Latest news with #EarFun
CNN
9 hours ago
- CNN
The EarFun Clip have officially made me a believer in open earbuds
I never thought I'd become an open earbuds guy, but the EarFun Clip wireless earbuds just converted me. These $70 clip-ons are the latest in a growing category of wireless earbuds that rest above your ears rather than lodging inside of them, allowing you to easily stay aware of your real-world surroundings while alleviating some of the pressure that turns some folks off to in-ear options. And after spending nearly a week with the Clip, I can see why they're catching on. The EarFun Clip's airy design feels like nothing's even there, and they offer strikingly good sound quality without needing to nestle all the way into your ear canals. The battery life is pretty bonkers too. And while I can't fully drop the AirPods Pro from my daily audio rotation, the Clip have earned a place next to them for those times I could use the extra ambiance. Here's why they're some of the best budget earbuds I've tested. EarFun Clip Open-Ear Earbuds This affordable pair of headphones makes it easy to enjoy your music and podcasts and still stay aware of what's going on around you. A super-comfortable design that keeps you aware I never thought I'd get down with open earbuds (you mean to tell me I have to clip these onto my ears?), but the EarFun Clip have been a joy to wear for the past few days. Their design looked pretty foreign to me as someone who doesn't usually wear these types of buds, but once I figured out how to hook them on, they nestled comfortably and securely on my outer ear to the point where I constantly forgot that they were there. They're also IP55 rated for sweat and water resistance, should you want to take them on a run. So, why wear these types of earbuds? Since the EarFun Clip's audio drivers rest right above your inner ear canals — rather than lodging in them like most earbuds do — you can still hear the outside world with full clarity while rocking out to your favorite songs and podcasts. Sure, most premium earbuds have good ambient noise modes that amplify your surroundings when you need to stay aware, but even the excellent Transparency mode on my beloved AirPods Pro 2 still makes me feel the slightest bit isolated from what's happening around me. There's nothing quite like hearing your surroundings with your actual ears, which is something I've come to appreciate when I'm walking my dog and want to stay aware of oncoming cars and pedestrians, or working from home and don't want to miss an important delivery. And when I run into friends on the street or show up at my local coffee shop, I can start a conversation without fumbling to take the buds off or switch to a transparency mode. Of course, there are plenty of scenarios where I do want to drown out everything around me, but the EarFun Clip truly excel in the environments they're designed for. Shockingly great sound for open-ear buds You would think that a cheap pair of earbuds with an open-ear design would mean less immersive sound … and you'd be wrong. I'm genuinely shocked by the sound quality on the EarFun Clip, which has made my daily playlists sound rich, clear and satisfyingly spacious. When taking in the bright post-rock soundscapes of the new Moving Mountains record, I could easily pinpoint each lush layer of instrumentation — from the dynamic drums and rollicking bass to the piercing lead guitar and subtle piano melodies. Uptempo pop songs had just as much bite and detail, as the appropriately deep bass and haunting synth of Charli XCX's 'Sympathy Is a Knife' had me immediately bopping my head. This is impressive for a set of buds that cost less than $70, let alone ones that don't nestle into your ears at all. While the EarFun Clip sounded great out of the box, you get plenty of options for customizing their output via the free EarFun Audio app for iOS and Android. You can play with various equalizer presets (like Bass Boost, Vocal Enhancement and a range of genre-specific modes) via clear, colorful icons, or you can dig into the custom EQ settings and fine-tune the frequencies yourself. There's also a Theater mode that's designed to create a surround sound-like 3D audio effect, though it mostly just made the music louder and muddier for me, so don't expect anything on the level of Apple's Spatial Audio here. Much more practical is the Privacy mode, which instantly lowers the volume whenever you need to stay extra discreet and be extra aware. Oh, and when I needed to take some calls, the EarFun Clip's microphones proved more than capable. Great battery life and lots of features On top of feeling and sounding great, these buds seem to never run out of battery. The EarFun Clip are rated for 10 hours of continuous use and a total of 40 hours when you factor in the charging case. That more than lines up with my testing. After four days of heavy listening, I've got a full charge in the buds and 55% battery still left in the case. The EarFun Clip are also loaded with way more features than you might expect for a pair of budget-priced earbuds. In addition to the robust sound customization options I mentioned above, these buds offer dual-device connectivity, which made it easy to stay paired to both my iPhone and MacBook, and switch between the two on the fly. There's a handy Find Headphones tool in the app as well that lets you emit a chime from either earbud in the event one or both of them get lost in your couch, a Hearing Health menu that lets you set maximum volume levels and a few different Automatic Shutdown settings for conserving battery. Folks with compatible Android phones get to take advantage of LDAC support for extra-high-resolution sound, as well as Google Fast Pair support for one-touch setup. There's also a Game mode designed to lower audio latency, but even as a fairly avid mobile gamer, I've never felt the need to use this kind of thing. Finally, physical controls! We've long criticized EarFun for the finicky, inconsistent touch controls on many of their earbuds, which is why I was delighted to find that the Clip feature good ole physical buttons. The small little clickers on the buds made it easy to adjust volume and playback on the fly, and better yet, the controls are fully customizable via the EarFun Audio app. No wireless charging (or automatic pausing) There's not much I don't like about the EarFun Clip, though I was a bit bummed when I dropped the case onto my wireless charger only to realize they weren't juicing up. A lack of wireless charging isn't a huge deal breaker for a pair of sub-$70 buds, but it's still disappointing, especially since similarly priced EarFun models like the EarFun Air 2 offer the feature. Another nitpick? These buds don't automatically pause when you take them off, meaning you'll have to manually stop your music if you don't want to unknowingly burn through a whole playlist and waste battery in the process. It's a small inconvenience, but after never having to worry about this sort of thing on my (admittedly pricier) AirPods, it's still a notable one. I miss active noise cancellation This is less of a criticism of the EarFun Clip and more a realization that open earbuds can't be the only earbuds I use. While I love the extra awareness they allow for when walking the dog or working from home, I don't like them nearly as much when I'm commuting, as I was painfully reminded the other day after hearing the ear-piercing sound of a child screaming on the bus. I can definitely see the Clip staying in heavy rotation around the house and around the block, but I certainly won't be taking them on the subway or on a flight anytime soon. The EarFun Clip are some of the best open earbuds you can get for the price, offering incredibly impressive sound quality within an unobtrusive design that's perfect for folks who don't like sticking things in their ears. Their rich feature set and comfy feel belies their $70 price tag, and you can use them for days on end without having to charge them up. There are plenty of other great options in this growing category, from the super-premium and super-stylish Bose Ultra Open Earbuds to the Shokz OpenFit Air that feature even more secure ear hooks for working out. If you want more of a jack-of-all-trades option that can both drown out and let in outside noise, you should check out the excellent noise-canceling EarFun Air Pro 4. But for folks sold on this open design, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better pair for the money than the EarFun Clip. How long do the EarFun Clip wireless earbuds last on one charge? How long do the EarFun Clip wireless earbuds last on one charge? The EarFun Clip are rated to last up to 10 hours on a single charge and can deliver up to 40 hours of playtime when using the case. Are the EarFun Clip wireless earbuds good to use for running? Are the EarFun Clip wireless earbuds good to use for running? Due to their IP55 rating for water resistance and open design that lets in important ambient noise, the EarFun Clip can be a good option for runners. Just make sure you get them on nice and snug before you hit the track or street. Do the EarFun Clip wireless earbuds come with their own case? Do the EarFun Clip wireless earbuds come with their own case? Yep! The EarFun Clip come with a traditional charging case, though don't expect fancy perks like wireless charging. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Senior tech editor Mike Andronico has been writing product reviews of headphones and earbuds for nearly a decade and is constantly in search of the next great pair that can dethrone his beloved AirPods Pro 2.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Don't break the bank: The best budget earbuds, tested by our audio experts
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. We spend a lot of time fawning over the latest tech here at Mashable, and as much as we love nerding out over the latest Sony headphones drop, we know that's not always relatable. New tech is often expensive tech, and a nearly $500 pair of headphones is certainly not always in the budget. That's why we're here to talk about the best budget earbuds. A pair of cheap earbuds is a compact alternative to over-the-ear headphones, but let's be clear, just because these earbuds are affordable, doesn't mean they skimp on features. Two of the best earbuds we've tested are nearly $300 — Apple AirPods Pro costs $249.95, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds come in at $299 — but we've found models for even less. You don't need to spend $300 on a pair of great earbuds; in fact, you don't even need to spend $100. Plus, with Amazon Prime Day running from July 8 to 11, there's an opportunity for even more savings. We've already spotted some early deals on earbuds and headphones, including wireless models. Our top pick, the EarFun Air Pro 4, are already down to $62.99 ahead of Prime Day. So if you're ready to save on already budget-friendly earbuds, these are the best. Budget is a relative term, so for this list, we're looking at earbuds under $200 but mostly under $100. Our top pick is the EarFun Air Pro 4, which have a list price of $79.99, which have the noise-cancellation of a much more expensive pair of earbuds. Going the budget route might mean making compromises but not sacrifices. For under $100, you can still get active noise cancellation and self-charging cases. The models on this list are pulled from our extensive testing here at Mashable. Our previous top pick on this list was the Apple AirPods 3; however, the AirPods 4 have replaced them, making them more expensive, plus they don't have great Android compatibility. Another pair of headphones we considered for this list were the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds with sound by Bose. My colleague Bethany Allard tested these buds, and while they're pretty good for $100, they have a bad case design and just aren't that comfortable compared to other models on this list — plus, the $100 introductory price is expected to go up to $129.99.
Tom's Guide
08-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I'm an audio reviewer — these are the best Prime Day earbuds deals as low as $34 from a brand that's totally underrated
We're tracking the best Prime Day deals from today (July 8) all the way until Friday (July 11). If you need a new TV, air fryer, phone, or anything in between, we've got you covered. However, I've got a very particular niche: audio gear. I test everything from soundbars, to speakers, and of course earbuds. EarFun is a unique brand in the audio world: known for budget-friendly gear, the new brand is carving a name for itself with cheap and cheerful products. I've tested enough EarFun stuff now to know what's worth your $$$ and what isn't. Let me tell you know: do not get any of its headphones. Earbuds, though? Ooh, the earbuds are so good. me help you figure out which deals are worth biting into — especially the $34 EarFun Air 2. These deals actually put big-name brands like Bose and Samsung to shame. I awarded the EarFun Air 2 wireless earbuds a nice 4-star rating in my review. The Air 2 earbuds are perfect for people who want decent sound quality for a ridiculously low price. As I said in my review, $49 is less than a week's groceries (where I live, anyway), and you get so much for that. No, these earbuds don't have noise canceling, but I didn't find this a major issue, even when on public transport. I just upped the volume of my music for that immersive experience. Yes, you read that right. Just twenty-eight Great British pounds. I awarded the EarFun Air 2 wireless earbuds a nice 4-star rating in my review. The Air 2 earbuds are perfect for people who want decent sound quality for a ridiculously low price. No, these earbuds don't have noise canceling, but I didn't find this a major issue, even when on public transport. I just upped the volume of my music for that immersive experience. Considering this awesome sale puts the EarFun Air 2 NC earbuds at just $43, I don't know if you can get better value earbuds anywhere else. These buds are basically the same as the Air 2 (above), but they have ANC. In my EarFun Air 2 NC review, I awarded these buds a lovely 4 stars, praising their sound quality for the price. These buds even have LDAC, which is perfect for hi-res listening. The bass is really epic on these buds — I was surprised too. These are the exact same earbuds as above, so all the specs will be the same. These buds are basically the same as the Air 2 (above), but they have ANC. In my EarFun Air 2 NC review, I awarded these buds a lovely 4 stars, praising their sound quality for the price. These buds even have LDAC, which is perfect for hi-res listening. The bass is really epic on these buds — I was surprised too. My colleague Nikita gave the EarFun Air Pro 3 earbuds an impressive 4-star rating in her review. She tested with Qualcomm aptX (a higher-res Bluetooth codec). She said that the Air Pro 3 buds "provide quite an immersive sound." She also said that the bass performance was really impressive, as the earbuds amplified the bass notes. While these buds don't have wear detection, the newer iteration (Air Pro 4) below do, so keep scrolling if you want to find out about these buds. These are the exact same earbuds as above, so all specs will be the same. My colleague Nikita gave the EarFun Air Pro 3 earbuds an impressive 4-star rating in her review. She tested with Qualcomm aptX (a higher-res Bluetooth codec). She said that the Air Pro 3 buds "provide quite an immersive sound." She also said that the bass performance was really impressive, as the earbuds amplified the bass notes. While these buds don't have wear detection, the newer iteration (Air Pro 4) below do, so keep scrolling if you want to find out about these buds. These are probably the best EarFun earbuds out there. If you want the best of the best, it's going to be the Air Pro 4. My colleague Nikita swapped her Bose QuietComfort earbuds for the Air Pro 4 — that's how good these budget buds are. In her 4.5-star review of the EarFun Air Pro 4, Nikita wrote, "How do the EarFun Air Pro 4s sound? In one word: magnificent", and she said that the ANC is awesome. And the best part? These buds have wear detection. These are the exact same buds as above, so all the specs will be the same. These are probably the best EarFun earbuds out there. If you want the best of the best, it's going to be the Air Pro 4. My colleague Nikita swapped her Bose QuietComfort earbuds for the Air Pro 4 — that's how good these budget buds are. In her 4.5-star review of the EarFun Air Pro 4, Nikita wrote, "How do the EarFun Air Pro 4s sound? In one word: magnificent", and she said that the ANC is awesome. And the best part? These buds have wear detection. Don't forget to check out our Prime Day live blog for a roundup of all the best deals, and be sure to find out everything you can get for free on Amazon this Prime Day.
New York Times
06-07-2025
- New York Times
The 50+ Best Early Prime Day Deals You Can Snag Right Now
Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter Apple's thinnest smartwatch ever offers the best combination of style, health and fitness features, app selection, battery life, and price of any smartwatch for any platform. It's great for buyers upgrading from an older Apple Watch, and comes in a variety of band types and sizes. Other things to know: Great for buyers upgrading from an older Apple Watch. Includes two temperature sensors, car-crash detection, emergency SOS, an always-on display, sleep apnea detection, and faster charging than previous models. Doesn't support Apple's blood oxygen measurement. Deal price available in multiple colors and band options. Read more: The Apple Watch Is the Best Smartwatch for iPhone Owners EarFun Air Pro 4 Earbuds This affordable, great-sounding pair has noise-cancellation that works as well as earbuds twice the price. We also appreciate the 11-hour battery life and customizable touch-based controls. Three sets of mics deliver clear phone calls, even when it's windy or noisy. $80 $54 from Amazon Use promo code EAIRPRO4 (deal on black) Other things to know: It may take time to memorize the series of taps and holds necessary to access the full suite of controls. Lacks the clarity and sense of space of our top pick. May not stay in place if you have very small or deep-set ears. On sale in black. Use code EAIRPRO4. Within $5 of the lowest price we've seen. Read more: The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Amazon Echo Spot (2024) smart speaker For those who like things streamlined, this smaller Echo model is great as a daily alarm clock. It won't crowd a nightstand, the touchscreen display auto-dims, the speaker is surprisingly robust, and you can shut off an alarm by simply tapping the speaker itself. $70 $45 from Amazon Other things to know: Lacks a camera, video streaming, and the higher-quality audio of more expensive models. Easy to read and responds well to voice commands when placed at arm's length; beyond that distance, it becomes hard or impossible to read, and responses are noticeably less consistent. Available in three colors. Read more: The Best Alexa Smart Speakers Lee Neikirk/NYT Wirecutter Want a TV that isn't just another big black box? The Frame is a great option for people who prefer a living room that doesn't look like it's dedicated to television. Although it resembles a framed piece of art when not in use, it still delivers the same bright, excellent image quality as many of Samsung's upper-tier QLED TVs. Other things to know: A subscription is necessary to access the full range of art options but not required for regular TV functionality. This is the 2024 model. It comes with a one-year Samsung parts-and-labor limited warranty, as well as free shipping for Amazon Prime members. Read more: The Frame Is a Delightful TV That Transforms Into Artwork Hisense U7N Series LCD/LED TV (75-inch bundle with $100 Google Play gift card) Other things to know: The 75-inch version uses a different panel type than we tested. Wide viewing angle, but doesn't get very dark; might be a bit better for sports with a group, and a bit worse for movie night. Costco membership required; bundle includes five total years of warranty coverage and a $100 Google Play gift card. Read more: The Best LCD/LED TV Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar Nail movie night with this soundbar that offers the most theaterlike audio experience of those we tested. The other great thing? Setup is easy. Its multiple upward-firing speakers create a better sense of immersion, and the subwoofer is compact and easy to hide. Other things to know: Comes with a compact subwoofer, separate rear speakers, four upward-firing Atmos speakers, and lots of inputs and audio-streaming options. Subwoofer could be a bit more powerful. Controllable through Samsung's SmartThings app, but front panel display on soundbar can be annoying to use. Get the deal price with promo code JULYFINDS. Read more: The Best Soundbar Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter Our longtime top hybrid-mattress pick is a favorite of stomach, back, and side sleepers. Its hybrid tech combines the best components of memory-foam and spring models, with more than 1,000 springs and four layers of CertiPUR-US–certified memory foam. Other things to know: 11-inch mattress. 10-year warranty. 100-night trial, but you can return it only one time. Use code WIRECUTTER to get the queen size for $1,100 or the king or Cal king size for $1,300. Read more: The Best Hybrid Mattresses Leesa Legend Chill Hybrid Mattress (queen and king/Cal king) With medium firmness and some motion isolation, this springier hybrid's 3,000-plus pocketed coils and quilted top keep you buoyant and cradled. The fluffy, luxurious feel — a tester said they 'felt like royalty' — is ideal for back and side sleepers. Other things to know: Not an ultra-soft, plush mattress. 10-year warranty. 100-night trial, but you can return it only one time. Use code WIRECUTTER to get the queen size for $1,480 or the king or Cal king size for $1,740. Read more: The Best Hybrid Mattresses Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling hybrid mattress (queen) A crowd-favorite in our most recent tests, this cloud-like, supportive mattress garnered the most positive feedback of all. It's sturdy without being too firm, and its plush pillow top makes it comfortable, but it still supports the body's pressure points. $1900 $1427 from Brooklyn Bedding Use promo code WIRECUTTER37 (queen) Other things to know: We tested the medium-firm model. Should appeal to back and stomach sleepers, as well as to side sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress. 10-year warranty and 120-night trial, but you have to sleep on it for at least 30 days before starting a return, and there's a $99 return fee. Not recommended for people over 200 pounds. Use promo code WIRECUTTER37, which works on all sizes. Read more: The Best Hybrid Mattresses Brooklinen Classic Duvet Cover (full/queen) Soft, comfortable percale fabric gives this duvet cover a luxurious hotel-bedding feel, without the luxury-hotel price. It's one of the least expensive covers we've tried, and it offers the most stylish and interesting variety of prints we've seen. $155 $136 from Brooklinen Use promo code WC28 (full/queen) Other things to know: Can get a bit wrinkled. After years of long-term testing, we're still impressed with this cover's overall construction. Street price has risen in the past year. Deal price is for the full/queen size, but code WC28 works on all sizes. Read more: Duvet Covers We Love Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set (queen) Hot sleepers, rejoice: The cool, breathable percale weave of these sheets feels light and crisp against the skin. This set also offers a huge variety of colors and a rotating selection of hip prints. Its long-staple cotton construction can endure years of washes and wear. $160 $143 from Brooklinen Use promo code WC28 (queen) Other things to know: Oeko-Tex certified. The set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. 365-day return policy. Deal price is for the queen size, but all sizes are 27% off with code WC28 (remove any existing codes first). Read more: Our Favorite Printed Sheets Brooklinen All-Season Down Comforter (full/queen) Perfect for chilly nights, this high-quality down comforter features baffle-box construction with 700-fill-power duck down so you stay toasty without overheating. Its lightweight design also prevents it from sliding off the bed and helps it keep its loft even after being in storage. $380 $291 from Brooklinen Use promo code WC27 (full/queen) Other things to know: The down does leak over time, but it has leaked less overall than most other comforters we've tested. One-year return policy. Two-year warranty. Stated deal price is for the all-season weight in the full/queen size, but code WC27 works for all sizes (remove any existing codes first). The street price has risen recently, so deal prices have risen as well, and we're unlikely to see lower. Read more: The Best Comforters Brooklyn Bedding 3-Inch Talalay Latex Topper (queen) Not quite ready to buy a whole new mattress? A topper can improve the quality of your sleep. This all-around excellent option provides good support and pressure-point relief. $680 $300 from Brooklyn Bedding Use promo code WIRECUTTER56 (queen) Other things to know: Squishy, jiggly feel can be polarizing. It's expensive (though less so on sale). Distinctive latex odor takes a while to dissipate. Three-year warranty. Deal price is for the queen size, but code WIRECUTTER56 works for all sizes. Read more: The Best Mattress Toppers Garnet Hill Signature White Down Pillow (Standard) For fans of cloud-like pillows and those who sleep on their stomach, this supportive yet moldable down pillow is hard to beat. The firm density has plenty of give and softness, making it easy to shape to your shoulders and neck. $200 $115 from Garnet Hill Other things to know: The most expensive of our picks. A couple testers found this pillow to be too lofty. One-year warranty. 90-day return policy. Deal price is for the firm pillow in the standard size with code WCPILLOW, but the code works on all sizes. Read more: The Best Bed Pillows Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter With a robust polycarbonate outer shell, aluminum corner guards, and an aluminum frame around the center seam that reinforces the body of the luggage, it's safe to say this isn't just a trunk — it's a traveling fortress. The two TSA locks close with a satisfying latch. $455 $388 from Monos Use promo code SUMMER (deal on taupe, black, or silver) Other things to know: Due to the design, some travelers consider trunks to be easier to pack and to maneuver. Does away with the standard zipper closure. Doesn't have a ton of built-in organization. Lifetime warranty. Use code SUMMER to get the deal price on standard colors, the code also works on limited edition colors. Read more: The Best Suitcases for Checking Monos Carry-On Plus Luggage This carry-on is a solid, nearly identical substitute for our top pick, the Away suitcase. Both offer YKK zippers, lifetime warranties, and almost identical handles and interiors. Monos hides the stitching where the zipper meets its polycarbonate frame, a nice aesthetic touch. $275 $236 from Monos Other things to know: With this deal, it's cheaper than our similar top pick. We ultimately picked the Away because its wheels spun just a bit more freely in our testing, we liked its underside handle, and we've been testing it longer. Deal price available in standard colors with code SUMMER, though the code also works on limited edition colors. Read more: The Best Carry-On Luggage Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 backpacks Other things to know: Lifetime warranty. 55-liter capacity. Street price has risen in the last few years. The main pack is carry-on sized, with the detachable daypack becoming a personal item, but the shoulder straps also zip away if you need to check it. The opening of the daypack is surprisingly small, restricting easy access. Read more: The Best Travel Backpack Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 backpacks Other things to know: Backed by Osprey's excellent lifetime warranty. Capacity is a little less spacious than it seems. Laptop and tech-gear pocket isn't positioned directly against your back, shifting the center of gravity and making some loads feel heavier than they should. Lifetime warranty. The Fairview is on sale for $1 more at REI. We just saw the Farpoint 40 for less in gray only, but that deal has ended, and it's still a decent value. Read more: The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Formulated with just 16 ingredients, this sheer and cooling facial moisturizer is generously packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and skin-smoothing niacinamide. It spreads easily, absorbs quickly, and leaves behind a mattifying finish to tamp down shine. Other things to know: Testers preferred it for day, not night. Contains a trio of oil-absorbing particles: silica, starch, and perlite. 2.54 ounces. Price reflects at checkout. Read more: The Best Moisturizers Vacation Classic Lotion Sun Jug SPF 50 Testers loved the superior absorption, dry down, skin feel, and 'tropical paradise' scent of this sunscreen, which narrowly beat Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 — one of our favorite sunscreens for the face — in our brand-concealed test. $48 $34 from Ulta Other things to know: Chemical formula includes avobenzone 2.8%, homosalate 9.8%, octisalate 4.9%, octocrylene 9.5%. This 20-ounce jug is cheaper per ounce than Supergoop's 18-ounce jug, but pricier than our budget pick. Select store pickup or add to a larger order to avoid shipping fees (or add two to cart and use code 747545 to get two for $61 with free shipping). Read more: The Best Sunscreen Supergoop Glow Stick SPF 50 This compact, portable sunscreen stick is easy to use, completely clear, and doesn't leave a slimy residue behind. It does leave a slight shine, but no hint of stickiness, so even the most reluctant sunscreen wearer won't mind it. Other things to know: Tubes are small, but sized for travel or stuffing in a stocking. Free Bluemercury account required. Price reflects in cart. Read more: 50 Wirecutter-Approved Stocking Stuffers for Adults Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara Want long-wearing length? This mascara encases lashes in an inky tubing formula that doesn't smudge. Although not officially waterproof, it's verydurable and long-wearing, but rinses away with water and a little scrub. $26 $22 from Thrive Causemetics Other things to know: Wet formula can be a little smeary if you aren't careful. Dries quickly, so you won't be able to get much volume — no thick, vampy fringe. Removal takes some practice: After wetting lashes for 30 seconds, apply a gentle downward swoop or pinch to pull off the tubes. Price reflects in cart, and is just $1 more than the previous low. Read more: The Best Mascara Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Kit (22 Treatments) Low-tech, low-cost, and low-effort, these whitening strips can noticeably brighten up pearly whites after just one use — no dentist visits required. This kit comes with 22 days' worth of Professional Effects treatments and two 1-Hour Express treatments. $44 $30 from Amazon Other things to know: Slower than professional treatments; results take several sessions over the course of a few weeks. This price isn't as good as the typical Costco deals we see, but it's a decent discount for those without a Costco membership (we do expect better deals later this year). Read more: Why We Love Crest 3D Whitestrips Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter If you use a blender regularly, this high-performance machine is worth the investment. Our pick for more than a decade, it sets the standard for both pro chefs and home enthusiasts with its graceful blending, smooth nut butters, wide range of speeds, and seven-year warranty. $480 $350 from Amazon Other things to know: Pricey. No high-powered blender could be described as quiet, but we found this to be quieter than others. Rarely goes on sale — and sells out fast. Notably higher than deals we saw last year, but we haven't seen it come close to the $300 deal we saw last October Prime Day. Read more: Why the Vitamix 5200 Blender Has Been Our Top Pick for Nearly a Decade OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker Not only does this reliable and stylish machine make a tasty cup of coffee, but it's also the only one of our picks that you can program to have a freshly brewed pot ready for you when you wake up. It's low-effort, simple to use, and quick. Other things to know: Its coffee lacks the sweetness and dimension of the results from some other, exceptional brewers. One-button interface isn't immediately intuitive. Large overall footprint. Carafe is hard to clean. Two-year warranty from OXO, which has a reputation for excellent customer service. Use code OXOPSAUG20. Read more: The Best Drip Coffee Maker Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine Other things to know: Two-year warranty. Built-in grinder isn't as fine-tuned as standalone espresso-focused grinders. Recurring sale price. Read more: The Best Espresso Machine for Beginners Nespresso VertuoPlus coffee maker If convenience and caffeine are your greatest morning-cup concerns, this is the perfect coffee maker. With an automatic lid and single-button operation, it's effortlessly easy to use, and it can brew espressos, 5-ounce Gran Lungos, and standard 8-ounce cups of coffee. Other things to know: Cups are unstable on drip tray. We didn't love the coffee, but it was still a big step up from Keurig coffee. Uses only Vertuo pods, which cost more than Original Nespresso pods. Available at the deal price in gray. Read more: The Best Nespresso Machine Anyday 4-Piece Glass Round Dish Set and 4-Piece Glass Square Dish Set For cooking simple microwave dishes quickly and reheating leftovers well, we like these glass containers. Their airtight, leakproof lids each have a venting knob that can capture or release steam as needed, and their rounded metal edges are safe for the microwave. You can store leftovers in the same dish, which makes cleanup easy. $60 $45 from Anyday For college students with dorm microwaves, small-kitchen cooks, or meal-prepping aficionados, this square-shaped glass cookware can be great for cooking simple microwave dishes and reheating leftovers, as well as storing food. The airtight, leakproof lids each have a venting knob that can capture or release steam as needed. $106 $75 from Anyday Other things to know: Dishwasher-, oven-, and freezer-safe. Not ideal for developing more-complex flavors. Each set includes two glass containers and their corresponding lids; use promo code WCROUND to get the deal price on the round set or WCSQUARE to get the deal price on the square set. Read more: These Glass Containers Made Me Hate the Microwave a Little Less Atlas Coffee Club (two-bag subscription) Our coffee-loving staffers say this subscription makes a great gift for the enthusiast in your life. Atlas sources its beans from countries all over the world, including Peru, Rwanda, and Papua New Guinea. Other things to know: New subscribers can use code WCSUMMER25 for 60% off their first two-bag subscription. Street price has risen, but the free shipping effectively makes this discount cheaper than most similar promos out there. Read more: The 31 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers Breville Joule Turbo Sous Vide We rank this impressively high-tech sous vide cooker among the best Google Assistant-compatible smart devices. It's one of the smallest and most powerful options out there, and you can check progress and tweak temps using voice commands. It also works with less water than others. Other things to know: Lacks physical controls, but the app is polished. Recurring deal price. Read more: The Best Sous Vide Machine and Gear Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Not only are these waffle-knit towels softer and smoother than any terry option we've tested, but they dry faster, too. They're lightweight and durable, with an upscale, minimalist aesthetic that will complement nearly any bathroom decor. Other things to know: Since waffle weaves are stretchier, they can look a little misshapen after a while. They're also more prone to snags. Relatively expensive, but a fraction of the price of similar lattice towels imported from Japan. Texture might not be for everyone. Use code WCSETJULY to get the deal price for the two-towel set. Use code WCBUNDLEJULY to get the deal price for the six-piece set of two bath towels, two hand towels, and two face towels. Read more: The Best Bath Towel Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty air purifier Other things to know: We recommend keeping the machine on the medium setting, which is quiet, energy-efficient, and effective. Accepts third-party replacement filters easily. The white is typically more expensive than the black, so this is a good deal only on the white color. Price reflects in cart. Read more: The Best Air Purifier Narwal S20 Pro Vacuum Mop A nimble and lightweight hard-floor cleaner, this cordless mop-vac combo is intelligently designed to be adaptive and effective — perfect for mopping aficionados. The clean-water tank is easy to detach and fill, and the cleaner self-cleans and dries. It makes mopping almost a pleasure. Other things to know: Good battery, but who knows how long it'll last. Tall, and its pull may be too strong for some. Relatively new and a bit rough around the edges. No vacuum-only mode. Short, one-year warranty. Use code EPDS20 on Narwal's site. At Amazon, clip the on-page coupon. Read more: The Best Mop-Vacuum Combo Is the Bissell CrossWave HON Ignition 2.0 Office Chair As one of the most comfortable sub-$500 options we've tested, this desk chair offers many of the adjustments generally reserved for more expensive models. With supportive, adjustable lumbar support and a minimalist aesthetic, it looks and feels good enough to sit in all day. $400 $340 from Amazon Other things to know: People of below-average height may have difficulty sitting properly. Build is less sturdy than that of our more expensive picks. Street price has increased significantly since it first became a pick. On sale in black mesh. Read more: The Best Office Chairs Ring Alarm (2nd Generation) 14-piece home security system kit Other things to know: Does not include a built-in Eero router, as the Pro model does. Optional Ring Protect Pro monitoring plan costs $20 per month. Kit includes one base station, two keypads, eight contact sensors, two motion detectors, and one range extender. Amazon Prime membership required. Read more: The Best Home Security System Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter With its soft, supple leather and unstructured shape, this tote has a relaxed and subtly luxurious vibe that works in both casual and fancier settings. It's refined, lightweight, and generously spacious, with soft and flexible straps that make it pretty comfy to carry. $258 $204 from Cuyana (small size) Other things to know: Smaller than our official pick's size but still big enough to fit what you need (including a laptop as large as 14 inches). Unstructured, so it can't stand upright. No organization features aside from one internal pocket. Pricey, but we think it's worth the investment. Two-year warranty. Use code WCSPECIAL. Read more: The Best Tote Bags Naadam Signature Cashmere Turtleneck Dress with Slits One of our picks since 2020, this elegant and luxurious black dress has 'cool-weather wardrobe staple' written all over it. Made from soft, high-quality cashmere, it's warm but breathable, and feels like wearing a cloud. $268 $134 from Naadam Use promo code WIRECUTTER Other things to know: Available in XXS-3X. Petite folks might find it runs long. You can size up or down depending on how snug you want the fit. Use code WIRECUTTER to get the deal price and free shipping. Read more: The 8 Best Little Black Dresses Levi's Premium Wedgie Straight Fit Women's Jeans Our testers gave these versatile Levi's the highest overall score among straight-leg styles — even over pricey high-end options. They're not only comfy, booty-flattering, well-made, and under $100, but also made in a wide range of sizes and three inseams. The cotton-elastane blend is structured but fits comfortably on first wear. Other things to know: Testers with more defined waists found these jeans true to size; others should consider sizing up. Deal available on select washes: Space to Think, Christina, and Neither Here Nor There. Free Red Tab membership required for free shipping. Read more: The Best Women's Jeans Maison de Sabré The Sabrémoji Fruit Charm Other things to know: Can also be used to stash other tiny items, not just AirTags. Deal price is for the orange, strawberry, or peach designs. Read more: 15 Aesthetic Gift Picks (for Those With Impeccable Taste) Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter Best for more narrow-bodied people who sleep cold, this well-designed sleeping bag is plush and extra warm. The silky-soft fabric is filled with well-lofted, water-resistant down. The bag includes a generous hood and a pocket to store electronics, and you can easily zip in and out of it. Other things to know: May be too warm for some. Zippers don't extend all the way to the footbox, so you can't stick your feet out. Lifetime warranty. Use promo code WCSUMMER to get the deal price and free shipping. Read more: The Best Sleeping Bags Kelty TruComfort Doublewide 20 Sleeping Bag Other things to know: PFC-free DWR-coated polyester shell is water-resistant and easy-to-clean. Kept testers warm in temps below the low 50s. Rated to below 20 °F, but lacks draft tubes or cinchable hood. Packs into included stuff sack. Lifetime warranty. At Kelty, use code CELEBRATE25 to get the deal price. Read more: The Best Sleeping Bag REI Co-op Kindercone 25 Kids Sleeping Bag Our kid testers loved this sleeping bag the most. It has a recycled polyester shell and lining to insulate against cold and is coated with a durable water repellent. The handy cinch feature customizes the sleeping area based on a child's size. $70 $49 from REI With store pickup or REI membership Other things to know: Bulky when packed, making it better suited to car-camping and sleepovers than backpacking. Stuff sack is permanently attached to the foot of the bag, making it easy to keep track of (and to pack up the bag). Available in two colors. To avoid shipping fees, choose store pickup or use REI membership. Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent A redesign of REI's beloved Kingdom 6, this is a spacious, wagon-shaped tent with a massive interior and a room divider for added privacy. The updated pole design provides increased stability against wind, the only major weakness of the old model. $500 $350 from REI Other things to know: Partial fly. No vestibule, but an attachable mudroom is sold separately. Already-large tent may not be ideal at campsites with limited space. We are still in the process of long-term testing it. Read more: The Best Camping Tents Yeti Camino 35 Carryall This beach-ready tote is everything: waterproof, tough-as-nails, and ideal for wet gear. The puncture-resistant shell withstands abuse, and the bag sits upright even when empty. After years of testing Yeti gear, we can't deny how long-lasting and tough it almost always is. Other things to know: A touch larger than our top pick but has a similar capacity. Its interior pockets are zippered, and zippers don't play well with sand. The smaller-size Camino 20 is also on sale. At REI, membership is required; single-use discount on full-price Yeti item reflects in cart. Read more: The Best Beach Bag Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler Imagine a carry-on piece of luggage with the durability and insulation of a rolling hard cooler. Unlike our top rolling-cooler pick, the Yeti Tundra, the Roadie has a telescoping handle that changes its center of gravity, which may make it easier to maneuver in some situations. Other things to know: This model is in our cooler guide's Competition section, but we like it at a deep discount. Typically pricier than the Tundra, and the difference in maneuverability wasn't immediately clear during tests. Holds 76 cans versus the Tundra's 82. On sale in firefly yellow; price reflects in cart. Read more: The Best Coolers Recess Paddle Set Want your swing to be extra swaggy? These chic USA Pickleball–approved paddles have polypropylene cores for solid contact and control. The classic set has fiberglass-veneered paddles with a grippy sanded surface, and the Advanced Midnight edition has an oiled carbon fiber surface, a denser core, and a slightly longer shape. Other things to know: Each set comes with two paddles and either three hybrid pickleballs (classic set) or six hybrid pickleballs (Advanced Midnight edition). Use promo code WCRECESS to get the deal price on the classic lightweight set, or WCRECESSMIDNIGHT on the Advanced Midnight edition with an oiled carbon fiber surface. Read more: The 14 Best Gifts for Pickleball Players Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent (3 Ounces) For all the mosquito-repelling effectiveness of DEET but without the stink or oiliness, we like this formula with EPA-approved picaridin. It's effective against mosquitoes and ticks for up to 12 hours, and the even-spraying pump was a huge winner. Other things to know: The pump on this 3-ounce bottle is likely the same that we tested and loved on the 4-ounce bottle for its even and accurate spray. There's a slight off-smell when applied, but it dissipates in a couple minutes. Not oily; a slight tackiness on the skin goes away within an hour. Read more: The Best Bug Repellents These bottles have a gently sloping nipple, a shape that experts told us works well for many babies. And with only three pieces and a wide mouth, they were more simple to use, easier to clean, and leaked less than most others we tested. Other things to know: Gradually sloped nipples may not work for all babies. The most common complaint about this bottle comes from parents who find the flow rates too fast for their baby. Deal price for a pack of three 5-ounce bottles. Read more: The Best Baby Bottles and Bottle Brush Ezpz Happy Bowl For parents who want to avoid plastic, we love this silicone bowl with a built-in placemat to help contain messes. It's hefty, so there's no need to deal with suction cups, and it works well for babies and toddlers trying one or two foods at once. Other things to know: 12-ounce bowl. Silicone can develop a soapy smell over time (we recommend using unscented dish soap), and retain food odors. May not fit all high-chair trays. Deal on blue or gray. Read more: The Best Plastic-Free Bowls, Plates, Cups, and Utensils for Babies and Kids Puro Sound Labs BT2200-Plus Kids Headphones Ideal for watching movies, playing games, and listening to music, these headphones limit volume to a safe range and fit preschoolers to tweens. Our kid testers liked the grown-up style, and adults will love that two or more pairs can be linked so kids can all listen to the same device. Other things to know: No ability to change tracks or call up a digital assistant through the headphones themselves. Auto-shutoff feature will not activate if headphones are still connected to a powered-on device. Use code BTWC25 to get the deal. Read more: The Best Kids Headphones Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet-Plus Noise-Cancelling Kids Headphones Have a kid who travels a lot, or is sensitive to low-frequency sounds? We recommend these headphones with ANC that offer excellent sound quality, easy-to-use controls, a cable with a remote and microphone, and a comfortable, durable build. Multiple pairs can be connected so kids can listen to the same device. $139 $100 from Puro Other things to know: Most intense noise reduction is in the airplane band, which makes this pair great for flights (but less effective on a bus). Covered by Puro's 30-day money-back guarantee and one-year warranty. Connects via Bluetooth or wired cable with remote and microphone. Use code PQWC25 to get the deal price. Read more: The Best Kids Headphones Editor's note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter's expert-approved picks. This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Nathan Burrow. 4th of July sales are here, and we've combed through all the iffy deals to find the best sales on Wirecutter picks for summer and beyond. Here's what the Wirecutter Deals team is looking for when they hunt for the best prices on Wirecutter picks every day of the week. The Wirecutter Deals team breaks down a few simple ways to save money all year long. Page 2
CNET
03-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Early Prime Day Headphone Deals: Up to $100 Off Top-Rated Pairs From Apple, Beats and More
Outside of Black Friday, Amazon's summer Prime Day sale is one of the biggest shopping events of the year. This year's sale doesn't officially kick off until July 8, but you don't have to wait until next week to start saving big. The online retailer is already offering some amazing discounts -- especially for Prime members -- which includes some serious price cuts on top-rated headphones and earbuds. To help you advantage of these deals and improve your audio experience, we've rounded up some of the top bargains already available below. We'll be updating this roundup leading up to and throughout the event, so check back often for the latest and greatest offers. Plus, there are plenty of amazing Fourth of July deals on headphones available now as well. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Want to save even more? You could earn a $150 Amazon gift card instantly on approval of a Prime Visa card*, and Prime members will earn up to 5% cash back on purchases through Amazon. Early-Prime Day earbud deals Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen): $199 The AirPods Pro 2 are a fan favorite for good reason. They sport excellent sound quality, with active noise canceling, an adaptive transparency mode and spatial audio -- all powered by Apple's H2 chip. Details Save: $50 $199 at Amazon Close EarFun Air Pro 3: $56 These are some of our favorite affordable earbuds and now they are almost 50% off. However, this deal is only for Prime members. Non-members can get them for $76, still a decent $24 discount. Details Save $44 $56 at Amazon Close Apple AirPods (4th gen): $159 Apple's latest ANC earbuds have a 30-hour battery life and an advanced H2 chip to support spatial audio, and Amazon is offering a rare chance to grab a pair for less right now. If you don't want noise cancellation, the basic pair is also on sale for $119, which saves you $10. Details Save $20 $159 at Amazon Close More early Prime Day earbud deals: Early-Prime Day headphone deals Apple AirPods Max headphones: $480 Apple AirPods Max are usually more expensive, but now you can save $69 on these cream-of-the-crop headphones. Best paired with an Apple device because of the spatial audio virtual surround for iPhones and iPads and multipoint Bluetooth, allowing you to automatically switch between iOS devices. Details Save $69 $480 at Amazon Close Beats Solo 4: $130 The Beats Solo 4 are some of our favorite over-ear headphones. While they are not a noise-canceling model, they do support lossless audio. They also offer solid voice-call performance and have a substantial 50-hour battery life. Details Save $70 $130 at Amazon Close More early Prime Day headphone deals: Early-Prime Day workout headphone deals Shokz OpenRun Pro: $160 A decent price on our favorite bone-conduction headphones for running. Our testing found them to be lightweight and sound great, while still leaving your ears free to hear the outside world. Details Save $20 $160 at Amazon Close More early Prime Day workout headphone deals: What is Prime Day? Amazon began its annual Prime Day sale in 2015. And ever since, bargain hunters have eagerly awaited its return every summer. The Prime Day sale event has historically taken place in July and this year is no exception. Amazon often has other sales throughout the year, including a second Prime Day-like sale in October and the Big Spring Sale. Prime Day is less than than two weeks away and we're covering all the essentials well ahead of time, including everything from signing up for Amazon Prime and returning Prime Day purchases to getting Prime Day deals free and using extra Prime perks. Should you shop July 4th sales or Prime Day? There's no doubt that there will be tons of deals during both events. However, it's not about when to shop, but what to shop for. If you're looking for outdoor things like a patio set or power tools, Fourth of July sales will bring you more savings. But if you're looking for electronics or smart home gadgets, you'll have better luck during Prime Day. And if you don't have anything specific in mind, enjoy shopping all these deals for just about half the month of July. Will tariffs affect this year's Prime Day deals? Tariffs are top of mind for most Americans and they could affect this year's Prime Day event. Prices on items like electronics could very well increase, with companies like Apple trying to avoid so by moving manufacturing operations elsewhere. The tariffs are currently paused but only until July, right when Prime Day begins. How to keep up with the best Prime Day sales There are a lot of ways to ensure you're getting the latest scoop on Prime Day offers. The CNET Deals team covers all the best price drops, discounts and deals every day from across the web, highlighting the best offers. We'll be tracking all the major retailer sales following the Fourth of July holiday and sharing the promotions you need to hear about and there are plenty of ways to hear from us. One option is to bookmark to check out our latest coverage. You can also follow @CNETDeals on X to see everything we publish or sign up for our CNET Deals newsletter for a daily digest of deals delivered to your inbox. Another great option is to sign up for CNET Deals text alerts for curated deals during major shopping events. Remember to install our CNET Shopping browser extension to help ensure that purchases you make all year round will be at the lowest price.
