Unless you plan on conducting all of your virtual meetings at arm's length or from the end of a selfie stick, an excellent webcam is a home office essential nowadays — and a must-have accessory for your setup if you plan to stream or create content online.

While practically every laptop offers a built-in webcam, OEMs rarely deliver an impressive camera as standard. Sure, the 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro's 12MP Center Stage camera proves there are exceptions. However, generally speaking, your default webcam likely isn't cutting it.

If you're tired of falling back on your grainy, dimly lit, and low-resolution stock webcam, then it's time to invest in an external webcam to look and sound your best with sharper, richer audio and visual flair.

From an affordable all-rounder like the Logitech HD Webcam C920, perfect for meetings and video calls, to the advanced flexibility of the Insta360 Link 2, ideal for content creation or hosting presentations, our roundup of the best webcams offers some genuinely fantastic options for laptops and desktop computers alike.

The quick list

Best overall

The $60 Logitech HD Webcam C920 was an easy favorite. Images we took with the 1080p camera were sharp, color-accurate, and crystal clear. The C920's 78-degree field of view could comfortably fit two people in the frame for a teleconference. The software with the C920 lets you implement filters, adjust the angle, use the webcam as a security camera, and take photos to save to your hard drive.

This is by far the best webcam out there, and there’s no way any reasonable person could return to the terrible webcams attached to a standard laptop. The Logitech HD Webcam C920 smashes the competition, and once you try it, you’ll unlikely regret it. Additionally, it’s excellent value. $60 for a webcam isn’t a steep price for a future of crisp and clear images.

See our Logitech HD Webcam C920 review.

Best premium webcam

While the webcam that tops our list is a great option suitable for everyday use, the Insta360 Link 2 goes above and beyond, cramming an impressive amount of features and configurability into its typical $199 price tag.

The most stand-out feature is the Link 2's unique dual-axis gimbal design, which allows the 4K webcam to turn and tilt, ensuring you're framed and in focus at all times with its AI tracking, even while moving.

It's ideal for content creation and presenting at a high standard, with the camera also able to snap focus and crop the image to capture whiteboards, or spin down to DeskView for more technical or hands-on demonstrations.

Thanks to an improved 1/2-inch sensor, the Link 2 works excellently in low-light conditions, but when paired with the right lighting setup, you'll capture richly detailed and crisp images that are comparable to DSLR alternatives.

See our full Insta360 Link 2 review.

Best travel webcam

Sure, your laptop's webcam is probably terrible, most are, but are you going to bring a big external webcam with you everywhere? As a remote worker, I've faced this decision many times, and I virtually never take one with me and make do with subpar image quality. The Opal Tadpole webcam is finally the solution to this issue that so frequent travelers have been waiting for.

The Opal Tadpole will remind you of the old clip-on iPod Shuffle, and it is as dead simple to use as the Shuffle, too, with plug-and-play using the built-in USB-C cable. Opal Camera sells a $25 "yoyo" travel case that can fully secure the Tadpole, but its cable can also be used to loop it on your bag. It's so tiny you will never notice it in your bag, but you'll be thrilled you have it when you see the crisp, clear image on your video call instead of the noisy, garbled mess of your built-in webcam.

If you don't ever travel, then by all means, go with another option on this list, like the Insta360 Link webcam above. Thanks to a larger sensor, you'll get more features and a better overall image, but when it comes to a travel-friendly go-anywhere webcam with quality that will blow your laptop webcam away, the Opal Tadpole is it.

See our full Opal Tadpole review

Best midrange webcam

Anker’s PowerConf C200 2k webcam is stylish, sturdy, and affordable ($69.99). It also has a physical shutter to keep the creeps out. What’s wonderfully disturbing about this Anker webcam is that it is on par with or superior to many of the far pricier webcams I have reviewed in the past two years.

The Anker PowerConf C200 is a bargain that delivers high-quality images and video for a fraction of the cost of many other webcams and conference cams. For $69.99, you get a webcam that provides crisp, color-accurate images in normal and low-light conditions with super-fast autofocus.

See our full Anker PowerConf C200 review

Best 4K webcam

If you're looking to prioritize a quality 4K image, the Logitech MX Brio 4K is the way to go. It'll cost you $200, but if you're willing to dish out the extra money, it's a level up from the more affordable options thanks to its 8.5MP Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor.

Not only will this yield a better image in good lighting, but if you don't always have perfect control of your lighting, it will hold up better than the competition in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

While Logitech's AI tracking is not bad, we would still recommend something like the Insta360 Link 2 if tracking movement or more dynamic content is a high priority for you. The built-in mic could also be better, but it's a definite improvement over your laptop mic, and its 4K resolution offers incredibly sharp images that can track your face, body, whiteboards, and even your desk.

See our full Logitech MX Brio 4K webcam review.

Feature comparisons

Recent reviews

Not every webcam we review makes it to this list, but that's not to say they aren't worth looking into. While some of the following webcams may not be the best in their category, that's not to say they aren't fantastic options.

How to find the right webcam

Regardless of the specs, the most important focus (pardon the pun) for a webcam is the crispness of its image and video quality. Combine this with the product's price, and you have an essential checklist of webcam priorities. However, there are a few other things to consider.

Perhaps you want your webcam to be as portable as possible. The Opal Tadpole would be a perfect choice for that purpose. If you need something high-end with excellent features like a noise-canceling microphone and AI Tracking, the Insta360 Link is a great pick.

Alternatively, you might desire cheap and high-quality, so the Logitech HD Webcam C920 (~$60) could be worth it for those needing a solid camera on a budget. Don't mind spending up? You can invest in a Logitech Brio 4K Pro Webcam for around $200. Although expensive, its incredible image quality could more than compensate for it if you're interested in professional streaming.

FAQs

What webcam features do you need to look for?

If you're using your webcam for video calls, virtual presentations, or live streams, the key features will be resolution and frame rate. The higher the resolution, the better the image quality. Regarding frame rate, while 60 fps is ideal at max resolution, a 30 fps 4K webcam is more than adequate for most video calls and streams.

If you use your webcam in dimly lit spaces or while moving around, you may want to look for advanced features like HDR and AI face tracking.

What webcams are best for streaming?

While many of the top Twitch and YouTube content creators use mirrorless cameras for their streams, any of our top Webcams will work fine for casual streams. Unless you plan to make your reaction feed the highlight of your stream, you just need a decent FHD (1920 x 1080p) webcam for most streaming purposes.

How to set up a webcam?

Every webcam is different, but generally speaking, you'll connect it to your laptop or desktop and then make sure your operating system recognizes it. You may need to update or download drivers or specialized software to get the most out of your webcam's range of features.

Why trust Laptop Mag?

Laptop Mag reviews over one hundred different laptops every year, from paperweight ultralights to everyday workhorses to lumbering gaming notebooks that scorch the frame rates of even the hottest AAA games. We're not just experts in the laptop field, as we go one step further by meticulously testing smartphones, tablets, headphones, webcams, PC accessories, software, and even the latest in gaming. And yes, webcams, too!

We are 100% independent and have decades of experience to help you buy with confidence. In fact, Laptop Mag has been testing and reviewing products for three decades, and we continue to deliver trustworthy reviews you can rely on.

Our experienced team of writers and editors scour the available information about the laptop and put it through its paces to determine which is best for you. But before they start, the testing team subjects each system to a rigorous regimen of synthetic and real-world tests to see how a system handles the type of work and games you’re most likely to throw at it.

Our editorial trustworthiness is enforced by one of the world's largest technology publishers, Future Publishing. As a company, we have unrivaled experience across every tech sector — and we're the group's specialist for all things mobile tech.

Your laptop or desktop might be holding your setup back — but you don't necessarily need a new machine. If you're drowning in cables, running out of ports, or feeling cramped on a 13-inch screen, one of the best docking stations could transform your setup overnight.

Before you start upgrading to one of the best laptops for more ports or screen space, there’s another option. If your setup is bogged down by too many cables and not enough ports, or your laptop’s humble 13-inch display isn't enough to contain your workload, you might not need a new machine — you might just need a docking station.

One of the best docking stations will give you access to more ports (with greater variety), solid passthrough charging for your device, and support for multiple external monitors.

Pairing a laptop with the right dock lets you expand your setup in ways that rival even the best desktops. You get to keep the portability and go-anywhere potential of your laptop, while still enjoying the full workstation experience at home or at the office.

If you recently invested in a powerful gaming laptop with Thunderbolt 5 or a high-end content creation machine like the MacBook Pro 16 M4, 2025 will be an exciting year. The latest Thunderbolt 5 docking stations are rolling out with faster charging, higher data rates, and better support for external monitors.

In the meantime, our roundup of the best Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C docking stations already offers fantastic options. These products can radically improve your setup, big or small, and unlock the full potential of your device. The real question is, which dock should you buy?

I've personally reviewed over 20 laptop docking stations for Laptop Mag in the last two years — and tested many more — making sure they deliver on manufacturer promises and real-world performance.

This buying guide highlights the best docking stations I've tested so far, across a range of categories, from speedy Thunderbolt 4 docks to affordable picks that don't skimp on features or performance. We also include a ranking of the best USB-C cables and accessories.

Do you need help or further information before you decide which dock is right for you? Our handy FAQs section answers many common questions buyers have when making a purchasing decision.

With that in mind, let's dive into our selection of the best laptop docking stations in 2025.

Best Docking Stations 2025: The list in brief

The best laptop docking stations in 2025

Best overall

There are very few things I could fault Plugable's TBT4-UDZ docking station on, but, in contrast, the list of platitudes I could give it is almost as long as this product's official name: the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station—a name that leaves very little to the imagination yet proudly displays its stronger features from the get-go.

I loved using Plugable's Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 docking station, and I was particularly impressed by its overall versatility. Its awesome array of 16 ports sports variety in spades, with a mix of display options and a welcoming blend of modern and legacy ports. Where the TBT4-UDZ lacks variety is in the performance of each one of those ports, with top-tier speeds pouring out of every input.

As the dock's name implies, the TBT4-UDZ packs super-fast Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 ports, allowing data transfer rates of up to 40Gbps to and from compatible machines. Speeds like this are the death knell of sluggish progress bars as you transfer large files back and forth, making it an excellent option for those who deal in video or creative content or for those who use external storage.

Plugable's dock also incorporates a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port for ultra-fast and solidly reliable data speeds over an RJ45 connection. This stand-out feature is otherwise rare in most of the docks on this list, which are limited to 1Gbps. This ensures your host machine will be given the maximum opportunity to make the most of your internet connection or LAN.

Whether stood or laid flat, I effortlessly incorporated this dock into a number of different setups, which provided me with plenty of room for expansion. With dozens of ports at my mercy, I could manage a plethora of peripherals and a genuine arsenal of accessories.

I was also greatly impressed by the dock's support for external monitors. It offers connections to handle up to four external displays (2 x HDMI and 2 x DisplayPort) at resolutions up to 4K and refresh rates of 60Hz.

While my typical day-to-day setup doesn't require anywhere near that amount of displays to hand, there are absolutely folks out there who need every last inch of screen space possible when it comes to juggling huge amounts of information spread across multiple spreadsheets or multitasking across several apps without needing to switch between open windows to do so. The experience was flawless, and a genuine eye-opener into the productivity boosts available as you expand your virtual workspace.

Plugable's docking station is a 15-port masterpiece: a premium product that delivers a premium experience without cranking the price up to eye-watering levels. Alongside the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 mentioned elsewhere in this list, it's one of my favorite docking stations of our selection, and it often finds its way back into my setup when I'm not making space for whichever dock is next up for review.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station review.

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Best budget

It's hard to deny the impact that a docking station can make on your setup, but it's easy to talk yourself out of it if you're buying on a budget that can't stretch to some of the more expensive models out there.

However, not everybody needs to buy big in order to get the most bang for their buck. If you're looking for a dock to manage a more modest setup, then the Dell Dual Charge Dock will not only serve you well, but also provide an excellent 12W Qi wireless charging cradle in the process.

When I reviewed the Dell Dual Charge Dock at the end of 2023, I was amazed at how effortlessly it found a home on my desk and at how quickly it because a vital piece of equipment for keeping my smartphone topped up throughout the day at the same time as my laptop with its 90W of Power Delivery.

While Dell's docking station might be small, its potential for managing your setup and keeping a host of devices powered is anything but. This 8 port expansion offers mostly legacy USB Type-A ports (though video outputs, ethernet, and a USB Type-C port also feature), which are ideal for managing wired/wireless mice or keyboards an a host of other common peripherals. It can also manage up to two external displays with its HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 video outputs.

Even though it's small, the Dell Dual Charge Dock offers some impressive cable management to boot, ensuring that you can have a busy workspace that remains clear and clutter free.

It's sub-$100 price is a rarity for docking stations with this level of function and quality behind them, and while it's by no means a perfect product, it does so much right that it becomes difficult to hold its lack of an SD/micro SD card reader against it, or even that it features a tethered host cable.

The Dell Dual Charge Dock is impressive value for money, refusing to leave you feeling short changed for picking up an affordable option. It's not just a dock, its the point of power for your setup, and it can also double up as a handy display stand for other devices while on charge, too.

If the Dell Dual Charge Dock's asking price is still too rich for your blood, don't fret! I'd recommend checking out our selection of the best USB Type-C hubs instead for a look at some smaller and more affordable options.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Dell Dual Charge Dock review

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Best premium

Logitech's Logi Dock is the docking station so good that they almost named it twice. It's no easy task for a docking station to generate excitement. Hardware like this is designed to be functional, and its design and additional features are often seen as an aftersight.

However, Logitech has seemingly pulled off the impossible with the Logi Dock, creating a device that is stunning to have featured in your setup and serves many purposes along the way.

Not only is Logitech's offering a fantastic premium product, but it excels in connectivity: It uniquely offers Bluetooth 5.1 pairing of up to 7 additional devices beyond its eight-port expansion. Of those ports, three are USB Type-C, two are USB Type-A, and the remaining two are HDMI and DisplayPort outputs that support resolutions up to 4K with HDR and a 60Hz refresh rate.

You may notice that none of the ports mentioned were Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 compatible, which, I can't lie, would have really pushed the Logi Dock to all-new heights. However, it would likely have pushed its cost in a similar direction, and the Logi Dock already has a premium price tag.

Far be it from me to turn my nose up to a solid USB Type-C dock, though. Especially when there's so much more on offer here than a simple case of port expansion. This dock is also outfitted with custom 55mm neodymium drivers, making it a stereo soundbar with no right sounding as impressive as it does for being part of a docking station setup.

But that's the trick Logitech has pulled here. The Logi Dock isn't just a docking station; it's also a fully-fledged conferencing tool with a built-in noise and echo-canceling beam-forming mic array, simplifying your setup for both work and entertainment. It's a little bit of everything, and it does it all impressively well, but it does come with a challenging price tag.

This kind of multi-functionality is hard to come by regarding docking stations, but it's one of the things I enjoy coming across most. Docking stations can get a little dry and bland sometimes, and there's nothing wrong with that. They are, after all, meant to blend into the background and quietly manage your setup from the shadows. However, when manufacturers think outside the box and combine their docks with other accessories or peripherals, they address one of a dock's primary tasks, which is often overlooked: Cable management.

Cable management isn't exactly at the top of the list of things reviewers take a docking station to task for, but I'm not like most reviewers. I believe that the hardware responsible for managing your connections should do a decent job of keeping things neat and tidy as it does so. It reflects the thought that went into the dock itself, after all.

I'm also a firm believer that there's no better cable management than being able to replace the need for specific cables to be there in the first place. The Logitech Logi Dock is a docking station first and a mic and speaker bar second, eliminating the need for separate devices cluttering your setup.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Logitech Logi Dock review.

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Best Thunderbolt 4

Whether you own a Thunderbolt 4 computer, USB4 Chromebook, or Apple Silicon MacBook, the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is a fantastic solution for your workstation needs—especially if those needs require you to have access to some of the fastest data transfer rates until Thunderbolt 5 docks begin making an appearance.

However, its power does lead to a considerable drawback: its price. The TS4 is one of the more expensive options on this list, and considering the already high price of docking stations, that's saying something. Performance is what you're paying for here, and you'll get it in spades, along with plenty of ports and a considerable power supply.

The TS4 offers an incredible 18 additional ports (17 after the host port is connected), including an SD and microSD card reader, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a myriad of audio and USB Type-A/Type-C ports.

It's port expansion heaven, which sounds so dull it could make trainspotting look like Monday Night Football, though I promise you that's far more exciting than I made it sound.

Throw a dart at this dock, and you're likely to hit a port offering impressively fast speeds. This makes it the perfect option for professional power users who need a full array of accessories to maximize their productivity and performance.

That productivity can be further enhanced with support for up to two external displays. A DisplayPort 1.4 connection will allow for an external display with up to 8K resolution, or it can work in tandem with a USB-C DP port to power two displays with 4K resolutions at a refresh rate of 60Hz. You can even drive an external display for your Chromebook if it has a USB4 connection.

Better still, the TS4 is a veritable desktop power station, offering 98W of host charge and a number of powered ports to keep your peripherals and sidekick devices juiced up throughout the day. Included among that number is a USB Type-C port that offers 20W of Power Delivery alone, ideal for keeping your smartphone or tablet topped up throughout the day.

The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 isn't the latest Thunderbolt dock to release, but no matter how many more I've come across, I always return to the TS4 as my favorite.

Based on performance alone, it's one of the best options. Still, factor in its tiny footprint, vertical/horizontal positioning, excellent cable management, and wealth of power for your host machine and other devices, and you have a brilliant docking station — one well worth its place on this list.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 review.

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Best USB Type-C

The Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station is a sleek and deceptively crafty device that effortlessly blends into your setup by posing as a modern monitor stand. However, it's also an exceptional docking station, pulling double duties as an excellent port expansion and charging solution that offers top-tier cable management.

Anker's dock has been one of my favorites to review this year, as I'm always impressed when a docking station goes the extra mile to cover as much ground as possible. Multipurpose docking stations like the Anker 675 allow you to make the most of smaller desks or more confined work areas by taking on multiple roles within your setup.

With this dock in place, not only did I not need a separate monitor stand to ensure my screen was positioned correctly, but I also didn't need to worry about finding a place to charge my smartphone either, thanks to a built-in Qi-certified 10W wireless charging panel embedded into the aircraft-grade aluminum shelf.

However, while I personally use a monitor arm for my display, I still found great use for the Anker 675 to neatly house my most used accessories and peripherals—keeping my desk and work area looking immaculate in the process. Aiding that further is the Anker 675's incredible cable management system, which includes an underside cable caddy to keep wires tucked neatly out of sight.

If you're a power user and want multiple displays simultaneously, then Anker's dock might not be everything you're hoping for. This dock only supports one external display, but it does so at 4K resolutions and 60Hz. The Anker 675's sturdy frame is great for monitors up to 24 inches, but it can support whichever size display you prefer as long as it doesn't exceed the aluminum frame's 22-pound weight limit.

While each of the Anker 675's available ports is speedy (with plenty of them also offering decent charging options beyond the 100W of Power Delivery to the host machine), they are limited in number. This is another reason this dock would be excellent for smaller setups.

However, there's still plenty of space to connect a mouse and keyboard, with ports left over for additional peripherals. There's even a built-in SD/microSD card reader so you can quickly access flash memory if your laptop doesn't offer a reader of its own.

It might not be the most powerful dock available, with no Thunderbolt 4 support. But Anker's dock is definitely among the most useful, going above and beyond to manage your setup and ensure that every bit of space you have is made good use of.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station review.

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Best gaming

Despite the Razer branding, this Thunderbolt 4 dock isn't marketed as a gaming docking station, but its gamer aesthetic and high-performance ports and video output make it an ideal option for those looking to level-up their setup or battlestation.

The Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma oozes Razer's modern gamer chic with its monolithic aluminum chassis. However, while strikingly modern and sleek, this is a Razer product, and no Razer product is quite complete without a peppering of RGB lighting. For the Chroma, this means rich underglow lighting from a 12-zone RGB strip that traces the base of the dock along the sides and front.

This striking feature makes the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma look absolutely stunning against the typically hum-drum appearance of its contemporaries, and can be customized to show various colors in a range of patterns—the Razer Synapse app even allows for advanced customization that can color match to certain areas of your screen, adding a small but noticeable level of ambient lighting to your setup.

It's not all about this dock's looks. Razer's Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma is also an incredibly speedy Thunderbolt docking station that offers three additional downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports that provide power, fantastic data transfer rates of up to 40Gbps, and excellent video output options.

There's no HDMI or DisplayPort outputs on Razer's dock, meaning if you're not using a USB Type-C or Thunderbolt monitor then you'll need to pick up an adapter to link up an external display. However, the dock's speedy Thunderbolt 4 ports also offer impressive bandwidth that can provide high resolution support and super fast refresh rates to up to two monitors at once.

If you're running at 4K resolutions, then Razer's dock will provide refresh rates of up to 60Hz. Razer's dock can also deliver refresh rates of up to 144Hz or 240Hz for monitors with QHD or FHD resolutions, respectively. This makes it a fantastic option for gamers who want all the benefits of an excellent Thunderbolt 4 dock, without sacrificing on buttery smooth game-friendly performance.

The major downside of Razer's Thunderbolt 4 dock is its 90W of Power Delivery. It falls far short of keeping even a modest gaming laptop fully charged under load, and will force you to keep using your proprietary charger if you want to avoid cutting your play time short.

While this likely isn't too much of a hassle, as most gaming laptops will take up semi-permanent positions at a desk for most, it can be frustrating to know that this dock's charging potential, which is a big factor in its $299 (at the time of reviewing) price tag, is something you won't be able to make regular use of.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma review.

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Best for MacBook

Let me tell you about Satechi's Dual Dock Stand—a device that performs triple duty as a docking station, ergonomic laptop stand, and external SSD enclosure. As mentioned earlier, I'm a big proponent of multi-purpose devices like this. I firmly believe that an excellent all-in-one solution is far easier to manage than three separate devices.

Decked out in Space Metal Grey, Satechi's dock is the ideal MacBook companion visually and a vital accessory for functionality. It offers everything you'd need from a workstation set up with a zero-footprint design that fits snugly under your MacBook, greatly expanding your device's potential and comfort without becoming a distraction.

The Dual Dock Stand's built-in SSD enclosure isn't just ideal for augmenting the storage of your MacBook. Thanks to this dock's lightweight build, tethered host cables, and portability, it can also act as an external SSD, helping to transfer data between devices quickly.

The charge offered by Satechi's dock isn't as high as that of other entrants to this list, offering just 75W of charge to the host machine. However, with Apple's latest MacBooks taking advantage of the impressively efficient Apple Silicon chipsets (M1 > M3), this is enough power to keep most MacBooks topped up easily across your standard working day.

However, there are trade-offs to be made. Satechi's dock is a bit of a port hog for one. It'll require both of your left-hand Thunderbolt ports to run at its fullest potential. This means that if you want to take full advantage of the speeds offered by that standard, you won't be able to do so while the dock is connected.

Of the nine ports it offers in return, none allow you to take full advantage of the host machine's Thunderbolt-capable speeds. You'll be limited to speeds you'd find with any other USB Type-C hub or dock, which could be a deal breaker for power users looking to maximize their productivity and take full advantage of the bandwidth available on their host machine.

If that's a deal breaker for you, I would advise seeking a dedicated Thunderbolt 4 dock like the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 mentioned earlier in this list.

Many docking stations will work with a MacBook, and if you're interested in seeing which are the best for the Apple ecosystem specifically, check out our selection of the best docking stations for MacBooks. All the previously mentioned docks on this list also work with MacBooks. It's just that this dock is specifically designed to work primarily with Apple's laptops.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Satechi Dual Dock Stand review.

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Comparison chart

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Recently reviewed

Not every docking station we review makes it to this list, but that's not to say they aren't worth an honorable mention at the very least. While some of the following docking stations may not be the best laptop docking stations in their category, that's not to say they aren't some fantastic options regardless.

FAQs

• Q: What is a laptop docking station?
  A: Docking stations are primarily hardware port extensions for your PC or laptop. Their core feature is to grant access to more ports with a wider port type selection. This gives you more options for maximizing your machine's productivity, efficiency, and potential by making more peripherals and accessories available at any one time.
  
  In addition to this, most modern docking stations allow you to manage a number of external displays to expand your screen space with ease. They can also supply your laptop (and often accessories, too) with a steady stream of power. This means you can sidestep the use of your laptop's proprietary charger and, highlighting a dock's impressive cable management potential, cut down on the amount of wires in use.
  
  However, some docks offer additional features like doubling as an ergonomic laptop stand, improving audio potential with built-in speakers, or subtly taking its place on your desk while acting as a monitor stand.
  
• Q: Do I need a docking station?
  A: We can't say for certain that you "need" a docking station, but we can say that most people looking to build a computing setup around a laptop probably should have a docking station.
  
  Considering the number of available ports on modern laptops and their lack of legacy USB I/O, it's likely that you will eventually come unstuck when relying solely on your laptop to manage a host of peripherals, accessories, and external displays.
  
  A docking station manages all of that for you, greatly increasing the number of ports you can use and the variety of ports you have to hand. Not only this, they can help you manage external monitors to great effect, catering to additional screen real estate for productivity, and higher refresh rates for gaming.
  
• Q: Why are docking stations so expensive?
  A: While a docking station might not look deserving of its price tag from the outside, the inside can house as many chips as the laptop it's connecting to.
  
  Docking stations are incredibly complex hardware that needs to manage several streams of traffic simultaneously, including data, video, and often audio, while supplying a steady stream of power to the host machine and any connected peripherals.
  
  As such, higher-quality docking stations can quickly increase prices. However, that increased asking price will often translate into expanded performance, more ports, and better support for faster, higher-resolution external displays.
  
  We answer this question in more depth in our article: "Why are docking stations so damn expensive?"
  
• Q: Can I use a docking station with my MacBook?
  A: Absolutely! We looked specifically at the best MacBook docking stations, but each dock listed on this page should work fine with Apple devices. However, it's worth noting that due to limitations with earlier Apple M-Series chipsets, the number of external displays you can use will vary. This shifted with the Apple M4 laptops, so the current best MacBooks all support at least two external displays.
  
  If you're unsure, check how many displays can be connected to your MacBook beforehand.
  
• Q: Can I use a docking station with my gaming laptop?
  A: You can use a docking station with your gaming laptop. However, while you'll still be able to use the expanded port options for peripherals or external hard drives, you'll likely encounter an issue with power delivery.
  
  Most current docking stations charge the host machine with up to 100W. While this is fine for most mainstream laptop models, your gaming laptop is likely to require a little more juice to power itself as it performs more strenuous gaming-related tasks.
  
  Future devices that use Thunderbolt 5 or USB4 2.0 as a standard will be much more accommodating to gaming laptops thanks to an expanded Power Delivery range of up to 240W.
  
  Until then, you're likely to get the best experience by using your gaming laptop's proprietary charger for power needs and using a docking station for its expanded port selection.
  
  We answer this question in more depth in our article: "Do you need a docking station for gaming?"
  
• Q: Which types of docking stations are the fastest?
  A: Presently, Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4 (40Gbps) docking stations are the best pick if you want the fastest data transfer speeds and best overall performance.
  
  In the future, these docks will likely be overtaken by Thunderbolt 5 and USB4 2.0 docking stations, which may offer speeds of 80Gbps and improved power delivery of up to 240W.
  
• Q: What are the differences between a Thunderbolt/USB4 docking station and a USB-C docking station?
  A: One of the key differences between these types of docking stations is data transfer speed. Thunderbolt 4 docking stations have access to transfer speeds of 40Gbps, double that of the fastest standard USB-C port speeds. USB4 docks can achieve similar speed levels but can be capped at 20Gbps, so check its specifications before buying.
  
  These expanded speeds are great for faster, snappier, and more responsive connections and reduce the risk of a performance bottleneck. While USB-C docks can offer a similar number of high-spec ports to a Thunderbolt dock, the increased bandwidth of a Thunderbolt connection allows for more of those ports to work near their maximum potential simultaneously.
  
• Q: How many external monitors can I connect to a docking station?
  A: Currently, docking stations typically support up to four external displays.
  
• Q: Do all laptops support external displays through docking stations?
  A: No, not every laptop can support external displays. If you own a laptop with a Thunderbolt port, connecting a docking station to that port will allow you to extend your screen without issues.
  
  However, if your laptop doesn't use a Thunderbolt connection, you must ensure that your USB-C port supports DisplayPort over USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode).
  
• Q: How do I know if my laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode)?
  A: Typically, you can tell if your laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C by looking at the symbol next to the port. If you spot the DisplayPort logo (a letter ‘D’ overlaid with the letter ‘P’), you should have no issues extending your display.

If you don't see the DisplayPort logo next to your USB-C port but notice a lightning bolt symbol instead, this means that this is a Thunderbolt port. Once again, Thunderbolt ports like this should have no issues supporting external displays.

If you can't see any symbols or logos next to your laptop's ports, check the manual or documentation that came with it for information on port specifications.

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How we test docking stations

Every item we review at Laptop Mag is subject to a variety of synthetic and real-life tests to ensure the product operates as claimed and meets the needs and wants of our readers. Docking stations are not different, though there's more involved in our testing process than simply running through a checklist of a manufacturer's claims.

When it comes to docks, we judge a product's performance based on five metrics: power, ports, performance, presentation, and price.

Firstly, we ensure that a docking station delivers the expected charge by connecting it to various laptops (with increasing power demands) and observing how well they maintain their charge throughout a working day. We also use USB power meters to measure the wattage of the charge heading to the host machine.

Secondly, we use the dock's ports to accommodate peripherals, monitors, and accessories across various setups to test how the number of available ports fares depending on the use case. This helps us to determine a dock's ideal use case, with port number and variety all playing a role in determining how it can best be used.

We then test each of these ports, ensuring they perform to the standards claimed by the manufacturer. This can involve transferring files back and forth to and from an external SSD onto the host machine and connecting multiple monitors to the dock's video outputs to ensure there is no noticeable lag or visual hiccups.

Then, we consider how well the dock handles cable management, a key but often overlooked feature. This also takes into account port placement and the dock's overall design and layout.

Finally, we use these metrics to judge the value of each dock against its MSRP to ensure it's a worthy investment. Docking stations are notoriously expensive pieces of hardware to invest in, so we want to ensure that every docking station we recommend delivers the quality that its price tag might suggest.

With this in mind, we score each dock using a 5-star rating, and we select the best docks within certain categories to appear on this page.

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Why trust Laptop Mag?

Laptop Mag reviews over one hundred different laptops every year, from paperweight ultralights to everyday workhorses to lumbering gaming notebooks that scorch the frame rates of even the hottest AAA games. We're not just experts in the laptop field, as we go one step further by meticulously testing smartphones, tablets, headphones, PC accessories, software, and even the latest peripherals and titles in gaming.

We are 100% independent and have decades of experience to help you buy with confidence. In fact, Laptop Mag has been testing and reviewing products for three decades and continues to deliver trustworthy reviews you can rely on.

Our experienced writers and editors scour information about the laptop and put it through its paces to determine which is best for you. But before they start, the testing team subjects each system to a rigorous regimen of synthetic and real-world tests to see how a system handles the type of work and games you’re most likely to throw at it.

One of the world's largest technology publishers, Future Publishing, enforces our editorial trustworthiness. As a company, we have unrivaled experience across every tech sector — and we're the group's specialist for all things mobile tech.

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The best external DVD/Blu-ray drives thumb their noses at streaming platforms, granting you an internet-free gateway to some of your favorite games and movies and all of that digital rights nonsense that claims you don't get to own the things you buy through online services.

Whether you're disappointed by the increasing "streaming purges" on Disney Plus, Max, and other subscription services, or you're tired of paying for numerous streaming services monthly, a DVD drive is becoming a must-have piece of tech once again.

Sadly, not all physical media is made available digitally, and there's plenty of personal footage and data out there that you might only be able to watch via DVD.

My favorite example is 2010’s Transformers: War for Cybertron, an outstanding game practically scrubbed from existence on digital storefronts. You'll have to cough up an arm, a leg, and half an ear to get a legitimate game key from a gray market site, but if you already have the physical game, an optical drive can save you hundreds of dollars to play this hard-to-get gem.

Speaking of hard-to-get, one of the more obvious choices would be to invest in a laptop with a CD-DVD drive, but given the lack of any modern options, you'd be putting yourself at a great disadvantage in doing so.

If you’re looking to invest in an external DVD drive but don’t know where to start, you've come to the right place. We’ve scoured the market and compiled our shortlist of the best external DVD and Blu-ray drives. Let's dive in.

Best external DVD drives in 2025: The list in brief

The best external DVD drives in 2025

Best overall

The ASUS ZenDrive U9M is a solid choice for anybody looking to add an optical drive to their setup. Not only is its stylish, Zen garden-esque hairline finish striking, but the ZenDrive U9M also boasts decent performance with read and write speeds of up to 8x for DVDs and 24x for CDs.

Desktop compatibility is one of ZenDrive’s biggest strengths. The optical drive supports most major operating systems, such as macOS (10.6 and above), Windows (8 / 8.1 and above), and Linux.

The ZenDrive also comes with two cable options, allowing either a USB 2.0 Type-A or Type-C connection, depending on your available ports. It also completely supports the entire range of CD and DVD disc types for playback and writing and M-Disc support for unparalleled archiving of all your digital data.

The ASUS ZenDrive U9M is available for just $34.99, which is a fair price for what's on offer. Better still, the ZenDrive comes bundled with handy software like CyberLink’s Power2Go and PowerBackup.

Also included is Nero BackItUp and a 12-month subscription to the ASUS Webstorage Cloud Service. ASUS’s external DVD drive is a fantastic all-rounder that doesn’t just grant access to physical media but makes for an impressive tool for backing up and archiving your most important data.

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Best premium

Verbatim's UHD 4K Blu-ray writer does it all, allowing you to play and digitize CD, DVD, and Blu-ray content on Windows and Mac devices with ease (at least with the former).

While the external drive will work with Mac, you'll need to make use of third-party software to do much of the heavy lifting, as the bundled Nero Brun and Archive software isn't compatible with macOS.

Blu-ray playback is also something that requires third-party software for both Windows and Mac, which is standard for all Blu-ray drives.

Verbatim's drive particularly stands out due to its UHD 4K support, which is rarer to find in external drives of this kind, and reflected in its slightly higher $100+ price tag.

The 43888 Blu-Ray Writer is great for digital archiving, capable of storing up to 100GB of data on BDXL discs at speeds of around 27MB/s.

If you're looking for a one-stop solution to your physical media needs, then Verbatim's Blu-ray drive checks all of the boxes: wide compatibility, decent performance, and impressively portable.

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Best Budget

Looking for a reliable disc drive that won't break the bank? The LG GP65 Slim is the way to go. This no-frills portable disc drive gives you all the basics you need for less than $30. It's even available in four different colors: black, silver, gold, and white.

The LG GP65 Slim is a great option for anyone who just needs a basic drive for things like watching movies, where ultra-fast read/write speed isn't a huge concern.

Maybe you're getting back into physical media or found some old movies you want to revisit but don't have a DVD player around anymore. This portable drive is a good alternative that costs less than most DVD players.

The LG GP65 Slim is also a good pick for those who need to bring a disc drive back and forth to work. It's the most lightweight drive on this list and the low price means it won't be a big deal to replace it if you accidentally lose or damage this drive during your commute.

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Frequently asked questions

• Do I need an external CD/DVD/Blu-Ray optical drive?
  This one is entirely a question of preference. You'll notice that most modern laptops have completely omitted the optical drive for several years now, with media, games, and more now primarily available in digital or streaming formats. However, if you have a catalog of physical media you'd like to enjoy, then an external optical drive is a great way to make use of them on newer hardware.
  
• Do I need a special external drive for Mac?
  Possibly. If you're looking to use Blu-Ray disk for data storage, then as long as the drive you have in mind is compatible with macOS, you should be good to go. Blu-Ray media playback is not natively supported on Mac, so you'll need to make use of third-party software if you want to watch movies or TV shows from the disc.
  
• Can I burn CDs/DVDs/Blu-Rays with an external drive?
  Yes, as long as the drive is a "writer" that supports RE, RW, or R format. Just make sure the disks you're using are burnable and use your preferred format.
  
• Can I watch 4K UHD Blu-Rays using an external drive?
  Yes, but only through 4K UHD-compatible external drives. These are typically more expensive and harder to come by, and you'll need to use officially licensed software for playback.
  
• Can I use external optical drives to digitize my DVDs/Blu-Rays?
  Yes, but you'll need to make use of third-party "ripping" software to do so. Depending on where you live, making a digital archive of your physical media may fall into legally gray realms.

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How to choose an external DVD drive

Drive speed
The speed of the drive you pick determines how fast you’ll be able to read and write data within the drive. Speeds range from 1x (slowest) to 24x (quickest), with 1x speeds equating to a data rate of 1.385 MB/s. At this speed, it will take roughly an hour to write a single-layer DVD to capacity and 103 minutes for dual-layer DVDs.

Higher drive speeds indicate how much faster your drive will perform. This means if a drive states its speed as x20, it is twenty times as fast as the base x1 speed (1.385 MB/s * 20 = 27.7 MB/s). The most common read/write speed for an external DVD drive is x8, which results in a data rate of around 11.08 MB/s. The time it takes to write a single-layer DVD to capacity at this rate is just seven minutes, with a dual-layer DVD taking only thirteen minutes.

Connectivity
An important factor to consider when selecting an external DVD drive is the type of connection it uses. As laptops continue to follow the thin-and-light trend, legacy ports like USB Type-A are being phased out in favor of the smaller and faster USB Type-C port.

However, most external DVD drives continue to use Type-A connections because the data rate of even the fastest DVD drives (24x) is only 33.2 MB/s or 266 Mbps, which is well within the 60 MB/s or 480 Mbps bandwidth of a typical USB 2.0 Type-A connection.

While some modern external DVD drives do offer Type-C connections, most remain unchanged. If there are no legacy ports available, you may need a USB-A to USB-C adapter to connect the drive to your chosen device (especially a tablet or smartphone).

Compatibility
Commonly, most external DVD drives will work well with Windows and macOS right out of the box (as long as the Mac in question is a post-2008 model with no internal drive originally fitted). However, other operating systems like Linux, Android and Fire OS aren’t offered the same level of support.

If you are wanting to combine an external DVD player with a Linux or Android based device, make sure the manufacturer lists it as a compatible operating system before you make a purchase.

M-Disc support
Regular recordable DVDs are great for storing data as you move it from one device to the next, but if you want to store information long-term, you should use M-Disc DVDs.

All regular recordable DVDs have their data burnt into an organic dye layer that begins to degrade from the moment it is written to. This gives most standard recordable DVDs a limited lifespan that some estimate to be between two and five years. While it’s not too much hassle to make a new copy of your data within that window, the process can be time-consuming and tedious.

Enter the M-Disc DVD, a write-once optical disc that doesn’t use organic dyes to store data but instead uses a more powerful laser found in M-Disc compatible DVD drives to engrave data onto its glassy carbon surface.

Unlike the short lifespan of regular recordable DVDs, the material used in M-Disc DVDs offers a theoretical lifespan of 1,000 years. This makes drives with M-Disc support fantastic options for those seeking to create long-term backups of sensitive information or sentimental media without worrying about their data becoming lost or corrupted.

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Why trust Laptop Mag?

Laptop reviews over one hundred different laptops every year, from paperweight ultralights to everyday workhorses to lumbering gaming notebooks that scorch the frame rates of even the hottest AAA games. We're not just experts in the laptop field, as we go one step further by meticulously testing smartphones, tablets, headphones, PC accessories, software, and even the latest peripherals and titles in gaming.

We are 100 percent independent and have decades of experience to help you buy with confidence. In fact, Laptop has been testFuture Publishing, oneg and reviewing products for three decades and continues to deliver trustworthy reviews you can rely on.

Our experienced writers and editors scour information about the laptop and put it through its paces to determine which is best for you. But before they start, the testing team subjects each system to a rigorous regimen of synthetic and real-world tests to see how a system handles the type of work and games you’re most likely to throw at it.

One of the world's largest technology publishers, Future Publishing, enforces our editorial trustworthiness. As a company, we have unrivaled experience across every tech sector — and we're the group's specialist for all things mobile tech.

• ­Back to the top ⤴

I've had a pretty rocky relationship with smartwatches, but if there's one wearable that I've never had much of an issue with, it'd be smart glasses.

I've grown inseparable from my AI-enhanced frames, and own several pairs from different brands. And, while my Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses get the most love and use, there's another brand that I have a soft spot for: Solos.

With their ChatGPT integration being a particular stand-out feature, Solos' AirGo smart glasses might not have the designer clout of EssilorLuxottica behind them, but its latest AirGo V2 and AirGo A5 models make for some of the best alternatives to Meta's luxury line there is.

New AirGo smart glasses: Solos' new high

On Wednesday, Solos announced two new smart glasses models, the AirGo A5 and AirGo V2, at the Hong Kong Smartglasses summit.

These models follow previous impressive outings from the ChatGPT-enabled Solos AirGo 3 and camera-equipped Solos AirGo Vision.

The company's latest smart glasses feature the same modular SmartHinge system, making them backward compatible with previous frames, as most of the tech that makes each model so impressive is housed within its detachable temples.

The AirGo A5s are more of an ultra-light follow-up to the AirGo 3, focusing on the same audio experience prompted by voice commands in a pair of glasses that are practically indistinguishable from regular frames.

Meanwhile, the AirGo V2 stands as a direct competitor to the impressively popular Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, featuring a 16MP stabilized camera for capturing hands-free, HD pictures and video, and even offering real-time streaming alongside the usual AI copilot.

Both devices require a connection to your smartphone to use, linking with the all-new SolosChat 3.0 app, where you can monitor health metrics and continue to interact with multiple AI models, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and now even DeepSeek.

What's next

We're entering something of a Renaissance period for smart glasses at the moment, with particular emphasis on the AI.

Whether or not you've been convinced about Copilot's presence on your laptop, having hands-free access to some of the world's most powerful AI models at the drop of a wake word ("Hey Solos," in this instance) can come in shockingly handy.

I'm not one of those people who's going to use "AI wrote me a poem on the spot" as an example either. I'm not a bard in search of inspiration, after all.

However, from being able to snap a picture to learn more about something without needing to slow down your day, or just being able to field a 3 a.m. thought to ChatGPT and hear a satisfying answer, feels like more than a simple novelty.

While there are many smart glasses options to choose from right now, if the sound of Solos' Ray-Ban Meta alternatives has tweaked your ear, then you'll be happy to know that it's not just a feature set that is competitive with Meta's glasses, but the price is too.

The Solos AirGo A5 will be available starting Q3, 2025, becoming available to preorder from August for only $249.

The 16MP camera-touting Solos AirGo V2 glasses are expected to land in Q4, 2025 for $299.

Both will be available first from the solosglasses.com homepage.

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The Logitech MX Master 3 or MX Master 3S have dominated the best wireless mouse discussion since they launched in 2019 and 2022, respectively. While mice aren't updated on as aggressive a cycle as the best laptops, that's still a pretty long time since a meaningful change to the popular mouse.

Thanks to images published by the European Union Intellectual Property Office, we finally got a good look at what appears to be the long-awaited Logitech MX Master 4. Now, to be clear, the product name doesn't appear anywhere in the listing, but if you've ever seen an MX Master mouse, this is unmistakable.

What's new in the MX Master 4?

The images (shown below) provide a close-up view of the mouse from multiple angles, revealing a similar profile but a few key differences from its predecessor.

The most notable upgrade is a new button, positioned slightly ahead of the familiar two side buttons below the scroll wheel, on the edge of the mouse. This will be a welcome addition to the productivity enthusiasts who tend to gravitate to the MX Master line.

The large side button, where your thumb rests on the MX Master, is also much more pronounced in this new design. It formerly was blended into the mouse seamlessly, but now it clearly stands out as another button with a dotted circular design toward the front.

Looking at the top of the mouse, the right and left buttons now run uniformly across the top. On the MX Master 3 and 3S, there was a division between them running up to the main scroll wheel. The button below them shifts slightly down to account for that change, and the charging/battery LED moves from the side of the mouse to just below that button.

Unfortunately, we don't get any connectivity, battery, or DPI specs to go off of. The MX Master 3S offered an 8000 DPI sensor, so it's safe to assume the MX Master 4 will at least match that.

For now, we have to settle for some fairly subtle design changes and, of course, one more remappable button.

As a longtime user of the MX Master 3 and 3S, I'm pleased to see that the overall design remains similar, as the ergonomics are great for me. However, I hope Logitech has implemented a few more internal upgrades and that the material quality has improved. My white MX Master 3S still performs well, but the finish on it has worn away quickly.

When will the MX Master 4 launch?

The listing didn't provide any specific clues regarding a launch date, but the existence of the listing indicates that it is likely only months away.

The MX Master 3 was released in September of 2019, and the MX Master 3S was released in June of 2022, so we are in the expected window if Logitech sticks to its 3-year schedule.

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Meet the Keyview 13 Touch, a mechanical keyboard that’s tired of being referred to as an accessory or peripheral, and has adopted considerable main-character energy to become the star of your setup.

At its core, this peripheral chimera remains a keyboard, featuring a hot-swappable 75% or 82-key ANSI layout with PBT keycaps and mysterious “Yellow” switches — accented by RGB backlighting (and side lit similarly), and including a useful rotary dial at the top right of the device.

For some, that’s enough of a product as it is. However, the Keyview 13 Touch is barely getting started, with its additional 13-inch touchscreen being the tip of a bizarrely compelling iceberg.

Keyview 13 Touch: The keyboard of Theseus

When does a keyboard stop being a keyboard and become something else entirely?

The Keyview 13 Touch takes its keyboard offering and straps so many extras on top that you’d assume Aura Displays, the company behind it, was originally looking to make laptops, but after a failed delivery of mainboards and processors said “Screw it, let’s assemble anyway.”

The result? A 4.6-pound amalgamation of keyboard, monitor, docking station, and storage that’ll make you look like a closeted laptop lover living in denial.

The 13-inch, 24:9 touchscreen features a 10-point multitouch IPS panel with a 1920x720 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 300 nits. It’s also hinged, allowing it to lie flat above the keys or tilted up to 90 degrees. It even has a kickstand to gain a little bit of extra height and improve the keyboard’s ergonomics.

Micro monitors like this can be surprisingly useful, and ever since I got my hands on the Asus ZenBook Pro 14 Duo OLED a few years back, I’ve been enamored by the idea of adding a small ultra-widescreen secondary display to my setup. I just couldn’t stomach paying nearly $500 on the 14-inch, 32:9 ASUS ProArt Display at the time — so this, genuinely, appeals to me.

From there, the Keyview continues to blur the lines. It also features a built-in M.2 SSD slot for expanded storage, an SD/TF interface for storage cards, a 3.5mm twin USB 3.0 (5Gbps) ports, and two USB-C ports, one of which has 60W of Power Delivery. There’s even a small 1W speaker. For what reason, I’m unsure.

KeyView 13 Touch: Where to find it

While it might look bizarre, and it may seem overkill, the Keyview 13 Touch is one of those oddly compelling products that will have your mouse cursor hovering over the add to cart button and teetering over the thought to click.

I may even make that click myself. I’ve a soft spot for tech that’s a little odd, and the Keyview's display is something I’ve been looking to add to my setup for a while. If nothing else, it’s a conversation piece.

If you’re interested, the Keyview 13 Touch is available now for $399, 20% off its typical $499 price, from the Aura Display online store.

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When it comes to even many of the best laptops, the bar for built-in webcam quality is often placed so low that even a worm would have to suck in its gut to limbo under it. Still, many of us make do with what we’ve got. But we don’t have to. Webcam excellence is a single "Add to basket" click away, and there are few I'd recommend more than the gimbal-touting Insta360 Link 2.

The best webcams aren’t just a way of making sure you look your crispest over Zoom. They can turn setup into a studio, add an extra layer of professionalism to your next presentation, or bring a little cinema to your content creation.

Seeing a standalone webcam as part of a computing setup, especially on a laptop, feels incredibly archaic in 2025, like the tech equivalent of seeing somebody ride a Penny Farthing down Fifth Avenue.

But the humble webcam holds a strange distinction: it's the only computing peripheral that consistently bests its integrated counterpart, which, unless you own one of the best MacBooks, typically ranges from bad to really bad — while somehow being entirely overlooked as an essential accessory.

Needed by so many, yet recognized by so few, webcams (once a default accessory for anyone with a face and an internet connection) feel like the last niche accessory — hankered after by a subculture of hardware hipsters.

And if that imagery existed anywhere beyond the realms of my fever-dream-like imagination, there would be one webcam this collection of Capturecore cultists would covet above all others: the Insta 360 Link 2. The crown prince of cams and the heir apparent to the optical throne.

High praise? Absolutely. However, the next few hundred words may convince you that not only am I right, but that it's high time we reestablished the webcam as the vital component it is — and few webcams would serve you better, perched atop your laptop's screen, than the Insta360 Link 2.

Insta360 Link 2: Price and availability

The Insta360 Link 2's retail price is $199, but you can typically find it for around $169 on Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers.

Its most obvious comparison would be to the original Insta360 Link webcam, which the Link 2 mirrors almost perfectly on the specs front. However, the Link 2, while matching its predecessor spec-for-spec, can do so while shaving $100 off of the original’s $299 asking price.

We’re definitely at the more expensive end of the scale when it comes to webcams, but the Link 2 resides where it does for a reason. Its DSLR-like image and video quality, even under tough lighting conditions, alone will be worth the price for most.

However, if you’re a streamer, teacher, content creator, tutor, or routinely present information online, the Link 2’s impressive AI tracking, staging, and framing will grant you captivating and dynamic results that would usually require editing in post or a second hand on the controls to achieve.

If you’re looking for a webcam to get by with the basics, then there are plenty of more affordable options to run with. If all you need is a webcam for a few online classes or remote meetings, then a 4K webcam like this is perhaps a little overkill.

But if you’re looking for a webcam to embolden your setup in terms of professionalism and creativity, you’ve found it.

Insta360 Link 2: Design

It's not often, as a tech reviewer, that you get to genuinely praise the design of a webcam. Shapes and sizes may vary, but you generally know what to expect, making it hard to be caught off guard.

However, Insta360, fittingly to its name, is running circles around the idea of what a webcam can be, tossing away decades of vanilla peripheral design to deliver something shockingly refreshing.

The result is the Link 2, a device that looks like the happy offspring of Short Circuit protagonist, Johnny 5, and Luxo Jr. — the iconic Pixar lamp. I'd almost describe it as adorable as you can't help but see a friendly little robot head with its left eye formed by the webcam's lens, the right by its ring status light (which glows green when active and red when blocked), and a tiny button nose represented by a pinhole microphone.

Outfitted with a two-axis gimbal, the Link 2 sneers at the typical pan-and-scan of other webcams, that will crop a full-resolution image and scroll within its bounds to pseudo-track its subjects, physically turning and tilting its BD-1-like "head" and "body" to keep you at the center of its focus at all times.

Thanks to its AI tracking, the Insta360 Link 2 is like having your very own personal cameraperson with you at all times. Ready to frame your head, upper-body, or full form within its 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), gently rotating on each axis to produce more dynamic, professional results.

The included adjustable Magnetic Mount is adjustable to fit your laptop screen or monitor, and can be folded flat to sit on your desk or monitor riser without issue. The magnet itself is powerful, and the stand plenty weighty (raising the Link 2's 101.5-gram weight to 166.5 grams), meaning you won't find yourself flinging the Link 2 around your desk by accident, and a 1/4-inch mounting point on its base will allow you to easily attach a tripod for even better positioning.

Using a tripod (like, perhaps the Insta360 Mini 2-in-1 Tripod for $29) also allows you to turn the Link 2 on its side, flipping its 16:9 aspect ratio with it, and capture in social-media/smartphone-friendly 9:16 portrait orientation.

However, in this position, you will lose access to DeskView, another viewing option of Link 2 that drops the view down to your desk and flips the image for a near bird's eye view of your immediate space. It's great if you're looking to share an unboxing, showcase a hands-on demo of something, or even capture artwork or written notes.

All in all, the Link 2's design pairs exceptional build quality with impressive versatility. Whether you use it as an everyday webcam or as part of a content creation setup, there are plenty of attractive elements to Insta360's camera that elevate it far and above the generally murky, hard-to-differentiate waters of traditional webcams.

Insta360 Link 2: Video quality

The Link 2's 1/2-inch sensor (and wider f/1.8 aperture) will easily eclipse the 1/4-inch or 1/3-inch image sensor offered by your average built-in laptop webcam. The result? Better low-light capture and more dynamic range. That's the on-paper claims, anyway. Thankfully, this is one of those claims that proves to be true in practice.

Whether you choose to capture in 4K (capped at 30fps) or in 1080p and below (up to 60fps), the Link 2 delivers technically sharp pictures with impressive clarity and fine details, though a persistent grain can haunt the image if your lighting is sub-par.

Thankfully, it's not enough to spoil the webcam's otherwise crisp capture and can be minimized by tweaking the Link 2's sharpness or applying its Natural Bokeh filter within Insta360's proprietary software.

Similarly, enabling the Link 2's HDR mode is a great way to combat both low-light environments and even those with peaking lighting, forcing a balance in tones to evenly capture your appearance, whether you're fighting a strong backlight or trying to tame any peaks in brightness from a particularly strong light source in front of you.

At my desk, I'm fairly well lit up by some bright LED wall panels, so that grain only really became apparent in the more contrastingly dark corners of my background. However, for most setups, as the day ticks on and that blanket of even natural lighting fades, you'll begin to notice that grain becomes more apparent, with it at its most notable when the camera zooms in.

Pushing that zoom to its extreme (up to 4x digital), you'll be left with a picture detailed enough to pick out individual pores, catch even a single stray hair in the act of rebellion, or allow strangers to rate your setup through the very reflection of it in your own eyes. But under less than optimal lighting, you'll do so with the kind of digital static present that suggests you're being stalked by the Slender Man.

Regardless, the picture and video quality offered by the Insta360 Link 2 is so above par that it's tantamount to using a pole vault to leap over a speed bump. There's no question whether I'd choose its output over that of a laptop's built-in webcam. The difference is stark, and if I were streaming, presenting, or even looking for an affordable webcam for content creation, Insta360's webcam is the one I'd choose.

Insta360 Link 2: Sound quality

The Insta360 Link 2's pinhole microphone is one of the few weaknesses I found with the webcam. Then again, it had pretty tough competition.

My typical setup includes a HyperX QuadCast S cardioid microphone that sets a pretty high bar for audio capture. It's an unfair direct comparison to make, but it does provide a solid benchmark with which to measure the Link 2's capabilities.

Placed head-to-head against the HyperX mic, the Link 2's audio (using the default "Voice focus" mode) is tinny, but surprisingly loud and clear. Thanks to the Link 2's AI tracking, it'll almost always be facing you, which means your audio won't fluctuate too heavily if you're shifting about in front of it. And, its noise cancellation did a great job of filtering out the sound of passing cars and people from a nearby open window.

As did the Link 2's "Voice suppression" mode, which managed to elevate my voice above the background music and voices on video spilling out of my desktop speakers.

Finally, the Link 2's "Music balance" mode ditches audio filtering for pure audio capture, ideal for instrument-owning content creators who want to record multiple sound sources at once, without them fighting for dominance.

While the Link 2 didn't manage to best my standalone mic, when comparing it to the mic of my laptop, its quality was more than apparent. Compared to my laptop's mic, the Link 2's formerly tinny audio seemed much richer and clearer, though both noticeably lacked an undercurrent of bass.

While the video capture of the Link 2 offers a great deal of versatility, the audio capture is much better suited to regular webcam use. Suitable for calls and meetings, but not ideal for content creation.

Insta360 Link 2: Software and support

The Insta360 Link 2 is plug-and-play, meaning you can connect it (using the sizeable ~60-inch USB-C cable provided) to an available USB-C port on your device (or USB-A with the supplied adapter) and immediately start using it as a regular webcam.

However, if you want the best experience with access to all of the Link 2's features, you'll need to download the Insta360 Link Controller software.

It's through this software that you'll be able to enable AI tracking features; DeskView; directly capture pictures and video; make adjustments to resolution, framerate and orientation; enable HDR mode; apply filters or change backgrounds; switch audio modes; fine tune the image through manual white balance, brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness; customize camera exposure with custom curves, and greater control over ISO and shutter speed; and enable another of the Link 2's interesting features: gesture controls.

Gesture controls allow you to instruct the Link 2 from a distance, enabling and disabling AI tracking by showing an open palm, creating an "L" shape with your hand and moving it up or down to trigger an appropriate zoom, and raising two fingers to enable whiteboard mode — which will cause the Link 2 to snap its focus to a rectangular area of interest marked by four reusable QR code patches included in the box. Think DeskView, but for vertical presentation areas.

The software itself is well laid out and intuitive to use. The only major gripe I had was finding out that the advertised 60fps capture was initially absent in all resolutions, leaving me to wonder if this feature had been removed post-release. After some tinkering, I was able to re-enable high frame rate capture only after disabling the Virtual Camera setting.

During my time with the Link 2, I never had any issues that would require me to cash in on its one-year warranty. There’s not a great deal of movement involved with my setup, and the webcam build quality seems impressively solid, but for those who feel their Link 2 may receive the occasional knock or bump, Insta360 also offers two “worry-free” replacements for that year through its FlexiCare support for $11.99 extra.

Bottom line

When you get down to it, the Insta360 Link 2 isn’t your typical webcam. In fact, it almost feels like a DSLR masquerading as a PC accessory. Its quality is outstanding, its versatility is second to none, and the most dramatic change to this revision is that its price tag is lower than ever.

If you’re an original Link owner, then the improvements may not make it an essential switch. However, if you’re laboring with a webcam that's limiting you, an upgrade to the Link 2 is one you won’t regret.

Is it perfect? No. But it’s close enough to perfect that it makes the competition look like a compromise.

More from Laptop Mag

• The best webcams in 2025: The top picks, based on our real-world testing
• The 8 best webcams for streaming in 2025

Whether you're a big-time Twitch streamer or someone whose job has them hopping on and off video calls all day long, picking the best webcam for streaming is no joke.

The right webcam helps you look your best; the wrong one turns your stream into a grainy nightmare. That could make or break your stream, depending on what you're doing.

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with webcams, and I relied on my laptop to do the job for a long time. But if you don't have one of the best laptops, chances are your webcam might not be outstanding; besides, laptop webcams aren't optimized for streamers. It's time to treat yourself and your viewers to an upgrade.

Right now, the best webcam for streamers is the Elgato Facecam Pro. This is a high-end webcam that lets you stream at 4K60fps. It's exquisite, and while not cheap, it makes up for it in performance.

Want something more affordable? The Logitech HD Pro C920 can stand its ground when faced with more impressive, pricier alternatives. This one is a great pick for video calls and more casual streamers alike.

There's more to explore, including 1080p, 2K, and 4K webcams to satisfy even the most demanding of audiences. Check out some of the best webcams for streaming and give your setup a major upgrade!

Best webcams for streaming

How to choose the best webcam for streaming?

Choosing the best webcam for streaming might seem like a simple task, but unfortunately, it's really easy to pick the wrong thing and end up with something that doesn't live up to your expectations. Let's avoid that!

Check out some of my best tips for buying a webcam down below.

• What resolution do I need for streaming?
  When it comes to resolution, many believe that "bigger number is better," but that's not necessarily true. Most people won't watch your streams at 4K due to bandwidth limitations. On your end, streaming at 4K uses up bandwidth and resources, too. As such, 1080p is the sweet spot for most streamers. Steer clear of 720p—people expect crisp visuals these days.
• What extra features does my streaming webcam need?
  As a streamer, keep an extra eye for low-light performance. Unless you're planning to also buy a ring light and all that jazz, you're most likely going to stream in imperfect lighting. Your webcam needs to be able to handle that, so watch out for built-in auto exposure and noise reduction. Fast, reliable autofocus is also crucial. Lastly, solo streamers might enjoy auto-framing features to stay in the middle of the frame.
• What kind of frames per second (fps) do I need?
  Many pricier webcams will offer 60 fps, and some will offer even more. Treat 30 fps as a minimum—anything under that feels sluggish. These days, 60 fps is the sweet spot, and anything above that is largely unnecessary (but doesn't hurt to have).

FAQ

Webcams are an easy choice when it comes to streaming, although many content creators also resort to other options. I'll try to answer some of the most commonly asked questions below to help you pick the best webcam for streaming for your unique needs.

• Can I stream using just my phone?
  Yes, you absolutely can. Many phones have excellent cameras that are comparable to a webcam, although your mileage may vary depending on your model. Newer iPhones and expensive Samsungs tend to do well, but low-light performance may not be that great.
• Are there any laptops with good webcams?
  Sure, laptop webcams can do the trick for streamers, too. Some of the best laptops do a good job with their 1080p webcams. We've also reviewed laptops with the best webcam performance, too.
• Do I need a DSLR camera for streaming?
  Some established content creators use DSLR or mirrorless cameras for streaming. The quality is often outstanding, but the price point is much higher than even a high-end webcam. Unless your content specifically relies on mind-blowing stream quality, you're probably better off using a webcam or your phone.

I won't lie to you: Picking the best Wi-Fi routers can be a nuisance.

Many people don't know what to look for, and outside of some strategic buzzwords, product blurbs don't make things much clearer. That’s where I come in: I’m here to break it all down and highlight a few routers actually worth your attention.

When shopping for a router, you only really need to know the Wi-Fi standard that your devices support (if you're using one of the best laptops, you might be looking for Wi-Fi 7). Beyond that, you'll want to know about speeds, range, and ports, and I’m covering all of that below to make this (mildly annoying) process as simple as possible.

My current pick for the best Wi-Fi router is the TP-Link Archer BE400, and that's because of access to Wi-Fi 7 combined with a reasonable price tag ($145 at Amazon). It's a solid dual-band router with speeds just below 6 Gbps, and it'll do the trick for most people.

Need a mesh system? My favorite one right now is the tri-band TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 Deco BE63. It's easy on the eyes (which cannot be said about most routers) and costs $420 at Amazon for a pack of three, which covers up to 7,600 square feet.

Whether you need something affordable or you need a monstrous router to keep up with one of the best gaming laptops, I've got you. Check out the best Wi-Fi routers in 2025 below.

Best Wi-Fi routers

How to choose the best Wi-Fi router

Picking the right router isn't easy, and without a lot of knowledge about networking and cybersecurity, you might feel a little lost when faced with some of the terms I've used above.

Good news: You don't need to be an expert to buy the right router. Here are some things to consider before you shop for the best Wi-Fi router for your needs.

• Which type of Wi-Fi should I buy?
  
  We're at a point where routers marked with Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 are all readily available. Choosing between those depends on your needs, and while I don't recommend buying Wi-Fi 5 anymore unless your devices are on the older side, Wi-Fi 6 is often the most budget-friendly pick. Wi-Fi 6E gives you slightly higher speeds and an extra 6GHz band for reduced congestion. Wi-Fi 7 ramps that up even more, but those routers are still super pricey, and chances are that your laptop or phone can't take full advantage of them yet.
• Should I get dual-, tri-, or quad-band?
  
  Dual-band routers broadcast on two frequencies: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. They're the cheapest option of the three. Tri-band routers add a third band (surprise, surprise), most commonly a 6GHz band. This helps reduce congestion if you have a lot of connected devices. Quad-band routers might offer up to two 6GHz bands but are very expensive. A tri-band router is an excellent pick if you want smoother performance across many devices, but a dual-band router will suffice for one person.
• Do I need a mesh system?
  
  Some routers have excellent range on their own, but those that don’t can still cover your entire home when used as part of a mesh system. Mesh setups use two or more units to blanket your home in Wi-Fi, eliminating dead zones. If you live in a house above 2,500 sq. ft. (unless specified otherwise), or one with multiple floors and tricky layouts, a mesh system means every member of the household can enjoy uninterrupted Wi-Fi throughout the house. The downside is that this is pricier than just buying one router.

Most people (and most households) don't need a wildly expensive router. But if you're shopping right now, I still recommend buying one with the newer Wi-Fi standards if your budget allows, as this means future-proofing your devices when they need it.

Looking for the best tech and accessories for remote workers? You're in the right place.

I've been working 100% remotely since 2018, and one of my favorite perks (aside from the option to work in my PJs) is the ability to pick out my own tech. I do not miss the PCs at my old office that took 30 minutes to boot. No, I'm not exaggerating.

Performance is important, so the best tech you can get yourself as a remote worker is one of the best laptops. Options include the Apple M4 MacBook Air, now just $1,099 at Amazon, or the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5, just $680 at Amazon.

As much as my own home is quieter than my old office, it gets noisy if my neighbors randomly decide to drill for 10 hours a day. (Again, not exaggerating.) Noise-cancelling headphones are a must, and my Bose QuietComforts are true lifesavers. You can pick them up for $349 at Amazon.

Don't forget to invest in a good standing desk to keep your spine happy. The Flexispot Comhar electric standing desk has drawers and ports, which is a win in my book, and it's now just $253 (down from $300) at Amazon.

You'll also love having a portable monitor if you work in a hybrid environment or travel for work sometimes. The Acer AOPEN is a 15.6-inch option that weighs under 3 pounds, making it easy to carry if you commute. It's now down to $89 at Best Buy.

The above is just a little sample of all the best tech and accessories for remote workers I'm about to show you. Check out my favorites below; trust me, they will make your work life more enjoyable.

Best tech and accessories for remote workers - Quick links

• Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5: $680 at Amazon
• Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4: was $1,199, now $1,099 at Amazon
• Logitech Blue Yeti Nano USB nicrophone: was $119, now $99 at Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones: $349 at Amazon
• Logitech Brio 101 Full HD webcam: was $39, now $35 at Amazon
• Havit HV-F2056 Laptop cooling pad: was $39, now $27 at Amazon
• HP X3000 G3 wireless mouse: was $18, now $17 at Amazon
• Logitech Wave Keys wireless ergonomic keyboard: $69 at Amazon
• Acer AOPEN 15.6-inch LED portable nonitor: was $129, now $89 at Best Buy
• SAMSUNG ViewFinity S5 34-inch ultrawide monitor: was $329, now $229 at Amazon
• Flexispot Comhar electric standing desk w/ ports: was $300, now $253 at Amazon

Best tech for remote workers — Laptops

Best tech for remote workers — Headphones & microphones

Best tech for remote workers — Webcams

Best tech for remote workers — Laptop accessories

Best tech for remote workers — Mice & keyboards

Best tech for remote workers — Monitors

Best tech for remote workers — Desks & chairs

The best eGPUs (external GPUs) have always drawn considerable interest from laptop enthusiasts. The idea is brilliant: plug one into your thin-and-light laptop, and suddenly, you’re gaming at desktop-class frame rates.

The reality? Their clunky proprietary connections, limited bandwidth, and often sky-high price tags make them more of a niche solution. In 2025, though, that’s finally poised to change — thanks to Thunderbolt 5.

Thunderbolt 5 debuted on the Razer Blade 18 (2024) in April 2024, but as more laptops arrive with Thunderbolt 5 ports under the hood, we’re beginning to see a wave of new accessories built to take full advantage of that blazing-fast 80 Gbps bandwidth.

Asus’ new ROG XG Station 3 might be the best example of what Thunderbolt 5 can unlock for gamers, content creators, and remote workers who want power without giving up portability.

Asus ROG XG Station 3: True desktop power, for everyone

Let’s start with the basics. The ROG XG Station 3 is a Thunderbolt 5 eGPU, meaning you can slot in a full-size NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series or AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series GPU and connect it directly to your laptop with a single Thunderbolt 5 cable.

It’s plug-and-play, yes — but this isn’t just about gaming. With that level of horsepower on tap, this dock can turn a lightweight ultrabook into a machine that can handle 3D rendering, video editing, AI workloads, or 4K gaming.

If you’ve got a laptop that’s great for on-the-go work but struggles with GPU-heavy tasks, this is your cheat code.

Thunderbolt 5’s 80 Gbps bandwidth is the secret sauce. That’s double what Thunderbolt 4 offered, and it means less compromise when routing huge volumes of data between your GPU and laptop.

For gamers, it helps minimize bottlenecks. For creatives, it means smoother timelines and faster exports.

The rise of Thunderbolt 5

The XG Station 3’s release is well-timed. Over the last few months, Thunderbolt 5-equipped laptops have started to trickle into the market from the likes of Asus, MSI, and Lenovo.

Now, there's one caveat: this is still limited to primarily high-end gaming rigs that already feature an RTX 50 series GPU — albeit the mobile variety rather than desktop. I still want to see Thunderbolt 5 come to premium ultraportables to help unlock gaming for an audience that doesn't want to commit to a dedicated gaming laptop.

It's worth noting that you can connect a Thunderbolt 4 laptop to the XG Station 3 as Thunderbolt 5 is backward compatible, but you will take a significant performance hit.

While the ROG XG Station 3 is primarily aimed at gamers, it offers a taste of what you get from the best docking stations with three USB-C ports (each with 10 Gbps speeds) for accessories, external drives, or displays.

There’s also a Thunderbolt 5 passthrough port, allowing for daisy-chaining or adding even more connectivity. And because the unit provides power delivery, it can charge your laptop at the same time — no extra power brick needed.

Clean power

Beyond raw specs, Asus didn't skimp on the design. The ROG XG Station 3 includes support for BTF (Back-To-the-Future) edition builds, which help hide cabling and keep your desktop looking clean.

It’s a thoughtful touch, as a snarl of cables can really ruin your desk aesthetic. The XG Station 3 is large enough that it will dominate most desk setups, and it leaves the GPU itself exposed. You'll want to think carefully about which GPU you buy for it.

A look at what’s next

The XG Station 3 marks our arrival at a point where the performance potential of Thunderbolt 5 is starting to align with real-world demand.

More laptops can use it. More creators and gamers want portable performance. And more manufacturers are stepping in to offer the hardware to bridge that gap.

The last piece of the puzzle is Thunderbolt 5 extending beyond gaming laptops. You could be using a lightweight Zenbook or a convertible 2-in-1 and still benefit from a high-end GPU when you're docked. That kind of flexibility just hasn’t been practical until now.

If 2024 was about getting Thunderbolt 5 in a few laptops and accessories, 2025 is when we start to see the standard going into wide release. And with devices like the XG Station 3 leading the charge, we’re looking at a future where portable PCs no longer have to compromise on power.

You don’t have to settle for mobile GPU power in your laptop; you can go desktop-class without the bulk of a desktop.

More from Laptop Mag

• Jensen Huang at Computex: "It's not because we don't love GeForce, GeForce got us here."
• The Acer Swift X 14, a favorite of creators, is being refreshed for 2025
• The Asus ProArt P16 nails local AI and beats MacBooks — but it doesn’t come cheap

Many audiophiles say you need a DAC to get your system's best sound quality. And while I don’t consider myself an audiophile, I love listening to music and appreciate the fine detail you hear in every track. So, I decided to bite the bullet and get a DAC to see how it will affect my listening pleasure.

I bought the Wimlim i510B DAC on AliExpress for this experiment, which cost around $70. It connects to my PC via Bluetooth, and then I tested it on both my Edifier D12 Integrated Tabletop Speakers and ANC headphones. I know these aren’t top-of-the-line sound equipment, but they should be good enough to represent the average desktop PC.

What is a DAC in the first place?

A DAC, or digital-to-analog converter, is a piece of hardware that processes digital data and turns it into an analog signal that a speaker understands. Every piece of electronic equipment that outputs sound has a built-in DAC, but those who are quite particular about sound quality usually recommend getting an external DAC.

That’s because modern devices, like laptops and smartphones, are often so tightly integrated that you might get some interference when relying on internal systems.

A standalone DAC would be distant enough from other electronic components that it should theoretically be unaffected by static from other electromagnetic sources. Furthermore, it would have proper shielding to prevent errant electromagnetic or radio frequency signals from messing with your sound.

Does a DAC improve the listening experience?

I did my test in three phases — in my first test, I used RCA cables to plug my speaker into the DAC and then played some random tracks on Spotify. Afterward, I reattached the speakers directly to my dock via a 3.5 mm to RCA cable and then played another set of random songs.

For the second test phase, I connected my headphones directly to my laptop via Bluetooth and played "Talk It Up" by Sammy Rae & The Friends for my wife. I then plugged the headphones into the laptop via the 3.5 mm jack and replayed the song for my wife again.

Lastly, I played Michael W. Smith’s rendition of "In Christ Alone" with my speakers attached to the dock so that my wife and I could hear it together. After doing that, I played the same song on the same speakers, but through the DAC this time.

After this series of tests, we concluded that the DAC actually delivered slightly worse quality than connecting my speakers and headphones directly to my computer. Sure, you can hear the details of the songs that we listened to, but they were slightly crisper without the DAC.

Aside from that, the vocals were marginally weaker when the audio was played through the DAC, with the background instruments overpowering the singer.

A cheap DAC is not enough

I’m sure audiophiles would say I’m doing it wrong, and I probably am. For starters, my Edifier speakers and TaoTronics headphones aren’t designed for high-fidelity listening.

If I wanted the best audio quality, I would have to replace my sub-$200 speakers with some nice tower speakers, like the ones we used to convert an office into a personal concert hall. After that, you also need a proper amplifier and a good USB-C to Optical Audio cable to help ensure data signal integrity.

Aside from all of those, you also need a proper audio subscription (or your own CDs or vinyl) to use your hardware. After all, I only use Spotify, which is limited to 320 kbps.

If you want to get the best possible audio quality, you should invest in services offering CD quality (1411 kbps) or Hi-Res (9216 kbps) audio. Examples include Tidal and Apple Music, which also use lossless audio formats like FLAC and ALAC.

It’s better to invest in a good pair of speakers

You need to spend thousands of dollars on equipment, records, and subscriptions to get the gold standard of audio entertainment on your computer. This will give you a listening experience that’s better than what most users have.

However, you don’t have to drop that amount of money just to get a decent experience listening to music. One of the best budget speakers should be more than enough to more than double your listening pleasure over the stock speakers you have on your laptop, even if you have a 13-inch MacBook Air M4.

If you don’t want to disturb the people around you with your listening choices, we recommend picking out one of the best wireless headphones instead of relying on cheap knockoffs from Amazon.

Although these won’t cost thousands of dollars, they’re more than enough to get you a decent listening experience. But if you’ve tasted what the very best sound equipment can bring to the table and crave hi-fi audio quality daily, please, don’t settle for a cheap DAC.

More from Laptop Mag

• I replaced my laptop with this mini PC for a week, and here’s what happened.
• I switched to a MacBook after using Windows for over 30 years. Here’s what happened.
• I switched from a Kindle ereader to Kobo for a week — here's why I'm never going back

A great gaming experience isn't just about the best gaming laptops; you need excellent connectivity, too, and right now, Amazon has a slew of deals on TP-Link routers. These are my picks for great deals on new Wi-FI 6E and Wi-Fi 7 gaming routers.

Your router is the last link in the multifactor chain that determines your broadband speed. If you haven't upgraded your router in a long time and you have a recently purchased laptop, chances are you aren't achieving your maximum performance.

Three of these models target those looking to boost performance on a lean budget. The least expensive of the bunch is the Wi-Fi 7 TP-Link Dual Band BE-3600 for $99 (a 17% discount from $119). Close step-up models are the Wi-Fi 6E TP-Link AXE5400 at $129 (down from $199) and the TP-Link Archer BE6500 at $149 (down from $179).

For bigger budgets, bigger potential performance boosts, and deeper discounts, look at the TP-Link AXE16000 at $351, down from $599. That's a $248 savings and a massive 41% discount on this hulking router optimized for Wi-Fi 6E gaming and performance. Or the TP-Link Tri-Band BE15000 Wi-Fi 7 router at $299 (a 25% savings over its usual $399 price).

Act fast to snag one of these limited-time router deals. And for more savings, see our roundup of Amazon Gaming Week deals.

Today's best TP-Link router deals

Laptop ports can be important, crucial, even. But can they hold sway over your decision-making? Can they truly be influential?

If you're a power user, a creative professional, or just someone who likes to max out your computing gear, you might already know about Thunderbolt 5, but this high-speed, high-bandwidth USB-C technology has so far flown under the radar of those wondering what to look for when buying a laptop in 2025.

Intel debuted the Thunderbolt 5 standard in September 2023, and at CES 2024, it appeared in a laptop for the first time, inside the Razer Blade 18.

So far, Thunderbolt 5 has faced a chicken-or-the-egg problem: If you have a Thunderbolt 5-enabled laptop, you also need a Thunderbolt 5-enabled accessory. Which came first? It doesn't matter — because you need both.

More than a year later, there are only ten laptops with Thunderbolt 5 ports, but that number has doubled in the last two months and should double again by the end of this year.

As the powerful port begins to proliferate in laptops and accessories, it’s time to give Thunderbolt 5 a closer look to determine if it's a must-have for your computing needs.

Enter Larry O'Connor, founder and CEO of Other World Computing (OWC), the Chicago-area hardware and software firm. O’Connor founded OWC in 1988 to “create innovative DIY solutions to give you the most from your technology." He's bullish on Thunderbolt 5, especially when it comes to displays.

"The biggest benefit [of Thunderbolt 5] is what we can do with displays without impacting our data devices," O'Connor tells Laptop Mag.

The innovation driver in Thunderbolt 5 comes from its superior bandwidth management. With Thunderbolt 4, you had 40 Gbps (gigabits per second) shared across data and video. Thunderbolt 5 changes that equation with a minimum of 40 Gbps for data, plus up to 80 Gbps total with bandwidth boost — dedicated lanes for display.

"Now you can have two [devices] and even up to an 8K display all through a single port... unhindered," O'Connor explains.

The company remains at the cutting edge with its hardware for creatives and other power users, taking home an award for its Thunderblade X12 desktop storage at the 2025 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, held in Las Vegas from April 5-9.

See also: Thunderbolt 5 vs. Thunderbolt 4

Thunderbolt 5 vs. Thunderbolt 4: What's new?

Thunderbolt 5 gaming laptop and workstation benefits

So what does Thunderbolt 5 actually enable that previous versions didn't? For one, it supports power-hungry gaming laptops and workstations. "Now [gaming laptops]... can get there... up to 240W," O'Connor says.

And for creative professionals using high-speed storage? Thunderbolt 5 means fewer trade-offs. "You plug a hub in, plug a display through that hub, even an 8K display... then plug an Envoy Pro or Thunderblade at the same hub... full-speed happens."

The increased bandwidth enables workflows previously bottlenecked by the 40 Gbps ceiling of Thunderbolt 3/4. "Even a Thunderbolt 4 hub with multiple devices on a Thunderbolt 5 system gets more bandwidth," he says. "You can segment your devices and display — you've got it all."

See also: best gaming laptops and best video editing laptops

Don't go awry with a DIY storage array

Storage is another area where Thunderbolt 5 shines, but O'Connor cautions against assuming all drives perform equally. "You put a couple [of the fastest SSDs] together... and they become slower than a single drive," he explains.

This is the challenge of building your own Thunderbolt 5 storage array versus going with something pre-built by OWC or another company that considers how everything works together.

OWC works directly with drive manufacturers like Toshiba to tune firmware for Thunderbolt arrays. "If I'm a professional, buying something that plugs and plays and gives peak sustained performance should be a no-brainer," he says.

For prosumers, this is less of a concern: Even 2,000-3,000 MBps is blazing fast and attainable with a DIY Thunderbolt 5 array.

MacBooks have it easier

Thunderbolt has always been more efficient on macOS, which remains true with Thunderbolt 5. As O'Connor points out, "Apple gives us a lot of feedback throughout development... Any Apple machine running OS 15 with Thunderbolt USB-C is compatible with our Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5 hardware."

The plug-and-play reliability stems from Apple's tightly controlled ecosystem. "Apple only does it one way," he says. "They don't want any support variation." In contrast, Windows PC users face a mixed bag of hardware and driver support.

"On the Windows side, you're still depending on the manufacturer — HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS — to provide firmware updates."

PCs have long had a more fragmented implementation of Thunderbolt, especially with Thunderbolt 3. O'Connor says it includes "Frankenstein options" where devices work inconsistently depending on how the OEM implemented support.

"You get support calls... 'why is it only working at this speed?' 'Why aren't my displays working through your hub?'" he says. The culprit is often a partial implementation or outdated driver. While Intel provides up-to-date NVMe drivers, installing them "at your own risk" can be intimidating for non-technical users.

Stick with certified gear

If there's one piece of advice O'Connor repeats, it's to stick with certified Thunderbolt gear.

"The best part about Thunderbolt is it is certified. If you plug a certified Thunderbolt device into your system, it's going to work," he says.

This is especially important for mission-critical workflows. "You can push the RPMs into the redline, and everything is great… until the engine blows," he quips. Certified devices ensure stable power delivery, reliable connections, and predictable behavior under load.

If you invest $2,000 or more in one of the best laptops with Thunderbolt 5, you should stick to other certified Thunderbolt 5 products to ensure consistency and reliability.

Not everyone needs Thunderbolt 5 — yet

Despite its advantages, Thunderbolt 5 isn't essential for everyone.

"From just a cost point of view, it's probably not even advisable to buy [a Thunderbolt 5 accessory] today if you have a Thunderbolt 4 machine," O'Connor says.

Essentially, don't invest in Thunderbolt 5 accessories until you have a Thunderbolt 5 laptop or desktop. There's simply no advantage to it.

That said, new high-performance Thunderbolt 5 laptops will benefit significantly from these new accessories.

O'Connor cites OWC's external Thunderbolt 5 SSD, "We have our own Envoy Ultra... speeds in the 5,000-6,000MBps range." OWC has since surpassed this with Thunderblade X12 desktop storage, delivering up to 6,500MBps.

These are considerations if you are pairing Thunderbolt 5 accessories with one of the best laptops for Photoshop or best laptops for graphic design, but most users will be fine with Thunderbolt 4 for the foreseeable future.

What's next for Thunderbolt 5

Thunderbolt 5 isn’t about creating entirely new use cases for a Thunderbolt connection — it's about doing more of what Thunderbolt already does, better.

From supporting 8K displays to enabling multiple high-speed storage devices from a single port, it's a transformative step, but only for those who need it.

And while certification takes time and adds cost, it guarantees that "it just works" experience. As O'Connor puts it, "Thunderbolt is an amazing technology... We just plug and play."

For the professional creator or power user, that simplicity alone is likely worth the upgrade.

MORE FROM LAPTOP MAG

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• The best laptop deals in April 2025
• Best MacBook in 2025: Which Apple laptop should you buy?

Most Windows laptop users prefer an external mouse over the built-in trackpad on their devices, but many of my friends who use a MacBook swear by its Force Touch trackpad.

I use a Windows gaming laptop as my main workstation, and I paired it with an MMO gaming mouse as the 12 extra keys give me access to my most-used shortcuts on my thumb. Even if I’m not after the hotkeys on the mouse, I’d still pick one of the best gaming mice because my laptop’s trackpad isn’t that good.

However, I also own a MacBook Air, which I use whenever I work outside my office. I bought a mouse for the laptop, but I often find myself just sticking with the trackpad. Its satin glass surface makes it a joy to use, with my fingers gliding effortlessly on it. But more than that, the gestures on macOS make using it intuitive, helping me work faster and more efficiently.

Because of that, I wondered if it’s possible to use the trackpad with Windows. So, I ditched my gaming mouse and bought a Magic Trackpad to see how it would affect my workflow.

You need third-party drivers to make it work

Although the Magic Trackpad is primarily designed to work with Apple products like the MacBook Air and iPad Air, non-Apple devices could recognize it, too, like my Samsung S24 Ultra and Windows laptop. Unfortunately, since it’s not native to those platforms, it only works as a basic mouse — the gestures that make it a cut above all other trackpads don’t work. Thankfully, there are a few third-party apps that deliver this functionality.

I first tried Trackpad++, but it said that the Magic Trackpad 3 isn’t currently supported. Furthermore, I believe this is designed primarily for users running Windows directly on their MacBooks, not for installing directly on a Windows PC.

I then installed the Mac Precision Touchpad driver from imbushuo via GitHub. It gave me additional functionality, like two-finger scrolling and the two-finger tap as the secondary click, which I can access directly from the Windows Settings menu. However, three- and four-finger gestures still won’t work.

As a last resort, I installed the Magic Trackpad Windows driver + app from Magic Utilities, and it worked like a charm. Aside from giving me the standard three- and four-finger gestures you find on macOS, it also allowed me to customize a few of these functions to my taste. The only downside to this is that it only comes with a trial period, after which you must buy a subscription.

Seamless scroll and gesture control

The biggest advantage the Magic Trackpad has over my mouse is the seamless horizontal scrolling function it delivers. This is especially crucial for me as the tools I use — namely, Photoshop, Excel, and Trello — require a lot of that. This saves me from having to learn which key activates horizontal scrolling and pressing it, making my workflow so much simpler.

Vertical scrolling is also much more convenient. Instead of requiring multiple scrolls on the scroll wheel of my mouse, I can just use two fingers for easy swiping. This is especially useful when I’m browsing through hundreds of entries on an Excel datasheet or a Trello list.

It would previously take me at least three minutes of scrolling to go through all the information on a list using my mouse, but with the Magic Trackpad 3, I can do the same task in less than 30 seconds.

Dragging and dropping takes some time to get used to

One challenge for me while using my trackpad is dragging and dropping. This is especially difficult when I use my MacBook Air with my triple-monitor display, especially since I need to take large swipes just to move from one screen to another.

However, Magic Utilities seems to have solved this problem by providing a customizable Drag Lock option.

I picked Short in the Drag Lock dropdown list, meaning it will hold the items I’m dragging for a short time, even if I lift my finger. That way, I can easily drag them across different monitors without worrying that the items I’m holding will drop into a different window or app.

Saves desk space and delivers better ergonomics

Since I work all day in front of my computer, I put a premium on my ergonomics and natural posture. The Magic Trackpad’s low profile makes it quite a good tool for avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome.

Unlike most mice, which require me to rest my hand on my wrist, the trackpad makes me rest my hand on my palm. This ensures I don’t put pressure on it, helping prevent compression of the median nerve.

Although this trackpad is quite large (about 32% larger than the one on the 15-inch MacBook Air), it’s still considerably smaller than the space required to use a mouse. This makes it the perfect substitute if you have a small desk or if you travel frequently.

No gaming at all

Despite all its advantages, the Magic Trackpad still has a glaring drawback — it’s not ideal for gaming. Unless you prefer these PC games that play great with a keyboard, you can’t use it (or any trackpad, for that matter) for effective gaming. Even 4X games, which do not have that much fast-paced action, are harder to play on a trackpad versus a regular mouse.

Still, if you’re rocking a Magic Trackpad for daily use, it doesn’t mean that you’re limited to it. You can always use a mouse when you’re in the mood to play games, or maybe even get a Bluetooth controller if you’re used to consoles.

What is the price of efficiency?

I’ve fallen in love with the Magic Trackpad and its gesture control for use with Windows. However, I’ll miss the 12 shortcut keys on my MMO mouse, so I’ll likely stick with that.

But if I were using any other mouse, I would switch to the trackpad as one of my primary input methods (with my keyboard being the other one). That doesn’t mean my mouse would go away, though, as I still need it for gaming.

However, the Magic Trackpad is an expensive piece of kit. The white version costs $129, and if you like the black one, you need to shell out $20 more. That doesn’t include the annual $16.99 subscription to unlock all the features that make it such a great input device. You could get a great gaming mouse for half of that — and if you’re really on a tight budget, you could get a halfway decent option for just $30.

Only a few people can justify spending that much on their productivity. But if you’re one of those lucky few, then this isn’t an expense; it’s an investment.

More from Laptop Mag

• I downgraded from a 1440p to a 1080p monitor — here's what happened
• I switched to a MacBook after using Windows for over 30 years. Here’s what happened.
• I switched from a standard size keyboard to a 60% one — here's why I love it!

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is on through March 31 so you still have time to score fantastic saings. I browsed through Amazon's best discounts so far and I found seven Amazon Big Spring Sale deals worth your while.

One of the best Amazon Big Spring deals under $50 offers the Fire 7 Tablet for $44.99. It typically retails for $60, so that's $15 off and one of the best cheap tablet deals you can get.

Browse: Today's best Amazon deals under $50

For just under $45, you're getting a 7-inch touchscreen, 2Ghz 4-core processor, 2GB RAM, 32GB of microSD-expandable storage, USB-C 2.0 connectivity, and up to 10 hours of battery life on a full charge.

If you want an affordable tablet for consuming content, you can't go wrong with the Fire 7 Tablet.

And that's just one of the best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals under $50. See more of my favorite discounts below.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals under $50 — Quick links

• Browse: Amazon's entire sale
• Amazon Fire 7: was $60 now $45 at Amazon
• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: was $49 now $29 at Amazon
• Soundcore by Anker Life Q20 Headphones: was $59 now $39 at Amazon
• Amazon Luna Wireless Controller: was $69 now $39 at Amazon
• TOZO Hybrid Wireless Earbuds: was $55 now $27 at Amazon w/ coupon
• Samsung EVO Select 512GB microSD Card: was $39 now $35 at Amazon
• Logitech M196 Wireless Mouse: was $12 now $9 at Amazon

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals under $50 

When does Amazon’s Big Spring Sale start?

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale starts on March 25 and runs through March 31. If you’re considering giving your collection of gadgets a spring refresh, it’s a great opportunity to save on tech essentials.

What’s on sale during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale?

Products from every category will see discounts during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale — electronics included.

Expect fantastic spring savings on top-rated tech from various brands including laptops, tablets, phones, wearables, headphones, gaming, and more.

Do I need Amazon Prime to shop Amazon’s Big Spring Sale deals?

In short, no. You do not need Amazon Prime to shop during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. However, Amazon typically offers Prime-exclusive deals for membership holders.

During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, these unique offers will be labeled as a Prime Spring Deal. Amazon Prime costs $139 for a one-year membership and $14.99 for monthly subscribers. As a courtesy, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial so you can test the waters before you decide to commit.

How do I find the best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals?

From March 25-31, you’ll find the best mobile tech and gaming deals from Amazon’s spring sale in our Amazon Big Spring Sale hub.

For a wider range of deals, visit http://amazon.com/bigspringsale or download and install the free Amazon Shopping app for iOS or Android devices to browse Amazon’s entire Big Spring Sale. New deals will drop each day throughout the event, so be sure to check this link often.

Of all the keyboard form factors available, switching to a 60% size was one of the most impactful choices I made recently. If you don’t know what a “60%” form factor is, it is essentially a chipped-down regular or full-sized keyboard that retains 60% of the keys found on the former.

While I have used several form factors before, most form factors apart from full-size like TenKeyLess and 75% keyboards felt like trimming off a small section while maintaining a familiar structure.

The keyboards didn’t feel like a big change, even though they did help me regain some of the important space for my mouse movement. As for keyboards smaller than those, particularly the 60% one, I never tried one for years because it lacks the directional keys. These keys are definitely a deal breaker for many, including me, but there is something to the 60% form factor that you only understand once you start using it.

I didn't switch to a 60% keyboard purely because it has a more "compact" design that takes up slightly less space than other form factor keyboards. I made it out of curiosity, and even though it took me some time to adjust, there are several reasons why I now prefer a 60% keyboard over a full-size one.

Whether you're in the market for a new keyboard (check out the best keyboards), or you have a smaller one you want to give a second try, I'm happy to evangelize the Small Keyboard Life.

Getting significantly more space on the desk is a deal-maker

You will understand this only if you actively play computer games, especially competitive first-person shooters like Counter-Strike, Valorant, and similar fast-paced games. I love CS and know that, unlike how we usually set our mouse DPI to a higher value for basic tasks, CS requires higher precision, forcing us to lower the DPI.

With lower DPI (Dots per Inch) or sensitivity, you need more space on your mousepad and a full-sized 104-key keyboard leaves very little space on your desk. Unless you don’t care how wide the gap between your arms is, this puts you in an uncomfortable position if you shift your keyboard further away from your mouse to create more space for mouse movement.

A 60% keyboard is so small on your desk that you don’t need to reposition it any further. While you will hear people saying that a 75% is also pretty compact on the desk, you can see yourself that a 60% form factor is noticeably smaller in footprint.

This allows greater mouse movement without drastically affecting ergonomics. Well, this is just one of the advantages of being small. Since most keys are within the reach of your fingers, you will hardly need to move your hand to reach the top row or the keys on the edges of each side.

Easier to carry as much as a low-profile keyboard

The easier portability of a 60% keyboard is unparalleled. Even though 75% and TKL (TenKeyLess) share better portability than full-sized keyboards, the absence of the top row, additional keys on the right, and lightweight design of 60% of keyboards make them as portable as some low-profile keyboards.

Undoubtedly, the thickness isn’t reduced with the form factor, but its length and width matter most when putting the keyboard into a backpack. Without compromising functionality, the 60% keyboard can be carried anywhere easily, making it a perfect companion for travel.

My 60% keyboard is much more versatile for work and gaming than other form factors at home and outside. Of course, you can have plenty of options in the market when buying 60% keyboards just as you would find on full-sized keyboards, including types of switches, customizability, lighting effects, and core features.

So, the form factor isn’t limiting your keyboard’s features in the slightest, except for some missing keys that are readily replaced by key combinations that allow you to perform all the actions you can usually perform on a full-sized keyboard.

A bit challenging at first, but once you get used to it, you will love it

Unsurprisingly, transitioning to a smaller form factor like 60% from a standard 104-key keyboard introduces some difficulty initially. I missed the arrow keys the most and they are still one of the most handy buttons on the keyboard you can have.

However, a single “Function” button changed everything. This function button isn’t the regular control switch you usually find on larger keyboards, which will allow you to perform five more operations. On 60% keyboards, the FN button gives access to another hidden layer of operations you generally find on dedicated keys on full-size keyboards.

Since the top row for the F1-F12 buttons is missing on 60% keyboards, you can access them through the FN button via the numeric key row. The top Function keys row is one of the least used on regular keyboards. By eliminating it, the 60% keyboards can save quite a lot of space while offering you the option to activate them whenever needed.

Since the 60% form factor lacks direction or arrow keys, they are activated through the WASD keys by pressing the FN key. Initially, this was tough for me, but it didn’t take much time for me to get used to it. However, I still think that 65% and 75% keyboards have the edge over 60% keyboards in this regard.

Nonetheless, the customizability of 60% of keyboards is unparalleled in some instances. This will vary from keyboard to keyboard, and I recommend going with good ones if you don’t want to limit yourself. Apart from offering customizable RGB lighting (if it has any), which can be tweaked right from key combos, many 60% keyboards also offer dedicated software support, allowing you to control the lighting effects to a great extent.

But the real potential of 60% keyboards lies in their keymapping ability. For instance, my Redragon K617 keyboard has excellent app support, allowing me to assign various functions to each key and configure the combinations and macros as needed. There is so much to tweak from the app, which can sometimes be overwhelming.

Keep in mind that in my case, all of this is offered at less than 30 bucks. Since most 60% keyboards are noticeably cheaper than their bigger-sized variants, you also save some cash apart from the desk space.

Ergonomics are excellent, making it ideal for productivity

Since every key is within your fingers’ reach, you will never have to move your arm to reach the far left or far right, which is excellent for increasing productivity. Once you get used to it, you will see yourself getting quicker at work, and I also found the overall keyboard mouse setup much more comfortable for my posture.

Placing the mouse closer to the keyboard allowed me to reach the mouse quickly and transitioning to typing with both hands frequently became naturally faster. These little adjustments are incredibly impactful in the long run and you can only understand it when you try it yourself.

With some tradeoffs compared to larger keyboards, the 60% keyboard does not feel a downgrade. While it isn’t necessarily the best choice for everyone, I think we can all agree that it is one of the most versatile form factors of all.

More from Laptop Mag

• Custom mechanical keyboards vs. pre-built: Should you buy or build your keyboard?
• Is this the most customizable gaming keyboard ever?
• Logitech POP Icon Keys review: It's the Sabrina Carpenter of keyboards
• Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 review: You need a second keyboard. Here's why Keys-To-Go 2 should be it.

We all need to charge our devices. A lot. So, nothing beats having a high-capacity power bank around. Even better: A multi-device, high-capacity power bank that can charge devices quickly and simultaneously. Right now, you can save big on one of Anker's portable charger and base station combo that perfectly fills those needs.

For a limited time, Amazon offers 41% off of the Anker Prime Power Bank (200W, 20,000mAh) Portable Charger with 100W Charging Base, now just $109. This unusual combo (not found on Anker's site), pairs an upright-style power bank with a charging base that doubles the number of USB-C and USB-A ports.

The 200W Prime Power Bank has 2 USB-C ports and one USB-A port on its top, with a max power output of 100W for the USB-C ports and 65W for the USB-A port. This means you can simultaneously charge two laptops at 100W each. If all three ports are in use, the power bank shifts those port power outputs to 200W. A Smart Digital Display shows the power usage and distribution on the front of the power bank.

The 100W charging base (sold separately on Anker's site for $81) adds another two USB-C ports and a USB-A port while providing a convenient dock for you to charge up the power bank.

Given the uncommon pairing of the base station with the power bank, act quickly on this deal because Amazon notes it is available for a limited time.

Today's best Anker power bank deal

Today's laptops require good air circulation and depending on your placement and hardware, may run hotter than normal during extended use. Gamers especially know all too well how a laptop can reach temperatures hot enough to fry an egg on.

That's why a laptop cooling pad is a wise investment to prevent overheating and prolong the life of your laptop. And don't worry, you won't have to spend a small fortune. In fact, I found 3 top-rated laptop cooling pad deals under $35 for your consideration.

For instance, you can get the Targus 17-inch Dual Fan Laptop Chill Mat for $29 ($10 off) at Amazon. This laptop cooling pad features a soft neoprene surface and a dual fan design for effective heat management.

Browse: Laptop cooling pad deals at Amazon

Though we didn't try it ourselves, feedback from satisfied Amazon customers rate it 4.3 out of 5-stars. Happy owners are pleased with its cooling capabilities, ease of use, and easy set up via USB-A connectivity.

If you're a gamer interested in maximum cooling because why not, this next deal is for you. Click Amazon's on-page coupon and add the Enhance Gaming Laptop Cooling Pad Stand to your cart for $33 ($2 off). That's $16 cheaper than Amazon's current price for the Seenda Gaming Laptop Cooling Pad.

The Enhance Gaming Laptop Cooler has five oversized, super quiet fans that run up to 2630 rpm and three adjustable height settings.

Looking for a portable laptop cooling pad that you can take everywhere? Take an extra 10% off the already discounted Havit Cooling Pad via Amazon's on-page coupon and grab it for just $25 ($15 off).

Havit's slim and portable laptop cooling pad features three mouse-quiet fans and works as a laptop stand with two adjustable height settings. Even better, it's outfitted with a built-in USB hub to instantly boost your laptop's connectivity.

Whether you're typing away in documents or having a long gaming session, a laptop cooling pad helps you stay chill. Browse my recommended cooling laptop pads under $35 below.

3 best laptop cooling pads

I'm not particularly Type A about most things, but it's a different story when it comes to charging.

I hate ruining a gadget's battery by over-charging almost as much as I hate running out of battery in the first place, which, as you might have picked up on, is kind of a catch-22.

Living in that intersection of wanting things to be charged and charged right is a balancing act, and normally, I have to bear the burden of doing that balancing myself.

Plugable, however, may have just changed my charging triage for good.

One USB-C hub to rule them all

Chargers that prioritize devices based on power needs aren't a new concept, but this year at CES 2025, Plugable released an entrant into the space that feels — to use video game parlance — OP. ("Overpowered.")

I'm talking about the recently launched PS-10CC, which I got to both see and try for myself. The "10" in PS-10CC stands for the 10 whole ports that this hub has, which makes it unique, sheer numbers-wise, among chargers that are able to intelligently deliver juice to your devices.

If 10 ports seem like overkill, it kind of is, but it's also the type of maximalism that might appeal to someone with an elaborate desk setup, which is admittedly not me.

To test this beast out, I tried to lean into the maximalism of it all and hook as many USB-C devices as possible.

I started small with a trio of gadgets — my laptop, phone, and earbuds.

The first thing you need to know about this hub is that it's genuinely unlike others you've probably used. Instead of giving each device in the USB-C array equal priority, the PS-10CC intelligently assesses power needs and then distributes that power as needed.

The hub has a max output of 100W, but it obviously can't deliver 100W to each device simultaneously. In the case of non-smart USB-C hubs, that would mean that if all ten ports were being used simultaneously, each would get 10W. However, the PS-10CC can tell which device needs the power and adjust the wattage triage accordingly.

In theory, that should get your devices charged more efficiently since the device with the highest need gets the most juice. And, in case you are wondering, you can also set the priority of which device you want to get charged first.

The order of ports from left to right is highest to lowest respectively, so if you want something charged first, you can slot it in the first port on the left.

In my initial test of three devices, I plugged my phone into the first slot, my laptop into the second, and the earbuds into the third. I noticed the hub prioritize my laptop immediately, which was obviously drawing the most power, while my phone took the backburner.

Admittedly, watching my phone charge slower than my laptop was a bit frustrating, but this is a USB-C hub for those who are fixated on optimized charging, not necessarily speed, and once you settle into letting the hub do the work, it's nice to know that (in due time) your gadgets will be charged in a way that preserves the battery and is more efficient.

One thing I did notice in my testing was that the hub doesn't immediately register each device right away, so there was some unplugging and re-plugging that needed to be done after I disconnected my laptop on the device-facing end. Whether that's an issue with the hub or if I just didn't allow it enough time to register the device as being plugged in is unclear, but if you're experiencing the same problem, you may want to try the old unplug it and plug it back in trick.

One other thing you should do if you plan on using this over-the-top charger is to ensure your power adapter is up to snuff. Again, the maximum output is 100W, so your typical charging cube might not suffice — get something more substantial.

Is Plugable's huge USB-C charging hub worth the money?

Maximalism is not for everyone, but sometimes, having more is better.

What I like about the PS-10CC is that it offers a ton of ports and a better way of charging all the devices you eventually plug into those ports. Not everyone will need all that utility, of course, but for those who do, it's nice to see something that has the most but in a thoughtful way.

It's also worth noting that this might not be everyone's preferred charging method since it might not start to top up your device immediately. If you want instantaneous juice, using a standard charger that delivers consistent power is still best. However, if you're more into charging things at different speeds over time and aren't hell-bent on everything getting charged at once, this should be a perfect solution.

For me, the PS-10CC is, in many ways, precisely what I've been waiting for — a charger that serves a lot of gadgets and also accommodates my desire to make sure I'm not ruining the fragile chemistry of my many lithium-ion batteries.

More isn't always better, but Plugable is again making a strong case.

While I wasn't a part of Laptop Mag's outbound team to CES 2025 this year, I'd like to imagine that its booth was visible to all in attendance within The Venetian Expo center in Las Vegas, Nevada, guided by an aurora borealis-like glow of colors as the company's peripheral parishioners extol its prime directive: There's no such thing as too much RGB.

In my eyes, Razer is defined by three key things: powerful gaming hardware (as with the recently revealed Razer Blade 16), a wide spread of high-performance and forward-thinking peripherals and accessories (with the company's Project Arielle concept a prime example), and glorious swatches of Chroma RGB.

At CES 2025, Razer revealed a tight packaging of the latter two company values by unveiling its new Monitor Stand Chroma. Part ergonomic laptop or monitor stand, part USB-C hub, part cable management solution, and part disco for your desktop, Razer's latest dive into desktop accessories has a huge amount of potential for modest setups and is available to order now for $199 through Razer's online store.

Razer Monitor Stand Chroma: The illumination of organization

Perhaps taking inspiration from Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon, Razer's Monitor Stand Chroma comes in any color you like, as long as it's electrochemically bonded matte black. Though, its Chroma RGB does offer a praising prism of customizable colors to be shone on anything tucked into its serviceably sized storage nook.

The stand's remappable Chroma RGB button allows users to cycle through available presets quickly, but as with most Chroma products released by Razer, these options can be tweaked and customized to your liking through the Razer Synapse app, even changing the function of the switch entirely.

Its anodized aluminum build can support devices up to 44 pounds in weight, making it not just a solid solution for your primary monitor but also a decent plinth for your laptop too — as long as it can straddle the stand's 19.7 x 8.27 x 3.09-inch dimensions, anyway.

However, Razer's stand isn't all about the ergonomic benefits of raising your monitor a few inches into the air, something proven to help improve posture and reduce strain on the neck, shoulder, and back (while leaving your setup looking "fly as all hell"). The stand also incorporates a small USB-C hub, capable of supporting a single external monitor via HDMI, and a small selection of Type-A and Type-C USB peripherals (full rundown shown below).

• (Host) 1 x USB Type-C port
• 1 x Remappable Chroma RGB button
• 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A ports
• 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C port
• 1 x HDMI 2.0 port

Great for small setups, but even better when paired with a docking station

As stated, Razer's stand is of fantastic value to those running a minimalist or smaller setup, offering neat cable management, a tidy little storage nook, ergonomic improvements, and the impeccable flair of the brand's Chroma lighting.

However, the Monitor Stand Chroma's port selection is a little on the short side, making it an ideal companion to work with the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma — a similarly RGB-laden accessory ready to host the stand and other Thunderbolt/USB-C peripherals while providing your laptop with a considerable 90 watts of Power Delivery and 40Gbps data transfer rates.

I reviewed Razer's docking station in June 2024, giving it four out of five stars and a spot in our roundup of the best laptop docking stations. While its lack of legacy ports suitable for USB dongles or cables commonly used by gaming peripherals was an issue, pairing both the Thunderbolt dock and monitor stand makes for an impressive combo that's sure to please.

More from Laptop Mag

• Laptop Mag at CES 2025: The latest laptop news, reviews, and analysis direct from Las Vegas
• I'm hot and cold over Razer's new gaming chair — but it could lead to something incredible
• Razer's new Blade 16 will be its thinnest, most powerful gaming laptop yet

More isn't always better, but sometimes being maximalist just makes sense.

If more is your thing, then Plugable — an accessory maker based in Washington that's become known for its over-the-top accessories — is your company. Its new docking station, which was announced at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, supports an unprecedented 5 monitors, which brings your potential for screen overload to new heights.

So, if you're looking to submerge yourself in a sea of 4K, we've got some very good news.

A first-of-its-kind docking station

Plugable is already known for its robust accessories, and its recently announced UD-7400PD docking station is continuing that ethos.

According to Plugable, its new docking station is the first to support five whole external monitors. The UD-7400PD is powered by DisplayLink’s DL-7400 chipset, and impressively, it can handle up to four 4K, 120Hz monitors and one 8K monitor simultaneously.

It also offers 140W of power so it can keep you can keep your myriad laptops charged at the same time.

As an added perk, the dock comes with a screen that activates when powered on but not connected to a device which gives real-time status information.

Altogether the docking station has two HDMI ports and three DisplayLink-enabled USB-C ports. If that's not enough, the dock also has a front-facing 10Gpbs USB-C port that enables 30W charging and 2 front-facing 10Gbps USB-A ports and Ethernet and audio jacks for good measure.

If a docking station capable of running an army of 4K monitors isn't really a high priority for you, Plugable also announced a quad-HDMI adapter that funnels into one USB-C port.

The adapter is small but mighty according to Plugable and is capable of driving four 4K 60Hz HDMI outputs into a single USB-C port. And with and up to 100W USB-C PD passthrough, you can also do all of that while keeping your laptop powered at the same time.

How much kill is overkill?

Listen, not everyone is going to need a docking station that does all of that, but then again, if you're a serious creative professional who likes to run a suite of editing software or a financial analyst who relies on being surrounded by screens, it's easy to see how the UD-7400PD could be very appealing.

And even if you aren't trying to predict a major company's financial future, sometimes it's just nice to know that if you really needed the most out of a docking station that you could get it.

Both Plugable's new docking station and its four-HDMI to USB-C adapter will be available later in Q1 2025 and will retail for $264.95 and $124.95 respectively.

• CES 2025 Coverage
• Acer's enormous CES 2025 gaming handheld looks absolutely ridiculous
• Acer unveils upgraded Windows gaming handheld at CES 2025, but does it resolve our concerns?

There are lots of ways to charge your glut of devices simultaneously, but very few can do so with efficiency in mind.

Plugable, an accessory company based out of Washington, however, introduced what it's calling the "world's first" 10-port charger with smart power allocation, meaning you can charge a lot of gadgets without using a ton of juice.

Charge smarter

If you're wondering what "smart power allocation" even means, let me explain.

According to Plugable, its robust 10-port charger can smartly identify devices that are plugged into the accessory and then doll out juice accordingly, depending on demand. In their words:

"The PS-10CC dynamically distributes power, prioritizing high-wattage devices such as laptops to ensure optimal performance. An efficient charging solution in environments with multiple devices like classrooms and offices, for families setting up a charging station, or tech enthusiasts managing a smart workspace."

Plugable says its smart charger delivers up to 100W of total power and is designed specifically to meet the increasingly high power demands of modern devices. On top of that, the charging hub is fairly compact, so it won't totally clutter your likely already crowded desk.

In short: Plugable's ambitious USB-C hub should give you all the ports you need to safely and efficiently charge all kinds of devices at once, including laptops, phones, watches, and more.

Is Plugable's charger really that rare?

There are always lots of "world's first" claims out there and not all of them are to be trusted, so I decided to take a gander around and see what other options for comparable chargers lie in the accessory universe.

Turns out, at least based on my research, there really aren't any other accessories that offer quite as much as Plugable's PS-10CC.

While dynamically distributing power isn't novel in the charger world — like this one, for example — there aren't any devices that I turned that have as many ports as the PS-10CC.

I also can't verify that the other companies I identified make products as reliable as Plugable. I've been using Plugables 40W fast charger with dual USB-C ports and really admire the slim design and speed at which it charges my smaller devices.

Likewise, Laptop Mag has reviewed Plugable's portable display and one of the company's docking stations, both of which scored 4.5 out of 5 stars. Multi-port USB-C charging docks might not be the sexiest products in the world, but it's hard to deny something that just works, and if you're already in the market for a way to manage all your power needs, why not do it in the most efficient way possible?

Plugable's USB-C charging hub will be available later in Q1 2025 and will retail for $99.95.

Nothing helps streamline your desk or nightstand like a great charging station. I love being able to charge my phone, earbuds, and Apple Watch in the same place, and it significantly cuts down the clutter of having three or four charging cables sitting around.

Right now, you can clean up (or upgrade!) your charging setup with a sweet new Anker charging station — without paying full price.

Amazon is slashing up to 40% off five top Anker charging stations right now, like this 9-in-1 charging station that's down to just $35! It has built-in surge protection and supports 100W fast charging, so you can charge everything from your MacBook to your phone from one spot.

If you're looking for something more portable, check out the Anker Nano charging station, which is 39% off on Amazon right now. This thin-and-light charging station supports up to 67W charging, has a convenient flat cable, and charging space for up to 6 devices at once.

Top 5 Anker charging station deals this weekend

If you’re searching for a new keyboard to add to your setup, you’ve likely come across Logitech as a highly recommended brand. Logitech makes multiple pricey mechanical keyboards for gamers and office workers, but the brand is also known for making budget-friendly yet quality keyboards.

We’ve rounded up 5 awesome deals on Logitech keyboards — all of which are highly rated, wireless, either via Bluetooth or USB-RF and under $25. These wireless keyboards may not feature mechanical switches. Still, they’re well-constructed and bound to enhance your typing experience if you compare it to a laptop keyboard or, worse, a tablet’s touch screen.

Spend any holiday cash on something that will reward you year-round: a reliable, portable, Laptop Mag-highly rated, Logitech keyboard.

Quick links

• Logitech MK270 Keyboard and Mouse: was $27 now $19
• Logitech K400 Keyboard with Trackpad: was $27 now $19
• Logitech K270 Keyboard in Rose: was $24 now $19
• Logitech MK235 Keyboard and Mouse: was $24 now $19
• Logitech K270 Keyboard in Black: was $29 now $24

Logitech keyboards under $25

A portable SSD is a great solution if you want to add storage to your laptop and easily transfer files across devices.

Now on sale for $79 at Amazon, the Dragon Edition SanDisk Portable SSD is the one I would buy if I needed extra laptop storage. At $10 off, this unique SanDisk Portable SSD has never been cheaper.

If you're shopping for someone else, it's one of the coolest last-minute gifts under $100.

Today's best SanDisk Portable SSD deal

Beyond its eye-catching dragon art enclosure, which represents my Chinese zodiac sign, this portable SSD has a red rubber hook that conveniently clips to a backpack or belt loop.

With a storage capacity of 1TB, this SanDisk Portable SSD keeps thousands of photos, videos, and importable documents safe. Read speeds of up to 800MB/s means fast file transfers between laptops, tablets, and phones.

For peace of mind, the SanDisk Portable SSD's casing provides two-meter drop protection and is backed by SanDisk's 3-year warranty.

Now, for just under $80, the SanDisk Portable SSD makes it more affordable to increase your maxed-out storage.

The Magic Mouse may be a mainstay in Apple's accessory lineup, but it's not without controversy.

Apple's wireless mouse launched 15 years ago in 2009 and was minimally refreshed in 2015 to swap out its two AA batteries for a rechargeable battery. On one hand, a rechargeable battery makes sense, but it also led to one fateful design choice: the charging port location on the mouse's underside. That means you cannot use the mouse while it's charging.

Naturally, that design choice has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way over the years, but according to recent rumors, the Magic Mouse ire may come to an end soon. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in a recent Power On newsletter that Apple has recently started working on prototypes for a new Magic Mouse that'll actually address "longstanding complaints."

What could a redesigned Magic Mouse look like?

In this review of Apple's Magic Mouse by Creative Bloq, the mouse is praised for its sleek design, seamless pairing with Apple devices, and overall fantastic functionality. But the two features keeping it from greatness are its non-ergonomic feel and the position of its charging port.

I'd say those are the two biggest complaints I've seen against Apple's Magic Mouse among critics and consumers, and Gurman confirms at least one of these complaints will be addressed.

Gurman writes: "Apple is looking to create something that’s more relevant, while also fixing longstanding complaints — yes, including the charging port issue."

It'll be interesting to see how Apple plans to address the charging port issue. Will the company simply move the charging port so people can use the mouse while charging it? Or will Apple adopt a wireless charging system similar to Logitech's G Powerplay system? The latter would be much more impressive.

While Gurman doesn't confirm whether Apple is looking to make the new Magic Mouse more ergonomic, "fixing longstanding complaints" implies that Apple's paying attention to what its users currently don't like about the existing Magic Mouse, which includes its awful feel.

Having a sleek, thin device is great when we're talking about laptops or smartphones. But when we're talking about computer mice, a curved design that fits your hand comfortably is much more important.

According to Gurman, it could be another year to 18 months before Apple's ready to release its new Magic Mouse. Apple launched the 1st and 2nd Gen Magic Mouse in October, while the updated USB-C version from 2022 launched in March. If Apple sticks to this launch schedule, I'd imagine we might get a new Magic Mouse in October 2025 or March 2026.

Dell doesn't just have great deals on massive gaming monitors as the end of Cyber Week approaches. If you're searching for a new, more modestly sized monitor, Dell has something for you as well. We've pulled together three Dell monitors ranging in size from 24 inches to 27 inches — and each monitor is still on sale at a deep discount, making these the best discounts we've seen all year.

For example, you can buy the Dell 24 Monitor SE2425H for just $69 with this deal. That's $50 off the regular price. This monitor is all about the basics, delivering 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution with one HDMI (HDCP 1.4) port and one VGA port. This model only has a tilt adjustment; if you want both height and tilt adjustments, consider the similar S2425HS for $109

Meanwhile, the pair of 27-inch Dell monitors we spotlight below should appeal to bargain hunters. One is a similar basic 1080p model for $89, while the other packs 2K resolution and costs $149.

All three models have a 16:9 aspect ratio. Snag these deals while you can — Dell's Cyber Week sale won't last much longer.

Best Dell monitor deals

The average mid-range laptop typically offers 512GB of SSD storage, but that's not enough for many people. Even if you only save photos, videos, and the occasional file, 512GB can quickly disappear. If you need to download any games, expect it to disappear much faster.

While I've started seeing more laptops featuring 1TB of SSD storage without greatly increasing the price, they're not as common as 512GB SSD options. Laptops with 2TB or 4TB of storage are typically gaming laptops that have more powerful (and much more expensive) components inside, which not everyone needs.

So what's a person with storage needs to do? If your laptop's SSD isn't soldered on, you can buy a larger SSD and swap it out for much less than it'd cost to upgrade your entire laptop.

Since our original story was published on Monday, Samsung's 990 EVO Plus 4TB SSD has dropped by a further $10 to $239 at Amazon. New Egg and B&H have also marked down this beast of an SSD to $239, too.

SSD was just released a few months ago, and Samsung says the 4TB SSD's "Sequential read speeds come up to 7250 megabytes-per-second (MB/s) and write speeds up to 6300MB/s," up to 50% better than its predecessor.

For those who frequently transfer large files or play games, an SSD with speedy read/write speeds will make a huge difference. You can expect faster loading times and smoother transitions between scenes in games.

Plus, Samsung notes its new SSDs boast "boosted performance and power efficiency." Because of the way this SSD is constructed, it not only offers faster read/write speeds compared to its predecessor but also offers "73% higher power efficiency." Translated, this means your laptop's battery life could improve with the 990 EVO Plus SSD, depending on the specs of your existing laptop SSD.

Whether you play games or not, this SSD upgrade will make your storage woes a thing of the past.

Today's best Samsung 4TB SSD deal

Black Friday is right on our doorstep, and that means fantastic savings on just about every bit of tech you can name, including docking stations.

Docking stations are a vital component to anybody looking to build a fully-fledged setup around their laptop, mostly due to narrowing and dwindling port selection and number as these devices continue to become thinner and lighter.

A great docking station can turn even an average laptop into something of a workstation, managing keyboards, mice, speakers, webcams, controllers, and more — all while providing a steady charge that keeps your machine powered up throughout the day.

I review docking stations year-round, and I'd like to humbly suggest I know a good one when I see one. I also know a great deal when I see one, like the highly-rated (scoring four-and-a-half stars in our review) Plugable TBT4 & USB4 HDMI Docking Station now just $183 at Amazon, or one of my personal favorite docks for its versatility the Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station down to $169 at Walmart. Both of these docks have plenty to offer, and each at a fraction of their regular price.

Thanks to savings like these, Black Friday is one of the best times of the year to be investing in a docking station, and here are some other impressive deals to watch out for.

The best Black Friday deals on docking stations

Looking for the best portable keyboard isn't easy, as there aren't many out there on the market, as it's rather niche. Laptops feature their own keyboard, and many tablets have a keyboard accessory you can purchase that's attachable to the device itself. However, if you're okay with a detached keyboard that you can connect to tablets, phones, and computers, we've got an excellent selection of the best portable keyboards for students, many of which pair excellently with the best laptops for college.

The best portable keyboard for most students is none other than the Logitech Keys-to-Go 2, a simple, light, and easily portable keyboard that is compatible with Android, ChromeOS, Windows, iPadOS, iOS, and macOS. It's battery-powered (utilizing two coin cell batteries), and features a built-in cover to protect the keys from damage. It connects through Bluetooth, its battery is rated to last 3 years (based on two hours of continuous typing per day), and its incredibly light at half-a-pound.

If you're in need of something even more affordable than the $79.99 Logitech Keys-to-Go, look no further than the Logitech Pop Icon keyboard. It's only $49.99, features the same 3 years of battery life (based on two hours of continuous typing, has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with iOS, Windows, and ChromeOS. It features less compatibility, alongside not having a key cover, and it's also more than twice the weight of the Keys-to-Go 2.

Let us not waste anymore time and jump right into the best portable keyboards for students you can buy.

Quick list

How to choose the best portable keyboard for students

As mentioned in the introduction, there aren't many choices for the best portable keyboards. Laptops are already built with a keyboard, and tablets usually feature a purchasable accessory that can attach to the device itself. What you're likely in need for with a portable keyboard is something to connect to a 2-in-1 laptop while it's folded, or a tablet (if you don't want to buy the coupled peripheal), or just something to connect to your computers at college.

The first thing you'll need to figure out is connectivity type, but that shouldn't be an issue as long as you have Bluetooth. However, other options include wired and 2.4Ghz dongle, and if you're someone who'd prefer using either of those methods over Bluetooth, it's important to keep in mind when purchasing a keyboard.

Size and weight are similarly vital aspects to keep in mind, as some of these keyboards are far heavier than others. Our lightest option is only half a pound with the Logitech Keys-to-Go 2, while the heaviest option, the NuPhy Air 75, is nearly three times as heavy at 1.3 pounds.

You'll also want to consider if you're in need of a keyboard cover, which can help protect your keys from damage and dirt during travel. Unfortunately, only the Keys-to-Go 2 has a keyboard cover, but you can purchase specially designed packs for the NuPhy Air75 V2.

Typefeel is also something to keep in mind, as for the most part, you won't be able to enjoy the deeply satisfying sensation of a typical mechanical keyboard when purchasing a portable keyboard. Instead, these keyboards will feel a little more shallow in comparison, but you can opt for more expensive options like the NuPhy Air75 V2, which features a low-profile mechanical switch.

FAQ

Do portable keyboards have USB ports?

Not all portable keyboards feature USB ports, so it's important to check which do and do not when purchasing them. Since these keyboards are typically designed to be light and thin, a USB port can add unnecessary bulk, so you'll typically only find the inclusion of a USB port on the thicker (and often more expensive) products.

For example, the Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 connects exclusively through Bluetooth, which is a result of it being an immensely light product that only weighs half-a-pound. On the other hand, the Logitech POP Icon Keys and NuPhy Air75 V2 both feature USB ports, yet they're more than twice the weight.

Essentially, if you want a USB port, you're going to have to opt for something a bit bulkier. If that's okay with you, we absolutely recommend the POP Icon Keys or NuPhy Air75 V2.

Do portable keyboards need to be charged?

Whether or not your portable keyboard needs charging depends on if it's a rechargeable keyboard or battery-powered keyboard. Typically, battery-powered portable keyboards utilize coin cell batteries. This means you'll need to replace the coin cell batteries when they run out of juice, but at the very least, you won't have to worry about charging it. Keyboards of this kind include the Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 and Logitech POP Icon Keys.

Other keyboards, like the NuPhy Air75 V2, are rechargeable and have a battery capacity of 4000mAh. It's estimated to last 35 to 57 hours with its lights on, and up to 220 hours with its lights off. Other keyboards will have their own battery capacity, and that will largely depend on the size of its battery alongside how much power it consumes.

Can portable keyboards connect to iPhone?

While not all portable keyboards can connect to iPhone, most can. Products like the Logitech POP Icon Keys and Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 are portable keyboards which can connect to iPhone devices, alongside functioning on iPadOS and macOS.

It's important to check compatibility when purchasing a portable keyboard, as some exclusively work on PC devices like Windows and macOS, while others have functionality included for tablets and phones.

Finding the best printer for students can be a difficult task, and depending on whether you're printing text in black-and-white, in color, printing photos, or need a printer that has scanning capabilities and more, there's lots of different options to suit your needs. And if you're a student, be sure to check out our best laptops for college.

Our favorite printer for most students is none other than the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e, which hits a solid middle ground between price and fuctionality, featuring HP Thermal Inkjet printing technology, faxing capabilities, a touchscreen display, wireless printing, and two-sided printing, alongside copy and scanning. There's also a convenient HP app that allows you to print from your smartphone, making this a convenient and easy-to-use printer for students. However, it only comes with 3 months of free ink.

But if you just want something simple to take you through college, you can grab the Brother MFC-J1010DW for less than $100, featuring the ability to print, copy, scan, fax, with a paper tray of maximum capacity at 150 sheets. However, it only comes with starter ink cartridges, which Brother claims should last approximately 200 pages for each color.

Let us not waste anymore time and jump right into the best printers for students you can buy.

Quick list

How to choose the best student printers

Before you even begin shopping for a student printer, you need to figure out what exactly you need one for and whether or not it's a worthwhile investment for your workload. During my college days, I would frequently head over to the campus library in order to print papers I needed for class. If your campus features a similar convenient space, and you don't suspect you'll be printing that frequently, consider that as an alternative.

However, if you'd prefer to not have to do that, you'll then need to think about what type of printing you'll be doing. Are you an art student looking to print high quality color prints of your work, or other people's work? Or are you just in need of something quick and easy that can put ink on a page to hand-in your assignments to professors?

You'll also need to consider what type of connectivity suits your usage, whether that's wifi, USB, or ethernet, alongside the size of what you plan to print (each printer on this list can print in standard 8.5 x 11-inch letter size). Budget is another thing to think about, especially considering how often students don't have much money to spare. You'll especially need to be considerate of printer costs, which we cover in the FAQ section below.

If you're an artistic student in need of a professional grade printer for photos, your needs will also be different, as you'll likely be looking for something that can handle larger print sizes, has an 8-color ink system, and higher resolution prints.

FAQ

Can a printer scan documents

Not all printers can scan documents, but most do. Both the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135 and Brother MFC-J1010DW can scan, copy, and fax. You'll have no issue if that's what you need a printer for with these purchase, but always ensure what you're purchasing is explicitly labeled as a scanner, as some printers do not come with this functionality. For example, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 cannot scan.

Purchasing ink for your printer

Each manufacturer utilizes its own ink cartridges for its printer products, and beyond just that, some use different types of ink. Even within a manufacturer's line of products, different printers will need different ink cartridges. You'll need to specifically check which type of ink your printer needs to run without issue.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 81235e has plenty of available ink cartridges for purchase, which are mostly limited to the HP 923, 924, and 925 products. You can find the full list of supported cartridges here, but if you simply want to buy the full cyan, magenta, yellow, and black four-pack, you can get the HP 923 CMYB.

For the Brother MFC-J1010DW, you'll need to purchase the LC4013PKS ink packs, which can be found on Brother's website. The cheapest version comes available in a 3-pack of color, which can print approximately 200 pages, but you can also get the high-yield version, which can handle 600 pages. And of course, you'll also want to purchase black ink.

For the Canon PIXMA PRO-200, you'll need to purchase the CLI-65 8-Color Ink Value Pack. Considering this is an 8-color printer (whereas the others on this list are 4-color), you'll need to use all eight. However, if only one of your colors have run out, or you just need to purchase black ink, you can still buy them separately.

Whether you've run out of wall outlets near your desk or need to quickly recharge your smartphone on the go, Anker has established itself as the name in gadget battery restoration. They make some fantastic charging hubs, wall outlet adapters, and portable power banks, and now, thanks to these sweet deals at Amazon, you can avoid draining the power out of your wallet, too.

If you have access to a power outlet and want to expand your capabilities, the Anker Prime 67W is $20 off at Amazon, down to just $39. It's a great travel companion with a compact form factor and folding design. It has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, so you can quickly recharge your smartphone while you grab a coffee at Starbucks.

There are a couple of great options for those of you looking to expand your charging ports lineup at your desk. The Anker 9-in-1 Charging Station is $20 off, down to $39, and It certainly offers you the most bang for your buck in terms of ports, with 3 x AC outlets, 4 x USB-C ports, and 2 x USB-A ports. But if you value charging speed, the 140W High-Speed Anker Prime 6-in-1 USB C Charging Station might be the more compelling option at $69, down $40 from its usual price.

If you're wandering out of the reach of a wall outlet, then Anker's power banks are the answer to your quandary, and we've found two of them on sale right now. The Anker 633 is half price, down to just $39 and it's a great companion on long journeys, offering a kickstand and magnetic mounting system so you can still watch movies or stream YouTube while you charge. It has a 10,000mAh capacity which should keep your smartphone alive throughout the day even with heavy usage.

If you need to keep multiple devices going or survive for multiple days, then the 27,650mAh capacity Anker Prime Power Bank is also on sale at $50 off, down to $129. 

Top 5 Anker charging accessory deals at Amazon

I was relieved to have the Anker A1637 portable charger on hand a couple of weeks ago, but not because I was stuck in an airport.

The power went out in my apartment for an entire day – before I’d had time to recharge my iPad. Luckily, I had the Anker A1637 on hand, and it reminded me why it’s such a good idea to have a portable charger around, even if you don’t travel much.

The Anker A1637 is a basic, pocket-sized portable charger ideal for keeping in your backpack, glove compartment, or desk drawer in case you need to recharge but can’t access a wall charger. Although its small size has downsides, the Anker A1637 can also be the perfect portable charger for certain situations.

Here’s a look at my experience testing out the Anker A1637 and a few things you should know before buying one.

Anker A1637 portable charger: Price and availability

The Anker A1637 costs $45 on Amazon and comes in five colors: black, blue, pink, violet, and white. Depending on the primary devices you need to charge, you can choose between USB Type-C and lightning cable versions. USB Type-C is the way to go unless you have an older iPhone. Our review unit is the blue USB Type-C version.

Anker A1637 portable charger: Design

The Anker A1637 features a 10,000mAh battery, a small digital display, a foldable AC plug, a built-in cable, and one in/out port. It measures 4.25 x 2.01 x 1.22 inches and weighs 0.55 pounds, slightly more than my iPhone 12 Mini. So, it’s very compact. You can easily fit this charger in a jacket pocket (or even a larger pants pocket).

One feature missing from the Anker A1637 is a USB Type-A port. While few devices use USB Type-A for charging, many charging cables connect to USB Type-A for plugging into outlets and adapters. For instance, my iPhone 12 Mini charging cable is lightning to USB Type-A, so I wasn’t able to use it to charge my phone with the Anker A1637. Considering how common USB Type-A charging remains, I would have liked to see a Type-A port on this charger.

If your devices all use USB Type-C, you can use the built-in cable. However, to charge other devices, you will need charging cables with USB Type-C at one end.

The built-in display is basic but does the job. It’s disguised in the smooth side of the charger, so you won’t notice it until you plug it in. The display shows the charger’s current battery percentage (not the battery percentage of the device you’re charging). A small green lightning bolt icon will illuminate when the power bank is recharging. The hidden display gives the Anker A1637 a clean, minimalistic look.

I also liked the built-in AC plug. This allows you to use the Anker A1637 as a wall charger and makes it easy to recharge the power bank itself. The AC prongs fold so they won’t get in the way when using the A1637 as a portable charger.

Anker A1637 portable charger: Ports

The Anker A1637 is only designed to charge one device at a time (or two small devices), so it’s pretty sparse on ports. It has one built-in cable, either USB Type-C or lightning. On the back, there’s one USB Type-C port for two-way charging.

Anker A1637 portable charger: Performance

The Anker A1637 is a pocket-sized portable charger, but its small size means it can only provide so much juice. The 10,000mAh battery can recharge an iPhone 15 Pro almost two full times from 0 to 100 percent (the iPhone 15 Pro has a 3274mAh battery, to put that into perspective).

Larger devices will drain this power bank much faster, though. For instance, my iPad drained a full 20 percent of the Anker A1637’s battery just to refuel about 10 percent. The Anker A1637 can recharge a laptop, but not for a full charge. However, you can use the A1637 as a 30W wall charger, allowing some flexibility for larger devices like laptops and tablets.

The 30W fast charging support is incredibly convenient, and even without fast charging, the A1637 seemed to refuel my devices at least as quickly as my wall chargers. The digital display updates in real-time, too, and doesn’t fall asleep, so you can glance at the charger at any time to quickly check its battery level.

Bottom line

The Anker A1637 is the kind of handy, pocket-sized portable charger everyone should have for those unexpected moments when they need to recharge but don’t have access to a regular charger. It’s basic but reliable and multi-functional.

I found the Anker A1637 best for quick mobile charging. This isn’t a long-haul power bank that can provide five or more full recharges. It’s best for those moments when you realize you forgot your wall charger or forgot to recharge your device and need something to tide you over.

It’s also great for short weekend or day trips since it doesn’t take up much space in your bag (or pocket). It’s also small enough you can store one in your car for situations where you might get stranded on the road with nowhere to charge your phone. So, while the small battery capacity means you’ll need to recharge the A1637 often, it also allows this power bank to be small enough to have some serious versatility.

If you need a power bank for long trips or larger devices, consider the CUKTECH 20, which has a larger battery.

I love mechanical keyboards. They're easily my favorite products to review and customize. If you're new to mechanical keyboards, you're in for a next-level typing and gaming experience that laptop keyboards just can't compete with. Thanks to Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale going on right now, you can try out mechanical keyboards or pick up a new one at a huge discount.

I combed through Amazon's mechanical keyboard deals to hand-pick the best seven for gamers and typists alike. For example, Laptop Mag's best overall keyboard of the year, the Epomaker x Leobog Hi75, is on sale for just $80 right now! This keyboard is my daily driver (which is really saying something since I have almost two dozen to choose from). It has an incredible typing sound and feel, a high-quality full-aluminum case, and some fun color options to choose from.

You can also score some great discounts on gaming keyboards right now. For example, the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is down to just $50, half off its normal price! This compact, high-performance gaming keyboard earned a coveted Editors Choice award from us, so you can rest assured you'll be getting a top-notch gaming keyboard.

Those are just the tip of the iceberg. Here are my top seven keyboard deals for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days.

To check out all of the top tech deals we found, visit our Amazon Prime Big Deal Days hub.

Top 7 mechanical keyboard deals for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days

I've been reviewing docking stations year-round and Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days are bringing some of my favorite USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 docks down in price to all-time lows. There's no better time to buy and no better way to make the most of your laptop, workspace, or gaming setup.

No computing setup is complete without a docking station — bold words, but very much true. Docking stations will not only supply you with more ports for accessories and peripherals, but they'll also make it easier to hook up external monitors and keep your laptop charged throughout the day — and sometimes several of your other favorite devices too.

What's the major issue with docking stations? Their price! These devices can often cost a lot, which is why events like Prime Day and Big Deal Days are the best times to invest. So, without stalling you any further, let's take a look at some of the best Prime Day deals I've hand-picked from our top-rated docking stations.

Just remember, these deals are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. Not a Prime member? Join Prime now and gain access to these amazing deals throughout the next few days!

To stay up to date on our expert-picked deals throughout Amazon's Big Deal Days sale, check out our Amazon Prime Big Deal Days hub. 

Prime Big Deal Days docking station deals — Quick links

• Plugable TBT4 & USB4 HDMI Docking Station: Was $289, now $215 @ Amazon
• CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4: Was $399, now $359 @ Amazon
• Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station: Was $249, now $169 @ Amazon
• Satechi Dual Dock Stand: Was $149, now $112 @ Amazon
• Logitech Logi Dock: Was $199, now $152 @ Amazon

Today's best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days docking station deals

When you think of stylish tech, a keyboard might not be the first thing that jumps to mind, but Epomaker is trying to change that. 

The Epomaker Tide 75 features a refined, minimalistic design that looks and feels like a premium product thanks to an anodized full aluminum case. The monochrome colorway allows you to add some flare to your desk without looking flashy or over the top. Little touches like a reflective backplate and metallic volume knob add to the Tide 75’s elevated style. 

Does this mechanical keyboard perform and sound as good as it looks, though? I tested out the Tide 75 for over two weeks to find out. Here’s a look at how it performed and a few things you should know before adding the Epomaker Tide 75 to your desk. To compare it to some alternatives, you can also check out our guide to the best mechanical keyboards of the year.  

Epomaker Tide 75: Price and configurations

The Epomaker Tide 75 starts at $119 on Amazon and comes in four colors: pink, purple, blue, and black. The pink and purple variants cost $119 while the blue and black versions cost $140. You can choose between the Epomaker Lemon switches and Epomaker Zebra switches, which are both linear switches with a 40-gram actuation force. 

All versions of the Tide 75 support wired and wireless connectivity with Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz USB dongle, or the USB Type-C cable. Our review unit is the purple version with Epomaker Zebra switches.

Epomaker Tide 75: Design

I love a clean, monochrome aesthetic and the Epomaker Tide 75 does not disappoint. The entire keyboard is the same color, which gives it a very polished look on my desk. The anodized aluminum case looks fantastic; it’s sleek and polished without looking too flashy, so it blends in well in any workspace. And its satin finish feels cool to the touch. The anodized aluminum makes an otherwise fairly standard keyboard design look and feel like a luxury product. 

However, you won’t want to carry the Tide 75 around with you much; the full aluminum case means it’s quite heavy at 3.9 pounds. It won’t slide around on your desk while you’re typing, though. 

The Tide 75 is a 75% size keyboard, so it offers a full row of function keys and a handful of media keys along the right edge, but no number pad. If a number pad is a must-have for you, you might be better served with a larger mechanical keyboard like the Lofree Block. That said, 75% is my favorite keyboard size. It supports all the keys I need for gaming and writing but doesn’t take up much space on my desk. 

In the top right corner, the Tide 75 sports a polished metallic knob. It’s pre-set to control volume, but you can reassign it to another function if you want. You can also press the knob to mute the volume. Turning it provides a soft tactile feedback that’s satisfying while still allowing for smooth movement. 

Along the back edge there’s a USB Type-C port for using the keyboard in wired mode, a switch to swap between wired and wireless, and an insert for storing the 2.4GHz USB dongle.

Epomaker Tide 75: Switches and keycaps

There are two switch options for the Tide 75: Epomaker Lemon switches and Epomaker Zebra switches (although it’s worth noting the pink version only comes with the Lemon switches and the black version only comes with the Zebra switches). Our review unit includes the Zebra switches, but I tested both. 

If you’re a fan of light, linear switches, you will probably enjoy either one. They feel very similar to type on, which makes sense considering they both feature a 40-gram actuation force. These switches feel even lighter than their actuation force, though, so if you are used to heavier switches, they could take some getting used to. 

I enjoyed typing on the Epomaker Zebra switches and the light actuation force makes them great for gaming. However, I wish they sounded better. Both types of switches have a high-pitched “clacky” sound that lacks the deeper “thocky” tone I (and many other keyboard enthusiasts) prefer in a mechanical keyboard.

The Tide 75 is gasket mounted, but it feels noticeably stiffer than other gasket mounted keyboards I’ve tried, including some from Epomaker. That, combined with the thin keycaps, may explain why the switches don’t produce a deeper sound profile. They sounded better when I swapped in thicker PBT keycaps for the included set, but there was a significant difference when I installed a Zebra switch on my Epomaker Hi75 for comparison.

So, while typing and gaming on the Tide 75 feels great, I was hoping for better sound quality. If you prefer a high, smooth “clack” tone, you would love how the Tide 75 sounds. However, if you’re looking for something with a low “thocky” sound, you may be better off with the Epomaker Hi75 or Epomaker x Aula F75.

Epomaker Tide 75: Performance

Light, linear mechanical switches aren’t for everyone, but they can offer fantastic performance, particularly for speed-typing and gaming. The Tide 75 kept up well through long days of typing at work and fast-paced gaming sessions afterward. 

On the Monkeytype typing test, I scored 97 words per minute with 94 percent accuracy, which is on par with my desktop average. However, that accuracy score is lower than usual for me. One drawback of the lighter switches is that it’s easier to press them on accident. If you have large or clumsy fingers, that could be an issue. On the other hand, the low actuation force on the Epomaker Zebra switches means your hands and fingers won’t tire out as fast while typing on the Tide 75. 

If you want an all-purpose mechanical keyboard for gaming and typing, the Tide 75 is up to the task. The Zebra switches are light and consistent, making them a good option for fast-paced titles. 

I played a few rounds of Roboquest with the Tide 75 and it kept up well with my quick keystrokes. I like to play the Recon class in the game, which works best when I can perform snappy keystrokes to dash in and out of melee range with enemies. The Tide 75 didn't miss a beat even as my co-op partner and I got to some pretty high-speed zones. 

Epomaker Tide 75: Software

The Epomaker Tide 75 is QMK/VIA compatible, which is a huge plus. If you haven’t used them before, QMK and VIA are open-source platforms for keyboard customization. I love VIA because I can use it directly through my browser for free, no downloads needed. It acts as a one-stop-shop for everything, from keybinding adjustments to backlighting customization. 

To use VIA with the Epomaker Tide 75, all you have to do is plug it in with the included USB Type-C cable and go to the VIA web app. Select the “Authorize device” button and you should see a pop up showing connected compatible devices. Select the Tide 75 from the list and hit “Connect.” It’s that easy. From there you can access all of your keyboard customization settings directly from your browser.  

Bottom line

The Epomaker Tide 75 features a polished, minimalistic design and light linear switches that keep up well with fast-paced typing and gaming. However, the sound quality of the switches could be better and may be a letdown for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a “thocky” keyboard. If you prefer a smooth, higher-pitched switch sound, though, the Tide 75 could be the perfect fit. 

While the switches didn’t sound as good as I hoped, they performed well overall. I wish the keycaps were made of a thicker plastic, which would help with the sound quality, but the monochrome colorway is a cool, sleek look. 

Overall, the Tide 75 is a good all-around mechanical keyboard that’s ideal for anyone looking for light-and-fast linear switches or a more refined, minimalistic keyboard. If you want to compare it to some alternatives, take a look at the Epomaker Hi75.  

Staring at your bright laptop display all day might be keeping you awake at night and even damaging your eyes. 

That’s where monitors like the BenQ GW2790QT Ergonomic Eye-Care monitor come in. Designed to help reduce blue light exposure, this monitor is an eye-opener for anyone who spends their entire work day looking at a screen (myself included). Tapei-based BenQ designed this monitor specifically for productivity and gave it a robust amount of customization for limiting blue light levels so you can avoid screen-related side effects like eye strain and sleep issues. 

The question is, does the BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care monitor offer good value and performance, or just a blue light gimmick? I used it as my main monitor for over a month to find out. During that time, I used it to work, play games, and watch movies for a total of ten or more hours a day. 

Here’s a look at my experience with the BenQ GW2790QT Ergonomic Eye-Care monitor and some pros and cons you should know before adding one to your desk setup. 

BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care Monitor: Price and configurations

The BenQ GW2790QT Ergonomic Eye-Care monitor costs $249 and features a 27-inch 1440p IPS 2K QHD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 109 pixels per inch. It includes a white stand that’s adjustable in four directions, built-in speakers, a built-in mic, a USB Type-C cable, an HDMI cable, and a power cable. The BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care monitor is also compatible with the 100 x 100mm VESA standard-size monitoring mounts in case you want to use a monitor arm or a wall mount. 

BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care Monitor: Setup

Setting up the BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care monitor was easy, straightforward, and only took a few minutes. Everything is laid out clearly in the box and quick start guide. All you have to do is assemble the two-piece base then click it into place on the back of the monitor. 

After that, simply connect the power cable and plug the monitor into your device of choice. You can use the included HDMI cable or DisplayPort cable if you already have one you prefer. Then simply hit the power button in the bottom right corner of the monitor and you should be good to go. I didn’t have to adjust any settings or install any software to start using this monitor, which was nice.

BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care Monitor: Design

I love the clean aesthetic of a white monitor and the BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care monitor is no exception. It has a stylish design with rounded corners and a minimalistic base. It looks good on my desk without being distracting (and it happens to complement my white Starfield NZXT PC case quite well). 

I typically use monitor arms, but the stand included with the BenQ GW2790QT was nice enough that I preferred it over a monitor arm. It’s adjustable in four directions – height, vertical angle, horizontal angle, and horizontal/vertical rotation. I used it in horizontal mode, but if you want a vertical monitor for coding, streaming, or writing, you’ll appreciate that the included stand natively supports flipping to vertical mode. 

During my testing, monitor adjustments always felt smooth and stable. I never noticed any issues with the monitor getting unbalanced, stuck, or wobbling after adjusting it to a new position. 

The base of the stand is also compatible with optional accessories like a LEGO brick plate or a cable organizer for adding a little extra personality or function. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it is a creative feature that makes desk organization a little more fun. 

BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care Monitor: Ports

The BenQ GW2790QT includes an HDMI port, a USB Type-C port, a USB Type-A port, a DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. That’s all the basic ports most people need, although you can also add a docking station to your desk setup if you want even more ports for connecting your laptop and accessories. 

It’s worth noting that the BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care monitor supports daisy-chaining multiple displays together using either the DisplayPort or USB Type-C port. 

BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care Monitor: Display

I found the display quality of the BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care monitor well-rounded for everyday tasks, especially word processing and reading. As the name suggests, BenQ prioritized blue light blocking features on this monitor’s display. It’s specifically optimized for productivity tasks, making it a great monitor for the home office, which is what I used it for. 

Unfortunately, this display doesn’t support HDR or wide color gamuts, which is disappointing. However, text looks sharp and clear and the overall image quality is good. Considering this is a monitor designed for productivity tasks, it makes sense that BenQ prioritized text readability over wide color gamut support. However, if you’re a creative professional, you may need to consider other options due to the lack of HDR or wide color.

What the BenQ GW2790QT lacks in wide color support, it makes up for in brightness. It has a max brightness of 350 nits, but it seems much brighter than that in person. I usually had it turned down to 20 percent or less. I appreciated that I could turn down the brightness without the display looking dark or gray-tinted. If you work in a brightly lit space, you won’t have to worry about this display getting bright enough to compete with overhead lights or sunny windows. 

Despite the lack of HDR or wide color gamut support, I found this display fairly good for gaming and watching movies. The 5 ms response time is quite slow compared to the 1 ms or 0.5 ms response time of most gaming monitors, but casual gamers likely won’t notice the difference. If you want one monitor for everything and don’t mind letting go of some premium gaming features, this one is up to the task. 

You can customize the display using several preset color modes: “Standard”, “Coding”, “Care Mode”, “M-book”, “Movie”, “Game”, “ePaper”, and “User.”

The preset modes are a crucial feature since they have a significant impact on how the display looks. For instance, shadows and dark colors have noticeably deeper black tones in the “Coding” mode. The “Game” mode is bright and features rich, well-balanced colors for maximizing the visuals of game graphics. “M-book” is a mode specially optimized for MacBooks, making this a great choice as an external monitor for Mac users.

My favorite modes were “Game” and “M-book,” although I also used the “Coding” mode from time to time. If none of the preset modes are to your liking, you can also create your own with the “User” mode. By selecting it and scrolling down to “Menu,” you can manually adjust brightness, contrast, sharpness, and color temperature.

BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care Monitor: Audio

The BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care monitor features built-in speakers and a built-in mic with background noise cancellation, which is especially convenient for anyone who frequently has video meetings or calls. 

I had a good experience using both for everything from meetings to movies to gaming. The audio quality isn’t professional-grade by any means, but it’s a step up from most laptop microphones and significantly better than I expected. I found myself preferring the speakers for gaming over my headphones. Of course, if you already have external speakers, you can simply plug them in with the headphone jack or USB port on the bottom of the monitor. 

While I enjoyed using the built-in speakers, I wish they were a bit louder. I usually had them turned up to max while watching movies or gaming, especially if I happened to be snacking. If you work in an area with significant background noise, you may want to opt for headphones instead. 

BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care Monitor: Settings

My favorite feature of the BenQ Ergonomic Eye-Care monitor is the built-in blue light blocking with Low Blue Light Plus. This feature allows you to adjust the level of blue light filtering on the display through several preset levels. Each one gets noticeably more orange-tinted, reducing the amount of blue light the display is emitting.

This feature was a game-changer for me. I’m on my PC practically from dawn to dusk between work and gaming. So, blue light can be a serious issue for me – and anyone else who works from home or spends a lot of time online. Blue light from displays (i.e. PC, laptop, phone, tablet) has been shown to lead to sleep issues and vision problems, so filtering out as much of it as you can, especially later in the day, can be helpful. 

This BenQ monitor makes that simple with a dedicated button to adjust the blue light blocking level. You can also customize different blue light blocking levels for each of the preset color modes.

By tapping the “Color Mode” button (the second button from the right on the bottom of the monitor), you can scroll through each of the preset color modes. If you scroll down to “Menu” on any one of them, you can open the full monitor settings. In this menu, you can customize each of the preset modes, customize various settings for your own custom color mode, view eye care options for blue light blocking, or swap between different display inputs. 

The “Eye Care” menu also contains the option for “Color Weakness” mode, which is designed for people with color blindness. It allows you to manually adjust the red and green balance on the display, but you have to be in the “User” color mode to access it, not one of the preset modes (“Movie”, “M-book”, etc). While this feature may not be necessary for most users, it’s unique and could be a huge help to colorblind users. 

In the “Audio” menu you’ll also find a few “audio scenario” profiles: “standard”, “dialogue”, and “music.” This works similar to the color modes, allowing you to use preset audio profiles customized for different types of content. The “dialogue” mode is great for watching movies or TV shows where dialogue can be difficult to hear over music or background audio.

Bottom line

The BenQ GW2790QT Ergonomic Eye-Care monitor is a well-rounded monitor that’s perfect for productivity tasks and features a bright, sharp display and a stylish design. The built-in blue light blocking options make it easy to reduce eye strain, which makes working on a computer all day much more comfortable (and healthier). 

A few features are missing, like HDR and support for the DCI-P3 wide color gamut. It would have also been nice to see a faster response time and slightly louder speakers. However, the BenQ GW2790QT balances out these shortcomings with good brightness, well-balanced audio quality, and a wide array of customization options. 

If you’re looking for the perfect monitor for your work from home setup, the BenQ GW2790QT Ergonomic Eye-Care monitor is easy to recommend. It will look good on any desk and save your eyes the strain of staring at your laptop display all day thanks to built-in blue light filtering.

I’m a long-time fan of custom-built mechanical keyboards. I’ve tested and reviewed dozens of them and built several from scratch. 

Just when I thought I’d seen it all, Glorious introduced the GMMK 3, which could very well be the most customizable keyboard in the world. 

Glorious has made some stellar keyboards in the past. The GMMK 3 is the most ambitious product the brand has ever attempted, though. Thanks to a treasure trove of modular parts and customization options, this keyboard has more than 1 billion unique configurations. It makes keyboard customization accessible, creative, and fun, even for people who are new to the enthusiast keyboard world. 

Other brands have launched modular keyboards in the past, such as the DROP CSTM80, but nothing with this level of personalization. The GMMK 3 has nine points of modularity, meaning nine different components of it are fully modular with Glorious’s vault of parts for the GMMK 3 line-up. 

Whether you’re a gamer, a speed typist, or just want to make your desk setup more fun, there’s a custom GMMK 3 build for you. The question is, does the GMMK 3 match industry-leading customization with industry-leading performance? Is this level of personalization worth the cost of admission? I put the Glorious GMMK 3 to the test to find out.

Glorious GMMK 3: Price and configurations

The GMMK 3 is possibly the most customizable gaming keyboard in the world, so there are a plethora of configurations available. In fact, according to Glorious, there are over 1 billion possible unique combinations. 

There are two main routes when choosing a GMMK 3, though: custom designed or pre-built. The base pre-built configuration is $119 for the 65% size, wired version. If you want to max out your gaming performance, you can opt for the GMMK 3 PRO or HE, which support magnetic hall effect switches and offer wireless connectivity. 

If you’re considering adding a GMMK 3 to your desk setup, I highly recommend designing your own rather than choosing a pre-built configuration. You can customize either one with Glorious’s vault of modular parts, but designing your own fully customized model is just plain fun. 

You can design your custom keyboard through Glorious Boardsmith, which shows you exactly what it will look like and how much it will cost. You can mix and match parts to get the price or aesthetic you want. There are two case materials available: metal and plastic. It’s important to note that if you select a wireless configuration, you will be limited to only the metal cases. There are more colors available for the metal option, though, so it might be a worthy trade off. 

Custom GMMK 3 designs start at $149, but you can get pretty creative with just the base options. The additional costs for upgraded parts are pretty reasonable across the board, too.

Beyond the base options, though, a customized GMMK 3 can get pricey quick. My customized review configuration costs $461, which is definitely in the realm of ultra-premium custom keyboards. However, if you stick to a non-HE, wired configuration, you can design hundreds of cool builds for $200 or less with no problem. Choosing a 65% or 75% layout rather than full size can also reduce the cost of a custom build. 

As you’re designing your GMMK 3, keep in mind you can always buy different modular parts to swap out afterward. Every single part of this keyboard is modular, so customizing it again with different parts down the road is easy. Don’t worry if you’re building a keyboard for the first time. All custom designed GMMK 3 keyboards come pre-assembled. 

Glorious GMMK 3: Design

Regardless of the unique parts and color combo you choose for your GMMK 3, all of them have the same core design with nine modular components: 

1. Top case
2. Bottom case
3. Keycaps
4. Switches (standard MX or hall effect)
5. Rotary knob
6. Badge
7. Gasket pads
8. Switch plate
9. Cable

All of these parts are interchangeable with other components from the GMMK 3 line-up. All configurations are fully backlit and feature side light strips, with addressable RGB throughout. 

In the top right corner there is a rotary knob, which is preset to control volume. I love knobs in general, but the knob on the GMMK 3 is one of my favorites. It has just the right amount of tactile feedback and the texture on the metal knob has a nice feel to it (plastic knobs are also available). 

The Glorious badge is in the top right corner, as well. It’s mostly for looks, but the translucent window in the badge has an LED underneath that shows your keyboard’s battery status (if it’s wireless).

If you flip the GMMK 3 over and remove the rubber grip pads, you can easily unscrew the top case from the bottom case. This makes adding mods and swapping out interior components very easy and straightforward. I added my favorite Band-aid mod under my GMMK 3’s stabilizers. It was one of the smoothest modding experiences I’ve had on a keyboard I didn’t build from scratch. If you like modding your keyboard (or want to try it), the GMMK 3 is a great model for it. 

Inside, the GMMK 3 features removable layers of sound-dampening foam, an interchangeable switch plate, and a customizable gasket structure. The gasket pads around the outer edges of the case are removable and interchangeable so you can freely swap out as many as you want to find just the right amount of flex for the sound and feel you prefer. 

Just keep in mind, the switch plate material you choose also plays a role here. Brass and aluminum switch plates are stiffer than polycarbonate or FR4, regardless of your gasket pad layout. The switch plate material also impacts how your keyboard sounds (more on that below). 

On the back of the case you’ll find the USB Type-C port for wired connections, a switch to go between Windows and Mac, and a switch for swapping between wireless modes (if you have a wireless configuration). 

The cable port is centered, rather than offset to the left corner, which some people may not like. It’s ideal for pairing with a coiled cable, which you can add to your build for $40 extra. The coiled cable doesn’t impact performance at all, just aesthetics. That said, it is a very high quality cable. The material is flexible, yet durable. I wish it was a foot or two longer.

Glorious GMMK 3: Keycaps and switches

There are dozens of keycap and switch options for the GMMK 3 including a variety of linear, clicky, and tactile switches. If you’re new to mechanical keyboards and aren’t sure which style is right for you, visit our guide to mechanical keyboard switches for a quick breakdown. 

My GMMK 3 configuration includes the Glorious Panda HE tactile switches and Glorious “Celestial Fire” gradient keycaps. I love this keycap set, from the colors to the quality of the plastic. They have a matte finish and feel fantastic for typing and gaming alike. The gradient keycap sets only add $20 to the base GMMK 3 configuration and you get a full-size set, regardless of the size of your GMMK 3, so I’d highly recommend adding them to your custom build. 

If you’re customizing your GMMK 3, I also strongly recommend choosing a polycarbonate or FR4 switch plate, especially if you want a smooth, “thocky” typing sound. I went with the standard aluminum switch plate in my build and it completely masked the tactile sound of the Glorious Panda HE switches. They have a quiet, metallic sound in my build that’s a far cry from the deep, smooth tactile sound the original Glorious Holy Panda switches are famous for. 

I tried out a few of the Glorious Panda HE switches in another keyboard with an FR4 plate and gasket structure and they sounded fantastic. So, after some investigating, I can safely say the aluminum plate in my GMMK 3 build is the culprit here, not the Glorious Panda HE switches. 

It’s definitely worth upgrading to a polycarbonate or FR4 switch plate in Boardsmith. Pre-built GMMK 3 models include an aluminum switch plate, but you can buy a spare switch plate to swap in if you want (which is what I’ll be doing for my GMMK 3).  

Glorious GMMK 3: Performance

The Glorious GMMK 3 is a joy to type on. While the sound quality with the aluminum plate was disappointing, the GMMK 3’s overall performance was top-notch. On the Monkeytype typing test, I scored 96 words per minute with 97 percent accuracy, which is on par with my desktop average. 

The Glorious Panda HE switches I chose are smooth and fast with just the right amount of tactile feedback. They have a 45 gram actuation force that’s in my sweet spot for both gaming and typing. I was able to type for 10+ hours a day on the GMMK 3 without my fingers or wrists getting tired or cramped. 

The GMMK 3 is also a fantastic gaming keyboard. If you choose a configuration with hall effect switches, you can use the Glorious Core app to customize their performance, such as adjusting the actuation point. This is ideal for competitive gamers who want complete control over every keystroke, although it could also be a useful feature for speed typists.

The Glorious Panda HE switches performed superbly in my gaming tests. I’ve been practicing my Minecraft speedrunning skills and the GMMK 3 has quickly become my favorite keyboard for speedrunning. It’s fast and reliable with the rapid-trigger precision I need for quick double taps and tricky parkour maneuvers. 

Those same qualities also made the GMMK 3 great for FPS games and shooters like Halo, Roboquest, and Fortnite. If you’re a fan of esports titles, you’ll be especially well served with a hall effect configuration. Regardless of the type of games you like to play, though, the GMMK 3 offers some of the best gaming performance around.  

Glorious GMMK 3: Connectivity and battery

One of the few things that disappointed me while testing the GMMK 3 was the battery life. My configuration can connect via the USB Type-C cable or wirelessly with a 2.4GHz USB dongle or Bluetooth. 

When connected wirelessly, I had to recharge the battery every 2-3 days with roughly 12-14 hours of use per day. That’s on par with the battery life of other wireless, backlit gaming keyboards like the Alienware Pro Wireless. However, it’s a short enough battery life that I found the GMMK 3’s battery indicator flashing red in the middle of a gaming session multiple times. 

It’s nice having the option for wireless connectivity, but if you mainly want to use the GMMK 3 for gaming, it might not be worth the upgrade since you’ll want to have it plugged in while gaming anyway. Alternatively, you can turn off backlighting while gaming to save some battery life. 

Aside from the wireless battery life, I had no connection issues with the GMMK 3. All three connection modes (wired, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth) were consistent, fast, and reliable during my testing. The USB Type-C cable is detachable on all configurations so you can swap it out for any other Type-C cable you prefer. 

Glorious GMMK 3: Software

You can customize the GMMK 3 through the Glorious Core app. It has all the standard keyboard customization features you could want including RGB backlighting customization (with preset modes and freestyle customization), switch calibration, polling rate and latency customization, keybind settings, and actuation customization for hall effect switches. 

Glorious Core has a fairly basic design, and it’s very easy to navigate and use, which is the most important factor. It never crashed on me or malfunctioned while I was testing the GMMK 3. You don’t have to leave it running in the background for RGB lighting settings to continue working, either.

Bottom line

The Glorious GMMK 3 is a stellar gaming laptop with an unprecedented amount of customization, making it a top pick for anyone from competitive gamers to typing enthusiasts. 

While pre-built configurations are available, the GMMK 3’s main draw is the plethora of personalization options available in the Boardsmith keyboard designer. Rather than opting for another basic black or gray gaming keyboard, you can create something completely unique to your style, gaming needs, and typing preferences. If you want to change things up, the GMMK 3 makes it easy with a huge collection of modular parts and a design that welcomes DIY mods. 

Of course, all this customization can get pricey if you want premium features like hall effect switches or a full aluminum case. However, there are plenty of creative possibilities with the base components of the GMMK 3 in Boardsmith, so you can easily design a stellar build for well under $200, which is on par with other top-tier gaming keyboards on the market. 

The only drawbacks for the GMMK 3 are relatively minor. The wireless battery life could be better, but you can stretch it by turning of the RGB backlight or simply use the keyboard in wired mode. Likewise, the sound quality with the aluminum switch plate leaves something to be desired, but swapping it out for a polycarbonate or FR4 plate doesn’t cost much extra. 

Whether you’re looking for a pro-tier gaming keyboard or you want to dive into the world of customized enthusiast keyboards, the Glorious GMMK 3 is tough to beat thanks to the world of personalization it has to offer. 

Google Glass was a revolutionary product. Not only for what it hoped to achieve, bundling together an everyday wearable that you could dictate texts to, capture photos and video with, or take calls through, but also for the amount of ire it inspired in people following its unveiling.

Hi, I’m Rael Hornby, resident Laptop Mag reviewer of AR and VR tech and probably someone that would have been considered a “glasshole” back in 2013. Thankfully, some ten years later, I’m happy to say that smart glasses are making their long-awaited comeback.

Leading that charge are the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. While these stylish spectacles might seem a long way away from the stellar Meta Orion holographic glasses showcased at Connect 2024, you’re looking at the launching pad of how Meta gets there — and an impressive improvement over the Ray-Ban Stories that came before.

So, what makes these glasses so special? Well, there are several factors at play here. While they may look like a simple pair of frames on the outside, they offer so much more. Let’s take a closer look at Meta’s smart glasses.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Price and availability

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are available starting from $299 / £299. Meta’s smart glasses come in three styles: the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer and the new Headliner and Skler frames. The price of each pair will vary depending on style, color, and lens, and even more so if you’re seeking prescription lenses.

This is a similar price to the Ray-Ban Stories that preceded this generation of smart glasses, and while it’s much more than you’d pay for a regular pair of Ray-Bans, these are no regular pair of Ray-Bans.

Factoring in everything you get beyond the style, build quality, and branding of the frames, this isn’t an outlandish price for a pair of smart glasses — especially when taking into account the impressive charging case that comes with it.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Specifications

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Design

Meta’s partnership with EssilorLuxottica brings with it the iconic style of the Ray-Ban Wayfarer, a design often imitated but never duplicated in the smart glasses realm. You’ll see stylings of the same shape on many AR glasses, but this is the real deal. Meta’s smart glasses exude every drip of style and quality as any in EssilorLuxottica’s catalog.

Cast a casual eye at these robust frames, and you may struggle to tell them apart from a regular pair of Ray-Bans — until you notice the LED and camera lens that now takes up residence where the iconic frame’s rivets would typically sit.

The temples, which each house the iconic Ray-Ban logo, are less obviously belonging to a pair of smart glasses, potentially owing to the many different sizes that Ray-Ban has applied to its Wayfarer frames over the years. The only giveaways here are a single button at the top of the right temple and two subtle speakers further back that sit just before the temple tips.

Their position is mirrored on the underside of the temples by two more speakers with pinhole microphones close by — which make up two of the three visible microphones (the other is located on the nose bridge of the glasses) which are part of a wider five-mic array.

Including these speakers adds to the thickness of each temple, but not to the point of being distracting. They still fit comfortably over the ears, and there’s no noticeable weightiness from this part of the frames, either. Along much of the available right temple is a touch sensor that allows you to tap, swipe, and hold for various interactions you can assign in the Meta View mobile app.

Meta’s frames have the same balance point along the temples that my regular Ray-Ban’s have, meaning it’s the bridge of your nose that shoulders most of the 50.8 grams weight. To put it into perspective, that’s about the weight of two AA alkaline batteries spread fairly evenly across the front and sides of your face. Given that my regular Ray-Bans weigh ~45 grams, this change was barely perceivable.

Perceivable changes include a switch from the Wayfarer intersecting hinges to a more cylindrical design, creeping further up the temples to show a Meta logo on the right-hand side and a power switch on the left.

If you size your glasses right, you’ll be able to reach this switch without taking off the frames. This is a subtle and simple way of cutting back on battery drain when you don’t need any of the smart-tech bells and whistles the Ray-Ban Metas offer.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Audio

Open-ear speakers and great audio don’t always go hand-in-hand. In fact, they’re often seen traveling in different directions and spitting on the ground at the very mention of one another. However, this is not always the case. While the TCL RayNeo Air 2S AR smart glasses had their faults, open-ear audio was not among them.

Thankfully, the same can be said here. While there are no EQ adjustments available within the Meta View app, or preset sound profiles to switch from, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses come out of the case ready to go with a fresh tone and a well-rounded sound to them — even if it is lacking a little when it comes to bass.

Audio quality is more than serviceable — in fact, it’s pretty excellent. Thanks to a starkly apparent spatial element, the sound is crisp, clear, rich, and solidly immersive. As mentioned, there’s a noticeable drop-off in bass, but this has been a recurring experience when it comes to open-air audio for me.

That said, cranking up the volume can help alleviate many of your gripes, giving the full scale of the audio more chance to swamp your ears.

This all comes from the improved speaker setup, which improves the bass from the Ray-Ban Stories that came before and boosts the peak volume by up to 50% while reducing audio bleed.

In this context, that means how much sound leaks from the open-ear speakers into your surroundings. This is very noticeable at max volume, but it's not that noticeable at 40-50% — especially in more crowded public spaces.

Individual voices have much less bleed to them, so making a call is a bit more discrete. It’s once again incredibly crisp audio, but more than that, the five-mic array of the Ray-Ban Meta’s captures your voice beautifully. I mean, beautifully. 

Whether you’re taking a call in a crowded environment or calling on Meta AI while music plays loudly through the temple speakers, the Ray-Ban Metas offers incredibly precise audio capture. You don’t even have to speak up much for the glasses to register you calling on the AI; a mumble or a whisper can do it, even in noisy environments.

It’s fantastic for discretely calling in a snapshot or asking Meta AI to quickly send a reply to a message on your behalf. Speech recognition has been mostly flawless during my time with the glasses. Voice commands and inputs work a treat, whether I ask Meta to skip a music track or send my friends a poem about trains—you know, the basics.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Camera

There’s something especially charming about the Ray-Ban Meta’s camera. While only 12 megapixels (MP), the quality is impressive. It’s not going to blow any of your 24-50 MP smartphone sensors out of the water any time soon, but there’s enough here to be happy with the results of your on-the-fly snaps.

Just make sure you’re standing still long enough to capture that moment in time, and don’t be fooled by the initial chirp of the glasses as it registers your request. I’ve had to learn this lesson repeatedly, only realizing the error of my ways when the shutter sound follows. This leaves me to shamefully mourn another 12 megabytes of my storage, now dedicated to the turning of my head away from the thing I originally wanted to take an image of.

Not that this would be an easy thing to accomplish, anyway — with no available viewport, photography through the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses is tricky to adjust to.

You can’t ever take a photo with complete confidence that you’ve managed to capture what you thought you did until you pull out your phone and check the app. That almost defeats the purpose of having a camera on your face, if I’m honest.

That said, you still get some interesting results. They’re a little bit quirky and a little bit misaligned. They’re images that don’t quite line up with how you remember things because although it's supposedly from a first-person perspective, it somehow feels like it was the perspective of a person standing just behind you and peering over your shoulder.

It’s almost its own genre of photography, whereby the aim is to capture a false memory. Still, between the 3:4, made for social media, aspect ratio, and liminal perspective shift, you can’t deny that there’s “something” about the off-kilter results that is quite charming. Plus, you can often crop what you don’t like; the 3024 x 4032 resolution of each image mixed with the ultra-wide angle can be pretty forgiving, at least.

On the other hand, video, while retaining some of that liminal weirdness, feels somehow much easier to manage, thanks to a healthy dose of image stabilization that will eat away at the original 1440 x 1920 resolution.

Still, the results are pretty impressive, even if they are only captured at 30 fps and limited to 3 minutes at a time. As a bonus, they don’t nearly look as much like you’re watching declassified body cam footage as you’d think they would on playback.

However, picture and video quality were only half of my concerns with Meta’s smart glasses. The other was how people would react to the camera itself in everyday life.

Ironically, while the inclusion of a camera had many an undergarment in a twist with Google Glass, most don’t seem to notice (or care) about their appearance on the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. It’s often forgiven as part of the design, and those who have noticed simply said, “Cool.”

It seems we’ve crossed some cultural divide, and having cameras in our presence is now commonplace as opposed to something beyond the norm. We livestream ourselves and snap selfies with reckless abandon. Pulling out a smartphone to record any moment of human joy, misery, or distress is practically commonplace.

The fact you’re wearing a camera on your face only signals who’s prepared to catch someone else's moment of celebrity as they shout, “You can’t park there, mate,” while chortling at the scene of a devastating car crash.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Camera samples

Videos are similarly crisp, and showcase some solid image stabilization at the cost of resolution. Once again the Ray-Ban Metas capture very clear and accurate audio in the process, with the results outperforming what you'd expect from such a tightly packaged product.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Meta AI

“Trains chug along the track, carrying dreams and freight, a symbol of journey and a marvel of might, connecting towns and cities, day and night” — Meta AI

The intersection of AI and messaging apps is a privacy nightmare for some. However, I’ve learned to overcome my fears and fully embrace our artificial overlords, especially as it means I can annoy all of my friends by sending them random poems about trains, Bigfoot (capitalized because it’s real), canoes, and the state of Utah.

Never has generative AI made more sense to me than the ability to simply call out “Hey Meta” before spouting some truly unhinged nonsense, asking for a reply that rhymes, and selecting my unwitting victim from my WhatsApp contacts.

Taking some of the anxiety out of letting an AI message people on your behalf, Meta AI will repeat your message back to you before asking if you’re sure you want to send it. Allowing you to avoid any potential voice recognition disasters.

Aside from granting me a special new way to lose friends and alienate people, Meta AI actually comes in pretty handy. And it’s getting handier still, thanks to a series of feature-enhancing updates.

During a walkabout at my local museum, Meta AI was on hand to help me recognize various fish, and instead of reading the plaques below each display, I was able to ask Meta AI to “Look and see what this says” before going about my business and receiving a summary of what was captured. It was a bit like having a virtual tour guide with me at all times, albeit slightly embarrassing to walk about in public, muttering in the general direction of a bunch of plastic dinosaurs.

Meta AI can also translate foreign languages, identify various things within the framing of your images, upload images on your behalf to social media, and even fetch information about the weather. You can even ask Meta AI to fetch a recipe from ingredients in your fridge or help you piece an outfit together. These replies can also be followed up within a brief window of time, turning a small engagement into an actual conversation — and it all flows well together.

Don’t worry — it won’t get all Her on you. Meta AI is rather terse, often choosing to answer your questions in the shortest, simplest way possible. While that’s not great for most AI, it works here. Throughout your day, you’re likely to only call on Meta AI when you need some information or to get something done, so the cutting of the fat is welcome.

That said, Meta AI still communicates in that awkward synthesized text-to-speech manner, which can get a little grating afterward. I’m looking forward to the upcoming voice mode announced at Meta Connect 2024 and the celebrity tenors that come with it. I can’t wait for John Cena to wax lyrical about the pigeon fowl to my dwindling number of friends.

Other features expected to arrive soon include remembering things from images, setting reminders, sending voice memos, and real-time video help that lets the assistant answer and comment based on everything it can see.

Not only that, Meta’s smart glasses will be able to translate speech in real-time, a feature similar to that of the Solos AirGo 3 smart glasses with their ChatGPT-backed translation capabilities. If I’m lucky, I’ll finally be able to figure out what my Bulgarian neighbors really think of me. 

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Software

Using the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses requires linking them via Bluetooth to a smartphone using the Meta View app. The app is available on iOS and Android, and the experience is practically identical.

There’s not a great deal to write home about regarding the Meta view app. It’s pretty straightforward in what it does, giving you a record of Meta AI conversations to call back on and access to the glasses’ 32GB of onboard storage to transfer media to your smartphone. Frustratingly, you cannot stream the images from the glasses and will instead need to transfer them to your device before seeing them in full.

Beyond this, Meta View is a way to ensure the firmware of your glasses is up to date and tweak any settings or gestures you wish to use. Unfortunately, gestures are limited to accessing only a select few apps. While Meta intends to expand on these, for now, all you’ll get is quick access to apps like Spotify or Amazon Music.

However, while the app is open on your phone, you can stream from the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to Facebook and Instagram and even use your first-person perspective in WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger calls.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Battery life

It’s all been rather positive up until now, even with the weird liminal first-person photography comments. However, no device is perfect. The Ray-Ban Metas struggle in one key and vital area: battery.

Equipped with a paltry 154 mAh battery capacity, perhaps these glasses were doomed from the start. Great in quick bursts, but having the stamina of a marshmallow atop a naked flame.

Leave them on without much use, and battery life will trickle down at a relatively acceptable pace, but start taking pictures, listening to music, or interacting with Meta AI, and you’ll notice a sharp drop in battery life.

You can reduce its background battery drag by turning off Meta AI’s always listening stance, instead relying on a three-finger tap to the right temple to activate chat. But there’s no real way to cut down on the incredible draw of other activities.

As mentioned much earlier in this review, I’ve begun to leave the glasses off for most of the time while wearing them, only turning them on when I actively want to engage with their wider functions. The blessing of smart glasses like these is that even when they’re turned off, or the battery has run out, they’re still excellent glasses.

Using this method, I can eke out a full day’s use most of the time. However, leaving them on, being a bit more indulgent when it comes to their features, I’m likely to get around 3-4 hours of usage. However, if you plan on tackling an entire Spotify playlist while you get to work, that number will drop again to 2-3 hours depending on volume. Capturing videos will burn the wick even faster.

Still, there is a positive. Meta’s smart glasses come with a charging case that not only protects your expensive frames but also keeps them juiced up on the go. It can deliver a full charge in about an hour and 15 minutes or reach 50% in around 25.

The case itself takes around 3-4 hours to charge over USB-C, and when fully charged, it can top your glasses up to full, maybe four or five times, depending on what level you’re charging from.

Bottom line

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are often, in my opinion, incorrectly dubbed as “social media” or influencer glasses — potentially due to their ability to share media and livestream to platforms like Facebook or Instagram and its portrait-orientated output. But there’s more going on with this product than food selfies and being able to use both hands while recording video.

They’re a transitional product, leading the way from what glasses are to what glasses could be. Better still, they manage this while looking unobtrusive. In fact, they’re downright cool. I’ve never seen a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers that I didn’t like, and these smart glasses are no exception.

My kingdom for added battery life, but the charging case is an absolute blessing, and I’ll often use it to squirrel away my previous frames while the Ray-Ban Metas are in use, switching between the two as needed.

While its battery life is difficult to defend, outside of the obvious constraints of everything needing to fit into a stylish form, there’s still so much to praise. My time with Meta’s smart glasses has been a treat, and when it comes time to hand them back over, one of the first purchases I make will be to replace them with a pair of my own.

More from Laptop Mag

• What are smart glasses? Yesteryear’s ‘next big thing’ is finally finding an audience
• What will the future of Meta Quest headsets look like?
• Why smart glasses will be the death of VR headsets

You don't have to wait for Amazon's Prime Big Deals Day in October to get excellent deals on Amazon devices. That includes this Amazon eero 6+ mesh Wi-Fi router 3-pack, priced at $194 for a limited time, down from its usual $299 price.

The eero 6+ packs a ton of connectivity power into its compact nodes. This 2022 W-Fi 6 router packs Gigabit Ethernet and includes three nodes so that you can spread coverage out across up to 4,500 square feet. It can have up to 75 devices connected simultaneously, and you can use Alexa to control Thread and Zigbee compatible smart home devices. The eero 6+ is a dual-band system, with support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHZ bands (with 160MHz channel support).

Our sister site, TechRadar, reviewed the eero 6+ and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. The reviewer liked its competitive pricing and ease of use. However, parental controls require an extra fee. 

Amazon has all versions of the eero 6+ on sale — the 1-pack, 2-pack, and 3-pack — but the 3-pack has the deepest discount at 35% off. These deals are among the many already underway for a limited time in advance of Amazon's Prime Big Day Deals in October. 

Today's best Amazon eero 6+ deal

Gaming laptops are great at a lot of things, but their built-in mics and webcams are often low-quality. So, if you want to use your gaming laptop for streaming, podcasting, or gaming in voice chats, it's a good idea to invest in a high-quality USB mic. 

Luckily, you don't have to empty your wallet to get a good mic. Five of the top USB-C microphones for gaming, streaming, and podcasting are on sale right now. 

For example, you can get a HyperX QuadCast for just $98 on Amazon. This is one of the most popular USB mics for gamers and streamers of all levels thanks to its great audio quality and affordable price. If you're new to gaming, streaming, or podcasting, I also recommend taking a look at the QuadCast's little sibling, the HyperX SoloCast, which is on sale for less than $50 right now! 

All of these mics will have your voice sounding crisp and clear. Since they're all USB microphones, they're easy to set up and use and don't require a complicated audio mixer or other advanced gear. You can also attach any of them to a compatible microphone boom arm for extra versatility. 

Top 5 deals on USB-C mics from HyperX, Blue, and ASUS ROG

Tons of Logitech gaming accessories are discounted at Amazon to celebrate Logitech's Logi Play Days 2024. Many of our favorite Logitech PC gaming accessories are marked down among today's Amazon deals like like the Editor's Choice Logitech G Pro gaming mouse and wired  Logitech G502.

One deal I recommend is the Logitech G Pro X Superlight Wireless Gaming Mouse for $100. In our Logitech G Pro X Superlight review, we gave it a stellar rating of 4.5 out of 5-stars for its solid build quality, smooth gliding performance, and lightweight design. If you're looking for a premium pro-grade PC gaming mouse for esports, the G Pro Superlight gives you that competitive edge you need when it's game time.

If driving simulators and racing games are your bag, you can get the Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals for $299 ($150 off). Leveraging the magical technology of Trueforce force feedback, the Logitech G92 racing wheel and pedals combo gives you the ultimate driving experience in racing simulators like Forza Motorsport.

These are just two of many Logitech deals afoot at Amazon, see more of my favorite discounts below. 

Logitech deals at Amazon — Quick links

• Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals: was $349 now $299 @ Amazon
• Logitech G Pro Flight Yoke System: was $169 now $149 @ Amazon
• Logitech G Driving Force Shifter: was $59 now $49 @ Amazon
• Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro USB Joystick: was $29 now $31 @ Amazon
• Logitech G303 Shroud Wireless Mouse: $129 now $79 @ Amazon
• Logitech G502 X Mouse: was $79 now $59 @ Amazon
• Logitech G502 HERO Mouse: was $79 now $72 @ Amazon
• Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed Headset: was $249 now $225 @ Amazon
• Logitech G413 SE Mechanical Keyboard: was $79 now $59 @ Amazon
• Logitech Brio 101 Full HD Webcam: was $39 now $24 @ Amazon
• Logitech Webcams: from $19, save up to 40% @ Amazon
• Logitech Keyboards: from $15, save up to 50% @ Amazon
• Logitech G Keyboards: from $49, save up to 40% @ Amazon
• Logitech G Mice: from $26, save up to 37% @ Amazon
• Logitech G Controllers: from $17, save up to 20% @ Amazon
• Logitech G Headsets: from $37, save up to 50% @ Amazon

Logitech deals at Amazon 

It might not be as flashy as a brand-new iPhone, but making sure your devices have their power supply and protection needs met is important. That’s where Anker comes in with their range of chargers, power banks, and iPhone cases. Even better, there is currently a deal at Amazon where you can buy any two eligible Anker products and get 15% off the total cost. We’ve highlighted our top five choices, but there are loads of eligible Anker products in the deal.

If you’re looking for travel-friendly, foldable chargers then two versions of the Anker Nano Charger are included in the deal. The Anker Nano Charger 30W is ideal for charging your phone on the go, while the Anker Nano Charger 100W packs enough punch to keep your MacBook running.

• Browse: Amazon's entire Anker sale

There is also the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger (Stand), which acts as both a stand for your iPhone (including the upcoming iPhone 16) and a charger. This means you can watch movies or streams on your phone while it’s charging, ensuring you never run out of battery during a key moment.

If you’re leaving the comfortable world of wall outlets behind and need some truly portable charging, then there is also the Anker MagGo Power Bank which is down to $69 before you even factor in the extra 15% off.

Wrapping things up, quite literally, are Anker's protective cases for the iPhone 15 range. These magnetic cases come with an included stand so you can prop your device up, and they’re super tough for those times when you drop your phone (hey, it happens to the best of us).

Anker deals at Amazon

According to some estimates, there are about 1 billion "knowledge workers" — people who work with information for their jobs — on the planet, 100 million in the United States alone.

Over the last four and a half years, knowledge workers have used the wireless mouse, portable keyboard, venerable docking station, webcam, and portable monitor, all of which are work-from-home wonders.

After six weeks of constant use (on planes, at work, at home, and the strange places between), there's just one laptop accessory I would take everywhere: The Plugable 15.6” USB-C Portable Display.

Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Display: Price and configuration

The market for USB-C monitors is an ocean of products with different power levels, display sizes, and durability issues.

It's a reality that Plugable co-founder and CTO Bernie Thompson readily accepts. "There are USB-C monitors you can get for $70 on Amazon," he tells Laptop Mag. However, you often get what you pay for.

The Plugable portable monitor, valued at $199 on Amazon, feels more robust in hand, is more reliable when plugged in, and is more balanced in color and picture, thanks to its in-plane switching (IPS) technology.

Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Display: Setup

The Plugable portable display's setup is simple: You plug it into your computer, and it works. If you're a Mac user like me, you'll see a prompt asking if it's OK to use the external device, and that's about it — you're free to adjust your display settings to your liking and start using this monitor.

To me, the ease of use is the best value prop for the Plugable portable display. You unplug it, put it in your bag, travel to your destination, and plug it back in.

If you have to set up somewhere on the go, you don't want to look for a power outlet, and with this portable monitor — and many others, to be fair — you don't need to search for one. It's also not so large that you appear like you're running a small business from a table at Starbucks, even if that is indeed what is going on.

When asked about the next generation of this portable display, Thompson, the Plugable CTO, told Laptop that it may become even more dock-like than it is now.

"The two obvious things are 4k (display) and more of a full dock," Thompson said. "I mean, we're the docking station company. We're not even going to call this a dock; we'll call this a hub. But you could imagine full dock functionality in the monitor."

Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Display: Design

The Plugable portable display feels like standard-issue equipment for professionals. It's black and utilitarian, lacking the flashiness that other brands might attempt to lean into.

When asked about its color, Thompson deadpans and channels his inner Henry Ford, "It's just black." When asked about the diagonal ridges on the bezel that frames the display, he also jokes: "They're just cosmetic; aren't they beautiful?"

The portable monitor's back has standard VESA mounts if you feel like placing it on a stand, and comes with a sturdy folio travel cover that turns into an easel, ensuring it'll be safe in your backpack, carry-on luggage, or bicycle basket.

Further aiding portability, Plugable's display weighs just 1.3 pounds. Even with the sturdy travel cover, it remains at an incredibly portable 1.6 pounds, though now touts some impressive additional protection from shocks or drops.

Users are also able to adjust the brightness of the monitor on a scale of 0 to 100 and choose from five color temperatures (cool, normal, warm, sRGB, and user), which, while unimpressive, should still be appreciated for knob-turners like me or visually acute users.

If you agree that what's on the display is more important than how the hardware looks, don't overlook Plugable's portable monitor.

Even the Plugable logo feels uncool: It features a USB Type-A cable that debuted nearly 20 years ago. The logo — and maybe the monitor design itself — is so uncool that it approaches something like retro chic.

To recap: It's sturdy, uncool, and reliable — three green flags in a marketplace stuffed with vaporware and over-marketed tech.

Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Display: Ports

In terms of port selection, if you're looking for the mini HDMI or DisplayPort inputs housed by many other portable monitors, you won't find them here.

Of the three ports available on Plugable's portable panel all are USB Type-C. In turn, you'll need a laptop that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode to connect it, at least without getting into the weeds of adding additional adapters to your setup.

Thankfully, almost all modern laptops, with their trim port selections often limited to only USB Type-C I/O, can handle this. Those featuring Thunderbolt or USB4 ports are similarly good to go, as they support DisplayPort connections as standard.

With Plugable's monitor connected to your laptop, that leaves the two remaining USB Type-C ports act as a micro hub of sorts. You can connect one of them to a power adapter for up to 100W of pass-through charging, 85W of which can be channeled to the host machine.

Both additional ports can also house accessories, offering speedy 10Gbps data streams to your laptop — ideal if you want to quickly pull some files from an external drive.

From Plugable's point of view, the lack of port variety is a feature, not a bug. This is where this review briefly detours from technology journalism to technology evangelism.

"When you actually embrace the vision of USB — of one cable and connector to connect them all; that's data, video, and power — [think about] all the different combinations you can do.

"In a sense, people want one device that does it all," Thompson tells Laptop Mag. "Previously my bag was full of [all kinds of cables], and now I just bring two high-end Plugable cables I know it will work for everything."

Thompson's point is sound, and the adoption of a full USB Type-C array for Plugable's display leads to less cable confusion. It's a monitor designed to be simple and functional. It's this plug-and-play mentality that makes the company's products so effortless in operation, and their new portable monitor is no different.

Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Display: Display

In my usage — which included everything from watching Tour de France highlights on YouTube to Lord of the Rings and Photoshop editing — I found the matte display vivid and bright. While the picture is sharp enough, no one will confuse it for a 4k monitor, but that isn't what this is meant to be.

In the "normal" view mode (one of five presets on the display), the average brightness was 355.6 nits, more than good enough for working indoors.

This monitor won't work on a sun-filled day at the park, though that statement should feel obvious. This display is terrific for work tasks and sufficient to still become lost in the world of Middle Earth — plus, thanks to a 178-degree viewing angle, you're even able to share your views of the Shire with another quite comfortably.

Bottom line

If you're in the market for a second monitor for work (and if you only have one, you really ought to be in the market), you should choose the Plugable portable display over a standard monitor. It's portable. It's robust. And it's thoughtful USB-C-focused integration will help reduce headaches.

It's a new product, so we don't know much about its longevity, but everything else in the Plugable ecosystem — including docking stations, chargers, and cables — has proven to be reliable in Laptop Mag testing, and I don't expect its portable display to be any different.

Tell me if this sounds familiar: the minute you step into a movie hall, you wish you could game on such a vast screen. As a longtime casual gamer, I’m no exception, and I’ve always wondered what it would be like to play through cinematic storylines like The Last of Us on a canvas more immersive than my 43-inch television. Could mini projectors be the solution? 

A few years back, outfitting my living room with a projector would have been unthinkable. Not only did these machines used to be bulky and cumbersome to set up, requiring drilling a mount into the ceiling — which my landlord would never OK — but they were also expensive. Their image quality was poor and nearly unusable in the daytime. Besides, as my partner once pointed out, their boxy, plasticky design would’ve looked out of place in my modern bohemian apartment. 

These tiny projectors are a huge upgrade

However, as I learned over the last few weeks, mini-projectors overcame these challenges. I’ve been testing a range of portable projectors from LG, BenQ, Xgimi, and Samsung, and they take all the hassle out of the process. All you have to do is position them, power them on, and in seconds, they’ll automatically detect and adjust an image as wide as 200 inches at up to a 4K resolution on the wall in front of them -- no white screens or screwdrivers needed. But it wasn’t until I plugged in my PlayStation that I realized I could never go back to entertainment on traditional displays.

Mini projectors like Xgimi’s Halo Plus are no bigger than a shoe box and weigh about as much as a MacBook Pro. Some, like Anker’s Nebula Capsule, are even as small as a can of soda. Yet, I was surprised to discover how much tech they manage to squeeze in. 

Portable projectors are so easy to use now

The highlight of the Halo Plus is its ability to adapt to any environment. It doesn’t matter where I place the projector, nor do I have to spend time fiddling about the ideal distance. With the help of features like auto keystone correction, most portable projectors, such as LG’s CineBeam Q and the BenQ GV31, can automatically adjust the projection’s angle and size so that it looks like an even, rectangular projection. 

What was especially handy was that they could also intelligently frame the screen around objects on the wall, such as a clock or a wall socket, to ensure it didn't overlap. Earlier, in the case of projectors, information on the bottom corners, such as player tags on FIFA, would routinely appear fuzzy or cut altogether due to an obstacle. 

Companies like Xgimi and BenQ have also done a brilliant job of getting the most out of their portable projectors’ compact bodies. Stereo speaker grilles dominate the design, eliminating the need to pair external audio devices, and when you don’t need anything projected, they double as regular Bluetooth speakers. BenQ GV31, for example, is even equipped with a dedicated 8W subwoofer chamber. They also support most of the latest audio standards, including Dolby Audio. 

One crucial setting when gaming on a projector

While gaming, I typically switched to the game mode many mini projectors like the Xgimi Halo Plus and LG CineBeam Q have. It significantly reduces the input latency (~30ms) without affecting the picture quality. Speaking of which, despite their puny sizes, I was pleasantly surprised with the projections. Whether it's video games or movies, 100-inch images are sharp and bright enough to be visible even in the daytime as long as there's no direct light on them, and thanks to HDR support, dark scenes in titles like Ghost of Tsushima weren't compromised either. 

In addition, the projectors I tested, like the BenQ GV31 and Halo Plus, offered unique designs and external stands that let me easily switch projection angles and point them to, say, the ceiling. I spent hours exploring Midgard's mystical forests in God of War: Ragronok while lying in bed at night.  

By far, though, the perk I used the most was the Halo Plus' built-in batteries. It lasts at least two hours without being tethered to a socket. It proved ideal for outdoor Nintendo nights, where I hosted a group of friends in my backyard. 

Projectors aren't perfect, but they made my big-screen gaming dreams a reality

While with most projectors, I plugged in a separate gaming device like a Nintendo Switch or a PlayStation through the HDMI port, some, such as the Samsung FreeStyle, also have native cloud gaming support. So all you need is a controller, and you can fire up Xbox Cloud Gaming to start gaming immediately. 

The experience wasn’t spotless, however. Sometimes, especially during the daytime, mini projectors can struggle to determine the correct brightness levels and project an unusable, faded picture. While I could dig into the settings to manually fine-tune the image quality, it can take a while with the bundled, TV-like remote. When I’m just looking to play a quick session, a projector can’t match the convenience of a monitor or a standard TV. At the same time, mini projectors are the closest I’ve gotten to playing video games in a movie hall — minus the typical hassles, and for that alone, they have felt worth the price. Most are also more affordable than high-end televisions or gaming monitors.

MORE FROM LAPTOP MAG

• How Intel's Lunar Lake iGPU could be a big win for handheld gaming PCs
• Best laptop 2024: 10 best laptops tested and rated
• Best gaming laptops 2024

While I'm not perpetually living out of a suitcase, I travel a fair amount for work, and charging all of my devices without bringing along an inextricable mess of cables is a serious challenge. For that reason, multi-device chargers always catch my attention.

That was the case with the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station, which was just announced at IFA 2024. It can top up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods in a compact form factor that weighs less than seven ounces. This was enough to earn our Laptop Laurel for the best phone accessory of IFA 2024.

Best of IFA Berlin 2024: Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station

Charging the three devices alone wouldn't have been enough; it delivers the fastest charging possible to your devices with some flexibility in the watch and phone stand components. 

The Qi2-certified MagSafe iPhone charger can charge your iPhone at 15W and lifts a full 90 degrees, allowing you to conveniently use your phone as an alarm clock or just to watch content hands-free while it charges.

The Apple Watch portion of the charger can also top up an Apple Watch Series 9 smartwatch to 47% in just 30 minutes with full MFW certification. 

Then, with the iPhone stand extended, the AirPods charging pad is exposed, allowing you to top up all three devices simultaneously.

Once everything is folded down and tucked in, the charger is about the size of a deck of cards and packs away easily. You plug it in with an included 40W USB-C charger and 1.5m USB-C to USB-C cable. 

The Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station is a perfect example of a straightforward device that is well-executed. This tiny charger will let me power and organize all of my devices without taking up almost any room in my bag, that's a win on all fronts.

Laptop Mag's IFA Berlin 2024 Issue celebrates one of the world's longest-running consumer tech expos, Germany's own Internationale FunkAusstellung Berlin.

Our on-the-ground team will bring you all the news emerging from the showroom floor of Messe Berlin and highlight the best in consumer tech as we announce our inaugural Laptop Laurel winners for best-in-show products.

Head over to Laptop Mag's IFA Berlin 2024 Issue for more coverage.

Select top-rated HP printers are up to $170 off today in Best Buy's back-to-school sale. Whether you're starting a new semester soon or just in need of a home printer, it's an opportune time to save. 

One standout deal offers the excellent HP Envy Inspire 7955e for $149. Typically, it retails for $219, so that's $70 in savings. This is one of the lowest prices we've seen for this printer and one of the best deals from Best Buy this week. 

The HP Envy Inspire 7955e is one of the best printers around. In our HP Envy Inspire 7955e review, we loved the printer's crisp, vivid photos, and user-friendly 2.7-inch color touchscreen. We also like the dedicated HP Smart app for easy setup and wireless printing. These attributes along with HP's free ink replacement offer earned the Envy Inspire 7955e all-in-one printer a solid 4 out of 5-star rating and our Editor's Choice Award. 

This HP printer deal bundles 6 free months of HP Instant Ink via HP+. This optional HP printer ink delivery service is convenient and cost-effective. While most subscriptions deliver ink monthly, HP Instant Ink automatically replenishes your supply only when you run low.

If you're racking up on back-to-school essentials, a home printer is a must. Shop Best Buy's entire back-to-school sale and see our favorite HP printer deals below. 

HP printer deals

Samsung's Portable SSD T7 is an instant solution for adding storage to your laptop. Small enough to fit in your pocket, it is fast, secure, and reliable. 

One Amazon limited-time deal offers the 2TB Samsung Portable SSD T7 for just $147.99. Typically $269, that's $122 in savings and the lowest price I've seen for this portable SSD in a long time. I can't help but wonder if this is a sneak peek deal from Amazon's upcoming October sale. 

Today's best Samsung Portable SSD deal

Samsung's Portable T7 SSD makes transferring and storing large files fast and easy. Pre-formatted in exFAT file format, it instantly adds 2TB of storage to your laptop, tablet, phone, or gaming console.

Although we didn't test this portable SSD, feedback from owners praised its compact, lightweight, shockproof design and speedy performance. With incredibly fast read/write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s, respectively, the T7 SSD cuts down on the time you spend backing up and transferring huge files.

What's more, password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption give you peace of mind knowing your files are secure. Samsung bundles it with USB type C to C and USB type C to A cables for universal connectivity.

So, if you're looking for a convenient way to manage photo, video, and game storage, the Samsung T7 SSD is all you need. 

There are few things as stressful as getting stranded in an airport with a dead phone. That’s why a reliable portable charger is a must-have, no matter where you travel. 

The CUKTECH 20 is a high-capacity portable charger with a sleek, futuristic design. It can refuel just about any mobile device, even your laptop, which most smaller power banks aren’t capable of. With 25,000 mAh of battery life, it has enough juice to recharge phones and tablets numerous times on a single charge. 

I tested out the CUKTECH 20 on a four-day trip and was glad I brought it along when my return flight got canceled. I didn’t have to worry about hunting for a charging station in the airport or risk letting any of my tech die on me. 

The question is, is the CUKTECH 20’s charging performance worth the price of admission? Here’s a look at the specs and a few things you should know before buying one.

CUKTECH 20: Price and availability

The CUKTECH 20 portable charger costs $100 on Amazon (US and UK). It includes the portable charger, a soft travel pouch, a 240-watt USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable, and an instruction booklet. The included cable is for recharging the CUKTECH 20, but you can also use it to charge compatible USB Type-C devices.  

CUKTECH 20: Design

One of the first things I noticed about the CUKTECH 20 was its futuristic design. It looks more like a prop from a TRON movie than a typical portable power bank. The case is a mix of smooth metallic silver plastic and lightly textured black plastic. It also resembles several of Anker’s popular power banks if you’ve considered one of those but balked at the price. 

The front has a clear plastic panel with blue light strips and a TFT display. There’s one button for waking up the display and cycling through the two display modes. 

The main display screen shows the current percentage of charge left in the CUKTECH 20, total input wattage, total output wattage, and the watts, amps, and volts coming or going from each port. The second screen shows a larger live reading for total input and output wattage. 

The CUKTECH 20 is a 25,000 mAh portable charger. To put that into context, the iPhone 15 has a 3,349 mAh battery. The CUKTECH 20 is a bit bulky but stores a lot of power. It measures 2.17 x 2.17 x 6.3 inches and weighs 1.39 pounds. That’s about 0.3 pounds more than my 10.9-inch iPad. So, it didn’t weigh down my backpack too much, but it weighs noticeably more than an average smartphone or smaller portable charger. 

Despite its size, I had no trouble going through airport security with the CUKTECH 20, so its airline-safe status is as advertised. I brought it in my laptop backpack as a carry-on item. The included travel pouch is convenient for making sure nothing gets in the ports or scratches the display while the CUKTECH 20 is in a suitcase or backpack. 

CUKTECH 20: Ports

The CUKTECH 20 has one USB Type-A port and two USB Type-C ports. The USB Type-A port is only for output (charging devices) while the USB Type-C ports are for both input and output, meaning you need to use the included USB Type-C cable to recharge the CUKTECH 20. 

These three ports are enough for charging most portable devices, although you may be more limited if all of your cables are USB Type-A. 

The top USB Type-C port supports 140W fast charging for laptops, 120W fast charging for Xiaomi devices, and Super Fast Charging 2.0 for Samsung devices. As long as you have a compatible cable, you can use the CUKTECH 20 to charge phones, tablets, laptops, wireless headphones, wearable devices, and portable game consoles. 

CUKTECH 20: Performance

I tested the CUKTECH 20 on a four-day trip, using it as my only charging supply for my iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. It lasted the entire long weekend, refilling my iPad once, my Apple Watch twice, and my iPhone three times. 

It charged each device swiftly, on par with the charging speed I typically get from my wireless charger at home. I never experienced any connection issues or failures to charge. 

I tested each of the ports, as well, and all of them worked consistently. Two animated light strips will flash when a device is charging, which is convenient for making sure everything is working at a glance. I started the four-day trip with about an 80 percent charge on the CUKTECH 20 and still had 20 percent left over when I got home. 

Charging up my devices with the CUKTECH 20 was quick, but recharging the portable charger itself was not. The sheer size of this battery means it can take a while to refill and requires more wattage than a typical phone charging brick can provide. There’s a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable included in the box, but no charging brick. So, you need to use your own. 

Initially, I tried charging the CUKTECH 20 from my desktop PC. However, that would have taken roughly 60 hours, according to the estimate on the power bank’s display. When more power goes out than comes in, the CUKTECH 20’s display will show an estimated 99 hours, which happened with a small 5W iPhone charging brick I tried. 

I had to charge the CUKTECH 20 directly from a wall outlet using a 20W iPad charging brick. Even then, it needed to be plugged in overnight to refill to 100 percent. A 65W laptop charger was the quickest match I found, refueling the CUKTECH 20 in about 3 and a half hours. 

That said, the CUKTECH 20 supports up to 110W input, which can recharge it to 100 percent in about two hours. So, if you already have a 110W charging brick, you’re in business (for context, the MacBook Pro M3 uses a 70-watt charger). However, given the power demands the CUKTECH 20 needs to recharge in a reasonable amount of time, it would have been nice to have a compatible charging brick included in the box. 

Luckily, the CUKTECH 20 lasts ages on a single charge. When my return flight was suddenly canceled, it was nice knowing that I wouldn’t have to worry about my phone dying on me (or getting stuck camping out at an airport charging station). 

Bottom line

The CUKTECH 20 offers a huge charging capacity for refueling your phone, tablet, or even your laptop. With its airline-safe rating and polished, yet tough design, it’s a great travel companion for keeping all your mobile tech powered, no matter where you’re heading. 

The CUKTECH 20’s greatest strength is its generous battery capacity, but that’s also why it can take a while to charge. Optimal charging times require a 110-watt charging brick, but there isn’t one in the box, which is a big disappointment. An iPad or MacBook charging brick is a viable substitution, but less powerful charging bricks for phones or other small devices lead to lengthy charging times. 

Despite that drawback, the CUKTECH 20 has a lot going for it, including reliable performance, a built-in display, and loads of battery life. If you want a charger that can last entire week-long trips or recharge your laptop, the CUKTECH 20 is a good option with its combination of power output and storage.