Eliana Willis

In our tech-fueled era dominated by portable devices, microSD cards are the unsung champions of data storage. These tiny shards of plastic are, in reality, veritable titans of storage capable of adding gigabytes to a wide array of devices — from smartphones and tablets to action cameras, dashcams, and drones. Whether you’re snapping selfies or capturing the wildest of adventures, these storage cards are likely an integral part of your digital existence, perhaps without you even realizing it.But beware! The market is a minefield of low-quality and counterfeit pretenders that threaten to sabotage your data and throttle your device’s performance. The specter of losing priceless files or enduring sluggish operations is an ever-present worry. But fear not, as top-tier microSD cards are astonishingly affordable. Investing in genuine, high-quality cards isn’t merely a wise choice; it’s an absolute must, as premium cards deliver unrivaled performance, steadfast reliability, and rock-solid data integrity, ensuring your digital escapades remain seamless and your tech life hums along with efficiency. So, choose wisely because when it comes to microSD cards, quality reigns supreme.Also: What do all those microSD and SD card numbers and letters mean?What is the best microSD card right now?Over the years, I’ve conducted hands-on testing on numerous microSD cards, evaluating features like capacity, price, and performance. My extensive use of dozens of microSD cards across a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, drones, and action cameras, has given me a comprehensive understanding of their performance in real-world scenarios. Based on my testing, here are my top picks for the best microSD cards, with the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC More

In the pursuit of safeguarding essential data or addressing the significant challenge of limited free space on your computer, an external hard drive serves as an invaluable solution, effectively enhancing your storage capacity with ease. By utilizing a complimentary USB port and a modest amount of desk space, one can substantially augment their digital storage capabilities, with options available that range from several gigabytes to an impressive 44 terabytes.Also: Best cloud storage services of 2025An external hard drive can effortlessly cater to your every storage need with minimal fuss and maximum convenience. Get ready for the ultimate storage upgrade, say farewell to storage limitations, and embrace the boundless potential that awaits you.What’s the best external hard drive right now?After dedicating countless hours to hands-on testing and scouring online reviews, I’ve made my pick for the best external hard drive on the market: The WD My Passport Ultra More

It’s 2025, and if you’re using throwaway batteries, it’s time to make the switch to rechargeable batteries. Not only will this change save you serious cash, but it will also make a massive dent on the ever-increasing pile of e-waste we produce. However, there’s a problem, and that’s that not all rechargeable batteries are created equal — while some are great, there’s a lot of junk out there. The market is flooded with a dizzying array of options, making it a real challenge to separate the gems from the duds. But fear not, because ZDNET’s got your back. I’ve scoured the depths of the battery universe to bring you the crème de la crème of rechargeable batteries, allowing you to make an informed choice and ensure you get the best performance and value for your hard-earned money.Also: The best portable power stations you can buy: Expert testedWhat is the best rechargeable battery right now? So, when you need to stock up on batteries, we recommend getting one of our top picks. Our best overall rechargeable battery choice is the Panasonic Pro rechargeable battery More

Today’s state-of-the-art drones do more than just capture stunning aerial photos and video. Many boast advanced features like autonomous flight modes and obstacle avoidance systems. What was once the stuff of science fiction is now, in 2025, a reality, highlighting the incredible strides made in drone innovation. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a tech enthusiast, or someone whose job requires them to take photos from above (engineer or realtor, for example), drones are fast becoming a must-have. Also: The best surveillance dronesWith over a decade of experience in drone piloting, I’ve honed my skills across the UK, Europe, and the US, backed by essential drone licenses and certifications. My qualifications include an A2 Certificate of Competency alongside a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate, underscoring my commitment and expertise in this dynamic field.  Throughout countless flight hours, I’ve piloted many drones, from massive models to the most portable units, mastering every size in between. For me, drone flying is more than just a hobby; it’s a professional passion that allows me to capture the world’s beauty from extraordinary perspectives. Whether day or night, from forests to volcanoes, I’ve had the privilege of exploring and photographing some of the most breathtaking locations around the globe. What is the best drone you can buy right now? After rigorously testing the leading drones on the market, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro More

While the screwdriver is a timeless classic of any toolbox and has a nostalgic charm, we’re in the age of innovation, and there’s no better moment than now to electrify your toolbox with the power of electric screwdrivers. Picture this scene: you’re hours deep in a DIY project, wallowing in a sea of screws, each one laughing in the face of your ever-weakening manual efforts. It’s 2025, and it’s time you tossed your old grandpa’s screwdriver to one side and grabbed an electric screwdriver, a tool that will zip through those screws like a hot knife through butter. These little marvels have found their forever home in my toolbox, and trust me, they’re not just about speed. These also offer precision that a Swiss watchmaker would enjoy. Say goodbye to hand cramps and finger aches!In my arsenal, I’ve got electric screwdrivers for every conceivable scenario. Whether it’s a Herculean task demanding brute strength or a delicate operation requiring a feather’s touch, my collection is ready to conquer it all. Big or small, complex or straightforward, I’ve got the power, precision, and versatility to tackle anything the DIY universe throws my way. Also: The brightest flashlights you can buyWhat is the best electric screwdriver right now?I dove deep into the world of electric screwdrivers, testing some top contenders with real-world challenges to see which ones truly perform under pressure. I checked out their power, endurance, durability, and bang for your buck. After much deliberation, my crown for the best electric screwdriver overall goes to the Lifegoo Mini Electric Screwdriver More

In my experience with power stations, I can see three groups of people buying these devices.First, you have those who want backup power in case the lights go out, the sort of system that will last a few hours or days (depending on how common power outages are). This could be something small that slides under the bed or lives in a cupboard or something big that takes up some serious space.Then there are those who want to save money and gain a degree of off-grid capability by harvesting the power of the sun using one or more solar panels and then using that power to power the home or EV. I’ve seen increasing numbers of people putting systems like this in place, and while the cash savings are far from immediate, buying a good system ensures a long life for the system.Finally, there are those who want to take power with them when out and about, either camping or working, or in an RV. The flexibility of being able to charge the unit from solar panels, a car’s electrical system, and from any free AC outlet is a significant advantage. These can be used to power home appliances, laptops, drones, cameras, and also medical devices such as CPAP systems.Power stations are the modern, updated version of the gasoline generator, and they have a lot of benefits. They are smaller and quieter, don’t stink of gasoline or fumes, and can be run in confined spaces. However, there are downsides, and one of the biggest is that unless you have access to ample sunlight to recharge the power stations, off-grid life becomes trickier. Because it’s a lot easier to stockpile gasoline than it is to stockpile sunlight, there are times when, despite the smelly fumes, need for regular maintenance, and risk of dying in a gasoline fireball or carbon monoxide suffocation, the good old gasoline generator is king. More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETI’m going to preface this piece by saying the choice of widgets is personal, and what might be useful to me might not be useful to you. Even so, there’s a widget for everyone, and depending on the apps you have installed on your Android device, you’ll more than likely find one or two in this article that help make your day a bit more efficient.Also: This might be the end of ChromeOS, but what’s next could be betterSo, what are widgets? Simply put, they are additions to your Android home screen that allow quick access to information from apps, the apps themselves, or services you depend on. With the right collection of widgets, you could create an at-a-glance home screen that keeps you up to date without opening a single app.I’ve searched through the widgets for phones and tablets, and I’m sharing those that I think will make your devices more useful.Before we get to the list, let’s explore how to get started with widgets. More

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETWe test dozens of laptops every year here at ZDNET, and our testing process employs a dual approach. On one hand, we run a series of benchmarking programs to gather important system data and metrics. On the other hand, we approach laptops the way any normal consumer would, considering ease of use, form factor, durability, and battery life. Also: The best laptops: Expert tested and reviewedOur core testing philosophy is simple: while it’s imperative to gather data, numbers aren’t the whole story. Laptops can be very personal, and as such, there’s an intuitive, human element that can’t be ignored, and we take that into account while writing our reviews.How we test laptops in 2025 More