Latest news with #Editor'sChoice
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Amazon knocks up to 60% off Blink cameras — 7 device deals I'd shop ahead of Prime Day
With vacations and busy summer schedules right around the corner, whole home security can help give you some peace of mind while you're away from home. And fortunately, Amazon's early Prime Day sale is knocking up to 60% off top-rated Blink devices. In fact, we're seeing some of the lowest prices ever on these home security must-haves It's no secret that Blink makes some of the best home security cameras on the market. That's why I suggest checking out the Blink Outdoor 4 (5-Pack), which is now down to $159. Need a smart doorbell? Snag the brand-new Blink Video Doorbell bundled with the updated Blink Outdoor 4 XR, which is now 55% off. To take advantage of these and more unbeatable Blink deals, keep scrolling to see all my favorite picks from the Blink sale on Amazon. Plus, there's plenty more Blink bundles to shop on Amazon. For more ways to save, check out our Prime Day deals live blog and our guide to the best Amazon promo codes. 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. This bundle gets you a Blink Outdoor 4 Camera and a Blink Floodlight Mount for just $59. The wireless setup runs entirely on battery so it can be placed on virtually any surface without existing floodlight wiring. It's perfect for use in dark areas like on a shed or the side of your home. This bundle deal gets you a Blink Outdoor 4 camera and a Blink Mini 2 indoor camera for 50% off their combined price. 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 security camera earned our Editor's Choice award and is one of the best home security cameras we've tested. Plus, the Blink Mini 2 is a well-designed, inexpensive indoor camera with a host of useful settings and features. This bundle gets you a lot, including a Blink Outdoor 4 camera, which earned our Editor's Choice award and is one of the best home security cameras we've tested. It also features a Mini 2 camera, Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) and Sync Module Core. This bundle is ideal for keeping an eye on the surroundings of your home. You save $90 on the entire package. This bundle deal gets you the second-generation Video Doorbell and fourth-generation Outdoor cam for just $89. You'll be able to answer your door from anywhere protect your home inside and out with these devices. It also comes with Sync Module XR which is the system hub that helps you build out your Blink whole-home system, supporting up to 10 devices. You don't want to miss out on this bundle that will save you $109. If you have a lot of ground to cover and want to score some big savings, this bundle comes with three Blink Outdoor (4th Gen) security cameras and a Blink Mini 2. It's now 60% off on Amazon. The Blink Outdoor 4 is one of the most popular models for keeping tabs on what's happening outside of the home. With this bundle, you'll get five fully wireless security cameras that shoot crisp 1080p video both inside and outdoors for up to two years straight. The security camera earned our Editor's Choice award and is one of the best home security cameras we've tested.
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I've used the Sony WF-C710N earbuds for three months — here are 3 things I like and 2 I don't
Every day, I thank my lucky stars that I'm in a prestigious (and privileged) position where I get to test the best wireless earbuds day in and day out. I listen to music for a big chunk of my day, and I wake up with melodies in my head, so I believe I have an ear for what's classified as "good music" and "bad music." And having the right pair of earbuds can transform your listening experience. A few months ago, I reviewed the Sony WF-C710N, a pair of earbuds that offer features you'll usually find in pricier Bose or, well, Sony buds. I rated the earbuds very highly, giving them a 4.5-star rating and the coveted Editor's Choice award. I've put in more hours listening to the buds since then and, this morning, I asked myself, "Would I change anything about them?" A couple things, yes. The Sony WF-C710Ns build on the success of the WF-C700Ns, introducing touch controls, wear detection and new, stylish colorways. The earbuds make basslines sound powerful and vocals sound clear, and a user-friendly app lets you customize the EQ to your heart's content. I don't say this lightly: the Sony WF-C710Ns are some of the most comfortable earbuds I've tested. The buds fit extremely snugly in my ears, creating a good seal and keeping environmental noises at bay. I also didn't experience them falling out of my ears while walking briskly which is fantastic. The earbuds weigh just 0.18 ounces each, making them slightly lighter than the Bose QuietComforts. If you want a pair of earbuds that you can sleep with — although you shouldn't as that can damage hearing or cause ear infections — then the WF-C710Ns easily warrant a recommendation. I've been playing the guitar (casually) since my early teens, and I learned how to play the bass a year before I turned 18. I've always had a soft spot for bass, only because my classmates put it down and said it wasn't as important in music. To those people I say: you're so wrong. Basslines are the backbone of most songs, and they can make or break songs. Turn up the bass by enabling the Bass Boost EQ preset and you can feel the bass in your jaw, in your temples. This is why I'm so pleased the Sony WF-C710Ns boast fantastic, powerful bass response. The earbuds utilize 5mm drivers and Sony's trademarked Digital Sound Enhancement Engine technology to reproduce sounds as close to the original recording as possible. The overall audio quality, including treble and vocals, is outstanding, but I want to talk about the bass the most here. In 'The Pines' by 070 Shake, the bass sounds powerful but not overpowering, and it leaves plenty of room to appreciate Shake's vocals. The purposefully distorted layer of Shake's vocals combined with the guitar hits just the right spot too. This is also true in the case of 'Ezio's Family — Shadows Version' from Assassin's Creed Shadows where a subtle bassline underlines the song, adding a ton of depth to the track. I can also clearly hear the funky bassline in the left earbud in 'People are Strange' by The Doors, adding a nice layer of instrument separation. Turn up the bass by enabling the Bass Boost EQ preset and you can feel the bass in your jaw, in your temples. The WF-C710Ns always have me bobbing my head, a second before headbanging and playing the air guitar. I'm a certified introvert and I like to be left alone when I'm walking or commuting to work on the bus. I also don't like being disturbed by, say, the rattling of the train or announcements over the PA system that pulls me out of my immersive listening experience. ANC comes in clutch here, and boy are the Sony WF-C710Ns great at blocking the world out. With ANC active, I couldn't hear the rattling of the bus or a child screaming loudly two rows away from me. Indoors, I couldn't hear the clickity clackity sounds of mechanical keyboards or the drilling happening just a few feet from me. Great success. Sony has also incorporated a Wind Noise Reduction design which, basically, reduces the sound of wind buffeting so you can hear music more clearly. The Sony Connect app lets you adjust the ambient sound in 20 levels too. Both features work as intended and let you tailor the ANC according to your personal preferences. As is the nature of wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-C710Ns utilize Bluetooth 5.3 to simultaneously connect to up to two devices. Where they fall short, though, is their codec support. The earbuds support AAC and SBC and that's it. No aptX. No LDAC. Audiophiles or serious listeners may be left feeling shortchanged. LDAC is Sony's proprietary technology so I'm surprised the WF-C710Ns don't support it. aptX helps transmit high-quality audio over Bluetooth, so while the WF-C710Ns do sound good, I believe they could sound even better. Even cheaper earbuds like the EarFun Air Pro 4s feature aptX support, so it's a shame Sony's offering doesn't. My only other gripe is with the Sony WF-C710Ns' build quality. The earbuds themselves are extremely lightweight, each weighing just 0.18 ounces, so there are moments when you forget you're even wearing them. I'm also a huge fan of the new, see-through Glass Blue colorway which looks lovely but lends the earbuds a slightly plasticky feel. But the main problem is with the WF-C710Ns' case which feels too plasticky for my liking. It's the same issue I had with the Bose QuietComforts. The WF-C710Ns aren't as expensive as the QuietComforts, retailing for $119 / £99 but I don't think I'm being unreasonable when I ask for the case to feel more premium. The last thing I want is to worry that the charging case's lid is going to snap. So, should you buy or skip the Sony WF-C710Ns? I'd buy them for sure. Yes, I'm disappointed in the plasticky case and very surprised that the earbuds don't support aptX or LDAC, but the buds absolutely smash it when it comes to things they do well. With powerful bass response and a comfortable design, and not to forget the highly effective ANC, the WF-C710Ns are winners. For $119 / £99, I'm willing to make a couple compromises.
Tom's Guide
13-06-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
Keep your wet and dry vacuum running like new with these 7 easy steps
Your wet and dry vacuum is one of the most versatile cleaning tools in your arsenal, capable of handling everything from workshop sawdust to basement floods. But like any hardworking piece of equipment, it needs regular care to keep performing at its best. Many people treat their vacs like indestructible workhorses, running them until they break down completely. The reality is that a few simple maintenance habits can dramatically extend your vacuum's lifespan while keeping suction power strong and preventing costly repairs. The good news is that maintaining a wet and dry vacuum isn't complicated or time-consuming. Most tasks take just a few minutes after each use, with deeper maintenance needed only occasionally. These straightforward steps will help you avoid the frustration of a clogged, weak, or broken vacuum when you need it most. Your vacuum's manual contains model-specific maintenance schedules and procedures that generic advice can't cover. Different brands handle filter washing differently, and some models have unique features or requirements. Spend ten minutes reading through the maintenance section, so you're clued up on what your specific Wet and Dry vacuum needs. Keep the manual somewhere accessible since you may need to reference it for replacement part numbers and troubleshooting tips throughout your vacuum's life. Filter maintenance varies dramatically between wet and dry use, so treat them differently. For dry debris, remove the filter and tap it firmly to shake out loose dirt — you'll be amazed how much comes out. Washable filters can be rinsed under running water, but they must dry completely before reinstalling to prevent mold growth. When tackling wet messes, remove the filter entirely since most aren't designed to get soaked. A wet filter becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and can damage your motor. Although this might seem excessive on the surface, this habit prevents the biggest problems that plague wet and dry vacuums. Empty the tank immediately after each job, even if it doesn't look full, as trapped moisture creates odors and rust over time. For wet cleanups, rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely before storage. After dry vacuuming, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth to remove fine dust that can build up and reduce capacity. Blocked attachments kill suction power faster than anything else. Check hoses for clogs by holding them up to the light, you should see clear through. Clean nozzles and brushes with warm soapy water, paying attention to bristles where hair and debris love to tangle. Make sure all connections fit snugly since loose attachments waste suction and make your vacuum work harder than necessary. If you're after a smart, wet and dry vacuum, the Tineco Floor One S5 is a great option. It's ergonomic, slim and doesn't have the bulkiness of traditional washer vacuums. In our Tineco Floor One S5 Extreme review, we said this Editor's Choice vacuum is a powerful, cordless cleaner that can vacuum and mop hardwood floors with ease. A damaged cord isn't just inconvenient, it's dangerous. Inspect the entire length for fraying, cuts, or exposed wires, especially near the plug and where it enters the vacuum. Replace damaged cords immediately rather than trying to tape them up. Proper storage matters too: coil the cord loosely and avoid sharp bends that can damage internal wires over time. Consistency beats perfection when it comes to vacuum maintenance. After each use, empty the tank and check the filter. Weekly, inspect attachments and hoses for blockages. Monthly, give everything a thorough cleaning and check the power cord. This routine takes minutes but prevents the major issues that lead to expensive repairs or replacement. Your vacuum's storage location affects its lifespan more than you might think. Choose a clean, dry area away from temperature extremes and direct sunlight. Avoid damp basements or hot garages when possible. And store attachments in an organized way: a simple bin or hanging system prevents lost pieces and damage from being tossed around loose. Frequent clogs usually indicate you're pushing your vacuum beyond its limits. Picking up large debris, overfilling the tank, or using a dirty filter forces your vacuum to work harder and reduces airflow. Most clogs happen in the hose or at connection points where debris gets stuck. Regular filter cleaning and proper tank emptying prevent most clog issues before they start. Simple habits make the biggest difference in vacuum longevity. Never run your vacuum without a filter when doing dry cleanup as fine dust will damage the motor. Let wet components dry completely before storage to prevent rust and mold. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Replace filters when they're worn rather than trying to stretch their life too far. A filter replacement is much cheaper than a motor repair. Now you've learned seven easy steps to keep your wet and dry vacuum running like new, why not take a look at our other useful home maintenance guides? Check out how to mop your floors properly — 5 tips for spotless results and how to get rid of mice in your garage — and keep them out for good. And, if you have an air fryer, don't miss this genius hack: remove air fryer grease the easy way — all you need is a dishwasher tablet.
Tom's Guide
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses just got a huge price cut — save 20% ahead of Father's Day
Father's Day is approaching and if you're looking for the perfect gift for dad, Meta is slashing the price of its Ray-Ban smart glasses. For a limited time, you can get the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses on sale from $239 at Meta. Multiple styles and colors are on sale, including our personal favorites — the Wayfarer. It's the cheapest price we've seen for these smart glasses. The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are far more than just a pair of specs with a camera. Meta AI features give them all the smarts to answer any questions about the world around you. All of this is underpinned by a stellar-looking set of specs that feel great to wear all-day round. Plus, boasting water resistance always helps. Multiple styles are on sale from $239. In our Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses review, we said the Editor's Choice glasses look great and work as advertised. We liked the sleek design, improved camera quality, and the ability to live stream to Instagram. The audio quality is also better than the previous gen, whether you're listening to music or making phone calls. And the specs are water resistant. Meta has also revealed new celebrity voices for the Ray-Beta Meta glasses, including John Cena and Kristen Bell. There's also more language support from the AI including French, Italian, and Spanish. The other big change is a new "adaptive volume control" and "loudness boost", available in audio settings. Finally, there is a new music detection tool. If you're listening to a track through the glasses you can say "Hey, Meta what's this track". Perfect for when you're tuned in to an Apple Music station or a random playlist.
Tom's Guide
03-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Epic Sony headphone sale on Amazon from $38 — here's 9 deals I'd shop right now
Hoping to upgrade your headphone game for summer? Look no further than Sony, the brand that makes some of the best headphones we've ever tested. Even better? Amazon is currently hosting a huge sale on top-rated Sony audio devices. The sale includes deals on wireless earbuds and Editor's Choice headphones. For instance, you can snag the Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones for $100 off their usual price. Plus, the Sony WF-C500 are just $79 and ranked among our best wireless earbuds. Below, I've rounded up the best deals from the Sony sale on Amazon. For more ways to save, take a look this week's best Amazon promo codes. Our Sony WH-CH520 headphones review said these headphones "deliver on battery life and performance." They're 360 Reality Audio compatible for more 3D sound and you can customize EQ in the Sony Headphones app. Although there's no active noise cancelling function, they have built-in mics for hands-free voice and video calls and noise suppression processing to keep your voice sounding clear in noisy environments. They're also rated for up to 50 hours of battery life. The Sony WF-C700N are one of the best wireless earbuds we've tested. In our Sony WF-C700N review, we praised their excellent sound, strong noise cancellation and great call quality. They're also lightweight and last for 7.5 hours of listening time with ANC on. These rank top in our best wireless earbuds under $100, and this deal means they're too good to miss. There's no ANC, but our Sony WF-C500 review said that music sounds punchy, and there's full EQ control via the awesome Sony Connect Headphones app. Battery life runs to 10 hours, with 20 hours from the charging case. One of the greatest strengths of these low-cost headphones is the amount of playback time they offer between recharges. Battery life runs to 35 hours with noise canceling on, which is 5 hours longer than the flagship WH-1000XM5. They're among the best cheap headphones for travel. The Sony LinkBuds S have a lot to offer: active noise cancelation and ambient awareness (or transparency) modes that switch automatically based on your activity backed by Sony's awesome Headphones Connect app. Auto-play and auto-pause features are on board, plus you get top sound quality and reliability. The Sony Inzone H9 are styled similarly to their namesake's home console, so they're a perfect choice if you're also a PS5 gamer. In our Sony Inzone H9 review, we found the Editor's Choice headphones were comfortable to wear, but disliked the their finicky companion desktop PC app. Although superseded by the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are still a solid buy. They offer effective ANC, superior comfort, excellent sound quality, and an epic battery life that runs up to 38 hours. In our Sony WH-1000XM4 review, we said they're one of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market. These are some of the best buds that you can buy right now. They sound excellent, with some wickedly detailed sound with plenty of low-end grunt, and feature a very comfortable fit. We gave them 4.5 stars in our review because of their great ANC, which manages to block out almost any noise you could throw at them. This isn't quite their lowest price ever, but it's very close. The XM5s are Sony's premium noise-canceling headphones and our pick for the best headphones on the market. The large, over-ear cushions are incredibly comfortable and the active noise cancelation is excellent. Plus, despite ANC being a drain on battery life, these amazing headphones still give you up to 30 hours with ANC enabled. You can push that up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC turned off.
