Messaging platform Slack is expanding its Workflow Builder tool by adding new automation features that aim to make workflows more efficient.
Having originally launched back in November 2021, Workflow Builder is used to automate "routine processes" on Slack without having to write any kind of code. It's an easy to use toolkit.
A user could, for example, automate time off requests on a Slack channel without having to make others go through multiple pages or apps. The tool is pretty limited with what it can do, however, but that will soon change with this update.
New branching tool
Within the coming months, workflows will be made more shareable as you will be able to send them as links in Slack channels or in direct messages, according to the announcement.
It’s a simple copy and paste procedure resulting in an interactable preview, rather than a plain hyperlink. The receiving person can either approve or deny a request with one click. These links can be pinned to a Slack channel or tucked away in the saved items.
The update doesn’t end there as early next year, Workflow Builder will get several new features including a branching tool.
This branching tool works on “if-then” statements that can affect how a workflow functions. Say, for example, you send a request via this branching tool to your manager asking for a week off work. Your manager then has the option to either approve or deny the request.
If your manager approves, then you will get a message stating that you have the week off. If your manager denies the request, then you will get a message stating you don’t have the week off and explains why.
At glance, this seems like a very minuscule change, but apparently, it’s one of Slack’s most highly requested tools. The company explains that managers currently have to create entire new workflows for requests per person. Slack can be bogged down by tedious processes so the branching tools aims to alleviate that.
Smaller changes
The other features are less impactful, but still welcomed. Workflow Builder will allow people to automatically create channels by inviting others and pinning important documents. The tool will also support more of Slack’s integrated apps, but the announcement neglects to say which ones. And new notifications will appear informing people if they have pending requests.
While it’s made of small changes, the update appears to be more about the sum of its parts rather than having one killer feature. Slack claims users have been able to achieve a lot with the current version of Workflow Builder as workflows have grown by more than 160 percent in 2022 compared to last year. The hope is this number continues to grow with more people using Workflow Builder.
We asked Slack if it could give us a more concrete launch date for everything in the Workflow Builder update. A company representative got back to us, only to reiterate the update's rather vague launch window. So expect the workflow link feature to come out by the end of this year.
If you’re interested in making yourself more productive at work, check out our list of the best productivity apps; both free and paid.
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Apple has released a new version of its iOS 12 operating system aimed at helping protect older iPhone devices from some serious security threats.
The new iOS 12.5.6 is designed for some of the company's most-loved devices, including the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, as well as the iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation).
Apple is advising users with these devices to update immediately in order to stay protected from a dangerous WebKit zero-day security bug.
Crucial iOS update
The fact that Apple has felt the need to release a new update specifically for users of its older devices shows how significant it feels the risk is.
In the release notes for the new update, Apple notes that the vulnerability it addresses could allow a malicious website to run and execute unchecked code. The company confirmed that it was "aware" of a report claiming that this issue may have already been actively exploited, so users should update now.
The release of iOS 15.6.1, iPadOS 15.6.1 and macOS Monterey 12.5.1 also addressed an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the OS Kernel that can be abused to grant malicious applications highest privileges - essentially allowing an attacker to fully take over a target device.
Both flaws had been detected by an anonymous security researcher, with Apple noting that it doesn't disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues "until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are available" in order to safeguard its customers.
Apple is reportedly set to reveal the iPhone 14 imminently, with the latest iOS tweaks and tools set to play a central role in helping the new device appeal to users everywhere.
A set of malicious Google Chrome extensions designed to monitor browsing activity have been installed on more than 1.4 million devices, researchers have reported.
As described in a blog post from security company McAfee, the purpose of the scam is to modify the victim’s browser cookies each time they visit an ecommerce website, thereby netting the operator an affiliate fee for any purchases made.
Although two extensions branded as “Netflix Party” have now been removed from the official extension marketplace, McAfee says the remainder are still available to download.
Chrome extensions scam
Although the malicious extensions do not pose an immediate security risk – they are not designed to exfiltrate sensitive data, nor install malware payloads – they do represent a flagrant violation of privacy.
As demonstrated by the surging popularity of VPN services and other solutions designed to obscure web activity, modern web users are increasingly unwilling to part with their browsing data - and especially not, one would imagine, in these circumstances.
What makes this scam particularly difficult to spot is that the extensions all serve a legitimate purpose, on top of providing a foundation for the affiliate revenue ploy. They are also broadly well-reviewed, leaving potential victims with little indication of the scam playing out under their noses.
“The extensions offer various functions such as enabling users to watch Netflix shows together, website coupons, and taking screenshots of a website,” explained McAfee.
“The users of the extensions are unaware of [the malicious functionality] and the privacy risk of every site being visited being sent to the servers of the extension authors.”
In an effort to evade detection by analysts, meanwhile, the operators programmed some of the extensions to begin meddling with browser cookies multiple weeks after the date of installation.
Chrome users that find they have installed the offending extensions are advised to perform a manual uninstall immediately.
Malicious extensions list:
Netflix Party
Netflix Party 2
FlipShope - Price Tracking Extension
Full Page Screenshot Capture - Screenshotting
AutoBuy Flash Sales
Shield your devices with the best antivirus services around
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A team of researchers have developed a method to help explore the darkest areas of the Moon that never receive sunlight. These are some of the coldest locations on the Earth's only natural satellite, and could contain ice which could be useful for future space missions. Researchers used a deep learning-driven post-processing tool and produced high-resolution and high-...
Samsung is stepping into new territory as it has revealed its very first OLED gaming monitor. the aptly named Odyssey OLED G8 and it’s packed to the gills with features.
The most notable aspect of the G8 is its blazing fast response rate, which clocks in at just 0.1ms, or 1/10th the typical 1ms response rate of some of the best gaming monitors around. Not just that, the ultra-thin form factor and high quality display output make this one of the best ultrawide monitors you'll find.
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is a 34-inch monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a thickness of 3.9mm (around 0.15 inches), which the company claims is the thinnest for a product of its size. It’s even slightly curved with a curvature rating of 1800R for greater immersion.
At maximum, the G8 monitor can output at Quad HD resolution (3330 x 1440 pixels) while sporting a 175 Hz refresh rate, pitting it against the best high refresh rate monitors going. This refresh rate and extremely low response rate translates into a gaming monitor that strikes the perfect balance between esports performance and gorgeous OLED-powered visuals – so yes, esports gamers can now have both.
Quantum Dot Technology
The G8 comes with the company’s Quantum Dot Technology to ensure colors don’t look washed out at high brightness. If you look at the official Quantum Dot Technology page, Samsung claims that typical OLED monitors compromise on color if the brightness level is turned up high, losing image quality. It also claims OLEDs lose efficacy over time and become more “susceptible to burn-in, or ghosts of images…”
Quantum Dot Technology lights up the display via nanoparticles on every pixel to maintain saturated colors at high brightness while also reducing the chance of burn-in over the long run. In return, the G8 can boast a “100 percent color volume” and can replicate 99.3 percent of the DCI-P3 (Digital Cinema Initiatives - Protocol 3) color space, which is an image standard created by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. At 99.3 percent, the monitor can almost display the entire color gamut.
If these Quantum Dot Technology isn't enough, the G8 is also VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Certified which is a relatively recent standard that came out in 2021 to ensure more accurate color and greater contrast for shadows. Gamers will enjoy AMC FreeSync Premium for fluid gameplay that isn’t bogged down by graphics card latency problems or screen tearing.
Gaming features
As a gaming monitor, there are indeed some gamer-centric features, beyond the intense response rate. The first of which is the multitude of media hubs present on the G8's user interface.
Samsung’s Smart Hub gives access to various streaming sites like Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Samsung TV Plus – also present is a IoT (internet of things) hub that allows users to check up on any device directly connected to the G8 – in addition to the Gaming Hub for direct access to various video game streaming services like NVIDIA’s GeForce Now, Xbox Game Pass, and even Google Stadia if you have that.
We reached out to Samsung asking for clarification on how devices can connect to the IoT hub. For example, does the G8 have Bluetooth connectivity. And what other streaming services are supported besides Netflix. We’ll update if Samsung gets back to us.
Rounding out the gaming features are a few hardware additions. Samsung added CoreSync and CoreLighting Plus RGB lights on the back for a more immersive experience. Equipped ports include one for Micro HDMI, a Mini DisplayPort, and some USB-C inputs. Sound is emitted from a 5W stereo speaker, but not much else is known about its capabilities.
Also unknown is the price tag and release date, but Samsung does say to expect a global launch sometime in Q4 2022. So it’s entirely possible the Odyssey OLED G8 could launch as early as October, but that’s probably wishful thinking. It’s certainly an impressive monitor and we can't wait to get our hands on one.
A monitor like the G8 will almost certainly be expensive. If you’re looking for a low-cost option, check out our best cheap gaming monitor deals page for the latest savings on today's best displays.
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Sonos deals are essential to keep costs low while building your own Sonos setup. It's easy to get carried away syncing multiple speakers for a full surround sound experience, but such a luxury audio system is well within reach if you play your cards right. After all, we're seeing more and more Sonos sales offering significant discounts across the range, so whether you're after premium or budget models, prices are looking pretty good these days.
Sonos speaker systems offer a broad range of wireless connectivity options to get your music pumping throughout your home, tapping into your personal collection of MP3s as well as streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. From soundbars to subwoofers, there are Sonos speakers for all occasions – though if you don't pick them up within sales seasons, be prepared for premium pricing.
Sonos and Amazon's Alexa is a match made in heaven
Dimensions: 4.8" x 4.8" x 6.4" | Weight: 3.92 lbs | Power supply: Auto-switching 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz AC universal input | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: Yes
Full-bodied, rich sound
Combines best of Alexa and Sonos
Plays music while Alexa is muted
Sonos and Alexa, Amazon's smart personal assistant, are a perfect match for one another - it's almost a wonder it's taken this long for the two of them to meet. Regardless, the Sonos One is here now and it combines the best of both worlds. The One is able to call upon Alexa to answer basic inquiries, adjust appointments on your calendar and, for Amazon Prime members, voice access to Amazon's expansive Music Unlimited library.
Sonos Beam makes the soundbar integral to your music listening routine
Dimensions: 25.6" x 2.7" x 3.9" | Weight: 6.35 lbs | HDMI ARC?: Yes | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: No
Great compact design
HDMI ARC compatible
Superb sound
App isn't home theater friendly
No Dolby Atmos
Difficult non-HDMI ARC set-up
It was a long time coming, but the Sonos Beam was finally a Sonos soundbar worth waiting for. With a design small enough to match most TVs, it's equipped with smart features, innovation and exquisite sound that impresses. There are a few issues worth pointing out (the lack of Dolby Atmos at the price disappoints), but the way the speaker fits in with the rest of the Sonos eco-system makes it a must-have for those that have invested in other Sonos devices.
Providing you've got a HDMI-ARC compatible TV (which most modern ones are) it's easy to set-up and, if you've got other compatible Sonos speakers, it's a simple way to get wireless surround sound for your movies, too.
Perfect for a wireless rear channel speaker or the outdoors
Dimensions: 6.36" x 4.69" x 4.69" | Weight: 4.08 lbs | Power supply: Auto-switching 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz 1A AC universal input | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: Yes
Excellent sound
Reasonably affordable
Fits snugly almost anywhere
You'll probably want two
The Sonos Play:1 is the alpha in Sonos' alphabet. It's not the most powerful of the bunch, but it definitely knows how to get the job done. It's 6.36 x 4.69 x 4.69 inches (161.45 x 119.7 x 119.7 mm) and 4.08 lbs (1.85 kg) but it can really kick. It comes in two colors – white with light metallic grille and black with graphite grille – and works with standard wall mounts and speaker stands. We love how easy it is to setup and its awesome sound quality, but thought that its low end could use a bit of oomph. Still, if you're looking to start a Sonos system without spending a lot, the Sonos Play:1 is the place to start.
The middle child is perfect for smaller sized living rooms
Dimensions: 6.36" x 4.69" x 4.69" | Weight: 4.08 lbs | Speakers: 3 | Power supply: Auto-switching 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz AC universal input | Wireless: WiFI | Voice control ?: Yes
Easy to use
Compact
Lower sound quality than Play:5
Still quite pricey
The Sonos Play:3 is the middle child of the bunch. It's more powerful than the puny Play:1, but doesn't have the same room-filling audio that you get from the Play:5. For some people, though, it's just right. So how big is it? The Play:3 is 5.2 x 10.6 x 6.3 inches (132 x 268 x 160 mm) and weighs 5.71 lbs. (2.6 kg). It comes in two colors – white with light metallic grille and black with graphite grille – and works with standard wall mounts and speaker stands. It has three Class-D amplifiers, one tweeter, two mid-woofers and a bass radiator. Again, here you'll find great audio quality and a pretty easy setup.
Dimensions: 14.33" x 8.03" x 6.06" | Weight: 4 lbs | Power supply: Auto-switching 100 - 240V ~ 50-60 Hz 2.3A AC universal input | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: Yes
Great look
Easy to setup
Powerful sound
Design is a bit bland
Here it is, the grand kahuna of the Sonos systems. The Sonos Play:5 is everything you can want in a network speaker. It gets loud, but also sounds crystal clear at top volumes. It's obviously a bigger than its brethren, however, so keep that in mind before you try stuffing one into a one-room apartment. So how big is it? It's 8.03 x 14.33 x 6.06 inches (203 x 364 x 154 mm) and weighs 14 lbs. (6.36 kg). It comes in two colors – white or black matte enclosure with graphite grille – and contains two built-in microphones that can tune it for your space. Unlike the Play:3 it has five Class-D amplifiers, three tweeters, three mid-woofers and a phased speaker array that separates sound into its three channels – left, right and center. Good sound doesn't come cheap, but once you hear a Sonos Play:5 speaker you won't want anything else.
Dimensions: 3.35" x 35.43" x 5.51" | Weight: 11.9 lbs | Power supply: Auto-switching 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz 2A AC universal input | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: Yes
Beautiful sound
Most powerful system
Only one input
EXPENSIVE!
TVs might look great, but most of them definitely don't sound all that good. That's why Sonos made the Playbar, a soundbar that can produce top-tier audio quality while simultaneously syncing up to your other multi-room speakers. It's definitely expensive, no doubt about it, but there's no other soundbar this well-connected. Here are some specs: First off, it's 3.35 x 35.43 x 5.51 inches (85 x 900 x 140 mm) and weighs 11.9 lbs. (5.4kg). It only comes in one color and requires a separate mounting kit if you want to mount it beneath your screen. Unlike the Play:5, it has nine Class-D amplifiers, three tweeters and six mid-woofers – that can put out a ton of noise.
Sharpen up your old speaker system with this smart bridge
Dimensions: 5.51" x 5.35" x 2.91" | Weight: 1.5 lbs | Power supply: Auto-switching 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz 0.3 A AC universal input | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: Yes
CD-quality streaming
Connects old AV equipment
Can send/receive audio
Best for AV experts
There's nothing wrong with your old audio equipment. You've invested years in setting up and tuning your system, and there's no reason to let any of that go to waste. For anyone interested in keeping the equipment they already own but add on a streaming or mutil-room audio component, Sonos Connect is your solution. While it's not exactly a player in its own right, Sonos Connect allows you to send or receive audio streams. That means you can hook it up to your receiver to send out your favorite CD over the airwaves in your home, or set it up with your old floor speakers to bring them into the 21st century.
Sonos Playbase deals
New for 2017, the Playbase is an all-in-one speaker and a handy TV stand all rolled together
Dimensions: 2.20" x 28.35" x 14.96" | Weight: 21.5 lbs | Speakers: 10 | Power supply: Auto-switching 100 - 240V ~ 50-60 Hz 2.3A AC universal input | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: Yes
Excellent sound quality
Apartment-shaking bass
TruePlay calibration for iOS only
Optical-only connection
Three years after the company released its first ever soundbar, the Playbar, Sonos has created the Playbase, a unique form factor sound system that combines a stable pedestal for your TV with an audio cabinet.
Why did Sonos create a second home entertainment device? The team did extensive research into how people used their Playbar at home and found that most people didn’t wall mount their televisions or Playbars. To that end, the Playbase was created to allow people to set their televisions right on top of the speaker, allowing for a compact home theater solution.
Overall, the Sonos Playbase is a good-sounding speaker for those who don’t want to fumble with a surround sound system or simply don’t have the room for one. There’s no need for a receiver, making it truly plug-and-play. Sonos’ philosophy of making music enjoyment as frictionless as possible continues with the Playbase – the Sonos app is easy to use and the integrated universal search across music services is something we wished every speaker had.
Love bass-heavy music genres? You're going to need this
Dimensions: 15.3" x 6.2" x 15.8" | Weight: 36.3 lbs | Speakers: 2 | Power supply: Auto-switching 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz 2A AC universal input | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: Yes
Adds hefty amount of bass
Super easy set up
Strange design
Costly addition
Sonos systems are great. Like seriously great. We want to call them perfect, and yet without some sort of low-end support they just aren't. For that you need the Sonos Sub, the additional audio piece that adds a hefty amount of bass to your favorite music genres. The design here is a bit funky, we'll admit, but hey, if you were looking for a conversation starter (and ender) at your next house party, this is it. That said, it's 15.3 x 15.8 x 6.2 inches (389 x 402 x 158 mm) and weighs 36.3 lbs (16 kg). It's available in two colors – premium white gloss and premium black gloss – that can match either your Playbar or Play:5 speaker. Inside you'll find two Class-D amplifiers, two force-cancelling speaker drivers and dual acoustic ports that help the Sub reach a low frequency of about 25Hz.
Good deals are subjective, obviously. But if we were in your shoes, we’d wait for at least a $50/£35/AU$75-off sale. These happen around the holidays, mostly, but do happen sporadically throughout the year as well. Right now, the yearly Labor Day sales are just around the corner, so we could be due a decent deal or two.
If you’re looking for a recommendation, your best bet is to start your Sonos system with a Play:5, the big brother of the bunch, and work your way down. We also have a soft spot in our heart for the Playbar (it’s on our best soundbar list, after all) and a Play One is a great pick for kitchens, bedrooms and studies.
If you want the latest and greatest from Sonos, check out the brand-new Sonos Playbase – it's a speaker and TV stand all in one package. OK, without further ado, here are the best Sonos deals we’ve found today.
Beats headphone deals are far more commonplace these days. The previously premium cups have taken some serious price cuts over the years, which means cheap Beats headphones are often lining the shelves if you're browsing at the right time. We often see these headphones taking heavier discounts during holiday sales, but if you're browsing outside of a discounts event there are still likely to be some solid offers on the table.
We're helping you find all the latest Beats headphone deals right here, with our price comparison software running through all the biggest offers on the web every half hour. Whether you're after one of the more luxurious models or a budget pick, you'll find all the lowest prices right here.
Beats headphones are something of an institution when it comes to consumer audio tech and are absolutely up there with the very best brands when it comes to popularity. Acquired by Apple back in the heady days of 2014, the Beats brand has gone from strength to strength and now encompasses a wide range of over-ear headphones and in-ear earphones, including some of the best wireless headphones.
For you Beats deals hunters, that means some fantastic cheap Beats Headphones sales on the older models, although the new ones are often for sale as well. There are Beats Headphone prices for everyone as well, thankfully, as prices range from just $45/£59 all the way to $249/£249.
The best cheap Beats headphones deals
Powerbeats Pro
The best Beats headphones for working out
Design: In-ear | Noise cancelling: No | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 9h | NFC: No | Controls: Touch | Weight: 22g | Colors available: Black, Ivory, Navy, Moss | Year released: 2019 | Launch price: $249/£219
Excellent battery life
Snug fit while exercising
The best in-ear Beats sound
Even more expensive than AirPods
The Powerbeats Pro were certainly worth the wait, especially if you've been waiting for the most exercise-friendly Beats headphones yet. Sure, we had the Powerbeats 3 back in 2016, but these are true-wireless, meaning there's no cable connecting the two earpieces here. The hook that reaches behind the ear feels better than ever and ensures your Beats stay in place during any activity.
In addition to that signature bass-heavy sound, you're getting surprisingly adept quality in mid-range clarity as well as superior noise-isolation to the AirPods. Make no mistake though, Beats are at their best with high-energy, big tunes. So, if you're hitting the gym, these are the Beats you want. They're not waterproof mind, so be careful if you go running in the rain.
We're loving the 9-hour battery and that can be boosted to around 24 hours thanks to the charging case that comes with the new Powerbeats Pro headphones. Running late? A five-minute quick charge gives you 90 minutes of playback. Nice.
Even better, the Powerbeats Pro see regular inclusion in cheap Beats headphones sales, making them a fantastic option for deal hunters in particular.
(Image credit: Beats)
Beats Solo Pro
The best Beats for active noise-canceling audio
Design: : On-ear | *Noise canceling: Yes | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 40h (22 with NC) | NFC: No | Controls: Touch and voice | Weight: 267g | Colors available: Black, Ivory, Dark Blue, Light BLue, Red, Gray | Year released: 2019 | Launch price: $299 / £269
Great noise-cancelation
40-hour battery life
Useful transparency mode
The newest Beats on the block are a fantastic addition to the series and a tempting purchase for anyone looking for a set of cans with decent noise-canceling tech.
Studier than the Solo 3 line and sporting a cool matte finish in each color, the Beats Solo Pro feel like the biggest step up in quality the series has seen in some time for its larger line of headphones. Beats work best with iPhones and pair fast thanks to modern chipsets and we're loving the hands-free Siri integration too which is a first on the Beats Solo Pro.
The active noise-cancelation brings Apple's Beats somewhat closer to the best offerings from Sony and Bose, although those two are still ahead by some distance. We do like the simple-one button access to the transparency mode here though. This optional feature allows some outside noise to come through, which can be handy in an office if you want to be aware of someone calling your name or making sure you're aware of traffic around you when walking or cycling.
You'll see one of the higher Beats headphones prices attached to this particular set of cans, but for a 2019 model with such power as these it's easily worth it.
Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones
Still a fantastic pair of headphones
Design: On-ear | Noise cancelling: No | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 40h | NFC: No | Controls: touch+wired | Weight: 215g | Colors available: Matt Black, Satin Gold, Satin Silver, Gloss Black, Gloss White, Rose Gold, Gold, Silver, Red, Black/Red | Year released: 2018 | Launch price: $299/£250
Punchy sound
Excellent wireless connection
Often available at a discounted price
If you have a modern iPhone and want a pair of the best Beats headphones made specifically for Apple's latest range, you really should take a look at the Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones. In addition to a fantastic wireless connection and punchy sound, you're getting a huge battery run-time. A single charge can last for up to 40 hours which could last you for an entire week's worth of commuting between charges.
The Solo 3 Wireless are the most popular over/on-ear headphones in the Beats range and are regularly featured in cheap Beats headphones sales. They're also available in a whole range of different color designs so there's plenty of scope to choose a color scheme that best represents your personality - whether that's jet black or blingy gold!
They fold neatly away in a bag and don't look massive on your head - although there are no noise cancelling options with this model - for that you'd need either the Beats Studio 3 Wireless or the newer Beats Solo Pro. If you're looking for cheap Beats headphones prices on a set of over-ear cans that don't feel outdated in their spec, the 2018 Solo 3 model is for you.
The newest Studio entry in the Beats headphones range is the Beats Studio 3 Wireless. Using an over-ear, closed back design, the Studio 3 is one of the best noise cancelling sets of headphones Beats has ever made. The battery has massively improved too, so you can enjoy music for up to 22 hours, or 40 with the active noise cancellation turned off. The Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones are a great match for users of modern iPhones missing 3.5mm jacks - you can pair them with any smartphone though thanks to the Bluetooth technology. The Studio 3 is available in multiple colors including: red, matte black, white, porcelain rose, blue and shadow grey. They are more expensive compared with the Solo 3 Wireless and they're bulkier and heavier too - so do make sure you're aware of this before you buy.
Beats X by Dre
Quick charging Beats headphones for music on the move
Design: In-ear | Noise cancelling: No | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 8h | NFC: No | Controls: wired | Weight: 22g | Colors available: Black, Satin Silver | Year released: 2017 | Launch price: $149/£129
Fast charging
Comfortable fit
Balanced sound
Long after their reveal alongside the iPhone 7, these eagerly awaited in-ear Beats headphones were finally released in February 2017. These wireless headphones are a perfect match for iPhone owners missing the 3.5mm port. We're particularly impressed by the quick charge feature that gives you two hours of playback from a single five-minute charge. Eight hours from a full charge isn't too shabby either.
Beats urBeats 3 headphones (3.5mm connector)
The 3.5mm connection option for older devices and wired listening
Design: In-ear | Noise cancelling: No | Wireless: No | Battery life: N/A | NFC: No | Controls: Wired | Weight: 16g | Colors available: Black, White, Red/Black, Blue | Year released: 2017 | Launch price: $99/£89
Legacy connection
Tangle-free cable
Super cheap nowadays
There are two versions of the urBeats 3 in-ear headphones to look out for. One with a Lightning connection for modern iPhones and these ones with the traditional 3.5mm jack. It gets better too, as Beats have released a few newer in-ear options since the urBeats 3, meaning the prices has come tumbling down in recent months, making these the cheapest Beats on the market. They're not the best Beats on the market, although the bass performance is impressive from such small buds.
Beats urBeats 3 headphones with Lightning Connector
Future-facing port options for modern iPhones
Design: In-ear | Noise cancelling: No | Wireless: No | Battery life: N/A | NFC: No | Controls: Wired | Weight: 16g | Colors available: Black, White, Red/Black, Blue, Yellow, Red | Year released: 2017 | Launch price: $99/£89
Lightning connection
Tangle-free cable
Super cheap nowadays
The earphones themselves are the same as the ones above, but they come with a Lightning connector on the end instead of a 3.5mm jack. This is ideal if you want something to use on a modern iPhone or MacBook as we're seeing those items ditch the old headphone port nowadays. The urBeats 3 with Lightning connector is one of the cheapest in the Beats range too, often with massive discounts compared to the original launch price. They do generally cost a touch more than the 3.5mm versions though.
Beats Pro over-ear headphones
Beats headphones made for DJs and those who love bass
Design: Over-ear | Noise cancelling: Non-powered | Wireless: No | Battery life: N/A | NFC: No | Controls: Wired | Weight: 400g | Colors available: Black | Year released: 2016 | Launch price: $399/£349
Great for DJs
Suited for loud environments
Cheaper options available
The Beats Pro over-ear headphones aren't as appealing for day-to-day use as they used to be thanks to the latest Solo 3 and Studio 3 lines offering a better overall experience, usually for less money too. This model is consequently no longer in production. But if you're looking for some big, beefy, bassy Beats headphones to use as a DJ or for listening at home they excel in loud environments. The metal frames are incredibly durable too as the rest of the Beats line favour plastic designs.
Beats by Dre Powerbeats3 Wireless headphones
The best Beats headphones for active users
Design: In-ear | Noise cancelling: No | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 12h | NFC: No | Controls: wired | Weight: 25g | Colors available: Black, White, Black/Red | Year released: 2016 | Launch price: $199/£170
Fantastic battery
Workout-friendly
Prices are dropping now
Do you lead an active lifestyle that requires the lightweight feel of in-ear headphones without the massive cans on your head? Then the Beats headphones range has you covered for that, too, because not all models about that authentic studio design. With an improved 12-hour battery life, you're all set for multiple workouts packed with hours of adrenaline-pumping tunes.
If you'd prefer a true-wireless upgrade though, then you may want to consider the new PowerBeats Pro that we mentioned earlier in this article.
Beats EP headphones
The cheapest big Beats headphones currently available
Design: On-ear | Noise cancelling: No | Wireless: No | Battery life: N/A | NFC: No | Controls: Wired | Weight: 204g | Colors available: Black, White, Blue, Red | Year released: 2016 | Launch price: $99/£89
Budget-friendly Beats
Great color options
Balanced and rounded sound
The Beats EP headphones are the cheapest on-ear headphones in the Beats by Dre lineup and are a fine place to start if you've had your eye on the colorful stylings for a while. They're wired via a 3.5mm jack, but at least you'll never have to worry about them running out of battery juice.
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Which cheap Beats headphones should you buy?
On the over-ear and on-ear side of the Beats headphones range you'll find the Beats Solo Pro and Beats Studio 3 Wireless leading the charge with the best sound and highest price. The Beats Solo 3 Wireless is the most popular option, and also one of the more recent, with an on-ear slightly more compact design. Meanwhile, the Beats EP is a cheap Beats headphone option that goes for under $100. You can also still pick up a pair of Beats Pro headphones, made for DJs - though they're no longer listed on the Beats website.
Meanwhile, the Powerbeats Pro are the latest true wireless earbuds in the Beats in-ear headphone range, offering totally wireless listening with a sporty finish – think Apple Airpods but with better noise isolation and better sound.
They're backed up by the Powerbeats3 Wireless, the previous wireless option that connects the earphones behind your neck. The Powerbeats3 and the slightly newer Beats X, a more traditional style of wireless earbuds, are your best bet for cheap Beats headphone sales right now. However, at the bottom end, you also have the wired urBeats3 earphones, available with either 3.5mm or Lightning connector for an iPhone. This is where you'll find the best Beats headphones prices, but not necessarily the quality to back them up.
Cheap headphone deals are always ready and waiting to offer up a discount - whether you're on the hunt for the latest and greatest cups or something a little more wallet-friendly. We're rounding up all the biggest discounts on everything from Sony to Bose right here, as well as some of our favorite budget picks for extra strong value for money.
With every new product release, older generations will shuffle further down the price scale. That's a lot of tracking to make sure you're getting the best value for your cash possible. We've gathered this roundup of the headphones we're currently watching for the biggest offers - and our price comparison software will bring you all the lowest rates every half an hour.
We cover all the best headphones released, including over-ear headphones, noise-canceling headphones, and wireless headphones, so there's plenty on offer. Even still, readers often ask us whether they should spend a little extra for a branded pair of headphones or go for a set of no-name buds you often find at department stores. The answer is - you tend to get what you pay for.
Those $5 / £5 buds can look pretty tempting, but there's often a false economy at play with cheap tech. With poor audio and chintzy build quality, you'll often find yourself going through multiple pairs in fairly short order. Subsequently, we always recommend going for one of the more known brands if your wallet will allow it.
Luckily, you'll find some pretty low-cost headphone deals here, so you won't have to break the bank to find a pair that should last. Prices start at around $20 / £20 on our list this week, and what's more, most of these headphones have been impartially reviewed by us, so you know what you're getting here.
The best headphone deals and sales
Best headphone deals
1. Apple AirPods
Apple's true wireless earbuds at a discounted price
Headphone type: In-Ear | Weight: .14 oz | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Bluetooth range: 10m | Battery life: 5 hours **Battery life (charging case):** 24 hours
Battery life is exceptional
Sound is great
One-size-fits-all design
Don't lose them!
Don't discount the Apple AirPods; while they may indeed be a pricier option, recent sales have driven prices down to an almost bargain price point, so much in fact, you can often pick them up for as low as $99 / £110.
There’s a lot about the AirPods that we like. They sound great, their battery life and charging speeds run laps around the competition, and it’s hard to overstate just how seamless the pairing process is. If the prices go down even further, as we expect later this year, they could just be a great value pickup - especially for those with an iOS device.
The Sony WH-CH510 is our top pick for the best budget over-ear headphones, offering industry-leading digital noise cancellation technology. Whether you're traveling, walking, or in a busy office, these headphones will adapt to the sounds around you and block out background noise accordingly. The Bluetooth headphones also include Touch Sensor controls so you can easily skip tracks, control volume, answer phone calls, and more. The Sony WH-CH510 provide up to 35 hours of battery life, with quick charging if you need a fast recharge.
3. JLab Go Air True Wireless Earbuds
Bargain true-wireless earbuds
Headphone type:: In-ear | Weight:: 3.2 oz | Frequency response:: 20Hz-20kHz | Drivers: 8mm | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Wireless range: 30ft | Battery life: 5 hours
Unbelievable price
Good connectivity
IPX5 waterproof rating
Poor audio
No longer is true-wireless tech a feature reserved for the most premium of buds, thanks to the JLab Go Air - a pair of totally wireless earbuds available for the almost unbelievable price of just $29 / £29.
Sure, these are definitely on the more "budget" end of things, and subsequently, you shouldn't expect world-beating audio, amazing build quality, or premium features like active noise cancellation, but for $30 - you're definitely getting a pair of functional buds here.
Available in white, khaki green, black, and navy blue, the JLab Go Air True Wireless Earbuds feature an IPX5 sweatproof rating, 5 hours of battery life, and three different equalizer settings, which you can use to cater to your tracks of choice. Overall, that's not bad in our books and definitely worth considering if you want to get your hands on a pair of truly wireless buds without spending the $99 that the (admittedly much better) Lypertek Tevi go for these days.
When it comes to headphones, the general consensus is that you very much get what you pay for. But with AKG's K92, what you're getting is so much more. These headphones offer a level of sound quality that far outstrips their budget price tag. That being said, these are some of the largest cans you might ever find, and therefore might not be the best choice for anyone out there who has a petite noggin. Specs-wise, however, it's all good. The K92's professional 40mm drivers offer an extended 16 - 20,000Hz frequency response with a 113 dB SPL/V sensitivity level. It has a cable length of about 9 feet (3 meters) and weighs around 200 grams.
(Image credit: JBL)
5. JBL Tune 750BTNC
Great headphones which are often discounted
Headphone type: : Over-ear | Weight:: 7.76 oz | Drivers:: 40mm | Connectivity:: Bluetooth | Battery life:: 22
Great value
Good audio and comfort
No waterproofing
Average battery life
Want a pair of extremely solid, Bluetooth headphones that also pack in excellent active noise cancellation for under $100? Check out the JBL Tune 750BTNC.
While the JBL Tune 750BTNC have an official listing price of $129 / £120, we often see them go for as little as $99 / £89, which makes them one of the best headphone deals around right now. For that price, you're getting a ton of excellent features for the money, including active noise cancellation, great audio, and a pretty damn sturdy pair of headphones for the price.
The only downside we've found with these headphones is the lack of the latest Bluetooth support. These are on a slightly older version so don't quite have the wireless range of the newest premium headphones. There's also no waterproofing on these JBL's either, but otherwise, they get a hearty recommendation for us.
If you're looking for a cheap, no-nonsense set of wired headphones for your work desk or home use, check out the Tascam TH-02. These fully over-ear closed-back headphones aim to provide a detailed, studio-ready audio experience, but most importantly, retail for just $20 / £20 at Amazon currently.
Tascam is a trusted brand that has been around for many years, and the TH-02 is a good choice over the many nameless and unbranded headphones that tend to sit at this price point. You're getting some powerful drivers here, as well as a fairly robust (albeit slightly dated) plastic design that should last for a good time.
Of course, you probably won't want to be seen out with these giant old-school headphones, but for home use and sitting at the office desk, these headphones will give you plenty of quality and isolation for the price.
(Image credit: Lypertek)
7. Lypertek Tevi true wireless earbuds
Astoundingly good value earbuds
Headphone type: In-ear | Weight:: 3.53 oz | Frequency response:: 20Hz-20KHz | Drivers:: 6mm | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery life: 10 hours
Awesome value
Great sound
Above average battery life
Pedestrian design
The Lypertek Tevi firmly get our nod for the best true wireless earbuds you can buy under $100, and even better news for headphone deals hunters is that they are often discounted to just $89 / £89.
For that price, what's on offer here is pretty unbeatable. Not only have they got a great, balanced sound, but the excellent battery life, USB-C charging, and waterproofing just make for an overall awesome value package here.
While their asking price is firmly on the higher end, especially when compared to the cheaper options on our list, these headphones look, feel and sound like a much more premium set in themselves. Subsequently, if you're happy to spend that little extra that week, you definitely won't be disappointed with these great mid-range earbuds from Lypertek.
(Image credit: 1more)
8. 1MORE Triple Driver
Great value wired earphones that are often on sale
Headphone type: In-ear | Weight: 0.6 oz | Frequency response: 20-40kHz | Drivers: 3 proprietary | Connectivity: Wired (3.5mm)
Excellent build quality
Sound fantastic
Rubber cable can snag
One for the audiophiles among you, the 1MORE Triple Driver offers quite simply some of the best audio quality available for under $100, and even better news, they also happen to go on sale frequently for as little as $70 / £80 right now.
For that price, you're getting a pair of specially tuned, audio engineer-approved earbuds that have a pretty novel set of (as the name suggests) proprietary drivers to blast out all your favorite tunes in perfect clarity. Subsequently, you can expect great performance from these, and the built and fit isn't too shabby either.
Remember though, these are fully wired earphones and therefore are subject to tangles, snagging, and general noises unless careful. If you'd prefer wireless, then definitely check out the other great recommendations on our list.
The Amazon Echo Buds were released in 2019 with an affordable starting price of $129.99/£119.99. Thanks to sale events like Prime Day, we've seen the earbuds drop to as low as $99.99/£89.99.
The earbuds include Active Noise Reduction technology that was developed by Bose and feature an advanced microphone that allows you hands-free access to Amazon Alexa. The Alexa-enabled earbuds allow you to skip songs, adjust the volume, ask questions, and more completely hands-free. The sweat-resistant earbuds provide up to five hours of battery life and come in three different sizes for a secure and comfortable fit.
Author's Note: This story has been edited to correct a mistake after Dell reached out. The issue with the OLED screen stems solely from adhesive problems and does not involve any screws.
There have been reports of some Dell XPS 13 Plus laptops having major issues with its OLED screen cropping up recently.
The company has reportedly been following up with those affected, according to an official statement sent to The Verge concerning the issue. The Dell XPS 13 Plus, which we reviewed and concluded that it was a stylish yet ultimately flawed laptop, is apparently having issues with the adhesive keeping the screen attached to the chassis coming out.
There has also been a video showing a screen falling off in a Best Buy demo area, as well as numerous reports of the screen dying, showing strange colors, or the touchscreen completely malfunctioning.
According to the statement, Dell has found the issue to be caused by the third-party adhesive used and since then has been reaching out to affected consumers who may be impacted. Dell also clarified to The Verge that this issue is with OLED XPS 13 models; the old non-OLED screens are unaffected by this issue.
TechRadar reached out to Dell for comment on this story and this is the official statement concerning the matter:
Dell discovered that some screens on the XPS 13 Plus OLED systems may become loose because of problems with the third-party adhesive used, we quickly corrected the issue in our production process. Dell is proactively reaching out to customers who may be impacted to replace the screen, ideally before it becomes loose. Customers can contact our support team with any questions, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Dell Technologies places the highest priority on the quality of our products.
Dell spokesperson
Analysis: What’s in Dell’s future?
The Dell XPS 13 Plus is one of the company’s high-profile Ultrabook laptop launches, and the reviews alone have been polarizing. Our own review concluded that while it’s stylish and sleek, design choices like the touch bar and touchpad are major accessibility issues.
And with these reports coming in of major technical issues with the OLED screen, it certainly doesn’t help with Dell’s image. In fact, this could cause some serious damage to the company’s reputation if not mitigated soon. Especially since this is an Ultrabook model, which is meant to command a premium price in exchange for a high-quality build.
Hopefully, this OLED malfunction isn’t widespread, or it could affect consumer trust in Dell’s other products as well. And hopefully, the Dell XPS 13 Plus won’t go the way of the infamous HP Touchpad, which soon halted in sales after several major design flaws came to light after its launch.
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