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  • Score Major Discounts on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 While You Still Can

    Score Major Discounts on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 While You Still Can

    Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 — the two top watches in our best smartwatches for 2023 collection — might soon be disappearing from shelves and online retailers, at least for customers in the US. Apple announced Monday that it plans to pause US sales for both models starting on Dec. 24 due to a patent infringement claim.

    Here’s the good news: Both models are actually on sale ahead of that deadline.

    Right now, you can pick up the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for as little as $699 thanks to a discount with instant coupons at Amazon. The discounts vary by size and style, but you can get at least one model with the small band for under $700, while some models with the larger bands will cost you closer to $730. Both are nice discounts compared with the Apple Store price of $799.

    The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the latest and greatest wearable the company offers. It has a huge 49mm display and high-precision GPS for use when you’re out in the wilderness or when just want reliable data for your workouts. The extra-long battery life ensures you get multiple days from a single charge, and the rugged titanium case is strong yet light, perfect for your next adventure. You also get access to all the usual features, including fitness and activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and more.

    Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 9 is being sold for $70 off the Apple Store price — $329 for the 41mm GPS model, $359 for the 45mm model. That model is smaller than the Ultra, lacks the Action Button and some of the extreme sports features of the Ultra, like the diving features, but is otherwise the state of the art when it comes to Apple wrist-based tech.

    Note that the 2022 Apple Watch SE will not be affected by the sales pause, so there’s no urgency there. The same goes for older Apple Watch models. But in the absence of a last-minute deal, the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches may well disappear from store shelves by Christmas. That means you’ve got less than a week left to take advantage of this offer, and with the recent news, there’s a good chance that it will be selling fast. We’d definitely recommend that you get your order in soon if you’re hoping to take advantage of these savings.

  • Just $30 Can Snag You a Lifetime License for Microsoft Project 2021 Professional

    Just $30 Can Snag You a Lifetime License for Microsoft Project 2021 Professional

    Trying to keep tabs on everything you need to keep track of when completing larger projects can get overwhelming. But Microsoft Project Professional 2021 is a comprehensive project management app for professionals with advanced features that make it much easier to handle and optimize all of your projects. New users can snag Microsoft Project Professional 2021 for just $30 right now at StackSocial, saving you 88% on its usual price.

    This app can streamline project management to make it much simpler to keep up with all the nuts and bolts of your plan. It includes plenty of great features, including pre-built templates, a way to run what-if scenarios, complex schedules with built-in multiple timelines, helpful resource assignment technology, automated scheduling tools, built-in reports and much more. Plus, it can sync with Project Online and Project Server and it supports Long-Term Servicing Channel and is compatible with Office LTSC and Office 2021, with support available through Oct. 13, 2026.

    If you’re looking to purchase Project Professional 2021 outright, rather than subscribing to a monthly plan, it will run you an astounding $1,130 from Microsoft directly. Of course, you can get a 1-month free trial through Microsoft. But this StackSocial deal essentially saves you over a grand on the one-time fee and skips those recurring subscription fees other options require.

    It’s worth noting that only new customers can take advantage of this deal. Plus, once you make your purchase, you’ll only be able to install the app on a single computer for use at home or work, so you’ll have to decide which PC you want to access this program through. And because you won’t be able to download this app on multiple devices, if your computer dies, you may lose access to Project Professional 2021 and be unable to transfer it to another computer.

  • ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’: Release Date and How to Watch From Anywhere

    ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’: Release Date and How to Watch From Anywhere

    Rick Riordon’s much-loved Percy Jackson book franchise gets a new lease of life on Disney+ this month, as a fresh live-action series based on the novels heads to the streaming service.

    The eight-episode season- titled Percy Jackson and the Olympians, follows the events of The Lightning Thief — the first book of the series. Starring Walker Scobell in the lead role, the series follows Percy as he discovers that happens to be a demigod with divine powers.

    When the Greek god Zeus tasks him with finding his stolen lightning bolt, Percy and his friends Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Grover (Aryan Simhadri) must find themselves on a quest to retrieve the weapon and bring order back to Olympus.

    This new reboot of the series comes after a pair of disappointing Percy Jackson movie adaptions in the early 2010’s (The Lightning Thief and Sea of Monsters), which were infamously derided by Riordan himself. Fans of the books will be relieved to hear that this new series looks set to be far more faithful to the source material, with Riordan onboard as one of the writers.

    Find out by following our guide on how to watch Percy Jackson and the Olympians and why a VPN could be a useful tool.

    Promotional image from the movie Percy Jackson and the Olympians, showing Percy holding a sword.

    How to watch Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney Plus

    The first two episodes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians will be available to stream on Disney Plus on Wednesday, Dec. 20, in the US and Canada at 12 a.m. PT, 3 a.m. ET — that’s 8 a.m. GMT in the UK, and 7 p.m. AEDT in Australia).

    The remaining episodes will land on the service every Wednesday until the eighth and final episode of the season comes out on Jan. 31, 2024.

    Disney Plus’ ad-free service costs more in the US, but you can also try out the new ad-free Disney bundle, which launched in September. The service’s ad-free tier increased to $140 a year or $14 a month, and an ad-based tier is also offered which costs $8 per month (no option to pay annually). Read more on how we tested Disney Plus’ ad-supported tier and what to expect with the price hike.

    How to watch Percy Jackson and the Olympians from anywhere using a VPN

    Perhaps you’re traveling abroad and want to stream Disney Plus while away from home. With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the series from anywhere in the world. There are other good reasons to use a VPN for streaming too.

    A VPN is the best way to encrypt your traffic and stop your ISP from throttling your speeds. Using a VPN is also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins. Streaming TV can be a bit smoother with a reliable, quality VPN that’s passed our tests and security standards.

    You can use a VPN to stream content legally as long as VPNs are allowed in your country and you have a valid subscription to the streaming service you’re using. The US and Canada are among the countries where VPNs are legal, but we advise against streaming or downloading content on illegal torrent sites. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you may opt for another provider from our best list, such as Surfshark or NordVPN.

    Follow the VPN provider’s instructions for installation and choose a country where Percy Jackson and the Olympians is streaming on Disney Plus. Before you open the streaming app, make sure you’re connected to your VPN using your selected region. If you want to stream the TV show on more than one device, it’s possible you’ll need to configure each one to ensure you’re signed in. Go to settings and check your network connections to verify you’re logged in and connected to your VPN account. Now you’re ready to open Disney Plus to stream.

    If you run into issues with streaming, first make sure your VPN is up and running on its encrypted IP address. Double-check that you’ve followed installation instructions correctly and you’ve picked the right geographical area for viewing. If you still encounter connection problems, you may need to reboot your device. Close all apps and windows, restart your device and connect to your VPN first. Note that some streaming services have restrictions on VPN access.

  • Save 29% on Setapp’s Mac App Subscription Service for a Whole Year

    Save 29% on Setapp’s Mac App Subscription Service for a Whole Year

    Getting your hands on more than 240 new Mac apps would normally be an expensive business, but Setapp has long offered a way to do just that while paying for a single subscription instead. That subscription makes getting hold of some of the best Mac apps a breeze, and at $120 it’s a bit of a bargain as well. Right now, you don’t even have to pay that much to get the software you need to make the most of that new MacBook Air.

    Today Stack Social is offering a full year of Setapp’s Personal Mac Plan for just $85, a discount of 29%. It also happens to be a deal that you don’t have to jump through any hoops for, with no on-screen coupons or discount codes involved. However, you do need to be a new customer to Setapp, so keep that in mind if you’re a returning customer.

    Once you’re all signed up you can download any of those 240+ apps without any additional payments. And because these are the full apps, you won’t have to deal with any ads or in-app purchases, either. There are apps across tons of different categories, including such well-regarded utilities as CleanMyMac X, CleanShot X, Numi, Session, Boom 3D and dozens more. You’re sure to find something useful and productive, whether you’re on the hunt for a new developer tool, task manager, or something to get the creative juices flowing.

    Not sure that Setapp is for you? There is a free seven-day trial available if you go direct to the Setapp website, but make sure to buy your year’s subscription via Stack Social to get the best price when you’re ready.

  • Microsoft Office 2019 Is Down to Just $30 for Both Mac and Windows Users Right Now

    Microsoft Office 2019 Is Down to Just $30 for Both Mac and Windows Users Right Now

    If you’re not going through an organization like your employer or your school, getting access to Microsoft Office apps can cost you a lot of money. These days, snagging your own license to Office Pro 2021 directly from Microsoft will cost you a staggering $440. But for folks looking for less expensive routes to get the apps they need without incurring monthly charges for a Microsoft 365 subscription, StackSocial has a holiday deal worth checking out. Right now, both Mac and Windows users can snag Microsoft Office 2019 for just $30, saving $199 on its regular cost. There’s no set expiration for the deal, so we recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

    Mac users will get the basic Home and Business suite of apps, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and OneNote, while Windows users will get the Professional version. That includes the same apps as the Mac version, with the exception of Teams — however, it does add Publisher and Access to round out the suite.

    This isn’t the latest version of Office, but compared to signing up for the Microsoft 365 subscription suite, which costs $7 a month or $70 a year for individuals, StackSocial’s offer is a great deal. There is a free online version of Microsoft Office out there that you can use, but it lacks several features, so this may be a better option. Also, Apple users should note that Outlook is now available as a free app for the Mac.

    Some important things to note — you’ll get a one-time use code for a single computer, which means you won’t be able to download these apps on multiple devices. And that does mean that if you upgrade to a new computer or your current one dies, you likely won’t be able to transfer the suite. These licenses also lack some of the added conveniences you’ll get with a 365 subscription, including OneDrive cloud storage and cloud-based AI features, including Microsoft Copilot. Additionally, these apps should work for as long as your computer does, but the Mac license has reached the end of its lifecycle, which means Microsoft’s support for this version of Office has ended. Windows users will have extended support through Oct. 14, 2025. There is also a risk that Microsoft could terminate the license at any time, but we’ve been running other versions of Office from StackSocial since early 2022 and have yet to encounter a problem.

    Be sure to check system requirements before you make your purchase to ensure these will work on your device. And if you’re looking to upgrade your operating system, there is a bundled deal available that includes both Office Pro 2019 and Windows 11 Pro for just $50.

  • Amazon Knocks Up to $60 Off Some of Our Favorite Jabra Earbuds

    Amazon Knocks Up to $60 Off Some of Our Favorite Jabra Earbuds

    You don’t have to spend top dollar on pricey Apple, Bose or Sony earbuds to get a decent pair these days. Jabra makes some excellent alternatives that have earned spots on our lists of the best affordable earbuds and best earbuds overall for 2023, and right now you can snag a pair for less. It’s currently offering up to $60 off a wide range of models, with prices starting at just $50. Many of these deals are being price-matched at Amazon.

    The most affordable earbuds you’ll find on sale right now are the Jabra Elite 3, which you can pick up for just $50, saving you $30 compared to the usual price. They’re a pretty basic pair with 6mm drivers, a customizable EQ and a noise-isolating design. But if you want active noise-canceling capabilities, you can upgrade to the Jabra Elite 4, which is currently $30 off, dropping the price down to just $70. Depending on your color preference, you may be better off opting for the Elite 4 Active, which offers improved water resistance and a longer 28-hour battery life. The mint color variant is currently available for just $65, which saves you $54 off the usual price, while other variants are available for $80 from Jabra directly.

    For $90, which is a $60 discount, you can grab the Jabra Elite 5. They have hybrid active noise-cancellation, a custom EQ and support multipoint Bluetooth pairing. You can also save $50 on the Elite 8 Active and the Elite 10, which have both earned a spot on our list of the overall best earbuds for 2023. With an IP68 weather-resistance rating and an impressive battery life of up to 56 hours, we named the $150 Elite 8 Active the best durable earbuds on the market right now. If premium audio is your top priority, you can snag the $200 Elite 10 earbuds. They’re equipped with 10mm drivers and support Dolby Spatial Audio with head tracking for immersive listening. They do have a semi-open design, which reduces the effectiveness of their noise-canceling capabilities but does make them comfortable to wear for long periods.

    Just note that these deals are only available through Dec. 24, so be sure to get your order in before then if you don’t want to miss out on these bargains. If you’re looking for even more offers, you can also check out our full roundup of all the best headphones and earbuds deals for tons of other bargains.

  • Get These Big Discounts on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Before They Possibly Disappear From the Market

    Get These Big Discounts on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Before They Possibly Disappear From the Market

    Claiming the overall top spots on our list of the best smartwatches for 2023, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 — both new 2023 models — are among the most advanced on the market. But they both are about to get more challenging to buy: Due to an ongoing legal battle over patent infringement, Apple will be pausing US sales for both models starting on Dec. 24 (unless the company’s appeals push that deadline back).

    Here’s the good news: Both models are actually on sale ahead of that deadline:

    Right now, you can pick up the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for as little as $699 thanks to a discount with instant coupons at Amazon. The discounts vary by size and style, but you can get at least one model with the small band for under $700, while some models with the larger bands will cost you closer to $730. Both are nice discounts compared to the Apple Store price of $799.

    The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the latest and greatest wearable the company offers. It has a huge 49mm display and high-precision GPS for use when you’re out in the wilderness, or when just want reliable data for your workouts. The extra-long battery life ensures you get multiple days from a single charge, and the rugged titanium case is strong yet light, perfect for your next adventure. You also get access to all the usual features, including fitness and activity tracking, heart rate monitoring and more.

    Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 9 is being sold for $70 off the Apple Store price — $329 for the 41mm GPS model, $359 for the 45mm model. That model is smaller than the Ultra, lacks the Action Button and some of the extreme sports features of the Ultra, like the diving features, but is otherwise the state of the art when it comes to Apple wrist-based tech.

    Note that the 2022 Apple Watch SE will not be affected by the sales pause, so there’s no urgency there. The same goes for older Apple Watch models. But in the absence of a last-minute deal, the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches may well disappear from store shelves by Christmas. That means you’ve got less than a week left to take advantage of this offer, and with the recent news, there’s a good chance that it will be selling fast. We’d definitely recommend you get your order in soon if you’re hoping to take advantage of these savings.

  • eSIM Revolution: Unleashing the Power of Connectivity

    eSIM Revolution: Unleashing the Power of Connectivity

    World E-SIM, 

    Verum E-SIM, 

    Türkiye E-SIM Revolution: Unleashing the Power of Connectivity

    In an era dominated by the relentless pace of technological innovation, one remarkable advancement stands out—the Electronic SIM card, or e-SIM. This revolutionary technology is reshaping the landscape of connectivity, offering a seamless and dynamic experience for users across a multitude of devices.

    Gone are the days of fumbling with physical SIM cards and navigating the intricacies of carrier lock-ins. The e-SIM, a compact and rewritable chip, has emerged as the cornerstone of a new era in telecommunications. Its impact extends beyond smartphones to encompass a diverse range of devices, including tablets, smartwatches, and even Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

    One of the key advantages of e-SIMs lies in their ability to store multiple operator profiles on a single chip. This flexibility empowers users to switch carriers effortlessly, fostering a competitive marketplace and placing control firmly in the hands of consumers. The days of being tethered to a specific carrier are becoming a relic of the past, as users can now adapt their connectivity choices to suit their evolving needs.

    Device activation has also been streamlined, offering a hassle-free onboarding experience. The traditional process of acquiring and inserting a physical SIM card often involved visits to carrier stores or waiting for mail deliveries. With e-SIMs, activation becomes a simple digital process, enabling users to get their devices up and running swiftly.

    The e-SIM’s impact on international travel is particularly noteworthy. Frequent travelers can bid farewell to the logistical challenges of acquiring and swapping physical SIM cards as they cross borders. The e-SIM facilitates a seamless transition between local carriers, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity wherever the journey takes them.

    As we delve deeper into the Internet of Things era, e-SIMs are playing a pivotal role in connecting a myriad of devices. From smart home devices to connected cars, the e-SIM’s adaptability and compact design make it an ideal solution for enabling communication between devices on a global scale.

  • Best Wireless Earbuds and Headphones for Samsung Phones

    Best Wireless Earbuds and Headphones for Samsung Phones

    Updated Dec. 18, 20232:00 p.m. PT

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    Written by David Carnoy
    Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.Reviews ethics statement
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    David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
    Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET’s Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He’s also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
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    If you’re a Samsung user, Apple’s popular headphones and earbuds, like the AirPods Pro 2, the AirPods Max and the Beats Fit Pro, will technically connect to and work with your Samsung devices. But you won’t get the best overall experience. Apple’s listening accessories have a proprietary chip that works seamlessly with Apple devices. When it comes to Samsung devices, though, there are limitations. Folks with Samsung devices can use Apple’s headphones and earbuds for audio listening and making calls, but some features — such as spatial audio and always-on Siri — are Apple-exclusive. So if you’re a Samsung devotee, you’ll want a set of earbuds or headphones that are either platform-agnostic or geared toward Galaxy devices (Samsung, like Apple, also plays the exclusive-features game).

    You may also want to get earbuds or headphones that feature support for the aptX or LDAC audio codecs, which may offer better audio quality when streaming via Bluetooth. Samsung and other Android phones support aptX and LDAC, but you have to enable support for those codecs by going into developer mode in the settings and activating the codec you want. It can be a little tricky.

    What are the best earbuds and headphones for Samsung smartphones right now?

    So what are the best earbuds for Samsung devices? If you’re looking for earbuds geared to your Galaxy smartphone or tablet, the answer is easy: The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are arguably the best earbuds you can get for your Galaxy device. They not only sound very good but offer good noise canceling and work well for making calls. They’re also equipped with some special extra features for users of Galaxy devices, including spatial audio and hands-free Bixby.

    As for full-size headphones that work well with Samsung mobile devices, we like the Sony WH-1000XM5, a previous CNET Editors’ Choice winner. But there’s a slew of other headphones geared toward Samsung users, several of which I’ve included on this list.

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    $170 at Samsung$160 at Walmart$160 at Amazon
    $170 at Samsung

    Best Samsung wireless earbuds

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

    The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offer improved noise canceling along with very good sound and voice-calling performance, plus support for high-resolution wireless audio streaming if you’re a Galaxy device owner with the right setup. That said, their biggest upgrade may be their new design and smaller size, which make them a better fit for more ears. They’re also fully waterproof.

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    $80 at Amazon

    Pros

    • Relatively inexpensive
    • Good sound and overall performance for their price
    • Wireless charging and support for new Bluetooth LE Audio standar
    Cons

    • Voice calling performance is only OK
    Battery life Rated up to 7.5 hours
    Noise Canceling Yes
    Multipoint Yes
    Water-Resistant Yes (IPX5– splash-proof)
    Full Review Read full review
    $80 at Amazon

    Best budget noise-canceling wireless earbuds

    Earfun Air Pro 3

    Earfun has put out a series of wireless earbuds over the last couple of years with one important similarity: They’re all a very good value, made more so by frequent discounts. The company’s new-for-2023 Earfun Air Pro 3 earbuds feature the latest Qualcomm QCC3071 system-on-a-chip with aptX Adaptive for Android and other devices that support the new LE Audio standard and LC3 audio codec, which is superior to the SBC codec. They also support AAC for Apple devices.

    Lightweight and comfortable to wear — I got a good seal with the largest ear tip size — these aren’t a huge upgrade over the Earfun Air S, but they are better. They have slightly larger wool-composite drivers (11mm versus 10mm), slightly improved noise canceling and better battery life (up to seven hours with noise canceling on, according to Earfun).

    In short, the Earfun Air 3 deliver strong performance for their modest price, with robust bass, good clarity and a relatively wide soundstage. They also pack in a lot of features, including a wireless charging case and “multidevice” connectivity. (I could pair them to two devices simultaneously but had to pause the music on one device and hit play on the other for the audio to switch.) They’re IPX5 splash-proof and also work well (though not exceptionally well) as a headset for making calls.

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    $328 at Amazon$330 at Best Buy$328 at B&H Photo-Video

    Pros

    • More refined sound and even better noise canceling
    • Slightly more comfortable
    • Best-in-class voice call quality
    • Robust feature set
    Cons

    • Higher price tag than the previous model
    • Larger carrying case (headphones fold flat but not up)
    Battery Life Rated up to 32 hours
    Noise Canceling Yes (ANC)
    Multipoint Yes
    Headphone Type Over-ear wireless headphones
    Water-Resistant No IP rating
    Full Review Read full review
    $328 at Amazon

    Best noise-canceling headphones from Sony

    Sony WH-1000XM5

    When you have a product that a lot of people love, change is risky. Such is the case for Sony’s WH-1000XM5, the fifth generation of the 1000X series headphones, which were first released in 2016 as the MDR-1000X Wireless and have become increasingly popular as they’ve improved with each generation. Over the years, Sony has made some tweaks to the design, but nothing as dramatic as what it’s done with the WH-1000XM5. Other than the higher $400 price tag, most of those changes are good, and Sony’s made some dramatic improvements with voice-calling performance as well as even better noise canceling and more refined sound.

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    $110 at Amazon$110 at B&H Photo-Video$120 at Target
    $110 at Amazon

    Best budget Galaxy earbuds

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 2

    If you can’t afford the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, the standard Galaxy Buds 2 are a good option. Released in 2021, they don’t sound as good as the newer Galaxy Buds 2 Pro or have quite as effective noise canceling. But they offer decent sound and noise canceling along with very good voice-calling performance, and they often are discounted to around $100.

    The Buds 2, like the earlier Buds Plus, are only IPX2 sweat-resistant. That means they should be fine for lighter workouts, but it’s probably best to avoid wearing them in a rain storm.

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    $100 at B&H Photo-Video$100 at Crutchfield
    $100 at B&H Photo-Video

    Best AirPods Pro alternative for less

    JBL Live Pro 2

    Over the years, JBL has put out some decent true-wireless earbuds, but nothing that really got me too excited. That’s finally changed with the arrival of the Samsung-owned brand’s new Live Pro 2 and Live Free 2 buds. Both sets of buds — the Live Pro 2 have stems while the Live Free 2 have a pill-shaped design — offer a comfortable fit along with strong noise canceling, very good sound quality and voice-calling performance. They also have a robust set of features, including multipoint Bluetooth pairing, an IPX5 splash-proof rating and wireless charging.

    The Live Pro 2 and Live Free 2 are equipped with the same 11mm drivers, six microphones, oval tubes and oval silicon tips. Aside from the design, the biggest difference between the two is battery life: The stemless Live Free 2 is rated for up to seven hours, while the Live Pro 2 is rated for 10 hours. The Live Pro 2 is available in four color options.

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    $248 at Walmart$248 at Amazon$250 at B&H Photo-Video
    $248 at Walmart

    Best Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones

    Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

    Sennheiser’s previous-generation Momentum Wireless headphones have always had a pretty distinct look that was part retro, part modern, and stood out for the exposed metal on the headband. For better or worse, that’s all gone now, and the new Momentum 4 Wireless, Sennheiser’s flagship noise-canceling headphones, look a bit more subdued and also a bit more like some of their competitors.

    The Momentum 4 Wireless outperform the Momentum 3 Wireless in every regard. The biggest gains are with noise canceling and voice-calling performance as well as battery life, which is outstanding — up to 60 hours at moderate volume levels. There’s also a transparency mode that allows in ambient sound, and users can create a custom sound profile in the Smart Control app for iOS and Android using the built-in EQ, sound modes and a new Sound Personalization feature that “assesses the user’s listening preferences and adjusts the listening experience according to their taste.”

    Sennheiser says the Momentum 4 Wireless, equipped with 42mm drivers, offer “best-in-class” sound, which is debatable. I’d say the sound quality is right there with other models in this price range. They sound excellent, with the requisite well-defined, punchy bass, wide soundstage (they sound pretty open) and smooth treble that brings out some of the finer details in well-recorded tracks. They’re a pleasure to listen to.

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    $98 at Amazon

    Pros

    • Lightweight and comfortable
    • Good sound with very good noise canceling
    • Good voice-calling performance
    • 35 hours of battery life
    Cons

    • No carrying case
    • No ear-detection sensors
    • No LDAC audio codec support
    Battery life Rated up to 35 hours
    Noise Cancelling Yes
    Multipoint Yes
    Headphone Type Over-ear wireless headphones
    Water-Resistant No IP rating
    Full Review Read full review
    $98 at Amazon

    Best midrange noise-canceling headphones

    Sony CH-720N

    Sony’s improved entry-level noise canceling headphones, the CH-720Ns, have a bit of a plastic-y, budget vibe, but they’re lightweight and comfortable. Part of me was expecting them to sound pretty mediocre, but I was pleasantly surprised. No, they don’t sound as good as the WH-1000XM5s. But they sound more premium than they look and feel, and their overall performance is a nice step up from their predecessor, the CH-710Ns. Are they worth $150? Maybe — or maybe not. But the good news is that, like the CH-710N and WH-XB910 before them, these should see some nice discounts in the not-so-distant future.

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    $329 at Bose$229 at Walmart$229 at Amazon
    $378 at Bose

    Latest Bose

    Bose QuietComfort 45

    The QuietComfort 45 has virtually the same design as its predecessor, the QuietComfort QC35 II, which many people considered one of the most comfortable over-ear headphones — if not the most comfortable. It has the same drivers, and the buttons are in the same place.

    However, there are small but notable changes. First, we’re pleased that these have a USB-C charging port instead of Micro-USB. Secondly, the microphone configuration is different. Not only have the mics been shifted, but there’s now an additional external microphone for voice pick-up, which means the QC45 has a total of six mics, four of which are beamforming and used for voice. By contrast, the QC35 II has four, two of which are used for voice. (The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 also have six microphones total.)

    These headphones are excellent for making calls. They’re similar to the Bose Headphones 700 in that regard. They also include top-notch noise canceling and multipoint Bluetooth pairing, so you can connect them with a PC and your phone simultaneously. Read our full review of the QuietComfort 45.

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    $172 at Amazon

    $172 at Amazon

    New Sennheiser flagship earbuds

    Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3

    Featuring excellent sound, improved noise canceling and voice-calling, and a smaller, more refined design, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 were among the best new true-wireless earbuds of 2022. They’re also one of the best true-wireless earbuds overall, giving the Sony WF-1000XM4 a run for the money. They include stabilizing fins so the earbuds stay in your ears more securely.

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    $299 at Bose$199 at Amazon$199 at Best Buy

    Pros

    • Excellent sound and best-in-class noise canceling
    • Fit Kit ear tips and stabilizer system gets you a secure, comfortable fit
    • Improved voice calling with better noise reduction
    Cons

    • Pricey
    • No wireless charging
    Battery Life Rated Up to 6 Hours
    Noise Canceling Yes (ANC)
    Multipoint No
    Headphone Type Wireless Earbuds
    Water-Resistant Yes (IPX4 — Splash-Proof)
    Full Review Read full review
    $348 at Bose

    Best noise canceling with top-notch sound

    Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2

    Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are not only about 30% smaller than their predecessors, but their case is about 40% smaller and truly pocketable. They feature best-in-class noise canceling and improved sound, thanks to Bose’s new CustomTune sound calibration system that customizes the sound for your ears. Voice-calling performance is also significantly better than that of the original QuietComfort Earbuds.

    The other big change is to the ear tips. Bose has ditched its one-piece StayEar wing tips for a two-piece Fit Kit system that features separate ear tips and “stability bands” in three size options. You’ll have more flexibility to get a secure fit and tight seal.

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    $96 at Amazon$90 at eBay

    Pros

    • Unique, eye-catching design
    • Comfortable ergonomic fit
    • Compact charging case with wireless charging
    • Open sound with good bass and detail
    • Good noise reduction when making calls
    • IPX2 water-resistant
    Cons

    • Noise canceling is comparatively mild
    • Open design lets some ambient sound in
    • Little bit of distortion at high volume
    Battery Life Rated up to 8 hours
    Noise Canceling Yes (ANC)
    Multipoint No
    Headphone Type Wireless earbuds
    Water-Resistant Yes (IPX2 — sweat-resistant and protection against light splashes)
    Full Review Read full review
    $96 at Amazon

    Best open earbuds for Samsung users

    Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

    Say what you will about the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live’s bean-shaped design, but it is innovative. Like the standard AirPods 3, they have an open design — you don’t jam an ear tip into your ear — and they’re quite comfortable, fitting my ears more securely than the AirPods. That said, they won’t fit everybody’s ears equally well. These wireless buds are discreet and sit flush with your ear without a little white pipe extending out from them.

    They deliver good sound and work well as a headset for making calls, with good background noise reduction so callers can hear you clearly even when you’re in noisier environments. While they feature active noise canceling, it’s mild compared with the noise canceling in earbuds that have a noise-isolating design. In other words, buy them for their design and sound, not their noise-canceling features. Now that they’ve been on the market for a few years, they can often be found at a nice discount.

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  • Apple to Halt Sales of Its Newest Apple Watches. Here’s What to Know

    Apple to Halt Sales of Its Newest Apple Watches. Here’s What to Know

    Apple will pause sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the US this month as the result of an ongoing legal battle with health tech company Masimo.

    The US International Trade Commission, the federal agency that handles trade-related mandates, previously issued an order that would prohibit Apple from importing the Series 9 and Ultra 2. The decision came after a US judge ruled in January that Apple infringed on Masimo patents related to the technology used in Apple’s blood oxygen sensing system. The order is currently under presidential review, but Apple is preemptively pausing sales in case the decision is upheld, the company said. The move was first reported by 9to5Mac on Monday, and Apple has since confirmed its decision to CNET.

    The Apple Watch is one of Apple’s most important products, helping push the company’s wearables, home and accessories business to be its second-largest product category behind the iPhone. Apple has previously said the size of its wearables unit alone equals that of a Fortune 150 company.

    Apple will stop selling the Series 9 and Ultra 2 through its website on Dec. 21, while Apple stores will stop selling the watches on Dec. 24.

    “Apple’s teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness and safety features,” the company said in a statement to CNET. “Apple strongly disagrees with the order and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that [the] Apple Watch is available to customers.”

    The company added that it will “continue to take all measures to return [the] Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US as soon as possible,” if the order stands.

    Apple’s pause of Apple Watch sales comes during the critical holiday shopping season. Smartwatches were among the top products sold during the Black Friday period, according to holiday shopping data from Adobe.

    When the judge’s ruling was made in January, Masimo CEO Joe Kiani said the decision “should help restore fairness in the market.”

    Here’s what to know about Apple’s pause in sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2. This story will be updated as we receive more information.

    When will Apple stop selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2?

    Apple will stop selling the Series 9 and Ultra 2 online at noon PT (3 p.m. ET) on Dec. 21, according to Apple. The company says the last day for the pickup and delivery of online orders, as well as in-store sales, will be end of day Dec. 24.

    Can I still buy the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 from other retailers?

    The order affects sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 through Apple specifically. But 9to5Mac points out that the order prohibits Apple from importing these watches and selling them to resellers, which means they may only be available through other retailers for a limited time.

    However, the order only applies to sales in the US, meaning you should still be able to purchase the Series 9 and Ultra 2 abroad.

    Best Buy told CNET it will continue selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US after Dec. 25 even if the order stands.

    Which Apple Watch models are affected?

    The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are the only models affected. Since the legal dispute involves the blood oxygen sensing tech used in the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE will continue to be sold as usual. The Apple Watch SE is the lower-end model in Apple’s lineup, meaning it’s missing some health tracking features like blood oxygen sensing and the ability to take an ECG.

    Current Apple Watches with blood oxygen monitoring, which includes any non-SE models starting with the Series 6, also won’t be affected.

    What is Masimo and why is Apple pausing sales?

    Masimo is a medical technology company that creates professional and consumer health products, including a smartwatch called the Masimo W1. The sales pause is the latest development in an ongoing legal dispute between Apple and Masimo, in which the latter accused Apple of infringing on its pulse oximeter patents.

    What happens next?

    The presidential review period ends on Dec. 25, so we’re expecting to learn more about whether the import ban will stand after that deadline. Apple also plans to appeal the ITC’s decision to the federal circuit, the company says.

    It’s rare for an order like this to be vetoed, says Rochelle Dreyfuss, professor of law emerita at the New York University School of Law. But it’s happened before, specifically in 2013 when the Obama administration vetoed a ban that would have blocked the sale of certain older iPhone and iPad models in the US after the ITC found that Apple had infringed on Samsung patents.

    The Apple Watch is a health product, which could work in Apple’s favor when it comes to the presidential review process, says Dreyfuss. But there are also plenty of other products that offer blood oxygen monitoring, which is the specific function at the heart of the legal dispute.

    “Are there other industries that provide exactly the same service? So can Americans actually get that product?” she said. “That’s something that the industry has already decided against Apple. … So this would be the president sort of interfering with that decision,” she added, referring to if the Biden administration were to veto the ITC decision.

    If I can’t buy an Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2, what are my alternatives?

    It’s worth waiting to see what happens after the presidential review process before making any decisions. Those with an iPhone who just want a smartwatch for tracking activity, workouts and sleep should consider the $249 Apple Watch SE. While that watch lacks ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, it can still provide notifications for high and low heart rates and irregular heart rhythms.

    The Apple Watch SE is the best choice for those who are most comfortable in Apple’s ecosystem, but there are also other options that work across iPhone and Android, like the Fitbit Versa 4 and Garmin Venu 3.

    Those who are looking to monitor blood oxygen levels from home specifically should consider buying a standalone pulse oximeter, says Jennifer Schrack, professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

    “Consumer wearables are a great supplemental way for people stay informed about their health, but they are subject to error,” Schrack said over email. “It is important to remember that they are measuring blood oxygen using PPG sensors, which can be affected by things like skin tone.”

    But again, if your heart is set on the Series 9 or Ultra 2 and you aren’t in a position to buy one right now, it’s worth waiting to see whether the ITC’s order stands before making a decision.