buying guide - The Tech Lounge https://www.thetechlounge.com Fri, 06 Jan 2023 20:45:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 The Best Dual Monitor Stands and Mounts in 2023 https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-dual-monitor-stands-and-mounts/ https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-dual-monitor-stands-and-mounts/#respond Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:36:01 +0000 https://www.thetechlounge.com/?p=10124 If you are looking for a proper mounting solution for your “babies” from the best ultra-wide or the best 1440p monitor crowd, you are at the right place. Of course, depending on your appetite and preferences, you are probably thinking about a dual or triple monitor stand. However, have in mind that in this guide you will be introduced only to the first group, the best dual monitor stands that offer great flexibility and usability, allowing you to get the most for your money. So, first things first, we will remind you of the important characteristics of the best dual monitor stands, the aspects that are the main reason for their excellence. Top Picks How to Choose the Best Dual...

The post The Best Dual Monitor Stands and Mounts in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
the best dual monitor stands
If you are looking for a proper mounting solution for your “babies” from the best ultra-wide or the best 1440p monitor crowd, you are at the right place. Of course, depending on your appetite and preferences, you are probably thinking about a dual or triple monitor stand.

However, have in mind that in this guide you will be introduced only to the first group, the best dual monitor stands that offer great flexibility and usability, allowing you to get the most for your money.

So, first things first, we will remind you of the important characteristics of the best dual monitor stands, the aspects that are the main reason for their excellence.

Top Picks

Last update on 2025-04-02 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose the Best Dual Monitor Stand and Mounts

If you are wondering what criteria separates the best dual monitor stands/mounts from the rest of the bunch, read the following lines carefully.

Sturdiness

The last thing you need happening to your expensive hardware, such as monitors, is for them to fall and break, or get damaged. For that reason, the sturdiness of the stand is of the essential importance and basically presents the cornerstone of the whole mounting concept.

Flexibility

The more adjustment options the dual monitor stand/mount has, the easier you will find the perfect positioning for your monitors. This includes swiveling and tilting capabilities, plate rotation, etc., the larger the angles that are supported, the better flexibility and value for your money you will get.

Weight

A dual stand/mount can offer great design and plenty of options; nevertheless, if it cannot hold the weight of your beloved monitors, it is all for nothing. Therefore, do your homework and be sure that your monitors and the stand can fit together before the purchase.

Best Dual Monitor Stands and Mounts

VIVO STAND-V002

A Very Good Dual Monitor Stand for the Money

vivo stand-v002
VIVO STAND-V002 is a dual monitor stand with a sturdy build and very good overall capabilities. It is highly versatile and provides the ability to rotate your monitors for 360 degrees, height-adjust them over the center pole, as well as tilt them from 80° to -90° and swivel for up to 180°.

This dual monitor stand allows you to place your monitors into both landscape and portrait mode, it offers VESA compatibility (75x75mm and 100x100mm) and supports monitors from 13” to 27” in size and up to 10 kg of weight (combined), allowing for an almost unlimited number of configurations. More importantly, this stand is very easy to install, it has very good cable management and is fitted with heavy-duty C-clamp that just adds to its already great functionality and versatility.

All in all, if you want a product that will give you a very good value for the money and overall one of the better performances among the best dual monitor stands out there, VIVO STAND-V002 is definitely the thing for you.

Pros:

  • Easy to mount
  • Very good cable management
  • Excellent versatility
  • It can stand a lot of weight
  • Full rotation capabilities
Cons:

  • It lacks the individual monitor height adjustment
  • Not the best quality control

Check Prices

 

WALI Dual Monitor Stand MF002

A Solid, yet Affordable Dual Monitor Stand

wali dual monitor stand mf002
If you are after a solid, but not too expensive dual monitor stand that will give you great versatility and usability, WALI Dual Monitor Stand MF002 is the product for you.

However, be aware that this isn’t a perfect product and that it has its downsides, and that is its low weight base that is causing monitors to flip over if the stand isn’t anchored to the desk. Nevertheless, that is pretty common for monitor stands in general, especially more affordable ones.

When talking about other aspects of this stand, you should know that it is VESA compatible (75x75mm and 100x100mm), that it can hold monitors that are up to 27” in size and up to 10 kg of weight (combined) and that it comes with numerous adjustment options that will allow you to easily find the perfect positioning for your monitors.

WALI Dual Monitor Stand MF002 comes with a 16” pole that allows for an easy height adjustment, arms that offer 180° tilt, and the ability to place the monitors in either landscape or portrait mode, as well as rotate them by up to 360°.

To resume, WALI Dual Monitor Stand MF002 is one hell of an option and certainly, one of the best dual monitors mounts out there, with a few drawbacks here and there.

Pros:

  • Easy to adjust
  • Easy to install
  • Sturdy
  • A solid cable management
Cons:

  • A bit unstable base

Check Prices

 

HUANUO Dual Monitor Desk Stand

Excellence in a Sturdy Package

huanuo dual monitor desk stand
HUANUO Dual Monitor Desk Stand is affordable and well-built dual monitor stand, with excellent functionality and usability that makes it a solid option for gamers, developers, and the whole assortment of users that are dependent on the two-monitor configuration.

It is built out of high-quality steel and aluminum and overall delivers a pretty sturdy construction that is suitable for monitors from 13” to 32” in size and with a weight of up to 8 kg (each). Of course, similar to many other stands, this one also requires additional support and needs to be either screwed or bolted down to the desk.

HUANUO Dual Monitor Desk Stand is VESA compatible and supports both 75x75mm and 100x100mm pattern. Moreover, it offers great versatility that is presented through its plate ability to be rotated by 360° and tilted by 180°, as well as the existence of the gas spring mechanism that allows for an easy height adjustment. Other than that, this stand is also fitted with the movable arms that can be swiveled by 180° as well as neat cable management that will allow you to make a perfect configuration with ease.

To make a long story short, if you want one of the best dual monitor stands on the market, HUANUO Dual Monitor Desk Stand will certainly be up to your standards and much more.

Pros:

  • Gas spring mechanism
  • Highly adjustable
  • Very good customer service
  • Easy to install
Cons:

  • Not that stable

Check Prices

 

WALI M002

A Highly Functional and Affordable Dual Monitor Stand

wali m002
If you are after an affordable, but efficient dual monitor stand that will deliver plenty of functionality and gives decent value for the money, WALI M002 is the device for you.

With this dual mount, you will get a highly pleasing tool for mounting two monitors that are up to 27” in size and up to 10 kilograms of weight each, as well as ability to easily place your monitors in an ideal position, which comes as the result of this stand’s great capabilities that include the possibility for 360° rotation, 180° tilt and swivel and height adjustment over the 16” height pole.

WALI M002 stand is VESA compatible (75x75mm and 100x100mm); it allows for both landscape and portrait monitor positioning and offers multiple locking mechanisms that include 4” diameter Grommet-Base and C-Clamp that will keep your monitors safe, holding them firmly on your desk.

Altogether, WALI M002 is a solid dual monitor mount, with plenty of options and great versatility that will please even the most demanding ones among our readers.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Excellent versatility
  • It can hold a lot of weight
  • Easy setup
  • Very good customer service
Cons:

  • Not the best build quality
  • A bit flimsy
  • It lacks individual monitor height adjustment

Check Prices

 

Mount-It! MI-2752

A Great Value and Versatility in One

mount-it! mi-2752
Mount-It! MI-2752 is a very practical and easy to use dual monitor stand that can hold up to two 10kg monitors and allow for a simple way to position your monitors in a way you like.

This monitor stand is VESA compatible (75x75mm or 100x100mm); it comes along with a C-clamp and grommet base for sturdy installation and offers great versatility of the mounting arms that can tilt and swivel by 180°, individually rotate, allowing positioning of your monitor in landscape or portrait mode, as well as be raised or lowered over the 17’ long pole.

More importantly, Mount-It! MI-2752 offers very good build quality and overall great sturdiness that are backed with its five-year warranty. Moreover, it offers solid cable management, has good customer service and on top of everything, it is affordable.

In other words, it has everything that the best dual monitor stand should have.

Pros:

  • Five-year warranty
  • Very good customer service
  • Well-made and sturdy
  • Affordable
  • Easy to assemble
Cons:

  • A bit loose joints

Check Prices

 

AmazonBasics Premium Stand

A Sturdy, High-Quality Dual Monitor Stand

amazonbasics premium dual monitor stand
AmazonBasics Premium Dual Monitor Stand is a simple-to-use monitor stand that provides great versatility to its users, whether they are gamers, artists, or developers. It is attractive-looking, made out of aluminum that gives it additional sturdiness and overall pretty solidly built.

Moreover, it is VESA compatible (75x75mm and 100x100mm) and easy to install, but more importantly, capable of holding two monitors, with up to 10 kg of weight each. Its retractable arms deliver great flexibility and allow for 75° tilting, as well as an easy rotation from portrait to landscape mode and vice versa helping you find the perfect positioning for your monitors.

AmazonBasics Premium Dual Monitor Stand comes with a one-year warranty and overall offers a lot. However, its price is a bit over the top. Therefore, if you want some of the best dual monitor mounts out there, have in mind that this one offers great performance, but a hefty price tag as well.

Pros:

  • Stable
  • Flexible
  • It can hold a lot of weight
  • Easy installation
  • Attractive looking
Cons:

  • Expensive
  • A bit tricky to tighten
  • Not the best quality control

Check Prices

 

WALI GSWM002

Excellent Performance and Sturdiness at a Reasonable Price

wali gswm002
If you are seeking good flexibility, sturdiness and the price in your new monitor stand/mount WALI GSWM002 is the right thing for you. This a dual monitor wall mount that offers a solid build, good looks, and most importantly, good performance.

It is able to hold monitors that are up to 27” in size and weigh up to 6.5kg (each), giving a solid foundation for a variety of configurations. WALI GSWM002 can be easily adjusted due to its gas spring mechanism, as well as its 120° tilting and 180° swiveling capability, and 360° rotation that allows for the easy monitor positioning in both landscape and portrait mode.

WALI GSWM002 is VESA compatible (75x75mm or 100x100mm) and can be placed on both brick and wood walls. It is fairly priced and offers very much for your money.

Overall, WALI GSWM002 is an exceptional choice and will definitely give you everything you would expect from the best dual monitor wall mount and much more, allowing you to get the best possible value for your money.

Pros:

  • Good versatility
  • Sturdy build
  • A solid cable management
  • Nice looking
  • Fairly priced
  • Good customer service
Cons:

  • A bit bulky and flimsy
  • Not the best quality control
  • Tricky setup

Check Prices

 

Loctek Dual Monitor Arm D5D

The Best Dual Monitor Arm on the Market

loctek dual monitor arm d5d
Loctek Dual Monitor Arm D5D is a reasonably priced dual monitor arm, with everything that a developer or a devoted gamer might need.

It boasts VESA compatibility (75x75mm or 100x100mm), solid cable management, as well as numerous adjustment options. Both of its arms can be moved up or down, in a variety of combinations and rotated by 360° allowing for a portrait or a landscape mode. Moreover, they can hold monitors that are up to 27” in size and weigh up to 5 kg (each), giving you a decent level of flexibility.

Loctek Dual Monitor Arm D5D is equipped with a gas spring mechanism for easier movement and offers easy installation that makes it practical for a wide variety of users. More importantly, these arms are very durable, they come with a three-year warranty and offer support for both clamp and grommet installation.

All in all, if you are after the best dual monitor arms on the market, Loctek Dual Monitor Arm D5D should certainly be among your top picks.

Pros:

  • Sturdy
  • Easy to install
  • Very flexible
  • Good cable management
  • Three-year warranty
Cons:

  • A bit flimsy
  • Not the best quality control

Check Prices

 

EleTab ELTGM01-2

A Flexible and Cool-Looking Dual Monitor Arm

eletab eltgm01-2
EleTab ELTGM01-2 is an attractive-looking and highly practical dual monitor arm that offers everything that could be expected from that sort of product.

It delivers great versatility, due to its 360° rotation and 180° tilt and swivel capabilities; it is easy to install and it provides a pretty sturdy construction that should be capable of coping with monitors that are up to 32” in size and weigh up to 8 kg (each).

However, the last count should be taken with a level of precaution, because there are numerous claims of 30” or larger sized screens flipping over when installed on these mounting arms. In other words, official specifications might have been a bit exaggerated; therefore, observe EleTab ELTGM01-2 more as a 27” mounting tool and you will have no trouble with it.

When talking about other characteristics of this mounting arms, have in mind that this device uses a spring system for its up and down movement, that it is VESA compatible (75x75mm or 100x100mm), and that it supports either C-Clamp or Grommet Mount.

In other words, EleTab ELTGM01-2 is apparently a pretty good deal; however, obviously, it has its issues considering allowed monitor size. Therefore, if you have 27” monitors or smaller, this mounting arm is a great option; if not, some other mounting stand is definitely a much better choice.

Pros:

  • Very sturdy
  • A decent cable management
  • Easy to install
  • Nice looking
  • Good versatility
Cons:

  • Not the best customer support
  • It is not really capable of holding 30” size monitors or larger

Check Prices

 

HUANUO Dual Monitor Stand

A Good-Quality Dual-Monitor Stand

huanuo dual monitor stand

HUANUO Dual Monitor Stand is a practical and versatile dual-monitor stand that helps you find the perfect monitor positioning with ease. This monitor stand is well-built, and it offers very good adjustment capabilities, due to the dual-arms, with 180° swivel and 360° rotation capability, as well as a tilting function that allows tilting from -30°, up to +85°.

Above all, this monitor stand can support weight of up to 12kg and can handle monitors that are up to 35” in size. In addition, it is also VESA compatible and supports both 75 x 75mm and 100 x 100 mm VESA standards.

HUANUO Dual Monitor Stand comes with very nice cable management and features a C-clamp and grommet mounting base that allow easy mounting. Also, both of its mounting arms are fitted with a gas spring mechanism that supports more than 25000 movement cycles.

In other words, everything needed for the best monitor setup is there, and all that’s left is to buy one of these beauties.

Pros:

  • Excellent adjustment options
  • Cable management
  • Good-quality build
  • Gas spring monitor arms
Cons:

  • Not the best instructions

Check Prices

 

Vari Dual-Monitor

A Very Good Dual-Monitor Stand

vari dual-monitor stand

Vari Dual-Monitor is an easy-to-use dual-monitor stand, with very good durability, and most importantly, excellent adjustability. In other words, if you are seeking a dual-monitor stand that supports a 360-degree rotation, and can be tilted and adjusted on multiple levels, this is the device for you.

This stand supports monitors up to 27” in size and up to 9 kg in weight. Moreover, it is compatible with both 75 x 75mm and 100 x 100 mm VESA standards and allows for an easy assembly that shouldn’t take more than a few minutes of your time.

Vari Dual-Monitor stand is a perfect option for a limited space, due to its height adjustment function, and can be be placed on almost any desk with equal success. Therefore, if you are after one of the best dual-monitor stands out there, you may be sure that the Vari Dual-Monitor stand is more than a good option.

Pros:

  • Easy to assemble
  • Great adjustability
  • A very good option for small tables
Cons:

  • Not the best fit for large-size monitors

Check Prices

 

Summary

If you’re ready to make your own life easier with a new dual monitor stand, by now you should have a very good idea of what you can get and how much you’ll spend on it. Review the list once again, narrow it down, and then you’ll be ready for shopping!

The post The Best Dual Monitor Stands and Mounts in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-dual-monitor-stands-and-mounts/feed/ 0
The Best Subwoofer Cables in 2023 https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-subwoofer-cable/ https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-subwoofer-cable/#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:33:22 +0000 https://www.thetechlounge.com/?p=10118 If you own high-quality audio equipment such as an AV receiver or a subwoofer, it would be a shame to ruin their performance with a poor choice of cables. In other words, if you already own some of the best audio devices available on the market, it would be rational to combine them with the best subwoofer cables, RCA cables, etc., of course, depending on the type you need and get the most from your devices. However, if you are not that familiar with audio cabling and maybe require a bit of advising, the following guide will be more than useful for you. Top Picks How to choose the best subwoofer cable If you want to get yourself a good-quality...

The post The Best Subwoofer Cables in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
the best subwoofer cables
If you own high-quality audio equipment such as an AV receiver or a subwoofer, it would be a shame to ruin their performance with a poor choice of cables. In other words, if you already own some of the best audio devices available on the market, it would be rational to combine them with the best subwoofer cables, RCA cables, etc., of course, depending on the type you need and get the most from your devices.

However, if you are not that familiar with audio cabling and maybe require a bit of advising, the following guide will be more than useful for you.

Top Picks

Last update on 2025-04-15 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to choose the best subwoofer cable

If you want to get yourself a good-quality subwoofer cable, these are the characteristics you should pay closer attention to in order to get the best subwoofer cable for your needs.

Performance

When talking about subwoofer cables, one thing is mandatory, and that is good audio performance. Cables might be durable as hell, or cool to look at; however, if they don’t deliver a proper sound, they are simply worthless.

Length

Although this aspect of the subwoofer cable doesn’t play a major role, it is still pretty important. The cable that is too short will force you to make compromises about the location of your audio devices, or totally disable you from using them. For that reason, be sure to choose the proper length of the cable and save yourself from unnecessary additional costs.

Durability

Similar to length, durability isn’t a decisive factor when you think of subwoofer cables; however, the more durable the cable is, the longer you will have it working for you, and that way save money that you can spend on something else.

Best Subwoofer Cables

Mediabridge ULTRA Series Cable

A Durable and High-Performing Subwoofer Cable

mediabridge ultra series subwoofer cable
Mediabridge ULTRA Series Subwoofer Cable is an affordable, high-performing cord, tailored for the low-frequency signal transmission that you can encounter with devices such as subwoofers. This is the cable that delivers premium audio quality, with deep and precise sound, maximizing the qualities of the best subwoofers.

It is very well constructed, with the copper conductor center and a few levels of shielding that include both aluminum and two foil layers that ultimately make it very resistant to hum and static interferences, as well as add to its great durability.

Mediabridge ULTRA Series Subwoofer Cable comes with gold-plated RCA connectors, has a solid one-year warranty, and altogether provides everything you might need from the best subwoofer cable.

Pros:

  • One-year warranty
  • Excellent performance
  • Durable build
Cons:

  • None

Check Prices

 

AmazonBasics Subwoofer Cable

An Affordable, yet Solid Subwoofer Cable

amazonbasics rca audio subwoofer cable
AmazonBasics RCA Audio Subwoofer Cable is a plain and simple cord that won’t overwhelm you with its performance; however, it will do a solid job and deliver pretty good value for the money as it is the case with the majority of other AmazonBasics products.

It is available in five different lengths (2.5m, 4.5m, 7.5m, 10.5m, and 15m), as well as packs of one or ten cords. Moreover, it comes with gold-plated RCA connectors and it provides a solid level of durability due to its construction that involves aluminum and copper shielding, as well as copper center conductor.

AmazonBasics RCA Audio Subwoofer Cable comes with a one-year warranty, protection against signal interferences such as hum and static, and more importantly, it delivers very good sound quality and bass, allowing you to enjoy every benefit of your super-cool brand new AV receiver.

Pros:

  • One-year warranty
  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Good value for the money
  • Available in a variety of lengths
Cons:

  • Not the best build quality

Check Prices

 

Goalfish RCA Male to Male Subwoofer Cable

A Good-Performing, Reasonably Priced Subwoofer Cable

goalfish rca male to male subwoofer cable

If you are seeking an affordable, yet solid subwoofer cable for your Home Theater, HDTV, Speakers, or any other similar type of device, Goalfish RCA Male to Male Subwoofer Cable is the thing for you. This is a cable that offers excellent durability, due to the double-braiding build and 24K gold RCA connectors, yet more importantly, it has great performance.

To be exact, this cable brings consistent sound, with signal losses only at low-frequency levels, offering a pretty good audio experience. Moreover, this cable has plug-and-play functionality and is available in a variety of lengths that go from half a meter, up to 7.6 meters.

As mentioned earlier, Goalfish RCA Male to Male Subwoofer Cable is pretty durable and can stand more than 15000 bands, and allows for tangle-free use. In other words, it has everything needed for the best subwoofer cable available.

Pros:

  • Available in a variety of lengths
  • Good durability
  • Plug-and-play functionality
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Double braiding
Cons:

  • A bit thinner than most subwoofer cables

Check Prices

 

RIKSOIN 2-RCA Male to 2-RCA Male Subwoofer Cable

Another Trouble-free Subwoofer Cable

riksoin 2-rca male to 2-rca male subwoofer cable

RIKSOIN 2-RCA Male to 2-RCA Male Subwoofer Cable is a good-performing 2.5-meter subwoofer cable that offers great durability, and more importantly, reliable performance. In other words, if you are looking for a cord for connecting your HDTV, DVR, or similar, this is the cable to look for.

This is a tangle-free cable, with an aluminum shell and oxygen-free copper base that brings exceptional audio quality and great protection against radio frequency interferences and electromagnetic interferences. In addition, RIKSOIN 2-RCA Male to 2-RCA Male Subwoofer Cable is also fitted with corrosion-resistant 24K gold-plated connectors, for better signal transmission, and is capable of handling more than 15000 bends.

In short, it offers exactly what the best subwoofer cable should, and all that for more than a reasonable price.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Color-coded
  • Great compatibility
  • Corrosion-resistant
Cons:

  • It doesn’t fit tightly

Check Prices

 

BlueRigger Subwoofer Audio Cable

Solid Performance for the Price

bluerigger subwoofer rca to rca audio cable
BlueRigger Subwoofer RCA to RCA Audio Cable is a sturdy, but flexible cable perfect for users that want to connect their subwoofers, AV receivers, and similar audio equipment with a solid-performing, but not too expensive cord.

This cable is available in three sizes (2.5m, 4.5m, and 10.5m); it comes with gold-plated RCA connectors and overall delivers pretty good sound. Its inside is consisted of copper conductor center and the dielectric insulation, while on the top there is a double shielding that provides excellent durability, and more importantly, great protection against hum and other interferences.

All in all, BlueRigger Subwoofer RCA to RCA Audio Cable is a very good cable for the price and more than a solid option if you are looking for the best subwoofer RCA cable at a reasonable price.

Pros:

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Flexible
  • Very good sound
Cons:

  • A bit stiff
  • Not the best connectors

Check Prices

 

KabelDirekt RCA Subwoofer Cable

A Trustworthy Subwoofer Cable from a Familiar Brand

kabeldirekt rca subwoofer cable
If you are looking for a decent quality subwoofer cable, but you are not willing to explore too much and are looking for reliable and proven products and brands, KabelDirekt RCA Subwoofer two-channel audio cable is the thing for you.

To begin with, this cord is available in numerous lengths (1m, 2m, 3m, 4.5m, 6m, and 7.5m); therefore, you will easily find the one that suits you the best. Its build quality is of top class, which is backed with the three-year warranty. More importantly, its performance is amazing and it delivers premium-level audio, which may be crucial for many.

KabelDirekt RCA Subwoofer Cable comes with 24K gold plated connectors; it has a dual copper shielding and is very flexible and practical for use. It offers very good EMI and RFI signal interference protection and overall presents a pretty good option, especially if you are after a reliable, but not too expensive subwoofer cable.

Pros:

  • Available in a variety of lengths
  • Three-year warranty
  • Good hum protection
  • Excellent audio quality
Cons:

  • None

Check Prices

 

UGREEN 2RCA Male to 2RCA Cable

An Excellent All-around Subwoofer Cable

ugreen 2rca male to 2rca cable
UGREEN 2RCA Male to 2RCA Cable is a highly versatile and well-built subwoofer cable ideal for everyday use. It is affordable and available in 2m, 3m, and 4.5m length and more importantly, very good in its performance.

This cable comes with 24K gold-plated connectors and offers double shielding protection that is one of the main reasons for its excellent noise reduction characteristics.

UGREEN 2RCA Male to 2RCA Cable is a strong and reliable cable, with a firm grip and altogether it’s a great cheap solution if you are seeking the best subwoofer cable for home theater, AV receiver, or a similar type of device.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Good EMI protection
  • Fits smoothly
Cons:

  • A bit stiff

Check Prices

 

JSAUX RCA Stereo Cable

An Affordable, but Solid Subwoofer Cable

jsaux rca stereo cable
JSAUX RCA Stereo Cable is a high-quality cord, with excellent durability and, before anything else, a great audio quality.

This cable offers very good construction that consists of 24k gold plated connectors; dual shielding and pure copper conductor center – the main reason for its exceptional performance.

JSAUX RCA Stereo Cable is available in four different lengths (1.2m, 2m, 3m, and 4.5m) and two colors (red and gray color) and it is protected by a modest 18-month warranty that should still give you a decent level of comfort.

Moreover, this piece of equipment offers good EMI protection has a strong fir, and more importantly, it is pretty affordable, which makes it one of the better options among the best subwoofer cables available.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • It delivers a strong fit
  • Very good EMI protection
  • Durable
Cons:

  • Wrong color coding

Check Prices

 

FosPower Digital Audio Coaxial Cable

A Good and Reliable Performance

fospower digital audio coaxial cable

FosPower Digital Audio Coaxial Cable is a practical, well-performing subwoofer cable, available in one-meter, two-meter, and three-meter length. More importantly, this cable offers great durability and is compatible with all sort of devices, including HDTVs, synthesizers, CD players, and others.

As mentioned earlier, this is a highly durable cord, with 26AWG bare copper core, and copper-braided shielding, as well as aluminum foil shielding, which means great flexibility and no signal interferences.

In other words, if you are seeking a versatile and reliable subwoofer cable, FosPower Digital Audio Coaxial Cable is more than a decent choice.

Pros:

  • Comes with a two-male and one-male splitter adapter
  • Available in multiple lengths
  • Reasonably priced
  • Color-coded
Cons:

  • A bit thin cable

Check Prices

 

EMK Double 90 Degree Subwoofer Cable

A Practical and Solid Subwoofer Cable

emk double 90 degree subwoofer cable

EMK Double 90 Degree Subwoofer Cable is a solid and reliable cord that brings very good Hi-Fi sound and great versatility to the user, thanks to the dual 90°male cable connectors. This cable is available in 1-meter, 1.5-meter, 2-meter, and 3-meter length. More importantly, it features oxygen-free copper conductors and 24K gold-plated connectors that are the key reason for its excellent performance.

In addition, it also has an alloy shell and comes with an 18-month warranty that is proof of its solid quality.

EMK Double 90 Degree Subwoofer Cable is an affordable and good-performing cord, in other words, it is definitely worth your time and money, if you are seeking the best subwoofer cable that’s cheap.

Pros:

  • 18-month warranty
  • Available in multiple lengths
  • 24K gold-plated connectors
  • Dual 90°male cable connectors
Cons:

  • None

Check Prices

 

Conclusion

If you’re ready to make your sound experience awesome, we’re sure that one of the cables from the above list will make you happy. Consider your options and your budget, and we’re sure you’ll find your lucky number 1!

The post The Best Subwoofer Cables in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-subwoofer-cable/feed/ 2
The Best Attic Antennas in 2023 https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-attic-antennas/ https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-attic-antennas/#respond Wed, 30 Sep 2020 17:56:10 +0000 https://www.thetechlounge.com/?p=10130 The easiest way you can cut your house bills is by canceling services that are not absolutely necessary, which includes cable TV subscriptions and similar services that usually deliver a lot of fun, but significantly increase your costs as well. In other words, if you want to save money, canceling subscriptions is the easiest way to manage that. However, what if you want to keep watching TV, but still want to cut the costs? What are your options? Well, there are few of them and one of them includes attic antennas, as well as streaming devices that will reduce your bills and give you the opportunity to still watch some of your favorite shows. Of course, the cheaper of the...

The post The Best Attic Antennas in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
the best attic antennas
The easiest way you can cut your house bills is by canceling services that are not absolutely necessary, which includes cable TV subscriptions and similar services that usually deliver a lot of fun, but significantly increase your costs as well. In other words, if you want to save money, canceling subscriptions is the easiest way to manage that.

However, what if you want to keep watching TV, but still want to cut the costs? What are your options?

Well, there are few of them and one of them includes attic antennas, as well as streaming devices that will reduce your bills and give you the opportunity to still watch some of your favorite shows.

Of course, the cheaper of the two is definitely the antenna that will make you the biggest savings but will also give you the least.

However, for many people, that is more than enough. Therefore, don’t hesitate to buy one.

If you are not that familiar with the subject, this guide will certainly help you and everything you need to do is follow the guidelines and the best attic antenna will be a part of your home in no time.

Top Picks

Last update on 2025-04-17 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to choose the best attic antenna

When deciding about the best attic antenna for your household, take into consideration the following characteristics:

Range

One of the most important aspects of any antenna is definitely its range. If, for instance, you have an antenna with a 30-kilometer range and TV towers are located 50 kilometers away from your home, you will be unable to watch any of them.

In other words, check the locations of nearby TV towers and choose the antenna that can reach them all.

Frequency

Different channels are broadcasted on different frequencies and although the majority of modern-day antennas should cover all, or at least the majority of them, there are still exceptions. Therefore, choose the antenna with the widest frequency reception possible or at least one that covers your favorite channels.

Installation

No one wants to spend hours and hours trying to install something as basic as a TV antenna, right? For that reason, choose the antennas that offer the simplest installation process possible.

Resolution

Some antennas are future-proof and support not only 4K but 8K resolution, as well. Others, on the other hand, can only cope with HD resolution, or less. In other words, the supported resolution can differ a lot.

Because of that, think through what type of resolution support you really need before the purchase, and find the best attic antenna that fits into your requirements.

Best Attic Antennas

Antennas TV Antenna C4MVJ

A Solid Multidirectional Attic Antenna

antennas direct clearstream 4max tv antenna c4mvj
If you are looking for a reliable and well-built attic antenna that will allow you to capture UHF and VHF signals in up to 110-kilometer range, Antennas Direct Clearstream 4Max TV Antenna C4MVJ is the device for you.

This antenna comes with the lifetime warranty, it weighs 1.36kg, and more importantly, it is pretty easy to install. Unfortunately, it comes without a built-in signal amplifier; however, it provides a multidirectional reception and fairly decent performance in areas with medium to strong signal strength.

Antennas Direct Clearstream 4Max TV Antenna C4MVJ comes with 470 to 698MHz beam angle and provides a 45-degree horizontal reception.

Moreover, it provides a J-pole based design, as well as a weatherproof build that makes it suitable for a wide variety of locations.

To conclude, if you live in the area with good signal strength and are after a simple and reliable antenna that will allow for a Full HD reception of free TV channels, Clearstream C4MVJ comes as a very good option and one of the best attic TV antennas out there.

Pros:

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Multidirectional reception
  • Sturdy build
  • A solid reception
  • Easy to install
Cons:

  • No built-in signal amplifier

Check Prices

 

RCA ANT751E

An Affordable and Easy to Use Attic Antenna

rca ant751e ant751e
RCA ANT751E is a simple, Yagi type antenna, with reliable, but only unidirectional signal reception.

In other words, this device will do the job and deliver more than a decent performance; however, don’t expect miracles. Due to its aluminum and stainless steel build, you will get a solid and weatherproof antenna that is perfect for all weather conditions, including the harsh ones.

RCA ANT751E is capable of capturing full HD and lower resolution TV channels in up to 110 kilometers distance, in both UHF and VHF range, and overall delivers very good value for the money considering its price, which is more than affordable.

Furthermore, it weighs 2.4 kg, it is easy to install, and comes in a package along with a 75-ohm matching transformer; however, it lacks a preamplifier, which may be a deal-breaker for many.

On the other hand, there is the handy RCA Signal Finder app that allows for its perfect positioning, as well as the overall simplicity of use that makes it suitable for all sorts of users.

Altogether, if you want the best HD antenna for attic at a reasonable price, RCA ANT751E is pretty much a great deal.

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • Compact
  • Sturdy
  • Weather-resistant
  • Affordable
  • RCA Signal Finder app
Cons:

  • Comes without a built-in preamplifier
  • It’s unidirectional

Check Prices

 

Forlovv Long Range TV Antenna

An Excellent Antenna for the Price

forlovv 150+ miles long range tv antenna
Finding a good quality attic antenna, with great performance and reception, is hard to manage. Nevertheless, with Forlovv 150+ Miles Long Range TV Antenna, all that is possible.

This is an antenna with an excellent 320-kilometer signal reception range, a built-in amplifier, and the ability to capture channels in both VHF and UHF range, in a variety of resolutions, including Full HD. Due to its durable and waterproof build, it can be successfully used indoors and outdoors, while its lifetime warranty guarantees for its longevity, giving you a strong and convincing argument of money well spent.

Forlovv 150+ Miles Long Range TV Antenna comes along with an 11-meter long coaxial cable and overall offers easy installation. Moreover, it is fitted with a USB charging port and a noise cancellation feature and altogether gives you much more than can be expected from a budget-friendly attic antenna.

All in all, if you want one of the best outdoor antennas that can successfully be used indoors as well, Forlovv 150+ Miles Long Range TV Antenna is an ideal option for you.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Easy to setup
  • USB charging port
  • Very good performance
  • Noise cancellation
Cons:

  • None

Check Prices

 

ANTOP Big BOY AT-400B

A Practical and Highly Efficient Indoor/Outdoor Antenna

antop big boy at-400b
ANTOP Big BOY AT-400B is a sleek-looking and very durable home antenna, with excellent reception and performance overall that will force you to seriously consider ditching cable operators.

The most prominent reason for that is definitely its crystal clear image that comes as a result of advanced features such as 4G LTE Filter and Smart-Pass Amplifier Technology, and many other features as well, including 4K support, built-in preamplifier and multi-directional high gain reception in both VHF (between 54 and 216 MHz) and UHF range (between 470 and 890 MHz).

To make things even more interesting, this antenna comes along with 12 meters of coaxial cable for easier installation, excellent 128-kilometer reach, and excellent build quality that includes both waterproof and anti-UV protection. Moreover, ANTOP Big BOY AT-400B can be successfully used both inside and outside and it provides UL certification.

In other words, the best attic antenna is in front of you.

Pros:

  • Easy installation and setup
  • UL certified
  • Clear image
  • Comes along with the preamplifier
  • 4G LTE Filter
Cons:

  • None

Check Prices

 

Lava Omnipro HD-8008

A Highly Versatile and Practical Attic Antenna

lava omnipro hd-8008

Lava Omnipro HD-8008 is a practical and easy-to-use antenna that can be used both indoors and outdoors equally successfully. More importantly, its range is between 40 km and 200km, which is more than respectable, while the omnidirectional nature of the antenna helps with its positioning; nonetheless, it makes it use more fitting to urban areas.

Moreover, this antenna can be simultaneously used with up to eight TVs and is capable of capturing FM, UHF (32 dB), and VHF (28 dB) signals. In addition, Lava Omnipro HD-8008 also comes with the included J-mount for easier installation and a built-in preamplifier for signal boosting.

Lava Omnipro HD-8008 is weatherproof and comes with UV protection. Moreover, it supports 1080p and 4K resolution and altogether brings a great value for the money, as should be the case with one of the best attic antennas out there.

Pros:

  • Built-in preamplifier
  • It receives both VHF and UHF signal
  • 200 km range
  • It supports up to eight TVs
  • Omnidirectional
Cons:

  • Not such a great option for rural areas

Check Prices

 

Five Star FSA-5812

An Excellent Outdoor Home Antenna

five star fsa-5812

If you are seeking an affordable and not-too-demanding attic antenna for watching your favorite local channels, Five Star FSA-5812 is a solid option for you. Of course, don’t expect miracles; nonetheless, do expect to watch the majority of channels available in your area, due to the antenna’s 300 km range. More importantly, this antenna supports both 4K and 1080p resolutions, as well as signals in both the UHF and VHF range.

Five Star FSA-5812 weighs around 43.5 kg and offers stable and decent quality reception. At the same time, it is easy to assemble and mount, thanks to the snap-lock elements and lock-fold design. Moreover, it is fitted with booster technology and a smart chip for advanced reception, while the exceptional build quality and multiple protective features make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

In short, it offers a pretty good value for the money and presents one of the better options available.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Easy mounting
  • 320 km range
  • 4K support
Cons:

  • Poor instructions
  • Not the strongest reception

Check Prices

 

Channel Master CM-4228HD

An Attic Antenna that Accepts no Compromise

channel master cm-4228hd
Channel Master CM-4228HD is a heavy-duty, multi-directional (180° reception) attic antenna, with excellent reception in both VHF (174MHz to 216MHz) and UHF (470MHz to 700MHz) bandwidth.

It is lightweight (4.5 kilograms), it supports 1080p TV channel broadcast and is able to receive channels from up to 128 kilometers distant TV towers.

Moreover, this antenna is easy to install and it offers an excellent aluminum build, as well as numerous protective features, such as wind, UV, and water resistance that makes it a great option for both indoor and outdoor use.

More importantly, Channel Master CM-4228HD works perfectly in the areas with numerous obstacles, such as mountains, and overall makes a great choice not only as an attic antenna but as a great multipurpose antenna as well.

However, have in mind that this antenna lacks a pre-amplifier; therefore, if you require something like that, you will have to buy one. Luckily, there are numerous good quality amplifiers; nevertheless, they will increase your initial costs, which should also be kept in mind.

To make a long story short, if you want the best Omni-directional attic antenna for your money, Channel Master CM-4228HD is pretty much it.

Pros:

  • Compact
  • Easy to install
  • 128 kilometers range
  • Strong reception
  • 12db gain
  • Sturdy
Cons:

  • It comes without a preamplifier
  • No low VHF frequencies reception

Check Prices

 

Antennas Direct TV Antenna DB8-E

An Antenna for Weak-Signal Areas

antennas direct 8-element bowtie tv antenna db8-e
If you are living in a distant area with poor signal reception, and are looking for a good, but a not too expensive antenna that will fix all that, Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna DB8-E is the device for you. However, have in mind that this piece of equipment is rather large; therefore, be sure that you have enough space to install it.

When talking about the main characteristics of this antenna, have in mind that this is a multi-directional device that can be pointed into two directions simultaneously and that it can capture the signal from up to 110 kilometers of distance.

Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna DB8-E captures the UHF band, in frequencies from 470MHz to 698MHz and is able to capture channels in the Full HD resolution. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support VHF signal reception; however, it does provide a lifetime warranty on parts and overall presents a solid attic antenna option, if, of course, your space allows it.

Pros:

  • Lifetime warranty on parts
  • Good reception
  • Easy to mount
  • It can be pointed into two directions at the same time
Cons:

  • No VHF frequency support
  • A bit large

Check Prices

 

GE Pro Attic Antenna 33692

A Solid and Simple-to-Use Attic Antenna

ge pro attic mount tv antenna 33692
GE Pro Attic Mount TV Antenna 33692 is a basic and easy to use attic antenna that is especially designed for work in closed spaces, such as an attic.

It doesn’t have any fancy features. However, it does provide decent performance. It receives signals in both VHF and UHF bands and can capture signals from TV towers at up to 96 kilometers of distance.

Moreover, it is fully 1080p compatible and 4K ready, and it offers easy installation that makes it suitable for all ages.

GE Pro Attic Mount TV Antenna 33692 comes with a lifetime warranty and presents a more budget-oriented antenna option. In other words, if you are seeking the best attic antenna at a reasonable price, this is the thing to go for.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Easy setup
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Especially built for closed spaces, such as attics
Cons:

  • Not for outdoors use

Check Prices

 

Antop HD Antenna SBS-301

A Great-Performing Indoor Antenna

antop hd antenna sbs-301

If you are seeking a solid performing indoor antenna that brings multiple features, and more importantly, good HDTV reception, Antop HD Antenna SBS-301 is the device for you. This antenna comes with a 112km range and features a customizable amplifier that does more than a fine job in capturing channels.

Antop HD Antenna SBS-301 comes with both FM antenna and smart HDTV antenna and features a three-meter cable that helps with its otherwise easy installation. Moreover, this antenna is fitted with the 4G LTE filters that are reducing signal interferences and altogether it brings more than a regular user may need.

In short, it presents one of the best indoor antennas out there.

Pros:

  • Customizable amplifier
  • Built-in FM antenna
  • Solid range
  • Easy setup
  • Decent performance
Cons:

  • Pricey

Check Prices

 

Summary

Well, you are ready to cut your cable bills and all you have to do now is pick your champion and set it up. We’re sure that one of these babies will sure be providing you with hours of quality TV. Have fun!

The post The Best Attic Antennas in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-attic-antennas/feed/ 0
The Best Soundbars Under $300 in 2023 https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-soundbar-under-300/ https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-soundbar-under-300/#respond Fri, 28 Aug 2020 13:29:50 +0000 https://www.thetechlounge.com/?p=9669 Today’s TVs are amazing when it comes to video quality. However, when we’re talking about sound, it’s like they forgot to make the upgrade. So yes, you may have a 4K or HDR OLED TV, but the sound is less than satisfactory. Luckily, we have the perfect solution – a soundbar! These compact speakers are specially designed to sit in front of a TV (or under it) and come equipped with high-end speakers that deliver a wider range of audio options. Today we’ll review the best soundbar under $300 to make sure the features match the quality of your TV. However, if you want something more affordable, check our reviews and guides here. Top Picks How To Choose The Best...

The post The Best Soundbars Under $300 in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
the best soundbars under 300
Today’s TVs are amazing when it comes to video quality. However, when we’re talking about sound, it’s like they forgot to make the upgrade.

So yes, you may have a 4K or HDR OLED TV, but the sound is less than satisfactory. Luckily, we have the perfect solution – a soundbar! These compact speakers are specially designed to sit in front of a TV (or under it) and come equipped with high-end speakers that deliver a wider range of audio options.

Today we’ll review the best soundbar under $300 to make sure the features match the quality of your TV. However, if you want something more affordable, check our reviews and guides here.

Top Picks

Last update on 2025-04-14 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How To Choose The Best Soundbar Under $300

While we could list a litany of features that matter when selecting a soundbar, there are only a few that are crucial.

Sound Quality

First, it’s the sound quality, of course. This means looking for a product that’s equipped to deliver clear audio regardless of the content (movies, games, music, and so on). Given the price range (under $300), you shouldn’t expect audiophile quality, but the soundbar should be able to make the dialogue clear and provide a good audio balance across a wide frequency range.

A good soundbar in this price range should be able to deliver a stereo setup or more (3D sound, for instance) and should come with a subwoofer (built-in or external). If you’re going for a product with built-in subwoofers, you’ll have a compact speaker with all the necessary drivers in one housing.

Connectivity

The second feature that matters is connectivity. Your device should accept both on-cable and wireless (usually BT) connections. This way, you can connect it to the TV (via cable) and add other devices like smartphones and tablets for streaming. Also, the location of the ports on the soundbar is important – you need to make sure you can reach it with the cable without going through a lot of hoops.

Design

Lastly, let’s talk about design. While there isn’t much variety (all soundbars are elongated rectangles) it’s best to choose one that fits your TV and entertainment settings.

For instance, if the soundbar is too tall, it can block the IR sensor on your TV and it can look weird. Also, if the housing is white and all your devices are black, it will stand out like a sore thumb.

Best Soundbars Under $300

Sony HT-S350

Great for Updating your Home Theater at an Affordable Price

sony ht-s350
Upgrade your home theater with this 2.1 channels soundbar and its powerful subwoofer! You’ll get 320W of total power output, with great volume and clarity. In addition, the soundbar is supported by a subwoofer with a 6.3-inch speaker unit that can produce rich and deep bass.

Before you start thinking that you can’t truly bring your content to life because this is a 2.1 channel soundbar, we need to talk about the S-Force Pro. This is a virtual surround sound technology that makes you feel like in a theater, creating a full surround sound experience. This means you don’t have to drill holes in all your walls – just place the soundbar under your TV and enjoy the experience!

Furthermore, the soundbar has 7 sound modes you can choose from (music, game, cinema, and more). Each mode has pre-designed settings that focus on the type of audio you need. For instance, the bass will be more booming for games but you’ll hear the better dialogue in News mode.

Sony HT-S350 has two types of connections: Bluetooth and on-cable. The BT module allows users to stream music, audiobooks, podcasts, and more from their smartphone or tablet as long as they are within range. The on-cable connection is for TVs that have an HDMI Arc port.

Pros:

  • Slim design that fits easily in a modern entertainment room
  • A powerful subwoofer that creates deep bass
  • The sound is clear and rich
  • Equipped with virtual surround sound technology
  • Accepts BT and on-cable connection
  • 7 sound modes to choose from
Cons:

  • The connectivity is rather limited (only 1 HDMI port)
  • The subwoofer could be better

Check Prices

 

JBL Bar 2.1

The Best Soundbar Under $300 With Bluetooth

jbl bar 2
JBL is a great brand in the world of audio entertainment so their soundbars are supported by some of the best expertise of the industry. For instance, this 2.1 channel soundbar comes with an impressive 300W of total system power and a 6.5″ wireless subwoofer.

These two elements combine in a deep and rich audio experience, that keeps everyone entertained. In addition, the built-in Dolby Digital technology provides an authentic cinematic experience (frequency response is between 40Hz and 20KHz) right in your living room!

In addition, the soundbar has JBL Surround Sound technology that helps enrich the emotions of movies, sports, and music. You can connect your TV (via the one HDMI port) or you can use the soundbar to stream content from BT devices (like your phone or tablet).

Lastly, the bar can be controlled using the buttons at the top, or the remote control that’s delivered in the box. The interface is rather simple (there aren’t many controls), but this may be a bit of an issue with audiophiles who like to customize their sound experience.

Pros:

  • The soundbar performs well even at high volumes
  • Clear and rich sound quality
  • Slim design that fits modern spaces
  • Easy to install on the wall or under your TV
Cons:

  • It only has 1 HDMI port
  • Not a lot of settings adjustments

Check Prices

 

SAMSUNG 3.1ch A650

One of the Best Budget-Friendly Soundbars

samsung 3.1ch a650

SAMSUNG 3.1ch A650 is a reasonably priced soundbar that brings a neutral sound, appropriate for listening of a wide variety of audio content. There is also a decent set of features, such as the Gaming mode, and support for Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS. Moreover, this soundbar comes with multiple audio enhancement functions that include bass boost, graphic EQ, and several presets.

More importantly, there is also the adaptive sound lite that optimizes all sorts of audio content, including dialogues, and makes them clear and crisp.

For that reason, this soundbar is an ideal option for the fans of TV shows and podcasts, and a little less for music fans. The main reason for that is its not that great low bass, which may result in insufficient rumble in the hip-hop, and EDM melodies, as well as action movies.

SAMSUNG 3.1ch A650 comes with a built-in center speaker, as well as a wireless subwoofer. However, it lacks satellites, yet it is compatible with Samsung’s Wireless Surround Kit, which can easily overcome that problem. Moreover, this soundbar offers BT, HDMI, and USB connection, and features mostly wood build, enhanced with metal grills, on top, and at the front, adding additional strength to the overall build and durability.

All in all, SAMSUNG 3.1ch A650 is a pretty good soundbar for the money and it offers enough for a budget-friendly device. Yes, the fact remains that that maybe it isn’t enough to compete with the best soundbars available; nonetheless, it is more than enough to position it neck and neck with the devices such as the LG GX Soundbar, the TCL Alto 9+, and the Klipsch Cinema 600.

Pros:

  • Graphic EQ and presets
  • Loud sound
  • Wireless subwoofer
  • Adaptive sound
Cons:

  • Not the best low bass
  • No Dolby Atmos
  • No built-in Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, and Chromecast

Check Prices

 

Polk Audio Signa S3

The Place Where the Fun Sound Lives

polk audio signa s3

If you are seeking an easy-to-use soundbar that is packed with features and offers a well-balanced, natural sound, good stereo soundstage, and enough power when needed, Polk Audio Signa S3 is the device for you. This isn’t some high-end soundbar, but an affordable and practical device. Its features include the Dolby Digital 5.1 experience, as well as solid connectivity that involves Bluetooth connection, Google Chromecast, HDMI Arc, optical input, and the 3.5mm aux connection.

To make thing seven better, Polk Audio Signa S3 is fitted with a wireless subwoofer and supports streaming from a whole bunch of services, such as Pandora, Spotify, Tidal, and many others. For the most part, this soundbar is built out of wood and, in contrast to its class, it brings a bit larger dimensions. Its large dimensions are also the key reason for its very good performance, best shown in voice-based content, due to the sound-enhancing functions such as Voice Adjust Technology.

Polk Audio Signa S3 also supports voice commands and is compatible with Google Assistant. In other words, Polk Audio Signa S3 delivers a pretty good overall package and brings an excellent value to the customer. On top of that, it provides a pleasant audio experience, good connectivity and ultimately makes a well-balanced product that rightfully positions itself among the best soundbars under $300.

Pros:

  • Wireless subwoofer
  • Good connectivity
  • Chromecast
  • Google Assistant
  • Good sound reproduction
  • Feature-rich
Cons:

  • Not a perfect fit for the movies
  • No Dolby Atmos support

Check Prices

 

Yamaha YAS-109

A Minimalistic Design with Lots of Features

yamaha yas-109
Not everyone loves having their technology out in the open. So, if you’d rather listen and not see, the YAS-109 is the perfect option. It’s just the soundbar (the subwoofer is built-in) and the design is slim and simplistic. Depending on your preferences, you can either place in front of the TV or install it on the wall.

You can choose between HDMI and optical connection with the TV, and due to DTS Virtual: X technology and Virtual 3D surround sound, you can enjoy an immersive experience with clear sound and deep bass (due to the dual subwoofer).

However, if you feel you need more power, you can always find a compatible external subwoofer, for that extra oomph. We have a great buying guide on the best subwoofer for your needs, so make sure to check it out!

In addition, the YAS-109 comes with Alexa features for voice control, which makes it a lot more fun to use. You can stream music (via Spotify connect, WiFi, or Bluetooth), set alarms, or even connect it with other smart home devices. For instance, you can control your Fire TV with just your voice by asking Alexa to play a specific show or movie.

Lastly, the soundbar is equipped with the Clear Voice module, which brings the conversation to the forefront, allowing users to hear dialogue clearly.

Pros:

  • Ultra-slim design with built-in subwoofer
  • Easy to install
  • Supports HDMI and optical connectivity
  • Clear Voice module for better dialogue
  • Built-in Alexa feature
  • Supports BT, WiFi, Amazon music, & Spotify Connect
Cons:

  • The bass is not very strong
  • The surround is not that great

Check Prices

 

Bose TV Speaker

As Simple as They Come

bose tv speaker

Bose TV Speaker is a more basic-oriented soundbar that offers a decent sound experience and before anything else, ease of use that makes it suitable for every age. This compact soundbar features a 2.0 setup, and is a very good match for a TV show, podcast, and music fans. For the most part, that is so because it offers multiple audio enhancement functions that are doing a great job in clearing the audio.

Bose TV Speaker delivers a wide, natural sound and offers well-balanced mid-ranges. Unfortunately, it lacks the rumble, which makes it not that great of an option for action movies. Its bass is strong for the size, while the list of connectivity options includes HDMI Arc connection, Bluetooth connection, as well as a 3.5mm aux.

In other words, there is a limited number of features. However, this device isn’t designed for the feature-hungry users in the first place, but for the people who are seeking a solid audio experience and ease of use, which is especially important for the elderly audiophiles.

Pros:

  • Easy to setup and use
  • Multiple sound adjustment features
  • Compact
  • Strong bass
  • Effective dialog mode
Cons:

  • No app and voice controls
  • It isn’t very loud
  • No EQ or room correction feature
  • No HDMI inputs

Check Prices

 

VIZIO V-Series 5.1

A Highly Versatile and Practical Soundbar

vizio v-series 5.1

VIZIO V-Series 5.1 is a simple and sleek-looking soundbar that offers an exceptional audio experience and great versatility suitable for multiple music genres and various types of video content. To be exact, this soundbar delivers a well-balanced, neutral sound, and a solid bass due to its 5” Wireless Subwoofer.

This soundbar supports DTS, Dolby Audio 5.1, and offers decent connectivity that, among others, includes Bluetooth and 3.5-inch aux connection. Moreover, this device supports voice controls and is compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. More importantly, it is fitted with multiple audio enhancement features such as Bass Adjustment, Treble Adjustment, Dialogue Enhancement, Subwoofer Level Adjustment, and Surround Level Adjustment that are some of the key reasons for its great audio performance.

VIZIO V-Series 5.1 comes with four EQ presets, offers performance-optimized for 4K HDR content, and it handles every content equally successfully, whether it’s movies, TV shows, or plain music. Therefore, if you want a good-quality soundbar with a lot of versatility and a fine sound at a reasonable price, VIZIO V-Series 5.1 is more than a good choice and the device that is certainly among the best soundbars under $200 out there.

Pros:

  • It can get loud
  • Multiple audio and voice enhancement features
  • Well-balanced sound
  • Highly versatile
  • Four EQ presets
  • Surround speakers
Cons:

  • No Dolby Atmos support
  • No Full HDMI In port
  • No Wi-Fi and Chromecast connectivity

Check Prices

 

Summary

Soundbars are (usually) an extension of your TV as they complete the entertainment with great audio quality without crowding up the place. They have a slim and minimalist design and can be easily integrated with a modern entertainment system to create a cinematic experience.

Furthermore, some of the most advanced models can deliver surround quality without the need for additional speakers. This way, you enjoy the full potential of movies, games, shows, and more without having to massacre your walls and mess up the interior design.

So, if you’re on the look for a device that will enhance your TV but can also stream music via BT, you are in the right place. Check out our reviews and select the product that works best for your needs!

The post The Best Soundbars Under $300 in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-soundbar-under-300/feed/ 0
The Best Indoor Drones to Choose Today https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-indoor-drone/ https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-indoor-drone/#respond Fri, 28 Aug 2020 13:29:45 +0000 https://www.thetechlounge.com/?p=9685 Here we go again with another drone article, but this time we’ll see about the best indoor drone money can buy. Generally speaking, an indoor drone is viewed as a drone for beginners first and foremost, and that’s due the indoor drone’s inherent features: they are small, light, tough and resilient when abused, cheap, not so feature-rich as others yet perfectly usable as a “driver’s drone”, and obviously awesome for indoor racing. Needless to say, indoor drones also make for the perfect gift for your kids, regardless of age, as they are great choices for teaching them about technology and hone their pilot skills. Moreover, being relatively cheap, indoor drones are the stepping stone to more expensive models. Basically, start...

The post The Best Indoor Drones to Choose Today first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
the best indoor drones
Here we go again with another drone article, but this time we’ll see about the best indoor drone money can buy. Generally speaking, an indoor drone is viewed as a drone for beginners first and foremost, and that’s due the indoor drone’s inherent features: they are small, light, tough and resilient when abused, cheap, not so feature-rich as others yet perfectly usable as a “driver’s drone”, and obviously awesome for indoor racing.

Needless to say, indoor drones also make for the perfect gift for your kids, regardless of age, as they are great choices for teaching them about technology and hone their pilot skills. Moreover, being relatively cheap, indoor drones are the stepping stone to more expensive models. Basically, start with an affordable indoor drone if you don’t want to end up crushing your new expensive drone.

Top Picks

Last update on 2025-04-05 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose the Best Indoor Drone

Buying an indoor mini-drone is pretty straightforward in our view, and here are the main buying considerations:

Budget

First, establish your budget, as in look for the perfect combo of affordability and quality. Even if you’re looking to spend under $100 on an indoor drone, you still have a lot of options, so you’ll still have to balance affordability and quality. Usually speaking, expensive drones are more feature-rich, but that doesn’t necessarily mean extra-performance.

Features

Which brings us to the next issue: select only the features you need. If you buy an indoor drone for a 5-year-old, you don’t require fancy features like integrated GPS, but you’ll have to focus on build quality and safety features, such as propeller guards. If you’re shopping for a higher-end indoor drone, you must take into account premium features, such as obstacle avoidance, and yes, in this regard, expensive drones do it better than others. Integrated gimbals (they keep the camera steady while on the move) are common as indoor drones go up in price, as well as better range, plus relatively advanced features like headless mode, follow me mode, and even integrated GPS or an HD/Full HD camera.

If you’re looking to race your drone indoors, stability, weight (the lighter, the better), and flight time come into play. After all’s said and done, the lesson to be taken home is this: the best indoor drone must be small, light, yet tough as nails, highly maneuverable and ideally speaking, affordable. With all these in mind, let’s take a look at our top picks for today, in no particular order.

Best Indoor Drones

Ryze Tech Tello

The Best Indoor FPV Drone

ryze tech tello
We’ll start our line-up with one of the most popular mini-drones out there, the Ryze Tech Tello respectively. To begin with, we must tell you that the Ryze Tello is a relatively cheap toy-quadcopter, retailing for a bit less than $100, so if you’re a videographer/photographer searching for the best deal of your life, this is not it. The point being, the Ryze Tello is excellent for beginners/hobbyists looking to perfect their remote flying skills, and in this department, this tiny drone really shines.

Even if the drone comes with a built-in camera, the video quality is nothing to write home about, i.e. the main reason for which the Ryze Tello made it to our top 7 is that it offers a lot of fun for the buck asked. First, this is a tiny and uber-light drone, measuring 6 x 6 x 1.3 inches and weighing less than three ounces, which makes it perfect for indoor use. Another cool thing about the Ryze Tello is that it can be controlled with your smartphone via a dedicated app, or you can program it using an open-source program called Scratch, developed by MIT.

However, it must be said that the flight controller included in the retail package is provided by DJI, which means you’ll get a ton of maneuverability, not to mention the drone can fly for up to 13 minutes on a single charge. Despite its small size, the Ryze Tello is very fast and maneuverable, and even if it lacks advanced features like GPS, the drone can still perform cool midair flips or take-off/landing from your hand. The EZ shots function is great if you need to capture a 360 view of your surroundings, yet the low resolution for today’s standards delivers blocky videos most of the time.

Bottom line, if you’re looking for a solidly built and massive fun toy-drone to use indoors, the Ryze Tello would definitely fit the bill.

Pros:

  • Affordable, well built, easy to fly
  • Programmable via Scratch, fast, small and light
  • No FAA registration required, very stable even outdoors in low-wind
  • Takes decent pictures/videos for 2018 standards, comes with EIS (electronic image stabilization)
  • Perfect choice for kids and/or anyone new to drones
Cons:

  • Lacks GPS, return-to-home function
  • Limited range 100 meters (330 feet)

Check Prices

 

Potensic P7

Excellent Mini Drone for Kids

Potensic P7
The Potensic P7 is designed as a mini drone for kids, but it can be used by adult beginners as well, especially due to its battle mode. To begin with, the P7 is an entry level drone with a retail price of less than $100. The mini drone comes packed with a ton of fun features, including 3D stunts and the aforementioned battle mode, plus it’s small, cheap and tough.

The drone’s sturdy body with propeller guards makes it ideal for kids, regardless of age, and if you add into the mix cool stuff like front/sideways/back flips at a touch of a button, you end up with a winner. Design-wise, the P7 is a good-looking drone, with a red/white body and black propellers, measures 5.5 x 5.24 inches and weighs 1.3 pounds, which means you’ll have to register it with the FAA to play it safe.

There are 3-speed modes, a headless mode, and if you have 2 drones, you can engage in battle via the battle mode. The thing about P7 is that it comes with an infrared “gun”, which shoots infrared beams from the drone nose. If you hit your opponent 4 times, you win, and this is as cool as it gets.

You also get a 720p camera, plus 2.4G FPV WiFi transmission for APP. The drone is very stable in flight due to its altitude hold function, and you can control it with your smartphone via the hand gesture function. The P7 comes with 2 modular batteries and each will provide you with 10 minutes of flight time for a grand total of 20.
The remote control is simple and intuitively designed, and bottom line, if you’re looking for a cool toy for kids aged 14 to 114, this is it.

Pros:

  • Tough as nails
  • Very affordable
  • Battle mode
  • Emergency stop works
  • Nice app
  • Hovers in place
Cons:

  • Some latency in video feed

Check Prices

 

Holy Stone HS210

The Best Indoor Drone Under $50

holy stone hs210
If you’re looking for a tiny drone, the Holy Stone HS210 has your name on it; also known as a nano-quadcopter, this is one of the best indoor drones for beginners and kids, as it’s dirt cheap, retailing for less than $30, tough as nails and comes with extra batteries and a couple of nice features like headless mode, 3D flip and auto hovering. Basically, as long as you’re on a tight budget and trying to make the most of it, it’s hard to beat the Holy Stone HS210.

Obviously, since we’re talking beer money here, this drone lacks advanced features, including the return-to-home thing, or GPS; however, since today’s topic is the best indoor drone money can buy, the respective feature is hardly a deal-breaker and quasi-useless, as well as an onboard camera, which is also missing in action but we don’t really care.

The Holy Stone HS210 is a no-nonsense indoor drone, and it makes up for its lack of advanced features with reliability, build quality and, most importantly for beginners, ease of use. The drone is as tough as they came and it will definitely survive any number of crashes into floors and walls; if you insist to push it to its breaking point though, don’t worry, as you’ll be able to find cheap replacement parts with ease. By the way, the HS210 comes with a spare set of propellers included in the retail package, which is very nice.

Speaking of which, you’ll also get 3 batteries and a screwdriver; each battery gives you 7 minutes of flight time and if you want more, spare batteries are also dirt cheap. Flight performance is impressive to say the least, as the drone is responsive, stable, and fun to fly.

Besides the usual altitude hold, headless mode, hover and one key take-off/landing feature, you’ll get impressive 3D flips in 4 directions plus a low battery power alarm. The bottom line, the Holy Stone HS210 is an impressive indoor drone for the price asked and comes highly recommended.

Pros:

  • Amazing value for money, durable, affordable
  • Impressive build quality for such an inexpensive drone
  • Long flight time, super easy to fly, tough as nails
  • Spare parts are readily available and cheap
  • Professional looking and well-designed remote controller
Cons:

  • Short transmitter range (50 meters tops)

Check Prices

 

Potensic A20 Mini Drone

Great Drone for Kids and Noobs

Potensic A20 Mini Drone
The A20 a has seen an upgrade in 2021 from Potensic, yet it still is a highly affordable drone for kids and noobs, which can be flown both outdoors and indoors. The drone is dirt cheap, with a price tag under $40, and comes with auto hovering, headless mode and a cool remote control.

The A20’s easy flying nature and robust body makes it an ideal kid-friendly option, and if it breaks, you can always go out and buy another one, because it’s dirt cheap. Don’t worry, as this tiny drone is built to last, launching it is a child’s play, literally, and the drone responds to commands in a quick and accurate fashion, being able to zip around at ludicrous speeds.

The drone is powered by 3 AAA batteries which provide up to 13 minutes flight time, and it’s great fun to fly and handle. The A20 does not feature a front mounted camera, but that’s hardly a shocker considering the price asked.

However, your kids will appreciate the drone’s features, which include One Key Taking-off / Landing, Altitude Hold, Headless Mode and Emergency Stop, not to mention the fact that the A20 is durable and comes with propeller guards.

Speaking of durability, the rubbery plastic used in the A20 is virtually indestructible; the controller is compact yet easy to use, and keep in mind that such a tiny drone cannot be used outdoors if there’s the slightest breeze.

Bottom line, if you’re looking for a super-small drone for your kids, just go for it and never look back.

Pros:

  • Massive fun
  • Easy to use
  • Indestructible
  • Flies smooth
  • Cool features
Cons:

  • Nothing at this price

Check Prices

 

Air Hogs U.S.S Enterprise NCC-1701-A

The Best Indoor Drone for Trekkies

air hogs star trek u.s.s enterprise ncc-1701-a
The Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise Remote Control Quadcopter by Air Hogs is one of the coolest indoor drones out there, and if coolness is a decisive factor in choosing your next gadget, boy, you’ll have a run for your money and then some! Retailing currently for way less than $100, this drone is a miniature of the legendary Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-A starship, and it comes with ten authentic sounds and lights plus a 2.4 GHz remote communication for long-distance control.

To make a long story short, if you’re a Trekkie, this drone is a must-have, especially if you’re looking for a collectible high-tech toy, as this baby celebrates 50 years of Star Trek, or at least it did when it was first launched. On top of that, the Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise RC is a limited edition of sorts, so go get yours while it lasts. One of the main selling points of the NCC-1701-A RC from Air Hogs is the authentic replica design, plus that cool phaser sound effect all Trekkies know and love.

Tech-wise, this is not an advanced drone, so don’t get your hopes too high, but as far as flying movie memorabilia goes, this is as good as it gets, i.e. you’ll end up with an awesome Star Trek ship floating around in your home, which looks very realistic while flying.

Pros:

  • You can actually fly a miniature of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-A!
  • Approximately 7 minutes of fly-time on a single charge
  • The clear plastic display stand also works as a launchpad
  • Comes with propeller guards, full-function remote, blue lights and phaser sound effects
  • Will make any Star Trek fan happy
Cons:

  • The ship will drop like a rock when the battery is depleted (may get damaged in the process)

Check Prices

 

Hubsan X4 (H107L)

The Best Drone for Indoor Use

hubsan x4 (h107l)
The Hubsan X4 is an astounding beginner drone and especially suited for indoor use. The X4 is very affordable, and it can be flown quickly and aggressively if one so inclined, but since we’re talking indoor use, the drone can be also flown conservatively, being very stable in the air due to its 6-axis gyroscope.

Maximum flight time is respectable for a tiny and lightweight drone (100 grams/3.5 ounces/4.6 x 2.3 x 1.3 inches) at nine minutes, and the remote control works well for up to 30 meters or 100 yards, which is more than enough for beginners. The Hubsan X4 is not much bigger than a regular smartphone and has rubber feet for absorbing harsh landings, plus a well-balanced chassis.

It’s worth mentioning that the Hubsan X4 is an RTF model, i.e. it’s ready to fly out of the box with zero assembly required, and has a 4 channel controller, which is extremely accurate, ergonomic and fits well in your hand (think PS3 comfort). What’s most impressive about this affordable drone is its superb and smooth handling, as well as the rich retail package that contains spare propellers.

Pros:

  • Excellent entry-level drone, sleek design
  • 9 minutes of flight time, 30 meters remote distance
  • Amazing value for money
  • Well balanced chassis, smooth performance
  • Above-average charging/flying time ratio (40 minutes for a full charge)
Cons:

  • Doesn’t have propeller guards (goes to durability)

Check Prices

 

UDI U46

Great Mini Drone for Kids

UDI U46
Named like a German U-boat from WW2, the UDI U46 is a nano-drone which is designed for kids and nano kids. Seriously now, the U46 is a dirt cheap entry level drone, built like a Soviet tank (tough as nails), easy to use, and specifically designed for indoor use.

What’s striking about the U46 is that it’s very slow, just like an U-boat. However, this is a feature, not a bug, which makes it one of the best drone for kids and noobs that we’ve reviewed so far. Since the drone is painfully slow, at least for experienced “pilots”, it makes for the perfect training drone for your kids, as they’ll be capable of flying it smoothly and safely around indoors without breaking stuff (or the drone).

The U46 comes with admirable features for the price asked, including auto take off/landing, and a headless mode. Altitude hold is also there, and works remarkably well, considering the fact that the U46 has no external sensors.

The drone comes with non-removable propeller guards and battery, and speaking of the latter, you’ll get maybe 7 minutes of flight time, which is not bad at all. Charging time is 30 minutes from zero to full, the remote control is pretty standard, yet it feels more substantial than others, and much more solid.

Finally, if you’ve never owned a drone before, and/or you’re looking to buy a cool toy for your kids, the UDI U46 comes highly recommended.

Pros:

  • Easy auto hovering
  • Speed control
  • Simple joystick design
  • Great for beginners
  • Two led lights
  • Auto crash shutoff
Cons:

  • Trim control adjustment not precise
  • Charging cable output, not standard USB

Check Prices

 

The post The Best Indoor Drones to Choose Today first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-indoor-drone/feed/ 0
The Best Drones Under $200 in 2023 https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-drone-under-200/ https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-drone-under-200/#respond Fri, 28 Aug 2020 13:29:38 +0000 https://www.thetechlounge.com/?p=9637 If you’re looking for a high-quality drone but you’re not ready just yet to spend a little fortune on a whim, you’ve landed in the right place, because today’s article is about the best drone under $200. The thing about dirt-cheap drones is that most of them have issues with in-flight stability, and the images (provided you’re lucky enough to get a camera) appear like they were taken with a Nokia 3310. However, even if $200 doesn’t sound like a lot of money, there are quite a few drones in this price range that will produce impressive results both in terms of flight capabilities and on-board camera quality. If this is your first drone, or you’re not a drone enthusiast,...

The post The Best Drones Under $200 in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
the best drones under 200
If you’re looking for a high-quality drone but you’re not ready just yet to spend a little fortune on a whim, you’ve landed in the right place, because today’s article is about the best drone under $200. The thing about dirt-cheap drones is that most of them have issues with in-flight stability, and the images (provided you’re lucky enough to get a camera) appear like they were taken with a Nokia 3310.

However, even if $200 doesn’t sound like a lot of money, there are quite a few drones in this price range that will produce impressive results both in terms of flight capabilities and on-board camera quality.

If this is your first drone, or you’re not a drone enthusiast, spending your entire paycheck on an expensive gadget doesn’t make sense; this type of extravagance can come later, so here’s the deal: a wallet-friendly drone, worth couple hundred dollars or less, has a lot of benefits compared to crazy-expensive models.

First, you won’t be terrified when you crash it, and yes, you will crash it, multiple times, especially if this is your first drone. Also, affordable drones are designed to be as simple to use as possible, and they’ll make for a great introduction to the drone-world, i.e. you’ll be able to determine if this “sport” is for you.

Top Picks

No products found.

How to choose the best drone under $200

Since drone technology advances incredibly quick, even a relatively cheap drone will deliver amazing images and impressive flight characteristics, provided you make the right choice. But after all, that’s why we are here. So, here’s what to look for (essential considerations):

FAA

First, take into consideration the FAA extravaganza, i.e. if your drone can be flown right “out of the box”, or you’ll have to register it with big brother.

Features

Then, the “features” thing comes into play. For two hundred bucks you should get image stabilization for the on-board camera, a feature that helps a lot with aerial imaging, first-person view or FPV mode (you’ll use the smartphone as a virtual cockpit), follow-me mode (excellent for recording your activities via drone), one key take-off/landing, and return to home or RTH.

These are must-have features especially for beginners, and what comes extra is like a gift from the Gods.

Battery Life

Don’t forget to check out battery life, which translates into average flight time, an important metric in our view. A mid-range $200 drone should have at least 9-10 minutes of autonomy on average, while mini drones do a little bit better in that regard.

Extras

The range also comes into play (the maximum distance between the controller and the drone) and budget drones usually offer 400–1,500 feet, as well as higher-end features such as GPS/RTH on low battery power/loss of signal, the quality of the on-board camera (resolution, video frame rate, field of view or FOV), or how well designed and easy to use the controller is.

The bottom line, just read the Pros/Cons section on our top-picks carefully, and you’ll end up just fine.

Best Drones Under $200

Potensic T25

An Ideal Drone for Beginners

potensic t25

Potensic T25 is a fun and easy-to-use drone that offers great maneuverability and a long list of features that make it suitable not only for beginners but also for experienced drone lovers.

This lightweight device comes with a 300-meter control range and is fitted with two 1000mAh batteries that deliver some 18 minutes of flight time in total. Also, this drone is equipped with a 2K camera with 120° FOV and 75° adjustable wide-angle that are producing videos and images of decent quality. On the other hand, the dual GPS, along with the 9-axis gyroscope keeps its stability, even in windy conditions, and helps with it return home safely, in the case of weak signal, or low battery power.

Potensic T25 supports three-speed mode, Headless mode, Altitude mode, and Follow me mode, as well as a one-button take-off and land function. It is made out of durable plastic and fitted with protective features such as Protection Guards. The drone itself comes in an aluminum silver carrying case, provides a great value for the money and presents one of the best drones under $200 without a doubt.

Pros:

  • Feature-rich
  • Aluminum Silver Carry Case included in the package
  • Dual GPS
  • 9-axis gyroscope
  • FPV
Cons:

  • Not that great flight time

Check Prices

 

Potensic D58

The Best Drone under $200 for Adults

potensic d58
Our second pick is the Potensic D58 FPV, a drone specifically built for adults; that means this is no “kiddie drone”, being the real deal and all that. To be more precise, the revamped and upgraded D58 is designed to deliver amazing flying experiences as well as smart camera functions for demanding customers, such as professional/commercial users or photographers.

To begin with, the Potensic D58 has a very professional design, featuring a jet black coating, doubled by excellent craftsmanship, and a body that’s both good looking and durable, not to mention highly functional at all levels, whether you’re a beginner, professional drone-fighter pilot, or commercial user.

Seriously speaking, this drone means business, and that’s obvious the first time you take a closer look at it. The flight time is a respectable 18 minutes, and the drone features a 4K camera onboard plus 5G WiFi compatibility, which dramatically increases its control range.

The full HD camera has 120 degrees FoV and a wide-angle lens, being excellent for high-quality real-time transmissions and aerial imaging. There’s even a special button to control the camera up and down, while the D58’s GPS assisted flight is perfect for recording properties for sale, beautiful landscapes, or whatever.

Basically, the Potensic D58 offers solid technology and features for an under $200 drone, including fancy stuff such as Follow Me, automatic takeoff and landing, an adjustable 3-speed mode, smart lightening features, Orbit Mode, and Waypoint mode, to name just a few.

Pros:

  • Lightweight design and solid build quality, punches above its class in terms of flying time and overall flight performance
  • Smart full HD camera mounted on a 1-axis gimbal for amazing stability and zero shakiness
  • The excellent budget choice for professional photographers and commercial users
  • 2 storage grids for 7.4 V high capacity batteries, multiple flight modes, 2 antennas for reduced interference
  • 500 meters control range, can perform complex flight maneuvers
Cons:

  • Not suited for racing/speed

Check Prices

 

Holy Stone HS165

The Best FPV Drone under $200

holy stone hs165
The Holy Stone HS165 is a small and posh-looking foldable drone, but looks aside, this cool gadget (looks like a bat when folded) checks all the boxes in the “best drone under $200” list.

First, it comes with all the necessary features and technological bells and whistles you could wish for: full HD 1080p camera on-board, auto-return home, circle fly, follow me, tap fly, and more, plus you’ll get a carrying case and 2 batteries in the retail box.

Moreover, the drone is light at 6oz which means you won’t have to register it with the FAA; despite its “smallness”, the Holy Stone HS165 has a 400 meters/1300 feet control range and can climb up to 120 meters. Flight time is decent at 15 minutes on a single charge, and the HD 1080 camera boasts a FOV 90° lens.

Since we’re talking about video capabilities, the drone can transmit live video at 250 meters max (800 feet) and can save full HD video on 32 GB TF cards. under each rotor arm, you’ll observe a status LED, while the camera is located on the front of the drone, in a fixed position. You can fly the drone by using the handheld remote control or via your smartphone using the Holystone app, but for best results, stick with the controller.

In the performance department, despite its compact size, the Holy Stone HS165 performs rather well, being easy to fly and controllable, i.e. you’ll benefit from great video footage and aerial images, so if you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll definitely love the FPV feature in full HD.

Pros:

  • Well designed, light and compact foldable-design, no FAA registration required
  • 15 minutes of flight time, 6 axis gyroscope for improved in-flight stability, intelligent flight modes
  • Good hovering capabilities, GPS, looks and feels solid, comes with 2 modular batteries included
  • User-friendly, quick and clear FPV, VR mode available, 5G compatible
  • Features altitude hold, one-key takeoff/landing, 2-speed modes, full-stop button, headless mode, GPS navigation features
Cons:

  • Camera is non-adjustable
  • No propeller guards

Check Prices

 

Potensic D80

The Best Racing Drone under $200

potensic d80
Next in line, we have the Potensic D80, a beginner-friendly high-quality drone that offers great features at an affordable price tag. To give you just a taste, the Potensic D80 comes equipped with a GPS sensor (Dual GPS and GLONASS positioning), and based on that, it can return home automatically when the signal is lost or the battery runs out, i.e. you will never lose it, at least in theory.

The one-key takeoff and landing feature is also here, and the smartphone app gives you a lot of shooting options for professional-looking footage. While we’re at it, we must mention the 120° Angle 2K HD FPV camera, that’s capable of tilting 90 degrees, a great feature for aerial-footage aficionados.

Moreover, the live-feed (FPV) is lag-free and smooth, as it connects via the 5G module. The 2K live-feed is available over a range of 300 yards (obstacle-free). If you want more range, the data will be stored on a memory card, so don’t worry about it. Another cool thing about the Potensic D80 is its speed, as the drone is capable of hitting 25 miles per hour (40 km/h for Euros).

Even at that speed, the drone will provide you with smooth and stable footage; when using the controller, the drone’s range gets upped to 800 yards, provided there’s no interference. On top of that, battery life is equally impressive as the drone’s speed and stability, due to the 1800 mAh battery that provides enough juice to keep your drone up in the air for up to 20 minutes, which is respectable, to say the least.

After everything’s said and done, the Potensic D80 is the definition of “best bang for the buck”, as it provides tons of fun and sensible features for less than $200, which is our sweet spot. Or, to put it succinctly, you’ll get a professional quadcopter for entry-level money.

Pros:

  • Amazing value for money,2K camera, built-in GPS, precise flight controls
  • Easy to use even for beginners, amazing battery life, 5G compatible, great for racing
  • Smooth video-streaming even at top speed, stable hovering, and accurate GPS
  • Smart features like Waypoint/Follow Me modes, Return Home and more
  • Spare parts included in the retail box
Cons:

  • The battery takes 5 hours to recharge

Check Prices

 

Holy Stone HS120D

The Best Camera Drone under $200 with GPS

holy stone hs120d
Here comes another Holy Stone drone, but this time a 2K-capable one, which is actually the main difference between the Holy Stone HS120D and the previously reviewed HS165. Okay, the latter is also foldable and very lightweight, but if camera resolution is more important than versatility in your book, there’s actually no competition between the two.

The HS120D looks to be designed for adventure lovers, or people who enjoy filming their outdoor activities, and we’re saying that because the drone comes with a specially designed backpack, which is very convenient for outdoor and travels.

The main selling point of the HS120D is arguably its 2K UHD 120° FOV Adjustable FPV camera; the high-def footage can be saved automatically on your smartphone and shared on social media or with your friends. In this regard, this drone is an Instagram aficionado’s best friend.

Smart features like Headless Mode, Altitude Mode, One Key to Take-off / Landing, Follow Me, Object Trace, Custom Path, Gesture Control, Return Home and GPS assisted flight are also available, and the good news is that you’ll benefit from an amazingly long FPV experience due to the fact that the drone comes with 2 batteries in the retail box, which provide you with almost 40 minutes of massive fun.

Yes, you got that right, we really enjoyed the Holy Stone HS120D, and there are many reasons for that: the rich retail package, excellent build quality, above-average camera, solid flight performance, and a very reasonable price tag. The bottom line, if you want more drone for less money, you will love the Holy Stone HS120D.

Pros:

  • Tons of features, excellent flight capabilities, solidly built, well designed
  • Comes with a backpack and 2 batteries included in the retail package
  • A small drone with big features and amazing camera
  • Easy to fly, impressive autonomy (20 minutes on each battery), charges both batteries at once (!)
  • Memory card included, 2K camera, compact controller, photo/video feedback sounds
Cons:

  • None really at this price

Check Prices

 

Holy Stone HS175D

One Hell of a Drone

holy stone hs175d

Finding a good-quality drone that will perform multiple tasks, offer great maneuverability, and won’t cost too much at the same time, is hard to manage. However, such drones do exist and Holy Stone HS175D is the proof of that.

This is a lightweight device (it weighs 218 grams), with a 4K camera with a 120° wide-angle and 90° adjustable wide-angle that deliver exceptional image and video quality. Also, there is 5GHz FPV transmission, as well as a respectable 23 minutes of flight time with a single 1700mAh battery, or 46 minutes in total, since there are two batteries in the package.

Holy Stone HS175D is fitted with a TF card slot, GPS and offers multiple flying modes such as the Altitude Hold, Optical Flow, Headless Mode, as well as Speed adjustment and One button take off/land function. On top of that, there is the option for the drone to follow you, fly along the predetermined path, or fly around in circles.

Moreover, this drone supports a maximum flight distance of 500 meters and a transmission distance of 300 meters, which is very respectable for any type of drone.

In other words, Holy Stone HS175D is the best drone under $200, if you are seeking the best possible value for the money, and a reliable device that brings a lot of fun and functionality at the same time.

Pros:

  • Foldable construction
  • GPS
  • 5GHz FPV transmission
  • 4K camera
  • 46 minutes of total flight time
Cons:

  • None

Check Prices

 

SYMA X500

A Great Drone in the Affordable Package

syma x500

SYMA X500 is a reasonably priced, easy-to-use drone that offers a solid build quality and plenty of features that will be appreciated by many. With this drone, you get two 1700mAh batteries that should give you a total flight time of 40 minutes, as well as a high-quality 4K UHD Camera with 120° FOV and 90° adjustable wide-angle that deliver more than solid image and video quality.

Moreover, this drone supports a variety of functions and modes and offers Headless Mode, Altitude Mode, Auto Return, and Follow Me function, as well as One-button fly/return function. Also, there is the Circle Fly, Object Trace, and Custom Path options, as well as multiple speed modes.

SYMA X500 weights 250 grams and supports 2.4GHz data transmission. It is fitted with a GPS for added stability and supports a flight distance of up to 350 meters and flight altitude of up to 100 meters, which should be enough for most people.

All in all, SYMA X500 provides a valuable package and presents a well-balanced, multipurpose drone that should find its base among beginners, as well as experienced users, who appreciate true quality when they see it.

Pros:

  • Well-designed
  • Easy to use
  • Good battery life
  • 4K UHD camera
  • Multiple features
  • Affordable
Cons:

  • Not the best instructions

Check Prices

 

The post The Best Drones Under $200 in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-drone-under-200/feed/ 0
The Best Alarm Clocks in 2023 https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-alarm-clocks/ https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-alarm-clocks/#respond Sun, 16 Aug 2020 13:26:38 +0000 https://www.thetechlounge.com/?p=9542 Have you ever fantasized about smashing your alarm clock into the wall in the morning? Heck, maybe you’ve even done it! Luckily, we’re not here to discuss the alarm clock’s right to a peaceful and violence-free life. We’re here to find the best alarm clock that will turn your morning frown upside down. And, if not, at least the best device that will get you up and ready for a new day on time. But why get an alarm clock? I have a smartphone! Yes, you do. And so do other 2.7+ billion other people in the world. However, many try to put a distance between themselves and technology during the night. It’s good for your sleep and overall, good...

The post The Best Alarm Clocks in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
the best alarm clocks
Have you ever fantasized about smashing your alarm clock into the wall in the morning? Heck, maybe you’ve even done it!

Luckily, we’re not here to discuss the alarm clock’s right to a peaceful and violence-free life. We’re here to find the best alarm clock that will turn your morning frown upside down. And, if not, at least the best device that will get you up and ready for a new day on time.

But why get an alarm clock? I have a smartphone!

Yes, you do. And so do other 2.7+ billion other people in the world.

However, many try to put a distance between themselves and technology during the night. It’s good for your sleep and overall, good for your health.

So, if you want to feel rested and energized in the morning for a change, you’ll browse our reviews and choose the best device for your needs!

Top Picks

Last update on 2025-04-02 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose The Best Alarm Clock

It all depends on your own preferences. Today’s devices can be quite technically-advanced, but not everyone wants that in an alarm clock. So, it all depends on the things that matter to you.

Ease of Use

Still, there are a few basic features every alarm clock should have, like the possibility to easily set an alarm (or several) and the possibility to adjust the volume and type of alarm (a selection of sounds or the option to start the radio instead).

Sleep Pattern

Next, you should consider your sleep pattern. Are you a heavy sleeper?

In this case, you may want to take a look at the best vibrating alarm clock on our list. This type of clock has the advantage that it only bothers you (if you sleep alone) and doesn’t bother the entire house early in the morning.

Display Brightness

Another feature to consider is display brightness. Most light sleepers can’t rest properly if there’s a source of light in the room. If that’s the case, you will need an alarm clock where you can turn off the display during the night.

Charging Options

If you’re the kind of person who likes to have all their devices close at night, while also charging them, have a look at the best smart alarm clock on our list. It offers plenty of charging options and more. Also, speaking of smart devices, some of these clocks support BT and other connections.

Best Alarm Clocks

Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock

The Best Alarm Clock for Heavy Sleepers

sonic bomb alarm clock
Designed for heavy sleepers and people with a hearing deficiency, the Sonic Alert Sonic Bomb Alarm clock is reliable and easy to set up. The alarm is loud (goes up to 113dB) and there are flashing lights that make sure you’ll wake up. There’s also a full range dimmer that helps you control the brightness of the lights.

However, if you need more or you have trouble hearing, the clock comes with a bed shaker, which is a vibrating device that goes on your mattress. This also works for people who don’t want to wake the entire house.

Users can set multiple alarms and there is a snooze function that can be adjusted to last from 1 to 30 minutes. And, to make sure you won’t miss your alarm if the power goes out, the clock has a battery backup system.

Overall, the Sonic Bomb Alarm clock is the best digital alarm clock for people who want a simple and easy-to-use device. The interface is easy to understand as all the controls are clearly labeled and there are switches and turn knobs to set the volume and tone.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface without too many bells and whistles
  • Several methods of waking someone up
  • A vibration device for people with impaired hearing
  • Several alarms and snooze feature
  • Very loud alarm
Cons:

  • The time adjustment feature is awkward (it only goes forward)
  • It’s easy to set up incorrectly if you change your routine often

Check Prices

 

USCCE Digital Alarm Clock Radio

Everything You Need from an Alarm Clock

uscce digital alarm clock radio

USCCE Digital Alarm Clock Radio is an affordable and easy-to-use dual-alarm clock that offers excellent build quality and a handful of features. These characteristics make it suitable for the majority of users.

This alarm clock is fitted with a 3.4 inch LCD screen, with dial controls, and plenty of information for the user. The information included is day, time, temperature, as well as ringtone times for both alarms.

Moreover, USCCE Digital Alarm Clock Radio comes along with two USB ports for charging a variety of devices and is fitted with the 3.5mm jack. Moreover, it can be powered either with the help of the AC adapter or with the three AAA batteries.

In addition, it is capable of saving up to 40 radio stations; it has a sleep timer function that can be adjusted from 10 up to 150 minutes and it offers full customization of both alarms.

USCCE Digital Alarm Clock Radio is fitted with five different alarm tones and comes with the snooze function that will give you 10 minutes of additional sleep.

To sum up, everything needed from the best alarm clock is there. It is cheap, it offers multiple features and plenty of customization and on top of that it has an excellent build quality. In other words, this is a great product that will certainly satisfy your every need.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Good battery life
  • Excellent build quality
  • Good value for the money
  • Feature-rich
Cons:

  • Time tends to drift

Check Prices

 

Philips SmartSleep HF3520/60

The Best Sunrise Alarm Clock

philips smartsleep hf3520-60
Specialists recommend a gentle waking up process, that takes into account the human natural sleep cycle. As such, Philips created the perfect alarm clock for people who like to wake up with nature sounds (five available options – Bird Song, Birds in the forest, Zen Garden, Gentle piano, and Seaside Sounds) and sunlight.

SmartSleep is a device that slowly ends the sleep cycle using yellow light (mimicking sunlight) that gradually increases in brightness on a 30 minutes timespan. The same happens with the alarm tune – it gradually gets louder.

The clock also incorporates FM radio, so you can wake up with your favorite music or show. Of course, if you’re not ready to wake up, just give it a tap and put it on snooze for 9 minutes.

The device is modern in design and has a large display that automatically adapts its brightness to environmental light conditions so it’s easy to read.

Pros:

  • Elegant & modern look
  • Wakes you up using light therapy and natural sounds
  • Built-in FM radio
  • Battery backup system in case of power failure
  • Tap to snooze feature
  • Nightlight for reading and drifting into sleepy time mode
Cons:

  • Controls are a bit difficult to find without actually looking at the watch
  • No automatic day/weekend switch
  • The display can’t be turned off completely

Check Prices

 

JALL Wooden Digital Alarm Clock

The Best Alarm Clock for Your Bedroom

jall wooden alarm clock
Most modern alarm clocks are quite boring in design and shape. Luckily, JALL solved this problem by creating a wooden alarm clock with a beautiful LED display that disappears into the design.

The clock has three alarms, for three different times throughout the day and it can be turned off during weekends.

The display has three levels of brightness and it provides useful information such as the time, ambient temperature, and humidity levels (it has built-in humidity and temperature sensors). The controls are placed on the back of the watch and are easy to use without looking at them.

Pros:

  • Gorgeous watch that looks good in any setting
  • The display is easy to read
  • It supports three different alarms
  • Built-in temperature and humidity sensors
  • User-friendly interface
Cons:

  • You can’t change the volume of the alarm
  • It drains batteries really fast so it’s not a recommended source of power

Check Prices

 

Soundcore Wakey

The Best Radio Alarm Clock for Your Bedroom

soundcore wakey
This is a Bluetooth speaker with full-range stereo drivers that supports wireless device charging (for Qi-compatible devices at up to 10W). It also features touch controls, but you can control it from a distance using the accompanying app.

Wakey has built-in FM radio and access to your favorite internet radio station via BT or Aux cable (for connecting it with a smartphone or tablet). As such, users can pre-set their favorite FM radio stations or simply choose to play something on Spotify.

When it comes to how you want to be woken, the clock is highly customizable. You can set up to 15 different alarms and there are 10 different sounds plus FM radio to choose from.

But this is not just for waking up! The clock also has 10 sleep-inducing ambient sounds to lull you into the dreamland. Creative users can also compose their own tunes using the Sound Core app. In addition, the LED display automatically dims in low light and can be turned off.

Pros:

  • A Bluetooth speaker that supports BT and Aux connectivity
  • Wireless charging for smartphones
  • FM radio and internet radio
  • 15 different alarms
  • Sounds for waking up and falling asleep
  • Two USB ports (also for charging)
  • The time automatically syncs with your phone
Cons:

  • It is too bright even at the dimmest setting
  • The charging indicator light is bright
  • You need the app to set the time

Check Prices

 

American Lifetime

A Perfect Alarm Clock for Elderly People

american lifetime

American Lifetime is an easy-to-use alarm clock that provides excellent visibility, due to its large character size, and eight-inch HD display that makes it suitable for every age.

With this alarm clock, you are getting all the necessary information, such as the day, time, and date. More importantly, there is also a set of multi-function alarms that can remind you of a handful of duties and tasks that need to be done during the day, or only to wake you up. In short, five-day alarms can provide excellent assistance and be of great help, especially for the elderly.

American Lifetime alarm clock is fitted with the CR2 battery that automatically resets the clock to set date and time in the case of power loss. Moreover, this clock has an excellent build quality, it is easy to use, and it provides great versatility as it should be the case with one of the best affordable alarm clocks available.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Great versatility
  • User-friendly
  • Excellent readability
  • Easy to use
Cons:

  • It has to be plugged into work

Check Prices

 

DreamSky DS206 Alarm Clock

The Best FM Radio Alarm Clock for Your Bedside

dreamsky ds206 alarm clock
A cute little alarm clock with a built-in FM radio player (for more like this, check out our guide on the best clock radios). The radio player is designed to work on frequencies between 87.5MHz to 108.0MHz, so you will definitely find your favorite!

The design is compact, with a solid build, and a big LCD screen with large, blue numbers. The screen also displays other useful information such as temperature, status, and alarm time.

At the top of the solid case, you’ll find various buttons for controlling the watch and the radio settings. The volume is adjustable and so is the brightness (0 to 100%).

The clock has a high-quality speaker (for both alarms and listening to the radio) and two USB ports (marked IN and OUT) for charging the clock and mobile devices. You have the possibility to choose if you want to wake up to the radio or the buzzer and there is a repeated snooze function (8 minutes).

This device is also good for waking up and for falling asleep as well – it has a programmable countdown sleep timer (10 to 120 minutes).

Pros:

  • Solid build and elegant design
  • Lots of options for the alarm, brightness, and more
  • Large LCD display with large numbers
  • Two USB ports for charging
  • Repeated snooze option
  • Easy-to-use buttons and interface
Cons:

  • Temperature readings are not accurate

Check Prices

 

Peakeep Travel Alarm Clock

The Best Analog Alarm Clock

peakeep travel alarm clock
If you’re looking for the simplicity of the good old days when most watches used an analog dial to tell time, the Peakeep Ultra Small clock is the right choice.

As you can tell by the name, this is a small device (fits in the palm of your hand, small) that works on batteries. These features make it the best travel alarm clock on our list, but there is more to tell about this little guy.

The face of the watch is all about telling the time, but there’s a little button in the upright corner that activates an inner light source (for when you wake up at night and want to know how long until morning).

On the back, you’ll find two dials (for setting the alarm and time), the battery compartment, and a convenient alarm on/off switch at the top. There’s also a snooze bar and the alarm starts out progressively and increases in volume until it reaches the maximum or you stop it.

Pros:

  • Extremely portable design
  • Analog face powered by Quartz movement
  • No ticking sounds to keep you up at night
  • Works on batteries
Cons:

  • Its performance is dependent on the quality of the batteries
  • No adjustments besides time and alarm

Check Prices

 

Roxicosly Extra Loud Vibrating Alarm Clock

An Alarm Clock that Will Wake You up from Death

roxicosly extra loud vibrating alarm clock

Roxicosly Extra Loud Vibrating Alarm Clock is a practical and highly efficient alarm clock that offers a customizable dual alarm clock. More importantly, there is the strong bed shaker feature, along with the alarm, that wakes up even the heaviest sleepers.

The alarm itself comes with three different work modes that include a loud buzzer, a super bed shaker, and simultaneous sound and shaker mode. In addition, the alarm clock itself comes with four adjustable levels that allow easy finding of the perfect setup.

Roxicosly Extra Loud Vibrating Alarm Clock is equipped with a 180 cm long vibration cable that lets you set up the bed shaker wherever you want. Moreover, there is also the Snooze button that, when pressed, allows for the additional nine minutes of napping before the alarm sets off again.

Furthermore, this alarm clock comes with a USB port that supports 1A charging and a 7.5’’ display, with seven different night light colors. In addition, there is also a battery backup present, letting you activate the alarm even during a power shortage.

In other words, Roxicosly Extra Loud Vibrating Alarm Clock is the perfect device that brings a ton of features and more importantly, will certainly wake you up when needed.

Pros:

  • Battery backup
  • Multiple alarm modes
  • Snooze option
  • Affordable
  • Bed shaker
  • Easy to use
Cons:

  • None

Check Prices

 

Echo Dot (4th Gen) Smart speaker with clock and Alexa

An Amazing Alarm Clock

echo dot (4th gen) smart speaker with clock and alexa

Echo Dot (4th Gen) Smart speaker is a highly versatile and practical smart device that can, among other things, also be used as an alarm clock. To be exact, this device comes with the Alexa voice controls and supports music reproduction from services such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, and many others. Also, it allows you to answer calls, play the news, and much more.

Echo Dot (4th Gen) Smart speaker comes fitted with the 1.6″ front-firing speaker and 3.5mm jack. Moreover, there is both a Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi connection that add to the device’s flexibility and usability.

Furthermore, this smart device provides a compact and sleek design and comes with both volume controls and action buttons. In other words, it allows you to do so many different activities and operations, making it a winning option, of course, if your budget allows you to buy it in the first place.

Pros:

  • Sleek
  • Compact
  • Alexa voice controls
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:

  • Pricey

Check Prices

 

Summary

Yes, the perfect alarm clock for you exists! You just need to find it!

We reviewed a wide spectrum of alarm clocks, with different features, aimed at different audiences and budgets. This way, every one of our readers and their friends and family can find the perfect device to wake them up in the right manner.

So, read our reviews and make your choice!

The post The Best Alarm Clocks in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-alarm-clocks/feed/ 0
The Best Bridge Cameras in 2023 https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-bridge-cameras/ https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-bridge-cameras/#respond Sun, 16 Aug 2020 13:25:41 +0000 https://www.thetechlounge.com/?p=9505 If the best point and shoot cameras offer too little for your creativity and the DSLR cameras are above your level of experience, or maybe too complicated for use, the best bridge cameras come as the best middle-ground solution. They offer a little bit of both worlds, delivering compact size and good portability on one side, and fairly decent image quality on the other, which is what the majority of users are looking for. Top Picks How to Choose the Best Bridge Camera When deciding on the best bridge camera, you should focus on the following characteristics: Sensor size Although it isn’t predetermined, a larger sensor size usually means a better overall image quality. In other words, if you want...

The post The Best Bridge Cameras in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
the best bridge cameras
If the best point and shoot cameras offer too little for your creativity and the DSLR cameras are above your level of experience, or maybe too complicated for use, the best bridge cameras come as the best middle-ground solution. They offer a little bit of both worlds, delivering compact size and good portability on one side, and fairly decent image quality on the other, which is what the majority of users are looking for.

Top Picks

Last update on 2025-03-28 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose the Best Bridge Camera

When deciding on the best bridge camera, you should focus on the following characteristics:

Sensor size

Although it isn’t predetermined, a larger sensor size usually means a better overall image quality. In other words, if you want most for your money, the larger-sized sensors should certainly be your preferred choice.

Have in mind that the bridge cameras sensors aren’t as large as the best DSLR camera sensors; however, they still provide fairly decent image quality that should satisfy the vast majority of users.

Lens

Depending on what you plan to do with your bridge camera, you need to choose the one with an adequate lens. If, for instance, you want to observe wildlife, larger-sized lenses that are above 1500mm should be your main option; if, on the other hand, you need the camera only for everyday photography, lenses that are bellow that numbers would certainly be a more preferable option.

Connectivity

More connectivity options usually give you better overall versatility and usability of the device and bridge cameras are no exception. Don’t be satisfied with only one connectivity option and seek the devices with as many connectivity options as possible.

Best Bridge Cameras

Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV

An All-Mighty Bridge Camera

sony cyber‑shot rx10 iv
Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV is an amazing piece of equipment that, delivers premium performance, worth the best bridge cameras, thanks to the excellent quality of the components implemented.

Although a bit pricey, this camera fully justifies it, mostly thanks to features such as super-fast AF that needs only 0.03 seconds to work, as well as 315 point phase-detection and 24fps burst shooting that can be done with the AF and auto-exposure turned on. In other words, this camera is serious stuff, able to deliver top-class footage, with impressive dynamic range and very sharp and detailed image in both photos and videos that can be captured in 4K.

The key reasons for such a great performance are hidden inside it and include 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS CMOS sensor and ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm ultra-zoom lens, as well as excellent Sony engineers who obviously know what they’re doing.

Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV offers very good connectivity that includes Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi connection and provides great versatility that allows its easy pairing with both Android and iOS devices. Moreover, it comes fitted with a bright and sharp electronic viewfinder and altogether presents a pretty good upgrade of its lookalike predecessor RX10 III.

In other words, if you want a high-quality digital camera that will deliver nothing but excellent images, Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV is definitely the device for you.

Pros:

  • Good connectivity
  • 315 point phase-detection AF
  • It can capture 4K videos
  • 25x zoom
  • Excellent sensor
Cons:

  • Expensive
  • A bit bulky

Check Prices

 

PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 II

Excellent Versatility in a More Budget-Friendly Edition


If you are after a high-quality bridge camera, with excellent versatility and more than a reasonable price, PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 II is a camera as made for you.

This is a device that brings the value for your money and offers a pretty good list of features that will allow you to express your talent for photography in the best possible way. It is equipped with 20.1MP 1” BSI CMOS sensor and 16x optical Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens that is equivalent to 25-400mm lenses, as well as 5-Axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer that is the main reason for its excellent image quality.

Moreover, this camera allows for 30fps 4K and 60fps 1080p video capture and supports 30fps burst shooting in special “4K Photo” mode, as well as 7fps burst shooting with, or 12fps burst shooting without AF, when in regular mode.

PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 II comes with a 49 point face/eye detection AF that needs only 0.09 seconds to do the job and provides good connectivity that includes Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connection that guarantees for more than solid functionality.

All in all, this lightweight 808g camera has everything that you may need, and more importantly, it doesn’t cost a fortune. Therefore, if you are seeking the best budget bridge camera that certainly won’t disappoint you, PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 II seems like a pretty good option.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • 5-Axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer
  • Excellent image quality
  • Great 1” sensor
  • Leica 16x optical zoom lens
  • A decent battery life
Cons:

  • No USB-C port

Check Prices

 

Nikon COOLPIX P1000

A Bridge Camera that Will Literally Take you to the Moon

nikon coolpix p1000
Nikon COOLPIX P1000 is a specific camera that isn’t for everyone. It has a lot of good sides such as the utterly amazing 125x zoom that has no rivals in the class and will let you take photos of faraway objects, even moon craters, like they are placed on your front lawn and not located thousands and thousands of kilometers away. Moreover, it has an excellent optical stabilization that perfectly pairs with the zoom capabilities, decent build quality, and overall good performance.

However, this camera also comes with a few serious downsides that involve poor EN-EL20a lithium-ion battery that can handle only about 250 shots per charge, low burst speed of 7fps, as well as bulky design and not that great low-light performance.

On the other hand, this camera delivers very good 30fps 4K video capture; it offers RAW support and provides solid connectivity that involves USB2.0, Bluetooth 4.1 LE, and Wi-Fi connection.

Although its 3000mm lens significantly increases Nikon COOLPIX P1000’s performance, that can be hardly said about its modest 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor that delivers solid image quality but seems a bit inadequate for such a lens “power”.

In other words, Nikon COOLPIX P1000 is a mixture of both great and modest components and features that create a niche product that is perfect for observing and capturing distant scenes and objects, but not that great when it is used in everyday situations.

Overall, this device is fun to use and probably the best bridge camera for wildlife available on the market; however, if that isn’t really your deal you should certainly look for some other models that will be more adapted to your needs.

Pros:

  • Excellent zoom
  • Great optical stabilization
  • A decent image quality
  • Good build quality
  • A solid 4K video quality
Cons:

  • A bit bulky
  • Not the best low-light performance
  • Not so great battery life
  • No touchscreen
  • Small buffer

Check Prices

 

Canon Powershot SX70

A Solid Bridge Camera for the Price

canon powershot sx70
If you are seeking a well-built and solid-performing bridge camera that won’t take too much money out of your pocket, Canon Powershot SX70 is a device made for you.

This camera comes fitted with a great 35mm (equivalent focal range of 21-1365mm) lens and excellent 65x optical zoom that will deliver everything that a wildlife observer and devotee might need. In contrast to Nikon COOLPIX P1000, this camera offers much better versatility, and other than wildlife observation, it can also be used for more mainstream stuff.

Canon Powershot SX70 comes with a 20.3MP CMOS sensor and high-resolution EVF; it offers both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and altogether presents a very good bridge camera package.

Moreover, it supports 10fps burst shooting, as well as 30fps 4K video recording along with 60fps and 120fps 1080p recording. Also, this camera is compatible with Android and iOS-based devices and delivers RAW file support. All in all, a pretty good deal if you are looking for the best bridge camera at a more likable price.

Pros:

  • Excellent zoom
  • Great EVF
  • Solid build quality
  • RAW support
  • Compact
Cons:

  • Poor low-light performance
  • Not so good for capturing fast-paced action

Check Prices

 

Panasonic Lumix FZ80

Affordability and Great Versatility in One

panasonic lumix fz80
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a budget-friendly bridge camera that incorporates all the right parts of the puzzle, making this device one hell of a deal.

With this camera, you are getting a great 60x zoom, excellent DC VARIO 20-1200mm Lens, and a solid 18.1MP sensor. More importantly, you can count on excellent image quality and great low-light performing bridge camera, for a rather small amount of money.

In other words, if you are looking for the best budget bridge or low light camera, you may be sure that this is the device that you are seeking. RAW file support, 30fps 4K video capture, sharp 1,170K dot viewfinder, good connectivity that includes micro USB and micro HDMI ports, as well as Wi-Fi connection, are just a fraction of features that this camera brings.

There is also very fast autofocus, 10fps burst shooting, literally everything that a bridge camera enthusiast might need. Therefore, if a great versatility and budget-friendly price are the key characteristics that you are looking in your new camera, Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is one hell of a choice without a doubt.

Pros:

  • 60x zoom
  • Fast autofocus
  • RAW support
  • Affordable
  • Good image quality
Cons:

  • Limited buffer

Check Prices

 

Nikon COOLPIX P950

An Excellent, Feature-Rich Bridge Camera

nikon coolpix p950

Nikon COOLPIX P950 is an expensive, yet highly capable bridge camera that is fitted with the EXPEED Image Processor, 16MP CMOS sensor, and Dual Detect Optical VR. Equally importantly, it is equipped with a 2000mm zoom lens, 83X optical zoom, and 166X Dynamic Fine Zoom that altogether make a pretty good combination.

When you also add the excellent 5.5EV image stabilization and the 2359k-dot equivalent OLED viewfinder into the equation, the final result can be nothing else but sharp and clear images, as well as pretty good capture video quality. Nikon COOLPIX P950 is capable of capturing 30fps 4K videos, as well as 60fps, 30fps, and 25fps full HD videos. Moreover, it supports 7 fps continuous shooting, which isn’t much, yet should be enough for most users.

In addition, this camera also comes with a built-in Flash; ISO from 100 to 1600 (it can be extended to 6400), and both Wi-Fi and BT connectivity that should make your life much easier. Moreover, there is also a 3.2″ Vari-angle LCD screen, as well as a special Bird and Moon mode that will help you make wonderful pictures in that department. Furthermore, there is a decent Nikon EN-EL20a battery that doesn’t do wonders, yet should give you autonomy of some 290 shots.

To make things even better, there is also RAW imaging support and manual controls, which ultimately seals the deal and makes this camera a real jewel and one of the best bridge cameras you can find on the market.

Pros:

  • Compact
  • Portable
  • RAW imaging support
  • Very good image stabilization
  • Manual controls
  • 2000mm zoom lens
  • It can capture 30fps 4K UHD videos
Cons:

  • No-touch support
  • AF isn’t that great with moving objects

Check Prices

 

Summary

If you’re ready to treat yourself with a new bridge camera, the best one for you is definitely on this list. Pay attention to details and first be sure about what you are planning to do with it – and then it should be a piece of cake to make that decision!

The post The Best Bridge Cameras in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-bridge-cameras/feed/ 0
The Best Curved Monitors in 2023 https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-curved-monitors/ https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-curved-monitors/#comments Fri, 07 Aug 2020 13:58:05 +0000 https://www.thetechlounge.com/?p=9473 Traditional flat monitors are no longer ruling the scene if you are into gaming. The top spots are now claimed by the best curved monitors that are providing a much better field of view and altogether raise the gaming experience to another level. Of course, finding the ones that will really do the job is another thing and if you are really up for one of them, and are not an expert in the field, a couple of guidelines and advice will help you. Therefore, focus on the rest of the text and have a nice ride. Top Picks How to choose the best curved monitor When deciding on the best curved monitor, you should take the following factors into...

The post The Best Curved Monitors in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
the best curved monitor
Traditional flat monitors are no longer ruling the scene if you are into gaming. The top spots are now claimed by the best curved monitors that are providing a much better field of view and altogether raise the gaming experience to another level.

Of course, finding the ones that will really do the job is another thing and if you are really up for one of them, and are not an expert in the field, a couple of guidelines and advice will help you. Therefore, focus on the rest of the text and have a nice ride.

Top Picks

Last update on 2025-04-05 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to choose the best curved monitor

When deciding on the best curved monitor, you should take the following factors into consideration:

Response time

A small response time means that your monitor will deliver an image with less ghosting or blurring. It is preferable to choose monitors with 5ms or less response time that will help you prevent this unpleasant behavior, or at least reduce it to the minimum.

Refresh rate

The refresh rate is the number that tells you how many new images a screen can display in a second. In other words, the higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motions on your monitor, and the better the overall gaming experience.

Connectivity

The more connectivity options your monitor has, the better its overall versatility is. For that reason, always go for as many connectivity options as possible, and that way, you can prevent some possible future problems.

FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility

AMD FreeSync and NVidia G-Sync compatibility are sorts of today’s standards. Depending on what graphics card you are going to use (AMDs or NVidias), you should look for this type of compatibility in your chosen monitor, or preferably choose the monitor that supports both of these standards, which will certainly overcome any possible issues.

Best Curved Monitors

Alienware AW3420DW

One of the Best Curved Monitors Out There

alienware aw3420dw

Alienware AW3420DW is a premium-quality, 1900R, 34-inch monitor that offers no compromise and brings nothing but the best performance. This is a well-built monitor, with WQHD resolution, and more importantly, a great 2ms response time. Its refresh rate is 120Hz, while the screen itself is Nano IPS, with 98% DCI-P3 and 135% sRGB gamut coverage, meaning you will get highly accurate colors, and very good panel uniformity.

In addition, the screen surface is covered with the Screen Coating Antiglare of 3H hardness, while the monitor provides the NVIDIA G-SYNC support, allowing the games to go as smoothly as possible.

Alienware AW3420DW comes with plenty of connectivity options and offers HDMI1.4 and DisplayPort 1.2 connection, a variety of USB ports (five in total), as well as a headphone and line-out audio jack. This monitor offers 350cd/m2 brightness, provides 8-bit color depth, and delivers solid 178°/178° viewing angles.

Also, Alienware AW3420DW comes in an attractive-looking package and provides an exceptional viewing experience that shows its best results in video and photo editing. In other words, if you want a curved monitor that brings only the best, this piece of equipment is definitely for you, especially if its higher price isn’t an issue for you.

Pros:

  • Excellent viewing experience
  • Attractive looks
  • Large color gamut
  • Good connectivity
Cons:

  • Pricey

Check Prices

 

LG 34GL750-B

A Highly Responsive, Low-Lag Gaming Monitor

lg 34gl750-b
For all of you that want to experience the intensive and dynamic games in the best possible way, LG 34GL750-B ultra-wide monitor comes as an ultimate option.

With this monitor, you will get a great response time of 5ms and motion blur reduction of only 1ms. More importantly, you will end up with a device that has a 144Hz refresh rate and is able to deliver a premium gaming experience, furnished with low lag and vivid colors that will allow you to enjoy your favorite titles to the fullest.

When talking about its major downsides, the biggest ones are certainly its low contrast ratio and poor black uniformity; nevertheless, for this class of monitor, certain compromises must be made.

LG 34GL750-B is a 34 inch, HDR10 compatible (only software emulated) IPS monitor, with a 21:9 aspect ratio and only 2560 x 1080 resolution that gives it a low pixel density. Luckily that doesn’t make a huge impact on its image quality that is still pretty sharp and should satisfy the majority of users.

This monitor is both FreeSync and G-Sync compatible, offers good viewing angles, and comes with decent connectivity that includes one DisplayPort, two HDMI ports, two USB3.0 ports and headphones jack.

In other words, if you are seeking the best curved ultra-wide monitor, with plenty of features and great overall performance, LG 34GL750-B is the device for you.

Pros:

  • High refresh rate
  • Sharp image
  • Low lag
  • Good viewing angles
  • FreeSync and G-Sync compatible
Cons:

  • Low contrast ratio
  • Only software-emulated HDR support
  • Low pixel density
  • Not that good black uniformity

Check Prices

 

Acer Predator Gaming X34P

A Monitor Built for Gaming Enthusiasts

acer predator gaming x34p
Acer Predator Gaming X34P is a premium quality monitor, intended for users who want more. It is attractive-looking, and it offers top-class performance, which, translated to numbers, means it is a bit pricey.

However, if you want an ultra-wide, 3440p x 1440p, IPS monitor, with 1900 radius that will deliver fast operations, as well as good contrast and color accuracy, and altogether a great gaming experience, this is the monitor to go for.

This piece of hardware comes with 4ms response time; it is G-Sync compatible and has a respectable refresh rate of 100Hz that, with the help of overclocking, can grow to very competitive 120Hz.

Acer Predator Gaming X34P is equipped with two 7W speakers and offers numerous connectivity options, such as one DisplayPort, one HDMI port, four USB3.0 ports, etc.

More importantly, this monitor brings great value to the user and presents a significant upgrade over its predecessor X34, establishing X34P as a serious competitor and not just a casual bystander, as it is the case with the majority of other Acer products.

To make a long story short, if you want one of the best gaming monitors out there and are not too bothered with the price tag next to it, Acer Predator Gaming X34P is certainly a great choice that won’t disappoint you.

Pros:

  • Attractive looking
  • Good connectivity
  • Excellent image quality
  • Very responsive
  • Excellent build quality
Cons:

  • VA panel has a poor contrast
  • No ultra-low motion blur (ULMB) support

Check Prices

 

Samsung 27-Inch CJG56

A Solid and Reasonably Priced Curved Monitor

samsung 27-inch cjg56
Samsung 27-Inch CJG56 is a decent quality monitor, with more than solid performance and, equally important, reasonable price.

Keep in mind that this monitor is FreeSync-compatible, in contrast to previous generations of CJG50 monitors that were lacking this important feature, and that it comes with 1800 radius and the respectful 2560p x 1440p resolution that perfectly fits its 27-inch size.

Samsung 27-Inch CJG56 has great responsiveness (response time is only 4ms) and an excellent refresh rate of 144Hz that make it ideal for gaming. Moreover, it provides an exceptional gray uniformity and low-lag performance, followed by a very good 3000:1 contrast ratio. All of these features rightfully put it among the best curved monitors available.

However, this monitor isn’t without drawbacks and has a few issues, such as bad black uniformity, as well as terrible ergonomics (monitor can’t swivel and can’t be height-adjusted) that damage its otherwise almost perfect aura.

Samsung 27-Inch CJG56 is fitted with one DisplayPort and two HDMI ports and overall delivers pretty good value for the money. Therefore, if you are after the best 1440p monitors out there, this Samsung “baby” should certainly be at the very top of your list.

Pros:

  • High refresh rate
  • Low lag
  • Excellent 4ms response time
  • Good gray uniformity
  • FreeSync compatibility
Cons:

  • No HDR support
  • Poor ergonomics
  • Bad black uniformity

Check Prices

 

LG 34N850-B

A Highly Responsive and Feature-Rich Gaming Monitor

lg 34n850-b
LG 34N850-B is a high-quality monitor, with excellent performance and plenty of features that make it a great option for your gaming adventures.

Its key features include its great 5ms response time, 144Hz refresh rate that can be overclocked to the impressive 160Hz, as well as compatibility with both G-Sync and FreeSync 2 technology.

Moreover, this monitor is HDR10 compatible and comes fitted with the Dynamic Action Sync function that efficiently reduces lag. In other words, premium user experience and fluid gameplay are guaranteed with this fellow.

LG 34N850-B offers 3440p x 1440p resolution, 1000:1 contrast ration, and decent connectivity that incorporates two HDMI and one DisplayPort, as well as three USB3.0 ports.

This monitor delivers accurate colors and overall, very good image quality. However, its dark content reproduction is a bit mediocre, which isn’t a deal-breaker, but may present a serious issue for many, especially if you like playing more dark-oriented titles.

All in all, LG 34N850-B offers a lot for any gaming enthusiast and definitely belongs to the group of the best-curved monitors; however, it also has its flaws. Therefore, seriously consider it, but be sure that its drawbacks won’t make too much of an impact on your overall experience.

Pros:

  • Accurate color reproduction
  • Good ergonomics
  • A solid connectivity
  • FreeSync 2 and G-Sync compatible
  • Very responsive
  • Low lag
Cons:

  • Not the best quality control
  • Poor contrast levels

Check Prices

 

ASUS ROG Strix XG35VQ

An Excellent, But Pricey Gaming Monitor

asus rog strix xg35vq
If you are after the best ultra-wide monitor that is able to deliver good image contrast, accurate colors, and overall smooth performance, ASUS ROG Strix XG35VQ is the device for you. However, be prepared to pay a hefty price for it.

Yes, you will get exceptionally fast gaming performance, due to the monitors 1ms response time, as well as very fluid motion that comes as the result of implemented Extra Low Motion Blur technology that will really make a difference.

ASUS ROG Strix XG35VQ has 3440p x 1440p resolution and 1800 radius, and only 100Hz refresh rate that is a bit lower than at the competition, but luckily doesn’t make any noticeable difference. This monitor comes fitted with advanced VA panel that is delivering image quality of lower end HDR compatible monitors and is also compensating its lack of HDR support.

ASUS ROG Strix XG35VQ offers Sync and FreeSync compatibility; it features ASUS Aura Sync RGB lighting and overall provides solid connectivity that includes one DisplayPort, two HDMI ports, as well as three USB3.0 connectors.

All in all, ASUS ROG Strix XG35VQ is almost a perfect gaming device; however, its high price tag is serious baggage on its back that not everyone is willing to accept.

Pros:

  • Slick looking
  • A solid gaming performance
  • Excellent VA panel picture
  • ELMB blur reduction
Cons:

    Expensive

    Only 100Hz refresh rate

    No HDR support

Check Prices

 

SAMSUNG Odyssey G9

One of the Largest 1000R Monitors Available

samsung odyssey g9 2

SAMSUNG Odyssey G9 is an expensive, yet really great 1000R, a 49-inch monitor that may surprise you with its large size, but more importantly, it will impress you with its excellent performance. To be exact, this monitor offers 113.7 percent of the sRGB color gamut and 80.6 percent of the DCI-P3 gamut, or in other words, it offers amazing color reproduction. Equally importantly, its brightness is around 561 nits, in the HDR 1000 mode, which is more than respectable for any type of monitor.

SAMSUNG Odyssey G9 has a resolution of 5.120×1.440 pixels, which means that this is a Dual QHD display, which would be appreciated by the gaming community. Also, this monitor brings full support for both G-Sync and FreeSync, offers a 1ms response time, and 240Hz refresh rate, meaning: your games will fly.

If you also factor in its ease of use and good connectivity that includes HDMI, DisplayPort, and multiple USB ports, into the equation, it becomes more than clear that SAMSUNG Odyssey G9 is an impressive device and certainly one of the best curved monitors you can buy on the market.

Pros:

  • Great color reproduction
  • Very good performance
  • Excellent brightness
  • Multiple gaming features
  • Easy to use and adjust
Cons:

  • Expensive
  • No built-in speakers
  • A bit large size

Check Prices

 

LG 34GP83A-B

A Highly Versatile Curved QHD Monitor

lg 34gp83a-b

If you are seeking a reasonably priced 1900R curved monitor with a solid build and more than a solid performance, LG 34GP83A-B is the monitor for you. Of course, have in mind that this isn’t a premium product; therefore, a plastic build is inevitable, as well as some other downsides, such as the lack of swivel function, and the limited 1000:1 contrast ratio.

On the other hand, this monitor will give you more than a positive user experience and, with equal success, prove its value in gaming, multimedia, as well as office work.

That should be no wonder, since LG 34GP83A-B monitor features a QHD resolution and offers a respectable 1ms response time and a 144Hz refresh rate that can be easily increased to 144Hz, with a bit of overclocking. Moreover, this monitor provides full support for both G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium and offers DCI-P3 98% Color Gamut and DisplayHDR 400 compatibility that guarantees accurate colors reproduction.

LG 34GP83A-B is a VESA 100×100 compatible device, with decent connectivity options that include two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort, two USB3.0 ports, and a 3.5mm jack. In other words, LG 34GP83A-B offers quite a lot for the price and brings more than a solid performance that is in the class with, for instance, Dell Alienware AW3420DW, if not better.

Therefore, if you are after a responsive, fast, and highly versatile curved monitor, LG 34GP83A-B seems like more than a reasonable choice.

Pros:

  • Reasonably priced
  • High refresh rate and response time
  • Excellent response time
  • Low input lag
  • Good color accuracy
Cons:

  • Adjustments limited to tilt and height
  • Not the best contrast ratio

Check Prices

 

LG 49WL95C-WE

An Excellent Curved Multitasking Monitor

lg 49wl95c-we

LG 49WL95C-WE is an ultra-wide business monitor that offers excellent multitasking characteristics and a solid performance that shows its best sides in video editing. This monitor brings accurate, bright colors and delivers a pretty good value for the money, although its price tag is undoubtedly a bit too high.

LG 49WL95C-WE has a 60Hz refresh rate and features the DQHD 5120 x 1440 pixels resolution, offering a dual-monitor configuration, ideal for any sort of tasks. Moreover, this 49-inch monitor provides a 99% sRGB Color Gamut, it supports HDR10, and offers on-screen controls that can be managed over the five-way joystick controller.

LG 49WL95C-WE comes with good adjustment capabilities that involve adjustable height, swivel, and tilt, and a solid connectivity configuration that includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, four USB 3.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, USB Type-C port, and an audio jack. Also, it offers 350-nits brightness, and a 1,138:1 contrast ratio that isn’t amazing; however, it delivers more than enough for a respectable performance.

In short, if you are after a solid business monitor, which provides very good multitasking capabilities, LG 49WL95C-WE is more than a good option, and certainly one of the best curved monitors for that purpose available.

Pros:

  • Good color accuracy
  • Strong speaker
  • HDR compatible
  • Good connectivity
Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Only a one-year warranty

Check Prices

 

ASUS TUF Gaming (VG32VQR)

More than a Solid Curved Gaming Monitor

asus tuf gaming (vg32vqr)

ASUS TUF Gaming (VG32VQR) is a reasonably priced, WQHD, 1800R curved, 31.5-inch monitor that brings a very good 144Hz (it can be increased to 165Hz) refresh rate and very low 4ms response time that results in a speedy performance. In addition, its FreeSync 2 and Adaptive-sync compatibility make the gameplay as smooth as possible, while a handful of features, such as the Low Motion Blur (enables the 1ms MPRT), Ultra-Low Blue Light Technology, Shadow Boost Technology, as well as Flicker-Free Technology make this monitor’s performance a real pleasure.

However, that doesn’t mean that there are no downsides. In the first place, there are the not-that-great extended viewing angles, and the inconsistent HDR400, which may affect this monitor’s otherwise positive impression.

ASUS TUF Gaming (VG32VQR) also provides excellent ergonomics and allows a tilting, swivel, as well as height adjustments. Moreover, its connectivity potential is rather impressive and involves two HDMI 2.0 ports, two DisplayPorts 1.2, two USB3.0 ports, as well as a 3.5mm jack.

In other words, ASUS TUF Gaming (VG32VQR) has quite a lot to offer. There is a crisp and detailed picture, good contrast, a handful of features, fast performance. In other words, the winning combination for the excellent gaming monitor is there.

Pros:

  • Attractive
  • Fast performance
  • Good connectivity
  • Detailed image
  • Three-year warranty
Cons:

  • Not the best extended viewing angles
  • Inconsistent HDR

Check Prices

 

Summary

Are you ready to improve your gaming experience? If you said yes, we’re sure you can find the best-curved monitor in the above list. After that, you should just pick your favorite game and enjoy the ride!

The post The Best Curved Monitors in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-curved-monitors/feed/ 1
The Best Portable Scanners in 2023 https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-portable-scanners/ https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-portable-scanners/#respond Fri, 07 Aug 2020 13:48:54 +0000 https://www.thetechlounge.com/?p=9489 In general, scanners are very practical devices that give you the opportunity to digitalize your old photos, make scans for social media, etc. However, not all of them are born equal. Photo scanner is, as its name suggests, designed for scanning photos, slide scanner – for scanning slides, etc. If you’re looking for one device that is meant for various purposes, including easy portability, today, we’ll help you find the best portable scanner for your needs. Of course, such devices are more of a niche product and aren’t needed by everyone; nevertheless, they can be very useful, if you are constantly on the move and require an easy and practical way to scan documents, photos, etc. no matter where are...

The post The Best Portable Scanners in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
the best portable scanners
In general, scanners are very practical devices that give you the opportunity to digitalize your old photos, make scans for social media, etc. However, not all of them are born equal. Photo scanner is, as its name suggests, designed for scanning photos, slide scanner – for scanning slides, etc.

If you’re looking for one device that is meant for various purposes, including easy portability, today, we’ll help you find the best portable scanner for your needs.

Of course, such devices are more of a niche product and aren’t needed by everyone; nevertheless, they can be very useful, if you are constantly on the move and require an easy and practical way to scan documents, photos, etc. no matter where are you currently located.

Whether you belong to that type of users, or just want to experience a different approach to scanning, these are the characteristics you should pay your attention to, if you want to end up with the best portable scanner your money can buy.

Top Picks

Last update on 2025-03-31 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to choose the best portable scanner

When deciding for the best portable scanner, pay attention to these criteria:

Scanning speed

Speed is one of the rare things that don’t demand an explanation in these modern times. Today, speed is everything and the majority of users are expecting things to happen instantly. Therefore, why would you expect anything different from your portable scanner?

Rechargeable battery

If your chosen device comes with a built-in battery, you can literally use it wherever you like it. Basically, the only limitation will be the capacity of the battery, or the number of scans that it can handle, before it drains.

Connectivity

Although it isn’t essential, good connectivity will give you much better versatility and the ability to use your scans more efficiently. Check if there is Wi-Fi and USB connectivity and if the chosen device has an SD card slot, etc.

Best Portable Scanners

Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi

A Practical, but Capable Portable Scanner

doxie go se wi-fi
Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi is a small-sized portable scanner, with a decent, built-in rechargeable battery that can last up to 400 scans, as well as excellent compatibility that allows for its use with PCs, Macs, iPhones, and iPads through the dedicated app.

This scanner comes fitted with integrated Wi-Fi and micro USB connectivity and a very good software package that, among others, includes the ABBYY OCR program. More importantly, this device enables you to save scans to your desktop, cloud services, as well as directly to its 8GB memory card that is included in the package.

Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi comes with a one-year warranty and is able to scan items, in a wide variety of formats, in both 300dpi and 600dpi resolution. It can scan a color page for about eight seconds and store up to 4000 copies in its included memory card.

More importantly, its scans are very accurate, with vivid colors; however, of only solid quality. In other words, they are more than decent for social media and similar activities; nevertheless, if you are seeking a premium quality scan, better turn to a dedicated document or photo scanner that will satisfy your needs with ease.

Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi is an easy-to-use device that offers a lot for its money and altogether presents a great option for home or small office use.

Pros:

  • Small size
  • Ease of use
  • Offers computer-free scanning
  • Good quality software
  • Fast performance
Cons:

  • No sheet feeder

Check Prices

 

Brother DS-640

An Affordable and Versatile Portable Scanner

brother ds-640 compact mobile document scanner
If you are a fan of Brother’s scanners such as DS-740D, but seeking for a bit more simplicity, ease of use and portability, Brother DS-640 scanner is as made for you.

With this scanner, you are getting the fast performance of 16 scans per minute, good compatibility that allows for its use with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, as well as numerous handy features such as the scan’s auto-enhance functions, fast micro USB3.0 connectivity and SD card slot.

This portable scanner delivers 1200dpi scans. However, this can only be achieved with the help of interpolation, while its native resolution is limited to 600dpi. Its capacity is only 100 scans per day; however, of great accuracy and quality.

Brother DS-640 comes together with the iPrint&Scan software that allows for scanning directly to PC, e-mail, cloud services, etc., as well as OCR and document management functions that make this device a highly versatile one, as it should be the case with the best portable scanners.

All in all, if you are after a very capable device that can be easily used on the road, Brother DS-640 is the thing for you.

Pros:

  • Fast performance
  • Lightweight
  • Compact
  • Easy to use
  • Good compatibility
  • Scans auto enhancement function
Cons:

  • No two-sided scanning
  • No Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity
  • No built-in battery
  • Lacks document feeder

Check Prices

 

Epson Workforce ES-60W

A Lot of Value for the Buck

epson workforce es-60w
Epson Workforce ES-60W is a fast performing and lightweight portable scanner, with excellent compatibility and packed with plenty of features.

Its scans are accurate and require only four seconds to be made, while the scanner itself is capable of working along with a wide variety of devices, including ones that are run by Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Epson Workforce ES-60W comes along with Nuance OCR and robust and easy-to-use ScanSmart Software that allows for simple scans management, as well as scanning directly to cloud services. Moreover, this device provides USB2.0 and Wi-Fi connectivity and offers great portability due to its built-in rechargeable battery.

This scanner has a daily capacity of 300 scans; it can handle items in a variety of sizes and overall offers pretty much for its size and weight that surpasses the majority of its competition (which, among others, includes Xerox Duplex Travel).

Altogether, if you appreciate a good quality product, with great overall value, Epson Workforce ES-60W is a perfect choice for you and probably the best portable scanner you can stumble upon.

Pros:

  • Fast performance
  • Lightweight
  • Compact
  • Excellent compatibility
  • Simultaneous two-side scanning
Cons:

  • It comes without a memory card slot
  • No document feeder

Check Prices

 

Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100

A Feature-Rich Portable Scanner Ideal for Mobile Device and Cloud Scanning

fujitsu scansnap ix100
Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100 is an easy to use and fairly priced device, packed with plenty of features that ultimately make it one of the best document scanners available.

This scanner offers versatile connectivity, with Wi-Fi and mini USB connection, as well as good compatibility that allows for its use with both Windows and Mac-based devices. More importantly, this device provides a fast scanning performance (11 pages per minute), as well as great accuracy of the scans, which overall makes it a great deal.

Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100 is a plug-and-play device that is capable of scanning in up to 600dpi resolution and fitted with the rechargeable battery that can last for about 260 scans.

One more reason why this scanner is a good buy is its high-quality ScanSnap software that allows for easy use and provides multiple functions, such as precise OCR, direct cloud scanning, etc.

To conclude, Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100 is an affordable and light-duty portable scanner, with plenty of “weapons” in its arsenal, which makes it a perfect choice for home and small office use.

Pros:

  • Excellent software
  • Fairly priced
  • Fast performance
  • Versatile connectivity
Cons:

  • Lacks duplex scan

Check Prices

 

Brother ADS-1700W

Excellence in a Portable Package

brother ads-1700w wireless document scanner
Top-class devices are always a great deal, and Brother ADS-1700W scanner is no exception. With this scanner, you are getting a compact design and very fast scanning performance (25 pages per minute), as well as a ton of features, such as a 20-sheet automatic document feeder and excellent connectivity that includes Wi-Fi, micro USB3.0 connection and SD card slot.

Brother ADS-1700W works with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices and can deliver about 1000 scans per day. However, its crucial aspect is its ability to deliver very accurate scans that, along with its robust iPrint&Scan app, offers great versatility. With the help of its software package, you can scan directly to e-mail, OCR, cloud services, mobile devices, USB flash, and more, as well as edit you scan and enjoy every benefit of automatic scan enhancement functions.

To make a long story short, if you want the best portable scanner for Mac, Windows, or any other mainstream device, that will blow away with its performance and usability, Brother ADS-1700W is without a doubt the perfect choice.

Pros:

  • Compact
  • Fast performance
  • Two-sided scan
  • Easy to use
  • Great compatibility
  • It can scan directly to USB
Cons:

  • Has no built-in battery

Check Prices

 

Canon imageFORMULA R10

A Highly Versatile Low-Cost Portable Scanner

canon imageformula r10

Canon imageFORMULA R10 is an affordable and practical portable scanner that comes with a decent scanning speed of 12 pages per minute, and excellent scan quality as it should be the case with one of the best portable scanners available.

This is a lightweight and compact device, with a 20-sheet automatic feeder and more importantly, an excellent CaptureOnTouch app. Canon imageFORMULA R10 is compatible with both Windows and Mac and capable of handling any sort of media format. Also, the number of its scans should be kept at 1000 scans per month, which is its recommended monthly capacity.

Unfortunately, Canon imageFORMULA R10 comes with limited connectivity, which only involves USB connection, and lacks the built-in battery, which consequently limits its portability. On the other hand, its price is more than acceptable, scans are of the highest quality, while the compact size and accurate OCR make it a pretty good deal, if not the best.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Compact
  • Low price
  • High-quality scans
  • Accurate OCR
Cons:

  • It comes without a battery
  • Not the fastest performer out there
  • No Wi-Fi and mobile device support

Check Prices

 

Brother DS-740D

Great Value and Performance in One

brother ds-740d

Brother DS-740D is a cheap, fast-performing device that presents one of the best portable scanners available, due to its lightweight and compact design. With this scanner, you get a very good performance with 16 scans per minute, micro-USB connectivity, and a very good iPrint&Scan desktop app. This app lets you send scans over email, or to the cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and so on.

Brother DS-740D is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android thanks to the excellent driver compatibility that includes TWAIN, SANE, and ICA drivers. More importantly, this scanner creates accurate scans and supports duplex scanning, while providing ease of use that makes it suitable for any age.

Therefore, if you are after a fast, compact, and affordable device that brings excellent value for the money, Brother DS-740D is an excellent choice and one of the best budget-friendly portable scanners you can find for yourself.

Pros:

  • Cheap
  • Compact
  • Fast scanning
  • Duplex mode support
  • Accurate OCR
  • Easy to use
Cons:

  • No battery
  • No Wi-Fi
  • No ADF

Check Prices

 

Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1400

A Portable Scanner that is a Real Bargain

fujitsu scansnap ix1400

Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1400 is a powerful, yet compact portable scanner. Yes, maybe it lacks some of the features such as Wi-Fi connectivity; however, its scanning speed is more than excellent. Above all, its ease of use makes it suitable for any situation.

This scanner comes with a USB connection and features a user-friendly interface. It supports a variety of media sizes and types and it has an optical resolution of 1200 pixels.

More importantly, it provides very accurate scans and offers a blazing fast scanning speed of 40 scans per minute. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows and it comes with the amazing ScanSnap software. In addition, this scanner also comes with the Streak Reduction function that removes blank pages, makes automatic rotations of the scans, detects document sizes, and performs many other handy and practical functions that save you time.

Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1400 has a 50-sheet auto feeder, accurate OCR, and overall brings a great value for the money. In short, it presents exactly what the best portable scanner should be.

Pros:

  • User-friendly
  • Accurate OCR
  • 6000 scans daily duty cycle
  • ScanSnap software included in the package
  • Compact
  • Fast performance
Cons:

  • No Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
  • No onboard Control Panel

Check Prices

 

Conclusion

If you are ready to get yourself a great portable scanner, you should have a good idea of what to go for at this point. Pay attention to the criteria that is important to you and pick your best companion – and you’re good to go.

The post The Best Portable Scanners in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-portable-scanners/feed/ 0
The Best Coaxial Cables in 2023 https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-coaxial-cables/ https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-coaxial-cables/#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2020 16:30:39 +0000 https://www.thetechlounge.com/?p=8846 If you are seeking a proper audio-video connection between your devices, such as TV, antenna, cable modem, etc. you need a proper coaxial cable. However, to the one that will fit your needs, you’ll need specific knowledge, which may be problematic, especially if you are looking just for a cable and don’t really want to get into details. That is why we have put together this guide: to advise people and help them find the best coaxial cable possible – one that will do the job well. Top Picks How to choose the best coaxial cable When choosing the best coaxial cable, you should pay attention to the following details. Connectors When talking about coaxial cable connectors, you should ask...

The post The Best Coaxial Cables in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
the best coaxial cables
If you are seeking a proper audio-video connection between your devices, such as TV, antenna, cable modem, etc. you need a proper coaxial cable. However, to the one that will fit your needs, you’ll need specific knowledge, which may be problematic, especially if you are looking just for a cable and don’t really want to get into details.

That is why we have put together this guide: to advise people and help them find the best coaxial cable possible – one that will do the job well.

Top Picks

Last update on 2025-03-31 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to choose the best coaxial cable

When choosing the best coaxial cable, you should pay attention to the following details.

Connectors

When talking about coaxial cable connectors, you should ask yourself a couple of questions: Do they allow for the proper fit? What is their type? etc.

Once you have the answers to these questions, you will easily find the cable that suits you. As you may guess, only a tight, easy-fit connection is a good one, and the connection type depends on your needs, but have in mind that F type is the most common one.

Durability

The more durable the cable, the better the longevity and reliability. Therefore, don’t forget about this detail.

Best Coaxial Cables

Mediabridge Coaxial Cable

A Very Good RG6 Cable for the Price

mediabridge coaxial cable with f-male connectors
Mediabridge Coaxial Cable with F-Male Connectors is a solid, good performing cord that offers a secure and easy fit on cable modems, TVs, outdoor TV antennas, etc.

This cable has a 4.5m length, a triple shielded build, and complies with UL certification. It is suitable for indoor, outdoor, and in-wall use, and more importantly, it provides great reliability.

Mediabridge Coaxial Cable with F-Male Connectors comes with nickel-plated connectors, as well as removable connector caps. It is reasonably priced; it is easy to use and altogether delivers very good value for the money.

All in all, if you are looking for the best RG6 coaxial cable that will satisfy you with both performance and price, Mediabridge Coaxial Cable with F-Male Connectors is the thing for you.

Pros:

  • Fairly priced
  • Good customer service
  • Reliable performance
  • Easy-grip cap
Cons:

  • A bit stiff

Check Prices

 

PHAT SATELLITE INTL Coaxial Cable

An Excellent Multipurpose RG6 Cable

phat satellite intl rg6 coaxial cable
PHAT SATELLITE INTL RG6 Coaxial Cable is a 30-meter long cable, with excellent heavy-duty triple shielding and more importantly, excellent performance.

Due to its o-ringed weather seal build, it is suitable not only for indoors but outdoor use as well. It comes fitted with nickel-plated BRASS connectors; it is UL certified and overall has a high-quality build.

PHAT SATELLITE INTL RG6 Coaxial Cable is fairly priced; it offers a secure fit and altogether offers everything that should be expected from one of the best coaxial cables available on the market.

Pros:

  • Good price
  • A good quality build
  • Secure fit
  • Excellent performance
  • O-ring sealed connectors
Cons:

  • None

Check Prices

 

AmazonBasics TV Antenna Cable

An Affordable, but Highly Functional Coaxial Cable

amazonbasics cl2-rated coaxial tv antenna cable
If you are after a versatile, but affordable coaxial cable that can be successfully used for the connection of VCR, cable modem, or 4K TV, AmazonBasics CL2-Rated Coaxial TV Antenna Cable is a great option for you.

This cord is available in a variety of lengths, from 1.2m up to 30m; it comes in packages of one or four cables and overall offers great usability that allows for its use indoors, outdoors and, due to the UL certification, even in walls.

AmazonBasics CL2-Rated Coaxial TV Antenna Cable comes with a three-layer aluminum shielding and nickel-plated connectors and offers great durability that is one of its key selling points.

AmazonBasics CL2-Rated Coaxial TV Antenna Cable comes with removable connector caps and overall delivers everything you would expect from one of the best coaxial cables for TV antenna, cable modem, or similar device.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Affordable
  • Available in a variety of lengths
Cons:

  • Connectors’ caps are a bit hard to remove

Check Prices

 

Cable Matters Coaxial Cable

An Extra-Shielded Coaxial Cable Dedicated to Superior Performance

cable matters rg6 cl2 quad shielded coaxial cable
Cable Matters RG6 CL2 Quad Shielded Coaxial Cable is a highly versatile, but before anything else, extremely durable cable that offers great protection against electromagnetic and radio interferences thanks to its quad shielded aluminum build, reinforced with braid shielding.

This cable is available in lengths from 0.45m to 3m, and in black or white color. It is sold in packs of three cables and overall presents a great deal if you are seeking a cable that will deliver excellent video and digital signal transmission.

Cable Matters RG6 CL2 Quad Shielded Coaxial Cable is a great option for both indoor and outdoor use and overall delivers everything you need from a heavy-duty cable, excellent durability, flexibility, and more importantly, great performance that ultimately makes it one of the best coaxial cables.

Pros:

  • Quad shielded
  • Durable
  • Flexible
  • Excellent performance
  • CM and CL2 certified
Cons:

  • A bit pricey

Check Prices

 

KabelDirekt Pro Series

A High-Quality Coaxial Cable that Guarantees for Premium Performance

kabeldirekt digital coaxial cable pro series
KabelDirekt Digital Coaxial Cable Pro Series is a good quality copper-made coaxial cable that delivers trouble-free audio-video transmission and overall offers excellent value for your money.

It is available in a variety of lengths, from 0.9m to 30m, and overall provides secure and easy fit, perfect for connecting TV antenna amplifiers, VCRs, cable modems, TV antennas, etc.

KabelDirekt Digital Coaxial Cable Pro Series comes with a three-year warranty and has a pretty durable build. Moreover, it is fitted with 24K gold plated F connectors and altogether delivers a great performance, as should be the case with one of the best coaxial cables for a TV antenna.

Pros:

  • Easy fit
  • Three years warranty
  • Available in a variety of sizes
  • Flexible
Cons:

  • Not the best quality control

Check Prices

 

Monoprice Quad Shield Coaxial Cable

A Quad Shield Coaxial Cable Intended for Premium Performance

monoprice rg6 quad shield cl2 coaxial cable
If you are after a coaxial cable that will give you top-class performance and has a sturdy build but won’t take too much cash out of your pocket, Monoprice RG6 Quad Shield CL2 Coaxial Cable is the cord for you.

This wire comes in black and white color and is very thick due to its durable build that involves quad shielding, as well as UL and CL2 certification, as its name suggests. Monoprice RG6 Quad Shield CL2 Coaxial Cable comes fitted with F Type connectors and offers excellent flexibility that, along with its sturdiness, is the main reason for its lifetime warranty.

All in all, if you are looking for the best coaxial cable that is affordable, reliable, and high-performing at the same time, Monoprice RG6 Quad Shield CL2 Coaxial Cable is a great choice without a doubt.

Pros:

  • Quad shielded
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Affordable
  • Sturdy
  • Thick
  • Flexible
Cons:

  • Cable ends are a bit oversized

Check Prices

 

THE CIMPLE CO Coaxial Cable

A Solid, Well-Made Coaxial Cable

the cimple co white rg6 coaxial cable
THE CIMPLE CO White RG6 Coaxial Cable is a cheap, but very efficient coaxial cable that is suitable for connecting TVs, cable modems, antennas, etc.

Due to its durable build that includes UV resistant and water-proof PVC shielding, as well as 18AWG conductors, this cable is made to last, which is why it comes with a very convincing 10-year warranty.

It is available in lengths from 0.9m to 45.5m and is a great option for both indoor and outdoor use. More importantly, it delivers reliable transmission and allows for an easy and tight connection with the connected devices.

THE CIMPLE CO White RG6 Coaxial Cable is a USA-built product; it delivers great value for the money and altogether is among the best rg6 coaxial cables available on the market.

Pros:

  • 10-year warranty
  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Easy to use
Cons:

  • None

Check Prices

 

Postta Digital Coaxial Cable

An Excellent Shielded Coaxial Cable Designed for Top-Level Transmission

postta digital coaxial cable rg6
Postta Digital Coaxial Cable RG6 is an affordable, high-quality coaxial cable, intended for top-class performance.

With this cable, you are getting great durability that comes as the result of its quad-shield build that includes multiple aluminum layers and PVC shielding, as well as a copper conductor. Moreover, this type of design also provides a great performance that will satisfy even the most demanding users among you.

Postta Digital Coaxial Cable RG6 is sold in lengths from 1.2m to 30.5m and comes in either black or white color. It has a one year warranty and overall presents a pretty good deal if you are looking for a cheap, but still efficient coaxial cable.

Pros:

  • Quad shielding
  • Available in a variety of lengths
  • Durable
  • Affordable
Cons:

  • None

Check Prices

 

Summary

Coaxial cables aren’t that complicated, but still, you should know some basics when purchasing one. We have listed out the most important characteristics and the best products you can find on the market, and now all you’ve gotta do is pick your champion!

The post The Best Coaxial Cables in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-coaxial-cables/feed/ 2
The Best Microphones for Podcasting in 2023 https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-microphone-for-podcasting/ https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-microphone-for-podcasting/#respond Mon, 29 Jun 2020 16:28:31 +0000 https://www.thetechlounge.com/?p=8935 Whether you’re a YouTuber, streamer, or podcaster, you need a high-quality mic to create the best possible content. After all, the modern microphone is a powerful device! It allows people to share their stories, create an engaged community, and fulfill their dreams in a way that radio stations never could. Still, you need to know how to select the product for your needs. For instance, the best microphone for podcasting doesn’t have to be pricey or fitted with high-end audio accessories, but it must be designed for voice applications. How do you know that? We’ll tell you in the How-To section below. In addition to this, we reviewed several high-quality products in a wide range of prices, so everyone can...

The post The Best Microphones for Podcasting in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
the best microphone for podcasting
Whether you’re a YouTuber, streamer, or podcaster, you need a high-quality mic to create the best possible content. After all, the modern microphone is a powerful device! It allows people to share their stories, create an engaged community, and fulfill their dreams in a way that radio stations never could.

Still, you need to know how to select the product for your needs. For instance, the best microphone for podcasting doesn’t have to be pricey or fitted with high-end audio accessories, but it must be designed for voice applications.

How do you know that? We’ll tell you in the How-To section below. In addition to this, we reviewed several high-quality products in a wide range of prices, so everyone can find the right device.

So, whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade your gear, make sure to read our guidelines and reviews carefully!

Top Picks

Last update on 2025-03-24 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How To Choose The Best Microphone For Podcasting

A mic for podcasting is not an impulse purchase! You shouldn’t buy one just because you think it will look good or it’s being promoted by an online celebrity. You need one that has the right accessories and internal setup to suit your needs.

To give you a head start, here are some of the features that you need to pay attention to:

Polar Pattern

This feature explains the directional capability of the mic, or how it picks up sounds. Usually, there are four patterns: cardioid, stereo, bidirectional, and omnidirectional.

Cardioid is the most popular pattern for podcasters, YouTubers, and streamers because it picks up sounds from the front and sides (no sounds from the back). On the other hand, the bidirectional pattern is perfect for podcasts with a guest, where the sound comes from two different directions. On the same note, the omnidirectional pattern picks up sounds from any direction, so it works great in larger meetings.

Output Interface

There are two types of mics for podcasting: USB and XLR. As you probably can imagine, a USB mic uses a USB cable to connect to a computer and can be used as soon as the connection is established.

An XLR microphone requires an audio interface between the mic and the computer.

While you may read/hear that an XLR mic is better than a USB one if you are just starting it’s best to keep things simple. A USB mic is just as capable and, with the right filters and accessories, it can prove an extremely valuable device.

Filters & Accessories

Pop filter, windscreen, headphone amplifier, and other accessories are quite important when you’re recording a voice-over, a narration, an audiobook, or a close-talk session. These reduce surrounding noises, explosive breath, and other interferences that could distract the audience’s attention from what is being transmitted.

Durability

Mics are hard-working devices that must endure quite a lot. Not only do they have to keep dust and other debris as far away from their sensitive insides, but they are also in close contact with saliva (most podcasters speak closer to the mic for better quality).

Even more, the best products are designed to withstand shocks and bumps.

Stand Compatibility

Whether you’re using an extendable boom arm or a desk stand, the mic should be easy to mount and dismount. It should also come with shock protection (to avoid noises during handling) and easy to reach controls for volume, switching between patterns, and gain.

Best Microphones for Podcasting

Shure SM7B

Entry-Level Mic for Professional Audio Applications

shure sm7b
This is a cardioid dynamic microphone which makes it perfect for podcasting, streaming, singing, and other activities where you don’t want background sounds to interfere with your performance.

Its smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response and the added A7WS windscreen makes it perfect for music, speech, and close-talk applications. In addition, the mic has excellent shielding against the electromagnetic hum that’s usually produced by computer monitors, neon lights, and other electrical devices usually present on a stage or a studio.

The SM7B is a mic with internal air suspension, which eliminates mechanical noises and it has a very effective pop filter, which takes care of weird breath sounds (quite common in close-up vocals).

Lastly, the Yoke mounting with captive stand nut allows you full control of the mic’s position while in use.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Simple setup
  • Reliable
  • Good quality software
  • A decent scanning speed
Cons:

  • No network and mobile connectivity

Check Prices

 

Blue Yeti USB Mic

The Best USB Microphone for Podcasting

blue yeti usb mic
The Blue Yeti is one of the most advanced and versatile multi-patterned USB mics on the market. Fitted with three capsules, this device features four different pattern settings (stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional) and doesn’t need any additional devices.

You can connect it to a computer (compatible with Windows & Mac OS X) and start your podcast or streaming! The high-quality A-D converter makes it perfect for vocals, voiceovers, conference calls, podcasting, streaming, and even musical instruments.

The stand that comes with it makes it easy to use on a desk or other flat surface, but it can also be mounted in different stands. As a plus, it has direct controls for volume, mute, pattern selection, and gain. There’s also a 3.5mm port for headphones (it has a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency).

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Simple setup
  • Reliable
  • Good quality software
  • A decent scanning speed
Cons:

  • No network and mobile connectivity

Check Prices

 

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

The Best Cheap Microphone for Podcasting

audio-technica at2020usb+
Easy to use for digital recordings, this condenser microphone with USB output is perfect for any beginner podcaster or streamer. It has a high-quality A/D converter with a 44.1/48 kHz sample rate, 16-bit bit depth, and an internal headphone amplifier. In plain words, the audio quality is superb with advanced clarity and detail!

In addition to this, it has mix controls that allow the user to blend pre-recorded audio with mic signals. There’s also a headphone 3.5mm jack with volume control so you can monitor the mic signal without delays.

The USB output makes it incredibly easy to set up and use since it works with most modern Windows and Mac OS X computers. Lastly, the mic comes with a pivoting stand mount for 5/8″-27 threaded stands, a tripod desk stand, and one USB cable. In short, it is ready to use out of the box.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Simple setup
  • Reliable
  • Good quality software
  • A decent scanning speed
Cons:

  • No network and mobile connectivity

Check Prices

 

Rode Procaster

A Premium Dynamic Mic Designed for Broadcasting

rode procaster
Specially designed for no-compromise performance in voice applications, the Rode Podcaster may be the best mic for podcasting professionally. The tight polar pattern, the internal pop filter, and the frequency response customized for voice make this a broadcast quality mic.

If we add to this the high output dynamic capsule and the balanced low impedance output, it’s easy to see why many professionals who create voice-related content favor it. It’s also easy to mount in a boom stand and has an internal shock mounting that protects the capsule from low handling noise.

To make it easier for at-home users, the mic is delivered with a stand mount, a zip pouch, and a 3/8-inch adaptor.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Simple setup
  • Reliable
  • Good quality software
  • A decent scanning speed
Cons:

  • No network and mobile connectivity

Check Prices

 

HyperX QuadCast

Great for Gaming, Streaming & Podcasting

hyperx quadcast
The HyperX QuadCast is quite a beast for its price! It is a USB condenser microphone with four polar patterns (cardioid, stereo, bidirectional, and omnidirectional), pop filter, gain control and an anti-vibration shock mount.

In addition, it looks amazing! The black and red color combination is extremely appealing from a visual point of view. As such, many gamers who stream their activity like to use it. Of course, regular gamers, streamers, and podcasters like to use it as well.

Now, whether you see it or not, this is a great mic for beginners in the art of creating voice content. First, it is easy to use due to the USB interface that lets you connect it to a PC, laptop, or gaming console (compatible with PC, PS4, and Mac).

The tap-to-mute functionality with an LED status indicator is incredibly useful as it lets you know when the mic is active (light on – the mic is active, light off – the mic is muted). Also, the pattern selector and gain control dial make it easy to customize the sound quality on the go. Considering these features, you understand why the HyperX QuadCast is considered great for gaming and streaming in general.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Simple setup
  • Reliable
  • Good quality software
  • A decent scanning speed
Cons:

  • No network and mobile connectivity

Check Prices

 

TechZone Audio Products Stellar X2

Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR Microphone

techzone audio products stellar x2
While many people who use their voice to create content will say that condenser mics are too sensitive for podcasts or streaming, the X2 makes it work. The balanced and neutral frequency response and the high-quality diaphragm allow it to be used for a variety of sources.

The X2 mic works for musical instruments (stringed, pianos, and percussion) and for vocals such as podcasts or streaming. In fact, since it can pick up the more subtle sounds, it can help you create a unique experience for your audience.

The mic has a low noise circuit due to a proprietary custom-made transformer-less circuit with gold traces that has a tolerance of 1%. As a result, the noise floor (self-noise) is less than 13dBA.

Lastly, the microphone is durable and features a high-grade steel body that protects the pure brass capsule inside. This aspect is important since the capsule is a high-precision mechanism design to reproduce sound as accurately as possible.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Simple setup
  • Reliable
  • Good quality software
  • A decent scanning speed
Cons:

  • No network and mobile connectivity

Check Prices

 

Samson Go Mic

A Small & Portable USB Condenser Mic

samson go mic
If you’re recording on the go (vlogging on the street or streaming while traveling) you need a portable and capable microphone.

The fold-up design allows users to install it in almost any location by attaching it to a desk, monitor, laptop lid, or a stand. Since it has a USB interface, it can be easily connected to a computer (compatible with most Windows & Mac computers) and used.

Go Mic supports two polar patterns (cardioid and omnidirectional) and has a built-in headphone amplifier that lets users monitor their performance in real-time. The same port can be used for connecting powered speakers, in case you want your voice to be heard by everyone.

This tiny device is perfect for recording voice, conference participation, streaming, and more. Furthermore, it can be connected to an iOS device using an Apple Lightning to USB camera adapter or an Android device with a host OTG Adapter. None of the mentioned adapters are included in the mic package, but they can be purchased separately.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Simple setup
  • Reliable
  • Good quality software
  • A decent scanning speed
Cons:

  • No network and mobile connectivity

Check Prices

 

Summary

There is a lot to take in from this article, especially as a beginner. But you don’t have to feel intimidated by the amount of technical detail – it takes some time, but you’ll learn to understand the features that matter.

For starters, if you work from a computer, it’s best to get a cardioid dynamic mic with a good desk stand and USB interface. These are easy to set up and are compatible with most PCs and laptops while still being affordable for most folks. As your channel grows, you will have the opportunity to upgrade your gear and get better.

The post The Best Microphones for Podcasting in 2023 first appeared on The Tech Lounge.]]>
https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-microphone-for-podcasting/feed/ 0