Robotics

I’ve tested dozens of earbuds as a tech product reviewer, and one thing I’ve learned is that you rarely need to spend more than $100 for a high-quality earbud. Audio technology has gotten so good — and so affordable — that many brands offer impressive earbuds with clear sound, great battery, and a comfortable build for anywhere from $20 to $100. Just because it’s possible to pay a budget price for a pair of earbuds doesn’t mean it’s easy to find these cheap earbuds. That’s why I’ve tested and compiled this list of affordable options. These earbuds can get you through your workouts, your video calls, study sessions, and more, all while providing a pleasant listening experience. Also: The best cheap headphones of 2025What are the best cheap earbuds you can buy right now?ZDNET went hands-on with every budget earbud pick on this list to compile recommendations for every use case, from casual and noise-canceling listens to exercise-friendly earbuds that stay put in your ear. Our staff tested out a ton of earbuds, chose our favorites, and left behind the flops to create this list of $100-or-less earbuds with impressive features. My pick for the best budget earbuds overall is the Nothing Ear (a) More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The RingConn Gen 2 is a subscription-free smart ring that retails for $300 It monitors your sleep, activity, stress, and vitals, and it’s got a marathon battery life The only downside is the user interface feels underdeveloped. –> Most smart rings these days claim to offer marathon battery lives but often […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Baseus MC1 Open Ear Clip-On Earbuds are on sale on Amazon for $60. They’re some of the most comfortable I’ve worn for exercising, and easily stay put when moving around. Although the MC1 earbuds don’t produce the best sound, it’s quite clear and loud enough for you to hear in […] More

A dead car battery in the middle of the winter can leave you stranded at the worst possible moment. Sure, traditional jumper cables work in a pinch, but they rely on the kindness of a passing stranger. What if nobody is around? This is where a portable jump starter comes in. A portable jump starter gives you the power to revive your battery anytime, anywhere. Today’s portable jump starters go beyond just a quick boost, however. Some models are compact and lightweight so that you can toss them in your glove compartment. Others pack extra features such as built-in air compressors, USB charging ports, and AC outlets.Also: The best dash cams you can buyWhat is the best portable jump starter right now?To help you find the best portable jump starter for your car, I’ve researched and compared different models for peak amps, size, weight, price, and additional features like flashlights and air compressors. My top pick for the best portable jump starter is the Everstart Maxx 1200A More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Powerbeats Pro 2 retail for $250 in vibrant Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange colorways. The earbuds can replace your smartwatch or fitness tracker, offering exercise and activity data via companion apps. The sound isn’t very robust, delivering weak bass and hollow mids. –> I’ve tested dozens of […] More

ZDNETOpenAI recently announced Operator, an AI agent designed to perform tasks on the web.After testing it (yes, I paid the $200 bucks, but, more importantly, I kept the subscription🤯), this is a game-changer, but not for the reason you think.This article will probably get me in trouble with my business partner.Also: Will AI kill creativity and destroy human innovation? Here’s the unsettling truthI’m about to snitch on myself for your benefit. 😩I’m going to tell you the secret sauce behind how our ecom business generates millions in revenue and how Operator can help.In this article, I’ll break down:What Operator is and why it mattersThe good, the bad, and the ugly of using itThree ways you can turn Operator into a side hustleGrab a pen and paper if you’re into this kind of stuff. You’ll want to take notes. 🧐Quick introTo understand why this is a game changer, first, you must understand who I am and what I do for a living.If you are new to my work, my name is Lester, but feel free to call me Les.I’m a founder with a successful exit under my belt. These days, I’m the exec chair for a group of ecom brands, but at my core, I’m an award-winning performance marketer. 🤓☝️Also: From zero to millions? How regular people are cashing in on AINeedless to say, data and insights are my jam. We operate more like a data company than an ecom brand. Our secret sauce? Pairing data and insights with ideas that generate revenue.If you are into leveraging AI or emerging tech to help your workflow or generate revenue, check out my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I break down what is working in the world of AI along with actionable insights to implement… no fluff, just facts (see what I did there).But enough about me. I have to tell you why Operator is a game changer! 🤫 More

Foldables may be the most exciting innovation in phones since Apple’s iPhone. Thanks to improvements to durability, display quality, and battery life, the best foldable phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open, are just as worthy of recommendation as standard slab handsets. Based on the dozens of devices we’ve tried and tested at ZDNET, it’s safe to say that consumers today have more choices than ever, whether they want a foldable that expands into a tablet or a book-style foldable. Our top picks include a Samsung foldable phone, Motorla Razr foldables, and the cheapest foldable phone you can buy.What is the best foldable phone right now?ZDNET has tested and reviewed every single mass-market foldable during the past year, and the devices below represent the best of the best. Our pick for the best foldable phone overall is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold More

Whether you’re looking for a tough tablet that can handle toddlers or on-site workers, there are plenty of rugged tablets. And just because they’re rugged, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with a heavy, bulky device. The best rugged tablets from Samsung and other brands offer the same military standard protection against drops, shocks, and moisture while offering a thinner, sleeker profile. While working in the field, a bright screen and robust battery are just as important in a tablet as a rugged chassis. Each of the top tablets we tested was chosen because it offered a great balance between protection, battery life, and ease of use, and we found the most durable tablet to be the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5. What is the best rugged tablet right now?My full-time job as a naval architect is rather unique and offers me the opportunity to get out into shipyards filled with sand, dirt, oil, and more elements that can destroy typical tablets like an iPad More