Rick Broida
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Articles by Rick Broida
How to Tell Whether a Prime Big Deal Days Deal Is Worth It
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days — or, as I like to call it, Prime Day 2: This Prime, It’s Personal — are here, meaning “everything is on sale and the prices have never been lower!” Or, wait, is that what it means? Sort of. Yes, this two-day event will bring some great bargains, possibly even some historic lows. But there are a few things you should know before blindly filling your shopping cart with every shiny bauble that’s on sale.
The 13 best pickleball gifts for all the players on your 2025 holiday list
Why you can trust us We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about who we are and how we review products and deals. It's easy to shop for pickleball players because there's so much great merch! Towels, T-shirts, practice nets and more.
The 13 best pickleball gifts for all the players on your 2025 holiday list
I'll bet you a box of sweatbands that you know someone who plays pickleball — or, more likely, someone who's obsessed with pickleball. No surprise there: It's the fastest-growing sport in the world, with something like 80 billion players. (Million, billion, who's to say?) I should know, I'm one of them. In fact, you might say I wrote the book on pickleball. Sure, that's also a great gift for pickleball players, but my boss says I can't shamelessly self-promote my thing and then leave for the court.
BlendJet 2 vs. Ninja Blast: Which is the best personal blender?
I love smoothies, but I don't love hauling out a big, heavy, noisy blender (looking at you, Vitamix) whenever I want to make one. Most full-size blenders are not exactly meant for travel, either. Thankfully, personal blenders are a thing, promising enough power for the likes of not only smoothies, but also protein shakes, baby food and dressings. But does this category of blenders really work? I pitted the popular BlendJet 2 against the Ninja Blast to find out which is the best personal blender.
I test tech products for a living and these are the best Amazon Prime Day deals I've found, starting at just $10
Welcome to Amazon Prime Day — or, as I like to call it, Discount-Tech-A-Palooza. (I don't know what a "Palooza" is, but I'm going with it.) This annual shop-fest serves up deals of all stripes, but some of the best ones are of the gadget variety: tablets, earbuds, Bluetooth trackers and other cool tech. Because I test and write about this gear all day every day, I feel uniquely qualified to spotlight the absolute best Amazon Prime Day tech deals — which I've done below.
5 easy and affordable smart-home upgrades, starting at just $15
If you were to give your home an IQ test, how would it fare? Nitwit? Useful idiot? Some high-school? Anything below genius and it's time to add some intelligence, to strategically deploy a few devices that provide automation, security, voice controls and other make-life-easier benefits. I'm talking "smart" gear like light bulbs, AC outlets, cameras and so on, all of which are a breeze to use and more affordable than you might think.
Amazon Prime Day 2025: Everything you need to know to find the best deals and save the most money
Here we are again, staring down the barrel of Amazon Prime Day — that glorious, totally not-made-up retail holiday. It’s the event that makes wallets open (digitally speaking) and deal hunters sharpen their spears (also digital). It's also when we convince ourselves we absolutely, positively must have a waffle maker that's also a Bluetooth speaker.
Apple iPhone 16e review: Is this the iPhone upgrade you've been waiting for?
Proper engine maintenance can keep a car running almost indefinitely. Alas, there's no such luck when it comes to phones; at some point, you're going to need (if not want) to upgrade. I'm in that camp: As an iPhone 13 user, I'm feeling the pull of a fresh battery, a faster processor, new features and so on. Maybe it's the same for you, especially if you're chugging along with the likes of an iPhone 11, 12 or SE.
My house has radon - here's how I found out, and what I did about it
It happened innocently enough, starting with this post on our neighborhood Facebook group: "Hey, neighbors. We're in the process of moving, and the inspection turned up above-recommended levels of radon. If you haven't already, you might want to get your house checked." Radon? Don't we already have a detection thingy for that? No, that's carbon monoxide. What the heck is radon? Says the EPA: "Radon is an invisible radioactive gas — you can't see or smell it, but it can be deadly.
Here are the best ways to extend the life of your iPhone battery
The average American spends 36.8 hours per day on their phone (no need to fact-check me, I'm a professional). Is it any wonder battery life is such a problem? With all that texting, scrolling, recording and reading, there's never enough juice. And the longer you keep your phone, the worse the problem gets: Rechargeable batteries lose capacity over time, often to the point where you can't get through the day on a single charge.
Fubo review: Come for the sports, stay for the 200 other channels Original
Sit, Fubo, sit. (Sorry, utter nonsense, but if you're old enough, you get it.) Fubo doesn't have the name-recognition of live-TV streaming services like DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV, but if you haven't heard of it yet, you probably will soon: Earlier this year, the company announced merger plans with Disney-owned Hulu + Live TV and may absorb that service into its own.
Apple just released two new iPads - here's the one you should buy
Remember when the first iPad made its debut in 2010 and everyone made fun of the name? No one's making fun of it now. Apple engineers the best tablets on the market, period, and while the new iPad (A16) and iPad Air (M3) bring only modest improvements to the table, the bar was already skyscraper-level. (Lest you think I'm a raving Apple fanboy, I also believe there are plenty of perfectly good iPad alternatives.
DirecTV Stream review: This is how you replace cable
Are you my mother? You are if you insist on having cable TV or the equivalent. I get it: That's been the default way of watching TV for the past 40+ years. But here in 2025, streaming is king, with at least half a dozen services aiming to recreate — and perhaps improve on? — the cable experience. DirecTV Stream is one of them, and one of the best, which is ironic given that it's actually a satellite TV service.
I'm a tech writer, and these are the 11 must-have travel items that make my life easier
Here in 2025, packing for a trip means more than just socks, underwear and your mood-relaxing med of choice. You also need the right tech, whether it's to keep your phone charged, locate missing luggage, drown out all the noise or tackle other travel hassles. Over the years I've assembled what I consider the ultimate travel-tech lineup, the items that make trips easier and safer β and often less stressful as well.
Here's the best way to make your internet faster at home Original
Slow internet is bad for work, school, gaming and the most important thing of all: watching season two of Silo on Apple TV+. (Seriously, it's a really good show.) It's also just plain frustrating, especially when it's working fine one minute and leaving you tapping your fingers the next. Thankfully, there are things you can do to get faster internet at home. Full disclosure: Lots of factors can affect internet performance, so nothing here is a guaranteed solution.
The best portable power station for 2025 to help you prep for storms, blackouts and emergencies
It doesn't take long without electricity to realize how difficult it is to live without electricity. At minimum, no TV, no internet, no way to recharge your phone. At worst, a fridge full of spoiled food, a bedroom so cold (or hot) you can't sleep at night. But with storms getting worse and power outages more common, what's the solution?
'Incredible convenience': A 4-pack of these smart plugs is on sale for $24
Smart plugs can be a blessing or a curse. They're a blessing if you hook them up to things like lamps or humidifiers or 3D printers you want to be able to shut down from afar. But they're a curse if the software that controls them is confusing or doesn't work reliably. I have a Kasa smart plug, and it's never given me a lick of trouble. Which brings us to this: Amazon currently has the Kasa Smart Plug Mini 4-pack for $24, down from $30. Concerned you left your hair dryer plugged in?
Peacock review: NBC's streaming service is nice for a few dates, not a lifelong commitment
Want to unwind with some episodes of The Office? Watch all the Harry Potter movies with the kids? See what Bridget Jones has been up to, lo these many years?
Paramount+ review: Come for the police procedurals, stay for the news, sports and movies
If you asked me to name the "cool kids" of streaming services, I'd probably list Hulu, Max and Netflix; they seem to spark the lion's share of the conversation. So what about Paramount+, home to CBS-produced "senior" fare like Matlock, Blue Bloods, 60 Minutes and The Equalizer? I think it deserves some "rezz" (or whatever word for respect the kids are using these days), because there's a ton of quality content here at a fairly affordable price.
Find Your Glasses Prescription Without an Exam Using These Online Tools
You don't need to call your eye doctor if you want to find your current eyeglass prescription. You can buy anything on the internet these days, including prescription eyewear. There are advantages to buying your glasses online with the biggest being how much money you can save. While buying glasses online is simple, there's a catch: You need a prescription before placing an order. Make sure to have your annual eye exam done and get a prescription beforehand.
Disney+ review: A streaming candy store for kids, but parents should be wary of Hulu
I'm old enough that my kids grew up watching a combination of VHS tapes and DVDs. I can only imagine what it's like for modern parents to have access to Disney+, the streaming service that delivers Bluey, Moana, Luke Skywalker, Iron Man and endless other kid-friendly content to just about anywhere: living room, restaurant, backseat, window seat, etc. I'm insanely jealous. While kids certainly need limits on screen time, there's no denying the precious resource that is Disney+.
Hulu review: The single best value in streaming services, especially if you bundle
Trying to choose a favorite streaming service is like trying to pick a favorite ice cream: They're all pretty tasty in their own ways. But when I want a treat after dinner, I most often find myself reaching for a pint of Hulu, which offers a superb roster of original shows and movies, an unmatched selection of current network programming and a deep bench of TV classics.
I have plantar fasciitis, and these 5 products helped me ease the pain Original
Why you can trust us We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals. Plantar fasciitis can make every step excruciating, but I found plenty of ways to manage the agony of da feet. (Amazon) About six weeks ago, after my weekly pickleball league, I awoke to a stabbing pain in my right heel. I'd had knee pain, a jammed thumb and other ouchies from my favorite sport, but never this.
The best writing tablets for capturing all your notes in 2025, tested and reviewed
Vinyl records made a comeback; so did bell-bottoms. Now it's the pencil's turn, because while we've all become accustomed to banging out notes on our laptops, there's growing evidence that handwriting has benefits to both learning and memory. (Some people just like it better, too.) Before you reach for your legal pad, however, consider a digital writing tablet; with it you can capture an endless variety of notes and ideas, mark up PDFs, annotate e-books and much more.
I tested over 80 tech products in the last year, and these were my favorites
I tested a ton of tech products in the last year, many of which are still cluttering up my desk. In fact, I'm staring at a lot of them as I writer this. So, I thought this might be an opportune time to pick my favorites, some of which may surprise you. Yeah, there's an Apple product in the mix, but also three TVs you wouldn't expect. There's an e-reader you won't believe. And a drone that flew away with my heart. Read on for those and other products I consider the best tech of the past year.
The best digital TV antenna for 2025 to watch ABC, NBC and other local stations for free
Sick of paying for a pricey streaming service like YouTube TV just so you can watch local channels — or, you know, the Super Bowl? You may not have to. Turns out antennas are still a thing; cable TV and then cord-cutting simply made us forget about them. Maybe that was OK, because those old "rabbit ears" weren't exactly decor-friendly. But modern antennas look quite different, from paper-thin rectangles designed to stick to a window to funky figure-eight sculptures for your attic or roof.
Sling TV review: A cheap(er) way to watch live sports, but not the budget streamer it once was
I'm just going to say it: Sling TV is weird. On the surface, it appears a more affordable live-TV alternative to the likes of DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. But with recent price increases, a comparatively modest selection of channels and a fairly pointless division of its lineup, Sling feels less like a deal and more like a set of compromises.
Hulu + Live TV review: The single best value in live-TV streaming services
Looking for a cable TV replacement? Hulu + Live TV is exactly what it sounds like: "Regular" Hulu, with its considerable on-demand library of shows, movies and original content, plus live TV similar to what you get from cable. On top of that, the bundle includes Disney+ and ESPN+, which helps soften the blow of a fairly steep price. But is this four-in-one service easy to use? Does serve up all the best channels, plenty of sports, good DVR features and seamless integration?
Here's the best way to make your internet faster at home
Slow internet is bad for work, school, gaming and the most important thing of all: watching season two of Silo on Apple TV+. (Seriously, it's a really good show.) It's also just plain frustrating, especially when it's working fine one minute and leaving you tapping your fingers the next. Thankfully, there are things you can do to get faster internet at home. Full disclosure: Lots of factors can affect internet performance, so nothing here is a guaranteed solution.
The best live TV streaming services to tune into in 2025, tested and reviewed
When I think about live TV, I can't help remembering the scene in Mel Brooks' Spaceballs when they pop in the VHS cassette of the movie at exactly the present moment. "You're looking at now, sir. Everything that happens now... is happening now." Indeed, the whole concept of "live TV" is quite different, er, now, than it was in the old days. Let's think of it as real-time broadcasting, like what you remember from cable TV (and, before that, antenna TV).
The best 'fast and easy' popcorn maker is down to $14: 'Perfect for movie night' Original
Got a loved one who'd list popcorn as their go-to snack? Or maybe it's your favorite munchie? We've found something that'll delight everyone's palates while lowering 'corn costs and making the 'pop'ular treat healthier: the Popco Hotpop Silicone Popcorn Popper. Over 25,000 Amazon shoppers adore this gizmo for making tasty, perfectly popped popcorn in a healthier, more eco-friendly way than the microwaveable bags. Plus, it's on sale, so why not grab one for yourself and a few for friends and family?
Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) review: A dedicated writing tablet that won my heart (but angered my wallet)
Do you miss taking notes the old-fashioned way, with pencil and paper? Amazon's Kindle Scribe tablet is a terrific digital alternative, serving up any kind of "paper" you can imagine (college-ruled, sheet music, daily planner, etc.) on a spacious, eye-friendly screen. Paired with it: a comfortable stylus that lends the feel of writing on real paper.
Best tech of CES 2025: Weird gadgets we kind of want, and wonderful ones we definitely do
Transparent TVs. Stair-climbing robot vacuums. Vacuums with robot arms. AI-powered everything. Just another January at CES, the consumer electronics show that used to be known as the Consumer Electronics Show. I'm attending in spirit, which is to say I'm armchair-quarterbacking this year's event — with ample help from the folks at Engadget, who have their boots on the Las Vegas ground.
Best tech of CES 2025: Weird gadgets we kind of want, and wonderful ones we definitely do
Electrified spoons, solar-powered hats, robots galore and more -- this year's CES had it all. Transparent TVs. Stair-climbing robot vacuums. Vacuums with robot arms. AI-powered everything. Just another January at CES, the consumer electronics show that used to be known as the Consumer Electronics Show. I'm attending in spirit, which is to say I'm armchair-quarterbacking this year's event — with ample help from the folks at Engadget, who have their boots on the Las Vegas ground.
Best tech of CES 2025: The weird gadgets we don't want and the wonderful ones we do Original
Transparent TVs. Stair-climbing robot vacuums. AI-powered everything. Just another January at CES, the consumer-electronics show that used to be known as the Consumer Electronics Show. I'm attending in spirit, which is to say I'm armchair-quarterbacking this year's event — with ample help from the folks at Engadget, who have their boots on the Las Vegas ground.
Screen-free fun for kids: This cool flying orb is on sale for $11 - an all-time low
Do you have kids? Grandkids? Maybe you feel like a kid inside? Whatever the case, any youngster is sure to enjoy a flying toy. I found one that's pretty cool — and, for a limited time, very reasonably priced. The Tomzon A32 Flying Orb Ball is now just $11 and it is sure to be a hit this holiday season. The A32 lights up, flies and even bounces off walls, just like your kids will when they unwrap it. $11 at Amazon Why is it a good deal?
Black Friday TV deal: Get this 55-inch OLED TV for only $600
If you've ever shopped for an OLED TV, you've probably been blown away by the color — and devastated by the price. Good news: The new Sansui S55VOUG 55-inch OLED TV is down to just $600, by far the lowest price I've seen for a model of that size. Consequently, I consider it the best of the pretty great Black Friday TV deals available this year. To put that in perspective, the 55-inch LG evo C4 Series is currently selling for $1,200. So don't be surprised if this upstart rival sells out soon. Sansui?
This 55-inch OLED TV for $600 is the best Black Friday TV deal of 2024
If you've ever shopped for an OLED TV, you've probably been blown away by the color — and devastated by the price. Good news: The new Sansui S55VOUG 55-inch OLED TV is down to just $600, by far the lowest price I've seen for a model of that size. Consequently, I consider it the best of the pretty great Black Friday TV deals available this year. To put that in perspective, the 55-inch LG evo C4 Series is currently selling for $1,200. So don't be surprised if this upstart rival sells out soon. Sansui?
Xgimi Aura 2 projector review: Dazzling home theater, plus a living-room art gallery -- with two big problems
I have mad love for ultra short-throw (UST) projectors, which can park right next to the wall instead of mounting awkwardly in a ceiling or elsewhere. They can splash a 100-inch (or larger!) image on that wall. And in the case of the Xgimi Aura 2, they can even display famous works of art — much like Samsung's popular Frame TV — when not pulling home-theater duty. But does that really make sense for a projector? More importantly, how does it compare to, say, a 100-inch TV?
The best pickleball gifts for all the players on your 2024 holiday list Original
Why you can trust us We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals. It's easy to shop for pickleball players because there's so much great merch! Towels, T-shirts, practice nets and more.
I'm calling it: This 55-inch OLED TV for $600 is the best Black Friday TV deal, period
Black Friday always brings oodles of great TV deals, but this one is special: It's a deal on top of a deal. The Sansui S55VOUG just arrived on the OLED scene, challenging much pricier rivals from the likes of LG and Sony. At $900 for the 55-inch model, it represented a savings of at least $400 while still delivering the eye-popping color that is OLED's stock-in-trade. Now it's down to just $600 at Walmart, which I believe qualifies it as the Best 55-inch OLED TV Deal in History.
I review soundbars, and my new favorite just hit an all-time low for Black Friday
Your TV is only half the home-theater battle. For the best possible experience, you need a soundbar in the mix — something to surpass the small, weak speakers built into that flat-panel screen. Recently I rounded up the best soundbars, and imagine my surprise when my top pick — the Hisense AX5125H — got a hefty Black Friday discount. I considered it a superb deal at the $350 regular price, but if you act fast, you can scoop it up for just $250.
The best color e-reader for 2024, tested and reviewed
Color always makes its way into technology eventually: TVs, computers, PDAs/phones and now e-readers. That last category took awhile, but it's finally here: If you're tired of grayscale graphic novels, PDFs, book covers, text highlights and so on, you now have color electronic-ink options from the likes of Amazon, Boox and Kobo. Below I've rounded up what I consider the best color e-readers from the (admittedly limited) selection that's currently available.
Battle of the OLED TVs: How a budget newcomer stands up to top-rated LG and Sony models Original
If you've shopped for a new TV anytime in the past few years, you know that "OLED" is code for "expensive." Actually, it stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode, techno-speak for "oh my god look how vibrant that picture is." No question, OLED TVs beat the pants off traditional LED/LCD TVs, at least when you compare them side-by-side — and that's why they carry a premium. But after all these years, where are the budget challengers to the pricey likes of LG and Sony?
'Incredible convenience': A 4-pack of bestselling smart plugs is on sale for $23 Original
Why you can trust us We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals. Smart plugs can be a blessing or a curse. They're a blessing if you hook them up to things like lamps or humidifiers or 3D printers you want to be able to shut down from afar. But they're a curse if the software that controls them is confusing or doesn't work reliably.
Does active noise cancelling really work? I'm a tech editor and I know the truth
November 4, 2024 at 9:12 AM·3 min read The hot headphone feature of the 21st century is active noise-cancelling, otherwise known as ANC. Flip a switch and the earpieces magically reduce outside sounds: jet engines, leaf-blowers, those chatty couples at the coffee shop. (You know who you are. Inside voices, people!) The result is that you're able to work, fly, exercise or relax in relative peace. Or at least that's the promise. But what's the reality?
A 4-pack of Apple AirTags is down to an all-time low, $74, ahead of Black Friday
If you're tired of misplaced keys and valuables, Apple AirTags are a must for keeping track of lost items, especially with this early Black Friday deal: a four-pack for just $75. These Bluetooth-powered trackers are barely larger than a quarter, so they're ideal for pairing with a keychain or purse, slipping inside a suitcase, or even hiding on a bicycle. Then, if said item goes missing, you simply pull out your iPhone to home in on it — just like spies do in the movies.
The best gifts for pickleball players for 2024 Original
Why you can trust us We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals. It's easy to shop for pickleball players because there's so much great merch! Towels, T-shirts, practice nets and more.
The best tech gifts to buy your aging parents
November 1, 2024 at 4:00 AM·1 min read Buying presents for parents is no easy feat, especially those who are getting up there in years. It's not like you can just wrap a bag of Werther's Originals and call it a day. And if you ever watched Everybody Loves Raymond, you know a fruit-of-the-month club isn't a good choice. It's time to get a little more creative — and maybe a little more practical as well.
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft review: Don't give up your Paperwhite just yet
After 16 years of murky monochrome screens, Amazon's first color e-reader is here. The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition doesn't arrive with the same dramatic impact as, say, the first color television, but it's significant all the same. Book covers, comics, graphic novels, magazines and other such content clearly benefit from a color screen, as do any highlights you care to add to text. However, don't expect tablet-level vibrancy; this is still e-ink technology, with all the limitations therein.
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