Personal Computers

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Best laptops for college students: 7 picks for every budget

  • Laptops

Picking out a laptop for college doesn’t have to be annoyingly complicated. Whether you’re stuck in lectures all day or working on a big paper all night, having a reliable laptop is a total game changer. The trick? Figuring out what really matters in a laptop so you don’t end up spending on stuff you won’t even need.

That’s where we come in. We break things down without all the technical word vomit so you can quickly find the best machine for your lifestyle. From featherlight models that disappear in your bag to laptops with marathon battery life, we’ve got you covered.

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED – Best overall Pros
  • Robust build quality
  • Attractive OLED touchscreen
  • Good CPU and integrated GPU performance
  • Amazing battery life
Cons
  • Uninspired design
  • Keyboard isn’t memorable
  • Mediocre connectivity
Price When Reviewed: $849.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $849 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED?

If you want a laptop that’s quick, lasts all day, and has a screen that actually looks great, this one’s a solid pick. The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED really hits the sweet spot. It’s packing an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a speedy 512GB SSD, so it can handle everything from essays and Zoom calls to those dozen tabs you’ve always got open.

The 14-inch 1920×1200 OLED touchscreen really steals the show, though. Movies, photos, and even spreadsheets look sharp and colorful. And with a 75 watt-hour battery, you’ll easily get a full day (approx. 16 hours) of use without hunting for an outlet in the library.

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED: Further considerations

This laptop isn’t built for heavy gaming or 3D work, but does great with pretty much everything else. The keyboard is fine, but not mind-blowing. It doesn’t have tons of ports, but covers what you really need — USB-C with DisplayPort and power delivery, HDMI, and a headphone jack.

The real win here is the balance. Long battery life, gorgeous screen, decent build quality, and smooth performance — all wrapped up neatly in a portable package. At around $850, it’s tough to beat, which is why it’s our best overall laptop for students this year.

Read our full Asus Zenbook 14 OLED review

Acer Aspire Go 15 – Best budget laptop for students Pros
  • Affordable
  • Decent battery life
  • Good display visibility
Cons
  • Big and bulky
  • Cheap build
  • Limited performance
Price When Reviewed: $299 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $299 View Deal $308 View Deal $309.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Acer Aspire Go 15?

If you’re on a strict budget and just want a laptop for writing papers or doing research, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a good pick. It’s nothing fancy, but it handles stuff like streaming lectures and writing papers just fine.

It comes with solid basics for the price — an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage — which is enough to handle most of your school work without any problems. Battery lasts around 12 hours, so you don’t have to constantly look for a charger. The 15.6-inch 1080p screen is pretty big, which is nice for both work and Netflix binges.

Acer Aspire Go 15: Further considerations

This laptop keeps it simple — no touchscreen, no backlit keys. But it runs smoothly, the battery holds up, and it gets through college tasks without a fuss.

Read our full Acer Aspire Go 15 (2024) review

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition – Best battery life Pros
  • Over 24 hours of battery life (in our standard test)
  • Solid build quality
  • Snappy desktop performance
  • 2-in-1 experience with pen
Cons
  • On the expensive side
  • Lunar Lake’s low multithreaded performance is an issue for some workflows
Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Lenovo $2125 View Deal B&H $2719 View Deal $2755.65 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1?

If you’re looking for a laptop that can actually last all day, this one’s pretty crazy. We got around 25 hours on a single charge, which is seriously impressive. Imagine not stressing about finding an outlet between classes or study sessions.

It’s also very lightweight at less than three pounds, so it should be easy to carry around. The 360-degree hinge lets you flip the screen around and use it like a tablet, which is great if you prefer writing notes by hand. And the keyboard? Super comfy, so typing up essays won’t strain your fingers.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1: Further considerations

It’s definitely on the expensive side — our review model was over $2,000, though the price varies depending on the setup. You’re paying for high-quality build materials and cool features like Wi-Fi 7.

One downside: There’s no built-in SD card reader, so if you’re studying photography, you’ll need a dongle.

For most day-to-day stuff like essays and streaming, it works great, but if you’re running a bunch of heavy programs at once, it might slow down a bit.

Read our full Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition review

MacBook Air (M4) – Best MacBook for students Pros
  • Can drive two external displays at 6K/60Hz
  • M4 provides a performance boost
  • New 12MP Center Stage camera
Cons
  • No more Space Gray option
Price When Reviewed: $1,399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1,199 View Deal $1199 View Deal $1256.82 View Deal $1399 View Deal $1399 View Deal $1399 View Deal $1399 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the MacBook Air?

If you want a MacBook that’s quick and easy to take anywhere, the new MacBook Air M4 is tough to beat. It’s got a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, a beefed-up Neural Engine, and faster memory, so it can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. Plus, Apple finally fixed a big limitation from past Airs–you can now run two external 6K displays with the lid open, which is perfect if you like a multi-monitor setup. Add the upgraded 12MP Center Stage camera for sharper video calls, and you’ve got a laptop that’s ready for work, school, or whatever else. By the way, it lasted nearly 18 hours in our battery tests, so longevity is king here.

MacBook Air: Further considerations

A few more things to know. This MacBook Air is crazy light–3.3 pounds–and super thin at 0.45 inches, so tossing it in your bag is a breeze. The new Sky Blue color is a nice touch, and prices start at $999 for the 13-inch or $1,199 for the 15-inch. Even better, the base model now comes with 16GB of RAM, so you don’t have to worry about upgrading right away.

The only minor tradeoff? Battery life is about an hour shorter than the M3 in video loop tests, but honestly, it’s still more than enough for a full day without scrambling for an outlet.

Read our full

MacBook Air (M4) review

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 – Best Chromebook for students Pros
  • Zippy processor performance
  • Nice keyboard
  • A wide array of connectivity options
  • Chic design
Cons
  • Battery life isn’t competitive
  • The display’s 16:9 aspect ratio feels a little cramped
Price When Reviewed: $499 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $399 View Deal $479.99 View Deal $529.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34?

If you’re heading to college and want a Chromebook that looks good and runs well (as long as you don’t mind Google’s ecosystem), this one’s it. The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is fast enough to keep up with your daily activities — think Zoom, Google Docs, Spotify — and it won’t freeze up when you’ve got a bunch of tabs open. (I see you, serial tab opener.)

It’s got a 14-inch 1080p screen that looks pretty clear. The webcam’s actually really solid too, so you won’t look like a blurry mess on video calls. And yeah, the whole laptop looks great. It’s got that clean, modern vibe that doesn’t scream budget.

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Further considerations

Sure, it’s not perfect. The battery lasts around 13 hours, which is decent, but honestly, I’ve seen other laptops that go a bit longer. Also, no touchscreen — not a deal-breaker for most, but if you’re someone who loves tapping around, that might be a bummer. And if you’re trying to do anything like video editing or heavy design work? This probably isn’t the machine for you.

But for school notes, research, and lectures? It’s exactly what you need at a nice price.

Read our full Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 review

Microsoft Surface Pro (2025) – Best ultraportable for students Pros
  • Compact and well-built
  • Good office performance
  • All Copilot Plus features available
  • Good battery life
Cons
  • Narrow screen to work on
  • No HDR support
  • No charger included
Price When Reviewed: $799.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $699.99 View Deal $717.99 View Deal $799.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Microsoft Surface Pro (2025)?

If you’re always on the move — rushing between classes or just hanging out at a coffee shop — the Surface Pro 2025 is pretty sweet. It’s crazy light, like just over a pound, so tossing it in your bag is no big deal. It also handles all the usual stuff without breaking a sweat — Zoom calls, notes, emails, and yeah, binge-watching your favorite shows too. Honestly, the Snapdragon chip does a great job keeping things snappy day-to-day.

Microsoft Surface Pro (2025): Further considerations

Couple things to know. The screen’s not huge, so if you’re someone who operates in a sea of open tabs, it might feel a little tight at just 12-inches with an aspect ratio of 3:2. And yeah, it only has two USB-C ports, so if you’re always plugging into peripherals or storage, you’ll probably need a little dongle or dock.

Battery life’s kind of a mixed bag. If you’re just typing or watching stuff with the brightness turned down, it’ll last a good while. But if you’re cranking everything up and bouncing between apps, it could drain faster than you might expect.

Still, if most of your school stuff is in the cloud and you just want something super light that gets the job done, this laptop totally delivers in that regard.

Read our full Microsoft Surface Pro 2025 review

Acer Nitro V 16 – Best gaming laptop for students Pros
  • Solid performance
  • Competitive price
  • Dedicated button for quick performance mode switching
  • Fast 165Hz display with good colors
Cons
  • Fully plastic build
  • Mushy keyboard
  • Weak battery life
Price When Reviewed: $1,099.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $969.49 View Deal $1099.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who should buy the Acer Nitro V 16?

If you’re after a gaming laptop that can handle those late night gaming marathons (schoolwork, too!), the Acer Nitro V 16 is an excellent pick. The 16-inch 1920×1200 IPS display is colorful, and the 165Hz refresh rate makes gameplay look buttery smooth. 4060 graphics also means you can run most games on Medium or High graphics.

Battery life isn’t great though, you’ll get around four hours unplugged. That’s normal for gaming laptops, but just something to remember if you’re going to be using it away from a charger.

Acer Nitro V 16: Further considerations

This laptop is perfect if you want affordable gaming power and don’t mind the plastic build. It’s also good for heavy work stuff thanks to that GPU. Just know it’s not the lightest or fanciest-feeling laptop out there.

Read our full Acer Nitro V 16 review

Other notable laptops we’ve tested

A few laptops didn’t make the above list, but they’re still pretty cool and worth considering. The Dell Plus 14 2-in-1 is a nice cheap pick ($599.99) with a touchscreen and decent hardware. The Asus ZenBook A14, on the other hand, boasts a featherlight build (2.16 pounds) as well as incredible battery life (24 hours!). Finally, the Framework Laptop 2025 is all about being easy to fix and upgrade, which is awesome if you don’t want to buy a new laptop every couple years.

How we test laptops

The PCWorld team puts each and every Windows laptop through a series of benchmarks that test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and so on. The idea is to push the laptop to its limits and then compare it against others we’ve tested. Chromebooks, on the other hand, go through a series of web-based tests.

For a much deeper look at our review methodology, check out how PCWorld tests laptops.

Why you should trust PCWorld for laptop reviews and buying advice

It’s in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We’ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who’ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We’re also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.

Who curated this article?

Hi, I’m Ashley Biancuzzo, and I oversee all laptop and Chromebook coverage at PCWorld. While you’ll see me review Chromebooks on occasion, I’m also really into the broader world of consumer tech. I spend a lot of time writing and thinking about where laptops are headed — from AI and sustainable designs to long-term trends. When I’m not deep in the world of tech, you’ll probably find me gaming, getting lost in a good book, or chilling with my rescue greyhound, Allen.

How to choose the best laptop for college

First off, think about your budget. What’s your actual limit here? If you don’t have much wiggle room, a Chromebook might be the way to go. They’re pretty cheap and can handle everyday tasks like writing papers, working on a Google Sheet, casual browsing, that sort of thing. You can find them anywhere from $200 to about a grand, it just depends on what you’re going for.

If you’ve got a little more to spend, 2-in-1 touchscreen laptops are great because they’re so versatile. You can turn the screen all the way back and use it like a tablet or stand it up like a little movie screen. That’s great for Netflix or just zoning out with YouTube. The flexibility’s nice, especially if you’re cramped in a dorm or carrying it around all the time.

As far as performance goes, if you’re doing stuff like email, streaming, or having a bunch of tabs open, more RAM helps. 8GB is what I’d recommend. Your laptop will run smoother and it won’t feel like it’s constantly lagging. 4GB is fine if you’re just browsing or writing papers, but it can feel restrictive if you’re prone to multitasking and working with lots of open windows. Chrome and Spotify are memory hogs as well, and they’ll slow things down if you don’t have enough memory to work with.

Last thing, the keyboard. You’ll be typing a lot in college, so this actually matters. Some people like keys that are clickier and have a little more bounce to them. Well, that’s mechanical keyboards for you. They’re louder, but they help you avoid accidental keystrokes, and they feel kind of satisfying to type on. Totally up to you, but don’t ignore it. A bad keyboard gets old real fast.

FAQ 1. What’s the best laptop for college students?

If you just want something that’s fast, lasts all day, and has a screen that actually makes Netflix look good, the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is probably your best bet. It’s light, powerful enough for school stuff (and then some), and the battery life is awesome.

2. What’s the best budget laptop for college students?

If you’re trying to keep it cheap and just want something that works, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is pretty much a perfect fit. It’s got a big screen, decent battery, and handles all the basics like a champ. Nothing fancy, but it gets your school stuff done without drama.

3. What’s the difference between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop?

Chromebooks are super simple and fast, perfect for stuff like browsing, writing papers, and streaming. The do everything within the Chrome OS. They usually don’t cost much, either. Windows laptops can do a lot more like gaming or editing videos. They also support locally installed programs as opposed to being internet-based. So if you just need a basic laptop for school stuff, a Chromebook is cool, but if you want something that can handle more, go with Windows.

Related content

Snag this 1440p OLED gaming monitor for an absurdly cheap $480

  • Monitors

I have yet to see an OLED gaming monitor go below the $400 mark, and I’ve been on the lookout since almost a year ago. With everything going on in tech and tariffs, I’d say $480 is about as good as you can hope for right now—and if you happen to be in the market right now, Newegg has one for you. This ASRock 27-inch 1440p OLED monitor is on sale for $479.99, a cool 25% off the retail price.

This just about hits the baseline for gaming-focused OLED monitors right now, with a 2560×1440 resolution and fast 240Hz refresh rate. That’s far from the fastest on the market, but it’ll make your gaming PC sweat if you try to load up a recent triple-A game with all the graphical fixins. It also offers a little more than just the basics, with USB-C support and a built-in KVM switch, though with just 15 watts of power delivery it’s not an ideal companion for a single-cable laptop setup.

However, it is a pretty good pick if you like to play both PC and console games at your desk, thanks to double DisplayPort and HDMI inputs. You also get a standard VESA mount included, in case you want to add on a monitor arm. Overall, at this price, it’s a solid get.

Newegg hasn’t put a time limit on this deal, but since it’s currently the cheapest OLED around, I wouldn’t be surprised if it went pretty quickly—so grab it quick if you’re interested. If you’re looking for something else, check out PCWorld’s picks for the best monitors.

Get this 27-inch 1440p 240Hz OLED gaming monitor for $480Buy now from Newegg

Vivaldi rejects AI browsing: ‘Humans over hype’

  • Personal Software

If you’re concerned that your favorite may be subsumed by the growing wave of AI, Vivaldi would like you to know they plan to resist.

Vivaldi, the small Norwegian-made browser which I use as an alternative to more mainstream browsers like Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, said it plans to “choose humans over hype,” in the words of Jon von Tetzchner, the company’s chief executive.

“We’re taking a stand, choosing humans over hype, and we will not turn the joy of exploring into inactive spectatorship,” von Tetzchner said in a statement, shared by the company. “Without exploration, the web becomes far less interesting. Our curiosity loses oxygen and the diversity of the web dies.”

To be fair, Vivaldi reportedly employs just 150 people. Anthropic, whose AI browser, is one of a number of browsers designed around agentic AI, reportedly employs over well over 1,000 — meaning that it’s possible that VIvaldi’s statement simply means that it lacks the capability to keep up, anyway. On the other hand, Opera (which employs about 600 people and was co-founded by von Tetzchner) has managed to publish several browsers as well as Opera Neon, an agentic browser the company debuted in May.

Agentic browsers not only provide access to an AI chatbot, but also use smaller “independent” small-language model (SLM) tools to perform tasks independently, such as researching hotel options for a planned trip. Vivaldi said it will not be using an LLM to add a chatbot, a summarization solution or a suggestion engine “until more rigorous ways to do those things are available.”

“If AI contributes to that goal without stealing intellectual property, compromising privacy or the open web, we will use it,” von Tetzchner said in a blog post. “If it turns people into passive consumers, we will not.”

In the post, von Tetzchner noted the dangers of AI browsing, such as injecting “AI modes” into Google Chrome which simply copies content from creators’ web sites and presents it as Google’s own, with tiny link icons which connect to the original sites. Microsoft Edge, he said, can be used to summarize the content of a Web page, “reshaping the address bar into an assistant prompt, turning the joy of exploring into inactive spectatorship.”

Perplexity’s Comet, The Browser Co. of New York’s Dia, and GenSpark are some of the new browsers which have also chosen an AI path.

“The next phase of the browser wars is not about tab speed, it is about who intermediates knowledge, who benefits from attention, who controls the pathway to information, and who gets to monetize you,” von Tetzchner said.

Microsoft’s AI Copilot slides into Samsung TVs, with eyes on LG

  • Smart TVs, Windows

If you’ve been exhausted by the unstoppable deployment of AI chatbots like Microsoft Copilot across your entire PC, be warned: don’t turn on your TV.

Samsung said Thursday that it has begun rolling out Copilot to its 2025 lineup of AI-powered TVs, meaning your living room won’t be the escape from AI you might have been hoping for. Samsung’s smart monitors, including the Samsung Smart Monitor M9 (review) — which likewise runs on Samsung’s Tizen operating system — will be getting Copilot, too.

Samsung originally announced a partnership with Microsoft at CES in January, saying that Copilot will be used for a “wide range of Copilot services, including personalized content recommendations.”

“Copilot is available on 2025 TV models including, Micro RGB, Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame Pro, The Frame,  as well as the M7, M8, and M9 Smart Monitors,” Samsung said. “Availability will expand to additional regions and models over time and may vary by market.”

Samsung

Samsung says that this will be part of what Samsung calls its Vision AI, which includes Samsung’s own technology as well as Google’s.

“With Copilot built into the display, users can access Microsoft’s powerful AI companion through a simple voice command or click of the remote, making it easier to search, learn and engage with content directly from their screens,” Samsung says.

What Samsung isn’t doing, however, is building in Google Gemini into its own TVs. Instead, it’s turning to Copilot as the conversational AI built into the TV. Samsung already has its own Bixby voice assistant — which presumably is either being downplayed or is being used to adjust settings and other functions — as well as a Click to Search feature. Copilot will perform the heavy lifting. (Google Gemini is being added to Samsung’s Ballie home robot, however.)

“Whether viewers are curious about something they’re watching or looking to explore a topic further, Copilot can respond instantly to share quick facts about actors or athletes, summarize plots, support foreign language learning or help break down complex concepts — all from the largest screen in the user’s home,” Samsung says.

Copilot is designed to feel “like an AI companion in your living room,” added David Washington, Microsoft’s partner general manager of AI, in Samsung’s statement.

Let’s say you’re disgusted by all of this omnipresent AI and want to ditch Samsung, too. So what you do then? Don’t buy an LG TV. In January, LG said it also plans to integrate Copilot to certain models of its 2025 OLED evo TVs — again not saying which ones. (Presumably, both the Samsung and LG TVs will carry prominent Copilot labeling.)

Samsung has been the top-selling TV manufacturer for 19 years, incidentally.

Your safest bet? Find a wealthy neighborhood nearby, and pick up a used smart (or dumb) TV from a family who has to have the latest thing. Otherwise, our collective future means working with Copilot all day, settling down on the couch, and then having Copilot chirp, “Hey there — what’s going on?” as the TV powers on. There will be no escape.

The best monitor arms: 10 top models you can trust

  • Accessories, Computer Accessories, Monitors

One of the best upgrades you can make to your home office is the addition of a monitor arm. A good-quality arm not only frees up usable space on your desk’s surface, it enables more ways to move and position your display/s for optimal comfort and ergonomics. And a monitor arm makes your office setup look really cool.

The only catch is the price. Most monitor arms worth buying will cost close to $200, and heavy-duty arms capable of holding two large displays can be priced even higher. The good news is that a good-quality monitor arm is likely to last you for a very long time. That’s why it’s important to make the right choice when you purchase a monitor arm.

To help you with that, we’ve tested several popular monitor arms, for both single- and dual-monitor setups. Below you’ll find our curated list of recommendations, with detailed explanations of what features and qualities make them stand out. We even have some good budget recommendations. Below our picks, we point out some arms that we aren’t so keen on — to provide a point of comparison.

Ergotron LX Pro – Best monitor arm Price When Reviewed: $209 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $209 View Deal $230.08 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

The Ergotron LX Pro is a practical, effective, easy-to-use monitor arm. Ergotron achieves this ease-of-install with clever, yet simple, engineering.

The LX Pro’s clamp mechanism, which secures the monitor to a desk, takes the extra step of providing a comfortable handhold that makes it easy to work the clamp without tools. The arm’s two sections, meanwhile, simply slip into place. Ergotron also provides thumb screws for attaching the arm’s VESA mount to the back of your monitor.

Depending on your monitor, you may need to use the included hex wrench to tighten the components. Otherwise, installation doesn’t require tools.

The arm’s desk clamp mechanism is wide, which is important. Clamps with a small surface concentrate more force on your desk and cause damage if over-tightened. A wider clamp better distributes the force. That means the LX Pro is less likely to damage weaker desks (though caution when tightening the clamp is recommended).

Fortunately, the arm’s ease of installation doesn’t lead to functional downsides. The arm can support monitors up to 34 inches diagonally that weigh up to 22 pounds. The arm also lifts up to 13 inches, tilts up to 85 degrees, and can swivel and rotate to a full 360 degrees. Cables are routed through channels in the arm and secured by sturdy detachable cladding. Ergotron provides a 10-year warranty.

The LX Pro even fixes our gripes about its predecessor, the Ergotron LX. The LX Pro’s base is more compact, the white colorway now has a color-coordinated VESA mount, and the new design is more attractive. The only downgrade compared to the old Ergotron LX is a lower maximum weight (the LX could handle up to 25 pounds). But that’s unlikely to matter, as 32-inch and 34-inch monitors usually weigh 15 pounds or less.

The LX Pro’s $209 MSRP is enough to make shoppers think twice, but it’s great value for money. The arm’s overall build quality feels competitive with more expensive monitor arms, such as the Humanscale M2.1.

That makes the Ergotron LX Pro an easy recommendation. It’s simple to set up, looks nice, works well in day-to-day use, yet remains affordable. We already liked the Ergotron LX, but the LX Pro is a great upgrade.

MSI MAG MT201 – Best budget monitor arm Price When Reviewed: 69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal MSI $69.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

The MSI MAG MT201 is an inexpensive monitor arm that’s rated to support 49-inch screens that weight up to 44 pounds. That’s high enough that it’s unnecessary; even my 42-inch LG B4 television weighs only 25 pounds. The MAG MT201 has a spring (rather than gas or gas-spring hybrid) tension system that proved capable of handling the 32-inch monitors I had on hand.

Setting up the MAG MT201 is a bit complicated. The stand’s assembly requires multiple steps and tightening numerous screws. Tools are provided, but it will take about 15 to 20 minutes to finish. This is something that separates the MAG MT201R from more expensive arms, like the top-rated Ergotron LX Pro. The steps required to assemble each monitor arm are similar, but the MT201 requires more screws, and some screws in awkward positions.

Adjusting the monitor is less difficult. The arm itself felt sturdy and swivels left and right, as well as up and down, without trouble. You’ll want an Allen-head screwdriver handy, though, as several adjustments including the monitor arm neck and height tension require it. The arm includes a quick-release VESA mount, meaning you can detach a monitor from it by removing a single thumb-screw. It’s a nice feature to have on a budget arm.

Aside from a prominent MSI logo, the monitor arm looks sleek, professional, and reserved, and could work equally well for a home office or a gaming setup. Build quality isn’t amazing, with plastic cladding over metal framing, but it’s a looker for a budget monitor arm. It’s better than the industrial look of the Monoprice monitor arm (our former budget pick) and more distinctive than budget arms from Huanuo and Vivo. The MAG MT201 also delivers a massive gain in quality over arms in the $25 to $50 bracket, most of which are less adjustable and even more difficult to set up.

Price works in the MSI MAG MT201’s favor. It carries an MSRP of $99.99, but it’s often on Amazon for around $60 to $80, with an all-time low price of $49.99. That makes the MSI MAG MT201 feel like the minimum viable monitor arm. Buying anything less expensive doesn’t make sense, as you’ll sacrifice too much in quality and design.

Huanuo HNSS6 Single Monitor Arm – Best monitor arm under $50 Price When Reviewed: 39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $44.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

The Huanuo HNSS6 Single Monitor Arm is easily our go-to recommendation for shoppers looking to buy the least expensive monitor arm that can still fulfill its job.

The arm comes in two pieces: The lower portion swivels while the upper portion allows for height, tilt, and rotation adjustments. A gas spring provides tension to keep monitors aloft, which is an upgrade from the clips and screws used by the least expensive arms. However, it’s worth noting that gas springs can lose their potency over time. These features are typical for the price: Most competitors are similar in design and use a gas cylinder.

What makes the Huanuo a winner is its overall quality and ease of install. Setup required installation of just three screws (and adjustment to a couple more). The clamp used to mount the arm to the desk was intuitive compared to rivals like the MountUp Single Monitor Arm, as the spacing of the clamp is adjustable without removing and re-installing screws to secure it. The arm claims to hold 32-inch displays up to 20 pounds, which is enough to hold most monitors. We tested it with panels up to 32 inches weighing up to 12 pounds, and it supported those with ease.

One notable downside is cable management. The plastic covers provided are finicky and won’t hold many wires, so if you want to add USB cables in addition to a video connection and power, you’re probably out of luck. To be fair, though, the same is true of most inexpensive arms.

The Huanuo wasn’t as easy to set up or adjust as the Ergotron LX, our favorite overall pick, and it’s not as sturdy as the Monoprice Single Monitor Arm, which typically sells for $60. Still, the Huanuo gets the job done.

Herman Miller Flo – Best upscale monitor arm Price When Reviewed: $295.00 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Herman Miller $295 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

Want a monitor arm that gets the job done and looks good doing it? The Herman Miller Flo is for you.

The Flo’s design sets it apart from the pack. Herman Miller ditches the angular, industrial design of many competitors for a smooth, natural look. While clearly designed for a corporate office, it also fits in with a home office setup, where its friendly, approachable look helps it blend in with its surroundings. The Flo is backed by a 12-year warranty and offers 24/7 customer service.

It’s easy to set up and use. The monitor’s clamp works similarly to other monitor arms I tested, but it’s more refined and requires fewer screws (a grommet is also available). The VESA mount is also excellent, providing a simple clip design that’s secure and can be easily pre-mounted to a monitor for simple installation. The way this mount works accommodates monitors that have a slightly recessed mount position, which may cause problems for other monitor arms.

The monitor’s range of adjustment isn’t much different from other high-end monitor arms. It offers 13.3 inches of vertical adjustment, 80 degrees of tilt, and 360 degrees of swivel and rotation. That’s essentially identical to the less expensive Ergotron LX. The Flo’s operation is smoother, however: I found I could adjust a monitor’s height with a mere nudge.

Surprisingly, the Flo has a listed weight limit of 20 pounds and recommends use with monitors weighing at least 7 pounds. Most monitors fit within this range, but some heavier models won’t be compatible with the Flo.

Herman Miller lists the Flo at $295, which is a lot to ask for a single-monitor arm. The Ergotron LX offers similar features at a much lower price. However, the Flo is a smoother, more appealing monitor arm, and worth the upgrade if you want form with your function.

Ergotron HX – Best heavy-duty monitor arm Price When Reviewed: $345.00 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $339.99 View Deal $344.99 View Deal $344.99 View Deal CDW $349 View Deal $349 View Deal Lenovo $349 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

It’s natural, given the only slight difference in name, to think the Ergotron HX is merely an uprated version of the Ergotron LX. That’s not the case. This is an entirely different monitor arm which pairs its increased capacity with improved build quality and a more professional look.

First, let’s talk weight. The Ergotron HX is rated to hold monitors that weigh up to 42 pounds and screen sizes up to 49 inches. That’s an extraordinarily high weight limit—I haven’t reviewed a single monitor in 2023 that exceeds it. I attached both a 32-inch widescreen and 38-inch ultrawide monitor, which weighed roughly 15 and 20 pounds, respectively, and the HX easily handled both.

The use of plastic is minimal and reserved for small portions of cladding that appear used only for cable routing. The arm’s moving parts include larger, sturdier mechanisms, and felt extremely smooth in my use. Ergotron backs the arm with a 10-year warranty.

The monitors range of adjustment is a bit limited compared to the LX. It offers 11.5 inches of height, 75 degrees of tilt, 180 degrees of swivel, and 360 degrees of rotation. However, a somewhat more limited height adjustment is typical in this category due to the size of monitors these stands are expected to carry.

The monitor arm’s impressive design also provides a more robust look. This could be a con for some, however, as the arm can seem a bit…much in a home office setup. It’s an expensive arm, as well. Expect to pay about $350.

The Ergotron HX is an obvious choice if you want to mount an ultrawide, super-ultrawide, or large format widescreen monitor on your desk.

Humanscale M2.1 with M/Connect – Best monitor arm w/ built-in dock Price When Reviewed: $356 (dock starts at an additional $214) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Humanscale $356 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

The Humanscale M2.1 with M/Connect laptop docking station is an attractive, robust, and modern monitor arm that can expand your laptop’s connectivity without taking up additional space on your desktop.

Humanscale’s entry-level M2.1 doesn’t include a laptop dock, but it’s designed to accommodate the M/Connect 3, which nestles snuggly into the base of the arm. Most home office shoppers will likely choose the M/Connect 3 USB Data Hub, which currently retails for $253 (on top of the M2.1’s base price of $356). The hub adds three USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. If you want even more ports, the $600 M/Connect 3 Pro Dock adds two more USB-A ports, two more USB-C, Ethernet, and two DisplayPort ports.

The M/Connect 3’s added connectivity is an excellent way to expand the ports on a laptop. Its central location makes the ports easy to access and keeps them firmly located in a set position on your desk (as opposed to freestanding hubs and adapters, which tend to get shoved around, or off, a desk). It’s also a good alternative to a USB-C monitor. We like USB-C monitors, but packing connectivity into the monitor can make it difficult to access some ports, as most are located on the rear of the display.

Connectivity aside, the Humanscale M2.1 is a robust, if conventional, monitor arm. It can handle monitors between 5 and 15 pounds, which is enough to support the vast majority of widescreen monitors under 32 inches in size. It also has a “smart stop” feature, which lets users customize the amount of rotation the arm allows, and easy-to-use quick release joints that are handy when disassembling or moving the arm. The arm isn’t as smooth in operation as the Herman Miller Flo, but it remains easy enough to adjust.

Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm – Best dual monitor arm Price When Reviewed: $356.41 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Lenovo $409 View Deal CDW $415 View Deal $444.99 View Deal $449 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

Two monitors are always better than one, and the same goes for monitor arms. It’s no surprise, then, that Ergotron’s LX Side-by-Side ranks as our best dual monitor arm. The Ergotron LX Side-by-Side pairs two LX monitor arms together on one mount. The look, feel, and specifications of each arm are close to its standalone sibling.

Monitor size is one exception: While the standard LX is rated for monitors up to 34 inches, the Side-by-Side’s arm is only rated for monitors up to 27 inches. The monitor arms aren’t long enough to fit two 32-inch or 34-inch monitors side-by-side. Vertical arrangements are also supported, though only if one of the two monitors is small (less than 23 inches diagonal).

Look and feel is otherwise similar to the standard Ergotron LX, and that’s why the dual monitor arm also earns a recommendation. The dual-monitor arm provides the same winning balance of build quality, adjustability, and smooth operation, and it’s backed by the same 10-year warranty.  Pricing is a bit higher at $330, which is a slight savings compared to buying two LX arms individually.

Workstream by Monoprice Dual Monitor Arm – Best budget dual monitor arm Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $132.88 View Deal $138 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

The same logic that applies to our favorite dual monitor arm also to the budget model, giving Monoprice’s Workstream Dual Monitor Arm a clear path to victory.

In fact, the dual arm’s pricing is even more impressive. The Workstream Dual Monitor is four times less expensive than the Ergotron LX Side-by-Side. I’m a bit shocked by the quality Monoprice can offer at a $100 price point. Ergotron’s alternative is more attractive and easier to use, but is it four times better? That’s a tough call.

The Workstream’s downsides are identical to standard model. Build quality is impressive for the price, but the arm is difficult to set up and not as smooth in operation. I’m also doubtful the arm is capable of handling two 20-pound monitors, as its spec sheets claim. Fortunately, 27-inch monitors (the largest this arm can handle side-by-side) usually weigh less than 10 pounds, so weight capacity shouldn’t be an issue.

Huanuo HNDS12 – Best mid-range dual monitor arm Price When Reviewed: $139.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $139.99 View Deal Huanuo $149.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

The Huanuo HNDS12 represents a middle ground for shoppers who want an upgrade in quality but need to respect their budget.

Each monitor arm is almost all metal with only a small piece of plastic to provide cable routing. The arm also has gas springs capable of lifting up to 26 pounds of weight, which is enough to handle 32-inch widescreen and 34-inch ultrawide monitors.

There’s one unusual feature: a USB hub. This includes two USB ports that are placed at the front of the arm base. Each of these will need to plug in to your computer, which might be a problem if you have a laptop with just a few ports, but it’s a functional bonus.

The Huanuo HNDS12, like the HNDS6 (below), is a bit fiddly to set up. It has two clamps that need to be adjusted and roughly a dozen screws that need to be installed. The gas springs also require a bit of adjustment to reduce the force provide, at least when used with a 24-inch or 27-inch monitor. 

Still, the HNDS12 is a good pick at its regular retail price of $140, which often drops as low as $110 when on sale. It looks attractive and offers plenty of force for holding larger monitors.

Clearspace Uni-2 – Best upscale dual monitor arm Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Clearspace Design $649 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

The Clearspace Uni-2’s design is a bit different from most competitors. It places two individual arms on a single pole. Each arm can adjust for height, swivel, and tilt, and each monitor mounts to an “independent slider” which can move right or left, making it easier to tune the placement of each monitor relative to the other. Compared to the Humanscale M8.1, I found the Uni-2 easier to adjust. However, the Humanscale M8.1’s beefy crossbar is likely to prove more stable if you’re mounting large monitors.

I think the Clearspace Uni-2 looks great, and that’s important. Competitors from Humanscale and Herman Miller also look luxurious but have a more corporate or “executive’s office” vibe. The Uni-2’s softer look feels more appropriate for a home office. Clearspace also provides black, silver, and white colorways, and every component of each colorway is molded in the promised color (which isn’t true of most competitors). Clearspace also throws in subtle touches, like soft-touch inserts on the side of each monitor arm. That’s the kind of design a home office user will appreciate.

Clearspace also looks to separate itself with connectivity. The Uni-2 comes standard Smart Hub that provides a single USB-A and USB-C port. That’s a small edge over competitors, which often sell the dock as an upgrade. Owners can improve the basic hub with the optional SmartDock (pictured), which expands connectivity to include additional USB ports, HDMI, and Ethernet. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend it: The SmartDock is priced at $650 yet lacks support for features I’d expect at that price, like 4K 60Hz video and 2.5Gbps Ethernet.

While the optional SmartDock is a miss, the arm is a winner. The Clearspace Uni-2 is expensive, but the price can be justified if you’re picky about the look and feel of your home office space. Clearspace also offers a single-monitor and triple-monitor arm: While I didn’t test them, I expect they’d offer similar perks.

Monitor arms that we don’t recommend MSI MPG MT201R Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

The MSI MPG MT201R is a heavy-duty monitor arm that’s rated to support 49-inch screens that weigh up to 44 pounds. It supports that weight with a gas spring mount. While that might sound like a lot, you shouldn’t think it makes the arm any more durable than another. Most monitors, even large ones, weigh less than 25 pounds, anyway.

Unboxing and setting up the MPG MT201R can take a while, as the stand comes in numerous parts connected by numerous screws. The tools are provided, and the included assembly guide is clear enough, but more expensive monitor arms usually ship with fewer parts. The monitor includes a VESA quick release feature that makes it easy to attach or detach a monitor by removing a single thumb screw.

The C-Clamp plate is broad­ and the base of the stand is also large. Together, these make for a very secure fit that is less likely to damage a desk, because the load of the clamp’s force is spread out more evenly.

MSI’s branding is prominent, and I don’t think that’s a plus. The monitor arm will only look “right” with an MSI MPG monitor. Even then, I don’t think MSI’s design across its product line is coherent enough to justify buying an MSI arm to go with an MSI monitor. On the plus side, the arm has RGB lighting which runs through the arm itself. The lighting is powered by USB-A. It doesn’t sync with other devices, but it looks nice.

Pricing is a bit awkward. The MSI MPG MT201R has an MSRP of $129.99 and often sells at that price, though it’s occasionally reduced to $99.99. That’s fair, but aside from the RGB lighting, I don’t think the MPG MT201R adds much value over a less expensive arm like the MSI MAG MT201 or the Workstream by Monoprice monitor arm. I’m also not sold on the design, which seems meant to appeal only to MSI super-fans.

MSI MPG MT161R Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

The MSI MPG MT161R is an affordable single monitor arm built for gamers who want something with some flair. It has a spring mechanism that can support screens up to 45 inches that weigh up to about 35 pounds.

Design is what sets the MPG MT161R apart. It uses plastic cladding to create a dramatic, mechanical look with sharp edges and a bit of red trim. The centerpiece, however, is undoubtedly the monitor arm’s base. It uses RGB lighting and reflective material to create a fun hall-of-mirrors effect. The lighting is powered by USB-A.

The extensive use of plastic cladding over the arm’s metal components is not to the arm’s credit, however. It feels spindly and inexpensive. To be fair, it’s an affordable arm with an MSRP of $109.99—but I think a price around $75 would be more in line with the quality of the arm. While the RGB lighting is fun, it’s limited to the base of the arm and doesn’t sync with other devices.

Setting up the arm is a bit finicky. The arm ships in numerous pieces and requires installation of numerous screws. Tools are included, and the assembly manual is adequate, but it’s annoying. The monitor includes a quick-release VESA mount which allows a monitor to be removed or reattached using a thumbscrew.

While I appreciate MSI’s attempt to design an arm that looks different, it’s hard to recommend the result. Many less expensive arms are at least as functional and the design, though unique, doesn’t seem worth much of a premium. I can only recommend it if you fancy the arm’s look.

MountUp MU0004 Single Monitor Arm Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

The MountUp MU0004 Single Monitor Arm seems like an even more affordable alternative to the Huanuo HNSS6. They look similar in photos, and each has a gas spring. However, the MountUp’s lower price — usually $5 to $10 less than the Huanuo — comes with some compromises.

The MountUp arm was more difficult to install. This is due to the clamp, which has a two-piece design that requires screws be removed and re-installed when adjusting the clamp’s size. Adjustment of the clamp was also a bit more difficult, as turning the knob required more force, and the clamp lacks a rubberized pad to prevent it from marking the underside of your desk.  We also didn’t like the MountUp’s fit and finish. It had a coarse, matte feel that seemed more industrial than the Huanuo, and miles behind the Ergotron LX.

It’s not all bad news. MonutUp says the monitor arm can support 32-inch displays up to 17 pounds. That’s rather heavy for a modern monitor, and it easily handled a 32-inch display weighing 12 pounds. While inferior to the Huanuo, the MonutUp could work if you don’t mind fiddling with a few more screws during installation and can overlooks is lackluster build quality.

Still, it’s hard to justifying paying $30 for the MonutUp if you can bug the Huanuo for $40 (or even $50). A monitor arm can last for years, so spending a few extra bucks for a better experience makes sense.    

Vivo STAND-V002 Dual Monitor Stand Price When Reviewed: $28.97 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

At the time we bought it for testing, the Vivo STAND-V002 was ranked as the second best-selling monitor arm on Amazon. That’s a shame, because it’s easily the worst arm we’ve tested so far.

To be fair, it’s also the least expensive. The STAND-V002 is typically sold below $30. That’s less than many top-selling single monitor arms! Vivo achieves that by cutting the arm’s features to the bone.

Adjustability is minimal, so much so that Vivo (mostly) advertises the STAND-V002 as a “desk mount” or “stand” instead of an arm. It has a clamp, a pole, and two jointed arms that attach to the pole at a single point. You can adjust the monitors for height, but only together: One can’t be higher than the other. The arms, meanwhile, have joints that allow swivel and adjustment side-to-side, as well as tilt up and down. You can’t adjust these on-the-fly, though, because everything is tensioned by screws that must be loosened with a tool, adjusted, and then re-tightened to keep the monitors in place. 

Build quality is poor. Vivo claims the arms can hold two monitors up to 22 pounds each, but we noticed a slight deflection downward even when attaching a 27-inch display weighing 10 pounds. Cable management is provided by plastic clips that are barely adequate to the task and tend to fall off when jostled. The clamp is small and lacks a rubber pad, so it could mark softer woods and materials.

We suppose the Vivo could work if you plan to mount a couple 24-inch monitors and don’t care about adjusting them once in place, but it’s otherwise not worth $30. It’s cheap, sure — but in our experience, monitor arms this cheap tend to fall apart after a couple years (or less).

Humanscale M8.1 Price When Reviewed: $545 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

Humanscale is synonymous with high-end office furniture: The Freedom chair is something of an icon in executive offices across the globe. But Humanscale’s high-end office hardware is at times an awkward fit for a home office, as the M8.1 demonstrates.

The Humanscale M8.1 looks similar to the M2.1, but it’s upgraded to handle monitors between 6 and 28 pounds (almost double the M2.1 in our list above). That’s enough to handle nearly any monitor available today, including large ultrawides like the Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW. The arm can also handle two monitors of the appropriate combined weight and offers a “crossbar” to support them both on a single arm.

That’s good, and useful, but pricing is an obstacle. The arm starts at $545, but the crossbar (required to use two monitors) ups the price to $686. The M/Connect 3 laptop dock is also available to the M8.1 but, of course, adds even more to the price. That’s a bit hard to accept when the Ergotron HX, which supports monitors up to 42 pounds, starts at $350, or $585 for the dual-monitor crossbar version. Ergotron’s alternative feels as sturdy, supports even larger and heavier displays, and is less expensive.

The Humanscale M8.1 has features you won’t find on the Ergotron, such as an optional laptop dock and customizable arm rotation, and it’s a fine selection if price is no obstacle. In most cases, though, the M8.1’s price will be hard to justify.

Huanuo HNDS6 Price When Reviewed: $67.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

Huanuo’s HNDS6 is a budget dual-monitor arm that’s popular on Amazon (in fact, it’s listed as the best-seller in Computer Monitor Arms). It provides a reasonable level of quality at a low price but fails to unseat the Workspace by Monoprice Dual Monitor Arm on our list.

We’ll begin with the positives, which, to be clear, outweigh the problems. The Huanuo HNDS6 carefully walks the value tightrope to deliver a decent dual-monitor arm at a typical price of $60 (which can dip below $50 on sale). The arm’s metal construction feels rigid and looks durable.

Each arm is rated to hold between 4.4 and 14.3 pounds. That’s not a lot: The Workstream by Monoprice arm is rated up to 20 pounds. Still, it’s enough to handle a huge majority of 24- and 27-inch monitors, and the monitor arms provided plenty of lift in our testing.

We’re not a fan of the arm’s installation. It has two clamps instead of one unified clamp, which is strange, because the base of the monitor arm is one solid piece. There are roughly a dozen screws to install. And the included cable routing can prove hard to tighten once several cables are held within the routing.

The Huanuo HNDS6 is a decent dual-monitor arm for the price and worthwhile on a discount (it was once sold for just $38). In general, though, we think the Monoprice Workstream Dual Monitor Arm provides more for a similar price.

What to look for in a monitor arm

Purchasing a monitor arm is a bit different from purchasing most home office gear. A monitor arm, unlike a monitor, is a hefty, durable piece of equipment that never really goes obsolete. It must also support the specific functions you want out of the box, since upgrades and customization tend to be limited.

If you’re still on the fence about whether a monitor arm is worth the money and the time it takes to set up, read our article that answers why a monitor arm is most definitely worth it.

Adjustability and range of motion

The range of adjustability and motion a monitor arm can offer is a critical but often overlooked feature. A monitor arm should adjust for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot—and it should do so without tools.

All the monitor arms we recommend meet this standard, but some differences remain. Only some monitor arms provide 360 degrees of swivel, meaning the neck of the monitor arm can be rotated to any position. That’s handy if your desk is in the middle of your room since you can use the monitor from various positions.

Most inexpensive monitor arms ditch adjustability and stick with simple tension mechanisms that are secured by a screw. It’s inexpensive but fixes the monitor’s position in place once it’s adjusted. We recommend avoiding mounts that use this strategy.

Ease of installation and adjustment

None of the monitor arms tested were difficult to install, but the difference between budget and premium models was clear. Budget models require more screws to install, and the default tension of the arm’s adjustment mechanism is less likely to be suitable out-of-the-box.

The ease of adjustment varies greatly, too. All the monitor arms we surveyed require an Allen wrench to adjust tension (which is necessary if the arm seems too stiff or loose), but some were much more difficult than others. The Herman Miller Flo felt smooth and effortless, while the Workstream by Monoprice required serious torque.

Cable management

Proper cable management is important if you value a clean, clutter-free desk.

This is one aspect of design that didn’t improve with pricing. The Herman Miller Flo’s cable management was basic, while the Workstream by Monoprice hid cables well. This did come with a trade-off, though, as the Flo’s seemed least likely to cause cables to bind while moving the monitor.

While cable management is useful, none of the monitor arms I tested can handle the full complement of cables that might be attached to a high-end USB-C monitor (like the Dell U3223QE). This is an aspect of monitor arm design that manufacturers could improve.

Maximum supported size and weight

It’s important to buy a monitor arm that can handle the monitor you own.

This won’t be a major concern if you own a 24-inch or 27-inch monitor, as most such monitors weigh 10 pounds or less. With that said, it’s wise to double-check the monitor’s weight before buying a monitor arm. Remember the monitor’s weight can exclude its stand. Larger 32-inch, 34-inch, and 49-inch monitors are more difficult to handle and may require an upgrade to a “heavy duty” monitor arm.

Monitor size limits should be respected as well. It might be possible to attach a 40-inch monitor to an arm meant for a 32-inch monitor. The 40-inch monitor may even come within the arm’s weight limit. A larger monitor will distribute weight differently, however, which could cause an arm’s tension mechanism to fail.

How we test monitor arms

Every monitor arm we recommend was personally tested first-hand at a PC World contributor’s home or the PC World office. We examine the quality, ease of installation, and range of adjustment of each arm to verify it meets the manufacturer’s claims. The monitors we use to test arms can vary over time, but generally include at least one 27-inch and one 32-inch widescreen monitor. Monitor arms rated for “heavy duty” use were tested with at least one monitor that weighs 20 pounds or more.

FAQ 1. What is the best monitor arm?

The best single monitor arm is the Ergotron LX Pro. It’s easy to set up, looks attractive, works well in day-to-day use, and, at just a little over $200, remains affordable.

2. What is the best cheap monitor arm?

The best budget monitor arm is the MSI MAG MT201. It can accommodate screens up to 49 inches and 44 pounds. There is a little bit of assembly required, but the necessary tools are supplied. But once done, adjusting the arm is easy. It also looks very nice for a budget monitor arm. MSRP is $99.99, but it’s common to see the MT201 for $70 or less.

3. Is a monitor arm worth it?

Whether a monitor arm is worth the price is subjective, but we believe our recommended monitor arms are worth making the investment. A monitor arm is easier to use than a stand, allows a wider range of adjustment, and keeps your desk clear of clutter. They’re also durable—there’s a good chance you’ll replace a monitor before the monitor arm.

4. Are monitor arms compatible with my monitor?

Nearly all monitors, and nearly all monitor arms, use the VESA mounting standard. The 100x100mm bolt pattern is by far the most common, though 75x75mm is sometimes used as an alternative. All the monitor arms we recommend support both bolt patterns.

Not sure that your monitor supports VESA? Check the rear of the monitor. The VESA mount can be found in the center of the monitor, and the bolt pattern can be verified with a ruler or tape measure. This is likely beneath the neck of your monitor’s stand if you have one attached.

It’s possible to mount a monitor that lacks a VESA mount, but you’ll need to purchase a VESA adapter. It’s a large, X-shaped device that clamps to the rear of the monitor.

5. Are monitor arms compatible with my desk?

Most monitor arms offer two mounting options: clamp and gromet.

A clamp mount is the most common for home office use. A U-shaped clamp fits over an edge of your desk. A screw mechanism is used to secure it. Most clamps are adjusted by hand and fit a wide range of desks. It’s important to double-check a monitor arm’s specifications if your desk is more than an inch thick, as some clamp mounts are too small to work with a thick desk surface. The clamp also requires an edge that’s free of obstructions on both the top and bottom of the desk.

Grommet mounts insert into the circular cut-outs found on many desks built and sold for corporate offices. A grommet mount is also a form of clamp, but size of the mechanism is different, and the mount attaches the monitor to the interior of the desk instead of an exterior edge.

Nearly all monitor arms ship with a clamp and grommet mount, but grommet mounts are less common. It’s wise to double-check that a grommet mount is supported if that’s how you plan to mount the monitor arm.

6. Will a monitor arm damage my desk?

It’s possible that a monitor arm’s clamp mount, if used, will cause minor damage to your desk. It may scratch the desk’s surface when mounted or removed, and over-torquing the clamp might cause a dent on some softer desks, such as those which use a veneer over particleboard. A glass desk can also prove troublesome—refer to the desk’s manufacturer to make sure it’s safe to use a monitor arm.

7. Do monitor arms wobble?

A quality monitor arm will tame minimal monitor wobble, though some might come through if the arm is mounted to a thin, light desk. Make sure to mount the monitor arm to a secure surface and adjust the arm’s tension to a level suitable for the monitor you’ve mounted.

8. Should I buy a $25 monitor arm on Amazon?

A monitor arm’s price tag can intimidate budget shoppers. Most budget monitors sell for $200 or less. Spending another $150 to $300 for a monitor arm can seem hard to justify.

Still, we encourage shoppers to avoid cheap monitor arms found on Amazon and other retailers. The least expensive monitor arms lack a dynamic tension mechanism, like a gas piston or spring. A few arms in the $35 to $50 range use a gas piston, but it’s often a wimpy example barely sufficient for holding a 27-inch monitor.

Inexpensive monitor arms also lean more heavily on plastic. That’s not necessarily a problem out-of-the-box, but plastic tends to become brittle over time, which may reduce the lifespan of a monitor arm.

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A hacker used AI to create ransomware that evades antivirus detection

  • Security Software and Services

Vibe coding is all the rage among enthusiasts who are using large language models (or “AI”) to replace conventional software development, so it’s not shocking that vibe coding has been used to power ransomware, too. According to one security research firm, they’ve spotted the first example of ransomware powered and enabled by an LLM—specifically, an LLM by ChatGPT maker OpenAI.

According to a blog post from ESET Research interviewing researcher Anton Cherepanov, they’ve detected a piece of malware “created by the OpenAI gpt-oss:20b model.” PromptLock, a fairly standard ransomware package, includes embedded prompts sent to the locally stored LLM. Because of the nature of LLM outputs (which create unique, non-repeated results with each prompt), it can evade detection from standardized antivirus setups, which are designed to search for specific flags.

ESET elaborates in a Mastodon post, spotted by Tom’s Hardware. PromptLock uses Lua scripts to inspect files on a local system, encrypt them, and send sensitive data to a remote computer. It appears to be searching for Bitcoin information specifically, and thanks to the wide-open nature of the OpenAI model and the Ollama API, it can work on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Because gpt-oss:20b is a lightweight, open-source AI model that can run on local PC hardware, it doesn’t need to call back to more elaborate systems like ChatGPT—and as a result, it can’t be outright blocked by OpenAI itself.

It’s written in Golang using Lua scripts, tools that would be familiar to anyone who’s making games in, say, Roblox. The point being that it’s possible PromptLock was created by someone with little-to-no experience in conventional programming. Though the output is variable, the prompts themselves are static, so Cherepanov says that “the current implementation does not pose a serious threat” despite its novelty.

“Script kiddies are now prompt kiddies,” said one Mastodon user in reply.

Wow! The ad-free Kindle Kids just dropped to its best price all year

  • E-readers

Getting your kids to read can be difficult, but the Kindle Kids can help with that. Since they’re already spending so much time in front of a screen, why not try this kind of screen? The Kindle Kids is a version of the Kindle designed specially for kids, and right now it’s on sale for just $99.99. That’s the cheapest price it’s been since Black Friday!

This is the newest Kindle Kids, featuring a 6-inch glare-free E-Ink display that replicates what it’s like to read text on physical paper. It comes with 16GB of storage—plenty of space to store thousands of e-books—and it lasts up to 6 weeks on a full charge. The Kindle Kids has no ads (nice), and you can configure parental controls to keep your children safe from explicit content on the Kindle Store. And since there are no apps, videos, or games, the Kindle Kids really does encourage reading.

This Kindle Kids comes with a kid-friendly cover, a robust build, and a two-year worry-free guarantee where Amazon will replace the device for free if your kid somehow manages to break it. Your purchase also comes with six months of an Amazon Kids+ subscription, which provides unlimited access to age-appropriate digital books and graphic novels. Afterwards, it’s only $5.99/month to continue.

Reading is a fantastic way to develop a child’s brain, and a Kindle Kids device is one way to encourage more of that. As your kids head back to school, get a Kindle Kids for only $99.99 while you still can!

Save 23% on a Kindle Kids and get your kids reading a lot moreBuy now at Amazon

Toallin Hello Pro 2K webcam review: Confusing models, mediocre performance

  • Webcams

At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros
  • Excellent image quality
  • Good Construction
  • Decent price, though more expensive than its in-house rival
Cons
  • Mediocre noise cancellation
  • Poor Windows Hello recognition
Our Verdict

Toallin’s Hello Pro 2K QHD webcam captures surprisingly great video and images, falling somewhat short on audio. But when it comes to Windows Hello, it falls down on the job.

Price When Reviewed

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Best Pricing Today

Price When Reviewed

$59.99

Best Prices Today: Toallin Hello Pro 2K QHD Webcam Retailer Price $42.99 View Deal $53.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

When I bought Toallin’s Hello Pro 2K QHD webcam, I wasn’t sure whether I was buying the right one. I don’t think I did.

Let me explain.

Toallin offers two versions of its 2K Windows Hello webcam on Amazon: the cheaper 2K version, which we recommend, and the version I review here–I mistakenly thought the more expensive option was the newer one. I also made the mistake of thinking that two webcams with identical names would be the same, even if they looked slightly different. Wrong again!

What I ended up reviewing was a Toallin webcam that I wouldn’t recommend because it does a poor job of authenticating you — the entire point of a Windows Hello webcam. As an ordinary webcam, it does a surprisingly good job, minus the audio portion.

Toallin’s Hello Pro 2K QHD webcam: Design and construction

Toallin ships its Hello Pro 2K webcam (at least from Amazon) in a plain brown box with little ostentation.

Toallin says that the camera only needs a USB 2.0 connection. While the included 4.5-foot cable connects to the webcam using USB-C, the default connection to your laptop is USB-A. Helpfully, Toallin also includes a passive USB-A to USB-C dongle, effectively making it a “true” USB-C cable on either end.

Toallin’s webcam is rated at “2K,” offering a 2592×1944 resolution at 30Hz. The camera doesn’t exceed 30Hz in any mode, including 1080p and lower resolutions. While you can stream video on YouTube or Twitch at resolutions greater than 1080p, all videoconferencing applications at the time of this review support 1080p or lower resolutions.

A sliding shutter on top of Toallin’s webcam can be slid opened or closed.

Mark Hachman / Foundry

Toallin says that the fixed-focus camera has an image sensor that measures one-third of an inch, with a focal length of 2.88mm and a f/2.2 aperture. All told, the field of view is 92 degrees, which works pretty well for videoconferencing applications where only your face is in view. Unfortunately, this webcam doesn’t seem to be compatible with Windows Studio Effects, which can use pan and zoom effects to crop in on your face. To be fair, however, most videoconferencing applications seem to do this automatically.

The Hello Pro webcam includes both a small green LED to indicate when the camera is on, and a separate one which lights when your face is recognized. Toallin also includes two small lenses for seeing you: an infrared lens illuminates your face, while a separate optical lens is used for video calls. Both can be covered up by a sliding privacy shutter mounted on the top of the camera.

Most webcams use what I call a “jaws” construction. The top “jaw,” upon which the camera is mounted, has a long ridge or “tooth” which folds over the top of your laptop or display. The camera then has an adjustable arm that supports the webcam. I always like webcams which add a small, pivoting piece on the bottom jaw which helps cushion and hold the webcam flat against the back of the display. Toallin’s webcam has one, which is a bit grippy to boot. That’s important with a laptop, which you might be frequently moving about and readjusting.

The bottom portion of the webcam makes solid contact with the back of the laptop.

Mark Hachman / Foundry

The webcam mount can be folded at a 90-degree angle to sit flat on your desk or on a shelf. The base also includes the nearly ubiquitous threaded screw hole for a mount or tripod, though that’s not included.

Toallin’s Hello Pro 2K QHD Webcam: Performance

I only have to compare my own laptop’s webcam to newcomers like Toallin to see how far we’ve come — and that’s after the early Surface webcams were the best integrated webcams of the pandemic. The difference in quality is surprisingly noticeable.

Toallin’s Hello Pro 2K webcam does not feel like a premium camera, though it tries its best to convince you that it is. Unlike other premium cameras, however, Toallin hasn’t invested in a premium software package or utility to control the camera’s functions. It’s all handled by Windows, and that isn’t a black mark. You’ll just have to know to navigate to the Windows camera settings (Bluetooth & devices > Cameras > 2K USB Camera) to manage functions like the brightness, contrast, sharpness, and saturation.

As a webcam, this performs pretty well — at least where the imagery is concerned. But in terms of audio, and as a Windows Hello device, this isn’t a great choice.

Toallin does claim to provide some automatic compensation, and the default image looks surprisingly good. I noticed a little dynamic change in the color after I moved, indicating that the color was being adjusted, too.

As part of my webcam testing methodology for PCWorld, I weigh image quality pretty heavily, next to price. That’s pretty obvious. And while you might be able to tweak the Windows settings to make adjustments to your specific setup, I leave it alone. I first test the camera in my basement office, lit by a lamp and my display, then move upstairs where natural light illuminates my face.

Mark Hachman / Foundry

While Toallin’s webcam didn’t deliver a perfect picture, I think you’ll agree that it looks pretty good.

Upstairs, I have a side-lit couch that I use to take webcam selfies on. Here, my face looks ruddier than it should, but otherwise the color seems to be pretty accurate. The pillows and the paintings behind me appear as they should, or quite close to it. It’s a little dim, but nothing a few adjustments to the Windows camera settings could compensate for.

Mark Hachman / Foundry

Finally, I test noise cancellation, which I record directly through the Sound Recorder app on the PC, while playing back a rock song as well as some white noise via a phone or speaker that I place behind me and off to the side. Some of the webcams really filter both out significantly, to the point where the background noise is almost indistinguishable. That’s what I like, so that any ambient noise isn’t distracting to whoever it is you’re speaking to.

The Toallin Hello Pro 2K’s noise cancellation is mediocre. While the recorded sound was noticeably lower than the volume behind me, both the music as well as the ambient noise were still distinctly audible. Fortunately, you do have an option to use a laptop’s microphone instead, if that’s connected to the webcam itself. But this is a case where the webcam’s low price is matched by its quality, unfortunately.

As for the Windows Hello recognition? Surprisingly, not great. You would expect that a minute after registering your face, that the camera would recognize you. And it did, sort of.

I used the camera to perform a new capture of my face, using the Windows “improve recognition” setting. I mounted the camera on my display, then looked directly at it during the authentication process. That worked. Looking at my screen, slightly away, during authentication? Authentication wasn’t consistent. Windows Hello frequently asked me to move further away so it could recognize me.

Even sitting down, facing the screen, and authenticating in that pose didn’t produce consistent results. I test Windows Hello webcams over a few days to see how the performance is affected, and it didn’t improve.

As a webcam, I was very pleased with the webcam’s performance. As a Windows Hello webcam, you can do better.

It certainly makes me wonder if I was testing the “right” camera. This version of the Toallin Hello Pro 2K webcam was priced at $53 on Amazon, and is a fixed-focus webcam. The other Toallin 2K QHD webcam — which appears to be otherwise identical — is priced at $39.99 and includes autofocusing capabilities and a tighter 84-degree field of view.

I think PCWorld bought the wrong Toallin webcam!

Toallin’s Hello Pro 2K Webcam: Should you buy it?

Accessory manufacturers often swap out one device for another, shipping a new design with upgraded features. As a webcam, this performs pretty well — at least where the imagery is concerned. But in terms of audio, and as a Windows Hello webcam, this isn’t a great choice.

The Toallin webcam we currently recommend as part of our best webcam roundup is the “correct” one, as far as I can see. I’m just surprised to see such a difference.

Samsung’s speedy 32-inch 1440p monitor is only $220 right now

  • Monitors

If you want to upgrade your budget PC gaming setup without shelling out a ton of cash, what are your options? One thing that’ll make a big impact is sizing up to a speedy gaming display, like the 32-inch Samsung Odyssey G55C. Now’s a great time to snag one because it’s down to $219.99 on Amazon (was $329.99), a hefty 33% off its original price.

The Samsung Odyssey G55C offers plenty of screen real estate with its 32-inch panel at 2560×1440, allowing you to enjoy your games or movies while also providing enough space for all your windows and apps. Our only complaint here is that we wish it were an IPS panel instead of VA, but that’s partly why the price is so affordable on this thing.

That VA panel also makes it possible for this monitor to hit its speedy 165Hz refresh rate, providing smooth visuals for all the frames your PC is capable of cranking out. Between that and the 1ms response time and HDR10 images and AMD FreeSync compatibility, it’s about as good as it gets at this price. Connectivity is slightly lacking, only offering HDMI and DisplayPort, but you can’t expect too much here.

This is a great step up for any budget gaming PC battlestation that won’t cost an arm and a leg. Get the 32-inch Samsung Odyssey G55C for $219.99 before this limited-time deal runs out!

Save 33% on this budget-friendly 32-inch 1440p 165Hz gaming monitorBuy now at Amazon

I’m shocked by the price for Asus’ ultra-innovative Falcata split gaming keyboard

  • Keyboards

Split keyboards are hard to find, especially if you’re looking for something in the gaming niche, and doubly so if you want something from a mainstream retail store. But we have just such an example available today. First appearing at CES 2025 in January, the Asus ROG Falcata 75% keyboard is now available at Best Buy. The price? An eye-watering $420.

This version of the Falcata is an interesting beast. As the full-length title implies, it’s a 75% layout, which basically means laptop-style with a full function row and arrow keys but no numpad. The keyboard’s signature feature is its ability to split in half, separating into two sections tethered by a USB cable. Many typists prefer this option for ergonomic layouts, and gamers like it for similar reasons. Notably, this keyboard is wireless—you still need that cable for the left side of the board, even when it’s positioned in its conventional layout, but Bluetooth, 2.4GHz dongle-based wireless, and standard USB are all options.

The rest of the keyboard is a laundry list of in-demand features. PBT keycaps, interior layers of foam, and, of course, RGB lighting are included. You get magnetic Hall effect switches with adjustable actuation, which are hot-swap capable… but exactly how many switch options you’ll have access to aren’t known at the moment. (The ones in the box are linear, pre-lubed, with 49 grams of resistance.) A scroll wheel on the left side can be set to adjust actuation and show results with the LEDs that run along the edge, but thankfully there’s no LCD or OLED screen included, because that would be really dumb. 8K polling is available even in wireless mode, with a maximum battery life of 200 hours.

Critically, Asus is not claiming that the ROG Falcata 75% is an ergonomic keyboard. This is, first and foremost, a keyboard for gaming. But it does offer more options than usual for anyone who wants adjustment, as only makes sense for a split design. You get two silicone wrist rests that can be installed and fastened to the split portions of the board, and eight screw-in feet that raise up the keyboard’s back or inner sides, depending on your preference. It’s not a full tenting kit, but it’s a lot more than you get with any conventional keyboard layout.

It’s an impressive offering, to be sure… but $420 is a lot for a keyboard in anybody’s money. That’s reaching well beyond even the pricey range of wireless gaming boards from major manufacturers, soaring into the lower portions of custom keyboard designs. And this isn’t the first time Asus has pushed so hard on a super-expensive design.

For that money, you could get the well-loved Dygma Raise 2, which includes more ergonomic options (but admittedly doesn’t have wireless at that price, requiring an expensive upgrade). Split keyboard fans are a small but enthusiastic bunch, and they don’t mind spending a lot, but I wonder how much they’d be willing to trust Asus with a first-gen design.

Microsoft Word documents will soon auto-save to the cloud by default

  • Professional Software, Windows

Since a while back, there’s been a setting in Microsoft 365 that makes it possible to auto-save Word documents to the cloud. It’s a convenient feature that helps mitigate the risk of losing data in case of an app crash or system outage, and one of the many Microsoft Word tips and tricks worth knowing about if you use it often.

But you have to enable the feature per-document to take advantage of it. At least, that was the case until now. According to a recent Microsoft 365 Insider blog post, this auto-save option will soon be enabled by default for all new Word documents.

Microsoft

When enabled, the Word document will automatically save to OneDrive or your preferred cloud destination. The benefits include:

Increased security and compliance: Files saved in the cloud are automatically protected by your company’s security rules and labeling, so you don’t have to take extra steps to keep them safe and compliant.

Never lose your progress: You don’t have to worry about losing your work—creation in the cloud means your document is automatically saved for you as you go.

Flexible file control and storage: You’re in charge of your files—you can choose what they’re named, decide where they’re saved, and organize them your way. Store them in OneDrive, SharePoint, or other locations to keep everything just where you want it.

Access from anywhere: Files you create in Word for Windows are instantly available on your Android or iOS device, or in a web browser. When you make changes on one device, they sync everywhere.

Easy collaboration: It’s easy to work with others—just share your cloud file to start collaborating right away, add comments, and make changes together. AutoSave keeps your work updated in real time.

Copilot and Agent support: From the moment you create a file, you can use Copilot and Agent features right away. This lets you get AI-powered help whenever you need it as you create or update your documents (Note: A Copilot Chat or Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required).

This feature is currently only available in Word for Windows, starting with Version 2509 (Build 19221.20000). It will soon be coming to Excel for Windows and PowerPoint for Windows as well later this year.

I won’t leave my house without these 6 useful gadgets under $50

  • Gadgets

In a world of overpriced tech and gear, it’s easy to think that you have to spend a ton of money on the things you need to have in your backpack whenever you leave home.

From multi-tools that fit on your keychain to powerful portable chargers, we’ve rounded up a list of fantastic gadgets that will enhance your daily life without spending more than $50 on anything.

Ugreen power bank

Ugreen

Listen, you need a power bank. I don’t care how good your phone’s battery life is — there will come a day when you’ll forget to actually plug in your device at night and wake up with 10 percent battery and no time to recharge before you have to leave for work. So get one of these Ugreen power banks and keep it in your backpack. With 20,000mAh capacity, you can recharge your phone fully about four times. It even has its own integrated USB-C cable, alongside a couple of extra ports. This one’s under $50 even without a discount, but you can often find it for $30 when on sale.

Buy it on Amazon Anker USB-C adapter

Anker

That laptop you carry with you every day likely has a shortage of ports because most laptops nowadays do. So, one thing you can shove into your bag for whenever you need it is one of these Anker 7-in-1 hubs. Not only do you get access to another 4K HDMI port, but you also get several extra USB-A ports for peripherals and flash drives, and even SD and TF card readers. And it has a full price of $26, so if you wait long enough you can get it for around $20. It’s small and affordable, but oh so useful to have in your everyday carry.

Buy it on Amazon Baseus retractable cable

Baseus

How many times have you wished you’d had an extra USB-C cable in your bag? Well, this Baseus retractable fast-charging cable is a great solution, especially since it’s only $11 at its full price. This thing has four length presets, with the maximum being 3.3 feet. It’s cute, it’s round, and it all winds back in when you’re no longer using the cable. Besides the benefit of occupying so little space, it also protects your cables from getting damaged in your bag. Win-win!

buy it on amazon Geekay keychain multitool

Geekay

If you throw this into your backpack, hook it to that little keychain many of them have inside a pocket, or roll it next to your keys, this thing will come in handy. It looks like an actual key, but it’s so much more. The Geekey keychain multitool acts as a screwdriver, bike spoke key, wrench, box cutter, bottle opener, wire stripper, protractor, and you can measure things in inches in centimeters. The thing is so versatile you won’t have an issue shelling out $20 on it.

Buy it on Amazon RovyVon A3 keychain mini flashlight

RovyVon

Do you always need a flashlight? No. But I bet you’ll love having this thing when your phone’s light isn’t enough or you’re out of battery. As small as this mini flashlight is, it delivers 650 lumens, which means it can get quite bright. And since it’s about the size of your finger, there’s no battery you have to replace — it comes with a USB-C port so you can recharge it that way instead. It’s water resistant, lightwight, and ideal to have on hand when you’re going camping or coming home late and fumbling for the keyhole. And it’s usually less than $20.

Buy it on Amazon Ugreen Finetrack

Ugreen

You know what you also need to have in your daily carry? A Bluetooth tracker. Sure, the chance is low that your backpack will get stolen, but it’s never zero. Ugreen has these FineTrack trackers that do everything AirTags do, but for a lot cheaper. Plus, they have a keychain hole so you don’t need extra accessories to tie them to your belongings. You can even get them to pair with Samsung phones. These things are often about $10 a piece.

Buy it on Amazon

Disney might kill the best streaming idea in years

  • Streaming Media

The best way to watch Monday Night Football without paying for a full TV package or ESPN subscription could be short-lived if Disney gets its way.

Disney is suing Sling TV over its Day Passes, which provide access to Sling’s Orange bundle (including Disney-owned ESPN and more than 30 other channels) for $5, with weekend and weeklong passes also available for $10 and $15 respectively. By comparison, a full month of Sling Orange costs $46, and ESPN’s new streaming service costs $30 per month on its own.

With Day Passes, Sling is solving a real problem with sports streaming: Even if you’re only interested in a single game, you must pay for an entire month of service. Programmers like Disney should be embracing this approach to reach audiences who otherwise might not pay anything, but they’re too short-sighted to realize it.

Why Sling is right

While we all want more flexible options, new standalone offerings from the likes of Fox and Disney’s ESPN are insufficient. Both companies have intentionally set prices high—$30 per month for ESPN, $20 per month for Fox One—hoping to prolong the pay TV model that’s collapsing under them. The appeal will likely be limited.

We’ve already seen this play out with regional sports networks, most of which now offer their own standalone services in the $20 to $30 per month range. Despite offering more local team games than ESPN and Fox combined, these offerings aren’t gaining much traction because they’re just too expensive. The networks themselves have admitted it.

Meanwhile, younger viewers are tuning out. According to Front Office Sports, the average primetime NFL viewer is 62.5 years old, and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro acknowledged that executives at the company worry about resonating with young audiences. A recent survey of sports executives found that 65 percent are concerned about maintaining live sports’ relevance.

So here’s a wild idea: Maybe make it easier for people to get in the door. Let them buy access to a game, or a weekend, or a week, and maybe they’ll come back for more. If not, at least they’ll have paid something instead of turning back to piracy. The old TV business model is falling apart regardless, so now is the time to try new things.

Disney: Sling didn’t ask us

As we’re learning now, Disney isn’t the one willing to experiment. While Sling previously indicated that it briefed its programming partners on the Day Passes, it never explicitly said that they were on board.

Disney, meanwhile, says it didn’t even get the memo. “Sling TV’s new offerings, which they made available without our knowledge or consent, violate the terms of our existing license agreement,” the company said in a statement to media outlets. It wants the court to make Sling remove Disney’s channels from the Day Passes.

Keep in mind that in the pay TV world, distributors like Sling typically pay a per-month, per-subscriber “carriage fee” to programmers like Disney in exchange for their channels. The per-subscriber fee for ESPN alone was reportedly around $10 per month a couple of years ago, and that cost gets passed onto customers.

The fact that Sling launched its day passes without Disney’s blessing raises some knotty questions, like: How much does Sling pay Disney when someone only signs up for a day? Is it counting per-subscriber carriage fees in a different way, or eating the month’s fee in hopes that day pass holders become regular subscribers? Were any other programmers on board with the idea, or was this all just a gambit to bring them to the bargaining table?

Sling’s PR department didn’t answer those questions, but said it plans to fight the lawsuit, which it called meritless. “We will vigorously defend our right to bring customers a viewing experience that fits their lives, on their schedule and on their terms,” the company said.

A long history of short-sightedness

Unfortunately, this kind of hardball hasn’t ended well for TV distributors in the past.

Back in 2015, Verizon tried to offer a flexible TV package for Fios customers, with a base channel lineup and a selection of “Channel Packs” for things like sports and news. Disney sued over it, and while Verizon initially claimed it was within its rights, it eventually watered down the offering and settled the lawsuit.

Then, in 2020, T-Mobile tried to launch a new TV service with two distinct packages—one with broadcast, news, and sports channels, and one focused on entertainment. Programmers flipped out, claiming that T-Mobile tricked them into splitting up their channels, and T-Mobile wound up exiting the TV business entirely.

With the bottom dropping out on the pay TV business, programmers have only now started embracing a modicum of flexibility, with companies like DirecTV offering “Genre Packs” for less than a typical pay TV package. But even that only happened because DirecTV was wiling to wage a PR war against Disney and subject its customers to extended blackouts.

These kinds of changes shouldn’t have taken a decade, and deep down, programmers know it. They’ve quietly bemoaned the destruction of the pay TV bundle, yet they did nothing to avert it.

With day passes, programmers like Disney have another chance to innovate on a tired business model and reach folks who might not otherwise even pay for their services. While it’s no surprise that they’re against it, hopefully Sling can force the issue.

Sign up for Jared’s Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter to get more streaming TV insights every Friday.

Windows 11 supercharges Bluetooth quality in game chats & voice calls

  • Windows

According to a recent Windows blog post, you’ll no longer experience drops in Bluetooth audio quality on Windows 11 while also using voice. Microsoft will soon be rolling out a new feature called super wideband stereo for Bluetooth LE Audio on Windows 11.

In short, Microsoft is adding support for a new LE Audio compression algorithm that supports even higher “super wideband” audio fidelity even while using voice. In other words, Windows 11 will soon be able to play audio in high-quality stereo while using the microphone.

Previously, Bluetooth headsets automatically switched to an 8 kHz sampling rate when the microphone was used, and could only play “super wideband” audio in mono. The sampling rate now goes up to 32 kHz and supports “super wideband” in stereo.

The update also makes it possible to use spatial audio in Microsoft Teams even with wireless Bluetooth headsets. All chat participants’ voices should now come from the direction their video stream is on your screen.

To take advantage of this, you’ll need an audio device that supports Bluetooth LE Audio as well as a Windows 11 PC running the latest 24H2 version (or later) that also supports LE Audio.

Password managers vulnerable: 40 million users at risk of stolen data

  • Password Managers, Security Software and Services, VPN

IT and security experts have long recommended using password managers to keep your login data safe and in one place. They’re generally considered reliable and secure, but a common vulnerability has now been discovered in 11 providers that hackers can exploit. (See our own recommendations for the most trustworthy password managers.)

This vulnerability was discovered by security researchers from The Hacker News. The following password managers have affected browser extensions that are based on DOM (Document Object Model):

  • 1Password
  • Bitwarden
  • Dashlane
  • Enpass
  • iCloud Passwords
  • Keeper
  • LastPass
  • LogMeOnce
  • NordPass
  • ProtonPass
  • RoboForm

This list includes some of the best-known and most widely used password managers, affecting an estimated 40 million users worldwide. Extreme caution is therefore advised. The security flaw hasn’t yet been patched by many of these providers, so data theft can still occur as of this writing. For services that have issued a patch, like RoboForm, you will need to update so that you’re no longer vulnerable.

The Hacker News How hackers get your passwords

The vulnerability in question is known as clickjacking. Attackers can lure unsuspecting users to fake websites that imitate real websites and look deceptively real, except the fakes ones contain invisible elements.

In some cases, users can inadvertently switch on their password manager with a single false click, which then tries to enter access data automatically. Hackers monitor these attempted entries and interfere, gaining access to the password manager and taking over saved passwords. The attack usually goes unnoticed as users simply close the affected page and receive no warning that someone has gained access to their password manager.

So why do these password managers now run the risk of becoming a gateway for attacks using this method? It’s due to the DOM, which contains a vulnerability that allows for this kind of attack.

Incidentally, not only passwords but also other types of sensitive data can be intercepted in this way, including stored credit card details, names, addresses, telephone numbers, and more, which could then be used for phishing attacks.

Although the vulnerability was reported to affected providers back in April 2025, just under half of them have responded to the warning. Bitwarden has provided a new version of its plugin that addresses the problem.

How to protect yourself

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to protect yourself from clickjacking. As always, it’s important that you never click on unknown or unexpected links, even if they lead to supposedly legitimate websites. It’s always safest to manually open up a new tab in your browser and directly navigate to the site, or use your own trusted bookmarks for quick access.

If you use a Chromium-based browser (which is most browsers these days) and a password manager, it’s recommended that you switch your password manager’s auto-fill settings to “on-click.” This is an important step that helps prevent passwords from being entered or completed automatically without you first confirming intent.

Alternatively, you might want to deactivate the automatic completion of email addresses (and other data) in the browser settings under the “Autofill and passwords” section.

Editor’s note, 8/28/2025: Clarified which services have issued patches to address this clickjacking vulnerability, and the remaining threat if an update is not yet applied.

Save $400 on this crazy Core Ultra 9 gaming laptop with RTX 5070 GPU

  • Gaming Laptops

I can’t help but get excited whenever I stumble upon a great laptop with a fantastic discount, because who doesn’t like scoring deals? Right now, you can get a superbly-configured HP Omen Transcend 14 for just $1,640 at Best Buy (was $2,040) thanks to a Labor Day sale. That’s a massive $400 off on a high-end, future-proofed gaming machine.

What makes this laptop special? Just look at the specs. This HP Omen Transcend 14 runs on a cutting-edge Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor and a chunky 32GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM, delivering high performance for anything and everything you wish to use the device for—not just gaming but also browsing, streaming, hobbies, and work. It also has a 1TB SSD to hold all your apps, games, and files.

But the kicker here is the dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card that unlocks tip-top visuals thanks to the latest tech, including DLSS 4, ray tracing, and frame generation. Crank those settings up and watch it fly! And rest assured that it’ll look great on this laptop’s gorgeous 14-inch OLED display with its 2880×1800 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits of brightness. It doesn’t get better than that.

When we reviewed a lesser config of the HP Omen Transcend 14, we still appreciated its performance enough to give it a 4.5-star rating and our Editors’ Choice award. This one’s even better—and though it’s normally pretty pricey, it’s now within reach with this $400 discount.

Get this HP Omen Transcend 14 for $1,640 at Best Buy while you can! This Labor Day deal won’t last forever, and this price is too good to pass up. For other options, check out our picks for the best gaming laptops as well as our favorite budget gaming laptops under $1,000.

Save $400 on this crazy Core Ultra 9 laptop with RTX 5070 GPUBuy now at Best Buy

We love this fast and compact 1TB portable SSD, and it’s only $63 today

  • Computer Storage Devices, Storage

Is there such a thing as having too much digital storage space? I don’t think so! Especially not with the size of photos and videos these days. Thankfully, storage is fairly affordable right now, with some of our favorites dropping to their best-ever prices. I’m talking about the 1TB SK Hynix Beetle X31 that’s on sale for $63 on Amazon (was $85).

This is a portable SSD that we reviewed a while back and absolutely loved, and we were impressed enough to give it a 4.5-star rating. Our testing revealed impressive data transfer speeds, with up to 1,050 MB/s read and 850 MB/s write speeds. Plus, the golden sheen and tiny size make for a unique but convenient drive. It deserves a spot among our top portable SSD picks, if you ask me.

We couldn’t help but appreciate its compact design with rounded edges. And whether you’re transferring files, streaming video, or gaming, it handles all those tasks with ease. Plus, it’s built to last, with protection against data loss from drops up to 6 feet. It also comes with two cables—one USB-C and one USB-A—so it’s immediately compatible with modern and older devices. From desktop PCs and laptops to smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, this drive has you covered.

Go ahead and snag this 1TB SK Hynix Beetle X31 portable SSD for $63 while this limited-time 26% discount is still around!

Save 26% on the fast-and-compact SK Hynix Beetle X31 (1TB) portable SSDBuy now at Amazon

Keep hackers away from your data! How to encrypt your laptop and USB drive

  • Security Software and Services

Mobile devices sometimes get lost. A laptop bag gets left on the bus or train, a smartphone slips out of your pocket, or a USB flash drive falls to the ground unnoticed. Losing a notebook or phone this way means a serious financial hit. In many cases, however, the loss of data is even more serious.

Important and confidential documents, such as tax documents, are often stored on laptops. In some cases, even sensitive company papers may even be stored there. And a smartphone stores doesn’t just hold emails, but also contact lists and WhatsApp chats.

Although access to a laptop is password-protected, the files are freely accessible. If the device is booted via a live system, they can be easily read and copied.

USB drives usually only need to be connected to a computer to reveal their contents. With smartphones, on the other hand, the file system is always securely encrypted.

However, if the device has just been used, the screen lock may not yet be reactivated and the finder can read the stored data and send it by email or chat program.

The loss of a device gets especially tricky when the device is deliberately stolen. This usually happens because the thief is after confidential company documents or credit card data. This is why important documents should always be encrypted.

Encryption options

When encrypting the SSD of a laptop or an external hard drive, you have the choice between two methods:

  • Full Disk Encryption (FDE)
  • File Level Encryption (FLE)

With Full Disk Encryption, the software encrypts the entire data carrier, including the operating system. The scope of delivery of Windows Pro and Education also includes FDE encryption with BitLocker.

You can find the function in the category view of the Control Panel under “System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.” Once you activate it, every user must enter the defined BitLocker password when starting up the computer.

After encryption, it’s no longer possible to access the files on the SSD without this password. BitLocker encryption utilizes the functions of the computer’s TPM chip and is considered to be very secure.

However, full disk encryption has a limitation: data is only protected when the laptop is powered off or you’re not logged into Windows.

As soon as you have unlocked the SSD by entering the password, hackers can access the stored files via the network or the internet. The same applies if a criminal gets hold of a switched-on device.

Notebooks: Encrypt with EFS

The alternative to FDE is File Level Encryption (FLE). It only encrypts selected files and folders. The advantage of FLE is that it’s continuously active. In order to access the data, a password usually needs to be entered.

Windows FLE is an exception to this rule. Microsoft calls its file encryption EFS (aka Encrypting File System) and it’s integrated directly into the NTFS file system.

You can enable it by right-clicking on a file or folder, selecting “Properties,” clicking the “Advanced” button under the “Attributes” section, checking “Encrypt contents to secure data,” and confirming with “OK.”

However, Microsoft decrypts this data as soon as you log in with your user account. The problems here are the same as with Full Disk Encryption. In addition, decryption is linked to the password of your user account; if you forget it or if the user account is deleted, access to the data is lost.

Encrypt entire drives with VeraCrypt

Encryption with the EFS is simple and effective, but it has the disadvantage of file names remaining visible, allowing others to infer their contents. To avoid this, you can use the open source software VeraCrypt free of charge.

The program works slightly differently to the functions presented so far. On the one hand, it can encrypt entire drives, but it also offers to create an encrypted container in the form of a mounted drive, into which you copy or move the files and folders you want to be encrypted.

Other users will then only see the name of the container, but not its contents. VeraCrypt container encryption is primarily suitable for notebook SSDs.

VeraCrypt can encrypt entire drives, but can also create an encrypted container in the form of a virtual drive. Files and folders can be securely stored in this container.

IDG

Open VeraCrypt, select “Create volume.” This starts a wizard. In the first window, select “Create encrypted container file.” Click “Next” and select “Standard VeraCrypt volume.” Click “Next > File” and enter the path and file name for the container. Confirm with “Save.”

“Next” takes you to the encryption settings. Click “Next” and enter the size of the container that VeraCrypt should create.

At this point, the program shows you how much space is still available on the selected drive. Decide on a suitable size and click on “Next.” VeraCrypt will now ask you for a password.

Type in a long and complex combination of letters, numbers, and characters and click “Next.” You can skip the “Large files” window by clicking “Next.”

In the “Volume format” window, select “NTFS” as the file system. Move the mouse pointer back and forth for at least 30 seconds until the color of the progress bar has changed from red to yellow to green.

Click on “Format” to create the container file. As soon as the process is complete, the wizard window should close.

By moving the mouse, you create a random value for the encryption. The longer you move the mouse back and forth, the better.

IDG

The VeraCrypt start window now opens again next to the wizard.

Select a drive letter, under which the container file should be accessible. Next, click “File” and navigate to the file on your desktop. Click “Mount,” enter the password for the container, and confirm with “OK.”

The container now appears under the selected drive letter in the Explorer. Everything you copy into it is automatically encrypted.

Secure folder for smartphones

The data storage on smartphones and tablets is already securely encrypted with a function of the operating system out of the box. However, this offers limited protection if the device is lost or stolen and the screen lock hasn’t yet reactivated.

Since Android 8, the system has included a vault feature for storing confidential data. This vault is called “Secure Folder” and is part of the Google Files file manager, which is already installed on many smartphones and tablets.

If you the app isn’t available on your device, you can install it via the PlayStore.

The Google Files file manager app includes a function for creating a secure, encrypted folder for confidential data.

IDG

In Google Files, go to “Collections > Secure folder.” Set a PIN or pattern for access, both of which should be different from the one you use to log in to your device.

To move files into the folder, press and hold your finger on the file, then tap the three dots and select “Move to secure folder.”

To retrieve a file, open “Collections > Secure folder” in Google Files, enter the PIN or pattern, tap the file, and select “More > Remove from secure folder.”

Note: If you forget the PIN or pattern, there is no way to open the vault.

External SSDs: Encrypt with BitLocker To Go

VeraCrypt is particularly suitable for permanent installation on the SSD of a laptop. For external discs, it’s best to use BitLocker To Go, which is included in the Home version of Windows.

Type BitLocker into the search field in the taskbar and click “Manage BitLocker.” This opens a Control Panel window in which the drive letter of the USB stick will appear under “Removable drives > BitLocker to Go” with the status “BitLocker disabled.”

Click the link, go to “Turn on BitLocker” and tick the box “Use password to unlock the drive.” Enter a password and click “Save to file” to save the recovery key in a TXT file on your desktop PC’s SSD.

Depending on whether the stick already contains data or not, select “Encrypt only used storage space” or “Encrypt entire drive.”

To use the stick on other Windows computers, select “Compatible mode” in the following window and click “Start encryption” in the last window. If you connect the stick to a computer, Windows will prompt you to enter the password each time.

USB sticks: Encrypt with 7-Zip

Finally, the freeware packing program 7-Zip (free) is ideal for quickly encrypting files and folders on a USB stick. You can use this tool to encrypt ZIP files with the AES-256 algorithm, protecting them with a password. Then all you need to do is enter the password to open and unzip the file.

You can also securely encrypt ZIP files with the 7-Zip packing program. Make sure that AES-256 is set as the encryption method.

IDG

This is how you proceed: Select the files in Windows Explorer, right-click, and go to “Show more options > 7-Zip > Add to an archive.” Give the archive file a name, but keep the extension as “zip.”

Select a secure and complex password in the “Encryption” section at the bottom right, repeat it one line below, and–this is important–set the “Method” option to “AES-256.”

Finally, confirm the encryption with “OK.” After double-clicking on the ZIP file, the Explorer will now display the contents, but an error message will pop up when you try to extract the files.

The contents can only be read if you open the ZIP file with 7-Zip and enter the password.

As soon as the container has been created, mount it as a separate drive in the file system via the VeraCrypt start window.

IDG

Hardware-based encryption

Encryption and decryption are handled by the CPU during read and write operations. There is also hardware-based encryption, which is mainly used today for external USB hard drives

These devices have their own AES encryption chip, which is positioned between the system BIOS and the operating system.

This chip handles all encryption and decryption processes on the drive during data access, meaning the entire storage device remains continuously encrypted.

Access is only possible after entering a password, which is stored on the external hard drive.

Hard drives with built-in hardware encryption are typically available as external USB drives with an AES chip.

IDG

The best game about an unhinged goose is just $7 on Steam right now

  • Gaming

Back in 2019, an indie game launched with a simple tagline: “It’s a lovely morning in the village and you are a horrible goose.” And Untitled Goose Game tells no lies. This one sentence describes its premise accurately. I tell everyone to play it. 

I’ve been especially vocal during the past week, when its price on Steam dropped to its all-time low of just $7 for the second time ever. Normally, it’s $20 and already worth the several hours of entertainment it provides.

Why is being a jerk to everyone in the most serene, chill, and nonviolent hamlet so delightful? I’m too cheap to pay for the therapy to unpack that. I’d much rather sing the game’s praises.

Developer House House calls its creation a “slapstick-stealth-sandbox” game, which is decently accurate (and pretty funny). I’d call it humor masquerading as a low-key puzzle game. With the ability to terrorize everyone with your honking.

Assassin’s Creed: Goose

(I’d play that game if it were real.)

House House / Steam

Already have played the game? At $7, it’s cheap to gift a copy to friends who’ve so far missed out. The sale runs until next week, ending September 4 at 10am Pacific, so you can think a bit on who deserves such an act of love.

Or self-defense. You learn a lot about people as they inflict psychological warfare on harmless village inhabitants. While also desecrating their belongings. Especially if you’re playing with said loved ones during local co-op mode.

Get Untitled Goose Game for $7 on Steam

Today’s best laptop deals: Save big on work, school, home use, and gaming

  • Laptops

If you’re looking for an affordable Windows machine under $500, a blazing fast gaming beast for those intense matches, or a portable 2-in-1 for school or work, you’ve got plenty of great choices right now. We’ve hunted deals from Amazon, Best Buy, and beyond—so you don’t have to.

Want to see even more? Take a peek at PCWorld’s list of the top laptops you can get right now.

Best budget laptop deals under $500

Lenovo

Our top pick: Lenovo IdeaPad 1, $299.99 ($280 off at Best Buy)

If you want an affordable, no-nonsense laptop that can handle the everyday stuff, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 ($299 right now) is kind of a no-brainer. The Ryzen 5 chip inside this baby is plenty fast with school or work or just hanging out. Plus, with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, it’s fast enough that it won’t freeze up on you and it’s got enough space for all of your files. The 15.6-inch 1080p display also looks decently sharp, and it’s light enough that you’ll forget you’re carrying it.

View Deal Amazon
  • HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020 processor/14-inch 1366×768 display/4GB RAM/64GB storage, $172.19 ($57.08 off at Amazon)
  • Acer Aspire 3, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/8GB RAM/128GB SSD, $319.99 ($30 off at Amazon)
Best Buy
  • Asus Vivobook 14, Intel Core i3-1315U processor/14-inch 1920×1080 display/8GB RAM/128GB SSD, $219.99 ($230 off at Best Buy)
  • Lenovo IdeaPad 1, AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/8GB RAM/256GB SSD, $299.99 ($280 off at Best Buy)
  • Dell Inspiron 14, Snapdragon X processor/14-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $499.99 ($300 off at Best Buy)
Adorama
  • HP Chromebook x360, Intel Celeron N5100 processor/11.6-inch 1366×768 touchscreen display/8GB RAM/64GB eMMC, $234.99 ($165 off at Adorama)
  • Asus Vivobook 14, Intel Core i5-1334U processor/14-inch 1920×1080 display/12GB RAM/256GB SSD, $429.99 ($120 off at Adorama)
  • Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, Intel Core i3-N305 processor/14-inch 1920×1080 display/8GB RAM/256GB SSD, $489.99 ($60 off at Adorama)
Newegg
  • Lenovo V15 G4, Intel Core i5-13420H processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $449.99 ($350 off at Newegg)
  • Acer Aspire 3, AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $469.99 ($30 off at Newegg)
  • Asus Vivobook 17, Intel Core i3-1215U processor/17.3-inch 1920×1080 display/20GB RAM/1TB SSD, $489 ($260 off at Newegg)
Best mid-range laptop deals ($500-$900)

Acer

Our top pick: Acer Aspire Lite, $679.99 ($120 off at Newegg)

If you want a laptop you won’t have to upgrade anytime soon, the Acer Aspire Lite’s a pretty easy win. It’s rocking an Intel Core i7-1255U, which is more than fast enough for work, school, or just juggling way too many browser tabs. But the real kicker is the 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD — that’s double what you usually see in this price range, so you’ve got room to run anything smoothly and stash all your stuff. The 15.6-inch 1080p screen keeps things clear, and for just under $680, it’s set up to last you for years.

View Deal Amazon
  • HP OmniBook 5 14, Snapdragon X Plus processor/14-inch 1920×1200 OLED display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $599.99 ($180 off at Amazon)
  • Acer Swift Go 14, Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor/14-inch 2880×1800 OLED display/8GB RAM/512GB SSD, $649.99 ($200 off at Amazon)
  • Apple 2025 MacBook Air, M4 chip/13.6-inch 2560×1664 display/16GB RAM/256GB SSD, $799 ($200.99 off at Amazon)
Best Buy
  • HP OmniBook 5 Flip, Intel Core 5 Series 1 120U processor/14-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen display/8GB RAM/512GB SSD, $519.99 ($180 off at Best Buy)
  • Dell Inspiron, AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 touchscreen display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $669.99 ($130 off at Best Buy)
  • Apple MacBook Air, M2 chip/13-inch 2560×1664 display/16GB RAM/256GB SSD, $699 ($100 off at Best Buy)
Adorama
  • Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G7, Intel Core Ultra 5 125U processor/14-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $709.99 ($90 off at Adorama)
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop Go, Intel Core i5-1235U processor/12.4-inch 1536×1024 touchscreen display/8GB RAM/128GB SSD, $749.99 ($150 off at Adorama)
  • Asus Vivobook 16, AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 processor/16-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $799.99 ($30 off at Adorama)
Newegg
  • Asus Vivobook, Intel Core i5-1334U processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 touchscreen display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $599.99 ($100 off at Newegg)
  • Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor/15.3-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $649.99 ($250 off at Newegg)
  • Acer Aspire Lite, Intel Core i7-1255U processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $679.99 ($120 off at Newegg)
  • Lenovo ThinkPad E16 G2, Intel Core Ultra 5 125U processor/16-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $749.99 ($130 off at Newegg)
Best gaming laptop deals

Gigabyte

Our top pick: Gigabyte Gaming A16, $1,099.99 ($200 off at Best Buy)

If you want to breeze past the awkward medium-settings stage, the Gigabyte Gaming A16’s got your back. It’s packing an Intel Core i7-13620H CPU and an RTX 5060 GPU, so high settings in modern games are pretty much a given. The 16-inch 1920×1200 screen gives you a bit more breathing room than the usual 1080p, and with 32GB of RAM you can have a game, a dozen browser tabs, and Discord all running at once. Plus, the 1TB SSD means you can keep your library installed instead of constantly playing “which game do I uninstall next?” at 2 a.m.

View Deal Amazon
  • Alienware 16 Aurora, Intel Core 7 Series 2 240H processor/RTX 5060 graphics/16-inch 2560×1600 display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,189.99 ($210 off at Amazon)
  • MSI Katana A15, AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor/RTX 4070 graphics/15.6-inch 2560×1440 display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,399.99 ($300 off at Amazon)
Best Buy
  • HP Victus, AMD Ryzen 7 7445H processor/RTX 4050 graphics/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $819.99 ($80 off at Best Buy)
  • Gigabyte Gaming A16, Intel Core i7-13620H processor/RTX 5060 graphics/16-inch 1920×1200 display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,099.99 ($200 off at Best Buy)
  • HP Omen 16, AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX processor/RTX 5060 graphics/16-inch 1920×1200 display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,249.99 ($330 off at Best Buy)
Adorama
  • Asus TUF Gaming F17, Intel Core i7-13620H processor/RTX 4060 graphics/17.3-inch 1920×1080 display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,099.99 ($400 off at Adorama)
  • HP Omen Transcend 16, Intel Core i7-14700HX processor/RTX 4070 graphics/16-inch 1920×1200 display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,899.99 ($120 off at Adorama)
  • HP Omen Transcend, Intel Core i7-13700HX processor/RTX 4070 graphics/16-inch 2560×1600 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $2,049.99 ($569.44 off at Adorama)
Newegg
  • MSI Sword 16, Intel Core i7-14650HX processor/RTX 4060 graphics/16-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $999.99 ($200 off at Newegg)
  • Lenovo Legion 5i, Intel Core i7-14700HX processor/RTX 5060 graphics/15.1-inch 2560×1660 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $1,199.99 ($100 off at Newegg)
  • Asus ROG Strix G18 (2025), AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX processor/RTX 5050 graphics/18-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,599 ($100 off at Newegg)
Best premium laptop deals ($900+)

MSI

Our top pick: MSI Summit A16 AI+, $1,099.99 ($600 off at Newegg)

Out of all the Newegg deals listed below, the MSI Prestige A16 AI+ feels like the best one–I’ll tell you why. It’s the same price as the Summit model ($1,099.99), but you’re getting a sharper 3840×2400 display instead of the lower resolution (2560×1600) one. That’s a pretty solid screen upgrade for no extra cost. And since both have the same processor, RAM, and storage, so why not grab the one with the better screen for the same price?

View Deal Amazon
  • Apple MacBook Air, M4 chip/13.6-inch 2560×1664 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $999 ($200 off at Amazon)
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024), Snapdragon X Elite processor/13.8-inch ‎2304×1536 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $1,099.99 ($300 off at Amazon)
  • Asus ZenBook 15 Pro OLED, Intel Core i7-13620H processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,099.99 ($100 off at Amazon)
Best Buy
  • Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1, Intel Core Ultra 7 processor/16-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $919.99 ($230 off at Best Buy)
  • Dell Plus 2 in 1, Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 256V processor/16-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $999.99 ($100 off at Best Buy)
  • Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 360 2-in-1, Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 1 155H professor/16-inch 2880×1800 OLED touchscreen display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,199 ($700.99 off at Best Buy)
Adorama
  • MSI Summit E16 AI Studio, Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor/RTX 4050 graphics/16-inch 2560×1600 touchscreen display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,479 ($220 off at Adorama)
  • MSI Creator A16 AI+, AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor/16-inch 2560×1600 display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,495 ($204 off at Adorama)
  • Apple MacBook Pro, M4 Pro chip/16.2-inch 3456×2234 display/24GB RAM/512GB SSD, $2,299 ($200 off at Adorama)
Newegg
  • MSI Summit A16 AI+, AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor/16-inch 2560×1600 touchscreen display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,099.99 ($600 off at Newegg)
  • MSI Prestige A16 AI+, AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor/16-inch 3840×2400 display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,099.99 ($600 off at Newegg)
  • Asus Vivobook S 16 AI, AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor/15.6-inch 2880×1620 display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,329 ($240 off at Newegg)
FAQ 1. How much RAM will I need in my laptop?

You’ll want at least 8GB, though 16GB is preferable, especially if you play games. Don’t buy laptops with under 4GB of RAM or 128GB of SSD storage—though on a Chromebook or a budget Windows machine, this configuration is acceptable. Check out our article on how much RAM does a laptop need for more in-depth info.

2. What’s the difference between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop?

The one big difference between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop is the operating system. Chromebooks run ChromeOS and Windows run, well, Microsoft Windows.

Chromebooks make good everyday machines because they’re designed for browsing the web, checking e-mail, and so on. They use less resources and are generally more affordable than the Windows variety. They also don’t need antivirus protection. A Windows laptop is a lot more versatile in what it can do, and not just in terms of running local programs. You can really pump a Windows laptop up with a ton of RAM, storage, and so on.

3. When should I look for a laptop deal?

You’ll likely find the best laptop deals during Prime Day (mid-July), Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), and back-to-school season (June-August). Sure, you’ll find good laptop deals throughout the year, but if you really want to save big, we’d recommend scoping out your favorite online retailers during those times.

4. Which retailers offer the best deals?

You can find all kinds of deals across a wide range of online retailers such as Newegg, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and so on. However, we’d recommend checking out deals from laptop manufacturers like Lenovo, HP, and Dell. You’ll usually find many different configurations on sale and the discounts can be pretty darn steep.

For more options, check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops available right now.

All the latest content from the Tom's Hardware team

MSI and Gigabyte debut new 500 Hz QD-OLED gaming monitors — 27-inch 1440p panels with high-end features

  • Gaming Monitors
  • Monitors

Gigabyte and MSI have joined Samsung and Asus in announcing 500Hz QD-OLED gaming monitors. These new 27-inch, 1440p displays offer near-instant response times with 99% DCI-P3 coverage and HDR TrueBlack 500. Both come with DP 2.1 UHBR20 and a myriad of features, backed with 3-year warranties.

ASRock releases new firmware for AMD 800-series motherboards to 'enhance CPU operating stability' — update may address the AM5 burning socket crisis

  • Motherboards
  • PC Components

ASRock's latest 3.40 firmware for AMD 800-series motherboards improves memory compatibility, system stability, and CPU operating stability.

AMD downgrades certain Ryzen CPUs to lesser stock coolers — Wraith Prism and Spire quietly retired, replaced with Wraith Stealth

  • CPUs
  • PC Components

After seven years of cooling, the Wraith Prism stock cooler, often bundled with higher-end Ryzen chips, has been discontinuted by AMD. Joining the Prism is the Wraith Spire, which will be replaced by the Wraith Stealth in certain CPUs, while the Prism has no planned substitute.

Google is getting ready to 'hack back' as US considers shifting from cyber defense to offense — new 'Scam Farms' bill opens up new retaliatory hacking actions

  • Cyber Security
  • Tech Industry

Google is reportedly planning to form a "disruption unit" that will target foreign hackers.

Leaked Intel Nova Lake-S shipping manifest hints at 28-core CPU — possible counter to AMD's Ryzen 8000 line-up

  • CPUs
  • PC Components

Yesterday what appears to be a Nova Lake-S entry tagged as a pre-qualification sample with a surprising 28-core configuration was posted via a shipping manifest

Razer Blade 18 review: World-class gaming, priced to match

  • Gaming Laptops
  • Laptops

The Razer Blade 18 is an elite gaming laptop that offers top-notch performance and a unique dual-mode display, provided you’ve got the cash to pay for it.

Pick up an RTX 5060 Ti 16GB at the all-time low price of $409 — the MSI Shadow 2X OC Plus is the best bang-for-buck 50-series performer for your build

  • GPUs
  • PC Components

MSI's Shadow 2X OC Plus dual-fan RTX 5060 Ti 16GB graphics card is the cheapest RTX 5060 Ti 16GB GPU available, thanks to this Newegg deal.

AMD details how it built a product line-up with just two RDNA 4 dies — Flexible design and asymmetric harvesting enables production of multiple models without new silicon

  • GPUs
  • PC Components

AMD's RDNA 4 GPUs leverage asymmetric harvesting capability that enables AMD to selectively disable shader engines, compute units, and memory controllers to spin multiple Radeon RX 9000-series models from just two base dies, improving yields, reducing costs, and broadening its product lineup without creating new silicon designs.

LaserWeeder packs two dozen Nvidia GPUs and lasers to zap your weed problem, vaporizes ‘600,000 weeds per hour' with sub-millimeter precision — instant laser death for pesky weeds

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Tech Industry

Nvidia has revealed a surprising partnership with an agricultural robotics company whose flagship product deals instant laser death to fields full of weeds.

Creality submits for an IPO, adds a mysterious 3D printing model website

  • 3D Printing

Creality is set to become a publicly listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, making it the first manufacturer of consumer-grade 3D printers to make the leap into the big time.

Nvidia's Rubin GPU and Vera CPU taped out — both chips 'in fab' at TSMC, data center AI platforms on track for 2026

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Tech Industry

Nvidia has taped out its Rubin GPUs, Vera CPUs, and companion chips and send them out to production at TSMC, remaining on track to introduce its next-generation NVL144 platform for AI data centers in 2026.

Pilot’s 50-minute in-flight conference call with tech support failed to avert $200 million F-35 fireball — pilot ejected and suffered only minor injuries

  • Video Conferencing
  • Software
  • Applications

An accident report has revealed that a U.S. Air Force pilot spent 50 minutes on a conference call with Lockheed Martin engineers ahead of his plane plummeting to the ground and exploding in a fireball.

Cougar Polar X2 1200W Platinum Power Supply Review

  • Power Supplies
  • PC Components

The Cougar Polar X2 1200W Platinum is a premium, fully modular power supply unit that delivers exceptional performance with industrial-grade components and sophisticated thermal management in an elegant white chassis.

Nvidia posts $46 billion revenue in another record quarter — Data center and gaming GPU sales break records

  • GPUs
  • PC Components

Nvidia posts a record-breaking Q2 FY2026 with $46.7 billion in revenue driven by record sales of AI GPUs and forecasts even stronger Q3 results despite ongoing uncertainities with H20 exports to China.

Anthropic forms new security council to help secure AI's place in government

  • Tech Industry

Anthropic has built a reputation as the safety-first AI lab, but its latest move makes clear that it’s just as serious about chips as cloud capacity.

Internet standards body proposes new header field disclosing AI — will make it easier for machines to determine if AI was used on a site

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Tech Industry

The IETF is recommending adding a header that will tell devices if the page used AI to generate or edit its contents.

Microsoft announces super wideband stereo mode for Bluetooth LE devices — audio no longer downgrades to mono when microphone is used

  • PC Gaming
  • Video Games

You will need a Bluetooth LE audio headset to use this feature.

Trio of current and ex-TSMC employees face combined 30 years in prison for stealing national core key tech — engineer allegedly stole data to help Tokyo Electron improve etching machine performance

  • Semiconductors
  • Tech Industry
  • Manufacturing

The trio is charged with violating Taiwan’s National Security Act and faces a combined 30 years in prison.

Huawei to open-source its UB-Mesh data center-scale interconnect soon, details technical aspects — one interconnect to rule them all is designed to replace everything from PCIe to TCP/IP

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Tech Industry

Huawei unveiled UB-Mesh at Hot Chips 2025 as an open protocol to unify AI datacenter interconnects, enabling million-processor SuperNodes with lower latency, cost, and higher reliability.

White House reveals nebulous plans to put government data on the blockchain — 'The Department of Commerce is going to start issuing its statistics on the blockchain because you are the crypto president'

  • Tech Industry

The White House announced plans to put statistics on 'the blockchain' for... reasons.

Phison squashes reports of Windows 11 breaking SSDs — says it was unable to reproduce issues despite 4,500 hours of testing, recommends users deploy heatsinks just in case

  • SSDs
  • PC Components
  • Storage

Following reports of a Windows 11 update breaking SSDs, Phison has just issued a new statement saying they were unable to replicate the issue internally. Phison wants you to use heatsinks on performant drives under intense workloads, and that's it.

'State-owned enterprise is not the American way' — GOP senators, former Trump associates question White House’s 10% stake in Intel, critics brand move as socialism

  • Tech Industry

Several Republican senators and party members are questioning President Trump’s deal with Intel, saying it’s not “the American way.”

Nvidia shares Blackwell Ultra's secrets — NVFP4 boost detailed and PCIe 6.0 support

  • GPUs
  • PC Components

Nvidia's Blackwell Ultra B300 GPUs boost NVFP4 performance by 50%, add 288 GB of HBM3e, and PCIe Gen6 support, making the proprietary 4-bit format particularly appealing for both inference and large-scale training.

Save $50 on Hyte's Keeb TKL mechanical keyboard — Super smooth switches, enthusiast grade experience, and a unique look

  • Mechanical Keyboards
  • Peripherals
  • Keyboards

Hyte has created a unique-looking tenkeyless keyboard with pre-lubed ultra-smooth switches and excellent sound dampening — now with 25% off.

Chinese firms turn to used Nvidia GPUs following Beijing H20 crackdown — industry reports 'surge' in A100 and H100 chips being stripped and repurposed

  • GPUs
  • PC Components

China’s AI industry is quietly turning to refurbished and second-hand Nvidia GPUs after fresh curbs on the company’s H20 accelerator left customers scrambling for alternatives.

Someone made a 3D printer out of Lego — maker puts together specialist project using bricks, motors, and Python

  • 3D Printing

An enthusiast has created a 3D printer out of Lego bricks that actually works and even printed a Benchy when testing.

Sandisk launches WD Blue SN5100 SSD, touting 30% higher performance than predecessor — PCIe 4.0 DRAM-less drives start at $54

  • SSDs
  • PC Components
  • Storage

Sandisk has launched the WD Blue SN5100, the successor to the WD Blue SN5000, which was introduced in June 2024.

Acer Nitro V 16S AI review: Value-priced, but outgunned in gaming

  • Gaming Laptops
  • Laptops

Acer’s Nitro V 16S has performance in line with other RTX 5060 laptops, but you can find faster systems for $1,299.

Orphaned Linux drivers for floppy disks gets first patch of any significance in three years - cleanup effort implies floppies spared the axe for a few more years

  • Linux
  • Software
  • Operating Systems

Linux gets it first floppy disk driver patch in three years.

Hot on the heels of the H2S, Bambu Lab announces the seven-color, wireless nozzle-swapping Vortek H2C

  • 3D Printing

To avoid buyer’s remorse, Bambu Lab announced its new tool changer-like system, dropping in Q4.

The first AI-powered ransomware has been discovered — "PromptLock" uses local AI to foil heuristic detection and evade API tracking

  • Cyber Security
  • Tech Industry

Security firm ESET has discovered a new type of ransomware that uses a local AI model to generate malicious scripts and perform other illicit activities. Because of the variance of LLM output, this malware is harder to track than traditional attacks.

Framework Laptop 16 gets a 2025 upgrade — modular notebook gets RTX 5070 graphics, Zen 5 CPU options, and 240W Type-C charger

  • Laptops

Framework has updated its 16-inch laptop for 2025, featuring a new RTX 5070-powered graphics module, Zen 5 Ryzen AI HX CPU options, a G-Sync display, and a 240W Type-C charger.

Samsung's speedy 1TB 990 Evo Plus SSD hits a new all-time low of $64 at Amazon — this affordable storage upgrade doesn't compromise on performance

  • SSDs
  • PC Components
  • Storage

Upgrade your computer with 1TB of PCIe Gen 4/5 M.2 SSD for only $64.99.

Core i9-14900KF overclocked to 9.13 GHz to become the highest clocked CPU of all time — 13 MHz faster than the previous record holder

  • CPUs
  • PC Components

Chinese overclocker wytiwx has pushed Intel's Core i9-14900KF to 9130.33 MHz, establishing a new world record.

Passively cooled Ryzen AI Max+ 395 PC uses entire chassis as a 10-pound heatsink — talented builder turns Framework Desktop mainboard into a silent, powerful work of PC art

  • PC Building
  • Desktops

An SFF enthusiast has been documenting their progress in planting a Framework Desktop's Ryzen AI Max+ 395 mobo into a passively cooled chassis.

US Soldiers learn to 3D print and fly drones in new Army course — 3-week boot camp covers everything from printer maintenance to FPV operation

  • 3D Printing

The U.S. Army has started training soldiers in how to 3D print drones and fly them using FPV goggles.

Bambu Lab H2S Review: The One We Wanted

  • 3D Printing

Bambu Lab’s H2S is a premium 3D printer with room to roam.

Intel reveals 288-core Clearwater Forest Xeon at Hot Chips — 18A process' first outing promises big efficiency and performance gains

  • Servers
  • Desktops

Built on Intel’s 18A node, the all-E-core Xeon packs 288 cores per socket and promises big efficiency gains.

Snag Xreal's One Pro AR Glasses and the Xreal Beam Pro together in a bundled deal that saves you up to $170 — bring AR to your Steam Deck, laptop, or iPhone on the cheap

  • Virtual Reality

Xreal's One Pro AR Glasses and Xreal Beam Pro are bundled together for a $170 saving.

AI is eating entry-level coding and customer service roles, according to a new Stanford study — junior job listings drop 13% in three years in fields vulnerable to AI

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Tech Industry

A new Sanford study has found that there have been fewer entry-level employment opportunities in software development and admin assistance over the past three years, potentially as a result of the introduction of AI tools.

Trump wants digital taxes on U.S. services axed worldwide — President threatens new tariffs and semiconductor export controls to countries that refuse to comply

  • Tech Industry

President Donald Trump says that digital taxes are ‘discriminatory’ against American tech.

Ransomware attack disrupts Maryland's public transit service for disabled travelers — MTA says it is investigating cybersecurity incident but core services operating normally

  • Cyber Security
  • Tech Industry

The service, Mobility, was unable to accept requests for rides or changes to already-booked rides following a ransomware attack.

U.S. gov't seizes $7.4 billion semiconductor research fund created under Biden admin, calling it 'illegal' — Lutnick says fund 'served as a semiconductor slush fund that did nothing but line the pockets of Biden loyalists with American tax dollars'

  • Semiconductors
  • Tech Industry
  • Manufacturing

The US Commerce Department of the Trump administration has pulled back billions of dollars in funding for a non-profit aimed at promoting US chip design and fabrication, suggesting that its appointment under the Biden administration somehow made it inappropriate for distributing taxpayer funds.

Enthusiast accidentally spends nearly $300 modifying 2017 Logitech MX Ergo trackball to fix flaws — appears to have missed 2024 upgrade that solved nearly all of its foibles

  • Mice
  • Peripherals

Trackball enthusiast decides to build 'the mouse Logitech won’t make.'

Intel warns shareholders that the US government's 10% stake could hurt company's international sales

  • CPUs
  • PC Components

Intel's SEC filing warns that the U.S. government's 10% ownership stake, gained through an $8.9 billion CHIPS Act–linked funding deal, could bring political and legal risks, and potential backlash in international markets where Intel earns most of its revenue.

SK hynix announces mass production of its 2Tb 3D QLC NAND — cheaper high-capacity consumer drives and 244TB enterprise SSDs incoming

  • SSDs
  • PC Components
  • Storage

SK hynix kicks off mass production of its 321-layer 2Tb QLC NAND, offering higher speed and efficiency at lower cost and paving the way for cheap multi-terabyte client SSDs and ultra-high-capacity enterprise drives of up to 244TB.

Linux is 34 years old today — Linus Torvalds meekly announced this free new OS in the comp.os.minix newsgroup on this day in 1991

  • Linux
  • Software
  • Operating Systems

On this day 34 years ago, an unknown computer science student from Finland humbly announced that a new free operating system project was 'starting to get ready.'

Intel's Core i5-14600K hits an all-time low of $149, with Battlefield 6 and other software included

  • PC Components

Not only is Battlefield 6 included, but you get Assassin's Creed Shadows, Canvid, XSplit Premium, and Vegas Pro 365 for free as well.

ASRock's $40 16-pin power cable has overheating protection designed to prevent meltdowns — company claims a 90-degree design ensures worry-free installation

  • GPUs
  • PC Components

ASRock has launched a special 16-pin power cable with over-temperature protection for its Taichi and Phantom Gaming power supplies.

AMD mobile CPU roadmap leak claims Zen 6 arrives in 2027

  • CPUs
  • PC Components

AMD’s leaked mobile roadmap suggests Zen 6-based Medusa and Gator Range CPUs will arrive in 2027, bringing Copilot+-ready NPUs to premium, mainstream, and gaming laptops, while Zen 5-powered Gorgon Point will hit in 2026, and older chips like Mendocino and Hawk Point will persist at the entry level for quite a while.