Category: Technologies

Switching wireless providers isn’t easy. Although there are three major networks in the US, the actual number of wireless carriers and plans is significantly higher. Sifting through this big, confusing mess can be overwhelming, but we want to help make this process a little easier. Here’s how to choose a cell phone plan in 2023.

Best Unlimited Data Plans in 2023

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Which network works best for you?

In the US there are three major networks: AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. All three offer services directly and have robust nationwide networks that offer 4G LTE (fast) and 5G (really fast) data.

The most important aspect of choosing a network is finding one that works in your area. This makes it hard for us to give a blanket recommendation of any one carrier. For example, T-Mobile’s service in New York may be excellent, but if you’re in rural Iowa, Verizon is more reliable.

While your mileage may vary, the good news is that these networks are growing and improving all the time, particularly as the three major players continue to try and blanket the US with 5G. It’s quite possible that a decade ago you left a network complaining about its sparse service, but now it has beefed itself up because of that arms race to acquire customers.

The 6 Best Prepaid Phone Plans in 2023

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If you know any friends or family in your area that already use the carrier you’re considering, ask about their experience. You could also go to a carrier’s store and see if they offer any free ways to try out the service before switching over, such as T-Mobile’s Network Pass which lets you sample T-Mobile’s service for free for three months. Verizon now offers a similar 30-day “trial” program while the Cricket prepaid service has rolled out its own trial offering that lets you try out parent AT&T’s network.

Then, of course, there are the plans themselves. Below is a comparison of some of the latest plans from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. For this chart, we focused on each carrier’s cheapest plan, as well as their respective “middle” options that we think could make sense for most people.

It is worth noting that some plans, like T-Mobile’s Magenta and Verizon’s Play More, include streaming perks like Netflix or the Disney Bundle (Disney Plus, ESPN Plus and Hulu).

Verizon Play More and AT&T Unlimited Extra also don’t require you to have every line on the same plan, so if only one of your family plan’s lines needs extra hotspot data, you can drop the others down to cheaper options and save a little there (Verizon only needs one line on an account to be on Play More for you to be able to get its Disney perks).

If you’re looking for multiple lines on T-Mobile and its cheapest rate, you’re better off going with its regular Essentials plan. A promotion the carrier is doing has it available for $100 per month for four lines which is $20 per month cheaper than the Base Essentials option.

Know the smaller and prepaid players

While AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizonoperate the major networks, there are a number of smaller wireless providers that offer service on their airwaves. First, there are the prepaid brands each carrier owns. Verizon has Visible, AT&T has Cricket and T-Mobile has Metro (and soon Mint Mobile). All use their parent’s respective networks for service.

Smaller players also rely on the larger networks for service. Mint Mobile and Google Fi, for example, use T-Mobile’s network, while cable companies Comcast and Spectrum rely on Verizon for their respective Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile brands.

Boost Mobile, which is owned by Dish, uses a combination of T-Mobile and AT&T while Dish builds out its own 5G network. Dish recently started offering its own service that rivals the big carriers, which it calls Boost Infinite. It’s still in beta before a full launch later this year.

The benefit of these smaller carriers — many of which are known as mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs — is that you can get access to the larger provider’s service at a more affordable rate. If you found that Verizon works best where you live but its service is too pricey, switching to Visible, Spectrum Mobile or Xfinity Mobile could potentially allow you to keep similar coverage but pay a bit less (though you may lose out on some other perks like free streaming services).

We’ve broken down a few of these providers, including which provider uses which network and explained some of the trade-offs you’ll want to keep in mind.

Know how much you owe on your installment plan

Two-year contracts have largely disappeared from the US wireless market. Unfortunately, they now seem set to be replaced by increasingly longer installment plans.

AT&T and Verizon now consistently only offer 36-month installment plans for the latest devices from Apple, Google and Samsung. T-Mobile still has options for 24 months but pricier devices, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4, require a 36-month plan should you want to finance them monthly.

With these longer timelines you can get a flagship phone for significantly less, but you need to stay on that carrier (and potentially with a pricier unlimited plan) for two or three years. If you leave before that time has passed, you risk needing to pay out the balance owed on the phone, which some providers require before they “unlock” the device to be used on other networks.

Major carriers often offer several hundred dollars when you switch, which can help subsidize the price of the change. But you’ll want to check your account online or go into your carrier’s store to find out how much you might still owe on your phone before you leave.

Decide if you should keep your current phone

The modernization of phones and networks means your existing phone will probably work just fine on a new carrier. All the major wireless carriers offer a similar assortment of the latest devices, particularly when it comes to the iPhone and the Galaxy lines.

To make the most of any switch you’ll probably want to take this opportunity to upgrade your device, particularly if it’s a few years old and lacks modern features like 5G. There are often extra deals when adding or opening a new line to help pay off any installment plan or get you to a better device.

If you’d rather keep what you have, your existing device will probably work just fine so long as it’s unlocked from your prior provider.

Know your discounts

Keep in mind that all of the carriers offer additional savings, which you could be eligible for depending on your employer, military status, student status or even age. If you’re on a family plan, a family member could qualify even if you don’t.

First responders, military members, veterans, nurses and teachers, in particular, can get discounts from every major carrier. Verizon offers discounts for students, while T-Mobile’s Work perk could knock $10 a month off a Magenta Max plan and AT&T offers a similar program for its Unlimited Premium and Elite plans that it calls Signature.

If you’re 55 or older, you may also be eligible for a discounted plan: T-Mobile offers discounted plans nationwide for as low as $55 a month for two lines, while Verizon and AT&T offer similar options but only for Florida residents.

We break down the discounts in greater detail here, for AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

This could save you money if you switch, or potentially lower your current rate a bit and save you the hassle of changing providers.

Understand the perks

Many of the major carriers bundle in perks for using their higher-end unlimited plans, particularly streaming services. Verizon offers the Disney Bundle (Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Plus) to those with its Play More and Get More unlimited plans and T-Mobile offers versions of Netflix with its Magenta and Magenta Max offerings and also includes a subscription to Apple TV Plus with Magenta Max.

Even prepaid and smaller carriers like Cricket (HBO Max with Ads) and US Mobile (a variety of options) offer perks with their unlimited plans.

Best Streaming Service Deals on Disney Plus, Hulu and More

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In addition, some Verizon plans (like the top Get More option) include Apple Music, while T-Mobile’s Magenta and Magenta Max also offer in-flight Wi-Fi and unlimited data abroad. T-Mobile’s Metro offers 100GB of Google One storage and AT&T gives six months of free gaming with an extended trial of Nvidia’s GeForce Ultimate.

If you’re already paying for one or more of these subscriptions, switching to the right provider could be a way to help you save even more.

We’ll continue to update this with more cell phone plan tips.

Sonic the Hedgehog is speeding back to game consoles this summer in a follow-up to 2022’s Sonic Origins anthology.

Sonic Origins Plus is scheduled to drop on June 23, 2023, Polygon reported, exactly 31 years after the character debuted on the Sega Genesis in North America.

It includes the four remastered Sega titles from last year’s release — Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic CD and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles — plus a dozen Game Gear titles available in a special in-game “museum.”

All the games are playable in a new widescreen format, with additional player modes and missions.

In the Game Gear titles, fans can play as Amy Rose, Sonic’s self-proclaimed girlfriend. You can also take a spin as Knuckles, Sonic’s echidna BFF, in the Sonic CD.

Sonic Origins Plus will be available for $39.99 as a download or physical release for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X and Windows PC. (The physical game comes with a 20-page book that recounts the franchise’s history.)

If you already purchased Sonic Origins, you can upgrade to the new title with a $9.99 expansion pack.

TikTok CEO Shou Chew on Thursday faced skeptical lawmakers in the US Congress to try to fend off calls to ban the hugely popular video app.

“There are more than 150 million Americans who love our platform, and we know we have a responsibility to protect them,” Chew said in remarks prepared for his appearance before the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Earlier this month, the Biden administration demanded that ByteDance, the app’s Chinese parent company, sell its stake in the app or face a possible ban. Officials are concerned TikTok could be forced to share US user data with the Chinese government, posing a national security threat. In December, US lawmakers banned the app from government devices. Other countries, including Canada, EU member states and Taiwan, have taken similar steps.

Lawmakers on Thursday repeatedly questioned Chew about ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government, expressing doubt TikTok would be able to protect US users’ data. They also alleged that TikTok could be used by the Chinese government to influence public opinion in the US.

Though the main thrust of the hearing focused on alleged ties to China, lawmakers also touched on other concerns, including data collection and protecting teens and young people from harmful content on TikTok.

Following the hearing, TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter said the hearing was “dominated by political grandstanding” and failed to address industry-wide issues.

“Also not mentioned today by members of the Committee: the livelihoods of the 5 million businesses on TikTok or the First Amendment implications of banning a platform loved by 150 million Americans,” said Oberwetter.

Here are some of the most interesting comments from the hearing:

Committee Chair Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, in her opening statement: “Mr. Chew, you are here because the American people need the truth about the threat TikTok poses to our national and personal security. TikTok collects nearly every data point imaginable, from people’s location to what they type and copy, biometric data and more. … TikTok surveils us all. And the Chinese Communist Party is able to use this as a tool to manipulate America as a whole. We do not trust TikTok will ever embrace American values.”

She continued: “TikTok has repeatedly chosen a path for more control, more surveillance and more manipulation. Your platform should be banned. I expect today you’ll say anything to avoid this outcome.”

Chew, in his opening statement: “We have heard important concerns about the potential for unwanted foreign access to US data and potential manipulation of the TikTok US ecosystem. We have addressed them with real action. … That’s what we’ve been doing for the last two years, building what amounts to a firewall that seals off protected US user data from unauthorized foreign access. The bottom line is this: American data, stored on American soil, by an American company, overseen by American personnel. We call this initiative Project Texas.”

Chew, on legacy US data: “We have legacy US data sitting in our servers in Virginia and in Singapore. We’re deleting those and we expect that to be complete this year. When that is done, all protected US data will be under the protection of US law and under the control of the US led security team. This eliminates the concern that some of you have shared with me that TikTok user data can be subject to Chinese law.”

Rep. Buddy Carter, on harmful viral videos like the Milk Crate challenge: “Why is it that TikTok consistently fails to identify and moderate these kinds of harmful videos? Why is it that you allow this to go on? We’ve already heard … from parents who are here with us who have lost children.”

Chew responds: “This is a real industry challenge and we’re working on our…”

Carter: “No, no, it’s not industry. This is TikTok. We’re talking about TikTok. We’re talking about why is it that you can’t control this. … Tell me why this goes on.”

Rep. Darren Soto, on ByteDance ownership: “Mr. Chew, would TikTok be prepared to divest from ByteDance and Chinese Communist Party ties if the Department of Treasury instructed you all to do so?”

Chew responds: “I don’t think ownership is the issue here. With a lot of respect, American social companies don’t have a good track record with data privacy and user security. I mean look at Facebook and Cambridge analytica, just for one example.”

Rep. Neal Dunn asks Chew directly: “Has ByteDance spied on Americans at the direction of the Chinese Communist Party?”

Chew responds: “No.”

Dunn follows up, citing a Forbes article that ByteDance planned to use TikTok to monitor the location of US citizens: “I ask you again Mr. Chew, has ByteDance spied on American citizens?”

Chew responds: “I don’t think that spying is the right way to describe it. This is ultimately…(Dunn cuts off his response.)”

Rep. August Pfluger, on Project Texas: “Please rename your project. Texas is not the appropriate name. We stand for freedom and transparency and we don’t want your project.”

Gaming headsets aren’t just for gaming — they can also be your everyday walkaround headsets, though it’ll cost you more if you want something that’s up for both. Turtle Beach’s new Stealth Pro joins pricey models like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, Razer Barracuda Pro and others that merge the top-of-the-line gaming features with internal active-noise-canceling mics for Bluetooth connections to make them a little less conspicuous when you’re wandering the streets.

The headset is slated to ship at the end of April for $330 ( 280), although preorders start now. There are Designed for Xbox and PS4/PS5 models, but they’ll work with pretty much any platform, including the Nintendo Switch, PC and iOS. Only the platforms with apps allow you to customize settings like equalization and noise cancellation — in other words, not consoles. And it’s not exactly clear the types of connectivity you can expect with each.

Instead of a dongle, the Stealth Pro includes a 2.4GHz puck that doubles as a charging station for the two swappable batteries (rated at 12-plus hours each). Turtle Beach rates the range up to 50 feet (15 meters).

The Stealth Pro has a lot of the same features as its competitors, such as 50mm drivers, mic arrays for optimizing noise cancellation and transparency mode (which lets external sounds bleed through), detachable boom mic, leatherette and memory foam ear cushions, simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections, and more.

The madness resumes tonight. The field has been reduced from a sweeping 64 to a sweet 16. Two No. 1 seeds have already been knocked out (bye bye, Purdue, so long, Kansas), and one double-digit seed in No. 15 Princeton has made it to the tournament’s second weekend. After four games tonight and four games tomorrow, we will arrive at the Elite Eight.

Here’s everything you need to know to get in on the March Madness, from the Sweet 16 to the Final Four and the national championship game.

What are my other streaming options?

You can use a live TV streaming service to watch March Madness. Three of the five live TV streaming services offer the two channels needed to watch every tournament game, but keep in mind that not every service carries every local network, so check each one using the links below to make sure it carries CBS in your area.

You can also use Paramount Plus to watch some, but not all, of March Madness. Only the games shown on CBS are available on Paramount Plus.

Hulu

Hulu with Live TV

Carries CBS and TBS for $70 a month

Hulu with Live TV costs $70 a month and includes CBS and TBS. Click the “View channels in your area” link on its welcome page to see which local channels are offered in your ZIP code. Read our Hulu with Live TV review.

See at Hulu with Live TV

Sarah Tew/CNET

YouTube TV

Carries CBS and TBS for $73 a month

YouTube TV costs $73 a month and includes CBS and TBS. Plug in your ZIP code on its welcome page to see which local networks are available in your area. Read our YouTube TV review.

See at YouTube TV

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream

Carries CBS and TBS for $75 a month

DirecTV Stream’s basic $75-a-month plan includes CBS and TBS. You can use its channel lookup tool to see which local channels are available where you live. Read our DirecTV Stream review.

See at DirecTV Stream

Paramount Plus, CNET

Paramount Plus Premium

Carries CBS for $10 a month

Paramount Plus costs $10 a month for its Premium plan and will show March Madness games broadcast on CBS, including the Final Four. You can’t, however, watch the rest of the tournament shown on TBS, TNT or TruTV with Paramount Plus. Read our Paramount Plus review.

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Fubo TV

FuboTV

Carries CBS for $75 a month

FuboTV’s basic plan costs $75 a month and includes CBS but not TBS. It isn’t the best choice for March Madness, but it’ll let you watch half the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games and both Final Four games as well as the championship game. Click here to see which local channels you get. Read our FuboTV review.

See at FuboTV

Sling, CNET

Sling TV

Carries TBS for $40 a month

Sling TV’s $40-a-month Blue plan includes TBS, but none of its plans include CBS, which means you can’t watch the culmination of March Madness on Sling. Read our Sling TV review.

See at Sling TV

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

When it comes to comfort and sound quality, over-ear headphones tend to lead the pack. And while some high-end models can be pretty pricey, right now we’ve found a pretty amazing deal that scores you a great pair for nearly $300 off. Harman Audio, as well as Walmart and eBay, currently have these advanced AKG Y600NC headphones on sale for just $60, which saves you 83% compared with the usual price. Without a set expiration, we can’t guarantee how long this deal will last. But it you don’t want to miss out on these incredible savings, we’d recommend getting your order in soon.

These AKG headphones are packed full of high-end features, making them just about the best pair you’ll find in the under-$100 price range at the moment. They boast noise-canceling capabilities, plus an aware mode for when you need to be able to hear your surroundings. And with an ergonomic design and memory-foam ear cushions, they’re designed for premium comfort.

They also promise impressive audio quality, especially for Samsung users (AKG and Harman are Samsung brands), thanks to UHQ codec support. Plus, you can fine-tune your audio using the AKG companion app. Other features include an auto play/pause function that stops your music when you remove the headphones, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and an impressive 25-hour battery life on a single charge.

This is definitely a great value, but if you’re in the market for a different pair, you can check out our roundup of all the best earbuds and headphones deals for even more bargains.

Razer has a lot of gaming hardware and accessories: It’s now in the Meta Quest 2 VR accessory business, too. The first Meta Quest 2-compatible strap and face plate have just arrived after being announced at CES in Las Vegas earlier this year. Trying them both at home, I’m cautiously a fan (of the strap, at least).

The company has partnered with ResMed for the strap design and manufacturing process, which interests me because Resmed happens to make the CPAP machine I use every night. CPAP machines require head straps to get those awkward air masks on and fit snugly but comfortably. A similar goal’s at play here, but for the VR headset on your face.

Razer’s strap fits snugly, for sure (at least on my face), but rests differently than the standard elastic Quest 2 straps. After adjusting the Velcro on the sides and the top strap, the design lets you kind of just lower the headset over your face like a large VR baseball cap. At first, it feels like the back support won’t hold, but it does. It feels a little less fussy, once set up, yet offers enough snugness that it should be good for intense sessions of Beat Saber.

Razer Adjustable Head Strap System for Quest 2

$70 at Razer

I do wish the straps had a little more give, but maybe that’s just me. Or maybe, much like CPAP straps, the elastic, padded strap system will eventually break in and be more fitted to my head.

I also let my 14-year-old son use it to play Beat Saber. (He’s become a VR expert pretty fast.) He told me it fits nicely but a little weirdly: He too felt that the headset was almost strangely balanced on his head. But once you get over feeling like the headset may topple over and then realize it won’t, it actually becomes very comfy. But in intense Beat Saber Expert Plus songs, he felt like it was a bit less secure than the standard Quest 2 strap.

Razer also has a silicone face mask insert that’s designed to replace the foam padded one on the Quest 2. (Meta has its own silicone foam cover included with new Quest 2 hardware.) I’m less enthused about this one. First of all, the regular Quest 2 silicone-covered padding works fine for me. In addition, Razer’s insert seemed to make my glasses fog up more. Maybe it has a tiny bit less ventilation? I don’t know. I prefer less intense padding in my VR headset to help accommodate my thick glasses anyway. It does seem to block out more light, and Razer promises it’s more antibacterial and sweat-resistant.

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There’s also the price to consider. The strap costs $70, and the face plate costs $70 too. Considering the entire Quest 2 costs $400, that’s a lot to invest in extras. There’s nothing really wrong with the included Quest 2 strap that comes in the box, which is free. But Razer’s extra level of comfort could be worth it if you’re ready for something else.

What interests me even more than these current Razer Quest 2 products, though, is what comes next. Razer plans to be an ongoing accessory maker for Meta now and will continue its partnership with ResMed. Will that mean Quest 3 accessories in the fall? Could it eventually mean controllers? Or other gaming accessories or VR-compatible peripherals? I’d love to see what’s on deck. This isn’t a bad start.

Buying a new smartwatch isn’t always a simple decision. There are a lot of questions you should ask yourself before spending hundreds of dollars on a new device. For example, are you looking for a watch that can help you train for your next race? Or do you only care about meeting your step goal and seeing notifications on your wrist? Most people likely fall somewhere in between.

The good news is that you can narrow down your options with just three questions. Do you use an iPhone or Android device? How much are you willing to spend? And how do you plan to use it?

You’ll also want to consider comfort, size and style. After all, a smartwatch isn’t very useful if you don’t enjoy wearing it. Comfort is especially important if you’re looking for a smartwatch to use as a sleep tracker.

Early smartwatches were clunky, expensive and limited in functionality, but there are plenty of worthwhile options on the market today. The best modern smartwatches expertly balance quality design and health and fitness tracking alongside smart features that take some of the burden off your phone. They typically cost anywhere between $229 and $1,000 depending on your needs, but prices will always vary depending on the brand.

Do you have an iPhone or Android device?

Answering this question will dictate which choices are available. Brands like Fitbit, Garmin, Withings, Fossil and Michael Kors make smartwatches that are compatible with both iPhones and Android phones. But some of our top picks are only compatible with one platform or the other.

The Apple Watch only works with the iPhone, while Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 and Google’s Pixel Watch are only compatible with Android devices. If you’re considering the Galaxy Watch 5, know that the ECG feature is only supported on Samsung’s Galaxy devices, unless you side load Samsung’s Health Monitor app onto a non-Galaxy phone.

How much do you want to spend?

Smartwatches come in several different price brackets, and finding which one is right for you depends on your budget and what you want from a smartwatch.

General purpose smartwatches

Most mainstream smartwatches fall around the $300 to $400 range, although you may pay a higher price for extras like LTE connectivity or a fancier finish. These watches provide health monitoring tools, fitness tracking and can replicate some of your phone’s functionality. These are the right choice if you want a well-rounded experience, especially when it comes to health and wellness. The Apple Watch Series 8, Fitbit Sense 2, Google Pixel Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 fall into this category.

Below are some examples of features you’ll find on smartwatches in this price range.

Features will vary depending on the model, but that’s the general package you can expect from watches at that price. Some watches have their own specific extras, too.

The $399 Apple Watch Series 8, for example, has car crash detection and an ultra wideband chip that should make it function better as a digital key for your car and home. Fitbit’s $299 Sense 2 has sensors that can passively monitor for signs of stress, while Samsung’s $279 Galaxy Watch 5 can measure body composition. Garmin’s $349 Forerunner 255 has more of a fitness focus, with built-in programs for triathlon and duathlon training. Fitbit and Garmin’s watches also typically excel in battery life over watches from Apple, Google and Samsung. The latter, however, offer a larger selection of third-party apps.

Apple Watch Series 8

$399 at Apple

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

$279 at Samsung

Fitbit Sense 2

$295 at Amazon

Lower-priced smartwatches

You can also find smartwatches that cost around $250, give or take. These watches include many of the features mentioned above, but not all of them. If you mostly want to see notifications on your wrist, make mobile payments, track workouts and don’t care much about deeper health insights, this type of watch is the right choice. Watches like the Apple Watch SE and Fitbit Versa 4 are examples of value-priced smartwatches.

While watches in this price range are usually the right choice for many people, it’s important to remember what you’re missing. The $249 second-gen Apple Watch SE, for example, lacks an always-on display, ECG, blood oxygen measurements and temperature sensor. But it has the same software, high and low heart-rate notifications, car crash detection, fall detection and selection of exercise modes as the Series 8.

The $229 Fitbit Versa 4 has many of Fitbit’s most notable fitness features — like active zone minutes, sleep tracking, built-in GPS and the daily readiness score (which requires a Premium subscription). You can also get phone notifications and access Amazon’s Alexa on your wrist, and it’ll soon support Google Maps and the Google Wallet. But you’ll need the pricier $299 Fitbit Sense 2 to get Fitbit’s more sophisticated health capabilities, like sensors that scan for potential signs of stress, ECG and a skin temperature sensor.

Garmin’s $249 Venu Sq 2 offers a long battery life (an estimated 11 days) and many health and fitness features for the price (GPS, blood oxygen measurements and sleep tracking). But it doesn’t have a speaker or microphone for taking calls, onboard music storage (unless you buy the $299 Music Edition) or access to Google Play Store apps.

It’s hard to find new smartwatches that cost less than $200, although there are some options out there. If you want to pay less and don’t necessarily care about using apps, you might want to consider a fitness tracker instead. (Fitbit also works with certain insurance companies to provide devices for members, so it’s worth checking if your provider offers this benefit).

Garmin Venu Sq 2

$250 at Garmin

Apple Watch SE

$249 at Apple

Hybrid watches

Hybrid smartwatches are a cross between a smartwatch and a regular wristwatch. These types of watches usually resemble classic analog watches, and therefore lack some smart features you may find on devices like the latest Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch.

For example, hybrid watches usually have standard, round analog watch faces with hands for the hour and minute rather than color touchscreens. Don’t expect to get a full-screen view of your incoming alerts; that’s what a regular smartwatch is for. Hybrid watches are designed to be more discrete, so they typically include a small screen located on the watch face for showing notifications and fitness stats. Hybrid watches also usually offer significantly longer battery like compared to standard smartwatches, which is one of their biggest benefits.

Examples of hybrid watches include the Withings ScanWatch and ScanWatch Horizon, Garmin Vivomove lineup and Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid. These watches typically cost around the same price as regular smartwatches, meaning you can expect to pay around $150 to $500 depending on the model. A hybrid watch is best for those who prefer the look of classic watches and prioritize having long battery life over smart features like color touchscreens and full app stores.

Withings Scanwatch

$300 at Withings

High-end fitness smartwatches

There’s another major smartwatch category to consider: premium fitness-focused watches. These devices usually have everything you’d find in regular flagship smartwatches, but with more rugged designs and additional characteristics aimed at sports enthusiasts. If you’re training for a marathon or work in remote environments that may require a more precise GPS signal, one of these watches may be for you.

You can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for these types of watches. Garmin’s Epix Gen 2 and Fenix 7 Standard start at $899 and $699 respectively, and the new Apple Watch Ultra is available for $799. The $449 Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro falls in between the regular and high-end fitness watch categories.

You may wonder what makes these watches better for fitness buffs than their cheaper counterparts. While the specifics will vary, expensive fitness watches tend to have better durability, longer battery life, more accurate location positioning, customizable buttons and extra features that target specific sports, like running, scuba diving or golf.

The Apple Watch Ultra, for example, has a 36-hour battery life compared to the Series 8’s 18-hour battery life, water resistance of 100 meters compared to the Series 8’s 50 meters, a depth gauge with a water temperature sensor, dual-frequency GPS, a titanium build, a larger screen and a programmable Action button.

Compared to the Forerunner 255, Garmin’s Fenix and Epix watches also have increased water durability (100 meters versus 50 meters), lengthier battery life, dual grid mode for showing location coordinates in different formats, customizable hotkeys and an array of golf-oriented features. (The Forerunner 255 still has plenty of running-focused tools, like a race predictor to help with marathon training, since it’s largely aimed at runners.)

Apple Watch Ultra

$799 at Apple

Garmin Epix Gen 2

$790 at Walmart

When is the best time to buy a smartwatch?

The best times to buy a smartwatch are generally around Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when the most discounts are available. For example, several Garmin devices were on sale during the July Prime Day, while Fitbit wearables just saw plenty of discounts during Amazon’s second event in October. Smartwatches from Apple and Garmin were also on sale during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period in 2022.

If you’re shopping at any other time during the year, the biggest factor you’ll want to consider is when the new version of the smartwatch you’re interested in might launch. Doing so ensures that you’ll avoid paying a potentially high price for a device that may be outdated shortly. Plus, older models may go on sale once the new version launches.

Here’s a look at when the major smartwatch makers tend to release new smartwatches based on previous launches.

Should you buy a smartwatch or fitness tracker?

If you want to spend less than $200 and don’t care about features like LTE connectivity, virtual assistants or third-party apps, a fitness tracker could be the right choice.

Fitness trackers typically provide health metrics like sleep and activity tracking, heart rate, multiple exercise modes and blood oxygen saturation in a smaller (and less expensive) package, but skimp on some smart features like those mentioned above. Since fitness trackers usually have smaller screens, you also won’t be able to see as much information at a glance as you would on a smartwatch.

But fitness bands do offer basic smartphone companion features, such as the ability to show call and text notifications and set timers and alarms. Another benefit is that you’ll likely get longer battery life from a fitness band than a traditional smartwatch. Check out some of our favorite fitness trackers.

The best smartwatches in 2023

Still not sure where to start when buying a smartwatch? Check out CNET’s guide to the best smartwatches for our top picks, which range from below $300 all the way up to $1,000. This year’s top picks so far include the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 8, Google Pixel Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Garmin Epix 2 among others.

We test smartwatches by tracking workouts with them, wearing them overnight while sleeping, testing how well they automatically detect exercises, relying on them for notifications when away from our phones and running the battery down to see how long they last. We also take readings from the various health sensors and ascertain what they add to the overall experience. Our goal when testing smartwatches is to assess their overall value by evaluating which features they offer, how well these watches execute those functions and how the whole package compares to the competition.

More smartwatch advice

• Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Apple Watch SE: How to Decide
• Pixel Watch vs. Galaxy Watch 5: Which Android Watch Is the Best Choice?
• Fitbit Tips: 12 Ways to Get More Out of Your Fitness Tracker or Watch
• Apple Watch Settings You Can Change to Make It Work Even Better

In this article:

• What is the best phone for most people?​
• Best phones in 2023​
• How we test phones​
• Phone FAQs​

It’s 2023 and quality smartphones are in abundance. Consumers have their pick of a wide variety of phones with fast processors, vibrant displays and powerful cameras. But with so many options, deciding which one’s right for you isn’t always easy. To simplify the decision, we’ve rounded up our top picks — each phone on this list meets the requirements for what CNET considers to be the best smartphones. From flagship phones to budget phones under $500 and everything in between, there are plenty of worthwhile options for everyone.

Every phone on this list has been thoroughly reviewed and tested, and you’ll find options across iPhone and Android that fit different needs.

What is the best phone for most people?

The Apple iPhone 14 and 14 Pro impressed us with excellent performance from their processors and the cameras. But if you aren’t after the best iPhone around, you still have plenty of smartphone choices, including the Pixel 7 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. They both offer everything you could want, from high-end performance to superb cameras.

Those who want something cheaper should consider the $599 Pixel 7, while the Galaxy S23 may be more suitable for people who prefer smaller phones.

There are a number of other great smartphones with eye-catching features, such as Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 4, which has a foldable screen. These can be quite expensive, but if your cash doesn’t stretch that far, worry not. More and more affordable phones, such as the new Pixel 6A, pack great specs, high-speed 5G connectivity and more-approachable prices.

Most of the phones below are available unlocked and should be compatible with the big four US wireless carriers, unless otherwise specified. Many of the best phones of 2022 remain available below, but we review and update this list regularly and will keep you posted as we test new models in the year ahead. For more info, read our guide to help find the best phone for your needs and take a look at our tips on how to buy a new Apple iPhone or Android phone and where to snag the best phone deals.

Best phones in 2023

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Apple iPhone 14 Pro

The best iPhone you can buy

Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max introduce sweeping changes like the Dynamic Island, a new 48-megapixel camera system and Apple’s new A16 Bionic processor. All of these upgrades come together to make for an experience that feels fresh and fast. The upgrades to the main camera allow it to take some truly stunning photos, making the phone a solid option if you’re into mobile photography.

As Apple’s top phone it doesn’t come cheap — especially if you want the larger Max model — but if you’re looking for the best all-round performance in an iPhone, then the 14 Pro is the phone to get.

Read our Apple iPhone 14 Pro review.

$999 at Apple

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Apple iPhone 14

Good upgrade for most people

While the base iPhone 14 doesn’t have the same triple camera array or new Dynamic Island notch as its pricier 14 Pro sibling, it still offers a lot to be excited about and comes with a more affordable price. CNET editor Patrick Holland describes it as “a good upgrade for most people” thanks to its solid performance, updated main camera and various other tweaks including a more repairable glass back in case it takes a tumble.

It’s not a huge overhaul from last year’s models, but if you’re in the market for a new iPhone and you don’t fancy spending the big bucks on the Pro series, then it’s a great option to consider.

Read our Apple iPhone 14 review.

$799 at Apple

Google

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Best value for a premium Android phone

With its stellar triple camera, refined design and spacious 6.7-inch screen, there’s a lot to love about the Pixel 7 Pro. Although it’s not very different from the previous Pixel 6 Pro, it will feel like a big change to those upgrading from a phone that’s more than two years old. Google has improved the zoom capabilities on the Pixel 7 Pro, giving it a 30x digital zoom compared to the 6 Pro’s 20x range for capturing tighter shots. Both the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are getting some new features powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, such as the ability to sharpen old photos. You’ll also get free access to Google’s VPN on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.

At $899, the Pixel 7 Pro is cheaper than both the $1,000 Galaxy S23 Plus and $1,200 Galaxy S23 Ultra at their regular starting prices, making it a solid choice for those who want a giant screen and an excellent camera for less.

Read our Google Pixel 7 Pro review.

$598 at Amazon

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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Best premium Android phone

The Galaxy S23 is a lot, but in a good way. It’s more than most people need in a phone, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Samsung made improvements to the camera’s resolution (200 megapixels compared to 108 megapixels), color tones and dynamic range, while retaining the same edgy design and massive 6.8-inch screen as its predecessor. There’s also a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that’s been optimized specifically for Samsung’s phones, which brings faster performance compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Starting at $1,200, it may be an understatement to call this phone expensive. But those willing to pay more for a giant screen and a high-quality, versatile camera won’t be disappointed. Read our full review of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

$1,200 at Samsung

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Samsung Galaxy S23

Best small Android phone

Android fans looking for a petite phone don’t have much to choose from. But the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 provides a compelling option for those who want a phone that feels compact but still provides enough screen space. The Galaxy S23 comes with routine upgrades like a fresh processor (a version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that’s been optimized for Samsung’s phones), a slightly new design and a higher-resolution selfie camera. But it’s the Galaxy S23’s larger battery that makes it worth recommending. Read our full review of the Galaxy S23.

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Google

Google Pixel 7

Best Android phone for under $600

The Pixel 7 costs significantly less than the Galaxy S23 and iPhone 14, but nails the basics extremely well for a phone of its price. You’ll also get extra features that are specific to Google phones, like the ability to have the Google Assistant wait on hold for you.

The Pixel 7 isn’t very different from the Pixel 6, but it doesn’t need to be. Instead, it adds refinements like a closer digital camera zoom, a slightly upgraded design with a more prominent camera bar made of metal and face unlock. The new Tensor G2 processor also brings some new photography improvements, like Photo Unblur, which sharpens old photos.

Overall, the Pixel 7 is a great choice for those who want a new Android phone with a reasonably large screen at a price that’s more affordable than Samsung’s Galaxy S23 family.

Read our Google Pixel 7 review.

$599 at Google Store

Google

Google Pixel 6 Pro

Best high-end phone at a discount

Google no longer sells the Pixel 6 Pro through its website, but you can still find it through some third-party retailers at a significant discount for now. The Pixel 6 Pro’s unique design, great software additions, superb camera quality and solid all-around performance earned the phone an excellent rating when CNET reviewed it in 2021. It’s more than a year old, but many of our initial impressions still hold true. All told, it’s a worthwhile choice for those who want a spacious screen and a top-notch camera on a budget.

Read our Google Pixel 6 Pro review.

$534 at Amazon

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Apple iPhone 13

Best everyday phone

While Apple’s new iPhone 14 and 14 Pro might be the more exciting options with their upgraded cameras and the Pro’s new Dynamic Island notch, Apple is still selling the base iPhone 13.

The standard iPhone 13 is a reliable choice for most people, sporting a 6.1-inch screen and two excellent rear cameras. We loved the iPhone 13’s balance of power, camera performance and price and while it’s not a huge amount of money saved over the base iPhone 14, if you’re looking for a new handset and trying to keep your costs down it could be money well saved.

Read our Apple iPhone 13 review.

$699 at Apple

$829 at Amazon

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OnePlus 11

High performance flagship with a lower price

The $700 OnePlus 11 is a powerful phone that’s well equipped to handle gaming, video streaming and other common tasks. In typical OnePlus fashion, this phone is also cheaper than the $800 Galaxy S23 and $900 Pixel 7 Pro. The cameras aren’t the best, but they’re fine for casual photographers that just want to capture their next vacation or a night out. What sets the OnePlus 11 apart from many of its rivals is its blazing fast 100-watt fast charging, which can replenish the battery in just 25 minutes. (The US version only supports 80-watt charging, but that’s still an improvement over the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 45-watt charging). Overall, the OnePlus 11 is ideal for those who want a powerful phone that charges quickly and won’t break the bank. Read our full review of the OnePlus 11.

$699 at OnePlus

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Apple iPhone SE (2022)

Most affordable iPhone

Apple’s 2022 iPhone SE may not have the incredible multiple cameras of the top-end iPhone 13 Pro, but the iPhone SE has a lot to offer if you’re looking for a great experience without spending flagship levels of cash. It’s 5G-enabled, for one, it runs the latest iOS 15 software and it packs the same A15 Bionic processor found in Apple’s top phones. As a result, performance is lightning-fast.

Read our Apple iPhone SE (2022) review.

$429 at Apple

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Google Pixel 6A

Best Android phone under $500

The Pixel 6A is Google’s newest midrange phone, replacing the Pixel 5A as the $449 device in its lineup. CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco called it the “best Android phone under $500” in her Pixel 6A review, noting that it keeps the same Tensor chip seen in the $599 Pixel 6 and many of its features.

The phone is slightly smaller than the Pixel 6, featuring an 6.1-inch OLED display and a refresh rate of 60Hz. And it has a similar camera to the Pixel 5A, including a 12.2-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. But by including the Tensor chip, photos can benefit from its Real Tone skin tone feature, Face Unblur, Night Sight for darker photography and the Magic Eraser for removing unwanted elements from a photo.

$299 at Google Store

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

Best foldable phone

Samsung’s $1,000 Galaxy Z Flip 4 is the most portable and fun phone CNET’s Patrick Holland reviewed last year. It inherits the best parts of the Z Flip 3, like its pocketable flip phone-inspired design and Flex Mode, which makes it easier to use the phone when it’s propped open halfway. The Z Flip 4 also has a new image sensor, which improves image quality compared to the Flip 3, along with a bigger battery and newer processor.

These improvements address some of the Z Flip 3’s biggest shortcomings, even though Samsung didn’t give us everything we wanted (like a larger cover screen). But all told, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a great choice for those who want a phone that’s more portable than almost anything else you’ll find on the market.

You could also go for the Galaxy Z Flip 3, which Samsung still sells at a lower $900 price. But that’s still a lot to spend on a new phone, so I’d recommend spending a little extra now that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is roughly a year and a half old. You might as well invest in newer technology that will last longer if possible, especially if you can score a good trade-in deal.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 review.

$835 at Samsung

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Apple iPhone 13 Mini

Best small phone

If you’re someone who prefers smaller, pocket-friendly devices, this is the phone for you. The 6.1-inch iPhone 13 Mini is easy to use with one hand and even fits into tight jean pockets. Starting at $699, this is the cheapest model in Apple’s iPhone 13 lineup. While battery life isn’t as long as on the iPhone 13, this petite Apple iPhone doesn’t sacrifice on camera capabilities or processing power.

$599 at Apple

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Sony Xperia Pro

Best phone for creatives

At a whopping price of $2,500, the Sony Xperia Pro isn’t for everyone. But if you’re a photographer or videographer looking for professional-level camera phone features, you can’t go wrong. The Xperia Pro is essentially four products in one: a phone, a camera monitor, a speedy photo file transfer device, and a 5G machine suitable for broadcasting and livestreaming.

Read our Sony Xperia Pro review.

$1,100 at Amazon

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How we test phones

Every phone that appears on this list has been thoroughly tested by CNET’s expert reviews team. That means actually using the phone, testing the features, playing games on them and taking photos with them. No marketing promises are taken at face value, and if we find something we don’t like, be it battery life or build quality, we’ll tell you all about it.

Testing a phone means testing every element of the device. Is the display bright, sharp, vibrant? Does the design feel good to hold, is it heavy, does it feel well made and is it water resistant? We test the processor performance using both standardized benchmark tools like GeekBench and 3DMark, along with our own anecdotal observations while navigating the interface or when playing demanding games.

All the cameras (both front and back) are tested in a variety of conditions from bright sunlight through to dark scenes (for any available night modes), and we compare our findings against similarly priced models. We run battery tests, running them down from full to see how long they’re likely to keep going out there in the real world.

We take into account additional features like 5G, fingerprint or face scanners, styluses, fast charging, flexible displays or other extras that can be useful. And we of course balance all of this against the price to give you the verdict on whether that phone, whatever price it is, actually represents good value.

Phone FAQs

What makes a good phone camera?

All of today’s phones pack some kind of camera setup on the back, with most packing multiple ones offering things like ultra-wide views or telephoto zooms. Even a budget-focused phone should be able to take a well-exposed image in good light, using HDR techniques to balance bright skies and shadowy areas.

More expensive phones like the iPhone 14 Pro will use larger image sensors, better-quality lenses and image stabilization that let in more light, capturing highly detailed images with beautiful colors — in daylight and at night. Then there are phones like Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra, which packs a huge 10x optical zoom lens that lets you zoom in close on far-away details without sacrificing image quality.

Typically, the more you pay, the better quality you’ll get, with the most advanced features being reserved for the most expensive flagships. But unless you’re a committed photographer, then most recent smartphones will be able to take good-enough shots of your kids at the beach to share with family and friends, so don’t think you need to spend a fortune to get a usable camera.

You can see our roundup of the best camera phones, with options at different prices, including budget phone cameras like the Google Pixel 6A.

What is the best phone case?

There’s a vast array of case options for almost every phone on the market, so which one is best really comes down to what you need it for. Many cases are simply there for the style. They might be made of luxury materials like leather or fabric, or simply come with some fancy design that you’ll enjoy having in your pocket all the time.

And while these cases will certainly help keep light scratches and scuffs off your phone, you should look toward more specialized rugged cases if you want to take your smartphone on a rough-and-tumble adventure into the outdoors.

We’ve got great roundups of excellent phone cases to buy, whether you need the best case for an iPhone 14 or a case for your new Galaxy S23.

How long should a phone battery last?

Battery life has always been a difficult topic in smartphones. As phones get more powerful they get more power-hungry, but keeping them slim enough to slide into a pocket means little room for a battery. Long gone are the days of getting a month out of a single charge.

Most of today’s smartphones — even those at the top end — should usually be able to deliver a full day of mixed use out of a charge. That means you should have a bit of juice left at the end of your day, but you should expect to give it a full charge when you plug it in next to your bed at night.

Mixed use is subjective, of course, but typically it would involve some general messaging and email, web browsing and listening to streaming music or podcasts for a couple of hours. Throw in some photos on your walk home from work, too. More demanding tasks like playing vibrant, 3D games like Asphalt 9: Legends will drain your battery much faster. If you plan on playing a lot of games, then make sure you’re within reach of a plug or carry a mobile battery pack with you.

How much storage should my phone have?

Phone storage has increased over time as our phones have to store much more data-heavy things these days. Apps and games use higher-resolution graphics or other modern features that mean they have to take up more room on your phone. It’s common for graphically intense games to take up several gigabytes of space, which is huge when you consider the first-generation iPhone came with a base 4GB of storage.

Most phones tend to come with a minimum of 128GB of storage, which is a good amount for apps, games and locally stored music. But it’s important to think about what you’ll be doing with your phone. If you want to download and play a lot of games, then consider opting for a higher-capacity version.

If you’re into photography and expect to take a lot of high-resolution photos, 4K video or DNG raw images, then again you’ll benefit from having more storage so you don’t have to keep deleting older files before you can take new ones. Having extra storage can be great peace of mind that you’ll be able to shoot away at your kid’s birthday party without worrying about missing that crucial moment because you ran out of space.

But you’ll pay more for that storage, with the iPhone 14 Pro’s top 1TB of space costing half as much again as the base 128GB model. Whether that’s a worthwhile investment is up to you.

What makes a phone a smartphone?

Pretty much every phone you can buy today is a smartphone. Smartphones let you do more than just make calls; they connect to the internet for web browsing, you can download apps and games, and they typically have cameras capable of taking — and displaying — photos and videos. In short, they’re just what we know of today as a “phone,” and everything on this list qualifies as a smartphone.

They’re worlds apart from the older-style “feature” phones like the original Nokia 3210, although even those have been updated with “smart” functions. And it is still possible to buy extremely basic feature phones, with physical buttons and no internet connectivity, although these are much more niche and far fewer companies still make them.

More phone buying guides

• Best Android Phones to Buy in 2023
• Best Foldable Phones of 2023
• Best Phone Under $200: Cheaper Phones for Just the Basics

• Best Phones Under $500 for 2023: Feature-Packed, Low Prices
• Best iPhone in 2023: Which Apple Phone Should You Buy?

Valve on Wednesday announced Counter-Strike 2, the evolution of one of the most storied first-person shooters. According to the game’s website, CS2 is a massive update to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the crown jewel of the tactical shooter genre for decades. Maps were rebuilt from the ground up with new tools and features. The new game will be available on Windows as a free upgrade to CS:GO (which is already free-to-play) sometime this summer.

CS:GO, the fourth main series entry in the Counter-Strike franchise, was launched in 2012 by Valve (makers of the Steam Deck) and long dominated the tactical shooter genre, which rewards precision aim and coordinated tactics to achieve objectives like planting or defusing bombs. Its dominance was tested in 2020 when Riot Games released Valorant, which featured more contemporary graphics and agents with unique abilities like smokes and walls. The announcement of Counter-Strike 2 gives the series a modern upgrade and a chance to attract newer players who weren’t interested in a decade-old game.

The announcement boasts a variety of upgrades to the game experience. CS2 features dynamic, volumetric smokes that react to gunfire. The game has cleaner and brighter visuals including high-resolutions updates to CS:GO guns and finishes, and updated environmental effects. It also uses sub-tick updates for moving and shooting. That’s particularly important for the competitive aspect of the game, where players’ reflexes are continually tested, and the tiniest increments of time make a significant difference in the outcome of a game.

Want to get into the limited test? According to Valve’s FAQ, current CS:GO players are selected “based on a number of factors deemed important by the Counter-Strike 2 development team, including (but not limited to) recent playtime on Valve official servers, trust factor, and Steam account standing.” If you’re invited into the test, you’ll see a notification on CS:GO’s main menu. Players will be invited over time until the game launches. We’ll continue to report as more information becomes available and as the game gets closer to launch.