Not every gadget is a winner. And as it turns out, quite a few are complete losers. The massive electronics bonanza known as CES 2023 is in the books and it featured plenty of weird gadgets of its own, from pee-reading toilets to a cutting board with a screen. But what if we turn back the clock to take in the CES shows of yore?
Over the past 20-plus years, I’ve seen gadgets so stupefying that sometimes they seem to exist purely because journalists like me will write about them. But it’s time to call out the really awful ones, the worst of the worst. Vacuum shoes, toilet paper robots, MP3 weapon holsters, it’s your time to shine!
The most interesting part about this rogues gallery is that some of these products — the Pepe pet dryer, the HapiFork and the Hushme, to name a few — are still being sold today. That’s right: You blew it up, you maniacs!
Dyson Zone Air-Purifying Headphones
Nothing unusual here.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
Not technically a CES product, as this was announced during 2022, but Dyson was demonstrating the Zone headphones in Las Vegas during CES 2023. Though the Zone looks like it should be a COVID mask, that’s unfortunately not what it does. According to the Dyson site, development on the Zone began way back in 2016 as a personal air filter — for pollution, mainly — and as such, it was never designed to protect against COVID. Furthermore, one critic has claimed the gadget’s force-driven fans could even help maximize your chances of catching coronavirus. CNET’s Katie Collins, who tried it out at Dyson’s HQ in the UK, thought it was “too brilliant and bizarre to ignore.”
Computer peripherals manufacturer Razer is the king of creating “look at me” products specifically for CES, but toilet tissue brand Charmin became notorious for this 2020 entry. That’s right, in the year that saw the mass panic buying of toilet paper came a robot that could bring you even more! Coincidence? Yes… probably. The RollBot was never going to be a real product, but we loved/loathed it anyway.
Kolibree’s new connected toothbrush tracks users’ activity, helping them brush in the most effective way they can.
Kolibree
Remember when we had to wash our hands for 20 seconds by singing songs to ourselves? The same methodology also applies to brushing your teeth, but why should you use your own brain and lips like a sucker? There have been many smart toothbrushes over the years, but today I’m picking on the Kolibree. Everything was just fine until the arrival of “the world’s first connected electric toothbrush.” Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…
Back in the 2000s, the iPod became such a cultural phenomenon that every company rushed to create an MP3 player of its own. This culminated in what is one of the dumbest CES products in recent memory: the Tazer MP3 holster. Imagine trying to not only charge your holster but also connect it via USB to your computer to fill it up with 1GB of tunes.
Want to find a new way to make your small dog or cat hate you forever? Lock them in a cube prison for 25 minutes (!) and subject them to gusts of hot air. This combination torture device/dryer would have set you back $660, or you could just throw a towel over your wet dog like a normal human.
Throughout history, there have been so many gadgets designed to limit normal human behavior, but this one takes the (pan)cake. The HapiFork is yet another vibrating gadget that tells you to eat your meals slower (over 20 minutes), with the idea being that you are less likely to overeat. Personally, I wolf my own meals down like I’m in prison, so do your worst, HapiFork. I’ll eat with my hands if I have to! You’re not the boss of me!
The Hushme is literally a “dumb” product — it’s designed to make its user mute to other people in the immediate vicinity. It was pitched as being useful in workplaces, but… if a co-worker gave me one of these, they’d better be wearing vacuum shoes, in order to clean up the gleefully stomped-on bits.
Make room for Belty, a smart pant-holding device that slims or expands to adjust granular changes to your waistline. It is not a joke.
Nick Statt/CNET
The original Belty was a prototype smart belt with a motor in it that adjusted itself to whether you just ate or were sitting down. Impractical as hell, but kind of cool? While there is a newer model, also called Belty, this one is even weirder — there’s no auto-sizing, but it does have a power bank charger in the buckle. OK, two things. Not only do I not want a potentially volatile compound near my nethers, I don’t want to connect a series of devices there either.
Sean Captain, formerly of PC Advisor, models the Xybernaut Poma. Via seancaptain.com.
Sean Captain
First shown off at CES 1998, the Hitachi Xybernaut wearable computer was a terrible idea long before Google Glass was even a gleam in Babak Parviz’s eye. The Windows CE-based Xybernaut Poma offered a 128MHz RISC processor and 32MB of RAM for the low price of $1,499, plus it strapped to your arm and your face and your belt!
Shoes. You wear ’em. They wear out, you buy more. But that’s not exciting now, is it? They need things in them — phones, rockets, rollers and… vacuums? There are so many puns I could make about even just the name of the Denso Vacuum Shoes, but the fact that they existed at all was the biggest joke of all.
Paramount Plus has more to offer than hit shows like 1923, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Tulsa King and movies that hit that nostalgic note, from classics like Raiders of the Lost Ark to new favorites like Top Gun: Maverick. If you’re a sports fan, the streamer also offers live sports, and they want to hook you up with a front seat to the biggest games of the season with a free month of service just in time for the NFL playoffs. Just use promo code PLAYOFFS now through Jan. 30 to take advantage of this deal.
Chosen as one of the best streaming services of 2023, Paramount Plus brings live news and sports together with their extensive catalog of on-demand shows and movies. Paramount Plus often offers new subscribers a free seven-day trial, but with this deal, you’ll get an entire month free to watch the season’s best teams battle it out. NFL playoffs are set to begin today, Jan. 14, with the big game set for Feb. 12.
Subscriptions for the ad-free service will run you $10 a month, and if you don’t mind adds, you can stay subscribed for as little as $5 a month. And if you don’t love the service, you can cancel anytime. Whether you’re a sports fan or just looking to take advantage of a stellar streaming deal, now is a great time to give Paramount Plus a try.
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This story is part of 12 Days of Tips, helping you make the most of your tech, home and health during the holiday season.
The new year is finally here, and there are Amazon deals going strong with more to come over the next few months. If you’re a Prime member, there are a slew of perks included with your subscription that you’ll want to use all year round.
No, we’re not just talking about free two-day shipping. Amazon Prime members have access to tons of other perks and bonuses you might not know about.
We’ll teach you why protecting your identity and data is important. Plus, get recommendations for VPNs, Password Managers and Antivirus Software.
For example, Amazon Prime members can get deliveries much faster than two days, sometimes in a few hours. They can also schedule delivery dates for convenience or to avoid times when they’ll be away from home. And they even get exclusive deals simply by using Alexa on an Amazon Echo.
If you’re thinking about signing up for an Amazon Prime account (here’s how) or don’t know much about all of the included features, here are some ways you can get the most out of your membership.
You can get free same-day delivery on qualifying items
If there’s a product you want immediately, you can see if it’s available for delivery the same day you order. To check a product’s eligibility, look for delivery that’s marked as “Prime FREE Same-Day” while shopping. Note that your order will need to contain over $35 of qualifying items. If not, you’ll have to pay a small fee.
Amazon will deliver from morning until evening, so you won’t have to worry about receiving your order at 3 a.m. However, same-day delivery isn’t available in all locations, so enter your ZIP code on the Amazon Same-Day Delivery page to see if you’re eligible.
Schedule a convenient shipping date during checkout with Amazon Day.
James Martin/CNET
Alexa can share extra discounts when you shop on Echo
You can use your Amazon Echo to ask “Alexa, what are my deals?” anytime. Alexa will then share Prime-exclusive deals and you’ll have the option to add the item to your cart, buy it now or move on to the next deal.
Schedule a convenient shipping date for your package
Everyone knows about Amazon’s free two-day shipping, but another option is to choose a delivery date during checkout. It’s called Amazon Day and it’s helpful if there’s a specific day you know someone will be at home to answer for packages — especially if it’s something pricey that you don’t want to risk leaving unattended.
If you order multiple items on different days, you can have them delivered on the same day as long as they’re eligible for this offer.
Just say “Alexa, where’s my package?” and your Echo will let you know where it is, who it’s for and when it’ll arrive. Once your order has been delivered, the Echo’s ring light will pulse yellow and if you have the Echo Show, the delivery notification will appear on the screen.
Use any Amazon Echo to track your packages.
Chris Monroe/CNET
Shop Early Access deals before non-Prime members
If something you’ve been eyeing says “Prime Early Access,” as a Prime member you can shop that sale 30 minutes before non-Prime members. However, you’ll still have to compete with other Prime members who are interested in the product before it sells out.
Amazon can leave your package inside your house
When you know you’re not going to be home for a while and you’ve got a shipment on the way, it’s much safer to have an Amazon employee leave your items inside your house to avoid theft.
For in-home delivery, you’ll need a Key-compatible smart lock and an (optional) Amazon Cloud Cam. The Amazon driver will send you a notification when they’ve arrived at your house and will request to unlock your door. Amazon will verify the package is at the right address and the driver is near the door, then will turn on Amazon Cloud Cam and unlock your door.
You can also have packages delivered inside your garage
“Porch pirates” — thieves who steal packages left in front of homes — are no joke. Security site SafeWise told CNET that about 260 million packages have been stolen from home exteriors in 2022. The Amazon Key in-garage delivery service can stop porch theft completely and is free for all Amazon Prime members.
When you use Amazon In-Garage Delivery, select Key Delivery at checkout. The garage kit is $26 right now and turns your garage into a smart garage. It works the same as in-home delivery so Amazon will do all the verifying for you.
Amazon employees can leave a package inside your house with Amazon Key.
Tyler Lizenby/CNET
Send a gift to someone without knowing their address
An Amazon Prime feature lets you send someone a gift, even if you don’t have their address. For instance, if you’d like to send a coworker something for the holidays or their birthday but don’t know what their address is, you can still send a gift. But there’s a catch — that person must also have a Prime account and you need either their phone number or email address associated with the account.
Just note that not every item on Amazon is eligible.
Share Prime perks with family
If you’ve got another adult living in your household, like a significant other or friend, you can share your Prime membership with them. You’ll still be able to keep your personal accounts separate, but you’ll both have access to all the same Prime benefits.
You can also share your account with up to four teens and up to four children in your household. While they’ll have their own logins, you can still manage their profiles.
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Laptops are essential for students — a lot of schools even require them nowadays. From help with in-class lectures and projects, to studying and homework, a laptop is an essential tool for your high schooler. But the best ones come with a price tag. That’s why we’ve collected our picks for the best laptop for high school students.
We’ve covered options across all the major operating systems and brands, including MacOS, Windows and ChromeOS. Sure, many laptops will work just fine for your student, but these recommendations were chosen for dependability, user ease and performance. Every laptop we’ve suggested also has a long battery life, and each easily fits into a standard backpack. And the majority of them are under $1,000, which is increasingly rare due to continued chip shortages, supply chain issues and inflation.
Best laptop for high school students
The Apple MacBook Air M1 is our pick for the best laptop for getting schoolwork done in high school. It has excellent everyday performance, long battery life and it’s lightweight. The HP Pavilion Aero 13 is our best value pick with a starting price of $800, but is regularly on sale for far less. Like the M1 Air, the Aero has strong everyday performance and long battery life with a compact, backpack-friendly design.
Regardless of which student laptop you choose, I recommend buying directly from the manufacturer or a familiar, trusted retailer for the best prices and exchange or return policies. If you’re shopping on sites like Amazon or Walmart with third-party sellers, check to see if the laptop is being sold and shipped by the site. For more specific shopping help, check out our buying advice on getting the best cheap laptops.
It’s worth noting, too, that if your school uses Google Classroom, it doesn’t mean you need a Chromebook. (Here are the differences between a laptop and a Chromebook.) And to make long homework sessions more comfortable, you may want to add on some peripherals such as a keyboard or wireless mouse — most people get annoyed using only the trackpad pretty quickly — as well as an inexpensive external monitor so your student is more comfortable and has a bigger display to see their work. Check out our picks below to find the best laptop for high school students in 2023.
Despite the availability of the new bigger and better M2 MacBook Air, the M1 MacBook Air (one of the first to switch from Intel to Apple silicon) is sticking around and that’s a good thing. Apple’s entry-level laptop is still our go-to recommendation for a MacOS laptop for basic everyday use. It has great performance and long battery life — up to 18 hours — and is a solid choice for school and entertainment anywhere. Read our MacBook Air M1 review.
HP packed a lot of value into the Aero 13: Eye-pleasing magnesium-aluminum chassis, strong processing performance, long battery life, a bright, colorful display and a weight of just 2 pounds (0.94 kilograms). Amazingly, considering all that it offers, it has a regular starting price of less than $800 but it’s regularly on sale for less than $700. Read our HP Pavilion Aero 13 review.
Acer’s Spin 513 is an update of sorts to one of the best Chromebooks from 2021, the Spin 713. It’s a two-in-one convertible Chromebook with a 13.5-inch display that has a 3:2 aspect ratio. The extra vertical space means less scrolling when you’re working. The screen size is also close to that of letter-size paper, making it comfortable for notetaking in tablet mode with a USI pen. Compared to the 713, it drops a couple of noncritical features like an HDMI output in favor of a more affordable price. It has amazing battery life, though, and a sturdy fanless design, making it silent — perfect for quiet classrooms, lectures or video calls. Also, be sure to get the latest version of the Spin 513, model CP513-2H, powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 1380 processor.
If you’re tired of using your school-issued Chromebook with its small 11.6-inch display, this HP Chromebook is the way to go. It’s roughly 0.75 inches wider than a premium 13.3-inch model, but that extra width makes it easier to work in two side-by-side windows. The two-in-one design means you can use it as a tablet (though it’s a bit heavy to use handheld). You can also tent it, connect an external keyboard and mouse and use it as a small all-in-one computer.
It’s available in two configurations. I tested a $699 version with a Core i3 processor and 8GB RAM which kept this HP Chromebook running smoothly even with a couple dozen tabs open and streaming video in the background. And it has a long battery life to boot, lasting 10 hours and 40 minutes The good news is it regularly goes on sale for hundreds less. However, if you can’t wait, there is a $419 version that’ll give your student plenty of performance to get through their schoolwork.
Available with either AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors, this 14-inch laptop gives you more screen to work on than 13-inch laptops, but is still incredibly lightweight — less than 3 pounds. The bigger display is nice, too, covering 100% sRGB color gamut (better than you typically find at its starting price under $700). It also has a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint reader and USB Type-C and HDMI ports, too. The 2022 version of the Swift 3 falls just under $1,000 with 12th-gen Intel Core i-series CPUs. But the 2021 models are still widely available for less than $600.
If you’re still emailing photos from your iPhone to nearby friends or are still using a USB thumb drive to transfer a few files from your Mac, stop. Try AirDrop instead. Whether you have an iPhone 14, an iPad Mini or a new M2 MacBook Pro, AirDrop is a convenient way to transfer files and content from one Apple device to another. AirDrop lets you share photos, documents, videos, audio recordings, contact cards, web links and notes (among other things) quickly between Apple devices.
You don’t even need the latest iPhone 14 Pro or a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M2 Max chip to use AirDrop. It works with any iOS device running iOS 7 or newer and any Mac running OS X Yosemite or newer. The only “requirement” is that both devices are within 30 feet of each other and have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. So far as I can tell, there isn’t a limit to the size of the file you AirDrop. Just know that the bigger the file, the longer it will take to transfer.
If you’d like to follow along step-by-step as I set up and use AirDrop, watch the video below.
How to turn on AirDrop
From an iPhone, make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both turned on. Next, open the Control Center panel, then push and hold the wireless connection icon until it expands into a rectangle. Last, tap AirDrop and choose from Receiving Off, Contacts Only or Everyone to control who can send files to your phone.
On a Mac, check that you have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. Open a Finder window. Then, from the sidebar click on AirDrop. A window will open with a radar-like graphic. Anyone nearby with AirDrop enabled will appear in this window. At the bottom of the window, you can select who can send stuff to you: No One, Contacts or Everyone.
How to AirDrop on an iPhone
To use AirDrop on an iPhone, the person you’re sending files to needs to have an Apple device with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. If either of you has a Personal Hotspot enabled, turn it off; otherwise AirDrop won’t work. The same is true if you’re using a VPN. I’m not sure exactly why this is, but I’d guess it has something to do with the way a VPN encrypts your internet connection.
Anytime you see a Share button on your phone (the rectangle icon with an arrow pointing up), you can select AirDrop. When you do, you’ll be shown a list of any nearby Apple devices that also have AirDrop enabled. Tap the name of the device you want to send to. For example, say you’re in the Photos app and you see a picture you want to AirDrop. Tap the Share button to open the Share menu. At the bottom of the menu, tap the AirDrop icon. Next a window will appear with anyone nearby who has AirDrop enabled. Find the person you want to send the photo to and tap their contact icon.
Next, a window alert with a preview of the content you’re sharing will pop up on the recipient’s phone. They have the option to Accept or Decline. Once they tap Accept, the photo you selected will be transferred. Pictures and videos are saved into the Photos app on the recipient’s phone. Documents will prompt the receiver to choose an app to save them to. Web links will automatically open in your default web browser, which for most people will be Safari.
If the person you’re sending to has their AirDrop set to Contacts Only, then they’ll need to have a contact card in the Contacts app that has either your email address or phone number in order for this to work. If you’re not in their Contacts, have them change their AirDrop preference to Everyone to receive your file.
In iOS, when you tap on the Share menu, a dialog box pops up showing people nearby with AirDrop activated. Tap on the person you want to share with.
Charles Wagner/CNET
How to AirDrop on a Mac
To start, make sure your Mac’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both on, then open a Finder window. Next, from the sidebar click on AirDrop. To share a file, simply drag and drop it onto the contact icon for the person you want in the AirDrop window. Also, just like on iOS, you can access AirDrop anytime you see the Share button.
On a Mac, the Finder window shows anyone with AirDrop enabled nearby,
Screenshot/CNET
If you’re having trouble sending a file over AirDrop from a Mac, click the Don’t see who you’re looking for button at the bottom of the AirDrop Finder window. Then, click the Search For An Older Mac button that pops up.
How to AirDrop from iPhone to Mac (or vice versa)
If you want to AirDrop content from an iPhone to a Mac, start with the content. For example, if you want to AirDrop a web link, have the page opened on your iPhone. Then open the Share menu and tap the AirDrop icon. Next, select the Mac icon and name for the device you want to send the web link to. The recipient’s Mac will show a prompt asking them to Acceptor Decline. Once they tap Accept, the web link will transfer and open in their default web browser.
If you want to AirDrop from your iPhone to your Mac, and both are signed into the same Apple ID, you won’t see an option to Accept or Decline. The transfer will just happen.
How to change your AirDrop name
Your AirDrop name is the same as your general device name. To check it or change it on an iPhone, open Settings. Tap General, then tap About. The first item in the list shows the current name of your iPhone. Simply tap to change it.
Google’s ChromeOS is now more than a decade old and a lot has changed. In the past couple of years, Google revved up what you can do with a Chromebook, dramatically improving or adding tools to help increase your productivity, whether you’re working or learning from home, school, the office or somewhere in between. Android users get extra benefits to make it easier to jump between a Chromebook and an Android phone, and on Android you can also share your Wi-Fi connection.
New Chromebook users and veterans alike can learn some new tricks to boost productivity in Chrom OS. Read on for 11 features that make your life more efficient on a Chromebook.
Your Chromebook’s webcam can be used for scanning documents. Open up the Camera app and along with photo and video options you’ll see Scan. Select it and you’ll have the option to scan a document or a QR code. For documents, just put what you want to scan in front of the webcam and your Chromebook will find it and detect the document’s edges. Tap or click the big, white shutter release on the right side of the interface and it will capture your scan. If you like what you got, you can save it as a JPEG or PDF.
Admittedly, the results are better with an external webcam than the built-in camera unless you happen to have a Chromebook with front- and rear-facing cameras. But it still works OK with just the webcam above your Chromebook’s display if you need to create a quick PDF to email. Just make sure you have plenty of light so you can capture a crisp image.
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Edit PDFs with the Gallery app
Need to sign or form or show someone where to sign a form? Google eliminated the need to print and scan PDF documents with editing features built into your Chromebook’s Gallery app. The PDF editor lets you fill out and sign forms, highlight text and add text annotations.
Pan, tilt and zoom your external webcam
Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET
If you use an external webcam with pan, tilt and zoom support with your Chromebook, there are controls in the Camera app to let you move and zoom with the camera. With the external camera connected to your Chromebook, open the Camera app and select your external webcam using the camera switch icon at the lower left of the interface. Just above that icon is a diamond-shaped icon with a circle at its center. Click on that icon and it’ll open a control panel with zoom, pan and tilt controls. What’s really convenient, though, is the camera settings you use will stick once you leave the Camera app. That means you can jump into a Google Meet chat and have the camera angle set up just how you like it.
Phone Hub
Google
Android users can access their phones from Chrome’s Shelf. The hub lets you see the last couple of tabs you viewed on your phone, see its battery level and wireless connection strength and get notifications from chat apps. It can also be used to locate your phone by setting off its ringtone, and it can silence your phone entirely.
Wi-Fi Sync
Wi-Fi Sync lets you share your network settings between devices. This means if your phone connects to a safe Wi-Fi network, your phone can share the network password with your Chromebook so you’re ready to work when you lift the lid. No more reentering passwords or having to hunt them down again to connect.
Screen Capture
Josh Goldman/CNET
Can’t remember the key combo to take a screenshot? From the Quick Settings on Chrome’s Shelf, you can select Capture. The tool not only lets you take screenshots but can be used to capture screen recordings as well. The tool can capture a window, a crop of a specific area of your screen or the entire screen.
Also, if you want to create a screencast to record, view and share transcribed videos and presentations for a demo or how-to video or a virtual lesson, there’s a Screencast app that’s part of ChromeOS. Just click on the Launcher in the lower left corner of your screen and search for it.
Tote
Josh Goldman/CNET
Google added a holding spot on the Shelf called Tote. It’s where you’ll find your most recent screenshots. But you’re also able to see downloads without having to launch the file browser. You can pin files to Tote, too, which means you can keep an important document readily available to open without searching for it.
Clipboard
Alongside the Tote feature is an enhanced Clipboard. It’s now able to store the last five things you saved to it. To view what’s available, press the Everything button plus V.
Desks
Josh Goldman/CNET
Desks lets you create separate workspaces for different projects you’re working on. Google added a right-click option to send an open window to a different Desk than the one it’s in, or all of your Desks if necessary. A four-finger swipe across your touchpad will let you switch between Desks, too.
Need to convert a measurement from imperial to metric or need the definition of a word you’re reading? Just highlight whatever it is and right-click on it and you’ll be given a definition, conversion or translation along with your other options. This can be toggled on and off in the settings menu under Related Info.
Nearby Share is the Android version of Apple’s AirDrop. It lets you and your contacts quickly share photos, files, links and more directly to another Android device or a Chromebook. Search the Settings on your Chromebook for Nearby Share and you can toggle the feature on and off. You’ll have to turn on Nearby Share on the sending/receiving device, as well.
To use it, once you’ve turned it on, pick what you want to send from your device, tap the Share icon (it’s the one with three dots with one dot joined to the other two by single lines) and Nearby Share should appear as an option. Tap Nearby Share and it will search for available devices which should include your Chromebook. Select it, and you’ll get a notification on your Chromebook to accept or reject it.
Microsoft is making it easier to use certain Apple services on Windows.
Last year, during its Oct. 12 Surface event, Microsoft announced that Apple Music and Apple TV would soon be coming to the Microsoft Store, as replacements for Windows alternatives that just weren’t up to par — and that day is now here.
Apple Music, Apple TV and a third app known as Apple Devices (which lets you manage your Apple devices) are now available for you to download, as long as you’re running Windows 11. We’ll briefly discuss what each of these new Apple applications can do for you on Windows, and how you can install them right now.
Now all you have to do is either click the links below or manually search for the apps in the Microsoft Store:
Apple Music(replacement for iTunes): Stream music, listen to podcasts and more, from the Apple Music service. Must be a paid subscriber.
Apple TV(replacement for Apple TV web player): Watch Apple TV Plus, movies and more. You must be a paid subscriber as well.
Apple Devices(replacement for iTunes): Manage your Apple devices, including your iPhone, iPad, iPod and iPod Touch. You can sync music, movies and TV shows, as well as update, back up and restore your devices.
Apple TV lets you stream movies and shows on Windows.
Microsoft
If you download Apple Music, Apple TV or Apple Devices (or all three), you’ll no longer be able to use iTunes. The only way to get iTunes back up and running is to uninstall whichever of the three apps you downloaded.
Also, all three Apple apps on Windows are currently previews, which means that not all features may work as expected.
Apple currently sells eight different iPhone models that date back to 2020. Compare that to when Steve Jobs launched the original iPhone in 2007 where the only option was getting 4GB or 8GB of storage. While there’s no such thing as a true “best” iPhone, depending on your needs, budget and preferences, some iPhone models will be better for you than others. With the addition of the iPhone 14 series and the iPhone 11, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max being discontinued, deciding on the right one can be confusing.
In terms of prices, the current iPhone lineup starts as low as $429 for the 2022 iPhone SE and tops off at $1,599 for the iPhone 14 Pro Max with a whopping 1TB of storage. Below are the various models, their release date, the number of rear cameras they have, their processor and their current list price, which for some phones includes a $30 activation fee that’s waived if you activate your iPhone on a carrier at the time of purchase. And if you’re looking for the best iPhone deals, we have you covered there too.
Current iPhones, compared
Model
US starting price
Screen size
No. of rear cameras
CPU
Release date
iPhone SE
$429
4.7 inches
1
A15 Bionic
March 2022
iPhone 12
$629
6.1 inches
2
A14 Bionic
October 2020
iPhone 13 Mini
$629
5.4 inches
2
A15 Bionic
September 2021
iPhone 13
$729
6.1 inches
2
A15 Bionic
September 2021
iPhone 14
$829
6.1 inches
2
A15 Bionic
September 2022
iPhone 14 Plus
$929
6.7 inches
2
A15 Bionic
October 2022
iPhone 14 Pro
$999
6.1 inches
3
A16 Bionic
September 2022
iPhone 14 Pro Max
$1,099
6.7 inches
3
A16 Bionic
September 2022
Whether it’s the tiny iPhone 13 Mini and its 5.4-inch screen or the 2020 iPhone 12, you actually have a lot of options to choose for your perfect phone. Navigating Apple’s iPhone spectrum can be overwhelming, whether you’re considering colors (the iPhone 13 comes in six), or features like the iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island, which expands and contracts to show system alerts.
Then there are the cameras. The iPhone typically has some of the best cameras found on any phone. But the iPhone SE has just one on the back. The 12, 13, 13 Mini, 14 and 14 Plus each have dual-rear cameras. And then there’s the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max that not only have a trio of cameras but come with features like the ability to take ProRaw photos or record ProRes videos.
To further complicate things, carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon as well as third-parties like Best Buy and Amazon continue to sell discontinued models such as the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. And then there’s the prices. Apple’s starting price for each model isn’t necessarily what you’ll pay. Nearly all of the phones on this list can be bought for significantly less with a mixture of trade-ins and/or service commitments with most US wireless carriers.
I know, it’s a lot. But I’ve tested all eight versions of the iPhone and can help you navigate through all the noise.
When I reviewed the iPhone 14, I said it was essentially the iPhone 13 Pro’s processor and main camera inside the body of an iPhone 13. No doubt, some will be disappointed that the iPhone 14 isn’t radically different from previous models. But that’s part of its charm. Familiarity has been one of the keys to Apple’s success with the iPhone. And as the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
The iPhone 14’s best features are ones you may never see or use — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. That includes Crash Detection, which can notify emergency services when you’re in an automobile accident. Starting in November, you’ll get Emergency SOS via Satellite that lets you use a satellite to message emergency dispatchers in places without cell coverage.
And while the iPhone 14 has a nearly identical flat-sided design as the iPhone 12 and 13, including a ceramic shield covering and a water resistant body, the inside has been completely redesigned. The 14’s back-glass is easier and more affordable to repair since it’s no longer attached to internals.
All phones in the iPhone 14 series only use eSIMs in the US and have a new selfie camera that for the first time ever has autofocus. Add in a new video stabilization tool called Action mode, an upgraded Cinematic mode that can capture 4K video at 24fps and iOS 16, and you have an excellent phone. If you activate it on a carrier, Apple drops the price to $799. Read our Apple iPhone 14 review.
From the back, the $999 iPhone 14 Pro looks identical to last year’s 13 Pro. But don’t let that sameness fool you. It’s the 14 Pro’s screen where there’s something different and wonderful going on. The display notch, that defined previous Face ID iPhone models, has morphed into a pill-shaped screen cutout that can show system alerts and background activities like when you receive a call or play music. Apple calls this functionality the Dynamic Island. I know, it’s not the best name, but it’s truly one of the best features.
The iPhone 14 Pro has a 6.1-inch adaptive-refresh-rate screen that adjusts between 1 and 120Hz depending on what’s on the screen. It also gets upgraded cameras, a faster processor, an always-on display, iOS 16 and new safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite. Driving all these upgrades is Apple’s new A16 Bionic chip, which in use feels peppy.
The main camera gets a new larger 48-megapixel sensor. While more megapixels doesn’t necessarily mean better photos, Apple divides the pixels into groups of four and combines them into one larger pixel. The result is a 12-megapixel photo that’s brighter and has less image noise and better detail.
The $729 iPhone 13 is still an excellent phone. In fact, if you’re tempted by the iPhone 14 and want to save some money, grab a 13. They haveessentially the same body, same screen and same A15 Bionic processor. Although technically, the iPhone 14’s processor does have an extra GPU core.
The iPhone 13, like the 12 before it, is defined by its square-sided design. It supports 5G, MagSafe charging and has cameras on par with the ones from 2020’s top-of-the-line iPhone 12 Pro Max.
But the iPhone 13’s best feature is its larger battery that, in our tests, lasted 4.5 hours more on a single charge than the iPhone 12, and nearly 3 hours longer than the new iPhone 14.
The 13 also has Cinematic mode, which is basically a video version of Portrait mode, and iOS 16, This all adds up to an excellent phone. The iPhone 13 earned a 2021 CNET Editors’ Choice Award. Also, if you activate it on a select carrier at purchase, Apple drops the price to $699. Read our Apple iPhone 13 review.
The $929 iPhone 14 Plus is either a big iPhone 14 or a scaled-back iPhone 14 Pro Max, depending on your perspective. Ever since the iPhone XS Max launched in 2018, there has been only one option for those who love big screens: Pay top dollar and get a Max model with extra features you might not necessarily need (like a telephoto camera or a high refresh rate display). I know many CNET readers, friends and co-workers who have shelled out $1,100 or more for an iPhone 12 Pro Max or 13 Pro Max because it was the only way to get a phone in the size they wanted. But that changes now.
The 14 Plus has all of the iPhone 14’s features and, like the 14 Pro Max, it has a 6.7-inch display that gives you a larger canvas for watching videos, playing games and taking photos. The 14 Plus can either let you fit more onto the screen or just show everything the iPhone 14 does but much bigger. A magnified view seems like such a mundane feature, yet as my eyes get older, I definitely welcome it.
If you are deciding between the iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone 14 Pro Max and you don’t need a telephoto camera, a high-refresh-rate screen or extra weight, I say go with the 14 Plus and save $200. If you activate it on a carrier, Apple drops the price to $899. Read our Apple iPhone 14 Plus review.
Who said small phones don’t exist in 2022? The $629 iPhone 13 Mini is brilliant because it has everything the iPhone 13 has — it’s just smaller. It has the same square-edged looks, support for 5G and the same cameras. The 13 Mini’s defining feature is its 5.4-inch OLED screen that supports Dolby HDR. If that sounds too small, consider that Plus models, like the iPhone 8 Plus, had a 5.5-inch screen inside a much larger body. The 13 Mini’s secret is that it lacks those giant forehead and chin bezels that defined the iPhone for its first decade.
The screen is covered with Apple’s ceramic shield and the body, like nearly all phones on this list, has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The 13 Mini has an A15 Bionic processor which puts it on the same level of performance as the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus.
The iPhone 13 Mini is the exact same price as the iPhone 12, but the Mini actually lasts longer on a single charge than the bigger iPhone 12. I only recommend you get the 13 Mini for its size. If you aren’t OK with a small phone, you might be disappointed or frustrated. And if you activate it on a carrier, Apple drops the price to $599. Read more about the Apple iPhone 13 Mini.
The $1,099 iPhone 14 Pro Max is just a big version of the iPhone 14 Pro. It has the same A16 Bionic processor, the same cameras and the same features. But it does differ in two big ways from the 14 Pro: It has a bigger 6.7-inch high-refresh rate screen and a bigger battery. In fact, in our tests, the iPhone 14 Pro Max had the longest battery life of any phone on this list.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is outstanding in every way. But I only recommend getting it if you want a bigger Pro model iPhone, because it weighs a lot. It’s 34 grams heavier than the iPhone 14 Pro and 37 grams heavier than the iPhone 14 Plus. Most of that weight comes from the 14 Pro Max’s stainless steel body. Read our Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max review.
The $629 iPhone 12 and its flat-sided design marked the beginning of the current generation of Apple phones. Of everything on this list, it’s the oldest but also one of the cheapest, especially if you want to snag an iPhone with a contemporary look and Face ID.
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch display covered in Apple’s ceramic shield for durability, a still-very-fast A14 Bionic chip, 5G support and MagSafe charging.
The iPhone 12 earned a 2020 CNET Editors’ Choice Award. If you choose to get an iPhone 12 and can afford to pay $50 more, I definitely recommend upgrading from 64GB of storage to 128GB. The iPhone 12 starts at $629, but if you activate it on a carrier, Apple drops the price to $599. Read our Apple iPhone 12 review.
At $429, you might think the only appeal of the iPhone SE (2022) is its price. And admittedly that is a big factor. On the outside, the iPhone SE has the same body as the iPhone 8, which makes it the only iPhone on this list that still has Touch ID. On the inside, the SE has the same A15 processor as the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 14 and 14 Plus which takes the 2017 camera hardware and gives it an injection of Apple’s computational photography magic.
The SE represents the classic iPhone design but with the added ability to run the latest version of iOS and apps. One of the quieter updates in 2022 was that the SE’s back was upgraded to the back glass used on the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini. The iPhone SE is simply your most affordable way into all of Apple services like FaceTime, iMessage and iCloud. Read our Apple iPhone SE (2022) review.
An eSIM takes all of the important information about your phone account — including its number, wireless carrier and subscription — and stores it in software instead of on a physical SIM card.
Apple has long supported eSIM, dating all the way back to 2018’s iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. When setting up a new iPhone 14, the device will guide you through transferring your current provider over to the new phone. A list of supported wireless networks can be found on Apple’s website.
We evaluate each iPhone model on its overall quality, features, design, performance, cameras, battery life and value. We test phones in the real world, using them as our main device to make calls, play video games, take photos and browse apps and social media. We document our experiences in an initial review which we periodically update with additional tests and comparing them against new phones from other companies like Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
Photography is often a major focus and we take pictures and videos of different subjects in a variety of settings and lighting scenarios. We try out any new camera modes, such as Action mode that debuted with the iPhone 14 line.
Battery testing is conducted through both assessments of how long the phone lasts during a typical day of use, and by noting how the phone performs during more focused sessions of video calls, media streaming and gaming. CNET also conducts a video playback test, which isn’t always included in initial versions of the review since it can take a full day to run.
We use benchmarking apps to measure the performance, alongside our own anecdotal experiences using the phone for our review. We’ll also compare how the phone looks, feels and functions to other iPhone models — for instance comparing the iPhone 14 Plus with a 6.7-inch screen against the similarly sized iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Are you on the hunt for the best VPN for your Windows device? We have good news for you: Thanks to Windows’ dominance as a desktop OS and its comparatively customizable operating environment, you’ve got a wide range of options. While MacOS users have to factor in several Apple-specific requirements, finding the best VPN for Windows — and getting the widest range of protocol options to work with your device — is a lot easier. Nearly every major VPN provider offers an app on both desktop and mobile environments for Microsoft.
To determine the fastest and most secure VPN services for Windows 10 and Windows 11, we hands-on tested a variety of VPN services across both Windows and MacOS platforms. Our CNET team specifically tackled a number of core factors in our testing, including reliability, security strength, ease of remote access, browsing and streaming speeds, and value for the money. All the recommendations on our main list of the best VPN providers are compatible with all currently maintained Windows versions, and CNET has tested them for use in the latest available operating system. (That means they’ll work seamlessly on Windows 11, which is available for download now on your laptop or desktop.) All of them also offer a stand-alone VPN client that will work without a hitch on your desktop.
Here you’ll find our top picks for the best VPN for Windows, ranked for their performance across all categories. Once you choose the right VPN service for you, be sure to read our guide on how to set up a VPN on Windows 10.
Latest tests: No leaks detected, 2% speed loss in spring 2022 tests
Network: 3,000-plus servers in 160 locations across 94 countries
Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
Price: 5 simultaneous connections for $13 per month, $60 for six months or $100 for a year (current discount: 3 months free). 2-year subscriptions available.
Despite battling major upheavals through the end of 2021, ExpressVPN clenched our Editor’s Choice Award for best VPN in 2022. One of the two largest providers globally, the VPN titan has been in business since 2009 and once again aggressively raised the industry bar for service transparency this year.
In the past year, ExpressVPN increased its independent third-party audit count, published details about its TrustedServer deployment process, joined the i2Coalition to call for improved VPN industry ethics, and released an open-source Lightway encryption protocol.
After a setback in 2020, ExpressVPN is again currently in first place as the fastest VPN we’ve tested. While most VPNs will cause you to lose half or more of your normal internet speeds, ExpressVPN caused us to lose just 2% of speeds in our 2022 speed tests. It also unblocks Netflix and other streaming services more reliably than most other VPNs, and seamlessly surpasses geo-blocking for access to international gaming servers and torrenting sites.
All of our top-rated VPN’s have wide compatibility across platforms and operating systems, but ExpressVPN’s collection of setup guides, detailed FAQs and troubleshooting articles give it a clear advantage for users. So does its 24/7 customer support, and its no-questions-asked, 30-day money-back guarantee.
While you can get a better month-to-dollar bargain with ExpressVPN’s two-year subscription, we don’t recommend anyone purchase any two-year VPN subscriptions at this time due to overall market volatility. ExpressVPN’s best plan offers five simultaneous connections for $100 a year (which includes three extra months, for a limited-time deal totaling 15 months of service). You can also opt for a $13 per-month plan, or pay $60 for six months.
Latest tests: Zero data leaks and 19% internet speed loss in fall 2022 tests
Network: 3,200-plus in 99 countries
Jurisdiction: Netherlands
Price: Unlimited connections for $48 for the first year (then $60 annually) or $13 per month. 2-year subscriptions available.
Surfshark boasts an impressive suite of privacy and security features, unlimited simultaneous connections, easy-to-use interface and expansive global network. And it’s still significantly cheaper than most of its competitors. That’s what helped Surfshark earn CNET’s Editors’ Choice for Best Value VPN in 2022.
Along with standard VPN features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, some of the more notable Surfshark features include camouflage mode (which hides the fact you’re using a VPN), split-tunneling, NoBorders mode (which lets you use Surfshark in regions where VPNs are restricted) and multihop VPN connections. You’ll also get access to Surfshark’s CleanWeb technology, which blocks ads and malware and helps you avoid phishing attacks.
One innovation we’re excited to see Surfshark roll out over the next year is its Nexus network, which connects the VPN’s entire network of servers together and allows you to choose multiple servers to route your connection through. The functionality is somewhat similar to Tor, but Surfshark says it’s faster. With its Dynamic MultiHop, IP Randomizer and IP Rotator functions, the Nexus network can give you a few extra layers of protection while you use the VPN — which can be particularly beneficial to users with critical privacy needs.
Surfshark says it doesn’t log any user activity. And although no-logging claims are virtually impossible to prove with 100% certainty, German cybersecurity firm Cure53 declared Surfshark’s security to be “solid” in its 2021 security audit of the VPN. Surfshark says a new audit is forthcoming by the end of this year.
As of February 2022, both Surfshark and NordVPN have the same corporate parent (Tesonet), but Surfshark said it is legally bound not to share any information between the entities that would go against its privacy policy or terms of service. We didn’t find any language in either document that would indicate Surfshark has any obligation to share user data with its parent company or any sibling companies, which include NordVPN.
Surfshark rates consistently as one of the fastest VPNs available. Which is why we were surprised that one of the only issues we had with Surfshark came in our speed test. While it still ranks as one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested — with an internet speed loss of just 19% — we were disappointed with the inconsistent speed results we got to certain locations. Speeds to Europe and Singapore were erratic (dipping as low as 9Mbps to Singapore), while speeds to New York were slower than speeds to the UK and even Australia. Surfhark is in the process of significantly expanding its server network, now offering more than 3,200 servers in 99 countries. The continued expansion of its server network could potentially help bring some more consistency to the VPN’s speeds.
In our tests, Surfshark had no problems unblocking Netflix and Amazon Prime Video content, but we did run into a fair bit of trouble accessing Disney Plus. After testing various servers in the US and other countries where Disney Plus is available, we were finally able to access the content when we connected to a server in Boston. You may need to test a few servers yourself before gaining access to Disney Plus content with Surfshark.
Surfshark offers cheaper introductory prices that jump after the first billing cycle. Even so, Surfshark manages to keep its prices lower than most other VPNs — helping it earn CNET’s Editors’ Choice for Best Value. The yearly plan starts out at $48 for the first year, then jumps to $60 for any additional years of service. If you opt for the two-year plan, you’ll pay $60 up front for the initial two years combined, then $60 per year for any additional years. Surfshark’s monthly plan stays constant at $13 a month. If you’re not satisfied with the service for any reason, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Latest tests: No leaks detected, 13% speed loss in summer 2022 tests
Network: 5,600-plus servers in 84 locations across 59 countries
Jurisdiction: Panama
Price: 6 simultaneous connections for $12 per month or $60 for a year (current discount: 3 months free). 2-year subscriptions available.
NordVPN is one of the most recognized brands in the VPN field. It offers a generous simultaneous connection count, with six simultaneous connections through its network, where nearly all other providers offer five or fewer. NordVPN also offers a dedicated IP option for those looking for a different level of VPN connection, and the ability to VPN into Tor. More than half of Nord’s 5,000-plus server fleet is optimized for peer-to-peer sharing, though Nord has blocked torrenting in 14 countries.
In our latest test rounds, we noticed a few hiccups in Nord’s killswitch when using its iOS app, which could be a concern for torrenters. However, Nord has a sideloaded iOS available on its website that it recommends to users. In our most recent speed tests, NordVPN’s performance recovered from middling speed scores of 2021 and zoomed back into the ranks of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, causing us to lose just 13% of base internet speeds.
NordVPN doesn’t accept PayPal payments, but you can purchase a subscription with any major credit or debit card, AmazonPay, Google Pay or ACH transfer. If you’d rather pay anonymously, you can pay with a variety of cryptocurrencies including bitcoin, ethereum, tether and dogecoin. NordVPN has also partnered with a handful of retail stores like Staples, Best Buy and Walmart — where you can even purchase your VPN with cash.
ExpressVPN is CNET’s current top pick for the best Windows VPN. The industry veteran has an impressive network of servers worldwide and provides a solid balance of speed, security and unblocking power.
Can you get a free VPN for Windows?
We don’t recommend free VPNs for a couple of reasons. First, free VPNs need to make money somehow — which most of the time involves selling your data to third parties. Some have even been found to be infected with malware. Besides being risky to use, free VPNs also generally lack the features and performance you’d want from your VPN service. You’ll typically have to contend with slow speeds, data caps, weak security, limited server locations and erratic unblocking capabilities with free VPNs. The best way to try a VPN for free is to take advantage of free trials and money-back guarantees offered by premium VPN providers. If you’re on a budget, you can also check out CNET’s list of the best cheap VPN services.
What’s the most secure VPN for Windows?
ExpressVPN, Surfshark and NordVPN all offer excellent security for Windows users. Each one offers the same AES 256-bit encryption, operates a RAM-only server infrastructure and has been independently audited. Along with crucial security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection, each of the three VPNs offers additional features that can help enhance your online security and privacy. Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature will help you automatically block malware and phishing attempts. NordVPN offers Tor over VPN, double VPN and dark web monitoring features. In addition to ensuring data is never stored on its servers, ExpressVPN says its TrustedServer technology helps improve security and minimizes vulnerabilities and misconfiguration by loading the most up-to-date software every time a server starts up.
Can you get in trouble for using a VPN?
You typically won’t have to worry about getting into any sort of legal trouble for using a VPN in most parts of the world. However, you could potentially get in legal trouble for using a VPN if you’re in a country like China, Iran or any other country where VPNs are banned or outlawed. If you’re traveling, check the local laws regarding VPN use in the country you’re traveling to. Even if the country you’re in or traveling to does have restrictions on VPNs, you can hide your VPN use by connecting to an obfuscated server. Doing so disguises your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic.
What does my ISP see when I’m connected to my VPN?
When you connect to a VPN, your ISP will be able to see that you’re connected to a VPN, but it won’t be able to see what websites you visit or your browsing history. Your ISP will see timestamps of when you connected to the VPN, the IP address of the VPN server you’re connected to and the amount of data you’re transmitting. But since the actual traffic is encrypted, your ISP will only be able to see that traffic as a random string of gibberish. If you don’t want your ISP to know you’re using a VPN, you’ll need to connect to an obfuscated server, if offered by your VPN provider.
Apple’s AirPods Max are quite pricey, but that’s because they’re such excellent headphones. And for such a high-quality product, you’ll want to use the best AirPods Max accessories along with it.
Apple has its own suite of accessories, which you might want to try if you own a pair of AirPods Max, but third-party vendors make plenty of essential AirPods Max accessories that are also worth considering. From traditional “shell” cases that replace the AirPods Max’s controversial cover to charging stands and earcup and headband covers, there’s no shortage of great accessories.
Here’s a look at some of the best AirPods Max accessories available, most of which I’ve tested. I’ll update this list as new accessories arrive.
Spigen’s known for its affordable phone cases, but it also makes assorted other accessories, including the Ultra Hybrid Pro, a set of protective covers for the Max’s earcups. They’re a little pricey at $27, but if you just want some protection while still being able to show off the natural color of your AirPods Max’s aluminum design, this is a good option.
Apple doesn’t include a cable for wired listening with the AirPods Max, which is pretty irritating because the fact is they do sound better in wired mode, and sometimes it’s easier to plug into a device than pair with it wirelessly, particularly if you’ve got non-Apple devices that aren’t on your iCloud account.
The easiest way to listen to high-res audio is to plug into a Mac or Windows PC and load up some FLAC files, which I did. Obviously, you can also listen to streaming services this way (and any other audio). The volume levels were plenty high on the MacBook Pro I was using and I did experience a subtle but noticeable bump up in audio quality going the wired route.
Also the cable does eliminate any latency, which might be a factor while gaming or with music production. Note that the AirPods Max still need battery power to deliver audio, even in wired mode; there’s no “passive mode” available.
You can find several AirPods Max hard carrying cases on Amazon, but this is arguably the best value. This case has a plush interior, a slot for storing a power adapter and magnets to put the AirPods Max into their lower-power sleep state (hibernation mode). It comes in multiple color options with prices ranging from $33 to $37.
When Apple released the AirPods Max, it got a lot of grief about the headphones’ unusual protective covering, which drew its fair share of bra and purse comparisons and was criticized for not fully protecting the headphones. I wasn’t as down on it as others, but I knew we’d soon see a bunch of third-party AirPods Max case options, and several have already arrived, including Waterfield Design’s $89 Max Shield case.
Aside from its swanky design, what makes it different from all the $20 to $25 generic cases showing up on Amazon is that it has what Waterfield calls a Magnetic Butterfly that puts the AirPods Max in low-power mode just like the magnets on Apple’s cover do. With other cases, you stick the AirPods Max (with their cover on) inside — they don’t have magnets.
The Max Shield is designed to house the AirPods Max either naked or wearing their cover, and has an inner pouch to store the included USB-C-to-Lightning charging cable or the optional Lightning-to-3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. There’s also an exterior zippered pocket, as well as an exterior stretch mesh pocket for storing additional items. The Max Shield is available in eight color variations.
If you drop your AirPods Max headphones on the wrong surface, the aluminum earcups could get dinged up. That’s where a silicone earcup protector could save the day. There are plenty of them available on Amazon in plenty of color options. The Seltureone model is currently rated most highly by users — and it’s priced around $10 — so that’s my current pick in this category. But that could change as new versions become available.
The AirPods Max mesh-infused headband is designed to be quite sturdy, but this headband cushion serves three purposes: It offers some increased protection for the mesh, adds some extra cushion for the crown of your head and customizes the look of the headphones.
It’s available in a few color options and can be easily removed and washed.
The Spigen Klasden is a relatively affordable hard case for the AirPods Max. Designed for use with the AirPods Max case, it’s an extra layer of protection. it doesn’t have built-in magnets to put the headphones to sleep; it does have an internal pouch for storing cables and an integrated handle.
The AirPods Max include a USB-C-to-Lightning charging cable in the box, but no power adapter. Spigen’s compact 40W Dual USB-C charger (it uses GaN technology, which helps reduce its size) can charge two devices at the same time and has plenty of juice for charging your headphones and iPhone at the same time — or even an iPad. Each USB-C port delivers up to 30W if you’re charging only one device or up to 20W if you’re charging two devices simultaneously. That’s why it’s rated for 40W.
Don’t want to put your AirPods Max in their soft Smart Case to make them go to sleep? This simple, attractively designed stand is easy to assemble and serves as a convenient resting spot for your headphones. Thanks to an integrated magnet, when you put the AirPods Max on the stand they auto-disconnect from your devices, then reconnect when you take the headphones off the stand. This stand also works just fine with other headphones — however, the auto Bluetooth disconnect feature only works with the AirPods Max.
