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  • How to Watch ‘Oppenheimer’ Ahead of the 2024 Oscars

    How to Watch ‘Oppenheimer’ Ahead of the 2024 Oscars

    Max subscribers danced the night away with Barbie, and now Peacock subscribers have their hands on the other inescapable movie of the summer: Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.

    Oppenheimer is streaming exclusively on NBCUniversal’s streaming service. The three-hour thriller stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as the “father of the atomic bomb.” The flick won five Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture Drama, and it’s up for 13 Oscars.

    Oppenheimer initially hit theaters in July (on the same day as Greta Gerwig’s doll-themed comedy) and has grossed more than $950 million worldwide. The cast also includes Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr. and Florence Pugh. Here’s more on the Peacock service, and how a VPN could potentially assist with streaming.

    A poster for Oppenheimer.

    When to watch Oppenheimer on Peacock

    Oppenheimer hit Peacock in the early morning hours on Feb 16, (5 a.m. ET/2 a.m. PT, to be exact) and is available to stream now.

    Don’t have Peacock? You can subscribe to ad-supported Peacock Premium for $6 a month or mostly ad-free Peacock Premium for $12 a month. You may be eligible to get Peacock for free or at a discount if you’re a student or a Spectrum, Xfinity internet or Instacart customer.

    Oppenheimer won’t be on the free tier of Peacock, so you’ll need to upgrade if that’s the version of Peacock you currently use. You can also rent the film for $6 from services like Amazon and Vudu.

    How to watch Oppenheimer from anywhere with a VPN

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

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

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

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

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

  • Verum Messenger: The New Gold Standard in Secure and Convenient Communication

    Verum Messenger: The New Gold Standard in Secure and Convenient Communication

    In a world where data privacy and security are increasingly paramount, the emergence of messengers that offer not only convenience but also unparalleled protection of personal information is becoming a necessity. One shining example of such applications is Verum Messenger – a platform that not only ensures reliable data protection but also offers a wide range of features for seamless communication. Let’s delve deeper into why Verum Messenger is becoming the new gold standard in secure and convenient communication.

    Privacy and Security a Top Priority

    Verum Messenger adheres to the highest standards of user privacy and security. It employs end-to-end encryption to safeguard messages from unauthorized access, even from developers themselves. This allows users to exchange personal messages without worrying about potential eavesdropping or interception.

    User-Friendly Interface

    In addition to high security standards, Verum Messenger offers excellent user interaction. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to use for users of all demographics. Moreover, a wide array of features, including voice and video calls, group chats, and file sharing capabilities, make this messenger an ideal choice for diverse communication needs.

    Support for Additional Features

    Verum Messenger doesn’t rest on its laurels and continually updates, adding new features and enhancing existing ones. Features such as secret chats with automatic message deletion, message editing, and even a dark theme for comfortable nighttime use are just some of the many options available to users.

    Verum Messenger is available on the iOS platform.

    ***

    Verum Messenger embodies the perfect blend of high security standards and user convenience, making it a superior choice for those who value their privacy and seek a reliable means of communication. With ongoing development and platform improvements, Verum Messenger is not just a messenger but also the new gold standard in secure and convenient communication.

  • Man United vs. Everton Livestream: How to Watch English Premier League Soccer From Anywhere

    Man United vs. Everton Livestream: How to Watch English Premier League Soccer From Anywhere

    After a demoralizing derby defeat to their local rivals last weekend, Man United will be determined to bounce back and get their push for European qualification on track as they host struggling Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday.

    United limped to a 3-1 defeat to Man City last Sunday, in a match that highlighted just how far Erik Ten Hag’s men are from challenging for the English Premier League title.

    Despite seeing their 10-point punishment for financial irregularities reduced to 4 points on appeal, Everton remain firmly mired in a relegation battle, with last weekend’s 3-1 home defeat to West Ham leaving them just 5 points off the drop zone.

    Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game live wherever you are in the world.

    Everton striker Beto celebrating, pointing upwards with his left hand.

    Manchester United vs. Everton: When and where?

    Manchester United host Evertonat Old Trafford on Saturday, March 9. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. GMT local time, which is 7:30 a.m. ET or 4:30 a.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 11:30 p.m. AEDT in Australia.

    How to watch the Man United vs. Everton game 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 game — 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. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, non-blackout area. 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 Canada, 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.

    Livestream Man United vs. Everton in the US

    Saturday’s Man United-Everton match is streaming on USA Network, which you can access as part of your cable package or at the NBC Sports website with a valid login, and can be streamed via Sling TV and other more expensive streaming TV services.

    Livestream the Man United vs. Everton game in the UK

    Premier League rights in the UK are split between Sky Sports, Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports (previously known as BT Sport). The Man United vs. Everton game is exclusive to TNT Sports — showing on its TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 1 HD and TNT Sports Ultimate in 4K.

    Livestream the Man United vs. Everton game in Canada

    If you want to stream Man United vs. Everton live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to Fubo. The service has exclusive rights for this Premier League season.

    Livestream the Man United vs. Everton game in Australia

    Football fans Down Under can watch this EPL fixture on streaming service Optus Sport, which is showing every single Premier League game live in Australia this season.

    Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPN

    • With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming EPL matches 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.
  • NameDrop on Apple Watch: What to Know About the Contact Sharing Feature

    NameDrop on Apple Watch: What to Know About the Contact Sharing Feature

    The Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 hit shelves this past September, and the new additions to the Apple Watch family brought all sorts of exciting features. The company seems to have been focusing on connectivity with its updates from last year, bringing features designed to let you better connect with your health, better connect with your other Apple devices, and better connect with folks around you. NameDrop is designed for the latter, since it lets you share contact information almost instantly. Here’s what you need to know about NameDrop for the Apple Watch.

    For more, here’s how to download Watch OS 10 and how to download iOS 17.

    What is NameDrop?

    NameDrop is a new way for Apple Watch users to share contact information, with a simple and subtle movement of the wrist. NameDrop works much like AirDrop does to quickly share a file or send a photo. Gone are the days of typing phone numbers or handing over your phone so someone can put their number into your contacts.

    During its event, Apple showed two people placing their Apple Watches near each other to swap contact info. Apple says this is enabled by the brand-new S9 chip.

    How can I get NameDrop?

    Watch OS 10.1 dropped last fall, which gives those who have updated their watch a chance to make use of NameDrop on their Apple Watch. If you want to take advantage of NameDrop on your Apple Watch, all you’ll need to do is download Watch OS 10.1 onto your watch, and you should be good to go! You’ll just need to make sure you’re trying to share info with others who have also upgraded their watch or iPhone.

    Can I use NameDrop if I don’t have an Apple Watch?

    If you’re an iPhone user and you want to get in on all the NameDrop action, you’re in luck. Apple’s iOS 17, which has finally arrived, comes with NameDrop capabilities. If you’re an iPhone user running iOS 17, you’ll be able to use NameDrop to immediately swap contacts with another iPhone user running iOS 17, in addition to Apple Watch users running Watch OS 10.1.

    Screenshot of Apple's NameDrop feature on the iPhone

    How does NameDrop Work?

    Apple calls NameDrop a “new AirDrop experience” where “a user can hold their iPhone near another to share their contact information with only their intended recipient.” Apple also said that users will be able to pick and choose what information gets shared over NameDrop.

    According to MacRumors, all you need to do is navigate to the Contacts app, select your contact and then Share. After that, your watch should direct you to place your watch near another Apple Watch or iPhone to share your contact information.

    Apple has also said that watch users will be able to use NameDrop by tapping the My Card watch face complication and then bringing their Apple Watch face-to-face with someone else’s Apple Watch or iPhone. It’s important to note that NameDrop can only be used between two devices if they are either running Watch OS 10.1 or iOS 17.

    For more, here’s everything on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. And here’s how to turn off NameDrop on your iPhone.

  • Apple Reverses Decision: Epic Games Can Offer Competing App Store After All

    Apple Reverses Decision: Epic Games Can Offer Competing App Store After All

    Well, that was fast. This past Wednesday, Fortnite maker Epic Games said Apple had prevented it from releasing its game and app store in the European Union by terminating Epic’s access to develop apps for iPhones and iPads. Now Apple has restored that access and Epic says it’ll proceed with its plans.

    “Apple has told us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account,” Epic said in a statement Friday. “This sends a strong signal to developers that the European Commission will act swiftly to enforce the Digital Markets Act and hold gatekeepers accountable. We are moving forward as planned to launch the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe.”

    Apple confirmed the change in a statement and offered its own take on events. “Following conversations with Epic, they have committed to follow the rules, including our DMA policies,” the company said. “As a result, Epic Sweden AB has been permitted to re-sign the developer agreement and accepted into the Apple Developer Program.”

    The news comes as Apple is releasing a new version of its iOS software for iPhones, designed to follow rules called the Digital Markets Act. That law, which is designed to force Big Tech companies to allow more competition, requires Apple to allow customers in the EU to install alternative app stores and separately downloaded apps onto their devices.

    Things blew up in the news Wednesday after Epic published what it says was a letter from Apple, ending its access to develop apps for devices running on Apple’s iOS mobile operating system.

    “Please be advised that Apple has, effective immediately, terminated the Developer Program membership of Epic Games Sweden AB,” Apple appeared to say in a March 2 letter from its lawyers posted by Epic. Apple described Epic’s plans to release software for EU customers as “part of a global effort to undermine or evade Apple’s rules.” Apple didn’t comment on whether the correspondence shared by Epic Games was authentic.

    Following Epic’s publication of the letter, Apple said it was acting on its rights by terminating Epic’s account.

    “Epic’s egregious breach of its contractual obligations to Apple led courts to determine that Apple has the right to terminate ‘any or all of Epic Games’ wholly owned subsidiaries, affiliates, and/or other entities under Epic Games’ control at any time and at Apple’s sole discretion,’” the company said in a statement. “In light of Epic’s past and ongoing behavior, Apple chose to exercise that right.”

    Epic said Wednesday that Apple’s move to terminate its developer account undermined “our ability to be a viable competitor and they are showing other developers what happens when you try to compete with Apple or are critical of their unfair practices.” Epic also alleged that Apple’s moves violated EU antitrust laws and said it intended to “fight to get back on iOS.”

    Apple’s decision to terminate Epic’s developer account, followed quickly by the reversal, marks another twist in a now-four-year-long, high-profile court battle between the two tech giants over how much power Apple exerts over its iPhones, iPads and Mac computers.

    Epic had argued that Apple should allow customers to download apps and pay developers however they wish. Since launching its App Store more than 15 years ago, Apple has required that apps for its iPhones be downloaded from there. Apple also set rules that most developers must charge customers through its payment-processing service, which collects up to a 30% fee on every charge. Epic is battling Google in a similar suit over Google’s handling of the Play Store.

    Apple broadly has won the argument in court, where judges have declared the iPhone maker hasn’t violated antitrust laws by forcing app developers to use its in-app payment systems.

    CNET’s Gael Cooper contributed to this report.

  • Movie Fans: This Portable Projector Is Only $450 at Amazon Today

    Movie Fans: This Portable Projector Is Only $450 at Amazon Today

    Anker Nebula projectors often land among our favorite portable projectors on the market. If you want to be able to project a big image for watching movies and shows or playing games together, grabbing a portable project is a great investment.

    Right now, Amazon has slashed the price of the Nebula Mars 3 Air down to $480, with a direct discount of $120. What’s more, you can clip the on-page coupon and score an extra $30 off, meaning you’ll pay just $450 to bring one home. That’s a total savings of $150 and the lowest price we’ve seen. We don’t know exactly when this offer will end, so we recommend snagging one sooner rather than later to lock in this low price.

    This portable Google TV projector is licensed by Netflix, and while it’s not a 4K projector, it should offer a solid image for its size and price point. The Mars 3 Air projects up to 150 inches in terms of screen size at 1080p full HD resolution and has a brightness of 400 lumens. While there are brighter options out there, this projector should be plenty bright enough for most areas. (Our favorite mini projector offers only 500 lumens, for example). It also has an impressive battery life for its size, offering up to 2.5 hours of playback per charge.

    When it comes to portability, this projector weighs in at just 3.7 pounds and has a built-in handle. Other notable features include dual 8W Dolby Audio sound, as well as functions that make setup simple like autofit screen, auto keystone correction, autofocus and obstacle avoidance.

    Looking for a traditional setup instead? We have plenty of TV deals worth checking out that can help revamp your entertainment space.

  • Sony’s PS5 Slim With Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Is Now Just $400, Its Best Price Yet

    Sony’s PS5 Slim With Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Is Now Just $400, Its Best Price Yet

    The PlayStation 5 Slim is the very latest version of the popular Sony console, and while we’re huge fans of the many great handheld game consoles available today, there’s something special about playing a great game on a big-screen TV. To do that, you’ll need a current-gen console to get the best experience. Luckily, GameStop is offering a pretty sweet deal on a PS5 Slim and one of the console’s most iconic games — perfect if you’re yet to upgrade to the latest model.

    The game included in this epic bundle just happens to be Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, which every PS5 owner should try out. Right now, you can pick it up with a PS5 Slim console for just $400, a deal that saves you a whopping $100 off the usual asking price. This is the best price we’ve seen on this bundle to date, which means it’s unlikely it will stick around for long. Make sure to order today if you want to lock this price in before it’s gone.

    The PS5 features 1TB of storage in its ultrahigh-speed solid-state drive and supports 4K HDR gaming with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz if you have a compatible TV. The DualSense controllers feature haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, and the console is backward-compatible so you can play more than 4,000 PS4 games. Add that to the hugely impressive PS5 catalog, and you’ll never be short of games to play. Remember that with this deal, you’ll also get a digital code to download the Marvel Spider-Man 2 game, so you’ll have something great to play as soon as your console arrives.

    Once you have your new PS5 console, you’ll probably be looking to pick up some games and accessories as well. Our collection of the best PlayStation deals will have you all set in no time at all.

  • Watch Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou: Livestream Heavyweight Boxing From Anywhere

    Watch Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou: Livestream Heavyweight Boxing From Anywhere

    The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh plays host to a crossover boxing clash with some genuine significance today, as three-time heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua goes head-to-head with UFC legend Francis Ngannou.

    There’s plenty of incentive for both fighters, with a potential shot at the winner of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed world heavyweight championship on the line.

    Cameroonian star Ngannou is best known for his exploits in the octagon, with this fight just his second boxing match ever. While the 37-year-old lost in his debut ring appearance, Ngannou did manage to floor Tyson Fury in a stunning moment before eventually losing to a controversial decision in a fight at this same venue back in October.

    Two-time former unified world heavyweight champ Joshua meanwhile last stepped in the ring in December, with the 34-year-old British fighter seeing off the challenge of Sweden’s Otto Wallin in the fifth round.

    Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch every game live wherever you are in the world.

    Anthony Joshua (Left) and Francis Ngannou (right) standing face to face at a weigh in before their March 2024 fight.

    Joshua vs. Ngannou: When and where?

    Anthony Joshua takes on Francis Ngannou at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday, March 8. The undercard is already underway with ring walks for the main event set to take place anytime after 5:50 p.m. ET / 2:50 p.m. PT in the US, 10:50 p.m. GMT in the Uk and at 9:50 a.m. AEDT on Saturday (March 9) in Australia.

    How to watch Joshua vs. Ngannou online from anywhere using a VPN

    If you find yourself unable to view this fish locally, you may need a different way to watch the action — 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. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. 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 Canada, 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.

    Livestream Joshua vs. Ngannou in the US, UK, Canada and Australia

    This fight will be shown exclusively live around the world via sports streaming service DANZ.

    Joshua vs. Ngannou: Full card

    • Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou – heavyweight
    • Zhilei Zhang (c) vs. Joseph Parker – WBO interim heavyweight title
    • Rey Vargas (c) vs. Nick Ball – WBC featherweight title
    • Israil Madrimov vs. Magomed Kurbanov – vacant WBA super welterweight title
    • Gavin Gwynne vs. Mark Chamberlain – lightweight
    • Justis Huni vs. Kevin Lerena – heavyweight
    • Jack McGann vs. Louis Green – light middleweight
    • Roman Fury vs. Martin Svarc – heavyweight
    • Ziyad Almaayouf vs. Christian Lopez Flores – super lightweight
    • Andrii Novytski vs. Juan Torres – heavyweight

    Quick tips for streaming Joshua vs. Ngannou using a VPN

    • With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming Joshua vs. Ngannou 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.
  • Learn Languages on Your Own Schedule With This $160 Babbel Deal

    Learn Languages on Your Own Schedule With This $160 Babbel Deal

    Many people want to learn a new language, but finding your own resources and teaching yourself or signing up for traditional classes may not fit into your schedule. Language-learning apps like Babbel can be a great option for a more guided approach, while still giving you flexibility to learn on your schedule. And with 14 languages included, there’s a lot to learn — but this lifetime subscription lets you go at your own pace without the pressure of deadlines or recurring fees.

    While the usual lifetime subscription to Babbel will cost you a hefty $599, StackSocial is offering a discount that knocks that way down, to $160. Just be use the code ENJOY20 at checkout to get the full discount.

    Babbel’s extensive language software includes Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Swedish, Indonesian, Portuguese and more. The lessons are short and to the point, allowing you to practice in 10- to 15-minute intervals that can fit into any schedule. Real-life topics include travel, family, business, food and others. There are also a variety of skill levels available, ranging from beginner to advanced, so the program can grow with you as you improve.

    babbel.jpg

    The speech-recognition technology will give you immediate feedback on pronunciation, so you don’t just learn to read and write but how to listen and speak, as well. You’ll also get personalized review sessions to reinforce what you’ve learned. The program works across desktop and mobile devices. And though the internet is required most of the time, there is also an offline mode available where you can access courses, lessons and reviews without Wi-Fi, so long as you download them beforehand. Babbel also syncs your progress across your devices so that you can jump in from wherever is most convenient.

    Becoming fluent in a new language is a great way to stay engaged in learning, and the transferable skills you gain can open a lot of doors for leisure, work and beyond. Note that while you can access this program on as many devices as you want, this subscription offer is available only for new users.

    Babbel is a great value when compared with other online courses, especially with this current discount. So whether you’re a lifelong learner or just want to pick up some basics for your globetrotting adventures, this is a solid deal.

    Read more: 11 Items to Add to Your Travel Checklist for a Smooth Trip

  • Best Headphones for Kids

    Best Headphones for Kids

    Our Experts

    Written by

    David Carnoy
    David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
    Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET’s Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He’s also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
    Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials

    • Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
    Why You Can Trust CNET
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    Years of Experience

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    Hands-on Product Reviewers

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    Sq. Feet of Lab Space

    CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

    What to consider

    Budget

    The quality of value-priced headphones continues to improve, so you can find good affordable kids’ headphones for less than $50, but there are some premium models that cost $100 or more.

    Fit

    It’s key that the headphones you buy fit your child’s ears well. They should offer a comfortable fit that’s snug yet not too snug. A lot of kids’ headphones are on-ear models, which are more compact.

    Durability

    You want headphones that hold up well over time, so look for models that we note have sturdy build quality.

    Wireless or wired?

    Wireless headphones are the way to go, but if you’re traveling on a plane and want your child to be able to plug into an in-flight entertainment, look for a model that also has a cord you can plug into the headphone for wired use.

    Return policy

    It’s critical to buy your headphones at a retailer that has a good return policy, in case you have buyer’s remorse.

    What are the best headphones for kids?

    Over the years I’ve tested hundreds of headphones, and most of them work just fine for kids. But when parents are looking for headphones for their children, especially younger ones (under 11 years old), they tend to look for more compact models, and also headphones that don’t cost too much. Additionally, some parents look for headphones that have a volume limiter to protect their child’s hearing. But you can also set volume restrictions in the settings of a smartphone or tablet, so it’s not an essential feature to have in a kids’ headphone.

    Having four kids myself, I’ve had them try out a lot headphones. As one might expect, as they got older, they were drawn to name brands like Apple, Beats, Bose and Sony. But spending over $100 on a pair of headphones for a younger kid is probably overkill, which is why I’ve picked several models that cost less than $50, including the Soundcore by Anker H30i and the Sony CH-520, which list for $60 but often go on sale for closer to $40.

    Most of the headphones on the list are wireless headphones. Some of those have a wired option (if you want your child to be able to tap into an in-flight entertainment system, make sure the headphones you buy have a wired option), but not all do. I’ve also included one headphone that is wired-only.

    Best kids’ headphones of 2024

    Other kids’ headphones we tested

    Puro Sound Labs BT2200: Puro Labs has long been a leader in kids’ headphones as all its kids’ headphones include a volume limiter. While the BT2200s have a somewhat generic design, they’re built sturdily and offer decent performance and sound. They’re just a little bulky and a tad expensive at $99. The company also sells a $30 on-ear model with a volume limiter that isn’t as durable.

    Belkin SoundForm Mini: Available in four color options, the SoundForm Mini are in many ways your typical pair of budget on-ear headphones for kids. But they’re decent-enough looking, reasonably comfortable (don’t expect supersoft ear pads, however) and sound OK. While they charge via Micro-USB instead of USB-C (that’s less than ideal), they have good battery life — up to 30 hours — and their volume is capped at 85db to protect your youngster’s ears. A charging cable and headphone cord are included for wired listening.

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    Factors to consider when choosing kids’ headphones

    Budget

    Before anything else, you’ll want to figure out how much you’re willing to spend on new kids’ headphones. The quality of value-priced headphones continues to improve, so you can find good affordable kids’ headphones for less than $50. The premium models, which offer better build quality and sometimes extra features such as noise canceling, tend to cost $100 or more.

    Fit (comfort)

    It’s key that the headphones you buy fit your child’s ears well. They should offer a comfortable fit that’s snug yet not too snug. A lot of kids’ headphones are on-ear models, which are more compact.

    Durability

    You want headphones that hold up well over time, so look for models that we note have sturdy build quality.

    Wireless or wired?

    Wireless headphones are the way to go, but if you’re traveling on a plane and want your child to be able to plug into an in-flight entertainment, look for a model that also has a cord you can plug into the headphone jack for wired use.

    Return policy

    It’s critical to buy your headphones at a retailer that has a good return policy, in case you have buyer’s remorse.

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    How we test headphones and earbuds

    We test headphones and earbuds based on six key criteria. These criteria include design, sound quality, noise-canceling performance, voice-calling performance, features and value.

    • Design: Evaluating design, we assess not only how comfortable the headphones and earbuds fit (their ergonomics) but their build quality and how well the controls are implemented. When it comes to earbuds, we also look at water- and dust-resistance ratings.
    • Sound quality: We evaluate sound quality by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing the earbuds to top competing products in their price range. Sonic traits such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range and how natural the headphones sound are key factors in our assessment.
    • Noise-canceling performance: If the headphones we’re testing feature active noise canceling (ANC), we evaluate ANC performance by wearing the headphones in the same spot indoors near a noisy HVAC unit to see how well they do at muffling lower frequencies. Then we head out to the streets of New York to test the headphones in a real-world environment, where we see how they muffle not only street noise but people’s voices.
    • Extra features: Some great-sounding noise-canceling headphones and earbuds aren’t loaded with features, but we do take into account what extra features are on board. These include everything from quick-access awareness to transparency modes (your music pauses and the headphones open up to the outside world so you can have a conversation) to special sound modes to ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off your ears. We also take a look at the companion app for the headphones if there is one and how user-friendly it is.
    • Voice-calling: When we test voice-calling performance, we make calls in the noisy streets of New York and evaluate how well the headphones or earbuds reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear our voices.
    • Value: We determine value after evaluating the strength of the headphones and earbuds against all these criteria and what they’re able to deliver compared to other models in their price class.

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    Best kids’ headphones FAQ

    Should I buy a kids’ headphone with a volume limiter?

    A volume limiter in a headphone sets a top-end volume that’s in the safe hearing zone to help protect your child’s ears. You can also limit the volume on many smartphones or tablets, including iPhones and iPads, so having a volume limiter in the headphones themselves isn’t essential. But some parents don’t want to bother digging into the settings menus on their devices to set a volume limit and would prefer having it built into the headphones.

    Should I get on-ear or over-ear kids’ headphones?

    The majority of kids’ headphones tend to be more compact on-ear models. On-ear headphones are typically not as comfortable as over-ear headphones (also called around-ear headphones), but on-ear headphones can be better for younger kids with smaller heads. Smaller headphones are also more travel friendly.

    What about earbuds for my child?

    In-ear headphones can potentially be more harmful to your child’s ears than on-ear or over-ear headphones (if played at high volumes). While children sometimes use AirPods and other in-ear buds, it’s safer to use an on-ear or over-ear headphone from a hearing health standpoint. That said, when it comes to kids’ hearing, you should be careful to keep the volume of any headphones they use at a safe level.