The post Best iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro Cases You Should Buy Now first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.
]]>This story is part of Focal Point iPhone 2023, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Apple’s most popular product.
The iPhone 14 may not use as much glass in its design, but it’s still vulnerable to the same dangers that the original was — dents, scratches and cracks. If you’re worried about dropping your phone or are even prone to sitting on it, you’ll want to get one of the best iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro cases available on the market today.
If you’ve bought an iPhone 14 and are looking for a case, you probably know that each new model has its own specific case, so make sure you get the correct one. Note that the Pro versions, which include the iPhone 14 Pro and larger iPhone 14 Pro Max, sport extra cameras that require a larger cutout on the back of your case.
Whether you need the best iPhone 14 Pro case or the best case for the standard iPhone 14 model, we’ve rounded up some great everyday case options in a variety of styles and prices, from slimmer to more rugged. We’ve tried all these cases with an iPhone 14 and will continue to add other top cases as we find others that we think are worthy of this list.
David Carnoy/CNET
See at Speck
Speck has brought many of its iPhone 13 case designs to the iPhone 14, including such popular transparent models as the Presidio Perfect-Clear and Perfect-Clear Grips, and the Presidio2 Pro. Speck’s cases with built-in MagSafe cost around $50, while its Candyshell Pro case remains the least expensive at around $25 but does not have MagSafe. And right now, all Speck cases are 40% off so you can snag one for even less.
All the new models have good drop protection (13 to 16 feet, depending on the model) as well as Speck’s Microban antimicrobial protection. No matter which model you choose, Speck often gives a discount for first-time buyers.
Amazon
$24 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit
MagSafe cases can get pretty pricey, but if you’re looking for an inexpensive clear MagSafe case for your new iPhone 14 series phone, Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid MagFit is a good value at around $25. Spigen also sells a non-Mag version of this case for about $8 less, and also has several other iPhone 14 case options.
David Carnoy/CNET
$48 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for OtterBox Symmetry Series Plus
OtterBox made a name for itself with its super-protective Defender series case, but most people want something less bulky these days. I like the Symmetry Series Plus cases, which come in various shades (including the new Euphoria color) and have MagSafe. The Symmetry Plus Pop case integrates a PopSockets PopGrip and is wireless charging-compatible, which is important. OtterBox offers a discount for first-time buyers on its site.
David Carnoy/CNET
$19 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Caseology Capella Mag for iPhone 14 Case, [Updated Version] Built-in Magnet Designed for Magsafe (2022) – Clear White
Caseology has made some decent budget cases in the past, including the NanoPop, Parallax, Skyfall and Vault. Its new Capella Mag Clear is one of the cheaper transparent MagSafe cases we’ve seen.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$40 at Amazon
Peak Design’s Everyday cases are MagSafe-compatible in that you can connect a MagSafe wireless charging puck and other magnetic MagSafe-compatible accessories to the case, including wireless charging batteries, wallets and more. But they have Peak Design’s own built-in magnetic locking system — the company calls it SlimLink — that connects to a wide assortment of Peak Design’s mobile mounts and accessories. That includes bike mounts, charging stands, tripods, car mounts and more. The only accessory I don’t recommend is the wallet, which doesn’t lock onto the case and doesn’t stick to it that securely.
When you combine Peak Design’s accessories with all the MagSafe accessories out there, you certainly get a lot of accessory options to choose from. The cases start at $40 and come in three versions, one with a loop built into it that you can slip your finger into for added security (to keep you from dropping your phone).
Lupa Legacy
$23 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Lupa Legacy Wallet Case
Lupa Legacy makes a couple of different wallet cases for the iPhone 14 models. I like the folio version that has a magnetic clasp and is made of faux leather in a variety of color options. It has three slots on the inside of the cover to store credit cards or cash, and it offers decent corner protection from drops. The faux leather looks decent (the case looks a little more expensive than it is, which is a good thing).
The only drawbacks are that there’s no MagSafe built into the case and the case doesn’t convert into a kickstand. But you can charge your phone on a wireless charging pad just fine.
David Carnoy/CNET
$50 at Otterbox
One of my favorite iPhone cases right now is the Otterbox Lumen, a two-tone case that’s partially clear at the top (it’s sort of an ombre case) and has grippy silicone rubber on the sides. It comes in a few color options, including the metallic beige shown here (the blue and silver seem cool).
The Figura is a bit slimmer but is also eye-catching and available in a few interesting color combos. Both cases are MagSafe-enabled and sold exclusively at Apple and Otterbox.com.
David Carnoy/CNET
$40 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Element Case Special Ops MagSafe for iPhone 14 (6.1″) – MagSafe Compatible, Rugged, Lightweight, and Mil-Spec Drop Tested – Smoke/Black – (EMT-322-263FQ-01)
Element Case makes its high-end $250 Back Ops X5 case for the iPhone 14, but its more affordable Special Ops X5 MagSafe case is a very likable case with beefed up corner protection and raised edges on the back and front to help prevent your screen and cameras from getting cracked. It also has good side grips. I kind of wish it came in some other color options, but that’s my only gripe. It’s a very good case.
David Carnoy/CNET
$50 at Zagg
British case-maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes cases that are right up there with OtterBox and Speck, all of them lined with the company’s D3O shock-absorbing material and featuring beveled edges to protect your phone. I like the new Milan Snap (pictured) and Santa Cruz Snap, both of which are MagSafe-equipped and rated for 13-foot drop protection. However, several other case styles are available, most of them with eye-catching designs. They start at $30 for non-MagSafe cases, but most MagSafe models list for $50 to $60.
Amazon
$25 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Cyrill cases
Cyrill is a sister brand to Spigen, and its cases are arguably slightly more stylish, although they cost a few bucks more. I like the UltraColor Mag ($25), and the Kajuk Mag ($27) is also pretty nice, owing to its faux “vegan” leather back. The transparent Shine Mag ($30) cases are attractively designed with “a touch of sparkle” for those who like a bit of flash in their iPhone case.
David Carnoy/CNET
$40 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Catalyst Influence Case for iPhone 14, Drop Proof, Fingerprint Resistant, Easy to Clean, Easy to Install, Easy to Hold, Lanyard Included – Stealth Black
Like Lifeproof, Catalyst made a name for itself with waterproof cases, but it now focuses on standard protective case options and has two new models for the iPhone 14: the $40 Influence (pictured) is my favorite, but the new $50 Crux case is also good (both are MagSafe-enabled). They have perforations on the corners that allow you to attach various accessories (a lanyard is included, but Catalyst also sells other accessories). Both have 10-foot drop protection.
David Carnoy/CNET
$40 at Nomad Goods
Nomad’s line of leather cases comes to the iPhone 14. However, now Nomad is offering two grades of leather — the standard variety and a higher-end Horween that costs $20 more ($70 rather than $50). At least the Horween version is designed to develop a “rugged” patina as the oils from your skin interact with the leather over time. The new Modern Leather Case is available in black, brown, English tan and a lighter natural color that I like. They’re rated for 10-foot (3-meter) drop protection and equipped with MagSafe. (Personally, I like the English tan color pictured on the left). Meanwhile, the Modern Leather Folio (pictured, middle) goes for $60 in black or brown.
There’s also a more affordable Sport version for $40 that’s equipped with MagSafe as well. It’s not a leather case, however, but does look pretty slick — it’s pictured on the right. Additionally, Nomad has a new Rugged Case with “fortified” bumpers and 15-foot drop protection that costs $50 with MagSafe.
David Carnoy/CNET
See at Casetify
Casetify has three base models that you can customize with any of Casetify’s eye-catching stock designs or something more personal (like your name). New to the line is the Bounce case, which offers even more corner protection than the Ultra Impact case (both of which are MagSafe-enabled). Some of the designs are hit-or-miss, and many are geared toward teenagers.
I should note that prices appear to have gone up again. Casetify cases now start at $58 (yes, that’s high), though we should see some discounts.
David Carnoy/CNET
$70 at Moft
This is a pretty cool option for those looking for a MagSafe case, plus a MagSafe wallet that converts into a stand. You can enjoy a relatively sleek and protective MagSafe case and really good MagSafe wallet/stand accessory that stores up to three credit cards. The wallet, also available separately, sticks well to the back of the case with a strong magnet.
The case is available in cool white (pictured), clear and smoky black, while the wallet/stand is available in multiple color options.
David Carnoy/CNET
$70 at Rokform
Rokform’s been making tough iPhone cases for years, and aside from their durability, their key feature is the ability to use them with various mounts — including bike and motorcycle mounts — that are sold separately. I personally prefer the Crystal series, but the Rugged case is slightly more, well, rugged. The new iPhone 14 cases are also MagSafe compatible.
Rokform’s iPhone 14 cases have removable magnets, and they’re compatible with wireless charging if you remove the included center magnet. “With the lower magnet still intact, you can still wireless-charge while utilizing magnetic mounting and all of our mounts,” Rokform says.
$35 at Incipio
Incipio has lots of new cases for the iPhone 14, including old favorites like the Grip with MagSafe, sturdy Duo with MagSafe (12-foot drop protection), and the Organicore, an eco case that’s 100% compostable and is now available with a translucent back. It also has licensing deals with Kate Spade and Coach, and some of those cases offer eye-catching designs.
I like the new Forme with MagSafe (pictured left), AeroGrip with MagSafe and 16-foot drop protection (pictured middle) and Idol cases. You have to dig around Incipio’s site to find those cases, but they’re worth checking out. The Forme comes in some cool designs — even better than the sample shown here.
Incipio cases start at $35 for a non-MagSafe case and $45 for cases with MagSafe.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$70 at Rokform
Rokform makes some mountable rugged cases for iPhones (see above), but its Eagle 3 case has a unique feature that I appreciated: A powerful MagSafe-compatible magnet built into the case.
Rokform bills the Eagle 3 as an iPhone golf case because it’s designed to stick to the metal roof poles on your golf cart, allowing you to conveniently view hole yardage info from golf GPS apps or mount your phone to capture your swing on video.
But this is also the case for someone who wants a powerful magnet so you can securely mount your phone on anything metal or have your MagSafe accessories really stick to your phone. For example, a lot of MagSafe-enabled wallets just don’t stay on your phone all that securely. With this case, they really stick. And with some MagSafe accessories, like the Clckr Stand and Grip, I actually had to work a bit to pull the accessory off.
The Eagle 3 is fairly pricey at $70, though it’s worth mentioning that Rokform offers 20% to first-time customers.
David Carnoy/CNET
See at Amazon
Tech21 has a range of iPhone 14 cases, including its popular Evo Check (pictured), which is equipped with MagSafe for $50. There are also several other cases to choose from, including the ultraprotective Evo Max, which is rated for 20-foot drops and has a slide cover to protect the iPhone 14’s back cameras, along with a holster you can clip to your belt.
Clckr
$40 at Clckr
Although they don’t have MagSafe, I’m a fan of Clckr’s cases, which feature a built-in kickstand and grip strap (it’s available in purple or black) that folds out and clicks into place on the back of your phone. Clckr sells just the stand/strap accessory to stick on the back of your phone (or on a case), but the iPhone case with the integrated kickstand accessory is better. At launch, only the clear version of the case is available, but hopefully Clckr’s faux-leather Saffiano case will return for the iPhone 14 (I liked the blue version of that for the iPhone 13).
With the stand clicked in place, you can use your device hands-free in either portrait or landscape mode. Note that you can wirelessly charge your phone with this case on, though you have to be more careful about placing it in the right spot on a wireless charging pad for it to work.
David Carnoy/CNET
See at Amazon
Smartish’s affordable, simple, slim cases and wallet cases return for the iPhone 14. The Wallet Slayer 2.0 case (pictured) comes in a few different designs, including the Groovy color shown here. It holds three credit cards plus cash, and you can use one of your credit cards as a kickstand. However, its one downside is that it’s not compatible with wireless and MagSafe chargers.
Smartish also sells a MagSafe case called the Gripzilla. It’s one of the most affordable MagSafe cases and is easy to grip, as its name implies.
David Carnoy/CNET
$39 at Walmart$39 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Totallee cases
Some people prefer not to have a case on their phone or just want something that’s very thin that offers minimal protection. If you’re that type of person, a Totallee case may just be what you’re looking for.
There are a couple models to choose from, with the frosted version (pictured right) billed as the world’s thinnest iPhone case — it’s almost paper thin. It comes in multiple color options.
The case costs $39, which seems like a lot considering how thin it is, but it is eco-friendly (it’s compostable) and does have a raised “lip” around the camera that prevents damage to the camera lens, Totallee says.
Totallee also makes a very slim clear TPU case, the “clear soft” (pictured left in the iPhone 14) that offers a little more protection for the same price. I like that one better, but it is slightly thicker.
David Carnoy/CNET
$22 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Case-Mate Blox
Case-Mate makes several eye-catching cases for the various iPhone 14 models, but its squarish Blox case is the one I like the most. It comes in a variety of colors, is MagSafe-enabled, clearly has good corner protection and is reasonably priced. I’m showing the clear model on a deep purple iPhone 14 Pro, but it’s also worth checking out the other colors, including rainbow frosting.
David Carnoy/CNET
$44 at Best BuyGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Urban Armor Gear (Update: Currently Unavailable)
Urban Armor Gear offers several case options for the iPhone 14 models in a variety of colors, with MagSafe versions costing $10 more than their non MagSafe counterparts. I like the Plasma (pictured middle), which comes in a variety of color options including clear, while the Lucent (left) and Civilian Series (right) are also good and available in multiple colors.
The new Plyo with MagSafe (not pictured) probably has the slimmest design, but UAG’s cases all feature good corner protection and meet military drop-test standards.
David Carnoy/CNET
$100 at Otterbox
Most new phones, including the iPhone 14 series models, offer a decent level of water resistance. But if you want some added protection, Otterbox still sells its waterproof and shockproof Fre case — and the latest version is built for MagSafe accessories.
Note that the case was formerly known as the Lifeproof Fre, but after acquiring Lifeproof a few years ago Otterbox has officially made the Fre an Otterbox branded case that carries the legacy of being “designed by Lifeproof.” The case has an IP68 water-resistance rating (it’s rated to be fully submerged in two meters of water for up to an hour) and is also dust-proof. It also has a built-in screen protector and remains one of the best tough cases out there. Its biggest downside is that it’s expensive, but Otterbox sometimes has site-wide flash sales that bring its price down.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$70 at Bluebonnet
Based in Austin, Texas, Bluebonnet is named after the state flower and crafts leather-clad accessories for various Apple products, including iPhones, MacBooks, Watches and AirPods. It does make a standard full-grain leather iPhone case that’s nice, but I thought its leather wallet cases were more unique and enticing. They’re available in limited color options (black or tan) in a few different styles, including a folio case that has a magnetic clasp (shown above, at right). Both the iPhone Wallet case (above left) and Card Holder case (not shown) feature an “organic” cotton elastic finger loop for grip.
Note that Bluebonnet’s wallet cases don’t have a MagSafe option but its standard leather case is available with MagSafe.
Read more: Best Phone to Buy for 2023
Virtually every case that appears on this list has been tested by CNET’s expert reviews team on at least one of the iPhone 14 models (I tested cases using an iPhone 14 and an iPhone 14 Pro). That means actually using the phone with the case on the phone for at least a day and making sure the buttons on the phone work properly with the case on. We look at the durability of the case, corner and camera protection, and we review the material the case is made of so we can talk about such factors as how grippy the phone feels in your hand and how protective it is.
While we don’t do long-term testing of most cases, we do use some of the most popular cases for longer periods to gauge how they wear over time and see how well our phone holds up during accidental drops with the case on it. That said, we don’t do formal drop tests. However, if the case is supposed to be fully waterproof, we do test it by submerging it in water.
I personally like cases that aren’t too thick but offer decent drop protection, with a lip over the edge of the screen (sometimes referred to as a “screen bumper”) and raised corners that help prevent your screen from cracking if your phone should fall face down. A folio case will more fully protect your screen.
The good news is that you don’t have to buy a super-protective iPhone 14 case like the OtterBox Defender to get good protection. Most cases are reasonably thin and still offer at least 6-foot drop protection. I did include one very thin case on this list for those who prefer minimal protection. Before you go with a case like that, just remember how much your phone costs — but it is better than having no case at all. Make sure you get a sound tempered glass screen protector for your iPhone 14 model to prevent deep scratches and safeguard the screen.
All the iPhone 14 models are equipped with Apple’s MagSafe feature, which offers faster wireless charging with compatible chargers. It also supports optional accessories — including Magsafe wallet, mini wallets and various mounts — that adhere magnetically to the back of your phone. Like the iPhone 13, the iPhone 14 has “an array of magnets” (Apple says they’re recycled) embedded around a charging coil that can pull up to 15 watts of power.
However, if you want to use those MagSafe accessories without taking your phone out of its case, you need a phone case that’s equipped with MagSafe support. The MagSafe symbol is a circle with a short pipe below it. You can see it on clear cases, but it’s embedded on the inside of the case so if it’s nontransparent, you’ll only see it from the inside.
If you already have a MagSafe accessory — or plan on buying MagSafe accessories in the future — you’ll want to get a MagSafe compatible case; it’s a good option to have. With that in mind, the majority of the cases in this roundup are equipped with MagSafe.
In general, yes — about $10 more. There are some more affordable MagSafe cases that cost around $20, but most cost upwards of $30. We see cases from certain companies that are essentially the same, but one has MagSafe and the other doesn’t, and the MagSafe version usually sells for $10 more. It may seem like a little too much to pay for something that doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade, but in time MagSafe compatibility may command less of a “tax.”
The post Best iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro Cases You Should Buy Now first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.
]]>The post Best Power Bank for iPhone for 2023 first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.
]]>The best portable power banks and battery chargers come in all shapes and sizes. The more affordable options tend to require use of a cable for charging, but we’re seeing more and more magnetic wireless chargers that stick to the back of your MagSafe-enabled iPhone or MagSafe-enabled case. I personally like portable power banks for iPhones that have an integrated Lightning cable, which offers fast charging.
While this list is geared toward iPhones, any portable battery pack on the list with a USB-C or USB-A out ports will work perfectly well for charging an Android smartphone (or any other portable gadget), so long as you provide a compatible smartphone cable.
So what’s the best portable charger for juicing up your iPhone on the go? Here are out top picks, all of which I’ve tested and reviewed. I’ll update this list as other top portable chargers hit the market.
Read more: Best iPhone Chargers
David Carnoy/CNET
$50 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Infinity Lab InstantGo 5000
Infinity Lab is Samsung-owned Harman Kardon’s new accessories subsidiary, and I like its InstantGo 5000 and InstantGo 10000 power banks, which come with an integrated Lightning cable for easy charging of iPhones. The larger 10,000 mAh costs $20 more and is heavier and bulkier, but it can charge most iPhones twice.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$27 at AmazonYou’re receiving price alerts for iWALK LinkPod Y2 Power Bank Fast Charging 9600mAh,Small Portable Charger with PD Output & LED Display,[2023 Upgrade]Battery Pack Portable Charger with Built-in Cable Compatible with iPhone 14/13/12/6
While i can’t say how well this portable battery from iWalk will hold up over time, it’s a good power bank for the money, if it does manage to hold up. Along with an integrated Lightning cable that tucks away into a slot when not in use, it’s got an integrated 9,600-mAh battery, which should charge most iPhones almost twice. There’s also an LED in the battery that lets you now how much juice its got left.
The battery is a little bulky but it’s not huge for a 9,600-mAh battery. There’s nothing too fancy about it — it does feel a little generic — but it’s also about half the price of most portable batteries with a built-in Lightning cable. The Lightning cable will fast charge your iPhone at 18 watts and there’s also a USB-C out port for charging a second device (or a device that doesn’t charge via Lightning).
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$55 at Walmart$55 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Mophie Powerstation Plus With PD
Zagg hasn’t promoted its Mophie Powerstation Plus With PD charger much, but it’s one of the best portable batteries with an integrated Lightning cable. It houses a 6,000-mAh battery (that’s enough to fully charge even larger iPhones) and the Lightning cable offers 18-watt fast charging and tucks into a storage slot when not in use (a flap covers the storage slot so you may not realize there is a built-in cable at first).
You charge the power bank with a Lightning cable, and there’s also a USB-A out port for charging a second device (or a device that isn’t an iPhone). The battery is available in a few color options, but I’ve mainly seen it in black and gray.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$22 at Amazon$60 at Best BuyGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for myCharge Portable Charger for iPhone – Hub 4400mAh Wall Plug & Built in Cables (Lightning, Type C) USB C Power Bank Fast Charging Battery Pack External Phone Backup
MyCharge’s Hub portable chargers come in a few different sizes and not only have an integrated foldable wall plug but integrated Lightning and USB-C cables, so you can charge both Apple and Android devices. It’s a little bulky, but with a 4,400-mAh battery, it should be able almost fully charge your smartphone, depending on its size. The step-up 6,700-mAh model is about $10 more.
Anker
$100 at Walmart$100 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Anker 733 Power Bank
Thanks to gallium nitride technology, chargers have been getting more powerful while shrinking at the same time. The latest example of that trend is Anker’s new line of GaNPrime chargers with next-generation GaN 3 technology, which the company says is even more energy-efficient. The Anker Power Bank 733 combines a 65-watt charger with a 10,000-mAh portable battery and is part of the new GaNPrime line. It’s pretty compact for what it is and offers two fast-charging USB-C ports and one fast-charging USB-A port. You can charge up to three devices at once, but note that to get a full 65-watt charge for a laptop, you can only plug in the laptop. Also note that you can save $30 at Amazon by activating the instant coupon on the product page.
David Carnoy/CNET
$59 at Amazon$59 at WalmartGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Anker 622 MagGo Magnetic Battery
What’s cool about Anker’s 622 magnetic battery is that it’s a wireless battery that has an integrated magnetic flap that converts into a stand. You won’t get fast wireless charging from this 5,000-mAh battery (it charges at up to 7.5 watts), but it’s slim and easy to carry around.
It charges via USB-C, and if you use a USB-C to Lightning to charge your iPhone, it will charge at a faster rate of 12 watts. That’s not as fast as what a 20-watt USB-C power adapter can deliver, but it’s faster than 7.5 watts.
David Carnoy/CNET
$30 at AmazonYou’re receiving price alerts for Baseus Magnetic Mini Wireless Portable Charger
The Baseus Magnetic Mini Wireless Portable Charger is a compact, 6,000-mAh, wireless power bank that sticks to the back of MagSafe-enabled iPhones (or MagSafe-enabled iPhone cases) and charges your iPhone at 7.5 watts. If you’re looking for faster charging, you can plug a USB-C to Lightning cable into the battery and get 20-watt charging speeds. It also offers pass-through charging, meaning you can charge the battery while charging your phone.
The battery is similar in size to many 5,000-mAh batteries and also costs less. That 6,000-mAh capacity will get you close to a full charge with most iPhones, though it may fall a bit short for iPhone Pro Max models.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$48 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Baseus Magnetic Power Bank, 10,000mAh Foldable Kickstand Wireless Portable Charger, for Magsafe Battery Pack 20W USB-C for iPhone 14/14 Plus/14 Pro/14 Pro Max and iPhone 13/12 Series
If you’re looking for a bigger portable battery that charges your phone wirelessly, the Baseus Magnetic Wireless Power Bank is an excellent option. It houses a 10,000-mAh battery that can charge an iPhone 14 around two times — but it’s still somewhat compact.
The magnet is strong, and I also liked that it has an integrated flip-out kickstand, so it converts into a stand. There’s also an LED battery life indicator on back of the battery that tells you exactly how much juice the battery has left (you see the actual percentage). The Baseus Magnetic Wireless Power Bank is available in three color options with the black version currently costing a few bucks less.
It’s on sale for $48 at Amazon, but you can save 20% by activating the instant coupon on the product page.
David Carnoy/CNET
$60 at AmazonYou’re receiving price alerts for myCharge Portable Charger iPhone 14, 13, 12 & Mag Safe Cases – MagLock 6000mAh Wireless Magnetic Power Bank – Compatible with MagSafe Battery Pack, USB C Cable Input/Output – Pacific Blue
You don’t want your phone to go dead on the mountain, so it’s always good to pack a battery pack.
MyCharge calls its new line of magnetic power banks Superhero MagLock, implying that they’re real saviors. I was impressed by their design. Not only do the batteries, which come in various capacities, have strong magnets and stick really well to the back of your iPhone 12, 13 or 14, but they have raised coils, which are supposed to help reduce heat levels while charging. It does seem to work.
The 3,000-mAh battery is lightweight and slim and is nice to have around for some emergency charging. However, it won’t get you a full charge, so you’ll probably want to step up to one of the higher-capacity options like the 6,000-mAh model. The 9,000-mAh version is beefy and feels like your phone is attached to a small brick — the battery and phone do fit in your hand nicely, but the combo certainly isn’t pocket-friendly.
All the MagLock batteries charge Qi-enabled iPhones at 5 watts, although you can get faster charging if you go wired and use a USB-C-to-Lightning cable. I also liked how there’s a chime when the charging starts and your phone tells you how much juice is left in the battery pack (it’s tied into iOS 15). You can wirelessly charge Android devices as well but the MagLock won’t stick unless you have a metal ring on the back of your phone’s case (stick-on rings are available).
The SuperHero MagLock is available in a few colors and has a glossy finish. It’s currently the best designed magnetic power bank — better even than Apple’s. It’s priced at $60 but note that you can save 30% by activating the instant coupon on the product page.
David Carnoy/CNET
$50 at Walmart$35 at Best Buy$35 at AmazonYou’re receiving price alerts for Mophie Snap Plus Juice Pack Mini
Like some competing magnetic wireless chargers, Mophie’s magnetic power bank isn’t an official Apple MagSafe accessory, but it magnetically adheres to the back of your MagSafe-enabled iPhone or MagSafe case — yes, it sticks nicely — and is svelte for a 5,000-mAh battery. It can also be used with other phones that support wireless charging and comes with a stick-on magnet.
For wireless charging, Mophie says you’re looking at up to 7.5 watts for iPhones, but it felt a little more sluggish to me (more like 5 watts). If you need a faster charge, you can connect a USB-C-to-Lightning cable to bump the speed up to 12 watts.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$55 at AmazonYou’re receiving price alerts for mophie – Snap+ Powerstation Stand 10,000 mAh Portable Charger with MagSafe Compatibility – Black
Mophie’s Powerstation Wireless Stand with MagSafe is currently only sold through Zagg (Mophie’s parent company) and Apple. It’s not cheap but is a versatile 10,000-mAh battery battery with both a stand and MagSafe charger built in, and also has a threaded tripod mount at the bottom.
Since this is an official MagSafe charger, the battery does charge at 15 watts, making this among the fastest wireless external battery chargers out there and will also charge the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro models with MagSafe. If you use a USB-C-to-Lightning cable (not included) with it, you can charge at 20-watt speeds. You can also charge two devices at the same time.
Note that first-time buyers at Zagg can get a 20% off discount by supplying their email address.
Mophie
$40 at Zagg
If you’re looking for a compact external battery pack for your iPhone (or any smartphone), Mophie’s pocketable Power Station Mini (2022) features a 5,000-mAh internal battery and 20-watt USB-C PD fast charging. (You’ll need a USB-C to Lightning cable to take advantage of that fast charging if you’re an iPhone owner.) That battery will allow you to fully charge your iPhone.
For $20 more, you can pick up the 10,000-mAh version with dual USB-C ports — both come in black or blue colors. Also, note that Zagg, Mophie’s parent company, offers a 20% discount off your first purchase, so that model (it’s simply called the Power Station) is actually $50.
David Carnoy/CNET
$32 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD
The Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD is impressively slim for a 10,000-mAh portable phone charger and has a fast 20-watt USB-C out charging port (it’s also a USB-C input to charge its battery), plus a 12-watt USB-A out port. While the Anker 313 PowerCore Slim 10K is cheaper, this offers fast USB-C out charging, which makes spending the extra dough a big plus if you have a USB-C to Lightning cable.
David Carnoy/CNET
$47 at Nimble
Nimble’s Champ portable charger uses recycled plastic in its construction. You have to pay a bit more for going green, but it is a nice, compact 10,000-mAh charger that features PD 4.0 fast-charging (18 watts) via its single USB-C port. Also, the coupon CNET25 will get you 25% off at checkout.
Nimble also sells some higher-capacity fast-charging battery packs.
Otterbox
$60 at Otterbox
Otterbox gears its Folding Wireless Power Bank (10,000 mAh) toward those who like to watch movies on their phones or play games with a controller. It has a built-in stand that folds down when you take it on the go. It also has USB-C and USB-A ports that are capable of fast-charging your phone at up to 18 watts. The wireless charging is up to 7.5 watts with the iPhone and 10 watts for Android devices.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for an external battery pack or power bank:
The post Best Power Bank for iPhone for 2023 first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.
]]>The post Best AirPods Pro Accessories for 2023: Cases, Eartips, Wireless In first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.
]]>The AirPods Pro 2 are the same size as the original AirPods Pro. However, there are some small differences, the most notable of which are the microphone configuration on the buds and a built-in speaker in the AirPods Pro 2’s charging case that emits a sonar-like sound when tracking the buds in the Find My app. Also, there’s now a spot on the AirPods Pro 2’s case to attach a lanyard.
While cases designed for the original AirPods Pro case will fit the AirPods Pro 2 just fine, a case specifically designed for the AirPods Pro 2 will have cutouts for the speaker port and lanyard loop. If you want a waterproof case for your AirPods 2 (or AirPods Pro), those tend to cover all the ports. You can buy a simple, cheap case made of silicone rubber that provides decent protection should you drop your case. Or you can buy fancier cases, some even made of leather, that give your AirPods case a more premium look while also providing protection.
Here’s a look at CNET’s current top picks of accessories for AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 based on my own hands-on experience. I’ll update this as I test more of the best AirPods Pro cases and accessories.
David Carnoy/CNET
$30 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Catalyst case
You can find cheaper knockoff versions of Catalyst’s AirPods Pro case ($30), but the Catalyst is a better Apple AirPod case than many of the imitators, not to mention one of the top AirPods case options you can purchase. This AirPods case cover protects your AirPods’ own case, as well as makes it fully waterproof. Another key feature: The bundled detachable carabiner lets you strap the AirPods case onto a belt loop or backpack or use it as a keychain case to help keep your wireless earbuds from getting lost. This Catalyst waterproof case is available in multiple color options.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 (but covers speaker port and lanyard loop).
David Carnoy/CNET
$25 at Amazon$25 at Walmart$25 at Best BuyYou’re receiving price alerts for Comply foam eartips
For several years, Comply has been the gold standard for memory foam eartips and now you can get Comply tips for your AirPods Pro. I tried them and they work quite well, and even the large tips fit just fine in the AirPods Pro charging case. With the Apple-issued tips, I found that the AirPod Pro in my left ear got a little loose when I ran with the buds. With the Comply tip, it didn’t get loose and fit very securely. They also seem to help a bit with noise-canceling because you get an even tighter seal.
Comply tips are fairly pricey at $25. You can get foam tips that cost less (more like $12 to $15), but as I said, Comply is the gold standard and it may be worth paying a little more. If you know your specific size, you do get three sets of tips in a pack (of the same size. Comply also sells a pack with small, medium and large tips though it’s currently only available on the Comply website, not Amazon). That might be a good option for your new AirPods Pro eartips if you have a couple of people in your family who own the AirPods Pro and have different-sized ears.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$17 at Amazon$18 at WalmartGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Caseology Nano Pop for Airpods Pro 2 Case [Keychain Carabiner Included] Designed for Airpods Pro 2nd Generation (2022) – Prune Charcoal
The Caseology Nano Pop case comes in a couple of color options and is one of the early cases specifically designed for the AirPods Pro 2. While it doesn’t include a lanyard, it does come with a carabiner and has a cutout for the charging LED and dimple over the pairing button.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro 2 only.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$8 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for OULUOQI for AirPods Pro 2 Case 2022, Soft Silicone Skin Cover Shock-Absorbing Protective Case for Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Case [Front LED Visible]
I’m not sure how you can even pronounce the name of the company that produces this inexpensive AirPods Pro 2 case, but you can pick up some colors for just $6 right now with the instant coupon (though others list for closer to $12) and it does the job. This case is specifically designed for the AirPods Pro 2 and several similarly styled budget cases are available on Amazon (they’re all your basic slim silicone rubber case). It comes with a lanyard and a gasket covers the Lightning port.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro 2 only.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$20 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Eartune Fidelity UF-A Premium Memory Foam Tips for AirPods Pro (1st Gen & 2nd Gen) – Fits in Charging Case, Stays in Your Ears, Superb Sound Isolation, and Built-in Waxguard – Large, [Purple]
I’ve been using a pair of extra large Eartune foam tips with my AirPods Pro 2 and have been happy with the quality and fit. The extra large tips only come in gray and black, while the small, medium and large tips are available in a variety of colors. If you’re just looking for one size, you can get a pack with three large tips, for example. Or you can buy a pack with small, medium and large tips if you have friends or family who use different sized tips.
Before I put an earbud in, I scrunch the tip up and then let it expand in my ear canal. While I can use Apple’s large tips, I get a more secure fit with these tips. (When I run with the AirPods Pro 2 I use foam tips to make sure they stay in my ears.)
If you treat them well, these tips should last a few months, minimum. They’re a reasonably good value at three to a pack.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$20 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Spigen Rugged Armor Designed for Airpods Pro 2nd Generation Case (2022) Airpods Pro 2 Case Cover with Keychain – Matte Black
Spigen’s Rugged Armor case returns for the AirPods Pro 2. It’s available in only one color at launch but it is protective and includes a carabiner though no lanyard.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro 2 only.
David Carnoy/CNET
$26 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for CharJenPro AirFoams Pro Active
The husband-and-wife team of Charlie and Jen at CharJenPro pulled off a successful Kickstarter for AirPods foam earbuds in early 2020 and created a line of AirPods Pro foam eartips. Their top model is the AirFoams Pro Active 2,0 ($26), which have a silicone layer over the foam that’s designed to protect the tips from sweat and ear wax and help them last longer (the company claims five times longer).
I did notice that the large Comply tip is slightly larger than the large CharJenPro AirFoams Pro Form Fit tip, and it’s also probably worth pointing out that if you typically use a medium tip for your AirPods Pro, you may want to go with a large foam tip here).
The AirFoams Pro Active include three different-sized tips (small, medium and large), so you can choose the tip size that fits you best and possibly pass the other tips on to friends). Since I know I require a large tip, I’d prefer it if there was an option that included a couple of sets large tips instead — that would be the better value — but CharJen Pro doesn’t offer that option.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2
Sarah Tew/CNET
$30 at Nomad Goods
Nomad makes nice leather cases for the iPhone and other Apple products, including the AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2. Its Modern Leather AirPods Pro case is one of the best I’ve tested and it now comes in a version for the AirPods Pro 2 (it remains available for the original AirPods Pro as well).
This AirPods Pro case fits like a glove and wears nicely over time, developing a patina. It’s available in four colors and comes in a version with Horween leather for $10 more (the Horween version is only available in black and rustic brown).
Compatible with: Either AirPods Pro or AirPods Pro 2 (Nomad sells separate versions, so make sure you get the right one for 1st- or 2nd-Gen AirPods Pro).
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$30 at Amazon$30 at WalmartGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Anker Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station with Adapter, 335 Wireless Charger, for iPhone 14 Series, AirPods Pro, Apple Watch Series 1-6 (Works with Original 1m/3.3ft USB-A Cable, Not Included)
If you’re looking for an affordable wireless charging dock for several of your Apple devices, the Anker Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station 335 is about as good a deal as you can get on one. This isn’t MagSafe-enabled and it won’t charge your iPhone at top speed (it only charges at 7.5W), but it’s a nice compact dock that will also charge your AirPods and Apple Watch (however, you have to supply the wireless charging puck for the Apple Watch).
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$25 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Spigen Mag Armor (Mag Fit) Designed for Airpods Pro 2nd Generation Case (2022) MagSafe Compatible Case Cover with Keychain (Magnets Embedded) – Matte Black
The AirPods Pro 2 are MagSafe enabled but once you put a case on the case, it’s no longer magnetic. That’s where a magnetic case like the Spigen Mag Armor comes in, restoring MagSafe compatibility so your case will stick to a MagSafe wireless charger (or any magnetic wireless charger). A carabiner is included but no lanyard.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro 2 only.
David Carnoy/CNET
$17 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for PopSockets PopGrip AirPods Pro Holder + PopChain 2
If you’re a PopSockets fan, the PopSockets PopGrip AirPods Pro Holder + PopChain 2 is a surprisingly good deal on Amazon for $17. It has a stick-on attachment for the back of your phone, that lets you clip the case (and the AirPods Pro) to your phone and use your AirPods Pro case as a kickstand for video watching. Or you can attach your AirPods Pro to the included PopChain 2, which clips onto your belt loop or the loop on your backpack. The case itself fits like a glove and seems nicely protective.
Note that the version I got included the PopChain Premium. The model linked here includes the PopChain 2, which has a carabiner clip instead of a keychain. The case is compatible with PopSockets’ PopGrip base so you can use it with another PopGrip if you own one already.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 (but covers speaker port and lanyard loop).
David Carnoy/CNET
$20 at CharJenPro
You have a couple of choices if you want to add some additional grip to the AirPods Pro to promote them staying in your ears more securely. You can get very thin silicone skins that cover the bud portion of the AirPods Pro or a set of wings like these that not only cover the bud but add a sport fin (they do help lock the AirPods Pro in your ears). The only issue with the fin approach is that the AirPods Pro won’t fit in their case with an appendage on them so you have to remove them whenever you want to charge the AirPods.
It’s actually pretty easy to get them on and off but you just have to avoid losing them. Two sets of ear hooks are included — one that’s translucent (shown here) and one that’s white.
If you go the silicone skin route (with no fin), you should be able to get your AirPods in the case without having to take the skins off. However, some people complain that because the rubber is so thin it has a tendency to stretch easily and end up not fitting as well as it should. That isn’t a problem with CharJenPro AirFoams Pro Ear Hooks (and other ear-hook accessories) because the rubber is thicker and more durable.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2.
Amazon
$55 at Amazon$55 at Best Buy$55 at AppleYou’re receiving price alerts for Twelve South AirFly Pro
What do you do if you want to use your AirPods with an in-flight entertainment system or the TV built into a machine at the gym that requires a wired connection? Well, one workaround is buying a Bluetooth transmitter that you can plug into any 3.5mm audio jack. There are several transmitters available from TaoTronics and other little-known brands.
To pair your AirPods with a transmitter, you have to turn off the Bluetooth on your phone (or just put it into airplane mode), put your AirPods in their case, hold down the Bluetooth button on the transmitter until it goes into pairing mode, and then hit the pairing button on the AirPods case. (This video explains how to pair to your AirPods.) Battery life is rated at 16 hours and the AirFly Pro uses Bluetooth 5.0.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$40 at Bluebonnet
Based in Austin, Texas, Bluebonnet is named after the state flower and crafts leather-clad accessories for various Apple products, including iPhones, MacBooks, Watches and AirPods. Its AirPods Pro and new AirPods Pro 2 cases are a bit slimmer than Nomad’s leather cases, but offer ample protection and have a distinct style with turquoise trim lines. Your AirPods charging case is designed to slide up a little as you open the Bluebonnet case so the bottom portion doesn’t fit as snugly as some AirPods Pro cases. Nonetheless, I found it worked well.
Satechi
$30 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Satechi Wireless Charging Dock
If you’re looking for a mini USB-C wireless charging dock for your AirPods Pro (or standard AirPods), this Satechi accessory fits the bill nicely. It’s very compact — basically slightly bigger than the AirPods Pro’s case — and easily fits in a pocket. It works with any USB-C port that outputs power. The only issue is that you may have trouble plugging it in if you have some sort of case on your computer (it has to plug all the way into the port to work). You can also save $8 right now by activating the instant coupon on the product page.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2.
Anker
$15 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Anker Wireless Charger, 315 Wireless Charger (Pad), 10W Max Fast Charging, Compatible with iPhone 13/12 Series, Samsung S22, AirPods, Samsung Buds, Google Buds, and More (Wall Charger Not Included)
The AirPods Pro can charge wirelessly, so you’ll need a wireless charging pad to take advantage of that feature. A good affordable option for both your AirPods Pro and your phone is the Anker Wireless Charging Pad 315. It offers 7.5-watt charging for your iPhone and 10-watt charging for Android models that support it. It’s on sale for $11 right now, which is a few dollars off the list price.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$9 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Spigen Universal Adjustable Hand Wrist Strap Phone Lanyard Compatible with Apple Airpods Pro (2nd Generation) – Black
There are a number of inexpensive lanyards you can pick up for the AirPods Pro 2. This Spigen one is a little thicker than some on Amazon. Alternatives like the HiFan Lanyard ($7) should also work just fine for you but are designed a bit differently.
Amazon
$6 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Yinva Ear Hooks
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to make sure your AirPods don’t drop out of your ears, these clear-colored ear hooks can currently be had for $6. Of course, you do need to take them off to charge your AirPods Pro, but if you’re a biker who’s worried about losing a bud, this is certainly a cheap option to try.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$11 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Ultra Strong Magnetic Airpods Strap Anti-Lost Cord Sports Lanyard Compatible with Airpods 3rd / 2nd Generation / Pro / 1(Red)
I personally don’t like the idea of adding a wire to true-wireless earbuds, but plenty of people have asked me about “anti-lost” cords for AirPods over the years. There are several cheap versions available on Amazon but the Cobcobb is one of the better ones even though it costs a few bucks more at a little over $10. Some competing models come in packs with multiple cords in different colors. However, this is a single cord with built-in magnets that allows you to clasp your AirPods Pro together around your neck when not in use — just like the Beats Flex earbuds.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2.
David Carnoy/CNET
$50 at Catalystcase
I like Catalyst’s original Waterproof Case (see above — $30) but if you want something that delivers maximum protection, its newer Total Protection case certainly measures up to its title. If you happen to drop your AirPods in the ocean or a deep lake, the case is rated as waterproof down to 330 feet (100 meters). It’s also shock-proof.
Catalyst’s original Waterproof case has a rubberized finish, while this has a hard plastic finish. Both include a carabiner and this model literally clamps shut. Still, you can access your AirPods fairly quickly. The case is available in army green or black.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 (but covers speaker port and lanyard loop).
David Carnoy/CNET
$40 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Speck Presidio ClickFlip
Speck’s initial AirPods Pro cases, the Presidio Pro and Presidio Perfect-Clear, are decent but not anything special. However, the newer Presidio ClickFlip is more intriguing. It offers IPX5 water resistance, as well as dust resistance and is generally well-designed though a bit thicker than more minimalist AirPods Pro cases.
The Lightning port is covered by a gasket, but the port is still easy to access, and wireless charging works fine even though the case is thicker. Also, the carabiner seems securely attached to the case (with some silicone cases, the carabiner can end up getting torn off if you snag the case on something). The case has a kind of band that slides up and clicks into the lid, locking it down.
The ClickFlip is usually available in three color options, but the only one that’s currently in stock is the blue version.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 (but covers speaker port and lanyard loop).
Sarah Tew/CNET
$39 at Amazon$40 at WalmartGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Twelve South AirSnap Pro
Made of rugged leather and equipped with a snap closing system, as well a “loss-prevention” S-Clip, Twelve South’s AirSnap leather case is a slightly different take on an Apple AirPods Pro case. It’s available in several colors in leather, and depending on the color, prices range from $20 to $40. You can wirelessly charge your AirPods Pro with the leather case on.
Compatible with: AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 (but covers speaker port and lanyard loop).
The post Best AirPods Pro Accessories for 2023: Cases, Eartips, Wireless In first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.
]]>The post The 8 Best Wireless Car Chargers for 2023 first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.
]]>Wireless charging doesn’t mean there aren’t any wires involved — you’ll still need to connect the charger to your vehicle. But once it’s set up, all you need to do is pop your phone in when you want to juice up.
Note that each wireless charger in this buyer’s guide is compatible with any wireless charging-enabled mobile phone, whether it’s an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy, a Google Pixel or any other Qi-enabled phone (some magnetic mounts include stick-on metal plates for Android devices to make them adhere to the mount).
Keep reading to check out my picks for the best wireless chargers for cars. I’ll update this list as new wireless car chargers hit the market.
Read more: Best Car Phone Mounts for 2023
Amazon
$55 at Amazon$60 at Crutchfield$58 at Best BuyYou’re receiving price alerts for iOttie Auto Sense Wireless Car Charger
iOttie’s “autosense” automatic clamping wireless car charger with a phone mount is one of the best out there. While it’s fairly pricey, we’ve seen some nice discounts on it recently. The Auto Sense Automatic Clamping Qi Charging Car Phone Mount is available in a dashboard mount version or a CD and vent clip version. (I tried the dashboard wireless charging mount.) This wireless car charger mount has a nicely designed telescoping arm with a strong suction cup, and the wireless charging mount feature is compatible with most phone cases. You get 7.5-watt charging for an iPhone and 10-watt for Android phones, which is considered fast wireless charging.
This Qi wireless charger comes with a dual charging USB cigarette lighter adapter. My only gripe — and it’s a small one — is that the included cable is Micro-USB and not USB Type-C. Once this Qi charger is plugged into the wireless car charging mount you can basically forget about it, but if the cable accidentally becomes unplugged (which does happen), it’s easier to plug in a USB-C cable for phone charging, especially when you’re driving.
Amazon
$32 at AmazonYou’re receiving price alerts for Upgraded ZeeHoo Wireless Car Charger
If you don’t mind going with a no-name brand like ZeeHoo, its wireless car charger has most of the features you want for phone charging, including autoclamping and a secure suction cup that can be installed on your car’s air vent, windshield or dashboard. It has USB-C and up to 15-watt fast charging for Android phones that support it (iPhones are capped at 7.5-watt charging). This upgraded version has a sleeker design than the original (see below), and it costs about $20 less than the iOttie above. However, this wireless charger doesn’t come with a cigarette lighter adapter — only a USB-C cable.
This wireless car mount charger is one of the more popular generic wireless car chargers with an autosensing telescopic arm, and the original version I tried worked well overall, attaching securely to my car vent mount and giving my smartphone or QI enabled device a quick charge. I liked that the wireless car charger came with both a phone mount for my car’s air-vent mount (if you want just the air-vent mount, there is an air-vent only version that costs $30).
Note that to get fast charging, you will need a power adapter that supports it (not included).
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$57 at Amazon$60 at CrutchfieldGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Belkin Magnetic Wireless Car Charger – MagSafe Compatible Car Mount Wireless Charger – Air Vent Mount With Included Power Supply for iPhone 14, iPhone 13 & iPhone 12 – Car Magnetic Phone Mount Charger
Belkin makes a MagSafe car-vent mount that costs around $40 as well as the BoostCharge Pro ($100, see below), which is Apple-certified and wirelessly charges iPhones at up to 15 watts. And while this model — the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger — only charges iPhones at up to 10 watts, it’s more affordable at around $60. Its USB-C cable is removable (it’s integrated on BoostCharge Pro) and you get a 20-watt cigarette-lighter power adapter. I personally like a car power adapter with two USB-C ports so a passenger can plug in a cable and also charge his or her phone, but you can always opt to add that later.
iOttie
$50 at Amazon$50 at Walmart$50 at TargetYou’re receiving price alerts for iOttie Velox magnetic wireless charging car mount
iOttie offers this MagSafe-compatible wireless car charger with a car vent mount. It has a strong magnet, so your iPhone stays on the mount, and it also has an integrated USB-C cable and cigarette-lighter power adapter so you’re ready to start charging out of the box. Note that iPhone “fast” charging caps out at 7.5 watts.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$60 at Amazon$60 at Target$60 at Best BuyYou’re receiving price alerts for Scosche MPQ5DV-XTSP MagicMount Pro Charge5 15W Wireless Charging Dashboard / Vent Magnetic Phone Mount for Car. Updated for MagSafe iPhone 12/13/14 Pro/Pro Max, Plus, Mini along with Galaxy and more
Scosche’s MagicMount Pro Charge is designed for both MagSafe-enabled iPhones but can also be used with Android devices if you stick the included MagicPlate on the back of your phone or case (it’s a metal plate that sticks to the mount’s magnet).
You have the option to buy the mount in a variety of styles, including air-vent and dashboard versions as well as one with a telescoping arm. A 20-watt car power adapter is included and the Qi wireless charger offers up to 15 watts charging speeds with certain Android devices (it drops down to 7.5 watts for iPhones).
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$100 at Amazon$100 at CrutchfieldGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Belkin BoostCharge™ Pro Wireless Car Charger with MagSafe 15W Extra Strong Magnetic Vent Mount for iPhone 12, 13, 14
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Wireless Car Charger with MagSafe is one of the few official Apple-certified MagSafe wireless car chargers, which means it can charge iPhones at the top wireless charging speed of 15 watts (most wireless car chargers only charge iPhone at up to 7.5 watts). The mount swivels, so you can view your phone in landscape or portrait mode, and a 20-watt car power adapter is included.
This is a vent mount and it stays in place pretty well and has a strong magnet. That said, it’s got a bit of heft to it and I have had it come off the car vent when I hit a bump in the road (not a small bump but a bigger one). It’s also pricey. But if you really want that fast 15-watt charging for your MagSafe-enabled iPhone, this is the wireless charger to get.
Amazon
$30 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Spigen Mag Fit Phone Holder Car Mount
If you’ve already got Apple’s MagSafe wireless charging puck, this Spigen mounting accessory is a good option for bringing it into your car. As I said, the MagSafe wireless charger isn’t included. Nor is a USB-C cigarette lighter adapter. But at $30, this is a fairly affordable magnetic mounting accessory.
Note: Just make sure to get the right cigarette lighter adapter with it to get the maximum 15-watt charging speed. Also, since this relies on the magnets from the wireless charging puck for your phone to stick to it (MagSafe case required if you are using a case) this isn’t recommended for the larger iPhone 14 Pro Max as it’s more likely to slip off the mount — especially if you hit a bump — because of its weight.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
$69 at Walmart$53 at Amazon$70 at CrutchfieldYou’re receiving price alerts for Scosche MGQVP-XTET MagicGrip FreeFlow Autogrip Wireless Charging Vent Phone Mount for Car in Black
The Scosche MagicGrip FreeFlow Autogrip has two key features: an auto-sense arm that opens automatically when you place your phone in front of the mount (and closes around your phone when you place it on the mount), plus an articulating swing-arm that offers flexible viewing options for your device, including landscape and portrait modes.
This wireless car charger offers up to 10-watt charging speeds for Android devices and 7.5-watt for iPhones. A 12-volt power adapter is included.
Aukey
$17 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Ainope Mini Fast USB Car Charger
OK, so this isn’t a wireless charger, but a lot of the wireless car chargers on this list don’t include a cigarette-lighter power adapter, so I thought I’d throw this on the list at the end. I originally had an Aukey power adapter on this list, but it’s out of stock and this low-profile Ainope mini fast USB Car Charger offers even faster charging (up 24 watts) and costs less. It has both a USB-C and USB-A port so you can charge two devices at the same time, but to get 15-watt wireless charging you’re going to be better off charging one device.
Note that to get the fastest wired charging for iPhones, you’ll need to use a USB-C-to-Lightning cable. That cable is not included.
The post The 8 Best Wireless Car Chargers for 2023 first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.
]]>The post Best Multipoint Bluetooth Headphones and Earbuds for 2022 first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.
]]>With the headphone jack now being part of the feature list that’s specific to select devices, Bluetooth headphones have become even more prevalent in recent years. However, the key feature of great Bluetooth headphones is the ability to connect the cans to two devices at the same time. The capacity for connections to multiple devices simultaneously allows people to do things like play video games, watch movies or perform other tasks, while also monitoring their phone in case an urgent call comes in — or maybe they just want to listen to music while engaged in another activity. That’s where multipoint Bluetooth earbuds come in.
Multipoint Bluetooth pairing shouldn’t be confused with multiconnection Bluetooth, which allows you to pair several devices (often up to seven or eight) to your headphones and have the headphones remember the device for easy repairing. However, without true multipoint Bluetooth pairing, a given pair of headphones can only be actively paired to one device at a time — you have to manually switch over to another device if you want to access that as the audio source.
Apple and Samsung offer a variation of multipoint Bluetooth pairing called “automatic switching,” which only works for their respective devices. For instance, you can have your AirPods Pro connected to your iPhone and Mac simultaneously (and an iPad) but a non-Apple device can’t be in the mix for simultaneous pairing. Samsung’s various Galaxy Buds have a similar arrangement with Galaxy smartphones and tablets.
In the past, business-focused headphones — some of which featured integrated boom microphones — offered advanced multipoint Bluetooth pairing. But the feature has gradually come to more consumer headphones, which are what we’re focusing on here. (We also have a list of best headphones for WFH that includes some of the more business-class headsets with boom mics and USB dongles for reliable wireless PC connectivity.) Unfortunately, multipoint Bluetooth pairing isn’t easy to implement at all, let alone implement reliably, particularly with true-wireless earbuds.
“Up until recently, Bluetooth chips supported a maximum of two simultaneous connections,” explains Jonathan Levine, CEO and founder of Master & Dynamic. “This makes multipoint easy for headphones, where a wire connects both ear cups. However, for a true wireless product, one of the two connections gets consumed by the other earphone — leaving only one available connection to an audio source. Cutting-edge connectivity protocols have allowed true wireless products to connect much more seamlessly and bypass the maximum limit of two connections.”
Still, some companies like Master & Dynamic and Jabra, which have been early adopters of the latest Qualcomm SoCs (systems on a chip), added multipoint — and sometimes other features — via a firmware upgrade long after their new earbuds have launched. The Jabra Elite 7 Pro has finally been upgraded with multipoint Bluetooth and Master & Dynamic’s MW08 and MW08 Sport should get the feature soon. Both companies use Qualcomm chips.
That said, enough headphones now support multipoint that we’ve pulled our favorites together here. Note that this list does not include the aforementioned Apple and Samsung headphones, as their respective automatic switching only works within their own branded ecosystem.
David Carnoy/CNET
The QuietComfort 45 has virtually the same design as its predecessor, the QuietComfort QC35 II, which many people considered one of the most comfortable over-ear headphones — if not the most comfortable. It has the same drivers, according to Bose, and the buttons are in the same place. However, there are small but notable changes. First off, these thankfully have USB-C instead of micro-USB.
Secondly, the microphone configuration is different. Not only have the mics been shifted on the headphones, but there’s now an extra external microphone for voice pick-up, which means the QC45 has a total of six microphones, four of which are beamforming and used for voice. By contrast, the QC35 II has a total of four, two of which are used for voice. (The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 also have six microphones total.)
These headphones are excellent for making calls. They’re similar to the Bose Headphones 700 in that regard. They also include top-notch noise canceling and multipoint Bluetooth pairing, so you can connect them with a PC and your phone simultaneously. Read our full review of the QuietComfort 45.
$329 at Bose$330 at TargetGet Price Alerts$329 at AmazonYou’re receiving price alerts for Bose QuietComfort 45
David Carnoy/CNET
When Sony released the WH-1000XM4 in 2020, it highlighted a couple of key improvements beyond slightly better sound and noise cancellation. The headphone not only offers better voice-calling performance but it adds multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect to two devices — such as your phone and PC — at the same time. That means that if a call comes in while you’re using the headphones with your computer the audio will switch to your phone when you answer the call.
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 probably still have a slight edge for voice calls, but the 1000XM4 is arguably a tad more comfortable and also has some other slight improvements to its noise canceling and sound that makes it a great all-around choice for working from home.
$305 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Panasonic’s Technics EAH-AZ60 buds don’t have quite as premium a feel as the earlier EAH-AZ70W, but they sound sweet with clean, well-balanced sound, well-defined bass and good detail. They feature active noise canceling (it’s good), a transparency mode, multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect to your computer and phone at the same time and it has very solid voice-calling performance with good noise reduction. The buds are IPX4 splash-proof and are rated for up to 7 hours of battery life on a single charge at moderate volume levels.
They’re missing a couple of features usually found at this price point: Namely, an ear-detection sensor that automatically pauses your music when you pull the earbuds out of your ears, and wireless charging (the former feature is more important). The step-down EAH-AZ40 also sound good but the EAH-AZ60 not only have larger drivers (8mm compared to 6mm), but they support Sony’s LDAC audio codec and have two additional microphones for voice calling and noise canceling (the EAH-AZ40 doesn’t have noise canceling).
$198 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
The No. 5909 are premium audio brand Mark Levinson’s first headphones. Yes, they’re expensive at $999 and probably a wee bit overpriced, but they’re excellent. They have a sturdy design without managing to feel hefty on your head (read: they’re substantial, but not heavy) and they’re comfortable to wear over long periods thanks to their nicely padded (and replaceable) leather-covered earcups and headband.
Not only do they have good noise canceling and excellent sound, but their voice-calling performance is top-notch, making them one of the best noise canceling headphones options on the market. Plus, they have multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can pair them with two devices, such as a computer and a phone, simultaneously.
The No. 5909 are high-res certified with support for Sony’s LDAC and Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codecs that allow for near-lossless streaming over Bluetooth. Apple’s iPhones and iPads don’t support those codecs while certain Android devices do. Using the No. 5909 headphones over Bluetooth on my iPhone 13 Pro, it sounded a tad more natural and refined than the AirPods Max (the No. 5909 had a touch more “pure” and accurate sound).
I did notice a difference when I paired the No. 5909 to my Google Pixel 4 XL, which has support for LDAC, and using the Qobuz audio streaming service that offers high-res streaming. Overall, the sound had a little more depth and texture, and there’s a touch more sparkle, definition and openness.
Read our Mark Levinson No. 5909 review.
$999 at Music Direct
David Carnoy/CNET
I was a fan of Creative’s original Sound Blaster Jam headphones that came out in 2015 and had a decidedly retro look and feel, with good sound for the money. Now they’re available in a 2.0 version that has some key upgrades, including Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C charging, improved call quality and multipoint Bluetooth pairing that allows you to pair it to two devices simultaneously. Battery life is rated at up to 22 hours.
I was able to pair this wireless headphone set with a Mac Mini and an iPhone 12 Pro and then switch audio between them. Often when pairing Bluetooth headphones with Mac and Windows PCs, one can encounter some issues, but once I got the headphones paired with both my PC and phone, they made a good pair of work-from-home headphones. Also, the price is right for parents looking for a decent set of kids’ headphones for remote learning and everyday use.
Comfortable for on-ear headphones, the Jam V2s are lightweight and have nicely balanced sound with good detail and bass that’s ample but not overpowering. Call quality was good in my tests with callers saying they could hear me well even on the noisy streets of New York. No carry pouch is included, but you do get an extra set of foam ear pads, which is good, because they will wear out over time.
The headphones have physical buttons for controlling volume and playback, and there’s aptX support for devices that support the wireless streaming codec.
$35 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Anker makes several earbuds that cost less than $100. But its Soundcore Liberty Pro is its “high-end” model that features premium sound, as well as support for Sony’s LDAC audio codec with compatible devices (mostly Android phones).
Available in four colors, the third-gen Liberty 3 Pro buds have updated dual drivers and are about 30% smaller than their predecessor. They fit my ears significantly better than the Liberty 2 Pro earbuds, which I didn’t love as much as some people. This new version is improved and a good value compared to other so-called premium buds.
The Liberty 3 Pro deliver a solid noise-canceling experience (they also have three different transparency modes) and feature Anker’s HearID ANC that “analyzes your ears and level of in-ear pressure to create a tailored profile that optimizes noise reduction and reduces external sound to suit your ears.”
The earbuds also perform well — though not exceptionally — as a headset for making calls and feature multipoint Bluetooth pairing. They’re IPX4 splash-proof and deliver up to 6 hours of battery life with noise canceling on and up to 8 hours with it off. The case charges wirelessly, and I liked how the tips of the buds are illuminated by a pair of LEDs on the inside of the case when the buds are charging.
Jabra
Released in mid-2020, the Jabra Elite 45h were essentially billed as the best on-ear headphones for the money. While there’s nothing fancy about them, they’re among the best value on-ear headphones right now, with good sound quality, a sturdy design and comfortable fit — for on-ear headphones, anyway. They perform well as a headset for making calls too, and include a sidetone feature that allows you to hear your voice so you don’t talk too loudly. Battery life is also good and it has multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect to your computer and your phone at the same time, and easily switch between the two should a call come in on your phone. It mostly works.
Note that the $274 Evolve2 65, which has an integrated boom microphone, is essentially the souped-up office version of these headphones.
$94 at Amazon$100 at LenovoGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Jabra Elite 45h
Amazon
As far as sound, comfort level and build quality, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than Anker’s SoundCore Life Q30 for the money. It doesn’t quite have the clarity or bass definition as some of the top premium models, but it’s less than a third of the price and gets you about 75% of the way there in terms of sound (it’s well balanced overall with punchy bass and there’s an app that allows you to tweak the sound). Noise canceling is good for the price, though not up to the level of the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. Battery life is rated at an impressive 40 hours with USB-C charging.
The only area where the Q30 falls a little short is for voice calls. It picks up your voice fine in quieter environments but it just doesn’t reduce background noise all that well. However, it does offer multipoint Bluetooth pairing and is a solid value overall.
$80 at Walmart$60 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Anker Soundcore Life Q30 (Black)
Jabra
Coming in at 16% smaller than the Elite 75t, the Elite 7 Pro are Jabra’s top-of-the-line earbuds in its new range and include the company’s new MultiSensor Voice technology with a bone-conduction sensor, four microphones and intelligent algorithms to deliver new “ground-breaking call quality,” Jabra says. The voice calling performance doesn’t quite live up to the hype, but Jabra has updated the buds’ firmware and added multipoint Bluetooth pairing and other small improvements.
These have adjustable active noise cancellation, Jabra’s HearThrough transparency mode and Bluetooth 5.2. They offer up to nine hours’ play time at moderate volume levels with noise canceling on, and nearly three additional charges in the charging case — total battery life is rated at 35 hours. The charging case has wireless charging capabilities.
The earbuds’ IP57 rating means they are dust-resistant and fully waterproof (they can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water). For those who like to use only a single bud, you can also use either bud independently in a mono mode.
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Shokz
AfterShokz has changed its name to Shokz and released new ninth-gen bone-conduction headphones that offer improved bass performance compared to the company’s earlier flagship model, the Aeropex (now called the Shokz OpenRun). That makes the OpenRun Pro the best bone-conduction headphones you can get right now, although they still can’t match the sound quality of traditional headphones.
Bone-conduction wireless headphones don’t go on your ears — they actually deliver sound through your cheekbones. The big benefit of this technology as a safety feature for running is that, thanks to its open design, you can hear what’s going on around you — traffic noise in particular — while listening to music or having a phone conversation (yes, they perform well for voice calls). Also, some race coordinators don’t allow runners to wear anything in their ears, which is where headphones like this come in handy.
They do offer fuller sound with more bass, but it’s an incremental improvement, not a huge leap forward. Like other bone-conduction headphones these are strongest in the midrange where voices live so they’re best for podcasts, talk radio, newscasts and audiobooks. They’re also good for making calls and, like other Shokz models, have multipoint Bluetooth pairing.
Shokz also makes other more affordable models as well. The OpenComm, which integrates a boom microphone, also has multipoint Bluetooth pairing.
$180 at Amazon
Dec 2020
While Jabra’s Elite 75t series has been out a while, they’re still one of the better true wireless earbuds out there and have added noise canceling via a firmware upgrade. Earlier firmware updates improved voice-calling performance. These buds were also among the first to offer multipoint Bluetooth pairing and use different wireless technology from Jabra’s latest buds.
The Elite 75t isn’t quite as comfortable to wear as the AirPods Pro, but they arguably sound a touch better, with clearer overall sound and slightly better bass definition, so long as you get a tight seal. (The step-up 85t have more powerful bass.)
With the arrival of Jabra’s new line of wireless earbuds that includes the Elite 3, Elite 4, Elite 7 Active and Elite 7 Pro, we’re seeing nice discounts on the Elite 75t. Even though it’s an older model, it remains a good value at around $100 and sometimes costs less. Alas, Jabra’s latest buds, while good, don’t offer any major improvements.
Read our Jabra Elite 75t review.
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David Carnoy/CNET
With the arrival of Jabra’s Elite 7 Active and Elite 7 Pro earbuds, the once top-of-the-line Elite 85t are no longer Jabra’s best buds. But they were released after the Elite 75t — they’re bigger and have more powerful noise canceling — and should stick around for a while.
The Elite 85t include a wireless charging case (it’s a $20 upgrade for the Elite 75t), larger 12mm drivers for improved sound and six-microphone technology — three on each ear, two on the outside, one on the inside — for improved voice calling with better noise reduction (four of the microphone are used for active noise canceling).
Like the Elite 75t (and new Elite 7 Active and Elite 7 Pro), these earbuds feature multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can pair them with your phone and computer at the same time (and take calls with your phone when they come in). They’re IPX4 splash-resistant and deliver 5.5 hours of battery life with noise canceling on and 7 hours with it off.
Read our Jabra Elite 85t review.
$180 at Target$158 at AmazonGet Price Alerts$180 at Best BuyYou’re receiving price alerts for Jabra Elite 85t
Microsoft
Microsoft’s over-ear noise-canceling Surface Headphones 2 were released in 2020 and the biggest change from their predecessor is the price: The original Surface Headphones launched at $350, while the Headphones 2 cost $250. Like the original, there’s a lot to like about this second-gen model. While they’ve lost their hands-free Cortana voice-control feature (a change no one will lament) and the sound quality hasn’t improved (it’s decent but not stellar), the combination of some small design tweaks, better battery life, upgraded Bluetooth and the new lower price help bump their rating up and make them more recommendable.
Their multipoint Bluetooth pairing capability allows you to pair them with two devices at the same time and since they’re Microsoft headphones, they are designed to be paired with Windows PCs, including the company’s Surface models. These also work well for making voice calls on your phone.
Read our Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 review.
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]]>With the release of the new iPhone 14, the iPhone 13 series is no longer the latest and greatest in Apple’s flagship lineup. But not everyone is looking to upgrade their phone every time a new model is released. If your iPhone 13 is still working fine, and you’d like to keep it that way, you should make sure it’s protected with a good quality case. There are plenty of cases for every iPhone 13 model, so even if you’re on the hunt for an iPhone 13 Pro case, or something to protect your pricey 13 Pro Max, you’ll find plenty of options for every budget. Just be sure that you’re getting an iPhone 13-specific case, as the new iPhone 14 has slightly different dimensions, and the cases are not interchangeable.
Read more: Best MagSafe and Magnetic Chargers for iPhone 13
Each new phone requires its own particular iPhone 13 case, so you need to make sure you’re getting the correct one to fit your specific iPhone 13 model, from the smallish iPhone 13 Mini to the enormous 13 Pro Max.
Most of these iPhone 13 case reviews are based on the positive experiences I’ve had with the same brands on the iPhone 12 series (and previous models). I’ll be updating this list of the best iPhone 13 cases with new options as they arrive. I tried to include a variety of phone case styles from slimmer to more protective iPhone 13 case models, as well as ones that offer full-screen protection and nifty features like a built-in kickstand or wallet.
Read more: Best iPhone 14 Cases So Far
David Carnoy/CNET
Speck brought many of its iPhone 12 case designs to the iPhone 13, including such popular transparent models as the Presidio Perfect-Clear and Perfect-Clear with Grips, and the Presidio2 Pro (the pink one above). Speck’s grip case with built-in MagSafe cost $10 more. (I’m partial to MagSafe cases because they give you the option to attach a MagSafe accessory directly to the case, not your phone.)
All the new models have good drop protection (13 to 16 feet, depending on the model) as well as Speck’s Microban antimicrobial protection. No matter which model you choose, Speck often gives a discount for first-time buyers.
If you are looking for a more inexpensive Speck case, I did notice its Gemshell translucent cases for iPhone 13 selling for around $20 on Amazon. I like the ombre version. However, these aren’t equipped with MagSafe.
See at AmazonSee at Speck
David Carnoy/CNET
Cyrill is a sister brand to Spigen and its cases are arguably slightly more stylish, although they cost a few bucks more. We’re linking to the Leather Brick case, pictured here in cream (it’s faux “vegan” leather), but the $17 Silicone case (pictured in teal) and transparent $17 Cecile cases are also good. The Silicone case is basically a knockoff of Apple’s Silicone case without the MagSafe feature.
$17 at Amazon
Amazon
MagSafe cases can get pretty pricey, but if you’re looking for a inexpensive clear MagSafe case for your new iPhone 13 series phone, Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid Mag is a good value at around $20. Spigen also sells a non-Mag version of this case for about $5 less and has several other iPhone 13 case options. I also tried the Spigen Mag Armor case but found that accessories stick better to the Ultra Hybrid Mag.
No drop rating is listed for the case, but Spigen’s transparent cases feel like they offer reasonable protection. If you want a tough case with stronger protection, the Spigen Tough Armor case, which includes a kickstand, is an option for $17, but I personally prefer Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid cases (the Ultra Hybrid S also has an integrated kickstand).
Note that a lot of these cheaper clear cases have a habit of turning yellow and degrading over time (and becoming less translucent), but they’re cheap enough that you probably won’t mind shelling out for a replacement case for your Apple iPhone if that happens.
$20 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
This is a pretty cool option for those looking for a MagSafe case, plus a MagSafe wallet that converts into a stand. You can enjoy a nice case and really good MagSafe wallet/stand accessory that stores up to three credit cards.
$60 at Moft$30 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
OtterBox made a name for itself with its super protective Defender series case, but most people want something less bulky these days. The Symmetry series is slim with beveled edges, making it a good mix of sleek and protective. A raised bumper helps act as a screen protector.
Multiple color options are available, including clear, and I’m a fan of the new Symmetry Plus Clear for MagSafe (pictured in the middle in red). The Symmetry Plus Pop case, pictured on the left, integrates a PopSockets PopGrip and is wireless charging-compatible, which is important. The Symmetry Series Plus case on the right (in pink) is available in various colors and also has a MagSafe version for $10 more. OtterBox offers a discount for first-time buyers on its site.
OtterBox’s Commuter case offers raised bezel protection, is also pretty slim and has grips on the back. I’m a fan of that model, which also comes in a version with MagSafe for $10 more.
See at AmazonSee at Otterbox
David Carnoy/CNET
Snakehive’s Metro Leather case kind of has everything you’d want in an iPhone 13 case: An eye-catching look, nice grip and an integrated kickstand. It’s also MagSafe compatible, so you can use it with any MagSafe accessory. It seems pretty protective but I wish the corners were more raised, allowing for better screen protection in the event of a fall. Nevertheless, it’s a nice case that comes in four colors.
$35 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
I’ve always been a fan of Moshi’s iPhone cases and all its top cases are available for all the iPhone 13 models. The Altra (left — $45), available in three color options, is the most distinct-looking and has a geometric rubber finish that makes your phone nice and grippy. It also includes a lanyard (the little loop that the lanyard clips onto can be removed when you’re not using the lanyard).
The Overture (middle — $50), is a two-in-one folio wallet case that converts into a stand for video watching. You fit your iPhone into a slim shell case that then magnetically adheres to the cover, which has slots for storing credit cards and cash. It’s one of the nicer folio cases available. It’s available in black or pink.
I also like the IGlaze (right — $40), which sort of mimics the glass back of the iPhone while protecting the real glass back. It comes in five colors. The iGlaze XT (not pictured — $30) is a clear case.
One feature that’s missing is MagSafe compatibility. The iGlaze uses Moshi’s SnapTo mounting system (a car and wall mount are sold separately).
All Moshi cases are eligible for its 10-year Global Warranty program.
$40 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Moshi iPhone Cases
David Carnoy/CNET
I’ve received many case samples and this is currently one of my favorites. OtterBox owns LifeProof and you can certainly see (excuse the pun) the influence on LifeProof’s See MagSafe case, which arguably has a slightly cleaner look and better lines than OtterBox’s Symmetry Series cases.
This case is also available in a clear version without MagSafe for $10 less, but this case is the better choice if you’re at all interested in MagSafe. It comes in a few different color options (the model shown here is listed as purple/pink but it reads more as burgundy) and is designed to withstand drops up to 6.6 feet.
LifeProof’s other cases — the Next, Fre and eco-friendly Wake — return for the iPhone 13, and while they’re certainly good and also have MagSafe (except for the Wake), I think the See is probably the best of the bunch for everyday use. They all feature the same 6.6-foot drop protection, though the flagship Fre and Next offer better dust- and water-resistance than the See.
LifeProof, like several other case-makers, has become more green in recent years. The Wave is made with 85% ocean-based recycled plastic, while LifeProof’s other cases are made with 45-50% recycled plastic.
See at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
These Caseology cases aren’t equipped with MagSafe but they’re nice cases for their modest price. I particularly like the NanoPop (the green case in the middle), which looks and feels like an Apple Silicone case, with a soft-to-the-touch finish, but costs a lot less. It costs $15-$17, depending on the color.
The Parallax ($15-$17) is on the left and the Skyfall ($14-$16) has a transparent back. The Vault (not pictured) is the cheapest at $13.
$15 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Nomad’s line of nice Horween leather cases comes to the iPhone 13. Like previous Nomad models, they’re designed to develop a “rugged” patina as the oils from your skin interact with them over time. The new Modern Leather Case is available in black, brown and a lighter natural color that I like. They’re rated for 10-foot (3-meter) drop protection and equipped with MagSafe. Meanwhile, the Modern Leather Folio goes for $80.
There’s also a more affordable Sport version for $40 that’s equipped with MagSafe as well (it’s not a leather case, however, but does look pretty slick).
$70 at Nomad$60 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
OtterBox’s Aneu Series cases were among my favorites for the iPhone 12, and the company has redesigned the Aneu as an iPhone 13 case. It now has an exposed ring on the back to better highlight that it is a MagSafe case (the previous version had MagSafe but it was hidden).
A top MagSafe case, the Aneu is fairly slim yet feels durable and solid. It also has a slight grip to it with raised screen bumpers to help keep your screen from cracking when falling face down. I personally like the case in dark blue (pictured) and red (not pictured).
$50 at Otterbox
David Carnoy/CNET
Raptic’s iPhone cases come in a variety of styles and cost a little less than competing premium cases from Speck and OtterBox. The Raptic Air (left), which I personally like best, is $30. So is the thicker Raptic Shield (middle). The Terrain is a little more at $40, but it’s the only one of these three that is fully made in America and biodegradable.
$30 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Casetify is known for its eye-catching designs on the back of a clear case. They’re relatively slim, sleek-looking cases that offer decent protection and come in a variety of design patterns, with some definite appeal to teenagers. Some of the designs are hit-or-miss, but I liked the samples I got. I should note that prices appear to have gone up: Casetify cases now start at $55.
See at CasetifySee at Amazon
Rokform
Rokform’s been making tough iPhone cases for years and aside from their durability, their key feature is the ability to use them with various mounts — including bike and motorcycle mounts — that are sold separately. I personally prefer the Crystal series but the Rugged case is slightly more, well, rugged. The new iPhone 13 cases are also MagSafe, so they cost $10 more than the iPhone 12 models.
Rokform’s iPhone 13 cases have removable magnets and they’re compatible with wireless charging if you remove the included center magnet. “With the lower magnet still intact, you can still wireless-charge while utilizing magnetic mounting and all of our mounts,” Rokform says.
See at Rokform$60 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
British case-maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes cases that are right up there with OtterBox and Speck, all of them lined with the company’s D3O shock-absorbing material and featuring beveled edges to protect your phone. I’ve tried the new Brooklyn Snap (left) and Santa Cruz Snap (right), both of which are MagSafe-equipped and rated for 13-foot drop protection. However, several other case styles are available, most of them with eye-catching designs.
$50 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Gear4 Cases
David Carnoy/CNET
Tech21 has a range of iPhone 13 cases, including its ultra-protective Evo Max (left), which is rated for 20-foot drops and has a slide cover to protect the iPhone 13’s back cameras along with a holster you can clip to your belt. Tech21 is also making a few different models in its new Evo Art line (right). The popular Evo Check returns, and the Evo Clear is equipped with MagSafe.
$22 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Smartish’s affordable, simple, slim cases and wallet cases return for the iPhone 13. The Wallet Slayer 2.0 case (pictured on right) comes in a variety of designs. It holds three credit cards plus cash, and you can use one of your credit cards as a kickstand.
Smartish also sells a MagSafe case called the Gripmunk (pictured left in purple). It’s one of the most affordable MagSafe cases and is easy to grip, as its name implies. There’s also a simple translucent version of the Gripmunk without MagSafe, and it’s actually pretty nice.
$19 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Like Lifeproof, Catalyst made a name for itself with waterproof cases, but it now focuses on standard protective case options and has two new models for the iPhone 13: the Vibe (left) and the Influence (right), which has a see-through frosted back. Both iPhone 13 cases have perforations on the corners that allow you to attach various accessories (sold separately), such as lanyards and carabiners. Both have 10-foot drop protection.
$40 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
UK-based Torro makes some nice leather-clad iPhone 13 cases that aren’t too expensive (a leather case typically tends to cost over $50). The Torro Leather Bumper ($38) is a pretty straightforward bumper case with a leather back while the Wallet Case ($38) is a bit swankier overall, has a magnetic clasp and multiple card slots and converts into a stand for video viewing. It’s one of the better folio wallet cases you’ll find for the money. Both leather case options are available in multiple colors.
Note that the cases pictured here are for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, but the iPhone 13 cases look almost identical.
$38 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Incipio returns with an assortment of new iPhone 13 cases, including the Grip and Grip with Magsafe (pictured left), sturdy Duo and Duo with MagSafe (pictured right) with 12-foot drop protection, and the Organicore, an eco case that’s 100% compostable that’s now available with a translucent back for the first time. Also, the new Design Series is worth checking out.
All are available in multiple color options.
See at IncipioSee at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Element’s Black Ops iPhone 13 cases are really expensive but they certainly are unique. The $250 Black Ops X4 is available for the iPhone 13, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max and has a retractable kickstand and removable “magazine” for storing credit credits and cash. When you remove the magazine, it exposes the back of your phone so you can wirelessly charge your iPhone with an Apple MagSafe Charger or another small magnetic wireless charging puck.
Like previous Element Black Ops cases, this one features precision CNC machining MIL-SPEC armored protection. If you can’t afford this Element case, the company makes the more affordable Special Ops case ($39), a nice polycarbonate MagSafe case that offers good drop protection.
$221 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Case-Mate makes a variety of color cases, some of which have glitter integrated into their translucent designs. I only got a look at the “Cute as a Dumpling” and twinkle ombre cases, but there are plenty of cooler designs and some offer MagSafe options for $10 more.
The Case-Mate site offers a discount on your first order.
See at Case-MateSee at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
I personally wouldn’t stick this case on my phone because I like to use a case that truly protects it. However, if you’re someone who doesn’t like thick iPhone 13 cases or just wants minimal protection, Totallee makes a case that’s very close to paper thin.
The case costs $39, which seems like a lot considering how thin it is, but it is eco-friendly (it’s compostable) and does have a raised “lip” around the camera that prevents damage to the camera lens, Totallee says.
Totallee also makes a very slim clear TPU case (pictured left) that offers a little more protection for the same price. I like that one better, but it is slightly thicker.
$39 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Incipio also makes cases under the Coach brand and they manage to live up to the quality you might expect. They aren’t cheap, but they also aren’t outrageously expensive.
The Leather Folio wallet case looks and feels fairly luxurious, and it also comes in a version with Coach’s “signature canvas” (center). The Slim Wrap leather case (left) also looks pretty swank and feels sturdy. You can also get standard polypropylene Coach iPhone 13 cases.
$55 at Incipio
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I wasn’t a fan of earlier Pelican cases, which were very protective but just a little too bulky (and ugly), but in the last few years (starting with the iPhone 11), the company (which is now owned by Case-Mate) added slimmer designs — including the Protector, which is now a MagSafe case.
See at Amazon
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Griffin’s Survivor cases once shared some similarities with OtterBox’s Defender cases. They were tough but bulky. The new Survivor iPhone 13 cases are slimmed down but retain a good portion of their tough identity, with some models, like the Survivor Endurance for MagSafe (pictured left), featuring 14-foot drop protection and a raised-edge bezel for both the screen and camera cutout. It also has a nice grip to it.
If you want something even more protective, there’s the All-Terrain Earth case — rated for 20-foot drop protection.
The Endurance for MagSafe comes in three colors for $55. Those looking for a more affordable option can take a look at the $35 Survivor Strong (pictured right) or the $25 Survivor Clear. Neither of those cases features MagSafe.
$55 at GriffinSee at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
KerfCase has been making handmade wooden cases for a while, and its new Plywood iPhone 13 case is not only more durable but less expensive, starting at $50 with 6-foot drop protection and a limited lifetime repair warranty. I like it better than other wood cases I’ve tried. It’s also worth noting that Apple’s MagSafe charger will stick to the back of it (it is equipped with MagSafe), and KerfCase sells a matching charging dock for the Apple MagSafe charger along with a magnetic wireless charging stand that’s pretty sweet.
$50 at KerfCase
David Carnoy/CNET
Mous makes several iPhone 13 cases that have eye-catching designs, all lined with the AiroShock material that the company says delivers excellent protection in a slim design. They do seem durable and all include a lifetime warranty.
Its new MagSafe-enabled Limitless 4.0 cases are compatible with MagSafe accessory and charger options, including Mous’ own MagSafe accessories.
Earlier Mous cases had a SIM card storage slot on the inside of the smartphone case for international travelers in the habit of swapping SIM cards. However, these don’t.
$60 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
If you’re looking for a case that comes with a connectable cord and can be worn as a neck strap or as a crossbody strap, the Bitplay Wander is worth checking out. It also comes in clear or a smoke color and Bitplay makes other accessories for it. The Wander offers good drop protection and it’s easy to get the strap on and off the case thanks to the velcro at the end (yes, the strap stays on the case securely).
$38 at Bitplay
I personally like cases that aren’t too thick but offer decent drop protection, with a lip over the edge of the screen (sometimes referred to as a “screen bumper”) and raised corners that help prevent your screen from cracking if your phone should fall face down. A folio case will more fully protect your screen.
The good news is that you don’t have to buy a super protective iPhone 13 case like the OtterBox Defender to get good protection. Most cases are reasonably thin and still offer at least 6-foot drop protection. I did include one very thin case on this list for those who prefer minimal protection. Before you go with a case like that, just remember how much your phone costs — but it is better than having no case at all. Make sure you get a sound tempered glass screen protector for your iPhone 13 model to prevent deep scratches and safeguard the screen.
All the iPhone 13 models are equipped with Apple’s MagSafe feature, which offers faster wireless charging with compatible chargers. It also supports optional accessories — including Magsafe wallet, mini wallets and various mounts — that adhere magnetically to the back of your phone. Like the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 has “an array of magnets” (Apple says they’re recycled) embedded around a charging coil that can pull up to 15 watts of power.
However, if you want to use those MagSafe accessories without taking your phone out of its case, you need a phone case that’s equipped with MagSafe support. The MagSafe symbol is a circle with a short pipe below it. You can see it on clear cases, but it’s embedded on the inside of the case so if it’s nontransparent, you’ll only see it from the inside.
If you already have a MagSafe accessory — or plan on buying MagSafe accessories in the future — you’ll want to get a MagSafe compatible case; it’s a good option to have. With that in mind, the majority of the cases in this roundup are equipped with MagSafe.
In general, yes — about $10 more. There are some more affordable MagSafe cases that cost around $20, but most cost upwards of $30. We see cases from certain companies that are essentially the same, but one has MagSafe and the other doesn’t. The MagSafe version usually sells for $10 more. It may seem like a little too much to pay for something that doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade, but in time MagSafe compatibility may command less of a “tax.”
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]]>The post Best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Cases first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.
]]>The latest model in Samsung’s popular Z Flip lineup, the Z Flip 4, officially hit shelves last month. But if you’re still holding onto your previous-gen Galaxy Z Flip 3 while you wait for that $1,000 starting price to come down, you’ll want to make sure it’s got some protection while you’re out in the world. Because of the Z Flip 3’s unusual folding design, not just any case will do. To help you find one that’s fits your style and your budget, we’ve rounded up some of the best Z Flip 3 case options on the market right now so you can get serious protection at a good value.
Unlike the best cases for Apple’s iPhone 14 or even the Galaxy S22, the number of companies making cases for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is relatively small, thanks to its more recent release and folding design, so there are fewer options to choose from. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. With competition as fierce as ever, and exacting customers weeding out the excess, our choices from the cases available focus on features, grip and uncompromising style. I’ll be updating this list as I try out more cases (yes, I’ve tried all the cases on this list), to help you find the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 case of your dreams.
The majority of Galaxy Z Flip 3 cases come in two pieces, with not many cases covering the hinge or offering some hinge protection. In my conversations with case-makers, designing a case that offers full hinge protection is a design challenge. But if that’s something you’re looking for, a few of these picks will protect the hinge.
No, Samsung doesn’t sell — or allow anybody to sell — screen protectors for the main front screen of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. The Z Flip 3 uses a high-tech bendable display that I assume could potentially suffer some damage if you put something on top of it. However, you can find a handful of screen protectors for the mini exterior display.
Most but not all the cases on this list allow you to wirelessly charge the Z Flip 3 with the case on. Those that feature an integrated kickstand, particularly if it’s made out of metal, may require you to remove the case to charge your phone wirelessly. That’s a shame — for the Z Flip 3, I like cases with an integrated kickstand.
David Carnoy/CNET
Available in black or lavender, Spigen’s Thin Fit has a two-piece design with a soft-to-the-touch finish. It’s a straightforward, lightweight case that looks good on your phone. There’s no hinge protection.
$31 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Speck only makes one case for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 and it’s a good one. The Presidio Perfect-Clear Fold is rated for 13-foot drop protection, and it’s the most protective clear case I tried, although there’s no hinge protection. Grip this Flip cover, and try it out.
$31 at Amazon$60 at Speck
David Carnoy/CNET
I liked Samsung’s Silicone Cover with Ring. It’s protective, it has a nice soft-to-touch finish and there’s that built-in ring that helps prevent you from dropping the phone — and you can also clip the ring to a lanyard and wear the phone around your neck. Alas, while I could kind of prop the phone up using the ring on certain surfaces, I would have liked the case even more if it converted into a kickstand.
The case comes in multiple colors.
$40 at Samsung$20 at AmazonGet Price Alerts$40 at Best BuyYou’re receiving price alerts for Samsung Silicone Cover With Ring
David Carnoy/CNET
Gear4’s Bridgetown case shares some similarities with Spigen’s Tough Armor case (see below). It, too, is a tough case that only comes in black and has some nice hinge protection. One of the best protective cases for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. I only wish it were available in more colors, or a clear version.
$46 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Otterbox makes only two cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 3: the Thin Flex and this one, the Symmetry Flex. Alas, the Thin Flex Series feels cheap and is hard to get off your phone once you have it on. However, the sturdy and more attractive Symmetry Flex qualifies as a top case for the Z Flip 3. It’s a translucent case with a black border around it that shows off your phone a bit while offering good drop protection. I only wish it came in more colors.
$61 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G Leather Cover is its equivalent of Apple’s leather case for the iPhone. It’s expensive, but nice — and slim. While it doesn’t offer quite as much protection as some of the cases on the list, it’s one of my favorites and if you get it in a bright color like mustard, it makes your phone easy to spot. It’s also available in green and black. The biggest knock against it is that it’s expensive, but you can occasionally find it on sale for around $40.
$80 at Samsung$39 at AmazonGet Price Alerts$39 at WalmartYou’re receiving price alerts for Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G Leather Cover
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This has the same soft-to-the-touch finish as Samsung’s Ring case, but instead of a ring it incorporates a strap. You slide your hand under the strap (and behind the phone), which allows you to get a grip and hold on to your phone without really wrapping your fingers around it. It’s essentially a security strap. The strap also offers a little bit of protection for the hinge when you fold up the phone. Additionally, you can attach the end of the strap to a lanyard or clip it to another strap (say, on a bag or backpack).
Aside from having some utility, the strap also seems designed to bring some attention to your phone. For better or worse, it does just that, so if you use this case, plan on having people ask you about your phone. It comes in a few colors.
$17 at Amazon$17 at Best BuyGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Samsung Silicone Cover With Strap
David Carnoy/CNET
Spigen makes a few cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 3. As its name implies, the Tough Armor is durable and offers the most protection in Spigen’s line. It’s also the only Spigen case that has an integrated protective covering for the hinge.
As far as protective cases go, it’s one of the best and is only missing an integrated kickstand. I also kind of wish it came in more colors. Black is the only option for now.
$40 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Part of Spigen’s Air Skin case line, the Crystal Clear version is a slim clear case that offers basic protection. There’s some adhesive that makes sure the case doesn’t slip off your phone (as you can see from the photo, I didn’t pull off the little tab to expose it). It’s hard not to get a dust particle or two trapped under the case when you’re putting it on — and those dust particles will show if you have an all-black phone like mine.
$25 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Aramid fiber is essentially Kevlar, so this case manages to be durable but slim. It has a soft-to-the-touch finish and is easy to grip. A lot of people like this case, though it looks simple and it’s expensive. It adds very little weight (and size) to the Z Flip 3 and seems protective.
$30 at Amazon$30 at WalmartGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Samsung Aramid Case
David Carnoy/CNET
This isn’t a phone case per se, but if you’re looking for some added protection for your Z Flip 3’s exterior display, Spigen sells an exterior screen protector in a two-pack. It fits around the lenses and over the back display and should work fine with most cases, although it does pair best with Spigen cases. (Not all Z Flip 3 cases’ cutouts around the back display are the same dimensions.)
$13 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Zagg brings its line of InvisibleShield screen protectors to the Z Flip 3’s exterior screen. This is probably the smallest screen protector Zagg’s ever made. However, it somehow costs as much as the screen protectors it makes for much larger screens.
$7 at Amazon$40 at Best BuyGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for InvisibleShield Ultra Clear Plus With D3O
David Carnoy/CNET
If you’re looking for an affordable case with an integrated ring that converts into a kickstand, this Vego is a good option, though it looks more premium on the surface than it really is. It also sells under other brand names on Amazon. I can’t tell you how it will hold up over time, but it has some nice features, including a cover that slides up to protect the phone’s camera and it’ll stick to a magnetic car mount. The one big downside is that it does not support wireless charging.
$10 at Amazon
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]]>The post Google’s Latest Pixel Buds Pro Return to All first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.
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The latest premium wireless earbuds seem to be launching with higher prices these days, but I’ve been telling anybody who complains about the price increases that while they may be due to inflationary pressure, it also leaves more room for discounts. Case in point: the recently released Google Pixel Buds Pro. They retail for $200, or $20 more than their predecessor, but are now on sale for $175 at Amazon in black or yellow. That’s a $25 savings and a return to their all-time low price.
See at Amazon
As I said in my review, while it’s nice that the the Pixel Buds Pro finally have a feature (noise canceling) that a lot of true-wireless earbuds have had for a while, what ultimately sets the Pixel Buds Pro apart and makes them strongly worth considering — particularly for Android users — is their distinct design and winning fit. That helps enhance their strong performance on both the sound quality and noise-canceling fronts.
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]]>The post Best Eco first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.
]]>This story is part of Tech for a Better World, stories about the diverse teams creating products, apps and services to improve our lives and society.
Eco-friendly iPhone cases have improved so much over the years, and if you’re someone who cares about the environment, buying one is a great way to do your part. Made from recycled and/or biodegradable materials, these iPhone cases are still capable of protecting our precious devices. Biodegradable cases also won’t harm the environment for years and years after you’re done using them. Some of the cases listed below are made out of both recycled plastic and plant-based materials that are biodegradable.
Eco cases can look and feel slightly different from standard thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, cases — particularly the wooden ones — but most people wouldn’t even realize you were using an eco-friendly case unless you tell them. Many offer good drop protection, and all the cases on this list are compatible with wireless chargers.
It’s also worth noting that many of these cases are available for earlier iPhone models, including the iPhone 11 and iPhone XS, and many of those cases are discounted.
Read more: Best iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Cases
David Carnoy/CNET
While the Torro Eco Cover for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro is made out of renewable plant-based raw material such as corn and cassava — no plastic is used — it feels similar to a firm plastic case and has a slight bit of grip to it. It also seems pretty protective and has raised edges to help protect your screen in the event you drop your phone face down. Torro says the Eco Cover is only biodegradable in a composting environment; you simply place it in your home compost bin and it’ll break down. This case was previously on sale for as low as 50% off ($13). However, now it’s $10 off, which still makes it a good deal.
It’s also available for the iPhone 12 Mini, but I didn’t see a listing for a version for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
$20 at Amazon
Moment
Moment’s iPhone 12 case is thin and comes with a soft-to-the-touch texture. It is made out of biodegradable materials so the body is compostable after the polycarbonate parts are removed. It can be tossed in your compost bin when you are done with the product.
$50 at Moment
David Carnoy/CNET
You know all those compact discs you no longer listen to? Nimble makes translucent iPhone cases out of them. They’re a little pricey at $50, but some of us like the idea of protecting the latest technology with recycled technology and don’t mind paying a little extra for that. They have antimicrobial protection, are scratch-resistant and aren’t supposed to turn yellow over time. While the Disc Case is slim, it’s rated for 6-foot drop protection. Use code CNET25 for 25% off any Disc Case.
$25 at Nimble
David Carnoy/CNET
Like the Torro case, Incipio’s Organicore cases are made with 100% compostable and biodegradable materials and also have eco-friendly packaging. Organicore cases offer 8-foot drop protection and are available in three color options: black, natural and eucalyptus (pictured here). They look and feel similar to the Torro Eco Cover cases and it’s really a toss-up between the two brands. The Torro’s main advantage is that it comes in more eye-catching colors — the red and blue do pop — and currently costs less.
Note that Amazon is discounting certain colors of the Organicore case (the natural version is $10), but the green version shown is $20. Also, the Organicore is available in a iPhone 12 Pro Max version, but it costs more.
$14 at Walmart$14 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Incipio Organicore
David Carnoy/CNET
Casetify recently launched its new Ultra Compostable Cases. Compared to its earlier Conscious cases, this new eco model increases the drop-protection to 6.6 feet and is made with the 100% compostable, plant-based material Ecotify, the company’s proprietary blend of biopolymers, starch and bamboo grain.
Casetify also says the packaging is made of 100% sustainable, recycled and compostable materials including eco-friendly, nontoxic ink made from soybeans. The case has a raised edge design to protect the screens and is available in seven color options. The price is high at $45, but the case is customizable with personalization and prints.
$45 at Casetify
Amazon
This is the only case on the list I haven’t yet tried, but the Amazon user reviews for it are positive and it costs only $9. Eplantita says its case is built from 100% biodegradable wheat straw and recyclable TPU. It fully covers your phone and has raised edges, so that should help with any face-down drops. It’s available in several color options.
$8 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
Lifeproof’s Wake case is made out of recycled ocean plastic (85% of it anyway). It’s attractively designed but I wouldn’t call it super tough — it isn’t enclosed at the bottom and has 6-foot drop protection. It comes in four colors, including this teal variant, which I happen to like best. (If you’re going to get a “green” case, it might as well be green.)
$36 at Walmart$30 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for LifeProof Wake
David Carnoy/CNET
I initially had Swedish-based 15:21’s natural cork cases on this list, but they’re not so easy to buy in the US, and the similarly styled Woodpeckery cork cases cost a lot less. Note these are slim cases that aren’t incredibly protective, although the edges are raised slightly on the corners to help protect your screen from cracking should you drop it (other cases do offer more corner protection). Also, the bottom of the case covers half of the bottom of your phone rather than leaving it totally exposed, which is good.
On Amazon, you can only buy the iPhone 12 Mini and Max versions of the case. Perhaps the iPhone 12/12 Pro version will return to Amazon, but for now you can get them on Woodpeckery’s site.
$20 at Amazon
David Carnoy/CNET
KerfCase has been making handmade wooden cases for a while, and its new Plywood case is not only more durable but less expensive than some, starting at $50, with 6-foot drop protection and a limited lifetime repair warranty. I like it better than other cases made of wood that I’ve tried. It’s also worth noting that Apple’s MagSafe charger will stick to the back of it, and KerfCase sells matching charging docks for the Apple MagSafe charger (yes, it’s an accessory for an accessory).
$50 at KerfCase
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]]>The post Best AirPods Deals: $69 Off AirPods Pro, $100 AirPods 2 and More first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.
]]>If you regularly use an iPhone, iPad, MacBook or other Apple devices, it’s tough to beat the seamless integration of a pair of Apple earbuds. And while Apple rarely offers discounts on its own devices, that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price if you’re hoping to get your hands on a pair.
There are five different models of AirPods in Apple’s wireless audio lineup: The second-gen AirPods from 2019 are the least expensive option, while the current, third-gen AirPods boast better sound quality with spatial audio. The AirPods Pro add versatility with active noise cancellation and transparency mode, and the plush AirPods Max over-ear headphones, by far the priciest of the bunch, are packed with high-end features. And if you want the very best of the best, you’ll have to wait until the second-gen AirPods Pro, Apple’s most advanced earbuds to date, hit shelves on Sept. 23.
As well as the Apple-branded AirPods, there are a couple of Beats-branded earbuds worth considering that also incorporate Apple-made tech for a similarly smooth experience. These include the Beats Fit Pro, which use Apple’s H1 chip for fast, reliable connections and a sporty design for jamming out to tunes at the gym, or while running or otherwise exercising and being active. The Beats Studio Buds lack the H1 chip and the AirPod stem, but they are lightweight, comfortable and affordable.
Here are the best AirPods deals available right now along with the best prices to date for comparison. With a rumored October Prime Day around the corner followed by Black Friday, we could be in for a solid AirPods deals season.
Model | Apple Store price | Best price right now | Best all-time price |
---|---|---|---|
AirPods 2 | $129 | $100 | $89 |
AirPods Pro | $249 | $180 | $159 |
AirPods 3 | $179 | $150 | $140 |
AirPods Max | $549 | $429 | $400 |
AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | $249 | $249 | $249 |
The list above is the full lineup of Apple wireless earbuds and headphones as of early 2022. Except for the baseline AirPods 2, all those listed above (plus the two aforementioned Beats models) are compatible with Apple’s spatial audio features. However, none of them will deliver the maximum quality of Apple’s lossless audio format, which is too rich for the current Bluetooth wireless standard to handle.
We update this story frequently to reflect current pricing.
Apple
The second-gen AirPods Pro are slated to be Apple’s most advanced pair of earbuds to date, equipped with its brand-new H2 processor and boasting seriously improved noise-canceling capabilities. Set to be released on Sept. 23, they’ll be priced at $249, the same price as the current AirPods Pro — which means we expect to see a price drop on the first-gen model. Because they’re not on shelves quite yet, there aren’t any deals or discounts right now, but they are available for preorder from Apple and many other retailers. We’ll continue to update this page as deals start to pop up, so be sure to check back often in the coming weeks.
$240 at Amazon$249 at AppleGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
David Carnoy/CNET
Unlike the AirPods Pro, these third-generation AirPods have an open-air design, so they don’t have active noise cancellation, but they still offer some serious improvements over the AirPods 2. The adaptive EQ attunes music to your ear shape, and the battery life has been bumped up to 30 hours total. They also have an IPX4 water resistance rating. They sell for $179 at Apple, but you can find them for as low as $150 at select retailers right now.
$150 at Walmart$150 at Amazon
Sarah Tew/CNET
The AirPods Pro are Apple’s most advanced earbuds to date — at least until the second-gen AirPods Pro hit shelves later this month. They offer active noise cancellation and silicone tips so you can immerse yourself in the music, or you can use the transparency mode when you need to be more aware of your surroundings. With the charging case (included in this price) the battery can last over 24 hours on a charge, and they’re on the list of our top wireless earbuds of the year. You can save close to $70 right now on them at Amazon and elsewhere.
$180 at Amazon$200 at Best Buy$180 at WalmartYou’re receiving price alerts for Apple AirPods Pro (2021, MagSafe case)
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While the AirPods 2 aren’t the most advanced model on the market right now, they still boast some impressive specs and are a great choice for those on a tighter budget. They’re equipped with the same H1 chip as the AirPods 3, so they feature the same fast connectivity, and they support hands-free Siri access. Amazon quotes a $59 discount, but Apple has dropped the price of the 2nd-gen AirPods from $159 to $129, so you’re saving only $29.
$100 at Amazon$100 at WalmartYou’re receiving price alerts for Apple AirPods 2019 (Charging Case)
David Carnoy/CNET
Apple’s first full-size headphones are chock-full of high-end features like noise cancellation, spatial audio and easy integration with Apple devices. Yes, paying about the same as you would for a PS5 may sound excessive, but here’s the thing: They’re actually kinda worth it, so long as you don’t feel burned by their lack of support for full lossless audio. You can save $120 on the AirPods Max in all color variants right now at Amazon
$429 at AmazonYou’re receiving price alerts for Apple AirPods Max (Silver)
David Carnoy/CNET
No, they’re not AirPods, but the Beats Studio Buds offer active noise canceling and make a great affordable alternative to the pricier AirPods Pro. They look a lot like the rumored stemless AirPods that people were talking about but that never materialized — as AirPods, anyway. Geared toward both iOS and Android users, they’re missing a few key features on the Apple side of things (there’s no H1 or W1 chip), but they’re small, lightweight earbuds that are comfortable to wear and offer good sound. They fit most ears securely, including mine — I run with them without a problem — but others may find a better fit with the Beats Fit Pro and their integrated wing tips. Right now, you can save $30 on select colors at Walmart, though we’ve occasionally seen them on sale for as much as $50 off.
Read our Beats Studio Buds review.
$120 at WalmartYou’re receiving price alerts for Beats Studio Buds
David Carnoy/CNET
Technically, the new Beats Fit Pro aren’t AirPods, but they’re built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro. Unlike Beats’ earlier and less expensive Studio Buds, the Beats Fit Pro include Apple’s H1 chip and have most of the features of the AirPods Pro, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. I’d venture to call them the sports AirPods you’ve always wanted. And for some people, they might just be better than the AirPods Pro. They aren’t currently discounted but have fallen to $180 before.
Read our Beats Fit Pro review.
$200 at Amazon$200 at Best Buy$200 at WalmartYou’re receiving price alerts for Beats Fit Pro Earbuds (White, 2021)
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