Jaybird is making a splash this morning with the announcement of the smallest earbuds that it has ever released. The new Freedom headphones have two notable features, including fully customizable sound profiles and extended battery life. Longer usage times are handled by a new portable power supply that boosts playback to eight hours. More below.
eCase via Amazon offers the Kmashi 10,000mAh Dual-USB External Battery Power Bank for $13.99, but when you use the code PZLR7JHO the price drops to only $9.20 Prime shipped. That’s tied with our previous mention and the lowest we’ve seen by $7.
This battery includes two USB ports and has 4 status LEDs keep you informed of remaining capacity. It also has a fast charge output of 5V / 3.1A total through dual USB ports. Rated 4.3/5 stars by over 6,000 Amazon customers.
Antonline (98% positive feedback from +170,000) via eBay offers the HP Chromebox Desktop Computer 1.4GHz/2GB/16GB SSD for $104.99 shipped. That’s $74 off the original list price, $15 less than Amazon and the lowest we can currently find.
It has fast start-up and browsing and access to cloud-based productivity apps plus storage to keep you connected. It also has 2GB RAM, a 16GB SSD and Intel HD Graphics. It runs the latest Chrome OS, has wireless LAN, Bluetooth, HDMI and 4 USB 3.0 Ports.
You’ll need a good monitor to go with your new Chromebox. We recommend the HP Business 23-inch LED LCD Monitor for $120 or you could check our 1080p monitor roundup from this morning for more options.
There’s any number of unique ways to type on your iPhone these days. With new third-party keyboards coming out weekly, it seems, you’re bound to find an alternative to the stock option that ships with iOS. But what about physical keyboards? While there are Bluetooth options designed for iPhone, the majority are either too large or have been disproportionally shrunk down.
An upcoming device called Tap was revealed this week with a design that looks straight out of the movies. This Bluetooth wearable tracks the movements of your fingers to recreate a virtual keyboard on “nearly any surface.”
As they say, what’s old is new again. Mid-century modern design and vintage electronics have seen a rebirth in popularity over the last few years. The influence of famous designers like George Nelson of Herman Miller fame can be seen in many trends and products being released now.
Department Chicago has taken note of this trend with the new Modern HiFi Stereo Console. This current-day take on a stereo cabinet blends classic design with modern connectivity. Even better, it’s made by hand in Chicago.
Chubbiestech (98.5% positive feedback from 185,000) via eBay once again offers the manufacturer refurbished Harman Kardon Onyx Studio Wireless Bluetooth Speaker for $59 shipped. That’s $340 off the original list price, $60 less than Amazon’s listing for a new one and tied with our previous mention for the lowest we’ve seen.
It has Bluetooth 3.0 technology, a rechargeable Li-ion battery, and a speakerphone for taking hands free calls. Rated 4.8/5 stars from over 200 Amazon reviewers and a 30-day warranty applies.
Attempting to create truly wireless headphones has been a growing trend over the last year. Altec Lansing and New Normal are just a few of the examples that we’ve covered recently. Now a new project has launched on Kickstarter that takes it to a whole different level. Erato’s Apollo 7 Wireless Earphones has the same familiar in-ear bud design as similar wireless solutions, but Apollo 7 also features a water-resistant shell. These are some of the smallest headphones we’ve seen, but the price may serve as a deterrent to some…
GOOLOO via Amazon offers its Portable Car Jump Starter Power Bank for $45.99, but if you use the code 7FHPAYCO the price drops to $29.99 Prime shipped. That’s $16 off the regular sale price and the lowest we’ve seen for it at Amazon.
With this charger you don’t have to go under the hood, just plug it into your cigarette lighter and wait 8-10 minutes. Also, it has 2 USB ports for charging your mobile devices and an LED flashlight. Rated 4.2/5 stars by 53 Amazon customers.
It has HDMI 2.0 Support for 4K/60Hz Video, Bluetooth Version 2.1, 6 HDMI Inputs and 1 Output for 4K video, and a USB Port for Mass Storage Audio Playback. Rated 4.4/5 stars from over 200 Amazon shoppers and it’s also the best selling home theater system there.
Finding Internet-connected lighting for the inside of your home is a pretty simple proposition these days. Just take a look at our Green Deal roundup, Belkin’s line of WeMo products is littered with smart lighting solutions. However, bringing the internet of things to your outdoor spaces is a little trickier.
Enter Ilumi. While this brand already has a nice line of LED products for your home, it has now announced a new product designed for BR30 compatible sockets. Not only does it have the usual Internet of Things and multi-colored features, there is support for Apple Watch and Alexa on the horizon as well. More below.
It feels like the Bluetooth speaker market has bottomed out. We’re missing new and exciting designs, as each release feels like a knockoff of the one before it. Finding a way to reinvent this wheel is proving to be difficult for audio manufacturers. Simply put, Bluetooth is everywhere we look.
Today, Bang & Olufsen released its smallest speaker yet in an effort to shake up the competition. The BeoPlay A1 has the familiar styling of its larger siblings but comes in at a smaller size that is comparable to the popular UE ROLL. However, it sets itself apart in one key area: 24-hour battery life. More below.
BuyDig offers the Audio-Technica ATH-M40X Over-Ear Headphones with the FiiO E6 Portable Amp for $81.95 shipped. For a price comparison, the headphones regularly sell for $77 or more at Amazon while the amp fetches around $28 at most online retailers. Our previous deal price for the M40X was $65 and today’s offering is an effective low on each piece in this bundle.
Audio-Technica’s M40X feature a 40mm driver over-ear design with “cutting-edge engineering and robust construction.” The earcups are capable of swiveling 90-degrees and have a “professional-grade” padding system for extra comfort. It ships with a removable cable and carrying bag. Rated 4.6/5 stars by 781 Amazon customers. Meanwhile, the Fiio E6 “increases the volume and audio quality” of your preferred music source. It has 3.5mm I/O with adjustable volume and EQ controls. Over 1,200 Amazon customers have rated this amp 4/5 stars.
Prefer Bluetooth? Patazon (28,000+ positive feedback) via Amazon has the Mpow Wolverine Bluetooth 4.1 Sport Earbuds in three colors for $14.99 Prime shipped (Reg. $20) when promo code Y3DJBRHH is applied during checkout.
Don’t forget, we still have the Sennheiser HD 600 Open-Back Pro Headphones + $150 Amazon Gift Card for $400 shipped ($550 value).
Patozon (100% positive feedback all-time form 78,000) via Amazon offers the Mpow Streambot Mini Bluetooth 4.0 Receiver for $15.99. Applying coupon code BI4T9NYX drops the final price to $13.99 with free shipping for Prime members or in orders of $49+. Today’s deal is a savings of $8 off the original listing, $2 less than our previous mention from the fall and the lowest price that we’ve seen.
With Mpow’s Streambot Mini you can easily add Bluetooth to any audio setup with a 3.5mm input. It’s perfect for that old set of speakers or your car. There are playback and volume control buttons built-in to the dongle plus two devices can be connected at a time for shared DJing. You can expect 10 hours of playback on a single charge or you can plug the included USB cable into a powered port for unlimited use. This is the best-selling Bluetooth car kit at Amazon where it has collected a 4.4/5 star rating from 3,182 reviewers.
Update: VerizonWireless (use those points!) now offers the UE Boom2 in a variety of colors for $149.99 shipped.
Amazon offers the UE BOOM 2 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker in all colors for $149.99 shipped. Also available at Crutchfield. That’s good for a 25% savings off the list/regular going rate and the best price we can find by $50 from trusted retailers.
The BOOM 2 is the latest Bluetooth speaker from UE. It features 360-degree sound, a portable waterproof design with IPX7-certification and 100-foot wireless range. The built-in battery is rated for 15 hours of playback at a time. You can tap the speaker to play, pause or skip songs and use the companion app for additional control. Two speakers can also be paired together to create a stereo setup. We positively reviewed the BOOM 2 when it was released. Amazon customers largely agree, with over 261 reviewers leaving a collective 4.5/5 star rating.
Prefer a smaller setup? UE’s ROLL 360 is available in all colors for $69.99 Prime shipped.
Update (3/18 4:30pm): iVolerDirect (99% positive all-time) via Amazon has its 360-degree Magnetic Air Vent Mount for Smartphones for $3.99 Prime shipped (Reg. $8) when promo code J8OA6P2Q is applied. Rated 4.5/5 stars by over 1,100 Amazon customers.
Aukey via Amazon offers the Aukey Bluetooth 4.1 Wireless Sport Headphones in Black, Blue or Red for $19.99, but if you use the code 8DW8PWAX the price drops to $14.99 Prime shipped. That’s $5 off and the lowest we’ve seen for them at Amazon.
They have “Bluetooth 4.1 Technology with A2DP stereo music and AptX pure, clear sound, ideal for high quality music while running, jogging, cycling, skating, etc.” Rated 4.3/5 stars from over 200 Amazon shoppers.
The speaker can play your tunes while displaying three modes of color for extra enjoyment. It also has a 3.5mm jack for a direct connection from your audio devices and it’s rated 4.6/5 stars from over 150 Amazon shoppers.
Rated 3.6/5 stars from over $300 Amazon shoppers.
Also, Newegg offers the Soundbot Bluetooth Car Adapter for $18.99, but the code 0315MARCHAGE104 drops the total to $9.49 shipped. That’s half off the regular sale price and the lowest we’ve seen for it. It features on-board dedicated call, previous, and next buttons; 10-watt dual-port 2.1-amp cigarette lighter power adapter with two USB charging ports; microphone; and 3.5mm AUX cable. Rated 4.2/5 stars from 1,300 Amazon shoppers.
Also, Groupon has the refurbished UE Boom in black or white for $84.99 shipped (Orig. $200) and the refurbished Megaboom for $169.99 shipped (Orig. $300).
These speakers feature a “studio-quality design”, all-wood cabinets, font panel headphone out/aux in, as well as the ability to stream music directly from your smartphone, tablet, PC/laptop over Bluetooth. They also ship with some nice accessories to get you going right out of the box:
At this point, it seems fairly difficult to reinvent Bluetooth earbuds. We’ve seen memory foam inserts, truly wireless designs, low-cost alternatives and even made in America options. Simply put, it feels like we’ve reached peak earbud.
New Normal begs to differ. After developing an intriguing 3D printed earbud design process, Quirky alumnus and founder Nikki Kaufman has a new project up her sleeve. Or on her ears for that matter. The New Normal Bluetooth Headphones take that existing technology and wrap it in a new product best described as a Bang & Olufsen meets PowerBeats mash-up. There are two different models available that are designed for professionals and athletes. It’s hard to imagine a new set of buds we haven’t seen, but it looks like Kaufman is on to something…
The iconic music component company Marshall has released its first pair of Bluetooth-enabled headphones. While the brand is known for its pro-grade amplifiers and speakers, it’s also been churning out consumer-focused products for a few years.
Marshall’s previous hits include its line of Bluetooth speakers and wired headphones. However, today’s release is the first to cut the cord. The Major II Bluetooth has the same familiar design as its wired brother but packs an impressive battery life and internals. Much like Fender’s recently-released headphones, Marshall hopes to cash in on name recognition and its vintage styling. More details below.
We also found the Archeer Waterproof Bluetooth 4.0 Outdoor Sport/Shower Speaker for $26 Prime shipped w/ code C75H6GGV (Reg. $40) at Amazon.
There has never been a better time to upgrade to a new pair of speakers for your home audio setup. The market is flooded with options at different price points to meet every need. From Bluetooth to traditional 2-channel, you’re bound to find something to fit your budget.
Audioengine, a speaker-focused brand out of Texas, recently released its HD6 powered speakers. These 2-channel bookshelf speakers are packed with nearly every mainstream connectivity medium. We’ve spent the last month testing and cranking tunes on our way to delivering a recommendation for our readers. At $749, these speakers are at the higher-end of the Bluetooth market. Were they able to perform? Head below for more.
Yapper wireless (98.8% Positive feedback from 25,731 shoppers) via eBay is offering the LG Nexus 5X 16GB (Factory GSM Unlocked) 4G LTE Android Smartphone for $279.99 shipped. That’s $99 off the original list price, $20 less than Best Buy’s/ Amazon’s current offering and an effective match to our previous mention (with a gift card) from last week. Rated 4.3/5 stars from over 100 Amazon shoppers.
Omaker via Amazon offers its Hand-free Bluetooth 4.0 Car Kit w/ Built-in Dual-USB Charger for $33.99. Applying coupon code HL3LZWIO drops the final price to $23.99 Prime shipped. That’s good for 30% off the regular going rate and the lowest price for this model available.
It comes with a Bluetooth earpiece, dual-port USB charger, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. This kit allows you to take calls through your stereo system while also charging your device. Early reviews are positive.
If you don’t need the earpiece, save some extra cash and go for this highly-rated option from SoundBot for $16.79 Prime shipped. It has all the hands-free capabilities but skips on the extras.
Update (2/1 12:15pm): Verizon Wireless offers the JBL Flip 3 Splashproof Bluetooth Speaker in six colors for $79.99 shipped (Reg. $100). Rated 4.7/5 stars at Amazon. See our full review here.
Amazon is offering the Philips (model: SBT75) Bluetooth Portable Speaker for $36.99 shipped. That’s $33 off the original list price and the lowest we’ve seen it at Amazon. The speaker’s built-in rechargeable lithium battery lasts up to five hours and can be charged by the included USB cable. Rated 4.1/5 stars from over 100 Amazon shoppers.
We also found the following speakers on sale:
It seems like we’ve been inundated with Bluetooth speaker offerings over the last year. Even worse, each new release seems to be a redesign of another model already on the market. Finding a way to standout from the crowd is becoming increasingly difficult as established brands are seeing hundreds of new names enter the space.
Fluance, an audio company up in Ontario, has released a new addition to its line-up of hi-fi equipment called the Fi70 High Fidelity Music System. Instead of going the route of traditional portable speakers, it has opted for an all-in-one system that mixes mid-century looks with modern technology. You’re either going to love or hate the design…
BigDeals (99.1% Positive feedback) via eBay offers the manufacturer refurbished Logitech UE Ultimate Ears MINI BOOM Universal Bluetooth Speaker for $36.99 shipped. That’s $63 off the original list price, $27 less than Amazon for a new one and the lowest we can find in refurbished condition. You can save even more by buying pre-owned at GoldstarTech (99.6% Positive feedback) via…
Patozon via Amazon has the Mpow Grip Air Vent One Step Mounting Magnetic Car Mount Holder for $6.99, but if you use the coupon code HV8X67VR the price drops to $4.99 Prime shipped. That’s $2 off the regular price and a match to our previous mention for the lowest we’ve seen.
The reinforced magnetic holder can attract and hold most smartphones out there. Plus, the cradle-less design allows for a strong and tight hold of your phone. Rated 4.4/5 stars from over 1,000 Amazon shoppers.
Patozon via Amazon offers the Mpow Streambot Slider Bluetooth USB Adapter for $9.99. Applying coupon code BCO5CZQ3 drops the final price to $7.99 Prime shipped. That’s a 20% savings off the sale price, $1 less than our previous mention and the best offering we can find. Upgrade your old speaker system with this handy Bluetooth dongle from Mpow.…
We’ve seen streaming media players that leverage your own personal headphones for private listening before. Roku uses a 3.5mm headphone jack that is built-in to its enhanced remote. The new Apple TV uses Bluetooth connectivity to get the job done. There are adapters on the market that can add wireless audio to nearly any setup. But beaming audio to multiple pairs of headphones for private listening is largely an untapped feature.
That’s where Blipcast is hoping to find its niche. This tiny add-on connects to any 3.5mm or optical audio source and streams sound to your iOS and Android devices via Wi-Fi connection. The idea isn’t new, but the execution is noteworthy. More below.
Amazon offers the Pioneer VSX-830-K 5.2-Channel AV Receiver w/ Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for $249.99 shipped. There are a couple of third party listing for $0.99 less, but I’d go with Amazon direct for extra peace of mind. Today’s deal is also available via Best Buy and B&H. As a pricing comparison, this receiver typically sells…
Low-flow shower heads are not a new phenomenon. They’ve been around for some time, with varying degrees of annoyance for many years. The idea of saving water while enjoying a long, hot shower has been discussed and executed in many different ways. A new $3,000 shower that recycles (and purifies) our shower water was announced earlier this month with eyes on “revolutionizing” the industry. The Hamwells e-Shower is iOS-connected and re-uses every drop of water seven times. It’s goal is to significantly reduce our water and energy usage. The question is, will consumers buy-in?
Update (12/03 4pm) You can find the UE Boom for $100 on Best Buy’s eBay store front.
Amazon offers the Ultimate Ears Boom Speaker in multiple colors for $99.99 with free shipping. That’s half off the list and likely the lowest price we’ll see this holiday season. This is one of the best Bluetooth speakers I’ve tested and at $100 a no brainer price. The significant price drop is likely a factor of the new Boom 2 which is mostly the same speaker but with waterproofing instead of water resistance of this model.
Features include 360-degree sound, a 15-hour rechargeable battery, app for firmware updates and alarm clock/wake to music functionality and the ability to be paired with an additional BOOM to create stereo sound. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from thousands of Amazon reviewers.
Not enough sound? Amazon has the huge UE Megaboom for $50 off as well.
Amazon offers the Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer for $97.47 with free shipping. This is a savings of $52 off the original listing and by far the lowest price that we have ever seen by nearly $30.
The Withings WS-50 features “ultra-precise” weight and body fat measurement, plus it monitors your heart-rate and indoor air quality. It automatically tracks your progress and uploads it to a connected iPhone or Android device via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi. Rated 3.7/5 stars by nearly 3,000 Amazon users.
TOTU via Amazon has the TOTU Bluetooth Wireless Sport Headphones w/ Mic for $19.99, but code 2WL8U2P7 drops them down to $9.99. They ship free for Prime members or in orders of $35 or more That’s half off the usual listing and the best price we can find. They feature Bluetooth connectivity, noise cancellation, a 5 hour talk/playback time, include a charging cable/extra ear tips and are compatible with iPhone, Samsung devices and other Androids. Rated 4/5 stars from nearly 200 Amazon customers.
Down below you’ll find 25% off Under Armour gear, Everlast punching bags, workout apparel, Fitbit, hunting gear and much more:
Mohu – makers of consumer-favorite over-the-air antennas – has entered the “world of high-end” audio. Yes, you read that right. Mohu has released the BeBox, a $499 portable sound system with a built-in Android tablet.
Leaning heavily on its experience with Android’s operating system learned from Mohu Channels, the antenna-gone-speaker manufacturer feels that it can compete in this space.
AT&T Wireless offers the UE MEGABOOM Bluetooth Speaker in Black for $226.99 with free shipping. That’s good for $73 off the original MSRP, $59 less than Amazon and the lowest price that we have ever seen in any color. Note: you DON’T need to be an AT&T subscriber to purchase this speaker.
The UE Megaboom was first released back in the spring, collecting a 4.4/5 star rating from 320 Amazon customers. We positively reviewed this speaker, noting that it has “huge sound in a waterproof design with all-day battery life.”
Features include 360-degree sound, IPX7 waterproofing, 100-ft. Bluetooth range and can be controlled via the UE MEGABOOM app. Users can expect a 20-hour battery life from a single charge. A microUSB cable is included for powering the speaker.
Next, we found at Amazon the Logitech Multimedia Speakers for $24.89 Prime shipped. That’s $5 off the regular sale price and the lowest we can find. Now you’ll be able to enjoy all your audio entertainment in loud, clear stereo sound with a convenient handheld control pod. The inclined design directs the sound to your ears without sacrificing valuable desk space. Amazon shoppers gave it 3.8/5 stars.
Cambridge Soundworks via Amazon offers the OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker in black for $29.99. Applying coupon code SLICKHOT drops the final price to $19.99 with free shipping for Prime members or on orders of $35+. Also available in red, blue, pink or grey for $21.99 Prime shipped with the aforementioned promo code applied. Today’s price is good for up to $10 off the regular price which we also saw as a Golbox last week.
The OontZ Angle 3 features Bluetooth connectivity, 10W of power, has a built-in microphone and weighs in at nine-ounces. Additionally, the IPX5 splashproof design and seven hours of battery life make it an ideal companion for outdoor activities. Rated 4.4/5 stars.
Best Buy offers the new Apple Magic Mouse 2 in “excellent” open-box condition for $67.99 shipped. This is a savings of 15% off the new condition price and the first discount that we’ve seen on Apple’s recently released hardware. Features include a new design that is rechargeable with a Lightning cable and a touch surface…
Aukey Direct via Amazon is offering its Windshield Car Mount Holder Cradle for iPhone, Android, and more (HD-C1, black) for $3.99. It ships free for Prime members or on orders over $35. That’s about 60% off the regular listing and the best price we can find.
It has full 360 degree rotation, portrait and landscape viewing, tilt adjustment, foam-lined grips and a large suction cup to adhere to the windshield or other smoother surfaces. Judging by the 1.97 to 3.93-inch grip arm range, iPhone 6/s Plus will fit just fine. Rated 4/5 stars from nearly 150 Amazon customers.
Primo Super-store via Amazon offers the SoundBot Bluetooth 4.0 Sports-Active Headphones for $14.99. However, if you enter the coupon code ICB5K3WL at checkout the price drops to only $9.99 Prime shipped. That’s $5 off the sale price and the lowest it has been offered at Amazon. It has 5 remote control buttons that lets you you handle calls, wireless music…
My wife used to ask me what the weather was going to be like in the morning which would annoyingly (jk love of my life) require me to go to a computer or smartphone and ask the…same…question. The Amazon Echo allows me to strut my passive aggressive side so when she asked what the weather was going to be like, I would just repeat “Amazon, what’s the weather going to be like today”. My wife, who hates using Siri because she feels like it makes her look weird/uncomfortable talking to her iPhone, stopped asking me what the weather was going to be like. She started asking Echo.
Bam! Worth the money right there. But there’s so much more…
Newegg offers the JBL Voyager Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $90 shipped. That’s $160 off the original list price, $29 less than Amazon’s current listing and the lowest we can find.
This JBL is a combination portable speaker and subwoofer docking station. It’s a complete 2.1 system with dual drivers and a powerful subwoofer. You can even remove the subwoofer and use it as a portable speaker with built in Bluetooth streaming and 5 hour battery. Amazon shoppers gave it 4.2/5 stars
Libratone Wi-Fi-enabled speakers have been around for some time, with a Scandinavian-inspired design and quality build. Its ZIPP line of speakers have offered Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for a while now. Today, Libratone announced a smattering of new portable speakers focused on multi-room audio. Head below for more details on the new ZIPP and ZIPP Mini.
