Early Amazon Prime Day deals are live from $6 — here's everything I'd shop this weekend

By now, you've probably heard that Prime Day deals are returning this July with an unprecedented 4-day savings event. And although we're still a few weeks out from the big sale, that doesn't mean we can't start taking advantage of the best Amazon deals of the year now.
We're already seeing tons of great early Prime Day deals across nearly every category. Plus, with the start of summer, you can start shopping epic seasonal deals on apparel, patio furniture, grills and much more. Just keep in mind that the event is for Amazon Prime members only, so you'll need to be a member to get access to the deals.
Fortunately, I've done the heavy lifting and rounded up some of the best discounts I'm seeing for the weekend. Here's everything I'd shop from the early Amazon Prime Day sale. For more ways to save, check out our Amazon promo codes.
YETI sale: up to 25% off @ AmazonIf you're a fan of YETI, you know that a sale doesn't come around often enough. That's why now is the perfect opportunity to save big on drinkware and cooler deals starting at just $15. So don't wait — snag a new cooler or water bottle before these discounts disappear!
Garmin sale: deals from $99 @ AmazonI have to admit: I wasn't expecting to see a surge in Garmin deals. That said, Amazon has various Garmin watches and some accessories on sale from $97. It's easily the best Garmin sale I've seen this year with discounts on some of our favorite models like the Editor's Choice Forerunner 55 on sale for $169.
The Blink Outdoor is a fully wireless home security camera that records video in 1080p, lets you store video locally (or in the cloud) and has a two-year battery life. The Editor's Choice camera holds a spot in our list of the best home security cameras.
At just $49, the best value Ring Video Doorbell got even better. The newest of Ring's doorbells has head-to-toe video and package detection. You can't replace its battery, but it's a fantastic option at this price.
The AirPods Pro 2 pack Apple's new H2 chip to provide 2x more noice cancellation than their predecessors. They also offer Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive audio experience. In our AirPods Pro 2 review, we said they take everything we loved about the original AirPods Pro to the next level. This new model includes a USB-C charging case.
The Beats Studio Pro are specifically designed to bring back that thumping bass Beats is known for. They offer improved active noise cancelation and boosted battery life (up to 40 hours with ANC turned off). There's also Spatial Audio support and Beats' signature strong brand look. However, our Beats Studio Pro review found the clamping force high, which may affect comfort levels for some wearers.
This 3-in-1 floor cleaner can vacuum and mop at the same time to deep clean hard floors and refresh area rugs. What's more, it comes with a self-cleaning system, antimicrobial brushroll, and Odor Neutralizer for hygiene and to get rid of lingering smells. It's powerful enough to quickly suck up dirt, debris, wet messes and stains to cover all your needs. Note: You'll also get a free $10.51 Amazon credit when you purchase this vac via Amazon.Price check: $229 @ Shark
Fueled by all-natural hardwood pellets and controlled with a digital controller, this grill can cook up anything from a rack of ribs to a freshly baked pie. All you have to do is set the grill temperature like you would your oven and let your Traeger do the work for you. You'll get consistent results every single time.
Announced in November 2024, this is Amazon's first Mini-LED TV. It features a 144Hz refresh rate in tandem with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support to give gamers ample juice for fast-paced games. The TV also has an Ambient Experience feature, so when it's powered off it displays dynamic artwork. This is also the first Amazon Fire TV to support Dolby Atmos audio.
The 2025 iPad Air packs Apple's M3 processor, an 11-inch LED (2360 x 1640) display, 128GB of storage, 12MP rear camera, and 12MP front camera. The tablet packs a more powerful 8-core CPU, which makes the M3 up to 35% faster for multithreaded CPU workflows than the iPad Air M1. There's also a 9-core GPU on board with 40% faster graphics performance than the M1. In our iPad Air M3 review we said its fun Apple Intelligence features, reliable battery life (9 hours w/ 41 minutes), and overall thin design make it a winning Apple slate.
In our MacBook Air M4 review, we said the Editor's Choice laptop is irresistible thanks to its speedy performance, sharper camera and lower starting price. The MacBook Air M4 supports dual external monitors, even when you have the laptop's lid open. And it packs a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display (2560 x 1664), Apple's M4 CPU w/ 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM and 256GB SSD.
Nothing adds outdoor ambiance like a killer playlist and the very best solar lights. This outdoor-rated pack is built with shatterproof plastic bulbs that are currently 54% off at Amazon. Plug them in when the sun sets and enjoy 27 feet-worth and up to six full hours of a soft, white glow.
The Jumbo Joe Grill is the highest-rated portable charcoal grill on Weber's site. And while it's also the most expensive, it's the biggest one too at 18-inches. Thankfully, it's on sale and that means you can own a premium compact grill, that can cook up to eight burgers at a time, for less. So, if you're looking to grill on-the-go, this one's for you.
Perfect for a compact space or balcony, this 3-piece set consists of two, high back armchairs with sponge-filled cushions for extra comfort, and a tempered glass tabletop for your drinks and food. With its premium PE rattan design, these are sturdy, weatherproof and easy to clean/maintain. A stylish addition to any backyard.
Whether you want to stay shaded all day, or you're hosting a spring fling, this 10 ft, solar patio umbrella is ideal. Designed with a 3-tired, vented top, this umbrella will protect you from the sun and wind, whilst providing enough air-flow. It's easy to use, with a crank system for easy storage, and a push-button tilt to suit your needs. What's more, the 24 solar-powered lights are pre-installed on the eight frame ribs, to illuminate your yard when the sun comes down.
Lounge in your backyard, on your patio or poolside in ultimate comfort with this set of padded, weather-resistant reclining chairs. The chairs conform to your body while an adjustable headrest adds an extra level of comfort. They also feature a lightweight, folding design so you can bring them along with you to the beach, park or your next tailgate.
This 7-piece modular wicker patio set comes with 4 single chairs, 2 corner chairs and one glass-topped table, giving you all you need to relax outside. The gray wicker is complemented with matching cushions and two striped pillows. Its biggest bonus (aside from the discount) is that the modular design allows you to customize the seating to suit your patio or deck.
Carhartt sale: deals from $9 @ AmazonIf you're looking to upgrade your wardrobe, Carhartt has tons of rugged and stylish pieces you'll want to rock all season long. With deals starting at just $9, this is a sale you don't want to miss.
Adidas sale: deals from $6 @ AmazonThe Adidas Store at Amazon is offering a wide variety of deals on men's/women's/children's sweat pants, hoodies, socks, and more. After discount, deals start as low as $6.
Timberland sale: deals from $9 @ AmazonAmazon is hosting a huge Timberland sale with up to 60% off. Timberland has tons of rugged and fashionable footwear and apparel to boost your style.
Skechers shoes/apparel: from $11 @ AmazonAmazon is having a massive Skechers sale post Prime Day. The sale includes sneakers and apparel for men, women, and children on sale from $11. As part of the sale, you can get the Skechers Hands Free Slip Ins for $54 (was $110, pictured).
Cushionnaire sale: up to 40% off @ AmazonIf you're in the market for some Birkenstocks this summer but don't want to pay the hefty price, I have the recommendation just for you. Cushionnaire is a brand that makes super comfy slides (among other styles) that resemble Birkenstocks — except they're a fraction of the price. I have a pair of the pictured sandals, which are now up to 40% off and I absolutely love them. I suggest grabbing a pair while they're this cheap!
New Balance sale: up to 50% off @ AmazonAmazon is currently hosting a huge New Balance sale that knocks up to 50% off select running shoe styles and athletic apparel. Whether you're looking for a training shoe, a casual pair of sneakers or some new fitness clothing, there's a little something for everyone in the New Balance sale.
This vacuum is certified Pet Proven for its ability to effectively remove stubborn pet stains and odors, removing muddy paws, embedded dirt and bio messes. The long hose and cord allows you to easily clean hard-to-reach messes, and the two tank technology simplifies filling and emptying while keeping clean and dirty separate. The appliance comes equipped with a self-cleaning tough stain tool, specialized pet hair removal tool and trial size Bissell cleaning solution.
Compatible with over 30 blends of capsules, the Vertuo Next can make 5, 8, and 18-oz. cups of quality coffee as well as a single and double espresso. What's more, its sleek and attractive design makes it compact for small worktops.
We gave this model an excellent 4-star rating in our Shark NeverChange air purifier review and named it the best air purifier for small spaces. It suits rooms up to 650 sq ft, although this is based on one change of air over an hour. With an auto mode, it adjusts the fan speed based on the quality of the air and displays the corresponding data on the panel. It also has Odor Neutralizer Technology that releases a fresh scent in the air.
This pretty KitchenAid stand mixer has a large-capacity mixing bowl, three attachments to knead, beat, and whip ingredients, and a pouring shield that prevents splashes. It's super intuitive and has 10 speeds to ensure everything you're mixing is blended perfectly. It also houses a central hub for extra attachments, including a pasta maker or spiralizer.

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USA Today

2 hours ago

• USA Today

Save up to 48% on early Prime Day TV deals happening right now 📺

Tune in to blockbuster discounts on LG, Hisense and more. Dreaming of catching all those summer blockbusters on a brand new big screen? You're in luck! Amazon has officially announced the dates for their Prime Day 2025 sale, and ahead of the sale's kick-off on Tuesday, July 8, we're already seeing a wave of massive discounts on a variety of items, including smart TVs. We've scoured the current offers and found some of the best early Prime Day TV deals you can grab right now. For instance, you can snag the 75-Inch Toshiba 4K Fire TV for under $400, or even premium options like the LG 42-Inch C4 OLED TV now at a record-low $699.99. Don't wait, as these early bird savings on top brands like Hisense, Toshiba and more are sure to go fast. Shop early Prime Day TV deals Shop the best early Prime Day TV deals Insignia TV 32-Inch HD 720p Fire TV Get this top-selling Insignia TV for less than $70 in a smaller 32-inch size, perfect for a dorm room or cozy living space! Save 46% at Amazon Panasonic Z85 Series 65-inch OLED TV Enjoy next-level cinematic picture performance with this TV offering a core OLED panel and HCX Pro AI Processor MKII, which finesses colour accuracy, contrast and clarity. Save 45% at Amazon Amazon Fire TV 65-Inch Omni QLED Series This TV can turn your screen into a canvas for displaying over a thousand pieces of free artwork, personal photos, helpful Alexa widgets and more. Save 38% at Amazon More: Craft smarter! Shop early Prime Day deals on DIY tools and supplies Roku Smart TV 65-Inch Plus Series 4K QLED RokuTV This thoughtfully designed TV by Roku gives viewers a premium entertainment experience at an incredible value. Save 34% at Amazon Amazon Fire TV 50-Inch 4-Series This TV will bring movies and shows to life with support of the vivid 4K Ultra HD screen. Save 38% at Amazon Hisense 75-Inch Class QD6 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV This Fire TV seamlessly integrates your favorite live channels and apps on the home screen. Save 22% at Amazon Toshiba 75-Inch LED 4K UHD TV This TV offers four times the resolution of full HD and four times the detail for clarity you can't believe. Save 38% at Amazon More: Apple deals just dropped: Save on AirPods, iPads and MacBooks ahead of Prime Day 🍎 LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo C4 Series Smart TV This TV offers an incredible watching experience and stellar picture quality illuminated with over eight million self-lit pixels, plus it's now at an all-time low price. Save 16% at Amazon Hisense 55-Inch QLED 4K TV This TV is truly a piece of art, allowing you to show off your taste in art when you're not watching your TV. Select a picture or create a slideshow of paintings matching your mood. Save 30% at Amazon Samsung QLED TV 65-Inch Q7F Series This TV allows you to enjoy your movies and shows in stunning 4K, regardless of the source resolution. Save 12% at Amazon Shop early Prime Day TV deals When is Amazon Prime Day 2025? Amazon's members-only Prime Day 2025 sale will run from Tuesday, July 8 through Friday, July 11. Do I have to be an Amazon Prime member to shop Prime Day deals? Yes, you must be an Amazon Prime member to shop the Prime Day deals. How much does an Amazon Prime membership cost? New members can try one week of Amazon Prime for just $1.99. After the trial period, Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Amazon Prime Membership Sign up for an Amazon Prime membership to get exclusive perks and benefits all year. Join Amazon Prime More: Amazon Prime for Young Adults is back! Do you qualify for the discount? Find out here USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the savings leading up to Prime Day 2025, during the sale and post-Prime Day deals, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!

CNN

2 hours ago

• CNN

The 4 best noise-canceling earbuds, according to years of editor testing

The best noise-canceling earbuds we tested Best noise-canceling earbuds overall: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Best noise-canceling earbuds for Apple users: Apple AirPods Pro 2 Best budget noise-canceling earbuds: EarFun Air Pro 4 Best noise-canceling earbuds for working out: Beats Fit Pro Thanks to the best noise canceling earbuds, you no longer have to wear a bulky set of cans to quiet down the chaos around you. The latest wireless earbuds from top brands like Bose, Apple and Sony boast some incredibly strong levels of ANC, to the point where you can confidently walk through a crowded city street with them on and not end up with a complete headache. Of course, not all noise cancelling earbuds are created equally, which is where we come in. We've spent years testing the most popular ANC buds on the market, braving packed subway trains, snoring housemates and airplanes filled with crying babies to see which ones can actually drown out the noise and bring you some relaxation and focus. After near-endless hours of listening, here are our four favorites — all of which make great alternatives to over-ear noise-canceling headphones. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Earbuds The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer the best and most customizable noise cancelation of any buds we've tested, complete with Immersive Audio for 360-degree our review Apple AirPods Pro 2 With USB-C The AirPods Pro 2 offer superb ANC and a smart Adaptive Audio mode that can adjust to your surroundings, all while delivering great audio quality and seamless connectivity with your iPhone, iPad and Mac. Read our review EarFun Air Pro 4 The EarFun Air Pro 4's excellent noise cancellation belies its budget price, as do its great sound quality and plethora of useful features. Use our exclusive code EPRO4CNN to save extra at our review Beats Fit Pro The Beats Fit Pro get you AirPods Pro-quality noise cancellation within an extra-snug design that's tailor-made for working out. Bose has long held the top spot in our best noise cancelling earbuds category, and now that the QuietComfort Ultra are here, we don't see that changing anytime soon. The company's class-leading ANC isn't just blissfully suppressive — it's also more adaptive and customizable than almost all of the competition. The buds' handy ActiveSense feature can automatically adjust ANC levels based on your surroundings, while CustomTune analyses your ears to deliver the most optimal noise cancellation possible. You can also toggle between up to 10 sound profiles via the Bose app, and assign a custom ANC level (1 to 10) to each one. Bose knows noise cancellation isn't one size fits all, and we love the array of options on here. Once we got our settings right, we enjoyed a delightful amount of quiet whether we were on noisy flights, crowded trains, busy parks or chatty rooftop bars. Heck, even a crying baby couldn't break our tester's focus. And once it was time to switch to Aware mode to return to the real world, we could easily carry on conversations without taking the buds out. The QuietComfort Ultra's top-of-the-pack ANC helps accentuate its big new feature: Immersive Audio. Similar to Apple's Spatial Audio, this feature allowed us to enjoy our favorite songs in immersive 360 degrees — something that especially stood out when listening to live recordings. And unlike some other spatial audio options, Immersive Audio can convert just about any stereo content into three-dimensional sound. The fact that this superb ANC and audio is packed into a luxurious-looking (and water-resistant!) design complete with Google Fast Pair support for Android users and a healthy amount of customization options only rounds out the package more. The Ultra's battery life (6 hours with ANC on, 4 hours with it off) won't blow you away, but it's still better than the AirPods Pro 2's ANC runtime of about 5 hours. The earbuds don't support wireless charging out of the box; you'll need to get a separate $49 wireless charging cover, which we don't love. But if you're willing to invest in the best and most versatile active noise cancellation you can get from a pair of earbuds, Bose's are the ones to get. If you're one of the few folks that use an iPhone and aren't rocking a pair of AirPods Pro, the latest model's excellent ANC is one of many reasons to jump on the bandwagon. As someone who used the original AirPods Pro extensively, the increase in noise cancellation quality was immediately evident — annoying construction sounds that once broke through were now reduced to a mercifully manageable hum. Apple claims that these buds have up to twice as much ANC power as the original model, and I'd say they're not very far off. But while the AirPods Pro 2's noise cancellation impressed me off the bat, it's the way they've evolved over time that have kept them in my daily rotation. A recent software update introduced Adaptive Audio mode, which delivers a blend of ANC and Transparency based on your surroundings. It's been my go-to on dog walks, where I want to hear nearby cars and pedestrians but don't want my ears blown out by the sound of a high-rise being built. There's also Conversation Awareness, which automatically lowers your playback volume once your AirPods Pro detect that you're talking. With these features combined, you can let your earbuds adapt to what you're up to instead of constantly fidgeting with controls. When you're not trying to drown out the outside world, Transparency mode works as well as ever for amplifying your surroundings and making it feel like you're not wearing earbuds at all. And thanks to the new extra-small ear tip option on this latest model, more people than ever can enjoy that tight seal you need for good noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro 2's great ANC make it easy to get lost in the buds' superb sound quality and spatial audio capabilities, the latter of which make some of my favorite albums sound extra-immersive; almost like I'm hearing them live. And then you have all of the usual Apple perks like effortless pairing to your iPhone, iPad and Mac and hands-free Siri controls. Heck, you can even use these buds to take a hearing test. If you live in the Apple world and want a good balance of great ANC and hassle-free compatibility with all your gadgets, it doesn't get better than the AirPods Pro 2. It certainly doesn't hurt that these premium buds are almost always on sale these days. It's kind of shocking that the EarFun Air Pro 4 cost as little as they do. The company behind many of our favorite budget earbuds have managed to deliver AirPods Pro-like performance and specs, but for a fraction of the price — all while offering a few neat perks you won't find on more expensive competitors. The Air Pro 4's noise cancellation is strikingly good for a pair of sub-$100 buds, consistently and significantly dampening everyday annoyances like loud appliances and chatty public spaces. In fact, our tester found EarFun's ANC superior to the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and Google Pixel Buds Pro, both of which cost a whole lot more. Fortunately, ANC isn't the only area where the Air Pro 4 punch above their weight class. These buds are some of the best-sounding out there regardless of price, with our tester going as far to say that they sound even better than the AirPods Pro 2. It certainly helps that you can create your own sound profiles in the EarFun app for iOS and Android, as well as take advantage of high-resolution audio formats on compatible Android phones. Long battery life (7.5 hours with ANC on; 11 without) just sweetens the deal further. You do make a few sacrifices at this low price, namely finicky touch controls (a common problem with EarFun's buds) and subpar call quality. But if you want a reliable pair of ANC earbuds for roughly a fifth of what most premium competitors cost, the EarFun Air Pro 4 are the best of their kind. What if you need to drown out those extra-loud grunters at the gym? Meet the Beats Fit Pro. They're our favorite workout headphones and one of our picks for the best wireless earbuds overall, thanks in no small part to the reliable active noise cancellation that complements their exercise-friendly fit and robust feature set. The Fit Pro's active noise cancellation is on par with that of the original AirPods Pro, and was more than reliable for quieting loud subway cars and traffic-filled streets. Transparency mode was likewise reliable, which is something that's extra important for a pair of buds you might take out on a run. Sure, you might get more engrossing ANC from some other options on this list, but they don't come with the same unique fit that's tailor-made for athletes. Beats' earbuds sport a unique wing tip design, which forms a snug yet comfortable seal thanks to some added upper ear support. They've stayed securely fastened throughout years of heavy use, including no shortage of very sweaty basketball sessions. Gym-ready fit aside, the Beats Fit Pro are practically one-to-one with the AirPods Pro when it comes to sound quality and features while also sporting their own exclusive perks. They'll pair to your Apple gadgets as easily as AirPods do and have the same handy Siri controls, but also work great with Android via the Beats app. And unlike AirPods, the Fit Pro come in a ton of attractive color options, which is great for expressing yourself when you're out on the track or working on those gains. You'll also get a decent six hours of ANC battery life from these, which beats the AirPods Pro 2 by about an hour. The newer Powerbeats Pro 2 offer similarly great (if not slightly better) active noise cancellation, but I prefer the Fit Pro's less obtrusive design compared to the clip-on Powerbeats. The Fit Pro are also easy to score on sale nowadays, making their always-great value that much better. Performance Active noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation is always a major factor in our earbud ratings, and naturally, it held extra weight for this specific list. We evaluated each set of earbuds' ANC quality by simply using them out in the real world, taking note of how suppressive they were for noisy environments like subway cars, crowded streets and (when possible) flights. For a more objective side-by-side comparison, we also played airport sounds from a computer and took note of how well each pair of buds were able to silence the noise. Sound quality: Great ANC isn't very useful if it's highlighting bad sound, which is why overall audio quality played a major role in our evaluations. We took note of how well each pair held up with our usual playlists, making sure to get a healthy mix of rock, pop and hip-hop music in the mix. Bonus points for any earbuds that offer perks like spatial or high-resolution audio. Design Comfort and fit: You can't get quality noise cancellation without a nice snug fit, which is why comfort and snugness are a major factor in our evaluations. We note not only how comfortable and secure each pair of buds are out of the box, but also how many ear tip options are available for finding the right fit. Aesthetics: Your earbuds should look good. While style isn't everything, we generally favored options that we'd actually want to be seen in public wearing. Having multiple color options is always a nice bonus. Controls: We tested every available on-ear control for each pair, noting not only how well the controls work but also how many options there are for customizing what they do. Features and compatibility Companion app: Earbuds with a good companion app have a major advantage here, especially if you want to easily toggle and customize your ANC. We also tested each set of earbuds' special features to see how useful they are — and how they stack up to what competitors offer. Compatibility: Whenever possible, we paired each set of buds to both an iPhone and Android phone, noting how easy the process was on both platforms and if any features were missing on either of them. Think about how much ANC you need If you're reading this, you obviously want a pair of earbuds that can silence noise. But good ANC comes in many forms. If you want the most suppressive noise cancellation out there — not to mention the ability to finely adjust said noise cancellation — then go ahead and get the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. But if you're mainly going to use these at the gym, you might be willing to trade best-in-class ANC for still very good ANC and a more workout-friendly design. Think about where you'll be using your earbuds, and what kinds of noise you're looking to drown out. Sealed versus open Most noise-cancelling earbuds have soft silicone tips that form a tight seal in your ear, like the AirPods Pro. But what if you hate things that go deep in your ear? While you may have been out of luck in the past, newer options like Apple's AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and the Galaxy Buds 3 manage to deliver very serviceable ANC within a more breathable design that's akin to the old-school AirPods. Consider your budget Budget is always a factor when buying any pair of earbuds or headphones, and fortunately, you don't have to sacrifice ANC just because you're looking to spend less than $100. While cheap noise cancelling headphones used to be rare (or just not very good), models like our top pick in the EarFun Air Pro 4 offer some very reliable noise suppression for $50 to $60. That said, paying up generally gets you even better ANC, sound and build quality. Compatibility matters The best pair of earbuds is often the one that works the best with all of your gadgets, and that remains the case with ANC earbuds. Sure, the AirPods Pro will technically work with an Android phone (and let you switch sound modes via on-ear controls), but you'll be missing out on most of their key features. Certain buds from brands like Sony and EarFun support high-resolution codecs for even better audio, but you'll need a compatible Android phone for those. If you use a mix of Apple and Android devices, we find that Beats' headphones are the most platform-agnostic of the bunch. Sony WF-1000XM5 Sony's latest flagship headphones offer a plethora of premium features alongside up to 24 hours of battery life. Read our review The Sony WF-1000XM5 are our favorite overall true wireless earbuds, and are really dang good at noise cancellation. They beat Bose by a few hours on battery life and have slightly better sound quality, and while they're similarly expensive, they also go on sale often. You really can't go wrong with either pair of buds if you want something best-in-class, but in terms of sheer ANC quality and customization, the QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra manage to squeeze ahead. It doesn't hurt that we find Bose's Immersive Audio a little easier to use than Sony's 360 Reality Audio. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 The sequel to some of the most popular earbuds ever introduce a sleeker design and heart rate monitoring. Read our review A great alternative to our top workout pick, Beats' Powerbeats Pro 2 improve on the company's wildly popular clip-on earbuds with a slimmer design, better audio quality and, most notably, active noise cancellation. They even have the unique ability to monitor your heart rate, which is great for getting some extra workout insights without having to wear a fitness tracker. We wish the ANC was a little stronger and prefer the Beats Fit Pro's less obtrusive design, but these are still an excellent choice who want the added security afforded by their ear clip design. Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation The standard AirPods get active noise cancellation for the first time with this model, which also tout great sound quality and wireless charging. Read our review The ANC version of 2024's AirPods 4 offer shockingly good noise suppression for a pair of open-style earbuds that don't lodge deep into your ear like many of the other options on this list. In fact, they're not that far off from what you get from the AirPods Pro 2, and have a cheaper retail price to boot. We still prefer the AirPods Pro's overall fit and quality, but these are a very good alternative if you want something more breathable. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II The second-generation QuietComfort Earbuds feature deeply adaptive and customizable ANC and three sets of swappable ear tips and stability bands for finding a good fit. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are only a year older than our top pick in the Ultra, and they're still a good buy if you want Bose quality on a tighter budget. Their excellent active noise cancellation is pretty much on par with what you get from the Ultra, complete with great sound quality, tons of features and dependable battery life. If you're an audio enthusiast that wants access to perks like 360-degree Immersive Audio and high-quality lossless support (not to mention a slightly nicer look), you may want to spring for the Ultra. For everyone else, the basic QC buds still hold up well today. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Samsung's latest premium earbuds take on a decidedly different design while offering customizable ANC and some exclusive perks for Galaxy phone owners. Read our review Samsung's latest flagship earbuds take an interesting new direction, ditching the smaller, more discreet designs of old in favor of something that just looks like AirPods. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer dependable noise cancellation for Android users, though we didn't find its Adaptive mode (which is meant to adjust between ANC and ambient passthrough on the fly) to be very reliable. Samsung also deserves props for managing to squeeze some noise cancellation into the cheaper, open-style Galaxy Buds 3. However, the buds' unreliable controls, throwaway AI features and polarizing design mean that all but the most hardcore Samsung enthusiasts can look elsewhere. What is the difference between noise reduction and noise-canceling? What is the difference between noise reduction and noise-canceling? Earbuds with active noise cancellation use built-in microphones to actively counteract any ambient noise reaching your ears, whereas earbuds with basic noise reduction (sometimes known as passive noise cancellation) simply reduce outside noise due the physical seal they form in or around your ear. Why can I still hear things with noise cancellation on? Why can I still hear things with noise cancellation on? Even the best noise-canceling earbuds and headphones don't quite block 100% of the noise around you; there's only so much sound that your ANC earbuds can detect and and drown out. That said, there are a few things you can do to make sure you're getting the best noise suppression possible. For starters, you'll enjoy much better ANC if your earbuds are forming a tight, secure seal within your ears, so make sure to try out the different ear tip options that come with your buds in order to achieve that fit. Secondly, you'll want to check out your earbuds' settings via their respective companion app; Some of them (like Bose's) offer multiple levels of noise cancellation, while others (like Apple's) offer modes that switch between ANC and Transparency on the fly. If you're using an adaptive mode like that, you may not be getting the maximum noise cancellation that your earbuds can provide. Are noise-canceling earbuds as good as earplugs? Are noise-canceling earbuds as good as earplugs? Noise canceling earbuds and earplugs are two very different types of products. A good pair of ANC buds will generally block more noise than a set of earplugs, because they're using microphones to analyze and counteract the sound around you. Meanwhile, earplugs rely on the natural noise reduction that simply comes with having a snug piece of foam or silicone in your ear. Earplugs are also usually much cheaper. The downside to noise-canceling earbuds is that if they run out of battery, so does their active noise cancellation; earplugs are generally analog products that you can wear all day. In short, pick up noise-canceling earbuds if you want to listen to music while also drowning out noise. If you want to simply lower the volume a bit when you're at a live event or traveling, go with earplugs. CNN Underscored has a team of 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. Senior tech editor Mike Andronico has been covering reviewing headphones and earbuds for more than a decade, is rarely seen without something in or on his ears. Right now his desk is alone is littered with far more wireless earbuds than any one person should have.

Yahoo

3 hours ago

• Yahoo

The Smartest Way to Play Quantum Computing May Already Be in Your Portfolio

While pure-play quantum stocks have soared 500% or more recently, the real winner may be hiding in plain sight with a proven business model and multiple ways to profit. The company's dual approach captures both the hardware development upside and the cloud infrastructure opportunity that will power the quantum revolution. Artificial intelligence could compress decades of quantum research into years, creating a massive opportunity for the platform that hosts it all. 10 stocks we like better than Amazon › While investors chase quantum moonshots like Rigetti Computing -- up over 1,100% over the prior 12 months -- and IonQ -- up nearly 500% over the same period -- Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) is quietly building the infrastructure to profit no matter who wins the quantum computing race. The e-commerce giant's Amazon Web Services (AWS) Braket platform already hosts quantum computing services from multiple providers, making it the Switzerland of the quantum wars. But Amazon isn't just playing host; it's also developing its quantum hardware, creating two distinct paths to profit from what could become a trillion-dollar market. This dual approach makes Amazon the most overlooked opportunity in the market for quantum computing. Conventional wisdom says practical quantum computing remains decades away. Most experts point to persistent challenges with error rates, qubit stability, and the need for near-absolute-zero operating temperatures. They're probably wrong. What skeptics often overlook is the recursive learning potential of artificial intelligence (AI). When AI systems can design better AI systems, progress compounds exponentially. DeepMind's AlphaFold solved protein folding -- a 50-year challenge -- in months. The same recursive improvement cycle is about to hit quantum computing. IBM plans to deliver its fault-tolerant quantum computer, Starling, by 2029 -- years ahead of previous predictions. The company says its breakthrough error-correction techniques will enable a system 20,000 times more powerful than today's quantum computers. This accelerated timeline reflects how AI is helping solve quantum's biggest challenges faster than expected. While pure-play quantum companies race to build better hardware, Amazon has taken a different approach. AWS Braket, launched in 2019, enables developers to access quantum computers from D-Wave, IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and others through the cloud. Think of it as the App Store for quantum computing -- Amazon profits regardless of which hardware ultimately wins. This isn't Amazon's first platform rodeo. AWS generated $107.6 billion in revenue in 2024, crossing the $100 billion mark for the first time. Braket follows the same playbook, charging for access time while avoiding the massive research and development (R&D) costs of developing quantum hardware alone. Amazon isn't content to be just a middleman. The company's Center for Quantum Computing at Caltech is developing its own quantum processors, giving it a hedge in case proprietary hardware becomes the key differentiator. It's the best of both worlds: platform fees today, breakthrough potential tomorrow. Yes, quantum stocks have exploded. Companies like Rigetti Computing and IonQ sport billion-dollar valuations despite minimal revenue. Quantum Computing has surged by over 3,000% in the past year. But Amazon offers something these pure plays can't: a profitable business generating nearly $700 billion in annual revenue. The numbers tell the story. Over $1.25 billion poured into quantum start-ups in Q1 2025 alone -- double the amount from the previous year. Moreover, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang reversed course, calling quantum computing "imminent" rather than decades away. This admission added significant fuel to the quantum rally earlier this year. Unlike pure-play quantum companies burning cash on R&D, Amazon's Braket already serves paying customers. Volkswagen uses it for traffic optimization research. Goldman Sachs explores quantum Monte Carlo simulations for derivatives pricing. Roche investigates drug discovery applications. These aren't science projects. Fortune 500 companies are spending real money to explore quantum's potential. As algorithms improve and hardware matures, experimental budgets will transform into production workloads -- all running on AWS. The beauty of Amazon's model is its optionality. If quantum computing takes another decade to mature, AWS will keep printing money from traditional cloud services. If breakthroughs accelerate, Amazon will capture the infrastructure spending boom. Heads you win, tails you don't lose. At just 24 times 2027 projected earnings, the market isn't pricing in quantum's massive potential upside for this tech stock. If quantum becomes a $100 billion market by 2035 and AWS captures even 30%, that's $30 billion in high-margin revenue -- comparable to AWS's entire business five years ago. With AWS operating margins above 35%, quantum could add meaningful earnings power. Yet, this optionality is barely reflected in the stock's current valuation. Investors looking for quantum upside without the moonshot risk don't need to chase cash-flow-negative companies. Amazon offers something far more powerful -- a platform that profits from the entire ecosystem, combined with a mountain of revenue. In the next wave of disruption, the real winner may not be the one building the quantum computer, but the one powering them all. Before you buy stock in Amazon, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Amazon wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $664,089!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $881,731!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 994% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 172% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 9, 2025 John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. George Budwell has positions in D-Wave Quantum, IonQ, Nvidia, and Rigetti Computing. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Goldman Sachs Group, International Business Machines, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends Roche Holding AG and Volkswagen Ag. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The Smartest Way to Play Quantum Computing May Already Be in Your Portfolio was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data