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  • Avoid (Most of) These Ultracheap Mini Projectors

    Avoid (Most of) These Ultracheap Mini Projectors

    Can you get a projector for under $100? Technically, yes. They do exist. Are they any good? In a word, no. No, they are not. Most ultracheap projectors are barely watchable. However, we did find a couple that can create a reasonable, TV-size image, as long as you’re watching them in a dark room. Most of the best projectors we review here at CNET fall in the $500-to-$1,500 range, but if that’s beyond your budget, you can watch TV and movies on something as cheap as $65. If you can spend a little more, there are some gems for just a few hundred bucks.

    Even going as high as $250 or so, AAXA P8 and the Vimgo P10, did surprisingly well in my comparison tests. They delivered big, perfectly watchable images for less than the price of a cheap phone.

    Even among the sub-$100 projectors, some are notably better than others. We tested several, using the same tests and measurement gear we use to review “real” projectors, and got some interesting results. Here’s how they looked.

    We need to talk about picture quality

    A stack of ultra-cheap projectors.

    The projectors above, except perhapsthe Hision and AuKing, look worse than pretty much any modern TV, no matter how cheap. You definitely need to recalibrate your expectations for what you’re getting here. I’ve used the word “watchable” a lot in this guide which is somewhere between generous and Olympic-grade hyperbole. Here are a few key reasons why:

    • Light output
    • Contrast
    • Color
    • Resolution

    In every measurable way, spending $150 more will get you a vastly superior product. The best cheap projectors we’ve reviewed are substantially brighter, better looking, more accurate and more detailed. I hate recommending anyone pay more for something, but in this case, it’s well worth it. Unless you’re considering these as a disposable toy, I’d advise getting something else or saving up and getting something better.

    One of the understandable points of confusion are the specs and marketing of these projectors. They’re filled with… shall we say, “gifts for fiction”? One of them claims 8,000 lumens of brightness. I measured 141. Another claimed a resolution of 1080p. I measured 240, which is the same resolution as VHS tape. Lots of marketing will twist the truth to sell you a product, but these projector descriptions were especially bad.

    Why you should spend more than $100 on a projector

    Here’s a Closer Look at 4 Sub-$100 Projectors

    See all photos

    I’m all for spending as little as possible to get something cool, or at least useful. We’ve reviewed several inexpensive projectors recently that aren’t bad for the price. The ones in this roundup, however, are decidedly not good, even for the price. They’re exceptionally dim, so they can’t create a very large image, and it would be generous to call their color and contrast “marginal.”

    What do you get with slightly more expensive projectors, starting at around $250? Picture quality is an obvious one, in terms of resolution, detail and color, most noticeably. Spending even a little bit more gets you significantly more light output, which means the picture is easier to see and you can create a larger image as well. Some have built-in batteries so they can work completely wirelessly. Lastly, many more expensive projectors have built-in streaming. This means no external device is needed to watch Netflix.

    If you’re considering one of these $100-ish projectors to have on hand for the kids to occasionally watch a show in a room without a TV, the TV is absolutely a better option. It will be easier to use, easier to watch, and can be seen with the lights on. It’s not even that different in price. We recently spotted a deal on a 32-inch TV with streaming built in for $90. It’s less portable, for sure, but infinitely more useful.

    If you were considering these projectors for something inexpensive and portable for camping, the Meer and MissYou can technically run off a battery. But then they’re even dimmer, if you can believe it. Don’t expect to create an image much larger than the smallest of TVs. If it doesn’t break your budget, something like the AAXA P8 is way brighter, or the Anker Mars II Pro which is good all-around for a bit more.

    The lenses on 4 ultra-cheap projectors.

    How does CNET test budget projectors?

    The same way we test more expensive projectors. For specifics, check out how we test projectors.

    Ultrabudget projector FAQ

    As well as covering TV and other display tech, Geoff does photo tours of cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, massive aircraft carriers, medieval castles, epic 10,000-mile road trips, and more. Check out Tech Treks for all his tours and adventures.

    He wrote a bestselling sci-fi novel about city-size submarines and a sequel. You can follow his adventures on Instagram and his YouTube channel.

  • Best Blu-Ray Player of 2023

    Best Blu-Ray Player of 2023

    Streaming is a convenient way to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows, but nothing beats the picture quality and audio fidelity you get from a Blu-ray disc. The best Blu-ray players provide an exemplary movie-watching experience in the comfort of your own home. And without being constrained by internet speeds and bandwidth, you never need to deal with buffering like you may on services such as Netflix.

    Currently, there are two types of Blu-ray player available: 4K UHD Blu-ray and 1080p Blu-ray. Both are a step up from a traditional DVD player, though opting for a 4K model will let you play both kinds of Blu-rays and give you access to Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, DTS:X and HDR10 formats for top-rate image quality. If you’re a real collector, all Blu-ray players will work with your old DVD and CD collections, too. The problems you encounter with streaming apps, like dropouts, bandwidth caps and buffering, are nonexistent. But if you miss those glitches, the vast majority of the best Blu-ray players can accommodate your streaming service of choice, including Netflix (some even in 4K), Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.

    Current gaming consoles like the high-end PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X can play both types of Blu-ray in addition to the latest games. If you don’t have a 4K TV and a library of only regular Blu-rays, you can save money by buying a 1080p-only player like the Sony BDP-S3700.

    Are you ready to make the most of your 4K content? Grab an HDMI cable and get ready to enjoy the excellent playback and top-notch viewing experience that Blu-ray players have to offer. This curated list of the best Blu-ray player options should help you find the right setup for your needs.

    Blu-ray player FAQs

    More home entertainment essentials

  • Save Up to 50% Off Sunglasses From Oakley, Ray-Ban, Costa Del Mar and More

    Save Up to 50% Off Sunglasses From Oakley, Ray-Ban, Costa Del Mar and More

    You protect your skin with sunscreen, but don’t forget your eyes. Protecting your eyes has never been more important and right now, you can pick up a pair of great sunglasses from major brands like Oakley, Ray-Ban and others. There are so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that fits your style and budget.

    Looking for more discounts? CNET has the latest coupons and promo code offers from Sunglass Hut, Costa Del Mar, Ray-Ban, Oakley and more — updated and verified daily.

    Welcome to CNET Coupons, the first stop before you shop, featuring a multitude of deals and discounts from top online retailers. Simply head over to our coupon page and type in your favorite store or brands to find all the deals available for the week.

  • How to Use Your iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS via Satellite to Contact 911

    How to Use Your iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS via Satellite to Contact 911

    Some of the most significant upgrades in the iPhone 14 are inconspicuous tools and services that could come in handy when in more remote regions without cellular service. Emergency SOS via Satellite, which Apple announced in September, is one such feature — and I had the chance to try it out.

    CNET Tech Tips logo

    Beyond the clouds and sky, hundreds of miles above the Earth, flying by at 16,000 mph, are communications satellites. They’re too high to be seen by the human eye, but could be vital for getting you help when you (or someone you love) is stranded, injured and out of cell service range. The iPhone 14 can connect to these satellites to contact an emergency dispatcher even when you can’t make a phone call. You can also share your location with loved ones via a satellite without sending a message.

    Like Car Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via Satellite is something you hope you won’t ever have to make use of. If you want to try the service out for yourself, Apple added in a built-in demo mode that lets you connect to a satellite without calling 911.

    How to use Emergency SOS via Satellite on the iPhone 14

    The first thing you need to know about Emergency SOS via Satellite is that you don’t need to know anything. The service is designed to work on its own, and the interface will walk you through the process step by step.

    The second thing you should know is that using Emergency SOS is equivalent to calling 911. In fact, that’s actually how you use it. Dial 911, and if your phone can’t connect, an option to text emergency services via satellite appears. To get started, tap the Emergency Text via Satellite button. (You can also go to Messages to text 911 or SOS, and then tap Emergency Services.)

    When I tried the feature out, there was a satellite icon on the top right corner of the phone, where my cell signal normally is.

    Next, tap Report Emergency. Since a back and forth conversation isn’t possible over a satellite connection like a regular phone, Apple worked with emergency dispatchers to create a form that gathers the essential information they need in order to respond. Those details are compressed into a message that’s a third the size of a regular text so that it can be sent to a satellite in low Earth orbit.

    Using taps, you answer the emergency questions based on your situation. The types of emergencies you can choose are:

    • Car or Vehicle Issue
    • Sickness or Injury
    • Crime
    • Lost or Trapped
    • Fire

    Depending on your emergency, you’ll get different follow-up prompts and questions. You can also notify your emergency contacts.

    An iPhone 14 showing a text conversation with emergency dispatchers

    Next, onscreen directions will help you connect to a satellite. The interface is simple and guides you through finding a satellite and staying connected. As the satellite moved, I was prompted to shift left or right to maintain the connection. And despite a cloudy, rainy day, the connectivity worked within 20 to 30 seconds. But it could take a minute or more to connect, especially if there is light foliage.

    Once you’re connected, your iPhone starts a text conversation with emergency responders and shares the emergency questionnaire answers, your location (including elevation), critical information like your medical ID and emergency contact information (if you have set them up) and the remaining battery life for your iPhone.

    You might be asked questions through additional messages, like where you’re located or whether you have medication.

    At the top of the screen, a window shows your connection to the satellite and the status of your messages. Emergency dispatchers receive your messages and respond via text. If your local emergency services don’t support text messages, Apple has set up relay centers with operators who work as an intermediary between you and emergency dispatch.

    Which iPhone models support Emergency SOS via Satellite?

    The service will be available now on:

    • iPhone 14
    • iPhone 14 Plus
    • iPhone 14 Pro
    • iPhone 14 Pro Max
    A man holding an iPhone 14 Pro outdoors on a remote hillside

    Can I try out Emergency SOS via Satellite?

    Yes, kind of. Apple created a demo mode that lets your iPhone connect to a satellite without calling or contacting 911. The experience is nearly identical to what I did, except you are not contacting emergency services.

    To start the demo, go outside and open Settings. Then, tap Emergency SOS and scroll to the bottom to try the demo.

    The Emergency SOS via Satellite demo turns off your cellular connection and gives you a preview of the emergency questionnaire. But again, it’s not actually contacting emergency services.

    An iPhone 14 showing the demo mode option

    Next, the demo walks you through finding a satellite. It’s a good way to familiarize yourself with the feature should you ever need it. (Plus, connecting your iPhone to a satellite is just cool.)

    How do I share my location using a satellite?

    Another way to use satellite connectivity on your iPhone is sharing your location to let friends and family know where you are without messaging them.

    In the Find My app, tap the Me tab. When you expand the tab, you’ll see a new section called My Location via Satellite. Tap Send My Location. You’ll be prompted to find and connect to a satellite. In the time I spent trying Emergency SOS via satellite at Apple Park, this particular step took minutes to send my location.

    An iPhone 14 showing the Share Location option in the Find My app

    Where can I use Emergency SOS via Satellite?

    Currently it’s available in the US (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) and Canada. The service will expand to France, Germany, Ireland and the UK next month. But you don’t need to live in these places to use this feature. Emergency SOS service is also available for people visiting the US and Canada, unless they bought their iPhone 14 in China, Hong Kong or Macao.

    Can I use Emergency SOS via Satellite indoors?

    No. You need to be outside and have a direct line of sight between your iPhone and the satellite. The service doesn’t work indoors, and tall buildings, mountains, dense foliage and other objects can block satellite connectivity. The Emergency SOS interface guides you to help you find and connect to a satellite.

    How much does Emergency SOS via Satellite cost?

    The service is free for two years. Beyond that, Apple hasn’t shared how much it will cost or if there will actually ever be a charge to access the feature.

    Does the iPhone 14 have satellite connectivity?

    Yes. All iPhone 14 models support Emergency SOS via Satellite.

    A Globalstar employee on a ladder working on a ground base unit

    What satellites are used for Emergency SOS via Satellite?

    Apple worked in partnership with satellite telecommunications company Globalstar, which is headquartered in Covington, Louisiana, with facilities across the US. The feature uses Globalstar’s network of low-orbit satellites.

    Apple made a $450 million investment to provide critical enhancements to Globalstar’s satellite network and ground stations. At Globalstar, more than 300 employees support the new service.

    Can an iPhone be used as a satellite phone?

    Yes and no. The iPhone 14 series can connect to satellites to send a text message to emergency services when a call can’t be placed. You can also share your location via satellite in the Find My app. However, you can’t use any iPhone to make calls like a dedicated satellite phone.

    Can the iPhone 13 be used as a satellite phone?

    No, only the iPhone 14 series supports satellite connectivity for emergencies.

    Which iPhone is a satellite phone?

    None are technically satellite phones, but the iPhone 14 series does support contacting emergency services via satellites through text messages as a last resort.

    For more, here’s your complete guide to the iPhone 14 and everything to know about iOS 16.

    iPhone 14 Pro, Pro Max Get the Biggest Changes to Apple’s Phone Lineup

    See all photos

  • Best Soundbars for 2023

    Best Soundbars for 2023

    No matter the cost of your TV, it’s worth investing in a separate, dedicated speaker for your screen. This is because even the best TVs may be able to offer excellent image quality, but sound quality will always have to play second fiddle. Soundbars are a much more affordable alternative to home theater speakers and AV receivers, while still providing powerful and immersive audio, and they’ll take up a lot less room in your living room as well. To help you find the best one for your needs, here are the best soundbars based on my listening tests.

    What is the best soundbar?

    015-roku-streambar-2020

    If you’re looking to spend the least amount of money to get good sound, then the best soundbar to buy is the Roku Streambar. It offers both streaming and movie sound and is an unbeatable value. If you’re looking for a step-up from that, then a soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, such as the Klipsch Cinema 400, will help you get the most out of action films and music. Taking this one step further, the Vizio M512a-H6 with Dolby Atmos support is an excellent buy and the best option for spatial audio on a budget. Lastly, if you want the best that money can buy, then the Sennheiser Ambeo will give you the best sound I’ve ever heard in a soundbar.

    If you’re on the hunt for the best soundbar 2023 has to offer, I’ve rounded up some excellent speakers starting from $100. This list is updated periodically as I test new models.

    The 10 best soundbars of 2023

    Other soundbars I’ve tested

    • JBL Bar 500 ($600): Alongside Klipsch, JBL has long had a reputation for being a rock ‘n’ roll brand with a big sound and even bigger cabinets. During my tests, the JBL Bar 500 fulfilled both parts of the brief by pairing excellent sound with one of the largest subwoofers I’ve ever seen with a soundbar. Yet, while it includes both HDMI and networked music streaming, the JBL is missing Dolby Atmos — which is disappointing for the price. You can save yourself a lot of money by getting the even-bigger sounding Klipsch Cinema 400 instead.
    • Polk Signa S3 ($299): If you’re looking for a speaker that can do music as well as play the latest episode of The Last of Us, then the Polk Audio Signa S3 has a lot to offer. It’s great for streaming, as it has Chromecast built in in addition to Bluetooth and an HDMI input. Read my Polk Signa S3 review.

    • Sony HT-S2000 ($498): Better in some ways than the competition and worse in others, the Sony HT-S2000 boasts better bass response than the Sonos Beam. But for $500 it misses a lot of the features of its single-bar competition, namely Dolby Atmos compatibility and Wi-Fi streaming.
    • Zvox SB500 soundbar
    • Zvox SB500 ($430): If you’re looking for a single audio bar that’s even cheaper than the Sonos Arc, the Zvox SB500 is a great option for people who still prize sound quality. This speaker offers multiple sound mode options, tighter bass and better sound than most other single-speaker options. While it may lack the Sonos’ Wi-Fi streaming, the Zvox still includes Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio from your phone or tablet. Read the Zvox SB500 review.

    How CNET chooses which soundbars to test

    When choosing which soundbars to evaluate, CNET uses the following criteria as part of its selection process:

    • Price: The most important consideration when choosing a soundbar is how much it costs, and I have found there are great soundbars at every price level, starting at $100 and up. I give a lot of thought to the features a soundbar has in comparison to others that cost the same. I do have one rule of thumb, though: Once the price of a soundbar exceeds $500, you may find it more worthwhile to save for an AV receiver and speakers.
    • Wireless streaming: Whether it’s connecting a phone over Bluetooth or more advanced streaming technologies such as Spotify Connect or Apple AirPlay, the more choices for streaming technologies a soundbar has, the better.
    • Dolby Atmos: Dolby Atmos is one of the most popular features in soundbars over $400, and so I look at features that help maximize spatial sound quality. For example, does the soundbar offer dedicated height speakers, or is it simulated Atmos?
    • HDMI connections: At the bare minimum, a soundbar sold in 2023 should have at least one HDMI input, and preferably more. The ability to offer multiple HDMI ports will help users with a large selection of sources (Xbox Series X, Apple TV, Nintendo Switch, Blu-ray player, etc.). However, there are notable exceptions to this rule. For example, the Sonos Ray only offers an optical output, but this is acceptable given that it’s most suitable for older or smaller TVs.
    • Subwoofer and surround speakers Single-bar systems are great for smaller TVs, while a soundbar-and-subwoofer combo is better suited for a living room. For that reason, I take note of the size of the system and whether it offers wireless or wired peripherals. Most soundbars with subs are wireless, for instance, while systems with surrounds can be wired, as in the case of the Vizio Elevate.

    Read more in the soundbar buying guide.

    How CNET tests soundbars

    CNET follows a rigorous, unbiased evaluation process for all of its soundbar testing, from simple stereo speakers to Dolby Atmos systems. In the CNET AV Lab I do comparative testing, pitting similar soundbars against each other side by side.

    I evaluate the performance of each soundbar with a number of different types of content, including movies, music, TV shows and games. I use a number of test scenes — including the opening of Mad Max:Fury Road for playback of the spatial audio standard Dolby Atmos for soundbars which support it. I also use the Thanator Attack scene of Avatar (26.53) to test a system’s dynamics and detail retrieval.

    When it comes to music, I use a number of CNET test tracks which you can find here in a Tidal or Spotify playlist. Tracks such as Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ Red Right Hand, with its deep bass and tenor vocals, help determine a system’s ability to track male voices in particular, without sounding congested. The song also helps with uncovering hidden details and the relative dynamics a speaker is capable of. Using both types of content — movies and music — I then grade the sound quality of each soundbar. I evaluate characteristics such as speech clarity, dynamics/volume, bass response and musical playback.

    CNET’s dedicated audio lab in downtown New York includes a selection of 2022 and 2023 televisions (with HDMI eARC), plus Apple TV 4K streamer and Roku Ultra streamers, a Microsoft Xbox Series X and an Oppo UDP-205 4K Blu-ray player. I also use Roon music software to stream to individual devices or the Oppo player as needed.

    Soundbar FAQs

    More home theater buying guides

  • Get as Many Cats to Sleep as You Can in This Apple Arcade Game

    Get as Many Cats to Sleep as You Can in This Apple Arcade Game

    On Thursday, Apple Arcade added Nekograms Plus to its library of games, and this puzzle game is purr-fect for cat lovers. If you subscribe to Apple Arcade ($5, 5 or AU$8 a month), you can play this game at no additional charge, and without ads or in-app purchases — hence this version being called “Nekograms Plus” on the App Store.

    This game was developed by Hungry Sky, a studio that has developed various augmented reality apps, touchscreen apps and other digital experiences. The studio developed Nekograms, its first self-published title, in 2021.

    The goal of this game is simple: Get all the felines on screen to take a nap. You have to slide the cats and pillows around obstacles and each other in as few moves as possible until everyone has a pillow to rest on.

    Finding a comfy spot for everyone can at times feel like, well, herding cats. Cats can only move horizontally, while pillows can only move vertically. Some cats are long boys and block your path or take up multiple pillows. But the most difficult part might be waking up an unsuspecting cat and hearing their little yelp of surprise that makes you want to move them back and apologize for the disturbance.

    You can play this game, and many others, in Apple Arcade for $5 a month, or $60 annually. You can also try Apple Arcade for free for one month with your first sign-up, or you can get a three-month free trial whenever you buy a new Apple device. To access Apple Arcade, open the App Store on your iOS device and tap the joystick in the menu bar.

  • NFL Ups Price of NFL Plus, Adds RedZone Channel to Premium Plan

    NFL Ups Price of NFL Plus, Adds RedZone Channel to Premium Plan

    NFL Plus, the NFL’s streaming service that was first introduced last year, is getting a price hike and a slight revamp for the upcoming season. On Thursday the league announced that it will be raising the price of a standard subscription from $5 per month to $7 monthly, while still allowing subscribers to watch live local and primetime regular season playoff games on a phone or tablet.

    This includes the games that air on your local CBS, Fox and NBC stations as well as those on ESPN (Monday Night Football), Amazon’s Prime Video (Thursday Night Football) and the NFL Network.

    Streams of live games remain limited to viewing on your phone or tablet, though you can watch NFL Films’ archives and in-season game replays on TVs and computers.

    Fans of NFL RedZone, the popular Scott Hanson-hosted channel that bounces around Sunday’s afternoon games, will be able to get the service as part of a $15 per month NFL Plus Premium plan. Both the base and premium versions of NFL Plus will also include live feeds of the NFL Network.

    The NFL RedZone feed, as well as NFL Network broadcasts (including the eight exclusive NFL Network games this season), will be viewable across TVs, game consoles and computers as well as on phones and tablets.

    In addition to the monthly pricing, a yearly subscription to the base NFL Plus plan will run $50 (up from $40 last year) with an annual subscription to Premium costing $100 (up from $80 last season). For an undisclosed “limited time” the league says it will offer a 20% discount on the annual subscription pricing for both the base and premium versions of NFL Plus.

  • Best Buy Deal Knocks Over $500 Off This 55-inch Hisense 4K TV

    Best Buy Deal Knocks Over $500 Off This 55-inch Hisense 4K TV

    You don’t have to break the bank to get a stunning screen for your living room or bedroom these days. This 55-inch Hisense U8 Series smart TV is a slight step down from the U8H that made our list of the overall best TVs for 2023, but it still has a ton to offer. And right now you can snag it on sale for just $750 at Best Buy, which saves you a whopping $550 compared to the usual price. But without a set expiration, there’s no guaranteeing how long this deal will last. We’d recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

    At over $500 off, this Hisense TV is a pretty competitive model at this price. It features a stunning 4K display and is equipped with mini-LED backlighting for a bright, vibrant screen. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR for sharp, precise contrast and Dolby Atmos audio which provides immersive and room-filling sound. It’s powered by Google’s TV OS and is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for hands-free control, and has built-in Bluetooth connectivity so it’s easy to pair with soundbars, speakers or headphones. It’s also a great pick for serious movie buffs or gamers thanks to its dedicated filmmaker and gaming presets. Plus, it has a sleek, bezel-less design that allows it to blend in with your home’s decor.

    And if you’re in the market for a different size or model, you can check out our full roundup of all the best TV deals for even more bargains.

  • Chrome Will Now Have Weekly Security Updates For You

    Chrome Will Now Have Weekly Security Updates For You

    If you’re one of the billions of people using Google’s Chrome browser, get ready for more frequent security fixes.

    Google will start releasing weekly security updates for its Chrome browser, the company said in a blog post Tuesday. Previously, the company released security fixes as part of updates that went out every two week. The more frequent patches will start with Chrome 116, which began rolling out this week.

    The tech giant said it’s speeding up the releases to address bad actors who can take advantage of exploits found by others using beta versions of the browsers. Google said a weekly update cadence will allow the company to “ship security fixes 3.5 days sooner on average,” and greatly reduce the window for attackers to develop and deploy some types of exploits.

    The weekly updates will come in between larger milestone updates, which will continue to be released every four weeks.

    To keep Chrome users informed about updates, Google will make use of browser notifications on desktop and mobile when a new update is available. There’s also an option for you to check if Chrome is already on the newest update.

    For more security tips, check out the pros and cons of Chrome’s Enhanced Safe Browsing Mode and learn how to lock down your Wi-Fi network.

  • This $190 Bundle Gets You Unlimited Lifetime Memberships to Rosetta Stone and StackSkills

    This $190 Bundle Gets You Unlimited Lifetime Memberships to Rosetta Stone and StackSkills

    Online learning has opened up more opportunities for people to gain new skills on their own schedule. If you’re a lifelong learner, but you don’t have time for strict enrollment requirements, StackSocial is offering an amazing deal on not one, but two lifetime memberships to popular learning platforms. You can get unlimited subscriptions to both Rosetta Stone and StackSkills for just $190 right now — that’s a 74% discount. We don’t know how long this offer will last, so we recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later.

    You may have already earned your degree, but for a lot of jobs out there, building up skills as a jack-of-all-trades isn’t a bad idea, especially in today’s market. Learning a new language or studying code will not only look good on your resume, but it can give you a leg up on the competition when hunting for a new job as well or even shifting into freelance as a side gig. Of course, for plenty of people, it may just be a chance to practice a foreign language as you prepare for travel or focus on learning a new hobby. And at under $200, this may be the perfect chance for you do so on a budget.

    With Rosetta Stone’s membership you get to choose from 24 different languages and get unlimited access to lessons. Rosetta Stone is one of CNET’s top picks for language learning apps. The app’s immersive teaching style allows you to speak, read and write in a new language with ease. The lifetime subscription is regularly priced at $299, but with StackSocial’s offer you can score this deal for $109 less.

    StackSocial is also adding its StackSkills online program to the bundle. When you sign up, you’ll get instant access to the lesson library, which includes over 1,000 courses to choose from. Choose from beginner to advanced courses in IT, development, graphic design, finance, business, marketing and more. When you’ve completed your lessons within a class, you can receive course certification. You can also join in on seminars with instructors and StackSkills offers premium customer support if you have any questions. This lifetime unlimited membership is valued at $450, but it’s effectively a freebie being thrown in with the Rosetta Stone offer here.

    Editors’ note: A version of this deal was originally posted in September of 2022. It’s been updated with current pricing.

    More e-learning recommendations