Laptops are great, but a Thunderbolt docking station can make them even better. Anyone who had an older machine will miss the plethora of ports that was once available. USB-A, B, video outputs like VGA and HDMI, and even disc drives used to populate the sides of our mobile machines. Unfortunately, as laptops got thinner and more tightly integrated and the need for certain ports vanished, the ports slowly faded away.
The Dell XPS 13 I’m typing on right now, for example, has a measly 2 USB-C ports and a combination headphone/microphone jack. To use multiple accessories these days, you’ll need to take a look at some Thunderbolt docking stations for your machine.
The best Thunderbolt docks: things to know
Thunderbolt 1 and 2 used a Mini DisplayPort port as their mediums, but the modern implementations, Thunderbolt 3 and 4, use USB-C for superior power delivery and data transfer speeds. Some laptops, such as AMD-powered machines, have USB-C ports but don’t support a Thunderbolt protocol, so be sure to check with your specific manufacturer for information about your particular device.
If your machine has USB-C but doesn’t support Thunderbolt, you may still be able to use these docking stations, albeit with restricted functionality, such as specific ports not being available for use. This will vary from machine to machine, so, unfortunately, we wouldn’t be able to tell you how well your device will support one of these docking stations.
Be sure to check with your laptop manufacturer for compatibility information.
Most mid-range and high-end Intel systems support either Thunderbolt 3 or 4 depending on how new the machine is but know that the only significant difference will be data transfer speeds and possibly the number of external screens your device will support. Again, check with the maker of your machine for information about your specific model before investing in a laptop docking station.
Lastly, consider where you will be using your docking station. Some are made to be portable, while some are tailored for desktop use.
Belkin Thunderbolt 3 docking station
This docking station from Belkin has 2 HDMI ports capable of supporting two 4K displays if your laptop can do the same. It also has a USB 3.0 port for fast data transfers from an external hard drive. The USB 2.0 port on this dock is perfect for an external keyboard and/or mouse.
Lastly, the dock has a gigabit ethernet port for reliable internet access on the go, such as in a hotel. The small size and durable aluminum construction make it perfect for travel.
Dell Business Dock
Dell’s docking stations are best-suited for desktop situations. Keep your display(s), mouse and keyboard, ethernet, and other needed accessories plugged into the dock so that when you come home with your laptop, you can simply dock it and have a full-force desktop environment.
This one has VGA, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, Displayport, ethernet, 2 USB 2.0 and 3 USB 3.0 ports, 2x 3.5mm audio output, and a Kensington lock, if you’re into that. Conveniently, it also has another Thunderbolt 3 port on it. The selection is massive, which is why this docking station needs its own AC adapter plugged into an outlet to function properly.
Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock
This Thunderbolt 4 dock is backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 3 as well. Like the Dell model above, this Satechi docking station has so many ports that it will need extra power from the wall when many high-powered gadgets are in use. Oddly enough, it seems to have everything except a display output, meaning you’ll need an extra dongle for any HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort devices you may want to plugin.
With this dock, you’ll get four USB-C ports, four USB-A ports, gigabit ethernet, an SD card reader, and 3.5mm audio. Any of the USB-C ports will also provide power passthrough for charging the laptop that it is plugged into. The plethora of USB-C ports on this dock creates many possibilities for those who use many USB-C devices daily.
Anker Docking Station
You may have heard of Anker from the company’s various earbuds, USB-C accessories, battery banks, etc. Anker makes great stuff for a great price. Its docking station is no different with its two HDMI ports, three USB-C ports, gigabit ethernet, SD card reader, and 4 USB-A ports.
This is another fantastic desktop option where, like the Dell model above, you can leave everything plugged in and dock a laptop to it with a single USB-C connection. This dock supports Thunderbolt 4 as well as Thunderbolt 3.
j5create Triple Display Docking Station
This docking station from j5create is a beauty. It contains almost every port you might need in a slim form factor. The wedge-like shape allows you to set a laptop on top of it, which will create an ergonomic typing angle while providing you with a large selection of ports.
Port selection is as follows: USB-C for charging, gigabit ethernet, SD and microSD card readers, another USB-C, three USB-A, two HDMI ports, DisplayPort, and VGA for legacy connections. All those video outs give this docking station the ability to support up to three displays at a time. Naturally, however, it will also need to be plugged into the wall to unlock full functionality.
Kensington Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station
This laptop dock from Kensington may be one of the best docking stations for creative professionals with UHS-II SD and microSD card slots, and gigabit ethernet for fast connections to a NAS or camera cards. The DisplayPort 1.4 ports are a great addition since they will offer the best image quality on high-end content creation monitors.
Other ports include an extra USB-C, three USB-A ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. This dock may be small, but due to its powerful specs, it will need extra power from the wall, which will be perfectly ok if this dock stays on a desk.
The iPhone 13 is a slick little phone, but the aluminum sides can only protect it so much. If you want to safeguard your phone from drops and slips, you’ll need to invest in a good Apple iPhone 13 case. The good news here is that there are some great options, from rugged and leather cases to wallet cases and beyond.
To help you find the right choice for you, we’ve rounded up the best Apple iPhone 13 cases you can currently buy. Below you’ll find our top picks for each category, plus several alternatives that might better suit your needs.
If you’d like to learn more about our favorite case brands or other smartphone accessories we recommend, check out our guides below.
Editor’s note: We’ll update this list of the best Apple iPhone 13 cases as new options launch.
Best iPhone 13 thin case: Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe
Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe (iPhone 13)
This simple, MagSafe-compatible case comes in a variety of colors and won’t weigh down your iPhone 13.
Pros:
Thin and light
Great color options
MagSafe-ready
Cons:
Pricey
Limited protection
Somewhat generic
Want to keep it nice and light? Then this first-party iPhone 13 thin case with MagSafe is a great option. It’s fairly basic by design, but we picked it because of the variety of attractive color options available. Plus, it features a built-in magnet array so you can take advantage of the excellent MagSafe accessory ecosystem.
Looking for more thin iPhone 13 case options? We also recommend:
Want the thinnest iPhone 13 case you can buy? This is it. It measures just .3mm thick, so don’t expect much drop protection. It also works with some MagSafe accessories, but the lack of built-in magnets mean a weaker connection.
The iPhone 13 has a distinctly high-end look, and this clear case from Speck lets you show it off in all its glory. It’s slim enough to allow wireless charging, but if you want to use other MagSafe accessories we recommend opting for the Gemshell + MagSafe version with built-in magnets.
We have a lot of photography buffs here at Android Authority, and all of them love Moment lenses. But to use the lenses, you also need a Moment case. Thankfully, they’re pretty nice and come in a variety of colors, although they are a bit pricier than some alternatives.
This rugged case will protect your iPhone 13 from just about anything with thick bumpers and a raised lip around the screen.
Pros:
Exceptional protection
Some color options
Included holster
Cons:
Bulky
Hard to fit
Not MagSafe compatible
For maximum protection, we recommend the Otterbox Defender. It’s certainly not the most thin and elegant case, but what you do get is unbeatable protection. It has several layers, corner bumpers, and a raised lip around the screen. The only real downside is that it doesn’t include a screen protector, but you can always buy and install your own. Also, it’s a pain to install and there are no instructions included, so check YouTube if you’re having trouble.
Looking for more rugged iPhone 13 case options? We also recommend:
If you want a rugged case with a built-in screen protector, Poetic offers some great options for significantly less money. Despite the name, all of the designs are aggressively masculine, but they do come in several colors. If that works for you, they include the works — bumpers, screen protector, kickstand, etc.
While it doesn’t offer as much protection as the options above, this Spigen case is a nice middle ground. It still has great drop protection and a raised lip around the screen, but it’s significantly less bulky. It also has a built-in magnet for MagSafe accessories, although we would have liked to see more than just one color option (black).
Best leather iPhone 13 case: Apple Leather Case with MagSafe
Apple Leather Case with MagSafe (iPhone 13)
Apple’s first-party leather cases are truly gorgeous, and include magnets for MagSafe accessories.
Pros:
Attractive leather finish
Built-in MagSafe magnets
Multiple color options
Cons:
Doesn’t develop a patina
Not very resistant
Will dimple with MagSafe accessories
We know it’s a bit cliche to recommend Apple’s first-party cases, but the Cupertino giant’s leather iPhone 13 case edges out the rest of the pack. Apart from an attractive leather finish available in several colors, it also features a built-in magnet array for MagSafe accessories. However, the leather itself is somewhat thin, and due to the finish it won’t develop a natural patina. And like most Apple products, you definitely pay extra for the brand recognition.
Looking for more iPhone 13 leather case options? We also recommend:
The other two leather iPhone 13 case we liked are both folio cases, which offer more protection and functionality with space for cards and cash. This first one is from Nomad, and it’s made from real leather that will develop a patina over time. It also has a neodymium magnet array for MagSafe accessories, making it one of the most complete iPhone 13 cases you can get.
If you want the leather look but don’t mind artificial options, this PU leather folio wallet is another great option. It has a magnetic clasp to keep your phone and cash safe, and it comes in a huge variety of colors to suit your style. There is a reason moms everywhere love this case.
Best iPhone 13 wallet case: Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol 1
Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol 1 (iPhone 13)
Store up to three cards plus cash in this stylish but affordable iPhone 13 wallet case from Smartish.
Pros:
Stores cards and cash
Great color options
Very affordable
We outlined a few folio-style iPhone 13 wallet cases above, but for a more streamlined case our pick is the Smartish Wallet Slayer. It features a stylish design and great colorways (including fully custom designs), plus some protection from drops with a textured exterior and raised lip around the screen. Our only disappointment was the lack of MagSafe compatibility, but that’s an understandable omission given the design of the case. We also recommend checking out the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol 2, which has the same great build quality with a slightly different aesthetic design.
Looking for more iPhone 13 wallet case options? We also recommend:
If you only want to keep a few cards in your wallet case, there’s a danger that they’ll fall out — unless it has an enclosed card holder like this option from Spigen. It only holds two cards and isn’t MagSafe compatible, but it’s extremely light and doesn’t add any bulk to the phone, which is great if you have smaller hands.
Ok, so this one isn’t technically an iPhone 13 case, but we had to include it because it’s just so convenient. It’s a simple MagSafe wallet that attaches to the back of your phone, with the added utility of a holder and kickstand. It will also work with any number of MagSafe-compatible cases, turning any case into a wallet case with ease!
Extend your battery with this 6,000mAh battery case, and reverse charge your AirPods while you’re at it.
Pros:
Beefy 6,000mAh battery
Not too bulky
Wired and wireless compatibility
Cons:
Heavy
Only comes in black
There aren’t a lot of good options when it comes to iPhone 13 battery cases, but our favorite is this 6,000mAh option from Alpatronix. It has an enormous capacity for its size, and includes wireless charging to top off your AirPods, as well. That said, it is heavy and you might not want to keep it on your phone every day of the year. We found it more useful as a secondary case to swap on when you plan on being away from a charger for more than a day. Also, the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro share the same model, which means the camera cutout doesn’t quite fit perfectly on the standard iPhone 13.
Looking for more iPhone 13 battery case options? We also recommend:
We weren’t lying when we said there aren’t many good iPhone 13 battery cases, but there are some excellent options for MagSafe battery packs. These snap onto the back of your phone (or MagSafe case) when you need them, and store away when you don’t. Our favorite is this 5,000mAh option from Anker, which comes as a simple pack with a kickstand. There’s also another model that comes with the battery pack and a stand if you want a permanent desk stand.
If the Anker model isn’t quite aesthetic enough for you, this alternative from Mophie really looks great. Once again, it’s just a MagSafe battery pack and not a case, but there are versions that offer both 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh of power. Plus, the 10,000mAh model includes a mount for a tripod.
Customize your iPhone 13 case with text, colors, and a variety of designs.
Pros:
Custom colors, text, and designs
Compatible with wireless chargers
Eco-friendly
Cons:
Not MagSafe-compatible
Somewhat pricey
Nowadays cases are as much an accessory as they are pure protection, and sometimes you might want something a bit more bespoke. Our favorite custom iPhone 13 cases come from Casetify, which allow you to add custom text in different fonts and locations on the phone, choose colors, and select between several designs. Some of these designs are more lightweight, more protective, or just feature aesthetic changes to better suit your style. As an added bonus, they’re extremely eco-friendly and compostable, so you can feel good about doing your part.
How we test phone cases
We rigorously test smartphones, accessories, and other products in our reviews here at Android Authority, so why should iPhone 13 cases be any different? There are plenty of factors we consider while testing a phone case:
Protection: Different cases offer different levels of protection. A super thin case might prevent scratches and smudges, but won’t do much if you drop your phone onto the sidewalk. We consider factors like corner protection, the raised lip around the display and rear camera, and covered buttons. For hybrid and rugged cases, we also simulate real-world drops to test durability where possible. For example, if the phone falls while from pocket-height, or if it slips off of a table onto hardwood flooring.
Grip: Grip is another important factor. You don’t want a case that will slip out of your hand, but you also don’t want it to have too much texture. Apart from testing general hand-feel, we slide the phone across different surfaces like wood and marble to see how slippery a case is in everyday use. Cases with ridges or bumps along the sides or back to help grip are generally top performers.
Build quality: Poor-quality polycarbonate cases are prone to cracking during installation or removal. Case fit also plays a role here. If you have to apply a lot of pressure to install or remove a case, it’s more likely that the case will crack. With softer TPU cases, frequently removing your case might also cause it to loosen around the edges, affecting the fit over time.
Installation and removal: Installing a case shouldn’t be difficult, and the phone should snap comfortably into place. However, for some options removing a case can be difficult and could potentially damage your phone. It’s particularly problematic when you have to apply so much force that you feel the phone almost bending.
Design and colorways: These are, of course, personal choices, but it’s always good to have options. We also try to include a few clear cases that let you show off the phone’s design and natural colorway while still keeping the phone safe.
Value: Price isn’t everything. You can always find $15 cases that offer just as much, if not more protection than $60 cases. However, remember that rugged cases or cases with extra features like a kickstand or wallet compartment will likely be more expensive than a standard thin case. The same goes for premium material like leather.
Many people have turned to laptops for their work-from-home setups, but desktop computers are a sensible option. They aren’t as easily portable, but they’re often superior for heavy-duty tasks like gaming and video editing. We’ve put together some of the best desktop computer deals currently available for your home office.
A normal standalone desktop computer is what the majority of users are likely to be seeking. The choice can be daunting though — they vary wildly in terms of size, performance, and expandability. We’re naturally drawn towards the best deals, but we’ve made an effort to include options to suit a wide gamut of needs and budgets.
As good as gaming laptops come in 2022, those serious about their gaming would agree that you can’t beat a desktop computer for power and flexibility. The majority of gamers have a static gaming station anyway, and gaming PCs offer better heat control when you’re got some serious power in your setup. They’re also much easier to upgrade with the latest graphics cards, more RAM, or other components.
Here are the best gaming PC deals around right now. We’ve outlined some of the core specs, but as a gamer, you’ll want to check out the graphics hardware each is packing too.
All-in-one desktops have their pros and cons. They can be a great compromise between a cumbersome tower PC and a laptop, saving valuable desk space and being easier to relocate. On the flip side, they lose some of the flexibility in customization that a traditional desktop offers — you’re committed to the display, and modifying the components can be trickier. They’re often very stylish though and there are plenty of good options for gamers and graphic designers alike.
Whether it’s for work or gaming, you’re likely to be staring at your monitor for hours every day, so it’s well worth ensuring it’s up to scratch. Screen size and picture quality can be game-changing, and you needn’t be constrained to one. If you have the space on your desk and you like to multitask, cross-reference, or just roll a streaming service in the background, adding a second or third monitor to your setup can make a world of difference.
A keyboard may seem like a fairly standard and dull purchase for most people, but you’d be surprised how much upgrading your typing surface can improve your productivity. For gamers, the keyboard is an absolutely vital tool to get the edge over the opponent, especially when it comes to response times.
Whether it’s for business or pleasure, we’ve rounded up the best desktop computer keyboard deals below:
What’s true for keyboards is also applicable to mice. Sure, you can just go with the cheapest option if all you’re doing is updating spreadsheets. But if you need smooth precision for your design needs, or you want to ensure you’re quickest on the draw in the heat of an online battle, it’s worth investing a little more.
There are an endless number of ways you can improve your desktop computer setup. The pandemic has made webcams an absolute essential in the last few years, and while printers aren’t as critical as they used to be, it’s handy to have one nearby. Of course, there’s no point in getting the best desktop PC if you don’t have a pair of epic speakers to pump your favorite tunes.
Here’s a smattering of the best desktop computer deals on a variety of accessories:
That’s all for the best desktop computer deals for now, but be sure to check back to this page regularly for the latest offers. You might also be interested in these related deal hubs:
Parental controls on phones evolved a lot over the years. Back in the day, devices had kid modes that turned off the UI basically entirely, trapping the child in a specific app. Unfortunately, kid mode is easy to work around, and it doesn’t work well. There are better alternatives out there anyway. These new options give your children more freedom to do what they want while keeping you in control. Here are the best parental control apps for Android and other methods if you need further control. There are no kid mode apps on this list because that is a seriously outdated method, and kids could easily get around it anyway.
The best parental control apps for Android
eyeZy
Price: From $9.99 per month
PROMOTED
eyeZy is a parental control app that’s jam-packed with numerous monitoring features that allow adults to check on every step their kids take online. It’s specifically designed for those parents hoping to keep an eye on smartphone activities like text messages, chats, and emails.
Parents can also browse through photos and videos their kids send and receive with help from eyeZy. The advanced GPS tracking lets you know their exact whereabouts and sends notifications if they enter geofenced areas, even if you don’t need to see what they’re up to.
eyeZy also offers a screen recording feature in case you need to remotely capture what your kids are seeing. No matter your parental needs, eyeZy has you and your kids covered.
AppLock by IvyMobile
Price: Free
An app lock is an excellent way to keep kids out of apps on your phone. This is mainly for parents with younger kids who use the parent’s phone to watch YouTube Kids or play kids games. An app lock puts a password on your other apps. Thus, if your kids get back to the home screen and start clicking on sensitive stuff like your Facebook or banking apps, they can’t get any further. We have a whole list of these, but IvyMobile’s is free and relatively simple to use. This should keep kids away from the sensitive stuff until they’re old enough to know better.
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Find My Kids is a lighter touch on parental control apps. This one keeps track of your child’s location at all times. You can see where they are, where they go, and where they’ve been. We like how simple this app is. You open it and can immediately see where all of your kids are. Some other features include notifications if your child’s phone is having trouble sending a location, and you can see what apps they use. There are also some security controls, a battery monitor for your child’s device, and a family chat so you can ask them where they are. It’s surprisingly inexpensive compared to most of its competitors like Life360. Plus, we appreciate that you can buy it once for $25.99, even if that license only works on three devices at once.
Google Family Link is our first choice for parental control. Your kids get the freedom of using their phones, and you get the satisfaction of seeing everything. We recommend Family Link first because it has so many features, and it also integrates directly into the Android OS itself, a feature none of these other apps have. Some of the features include the ability to see all the apps your kids use, see their location, see their usage habits, and you can lock the device if you want them to chill out on the phone for a while. The only downside is the setup process. That one is a bit of a pain, but we have a tutorial on how to do it here if you need it.
Safe Lagoon is a lighter version of Google Family Link but can do different things. You can view things like apps and games your kids use. Additionally, you can find their location, control time limits in certain apps and games, and lock the phone if need be. However, you can also monitor instant messages, set up locations they can’t go, and do some other neat stuff. The app says it’s for cyberbullying, but you can use it for other stuff as well. It’s relatively simple to set up and it’s a good alternative to Google Family Link.
Some antivirus suites come with parental controls. Those who use antivirus apps can sometimes just use the parental control extensions for an all-in-one punch. Some examples of antivirus apps with parental control extensions include ESET (linked at the button below) and Norton. These types of apps usually let you do things like check out your child’s web activity, what apps they download and use, share the child’s location, and can even sometimes support wearables. They tend to work okay but usually require you to get a license to use the whole antivirus product first.
Talk to your kids
Sometimes kids just need some advice and nothing compares to the involvement of a parent. Teach your kids about the dangers of the Internet, what to do if they encounter cyberbullying, and where to go and where not to go. One day your kids will be old enough to where you can’t monitor what they do anymore. They need to be prepared for that day. Monitoring is great for younger kids especially, but consider relaxing the monitoring as they get older and you trust them more. Don’t underestimate the value of an involved parent. School can only teach kids so much about the world.
Use apps for other platforms too
There are actually parental control apps that support platforms other than Android. You usually need parental control apps specifically for that platform, but companies are doing better about releasing mobile apps for non-mobile platforms.
Some examples include Microsoft Family Safety and Nintendo Switch’s parental control app. Both apps serve mostly the same function. Microsoft’s solution lets you monitor your child’s Xbox and Windows PC usage and limit various things. Meanwhile, Nintendo’s solution lets you monitor screen time and what games your kids play. There aren’t a ton of these types of apps, but if you can find one, we recommend it for use on other platforms besides Android.
Set up parental controls on Google Play
Google Play has a fairly robust set of parental controls. For starters, you can add a password lock to purchases so your kids can’t go wild with your debit card and buy in-app purchases from the games they play. That’s usually the use case for this kind of thing, but you can go deeper. Once you add your kids to your family account, you can actually restrict access to apps and games as well.
For instance, you can tell Google Play to only show your kids stuff rated T for Teen or lower and the Play Store will automatically filter out stuff with Mature 17+ or Adults only 18+ content. This also ties into Google Family Link to an extent so we recommend using this information alongside that app for maximum results. We have a whole tutorial on Google Play parental controls here.
Use carrier parental control solutions
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Many mobile carriers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T have parental control functions. They usually cost a monthly fee and vary in features, but they all do more or less the same thing. You can track the location of your child and see the web searches and apps your kids use. You can also keep track of (or completely deny) third-party charges, block videos and images from text messages, and even give your kids an allowance for buying apps or ringtones.
It would take way too long to list every feature for every carrier, but you can find parental control stuff for the carriers linked below for more information:
Native Android features that may help as well
Android is fairly customizable and there are a bunch of privacy and security features that come with it. You can set a data limit for your kids by going to Settings, Networks, and finally, Mobile Data. The location may vary based on which phone you have. From there you can see what apps use the most data and set a data limit for your kids so they know when they’ve run out.
Those with younger kids can use the super handy Screen Pinning feature. This feature pins an app or game to your screen and prevents kids from leaving it. I’ve seen parents use this with YouTube Kids so kids can watch videos but can’t access Facebook or other apps on accident.
The method for Screen Pinning may differ slightly on devices, but it should be something close to this:
Open your Settings menu and search for Screen pin.
Enable the feature if it is not already enabled.
Open your Recent apps menu via the soft key or by a gesture.
Tap the icon of the app you want to screen pin.
Tap the Pin app option (wording may be different on different phones)
This pins an app to your screen and disables things like calls, messages, and other functions. To remove the pinned app, do the following:
Hold the back and recent apps (overview) buttons simultaneously to unpin the app and return to the recent apps screen.
On devices with gesture navigation, swipe up and hold there to unpin the app.
Older kids may be able to get around a screen pin, but younger kids (especially toddlers) generally can’t do it on purpose. Still, be vigilant and check to make sure your kids didn’t get out of it somehow.
How to limit web browsing for young eyes
This is, by far, the most difficult thing to actually do. Most Android phones come with Google Chrome and the mobile version doesn’t have the functionality to deal with this that your kids can’t easily undo with a Google Search. There is a range of safety browsers that you can set as default and that might help, but again, older kids can get around it.
You have two options to solve this problem. One is quite easy and the other is quite difficult. The difficult method involves setting a DNS. Here is a tutorial from OpenDNS to show you how. However, that doesn’t work all the time.
Your better bet is the second option. Use an app like Google Family Link, Microsoft Family Safety, or Safe Lagoon to keep an eye on your child’s web activity and simply confront them if they go somewhere they shouldn’t go. It may even be a valuable teaching opportunity.
Finding the best cameras can be a daunting task. A quick search will produce a long and convoluted list of options from different brands, all touting long spec lists, confusing features, and astounding price differences. What’s worse is you might not even know if you’re getting too much or too little for your specific needs. Where do you even start to look?
We’ve done all the hard work and research for you. We’ll give you our top camera picks for every type of user in this list of the best cameras. Keep in mind these aren’t simply the most advanced cameras in their categories, either. We’ve curated this list to feature the best value possible, focusing on both quality and cost.
Do you need a dedicated camera, or will your phone do?
David Imel / Android Authority
It’s a common saying in the world of photography: “The best camera is the one you have with you.” This means that, while dedicated cameras have their benefits, you can capture a great image with any camera you have when the right moment arises. You shouldn’t get picky and miss a photo opportunity just because you don’t have the ultimate gear with you.
Truth be told, smartphone cameras have gotten so advanced many of you might not need a dedicated camera at all. Especially considering advanced camera phones feature a bevy of lens options, excellent image quality, fun effects, and plenty of features. Some are praised for their post-processing, often aided by computational photography. Not to mention these fit in your pocket, and you likely already carry a phone anyways.
The benefits of a dedicated camera
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
With all that said, chances are you fell upon this article for a reason, and you’ve probably already decided a smartphone simply isn’t good enough for your photographic needs. We wouldn’t blame you; there are many benefits to a dedicated camera.
For starters, smartphones users tend to struggle with battery life, at least to a certain extent. Using your phone as a primary shooter means it will die much faster, especially considering the camera can be a significant battery hog. The benefits of dedicated cameras extend far beyond battery life, though.
Ultimately, image quality still relies very much on sensor and glass quality. And when it comes to sensors, size matters. A larger sensor will almost always perform better at capturing light and handling noise. Furthermore, it’s much easier to increase the resolution.
Then there are the more tangible advantages. Cameras are a second thought on smartphones; their form factors weren’t made with photography in mind. Dedicated cameras tend to be much more ergonomic and comfortable for shooting photos. They can also be made with various materials to enhance grip and build quality.
We can’t forget about lenses. Mirrorless and DSLR cameras offer interchangeable glass, which means you can customize your experience to your shooting needs as you go. These larger lenses also make it possible to achieve far better results than the crammed tiny glass elements on a smartphone — not to mention there are a plethora of options out there for all kinds of shooting needs.
The best cameras available right now
The Sony A7 IV comes from a family of cameras that have genuinely changed the industry. Thanks to its great image quality, super-fast autofocus, superior design, and impressive general feature set, this one is the best. It’s an industry favorite.
The Canon EOS RP is for those who still want a full-frame camera like the one above, but don’t want to spend too much money on it. It offers an outstanding experience for less than half the price.
The Sony A6000 is the best camera on a budget. It’s affordable, yet very capable, and you can use it as a great stepping stone until you’re ready to get deeper into the world of photography.
The Sony Alpha 1 is for the most demanding of users. It is a professional camera with zero compromises that can be rivaled only by the very best in the industry. It’s super expensive, but worth every penny in the right hands.
The Fujifilm GFX50S II is the best camera for those who want to venture into the world of medium-format photography without spending a fortune.
The Sony RX100 V is a point-and-shoot camera with professional aspirations. The unit is small, well built, and can take stunning imagery considering the size and price.
The Nikon D3500 is for the beginners among you. It’s affordable and fantastic as a learning camera, but don’t think it’s not a capable shooter. Its DSLR nature makes it a very versatile camera you can grow with and shoot amazing photos with.
The Sony ZV-E10 is the best choice for vloggers. It features the portability of a point-and-shoot, an integrated improved mic, and interchangeable lenses for customization.
The Nikon Z fc is a capable camera, but we’ve mainly added it to this list to please those who value aesthetics and true craftsmanship. This camera is a stunner!
The Fujifilm X-T4 is for those who plan to stick with APS-C, admire great designs, and like physical dials for better manual controls. It’s a quality camera that doesn’t need a full-frame sensor to be pro.
The GoPro Hero 10 Black is the best camera for adventurous people. It’s tiny, rugged, super portable, simple to operate, and captures stunning content.
The Sony RX100 VII is for those looking for the right travel camera. It’s small, powerful, and has a very convenient zoom range.
The Polaroid Now Plus will please all the retro photographers. It’s the best instant camera around, featuring a comfortable build, fun looks, and larger film sizes.
Sony A7 IV: The best camera overall
Shall we start with the champion? The Sony A7 III quickly became one of the most popular cameras of all time, and the Sony A7 IV does a fantastic job filling its shoes. While it’s not exactly an affordable shooter, it’s a little marvel of technology that offers a lot of value and is loved by enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The body comes with a 33MP full-frame Exmor R sensor. Sony claims this unit also features a Bionz XR image processing engine that’s eight times more powerful than its predecessor (which was already blazing fast). The camera can handle 4K video recording at 60fps, 7K oversampling, real-time Eye AF, (works with humans, animals, and birds!), and super-fast focusing speeds.
Other great features include a touchscreen, a 15-stop dynamic range, presets, 5-axis OIS, 10-bit recording, and more.
Sony A7 IV
The Sony A7 IV is a full-frame mirrorless camera with great performance, outstanding video quality, and a wonderful design.
Pros
Fast performance
Outstanding image quality
Beautiful design
Great for video
10fps continuous shooting
Cons
It’s a bit pricey for most
Sony lenses can be expensive
Canon EOS RP: The best full-frame on a budget
Full-frame sensor cameras have become the industry standard for great quality imagery and lowlight performance, but boy, can they get pricey! The Canon EOS RP breaks the pattern by introducing a full-frame camera that can cost less than some APS-C ones.
A larger sensor is nice, but Canon cut corners in multiple areas. The build quality isn’t as great for starters, featuring a plastic design that isn’t as great to hold or look at compared to more premium options. It also won’t perform nearly as well as more expensive alternatives in this list of the best cameras, but it will still do very well.
The camera comes with a nice 26.2MP sensor, 0.05-second autofocusing speeds, face-tracking and eye autofocus, a flippy touchscreen, and even fun features like Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity. You get to record 4K video too, but at 24fps.
Canon EOS RP
The Canon EOS RP is one of the most affordable full-frame cameras available.
Pros
Incredibly affordable for a full-frame camera
Great image quality
Fast autofocus
Plenty of features, modes, and presets.
Cons
Lacking build quality
4K video recording limited to 24fps
Slower continuous shooting at 5fps
Sony A6000: The best camera on a budget
The Sony A6000 is among the best cameras you can get if you want to spend as little as possible while getting a camera that can shoot some serious photos and videos. It’s aging, but like a fine wine, it seems to hold its value amazingly.
The camera has super-fast autofocus, with 179 AF points, and can shoot up to 11fps continuously. The APS-C sensor features a 24MP resolution, and the screen can tilt up and down. NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity makes transfers a breeze. It can also record 1080p video at 60fps. This is a great set of features considering the price.
What really makes the Sony A6000 special is that it can perform very well and serve as a great stepping stone into the world of photography. It’s definitely a camera you can grow with. As you purchase more lenses and equipment, it has enough performance, image quality, and features to keep up with you for a long time. It also uses the same mount as full-frame Sony cameras, though. This means you can take your lenses with you when you’re ready to upgrade. I would make an effort to buy only full-frame lenses, if this is your plan.
Sony A6000
The Sony A6000 is a mirrorless camera with an APS-C sensor, outstanding performance, and super-fast autofocus.
Pros
Great image quality
Fast performance
Snappy autofocus
Small body
Cons
It’s getting harder to find
Oldest camera in this list
Video could be improved
The screen tilts, but doesn’t flip over
Sony Alpha 1: The ultimate best for demanding professionals
The Sony Alpha 1 is for those who want no compromises and are willing to pay the price for that. This full-frame camera is a beast, and it is made for the most demanding professionals. Prepare to be impressed.
The Alpha 1 comes with a 50.1MP sensor. It can shoot continuous stills at 30fps with AF/AE tracking. It supports 8K video recording at 30 fps, and 4K clips can be upgraded to 120fps. It can calculate autofocus 120 times per second. You even get 16-bit RAW output.
Of course, you also get Sony’s Eye AF, face detection, speedy tracking, various modes, fun effects, and more. It’s likely best suited for action and sports photographers who really need all that extra raw power and speed.
As a side note, we would like to mention that a great alternative to Sony’s Alpha 1 could also be the Nikon Z9. It’s just as stunning, and it even beats Sony in terms of continuous shooting, which can reach an astounding 120fps. The rest of its specs are just as impressive, but the design is one of the main reasons we think you might go with Nikon. The Nikon Z9 is very reminiscent of DSLR cameras. It’s more ergonomic and even features portrait orientation buttons.
Sony Alpha 1
The Sony Alpha 1 is the company’s flagship camera. It’s meant for professionals and makes no compromises.
Pros
Blazing performance
Stunning image quality
Super fast autofocus and continuous shooting
8K at 60fps video
All of Sony’s great features
Fujifilm GFX50S II: The best camera for moving to medium format
Pro-level full-frame cameras are powerful, fast, and offer fantastic image quality. However, photographers know there is a level above that 36mm by 24mm full-frame format. The next step is medium format, and these sensors can measure anywhere between 43.8 × 32.9mm and 53.7 × 40.2mm. Similarly, the larger sensor means even better lowlight performance and improved definition.
Why aren’t all photographers moving to medium format cameras, then? For starters, they can be expensive. Like, crazy expensive! The higher-end versions go for well above $50,000. This is why the Fujifilm GFX50S II earns a spot on this list of the best cameras, as it grants you access to the medium format world without paying a fortune. In fact, it’s cheaper than some of the high-end full-frame cameras in this post.
The Fujifilm GFX50S II has a 51.4MP 43.8 x 32.9mm sensor. That larger sensor is about where we stop being impressed, though. Other features are very basic. It can shoot continuously at 2.2fps, and video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps. You still get some cool features like Eye AF, a touchscreen, and wireless connectivity, though.
Fujifilm GFX50S II
The Fujifilm GFX50S II is a medium format camera with a reasonable price point.
Pros
Very affordable for a medium format camera
Pristine image quality and lowlight performance
High MP count
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Face and Eye AF
Compact for a medium format camera
Cons
Performance could be better
Only 2.2fps continuous shooting
Lackluster 1080p at 30fps video recording
Sony RX100 V: The best point-and-shoot camera
Sony’s RX100 series has been praised for many years, and its fifth iteration is our favorite. But why? It’s not even the latest version! The Sony RX100 V was the last to feature a 24-70mm lens with an f/1.8 maximum aperture. Sony then switched to a 24-200mm lens with an f/2.8 maximum aperture. We believe the wider aperture is more valuable than that much zoom prowess. And the changes in performance, features, and design are nearly non-existent.
The Sony RX100 V is actually quite capable for such a small point-and-shoot camera. It has a 20.1MP one-inch sensor, can record 4K video at 30fps, and supports 24fps continuous shooting. It can also focus in just 0.05 seconds, and has a capable BIONZ X image processing sensor.
We also can’t ignore the design. The tiny camera has an elegant look and sports a body that’s mostly made of metal.
Sony RX100 V
The Sony RX100 V is a compact camera with a 24-70mm lens and a one-inch sensor.
Pros
Very portable
Great glass and wide aperture
Good image quality
Fast and capable autofocus
Great 24fps continuous shooting
Cons
Pretty expensive for a point-and-shoot
Smaller one-inch sensor
Not as ergonomic
Nikon D3500: The best camera for beginners
A beginner photographer needs a special kind of camera. It needs to be affordable, but have pretty good image quality, manual controls, and an interchangeable lens system. This combination will make it possible for the user to learn the ins and outs of photography, while starting to venture into different glass options. We believe the Nikon D3500 is a great starting point.
This just so happens to be the only DSLR on this list. This tech is starting to get old, but there are two reasons why we’re recommending this one. For starters, DSLR cameras tend to be much more affordable. But we also like DSLRs as learning tools because they don’t help the user as much. This camera is pretty slow and requires more effort to output a good image that’s in focus. Automatic modes also aren’t as great, as the camera isn’t as smart as its mirrorless counterparts. In the end, this means the user will be forced to learn the fundamentals and get things right manually. This experience will build a strong foundation as a photographer.
The Nikon D3500 comes with a 24.2MP APS-C sensor. It can shoot 5fps in continuous shooting and records video at 1080p at 60fps. It only has 11 focus points, which pales in comparison to all other cameras listed here. It’s also pretty slow at focusing, as are most other DSLRs. It’s affordable, and there are many affordable lenses for it, as DSLR glass is starting to age.
Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3500 is an entry-level DSLR with an APS-C sensor and a simple feature set.
Pros
Affordable
Plenty of lens options
Great build quality
Comfortable manual controls
Cons
Slow
Very few focusing points
Not many extra features
Sony ZV-E10: The best camera for vloggers
The Sony ZV-1 was the first vlogger-focused camera released by the company. It was a higher-end point-and-shoot with a specialized microphone. Now there’s a successor, and Sony took things up a notch with the ZV-E10.
This camera comes with an APS-C sensor and a mirrorless interchangeable lens system. It also sports a 24MP resolution and can record 4K video at 30fps. Of course, it comes with a nice flip-out vari-angle screen. It also comes with a three-capsule directional mic, outfitted with a windscreen.
You also get all the stunning features that made Sony famous. There’s super-fast autofocus, Eye AF, livestreaming support, no video recording time limits, wireless transfers, and 11fps continuous shooting. The price is also pretty accessible for a camera with these capabilities, which also serves as an all-in-one vlogger bundle.
Sony ZV-E10
The Sony ZV-E10 is a camera made for vloggers, but with a feature set that resembles a more advanced shooter. It has an APS-C sensor and an interchangeable lens system.
Pros
Affordable
Very portable design
Flexible screen angles
APS-C sensor
Interchangeable lenses
Cons
More complex than its predecessor
Small size might be ruined by the lens, depending on which one you use
Nikon Z fc: The best-looking camera
The best cameras are great at making art, but not all qualify as art. Certain camera designs deserve a whole other type of praise. Some of these devices go beyond functionality and even make you feel proud to hold them. The Nikon Z fc might be for you if you care about camera aesthetics.
Of course, beauty is subjective, but here at Android Authority, we believe the classic film camera look has a level of beauty we no longer see in modern shooters. The Nikon Z fc mimics that look, without sacrificing the benefits of a modern camera.
While it looks old, the Nikon Z fc is a mirrorless camera with a 20.9MP APS-C sensor. It can record 4K at 30fps and comes with a vari-angle screen. All those dials and manual controls are still functional. You’ll also get to enjoy modern features like Eye AF, wireless transfers, and a vast portfolio of mirrorless lenses.
The Nikon Z fc is a bit expensive for what you’re getting, though. Just know that you’re paying a premium for that exquisite design and superior craftsmanship. If you want a similar camera for much less money, go for the Nikon Z50. They’re nearly the same in terms of specs and features.
Nikon Z fc
The Nikon Z fc is a modern camera with a classic look. It features an APS-C sensor and current features like Eye AF.
Pros
Beautiful
Great manual controls
Sturdy design
Modern mirrorless features
Comes in many colors
Fujifilm X-T4: The best APS-C camera
Full frame cameras are great, but there are plenty of reasons you might want to stick with APS-C sensor cameras. Both the camera bodies and lenses tend to be much more affordable, for starters. APS-C cameras are usually smaller, too. And you can still create amazing imagery and video with them, especially with the latest advancements in camera tech. The only problem is that all the best features and designs are usually exclusive to full-frame cameras. Where are the good APS-C cameras for an enthusiast or professional?
They’re hard to find, but we believe the Fujifilm X-T4 is the closest you can get to an APS-C camera that a serious photographer can enjoy. It has a solid build and that classic look with manual dials Fuji is known for. Performance is also top-notch. It has one of the fastest autofocusing systems out there, as it can lock onto a subject in 0.02 seconds. The mechanical shutter can handle 15fps in continuous shooting, and it can record 4K video at 60fps.
The 26.1MP APS-C sensor is no under-performer, either. It has a 14-stop dynamic range, which is very high and even full-frame sensors struggle to get to that level.
Fujifilm X-T4
The Fujifilm X-T4 is a high-end APS-C camera with higher performance and pro-level features.
Pros
Pro-level performance
Great image quality
Capable video recording
Stunning design and build
APS-C lenses are more affordable
Cons
Pricey for APS-C
Limited lens selection
GoPro Hero 10 Black: The best action camera
GoPro still can’t be beaten in the world of action cameras. The GoPro Hero 10 Black is small and portable enough to be able to mount it anywhere, but it’s also competent.
This tiny shooter can output 23MP images and 5.3K video at 60fps. It can also do 4K at 120fps, which is outstanding even in serious video cameras.
The whole housing is waterproof (up to 33ft) and built to handle plenty of torture. After all, it is an action camera meant to be used in extreme circumstances. GoPro also sells cool accessories you can mount on the GoPro Hero 10 Black. These include a lens, microphone, a display, and a light.
GoPro Hero 10 Black
The GoPro Hero 10 Black is an action camera with a 23MP sensor that can record 5.3K video at 60fps.
Pros
Super portable
Outstanding video quality
Very simple to use
Rugged and waterproof
Cons
Expensive
Limited customization
Not the best for photo
Sony RX100 VII: The best travel camera
We recommended the Sony RX100 V as the best point-and-shoot camera, but that’s because we were primarily focusing on image quality, thanks to the wider aperture lens. Travel photographers need more zoom flexibility, making the RX100 VII a more suitable alternative. It has a 24-200mm lens with an f/2.8 max aperture!
What makes it such a great travel shooter is mostly its design and quality. It’s small and can fit in any pocket, making it an easy camera to carry around and operate. The build quality is great, and the image quality is also exceptional.
You still get all the fantastic features Sony is known for. It has real-time tracking and Eye AF. It can shoot up to 20fps continuously, and records in 4K at 30fps. You have to deal with nothing else, as the lens is integrated and can’t be changed. It’s great quality Zeiss glass, too. You can be sure this camera will take stunning shots of your adventures.
Sony RX100 VII
The Sony RX100 VII is a compact camera with a one-inch sensor and a versatile 24-200mm lens.
Pros
24-200mm zoom
Solid design and build
Great image quality
Pocket friendly
Great performance and features
Cons
Only a 1-inch sensor
No interchangeable lenses
Max aperture closes as you zoom in
Polaroid Now Plus: The best instant camera
Polaroid was responsible for bringing instant cameras to the world. Its first one was the Model 95, launched back in 1948. Fast-forward to 2022, and the company is still making instant cameras. While not as popular as before, these continue to be great retro imaging devices primarily used for fun and capturing personal moments in style.
If you’re looking for the best instant camera, your best bet is the Polaroid Now Plus. It has an amusing design that’s reminiscent of classic cameras, but also very modern and fun. It’s also straightforward to operate, and there are very few buttons on it. It’s a straightforward experience.
This specific instant camera comes with five lens filters, offering some level of creativity. You can also take advantage of an app to unlock aperture priority, tripod mode, light painting, double exposure, and manual mode. It’s also the most affordable camera on this list. You’ll need to continuously buy i-type film, though, which can get expensive.
Polaroid Now Plus
The Polaroid Now Plus is an instant camera. It comes with a set of filters and has an available app.
Pros
Affordable
Simple to operate
Very fun
It comes with lens filters and app features
You get physical photos right after shooting
Cons
You’ll need to buy film regularly
Film runs out, so get the shot right every time!
Limited use and customization
Any other camera accessories and equipment I should get?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
You’ll soon find out buying a camera is only the beginning. You might quickly need lenses, accessories, lighting, and other items to help you in your photographic journey. You could go all out or become a photography minimalist. Either way, you’ll likely need more than just the camera. Here are some of our recommendations.
Learning the fundamentals and improving your technique
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Also, remember that photography is about much more than pointing a nice camera at a subject and pressing a button. You have to learn the fundamentals and keep your skills polished to take truly amazing photos. We can get you started with these guides.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is a DSLR camera?
A: DSLR stands for “digital single-lens reflex.” It refers to a digital camera that uses mirrors to direct light to the viewfinder and uses a single lens to frame, focus, and shoot the image. These cameras became popular because they provided a direct view of what the lens was seeing, so you could frame the shot correctly and shoot precisely the area you were seeing.
DSLR cameras have also become synonymous with interchangeable lens systems. This doesn’t necessarily have to be the case, but DSLR shooters do allow for exchanging lenses in most cases.
Q: What is a mirrorless camera?
A: A mirrorless camera is pretty much what it sounds like; it’s a camera that uses no mirrors. Instead of reflecting light within the camera’s body, mirrorless cameras send beams directly to the sensor. This sensor then processes the information and displays it on your camera’s display or viewfinder (which is technically just a smaller display). This method allows for smarter implementations and more features, as well as faster processing.
Like DSLRs, mirrorless cameras have also been recognized for their interchangeable lens systems.
Q: What is an APS-C sensor?
A: APS-C stands for “Advanced Photo System type-C.” It refers to an image sensor size that measures 25.1 x 16.7mm and has a 3:2 ratio.
Q: What is a full-frame sensor?
A: A full-frame sensor is an image sensor that measures 36 x 24mm. It follows the 35mm film standard set before digital cameras came into the picture (get it?!).
Q: What is a medium format sensor?
A: A medium format sensor is even bigger than a full-frame sensor. These enlarged sensors can measure anywhere between 43.8 × 32.9mm and 53.7 × 40.2mm.
Q: Are there any other sensor sizes?
A: Yes, there are many sensor sizes. They can be as small as 1/2.5 of an inch. Popular sizes on dedicated cameras are one-inch and Micro 4/3.
Q: Which camera do I need for professional work?
A: There is no such thing as a “professional” camera. Instead, the person using the camera is the pro. A good photographer can use any camera and take amazing photographs with it. All that said, professionals tend to like cameras that have a full-frame sensor and an interchangeable lens system. They’ve also taken a liking to mirrorless cameras, as of late. These offer outstanding performance, super-fast autofocus, more features, better lowlight performance, and more overall versatility.
Q: What is dynamic range?
A: Check out our full explanation of what dynamic range is. In short, it refers to how much information a camera can capture in the darkest and brightest sections of a scene.
A: We also have a post dedicated to aperture. It refers to the hole through which light enters the camera. It can be widened or closed to change the lighting effects, and is a main setting in most cameras.
A: RAW refers to an image file format that’s uncompressed. It takes all the data available by the light and gets rid of nothing. This means the file is much larger, but offers much more liberty during editing. Learn more about RAW here.
An Xbox One is a great way to pass the time and game with friends while waiting for Series S and X to come back in stock. We’ve scoured the web for the best Xbox One deals that are available right now. If you’d instead find out more about the latest Xbox Series X and S, the link below has all the info.
While we’ve found some fantastic deals on games and accessories, console deals have been giving us fits. Unfortunately, they’re either being sold above the retail price or in bundles more expensive than the sum of their parts. Your best bet on consoles is to pick up a professionally refurbished model to hold you over until you can track down the Series X or S, and we’ve included some of your best options on that front.
Check out the best Xbox deals from around the web below.
Featured deal: Get Far Cry 6 for just $19.99
You’ll find some huge price drops on top titles in our roundup below, but this one is our pick of the bunch. Far Cry 6 just hit a record-low price on Amazon, letting you pick it up for just $19.99 ($40 off).
If you’re already a fan of the Far Cry franchise then you’ll need no persuading on the merits of this deal, but the 4.6-star Amazon rating pretty much says it all. Whether you’re still rocking the Xbox One or were lucky enough to upgrade to the Series X or S recently, it’s a solid bet for hours of bingeing.
The latest entry in Ubisoft’s first-person shooter will put you in the shoes of a guerilla fighter trying to take down a fictional Caribbean dictator (played by Giancarlo Esposito of Breaking Bad fame). The most expansive Far Cry to date, you’re tasked to battle through jungles, beaches, and Esperanza, the capital city of the Island of Yara.
We don’t know how long this deal will last, so don’t miss out. Hit the widget below to check it out, or keep scrolling to explore many more Xbox One deals.
Best Xbox One deals
All of these deals were live at the time of writing, but we’ll do our best to update the list as we find new offers.
Xbox One Games
If you already have one of the Xbox One consoles, you might want to grab a new game or two to escape the world for a while. This past generation has an extensive library of blockbuster games to discover, and thankfully there isn’t the same scarcity of game deals as there is on consoles right now.
We’ve found that Walmart and Amazon often have the best deals on Xbox games. Here’s a selection of our favorites:
You can also take advantage of a discounted three-month membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $45. The membership includes access to Xbox Live Gold and EA Play, which together feature well over a hundred games to play across all your devices.
Xbox One S controller (left) and Xbox Series S controller (right)
There’s always room to enhance your gaming experience with accessories, but they often have high price tags that add up quickly. That’s why it’s best to grab them when they’re on sale. Say, for instance, an extra carbon black Xbox One controller for just $59 ($6 off) from Amazon right now.
The first choice you have to make if you want to buy an Xbox is which model is right for you. If you’re a power user, the Xbox One X is the larger and more powerful option. It features a slimmer, more powerful graphics card and DirectX 12 optimized cores.
Even better, the Xbox One X features native 4K support and 12GB of GDDR5 memory for faster startups and smoother performance. The One X also has a redesigned fan system for better cooling. Your favorite games and accessories should work with either Xbox model, so the decision mainly comes down to price and performance.
Deals and new consoles are almost impossible to find on both consoles right now. Here are some refurbished options from reputable outlets:
Xbox One S consoles
As you can probably guess, the Xbox One S is the smaller and lighter of the two consoles. It’s an upgrade over the original Xbox One, and it’s the more affordable model currently available. The Xbox One S supports HDR 10 like the One X, and both consoles feature Dolby Atmos sound.
If you’re looking for a console to hold you over until the new Xbox Series X comes out, the One S may be your best bet. You should have no problem with backward compatibility, and the Xbox One S also embraces digital gaming in a way that the One X doesn’t; you can buy a One S without a disc slot for exclusively digital gaming.
As stated above, it’s nearly impossible to find these new consoles at reasonable prices right now.
Some researches suggest that people who use curse regularly are more intelligent. If that’s true, Blue Q (company that produces these mitts) employs the smartest people in the world. Scroll down to see some of our favorites!
If this is something you see yourself wearing while failing in kitchen, check out Blue Q oven mitts on Amazon. They have all these and then some.
Smartphone shooters are continually hitting new heights, but sometimes you just can’t beat a proper camera. Handheld units haven’t changed as much as smartphones, but they’ve added new features like Wi-Fi and Full HD displays. Unfortunately, some of the latest technologies mean higher price tags. So we’ve gone ahead and put together a list of some of the best cheap camera deals available right now.
As the post title suggests, you won’t find many high-end DSLRs that don’t run you thousands of dollars. This list is more for those of you looking for a first camera or an affordable upgrade. We’ve broken the deals down into each type of camera to make it easier for you to decide just what you need.
You’ll notice that a lot of the deals below are from B&H and Focus. That’s no coincidence since photography is their specialty. We’ve picked out a selection of their best deals, but there are dozens more to check out, with massive savings to be had. You can peruse both selections on the B&H or Focus websites.
Featured deal: 53% off the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR bundle
When you’re looking to take that perfect shot, details really do matter. The Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR gives you stellar images that capture all of those details and more, and you can get it with a lens kit and a load of other handy extras for just $549 ($638 off) right now — a massive 53% price drop.
While it’s by no means a budget purchase, investing in a high-quality camera that can be used to take thousands of photos and will last for many years might be the right option for you. Plus, it becomes extra incentivizing when it’s on a great promotion.
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 has many features to justify its price point, such as an internal Full HD video recording, a 24.1MP CMOS sensor, and a DIGIC 4 Plus image processor. This deal doesn’t just help you save on the camera body either. It also includes an EF-S 18-55mm IS II lens kit, spare battery, SD cards, and more. It even includes Corel Photo, Video, and Art Software Suite v4.0 to ensure you can perfect your pictures post-shoot.
You can check out the deal by hitting the widget below or keep scrolling for more offers.
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR with EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens Kit
As well as an excellent DSLR camera, this bundle also comes with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens Kit, camera bag, 64GB SD cards, spare battery, and more.<br />
Best cheap camera deals:
All of these deals were live at the time of writing, but sites like Amazon change their offers often. We’ll do our best to update the deals as we find new savings and others expire.
The best cheap camera deals are compact or point-and-shoot cameras, which are small and easy to operate. The lens is built into the camera, so you can essentially point and capture images with the push of a button. However, compact cameras are smaller than DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, and you might find that your image quality is limited depending on your setup.
DSLRs are what many people think of when they think of professional cameras. They feature interchangeable lenses and large sensors for better image quality than compact cameras. DSLRs also use a rotating mirror to preview and capture your image to the sensor.
Mirrorless cameras are similar to DSLRs in that they rely on interchangeable lenses for image quality. However, as the name suggests, they lack a mirror, so images are captured directly on the sensor. Mirrorless cameras are often smaller and lighter as well, which makes them easier to carry and use.
Your credit score is very important. Businesses use it when issuing credit cards. You need a decent one to get good rates on a house. Even some jobs require a good credit score. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to check out your credit, and often for free. You probably know a few of these already. For example, Credit Karma is on our list and it’s one of the most popular free credit score apps. You have other options too. Here are the best credit score apps for Android.
Please note, this list is for our US readers. Each country handles this kind of stuff differently and the services below may not work outside of the US.
The best credit score apps for Android
Credit Karma is one of the most recognizable names in this space. You sign up, log in, and see your credit reports. It gets the basics right and you can see things like your open accounts and how much money you owe.
There are a host of other services like a tax filing function as well as credit card stuff. We don’t necessarily recommend any of that, but the core functionality is very helpful. You can also use this to monitor your credit and do so some other stuff.
Credit Sesame
Price: Free / $9.95-$19.95 per month
Credit Sesame is a lot like Credit Karma. It shows your credit score, open accounts, and all of that. It then remains free by offering you a bunch of stuff like credit cards or cashback offers. The free part of it is useful for basic credit monitoring. The subscription options add some other stuff like daily credit scores, monthly reports, and other power-user features.
CreditWise from Capital One
Price: Free
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
CreditWise by Capital One is a free app offered by the credit card company. Anybody can use it, even if you don’t have a Capital One credit card. It offers free weekly TransUnion credit scores. You can also review your credit report from TransUnion to see your various accounts. Some other features include a credit simulator to see how your decisions affect your score and alerts for various nefarious things, like if your social security number ends up on the dark web. It’s pretty great for a free service.
Experian Credit Report
Price: Free / $9.99-$19.99 per month
All three of the major credit bureaus are on the Play Store, but Experian is the only one that has a decent mobile app. The app gives you a free credit report along with your FICO score whenever you want. It also helps you improve your credit by adding in things like paying your bills and utilities.
Some other features include alerts when your credit changes, updates to your credit score (every 30 days), and more. There are subscription services, and you’ll need one to do anything other than the most basic stuff.
Mint is one of the most popular budgeting apps on mobile. Its primary focus is helping you manage your money more effectively. It does this with a wide range of features, like spending graphics, a budget tool, etc. However, one of the many features of the app is the ability to pull your credit score so you can see what you’re dealing with.
It won’t deliver alerts if your credit score changes, but it’s a nice one-two punch for people who want to manage their money better and watch their credit score go up.
MyFICO
Price: Free trial / $19.95-$39.95 per month
MyFICO is a premium service that lets you check your FICO score whenever you want. Several companies do credit scores, but an outsized percentage of lenders use your FICO score. It’ll also show you different FICO scores depending on the type of purchase. Thus, your mortgage FICO may be different than if you were going for an auto loan.
The app also includes various reports, insights, alerts, and even graphics to help you see your FICO score over time and ways you can improve it. The only downside is that although you get a free trial, a subscription is required after the trial period ends.
NerdWallet is very similar to Mint. It’s a money management app with a bunch of tools to help you save money, spend less, and manage your money better. One of those functions includes the pulling of your credit score so you can see it go up or down over time.
NerdWallet also sends you notifications when your credit score changes, shows you articles about how credit scores work, and gives you advice on how to build better credit. It’s definitely not perfect, especially for super niche things like having multiple accounts at the same bank, but otherwise, it’s decent.
WalletHub is another direct competitor to companies like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame. It pulls your credit score and claims to update it every day. You can also monitor your credit 24/7 and set up alerts for various activities — and there is a debt payoff plan function where it helps you build a plan to pay off existing debt.
It services credit card ads as a source of income, but otherwise, the app is entirely free to use. Some people have reported login bugs, but most people don’t seem to have them. It’s quite good and competes favorably with the others.
Some banking apps do it
Price: Free
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Some banking apps and most credit card companies offer free credit scores. Some examples include Capital One (listed above), Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, many credit unions, and more. You simply need to get a hold of your bank’s customer service to find out if yours offers it and how to access everything. In most cases, it’s pretty easy and updates regularly so you can keep track of your accounts and your credit score in the same place.
FTC’s official website
Price: Free
The FTC says you’re entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months. Obviously, you can get it more often than that through other means, but this is still an option. It’s especially good for people who don’t want to sign up for a whole service that emails or pesters them all the time. At the button below, you can go to the FTC’s website, where you can find out how to get your credit report for free.
If we missed any great credit score apps, tell us about them in the comments. You can also click here to check out our latest Android app and game lists.
As Xiaomi is gearing up to announce the Redmi K50 lineup next month, teasers from the company’s official Weibo account keep the hype going. The latest one is all about the haptics motor called CyberEngine.
In a separate Weibo post, the manufacturer of the CyberEngine was fast to boast about what they claim to be the best haptic X-axis motor in the industry. It’s the biggest one so far measuring at 560mm2 and covering the frequency range between 50Hz and 500Hz. That’s not only unrivaled in the Android segment but also significantly higher than the 130Hz motor on today’s iPhones.
But the motor isn’t only precise, it’s super strong too. In fact, it’s about 3 times stronger than the commonly used motors today. The CyberEngine itself has been developed for products like gaming pads and metaverse devices that need superb haptic feedback.
The posts mention the whole Redmi K50 series without naming specific models. Still, we imagine it’s going to be the centerpiece feature of the Gaming Edition option and possibly the Pro one as well.
The PlayStation 5 is here, but it’s still almost impossible to get your hands on one since it launched. Instead, many people are picking up the PlayStation 4 wherever they can, given that the most anticipated PS5 exclusives are yet to come. So, with a shortage of console’s in stock and deals thin on the ground, we’ve mainly compiled some great savings on games and accessories while also signposting to where you can get your hands on a PlayStation system at retail price or better.
Check out the best PS4 console, game, and accessory deals from around the web below. If you were lucky enough to get your hands on the PS5, then the game deals may still interest you. The PS4 had a generation-defining library of games, many of which offer a free next-generation upgrade when you finally find a PS5.
Best PS4 deals:
Due to high demand, these PS4 prices and deals are changing rapidly. We’ll keep updating the post as offers end, and new ones pop up.
PS4 game deals
Sony loves to boast about the selection of games that you can buy for the PS4, and for good reason. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2, The Last of Us Part 2, and Mortal Kombat 11 are fan favorites that do well with critics. So we’ve rounded up some of the best prices we could find below.
A PlayStation Plus subscription is pretty much a requirement for any only PlayStation gamer. It’s worth highlighting that now is a great time to renew or extend your membership, as you can pick up a full year-long subscription for only $41.89 ($18 off).
PS4 accessory deals
Lily Katz / Android Authority
If you’re happy with your game library already, you might be looking for some accessories instead. We’ve found PS4 deals on several cool accessories:
PS4 Slim Consoles
The PS4 Slim has become the go-to option since the original PS4 console was phased out. The Slim is smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient than the original, but it packs the same level of performance. The PS4 Slim also supports HDR gaming and streaming for better color depth and contrast.
You can share games with your friends using Share Play as long as you have PlayStation Plus. The PS4 Slim is also VR-ready and packs a 1TB hard drive to store all of your favorite games.
Prices have been hiked on the few PlayStation Slim consoles on offer, especially as it’s the holiday season. Such is the lack of supply that some retailers, such as GameStop, will offer good trade-in values if you’re ready to part with yours. There are no deals to be found at the time of writing, but here’s an option for you.
PS4 and PS4 Pro Consoles
The PS4 Pro takes all of the great features of the Slim and turns them up to eleven. It also offers 4K gaming output and improved optimization for games like Call of Duty and Gran Turismo Sport. In addition, you can turn on Boost Mode to improve the frame rate of games released before the launch of the Pro.
We can’t guarantee that a PS4 Pro will turn you into a better gamer, but at least anything you play will look next-level. It’s almost impossible to get a new PS4 Pro without emptying your bank account right now. These might currently be your best bet.
Amazon occasionally has deals on the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro, but they tend to change rapidly. Here’s a link to the PS4 hub on Amazon if you want to see all of the latest deals. UK readers can also access the same deals right here.
That’s the pick of the PS4 deals right now. If you’re eagerly awaiting the PS5, check out our related content here:
Looking for a new laptop can be time-consuming, not to mention mind-boggling. You have to make so many hardware and software decisions, and it can feel like you’re comparing apples and oranges. That wasn’t meant as a Mac pun, but it does bring up the fact that you have to choose everything, including your operating system. Even after narrowing your choices, it can be even tougher to narrow down the best laptop deals.
We’ve tried to make looking for new laptop deals easier. Below we’ve rounded up some of the best options available right now, and we’ve organized our deals up by manufacturer as well.
Featured deal: Save 48% on the Dell Vostro 7510
Dell’s newest Vostro laptop is here, and it’s more affordable than ever at just $1,179 ($1,034 off). It comes equipped with the latest RTX graphics card in the RTX 3050. It also has an 11th gen Intel Core i7 core CPU, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making this a beast of a business laptop.
The Vostro 7510 comes with Windows 11 Pro, the latest major update from Microsoft to bring a host of new features. You’ll also get an HDMI 2.0 port and two USB 3.2 ports to ensure all your devices are connected without the need for extra adapters.
Hit the widget below to check out this steep discount on one of the best laptops Dell has to offer, or keep scrolling for more great laptop deals from many retailers.
The best laptop deals
All of these deals were in effect at the time of writing, but we’ll update them with new savings as we find them.
Lenovo has been leading the laptop scene for as long as it’s been around, holding the title as one of the top producers in the world. It’s created many well-known product lines, but none more so than the fabled Yoga 2-in-1s. The Yoga name has even begun to leak into other lines, such as the powerful ThinkPads built for productivity.
Many of Lenovo’s high-end machines feature unique hinge designs that blend beauty and strength. When you pair this high performance and quality with their significant savings, you’re sure to get some good laptops at an even better price.
Many of our best laptop deals from Lenovo are equipped with at least an Intel Core i5 chip, 8GB of memory, and 256GB of storage. If you’re ready to grab a flexible new laptop, check out these top picks:
Dell laptop deals
While Lenovo may ship more units, Dell may be the most recognizable name in American laptops. From the near-perfect XPS line to the accessible Inspiron series, Dell has an option for every consumer. It even covers durable Chromebooks for students with the Chromebook 3100.
We’ve done our best to hit a few different price points, so check out our best options here:
It’s also worth a look at some of the latest refurbished deals you can get from Dell. You can often save 40% or more on various models, especially if you check out the coupons and deals section.
Microsoft Surface deals
Microsoft’s flexible 2-in-1s are its bread and butter. The Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro X are the latest in many powerful options, though each has a different purposeFor example, ifIf you opt for the Surface Pro 7, you’re getting a machine built for full-sized apps and can handle Photoshop like a breeze. On the other hand, the Surface Pro X is made for cloud-based apps and offers an LTE connection that you can take anywhere you want.
HP is the manufacturer behind the powerful Spectre line, but it’s far from a one-trick pony. The budget-friendly Pavilion line is easy to jump into, while the Omen brand brings high-end gaming power in a redesigned body. Many of our top picks offer the latest 10th-generation Intel hardware, and we’ve included a few different price points to fit your budget.
If we tried to give each manufacturer its own section, we’d be here all day. There are so many options out there that we couldn’t list them all before the deals started to end. We’re putting some of our “best of the rest” deals in this section with that in mind.
We’ve added Samsung and LG options, Apple deals, and a Razer pick as well. You’ll have to check each deal for the full rundown of specs, but there’s bound to be one that meets your needs.
Laptops offer plenty of portability, but it can be challenging to work on as little as 13.3 inches of screen for hours on end. That’s where a big, bright monitor becomes a must-have for your home office. I recently added an extra monitor to my laptop setup, and it’s a game-changer. We’ve gone ahead and put together some of the best monitor deals we could find to help you out.
We’ve split the best monitor deals into four sections: Standard monitors, gaming monitors, ultrawide monitors, and portable monitors. All of these different types of monitors have their distinctive features, so we’re splitting them up so you can find what you want faster.
Featured deal: Save 46% on the Samsung S80A 27-Inch 4K UHD Monitor
The latest Samsung monitors are often the centerpiece of your work or gaming setup, but you’d usually expect to pay a premium price. This excellent deal lets you swerve that outlay, with a massive 46% off the Samsung S80A Series 27-Inch 4K UHD Monitor. It’s down to just $244.66 ($205 off) while the offer lasts.
4K UHD resolution allows you to enjoy the sharpest picture and the most accurate details while you work or play. The slimline monitor also features a borderless design, maximizing your space usage in all directions, with the IPS panel offering a 178-degree wide viewing angle.
Other nice features of the monitor include Adaptive Picture, Eye Saver Mode, and flicker-free technology. You also get multiple USB 3.0 ports and the stand is adjustable to suit your setup — all for under $250.
Hit the widget below to snap up the offer, or keep scrolling to kind more monitor deals to suit all budgets.
Samsung S80A Series 27-Inch 4K UHD Monitor
Best monitor deals
All of these deals were live at the time of writing, but we’ll do our best to keep the list updated as we find new savings.
Standard monitors
If you’re looking for a standard monitor, affordability and display size will most likely be your top priority. You might want to consider a 24-inch model as a minimum, although if you’re shifting up to 27 inches or more, you should take a few basic measurements to ensure you have the desk space.
Size isn’t everything, and the better monitors will offer high resolution such as Full HD or 4K, wide viewing angles, and a rich color range. Aesthetically you may also be keen on a screen with very thin bezels, and don’t forget to ensure your choice has the requisite ports for your work or entertainment needs. Although there’s no one-size-fits-all for monitors, you can definitely pick up some great options.
Here are some of the best standard monitor deals available right now, primarily from Dell and Samsung.
Gaming monitors
Gaming monitors are more specialized than standard models and usually come with higher price tags. If you’re a casual gamer, then a good standard monitor will suffice for everything, but the more committed players with sufficient budgets can look to splash out a bit more on these gaming monitor deals.
The criteria for a good gaming monitor should include a high resolution, high refresh rates, and low response times. These factors ensure the smoothest and most immersive sessions while giving you the competitive edge over your opponents. Typically you should be looking for at least a 120Hz refresh rate for gaming, and a response time of 5ms or lower is about right, but a 1ms response time is ideal.
Ultrawide monitors
Sometimes you need the extra screen space, especially when you’re watching a movie or trying to fit multiple windows on one display for multitasking. That’s where ultrawide monitors shine and show why so many people love them. They often have a 21:9 aspect ratio, and despite the larger display and unique aspect ratio, they tend to maintain a high-quality resolution viewing experience.
If you’re someone who likes using the split-screen option or likes having a wide viewing experience, then the immersive ultrawide display is the right match for you. The extra screen space will cost you more, but you can still find some more affordable options here and there.
Portable monitors
Although laptops do cover most of your portable display needs, having a portable monitor can come in handy. If you want to extend the screen size of your laptop while you’re on the go or want to connect your smartphone to the display, then a portable monitor could be a game-changer.
Portable monitors do add a lot of versatility and might be that one addition that takes your workspace to the next level of flexibility. Check out some of the best portable monitor deals here down below.
Those are our picks for the best monitor deals you can get right now. Whether you’re working or gaming, these options should give your PC a boost!
