Microsoft’s Office suite of apps offers industry-standard productivity tools and an essential part of any computer user’s arsenal. It’s used by businesses, schools and individuals around the world, and for word processing, spreadsheets, mail and more, it’s probably an Office app you’re going to want to use. You’ve probably used Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook before, but Office apps aren’t always included with computer purchases, and getting access on your own can carry a hefty price tag.
There is a barebones freebie version of Office out there, but assuming that basic version of Office won’t work for you (see below), your options essentially come down to paying a rolling monthly or yearly fee for a Microsoft 365 subscription or opting instead for a one-time Office license with the full panoply of apps, which typically costs as much as $430. But for a limited time, StackSocial is offering a Microsoft Office 2021 license for just $40. That’s over 80% off its usual price. Better yet, this license, which is available for either Windows or Mac, is a one-time purchase that grants you unlimited access with no recurring charges.
Now, a deal this good comes with some caveats. First, this key is good only for a single computer, so you won’t be able to install it on various machines in your home, and if your current computer happens to die, you could run into a snag when trying to transfer it. Likewise, you’re passing up on other benefits you’d get as a 365 subscriber. You won’t get any OneDrive Cloud Storage, nor will you get the fancy new cloud-based AI features like Microsoft Copilot. And while the apps should continue to work as long as your computer does, Microsoft’s support for this version of Office ends on Oct. 13, 2026.
To that last point: Though this is listed as a “lifetime license” — that is, the lifetime of the computer you installed it on — it’s worth noting there’s always a risk that Microsoft could terminate the license. But versions of Stack’s deal have been running for more than a year — the one we bought in early 2022, for instance, still works fine. At this cost, it takes a little over four months for you to get a full return on the investment compared with buying the subscription, so the risk factor isn’t super high here.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the tech giant’s greatest contribution to mankind will be about health when he spoke with CNBC in 2019. The Apple Watch, with its ability to measure all sorts of bodily markers, may be the biggest contributor to that mission yet. But Apple also has another important purpose in mind for its nearly decade-old smartwatch: acting as your “key to the world.”
That’s according to Kevin Lynch, Apple’s vice president of technology, who recently sat down for a virtual interview with CNET. This direction isn’t new; Apple has been gradually extending the Apple Watch’s functionality over the years, enabling it to work as a digital key for your car and home. In fact, that goal was part of the Apple Watch from the beginning through the original model’s support for Apple Pay.
But this theme feels more prevalent than ever in WatchOS 10, the upcoming software update launching in the fall and arriving in public beta next month. The new software introduces updated widgets to help the watch surface information as needed, perhaps a testament to just how much we’re doing on these tiny wrist-worn devices today. The goal is to provide a lot of data at a glance while maintaining the watch face aesthetic, Lynch said.
“This has been a journey for us over a number of years as we really found the best path and the richest way to balance these things,” Lynch said.
Watch this: WatchOS 10: Biggest Apple Watch Features Coming This Year
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WatchOS 10 widgets could make the Apple Watch easier to use
The Apple Watch has gained many new features and functionality since its 2015 debut, especially when it comes to health. But the general interface has largely remained the same.
That’s about to change in WatchOS 10 with the introduction of widgets, or informational cards that are accessible from the watch face with a twist of the digital crown. You’ll be able to add widgets for viewing the weather forecast, reminders and news headlines among other tidbits, similar to the iPhone. This should mean significantly less tapping and swiping would be required to set a timer or view your next meeting.
The order of these cards will contextually change depending on factors like the time of day similar to the iPhone’s widgets, which Apple calls the “smart stack.” The idea is to show the right data as you need it throughout the day. For example, the weather might appear first in the morning, while a medication reminder may surface at night.
The timer widget in WatchOS 10.
Apple/Screenshot by James Martin/CNET
It might sound like a small update, yet it’s one that could make the Apple Watch better at serving up relevant information with minimal effort. When the first Apple Watch arrived eight years ago, some reviewers criticized the device’s software as being too complicated and complex.
Those concerns have seemingly faded away as the Apple Watch became more prevalent. According to Counterpoint Research, Apple accounted for 26% of the global smartwatch market as of the first quarter of 2023, more than any other company. But the arrival of these new widgets, along with other updates like redesigned apps and a shortcut that launches the Control Center menu with the side button, show that there’s still work to be done when it comes to making the Apple Watch more intuitive.
Apple’s intention to have your Apple Watch unlock the world around you has been evident for a while; it announced the ability for the watch to double as a key to your office, home or hotel in 2021, for example. That raises the question of why Apple waited until 2023 to update the interface in a way that makes relevant information more easily accessible.
Apple Pay was available even on the first Apple Watch.
Lynch said it comes down to a combination of user feedback and hardware improvements that enable the machine learning that’s necessary to power the smart stack. The company also didn’t want to change the Apple Watch’s user interface too often or in a way that would feel jarring.
“It was informed by all of our experiences that we’ve had over time, of course, about how people interact with the watch,” he said.
Apple’s approach to new features is about hardware and software
Many of the Apple Watch’s major changes come down to how the software and hardware work together. That’s especially true for the Apple Watch’s health tracking functionality, which also gets an upgrade in WatchOS 10. There are new metrics for cyclists and additional features like topographic maps in Apple Maps for hikers, a mood-logging tool and the ability to detect time spent in daylight.
In some ways, Apple takes a different approach than its competitors when it comes to how health data from the watch’s sensors is used and presented throughout the interface. Rivals like Oura and Google’s Fitbit, for example, crunch certain readings to generate a “readiness score,” which communicates whether your body is ready for a tough workout or in need of a rest day.
The Oura app’s daily Readiness score, a combination of multiple measurements.
Scott Stein/CNET
The Apple Watch lacks an equivalent feature in WatchOS 10, and that’s intentional. When asked about whether Apple envisions recovery-related insights like a readiness score for the Apple Watch, Lynch pointed to the company’s approach for developing new features. He said Apple’s strategy focuses on solving broad problems that impact a wide range of people, adding that the company is “optimistic” about getting new health insights from the watch’s existing sensors.
“We actually look at a combination of what we can sense and what are the top health challenges that people have in the world,” he said. “And what’s the intersection of what we can sense, and what are those issues?”
That doesn’t mean Apple will never offer a readiness score-like feature, said Deirdre Caldbeck, director of Apple Watch product marketing, who also spoke with CNET. It’s just that the company focuses its resources on features that it thinks will be universally impactful and offer actionable insights.
“In our discussions and our debates and our decision making, we do try to keep those things in mind because of course Apple Watch is so broadly applicable to so many people,” Caldbeck said.
It’s not just about the insight Apple can provide, but also how that data is presented. Lynch described the Apple Watch as a “supportive partner” that applauds your achievements but doesn’t shame you for missing your stand reminder. Oura takes a similar approach; the company previously told CNET it tries to communicate “truth” and “positivity” in its notifications. Even the nudge you feel on your wrist and the ping you hear when receiving a notification on your Apple Watch was meticulously planned.
“We designed those by actually ringing the material of the Apple Watch case with a little hammer,” Lynch said. “And we recorded the ‘ding’ noise it made so it sounds like the watch itself is being rung.”
A screenshot of the daylight detection feature coming in WatchOS 10.
Apple
But one example of how Apple is leveraging the watch’s sensors in a new way in WatchOS 10 is in the new daylight detection feature. It uses the Apple Watch’s ambient light sensor, along with input from other sensors to determine whether a person is outdoors, Lynch said. Apple is positioning this as a way to help younger users potentially prevent myopia, or nearsightedness, since the Myopia Institute says time spent outdoors can reduce the development of the condition in children.
Apple had been researching eye health and realized the Apple Watch’s ambient light sensor to help figure out whether someone is outside, Lynch said.
“We start with storytelling,” Lynch said. “We start with, ‘Here’s a problem in the world, and let’s tell each other a story around maybe how the world could be different.’ That leads us then to designing and engineering and all that stuff.”
The Apple Watch’s competition and what’s next
As the Apple Watch has evolved and gained new sensors, it’s become increasingly focused on health. But it’s also a big part of Apple’s effort to free us from screens, an objective that the company reiterated when introducing its Vision Pro headset earlier this month.
Apple seems to be succeeding at that goal so far, considering the company’s wearables business is now the size of a Fortune 150 company. Yet the competition is growing; Google entered the smartwatch space with its Pixel Watch last year, and Google and Samsung joined forces in 2021 to redesign the software that powers Android smartwatches. Samsung’s next smartwatches are expected to debut next month, complete with new software that makes sleep statistics and other health insights more prominent.
Apple calls WatchOS 10 a “milestone” for the Apple Watch. That may be telling of the smartwatch’s role in our lives at a time when we’re surrounded by an increasing number of screens and sensors. American households owned an average of 16 connected devices as of 2022, according to research firm Parks Associates.
Perhaps now more than ever, there’s a need for gadgets like the Apple Watch to help us navigate and manage those devices. WatchOS 10, with its contextual widgets, redesigned apps and ability to swap contact data with iPhones through a new feature called NameDrop, seems like an attempt to do just that.
Lynch couldn’t say what’s next when asked about other ways the Apple Watch could become a so-called key to the world around you.
But the clue could be sitting in our pockets.
“What do you use a wallet for today, and do you still have things in your wallet?” he asked. “So that would be another area to think about in terms of maybe over time, how we can reduce the amount of stuff you have to carry around with you.”
Ten years ago, Apple executive Craig Federighi introduced a new iOS feature called AirDrop to the crowd of developers and reporters at WWDC. If you want to share a file with someone, he explained, just tap the image of the other nearby iPhone owners.
“No need to wander around the room bumping your phone with others,” Federighi said, as laughter erupted from the audience. It was a dig at how Android phones at the time needed users to “bump” a phone or tablet against another device to send a file. Early iPhone users may even remember the Bump app, where to share contact information all you had to do was open the app and give a little bump to the other phone.
Fast forward to the WWDC Keynote presentation two weeks ago (this time pre-taped in front of a live audience), and Federighi is once again talking about AirDrop. But this time, iOS 17 has a new feature called NameDrop — bring two phones close together (practically bumping them, you could say) to share contact info.
You’ll be able to swap contacts by bringing your iPhones together with NameDrop in iOS17
Apple/Screenshot by CNET
How far we’ve come.
It’s not often iOS updates excite me, but this year is different. Apple is introducing several changes that I think will have a big impact on how we use the iPhone — and they will change some of our old habits. I go into a few of them in today’s One More Thing episode (the video is embedded above).
Live Voicemail just may be the biggest change that brings back some retro feels. Screen a voicemail message in real time by seeing a live transcription as the person leaves their message — and you’ll have the option to pick up the call in the middle of it.
For anyone who grew up screening phone calls on the home answering machine, this will feel quite familiar. In fact, it may have us going back to giving voicemails in a way that assumes the person is listening. (“Frank? Frank are you there? I know you’re reading this, pick up…”)
The best part about screening calls is that we can finally see if the mystery number is something important — or if it’s Rachel from cardholder services with a deal on our vehicle’s extended warranty.
Another change in old habits will be how we summon Siri. If, like me, you yell at your Homepod to control your music and smart home devices, soon you’ll be able to drop the “Hey” — and you should be able to give more than one command without calling her name each time.
Apple makes some of the best laptops and desktop computers on the market, though they don’t come cheap. But the premium Apple experience doesn’t have to come at a ridiculous cost if you’re happy to shop around for deals, and right now, Woot is running a huge Mac sale that can save you hundreds versus buying at the Apple store.
The sale, which is live through June 20 or while supplies last, features MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, as well as recent iMac releases and even Apple’s Studio Display monitor. There’s a mix of brand new, open-box and factory reconditioned models in the sale, so be sure to read the descriptions carefully. We’ve pulled out a few of our favorite deals below, but you’ll want to hit up the full sale to see all of the options.
Apple’s previous-gen MacBook Air M1 is still a solid buy for everyday use, especially when you can find a good deal on one. We’ve seen it hit $800 brand new before, but this $760 low price is a steal if you don’t mind an open-box model.
Also packing an M1 chip is Apple’s latest iMac. This all-in-one is a great family computer that looks great and offers a lovely 4.5K, 24-inch display. You’d pay $1,300 for this machine brand new, but it’s under $1,000 open-box.
Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air M2 recently got a $100 price cut following the release of the 15-inch model, but Woot’s open-box offer tops that by another $119. This thin and light machine is plenty powerful and offers all-day battery life.
Though no longer sold by Apple, you’d still pay close to $1,900 for this 14-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip brand new at places like B&H. It features 16GB RAM and a 256GB SSD at this price, though other configurations are available factory reconditioned and with a one-year warranty.
Apple Studio Display deals are pretty rare, especially ones that drop the monitor as low as $950, so these open-box deals won’t last for long. Choose from standard or nano-texture glass as well as various stand or mount options while supplies last and pair with your preferred Mac.
Whether you want the best mirrorless camera or a brilliant beginner camera, choosing what’s best for you is never an easy decision. With so many models from top brands like Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and more, all of which pack a wide variety of different features and megapixel counts, it can be baffling to understand what you actually need to take your photography further. But that also means that whether you want pro-level full-frame image quality, fast burst shooting or just something light for your travels, there’s a camera that will suit you perfectly.
As with most things, the more you spend, the better performance you’ll get, with top-spec cameras offering 8K video and high resolution sensors costing a hell of a lot more than their entry-level equivalents. Want to take photos from the air? Check out our guide to the best drones. Want a camera to record your next ski trip? Our action camera guide is for you.
Later in this article you can read my advice on what to consider when buying a new camera, as well as answers to some of the most common questions.
Canon’s R6 II packs some formidable specs for both still image and video shooters, making it a superb all-round hybrid camera for both enthusiastic amateurs and anyone who wants to take their first steps into the professional arena. Its 24-megapixel resolution is up from the 20 megapixels of the first R6 and its seen upgrades to its specs across the board. Its burst shooting speed now goes up to a whopping 40 fps (with the electronic shutter), making it faster than Canon’s pro-level R3 when using focus tracking and double the speed you get from the first-gen R6.
Speaking of focus, there are upgrades there too, with improved detection for faces, animals or cars and with lightning-fast lock on and tracking. It works great in video too, recognising your subject and keeping locked on as they move through the scene. It’ll shoot video internally at up to 4K resolution in 10-bit raw, or up to 6K using an external recorder via the HDMI port and video clips can now run beyond the R6’s 30-minute limit up to 6 hours in length.
Its full-frame sensor delivers great-looking images, with plenty of scope for pulling back highlights and lifting shadows in Lightroom. It offers up to 8-stop in-body image stabilization (with a compatible lens) to help you get sharp and steady results even at lower shutter speeds.
Overall, the R6 II’s improvements over its predecessor make it a superb do-it-all mirrorless camera that excels in stills and video. And its relatively compact size makes it a great option for taking on your next family vacation, capturing stills for a family photo album and video to send to your friends and family back home.
While Sony’s A1 has cranked all of its specs to the max, the A7 IV takes a more “sweet spot” approach, offering solid performance at a much more approachable price. Its 33-megapixel full-frame sensor still offers superb clarity and excellent dynamic range and its maximum 10fps burst rate is still pretty nippy.
It also has in-body stabilization but it’s also got excellent noise reduction allowing you to crank the ISO speeds higher without overly degrading the image quality. Video tops out at 4K at 60fps, but like the A1 you can shoot in 10-bit S-LOG format for greater control in post production.
But my favorite aspect is its compact size, which is small enough to pop into a small shoulder bag (assuming you don’t have a massive zoom lens on, of course) making it a great option for travel photography, street photography or even just as an “everyday carry” camera so you’re always ready to shoot when inspiration strikes.
Sony’s ZV-1 is primarily aimed at aspiring YouTube vloggers who are looking for a video camera you can just pick up and start shooting with. It’s got an articulated display that lets you easily see yourself when you’re filming your pieces to camera and the built-in mic does a decent job of capturing audio — and there’s an included fluffy wind-shield which helps cut down on wind noise.
Its 1-inch type sensor is the smallest of all cameras on this list, so its image quality isn’t as good as more expensive models, particularly in lower light conditions, but in daytime lighting it’s footage looks solid. It doesn’t have interchangeable lenses but its built-in zoom takes it from an equivalent of 24mm through to 70mm. It’s stabilized well enough for vlogging when you’re standing still, but it struggles to smooth out bigger movements when you’re walking at more of a pace.
It’ll shoot video at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, but turn that quality down and it can shoot up to a whopping 960fps for some super slow-mo action. Stills max out at 20.1 megapixels and they’re perfectly good for daytime snaps on your travels.
The ZV-1 isn’t the best camera to go for if you only want still photographs, but if you’re looking to shoot a lot of video on your next vacation, or if you’re after a second camera specifically for video purposes then it’s worth considering. Its small size, solid video quality, all-purpose zoom range and decent built-in mic means it’s well-equipped to help you on your first steps to vlogging success.
Nikon’s Z50 packs a smaller APS-C sized image sensor into a small and lightweight body which makes it excellent for chucking into a little backpack and heading out on your travels. Its 20.9-megapixel sensor takes good-looking images, with excellent detail and enough dynamic range in the raw files to pull back highlights or lift shadows.
There’s no in-body image stabilization (you’ll need to splash more cash for that) but its 11 frames per second burst shooting rate should help you score a sharp image. It shoots 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and its tilting rear LCD display will help get shots in more awkward angles.
Nikon currently offers only three lenses designed for its APS-C DX-format camera which isn’t a wide selection — although the wide zoom ranges available will likely suit beginners well. It does use the same Z-mount for its lenses as Nikon’s FX-format cameras like the Z7 II, however, so you can always use those professional-standard lenses on this camera. That said, the higher prices of those lenses will somewhat negate the affordability of the Z50 itself.
Canon’s EOS R5 is the company’s best all-rounder camera, offering rock-solid specs for professionals in both still images and video. On the stills side, its full frame image sensor packs 45 megapixels and has up to eight stops of image stabilization (with a compatible lens) helping keep handheld images sharp even at slower shutter speeds. It can shoot up to 20 frames per second and its handy flip-out screen means getting shots in awkward positions is no problem.
On the video side, it was Canon’s first camera to offer a whopping 8K resolution in 12-bit raw which, while overkill for your average family movie, does offer pro shooters more scope for cropping in post-production. At 4K resolution it’ll shoot up to 120fps for smooth slow motion in Canon’s CLog format for easier color editing.
It’s a superb all-round camera that’ll suit enthusiastic photographers and pros alike who are keen to bring beautiful video production into their workflow.
Canon’s flagship is built for speed. Capable of shooting up to 30 raw images a second, it’s a camera aimed squarely at serious sports or wildlife photographers that need to guarantee they’ll nail that decisive moment. Its full frame sensor offers a maximum 24-megapixel resolution, and like the EOS R5, it comes with a fully articulating screen and in-body image stabilization for when the light gets low.
Its auto-focus has been bolstered with deep-learning algorithms allowing the camera to recognize and lock on to people, animals and birds, as well as cars and motorcycles — it’s even able to identify a driver’s helmet in an open-cockpit racing car and lock focus on it. Motorsports photographers have no excuses for missing that winning shot.
It’s no slouch with video either, offering up to 6K footage in Canon’s Log format for better post production. Its high price and physically larger size means it’s not a camera that’ll suit everyone, but if you’re after the absolute pinnacle of photographic speed then it’s the Canon camera to go for.
Like Canon’s EOS R5, the Sony A1 is designed to excel with both stills and video. Its compact body is packed with a 50.1-megapixel full frame sensor that delivers pristine detail and excellent dynamic range. It’s stabilized too for sharper hand-held images while its 30fps maximum burst rate (in compressed RAW or JPEG) means it’s well equipped for sports or wildlife photographers too.
It can shoot video at up to 8K resolution, but also offers 4K at up to 120fps in 10-bit S-LOG3 for pro shooters looking for greater color grading control in post production. It’s Sony’s most expensive hybrid stills and video camera, but it’s packed with the absolute top tech the company has to offer, making it a superb choice for enthusiasts and professionals looking for the best of both worlds.
The Z9 is Nikon’s answer to Canon’s R3; a larger-sized camera body packed with awesome camera tech delivering blistering shooting rates for serious enthusiasts and pros alike. Its 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers stunning, detail-packed shots while its in-body stabilization allows for hand-held shooting at slower shutter speeds. It can shoot RAW files at up to 20fps or lower-resolution JPEGs at 120fps.
It’s a video beast too, able to shoot 8K at 60fps in Nikon’s raw video format. Take that to 4K and you can get 120fps for smoother slow-mo while editing professionals will appreciate the ability to shoot in ProRes format for much better control over highlights and colors in post production.
Auto-focus is lightning fast, with a 493-point focus system that’s able to lock onto the eyes of people, animals and even birds.
Like the R3 and Sony’s A1, the Nikon Z9’s price and top-notch specs mean it’s overkill for most enthusiast photographers, but if you’re after ultimate speed and performance from Nikon then the Z9 is the camera for you.
With its 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, the Nikon Z7 II can capture beautifully-detailed images with excellent colors and dynamic range but it does so in a much smaller package than the speed-focused Z9. Its compact size makes it a great option for the travelers among you who don’t want to sacrifice performance when on the move.
Those same travelers will appreciate its magnesium alloy construction, which is weather sealed against moisture and dust so wherever you’re heading to next, the Z7II will be able to cope.
Its eye-tracking auto-focus is fast, it can shoot raw files at up to 10 fps and its five-axis in-body stabilization provides up to five stops of stabilization, making hand-held shooting easier at slower shutter speeds. Then there’s its 4K 60fps video capabilities that will let you shoot stunning footage to go alongside your stills. Nikon fans looking for a solid all-round hybrid stills and video camera are well catered to.
Panasonic’s Lumix line has been best known for its prowess with smaller micro-four-thirds sensors, but its S-series, including the new S5 has shown the company knows its stuff with full-frame sensors too. The S5’s image sensor offers 24 megapixels of resolution, with great dynamic range, burst speeds of up to 7 frames per second and ISO speeds up to 204,800.
Want even more resolution? A high resolution mode shifts the sensor and takes multiple shots to create a raw file at 96 megapixels. It works best with static, rather than moving scenes and you’ll need a tripod for the best results, but for landscape or studio photographers wanting additional pixels it could be a handy addition.
It’s relatively compact in size, making it great for chucking in a bag for day trips, while its articulating LCD screen makes it easier to shoot in awkward positions — or for shooting selfies.
It’s great for video shooters too, offering 4K at up to 60 frames per second, with 10-bit 4:2:2 recording options for those of you wanting more scope for editing your footage later. Autofocus in video is good too and the flip-out screen means it’s well-suited for vloggers wanting a more professional look to their videos.
The OM System (formerly known as Olympus) OM-1 uses a smaller micro-four-thirds image sensor, rather than the full frame sensors seen on models like the Canon R5 or Sony A1. But what it lacks in sensor size it makes up for in sheer performance. It’s capable of capturing raw files at an astonishing 120 frames per second so sports and wildlife shooters are well catered for.
Its sensor is stabilized too, so handheld shooting is smoother, the flip-out screen makes low-angle shooting a breeze and it’s IP53 rated so you won’t need to pack it away the first time you feel a rain drop land on your head.
But one of the main benefits of a micro-four-thirds system is its size. The OM-1’s body is smaller and lighter than every other camera on this list, as are the lenses it uses. As a result, shooting all day with this thing around your neck isn’t going to leave you with ruined muscles, nor will taking an extra couple of lenses with you, just in case you want that extra zoom.
For video shooters, the OM-1 can manage 4K resolutions at 60fps and you can take that to 240fps for awesome slow-motion shots at full HD resolution.
With 20 megapixels, the OM-1 might not have the raw resolution of some of its full-frame competitors, but its immense shooting speed, travel-friendly design, stabilization and video skills make it a great all-rounder, especially for those of you interested in wildlife photography.
With 8K video options, a 40-megapixel maximum resolution and seven stops of image stabilization, Fujifilm’s latest X-H2 camera has some big bragging rights for a camera that costs only $2,000. And while that’s not cheap, those specs are more in line with Canon’s $3,700 R5, so the X-H2 might represent good value if you’re particularly hoping for 8K.
The camera is easy to shoot with, with a comfortable grip and battery life that’ll put up with a full day of mixed shooting (much less if you’re shooting a lot of 8K though). The image stabilization is excellent, helping keep hand-held video footage looking less shaky and allowing me to shoot at shutter speeds approaching a second without needing a tripod.
It packs a smaller APS-C sensor, rather than the full-frame sensors seen on others on this list, but it still manages to squeeze 40 megapixels of resolution, resulting in detailed images with plenty of scope for further cropping. It’ll shoot 20 frames per second in burst mode, but if speed is crucial, then you can look toward the X-H2S, which has a 24-megapixel sensor but can achieve 40 frames per second in burst mode.
The X2D 100C is the successor to Hasselblad’s X1D, seen below. It comes with a variety of improvements over the older model, including a high-resolution 100-megapixel medium format image sensor, seven stops of in-body image stabilization and improved auto focus.
The upgrades make this camera one of my favorite stills cameras I’ve tested and the camera on this list I’d most like to own if I could even begin to contemplate its lofty $8,200 asking price. But what you get for that money is absolutely pristine image quality, with incredible details and huge dynamic range that makes it easy to lift shadows and rescue highlights in post production. I’ve been truly impressed with the shots I’ve been able to take with this camera, and I’d dearly love to take it on a landscape photography adventure to continue putting it through its paces.
It’s got a massive 1TB internal SSD for quickly saving the huge image files you’ll be generating, while its seven stops of image stabilization mean you don’t need to always have it locked on a tripod to get sharp shots at slower shutter speeds. That makes it much more usable as a hand-held camera. My main criticism of its predecessor was slow and sometimes inaccurate autofocus, and while that’s certainly been improved here, it’s hardly what you’d call fast. It’ll mostly suit those of you who take a slower, more methodical approach to your photography, rather than sports or wildlife shooters who need to capture split-second action in big bursts.
It also isn’t the camera for you if you’re more of a hybrid shooter, as Hasselblad has removed any kind of video recording from its camera. Instead, the focus is solely on producing some of the best still images possible, and in that it absolutely succeeds.
Note: Hasselblad recently launched the X2D 100C (seen above), which offers a range of improvements over the older X1D II 50C. However, the X1D will still be on sale, and its lower price makes it a great option to consider for stills-focused photographers.
While cameras like the Olympus OM-1 (seen above) have smaller sensors for fast shooting, Hasselblad’s X1D II 50C goes the opposite direction. It packs a medium format sensor which is physically much bigger than even the full-frame sensors offered by the other cameras on this list. A larger sensor is typically able to capture more detail and dynamic range and indeed the X1D’s shots can be stunning.
The dynamic range is excellent, with lots of scope for lifting shadows or toning down highlights in post-production software like Adobe Lightroom. Detail from the 50-megapixel sensor is superb as well, while Hasselblad’s commercial-standard color science means that your shots will look true-to-life.
It’s not built for speed though; with auto-focus frequently being quite slow and a max burst rate of only 2.7fps. But this is a camera designed more for taking the time to study and compose your scene, only firing the shutter when all the elements are in place.
It’s physically beautiful though, with a minimalist, all-metal design that’s built in Sweden. Despite it packing a medium format sensor, it’s surprisingly compact overall, being easy to carry in a shoulder bag, with an extra lens on standby.
The slow speed and high price of this camera means it won’t suit if you want quick street snaps on your next city break, but for those of you looking for truly stunning image quality from more considered scenes then Hasselblad’s X1D II 50C is well worth considering.
Like the Hasselblad above, the Fujifilm GFX100S packs a medium format sensor that’s physically larger than the more common full-frame sensors seen in cameras like the Canon EOS R5 and much bigger than the APS-C sensors found in most of Fuji’s range. That big sensor size not only lets this camera shoot with a whopping 100-megapixel resolution, but it offers an amazing dynamic range in its images, giving a huge amount of scope to recover highlight and shadow detail in post.
The downside is that the camera — and its lenses — are physically a lot bigger than cameras with smaller sensors, not to mention more expensive, too. That said, the GFX100S is a lot smaller than its predecessor and isn’t much bigger than more traditional DSLRs like the Canon 5D MkIV. That makes it a great option for landscape photographers among you wanting to hike with a backpack of gear, knowing that you’ll be able to take truly stunning images when you get to your location.
It’s comfortable to shoot with and that massive sensor is stabilized, allowing you to get sharper shots when shooting handheld — something that’s critical when shooting at 100 megapixels, when those fine details will show up even the slightest of blur.
It shoots 4K video at 30 frames per second, which makes it capable enough for those occasions when you really want to capture a bit of moving footage, but it’s certainly not a camera to consider if video production is your main goal. But for stills shooters — especially landscape lovers — the GFX100S offers truly stunning image quality that I’d love to have as part of my own kit bag.
With an APS-C sensor size, the Fujifilm X-S10 has a compact body size that’s the smallest of all the cameras on this list. Paired with a compact lens it makes for a potent travel camera setup, allowing you to always have it in your rucksack, ready to shoot whenever you turn a corner down some Italian alleyway and find photographic inspiration.
It’s comfortable to hold, with well-placed controls and a solid feel to its construction that gives me confidence that it’ll be able to put up with a tough life on the road. Its smaller sensor offers 26 megapixels and while it might not have the dynamic range or low-light prowess of more expensive full-frame rivals, its overall image quality is excellent.
Its LCD screen fully articulates, allowing for easier shots in tricky situations — or for getting those grinning vacation selfies — while its burst rate of up to 20fps means you won’t miss that quick action. That’s helped by fast auto-focus which locks on quickly, but it’s not always accurate when it comes to tracking subjects as they move through the scene. It shoots 4K video at 30fps too, and its stabilized sensor helps smooth out some of the shake when you’re holding it by hand.
While it might not have the same advanced feature set of others on this list, its smaller size and more approachable price makes it a great option for beginner photographers, street photographers or travelers looking for a light option to always have in the bag.
What is the difference between a DSLR and mirrorless camera?
A DSLR — or digital single lens reflex — camera is what you might think of as a “traditional” camera. While both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have interchangeable lenses with an image sensor at their heart, a DSLR has a mirror that reflects light from the lens up into the viewfinder. When you take an image, that mirror flicks up, allowing the same light to pass through the image sensor.
A mirrorless — as the name suggests — has no mirror, meaning that light always passes straight through the lens to the sensor.
Are mirrorless cameras better than DSLRs?
The lack of a mirror gives mirrorless cameras a number of advantages. Firstly, they tend to be smaller, requiring smaller body sizes that don’t need to house that mirror system — Canon’s mirrorless EOS R5, for example, is a lot smaller than the EOS 5D MkIV DSLR it replaces. They’re often able to shoot faster too, with quicker auto-focus.
The viewfinders on mirrorless cameras are usually digital, which isn’t always to everyone’s tastes, but it does typically mean that when you change settings — a narrower aperture or faster shutter speed, for example — the camera will be able to show you what that exposure will look like before you take the photo, rather than only seeing it afterwards.
While mirrorless cameras are expensive right now, their combination of size and performance means they tend to outperform DSLRs in most ways.
Are DSLRs going away?
While some camera manufacturers do still produce DSLRs, it’s been some time since a new model was launched. Neither Canon or Nikon have released a new DSLR in the last couple of years and Sony has gone so far as to officially discontinue all of its DSLRs, focusing fully on its mirrorless range.
The mirrorless Canon EOS R5 (left) is smaller than the older Canon 5D Mk IV DSLR (right).
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
Should I buy a used DSLR?
The rise in popularity of mirrorless cameras means that many people are looking to offload their older DSLRs, which often means you can pick them up on the used market for a lot less than their original selling price. If you’re a beginner, looking to dip your toe in the photography waters then it can be a good way of experimenting without spending too much money up front.
However it’s worth thinking long term. If you love your new hobby then there’s every chance you’ll want to upgrade to new gear later on, or add new lenses and accessories that might not be available on your older camera system. Spending the extra on a more modern system now might mean that you’re future-proofed down the line.
I have a great phone, do I still need a proper camera?
Today’s top phones like the iPhone 13 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra pack incredible camera systems that can take beautiful photos. Even more affordable mid-range phones like the Nothing Phone 1 can still take great snaps, so do you really need a dedicated camera?
This will largely come down to what kind of photography you do. If you really just want some quick snaps of your kids in the park to send to your family then your phone camera will almost certainly be fine. It’ll save you having to buy expensive equipment and having to drag it with you everytime you want to take some photos. Your phone, meanwhile, will always be in your pocket ready to go.
If you want to take things a bit more seriously then a proper camera is worth considering. Image quality is still typically better, often with sharper details and better dynamic range (the amount of information captured in the very bright and very dark areas) than a phone can manage. This is largely because a phone’s camera sensor has to be incredibly small to fit on the back of the phone, whereas a camera’s sensor can be much bigger — the bigger the sensor, the more light it can capture and the better your shots will look.
And while phones like the S22 Ultra have impressive zoom capabilities, it’s not as good as carrying a professional telephoto lens to get great quality shots when zoomed in.
A look at micro four thirds sensor (left), a full-frame sensor (middle) and medium format sensor (right). Typically a larger sensor results in better image quality.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
What’s the difference between a full-frame, APS-C and micro four-thirds sensor?
In short, the size. A full-frame sensor has the same dimensions as a frame of 35mm photography film, whereas APS-C is smaller and micro four-thirds is smaller still. A bigger sensor can capture more light and therefore typically produce better dynamic range and sharper images in low-light situations. Most professional cameras like the Canon EOS R5 or Sony A1 have full frame image sensors.
Then there are medium format cameras like the Hasselblad X1D II 50C or Fujifilm GFX 100S that have even bigger image sensors than full frame. These massive sensors allow these pro-level cameras to capture incredible details and beautiful dynamic range.
But a bigger sensor means a bigger camera to fit it in so there are certainly advantages to having a smaller sensor in your camera. The OM-Systems (Olympus) OM-1 uses a micro four thirds sensor and as a result it’s a very compact body to carry around. It’s also able to shoot with incredible burst speeds because it’s not capturing as much data in each single still image as a full-frame camera would. Professional wildlife or sports photographers would likely be happy with the tradeoff of dynamic range here in order to shoot as fast as possible to capture the action.
Smaller sensor cameras can also use smaller lenses that typically cost less than their full-frame equivalents. An APS-C camera then can save you both money and weight in your camera bag.
Canon’s 50mm f/1.8 RF lens is small, light and cheap. It’s a great starter lens but it’s also good for pros wanting something that won’t weigh them down.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
What’s the best beginner lens to buy with my new camera?
Many cameras — especially those aimed towards beginner and amateur photographers — come with a ‘kit lens’ to get you started. Often these are zoom lenses, offering a relatively broad range from 18mm at the wide end to 55mm at the zoomed-in end. These can be great to start on, but they’re often quite mediocre when it comes to image quality, offering narrow apertures, meaning you can’t get that attractive out of focus background in your portrait and low-light shooting can be very difficult.
There is no one lens that will suit everyone and eventually you’ll likely build up a kit bag of lenses, having perhaps two or three favorites that you use most often. A great starting lens to upgrade to from your kit lens is a 50mm prime lens (“prime” meaning it is fixed at that focal length, with no zoom) with a f/1.8 aperture. Most camera manufacturers offer this at relatively cheap prices. Canon’s own model, for example, is often referred to as the “nifty fifty” and it costs a tenth of the price of its professional-standard f/1.2 aperture 50mm lens.
A prime lens like this not only allows you to get creative with those shallow depth of field shots, but having a fixed focal length can be a great way to learn more about composition in your photography. Instead of simply zooming in and out to fit things in your scene, you’re forced to move around and really consider how the different elements go together in the final image.
If you’re looking for an all-rounder, a 24-105mm f/4 (or 24-120mm, as offered on Nikon’s Z-mount lenses) provides both a wide-angle and telephoto perspective, meaning it could be the only lens you need to put on your camera.
Should I buy third-party lenses?
Companies like Sigma, Tamron, Laowa or Samyang have all become more dominant names in the photography industry, offering alternatives to Canon, Sony or Nikon’s own lenses, often at much more competitive prices. Sigma’s Art range is highly-regarded as providing superb image quality that’s on par with what you’d expect from their camera-branded equivalents.
It’s still the case that you get what you pay for and if you’ve found a 50mm f/1.2 lens for 300 bucks somewhere on the internet that claims to be as good as Sony’s $2,000 original then you can safely assume that there will be tradeoffs somewhere along the way.
As with most things, it’s worth checking the reviews and forums and seeing what others have to say about them. At the end of the day it’ll come down to what you’re willing to pay and what you’ll use it for; if you’re a pro with commercial clients demanding the best, make sure you’re not cheaping out on lenses. If you just want some cool shots from your next vacation to put on Instagram, go ahead and dive into the third-party market.
There’s a huge array of choices when you’re looking for a new camera.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
What to consider when buying a new camera
With so many camera brands offering a huge variety of different models at wildly-differing prices, choosing a camera that suits you can be tricky. Like most things though, performance lines up with budget, with the best, most advanced features typically found on more expensive, professional-standard models.
So it’s worth spending some time thinking about what you actually need from your camera. If you’re looking for something small and light to chuck in a backpack and get some great travel shots then smaller APS-C models like Fujifilm’s X-S10 will suit you well and won’t break the bank. The OM Systems OM-1 is similarly compact thanks to its smaller image sensor, but its higher price comes with more advanced auto focus, incredible burst firing speeds and pro-standard video options.
If you’re looking to take your photography to the next level then look towards full-frame models like the Nikon Z7 II, Sony A7 IV or Canon EOS R5. These cameras all come with higher price tags attached, but their physically larger image sensors allow you to shoot pristine-looking photos that capture more detail in the highlights and shadows of your scene. These are often the cameras you’ll see in the hands of professional photographers.
But don’t forget, it’s not just the camera you’re buying, you’ll need to consider lenses too. And unfortunately, lenses don’t come cheap, with many professional-level lenses costing more than the cameras themselves. Full frame sensors demand bigger lenses to accommodate them, which in turn makes them more expensive, so again, beginners among you will be better served with smaller sensor models from the likes of Fujifilm or Olympus.
Does more megapixels mean better photos?
Not necessarily, no. While some cameras like the Canon EOS R5 or Sony A1 offer huge megapixel counts, more pixels don’t make your photos look better. Instead, those additional pixels allow you to crop into the image later without sacrificing too much resolution, allow for high-quality gallery printing or allow for easier compositing in post production. If none of those things are important to you then you needn’t worry too much about your camera’s resolution.
A rare moment of CNET Editor At Large and professional photographer Andrew Lanxon seen in front of the lens as he takes a break from camera testing in the beautiful Scottish scenery.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
How we test cameras
Everything on this list has been hand-selected and tested by us to make sure that it performs as promised. No manufacturer’s claims are taken at face value and if it didn’t impress, it didn’t make the list.
The cameras featured here have been tested by CNET Editor At Large and professional photographer Andrew Lanxon. They’ve been carried in backpacks, in messenger bags, taken to city-center coffee shops, bars, to the beach, up hills and through forests. We’ve tested cameras in the ways that you’d want to use them yourself; actually getting out into the world and capturing real images we’d want to share with family or on Instagram.
Frame after frame of test images have been taken on each camera, both in raw format and JPEG, to test all of the key features of the camera and to see how each model really handles. Most cameras were tested with fast SD cards by SanDisk and ProGrade, but more high-performance models like the Canon EOS R3, R5 and Nikon Z9 were tested with ultra high-speed CFExpress cards by ProGrade.
As professionals ourselves, we know what to look for in a good camera, we know what makes our lives easier when out shooting in the field and what features genuinely help us take better-looking images — or are simply a waste of money.
The battle for the iconic urn gets underway on Thursday, as England take on holders Australia at Edgbaston in the first Test match of this summer’s Ashes cricket series.
A sporting rivalry which dates back to 1882, this year’s edition of the loosely biennial series is arguably the most eagerly awaited for a generation.
With their new, aggressive “Bazball” playing style, England look a far more formidable proposition under the stewardship of skipper Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum from the one that slumped to a 4-0 series defeat by the Aussies back in January last year.
Hopes have been raised for the hosts following their convincing 3-0 winter victory in Pakistan, while the tourists come into this series on a high after dominating India at The Oval in the final of the World Test Championship.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the match live wherever you are in the world.
Possibly the smallest trophy in world sport.
Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
England vs. Australia 1st Test: When and where?
The first Test of this summer Ashes series between England and Australia takes place at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham on Friday, June 16. Play is set to start at 11 a.m. BST local time in the UK (8 p.m. AEST in Australia, 6 a.m. ET or 3 a.m. PT in the US, and 3:30 p.m. IST in India).
How to watch the England vs. Australia 1st Test online from anywhere using a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view the game locally, you may need a different way to watch the match — that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it’s also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.
With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.
Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Australia, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.
Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 per month, and you can sign up for ExpressVPN and save 49% plus get three months of access for free — the equivalent of $6.67 per month — if you get an annual subscription.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Livestream the England vs. Australia 1st Test in the UK
Cricket fans in the UK can watch all the action live from Egbaston via Sky and its dedicated Sky Sports Cricket channel, which has the rights to show the entire Ashes series live. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the first Test via its Sky Go app, but cord-cutters will want to get set up with a Now account, and a Now Sports membership, to stream the race.
Sky subsidiary Now (formerly Now TV) offers streaming access to Sky Sports channels with a Now Sports membership. You can get a day of access for 12, or sign up to a monthly plan from 25 per month right now.
Livestream the 1st Ashes Test in Australia for free
Aussie sports fans can enjoy the entire Ashes series broadcast on free-to-air network Channel 9.
That also means you’ll be able to live stream all the cricket action for free via the broadcaster’s 9Now streaming service.
ESPN’s standalone streaming service costs $10 a month or $100 for an annual subscription. With it, you’ll be able to watch a large selection of cricket action, including the Ashes. Read our ESPN Plus review.
Livestream the England vs. Australia 1st Test in India
Cricket fans in India can watch this first Ashes encounter by tuning into the Sony Sports Ten 5TV channel or by signing up to the Sony Liv streaming service.
Sony Liv’s coverage of the Ashes requires a premium subscription, which currently costs Rs 999 for a year, Rs 699 for six months, or Rs 299 per month. For cricket fans who only want to watch the action while on the move, a mobile-only plan can be had for Rs 599 per year.
Quick tips for streaming cricket using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming live cricket may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
Romantic time-traveling drama Outlander is back, with a new season placing Claire and Jamie right in the thick of America’s fight for independence.
Based on Diana Gabaldon’s novel An Echo in the Bone, the series has had fans waiting to find out what’s become of the Fraser family following the end of season 6, with Claire (Caitriona Balfe) looking set to be wrongly convicted of the murder of Malva Christie.
The new season promises a host of added characters in the cast, including Quaker brother and sister Denzell and Rachel Hunter (Joey Phillips and Izzy Meikle-Small) as well as an all-grown-up William, Jamie’s illegitimate son (Charles Vandervaart). Season 7 also sees Balfe make her directorial debut, with the actress calling the shots for a full episode later in the run.
Here’s how you can tune in to Outlander season 7. Plus, learn how a virtual private network can come in handy while you stream.
Season 7 is set to be split into two parts, with its first half getting underway on Starz with the season premiere Friday, June 16, at 12 a.m. ET on the streaming app. Viewers watching on the Starz cable channel can catch it at 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET). A further seven episodes will land weekly on the service at the same time each Friday from then on before the show takes a break until 2024.
How to watch Outlander season 7 from anywhere on VPN
So what if you’re traveling outside your home country and want to enjoy the show or want an added layer of privacy for streaming? There is an option that doesn’t require searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a VPN, or virtual private network.
With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the show. If you find yourself unable to watch locally, a VPN can come in handy. Plus, it’s a great idea for when 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.
Most VPNs, like CNET’s Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it easy to virtually change your location. Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals.
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 per month. But you can save 49% plus get three months of access for free — the equivalent of $6.67 per month — if you get an annual subscription.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
There’s a short wait for Canadian fans of the show, with the Outlander season 7 premiere scheduled for broadcast on the W Network on Sunday, June 18, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
W Network is available through most Canadian cable TV providers. If it’s already part of your channel list, you can simply log in with the details of your TV provider on the W Network website to livestream the show.
Cord-cutters, meanwhile, have the option of the STACKTV add-on channel as part of an Amazon Prime Video subscription which is priced at CA$13 a month on top of CA$13 a month for Prime membership. The add-on offers a 14-day free trial.
Streaming service Lionsgate Plus has the rights to show Outlander Season 7 exclusively in the UK. Like the US, the new season premiere is set to drop on the service on Friday, June 16, with new episodes being added once per week.
The Lionsgate Plus service is available as a channel add-on for Amazon Prime Video and is currently offering a seven-day free trial. After that it’s priced at 6 a month on top of an 6 Amazon Prime subscription.
Outlander season 7 debuts down under on Fox One from Saturday, June 17, at 7:30 p.m. AEST. If you don’t have a cable package that carries Fox One, an alternative option is streaming service Binge, which will have the new season on demand. A Binge subscription starts at AU$10 a month.
Tips for streaming Outlander season 7 using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble viewing after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log in to your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is located in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs, like Roku, don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a network’s app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log in to your services. We normally recommend Brave.
Live TV streaming services may prove to be a more economical option when compared to monthly cable bills, despite the close competition between the two. These streaming apps not only offer a larger variety of channels than antennas but also the convenience of streaming on mobile phones and computers.
There are six primary services available currently: YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo and Philo. Our comprehensive live-TV streaming guide provides details about prices and features, but the channels they offer is what it’s all about. That’s why we’ve sifted through these services to compile a list of which ones offer the top lineups.
The Big Chart: Top 100 channels compared, updated May 2023
The main difference between the services is their channel selection. All of them offer different lineups of channels for various prices.
Below you’ll find a chart that shows the top 100 channels across all six services, but note that not each service has a worthy 100. There are actually seven listed because Sling TV has two different “base” tiers, Orange and Blue. And if you’re wondering, I chose which “top” channels made the cut. Sorry, AXS TV, Discovery Life, GSN and Universal HD.
Plenty of live TV streaming choices are available to anyone who wants to cut the cable cord. Sling TV’s basic packages are $40 in most cities. DirecTV Stream expanded its PBS channel availability, and YouTube TV and Hulu added the Hallmark network. But costs have increased everywhere. YouTube TV is now $73 per month. Hulu Plus Live TV offers three price plans for its service: $70 per month with ads, $83 without ads and $69 a month for live TV only (no on-demand videos). Fubo upped the price of its base bundle to $75, and DirecTV Stream increased its plan subscriptions as well. Those changes are reflected in the chart below where applicable.
Some more stuff to know about the chart:
Yes = The channel is available on the cheapest pricing tier. That price is listed next to the service’s name.
No = The channel isn’t available at all on that service.
$ = The channel is available for an extra fee, either a la carte or as part of a more expensive package or add-on.
Regional sports networks — local channels devoted to showing regular-season games of particular pro baseball, basketball and hockey teams — are not listed. DirecTV Stream’s $100 tier has the most RSNs by far, but a few are available on other services. See our NBA and NHL streaming guides for details.
Local ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, MyNetworkTV and The CW networks are not available in every city. Since availability of these channels varies, you’ll want to check the service’s website to make sure it carries your local network.
Local PBS stations are only currently available on YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream. Again you’ll want to check local availability.
Sling Blue subscribers in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia and San Francisco must now pay $45 per month, but have access to local ABC, Fox and NBC channels. Customers in Fresno, Houston and Raleigh now have both ABC and Fox on their Blue or Orange-and-Blue subscriptions at no extra charge. This is not reflected in the chart.
Fubo subscribers may find that the ACC Network and SEC Network are included with their package at no extra cost. Check availability for your state.
The chart columns are arranged in order of price, so if you can’t see everything you want, try scrolling right.
A series of price hikes has brought a number of additional channels to Hulu, including PBS and access to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, at a $70 price tag. Its channel selection isn’t as robust as YouTube TV and Fubo, yet it’s Hulu’s significant catalog of on-demand content which sets it apart. Exclusive titles such as The Handmaid’s Tale, The Orville and Only Murders in the Building give it a content advantage no other service can match.
Live TV subscribers also receive unlimited DVR that includes fast-forwarding and on-demand playback — at no additional cost. It’s a move that has aligned Hulu with its competitors in terms of features, but the channel lineup may still be a deciding factor. For example, the platform recently lost Sinclair-owned ABC affiliate channels. But, Hulu Live TV is a better value as it’s $3 less than YouTube TV and is our top choice for live TV streaming. Read our Hulu Plus Live TV review.
With an excellent channel selection, easy-to-use interface and best-in-class cloud DVR, the $73 per month YouTube TV is one of the best cable TV replacements. It offers a $20 4K upgrade, but the downside is there isn’t much to watch at present unless you watch select channels. If you don’t mind paying a bit more than the Sling TVs of the world, or want to watch live NBA games, YouTube TV offers a high standard of live TV streaming. Read our YouTube TV review.
If you want to save a little money, and don’t mind missing out on local channels, Sling TV is the best of the budget services. Its Orange and Blue packages go for $40 per month, and you can combine them for a monthly rate of $55. The Orange option nets you one stream, while Blue gives you three. Rather than run a free trial, Sling offers a 50% discount for your first month. It’s not as comprehensive or as easy to navigate as YouTube but with a bit of work, including adding an antenna or an AirTV 2 DVR, it’s an unbeatable value. Read our Sling TV review.
DirecTV Stream is tied for the most expensive at $75, beating Hulu Plus Live TV and YouTube TV. The service does have its pluses, though — for example, it includes the flipper-friendly ability to swipe left and right to change channels. Additionally, it includes some channels the other services can’t, including nearly 250 PBS stations nationwide. The $75 Entertainment package may suit your needs with its 75-plus channels. But for cord-cutters who want to follow their local NBA or MLB team, DirecTV Stream’s $100 Choice package is our live TV streaming pick because it has access to more regional sports networks than the competition. Nonetheless, you’ll want to make sure your channel is included here, and not available on one of our preferred picks, before you pony up. Read our DirecTV Stream review.
There’s a lot to like about Fubo — it offers a wide selection of channels and its sports focus makes it especially attractive to soccer fans or NBA, NHL and MLB fans who live in an area served by one of Fubo’s RSNs. It’s also a great choice for NFL fans since it’s one of three services, alongside YouTube TV and Hulu, with NFL Network and optional RedZone. In 2023, Fubo will offer 19 Bally Sports RSNs with a new package that includes the lineup. The biggest hole in Fubo’s lineup is the lack of Turner networks, including CNN, TNT and TBS — especially since the latter two carry a lot of sports content, in particular NBA, NHL and MLB. Those missing channels, and the same $75 price tag, makes it less attractive than YouTube TV for most viewers. Read our Fubo review.
At $25 Philo is still a cheap live TV streaming service with a variety of channels, but it lacks sports channels, local stations and big-name news networks — although Cheddar and BBC news are available. Philo offers bread-and-butter cable staples like AMC, Comedy Channel, Nickelodeon and Magnolia Network, and specializes in lifestyle and reality programming. It’s also one of the cheapest live services that streams Paramount, home of Yellowstone, and it includes a cloud DVR and optional add-ons from Epix and Starz. We think most people are better off paying another $15 for Sling TV’s superior service, but if Philo has every channel you want, it’s a decent deal. Read our Philo review.
When it comes to gift-giving, you don’t always have to spend hundreds of dollars to find something amazing. However, there are times you just want to splurge on the special people in your world. And increasing your budget opens up a whole world of wonderful and thoughtful gifts. To help you find that perfect present for your friend, partner or family member, we’ve tested out and rounded up some of our favorite gifts that you can pick up for $300 or less right now below.
You’ve got lots of options in this price range, where you’ll start to see more premium-grade products. From massagers and headphones to trainers and speakers, here are gifts under $300 that are perfect for Mom, Dad and other loved ones for a special occasion.
When it launched, Bose made some bold claims about its new SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker, particularly its bass performance. But it mostly lives up to the hype and arguably is the best-sounding wireless speaker for its compact size. Available in three color options — black, white smoke and stone blue (pictured) — it’s equipped with Bose’s PositionIQ technology to automatically detect the speaker’s orientation and deliver optimized sound based on whether upright, hanging or flat on its back. Read our Bose SoundLink Flex review.
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple’s new H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The new chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth. The noise canceling is also improved — Apple says the new AirPods have “double” the noise canceling of the original AirPods Pro. Additionally, the new AirPods add an extra hour of battery life, up from five to six hours with noise canceling on. Plus, a speaker in the case that emits a sound that helps locate your buds via Find My should they decide to hide from you.
First released in 2020, the 1.5-pound Theragun Mini massager is designed to be portable, easily fitting in a backpack or purse. While it doesn’t have quite the power of one of Theragun’s full-size devices, it’s surprisingly powerful considering how small it is. I’ve tried larger massage guns in this price range, and it’s just as powerful but half the size. The rechargeable battery is rated to last two-and-a-half hours, and a neoprene protective case is included.
Solo Stove fire pits are among the best smokeless fire pits out there, and while they work great and their stainless steel construction gives them a sleek appearance, the original models had one flaw: They weren’t so easy to clean up. However, that changed with the arrival of the new Solo Stove 2.0 fire pits, which are available in the same three sizes — Ranger 2.0 (small), Bonfire 2.0 (medium) and Yukon 2.0 (large) — and have a removable ash pan, a feature missing from the 1.0 models.
Anker’s original Soundcore Motion Boom speaker is still a decent value at around $150 (you can save $30 by activating the instant coupon on the product page at Amazon). But the new-for-2022 Motion Boom Plus is significantly improved, particularly in terms of sound quality. It’s easily one of the best new Bluetooth speakers of 2022.
Weighing 5.29 pounds (almost a pound more than the Motion Boom), it uses Bluetooth 5.3 and is equipped with upgraded dual 3.5-inch woofers and newly added dual 1-inch tweeters, delivering up to 80 watts of audio output (60W for the woofers and 20W for the tweeters). Battery life is rated for 20 hours at moderate volume levels. It’s also IP67 waterproof and dust-proof and floats if you happen to drop it in a body of water.
Over the last few years, foam rollers and massage guns have been popular recovery products after workouts, as well as important tools for stretching and warming your muscles pre-workout. The original Roll Recovery R8 and newer R8 Plus are kind of a combo between a roller and an unpowered massager.
The key addition to the R8 Plus is a dial that allows you to adjust the amount of tension in the device to more or less intense levels. You clamp it onto various body parts, with instructional videos showing you how to hit certain areas like calves, hamstrings, IT bands, and arms. The R8 Plus is available in white, red, or black.
The Ecco Street Lite retro sneaker is one of those shoes that guys can not only wear in more casual situations but also works with a little more formal attire. They come in the white leather version shown here (with various trim colors), plus some colored suede options.
Note that these tend to run large, so consider getting a size smaller than you usually do.
It’s still difficult to get a PS5 or Xbox Series X, but the stepdown Xbox Series S is in stock at retailers with comparative frequency. Yes, there are caveats: There’s no optical disc drive, the resolution is less than true 4K and it only has half the storage as its big brother. But it plays all of the same games, including Halo Infinite. It’s a great choice for a lot of gamers.
If you want the latest and greatest Apple Watch, you should get the Watch Series 8 or the top-end Watch Ultra, but the SE remains arguably the best value when it comes to Apple smartwatches. You can also get it with LTE cellular service.
While it doesn’t have some of the extra features of the Apple Watch 8, the latest second-gen Watch SE offers good performance for those who don’t want to spend that much on an Apple Watch.
We named the original Hypervolt Go one of the best travel massage guns and the upgraded Hypervolt Go 2 offers some small but notable improvements.
The new features in the Hypervolt Go 2 include LED speed sensors, back button control and a battery-level LED band. The look has also changed. While the original Hypervolt Go is all black, the Go 2 now has an arctic-gray finish. The Hypervolt Go 2 also has improved the air flow and ventilation of the percussion gun. It remains lightweight, weighing in at 1.5 pounds, and has three speed settings along with Hyperice’s patented QuietGlide technology which makes the massage gun nearly silent. Like the Go, it comes with two head attachments (flat and bullet).
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offer improved noise canceling along with 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. Aside from their somewhat high price tag, their only drawback is that some of their key features only work with Samsung Galaxy devices.
Available in white or black, the Roam is currently Sonos’ smallest and most affordable speaker (if you don’t count those $99 Sonos-compatible Ikea Symfonisk Wi-Fi bookshelf speakers). For its size, it sounds impressive and is equipped with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Even if Dad doesn’t have a Sonos system already, this is a good starter speaker and he can use his own money to add more Sonos gear in the future. Read our Sonos Roam review.
Technically, the Beats Fit Pro aren’t AirPods, but they’re built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro. Unlike Beats’ earlier and less expensive Studio Buds, the Beats Fit Pro include Apple’s H1 chip and have most of the original AirPods Pro’s features, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. I’d venture to call them the sports AirPods you’ve always wanted. And for some people, they might just be better than the AirPods Pro.
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, giving you more flexibility to get a secure fit and tight seal.
If you’re looking for the best-sounding pair of audio glasses with the best overall performance — that includes call quality and battery life — the Bose Frames Tempo are the one to get. It’s ostensibly a sports model designed for runners and bikers, and while it’s a little bulky, it stays on your head securely.
The Tempo offers slightly better sound and battery life than the more traditional-looking Tenor, which is a good choice for a more everyday set of audio sunglasses. The Tempo has better specs all-around, with USB-C charging and larger 22mm drivers. It also delivers up to eight hours of battery life.
Their sound is definitely improved from the original Frames. Bose says the Tempo plays “deeper and louder — loud enough for cycling at 25 mph — while still able to hear traffic and your training partners.” They’re sweat-, weather-, scratch- and shatter-resistant, according to Bose and fit under most protective helmets. (I had no problem using them with a couple of bike helmets.) They also work well for making calls, thanks to a new dual-microphone system. Optional lenses are available for $39 and you can order prescription lenses through Lensabl.
Most guys secretly want an electric razor even if they’ve never used one. While the Braun Series 7 isn’t the top-of-the-line Braun — the Series 9 is — it’s a good value at around $145 for the base kit. It can be used dry or wet — it’s fully waterproof — and comes with beard trimmers, a cleaning dock, and a carrying case. Battery life is rated at up to 50 minutes on a full charge and a quick five-minute charge will get you enough juice for a shave.
With a full-fledged 4K HDR Roku streamer built in and a single voice remote controlling everything, this bar makes a thoughtful gift and offers a simple all-in-one audio-video system. Setup is a breeze: Plug it into a TV with a simple HDMI connection. Sound quality is very good for a single bar, and you can add Roku’s optional wireless subwoofer for more punch. It also comes with the much-loved Roku remote control. (This model is basically just the Smart Soundbar with an upgraded voice remote.)
Ember’s temperature-controlled smart mugs have been going up in price over the last couple of years — most likely due to supply chain issues — but they now come in more color options, including some new eye-catching metallic colors that cost $30 more than standard black, white or blue mugs.
Ember makes 6-ounce ($100), 10-ounce ($130) and 14-ounce ($150) size of its smart mug that keeps your hot beverage of choice hot while you sip it over a longer drinking session. While it won’t keep your coffee or tea warm for hours, the idea is that you can select your ideal temp via the companion Ember app for iOS or Android and keep your beverage at a high temp during the 30 minutes or so it takes to casually drink it.
I personally prefer the larger 14-ounce version, though it does cost more. A good insulated mug with a top on it will also keep your beverage hot (and they are cheaper), but this Ember mug allows you to drink a cup of joe like you normally would and not sip it through a small hole in the top.
Available in multiple color options, the latest version of JBL’s Charge Bluetooth Speaker delivers improved sound with more bass. It’s bigger than your average portable Bluetooth speaker, but it’s got some good kick to it and like previous Charge speakers, it has a USB out port that allows you to charge a device like a smartphone. Battery life is rated at up to 20 hours at moderate volume levels. It’s fully waterproof and dust-proof.
