Best WiFi Smart Air Conditioner for 2019

The In-Depth Buyer’s Guide for 2019

Best WiFi Air Conditioner

Over 50+ Hours Testing & Reviewing 44 AC Units.

Winner: Frigidaire 10,000 BTUSmart Air Conditioner

9.7 out of 10

With 10,000 BTUs to cool 450 square feet + Alex integration and easy setup, this is the AC Unit you want.

Test Results and Ratings

- March 2019

rank		PRODUCT Name	score
Top Pick 1		​​​​Frigidaire FGRC1044T1 10,000 BTU Smart Window Air ConditionerBy Frigidaire	9.5
Best Value 2		LG Electronics LP1415WXRSM 14000 BTUP ortable Air ConditionerBy LG	9.4
3		Frigidaire Cool Connect 8000 BTUBy Frigidaire	9.3
Easy Setup 4		Kenmore Smart 04277087 room-air-conditioners 8,000 BTU WhiteBy Kenmore	9.1
Splurge   Splurge 5		Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Cool Connect Smart Portable Air ConditionerBy Frigidaire	8.9
6		AirPatrol WiFi Air Conditioner ControllerBy AirPatrol	8.6
Best Value 7		Sensibo Sky Smart Air Conditioner ControllerBy Sensibo	8.3
8		Quirky ArosBy Quirky	8.2
9		Emerson Quiet Kool EARC8RSE1 8000 BTU 115V, White Window Air ConditionerBy Emerson	8.1
10		Tado Smart Air Conditioner and Heater ControllerBy Tado	8.1

How We Decided ​

4 main factors come down to picking the top WiFi A/C units.

5000+ BTUsCooling Power

AppQuality & Easy of Use

500+ sq. ftCoverage

$100-$600Value

Best WiFi AC Unit

 Frigidaire FGRC1044T1 10,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner

Pros	Cons
10,000 BTUs can cool any room Android and iOS compatible + Alexa integration Easily removable mesh antibacterial	Operationally can be on the loud side Window only installation so once installed can’t be easily moved Built-in display hard to read fro afar

Why We Like It: The Frigidaire FGRC1044T1 has killer power (10,000 BTUs), easy setup, and looks good while performing.

Even though we prefer the functionality and convenience of Quirky’s offering (our now #5 pick, only because it’s not in stock) there is no disputing that Frigidaire’s WiFi Air Conditioner can get the job done on the hottest of summer nights. How so?Well, first and foremost it boasts 10,000 BTUs, which is enough power to cool a room up to 450 square feet. So most living rooms and bedrooms are applicable. Second, it features built-in WiFi, allowing you to connect to the unit via your smartphone (Android or iOS) and changes fan speed, temperature, control the AC’s modes and turn it on and off without having to walk over to the unit. We were gonna say lift a finger, but…that being said, this particular Smart AC unit is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa. So if you have one of those at home, you’ll be able to control its feature set with the command of your voice.And if that isn’t enough, this AC unit has achieved an Energy Star rating of 12, making it one of the lowest cost to operate window units in its category; $75 a year to be exact (give or take depending on your energy utility’s costs).And for those of you that are worried about air quality you’ll take comfort in the easily removable mesh antibacterial filter, which easily pops off for cleaning thanks to a magnetic closure. Moreover, there is a built-in clean air ionizer allowing this unit to capture more dust in the air. Lastly there is a sleep mode, battery operated remote (in case you like to go old school on the controls – and on the units), a built-in 3 foot cord, and a window kit with side panels that minimizes leaks and keeps the cold in. Best Portable A/C

 LG Electronics LP1415WXRSM

Read Full Review

Pros	Cons
14,000 BTUs, need I say more Covers 500 square feet no problem Easy to setup and install without effort	Can be loud for light sleepers App can be slightly buggy Setup manual is poorly written

Why We Like It: The LG LP1415WXRSM has enough power to cool down any size home. For many, a smaller window-mounted smart air conditioner is more than enough to cool down their bedroom or home office, but what do you do if you need a lot more power for larger spaces like your living room or kitchen?

For many, a smaller window-mounted smart air conditioner is more than enough to cool down their bedroom or home office, but what do you do if you need a lot more power for larger spaces like your living room or kitchen? Enter the 14,000 BTU, portable LG LP1415WXRSM. This A/C unit is a big, burly monster of a cooling system that easily rolls to any corner of your home, and is capable of keeping spaces upwards of 500 sq. ft. tolerable during even the hottest of heat waves. Using the LG Smart AC app, you can control everything from the fan speed to the humidity settings of your smart air conditioner no matter where you are in the world. Best Value

 Frigidaire Cool Connect 8,000 BTU

Read Full Review

Pros	Cons
8,000 BTUs provides cooling power for days Easy to install and setup App worked alost flawlessly	2,000 less BTUs then big brother so why not spend a bit ore? WiFi spotty every once in a blue  Temp gauge not 100% accurate

Why We Like It: The Cool Connect is the best plug-and-play Wi-Fi A/C around. Of all the Wi-Fi-connected air conditioning units out there right now, it’s not hard to see why the Frigidaire Cool Connect system is one of the best.

Note: If you’ve got a bigger space, see our #1 pick – same feature set but more power. Frigidaire is a king in the industry of keeping your home cool, with a trusted brand name and dedication to quality that stretches back decades. With the Cool Connect, the company is finally bringing their air conditioners into the 21st century, and the move pays off in spades. Want to get your bedroom cooled down before you get home from work, but don’t want to keep the unit running all day? This is where the Wi-Fi functionality comes in, enabling you to quickly and easily control your A/C remotely so any room in your house is at a perfect 72° by the time you pull into your driveway. If you only need to cool a small space (350 sq. ft. or less), the Cool Connect is the way to go. Best Simple Setup

Kenmore Smart 04277087 WiFi A/C 

Read Full Review

Pros	Cons
Energy start rated 8,000 BTUs of power Easy to setup and use	The least sexy looking Only works with Alexa Only 1-year warranty

Why We Like It: The Kenmore Smart is unquestionably a simple and easy to use unit. It’s not frills but with that comes simplicity especially if you don’t want to tear your hair out with setup. It currently works with Amazon’s Alexa/Echo.

Best Portable Power

 Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Cool Connect Smart Portable Air Conditioner

Read Full Review

Pros	Cons
Easy installation in just minutes 12,000 BTUs to cool large rooms App works great	Heavy and not easy to move Pricey at $600 Can be loud for light sleepers

Why We Like It: This Frigidaire unit can cool at a rapid rate, even for a large room thanks to 12,000 BTUs of power. Setup is a cinch and doesn’t require any mounting in a window.

​

Consider Your Room Size

It almost goes without saying, but make sure to measure your room size. A general rule of thumb is for every 20 btus you can cover a square foot. But use your best judgement and also account for the age of your house or apartment. The less insulation, or the older it is, the more power you might need.

How We Reviewed the Routers

The devil is in the details folks.

1

Available Features

While all of the Wi-Fi air conditioner units we could find carry a basic set of features including: Wi-Fi controls, temperature readouts, and timer setups, that’s not all they can do.Keep an eye out for added energy-saving features and scheduling apps that will run your A/C for you in the background, even when you’re not home or able to get to your phone to tell the unit what to do without you around.

2

App Compatibility

All of the Wi-Fi air conditioners on this list use various smartphone apps to connect you to the unit remotely. Some apps are more streamlined than others, while some (like the LG Smart AC app) haven’t seen a visual update since iOS 6.0

3

Ease of Use

One of the main reasons you would want to choose a Wi-Fi-enabled air conditioner over a classic design is ease of use. Whether you’re a hundred miles away or a few feet away on the couch, Wi-Fi air conditioners offer a convenient way to change temperatures and monitor the temperature stats of your room all from the comfort of a mobile device.

4

Power Saving Options

If you decide to go with either the Frigidaire or the LG, know ahead of time that the only power-saving options you’ll have will need to be activated manually.The Aros on the other hand automatically tracks your usage stats, and gives you a rough estimate of how much power you’re using or money you’re saving by only activating the air conditioner during certain times of the day or year.

5

Cost

Unlike dozens of other “smart home” devices that have come out in the past few years, Wi-Fi-connected air conditioners don’t cost much more than their offline counterparts just for the added wireless functionality. on average, you should expect to pay around $300 for a reliable 8,000 BTU window-mounted unit, or a little over $500 for a portable 14,000 BTU unit

Resident Expert Consultant

​

Chris has been reviewing consumer tech for almost 10 years. He brings extensive knowledge with respects to home connectivity and most importantly WiFi Routers, reviewing more than 50 of these over the course of his career. He also has the unfortunate side effect of living in Portland, Oregon where the summers are balmy and beyond humid. So he jumped at the chance to take on these tests…to say the least.

​

Chris Stobing | Wireless Router Expert

Top 10 Routers Compared

We like data, too. Especially tests that show which router is objectively the fastest of the bunch. 

#	Device Name	BTUs	Square Feet	Rating
1	Frigidaire FGRC1044T1	10,000	500 Sq Ft
2	LG Electronics LP1415WXRSM	14,000	700 Sq Ft
3	Frigidaire Cool Connect 8000 BTU	8,000	400 Sq Ft
4	Kenmore Smart 04277087 WiFi	8,000	400 Sq Ft
5	Frigidaire Cool Connect	12,000	184 g
6	Lorem Model 2209	8	663 g
7	Lorem Model 2209	8	663 g
8	Lorem Model 2209	8	663 g
9	Lorem Model 2209	8	663 g
10	Lorem Model 2209	8	663 g

Mistakes to Avoid

​

answers

Measure Twice, Cut Once

The last thing you want to deal with after ordering a brand new window-mounted or portable air conditioner unit is finding out that it doesn’t fit in the space where you’re trying to put it. Window-mounted units need at least a foot of vertical clearance and two feet of clearance on either side, and portable units need a window or sliding door that you can stick the ventilation tube out of while still keeping a tight seal between your home and the outside world. Without a proper seal, all that cold air will simply leak out of your home before it cools anything down, so be sure to take a tape measure to your window frame prior to placing an order.

Replacing a Brand New Offline Unit

If you just bought a new regular air conditioner and don’t feel like returning it for a Wi-Fi model, there are alternative options available. By purchasing a third-party AirPatrol.

Cool Down Test

We like data, like you. Especially tests that show which A/C  is objectively the fastest at cooling.  

Rank	Product Name	Time in Minutes to cool 300 sq. feet
1	Frigidaire Cool Connect 10,000 BTU
2	Frigidaire 12,000 BTULG
3	LP1415WXRSM
4	Frigidaire Cool Connect 8,000 BTU
5	Kenmore Smart 04277087

Air Conditioner Related Articles

Learn how to setup your new router, what WiFi actually and more from our related content.

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Best WiFi Smart Air Conditioner for 2019 published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/
Best WiFi Smart Air Conditioner for 2019 published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/

Official Lamborghini Hoverboard Review

10 Best Monitors for Xbox One X

Headsets, pro controllers and killer speakers are all good, but without one of the best monitors for Xbox One X, you are never going to be at the top of your game. Which means you won’t see that zombie shambling toward you in time or snipe that Nazi soldier in the watchtower dead in the eye. But shopping for a monitor is daunting, especially if your job is to focus on racking up the frags (or points). There are so many factors to consider. That’s why you are here and as usual, I have you covered with some solid info on the 10 Best Monitors for Xbox One X. I spend way too many hours playing games, so I’ll clue you in on which monitors are best and why, so you don’t waste your time buying an expensive paperweight. I just spent two full weeks playing Xbox One X games on 20 different monitors. Then I researched 20 more, taking into account things like HDR compatibility, refresh rate, resolution, picture sharpness and clarity, design and more. Lastly, I looked at user reviews of these models online and compiled all of the data.

What To Look For In The Best Monitors For Xbox One

The best of today’s 4K console gaming monitors come from top brands like BenQ, Acer, Alienware, Samsung, LG, and ViewSonic, but you can’t count lesser known brands out, which is why I rigorously test and research as many as we can. Today video gamers want 4k resolution, a high refresh rate, either FreeSync over HDMI or G-SYNC to avoid screen tearing while gaming, the right kind of panel (IPS panels offer better all-around visual quality) and low response time for smooth camera movement. It’s also important that a gaming monitor has the proper connection ports. In 2018 alone the industry saw 5.1 million gaming monitor units shipped (R), a figure which will likely be higher for 2019. Many of the monitors below will be a part of those numbers as buyers up their game with new displays.

Our Winner

And now let’s get to my #1 pick. It’s the LG 27UK650-W. LG is a brand name known around the world for quality electronics like smartphones, home appliances, televisions, and monitors. The LG 27UK650-W stands out from the crowd with a 4K HDR display and it comes loaded with features that gamers will go crazy for. From the specs, all the way down to the stand, this LG offering has everything that you want. You won’t find better in this price range.

 #1  LG 27UK650-W - Best Monitor for the Xbox One X

Pros:

• Amazing Color Production
• Great Gaming Features
• Supports AMD FreeSync

Cons:

• Needs More USB Inputs
• Response Time Is Low
• No speakers

The LG 27UK650-W has a lot going for it. This 4K HDR display has many gaming features that will please both hardcore gamers and casual gamers alike.  I put in a decent amount of gaming hours and it blew me away. This 27-inch monitor has an ArcLine stand and some serious versatility. The curve at the base not only keeps things stable but also adds a touch of luxury. It’s very easy to adjust the stand’s height, tilt it back and forth, swivel it, and pivot it any way you want. This LG monitor has a 3840x2160 4K resolution, HDR10 support, nice SDR peak brightness, a 16:9 aspect ratio, 60Hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. But that’s not all. It also has AMD FreeSync technology and Dynamic Action Sync so you can look forward to gameplay that is not choppy, with no broken frames.

Low input lag mode combined with all of these other features makes the LG 27UK650-W a very capable gaming monitor. As far as connectivity, LG gives you what you need with a two HDMI 2.0 ports that support HDR and HDCP 2.2, a 1.2 DisplayPort, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Other key features include

• Super Resolution+:  Upscaling that gets more data so that it can give you sharper clearer video.
• Black Stabilizer: Use this to change the gamma of dark shades so that it doesn’t affect light shades.
• Automatic Standby: This will turn the monitor off after periods where there’s no movement on the screen.

More USB inputs would have made the LG 27UK650-W more versatile, and it does have a low response time of 5ms, but everything else that this model offers is simply superb. This 4K monitor wowwed me with its superb color reproduction and gaming features. Very immersive!

 #2  LG 27UD58-B - Best Xbox One X Monitor For Your Money

Pros:

• Great Gaming Performance
• Sharp UHD Images
• Multitasking Screen Split 2.0 

Cons:

• Needs More USB Ports
• No Speakers
• Response Time Can Often Be Slow

LG is known for making quality smartphones, appliances, and smart TVs (R). They also make many gaming displays like the LG 27ud68p and the LG 27uk850w that are highly rated by users online like you and me. The LG 27UD58-B is the monitor that you need if you want it cheap, but don’t want to sacrifice performance. This is a 27 inch gaming monitor that beats out most 4K monitors in the entry-level category. It delivers vivid colors that look great thanks to an Ultra-High Definition (UHD) In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel. Also on board is AMD’s FreeSync which works great with the AMD graphics card in the Xbox One X. The black finish looks great with the ArcLine stand keeping it stable on your desk. It has impressive gaming features, like On-Screen Control with Screen Split, and two HDMI ports and a display port that can both deliver 4K video over a single cable. The 4K Ultra HD resolution gives you a rich pixel density of 163 pixels per inch. You’ll also get a 178-degree viewing angle so that you can see the action no matter where you are viewing it from in the room. That’s great if I have some friends over and they are all watching. On another note, if you are using two monitors, this one is great for your primary sidebar. That IPS panel has 10-bit color depth support through dithering. In fact, it is factory-calibrated to cover over 99% of the sRGB color gamut and this wows you on screen. You can see why this monitor is appealing for its price. The LG 27UD58-B is another fine example of the company’s commitment to quality. If there’s one design flaw here it’s a lack of connectivity options. There are two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort. No USB ports at all. Other key features include:

• Super Resolution+ is onboard here as well,
• Black Stabilizer feature to darken dark details.
• Automatic Standby puts the monitor on standby after 4, 6 or 8 hours of inactivity.

The LG 27UD58-B offers superior performance, giving you a smooth 4K monitor with vibrant colors and crystal clear detail. It gives you all of the great features that you want at a fantastic price. It’s also a great monitor for PS4.

 #3  ASUS MG28UQ

Pros:

• Great Picture Quality
• Power Supply Is Built-In
• Great Pixel Density

Cons:

• Contrast Could Be Better
• Needs More USB Ports

The Asus MG-series has always been a popular budget alternative to other premium ASUS products and the MG28UQ is a 28-inch Ultra HD monitor that continues this tradition. With a 1ms response time, a flexible tilt and swivel stand and a maximum resolution of 3840x2160 @ 60Hz, this is a great value from Asus. It’s sturdy and sleek with a quality build. The stand itself lets you fully adjust the display to any position you choose. You’ll also love the MG28UQ’s color accuracy. I was surprised by the sharpness and vivid display. This, along with the 1ms response time and Adaptive-Sync technology make this a great buy. The visuals are smooth and Adaptive Synch means that you won’t see any image tearing. As far as connectivity options, it has 3 HDMI ports (1 HDMI 2.0 and 2 HDMI 1.4), along with a single DisplayPort 1.2 connector, 2USB 3.0 ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Another interesting feature is ASUS Eye care technology with TUV certified Flicker free and Blue Light Filter. This feature aims to prevent eye fatigue and other eye problems associated with prolonged computer use (R).

• ASUS Eye care technology with TUV certified Flicker free and Blue Light Filter helps with less Eye fatigue.
• 5-Way OSD Joystick for intuitive control.
• Crosshair lets you choose 4 different crosshair overlays and adjust them for your playstyle.
• On-screen timer.
• FPS Counter to show off your framerates.

This is a fantastic monitor that is priced just right. It’s not cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either. You get great performance, some very cool gamer-oriented features, and surprisingly beautiful images.

 #4  ViewSonic XG2700-4K - Best FreeSynch Monitor For Xbox One X

Pros:

• Excellent Image Quality
• Lots Of Connectivity Options

Cons:

• Not As Bright As Others
• Chunky Bezel

Viewsonic makes many quality monitors like the popular ViewSonic xg2402 and the company has a tradition of delivering value as well. The ViewSonic XG2700-4K hits almost all of the right buttons for console gamers and it does so at a great price. This 27 inch has great accurate color, an IPS panel, low response time, Adaptive Refresh technology and some decent customization options. This monitor is a solid choice for those who want FreeSync since it has a DisplayPort connection. So here you’ll find four USB 3 ports, three HDMI 2.0 connectors, a DisplayPort jack, a mini-DisplayPort plug, and an audio jack. I loved FreeSync on this model and found the panel to be very responsive. It also packs in low input lag and a response time of 5ms. That’s not the fastest, but it’s decent for any 4k monitor. I played many hours of Fortnite on this thing and it was a blast. The image quality was great, although not as bright as many other models that we tested. The IPS panel gives you great viewing angles of 178 degrees. So no matter where you are in the room you won’t miss any action. It has excellent color accuracy and the blacks are stunningly deep blacks. It also boasts a 1000:1 contrast ratio. I really liked this one a lot, but one major downside is that thick bezel, which makes it look outdated, bulky and quite frankly, ugly. The low input lag means that when you click your gaming mouse or do anything else, it happens instantly. Key Features

• FreeSync monitor technology for smooth frame rates and no motion blur.
• Superb Black Stabilization.
• Low Input Lag.

The bottom line on the ViewSonic XG2700-4K is that gamers will love it. It has a great contrast ratio that will allow you to see the things that are important in the game. I also like that it has plenty of connectivity options. Image quality looks great. During our testing, FreeSynch was very responsive and we had zero problems with ghosting or tearing. It is a solid choice for console gaming or PC gaming.

 #5  BenQ EL2870U 28 inch 4K - Best Monitor For Gaming And Movies

Pros:

• Supports high dynamics range
• UHD (Ultra High Definition) Resolution
• Great Price

Cons:

• Not Enough Connectivity
• Built-In Speakers Could Be Better

If you’re looking for a decent 4k monitor that will give you many hours of joy on your gaming consoles at a great price, the BenQ EL2870U 28 inch 4K should be your choice. This UHD monitor performs great whether you’re playing games or watching the latest blockbuster movies. (Action movies look insane.) This entry level 28-inch display offers 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixel) resolution at 60hz refresh rate, which is the current standard for 4K. At 28 inches it’s big enough to draw you into the game and immerse you deeply. It also supports HDR10 content and Cinema HDR Mode will enhance the visuals and contrast further. The native contrast ratio is 1000:1 and the dynamic one is 12M:1. Like many other modern monitors, it supports FreeSync as well. It boasts a TN panel with a 1ms GTG response time, which is fast enough for your gaming needs. It makes the experience seamless. This model has an extremely vibrant picture and extremely realistic images with crystal-clear details. It has a nice style, but the stand is not adjustable. I would have preferred that it was. Connectivity is another downside on this 4K UHD IPS monitor.  It just needs more options. It has 2 HDMI 2.0 inputs, DisplayPort 1.4, and a headphone jack. No USB ports. The speakers don’t sound bad, but they are pretty mediocre. The wide color gamuts on this model make everything look natural. Key Features

• Brightness Intelligence Plus Technology for a balance between the maximum contrast and vibrancy. You can pick an option he one that brings out the most details with the brightness you want.
• Smart Focus allows you to target an area on the screen, so you can focus, with less distraction.
• Auto brightness and color temperature detector adjusts the settings for your room environment.

The BenQ EL2870U 28 inch 4K is a superb HDR gaming monitor for multi-use. Watch movies, play games and see everything with sharpness and clarity. It offers very decent game performance and will immerse you for an amazing gaming experience. If you love both games and entertainment this is your choice. This is a very worthy Freesync monitor and one of the better 4k hdr monitors.

 #6  ASUS VP28UQG - Best Budget 4K Monitor For Gaming

Pros:

• 1 ms Response Time
• Great Image Quality
• Low Input Lag

Cons

• No Built-In Speakers

Asus has a proven track record in the game monitor industry and has annual revenue of $13.9 billion (R). The ASUS VP28UQG is a great example of the company’s experience. Here I felt that they deliver a lot of quality for a great price. This 4K 28" TN monitor has a beautiful design, fast 1ms response time, FreeSync and 1000:1 contrast ratio. The image quality on this monitor is better than most TN monitors thanks to 10-bit color depth and the capability of a crazy 1.07 billion colors. 300-nit peak brightness keeps everything bright here. This model also has ASUS’ GamePlus features including Crosshair, Timer, FPS Counter and Display Alignment. Some buyers might think that the 60Hz refresh rate could be better, but if you are just playing games with your Xbox One X, that’s all you need today. Key Features

• ASUS Eye care technology with TUV certified Flicker free and Blue Light Filter helps with less Eye fatigue.
• 5-Way OSD Joystick for intuitive control.
• Crosshair lets you choose 4 different crosshair overlays and adjust them for your playstyle.
• On-screen timer.
• FPS Counter to show off your framerates.

Between FreeSync, the 1ms response time speed and the 60Hz refresh rate, it’s a very responsive and smooth performer. You won’t see any ghosting or tearing. Just quality images. This 28" monitor has 3840×2160 (UHD) resolution and great specs at a great price. I love that recent ASUS monitors come with so many extras for gamers, which really adds value. This 4k monitor for Xbox has what you need.

 #7  Samsung UE590D

Pros:

• Nice Design
• Affordable
• Fast response

Cons:

• Stand Isn’t Adjustable
• No USB Ports
• Thick Bezels

The prices of 4K gaming monitors have been coming down over the last year as you can see from the other monitors that ranked in our best of list. Here’s another that is popular with gamers due to its great performance and great price. That’s why it won me over. The Samsung UE590D reminds me of the Samsung chg70, but it’s a more recent model. It has a stand that tilts, but that’s about it. There’s no height adjustment here. On one hand, the stand gives it a sleek modern look, but then the 1-inch bezel around the screen takes away from all of that charm. It has a Vesta mount option as well. Looks aren’t everything though. This monitor has it where it counts. You’ll get UHD resolution at refresh rates up to 60 Hz for uninterrupted 4K resolution with no tearing or ghosting. This gaming monitor for Xbox has on-screen settings to adjust things quickly and Game Mode improves darkness or brightness with the optimum balance. I found the color accuracy to be decent for a TN panel if you are both gaming and watching movies. It looked great playing Overwatch and Fortnite with 8 million pixels on the screen. You get a lot of connectivity, but no USB ports here, which is a common thing missing from gaming monitors right now in general. The Samsung u28e590d 4k has DisplayPort 1.2 and 2 different HDMI ports. Eye Saver Mode keeps your eyes comfortable by reducing harmful blue light emissions, while Flicker-free technology reduces eye strain and headaches. Multitaskers will love the picture-by-picture modes which let you watch 2 different input sources at the same time without sacrificing the quality of either. The picture modes are awesome. Key Features

• AMD FreeSync and 1ms response time minimizes input lag and reduces image tearing and ghosting.
• Picture-in-Picture (PIP) 2.0 technology.
• Eye Saver Mode reduces blue light emissions.

The Samsung u28e590d has some really nice features for gaming consoles and while the image quality may not be as stunning as others, it still delivers amazing images and great performance with some very cool features that gamers will love for the price. I loved the picture and picture feature, which is great for gamers who have to multitask. It is one of the more affordable console gaming monitors.

 #8  Dell UP2718Q - A Great True HDR Monitor For Xbox One X

Pros:

• Slim Design
• Adjustable Stand
• Ultra HD Resolution

Cons:

• Factory calibrated modes need work
• Mediocre Blacks

Dell is no stranger to gaming monitors. They are a trusted name in the industry and are known for quality computers, laptops, and monitors. The company’s u2718q has been a popular model recently and shows that when you buy Dell you know you are getting your money’s worth. I can safely say that while the Dell UP2718Q is not perfect, it is a professional monitor worthy of the brand. This 27-inch 4K IPS LCD monitor with HDR support has great ergonomics and a wide viewing angle. The design isn’t fancy or sleek, which lets this display speak for itself when it comes to what it packs inside. It has a 3840x2160 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and a 1000cd/m2 peak brightness. I really enjoyed the vivid colors that the Dell u2718q produces. It has great low input lag for gaming, however, dark room performance leaves something to be desired as blacks appear grayer than true black. This model offers decent connectivity options like 1 DisplayPort 1.4, 1 Mini DisplayPort 1.4, and 2 HDMI 2.0a ports. There are also 4 USB 3.0 ports, 2 in the back and 2 on the left side. I like the extra USB options and wish more of these models followed suit. I also like the factory calibrated modes that it comes with as well, but they aren’t perfect. I love the slim design and games look great on this monitor despite the blacks not being completely black. This is a solid monitor for Xbox One X gamers. Your favorite games are going to look amazing. Dell has delivered a solid gaming monitor here that users can depend on.

 #9  LG 32UD99-W - Best 32 Inch Monitor For Xbox One X

Pros:

• Ultra-Thin 1.3mm Bezel
• Wide Viewing Angles
• Easy To Use Controls

Cons:

• Expensive

LG makes our list once again with the LG 32UD99-W, a 32 inch Ultra HD 3840 x 2160-pixel resolution monitor. The realistic images on this 4K display are superb and I really enjoyed gaming on it. It isn’t perfect, but it’s one of the best 4K HDR gaming monitors you can buy right now which is why it ranks at #9 in this buyers guide. It delivers color consistency no matter what angle you look at your screen from, thanks to it being an IPS monitor (in-plane switching). It has a thin and sleek design, although it doesn't swivel, and has a limited tilt range. The  1.3-millimeter bezel looks really nice too. This model has a decent contrast ratio and black uniformity is also very good, with good SDR peak brightness. HDR 10 means that it supports more color levels and I was impressed by how the colors pop out at you. Other features include a 5 ms GTG response time and a 60 Hz refresh rate.  There is no local dimming feature. Surprisingly, the LG 32UD99-W delivers a great sound experience with its 2 5-Watt speakers that cover the 85 Hz range. I was pretty surprised by this. Connectivity is also decent here with two HDMI 2.0a ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and a USB Type-C DisplayPort 1.2. You can watch 4K videos, transfer data, and charge your devices at once via a single cable. Yes, this 32 inch display has a lot going for it. I loved using Screen Split 2.0 on this display, which allows you to resize and display multiple windows simultaneously. There are 14 layouts and 4 of these are picture-in-picture. I absolutely love this feature.  Other LG models that I looked at, but didn’t make the cut are the LG 32ud60b, LG 32ud99 and the LG 27uk650, to give you some idea. Those are good monitors, but this one is a better gaming monitor for Xbox. This model proves that you don’t need a huge 4k version like the Philips 436m6vbpab to experience great gaming. Key Features

• Screen Split 2.0
• HDR10
• Great Speakers

The LG 32UD99-W is a great choice for gamers who love a great visual experience thanks to its wide viewing angles, and response time speed. It delivers superb picture quality thanks to Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution. You won’t find a better 32 inch display this feature rich or this good looking. One of the best monitors for ps4 and Xbox.

 #10  Acer G246HL - Best 24 Inch Gaming Monitor

Pros:

• 5ms Response Time
• EcoDisplay technology
• Great Image Quality

Cons:

• Speakers Aren’t Good
• Lack of UDB ports

Many gamers have a very small budget, but a big desire for the best experience when PC gaming or using a console. The Acer G246HL is for those people. This 24-inch screen LED-lit monitor is super slim with an X-shaped stand that ensures stability. It looks lovely, but the performance also does not disappoint. The resolution of 1920 x 1080p delivers crystal-clear images for Xbox gaming without any lag or glitches in a 16:9 aspect ratio. A great monitor for PS4 Pro as well. It has a quick response time of 5ms and Acer eColor management allows you to use a customized mode, while Acer Adaptive Contrast Management gives you improved color quality and seamless visuals. It is not Vesa Mount compatible. It has DVI-D, VGA and HDCP ports. Like many models, it lacks USB ports. The only other downside is that the speakers do not sound good at all. This monitor does have a wide viewing angle of 170º so that you can see all of the action from any position. EcoDisplay Technology reduces energy consumption and is better for the environment, which makes this a great buy for those who are environmentally conscious. Key Features

• Acer eColor management
• Acer Adaptive Contrast Management
• EcoDisplay Technology

This monitor for PS4 Pro and other consoles scores big while being cheap, beautiful and performing great. If you are a gamer, I think you’ll love it. EcoDisplay technology is a nice plus. Honestly, gaming on a budget never used to be this good.

10 Best Monitors for Xbox One X Read more on: http://www.gadgetreview.com/

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Is 4k Worth It?

Every year, around TV-buying time (notably the holidays and early new year), people start asking themselves, “Is it finally time to upgrade to a 4k TV? Or should I just stick with my 1080p TV and save money?” For the past several years, the answer to upgrading to the massively improved resolution has been, “Maybe buy a 4k TV, or maybe wait and see.” These days, however, the answer is moving more firmly toward a yes. 4K TVs, with their incredible higher resolution, are now incredibly common and very affordable, especially if you count in sales. That’s been true for a while, but now content is finally catching up as well. Let’s break it down by content type so you can get a better idea if a 4k TV is right for your entertainment, or if 1080p TVs are fine for now. Reminder: You need 4k televisions, 4k content (including 4k gaming), and a device capable of handling 4k, along with newer cables that are 4k compatible. They all have to deal with more data, so make sure you are prepared to make the full upgrade. Also remember that viewing distance is important for 4k: The closer you are, the more you will be able to tell the difference.

4k Digital Movies

Like to download your movies onto a hard drive? Good news! Basically all new movies, and many updated old movies, are available in 4k. These tend to cost around $5 to $10 more than the non-4k versions, so there’s a small price increase, but content availability is no longer a problem here. Most devices have been updated for 4k as well, although if you have an old device to play movies through you may have to upgrade the firmware or replace it. More modern TVs have 4K HDR that’s very good at knowing what treatment content needs. The only big issue here is storage space: 4k movies can take up a lot of room so having dedicated storage drive is a really good idea.

4k and Video Games

Games have been slower to adopt 4k than movies. Most indie games still don’t have that option, and still don’t need it. However, if you play primarily AAA titles, then the time to switch to a 4K TV has arrived. Not only can modern gaming consoles, like the PS4 Pro, handle 4k, but most new triple-A titles offer 4k compatible for an all-new resolution experience. This applies to plenty of remasters, too. Note: Computer displays don’t really enter into this, because they tend to have different resolutions from a true 4k image (different numbers of pixels for the aspect ratio). It’s best to look at computer consoles on a case-by-case basis.

4K Sports

Where do you get your living room sports channels from? Cable, over-air broadcasts, satellite, and online streaming are all popular options. Check your particular package and settings to see what content is 4k video. Satellite is the most likely to offer 4k UHD, but it usually depends on your package. Cable is a bit more hit or miss, but it’s becoming more common. 4k is typically offered only for specific channels or events, so check your plan! Over-the-air broadcasts are great, but the protocol for 4k broadcasts is quite new, so it will take some time for your antenna to pick up 4k signals. This just isn’t an option right now. Ultimately, if you get a significant number of sports channels in 4k, this is a good reason to upgrade to a new TV and enjoy the action in greater clarity.

Streaming Shows

Many streaming TV shows are offered in 4k these days, but you typically have to pay more for the streaming 4k subscription. This will also take up a lot of data on your internet plan, which may be a problem if your data cap is already pretty close to the amount of data used each month. If these concerns aren’t an issue, then you can enjoy the latest shows in 4k on most streaming services, which are typically supported natively as smart tv features, even without a device. Hulu is a big exception: Hulu has unexpectedly dropped all its 4k compatibility and there’s no sign of when it might return.

Hard Copy

Get a Blu-ray player that can support a 4k screen and buy 4k discs: Then you should be set! All new movies are available in 4k options, so finding them shouldn’t be an issue. Your old catalog of hard copy movies, however, won’t benefit very much from the upgrade.

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Is 4k Worth It? published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/
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Razor Dune Buggy Review

So your child wants to get out into nature and away from video games by riding a 4 wheeler. That’s a victory for parents in this day and age. But as a parent (aka grown adult) it virtually impossible for you to test a kid’s or children’s sized dune buddy yourself. It also ain’t easy finding test models so that your kid can try them all out. So that’s why you’re here. You and your child are looking at the battery-powered Razor Dune Buggy, but you have a ton of questions. I’m here to answer them with this review since I recently teamed up with nephew and tested this ride-on toy thoroughly. I’m also too big to test this one myself, so I enlisted the help of a young relative, and together we put this battery operated vehicle through its paces. He was more than happy to help out and I scored some sweet uncle-points because who else has an uncle that says, “Okay kid, get in this awesome 4-wheeler so we can have fun and test it out!” Yeah, I’m awesome like that.

Is the Razor Dune Buggy One of the Best Dune Buggies or a Buggy Bud?

The good news is that the Razor Dune Buggy is a fun and more importantly SAFE dune buggy that is easy to ride and has some great features. Your child will be safe thanks to: Key Features

• A built-in safety belt
• A speed of only 10 mph
• And a durable tubular steel frame.
• Some of the Razor Dune Buggy’s features include:
• Powerful 350 W motor
• 10 mph maximum speed
• 8-inch knobby pneumatic tires
• Strong tubular steel frame
• Padded bucket seat with a seatbelt
• Hand throttle and brake controls
• Adjustable speed
• 120-pound weight limit
• Safety flag
• Age range of 8 and older

The manufacturer, Razor is a top-selling brand that makes hoverboards, scooters and even mini ATVs for kids. They have a reputation for making fun vehicles that are safe, durable and loved by kids everywhere. They make scooters like the Razor e100 and Razor e200. Some of their coolest dune buggies include the Force Drifter and Ground Force Drifter. So how does this dune buggy go kart stack up? Is it up to their usual quality? Read on for our Razor dune buggy review and buying guide. Pros:

• Durable Steel Frame
• Terrain Following Rear Suspension
• Powerful 350watt Electric Motor

Cons:

• Charge Time Is 5 Hours
• Ground Clearance Is A Bit Too Low
• Low Max Speed

Razor Dune Buggy Build Quality

Let’s be honest, kids are not gentle with their toys. So a vehicle like this one is going to get abused and handled roughly with every ride. So I was very happy to see that the Razor Dune Buggy has a very solid and rugged tubular steel frame. Your kids will have a hard time damaging this heavy duty 65 lb frame. At that weight, the frame also helps to keep the vehicle upright during tight turns. The design of the frame is sort of a half roll cage design that keeps your kid from falling out during those turns but also lets them get in and out of the driver’s seat easily. The quality of the construction here is very impressive and one of the best I’ve seen in a child’s electric vehicle. Many go karts and 4 wheelers have cheap plastic frames that crack after so many hours of playtime. This frame is going to stand up to just about anything. The quality here is something that you normally see in more expensive dune racers.

Razor Dune Buggy Design

When it comes to design, what Razor delivers for kids can be hit or miss. For instance, some of their electric scooters are just plain ugly, while others are very sleek and modern. In this case, the  Razor Dune Buggy is very well designed. It has the style of the classic dune buggies or go-karts that you know and love and the shape seats your child comfortably. It’s very minimal in design, but every part here looks good and is quality made.  It’s a ride that is low to the ground and heavy enough that the large 8-inch pneumatic tires hug the terrain nicely no matter if it is sand, grass, rocks or when zipping across the driveway. Paying special attention to safety with this model, they have also included a safety flag so that this vehicle is more easily seen. That not only helps other vehicles see it more clearly, but it also helps parents to easily see where their child is at all times. Both the speed throttle and rear disc brakes are easily accessible on the steering wheel as well. It also has quality plate floorboards. Considering all of these design factors, I have to say that I was really impressed by how much thought went into safety. This is probably the safest buggy for kids I have seen for this age group, so it gets extra points for that. If you feel like the speed is too fast for your kid, you can adjust the top speed by using the supplied Allen wrench. This lets you limit the speed and adjust braking controls.  Then when they are ready for higher speeds, you can adjust it again to speed things up. It’s nice being able to have variable speed in this way. I kind of wish it had a remote control so that you could set features like this more easily, but it’s pretty quick to do it with the Allen wrench anyway.

How Powerful Is The Razor Dune Buggy?

The 350 W engine provides plenty of power for your child’s off-road adventures, with a top speed of 10 miles per hour. That’s plenty of speed for any daredevil, but not so fast that it puts them in serious danger. It performs like a champ on asphalt, grass, gravel and other terrains. Even with kids riding it in wet conditions, it didn’t seem to slow it down. The throttle responds well and the brakes are also very responsive so that you can be sure the vehicle will stop when you need it to stop. Forget kids dirt bikes and other gas-powered vehicles. This is a ride that’s perfect for kids and teens. A great little dirt rocket.

Battery Life

When you first get your Razor Electric Dune Buggy you will have to charge it for a longer period the first time since it has been sitting on the warehouse shelf. Razor recommends an 18 hour charge time for this first charge. Other models have a shorter initial charge time, like 12 hours, so this was my only real gripe about this model. That way your battery will be fully charged and ready to go after that. Each battery charging will give you about an hour of run time and it takes about 5 hours to fully charge the batteries at that point. That’s a better run time than many competitors, which usually give you about 40 minutes or so. Again, it’s beating the competition’s ride on toys in that department. This youth ATV operates on a 24V rechargeable battery system that consists of two 12V batteries.

Bottom Line and Razor Dune Buggy Review Wrap Up

This kids electric dune buggy is worth every penny. Razor has built another quality kids vehicle in this 4 wheeler. It’s very similar to the Razor Ground Force model. Parents will appreciate the extra attention to safety thanks to key features like the safety flag, a solid steel frame, seat belt and a respectable speed of 10 miles per hour. Your kids will love how it performs. This is an electric toy that will keep them outdoors and away from video games. Visually, the design looks great, but more importantly, it is designed to make sure that your kids have a fun time and don’t get hurt. This dune buggy’s best features are a powerful motor, large pneumatic tires, comfortable padded bucket seat,  thumb trigger accelerator, and a hand-operated rear disk braking system. The end result of all of these features is a 4 wheeler that that is comfortable for your child and easy to use.  It’s a great performer on nearly any terrain with those large knobby tires and if you have flat terrain they will speed around even faster. Between the low center of gravity and that half roll cage, it is very unlikely that your child will fall out, even when taking tight turns. The tires and the terrain seem to work together in fact, so it’s a fun ride. With a weight limit of 120 pounds, some older kids can ride too. If you are looking for a special gift for your kid and are considering a dune buggy type racer, you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s one of the best karts for kids out there and it’s a great first vehicle. After they master this they will want to move up to a Razor Dirt Quad.

Razor Dune Buggy Review was first published on GadgetReview on Tech

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Razor Dune Buggy Review published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/

Roomba 960 vs 980: The 980 Cleans Better and Stays Charged Longer

If you’re looking to purchase a robot vacuum, you’ll definitely want to consider the battle of Roomba 960 vs 980. These are the latest in a long line of Roomba devices, and the years of innovation shows in both models. However, since they’re very similar in both design and cleaning functionality, it may be difficult to find the differences and how they affect overall performance. We’ve tested and reviewed both models side by side so you can make the best purchasing decision for your floors (and your peace of mind). Keep reading to learn more about the Roomba 960 and the Roomba 980 and find out which vacuum will clean your floors most thoroughly

Cost: Roomba 960 is Cheaper

Roomba 960

The Roomba 960 costs $699.99 when it’s not on sale. There are plenty of places online and in person where you can purchase this iRobot vacuum at a discounted price. Check places like Amazon.com, Walmart and BestBuy to get the best price. Roombas tend to be more expensive than other robot vacuums on the market, and the 960 is no different. However, the features and functionality justify the higher price. WHY DOES THIS COST LESS THAN THE 980?

Roomba 980

The Roomba 980 costs $899.99 when it’s not on sale. Discounted prices on this version of the popular smart vacuum are less common than with the 960 model. Lower prices are uncommon because the 980 model is newer. For the best chance to get a better deal, check the same stores as we listed above. There are a variety of online stores that offer discounted models, but tread with caution, as you may get a refurbished model unknowingly. WHY DOES THIS COST MORE?

Design: Both Are the Same

When it comes to central design features, the Roomba 960 and 980 are exactly the same. They both feature an onboard camera, carrying handle, dual brush rolls, HEPA filters and manual Clean button. While there are very minimal aesthetic differences in color, these two vacuums don’t look different from one another. Both the 960 and 980 are the same size, as well. They are 13.5 inches in diameter and 3.6 inches in height and they both way almost 9 pounds. However, these both offer drastically different designs from the old 800, 700 and 600 series. None of the older series offered an onboard camera, which is what makes the 900 series so much more efficient at cleaning your floors.

Usability: Both Are the Same

When it comes to initial set up and overall user-friendliness, both the Roomba 960 and 980 are the same. When you’re ready to start a clean, you can simply press the Clean button on the top of the vacuums, and a cleaning sequence will begin. You can also use the iRobot Home app to create scheduled cleanings. You can even connect your Roomba to your smart home system and use Alexa or Google Home to activate the vacuums. It will take you very little time to learn the specifics on how to work the Roombas, even if you’ve never used a robot vacuum before. Which is to say the learning curve isn’t steep for either of these devices.

Cleaning Capability and Cleaning Power: Roomba 980 Cleans Better

Roomba 960

As with many of the previous iterations, the Roomba 960 can clean carpeted areas and hardwood floors with ease. If you’re not familiar with robot vacuum cleaners like Roombas, you typically use an app - in this case, the iRobot Home app - to create scheduled cleanings. The vacuum then uses its onboard camera and navigation system to move about your home while cleaning. You can also press the Clean button directly on the vacuum to initiate the cleaning sequence.

Roomba 980

Similarly to the 960 model, the Roomba 980 uses an onboard camera, navigation system and app to clean your floors of pet hair, dirt and crumbs. The main difference here lies in this model’s Carpet Boost mode, which allows the vacuum to sense what type of flooring it’s cleaning and increase its power when on carpet. This feature is super helpful and provides a better clean overall. In our cleaning tests, we found the Roomba 980 to be more efficient than the 960 in every test. This is especially true in larger spaces. As we discuss below, the more powerful motor in the 980 is the reason for such a comprehensive clean.

Motor Power: Roomba 980 is More Powerful

Roomba 960

The Roomba 960 uses the same motor as the old 800 series of robot vacuums. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad motor, but it’s definitely nowhere near as powerful as the Roomba 980. If you need a more comprehensive clean, you’ll want to consider the 980. Roomba describes this motor as able to deliver five times the air suction power when compared to their popular 600 series.

Roomba 980

The Roomba 980 offers a much more powerful motor than anything else in Roomba’s product lineup. This new generation motor allows the vacuum to utilize the Carpet Boost mode to its full potential to suck up pet hair and take care of heavy duty jobs. Listed as 10 times the air suction power of the popular 600 series, the 980 model’s motor also provides a longer overall life for the vacuum.

Noise: Roomba 960 is Quieter

Vacuums are noisy, and the Roombas aren’t any different. When it comes to noise between the Roomba 960 and the Roomba 980, you need to consider motor power. Since the 980 has a much more powerful motor, it’s going to make more noise than the 960. This is especially true when using the 980’s Carpet Boost mode. During our testing, we found the Roomba 960 produced around 65 dB of noise during normal operation. The Roomba 980 produced 68 dB during normal operation and a loud 73 dB during Carpet Boost mode. It’s important to note, however, that Roombas are significantly quieter than most robot vacuums. On average, the Roombas are about 29% quieter than most other robot vacuums on the market.

Battery Life: Roomba 980 Can Clean More Square Feet in One Go

Roomba 960

As you might imagine, these robot vacuums run off battery power and need to come back to their home station to charge every so often. If you have a large floor plan, your Roomba might need to come back several times before the cleaning is done. The Roomba 960’s 1800 mAh battery is powerful enough to clean for about 75 minutes before needing to recharge. Roomba 960 does include the Recharge and Resume feature, meaning it remembers where it left off cleaning and will finish the cleaning once charged.

Roomba 980

The Roomba 980 has a much more efficient battery than the 960 model. Instead of an 1800 mAh battery, this Roomba has a 3300 mAh battery, which is much larger and lasts much longer. With a runtime of around 120 minutes, the Roomba 980 can clean larger spaces without needing to go back to recharge as often. Like the Roomba 960, this vacuum also includes the Recharge and Resume feature, allowing it to return to its cleaning cycle after charging.

Extra Features: Roomba 980 Offers a Little More

When it comes to extra features and accessories, the Roomba 960 and 980 are very similar. Both of their designs include HEPA filters and side brushes, among the standard central spinning brush and dual brush rolls. Both models also come with Roomba’s patented virtual wall barriers. These special accessories create an invisible line that the Roomba cannot cross. This is helpful for keeping your robot vacuum out of certain rooms and areas. The difference here is that the 960 only includes one virtual wall barrier while the 980 includes two.

Warranty Information: Both Are the Same

Whether you buy the Roomba 960 or Roomba 980, you’ll receive the same warranty from iRobot. This limited warranty is good for up to one year after the original purchase date and only covers defects in the machine that aren’t your fault. If your Roomba stops working properly within the first year of ownership, iRobot will first try to repair the original vacuum. If that doesn’t work, the company will replace your vacuum with a new or refurbished vacuum of the same model. If the model you purchased is no longer sold, you may get an upgraded version. Note that iRobot won’t cover problems caused by normal wear and tear, deliberate damage, inappropriate care or tampering with the product.

Repair and Replacement Cost: Essentially the Same for Both

If your Roomba stops working outside of warranty, you either have to fix it or purchase a new one. Luckily enough, there are plenty of places that can fix your robot vacuum…for a price. Typically with electronics, it will be more expensive to repair the more premium model, but we found something different with the Roomba 960 vs 980. Since the two vacuums are made from the same parts, there’s no difference in price for replacing components like wheels or brushes. However, if you want to purchase a replacement battery for the Roomba 980, you can expect to pay a cool $100 to iRobot, compared to the $80 you’d pay to replace the Roomba 960’s smaller battery.

Winner and Summary

After hours of testing and lots of floors cleaned, the Roomba 980 comes out on top as the clear winner in the Roomba 960 vs 980 battle. The 980 offers consistently better features over the 960, with a more powerful motor, longer-lasting battery and more virtual wall barriers. And let’s not forget the Carpet Boost mode, which gives you a more powerful clean on difficult surfaces. Of course, you’ll need to consider that you’re paying an extra $200, but we think the extra benefits are well worth the added cost. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong purchasing either of these Roomba vacuums, but if you’re trying to decide between the two, don’t hesitate to go with the Roomba 980.

The following article Roomba 960 vs 980: The 980 Cleans Better and Stays Charged Longer was originally published on gadgetreview process

Roomba 960 vs 980: The 980 Cleans Better and Stays Charged Longer published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/
Roomba 960 vs 980: The 980 Cleans Better and Stays Charged Longer published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/

Best TV Prices and Deals

Don’t have time to look for great TV deals? Missed out on Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals? We took a look for you: check out some of the best and most affordable TVs you can get online, even outside of the holiday season! These sale prices will make it easy to get a 4k TV or upgrade your HDTV’s size without destroying your bank account. Get out those gift cards and take a look!

Where to Look for TV Deals

Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart is an excellent choice if you don’t care about the brand of TV and are primarily interested in getting the best deals available. Many of the lowest prices can be found here with brands like RCA and JVC, which may not make the most popular TVs but offer great deals. $200 to $300 4K TVs may be available at Wal-Mart if you shop at the right times. Of course, the company also carries higher-end models like Samsung TVs for very low prices, but these are likely to sell out particularly fast. Things to Keep in Mind: 

• In-store deals are likely to be hit or miss, so if you see a deal advertised, waste no time in getting to the store.
• Wal-Mart does offer shipping options including shipping to a local store for pickup.
• The Wal-Mart website isn’t as easy to navigate as something like Amazon. If you are having trouble, back out and do a general Google search for the TV model you want, but add “Wal-Mart” to your search terms.

Amazon

The huge number of sellers on Amazon and the tremendous variety of the online store makes it an easy choice for people who want to quickly compare deals and find the best option for their new TV. In most cases, Amazon offers free shipping for its TVs, and with Prime you can get your shipment in only a couple days, so ordering online doesn’t necessarily need to be more expensive or even take longer. Amazon has offerings from nearly every brand, including Sony, Toshiba, Samsung, LG and more. It’s a great place to locate both mid-range and high-range deals: You can find some amazing discounts if you are willing to pay $1,000 to $1,200 or more for a TV. However, at the lower end of the spectrum it may be tough to find very cheap deals on Amazon. Things to Keep in Mind: 

• Amazon prices can fluctuate rapidly, so it’s worth checking on TVs over time, especially when newer models come out.
• Availability is still key here, especially since Amazon has become an increasingly popular place to buy TVs. Keep a careful eye on TV models in stock and be prepared to act if the number starts going down.
• Note if the deal is offered directly through Amazon, or via a seller that’s not part of any Prime services. This can alter your deal and may add shipping prices, etc.
• When shipped, your TV will arrive at your front door in a big cardboard box - setup services may be an option, but will cost a lot more and aren’t always available. That means you need a plan to get the TV in your house and set up without any danger of damage. Be careful!

Dell

While Dell isn’t known for its TVs, the company does keep a healthy stock of TVs from a number of its partners. In an effort to be competitive, Dell can offer some very good deals on these TVs, like some excellent LG 4k TVs for only several hundred dollars - particular if you are interested in a larger TV. Because not as many consumers head to Dell to look for TVs, availability is also less likely to be an issue. Dell also has an excellent online search function that guides you easily toward the TVs with the specs that you really care about. Shipping for these TVs is usually free. Things to Keep in Mind: 

• A lot of Dell’s promotions involve discounts for additional items or gift cards. That makes it a good idea to buy a TV here while you’re also picking up a new computer or something similar.
• Remember, this is still Dell: When shopping make sure you stay in the TV section, and don’t accidentally pick out a computer monitor instead!

Best Buy

Best Buy doesn’t always have the best deals, but it’s usually close enough to be worth a look. If you are shopping for a TV elsewhere online, head to Best Buy for a quick look, too. This is especially true if you are part of the Best Buy loyalty rewards program, which can net you a lot of extra discount for such a big purchase.

• Things to Keep in Mind: 
• Best Buy loyalty rewards work best when you are signed up for their program. Make sure this is the case!
• Don’t trust the in-store look of TVs. The ways the settings are modified isn’t a good indicator of how the TVs will look in your home (resolution, however, is generally dependable based on in-store examinations).

Tips When Picking Out Low-Cost TVs

Backlighting

• Pay special attention to the type of backlighting. Which is to say a bargain is relative to the tech.
• The two common types of backlighting available today are full array and edge. Full array means there are multiple LED lights across the TV display panel. That’s good news!
  • The more light shining through the LED display, the better the colors and brightness levels will be (OLED TVs produce their own light, which is one reason they are much more expensive and don’t have great deals yet - same with a QLED TV). an OLED 4k TV offers the best picture available today, but the deals just aren’t there.
• Edge lighting means that there are only LED strips around the edges of the TV. This leads to lower quality contrast and color, but it’s also more affordable.
  • If you’re looking for the best discounts, then you may simply have to make due with edge lighting – which is totally fine! However, a full array will generally offer better display quality.

Local Dimming

• You should also pay attention to something called local dimming
• Both full arrays and edge lighting may or may not have local dimming, although it’s more noticeable with full arrays: This technology selectively turns off LED lights when the screen is supposed to be dark. This leads to much better clarity and contrast and prevents light from “bleeding” where it shouldn’t.
  • But again, local dimming costs more, and may not be available on the most affordable TVs. It’s the trade you have to make, but it’s also a great find when included.

Refresh Rate

• Refresh rate is also worth a look if you play a lot of very high action gaming or watch speedy sports. But you’ll have to pay for it in most cases, so only compare deals with deals.

Size Depends a Lot on Distance!

• A lot of our TV deals are 4k TV deal options, which is great – now is an excellent time to upgrade to 4k and take advantage of that sweet resolution (assuming compatible content and devices, of course). However, you want to pay close attention to size, and the distance you’ll be viewing the TV from. A big screen will show the difference better.
• Smaller TVs can still be 4k, but their pixels tend to be more “squeezed” (not a technical term). This means that, to really enjoy the difference, you have to get your eyeballs closer to the screen. If you don’t have a TV situation that allows for adjustment – for example, if your TV is above a mantle – then getting a large TV is more important, because it ensures the 4K has more of an impact. But small TVs have the lowest prices.

2017 or 2018?

• A lot of deals may be for a TV that’s a year old, the previous model. That means settling for a 2017 TV instead of a 2018 model. That’s fine! Generally speaking, last year’s model is still a great TV and you won’t miss out on much. However, TVs that are two or more years old are likely to be used models, and may not have the greatest features. Try to keep in within a year.

Don’t Worry About Curved TVs

• They don’t make the image better, you can’t really mount them on walls, and they have poor viewing angles if you have lots of people watching. A curved TV is mostly just a marketing gimmick: If you find a deal for a curved TV, think carefully before buying it – a flat TV is usually the better option for your home theater, even if you have to pay a little more.

You Don’t Need a Smart TV

• When possible, you can probably save a little extra money by avoiding “smart TVs”. This basically just means that your TV can connect to the internet by itself. You know what else can do that? Pretty much everything, from Apple TVs and gaming consoles to today’s satellite receiver and even many cable boxes. You just don’t need this feature, and you’re unlikely to ever use it anyway. Streaming media comes from many sources, as long as you have the HDMI ports for it - USB ports may be necessary if you keep 4k content on a hard drive.

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Best TV Prices and Deals published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/
Best TV Prices and Deals published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/

Hulu with Live TV Review: Does the Extra Content Justify the Extra Cost?

If you’re looking to cut the cord but still watch great content, you’ll definitely want to consider Hulu with Live TV. The company started about 10 years after Netflix, when the streaming craze was just starting to hit. Hulu has surfed the wave and now offers both on demand content and live shows. This popular streaming service can help you lower your cable bill without losing the option of watching your favorite show. With original content and tons of cable channels, you can’t go wrong with Hulu’s newest plan. Take a look at our Hulu with Live TV reviews below to learn more about this hot service and everything it can provide to you.

Hulu with Live TV Packages and Pricing

Hulu offers two live TV plans and price points. Having such a simple pricing structure is helpful for anyone who gets overwhelmed with a huge number of choices. You do also have the option of adding a variety of extra features, if desired, which we’ll discuss a little further down the page. You can purchase Hulu with Live TV or the Live TV Only plan. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two. Hulu with Live TV

• It costs $39.99 per month.
• This package includes 60+ top live and on demand channels, including major networks and some local channels.
• You also get access to Hulu’s streaming library, which contains a variety of licensed TV shows and movies and Hulu’s on demand exclusives like the popular show The Handmaid’s Tale.
• With this plan, you get 50 hours of DVR storage to record your favorite shows.
• You can watch simultaneous streams on up to 2 devices.
• Hulu with Live TV offers your first week for free.

Live TV Only

• It costs $38.99 per month.
• This package includes the same 60+ channels as Hulu with Live TV.
• 50 hours of DVR storage.
• No access to the on demand library.
• No premium channel upgrades.

With a difference of only a dollar per month, it’s worth it to go with the Hulu with Live TV plan every single time. The on-demand content alone is worth the extra dollar per month.

Hulu with Live TV Extras and Add Ons

If the 60+ channels and exclusive Hulu content isn’t enough to wet your whistle, you always have the option of purchasing extras and add ons to your plan. This is an essential aspect of any on-demand service, and Hulu makes sure you have a bunch of different options from which to choose. While the add-on choices aren’t as customizable as other services, they still give you a good amount of flexibility. If you want to stream on more than 2 devices, you can purchase the Unlimited Screens add-on for an additional $14.99 per month. This is worth it if you have a bunch of people wanting to watch at the same, especially considering the alternative option is paying another $40 a month for a separate plan. You can also pay an additional $14.99 per month for the Enhanced Cloud DVR add-on. This gives you a total of 200 hours of DVR storage, which is awesome for keeping sports and movies recorded. For $7.99 per month, you can get the Entertainment add-on, which gives you access to American Heroes Channel, CNBC World, Cooking Channel, Destination America, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, DIY Network, FYI, LMN, and Science. Hulu has also partnered with a variety of premium channels to bring you even more content, including:

• HBO - $14.99 per month
• STARZ - $8.99 per month
• Showtime - $10.99 per month
• Cinemax - $9.99 per month

Hulu with Live TV User Experience

Hulu recently updated all of its apps and the results are impressive. The interface on both desktop and mobile apps is clean and looks modern. Using the apps is intuitive, especially if you’ve used other streaming services in the past, and features things like watch lists, currently watching sections and easy-to-use controls. Unfortunately, Hulu’s interface is simply packed with too much content. While this may seem like a good thing, it can make it difficult to navigate at times, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. This used to be even worse with the Live TV section, but that has since been improved by transitioning to a standard grid view that most cable users are familiar with. You can access Hulu on a variety of different streaming devices, including iOS and Android mobile devices, Roku, Apple TV, gaming consoles, Fire TV and Fire Stick and a few different smart TVs.

How Does Hulu with Live TV Stack Up vs. Other Streaming Services?

Hulu with Live TV offers one of the best solutions for anyone looking to transition away from traditional cable TV. It still provides a wide variety of popular channels and a huge library of content you won’t be able to find on live TV. This streaming service is definitely on the more expensive side of the equation, especially when compared to services like Sling TV and AT&T Watch TV, but it makes up for it in the sheer amount of content available for you to watch. You don’t get as many choices for affordable add-ons with Hulu with Live TV and when you start adding on premium channels, you might find yourself getting dangerously close to your old cable bill. Hulu’s additional features like DVR storage are comparable to other streaming services, so you won’t find much difference there. Overall, Hulu with Live TV offers the most content you can get in the streaming and live TV world, but you’ll be paying more for it.

Is Hulu with Live TV for You?

So, is Hulu with Live TV for you? If you’re ready to pay premium prices for both on-demand content and live TV, we think this streaming service is worth it. The type of content and channels available on this plan are popular and of good quality. The interface is easy to use and navigate. You have plenty of add ons and extra features to purchase, if desired. Of course, there are a few downsides to using Hulu’s service. Their exclusive content and streaming library are interspersed with ads that can be disabled for a price. Premium channels are expensive, and if you want all of them, you’ll be paying a pretty penny. Overall, Hulu with Live TV is a high-quality plan that should be attractive to most, if not all, cord cutters. You might be paying more than you would with other streaming services, but the extra, high-quality content is definitely worth every cent.

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Hulu with Live TV Review: Does the Extra Content Justify the Extra Cost? published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/
Hulu with Live TV Review: Does the Extra Content Justify the Extra Cost? published first on http://www.gadgetreview.com/