Category: Technologies

Fans of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold devices will likely have something new to look forward to later this month. Samsung announced on Wednesday that its next Unpacked event will take place on July 26. While Samsung hasn’t shared details on the specific products being announced, the company previously said it plans to introduce new foldable devices at its upcoming product launch event in Seoul.

Samsung has been a frontrunner in the growing but still nascent foldable phone market, releasing the first iteration of the Galaxy Z Fold back in 2019. But it now faces fresh competition from rivals like Google and Motorola, both of which have released new phones with screens that can bend in half. The next Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold, expected to be announced at the July 26 event, will be critical for Samsung in maintaining its leadership position in the foldable market as new competitors emerge.

Wednesday’s announcement came after Samsung had already said it will host its next major product launch at the end of July in Seoul, marking the first time the event has been held in the tech giant’s home country. In a press release, Samsung said it chose that location “because of its role in influencing global trends with its dynamic culture and innovation,” adding that it “also reflects Samsung’s strong confidence in the foldable category.” In addition to the live event, Samsung will be hosting a livestream on YouTube and its other channels.

Samsung is also opening up reservations for its upcoming Galaxy devices and will be offering $50 in Samsung credit for those who reserve a device between July 5 and July 25. As is typically the case with Samsung’s early reservation system, those who sign up will only need to provide a name and email address to reserve a device, with the $50 credit becoming redeemable at the preorder stage.

While Samsung hasn’t revealed any details about its future products, several leaks have painted a picture of what the company may have in store. A new water-drop style hinge that could enable a thinner design is expected to be one of the biggest changes coming to the Galaxy Z Fold 5, according to reports from Korean news outlets The Elec and ET News, as well as the prolific leaker who goes by the alias Ice Universe.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5, meanwhile, is rumored to include a significantly larger cover screen, Ice Universe also reported. That should help bring it up to speed with the new Motorola Razr Plus, which CNET praised in its review for its spacious external display.

Samsung also typically announces new smartwatches around the August timeframe, meaning it’s possible that the rumored Galaxy Watch 6 will arrive at this month’s event. Leaks from Ice Universe and well-known gadget leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer (via the blog My Smart Price) suggest the beloved rotating bezel could return on the next high-end version of the Galaxy Watch, likely to be called the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.

We’ll know more on July 26 when Samsung holds its next event.

Instagram parent company Meta on Wednesday debuted Threads, which is billed as a text-based conservation app that can potentially rival Twitter. You can sign in with your Instagram credentials and keep your usernames, followers and verification status.

Though the platform has reportedly been in the works since January, the Threads rollout comes on the heels of Elon Musk announcing limits on how many tweets you can read on Twitter per day.

Amid all the changes at Twitter, some social media users may be looking for an alternative, much like Mastodon or Bluesky. Threads provides the option to post text, videos and photos and the ability to engage in real-time conversations. Read on to learn more about how to join and what features are available.

What is Threads by Meta?

Created by Meta’s Instagram team, Threads is a platform that allows you to publish short posts or updates that are up to 500 characters. You can include links, photos or videos up to 5 minutes long. The app is linked to your Instagram account, and according to Meta, you can “easily share a Threads post to your Instagram story, or share your post as a link on any other platform you choose.”

Your feed will include posts from people and accounts you follow on Instagram or Threads, as well as recommendations for undiscovered content. You also have the ability to filter specific words from your feed and restrict who is allowed to mention you.

Threads is free to use and is available to download from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

How to use Threads

You must have an Instagram account to join Threads, as the platform requires you to use your Instagram login credentials to sign in. Once you launch your account, your Instagram username will be ported over, but you can create a customizable profile, though Meta notes that UK users who are younger than 18 will receive a default private profile.

You can easily follow the same accounts you already follow on Instagram with a few clicks and port your following over rather than start from scratch on Threads. When you create a post or “Thread,” you can select who’s able to view it, which may be the entire world or your followers.

As far as features, Twitter and Instagram users may be happy to learn that you have the ability to unfollow, report, block or restrict a profile. Access it using the three dots drop-down menu, and anyone you’ve blocked on Instagram will automatically be blocked on Threads. Other features include screen reader support and AI-generated image descriptions.

Meta says it’s working to make Threads compatible and integrative with other apps that support the ActivityPub protocol, such as WordPress and Mastodon. In the future, the company ideally wants Threads posts to be accessible for anyone with a compatible app, whether you have a Threads account or not.

Meta’s Threads vs. Twitter

Competition between the two tech giants is going beyond the proposed cage match between Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. With Threads’ built-in connection to Instagram, it can make it much easier to gain users within a short period of time. Though Musk changed Twitter’s cap to 10,000 posts a day for verified users, 1,000 per day for unverified and 500 for new unverified users, the move could result in the loss of subscribers — and advertisers.

However, the new Threads platform does have its detractors as well. Forrester analyst Mike Proulx asserts that Meta is taking advantage of the current wave of dissatisfaction with Twitter and that the company unsuccessfully launched and shut down Threads before.

“While credit should be given to Meta’s steadfast test and learn strategy, the company doesn’t exactly have a successful track record launching standalone apps outside its core family,” Proulx said in a statement to CNET, pointing to apps like Slingshot and IGTV.

Proulx added that the market is inundated with Twitter challengers such as Bluesky, Mastodon and Hive. “This only serves to fracture the Twitter alternative-seeking user base,” he said.

The launch of Threads in the European Union is also reportedly delayed due to data sharing concerns between the two apps.

Check out CNET’s additional coverage on social media platforms, including TikTok rules and Meta’s paid verification system for Instagram and Facebook.

There’s bright and then there’s bright. Most mid- and high-end projectors these days are “bright,” at least compared to those from just a few years ago. The smaller, more portable models certainly aren’t bright, giving us a fairly reasonable scale to judge. In the many years I’ve been reviewing projectors, only a handful have ever put out more than 200 nits on my 102-inch, 1.0-gain screen. For reference, an HDR-capable television is capable of 1,000 nits or more. The Optoma UHD38x is the third projector to exceed expectations for the category just this year.

So it seems times, as they say, are a-changin’. Last year, no projectors I reviewed hit that 200 mark, and in 2021, only one. Perhaps just as interesting, the Optoma is the first projector I’ve measured that was capable of this light output that wasn’t an Epson 3LCD. Which also means this is the first DLP projector I’ve tested that’s this bright.

So maybe I need to “recalibrate” myself in what I call “bright.” Maybe someday all projectors will be this intense. Not today, however, so we’ll still give the UHD38x kudos. In addition to its impressive light output, it’s also 4K and because it’s DLP, lacks motion blur. Beyond that it has a few misses that you might be able to excuse because of its price. Here’s how it performs.

Some impressive specs

• Resolution: 3,840×2,160 pixels
• HDR-compatible: Yes
• 4K-compatible: Yes
• 3D-compatible: Yes
• Lumens spec: 4,000
• Zoom: Manual, 1.1x
• Lens shift: No
• Lamp life: 4,000 (Bright mode), 15,000 (Dynamic mode)

The 4K UHD39x is, as you’d hope from a modern 4K projector, HDR compatible. Like most projectors, though, it’s not truly able to do that much with HDR. It does OK, though there is some banding in bright highlights. There’s 3D compatibility too, for the few people still interested in 3D.

Like most single-chip DLP projectors, there’s only a small amount of zoom and no lens shift. Projectors like the BenQ HT2080 are a rare exception, though even it only has a small amount. If you want more flexibility in placement, you’ll need to get the non-DLP Epson Home Cinema 2350.

Rated at 4,000 lumens, the UHD38x was almost certainly going to be bright. Specs are just specs, though. The brightest projector we’ve reviewed so far, the Epson CO-FH02, is rated at “only” 3,000. I measured 1,913 lumens, which is still excellent. If you don’t mind a greenish, less accurate image, you can get an impressive 3,018 lumens in the Bright picture mode.

Despite the impressive light output, Optoma says you get 4,000 hours before you’ll need to replace the lamp. That’s in the brightest mode. If you watch for four hours a day, that means a lamp replacement every three years or so. But if you switch to the Dynamic mode which changes the lamp level depending on what you’re watching (darker for darker scenes), you’ll get an impressive 15,000 hours. That’s more than 10 years, which personally I’d call the life of a projector like this.

The ins and the outs

• HDMI inputs: 2
• USB port: 1 (1.5A)
• Audio output: 3.5mm analog, optical
• Internet: None
• Control: RS-232, 12v
• Remote: Backlit

Both HDMI inputs are 4K 60 capable, which is more than enough since I would assume most people are just running one HDMI cable to a projector like this, and switching their sources with a receiver or soundbar.

If you’ve got a more traditional home theater with a control system, there’s both RS-232 and a 12-volt output. The USB puts out 1.5 amps, which should be enough to power a streaming stick if you’re mad enough to connect one directly. If that’s the route you go, you can connect to a speaker or soundbar via optical or 3.5mm analog audio outputs. There’s also a small 10-watt speaker that, like all such speakers, is best used only as a backup option.

The small remote is brightly backlit and has direct access to each input and several important picture quality settings.

Picture quality comparisons

• JMGO N1 Ultra
• Epson HC2350
• BenQ HT2060

The JMGO N1 Ultra is a bit of an oddball, with its gimbal design. It’s powered by lasers, and boasts a similar lumen rating for more money. It’s here as an example of a “next-gen” design. The Epson and BenQ are roughly the same price as the Optoma, and are the traditional competition. The Epson is also 4K, while the BenQ isn’t. Both are excellent projectors. I compared the Optoma to the JMGO in the latter’s review. I connected the BenQ, Epson, and Optoma to a Monoprice 1×4 distribution amplifier and viewed them side by side on a 102-inch 1.0-gain screen.

Despite the similar specs, the JMGO looks better than the Optoma, with better color and a better contrast ratio. It also handles HDR better, as the Optoma has some banding in high brightness areas. It’s not super noticeable, but the JMGO doesn’t have it. The JMGO however, is let down by a little speckle, due to the laser light source, but I don’t think most people would notice or care. It’s a lot more expensive, though, and its unique gimbal design seems unnecessary for most setups.

The Epson, BenQ, and Optoma are all within a few hundred dollars of each other, but they look quite different. The BenQ looks the best of the three, from a videophile standpoint. Its colors are more accurate. Grass looks more natural, for instance. Even though it’s only 1080p, it still looks detailed enough that only on closeups of faces do you really notice the difference in resolution. The Optoma, being DLP and lacking motion blur, looks the most detailed in this bunch. It’s not a huge difference, though.

The BenQ’s contrast ratio is better, most noticeable with darker letterbox bars with 2.35:1 aspect ratio movies. However, the Optoma isn’t significantly behind. I measured an average contrast ratio of around 1380:1 with the BenQ, which is well above average, and around 770:1 with the Optoma which is about average for the projectors I’ve tested. The Epson lags way behind both the others. At 348:1 its image is far more washed out, with blacks far more gray.

Where the competitive Epson excels is eye-bursting light output, and while its performance in this metric let it hold its own against the BenQ, here the Optoma is not far behind. The Epson’s 2075 lumens isn’t enough brighter than the Optoma’s 1913. Both can easily fill a 100-inch screen with a bright image, and could manage 150-inch screen and still be easy to watch.

Which is to say, the BenQ is still the pick for purists. It’s about as textbook perfect as you’ll find in the sub-$1,000 range. The Optoma is close for color and contrast, and makes a compelling case for itself with higher resolution and some impressive brightness.

Budget brightness

At the time of this writing, the UHD38x has been $1,100 for weeks, down from its original list of $1,400. That puts it basically head-to-head against the Epson HC2350 and BenQ HT2060, basically the two leaders in this price range. The Epson is a solid projector, but its strengths are nearly equaled, or bettered, by the Optoma. It’s also, as of this writing, more expensive. The BenQ remains my top pick, both for its excellent image quality and the fact that it’s the cheapest of the three. It’s also more flexible in terms of placement, with a better zoom and a small amount of lens shift.

There’s something to be said about tons of light, though, and the OptomaUHD38x has it in spades. No projector can handle a lot of ambient light, but the Optoma would sure be easier to see with a few lights on than the BenQ. If you want or have a truly enormous screen (over 150 inches), or you prioritize brightness and resolution over all else, the UHD38x is a great deal.

iOS 17 beta 3 is now available for developers. Apple is allowing anyone with a compatible phone to install the iOS 17 developer beta for free.

The company first announced iOS 17 at WWDC in June. Shortly after the keynote event, Apple released the first developer beta version of iOS 17. Typically, you have to pay $99 to officially download and install any Apple developer beta software, but this year the company is letting anyone get a crack at iOS 17 — as long as they join the Apple Developer Program.

Read more: Apple Unveils iOS 17 for the iPhone at WWDC 2023

iOS 17 emphasizes communication, with several new features for the Phone, FaceTime and Messages applications, including personalized contact posters, video messages, a more intelligent autocorrect, improved AirDrop options and the Journal app.

Before you go on and install iOS 17, you should know that developer beta versions like this aren’t intended for general use, especially because they may have unfinished features and issues that can make the iPhone difficult to use. These early beta releases are, instead, for developers, to help them keep their apps up to date and get early access to the upcoming features.

In short, you probably shouldn’t install the developer beta on your primary iPhone. If you really want to get iOS 17 right now, try to find a spare iPhone that is new enough (iPhone XS or later) to work with the latest software.

Read more: iOS 17 Is Coming This Year. Will It Work on Your iPhone?

For folks who still want to dive in, we’ll show you how to install the iOS 17 developer version on your iPhone, as well as what to do in case you want to revert to iOS 16.

Want to learn more about the stuff unveiled at WWDC? Here’s what you need to know about Vision Pro, Apple’s new augmented reality headset. And here’s all the dope on the new 15-inch MacBook Air and MacOS Sonoma.

What to know before you download the iOS 17 developer beta

Because the iOS 17 developer beta is an early prerelease version, the software could have bugs and other issues.

Again, if you’re thinking about downloading iOS 17, do it on a backup or secondary phone, if available. The iOS 17 developer beta’s issues could cripple your iPhone and make it difficult to use, disabling phone calls or text messages or making it extremely laggy. However, if you only have your main phone or tablet available, make sure to back up your iPhone on iOS 16.5 (the latest version of iOS 16) before updating to iOS 17. That way you have the option to return to iOS 16 if there are too many issues on the new OS.

Also, you must have an iPhone XS or later to run iOS 17. iOS 17 is not supported on the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X, all of which supported the iOS 16 developer beta last year.

And most importantly, to download the iOS 17 developer beta, you must be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program. The full membership is $99 a year, but as mentioned above, Apple is now offering a free membership option, with limited tools and resources, that allows pretty much anyone to download and install the iOS 17 developer beta for free.

You can also wait to join the Apple Beta Software program next month, which will provide a more stable iOS 17 upgrade than the developer version.

How to enroll in the Apple Developer Program, for free

If you’re only interested in testing out the iOS 17 developer beta for fun, you don’t need to pay for an Apple Developer Program membership. You can easily use your existing Apple ID to sign up for the developer program and download developer software onto your iPhone.

1. Go to Apple’s Developer website, tap the three-dash menu in the top-right and hit Account.

2. Sign in with your existing Apple ID.

3. Read through the Apple Developer Agreement, check the boxes at the bottom and then hit Submit.

You now have a free Apple Developer Program account. You can skip the next step to download and install the iOS 17 developer beta on your iPhone.

How to enroll in the paid Apple Developer Program

If you’re a developer, and want full access to development tools and the ability to distribute apps on the App Store, then you’ll want to pay for the Apple Developer Program. On your iPhone, here’s how you can enroll:

1. Download the Apple Developer app from the App Store, launch the app, go to Account and tap Enroll Now.

2. Sign in with your Apple ID credentials, read through the various benefits and instructions, enter your personal information and scan your ID to verify your identity.

3. Once this information is submitted, you must choose your entity (individual for most people) and agree to the program license agreement.

4. Finally, pay the Apple Developer membership fee (with Apple Pay), which is $99 (about 80 or AU$140) a year.

After you successfully make the payment, you’ll be redirected to your Account page in the Apple Developer app. Here you can verify that you’re now enrolled, and you can also check out the date of your membership’s expiration next year.

You can install iOS 17 with an over-the-air update on your iPhone

The easiest way to download the iOS 17 developer beta is with an over-the-air update — the way you would update to any other new software release on your device. Once you’re a member of the Apple Developer Program, free or paid, you’ll automatically have the option to install iOS 17 from your settings. Here’s how:

1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to the Settings > General > Software Update.

2. Next, go into Beta Updates and tap iOS 17 Developer Beta.

3. Go back and tap Download and Install under the new “iOS 17 Developer Beta option” that appears.

You’ll need to then enter your passcode, agree to the terms and conditions and wait for the update to be installed. The process can take over 20 minutes, depending on your internet connection. Once your phone reboots, you should have access to the iOS 17 developer beta.

Or download the iOS 17 developer beta using your Mac

Over-the-air updates require a certain amount of storage, and if you don’t have that available, your computer is really the only way to update to iOS 17 beta without manually clearing out space.

1. On your Mac, go to the Apple Developer Program download page, find “iOS 17 beta,” click Download Restore Images and download the iOS beta software restore image for your specific device.

2. Connect your device to your computer and enter your device passcode or hit Trust This Computer if prompted.

3. Next, open Finder, click your device in the sidebar under Locations.

4. Hold down the Option key, click Check for Update and choose the iOS 17 beta software restore image you just downloaded from the Apple Developer page.

The iOS 17 beta software will install on your device. Wait for a few minutes and when your phone reboots, you should have access.

While you’re here, check out the best iPhone model you can get in 2023. And if you’re looking for a new computer, check out these laptops you might be interested in.

You’ve got a ton of choices out there, if you’re looking to buy a new TV. And that can sometimes get a little overwhelming. Some of the newest models boast advanced features and come with a hefty price tag to match — but if you just need a basic TV with a decent screen and a user-friendly interface, you can find some great options at a reasonable price.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best bargains available on these more affordable models, making it even cheaper for budget-conscious buyers looking to upgrade. We haven’t tested all these TVs ourselves, but based on their specs and what we know about these brands, we’re comfortable recommending them at these prices. We’ll continue to update this page as deals come and go, so check back to make sure you’re getting the best price available.

These days, many of the new TVs coming are smart devices, that let you stream services like Netflix and Disney Plus without needing a dedicated streaming device. However, it can be hard to distinguish what separates a good smart TV from the best smart TVs out there, so we’re here to help.

While our reviews take smart TV systems into account, we think that picture quality for the money is usually more important when purchasing a new TV. That’s because you can always “replace” the TV’s built-in system with a good streaming device, most of which cost less than $50. The exception is for budget TVs, where the price of the streaming device could make up a significant percentage of the cost — for this list, unlike our main best TVs list — we weighted the importance of the smart TV system higher for budget models we had reviewed.

Our list below is generally arranged in order of which TVs provide the best picture for the money, but we also note how much we like (or dislike) the built-in smart TV system.

Best smart TVs to buy

How CNET tests smart TVs

Our TV reviews follow a rigorous, unbiased evaluation process honed over nearly two decades of TV reviews. Our primary TV test lab has specialized equipment for measuring light and color, including a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator and an AVPro Connect 8×8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We use Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software to evaluate every TV we review. In every CNET TV review, three or more similar TVs are compared side by side in various lighting conditions playing different media, including movies, TV shows and games, across a variety of test categories, from color to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our reviews also account for design, features, HDMI input and gaming compatibility and other factors.

When specifically evaluating smart TV performance, we use all of the major features available on the platform and note how they stack up against the competition. Our metrics include: overall platform ease-of-use, effective layouts and design, search capabilities, privacy settings, the number of apps and their performance, and the overall speed and reliability of the system.

Smart TV FAQs

We’ll post the answers to commonly asked TV questions below. If you have any others, feel free to reach out on Twitter (@dkatzmaier), or by clicking the little envelope icon on my CNET profile page.

More home entertainment recommendations

• Buying a New TV in 2023
• Best Soundbars for 2023
• Best Streaming Device in 2023
• Best TV Antennas for Cord Cutters
• Dolby Atmos: Why It’s Cool, How It Works and How to Get It
• Best Sonos Speakers
• QLED vs. OLED: Which TV Tech Should You Buy?
• HDR Formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10, Technicolor and HLG Explained
• Best TVs for Gaming
• Best 75-Inch TVs for 2023

Now well into its fifth decade as an Independence Day staple, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is set to light up New York’s night sky once again this evening for another “pyrotechnic salute to America.”

This year’s festivities are set to begin at 8 p.m. with a series of live musical performances from big-name acts including the Roots, Bebe Rexha, Ja Rule, and LL Cool J.

The main event itself blasts off at 9:25 p.m. ET., when over 60,000 firework shells are set to be launched from five barges in the East River as part of a 25-minute display.

Soundtracked by the US Army Field Band, according to the official event website, the display is set to include a new type of Ghost pyro that features four different alternating hues.

How to watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular 2023 in the US

If you don’t live in New York — or just want to watch the display from the comfort of your own home — you can watch the fireworks on TV on Tuesday night. NBC will televise Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show from 8 to 10 p.m. ET in a special broadcast hosted by Rutledge Wood (Floor Is Lava) and Zuri Hall (Access Hollywood).

You don’t need a cable or satellite TV subscription to watch NBC. All of the major live TV streaming services include NBC. The catch is that not every service carries every local network, so check each one using the links below to make sure it carries NBC in your area.

Alternatively, if you live in an area with good reception, you can watch NBC for free just by attaching an affordable (under $30) indoor antenna to nearly any TV.

As well as NBC, you can also watch the broadcast live online via streaming service Peacock.

All of the live TV streaming services other than Peacock above offer free trials, and all allow you to cancel anytime and require a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our massive streaming services guide.

How to watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular 2023 online from anywhere using a VPN

If you find yourself unable to view the event locally, you may need a different way to watch the fun — 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 the holiday 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.

Quick tips for streaming Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular 2023 using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming the event 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.

While there’s quite a bit of competition in the streaming game at the moment, Roku’s user-friendly devices remain our clear favorite. The Roku platform is simple, easy to use and isn’t biased towards certain apps, which is why Roku has claimed not one, but two top spots on our list of the best streaming devices for 2023. At the moment, it’s pretty slim pickings when it comes to deals on these top-rated streamers, but we’ve rounded up the best ways to save a few bucks right now below.

The Roku Express 4K Plus is our top overall pick, mostly because it’s usually cheaper than the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, which includes Dolby Vision. Meanwhile, the Roku Streambar is a great streamer-soundbar combination that’s perfect for smaller TVs. Occasionally it can be found for $30 off, but you’ll pay full price for it at the moment.

If you’re looking for a wired Ethernet connection, along with Dolby Vision, you might want to check out the flagship Roku Ultra. And if you’re willing to sacrifice a few features, you can pick up the Roku Ultra LT at Walmart for significantly less than the regular Ultra.

Roku discounts occur infrequently, but you can save a few bucks on a handful of Roku streaming devices right now. Keep reading to see the best Roku deals. We update this story often to reflect current pricing.

Best Roku deals right now

Best Buy’s Fourth of July sale may be winding down, but the deals are far from over. Next week marks the official start of Amazon Prime Day, which is one of the biggest sale events of the year. And plenty of other major retailers like Walmart and Target are getting in on the action with their own competing sales. Best Buy will also be having its own “anti-Prime Day sale” called Black Friday in July, and while it doesn’t officially kick off until July 10, you don’t have to wait until then to start saving.

Best Buy already has tons of deals available on top electronics like 4K TVs, smartwatches, laptops and much more that you can shop right now. And members of the My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total programs will receive access to exclusive deals or additional savings on select sale items. To help you make the most of these bargains before they’re gone, we’ve scoured Best Buy’s current markdowns to find you the best deals available, which we’ve highlighted below.

Best early Best Buy Black Friday in July deals happening now

More early Best Buy Black Friday in July deals for select members:

• Plus and Total members save up to $350 select HP Envy laptops
• Plus and Total members save $100 on the iPad Air (5th Gen)
• Plus and Total members save up to 65% on select gaming accessories
• Plus and Total members save 20% on SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro headsets
• Plus and Total members save up to 50% on select Insignia phone accessories
• Plus and Total members can buy 2, get 1 free on select Switch games
• Plus and Total members save 20% on select Steelcase office chairs
• Plus and Total members save 10% on toys, games and collectables

Keep checking back as we will be updating this list with new deals as they drop in the days leading up to Best Buy’s Black Friday in July sale.