Buying Guides | The Verge

A RAMageddon guide to back-to-school laptop shopping

2026-08-14T15:37:04-04:00

The MacBook Neo is an easy recommendation. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

If you’re a student looking for an affordable laptop, I have bad news and I have good news. The bad news is that computer prices are out of whack due to the ongoing RAM and storage crunch, making some a little pricier than they used to be and others wildly more expensive.

The good news? Despite that, there are still many great options, including the selection we’ve tested and highlighted below.

Before you go for the cheapest option you can still find, consider biting the bullet on a more powerful laptop, especially if you’re buying for a college student. Prices are likely to continue rising well into next year — especially since all the memory being made through 2027 is already allocated. You can get a mostly tolerable laptop for under $500 and a good one for around $700, but spending more to get something like a MacBook Air gets you better build quality and enough performance headroom to last through four years of college and well beyond. (Many Verge writers and editors are still using M1 MacBook Airs from 2020). But even the modest options below (new or refurbished) should easily be good for more than a few years. The key is to avoid something that feels slow or janky on day one, if you can. It’ll only get worse from there.

If your school or curriculum recommends certain laptops or minimum specs, then you already know what to aim for. If not, our rule of thumb is to go with a Mac running Apple silicon or a Windows laptop running Intel or AMD chips released in the last few years. (For Windows machines, don’t go any older than 2022 or 2023 — Intel’s 13th-gen “Raptor Lake” or AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series.) Snapdragon X chips are also great options unless you’re a college student who needs to run specialized software not compatible with Windows on Arm (or if you want to play games).

But try to get 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage or more if you can — especially for college students. Eight GB of RAM is workable on macOS with the MacBook Neo, but Windows laptops struggle a bit with it. And for the most budget-conscious or anyone shopping for younger kids, a quality Chromebook is still great.

The best cheap laptop

Apple MacBook Neo

Score: 9

Pros	Cons
Impressive performance for the price Perfect for a middle school or high school student The best mechanical trackpad around Solid speakers and screen	Small limitations: 8GB of RAM, slow storage, no keyboard backlighting, and only 20W charging with the included charger Wish it weighed a little less, and its colors were more vibrant

Where to Buy:

The MacBook Neo is the easy pick for students from middle school to high school who need a laptop. There’s still no beating its balance of build quality and good-enough performance at this price. Students and teachers can get it starting at $599, and Apple offers refurbished models for $599 for the rest of us as well. If you can justify spending an additional $100, it’s worth getting the model with twice the storage and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, which makes logging in and entering passwords much less of a hassle.

The A18 Pro chip is powerful enough for most high school students (and adults), and everything from its trackpad to its speakers and screen range from good to great, which is not the case for Windows laptops in this price range. Its only shortcoming by comparison is having just two USB-C ports. The 8GB of RAM and 256GB of base storage mean a student eventually pushes the limits of what this laptop can do sooner than a more powerful MacBook Air, but the Neo is still significantly cheaper.

Read our review of the MacBook Neo.

The best laptop for college

Apple MacBook Air (M5)

Score: 9

Pros	Cons
Still one of the best laptops around Faster processor and twice as much RAM as the Neo Starts with more (and much faster) storage Great battery life and speakers	Starting price is higher than M4 generation (though you get more storage for it) The MacBook Neo now exists and costs much less

Where to Buy:

The Neo is the best cheap laptop, but the MacBook Air is still the best laptop for most people, and the standard recommendation for college students. Every part of it is a step up from the Neo: It has a much more powerful processor, and it starts with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of much faster storage. And few laptops can match the Air’s overall build quality. It also means spending $1,299 (or $1,199 for students) on a 13-inch model, or $1,499 for the 15-inch. It’s a shame the Air no longer starts at $999 like it did just last year, but it’s still worth springing for if you’re buying for the long term.

The Airs have been so good for so many years now, you don’t miss out on much by buying a refurbished model if it’s substantially cheaper. Keep an eye on Apple’s refurb store, and retailers like Best Buy sometimes have great deals too.

Read our review of the latest MacBook Air.

A Windows laptop nearly as nice as a MacBook Air

Asus Zenbook A14

Asus’s Zenbook A14 is a bit of a MacBook Air wannabe, but it’s a compelling alternative if you value a superlight Windows laptop with long battery life. The 2025 model sports an Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip, a nice 14-inch OLED display, and a sleek textured beige finish.

Where to Buy:

~~$999.99~~ $699.99 at Best Buy

Asus Zenbooks are some of the sleeker, better-looking Windows laptops, and the Zenbook A14 is Asus’ wannabe MacBook Air. It has a good Snapdragon X Plus chip, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a lovely OLED display in an ultra-light chassis (it’s just 2.4 pounds / 1.09kg), all for $1,000 or as low as $700 on sale. It even has a solid port selection, with one USB-A, two speedy USB4, and HDMI 2.1. I really enjoyed the larger Zenbook A16 version when I reviewed it, but the A14 is even lighter and significantly cheaper. Like its larger sibling, the A14 is coated in Asus’ Ceraluminum finish that gives it a nice textured feel and unique look. (It’s a beige laptop!)

A cheap laptop with a great processor

Acer Aspire 14 AI

Score: 6

Pros	Cons
A great, well-rounded processor in a cheap laptop (if you get it on sale) Lots of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 Very good battery life Can lightly game on ultra-low settings	Washed out screen with noticeable light bleed Bad speakers Poor build quality

Where to Buy:

Acer’s Aspire 14 AI didn’t impress me with its screen, speakers, or build quality when I tested it against the Neo, but for $500 or $600 on sale, which it often is, it’s hard to beat. It has a solid Intel Lunar Lake processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a bunch of speedy ports. Getting two USB-A, two Thunderbolt 4, and HDMI 2.1 on a $600 laptop? Hell yeah.

A Lunar Lake chip means you get great battery life, and you can even do some light gaming. Its screen isn’t pretty and everything creaks, but with the money you save you can overcome some of its shortcomings with a mouse and monitor. Just keep in mind that the appeal of this laptop is what you’re getting for the price. If the deal winds change and Aspire 14 AIs are selling for $700 or more, consider something else.

Read our review of the Acer Aspire 14 AI.

A formidable 16-incher for about $500

HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X)

An affordable laptop with a large 16-inch display, plenty of ports, and excellent battery life thanks to a Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor.

Where to Buy:

$517 at Walmart

I’m still testing the HP OmniBook 3 for a full review, but I’ve used it enough and I like it enough at around $500 to give it a nod. Its speakers and screen are not good quality, but they’re slightly better than the Acer Aspire above — just don’t look too close, or you’ll notice that its 1920 x 1200 resolution isn’t very sharp at this scale. At 16 inches you’re getting a big screen for cheap, but this laptop doesn’t feel large, as it weighs only 3.65 pounds / 1.66kg and is about 0.63 inches / 16mm thick (at its hinge, where it’s slightly thicker). And its sizable battery and efficient Snapdragon X chip allow it to last long on a charge. Plus, it’s got an ample-sized numpad for you numbers people.

Consider a refurbished ThinkPad

Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (Intel 13th-gen, refurbished)

Lenovo ThinkPads are workhorse enterprise laptops, making older refurbished models a great pickup on the cheap. The T14 Gen 4 from 2023 came with Intel Raptor Lake chips, a 14-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display, and plenty of ports — among them, Thunderbolt 4.

Where to Buy:

ThinkPads are awesome. They have great keyboards and trackpads, sturdy builds, lots of ports, and even a TrackPoint. They’re typically very expensive when bought new, and they have a reputation for lasting a long time. They’re Lenovo’s business line, so there’s a constant stream of used ThinkPads entering the secondhand market when companies refresh their fleets. That makes them a great candidate for buying refurbished or used. Lenovo sells many refurb units directly, so you know you should be getting something in good shape. Many of them are still expensive, but this ThinkPad T14 is an attractive example, offering a 13th-gen Intel chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for around $700. Or for a bit more you can get this ThinkPad L14 Gen 5 with a newer Intel Meteor Lake chip for around $1,000.

And for the more adventurous folks out there, you can pick up an even older ThinkPad on the cheap and install Linux to give it new life.

Our go-to pick for a cheap Chromebook

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34

Score: 8

Pros	Cons
Excellent look and build Sharp 1080p display 1080p webcam with AI features and physical shutter	No touchscreen option Stiff touchpad Battery life could be a bit better

Where to Buy:

A Chromebook is good for web browsing, doing homework, and nailing the basics of browser-first computer use — when done well. The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is a mainstay of The Verge’s laptop recommendations, despite being a few years old. It’s very affordable at just $350, and even with its 12th-gen Intel chip and 8GB of RAM it’s more than serviceable for ChromeOS. Google’s new Googlebooks are coming in the fall, but some early leaks are pointing at those potentially being pricier laptops (making me wonder what exactly their appeal will be).

A great convertible Chromebook

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (2025)

Score: 7

Pros	Cons
Excellent battery life Speedy performance Stylus support	Crummy, muffled-sounding speakers No biometric login Feels slightly pricey at $700 when a Lenovo with OLED and more RAM is just $50 more

Where to Buy:

If you can afford a slightly pricier, newer, and better Chromebook than the Asus, check out the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514. Its full price of $749 is a bit much, but when discounted to $600 like it is at the time of this writing it can be worth it. The Arm-based MediaTek Kompanio Ultra in this Chromebook paired with 12GB of RAM gives it very good performance and excellent battery life. And since it’s a convertible, it’s also great to use with an optional stylus for note-taking, drawing, and sketching.

Read our review of the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514.

I finally found a robot lawnmower I’d trust with my yard

2026-08-13T18:34:25-04:00

From left, Segway, Roborock, Dreame, Husqvarna, and Mammotion automowers lined up to do battle with my lawn. | Photo: Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge

Robot lawnmowers are finally good enough to take a lot of work out of maintaining a yard, but they’re still not set-it-and-forget-it machines. If you don’t want these autonomous cutting machines to tear up your lawn or go roaming in your neighbors’ yard, you’re still going to need to keep an eye on them. But with some oversight, they can take a big chore off your hands.

This summer I tested five bots on my flat, three-quarter-acre, coastal South Carolina property with sandy soil, centipede grass, and lots of trees. Things went much better than last year’s trials and tribulations, thanks to huge improvements in navigation and maneuverability. Basically, they stopped getting stuck. My lawn has never looked better, and my spouse — who had sworn off robot lawnmowers after a user-error injury — is now a convert. His riding lawnmower has been idle for over a month.

The consistency of robot mowers is impressive. Running daily and shaving just millimeters at a time, these mowers have created a noticeably lusher lawn. I walked out on it barefoot this morning — something I’ve never done before. The best part is that they work quietly around the clock, without bothering my pets, the wildlife, or the neighbors. I also love the professional-looking lawn lines they make.

My backyard has mostly been a dry, sandy, dusty landscape with patchy grass. Three months of robot lawnmowers have helped it look healthier. My chickens don’t appreciate the neat lines, but I do." data-portal-copyright="" />

What’s better

The key upgrades this year are network RTK navigation, fallback navigation systems, and improved all-wheel-drive to tackle rougher terrain.

RTK — real-time kinematic positioning — is the satellite positioning tech most automowers switched to over the last few years as they’ve ditched boundary wires. It uses stationary ground-based reference stations (antennas), along with GPS, to provide very precise location data, down to a centimeter or two. It’s used for surveying, drone navigation, and anything that needs that fine level of precision.

Every mower I tested, apart from the Lidar-based Dreame, comes with its own RTK antenna that needs to be installed in your yard with a clear view of the sky; trees, a neighbor’s house, or your own roofline can all block the signal. In my previous testing, I didn’t get a single RTK mower to run successfully in my backyard, where I have very spotty GPS coverage.

This graphic shows how antenna-based RTK works versus network RTK. | Image: Mammotion" data-portal-copyright="Image: Mammotion" />

This new crop all now offers NetRTK as an option. This taps into a network of existing RTK reference stations through a cloud connection, and requires a Wi-Fi or 4G connection on the mower. Most worked out of the box without me needing to install the antenna, but you’ll need to check if your house is covered, as coverage varies.

RTK mowers now also use a secondary navigation tech such as lidar or vSLAM to keep on track when the signal drops. This improvement in navigation, plus bigger, more capable machines, meant I no longer spent my summer dragging confused mowers out from under oak trees.

What still needs work

After a few days, the Mammotion had torn up most of this section of damper-than-normal lawn next to my neighbors’ yard. " data-portal-copyright="" /> The lawn before. That’s the Mammotion in the picture, starting its work." data-portal-copyright="" />

However, automowers are far from perfect.

These are autonomous machines with blades, and leaving them to their own devices comes with risks. One spent three days methodically destroying a patch of my lawn before I noticed. Another took out two outdoor extension cords. Several models dug sandpits in bare patches, and another tried to climb up a small tree.

Obstacle detection is better across the board, but it still has a long way to go. Hoses, cables, and cars are still a challenge — my family now knows to check under the wheels before driving away.

No one has really solved gates yet, either (although they’re trying) — I still have to manually open mine to let the robot mow the full property. And, while every manufacturer currently advertises NetRTK coverage as free for the lifetime of the device, there are obvious downsides to relying on a cloud service to mow your lawn. Finally, automowers are still expensive, and I have concerns around long-term durability.

Obstacle avoidance is much better, but they still can’t reliably see cars." data-portal-copyright="" />

Like their siblings, robot vacuums, there are myriad models on the market now; the right one for you will depend on the size of your yard and your landscape. To find the mower that worked best for me, I tested four top-of-the-line models with specs capable of tackling my challenging terrain and large expanse of my backyard: The Husqvarna 420 IQ ($3,299), Mammotion Luba 3 AWD 3000 ($2,799), Navimow X430 ($2,499), and the Dreame A3 AWD Pro 2500 ($3,099.99). I also tried the entry-level Roborock RockNeo Q110H ($1,299) on my front lawn, which is more like a standard suburban lawn.

Also like robot vacuums, robot lawnmowers fall under the new FCC robot ban, so while existing models can continue to be sold and supported in the US — including all the models reviewed here — the fate of new models is in question.

The robot I’d get for my yard

Segway Navimow X430

Navigation: RTK, vSLAM / Yard size: up to 1 acre / Cutting: 0.75” to 4” height, 17” width (dual discs) / Terrain capabilities: 4WD, zero-turn wheels, 84% slope / Theft features: Lift and out-of-zone alarms, GPS anti-theft, PIN / Weatherproofing: IP67 / Connectivity: 4G (1 yr free then $32.90 a yr), Wi-Fi, BLE / Warranty: 3 yrs

Where to Buy:

The Segway Navimow X430 ($2,499) is by far the best mower I tested. This 60-pound beast looks like Darth Vader’s dog, and was the only mower I tested that didn’t get stuck once. Its 4WD wheels combined with impressive suspension rolled through the potholes, over sticks and rocks, even small tree branches. It navigated around my chickens and across the tall, uneven transition from my front yard to back yards — it was the only bot that could mow both in one trip (with the gate open).

This video shows the Segway tackling a sandpit and executing a 90-degree turn without damaging the sod.

It uses a combination of RTK, vSLAM, and vision-based tech to navigate, and it covered my entire property without once getting lost or stuck. It features impressive “xero-turn” maneuverability enabling it to pivot smoothly with no lawn damage. Its dual-disc, 17-inch cutting width covers more ground, and it was able to mow most of my backyard in under three hours — nearly twice as fast as most competitors. I really liked the remote-control mowing feature, which was handy for tidying up the edges of the lawn and more sensitive areas such as around flower beds.

The Segway’s speed does mean a few blades go untrimmed, and its rain sensing relies on weather data from the internet, which meant it often didn’t mow because it predicted rain that never came. Setting up the NetRTK was a bit tricky, mostly because I had to put the charging station in an awkward spot to connect to the GPS (it can’t be under an awning or up against a building as the mower also needs a clear view of the sky).

A good lidar-based alternative

Dreame A3 AWD Pro 2500

Navigation: Lidar, AI vision (camera-based) / Yard size: 0.62 acre / Cutting: 1.2” to 3.9” height, 15.8” width (dual discs) / Terrain capabilities: AWD, zero-turn wheels, 80% slope / Theft features: Lift and out-of zone alarms, GPS anti-theft, PIN / Weatherproofing: IPX6 / Connectivity: 4G (3 yrs free), Wi-Fi, BLE / Warranty: 2 yrs

Where to Buy:

The Dreame A3 AWD Pro 2500 ($3,099.99) is the best option if you can’t rely on RTK. Its lidar and camera-based navigation performed nearly as well as the Segway in my backyard, only getting stuck a couple of times. It doesn’t need a clear view of the sky, so you can place it anywhere, and its sliding edge-cutting deck worked slightly better than the Segway’s EdgeSense feature in my testing. (Beware, it’s set to a fixed 1.2-inch minimum).

But in my testing, lidar was the least reliable navigation tech, and sometimes the A3 declared the job complete when it wasn’t. Lidar robots do best in a fenced-in yard, as they can more easily get lost and wander off into your neighbors’ yard, something that never happened with the RTK robots.

The Dreame performed as well as the Segway when mowing, but its turning mechanism did churn up dirt where there was less grass cover.

While the Dreame rarely got stuck, its turning mechanism wasn’t as smooth as the Segway, and it dug several sandpits in various spots where there was no grass. I do like its “Garden Guardian” mode that uses the camera as a roaming security guard, and it can also identify when people cross its path and warn them that it’s working. It’s been mildly hilarious watching it surprise the heck out of dog walkers passing by the front yard.

An expensive but reliable option for yards with no trees

Husqvarna Automower 420 IQ

Navigation: EPOS (RTK), radar / Yard size: 1 acre / Cutting: 1” to 4” height, 9.4” width (single discs) / Terrain capabilities: 2WD, large wheels, 45% slope / Theft features: Out-of zone alarm, GPS anti-theft, PIN / Weatherproofing: IPX5 / Connectivity: 4G (free for life), Wi-Fi, BLE / Warranty: 4 yr mower, 3 yr battery

Where to Buy:

Husqvarna’s Automower 420 IQ ($3,299) is a good option for a standard yard. It has the longest warranty (four years), the easiest app and controls, and a modular design for longevity. It’s 2WD, but its large wheels tackled uneven terrain well. It requires an RTK antenna and has the option of cloud-based RTK (in some areas), but its backup navigation for satellite dead spots requires installing physical boundary wire.

I tested this in my neighbor’s yard using the physical RTK antenna, as they have fewer trees and clearer views of the sky. It navigated well, but it uses radar for obstacle detection and has no camera at all. This meant it wasn’t as good at dodging objects as the others, and ran into the bushes once and tried to climb a small tree.

The Husqvarna mowing my neighbors’ lawn — I had to install it there as the RTK antenna didn’t work in my yard. There is the option of netRTK.
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But if you have a large, uncomplicated, tree-free yard, it’s a good option thanks to Husqvarna’s broad support network, free-for-life cellular connectivity for both theft and NetRTK (should you need it), and impressive performance.

More reliable navigation, but spotty software

Mammotion Luba 3 AWD 3000

Navigation: Lidar, RTK, AI-vision (camera-based) / Yard size: 0.75 acre / Cutting: 1” to 2.7” height, 15.7” width (dual discs) / Terrain capabilities: AWD, 80% slope / Theft features: Lift and out-of zone alarms, GPS anti-theft, physical key / Weatherproofing: IPX6 / Connectivity: 4G (3 yrs free), Wi-Fi, BLE / Warranty: 3 yrs

Where to Buy:

The Mammotion combines all three wireless navigation types — RTK, lidar, and vision — making it ideal for properties with spotty GPS coverage like mine. But it’s less nimble than the other AWD models thanks to lower ground clearance and weaker suspension.

While the Mammotion did great cutting the lawn, it had serious issues with turns and soft ground. It dug itself sandpits and tore up grass in a particularly soft spot." data-portal-copyright="" />

Its turning mechanism also tore up a couple areas of my garden, particularly a shaded area near my neighbors’ sprinklers, which stayed damper than other spots. Mammotion has acknowledged this issue, telling The Verge “We’ve identified that a recent update to the turning logic caused some unwanted results. The mower turning too sharply might tear up the grass to some extent, especially when the ground is wet and slippery, or the grass isn’t very thick.”

They’ve deployed several software updates to address this, but we should all be wary of relying on software updates to fix fundamental problems with an expensive lawnmower.

A budget option for smaller yards with or without trees

Roborock RockNeo Q110H

Navigation: RTK, vSLAM / Yard size: 0.25 acre / Cutting: 0.8” to 2.4” height, 8.7” width (single disc) / Terrain capabilities: 2WD, 45% slope / Theft features: Out-of zone alarm, GPS anti-theft (with optional module), PIN / Weatherproofing: IPX6 / Connectivity: Wi-Fi, BLE (4G sold separately) / Warranty: 2 yr

Where to Buy:

The $1,299 Roborock RockNeo Q110H is my budget pick. This rear-wheel-drive mower was impressive on my flat, treed front yard, although its lack of all-wheel-drive meant that the occasional large tree root stopped it in its tracks. That, and its more limited range, is why it’s half the price of other mowers here. It offers RTK and vSLAM navigation, with the option of antenna or NetRTK.

The RockNeo is remarkably similar to the Segway Navimow i100N I tested last year, with a few upgrades, including better camera-based obstacle detection, steeper slope navigation (up to 45%), and a wider cutting blade. It can also be used for manual remote-control mowing and has a built-in edge-cutting feature, although there’s the option of an edge-cutting add-on module, which I haven’t tried.

Edge cutting is still very much a work in progress for all mowers. Some do well straddling the edge, but if you have a fence or delicate boundary, that won’t work. Companies are trying all sorts of solutions — including special attachments. Ecovacs Goat A3000 Pro Lidar looks to be the most promising, thanks to a side-mounted string trimmer. But for now, you should plan to keep your manual trimmer handy.

The Segway mowing the backyard." data-portal-copyright="" />

Robot mowers have improved significantly over the last 18 months. Advances in navigation have solved my main pain points from my last round of testing, and bigger, beefier bots are now better at navigating the varied terrain of American yards. Today, the right bot will maintain your yard beautifully with minimal effort. While they still need oversight and the occasional rescue, and they haven’t solved every problem, they do take a lot of the work out of maintaining your yard.

Photos and videos by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge

The only instant cameras worth your money

2026-08-07T14:04:08-04:00

There’s something magical about using instant cameras that smartphones can’t match. You can capture a moment, print it out, and then give the photo as a gift or hold onto it. Image quality won’t be all that good, but imperfections are part of the allure.

We tested instant camera models from popular brands and landed on a handful that we think are the best. Some aim to preserve the classic experience above all else, while others support companion apps and the ability to print stored photos.

Fujifilm’s latest Instax cameras are the best out there for most people. The company’s Instax Mini Evo is a bit pricey, but it produces great-looking images and offers a lot of creative control. If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, the Instax Mini 13 also takes good photos but has fewer features. The Polaroid Flip is the best retro-focused experience (be warned: prints are pricey!), while Kodak’s Mini Retro 3 might be a better purchase for some because its prints are quite affordable by comparison.

The best instant camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

Score: 8

Pros	Cons
Great use of dials and buttons Lots of printing flexibility Good battery life	Internal storage is limited No viewfinder

Where to Buy:

Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini film / Film size: 2 x 3 inches / Weight: 285 grams / Charging method: USB-C / Companion app: Yes / Other features: LCD screen, smartphone printing

Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Evo is a hybrid instant camera that bears a resemblance to its premium X100 line of cameras that cost hundreds more. Its vintage dials and buttons look so stylish that they caught the attention of passersby as I walked around Los Angeles.

It’s easy to balk at its price tag, but this camera offers a level of flexibility that sets it apart (and could save you from wasting a bunch of prints). The camera’s dials also let you apply lens options and effects, from retro filters to monochrome shades, and you can even remotely trigger shots from the app. Its 3-inch LCD screen can be used as a viewfinder, and it also lets you preview and select which images you want to print. The camera’s internal storage tops out at 45 images, which is more limited than we’d prefer, though you can send photos from a smartphone to print. Plus, unlike the Instax Mini 13 (a more budget-friendly pick mentioned below), the Evo uses a USB-C port for charging.

Being able to adjust the brightness of the prints helped me capture night photos and a low-light immersive exhibit a little more clearly and realistically. | Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge" />

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo review.

The best instant cameras if you’re on a budget

Fujifilm Instax Mini 13

Score: 8

Pros	Cons
Produces relatively true-to-life photos Terrific ease of use Very affordable	Instax film can get pricey Minimal creative control Flash can be overpowering

Where to Buy:

Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini film / Film size: 2 x 3 inches / Weight: 327 grams / Charging method: AA batteries / Companion app: None / Other features: Built-in selfie mirror, self-timer, film counter

Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 13 is a more budget-friendly option that can take great photos mostly on par with the Mini Evo. It’s easy to use (just twist its lens to turn the camera on or off), it outperforms other budget instant cameras we tested, and we like its bright, playful designs. Its biggest improvement over the Mini 12 is its self-timer, with both two- and 10-second countdown options. Meanwhile, the Instax Mini 41 looks more sleek, but it lacks the Mini 13’s self-timer and costs about $23 more usually.

The Mini 13 produced more true-to-life photos than the non-Fujifilm instant cameras I tested. I also appreciated the Mini 13’s generously sized physical viewfinder and that it shows your remaining shots, which is useful given that each print costs about $1.

For an instant camera, Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 13 produces vivid, relatively true-to-life photos. | Photo: Sheena Vasani / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Photo: Sheena Vasani / The Verge" />

Like many instant cameras, it struggles in low light, though the built-in flash brightens dark scenes. The flash can’t be disabled, and it’s very powerful, which resulted in a handful of overexposed shots during testing. It lacks Bluetooth connectivity along with creative shooting modes found on pricier cameras, so you can’t edit photos, apply filters, or choose from different lens effects before printing.

The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro. | Photo by Sheena Vasani / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Photo by Sheena Vasani / The Verge" /> Two photos produced by the Kodak Mini Shot 3 that are relatively true-to-life but too oversaturated with a pink tint. | Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge" />

Fujifilm’s Instax cameras produce excellent-looking photos, but each print costs around $1. Kodak’s hybrid Mini Shot 3 Retro is pricier up front (it retails for $159.99 but it often on sale for much less) but much cheaper to buy film for, making it the better budget pick (or beginner-friendly pick). Replacement cartridges are often around $20 for a 60-print pack. And, because you can preview photos before printing, you’re less likely to waste prints.

The Mini Shot 3 Retro affords you more controls than the Instax Mini 13; it sports an LCD screen for previewing photos, it lets you print photos from your phone via Bluetooth, and you can upload ones you shoot to social media using Kodak’s Photo Printer app. The companion app features frames, stickers, filters, and other effects that would look great in a scrapbook. There’s even a beauty mode and Snapchat-style filters. However, photos taken with the Mini Shot 3 Retro lack sharpness and sometimes have an excessive pink tint, and the prints also feel flimsier.

The best instant cameras for retro fans

Polaroid Flip

Score: 6

Pros	Cons
Attractive, retro design Prints dreamy, vintage-style photos that are relatively sharp for a Polaroid photo Several creative modes USB-C	Struggles in low light Film takes up to 15 minutes to develop Bulky and relatively heavy

Where to Buy:

Film type: Polaroid i-Type Color Film / Film size: 4.2 x 3.5 inches / Weight: 648 grams / Charging method: USB-C / Companion app: Yes / Other features: Scene Analysis

If you’re looking for an instant camera that offers a retro-inspired experience, the Polaroid Flip might be for you. Its classic design and flip-up lid resemble vintage instant cameras like the Polaroid 600, and its square I-Type film prints iconic white-framed photos that look like authentic Polaroids. Yet the camera has modern features like Bluetooth, USB-C charging, and a beginner-friendly companion app that adds convenience and creative control.

The Flip improves on my former retro pick, the third-gen Polaroid Now Plus, with clearer shots and fewer wasted photos. That’s important, as you don’t want to waste any of the eight I-Type sheets that come in a pack that’s $18.99. The Flip’s sonar autofocus and a four-lens hyperfocal system result in sharper images, plus it has an excellent flash — it’s the most powerful of any Polaroid camera I’ve tested. The Scene Analysis feature also helps by warning if a shot is likely to be over or underexposed, or if you’re too close to your subject (these warnings didn’t always get the exposure right).

A few outdoor examples I captured with the Polaroid Flip. | Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge" />

The Flip has a few downsides, in addition to its costly film. It’s the heaviest camera on this list, not to mention it’s awkwardly sized, making it tough to slip into a purse or easily carry around. Prints also take 15 minutes to develop, during which they must be shielded from light. Low-light performance remains a weak spot as well, and I struggled to capture indoor shots given the contrast and saturation are lower than with Instax film. Sometimes, this gave my pictures a more dreamy, vintage look that felt artistic, but you might not be into it.

The latest Polaroid Go produces charming photos but with a cooler tone.

| Photo: Sheena Vasani / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Photo: Sheena Vasani / The Verge" />

If the Flip seems too bulky or expensive for you, the third-generation Polaroid Go is a smaller retro-inspired alternative. It weighs just over a pound and fits easily in the palm of my hand. At $89.99, the latest Go is the most affordable Polaroid camera available, with film that costs only a little more than Fujifilm’s Instax sheets (a 16-sheet pack runs $21.99).

The Go skips advanced features found in the Flip, including creative shooting modes, Bluetooth connectivity, and a companion app for editing photos. It’s a straightforward point-and-shoot camera with a self-timer and large selfie mirror. The smaller prints may disappoint those who prefer traditional Polaroid sizes, but its simplicity and portability make it an approachable way to enjoy the classic Polaroid experience at a much lower price.

Update, August 6: Added the Instax Mini 13 and Polaroid Go Gen 3, made the Instax Mini Evo our top pick, and designated the Kodak Mini Retro and Instax Mini 13 as our budget picks.

The three sets of earbuds I reach for

2026-06-09T18:21:07-04:00

I listen to a lot of earbuds, but these three I actually use all the time. | Photo: John Higgins / The Verge

I have been an audio reviewer for 20 years. My time as a freelance headphones panelist at Wirecutter, and the multitude of reviews I’ve written for sites like Reviewed, Digital Trends, IGN, and now The Verge, have given me the chance to listen to hundreds of earbuds. Some were truly excellent, and some were pretty hideous. Honestly, they tend to blur together as I move from new earbud to new earbud. But when something worthwhile comes around, it gets and holds my attention. These are the three sets that I reach for most often right now.

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro

Score: 8

Pros	Cons
Incredible call quality Great ANC Useful case screen	Default sound profile needs tweaking

Where to Buy:

For ages I relied on the Apple AirPods Pro — first the Pro 2 and then the Pro 3. But the new $170 Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro have been my go-to earbuds for the past month. I’m using them to listen to Lofi Girl as I write this. Their sound quality is really good after you use the Soundcore app to fine-tune the frequency response (out of the box the bass is too high, which causes vocals to get muddy and snare hits to be muffled). They fit my ears securely, and since they have an IP55 rating, I could see myself using them on a run in a pinch — though I prefer running with my Powerbeats Fit buds (see below). And they also support the LDAC high-res audio codec with supported devices (sorry, iPhone users).

Noise cancellation is also top-notch and comparable to more expensive earbuds like the Apple AirPods Pro 3 (which we’ll get to in a few paragraphs). The Soundcore buds let in a little more midrange, but handle low-end drone with no problem.

But call quality is the Liberty 5 Pro’s greatest strength. I’ve never heard earbuds that block out as much ambient noise, allowing me to sound clear on my calls and in meetings. Whether it’s a squawk from the family parrot that’s a couple feet to the left of my desk or the Los Angeles traffic as I walk around my neighborhood, nothing distracts my conversation partners from what I’m saying. And many don’t even believe it when I tell them the amount of noise around me.

The Liberty 5 Pro have some nice extra features, including voice controls, AI translation (with the Soundcore app), and a case with a 0.96-inch TFT touchscreen and wireless charging. For $60 more, the Liberty 5 Pro Max’s case adds recording with an AI transcription and summary, but they cost $230 and the earbuds are exactly the same as the 5 Pro. I wouldn’t bother with the upgrade unless you really need to record and transcribe things regularly.

Battery life with ANC on is below average, listed as only 6.5 hours (or a total of 28 hours with the case), and that number goes down if you’re using features like hi-res audio. I find myself needing to charge the case every couple days.

It also takes some finagling to switch the earbuds between paired devices. I regularly use my work MacBook, my iPhone, and my iPad during the day, and the earbuds can only be connected to two at a time. So I find myself regularly needing to disconnect from one to allow them to work on another.

AirPods Pro 3

Score: 9

Pros	Cons
Improved ANC and sound Longer battery Standalone workout tracking Live translation Same price IP57 Better fit Camera remote control is handy!	If you’re hoping for traditional foam ear tips, this isn’t that

Where to Buy:

In those cases I fall back to my Apple AirPods Pro 3. When I’m using Apple products, I don’t have to think about them. I just take them out of their case and they work. When I open my iPad to watch a show on HBO Max or the Dropout app, the AirPods will seamlessly switch over to the new device and alert me with a pop-up notification.

The AirPods sound a bit better than the Soundcore, although it’s not a drastic difference. And they still deliver some of the best noise-canceling performance available.

They also have a plethora of features that only work within the Apple ecosystem. Live translation on supported iPhones works decently, and their case supports magnetic wireless charging. They have Find My for if (when) you lose them, and even a hearing test. There’s also a heart rate sensor that integrates with the iOS Fitness app, and the buds are now IP57 (the Soundcore are IP55, so their water protection isn’t as strong). Although, even with the heart rate sensor and IP rating, I don’t like using the AirPods as workout earbuds for one specific reason.

Even though fit has been improved on the AirPods Pro 3 compared to the Pro 2, I still have issues with it. It’s not a concern as I sit at my desk, but a light jog or run and they start to work their way out of my ears. Earbuds fit is such a personal thing, since everyone’s ears are shaped differently, but for me, Apple has never nailed it. I also don’t like the stem design, to put it mildly. It’s iconic, sure, but also exceedingly frustrating to use when I’m running. I’m constantly jostling them loose as I try to change the track, adjust volume, or switch to a different ANC mode.

Beats Powerbeats Fit

Score: 8

Pros	Cons
Excellent, secure fit Solid sound Good ANC and transparency	H1 chip limits Apple features No wireless charging on case

Where to Buy:

That’s where the Beats Powerbeats Fit come in. Because of their wingtip design, I never worry about them coming out of my ears, and yet they’re comfortable throughout my workout. The in-ear design also keeps out of the way of sunglasses, which is one reason I prefer them over the ear hooks of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. And even though Beats are owned by Apple, the earbuds are not locked into the Apple ecosystem. They can connect to Android phones and still offer the same functionality with the Beats app.

There’s still a drawback to the Fit as workout earbuds: their IPX4 rating. I don’t sweat profusely near my ears when I work out, and I live in the dry Los Angeles climate, so humidity and rain aren’t huge issues for me. I’d be cautious about running in heavy rain, but they should still be okay in most situations.

The past year has seen an influx of open earbuds. They offer great environmental awareness since they don’t go fully into your ears — but they don’t sound as good as in-ears because they don’t go fully into your ears. It affects the bass response in particular, but also the overall balance. I don’t think the tradeoff is worth it, and the Powerbeats Fit have a fine transparency mode when I need to pay attention to my surroundings. If you don’t like putting things in your ear holes though, something like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are a good option.

Most people don’t have earbuds coming into and out of their lives as I do, and most people don’t need or want three different sets of $200-ish earbuds. If I had to pick one, I’d choose the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro. Not only are they the cheapest of the bunch, they’re versatile, sound great, and have incredible call quality. With their IP55 rating, you could even use them for workouts. All three are excellent earbuds, and if you feel the need to stay within the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 3 are a good choice. But to me, the Soundcore Liberty Pro 5 are the standout.

The best Bluetooth trackers for Apple and Android phones

2026-06-03T15:00:52-04:00

Some people rarely lose things. Wallets are always exactly where they’re supposed to be, keys never go missing, and remotes never slip between the couch cushions. And then there’s the rest of us — the folks who can’t ever seem to find the thing that was right there a few seconds ago. For us, Bluetooth trackers can help.

Bluetooth trackers have been around for a long time, and they all generally work the same way. You attach the tracker to an object (a key ring, tote, in your wallet, etc), pair it with your phone, and then, if you lose said object, you can go into an app and ring the tracker. These days, Bluetooth trackers can do a lot more. Some have ultra-wideband chips that enable precision tracking, so you can find exactly where in a room your item is without having to sound an alarm. Most trackers tap into large networks — like Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub — making it easier to locate lost items outside the home. Many will notify you if they detect you’ve left the device behind or come with QR codes that link to your contact information so people can easily return lost items.

These features are incredibly handy but also have the potential for misuse. For example, when Apple launched the AirTag, it seems the company hadn’t anticipated they might be used to track people or stolen items — but that’s exactly what happened. It’s since beefed up its anti-stalking features, and companies like Tile have also followed suit. Apple and Google have launched a standard that enables unwanted tracking alerts across both Android and iOS devices, and major players like Tile, Samsung, and Chipolo have supported the initiative. Still, it’s worth making yourself aware of each tracker’s approach to safety when deciding the best option for you.

As consummate Losers of Things, we have tested a fair share of Bluetooth trackers on wallets, keys, and luggage. Here’s what we’d recommend if you, too, have a hard time finding things.

The best tracker for iPhone users

Apple AirTag (second-gen)

Apple’s latest AirTags features an upgraded ultra-wideband chip for more precise location tracking, a noticeably louder speaker, and an expanded Bluetooth range.

Where to Buy:

If you’re an iPhone owner, Apple’s second-gen AirTag offers a level of precision that rival trackers simply cannot match. The updated model leverages the company’s latest ultra wideband (UWB) chip for its nifty Precision Finding feature, which, in turn, can lead you to your lost item with an on-screen arrow in the Find My app. Plus, because AirTags can tap into Apple’s vast Find My network, a lost tracker can anonymously ping its location to Apple’s iCloud servers whenever it’s near another Apple device, extending its range beyond Bluetooth’s limitations.

That level of precision proved incredibly useful during testing. Apple’s newest coin-shaped tracker consistently guided us to our misplaced items, including a spare mailroom key hidden in a closet. None of the other Bluetooth trackers we tested — including those from Tile and other third-party, Find My-compatible offerings — worked quite as well. The extended range on the latest AirTags also makes it much easier to reliably locate items in multi-story homes, while a series of iOS updates has made it possible to share a temporary map with a host of airlines (including Delta and United), which can help if your luggage should ever go missing.

Apple’s second-gen AirTag lets you track stuff down using your phone or an Apple Watch Series 9 or newer. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge" />

There are downsides, though. Although their replaceable CR2032 battery helps you save money in the long run, AirTags aren’t truly $29 for most people, since you’ll likely want to buy a separate holder to attach one to your keys or luggage. They’ve also faced criticism for being misused for unwanted tracking purposes (you can read our original testing in full here). That being said, Apple is aware of the issue and has since improved unwanted tracking alerts by shortening the time before you’re notified an unknown AirTag is in your vicinity, making chimes louder, and creating a separate app that lets Android users scan for unknown AirTags.

Read our second-generation AirTags review.

The best tracker for Android users

Tile Pro

The Tile Pro is the company’s loudest Bluetooth tracker and has the widest range at 500 feet. It also has a user-replaceable battery, unlike other Tiles.

Where to Buy:

More trackers these days offer support for both Google’s and Apple’s Find My networks, but Tile’s trackers remain our top recommendation for both Android users and those in mixed iOS / Android households. What’s more, Tile currently offers four form factors to suit different needs: the card-shaped Tile Slim ($29.99), the square-ish Tile ($24.99), the self-adhesive Tile Sticker ($24.99), and the Tile Pro ($34.99). The keyfob-shaped Tile Pro is our personal favorite; it’s larger than the Tile, offers the longest Bluetooth range at 500 feet, and has the loudest ring. Of the four, it’s also the only one that has a replaceable one-year CR2032 battery.

A note about Google’s Find Hub network

In 2024, Google finally launched its Find My Device network, which was later renamed Find Hub. It works similarly to Apple’s Find My network: you’ll be able to share trackers with family members, and there are also unwanted tracking alerts.

Initially, the network lagged behind Apple’s, but it’s catching up. After several weeks of testing Find Hub-compatible trackers — specifically the Chipolo Pop, Pebblebee Clip 5, and Motorola’s Moto Tag — in 2025, we found the network had improved significantly, especially in busy areas. Still, it’s clear Google prioritized privacy over precision.

Google is making some progress, though. In 2024, it also rolled out satellite connectivity to Pixel 9 phones and newer devices, followed by UWB support for more precise tracking with Moto Tags and other compatible phones and trackers. More recently, the company added support for an iPhone-like feature that lets you share tracker locations with a growing number of airlines. So far, the list doesn’t include any US-based carriers, but it does include Lufthansa, Air India, China Airlines, Saudia, and more.

All Tile trackers work similarly to AirTags. Like Apple’s, Tile’s platform-agnostic trackers can tap into a larger network — in this case, the Tile Network and Amazon Sidewalk, neither of which is as expansive as Apple’s or Google’s. However, when we tested Google’s Find Hub-compatible trackers, including the Chipolo Pop and Moto Tag, we found that Tile still did better at tracking items outside the home. The biggest downside is that Tile trackers lack ultra-wideband support, which means they can’t guide you to a nearby item using distance and directional cues like an AirTag. The company did announce a tracker that supports UWB in 2021, but it’s yet to ship, likely because Apple is effectively blocking UWB compatibility for third parties in iOS and Tile’s priorities shifted after it was acquired by Life360.

The back of the Tile Pro now has a QR code. If you find a Tile, you can scan the code to see the owner’s contact information so you can return it. | Photo by Victoria Song / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Photo by Victoria Song / The Verge" />

That being said, Tile trackers do have an edge over AirTags when it comes to recovering stolen items and safety features. That’s largely due to Tile’s anti-theft feature, which makes trackers invisible to tracking detection if your item is stolen. Using it requires identity verification and carries strict penalties, including a $1 million fine for misuse. Tile also offers a “Scan and Secure” tool for detecting unknown Tile devices nearby, though potential victims still have to proactively scan their surroundings.

To round things out, Tile users can manage their trackers directly within the Life360 app and send SOS alerts to emergency contacts with the push of a button (or several). New Tile users are also eligible for up to $100 in reimbursement for lost items and free replacements for damaged trackers, as well as access to 30 days of location history and unlimited sharing within their first year. After that, Tile owners will have to pay the $29.99 annual premium subscription fee to continue enjoying those perks, though every Tile user gets two days of location history for free.

The best AirTag and Tile alternative

Pebblebee Clip 5

The Pebblebee Clip 5 supports Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub networks, but also has a 500-foot Bluetooth range, LEDs that flash to help you locate it, and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 12 months on a single charge.

Where to Buy:

If you’re looking for an AirTag or Tile alternative, the $34.99 Pebblebee Clip 5 is an excellent choice. It’s one of a growing number of trackers that support both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub networks, which is a major improvement over its predecessor. Setup is seamless for iOS and Android users, but because Pebblebee’s app doesn’t handle tracking, features like geofencing and safe locations depend on which network you choose. Apple’s Find My, for instance, supports “left behind” alerts and safe locations; Google’s Find Hub still lacks an equivalent.

The thing we like best about the Pebblebee Clip 5 is its rechargeable battery. It can last up to a year on a single charge, though you may get longer than that depending on your usage. It features a USB-C port, and Pebblebee advertises a Bluetooth range of up to 500 feet. Additionally, the Clip 5 features a blinking LED strip that’s noticeably brighter than prior models and a significantly louder ringtone, making lost items easier to find, even in dark or noisy environments.

You can still use Pebblebee’s app to set voice tags, ask Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for help, or double-tap the tracker to ring your phone. While the Clip 5 is larger than an AirTag, it also includes a snap-on key ring, so you don’t need to pay for an extra accessory just to attach it to your belongings. It’s also rated IP66 for dust and water resistance, making it slightly more durable than earlier Pebblebee trackers.

The best AirTag alternative for wallets

Pebblebee Card 5

The Pebblebee Card 5 has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 18 months and supports wireless charging. It works with Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub, but you can also use the Pebblebee app for voice tagging.

Where to Buy:

You could try stuffing an AirTag into a bifold wallet and hope it stays put — or opt for a Find My–compatible alternative that’s actually designed for wallets, like the $34.99 Pebblebee Card 5. It plays nicely with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub networks, giving you cross-platform flexibility and the benefits of each, all with a super loud ringtone. It doesn’t offer precision tracking because it lacks UWB, but it makes up for it with said ringtones. It also supports unwanted tracking alerts as part of the Find My network.

The Card 5 stands out for its sleek design and wireless charging support. At just 1.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest trackers you can buy and measures about the size of a credit card, meaning you can easily slip it into an overstuffed wallet packed to the brim with receipts, gift cards, and cash. The same can’t always be said of Tile’s wallet tracker, which is nearly twice as thick. What’s more, the Card 5 lasts up to 18 months on a single charge and supports wireless charging, so you don’t have to worry about replacing any batteries.

Unsurprisingly, the Card 5 shares many of the same strengths as the Pebblebee Clip 5, including support for the Pebblebee app and voice tagging. You also get a range of up to 500 feet, an IP66 rating for dust and water resistance, and a built-in button you can press to help locate your phone.

Other Bluetooth trackers to consider

Chipolo Pop and Chipolo Loop

The $29 Chipolo Pop offers a similar form factor to Apple’s AirTag in a lighter, more colorful package with a hole for a keychain or lanyard, a louder beep, and compatibility with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub networks (though only one at a time). You can even use the Pop as a remote camera shutter and press the built-in button twice to find your lost phone. Unlike Chipolo’s other trackers, it boasts a wider 300-foot Bluetooth range, a more robust IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, and includes a user-replaceable battery that can last up to a year.

In our testing, tracking was accurate on both Apple’s and Google’s networks in most cases, Google’s struggled to track items outside of the home as reliably as the Tile. And without UWB, the Pop couldn’t match the AirTag’s pinpoint precision. Still, the Chipolo app provides Android users with reliable out-of-range alerts and left-behind notifications — something Pebblebee and Moto Tag’s trackers lack —which, in our experience, trigger even faster than the Tile.

If you’re willing to spend an extra $10, the $39 Chipolo Loop is very similar to the Chipolo Pop, with many of the same strengths and weaknesses. However, it charges via USB-C and includes a built-in silicone ring that’s easy to attach to keys, bags, and other items. You also get a more durable IP67 rating and an extra 100 feet of Bluetooth range — up to 400 feet total. Just note you’ll have to supply your own USB-C cable.

Samsung SmartTag2

If you’re a Samsung Galaxy phone user, the $29.99 Samsung SmartTag2 gets you UWB tracking and can tap into the Galaxy Find network, which operates similarly to Apple’s Find My network. It’s a great AirTag alternative, but it isn’t our overall pick for Android because it’s limited to Samsung Galaxy users. That said, the latest SmartTag2 includes an improved Compass View, longer battery life, and a better app experience. It also has a newer, oblong design with a larger key ring than the original SmartTag.

Moto Tag

Motorola’s $29.99 Moto Tag is the first tracker on Google’s Find Hub network to offer ultra wideband for locating lost items on phones equipped with a UWB chip, which is a feature Google enabled via a firmware update after releasing the device. Like Apple’s AirTag, it can guide you directly to your missing item via directional cues in the Find Hub app. It worked well in our testing, though Apple’s AirTag was occasionally more precise when tracking objects farther away or through walls. The Moto Tag was also less effective than Tile’s trackers at locating items outside of the home.

Still, if you want a tracker to find things around the house, the Moto Tag is a solid pick. It also fits most AirTag accessories, carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and uses a replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts up to a year. It can ring your misplaced phone, too, and doubles as a remote shutter for Motorola phones. Just know that Motorola recently announced the Moto Tag 2, which can last more than 500 days on a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery and offers improved dust and water resistance. The company hasn’t specified an exact US release date (yet).

Chipolo Card

The rechargeable Chipolo Card is also a good, thin tracker for wallets. Priced at $39, it works with either Apple’s Find My or Google’s Find Hub network and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. It supports Qi wireless charging, unlike the Chipolo Loop, and features a slim design that slips neatly into your wallet. It also offers a 400-foot Bluetooth range — a bit less than the Pebblebee Card 5 — and lasts about six months per charge. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you want something simple, even if it lacks the QR code found on some competing trackers.

Eufy Security SmartTrack Card E30

Eufy’s rechargeable $34.99 SmartTrack Card E30 is another good option for wallets, one that can also tap into Apple’s Find My network like the aforementioned Pebblebee Card 5. On the back, there’s also a QR code — similar to the ones Tile uses — that helps good Samaritans return your item to you. Like the Pebblebee’s newest offerings, you can also share it with multiple people if you set it up via the Eufy Security app.

The bummer here is that the E30 doesn’t work with Android and lacks UWB. However, the upcoming Eufy SmartTrack Card E40 will add support for Google’s Find Hub network while continuing to support Apple’s aforementioned Find My feature. It can also recharge via any Qi-compatible wireless charger and features a louder, 100dB alarm.

Update, June 3rd: Adjusted pricing and availability, and updated references to the Tile Mate to reflect its new name, Tile.

The best Qi2 batteries for iPhone and Pixel

2026-06-04T13:41:10-04:00

Compact power banks have gotten a lot faster in the past year — and it’s not just their USB-C charging speeds that have received a boost. The newest Qi2.2-certified models can wirelessly charge an iPhone 16 or later at up to 25W. Combine that with their ability to magnetically snap on via MagSafe, and you’ve got yourself an essential add-on that’s easy to take on the go.

Qi2 is a magnetic wireless charging standard that’s based on Apple’s MagSafe tech, so almost all modern iPhones support it. While the latest iPhones offer the fastest charging rates, older models (dating back to the iPhone 12) support 15W Qi2 charging speeds, which is still suitably quick. (The iPhone 17E also maxes out at 15W, and the 16E doesn’t have wireless charging at all.)

On the other hand, Android phones are a mixed bag, with very few models supporting Qi2, let alone Qi2.2. Google’s Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro Fold support Qi2 charging at up to 15W; the 10 Pro XL supports Qi 2.2 at up to 25W. Samsung’s Galaxy 26 lineup is “Qi2 Ready,” which means they can use Qi2 chargers at up to 15W if they have a magnet case. And that’s pretty much it.

We know you want the best, whichever phone you have. Some of you may be willing to pay a lot for it, while others may simply want the best possible model for the least amount of money. Of the seven we tested — which vary in features, design, and charging speed — we landed on two picks that should satisfy most people’s needs.

The Qi2.2 battery with the fastest wireless charging speeds

Baseus PicoGo AM52 Qi2.2 Magnetic Power Bank

Where to Buy:

Dimensions: 2.6 x 4 x 0.6 inches, 196 grams / Wireless charging speed: Qi2.2 25W, Qi2 15W / Wired charging speed: Advertised as 45W, but a bit slower / Passthrough charging: Yes / Ports: One USB-C port / Built-in cable: Yes, non-removable / Advertised battery capacity: 10,000mAh, 36Wh

The Baseus PicoGo AM52 is about as no-frills as power banks come, both in design and features. The all-black battery pack has a sleek aluminum case, with soft-touch silicone on the magnetic side to prevent it from scratching your phone while charging. It can charge devices via Qi2.2 and USB-C simultaneously, but using both requires you to press the power button (and there’s a steep speed penalty as it splits the power).

The AM52 (closer to foreground) has a soft-touch back that feels more premium than other models." data-portal-copyright="" /> It’s not the slimmest power bank I tried, but it’s far from the thickest." data-portal-copyright="" /> The Pixel 10 Pro XL was slower than the iPhone to ramp up to its top charging speeds." data-portal-copyright="" /> The Baseus AM52 was a slightly faster performer when paired with the iPhone 17 Pro Max." data-portal-copyright="" />

The AM52 consistently offered the fastest wireless charging speeds of any power bank I tested, and it’s often the most affordable of the bunch. It wirelessly charged an iPhone 17 Pro Max to 65 percent in one hour and the Pixel 10 Pro XL to 50 percent, which is on par with the slightly pricier Sharge Icemag 3. The Iniu SnapGo Air slightly outperformed the AM52 in some wireless tests, but lagged behind in others. Baseus’s model lacks a built-in display — meaning you can’t see the remaining charge — but two of the four LED indicators were still full after an hour of wireless charging, indicating it still had some juice left.

I tested the version with a built-in USB-C cable, which usually retails for $64 at Amazon if you’re a Prime member ($4 more than the cordless version). Sometimes, it drops to $40 or so with a coupon, and in terms of wired charging speeds, it was also among the fastest of the seven batteries I tested. It charged both the iPhone and Pixel to about 90 percent capacity within an hour, though it’s not necessarily hard to find a battery that supports fast wired charging.

	iPhone 17 Pro Max	iPhone 17 Pro Max	Google Pixel 10 Pro XL	Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
	After one hour of wireless charging	After one hour of wired USB-C charging	After one hour of wireless charging	After one hour of wired USB-C charging
Baseus PicoGo AM52	65 percent	89 percent	50 percent	90 percent
Sharge Icemag 3	64 percent	85 percent	49 percent	70 percent
Iniu SnapGo Air	60 percent	89 percent	34 percent	88 percent

The Baseus AM52 advertises a top speed of 45W via USB-C, though it didn’t reach those speeds with any of the devices I tested. It topped out at about 38W while connected to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and 33W while attached to the Pixel 10 Pro XL, both of which advertise higher wired speeds (the Iniu SnapGo Air topped out at 39W). The Baseus also topped out at 39.1W while plugged into my M2 MacBook Air, which isn’t far from its advertised rating, while the Iniu reached 43W. In other words, get the Iniu if you value fast wired speeds and the Baseus if you want fast wireless charging.

The Sharge Icemag 3 has a built-in kickstand and cable, plus a fan for efficiency. It’s usually more expensive than my top pick." data-portal-copyright="" /> The Iniu SnapGo Air is faster than the AM52 when it comes to wired charging, but not by much." data-portal-copyright="" />

The other Qi2.2 batteries I tested

Sharge’s Icemag 3 (39.1Wh) is the coolest battery of the seven that I tested, and it delivers great wireless and wired charging speeds (25W and 30W, respectively). No issues here, but it usually costs a fair amount more than the Baseus or Iniu model.
Iniu’s SnapGo Air (39.2Wh) came close to being our top pick thanks to its fast wired charging, relatively low price, and LED display that shows remaining charge. But its wireless charging performance was inconsistent.

The Qi2 battery with the most power for the least money

iWalk PowerHybrid magnetic charger

Where to Buy:

Dimensions: 2.6 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches, 215 grams / Wireless charging speed: Qi2 15W / Wired charging speed: 30W / Passthrough charging support: Yes / Ports: One USB-C port / Built-in cable: Yes, removable / Advertised battery capacity: 10,000mAh, 38.5Wh

I wasn’t expecting one of the best-performing batteries to be the least expensive model I called in. The iWalk PowerHybrid is a 15W Qi2 charger that’s bulkier than our top pick, and honestly, pretty cheap-looking. But I can’t argue with its charging speeds, or the fact that it’s commonly available for about $35 — half the typical cost of the Baseus AM52. The PowerHybrid also includes a USB-C cable fashioned into a lanyard; however, this one is fully detachable, unlike Baseus’s.

Nothing fancy here, but it gets the job done." data-portal-copyright="" /> The iWalk (left) is quite a bit thicker than the AM52." data-portal-copyright="" /> Charging speeds eventually crawled up to the iWalk’s max speed on the Pixel 10 Pro XL." data-portal-copyright="" /> The peak charging speed of 30W was quickly reached on the iPhone 17 Pro Max." data-portal-copyright="" />

The iWalk charged the iPhone 17 Pro Max to 55 percent in an hour via Qi2 wireless charging. It performed similarly to our Qi2.2 pick while charging the Pixel 10 Pro XL, too, delivering 46 percent of the phone’s total charge in an hour (with 59 percent of the power bank’s battery remaining). Yes, that’s slower than the AM52, but ask yourself: Is a 10 percent speed boost worth nearly twice the price? No judgment if your answer is yes, but those shaking their heads are my kind of people.

	iPhone 17 Pro Max	iPhone 17 Pro Max	Google Pixel 10 Pro XL	Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
	After one hour of wireless charging	After one hour of wired USB-C charging	After one hour of wireless charging	After one hour of wired USB-C charging
iWalk Power Hybrid battery ($50)	55 percent	90 percent	46 percent	85 percent
Anker MagGo Power Bank ($90)	57 percent	86 percent	46 percent	72 percent
Aulumu M10 battery ($90)	58 percent	90 percent	12 percent	84 percent
Statik SmartCharge Gen 2 ($70)	25 percent	32 percent	18 percent	36 percent

The PowerHybrid’s wired charging speeds were in line with other models I tested, allowing me to take the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Pixel 10 Pro XL to 90 percent and 85 percent in an hour, respectively. It also didn’t have any issues reaching its peak 30W charging speeds across multiple devices, which, again, was the case with the AM52.

The iWalk battery has a pretty big quirk, however: It doesn’t automatically turn on when you place a device on its magnetic surface. For Qi2 charging to work, its display (which shows the remaining charge) must be illuminated, which requires you to either press the power button or charge something via its USB-C port. It’s not a big deal, but it might be annoying to some.

Anker’s MagGo is slick, with a built-in display and kickstand, but it’s expensive and rather slow with wireless charging." data-portal-copyright="" /> The Statik SmartCharge Gen 2 can charge a ton of devices at once… slowly. Its tiny kickstand also almost buckles under the size of the iPhone 17 Pro Max." data-portal-copyright="" />

The other Qi2 batteries I tested

The Anker MagGo Power Bank (38.5Wh) is hefty and deluxe, with a durable kickstand and a slick display that shows remaining charge and time to charge. But it’s slow considering its high $90 price, managing 15W Qi2 and 27W USB-C charging.
No other battery I tested looks as quirky and futuristic as Aulumu’s M10 (36Wh). It supports Apple Watch charging, plus USB-C charging and Qi2 15W speeds, but it’s costly at $90 and delivers inconsistent wireless charging speeds.
Statik’s SmartCharge Gen 2 (38.5Wh) delivers what a lot of people are likely looking for: a power bank that can plug directly into an outlet, with two built-in USB-C cables, a few ports, not to mention Apple Watch charging. It’s cool and not terribly expensive at $70, but it’s very slow to charge devices.

Photography by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge

A note on efficiency and capacity

Battery packs are convenient, but slower and less efficient than wired power adapters. All the batteries I tested claim 10,000mAh capacity. Milli-Ampere-hours, unlike Watt-hours, depend on battery voltage, so they can be misleading. For example, the Anker MagGo 10K battery I tested is advertised as having 10,000mAh capacity at 3.85V, or 38.5Wh total energy. The Baseus battery I tested is advertised as having 10,000mAh capacity. Fine print on its label reveals that its actual rating is 5,000mAh at 7.2V, or 36Wh. That doesn’t mean it can deliver only half the energy of the Anker; it’s actually only a little bit less. The Watt-hours are what to look for. And none of that has anything to do with the output voltage from the Qi2 charger, anyway.

Wireless charging is also much less efficient than wired. Qi2 is the least bad, but still loses about a quarter of the battery’s energy compared to charging over USB-C. If you want to squeeze the most charge out of your battery, it’s wired all the way. And finally, claimed charging speeds are typically measured in ideal lab conditions; in my tests, charging speeds were rarely as fast as advertised.

I tested a bunch of Switch 2 screen protectors, and these are the best

2026-06-02T13:48:33-04:00

This is what a Switch 2 looks like with a glossy glass protector attached to its screen. | Image: Cameron Faulkner/The Verge

A glass screen protector is one of a few essential accessories that I strongly recommend to every Switch 2 owner. In fact, it should be a priority to stick one onto the console’s screen as soon as possible to avoid accidental scratches.

To test the candidates below, I installed and removed Switch 2 screen protectors on my console at an alarming rate, more than any sane person should, and here are the most important takeaways:

Do not buy a flimsy plastic screen protector. They are a waste of money and won’t protect your Switch 2 enough.
It’s impossible to tell different brands’ protectors apart once they’re on your screen; product packaging and the installation process are the biggest differences (as well as the key factors that increase cost).
Some protectors are glossy and some are anti-reflective, each with its own tradeoffs. For my money, glossy is the way to go. The matte finish looks good, but it reduces the screen’s vivid quality and its viewing angles.

Of the options below, it’s easiest to recommend amFilm’s three-pack of glossy screen protectors. Not only is the pack affordable ($9.99 from Amazon), but the tray also allows for perfect alignment of the glass protector for easy, bubble-free installation. I’ve used this company’s screen protectors on various gadgets for years, and I particularly like its glossy option over the matte finish, since it lets the Switch 2’s screen fully shine through.

amFilm three-pack of glossy screen protectors

My go-to screen protector brand for years has been amFilm. Three glossy tempered glass sheets come in the box, and the tools make installation fairly simple. JSAUX’s model is just as good based on my testing, and just as affordable.

Where to Buy:

~~$9.99~~ $7.35 at Amazon (with Prime)

AmFilm OneTouch screen protectors (two-pack)

In keeping up with some brands that offer faster installations, amFilm offers a two-pack of glossy protectors that includes a “OneTouch” tray. Remove the protector’s bottom film, attach the tray to your device, and then press gently on the protector until it’s fully applied.

Where to Buy:

~~$8.99~~ $6.47 at Amazon (with Prime)

Dbrand Prism 2.0 two-pack of glossy screen protectors

Dbrand’s Prism 2.0 includes two glass protectors for the Switch 2, each nestled into plastic cases that fit perfectly around the edges of the console (with the Joy-Con 2 removed). $34.99 is expensive for two protectors, but if simplicity and elegant packaging trump value, then this is a good option.

Where to Buy:

Genki Aegis Shield two-pack of glossy screen protectors

Genki offers a cheaper alternative to Dbrand with the Aegis Shield. It includes two protectors, and the installation process is nearly identical: just align the plastic frame with the console, pull the tab, and run your finger across the exposed section of the frame. Spigen makes a similar product that costs $24.99 for a two-pack.

Where to Buy:

amFilm two-pack of matte screen protectors

Let’s start with one of the most affordable options if you want to go the matte-textured route. AmFilm sells a two-pack of protectors at Amazon for $8.99. The set includes a plastic frame that serves as a guide to align the protector just right. JSAUX makes a similar product that’s the same price.

Where to Buy:

~~$9.99~~ $8.48 at Amazon (with Prime)

amFilm OneTouch two-pack of matte screen protectors

AmFilm also sells a two-pack with a OneTouch frame for easier installation. Again, keep in mind that opting for matte over glossy will reduce glare, but at the cost of viewing angles as well as the full vivid quality of the Switch 2’s screen. That’ll be an acceptable tradeoff for some, but not all people.

Where to Buy:

~~$12.99~~ $9.99 at Amazon (with Prime)

Update, June 2nd: Adjusted prices as needed.

These are my favorite Switch 2 accessories

2026-05-28T10:00:46-04:00

The Nintendo Switch 2 can be enjoyed right out of the box, but it’s even better with the right accessories. Some of these add-ons are more crucial than others, especially if you’re deciding what to buy early on. For example, a case and a screen protector can keep your console safe from scuffs, scratches, and drops, so both are what I’d consider to be essential. If you’re not a fan of how the Joy-Con 2 feel to use, a cheap but good wireless controller wouldn’t hurt, either.

On the other hand, a microSD Express card lets you add even more digital games to your library, although the console’s somewhat generous 256GB of internal storage means you may not need one right away. Some other accessories don’t add enough to the gaming experience to justify the cost. Those Joy-Con 2 steering wheel accessories? You can probably pass on those.

The Switch 2 and its games are expensive enough, so we’ve assembled this guide with picks that are a great value. No matter your budget, we’ve included numerous categories, beginning with a starter kit of recommendations we think everyone should consider.

The best Switch 2 controllers

Our list of the best Switch 2 controllers is always evolving. It started with just a few alternatives to Nintendo’s great, yet imperfect Switch 2 Pro controller that costs $90. Now it’s full of options covering a range of budgets. Currently, the best wireless controller for most Switch 2 gamers is the EasySMX S10. It offers comfort, great-feeling rumble, it includes a floating eight-way direction pad, and has support for motion controls and amiibo. It’s the total package, but I have minor complaints. The home, GameChat, and screenshot buttons are placed awkwardly, and not everyone will dig the design or the gritty texture on the grips.

EasySMX S10

Where to Buy:

8BitDo USB Adapter 2

It’s technically not a controller, but I’m a broken record when it comes to recommending 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2 for households already with more than one console. In the case that you have an Xbox or a PS5 and would rather not buy a bespoke Switch 2 controller, just buy this $20 adapter instead, and use it to connect a wireless controller you already own. The Sony DualSense’s rumble and motion controls work seamlessly, for example, and you can remap buttons as you please within the console’s OS.

8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter 2

The 8BitDo’s latest adapter resembles a flash drive, but once connected to your Switch’s dock, it allows you to wirelessly pair it with a variety of PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo controllers.

Where to Buy:

The best Switch 2 cases and mounts

Dbrand Killswitch

The Killswitch is a great Switch 2 companion, whether you’re someone who primarily uses the console in handheld mode or while it’s docked. It’s a case that wraps around the Switch 2, with detachable components that snugly grip onto each Joy-Con 2 to make them more comfortable to hold. Above all else, it’s a great way to protect your console from scratches and slightly more significant damage.

What’s also great is that it doesn’t limit its flexibility as a hybrid console. Each Killswitch ships with a USB-C dock adapter that is inserted into the Switch 2 dock. Since the case-equipped console can no longer fit in Nintendo’s dock, this adapter lets you connect it to your TV without taking off the case. It’s tougher to correctly align the Switch 2’s USB-C jack with this adapter than it is to put it in the dock, but it gets easier with practice.

Read our review of the Dbrand Killswitch.

Dbrand Killswitch – Switch 2

Where to Buy:

Tomtoc FancyCase Slim zip-up case

The best, slimmest zip-up case you should buy is made by Tomtoc. Its FancyCase slim case feels durable, and it has plenty of vertical clearance above the Joy-Con 2 sticks, so it’ll never press them in on accident. Like most zip-up cases, it features a screen cover that doubles as cartridge storage. This one can hold 12 cartridges.

I’m confident that it’ll absorb more potential damage over time than other cases I’ve tried. Plus, it just looks cooler, with low-profile designs for gamers who don’t want to draw attention to their console. That said, its “Froz Edition” has ice cream-inspired looks that are more expressive.

Tomtoc FancyCase-G05 Nintendo Switch 2 Slim Case

Where to Buy:

Mechanism Gaming Pillow

When I’m relaxing after putting our kid to sleep, I want everything to be easy. Like, I don’t even want to hold a Switch 2 while I play, if at all possible. The console’s kickstand is nice, but Mechanism’s Gaming Pillow is better, since its articulating arm can suspend the console at eye level while its plush bottom rests on my lap. You can detach the Switch 2’s Joy-Con and hold them where it’s most comfortable, or better yet, just connect a wireless controller that offers better ergonomics. The Gaming Pillow works with many other devices, too, whether it’s a PlayStation Portal, an Xbox ROG Ally, or even a Kindle with the right Mechanism adapter.

Mechanism Gaming Pillow

Where to Buy:

The best Switch 2 docks

Jsaux’s OmniCentro is a wall charger that doubles as a HDMI dock for the Switch 2 and other handhelds. It retails for $45.99, which isn’t a bad price given its specs. Its USB-C port tops out at 65W, which is more than enough for a Switch 2 and most other gaming handhelds. The adapter supports 4K resolution at 120 frames per second with HDR (though the console only supports 60Hz at 4K), or 1440p and 1080p at up to 120 frames per second. You can also use it as a compact hub for your tablet or laptop, as its USB-A port comes in handy for wireless dongles or for charging small accessories.

OmniCentro Charger Dock for Switch 2

Where to Buy:

The best Switch 2 cameras

If you use Nintendo’s GameChat feature, you might want a webcam to show your face to friends. The best webcam that you can get for your Switch 2 should be the cheapest one you can find that’s guaranteed to work with it. Almost all of Logitech’s webcams support the Switch 2. It’s worth knowing that the Switch 2 displays low-fidelity video feeds during gameplay, so unless you plan to use the webcam with your PC as well, it’s not worth spending a lot for a model that promises great video quality.

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera

Where to Buy:

Logitech Brio 100 webcam

Where to Buy:

The best Switch 2 portable batteries

The Switch 2 is more powerful than the original Switch. However, it doesn’t require all that much more power to charge, even while you’re playing games. A power bank that can deliver at least 20W is totally sufficient to get the fastest-possible charging speeds with the Switch 2 in handheld mode. The Switch 2 usually pulls a maximum of about 15-17W of power (sometimes less) from a USB-C battery during gameplay. When the system was asleep, the rate went down to between 8-13W, fluctuating at different points during the charging process.

Thankfully, your options for compatible batteries are plentiful. You’ll likely be paying for more power than you’ll need with the Switch 2, but more power (and especially more ports) are never a bad thing to have too much of.

Anker Zolo Power Bank (10K, 30W)

Where to Buy:

Iniu Pocket Rocket P50 power bank

Where to Buy:

Best microSD Express cards for Switch 2

The Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards of up to 2TB, even though models with that amount of storage aren’t yet available for purchase. Most brands make cards in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations, and some offer 1TB cards as well. I’d suggest grabbing the cheapest microSD Express card you can find, as so far they all offer similarly fast read/write speeds. Right now, Samsung’s P9 is one of the most affordable models you can get, with the 256GB version going down to $34.99 sometimes.

Samsung P9 microSD Express Card

Where to Buy:

Best video glasses for Switch 2

If you travel often or just really want heightened immersion, AR glasses are a good purchase to consider. Instead of using a TV or a monitor, they put the screen right up to your eyeballs, and modern models offer head-tracking to let the screen follow your movements, as well as sensors that let you lock the screen in place virtually. There’s more than one good set of AR glasses out there, too. Viture’s $549 Beast and its Pro mobile gaming dock, which is necessary for connecting a Switch 2 and HDMI-based consoles, are a solid pair that offer both great contrast and brightness. Better yet, the glasses offer built-in three degrees of freedom (3DoF) that lets you lock the screen’s location in virtual space.

Viture Beast

Where to Buy:

Other cheap, must-have Switch 2 accessories

There are two extra low-cost items that I think most people should consider buying. The first is a screen protector. The console’s screen is its most fragile component, so spend the $10 or so necessary to get a multipack of tempered glass protectors so you don’t have to think about it again. Many brands make them, but I’ve had great experiences with stuff from amFilm.

AmFilm OneTouch screen protectors (two-pack)

Where to Buy:

~~$8.99~~ $6.47 at Amazon (with Prime)

The other accessory is a USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter. It’s possible that you may get a ton of usage out of this, especially if you play online multiplayer games and you want to nip latency in the bud. Or, if you’re like me, you’ll just plug it in when it comes time to download a game. The Switch 2’s Wi-Fi is awfully slow when it comes to downloading games, even when you have fast internet. Plugging this accessory into either of its USB-C ports greatly increases download speeds.

Ugreen USB-C-to-ethernet adapter

Where to Buy:

~~$14.99~~ $9.49 at Amazon (for Prime members)

Update, May 28th: Updated to reflect current pricing and availability.

I tested several cases for the Switch 2 and these are the best

2026-05-21T10:06:08-04:00

You might find it kind of sad to put your hard-earned Switch 2 into a protective case. To me, it’s freeing. Sure, it can take away from the slick design. But using a case relieves me of the worry that the console will accumulate tons of little scratches, or worse. I’ve tested several types of cases on the Nintendo Switch 2 since it launched in in 2025, including flimsy shells that snap or slide onto the Switch 2 to provide a simple, aesthetically pleasing barrier from scratches to the console and its Joy-Cons. I’ve also tested carrying cases that protect the console when it isn’t in use.

It didn’t take long for me to find one that I think is the best, but that hasn’t stopped me from trying new options from brands that are familiar, as well as from companies that aren’t household names. There’s something for everyone — and every budget — below.

In terms of what’s coming up, we’re expecting to get in Mechanism’s Basecase for consideration.

I just listed my high standards for form-fitting cases made to fit the Switch 2 while it’s in use. However, the bar for carrying cases is lower. They just need to protect the console and, ideally, provide some extra value, like a pocket for cables, cartridge storage, or ideally both.

As for my favorite case, I didn’t want to make any major compromises; I wanted one that’s just as good for handheld mode as when docked, which is why I think the Dbrand Killswitch is the best model overall. I published a full review of the Killswitch, but the skinny is that while it’s perhaps more expensive than some may hope to pay, the level of protection and versatility it offers is worth the cost.

The best Switch 2 case for both handheld and docked play

Dbrand Killswitch – Switch 2

Score: 8

Pros	Cons
Very secure fit Makes the Switch 2 feel more like a Steam Deck (in the best ways) Clever dock adapter	Chunky dock adapter Not the most affordable case Front protection only comes in the $80 tier

Where to Buy:

The least expensive Killswitch tier costs $59.95 and includes a set of Joy-Con 2 grips, a rear cover for the console and a small matching piece to adhere to its kickstand, all of which securely latch onto each component. It also includes one of Dbrand’s skins. There’s no piece of the Killswitch that feels like it’ll incidentally wiggle off.

Unfortunately, the protective case makes it impossible to fit the Switch 2 into the dock. However, Dbrand includes its workaround adapter that fits into the dock, essentially acting as an extender for it’s USB-C jack. It’s a fairly elegant solution that works as intended. The only downside is that it leaves your Switch 2’s screen exposed instead of concealed by the dock’s plastic wall. It’s a little clunky, but I’m willing to forgive it because it allows the Switch 2 to retain its docking functionality.

The tier I recommend for most Switch 2 players (especially those who will often throw their console into a bag) is the $79.85 “Travel” tier, which includes a semi-transparent cover that protects the front of your console when you aren’t using it. The cover fits around the front of your Killswitch-equipped console, securing around the back with a tough bungee cord latch. This tier also includes a pair of analog stick grips and a tray that holds 10 Switch cartridges and fits neatly within the travel cover.

When this guide was first published, Dbrand was in the midst of updating its Killswitch so that it wouldn’t allow the Joy-Con 2s’ magnets to break away without you pressing their magnet-releasing buttons. In other words, if you held your Killswitch-equipped Switch 2 parallel to the ground solely by either of the Joy-Con 2 controllers and give it a shake, the entire console portion was likely to detach, potentially causing serious damage to the console. Dbrand redesigned the Joy-Con 2 grips to fix the issue, and previous buyers can request a replacement free of charge. Future buyers will receive the Killswitch with the updated, improved grips. We’ve received the tweaked pieces and can confirm that they fix the issue.

Read my full review of the Dbrand Killswitch case for the Nintendo Switch 2

Runner-up

Jsaux Split Protective Case

Jsaux’s protective case covers the front and rear of the Switch 2 as well as Joy-Cons. It has a cutout for the kickstand, and under its top lid are slots for storing 10 game cartridges.

Where to Buy:

The Jsaux Split Protective Case is an affordable alternative to Dbrand’s Killswitch, costing $29.99 but with many of the same characteristics. It includes two Joy-Con 2 grips that let you detach them from the system at will, and a transparent shell to clip around the back and the top and bottom edges of the Switch 2. Unlike the Killswitch, however, the Jsaux shell is so thin that the console can still fit into the dock. It also comes with a hard front cover that protect the screen during transit (or just for safekeeping), and it has storage for 10 Switch cartridges on its underside.

I’ve got minor qualms with Jsaux’s case, which I can overlook given its low price (and may not be an issue for you, anyway); the Joy-Con 2 grips are smaller, and don’t add as much bulk or grip as Dbrand’s Killswitch, but they’re still serviceable. Also, its build quality isn’t as good (for instance, on my review unit, there was a little bit of warped plastic that looks like a raised eyebrow near the power and volume buttons, though it’s hard to say if this affects multiple units).

Lastly, the design of its Joy-Con 2 grips exhibit the same edge case issue that Dbrand’s model initially faced before it issued a free fix to all owners. If you hold the Switch 2 by either Joy-Con and shake the console’s full weight downward, the force may be enough to completely detach it, sending the console down to the ground. In my testing, it was really difficult to get the Switch 2 to fall, so this hopefully shouldn’t impact many people, but it’s worth mentioning nevertheless.

Jsaux ModCase Ultimate

Where to Buy:

$60 at Jsaux

Another runner-up is the ModCase from Jsaux. The foundation of the accessory pack is the plastic and silicone case that the console fits into (you can’t remove the Joy-Con or use the kickstand once it’s inside), which adds bulkier grips that make it more comfortable to hold. There’s a small section on the rear of the case that juts out, and that’s where each of its “mods” can be attached.

The basic $29.99 kit includes just a couple of basics: a kickstand (which works better on tables than laps) and a watch-like strap for holding a power bank during charging. The $59.99 Ultimate kit that Jsaux sent for testing includes those plus several other extras. You get a face plate for the console to protect its screen while not in use, as well as an accessory with a magnet to let you attach, say, your iPhone so you can view it while you play games. Lastly, it includes a USB-C dock extender with a silicone stand. It’s like a dock for your dock, for use when the ModCase is installed. It looks more cumbersome than Dbrand’s also-clumsy-looking solution included with the Killswitch. But, hey, it all works as intended performance-wise.

The best carrying cases for the Switch 2

Tomtoc FancyCase-G05 Nintendo Switch 2 Slim Case

Where to Buy:

Tomtoc’s FancyCase Slim case has recently become my favorite Switch 2 zip-up case. Starting at around $33 and going up to $39 depending on the style that suits you best, it’s not the most affordable option. But it’s worth the cost if you want better protection than either the PowerA or Belkin cases below can provide. It has less give in its middle section by comparison. Another thing that sets it apart are the bulbous sections on the outer cover, which offer more vertical clearance above the Joy-Con 2’s analog sticks, ensuring they don’t get pressed while your console’s inside. Oh, and it includes color options that look like ice cream sandwiches.

The FancyCase Slim case is the best option I’ve tried not just for durability but also for a dash of style. That said, it’s short on other perks to justify the price. While Belkin’s Switch 2 carrying case features a pocket for storing microSD Express cards, a cable, or any other small trinket like an AirTag to track its location, the only thing inside of this one is a soft screen-protecting flap that can hold 12 Switch cartridges on the other side.

Runners-up

Belkin Charging Case Pro

Where to Buy:

If you’re willing to spend $100 for a carrying case, the Charging Case Pro from Belkin delivers features that you won’t find in any other model. It improves on last year’s $70 case (mentioned below) with a redesigned 10,000mAh battery that doubles as a stand for the console. Not only can the battery be removed, but it now has a screen that shows the remaining charge and a USB-C port that’s easier to access. Despite the high price, this is a great protective case that builds on what makes the cheaper models good picks, too, with 12 cartridge slots, a small pocket for a Bluetooth tracker, and a slick design.

WaterField Designs CitySlicker case for Switch 2

Where to Buy:

$129 at WaterField Designs

Speaking of pricey cases, WaterField Designs has been making tweaks to its beloved, but pricey CitySlicker case for every major handheld to come along. For fans of the case, or those who are looking for a more premium option, the $129 Switch 2 version doesn’t change what isn’t broken. The City Slicker hugs the console’s curves closely enough to ensure a snug fit with a fleece interior, flanked by two pockets for cables and small accessories — one in front of where the Switch 2 sits, and one behind it. There’s a larger zip-up mesh pocket on its back.

High-quality materials set this case apart from the others on this list, and unsurprisingly are what drives up the cost. It features leather on the flap covering the system and around the front of the case. For the secondary material, you have the option of waxed canvas or ballistic nylon. If you want your Switch 2 to sleep in style, this would make for a great gift to yourself or to another game. However, the City Slicker likely won’t protect your console as much as a tougher zip-up or cover case can. Not to mention, you may prefer a case with more cartridge slots than the five that are punched out of this case’s luxe leather.

PowerA Slim Case for Nintendo Switch 2

Where to Buy:

Power A’s slim zip-up case for the Switch 2 is a simple and inexpensive way to keep your console safe when you aren’t using it. It’s not a hard case, so it won’t survive catastrophic damage, but it’s a fine choice if you don’t want to add a bunch of heft. To that end, it’s one of the slimmest cases that I have tried.

At just $19.99 (half the cost of Nintendo’s official carrying case), baseline protection alone would be sufficient, but it offers safe storage for up to 10 Switch cartridges, too. The cartridge holder has a soft bottom that protects the screen, and it can also fold into a tent, allowing the Switch 2 to rest against it (the Switch 2 already has a kickstand for this).

This case doesn’t suffer from a negative trait that’s common among other slim cases (some of which are pricier than PowerA’s): being able to press on the Joy-Con 2 joysticks from the outside. Other cases might allow your Switch 2 to suffer some joystick damage unbeknownst to you, but not this one, as well as the others included in this section.

Belkin Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2

A hard shell carrying case that stores the Switch 2, up to 12 game cartridges, and has a pocket perfectly sized for an AirTag.

Where to Buy:

For $10 more ($29.99), Belkin’s slim case is better-looking than PowerA’s and is made with better materials. It has a carrying strap, a large mesh pocket, and a secret compartment for an Apple AirTag or similar Bluetooth tracker, all of which the PowerA case lacks. Belkin’s case can carry 12 cartridges, and it’s only slightly thicker than the PowerA case, likely to compensate for whatever cables or small gizmos you might stuff into its pocket. It features deep grooves to fit the Joy-Con 2’s triggers, and its outer shell it tough enough to prevent most accidental presses on the joysticks. It comes in dark gray, cream, and a fun green shade.

Belkin sells a $69.99 version of its slim case that features everything above and includes a 10,000mAh 20W battery for keeping the Switch 2 charged while it’s inside the case. The company says the battery can fully charge the console 1.5 times. The battery results in a thicker case, and its bespoke compartment only holds the specific Belkin model that’s included, so you won’t be able to swap in a different, faster-charging battery. Neither of those may be deal-breakers for you, but are worth keeping in mind.

The best grip case for the Switch 2’s handheld mode

The Killswitch is the best case for handheld mode because it allows you to remove the Joy-Con 2 controllers and includes an adapter to easily connect to the dock. Plus, it offers kickstand access.

If you don’t ever plan to connect your Switch 2 to its dock or detach its Joy-Cons, or it’ll be a rare occurrence, you might pick an all-in-one shell that fits completely around the console. It will protect every angle of your Switch 2 from dings and scratches, and may even keep it safe in the event of a drop.

The $29.99 Spigen Rugged Armor is a suitable option. It fits around nearly every nook of the Switch 2, leaving access to its headphone jack, USB-C ports, and speakers (it doesn’t cover up the air vents either because that’d be silly). It gets bonus points for fitting around the edges of the Joy-Con 2 while providing more pronounced grips, which may be a boon for those who experience hand or wrist pain while holding the console in handheld mode. However, as noted, you’ll need to remove the case in order to install the Switch 2 into its dock.

Spigen Rugged Armor for Nintendo Switch 2

A rugged slip-on case for handheld use of the Switch 2 that also makes it more ergonomic.

Where to Buy:

Update, May 21st: Verified prices and stock for products mentioned in this post.

Disclosure: In 2023, The Verge collaborated with Dbrand on a series of skins and cases.

I’ve tested the latest Switch 2 controllers, and this one is the best

2026-05-20T14:14:38-04:00

If you choose to get an extra controller for your Nintendo Switch 2, you can spend a lot — and get a lot in return. Buying Nintendo’s own $89 Switch 2 Pro Controller, for instance, will net you the console’s only wireless controller with a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening, not to mention great-feeling rumble and a slick design. It’s not perfect, but it’s otherwise the total package in terms of features.

But it’d be a disservice to you to call it a day there. There are several third-party models that are cheaper, yet don’t make many compromises in terms of features. I’ve spent time testing a handful of these gamepads, and there’s a small batch of models that I think will satisfy most people, with a range of styles, prices, and features.

Every controller I’ve included in this guide is compatible with both the Switch 2 and the original Switch (all of them can remotely wake the Switch 2), as well as PC. Each offering also includes better, longer-lasting joystick technology than you’ll get with Nintendo’s flagship controller; the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s potentiometer-based joysticks are prone to degradation over time, after all, but our picks include either Hall effect or TMR joysticks. I’ve highlighted any controller-specific perks in the blurbs below.

The best Switch 2 controller for most people

EasySMX S10

The EasySMX S10 is our favorite Switch 2 controller for people who don’t want to spend twice as much on Nintendo’s option. It offers an excellent take on HD rumble, along with amiibo support and the ability to wake the Switch remotely. It features a swappable eight-way (circular) D-pad, and can also work with PC, Steam Deck, and mobile devices.

Score: 8

Pros	Cons
TMR joysticks amiibo support Great rumble	Clicky buttons are divisive

Where to Buy:

Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two / App customization: No / Rumble: Yes, HD / NFC: Yes / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,200mAh battery / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: No

The EasySMX S10 is nearly as capable and comfortable as the Switch 2 Pro Controller, yet it’s $30 cheaper at $59.99. It’s full of surprises, too, including the best adaptation of Nintendo’s HD rumble that I’ve felt in a third-party controller. It’s also one of the few options that can remotely wake the Switch 2 from sleep mode via Bluetooth. Lastly, it includes amiibo support — another rare feature to find in a third-party gamepad.

However, the S10 isn’t a Switch 2 Pro copycat; it’s a lot grippier, both around the grips themselves and on its stick caps. Button presses and trigger pulls feel different from most other controllers, too, yielding a softer press and shorter travel, which is likely to be the most divisive aspect of the S10. One of my favorite aspects of the S10’s design is its swappable eight-way (circular) D-pad, making diagonal attacks in Hollow Knight: Silksong considerably easier to execute than with a four-way D-pad.

If I could change one thing about the S10, it’d be the system-level buttons (screenshot, GameChat, and home). They’re crammed awkwardly just below the D-pad and right stick.

Honorable mentions

EasySMX S10 Lite

Score: 7

Pros	Cons
Native Switch 2 software support Just as comfy as the EasyMax S10 Affordable price point	No amiibo support No HD rumble

Where to Buy:

Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two / App customization: No / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,000mAh battery / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: Yes

While virtually identical to the S10 above, the S10 Lite makes a few compromises to reach its lower $39.99 price point. Most notably, it lacks support for amiibo figures, and its rumble effects are a clear downgrade compared to the HD rumble in the S10. What is unusual, however, is that EasySMX’s budget-friendly gamepad offers a feature I wish were in the step-up version: native support for the Switch 2.

Connecting the S10 Lite to a Switch 2 is as easy as connecting other controllers. But what’s unique is that it doesn’t require a strange sequence of button presses or Joy-Con removal for your console to remember it, which is not the case with the S10 and other gamepads. If you connect it once, you can wake the Switch 2 by pressing its Home button. What’s more, you can customize the two rear buttons on a per-game basis using the Switch 2’s interface, making it the only third-party controller that can utilize the OS to map commands to rear buttons.

At its core, the S10 Lite is an affordable controller that works like the Switch 2 Pro controller in ways that other manufacturers haven’t figured out yet. That’s great, and I love that its grips and overall shape make it just as comfortable to use as a Switch 2 Pro controller. But what it sacrificed (amiibo support, HD rumble) holds it back from being the very best option available.

Read my EasySMX S10 Lite hands-on.

GuliKit TT Pro

A quality controller with adjustable tension TMR thumbsticks, a unique (and quiet) floating D-pad, and PlayStation-style stick layout.

Score: 7

Pros	Cons
Adjustable tension TMR thumbsticks Quiet, floating D-pad	Rumble falls behind cheaper models

Where to Buy:

Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes, four / App customization: Coming in 2026 sometime / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable battery, 950mAh / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: No

GuliKit’s newer TT Pro is focused on cramming in more features while keeping the price reasonable. This wireless gamepad features TMR thumbsticks in a PlayStation-style stick layout. And notably, both sticks have adjustable tension (like the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller) via a Phillips head screw that’s revealed once you pop off the stick caps. A tool is included that lets you dial in the sticks to be fast and flighty or have them resist snapping back to their original resting place. It’s great to see in a controller that costs well under $100.

The TT Pro has the best floating, eight-way directional pad I’ve used. I play games in the living room while my wife reads, and she can’t hear its quiet yet tactile clicks, even as I’m having a frantic battle in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Like the KingKong 3 Max, the TT Pro features adjustable trigger stops (full Hall effect analog pull or tactile click), and you can install up to four rear paddles to map buttons to. Other niceties include extra face buttons and a tool to remove them in the box (in case you want an Xbox-style face button layout while connected to a PC). It comes in a hard case with a Hyperlink Gen 2 wireless controller adapter, which makes it easier to connect the TT Pro (and myriad other controllers) to your Switch 2.

As for how the TT Pro differs from the step-up TT Max, here are the highlights: The Pro doesn’t include extra stick caps of varying heights, nor can its firmware switch between emulating a four- or eight-way D-pad like the Max can (the Pro only supports eight-way).

Mobapad Chitu2 HD

A compact and comfy gamepad with silent sticks and buttons. Its shape and curves feels much like Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller, but it uses drift-free TMR sticks.

Score: 7

Pros	Cons
Comfy and compact Silent sticks and buttons Good feature set for $50	Loud shoulder buttons System-level buttons are tough to feel for

Where to Buy:

Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two / App customization: Yes / Rumble: Yes, HD / NFC: Yes / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable battery, 1,000mAh / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: No

It’s clear that Mobapad’s primary goal with its $71 Chitu2 HD was to convince people they were using Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller in a blind test. It crushed that goal. The curves feel identical to Nintendo’s $90 gamepad, as do the soft clicks of the customizable GL and GR rear buttons. The rumble is great, too, and its TMR sticks are nearly silent even when I deliberately try to wiggle them chaotically. It’s great to have a controller that feels so similar yet doesn’t skimp on features.

Build quality is stellar, with the pink color option being particularly nice. As with its whisper-quiet TMR sticks, most of the Chitu2’s other buttons and triggers don’t yield a clacky sound. However, there are some small issues that may not bother you: its floating directional pad is a little louder and mushier than the one GuliKit uses in the TT Pro, and its pair of L and R bumpers are louder to press than the clicking of the analog sticks. Another button-related issue is that the home and screenshot buttons sit nearly flush with the plastic housing, making them tough to feel for without looking.

8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad

The Pro 3 features swappable ABXY face buttons and joystick caps, providing players with a highly customizable experience. It also features new L4 and R4 macro buttons between the triggers and its USB-C charging port, along with more durable and power efficient TMR joysticks. Read our review.

Score: 7

Pros	Cons
Includes dock and 2.4GHz dongle Highly customizable Comfortable for small hands	Bad rumble

Where to Buy:

Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two / App customization: Yes / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,000mAh battery / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: No

8BitDo’s Pro 3 is a great yet pricey Switch 2 Pro alternative with a PlayStation-style stick layout. At $69.99, it’s not as affordable (nor as value-packed) as the top contenders. However, the Pro 3 offers a lot of customization, some being cosmetic, while other aspects can impact gameplay.

It has a lot going for it, with TMR joysticks, two back paddles, and a total of three shoulder buttons per side thanks to new custom M buttons. Its analog stick caps can be popped off in favor of glossy arcade stick-style nubs, which were my preferred choice in fighting games (plus, they just look cool). Its ABXY buttons can be suctioned off with an included tool to swap the layout as needed, and for visual flair, each controller includes colored buttons to evoke a retro Nintendo console. Also, it has trigger locks, letting you set triggers to have a short, clicky pull or the default travel distance.

However, I’d skip the Pro 3 if you want good rumble feedback. It’s pretty lousy on that front, to the point that I preferred to turn off rumble entirely in games. If you’re considering the similarly priced Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, it also has poor rumble, but it’s a great controller otherwise that offers similar features with an Xbox-style stick layout.

Read my full 8BitDo Pro 3 review.

Update, May 20th: Adjusted pricing / availability, and added a related links for our impressions of Dbrand’s Joy-Lock grips for the Joy-Con 2, as well as for relevant news on the Switch 2 price increase coming in September.