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May is here and along with it comes a fresh batch of hot deals. Like Garfield to lasagna, we’re constantly snooping the web for discounts on tech, because we like saving money on gear and accessories as much as anybody. This time around, we’re taking a look at deals from the warehouse retailer Sam’s Club, as the company has some solid offers on items that are worthy of your attention.

From big Bluetooth speakers and earbuds to some tech that may be well-suited for your car or home, we did our best to go with a little variety on our search. Additionally, each of these devices is backed by positive customer reviews, and some of them offer a few additional goodies, including subscriptions to some Apple Service Trials along with product warranties.

If you don’t have a membership, it can be worth thinking about one, as you may not always have access to certain deals. However, you can pick up a guest membership that allows you to buy select online items at a surcharge. You just need to create a guest account during checkout, but your items will not be backed by Sam’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Monster Z6 All-in-One PA Bluetooth Speaker System

Maintaining a 4.3-star rating on the Sam’s Club website, users can snag the Monster Z6 All-in-One PA Bluetooth Speaker System for $169, shaving $30 off its typical listing price. Available until May 31, there’s a couple of cool things about this speaker for blasting sound waves. This includes pairing it with another Monster speaker model to create stereo sound thanks to its True Wireless System (TWS) and Auracast pairing capabilities.

Along with pairing capabilities, there’s also four microphone inputs (two XLR and two quarter-inch), so you can use it for karaoke or performances. Users also have access to echo and gain controls for tweaking vocal effects. For additional controls, users can choose their audio source (including TWS, Bluetooth, FM Radio, USB MP3, and AUX), EQ presets, treble and bass adjustments, and more. Diving into the details, the Z6 includes a 15-inch subwoofer, 650W of output, and there’s all-terrain wheels and side handles for mobility.

Along with the unit, customers will also receive a telescoping tripod speaker stand, wireless microphone, and an AC power cable. Taking a look at what Sam’s Club users have to say about the Z6, users appreciate the Bluetooth connectivity and the device’s ability to push sound. Though some customers were disappointed to learn the speaker is not battery powered and some had issues making wireless connections, many still give it praise for its deep bass. Depending on your space, this may even be a good Bluetooth speaker for your home gym.

Rexing Ultra HD Car Dash Cam with Wi-Fi Bundle

With a hard limit of four units per order, the Rexing Ultra HD Car Dash Cam with Wi-Fi Bundle is available until May 31. Sam’s Club dropped the price to $69 on this one, letting users save $30 on this vehicle safety bundle. The noteworthy thing about this 4.7-star rated gadget is that it’s a 4K dash cam that features a 170-degree wide-angle lens. There’s even Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) for obtaining good image quality within different lighting conditions. Just remember to avoid common mistakes when using a dash cam, such as using a cheap memory card and not checking the dashcam footage regularly.

With Sam’s Club customers giving this one high marks for its easy installation and compact form, it’s got some additional specs under the hood. This includes a parking monitor feature that automatically begins recording if it detects an impact or vibration, and there’s also dual-band 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi support for accessing footage directly through the Rexing Connect app. This dash cam also includes a G-sensor that saves videos when a collision occurs, and the device offers the ability to continuously capture footage.

Along with including an on-board diagnostics (OBD) smart hardware kit for installations, this dash cam also includes a 32GB microSD card (though the device supports up to 128GB). While customers do find the Rexing Ultra HD to be an overall good value, some customers report having issues with installing the device through an OBD port. Nonetheless, the 4K support and parking features can make this one worth checking out.

Shokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds

Available for $30 off its usual price, the Shokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds are $69 through the Sam’s Club website and maintain a 4.2-star rating. Available until May 31, only the pink model is on sale, though members may be able to get special pricing on the white and black models. Designed to be used during a workout, these earbuds feature an open-ear design so users can listen to music while still being aware of their surroundings.

The earbuds tout up to 28 hours of battery life with the charging case, 6 hours for the earbuds on a single charge, and quick charging capabilities through USB-C. Moreover, the OpenFit Airs also include adaptable ear hooks which feature a cut-out design that the company promises makes for comfortable listening sessions while providing a secure fit. With 5.2 Bluetooth connectivity, there’s also multipoint pairing for making multiple connections. The earbuds also feature IP54 water resistance and sweatproof properties, but note that the charging case has no waterproof capabilities.

Along with the earbuds and charging case, there’s also a USB-C cable for charging, and there’s a warranty through the manufacturer. Looking at what Sam’s Club customers have to say, users appreciate the natural sound of these earbuds and good call quality. While many find them comfortable in their ears, some users report Bluetooth connection issues. However, if you’re really looking for sound, you should instead go for the best wireless earbuds for audiophiles from brands like Sony and Bose.

Aura 15-inch Walden Digital Photo Frame

With a purchasing limit of five units, the Aura 15-inch Walden Digital Photo Frame is available until May 31 for $199, shaving $50 off its usual listing price. Touting itself as the largest high definition frame available from the company, the 15-inch dual-orientation frame comes with a 1600 x 1200 display that has a 4:3 aspect ratio. As this is also the default aspect ratio for most smartphone photos, you can send them directly to the frame without needing edits.

Promising to offer unlimited photos and videos without a subscription fee, users can add media to the frame through the included Aura app. While the digital frame does require a Wi-Fi connection to utilize Aura’s cloud servers, users are able to scan a QR code on the back of the device’s box to preload photos onto it before gifting it to someone. Along with an anti-glare finish, there’s also a built-in speaker for audio, auto-brightness features, and an interactive touch bar.

Holding a 4.7-star rating on Sam’s Club, customers give this one major points for its HD display and straightforward ease of use. Though some customers appreciate the ability for anyone to add photos to the frame, some users do report that the included (and necessary) app can be slow. Lastly, this item also includes complimentary Apple Service Trials through Sam’s Club.

Basic Fun 4-Player WWE Supreme Series Premium Arcade Cabinet

Just because ’80s arcades died out like Pac-Man meeting a ghost, doesn’t mean you still can’t have nostalgia at home. With Sam’s Club knocking $200 off the typical price for the Basic Fun 4-Player WWE Supreme Series Premium Arcade Cabinet, you can get this item for $449 until May 27. Along with simultaneous play for up to four players, this arcade cabinet includes games like “WrestleFest,” “SuperStars,” “Acrobatic Dog-Fight,” and “Super Dodgeball” that the company promises are recreated faithfully from the original games (though some wrestlers are missing from the original games due to licensing issues).

Standing at a height of 67 inches once built, this arcade cabinet includes a 19-inch LCD screen. Moreover, the control deck itself features a rub-resistant coating that protects against wear. This cabinet also includes a 90-day manufacturer warranty, on top of the Sam’s Club Member Satisfaction Guarantee.

Holding a 4.6-star rating at Sam’s, customers appreciate this arcade cabinet for its easy assembly and high nostalgia factor. Complimenting the machine on its old school aesthetics and overall value for the money, it’s worth mentioning that at least one customer found some of the hardware to be on the cheap side. However, considering the price, this can be a good one to pick up if you’re interested in classic wrestling or just looking for an arcade fix.

How we determined these Sam’s Club tech deals

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With discounts being the focus of our attention while curating this list, additional factors were also considered. After all, a product should be worth your money, so we only looked for products rated 4 stars or higher based on actual reviews from Sam’s Club customers. Timeliness was also a factor when creating this list, as Sam’s Club deals don’t always last long. Along with price, timeliness, and user reviews, we also considered products that didn’t include Members-only pricing, though those lacking a membership do need to remember that Sam’s Club may charge a 10% fee when shopping online.

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Owning a house is a huge achievement, equaled only by the responsibility to look after it and the people inside. With the right set of gadgets you can do just that, being prepared for the everyday or the unexpected. These essential devices can help you become more self-sufficient and reduce maintenance costs, emergency calls, and stress.

To aid you in this journey, we’ve picked gadgets and small machines that will improve your life as a new or long-time homeowner. Our list includes versatile tools, some that are waiting for a disaster to strike, and cleaning tools. We based our recommendations on both expert and user reviews, so you can rest assured that they’re the best choices around. They are all readily available on Amazon and other retailers, with an average customer rating above 4.2 stars after hundreds of confirmed reviews. More information on our methodology can be found at the foot of this article. 

ThruNite Archer Rechargeable Flashlight

Your phone flashlight can get you through simple scenarios, but the ThruNite Archer 2A C flashlight is ideal for more serious uses like power outages or going outside at night. It’s a step above the cheap flashlight you may have in a kitchen drawer. After testing 27 models, Wirecutter selected it as a top pick for flashlights, writing that it “boasts a number of features found on more-expensive lights: It doesn’t roll on a flat surface, it stands upright on its rear end, it can survive a 1-meter drop or full immersion in water … and it has a memory function as well as a momentary-on feature that activates the light with a half-press of the rear button.”

The Archer 2A C has dimmer settings for indoor use, as well as a maximum output of 1,018 lumens to illuminate open outdoor spaces, with a maximum beam distance of 547 feet. The light output will drop with use, but it has two options for power: two AA batteries, or a rechargeable cell included in the box. 

The rechargeable cell needs to be removed from the flashlight to charge via a USB-C port, with 1lumen noting that it takes four hours and 11 minutes to charge on average, and lasts for roughly five and a half hours on medium brightness using the lithium ion battery. The flashlight doesn’t get nearly as bright or last as long when using AA batteries, but it’s still nice to have the versatility in case of emergency.

Eaton Tripp Lite Surge Protector Power Strip

A simple surge protector can keep all of the expensive electronics in your home office or theater safe, and the Eaton Tripp Lite TLP1208SAT offers a great combination of price and features for most homeowners. 

It has a whopping 12 outlets, although in its review, TechHive notes that they are fairly cramped on one side, as the reviewer was only able to plug in 11 cords at once. This particular model also has phone, coax, and ethernet ports too. The ethernet passthrough speeds top off at 100 Mbps, which isn’t the fastest given that the average internet speeds in the U.S. are over 200 Mbps in 2026.

One great addition to this particular surge protector is its auto-shutoff feature. This prevents it from providing power at all when it’s no longer able to protect your devices. There’s also an LED to show whether your wall outlet is sufficiently grounded. In the case that disaster does strike, the manufacturer offers lifetime warranty covering up to $250,000 worth of connected devices, as long as it meets the threshold for proper installation and use. 

Midland ER310 Emergency Radio

If you live in an area with regular extreme weather events like tornadoes, hurricanes, or severe thunderstorms, an emergency radio is a must-have gadget to stay connected. The Midland ER310 is a great option, with four means of power: a solar panel, six AA batteries, a rechargeable 2,600 mAh battery, or a hand crank. There is a switch on the device to swap between the rechargeable battery or the AAs for power.

The ER310 takes about five and a half hours to charge via the micro USB port, while only a single hour of sunlight provides about 45 minutes of radio time, and cranking for only one minute powers nine minutes of radio. 

Of course, this is an emergency radio, so temper your expectations when it comes to sound quality — although a review from The Gadgeteer noted the sound to be of good quality for voices, which is all you really need for an emergency radio. It also has a 130-lumen flashlight and an ultrasonic dog whistle to help rescue teams find you when things are really dire.

DeWalt Stealthsonic Wet Dry Shop Vac

Despite the name, a shop vac is very useful outside the workshop, and it’s a great gadget for any homeowner’s toolkit. It can reach into corners like a normal stick vacuum, but it can also do so much more, like clean up your garage or car interior. Also called dry/wet vacs, they can be used to clean up all sorts of messes that would otherwise destroy a normal vacuum, such as gravel, broken glass, nails, or even small puddles. For most homeowners, it’s the perfect companion to a robot vacuum, which simply can’t handle such demanding tasks.

The trade-off is that they are typically very loud, but the DeWalt Stealthsonic series is designed to keep noise at a more reasonable level. Independent reviewers have confirmed the company’s claims of 60-65 decibels, which is well within the safe zone for noise-induced hearing loss — meaning you can safely and comfortably use the shop vac without ear protection. In fact, buyers are often surprised by just how quiet it is, with one user writing on Reddit, “however quiet you think it is, it’s probably quieter.” It comes in 6-gallon and 12-gallon sizes on Amazon, with additional 9 and 16-gallon options at Lowe’s and other retailers.

eufy Robot Vacuum E25

To keep your house floors clean, a robot vacuum is an absolutely essential gadget for homeowners in 2026. These have been around for years, with more options to try than only Roomba. The most convenient models for anyone with hardwood floors are combination vacuum/mop robots. These can run to thousands of dollars, but the eufy Robot Vacuum E25 model is a solid mid-range option that’s hard to beat in its price range.

This model performed well above average in Vacuum Wars’ ratings, with great results both when deep cleaning carpet and mopping. The only place it disappointed in testing was maximum sucking power, which may be an issue in houses with deep grout lines or seams between flooring. Still, it’s a hugely convenient gadget, since it automatically empties dust into a three-liter bag that can be emptied roughly every 75 days. It also self-washes the floor mops and refills water from the dock. Just be aware that like most hybrid robot vacuums, the dock takes up quite a lot of space, measuring 14.6 x 19.1 x 17.3 inches, so it’s not so easy to keep hidden away.

Karcher Cube Electric Pressure Washer

If your home has a lot of outdoor space, a pressure washer is a quick and convenient way to keep your driveway, sidewalk, or patio tidy. You can also use them to wash outdoor furniture, the exterior walls of your home, or even vehicles like your car or motorbike. They can be much more effective than a standard garden hose, especially if paired with the right amount of pressure and attachments. You’ll also use less water than a garden hose, which can help keep your bills down.

The Karcher K1800PS Cube is a great pick for most homeowners. It’s powerful, with a maximum pressure of 1,800 psi, but small, measuring just 15.1 x 12.6 x 11.8 inches. This makes it easy to stow away in the off season in your garage or storage shed. Just don’t forget to run the water out before you stow it, or it runs the risk of cracking. 

Also be aware that using non-Karcher soaps and cleaning products will likely void your warranty. This particular model doesn’t have wheels, but it’s light and compact enough to move around without issue. The convenient foot pedal lets you turn it on and off without bending over, and it comes with three different nozzles: turbo, 15 degrees, and a wide soap option.

Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, but it’s easy to avoid with this simple gadget. Smoke detectors have been required in U.S. homes since 1976, and most states adopted building codes that require CO detectors in one- and two-story homes 15 years ago, and for good reason. Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause everything from dizziness and confusion to outright death. If you want to stay up to code and, more importantly, keep your family safe, you should have CO detectors installed in your home.

Thankfully, there are plenty of combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on the market. Some, like the Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector, can also connect to smart home systems like Google Home and Alexa for peace of mind when outside the house. This model also works with other non-smart Kidde alarms in your home, so that if any one of them triggers, the smart model will ping you a notification on your phone. There are both hardwired and AA battery-powered models available. The battery-powered model is easier to install, but check your local codes to see whether or not a hardwired model is required by law in your area.

Casper Glow Night Light

Night lights have a reputation for being just for kids, and most models on the market have an aesthetic to match. But if you’ve ever needed to run to the bathroom in the middle of the night, sneak into the kitchen for a midnight snack, or just walk down a dark hallway without stubbing your toe, a decent night light can help. The Casper Sleep Glow Night Light, from the popular Casper mattress company, solves all of these problems at once, with a sleek, minimal design that won’t look out of place in a modern home.

Once plugged in, it automatically turns on and off depending on the ambient light in the room, or if it detects motion. These two separate modes are selected via a toggle on the device itself. The night light is designed so that the light is reflected off the wall, giving it a soft, warm glow. 

The biggest downside is that the bulb isn’t replaceable, so you’ll need to buy a new light when it burns out. Casper claims they have a lifespan of one-to-two years, with the official warranty lasting for 12 months. However, Wirecutter found that they can last for three years or more. It’s more expensive than a cheap, ugly night light, but you can save a little by buying a two-pack.

Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 3rd Gen)

Doorbell cameras are an essential gadget for modern homeowners to keep control over their front porch, combining the traditional doorbell with a connected security camera. Unlike old-school peep holes, they allow you to see who is at your door from anywhere you can access the internet, and most can record activity to catch porch pirates and other vandals in the act. Ring is one of the most popular brands in the space, but there are some uncomfortable truths about Ring cameras that have pushed many buyers to seek out reliable Ring alternatives.

One great option is the Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 3rd Gen), which offers 2K video and audio in an attractive package. It goes beyond simple motion detection, with added AI smarts helping to detect if it’s a human, vehicle, package, or pet. Wirecutter says that it does this accurately and also “consistently restricts alerts as intended when you use activity zones to monitor specific areas.” 

This particular model is wired, which means it’s more difficult to install but offers more reliable coverage. It works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home, but for the best coverage, you’ll need to upgrade to Google Home Premium, which starts at $10 a month or $100 a year.

Sensi ST55 Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat makes it easy to monitor your home’s temperature and make immediate or scheduled adjustments to keep your family as comfortable as possible. It can also help you save money on energy bills in unexpected weather. Essentially, all it does is connect your HVAC and climate control systems to your home Wi-Fi, but different smart thermostat brands offer various features at at a range of prices. Some also require a monthly subscription, which can cut into savings on energy bills.

For a simple, no-fuss setup, the Sensi ST55 Smart Thermostat is a great pick. It drops the modern touchscreens and puck designs of more expensive smart thermostats for a reliable LCD panel and physical buttons. PCMag notes that, “Despite its smallish size, the LCD offers a wealth of information.” That includes basics like room temperature and battery levels, a simple toggle to change the mode to heating, cooling, or off, plus fan setting, time, and schedule. 

The ST55 supports voice commands to control home temperatures via Alexa, Google, and Siri, as well as geofencing to automatically reduce energy consumption when you’re not at home. This thermostat can work with HVAC systems without a c-wire, but make sure you check compatibility for your specific model before buying.

How we chose these essential gadgets for homeowners

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These products were chosen after considering some of the most common and time-consuming tasks and concerns for homeowners. That includes maintenance and cleaning, as well as other topics like safety and disaster preparedness. Rather than handyman’s tools, in this list we focused on gadgets.

For our recommendations, we considered both user and expert reviews from reputable websites and YouTube channels, plus how well each product’s features meet the needs of most homeowners. All products have a 4.2 or higher rating based on hundreds or thousands of reviews on Amazon.

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Traveling can be incredibly stressful, which is why there’s always room for new innovations that make it easier. Over the years, “Shark Tank” has featured various travel-related inventions like the Trippie app and Trunkster. Another memorable product was Coolpeds, an electric briefcase scooter that provides a quick and easy way to get around with a large bag. According to creator Tony Chan, the scooter itself was foldable, weighed only 11 pounds, and could reach speeds up to 15 miles per hour.

Coolpeds appeared in “Shark Tank” Season 9, Episode 23, which aired in April 2018. Chan came in asking for $250,000 in exchange for 5% of the company, reporting $500,000 in sales over 18 months. Right away, the Sharks were intrigued by the product itself. Kevin O’Leary even took it for a ride around the set. But the scooter wasn’t the only product Chan was trying to sell the Sharks — he also unveiled the Ampere, an electric sports car, which he assured the Sharks was a groundbreaking automobile.

Quickly, though, the Sharks began to see issues with Coolpeds, including skepticism over airlines allowing the device and confusion over combining the scooter and sports car into one business, leading Robert Herjavec (a car collector and racer) to tell Chan he needed to pick one. In the end, Coolpeds rolled away without any offers, unlike another scooter, Sway Motorsports, which did land a deal on Season 6 (though it appears it never closed).

What happened to Coolpeds after Shark Tank?

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Coolpeds didn’t get a deal on “Shark Tank,” and based on everything that has happened since, that might have been the right call on the Sharks’ part. At the time of his appearance, Chan did not disclose that he had multiple incomplete Indiegogo projects, including two for an e-scooter and one for an electric bike. The pages are still up and full of unsatisfied customers, including over 1,000 comments for Coolpeds iBike, 2 with many asking for updates, refunds, or any information on the company itself.

Judging by those comments, it seems many Indiegogo backers didn’t receive the products they paid for, and some of those who did reported issues with quality and customer service. This includes at least one person whose e-bike arrived with a broken pedal that rendered it unusable. Chan hasn’t commented on any of the pages since 2019.

Even after all that, Coolpeds’ website and shop page are still up. However, while you can add the Coolpeds Briefcase Electric Scooter and a $399 reservation for the Ampere sports car to your cart, the website cannot accept online payments. Additionally, clicking Buy Now on the homepage takes you to the website for Zoom e-scooters. Those scooters were originally sold by Ampere Motors, though it doesn’t mention the company or Tony Chan anywhere on its website. The Zoom and Bloom e-scooters are currently available to purchase, though some users have reported similar quality and customer service issues to those of Coolpeds.

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One of the key considerations when buying an electric vehicle (EV) is the range, which simply refers to the distance a given model can travel on a full charge. Range is important, and that’s why car companies typically use each EV’s estimated range in marketing materials as one of the key selling points. If you’re worried about range and you’re considering buying your first-ever EV or want to upgrade an old one that has been your daily for years, many EVs offer impressive range in 2026. Buying one with the longest range possible should give you peace of mind and the confidence to hit the road for long trips without regular stops for recharging. While the estimated range is a key metric to consider when shopping, it’s important to keep in mind that there are different factors that affect the range of an EV. 

If you’re looking for the EV with the absolute best range on the market, as of this writing, the answer to that is the 2026 Lucid Air Grand Touring. The 2026 variant of the Lucid Air Grand Touring is a sedan that offers an impressive range of up to 512 miles based on the EPA’s test cycle, which is used as a reference standard for EV range in the United States. In Europe’s optimistic WLTP test cycle, the Lucid Air Grand Touring offers up to 597 miles, according to Lucid Motors. That WLTP figure blows the 575-mile range of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ out of the water and makes the Lucid Air Grand Touring the longest-range EV that you can buy in 2026.

The Lucid Air Grand Touring is packed with power, space, and comfort

The impressive range of the Lucid Air Grand Touring is not the only thing this EV has going for it. It also charges fast, with Lucid promising an additional 200-mile range from just 12 minutes of charging when connected to a 350 kW DC fast charger. The only catch when it comes to charging is that you won’t be able to access Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network unless you get a North American Charging Standard adapter that Lucid sells for $220, excluding sales tax. Powered by a dual-motor configuration, the Grand Touring trim sends power to all four wheels and produces a maximum output of 819 horsepower and 885 lb-ft of torque. It can go from a stop to 60 mph in 3 seconds and can run at a top speed of 168 mph. 

The Lucid Air Grand Touring is a luxury sedan that can seat up to five people. It’s not a car that you would consider when you’re working with a tight budget, but, befitting a car of its caliber, the Air is built with luxury in mind. In fact, the Lucid Air ranks as one of the best luxury EVs on the market according to experts. Car and Driver says the Air has a “handsome interior” that is “fitted with rich-looking materials and cutting-edge technology.” Additionally, you get plenty of space in the cabin, both for passengers and for storage. Lucid didn’t miss the opportunity to make a good first impression from the outside with the Air Grand Touring, as The Drive describes the exterior as “breathtaking.”

Reviewers praise the Lucid Air Grand Touring for its range

Since there are various factors that affect the range of an EV, you might be skeptical of official range figures from companies. It’s a valid concern, as we’ve seen certain EVs fall short of their advertised range by 50 miles or more. But for this EV, even reviewers have been left impressed by the range they were able to achieve in their independent tests. Car and Driver praised the vehicle for being “unmatched when it comes to EV road-tripping.” In the site’s independent highway range test, the Lucid Air Grand Touring traveled for a total of 410 miles. 

The Drive called it a “range king,” and Motor Trend’s review says it has “industry-leading range.” Lastly, Autoblog says the car does a great job at balancing “high performance and long-range efficiency.” In other words, this is the EV to buy if you want to get rid of range anxiety for good. The Lucid Air Grand Touring is available to buy in the U.S. starting at $114,900 without any extra options (such as a glass canopy sunroof, custom colors, and wheels), plus a destination charge of $1,500.

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Amazon offers four different smart speakers as part of its Echo lineup that you can use to leverage its Alexa voice assistant in your home. A fifth smart speaker called the Echo Pop isn’t officially discontinued, but can sometimes be relatively harder to find new. These smart speakers target different price segments and usage needs. As expected, with different price points, the performance and quality of each Echo speaker vary. You may think that the Echo Dot Max, which is one of the more expensive smart speakers in Amazon’s portfolio with a $100 price tag, would actually be one of its best ones. However, the testing done by Consumer Reports (CR) suggests that it is, in fact, the worst Amazon Echo speaker.

Consumer Reports is a trusted source that’s known for its unbiased testing of devices and services. CR’s testing of a wide range of other speakers also shows that the Echo Dot Max, which was unveiled in October 2025, performed the worst among all the Bluetooth and wireless speakers, and not just the Echo devices. Let’s find out why the Amazon Echo Dot Max performed so poorly in CR’s testing and what other reviewers are saying about it.

The Echo Dot Max isn’t a very good speaker

Besides talking to Alexa to get information or control smart home devices, playing music is one of the biggest use cases for any Echo smart speaker. Unfortunately, CR’s testing reveals that while the Echo Dot Max is fine for listening to content with dialog, it’s not a great speaker for music playback. The included 0.8-inch tweeter and the 2.5-inch woofer are said to deliver a mediocre sound quality, with subdued bass and treble. It also provides an overall congested sound, and its room adaptation technology to tweak the sound depending on the ambient conditions isn’t very good. While it’s okay for listening to music sitting next to it or using another Echo Dot Max to clear a stereo pair for a wider soundstage, the overall experience leaves a lot to be desired.

CR isn’t the only one to be disappointed in Echo Dot Max’s audio performance. Several other experts also find its sound to be mushy, lacking sharpness, and feeling like a downgrade from the fifth-generation Echo Dot, which you can buy for significantly less. That said, some experts do believe it’s okay for casual listening and can be loud enough to fill a medium-sized room, despite its shortcomings. But if you are hoping to get an above-average speaker in the Echo Dot Max, you may end up disappointed.

If you want a better Echo speaker than the Echo Dot Max and are willing to spend more money, the Echo Studio (2025) is more suitable as it offers the best sound among Amazon’s Echo speakers. But if you’re on a tighter budget, it’s better to get an Echo Dot (or two for stereo pairing), which is one of the top-rated gadgets on Amazon. 

The Echo Dot Max isn’t all bad

Although the Echo Dot Max isn’t a shining example of solid sound quality in Amazon’s smart speaker portfolio, it offers the same ease of use and versatility as the other Echo speakers. You can get access to regular Alexa as well as Alexa+ with generative AI. The latter is particularly capable as it leverages a large language model to deliver a more conversational and natural AI experience. Experts say the Echo Dot Max is great for voice assistant usage, as the built-in mic array picks up commands easily, even in relatively noisy environments.

One highlight of the Echo Dot Max, which you don’t have in the cheaper Echo models, is its ability to function as a Zigbee hub. As a result, you can connect all the Zigbee-compatible smart devices in your home without shelling out for a dedicated hub. It can also function as a Thread Border router, allowing it to bridge your Thread-enabled Matter devices with each other and to the internet. Echo Dot Max can also work as a node to extend your Wi-Fi coverage area if you use Amazon’s Eero mesh networking systems. So while you will get the same voice assistant features as the Echo Dot Max on other Echo speakers, it offers some extras, particularly on the smart home front, that can be helpful and make it a decent smart speaker purchase if you aren’t worried about its mediocre audio performance.

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If you’re not tech-savvy and your current headphones are showing signs that you need to upgrade, it might be challenging to know which pair to buy when you’re in the market for a new model. The market is full of headphones at different price points, which is great for variety, but makes it tricky to select a pair that will meet your needs. That’s where consumer reviews come in handy, as they can help you pick the best options available on the market, depending on your budget, without second-guessing. Reviews help you cut through the noise and even avoid falling for some of the most common mistakes people make when purchasing a new pair of headphones. 

Consumer Reports (CR) has tested over 200 headphone models, subjecting all the products to the same quality tests, and thanks to this, it’s a great site to visit for recommendations. However, if you’re a savvy shopper who would like to save cash on some of the headphones that are highly rated by CR and have the best deals at the moment, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart to find deals on CR recommended headphones so you can buy the best at discounted prices.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones

The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 has been out for a while, and the company has since replaced it with the Px7 S3. Regardless, the Px7 S2 is still a great pair to buy as it features on CR’s recommendations in 2026. Even better, the pair is currently discounted heavily from its original price of $399. You can buy the Px7 S2 for $229 on Amazon (or $240 on Best Buy), saving you up to $170 off the original price. However, note that as of this writing, only the black-colored models are going for $229, the grey ones are slightly higher at $280, but it’s still a bargain from the original price. 

CR recommends the Px7 S2 due to a variety of factors, including the company’s high satisfaction from previous owners, the brand’s reliability, excellent noise reduction capabilities, and solid sound quality. The pair claims to offer up to 30 hours of battery life, which should mean you don’t have to charge the headphones every single day. Charging the Px7 S2 takes two hours, but you don’t have to wait all that time while you’re in a hurry, since a quick 15-minute charge can give you up to 7 hours of playback time.

Sonos Ace

The Sonos Ace is another pair of headphones that are recommended by CR and are currently being sold at a discount. At launch, the Sonos Ace wireless headphones started at $399, but thanks to a 25% discount on Amazon and Best Buy, you can get a pair for just $299, if you get the black model. According to CR’s tests, the Sonos Ace has solid sound quality on par with most headphones in its recommendations, and the noise reduction is excellent. 

Furthermore, CR recommends the Sonos Ace as one of the best headphones for audiophiles. Specification-wise, the Sonos Ace promises up to 30 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled. This pair of headphones supports fast charging, and Sonos says a three-minute charge can give you up to three hours of playback. It supports spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive listening experience and is very comfortable to wear. 

What makes this pair stand out is the fact that it can be connected in more than one way. You can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or via a wired connection (using the available USB-C port or 3.5 mm headphone jack). It also comes with a special TV-audio swap feature, which is handy for switching audio from your headphones to a soundbar if you have a compatible speaker from the company.

Dyson OnTrac

Dyson’s OnTrac headphones are another pair to pick if you want Consumer Reports-recommended headphones for less. This pair of headphones usually goes for $500, but is currently being sold at a 50% discount. That discount knocks down the price of the Dyson OnTrac to just $250 on Amazon. If the Amazon deal is over by the time you read this, you can check on Best Buy, as they’re selling the pair at a discounted price of $264. 

These wireless over-ear headphones come in either CNC Copper or CNC Aluminum colors, which give them a distinct look. Under the hood, there’s ANC with support for an isolation mode that blocks external noise and a transparency mode if you want to listen to music while amplifying the environmental noise. If you’re looking for headphones that can help block out the noise and help you focus on your work, the OnTrac is an excellent pick as CR rates it highly in its noise-cancellation test. 

Like many headphones these days, Dyson offers a companion app that you can use to fine-tune the pair. Dyson promises up to 55 hours of battery life on the OnTrac, and you can recharge via USB-C when you run out of charge — it takes three hours to fully recharge. Moreover, the Dyson OnTrac has great sound quality, like most of the headphones on the list.

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)

The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) impressed CR in its noise reduction and sound quality tests. Combine that with the brand’s high owner satisfaction in CR’s surveys, and the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) make for a solid pair of headphones. The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) launched at $549, but you can get a pair for $100 less as of this writing. It’s not a huge discount compared to other CR-recommended headphones on this list, but since Apple rarely offers discounts, even paying $100 less is worth it. The deal is currently live at Walmart. You can also buy the AirPods Max (USB-C) from Best Buy, although they’re selling for a bit higher at $480. 

The “USB-C” in the name refers to the port that this model uses to charge, as there are some AirPods Max 1 models that came with a Lightning port. That USB-C port also supports audio transmission, so you can use it to listen to higher-quality tracks that wouldn’t be possible over Bluetooth. This headphone supports spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for immersive listening. The headphones integrate well into Apple’s ecosystem and pairing them wirelessly to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac is a cinch.

Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones

Another headphone that CR vouches for and has a great discount as of this writing is the Bose QuietComfort. Furthermore, as a brand, Bose is one of the best headphone manufacturers in terms of customer satisfaction. You can buy the Bose QuietComfort for $229 from Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, down from their $359 listing price. That’s a 36% discount, and while the price isn’t the lowest the headphones have sold for since launch, it’s still a good deal. 

The Bose QuietComfort promises up to 24 hours of playback time, and a quick 15-minute charge can offer up to 2.5 hours of battery life. It has built-in active noise cancellation, and you can switch between the Quiet mode and the Aware mode to block or enhance external noises. While the sound quality is great per CR’s tests, Bose gives you an equalizer to tweak it further to your liking. This headphone supports Bluetooth multi-point, which allows you to connect to multiple devices at the same time and switch between them without the standard ritual of disconnecting and reconnecting.

How we picked these headphones

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To compile this list, we relied on Consumer Reports’ headphone ratings. We started by researching the list of headphones that have been ranked highly by CR. From that list, we searched for the various models on Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart to find the ones that have been discounted by at least 18% from the original listing price. We’ve discussed the headphones in no particular order.

Kindly note that while we picked models that were discounted at the time of writing, that may no longer be the case by the time you read this article. Additionally, the prices we’ve listed might change. 

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Apple TV

Fans of “For All Mankind” need to prepare for Apple TV’s much-loved sci-fi series to make a safe journey home in 2027, after it was confirmed earlier this year that it will end with its sixth season. The show, which depicts an alternate timeline in which Russia won the space race and landed on the moon first, has taken us further, thanks to some incredible performances and an impressively detailed universe. But before we finally wave goodbye to the stars, composed of Joel Kinnaman, Toby Kebbell, Edi Gathegi, Cynthy Wu, Coral Peña, and Wrenn Schmidt, another story will be just starting up on the other side of space, and we’ll be getting it as early as this month.

“Star City” will give us a detailed look at the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s successful mission to become the first nation to put a man on the moon, this time from their perspective. While America was working frantically to level the playing field that was slowly being built beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, the new show will reveal how much the Iron Curtain was twitching in panic over the enemy getting ahead, or worse, infiltrating whatever plans they had in store. Now, just as “For All Mankind” gained an impressive cast, it seems that “Star City” won’t be skimping on talent either. The only difference is that they’ll be telling a story more akin to the political thrillers of the ’60s and delivering it by the rocket load.

Rhys Ifans and Anna Maxwell Martin take charge in Star City

While Wernher von Braun (Colm Feore) was on America’s side in their mission to reach the moon, the Soviet Union’s chief space designer is played by Rhys Ifans, who appears to have his hands tied much more tightly in getting his job done. Watching his every move is Anna Maxwell Martin as Lyudmilla Raskova, the head of the KGB, and the kind of role she’ll relish, given her previous experience.

Martin made a name for herself among U.K. audiences when she made a brief appearance in the nation’s nail-biting crime drama, “Line of Duty,” as DCS Patricia Carmichael. A by-the-book character that got under viewers’ skin, it’s a safe bet she’ll be doing the same here as she applies espionage and surveillance to the Soviet Union’s space program. 

What might catch the eye of “For All Mankind” fans is the appearance of younger versions of characters from the first show. Sergei Nikulov, originally played by Piotr Adamczyk in “For All Mankind,” will be played this time by Josef Davies. The show will also bring back Irina Morozova, with Agnes O’Casey taking on the role previously held by Svetlana Efremova. You can see how they’ll all handle the space race when “Star City” debuts on Apple TV on May 29, 2026.

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Samsung has one of the best TV remotes in the industry thanks to an exciting charging feature. Some manufacturers add as many buttons as possible, and the user experience is just terrible, while Samsung has been very straightforward about its remotes for over a decade now. With a minimalist design, it’s an easier remote to use. If you have one, you’ll have noticed that your remote has four colored dots, but you probably never used them. These buttons have been the standard for decades to navigate Teletext or interactive Red Button services on live TV. While many users rarely interact with them directly on the main smart interface, they still serve a purpose.

These four colored dots are customizable, and their function can change depending on what you’re doing on your TV. For example, if you have a specific app open, you could use them for searching, sorting, and so on. It depends on how the app has been designed. If you’re watching live TV streaming, then some of those buttons can be used for teletext, subtitles, or channel info. Or if you’re using your TV with an external device, like a Blu-ray player, it can open menus or set-top box shortcuts.

Four colored dots button is a thing from the past

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While using these four colored dots won’t drastically change your experience watching TV, Samsung still offers them, as it’s something that has been available on TVs for ages. The company understands that most people don’t use it, which is why it decided to hide these colored dots alongside the numerical pad and Settings shortcut.

If you press the colored dots button once, you can open Settings. If you press it again, you’ll alternate between the four colored dots and the numeric pad. Depending on your region, these buttons might not do anything at all. Since Samsung offers a universal One Remote, the buttons are standard for all regions — even if they don’t do anything. Depending on what’s on display, you might see on your TV an indicator of which colored icon you should press and what it could do. However, if you don’t see any information when you’re pressing the button, it’s likely that it won’t do anything.

These buttons are still mandatory for Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV – a technical standard that merges broadcast TV with internet services on a single screen. While the U.S. is currently rolling out a new standard called NextGenTV by the Advanced Television Systems Committee, it’s unclear when the new standard could be adopted or if some of these legacy buttons could disappear from TVs.

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Linux will turn 35 this year, with the free and open source operating system launching in 1991. Linus Torvalds created the Linux kernel, and since then, it has been built upon by an army of programmers. In those 35 years, Linux has gone from a niche project to one of the most installed operating systems of all time, partially thanks to the thousands of variations of distributions available. It has also become synonymous with the supercomputer sector of the tech world.

Key to Linux’s success in this realm is that it’s open source. That means it can be used either commercially or privately for free, however the developer sees fit. With that in mind, having no overhead cost on the core piece of software used to run their servers is immensely appealing to operations building out a supercomputer. 

Linux has become even more popular in recent months, with half a million Windows users shifting to it in 2025. While it’s been gaining traction for home users, Linux has been the go-to for powering supercomputers across the world for decades. Microsoft even uses Linux to power some of its Azure Cloud services. So why is it that supercomputers tend to stick with something like Linux over Windows or macOS? It all comes down to flexibility, and being flexible is one of the things Linux can do that Windows 11 can’t. And, of course, Macs are notorious for being virtually unchangeable (though that’s a bit of a myth).

Why do supercomputers use Linux?

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Outside of the open source codebase and being free, Linux is incredibly flexible. It can be scaled to fit almost any project, including embedded systems, giant server farms, and even microcontrollers. With that level of customization at the developer’s fingertips, it’s only natural to go with what they can shape. This is why, despite Linux being the most-installed operating system on these types of machines, there’s still no standard distro to install on a supercomputer. Instead, think of Linux as the baseline, and then operators will customize it to the specifications of the job.

Supercomputers are used for massive calculations, simulations, and other data-intensive tasks. Some are even used to calculate the end of the world. Not only are some versions of Linux far more lightweight than competing operating systems, but they’re also significantly better in the areas regular users wouldn’t really have to consider. For example, task scheduling tends to be faster and more secure on Linux than on Windows, at least partially due to how the two are developed. Linux has thousands of individuals poking at it every day, trying to find ways to improve the OS or components of it in some capacity, even if it’s a microsecond faster, while Microsoft takes a slower approach, or not at all.

Being able to build out a supercomputer to fit the job at hand is of paramount importance over almost everything else. If an OS can’t be scaled or pivoted to a new task easily, then it’s functionally an albatross around the neck that could bring down the project. Without that level of flexibility and openness, a lot of the world’s supercomputers would be a much more rigid, frustrating experience for those who have to use them.

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Wireless chargers are becoming more popular, especially now with modern devices offering faster and more efficient wireless charging, as well as public spaces, cars, and even sofas often having built-in pads to accommodate this need. It’s a drop-and-go charging method that makes refueling your device convenient, taking the stress off the port. If you’re thinking of using wireless charging in the long term, though, you might wonder if it’s better for the battery’s health, and the simple answer is no. Wireless charging is slower and less efficient than wired charging, but that doesn’t make it inherently harmful. It’s the additional heat caused by the method that can be a concern.

However, this doesn’t mean wireless charging will significantly degrade your battery over time or that you should avoid it. Modern devices that support this method have been built to handle the heat efficiently so it doesn’t reach unsafe levels. However, it just means that wireless charging is something you should use occasionally since you don’t want to constantly subject the battery to heat that is above the ideal operating range.

So, while wireless charging is safe, it can have a subtle impact on the long-term health of the battery. It should not become your primary charging method. Furthermore, you need to know how to create the ideal wireless charging scenario so that temperatures don’t become unsafe.

Understanding why wireless chargers produce more heat

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A major issue with wireless charging is that energy loss is inherent to the process. The charging pad of a wireless charger has a transmitter coil that generates a magnetic field of alternating current (AC) around it when connected to an outlet. When you place your device on the charging pad, its receiver coil is induced by the current, which is then converted to direct current (DC) and transferred to the battery. However, not all of the power makes it from the charging pad to the battery. Since energy cannot be created or destroyed and can only change form (by the first law of thermodynamics), the form it takes in this scenario is heat, something known to make lithium-ion batteries age faster by accelerating their thermal degradation.

The energy lost during wireless charging is about 20-30% under ideal scenarios. Wired charging only loses about 5%, which is why wireless charging generates more heat. If the coils are misaligned, the energy dissipation gets worse, leading to even more heat being generated, and this can cause the device to overheat. Modern smartphones constantly monitor the battery’s temperature and throttle the charging speed or stop the process completely to prevent overheating. Thick cases are also a problem, as they add more distance between the coils, causing the wireless charger to draw more power. The increased energy output leads to more heat (something that thick phone cases are also good at trapping).

Keep these wireless charging tips in mind

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To ensure the best overall experience and optimum battery life, always make sure you’re using high-quality wireless chargers. Look for those that are Qi2- or (for Apple devices) MagSafe certified. These have a magnetic ring around them that enables compatible devices, which also have it, to snap into the optimal charging position. This prevents the misalignment issues of old wireless chargers, making the process faster and more efficient. Keep in mind that if you’re using a fast wireless charger, it will generate more heat than its standard counterpart because of the high current it delivers — more current means more energy loss and less efficiency. On the other hand, your device will be docked and charging for a shorter amount of time. So, using wireless chargers is a fine balance between long-term battery health and convenience, especially with fast wireless chargers.

Beyond that, avoid the common charging mistakes that people make. For instance, do not do high-intensity tasks, such as gaming or streaming 4K video, while charging. If you’re charging a phone or tablet, remove any thick cases and be sure to place the device on a hard surface that doesn’t absorb heat and keep it away from direct sunlight. Also, you might want to ensure you don’t charge the device past 80%, which is the threshold that ensures the battery isn’t under a lot of voltage and heat stress for too long. If you’re a phone user and can’t actively monitor this, you should enable Optimized Battery Charging on iPhone or the battery protection feature that some Android devices have (not all do) to delay or prevent charging past 80%.

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