).
With the AirPods Pro 2, Apple’s transparency mode is on or off and automatically adjusts to the world around you. With these buds, you can manually adjust transparency levels in the app — I found the mode sounded most natural (most like not having earbuds in my ears) when I set it at around 50%. There’s also an Attention mode that you can toggle on, which emphasizes voices so you can hear people talking better in noisier environments.
As I said, the one unique feature is the enhanced multipoint pairing that allows you to pair three devices simultaneously — say a computer, smartphone and tablet. The one caveat is that if you use the LDAC audio codec, you can only connect two devices simultaneously, and it’s really best to have the buds paired to a single device if using LDAC for optimal bandwidth (you make your multipoint/LDAC selection in the app).
While battery life is rated for up to 7 hours playback with ANC on (at 50% volume), I got closer to 6 hours because I play my music at closer to 70% volume. You get a little more than three extra charges from the charging case, which, as noted, can be charged wirelessly or via USB-C. There’s also a quick charge feature that gives you 70 minutes of playback from a 10-minute charge.
Technics EAH-AZ80 final thoughts
One should expect a lot from earbuds that cost $300 — and yes, that’s still a lot to pay for headphones, even if plenty of people seem to be willing to pay upwards of $450 for the likes of Apple’s AirPods Max headphones. Overall, Panasonic has done a nice job of creating an all-around top-performing set of buds that offer an improved fit with excellent sound, very good noise-canceling and a robust feature set.
Voice-calling capabilities are decent but don’t quite live up to their billing (yet). Hopefully we’ll see some firmware upgrades that improve the voice-calling experience in noisier environments. Despite that caveat, as long as they fit your ears well, the Technics EAH-AZ80 are right up there with the best wireless earbuds on the market right now.
Modern laptops and tablets may be great for those on the move, but you just can’t beat the power and efficiency of a desktop computer. Only one-fifth of computerssold these days are desktops, but once you see what the right desktop has to offer, you’ll realize they’re worth considering.
The best feature of most desktop PCs is their upgradability and longevity. Not only are desktops built more solidly, but they suffer far less wear and tear than a conventional laptop. You can often get a decent bit more power and expandability than you could from a laptop, including higher-end graphics cards and more storage options. That processor power and storage potential are particularly crucial if you’re planning to use your personal computer as a gaming PC or a graphics-editing powerhouse.
A desktop computer is generally going to come in the form of either a tower or an all-in-one (with an integrated screen), though there are smaller designs (sometimes called “small form factor PCs”) like the Mac Mini for tighter spaces.
Though laptops still occupy the majority of our editors’ time and effort with CNET’s hands-on reviews, we’ve rounded up recent products to bring you our top desktop computer options, listed below. This list starts with models we’ve tested, and then moves on to more general configuration suggestions that we haven’t specifically tested, but the specs listed should deliver considerable value for the price, based on our experience with similarly configured PCs.
Unless otherwise indicated, the products listed below don’t include a monitor, keyboard, mouse or webcam. You’ll need to bring your own or buy them separately. We’ll update this best desktop computer list periodically.
Desktop PCs: Tested and recommended
These are the best desktop PC models that we’ve recently tested and can recommend based on our hands-on experience.
Now available in a new, more powerful version, the Mac Mini desktop is one of Apple’s longest-standing product lines, dating back to 2005 (in a pre-Intel version), a year before the first MacBook. All these years later, it retains the same basic shape and appeals to much of the same audience. Unlike Apple’s MacBook Pro and Air laptops, or the iMac desktop, the Mini is designed to work behind the scenes, fitting into small spaces and pairing with your choice of display and input devices.
At $599 ( 649, AU$999) to start, the Mini remains the least expensive way to get a MacOS computer by a large margin. The relatively ancient M1 MacBook Air from 2020 is the closest competitor price-wise, at $999. The M2 Pro version of the Mac Mini starts at $1,299.
While we like all-in-ones for their convenience, they’re not easy to upgrade, if they can be at all. Dell’s XPS Desktop is compact and quiet enough for a small workspace but can be loaded with a 12th-gen Core i9 processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics card, up to 64GB of memory and 4TB of storage — and there’s still room inside for more. And if you have modest needs now, but want the room to add in components down the road, the base XPS starts at under $800. However, if you do plan to upgrade down the road, spend a little extra for its 750- or 1,000-watt power supply. Want to spend a bit less? Check out the more affordable desktop computer options recommended further down the page.
Both Apple and Microsoft have discontinued their bigger-screen all-in-one desktops, so as one of the sole remaining premium big-screen options (as far as I can tell), the HP Envy 34 AIO is almost the best choice in that class by default.
It’s a fine system with a nice 34-inch display and some useful features, like a magnetically attachable webcam and Qi charging pad in the base, although you’re paying for pretty and not for performance (but it does have a laptop-version Nvidia 3060 GPU). We like the HP Envy 34 AIO, and it certainly feels like a nice home or traditional office system for people who need big screens in a small space.
Introduced in 2021, this fully redesigned iMac is still Apple’s current go-to all-in-one (note that the larger 27-inch iMac has been discontinued as of March 2022). It’s built on the same M1 chip found in many of Apple’s computers, with a gorgeous 24-inch screen replacing the previous 21.5-inch version. The 1080p webcam is a big upgrade, and the rainbow of available colors — hearkening back to the 1999 iMac G3 — is a welcome addition. Just be prepared to spend up for the myriad storage and accessory upgrades.
If you’re dissatisfied with the lack of configuration options available for prebuilt gaming desktops, going with a custom builder is the best way to sate your appetite. The $5,000-plus price of this custom-configured system fully decked out is too rich for, well, most people’s blood. And many people don’t need everything maxed out, even for gaming. But you can get reasonable configurations for about half the price of my evaluation unit.
Origin PC builds good, solid systems. Unless you’re looking for something dirt cheap, you’ll be able to put together something you like at a price you tolerate.
The Mac Pro has long been the top dog in Apple’s computer lineup, but the current version is an aging Intel model that starts at a whopping $5,000. By comparison, the new-for-2022 Mac Studio is powered by the latest, greatest Apple silicon chips — the M1 Max or M1 Ultra — and starts at less than half that price. It’s basically a Mac Mini on steroids, and — for anyone who doesn’t want to wait for the eventual Mac Pro revision — it’s your best bet for running creative-centric Mac apps, including animation, graphics, video-editing and audio-editing software.
Compact all-in-one desktops make good centralized family computers. The HP Chromebase takes it a step further by pairing one with the simple and secure Chrome OS — the same operating system found on the Chromebooks your kids are probably using at school. With a 21.5-inch touchscreen attached to a gray fabric-covered base, the desktop looks like a supersized version of Google’s own Nest Hub smart display (and with Google Assistant baked in, you can use it like one, too). Inside, though, is up to an Intel Core i3-10110U processor, up to 16GB of memory and up to a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD. The full-HD display even rotates vertically, perfect for viewing vertical videos, following recipes or scrolling your favorite sites.
We haven’t reviewed the specific models below, but we have reviewed systems using very similar hardware. These general configurations should serve you well, especially if you shop around for frequent deals.
Basic Windows PC tower (starting around $620)
The specs we’d suggest for a basic Windows 11 machine:
Intel Core i5 (12th or 13th-gen) or AMD Ryzen 5 (3000 or 5000 series)
Default integrated graphics (such as Intel UHD or Iris or baseline AMD Radeon)
512GB or larger NVMe SSD drive
16GB of RAM or more
Four or more USB 3.1 or 3.2 ports with USB-C and USB-A formats (at least one or two on the front)
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless
At least one PCI-E (x16) expansion slot (for adding a video card)
Optional: DVD or Blu-ray optical drive (only if you need it for legacy software or media)
With those specs in mind, you should be able to find a good PC tower from brands like Dell, Acer, Asus or HP for between $500 and $600. Here are some that fit the bill, offering a great bang for the buck if you don’t need a laptop:
Acer Aspire TC-895-UA92 (under $650) Aside from a slightly older 10th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU, this configuration otherwise includes everything listed above, along with Wi-Fi 6 compatibility and a keyboard and mouse, too.
PC tower for light gaming and creative duties (starting around $900)
Want to do some PC gaming, or do you spend time editing photos or video? You’ll want to level up the preceding configuration with more RAM and better graphics options. Expect price points to be between $800 and $1,200 — and even higher if you go for a more bleeding-edge video card.
Nvidia GTX/RTX or AMD Radeon RX graphics card (GPU)
16GB of RAM or more
350-watt (or more) power supply
Looking for a gaming computer with more muscle? Check out our list of best gaming PCs.
HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop (under $1,000) This HP rig boasts an 11th-generation and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU and 16GB of RAM.
An “all-in-one PC” (also known as AIO PC) is basically a Windows version of an iMac. That means the PC “guts” are essentially built into a monitor or its base. Unlike the PC towers listed above, all-in-ones generally offer no ability to upgrade the graphics card, and maybe not even the storage or RAM. The advantage is having fewer cables, however, since everything is integrated into the body.
Recommended specs for an all-in-one are mostly similar to the basic tower above, albeit with compromises because of space considerations. Don’t expect an optical drive, for instance, and know that performance is often a step down from “real” desktop models because some all-in-ones use laptop components to better maximize available space. You’ll want a large screen with good resolution. The sweet spots we’d suggest are:
24 inches at 1,920×1,080 pixels (aka 2K or 1080p)
27 inches at 2,560×1,440 pixels (aka 1440p)
32 inches at 3,840×2,160 pixels (aka 4K)
The 24-inchers are good for kids, but adults should probably go for 27 inches and up. Expect to pay at least $800 at that latter size, especially if you want to avoid underpowered Intel Core i3 or AMD Athlon CPUs. The HP Envy 32/34 and Apple iMacs are examples of high end all-in-one computers, but here’s a more reasonably priced alternative.
Acer Aspire C27-962-UA91 (starts around $600; low stock) While the screen on this Acer Aspire model is a spacious 27 inches, resolution is only 1080p (also known as full HD) — but that’s par for the course below $1,000. This model also lacks a DVD drive and USB-C ports. That said, you get a 10th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU, on-board Nvidia MX graphics (not as good as a GTX or RTX card, but better than average), 512GB of SSD storage and a built-in webcam (along with a keyboard and mouse).
Back in early 2020, we reviewed the HP Envy 32, a Windows take on the basic iMac design. At that time, it had somewhat dated specs: a ninth-gen Intel CPU and a spinning hard drive backing up the 256GB solid-state drive. The 32-inch model appears to have been discontinued, but HP maintains a stable of current models in 22- to 27-inch screen sizes, with a new $2,000 34-inch HP Envy 34 now living at the top of the line.
While you’re paying a big premium for the Apple name, an iMac is generally a great option for Apple fans who want an all-in-one computer with a superior display. And now that the 24-inch iMac has gotten a nice overhaul, complete with the M1 chip, that’s a great starting point. And while the 27-inch iMac is no more, the new Mac Studio starts at $2,000, and offers some serious power, especially if you ramp up to the M1 Ultra chipset.
Need even more power? While Apple has a Mac Pro living at the top of its desktop line, the current model is an aging Intel design, which the company has already pledged to replace with an Apple Silicon version. If the Mac Studio can’t handle your high-end Apple needs, we’d strongly recommend steering clear of the Mac Pro until that new version hits.
Chromebox, Mini PCs and other niche options
When it comes to desktop PCs, towers and all-in-ones represent the vast majority of the market. There are alternatives, but in the 2020s, they generally represent increasingly narrow slices of that market.
Left to right: The HP Mini, Acer Revo, Intel Compute Stick and Apple Mac Mini. The Mac is the only one that’s been recently updated.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Mini PCs: Following the debut of the Mac Mini in 2005, Windows PC makers experimented with similarly tiny designs. In the wake of likable small models like the Acer Revo One and HP Pavilion Mini, we even saw (woefully underpowered) “PC on a stick” offerings starting in 2015, but interest seems to have ebbed since then. Outside of specialty vendors like Beelink, the best choices in this mini PC size are probably the Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing), most of which are sold as hobbyist options, requiring some BYO additions like user-supplied storage, RAM and other components — including the operating system. See more bare-bones Mini PCs at Newegg.
Chromeboxes: If you’re looking for very basic computing — browsing the web, email, social media, YouTube and the like — the Chrome operating system is the most affordable route for home computing. This Google operating system effectively is little more than the Chrome web browser. That makes it easy for multiple users (only a Gmail address is needed to log in), and — because there’s no heavy operating system beyond the browser — viruses aren’t really an issue. Colloquially known as “Chromeboxes” (versus a “Chromebook” laptop), these systems don’t have beefy CPUs, RAM or storage requirements. That said, if you need any software beyond browser-based web apps, or if you don’t have excellent broadband, you’ll want to stick with Windows or Mac options above. Now, before you spend any money, you should check out the free version of the operating system known as ChromeOS Flex, which you can install on most old PCs (including running it from an attached USB drive). But if that’s not an option and you want to buy new, expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a Chrome-based desktop. However, the closer you get to that $500 price point, the more you should consider stepping up to a Chromebook laptop or a basic Windows tower (see above) for just a bit more. See Chromebox options at Newegg.
Linux PCs: No, Windows, Mac and ChromeOS are not your only operating system options. There’s a wide world of Linux operating systems out there, many of which are effectively free. You can get PCs with Linux preinstalled, but the better, more affordable option is probably installing it (or dual-booting) on a used Windows PC. See Linux PC options at Newegg.
Raspberry Pi: You may have heard of a small computer that’s no bigger than a paperback book, and can be had for about $150. That’s the Raspberry Pi, and it’s 100% real and very cool — if you’re a hobbyist looking to build your own Lego-style computer and install your own custom Linux operating systems. We just wouldn’t recommend it as a primary computer if you’re looking to run mainstream software. See the Raspberry Pi 4 kit at Amazon.
The review process for laptops, desktops, tablets and other computer-like devices consists of two parts: performance testing under controlled conditions in the CNET Labs and extensive hands-on use by our expert reviewers. This includes evaluating a device’s aesthetics, ergonomics and features. A final review verdict is a combination of both those objective and subjective judgments.
The Federal Communications Commission asked for public comment on T-Mobile’s SpaceX plan last month. AT&T and its affiliates filed a complaint Thursday, asking the agency to stop the plan and saying it could “jeopardize or inhibit” its wireless and mobile broadband services.
AT&T has spectrum rights adjacent to the range that SpaceX would be using for this plan, which would require the latter to modify its license for its network of orbiting satellites to receive and broadcast signal to and from mobile devices. SpaceX would use the so-called PCS G-Block of signal bands that are between the 1.9GHz and 2GHz range, according to Ars Technica, which reported the story earlier Friday.
SpaceX has requested waivers to use this signal range. AT&T says its proposal doesn’t do enough to prevent interference with other networks, saying in its filing that SpaceX’s “technical showings are woefully insufficient regarding the risk of harmful interference posed by their planned [supplemental coverage from space] deployments.”
Though SpaceX and T-Mobile haven’t publicized a successful call from space that would demonstrate the plan’s lack of interference, AT&T noted that it has already made a surface-through-space call with its satellite partner AST SpaceMobile.
AT&T hasn’t announced when its own consumers will see the benefit of its satellite partnership with AST, which aims to augment regular 5G service. It has the advantage that AST has been connecting satellite calls for years, while SpaceX’s network of microsatellites will need approval before they can carry calls. Verizon had also announced that it would use Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites (none of which has been launched into orbit yet) to expand its mobile network.
Meanwhile, Apple’s Emergency SOS system available only on the latest iPhone 14 series has been the only widely available satellite-to-cell system in use so far. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Satellite service is expected to go live later this year for phones using the latest Snapdragon chips.
Neither AT&T nor T-Mobile immediately responded to a request for comment.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ eye-popping cast and rollicking adventure have reached the Paramount Plus streaming service. The PG-13-rated movie, based on the fantasy roleplaying game, brings together an unlikely crew for an epic heist led by the one and only Chris Pine.
The release on the streaming service means there’s another option for those who haven’t made it to theaters to watch the film, which premiered exactly seven weeks ago, and don’t want to own it. Alongside Pine in the too-cool cast are Michelle Rodriguez, Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page, Sophia Lillis of the It horror films and Hugh Grant. The movie is a lot of fun — more of a Chris Pine vehicle than anything else — and it was bolstered by generally favorable reviews, according to Metacritic.
Michelle Rodriguez and Chris Pine get into another scrape.
Paramount Plus
Here’s more on how you can watch Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and why you may want to use a VPN if you’re streaming it.
How to watch the new Dungeons & Dragons movie
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves landed on Paramount Plus on May 16.
If you’re interested in getting Paramount Plus, the service has two subscription tiers: ad-supported Essential and (mostly) ad-less Premium. Scream 6, another film that spent time in theaters recently, is also on Paramount Plus. You can still get tickets to see Dungeons & Dragons on the big screen.
Paramount Plus’ Essential tier with ads costs $5 per month and its ad-free Premium tier is $10 per month. There’s a weeklong free trial for both.
As far as deals go, the price of paying for a year of Paramount Plus upfront is less than it would be if you paid for a monthly subscription for the same length of time ($50 for a year of Essential Paramount Plus, and $100 for a year of the Premium version). College students can get a discount on a monthly ad-supported subscription.
How to watch the new Dungeons & Dragons movie from anywhere with a VPN
Perhaps you’re traveling abroad and want to stream Paramount Plus while away from home. With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the movie from anywhere in the world. There are other good reasons to use a VPN for streaming, too.
A VPN is the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds by encrypting your traffic. Using a VPN is also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins. Streaming TV can be a bit smoother with a reliable, quality VPN that’s passed our tests and security standards.
You can use a VPN to stream content legally as long as VPNs are allowed in your country and you have a valid subscription to the streaming service you’re using. The US and Canada are among the countries where VPNs are legal, but we advise against streaming or downloading content on illegal torrent sites. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you may opt for another provider from our best list, such as Surfshark or NordVPN.
If you’re looking for a secure and dependable VPN, our Editors’ Choice is ExpressVPN. It’s fast, works on multiple devices, and provides stable streams. It’s normally $13 a month, but you can get 15 months for $6.67 a month by opting for ExpressVPN’s annual plan that includes three months free.
Follow the VPN provider’s instructions for installation, and choose a country where Dungeons & Dragons will be streaming on Paramount Plus. Before you open the streaming app, make sure you are connected to your VPN using your selected region. If you want to stream Dungeons & Dragons on more than one device, it’s possible you’ll need to configure each one to ensure you are signed in. Go to settings and check your network connections to verify you’re logged in and connected to your VPN account. Now you’re ready to open Paramount Plus to stream.
If you run into issues with streaming, first make sure your VPN is up and running on its encrypted IP address. Double-check that you’ve followed installation instructions correctly and you’ve picked the right geographical area for viewing. If you still encounter connection problems, you may need to reboot your device. Close all apps and windows, restart your device and connect to your VPN first. Note that some streaming services have restrictions on VPN access.
The new era of smartphones is upon us. With foldable smartphones going mainstream, especially in Europe and China, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4 are arguably the best foldable phones available to buy in the US. These are expensive phones, even if you do take advantage of some of the best Galaxy Z Fold 4 deals, so if you’re going to drop the money on something like this, you’ll want to protect it. That means the next thing on your shopping list should be a good Galaxy Z Fold 4 case.
We haven’t had the chance to test all the cases on this list just yet, but we can draw on our experiences with Z Fold 3 cases from some of the same brands, even if those Z Fold 3 cases won’t fit the new model. As more Galaxy Z Fold 4 cases hit the market, we’ll be checking them out and updating this collection accordingly.
Go straight to the source for Galaxy Z Fold 4 case with Samsung’s Fold 4 Standing Cover with S Pen. This case not only protects the back and sides of your phone but can also serve as a kickstand and comes with a detachable S Pen slot.
Spigen’s crystal clear Air Skin lets your Galaxy Z Fold 4’s color shine through while protecting its back and edges. It adds just enough protection without being bulky thanks to its form-fitting and lightweight design. Wireless charging works uninterrupted and there are cutouts for buttons and speakers. It also comes in black if you don’t want a clear case.
If you want to add a layer of protection with minimal bulk, Ringke’s Slim Case is a top choice. At just 1.2mm thick, it protects the back and sides of your device from scuffs and scrapes without weighing the whole thing down and makes use of adhesive to stay in place. It is available in black, clear or frosted finishes.
You’re receiving price alerts for UAG Civilian Series
Combining a hard shell and an impact resistant soft core, UAG’s Civilian case offers military-grade protection against drops for your Galaxy Z Fold 4. Its raised edges protect the display glass and its grippy material should help your phone remain in hand so you don’t actually have to test out its drop test rating. It’s still thin enough to allow for wireless and reverse wireless charging.
You’re receiving price alerts for Fyton Wallet Case with Kickstand
If you like to store your cards and ID alongside your phone, you’ll be glad to know that Galaxy Z Fold 4 wallet cases exist. This Fyton case can keep a couple of cards handy and easy to access and the wallet portion of the case also does double duty as a convenient kickstand. A variety of colors and finishes are available.
You’re receiving price alerts for Spigen Thin Fit P
If you’re planning on using the S Pen with your Galaxy Z Fold 4, you’re going to need somewhere to store it when it’s not in your hand. Spigen’s Thin Fit P is designed with a dedicated cutout on the side for the S Pen when it’s not in use. It doesn’t add a ton of bulk or an odd lump on the back of your device like you get with Samsung’s first-party option. You can save $10 at Amazon by activating the instant coupon on the product page.
If you want to wrap your Galaxy Z Fold 4 in a leather case, Samsung offers a first-party option. It protects the back and sides of your device though the choice of colors is a little disappointing with just black or moss gray options to choose between.
If you’re a little worried about dropping your $1,800 phone, Samsung’s Silicone Grip Case is worth checking out. Thanks to its built-in security strap, you can slide your hand around the phone and under the strap for a little extra peace of mind. As well as adding some utility, the strap also offers a unique design flourish that you might find attractive depending on your tastes. It comes in two colors (white or black) as standard, but additional interchangeable straps are sold separately if you want one that better fits your personal style.
You’re receiving price alerts for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Slim Standing Cover
If you don’t need the S Pen storage but would still like your Z Fold 4 case to do double duty as a stand, you ought to check out Samsung’s Slim Standing Cover. It offers a soft, matte finish, protecting the back and edges of your device, and can be used to prop up your unfolded Z Fold 4 for hands-free viewing.
Apple released iOS 16.5 to the general public Thursday, a few days after the company released an updated version of the iOS 16.5 release candidate to developers and beta testers. The latest iOS update provides bug fixes and security patches, as well as a few new features, like some new wallpapers and new Apple News features.
To download the latest iPhone update, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the onscreen prompts.
Below, you’ll find the new iPhone features you get with iOS 16.5. You can also check out what features you may have missed with iOS 16.4.
Pride Celebration wallpapers
New Pride Celebration wallpapers under the new Pride wallpaper section.
Zach McAuliffe/CNET
Apple added two new preloaded Pride Celebration wallpapers to a new Pride wallpaper section. That section is “designed with the colors of the Pride flag to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community,” its description reads.
You can access the new section by tapping Settings > Wallpaper > +Add New Wallpaper.
Apple News gets some sports upgrades
The Apple News app launched in 2015, and iOS 16.5 brings a Sports tab to the app for the first time. The tab can be found in the toolbar across the bottom of your screen when you open the app. Before, the toolbar displayed tabs for Today, News Plus, Audio, Following and Search. The update gets rid of the Search tab to make room for the Sports tab.
With iOS 16.5, the My Sports scores and schedule cards in Apple News also get an update. Now when you tap the three dots (…) in the bottom-right corner of one of these cards, you’ll see an option for Go to Game. Tapping this option will bring up more details about that game.
Here are the release notes for iOS 16.5.
This update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
• A new Pride Celebration wallpaper for the Lock Screen to honor the LGBTQ+ community and culture.
• Sports tab in Apple News gives easy access to stories, scores, standings, and more, for the teams and leagues you follow.
• My Sports score and schedule cards in Apple News take you directly to game pages where you can find additional details about specific games.
• Fixes an issue where Spotlight may become unresponsive.
• Addresses an issue where Podcasts in CarPlay may not load content.
• Fixes an issue where Screen Time settings may reset or not sync across all devices.
Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:
