<![CDATA[ Latest from TechRadar UK in Memorial-day ]]> https://www.techradar.com/uk/tag/memorial-day Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 en <![CDATA[ Still using coffee capsules? You're not alone, but brewing with fresh beans can be just as easy — here's how ]]> https://www.techradar.com/home/coffee-machines/still-using-coffee-capsules-youre-not-alone-but-brewing-with-fresh-beans-can-be-just-as-easy-heres-how oiFna6KkyinUPbhRuSya2Y Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Sat, 23 May 2026 09:46:18 +0000 false false false

Coffee pods are OK in a pinch, but in my experience even the best ones can't compare with the rounded, full flavor you get from freshly-ground beans. I test over a dozen coffee makers a year, of all different types, and none of the capsules I've tried can match the taste of traditionally-made espresso.

A recent survey of TechRadar readers' coffee-brewing habits revealed that although 52% of people agree with me and brew their morning drink with beans, 25% are committed to their pods. I can see why — pods are definitely convenient, and there's no grinding or measuring necessary — but they also produce waste, you're limited to one particular type of pod, and the pods can be expensive. But there is an alternative.

I recently had the opportunity to test a new espresso machine that makes brewing with whole coffee beans as easy as using pods, is very reasonably priced, and is a piece of cake to keep clean. It's called the Philips Baristina, and if you want to break away from coffee capsules, it's perfect.

At first glance the Baristina looks a bit like a manual espresso machine, with a portafilter (the tool with a handle that holds the coffee grounds), but don't be intimidated - all you need to do is push that into the machine and slide it a few inches to the right, then press a button for either a single or double shot of espresso. That's it — there are no barista skills needed at all.

After you press the button, the Baristina will measure and grind the appropriate quantity of coffee directly into the filter basket. The machine will then tamp it down, and the portafilter will move to the left all by itself and pour hot water through it at high pressure to produce your drink.

Philips Baristina coffee maker with espresso on kitchen counter
Future
Philips Baristina espresso machine
Future
Philips Baristina espresso machine
Future
Philips Baristina espresso machine
Future
Philips Baristina espresso machine
Future

At the end, just pull out the portafilter, knock the used coffee grounds out into your food waste bin (they will come out in a solid puck, with no mess), wipe the filter basket and you're done. It's much easier and less hassle than using a super-automatic espresso machine (where all the brewing happens inside the case) for a fraction of the price. It's so good, I didn't hesitate to award it a full five stars.

The only downside is that, like most capsule coffee makers, the Baristina doesn't have a steam wand for foaming milk — but don't worry. The machine is also available bundled with a separate milk frother, which my colleague Max Langridge gave four stars out of five in his review.

If you're one of the 25% of our readers still brewing with pods, the Baristina will open up a whole world of speciality coffees, letting you brew with any beans you like, experimenting with new beans, roasts, and blends. If you'd like to move away from the limits of pods, I don't think you'll look back.

]]> <![CDATA[ I’d recommend the Google Pixel 9 to anyone who wants a new Android phone, and now it’s back to its record-low price ]]> https://www.techradar.com/phones/google-pixel-phones/id-recommend-the-google-pixel-9-to-anyone-who-wants-a-new-android-phone-and-now-its-back-to-its-record-low-price NH2qJTLENNSTLQmxWY7rgh Mon, 26 May 2025 15:00:10 +0000 Wed, 28 May 2025 09:09:22 +0000 false false false

Memorial Day sales are here, and it's a good time to score a smartphone bargain. As for my top pick so far, you can now get the Google Pixel 9 for $599 (was $799) at Amazon – that’s a new record low price. You cna also score a deal if you're in the UK, as you'll see below.

• Shop Amazon’s full Memorial Day sale

That’d be a great price for a high-end phone two or three years after release, but the Pixel 9 is Google’s current-generation baseline flagship – meaning you’ll get up-to-date specs, premium build quality, and six more years of software support for just over 25% less than usual.

Today's best Google Pixel 9 deal

The Google Pixel 9 is now at its lowest ever price on Amazon, meaning it’s a great time to pick up this fashionable flagship. Powered by the Google Tensor G4 chipset and a healthy 12GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 is well-equipped to handle day-to-day tasks, multitasking, and AI. It comes equipped with a bright 6.3-inch display, a dual camera system with 50MP main and 48MP ultra-wide cameras, and a choice of four classy colors – if you’re looking for a new Android phone, you’d be hard pressed to find more for less. View Deal

The Google Pixel 9 is also discounted in the UK at the minute, even though Brits don’t tend to celebrate Memorial Day. Percentage wise, this is an even bigger saving of 30%, and the phone itself has the same specs and performance as its US counterpart. It's an easy recommendation. View Deal

Our Google Pixel 9 review found the phone to be a stylish and reliable Android device – its 6.3-inch display is bright and bold, and while the phone’s Tensor G4 chipset isn’t the fastest on the market, it’s still a solid choice for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. It’s also one of the nicer-looking phones out today, with a curved chassis and bubbly rounded corners.

The Pixel 9 also shines when it comes to software – the Pixel Launcher is about as close to stock Android as you’ll currently find, and you’ll also get deep integration with the Google Gemini AI assistant and toolkit, as well as early access to new Android features through the Android Beta program.

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, the Google Pixel 9 is one I’d happily recommend thanks to its great design, solid internals, and today’s fantastic price – there’s a reason it’s on our list of the best Android phones, after all.

And with plenty of AI news announced at Google I/O 2025, the Google Pixel 9 is a good choice as a gateway to Google’s new and upcoming models and features – the saving Amazon is offering here is equivalent to 10 months of Google AI Pro. With all that said, the Pixel 9 is a very capable handset whether you’re into AI or not.

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]]> <![CDATA[ The stunning limited edition Doom: The Dark Ages Xbox Wireless Controller is back down to a record low price just in time for Memorial Day ]]> https://www.techradar.com/gaming/the-stunning-limited-edition-doom-the-dark-ages-xbox-wireless-controller-is-back-down-to-a-record-low-price-just-in-time-for-memorial-day nvSERyacqsoLRKoRdBfJ7N Mon, 26 May 2025 08:03:00 +0000 Mon, 26 May 2025 08:03:39 +0000 false false false

Playing Doom: The Dark Ages this Memorial Day weekend? Its limited edition Xbox Wireless Controller has just received its first notable discount at Walmart for the Memorial Day sales period. Right now, the Xbox Wireless Controller - Doom: The Dark Ages Limited Edition is available to buy at Walmart for $74.99 (was $79.99).

• Browse all of Amazon's Memorial Day sales and more

Is it the most mindblowing discount we've ever seen? Certainly not, but this is a record-low price for the limited edition controller. And as such, price drops for it in general are going to be few and far between, we think.

Today's best Xbox Wireless Controller deal

It's not the craziest discount we've ever seen, but it absolutely is one of the craziest limited edition controllers Xbox has put out. Modeled after the Doom Slayer's armor, this is a real eye-catcher of a controller, but I'm also a fan of its sturdy, textured grips that are overall more solid and grippy than the regular Xbox Wireless Controller.

UK price: Argos - £74.99View Deal

Xbox Wireless Controller limited editions are a dime a dozen at this point, but this one that is inspired by Doom: The Dark Age,s is one of my favorites to date. Much like the Forza Horizon 5 limited edition controller - another favorite of mine - Xbox has gone above and beyond here in designing a gamepad that captures the tone and feel of the newly-released first-person shooter.

From the iconic sigil and blood splatters to the shiny green that replicated the Slayer's armor, it's a smartly designed controller from an aesthetic standpoint. It'll offer a similar play experience to standard Xbox Wireless Controllers (it isn't an Elite Series 2, after all), but if you really want to show off your Doom cred, this'll be the limited edition gamepad to go for.

Not in the US? Check the list below for the best deals on the Xbox Wireless Controller in your region.

]]> <![CDATA[ These are the 5 standing desk deals that caught my eye this Memorial Day ]]> https://www.techradar.com/seasonal-sales/these-are-the-5-standing-desk-deals-that-caught-my-eye-for-this-memorial-day dLFPcxwYysTwM5NSkxApCM Sat, 24 May 2025 15:01:00 +0000 false false false

The Memorial Day sales are in full swing, and as editor of our office furniture guides and reviews, I’ve naturally been on the look-out for the deals I can find on standing desks.

Top of my list is the FlexiSpot E7 with chipboard top now $380 (was $580).
In the UK, for the Bank Holiday, the E7 also discounted, now to £340 (was £460) at FlexiSpot.

After extensive tests, we found it an exceptionally good unit, quiet in operation and with all the features most people need, and the top-rated model in my guide to the best standing desks.

Alongside the FlexiSpot E7, I’ve I’ve selected my top 5 standing desk deals in the US sales, and my favorite 5 for the UK - the ones that caught my eye either because they’ve got strong reviews from us or the discounts are too good to miss. These include an L-shaped desk and the cheapest model I could find in this year’s Memorial Day sales.

My favorite standing desk deals in the US

The FlexiSpot E7 is ranked number one in my guide to standing desks - and with good reason. It’s packed with everything I look for in a standing desk, including quiet operation, a control panel with memory presets, anti-collision detection, a resoundingly stable construction, a 355lb weight limit, and a good height range of 22.8in to 48.4in. In our review, we effectively found it the perfect standing desk for the home or office. Bonus points, too, for the 15-year warranty. The price here is for the chipboard top, but other materials are available.View Deal

This gets my vote for best budget option, and while the discount isn’t deep, it’s such a low price anyway that I think it’s still worth checking out. We’ve reviewed a number of Fezibo office furniture products and considering the cost, they’ve all proved very good value. This model comes in a range of desktop sizes, with a height range of 28.3in to 46.5in and 265lb lifting capacity. Memory presets are capped at two via the control panel, and you get hooks for hanging headphones and bags. View Deal

This is a very cool-looking sit-stand desk - and you can't say that about many. With its LED lighting rig, it's designed for gamers, but what really caught my eye was the inclusion of two deep drawers and cable management storage with a mesh covering to the rear - all things a lot of other desks lack. height range runs between 32.5in and 50.6in.View Deal

L-shaped standing desks can get pretty expensive, so I was keen to find one that wouldn’t break the bank. And that’s where Vivo’s model comes in. In my experience, Vivo is one of those brands that deliver good quality at a low price - the company’s standing desk converter is my top pick for those on a budget. Ideal for corner offices, this single-motor L-shaped desk comes in a massive range of styles and sizes, and the height adjusts between 28.5in to 46.8in. For a slightly cheaper model, check out the Agilestic L-shaped desk, was $310 now $225 at Amazon.View Deal

When it comes to stylish office furniture, we’ve long been fans of the Autonomous line-up - and the SmartDesk 5 is no different. It’s modern, minimalist, and in our review, we called it a sleek standing desk tailored for enhanced comfort and organization for professionals. It’s super-functional, very durable, and stable in use. And I absolutely love the touchscreen control panel, only adding to the modern feel of this desk. Specs-wise, you’re looking at a lifting capacity of 330lb and a height range of 27.2in to 52.7in. View Deal

Bonus pick

If you haven’t got room for a new standing desk (or you love your existing desk), the Vivo height adjustable standing desk converter is a great compromise. In my guide to the best standing desk converters, this is currently my top budget pick, offering the sit-stand flexibility of a standing desk without needing a whole new set-up. It comes in black, white, or wood stylings, supporting up to 26lb, and rising between 4.9in to 19.7in.View Deal

My favourite standing desk deals in the UK

It might not be Memorial Day in the UK, but there are still some great buys on the standing desk front for the Bank Holiday weekend. These are the top five desk deals I’ve found.

My top-rated standing desk overall gets a discount for the Bank Holiday. Earning 5-stars in our review, this model ticks all the boxes, as far as I’m concerned, being stable, quiet in use, with features like memory presets and anti-collision detection. At 161kg, lifting capacity is plentiful for most set-ups, while the 58cm to 123cm height range makes it well-suited for most people. The price here is for the chipboard top, but other materials are available.View Deal

This is the cheapest standing desk I’ve found in the deals, from a budget brand that’s reviewed surprisingly well when we’ve tested similar products from the company. This one is pretty quiet in operation, has a two-programmable memory preset for quickly switching between sitting and standing at preferred heights, with an adjustable range between 71cm to 115 cm. No storage, as is often the case, but it does come with hanging hooks. View Deal

One of the cheapest dual-motor standing desks I’ve seen from a reputable brand. The FlexiSpot E1 has a height-adjustable range that runs between 70cm and 119 cm with anti-collision detection and memory presets as standard. As is usual with FlexiSpot desks, there are a range of colors available, but this one also lets you choose between one with a 70kg weight load and a 100kg weight load for those stacking this desk with more devices, monitors, and so on. View Deal

A lot of standing desks lack extra storage. Inevitably, then, this one caught my eye, with a desk that includes two side drawers and a shelf that acts as a monitor riser. Height-wise, you’re looking at an adjustment range between 72cm to 118cm, with a 75kg lifting capacity, while the two-memory preset is useful for getting to the sweet spot quickly (and relatively quietly). View Deal

While not technically on deal, you can save £20 by clicking the voucher box, bringing the price down to a very reasonable £250 - a bit of a bargain in the realm of L-shaped desks, which can command pretty high prices. Specs are about what you’d expect from any standing desk, L-shaped or otherwise, with a 75kg load capacity, quiet operation, and a height range of 74.5 cm to 119 cm. Just remember to tick the voucher box to save. View Deal

Bonus pick

Standing desk converters can often cost as much as a full-sized standing desk, but this one comes with a nice little discount - with the benefits of sitting and standing for work without replacing your entire set-up. This unit comes available in black, white, and oak gold, features a weight load of 33kg, and height adjustments between 65cm and 30cm. A 40in version is also available.View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ Hurry! My top-rated standing desk gets a massive discount in the Memorial Day sales but the deal ends soon ]]> https://www.techradar.com/seasonal-sales/hurry-my-top-rated-standing-desk-gets-a-massive-discount-in-the-memorial-day-sales-but-the-deal-ends-soon fqKnXmySUJaqWbiAaRMkq9 Thu, 22 May 2025 15:16:00 +0000 Fri, 23 May 2025 07:51:14 +0000 false false false

Our top-rated standing desk sees a big discount over Memorial Day, with the FlexiSpot E7 with chipboard top now $380 (was $580). You'll need to act fast though, as this deal is time-limited.

There are a host of other tabletop options available in the sale, including bamboo, solid wood, and chipboard with drawers. And if you only want the frame, that’s been discounted from $480 to $300. Both the 48in and 55in desk sizes are part of this year’s Memorial Day sales.

I’m also seeing savings in the UK for the same model, where the E7 standing desk is now £340 (was £460). Like in the US, a range of tabletop colors and sizes have also been discounted.

• See all FlexiSpot Memorial Day deals

Today’s best FlexiSpot E7 standing desk deal

The FlexiSpot E7 is our top choice for anyone who needs a standing desk. It’s simple to use, quick to lower and rise, and boasts all the essentials (and a bit more) for those looking for an office or home office desk. We really enjoyed our time reviewing this mid-range model, and ultimately found it difficult to criticize because it delivers everything we want from a height-adjustable desk. Beyond the usual array of memory presets and anti-collision features, what I especially like here is the generous 15-year warranty. View Deal

The FlexiSpot E7 has long been my top pick for best standing desk overall. To me, it does everything a standing desk should do - offering good stability and a range of heights with quiet operation for those using it in shared workspaces. In our review, we wondered if it might be the perfect desk for the home office (or even the office). The answer is a resounding yes.

All the key features I look for in a standing desk are on display here, like anti-collision detection, a programmable control panel with USB charging port, dual-motor legs for faster elevation and descent, and casters for moving it into position.

Specs-wise, this desk has a height range running between 22.8in and 48.4in (58 - 123cm), with a lifting capacity of 355lb (161kg). FlexiSpot says it can support the weight of two people, so it’s not going to struggle when you load it up with a laptop, desktop, monitors, and more. We certainly had no issues in this department during our time testing it out.

Overall, we found the E7 functional, practical, and large enough for almost any kind of work set-up without dominating the office.

More FlexiSpot standing desk deals

You’ll need to hurry with these deals as they're also part of a flash sale that ends soon.

As above, with these models, I’ve included the price of the frame and the cheapest tabletop option so you’re getting the full set-up right out of the box. However, the standalone frames are cheaper - I’m just not convinced most people only want a set of motorized legs.

The E5 is a great budget choice if you want to save a little more on a standing desk. This is a stable desk with a three-memory programmable control panel and a USB charging port. There’s anti-collision detection here, and a maximum load capacity of 287lbs (130kg) and a height range of 23.6in to 49.2in (60 - 125cm). View Deal

If you prefer a more traditional design, the four-legged FlexiSpot E7 Plus standing desk is also part of a flash sale that ends soon. This was another desk that really impressed us in our review, where we highlighted its stability, durability, and a high maximum weight capacity. View Deal

This is a 5-star standing desk for me, with our review noting that it capably blends an elegant style with total functionality. Our reviewer, Collin, called it a dream to use. He also loved the four-memory presets, stability, and durability of the materials. Lifting capacity is an impressive 440lb (200kg) and a 25.0in to 50.6in height range. View Deal

The E7L is an L-shaped standing desk that takes all the pros of the single-top E7 and tacks on a side-top for nestling the desk into the corner. I like the fact that it can be set on either the left or right side. Our review found this one offered excellent stability and build materials, and considering the size, has a solid lifting capacity of 330lb (150kg). Height range runs between 25in and 50.8in (63.5 - 129.03 cm).View Deal

• Check out the full range of FlexiSpot US standing desks right here

• See the full FlexiSpot UK standing desks here

]]> <![CDATA[ Traveling abroad this Memorial Day? These are my top 5 eSIM deal recommendations ]]> https://www.techradar.com/pro/traveling-abroad-this-memorial-day-these-are-my-top-5-esim-deal-recommendations jarnNCeLCFkssKWtrhTuGL Thu, 22 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000 false false false

Memorial Day, or the last Monday in May, has become a big moment for discounted shopping and travel in the US. This year, it falls on May 26, and as someone who is always on the lookout for great deals and smart travel hacks, I've rounded up the best Memorial Day eSIM deals you can grab already.

Whether you're heading abroad for the long weekend or planning a summer getaway, having an eSIM for international travel is the perfect way to stay connected on the go.

We have partnered with some of the best eSIMs in the market to bring you these deals exclusive to us.

And if you are staying home and planning to get things for your house or yourself, we have been seeing big retailers and brands already having Memorial Day sales that you can shop now.

Memorial Day eSIM deals

Exclusive: Get 5% off on all Airhub plans

Airhub is one of the best eSIM players in the market, covering over 200 countries. Regional and global plans are available. Pricing is competitive, and users can opt to include voice minutes and texts. Use code MEMORIALDAY5 to claim the offer.

Buy if:

✅The website and app are user-friendly and straightforward to use

✅ Voice minutes and SMS plans available

✅ Monthly subscription available

Don't buy if:

❌ Travelling to Latin America as coverage is not the best

Read our full Airhub review.View Deal

Exclusive: 10% off on any Jetpac plans

Jetpac is a strong contender in the eSIM market, known for its lavish perks like getting complimentary access to airport lounges in case of a flight delay. Jetpac offers network coverage in over 200 destinations and offers a variety of data plans. Users can purchase a plan now, and it will activate once they are connected to the overseas network. Tech Radar readers can get 10% off when using the code JPRADAR10 at checkout. The discount applies to all plans.

Buy if:

✅ You travel frequently

✅ Looking for perks like access to airport lounges

✅ Data tethering available

Don't buy if:

❌ No local phone number provided

❌ No unlimited data plans

Read our full Jetpac review.View Deal

Exclusive: Get 10% off on Ubigi plans

Ubigi offers network coverage in more than 200 countries, providing a wide range of data plans tailored for every destination. Options range from 500MB to 60GB, with flexible durations including one-day, monthly, and annual plans. You can purchase a plan now and activate it when you travel. QR codes remain valid for up to 6 months, so you can plan in advance. Use code TECHRADAR at checkout.

Buy if:

✅ You're looking for affordable options

✅ You want data tethering

✅ Looking for regional and global plans

Don't buy if:

❌ Customer support is quite limited

❌ No local phone number provided

Read our full Ubigi review.View Deal

Exclusive: Get 5% off on all Saily plans

Saily is one of the most popular eSIMs among budget-conscious travelers due to its straightforward and reliable service. Saily covers over 200 locations and partners with local providers to ensure reliable connections and fast speeds. It also includes security features such as an ad blocker, which helps reduce data usage by up to 28%. TechRadar readers can benefit from an exclusive deal and get 5% off all packages. Use the code Techradar5 to claim the offer.

Buy if:

✅ Looking for affordable plans

✅ Commitment to customer support

✅ Easy interface

✅Enhanced security features like virtual location and ad blocking

Don't buy if:

❌ No local phone number provided

Read our full Saily review.View Deal

Exclusive: Get 5% off on Holalfy plans

Holafly is known for its unlimited data plans, allowing users to choose the exact number of days they need to enjoy uninterrupted internet access. Prices start from $6.90 per day. Users can purchase and install the eSIM before traveling and activate the data right before the trip. Use code TECHRADAR to get 5% off.

Buy if:

✅ Looking for unlimited data options

Don't buy if:

❌ No data sharing

❌ On the pricier side compared to its competitors

Read our full Holalfy review.View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ This massive Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 discount could mean you won't even need to bother with Memorial Day sales ]]> https://www.techradar.com/gaming/this-massive-xbox-elite-wireless-controller-series-2-discount-could-mean-you-wont-even-need-to-bother-with-memorial-day-sales N446Gbcw9CADDAv3embZZg Thu, 22 May 2025 11:16:29 +0000 false false false

If you were planning on waiting for the Memorial Day sales to shop for a new Xbox controller, you might be able to cut that weight short with today's deal.

Browse all of Amazon's Memorial Day sales and more

That's because Microsoft's official Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is currently enjoying an excellent discount over at Amazon. Right now, you can purchase the popular premium gamepad for $159 (was $199.99) at Amazon.

That's not quite the lowest rate we've ever seen for the Elite Series 2 (it dropped to a staggering $119.99 over last year's Black Friday event), but this is still well worth checking out if you're keen to shop for a luxury controller for less.

Today's best Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 deal

This is your chance to save more than $40 on the excellent Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Most premium Xbox controllers hover around that $200 mark, so discounts in this price range are always extremely welcome.

Price check: Target - $199.99 | Best Buy - $199.99

UK price: Amazon - $119.95View Deal

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is one of the earliest examples of a premium pad from the last couple of console generations. Originally launching in 2019 - a full year before the Xbox Series X|S consoles released - it wowed at the time with its luxurious build quality. Not to mention additions like remappable back buttons, swappable sticks and d-pad and custom button profile creation.

These are all things we take for granted today, and indeed, many of the best Xbox controllers offer similar feature sets for less. However, the Elite Series 2 remains a favorite thanks to its exceptional build quality and out-of-the-box, no-fuss compatibility with both Xbox consoles and PC.

Not in the US? Check the list below for the best deals on the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 in your region.

]]> <![CDATA[ Early Memorial Day deals: These are the 5 best-performing Creality 3D printers I’d buy in the sales ]]> https://www.techradar.com/seasonal-sales/early-memorial-day-deals-these-are-the-5-best-performing-creality-3d-printers-id-buy-in-the-sales 5sz8bHQFJvwFSSAF2TTPRB Wed, 21 May 2025 14:54:00 +0000 false false false

There are massive savings to be had on a selection of Creality 3D printers, with Best Buy cutting the price of one of my favorite units, the Creality Ender-3 V3 SE combo, to $240 (was $290) in the Memorial Day sales.

That’s a $50 discount on our best 3D printer choice for anyone looking for a cheap but accurate entry-level unit. This combo deal also bundles in a selection of filaments, so you can get printing right away.

But it’s not the only one on offer in this year’s Memorial Day sales, and I’ve picked out a selection of our best-reviewed and best-performing units with some big discounts.

• See all Best Buy deals on 3D printers and accessories

Today’s top 3D printer deals

This is an awesome little 3D printer that’s great for those just starting out. In our review, we loved the fact that it’s affordable, reliable, and easy to use, with impressive performance that goes beyond what you’d expect for a beginner-friendly model. It even boasts a highly accurate auto-bed levelling system for best results. For us, this is pretty much the best you can get at this price. The deal even includes filaments to get you started. View Deal

Considering the cost, we came away after our review feeling that this unit offered an impressive feature set and output quality for small business users on a budget. It’s well-suited for anyone working on larger pieces without forcing you to split designs into several pieces - but what really appeals here is the fact that the scale is backed by CoreXY design, delivering fast print speeds of up to 600 mm/s. View Deal

Like all Creality’s K-series 3D printers, this sets a comfortable benchmark for build quality - and it's the ideal unit for business, schools, and personal use. Print quality throughout our review was exceptional, with every model flawlessly printed, whether we used PLA, PETG, or Carbon Fill. It’s also pretty fast, too, and even includes an AI camera and clog-free extruder for better results. This is another combo deal, so you get filaments in the box to get started right away.View Deal

Supporting a wide range of filaments, this is a stripped back version of the K1 Plus that makes it more affordable (you can get an AI camera and LiDAR sensor separately if you need to upgrade). We noted in our review that this mid-range 3D printer impressed us with its speed, accuracy, and refined design. To me, it’s the sort of unit that’s ideal for just about everyone, whether for work, play, or education. View Deal

If you need a large-scale 3D printer for bigger prints, this one ticks all the boxes as far as I’m concerned. Tuned for professional use, it absolutely impressed us with its print quality and speed in our review - it’s actually faster than a lot of other multifilament 3D printers, and it’s really easy to use, too. Perfectly pitched for prototyping and small product runs, the material support also makes it a good option for vintage automotive restorations.View Deal

• Check out the full Best Buy Memorial Day sales right here

]]> <![CDATA[ Upgrade your PS5 display this Memorial Day with this excellent discount on the Sony Inzone M9 4K gaming monitor ]]> https://www.techradar.com/gaming/upgrade-your-ps5-display-this-memorial-day-with-this-excellent-discount-on-the-sony-inzone-m9-4k-gaming-monitor Z7DY3zpXZFEJ2zLRbpnhMY Wed, 21 May 2025 12:18:45 +0000 Wed, 21 May 2025 12:18:53 +0000 false false false

If you're looking to get a quality gaming monitor upgrade on the cheap, this Memorial Day, then Walmart's Memorial Day sales have you more than covered.

• Browse all of Walmart's Memorial Day sales and more

Right now, the Sony Inzone M9 gaming monitor is down to $599.99 at Walmart (was $899.99), which is almost - it's so close - to a record low price. This is a premium monitor, built with PS5 and PC in mind, so is perfect for console and PC gaming, and at this price offers excellent bang for buck value for a premium 4K screen.

Today's best PS5 monitor deal

This 4K 144Hz monitor is basically at its lowest ever price right now, with this price only a couple of dollars higher than the record low, as far as we can tell. A great deal for anyone looking to upgrade their PS5, PS5 Pro, or PC display.

Price check: $599.99 at Amazon | $647.99 at Best Buy | $799.99 at Target (includes Sony Inzone Buds) | $899.99 at PS DirectView Deal

While the Inzone M9 has been usurped by the newer Sony Inzone M9 II, and is becoming harder and harder to find as a result, it is still a wonderful screen that's well-reviewed and held in high regard by experts and owners alike.

It has a stellar spec list that includes a gorgeous 4K panel, a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1ms GtG response time, and a host of PS5-focused features such as Auto HDR Tone Mapping that make it an excellent proposition for any one looking to game in 4K on PC or those who want a dedicated PS5 monitor for their PlayStation 5 or PS5 Pro.

If you're not in the US or UK or want to keep your options open, then below you can see the latest and lowest prices going for the M9, no matter where you are.

]]> <![CDATA[ Early Memorial Day printer offers: These are the 5 that I would spend money on ]]> https://www.techradar.com/seasonal-sales/early-memorial-day-printer-offers-there-are-the-5-that-i-would-spend-money-on QhE9rkRTStosMBP8kmDNeJ Tue, 20 May 2025 15:16:00 +0000 Wed, 21 May 2025 12:02:13 +0000 false false false

Like Prime Day and Black Friday, the Memorial Day sales are always a great time to pick up a printer deal. I’ve rounded up my favorite five early Memorial Day printer offers you can get right now on printers so good, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy them with my own money.

Topping the bill is the excellent Epson EcoTank ET-4850, which is now $350 (down from $550) at both Amazon and Best Buy.

Epson's EcoTank ET-4850 is our top all-in-one printer pick for the home and home office. It made great quality print-outs in our tests and, best of all, uses refillable ink tanks that are a lot cheaper than cartridges and toners. To me, saving $200 just sweetens the deal. Check out my full picks below, with some of the best home printers and best small business printers we've tested and reviewed.

The day might not officially start until May 26, but we’re already seeing some big Memorial Day sales on everything from household appliances to patio furniture ahead of the three-day weekend.

Today’s best printer deals

When it comes to printers for the home and office, the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is our top pick - and at $350 this Memorial Day deal sees a deeper price-cut than last year’s Black Friday. In our review, we found it offered a perfect balance of features and price, boasting print, scan, copy, and fax facilities, as well as automatic double-sided printing and an automatic document feeder. But what really seals the deal is the fact that this runs on refillable ink, which is less expensive than inkjet cartridges or laser toners.

Also available at Best Buy for the same priceView Deal

The Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 is our top-rated inkjet for small businesses, with its 500-sheet paper tray and high-speed prints. Although it’s a print-only unit, what really stood out to us in our review was the print speed and overall quality. Thanks to the DURAbrite dyes in the cartridges, colors really pop here. What I particularly like about the Workforce Pro WF-7310 is that it’s a wide-format printer, letting you print Tabloid/Ledger documents and anything else on paper sizes up to to 13 x 19in.

Also available at Walmart for the same priceView Deal

The Canon Megatank GX4020 is another 5-star refillable ink tank printer that’s gotten a discount for Memorial Day. It uses bottled ink to keep on-going running costs low and in our review, we found it a great choice for homes, home offices, and even small businesses. It features a printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine. As well as printing on paper, I love the fact that it also accepts paperboard and card stock up to 0.7mm thick, making it ideal for photos and more durable print-outs.View Deal

The HP OfficeJet 8015e is an all-in-one inkjet printer that’s designed for small business use, and will sit nicely in any home office, too. It’s also packing plenty of features I like to see when testing and reviewing printers. Alongside print, scan, copy, and fax facilities, there’s double-sided printing, an auto document feeder, plus touchscreen and app support for controlling print jobs. No complaints from me on print speeds here, with both color and black-and-white speeds hitting decent numbers for an inkjet.

Also available at Walmart for the same priceView Deal

For home and home office printing, the Canon PIXMA G3270 is a good alternative to the EcoTank ET4850 for those looking for a printer that uses cheap bottled ink at home - I really like the small size of this printer. It’s cheaper than the Epson in this year’s Memorial Day sales, but it’s only a three-in-one (no fax for those that need it), it’s not the fastest around, and no automatic double-sided printing. Still, in our review, we discovered a printer that easily produces accurate print-outs that are crisp, clear, and cheap to run. View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ Canon's most affordable full-frame mirrorless camera is at a record low price ]]> https://www.techradar.com/cameras/mirrorless-cameras/canons-most-affordable-full-frame-mirrorless-camera-is-at-a-record-low-price pgruoCF3NvQirortnZjnw9 Mon, 27 May 2024 11:00:54 +0000 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:44:20 +0000 false false false

Full-frame has long been the gold standard for many professional photographers looking to marry superb image quality with high-speed performance. However, full-frame has also been opened up to amateurs and smartphone upgraders, too, by way of shoestring models like the Canon EOS RP. 

Released in March 2019 for just $1,299 / £1,399, the five-year-old entry-level mirrorless model remains an excellent camera today and it just dropped to its lowest-ever price, just $899 at Adorama in the US or £799 at London Camera Exchange in the UK. 

Arguably the best deal in the US is picking up the EOS RP with 24-104mm F4-7.1 lens for $1,199 at Adorama – that's around half the price it was at launch in 2019.

Today's best Canon EOS RP deal in the US

Canon EOS RP (body only): was $999 now $899 at Adorama
You won't get cutting edge tech in an entry-level Canon camera, but the EOS RP is still a highly capable all-rounder, especially for those primarily interested in photography. The full-frame 26.2MP sensor delivers superb detail and natural colors, with speeds up to 5fps. Canon is continually adding new RF lenses to the range, too, so you'll find the right bit of glass for whatever photography you're into. If you are buying Canon for the first time, we'd recommend the deal below which also includes the decent 24-105mm kit lens.

Also available with the 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM lens for $1,199 at AdoramaView Deal

Today's best UK deal for the Canon EOS RP

Canon EOS RP body only: was £899 now £799 at London Camera Exchange
You won't get cutting edge tech in an entry-level Canon camera, but the EOS RP is still a highly capable all-rounder, especially for those primarily interested in photography. The full-frame 26.2MP sensor delivers superb detail and natural colors, with speeds up to 5fps. Canon is continually adding new RF lenses to the range, too, so you'll find the right bit of glass for whatever photography you're into.View Deal

We awarded 4.5 stars to the now $900 / £800 camera in our Canon EOS RP review, saying it is a "much more compelling proposition for those looking to move to full-frame mirrorless shooting than pricier the EOS R". 

It packs a 26.2MP full-frame sensor for sharp photos with natural color, a 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen ideal for selfies, Canon's highly regarded dual-pixel autofocus, plus a respectable 5fps burst shooting. 

Naturally you'll sacrifice high-end features such as weather-sealing and in-body image stablization, while 4K video is cropped and battery life is a sub-par 250-shots.  

However, the EOS RP is even easier to recommend now than in was at launch because Canon has been particularly active making new RF lenses for its full-frame mirrorless cameras. 

Back in 2019 there were so few lenses, but in 2024 there are superb lens options for any budget, including compact lenses to match the small body of the EOS RP. We recently wrote a piece celebrating the EOS R camera system turning 5 that further unpacks why cameras like the EOS RP are worth looking into today.

Canon EOS RP with the RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM

The Canon EOS RP with the RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM lens attached (Image credit: Future)

We've also got a best Canon camera guide for you to compare the models across all budgets, while our best camera for photography guide covers your options from other brands, too, including the excellent Nikon Z5 which is another cheap full-frame mirrorless shooter.

US shoppers can check out our coverage of the upcoming Memorial Day sales for more recommendations on all things tech - laptops, TVs, headphones, and other categories.

]]> <![CDATA[ The incredibly popular Amazon Fire TV Stick with 4K streaming is a steal at 40% off ]]> https://www.techradar.com/computing/laptops/the-incredibly-popular-amazon-fire-tv-stick-with-4k-streaming-is-a-steal-at-40-off LnKsD9hLxjhX9UqduqCDeP Sun, 26 May 2024 21:30:20 +0000 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:23:46 +0000 false false false

TV sticks don't come much better than the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, which is on sale for only $29.99 (it was $49.99). The deal is one of many Memorial Day sales reductions that have flooded the market this week. A 40% discount for this nifty little device is impressive, to say the least.

• Shop Amazon's full Memorial Day sale

The stick itself makes it possible to stream various types of TV. All the best streaming devices will do that, but what makes the Fire TV Stick special is its speedy navigation, great performance, support for 4K resolution, and Dolby Vision. And let us not forget that it can be controlled using the Alexa voice assistant. At under $30, there's no better way to get up and running with online streaming through your TV.

Memorial Day Deal: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: was $49.99 now $29.99 at Amazon
For less than $30, you can now benefit from streaming any of your favorite shows from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, and more. 4K shows will stream with no problems and when paired with the built-in Dolby Atmos audio, you'll be in for a real treat. With another 300,000 free movies and TV episodes, this device is well worth the money.View Deal

As you'd expect, Prime Video content is front and center with this stick. If that's your primary streaming service, then your habits will slot nicely into the interface. All other content comes second, so if you're into one of the other best TV streaming services, then there are numerous other great brands.

We loved reviewing the device and found it to be "among the best streaming devices available right now." If that piques your attention, you can read more in our Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K review. The stick is feature-filled and comes with a limited amount of onboard storage for downloading your favorite shows. 

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

(Image credit: Paolo D'angelo)

Shop more Memorial Day sales

]]> <![CDATA[ I'm a hiking and rucking convert – here are the outdoorsy Memorial Day deals I'm looking out for ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/im-a-rucking-and-hiking-convert-here-are-the-outdoorsy-memorial-day-deals-im-looking-out-for JLKbUVYjiGbufhSpR6YoN8 Fri, 24 May 2024 17:20:05 +0000 Fri, 24 May 2024 17:20:42 +0000 false false false

I love getting outdoors. As someone who lives in a big city, I find escaping the hustle and bustle and getting into hills and forest terrain incredibly invigorating. The sound of the birds! The smell of the trees! The feel of the rain soaking through my sweater, because I forgot to bring a waterproof! It’s all very idyllic. 

But sometimes, when I go for a short hike, I feel as though it’s not enough of a challenge – which is when I discovered rucking. Born out of military drills, rucking is simply hiking with a weighted backpack. There’s no minimum amount of weight and no set method of weighing down your backpack – anything from water bladders to rocks is fair game, although, of course, one of those is more comfortable than the other. 

I had a great opportunity to try rucking on a guided hike in England’s beautiful Lake District National Park, and now I’m hooked. So, although getting outdoors is technically free, I’m planning on using the Memorial Day sales to make sure I’m fully equipped to take on the great outdoors from head to toe. If you’re interested in rucking, or simply hiking for that matter, here are the deals I’m looking out for. 

Watches:  Garmin Instinct 2 / Garmin Fenix 6 / Apple Watch SE 2 

Garmin Instinct 2 with white case and band

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve made it no secret that I love the best Garmin watches for all manner of outdoor-orientated pursuits. They’re fantastic fitness watches designed to help you get the most out of hiking, running, cycling, and more, with a long battery life and advanced GPS features, such as the ability to hit “Back to Start” and follow a breadcrumb trail back to the start of your activity, should you get lost. 

The 40mm Garmin Instinct 2, which we adored and gave five stars in our review, is down to $199.99 on Amazon right now from $299.99. That’s just five dollars off its lowest price ever, so you’re unlikely to find a better deal on an outdoor watch this Memorial Day. The larger 44mm version is also discounted down to $249.99 from $349.99. The Instinct 2 has a mammoth 28-day battery life, loads of health and workout features, the advanced GPS tools we mentioned earlier, a barometer, a compass… everything you need for the great outdoors.

Well, almost everything. The thing missing here is displaying full-color GPS maps of your surroundings on your wrist, so you’re not relying on 5G signal or having to constantly check your phone – after all, you’re enjoying nature, not playing Pokemon Go. The Garmin Fenix range of outdoor watches do provide this service, although they’re a little pricier. Rather than go for the top-of-the-line Fenix 7, drop down an iteration to save a packet: the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro is currently down from $649.99 to just $519.99, its lowest price ever at this size. 

Finally, if you’d rather have a do-it-all smartwatch on the cheap than a dedicated Garmin device, iPhone users might want to consider the Apple Watch SE 2, paired with an app like AllTrails. AllTrails will use your phone’s GPS for guidance and the premium version of the app (which does require a paid subscription) will show a full-color map on your Apple Watch, connected to your phone via Bluetooth. Right now, the SE 2 is available on Amazon for $189.99 down from $249.99, saving 24%. 

Garmin Instinct 2S: was $299.99 now $199.99 at Amazon
Garmin's Instinct 2 outdoor watch is still a spectacular tool, and a steal at this price. With tons of GPS and health monitoring credentials, it's a great gift for beginner and intermediate hikers and trail runners who don't yet have a smartwatch. View Deal

Garmin Fenix 6X Pro: was $649.99 now $519.99 at Amazon
This is an excellent multisport smartwatch that is currently at its lowest price ever over at Amazon. This is the smartwatch that’ll service all of your fitness needs, with heart rate and pulse ox sensors, and advanced training features like PacePro. Not only that but this smartwatch has a long-lasting battery life; you can go up to 28 days without charging in smartwatch mode.View Deal

Apple Watch SE 2: was $249 now $189 at Amazon
The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) has been dropped in price from $249 to $189. Despite being Apple’s budget option, it still has solid GPS credentials, third party apps and a battery life that lasts beyond the listed 18 hours.View Deal

Backpack: Cotopaxi & Modgear 

Rucking

(Image credit: Ryan Lomas Photography)

In order to hike with a weighted backpack, you’ll need a backpack and some weight. I was provided a Cotopaxi backpack to test, and was really pleased with the volume and comfort it provided on several hikes around the Lakes. 

Named after an Ecuadorian volcano, Cotopaxi is a brand with roots in Latin America, and it creates backpacks entirely out of recycled ripstop nylon and polyurethane as part of a “gear for good” mission statement. Its hefty 25L hiking hydration pack, with two cross-body clips for better weight distribution, is down from $160 to $120 right now in the Cotopaxi store, while the smaller 15L version is discounted from $145 to $108.75.

Now for the weight. While rocks, books and general hiking gear will weigh you down, you don’t want to load up on anything you can’t discard in a hurry if you find yourself running out of steam on the trail. With that in mind, water is your friend here: you can either drink it or pour it out with no repercussions. The Modgear Water Weight 2 is a custom-designed rucking water bladder, and although it’s not on sale right now, we’ll be keeping an eye on the deals.  

Cotopaxi Lagos 25L hydration pack: was $160 now $120 at Cotopaxi
Save $40 on the Cotopaxi Lagos 25L hydration backpack, comprised out of recycled nylon and PLU. With two cross-body straps for weight distribution, one at the chest and one at the waist, it's an ideal hiking bag. I did not test this exact version (mine was similar, with a drawstring upper) but I rated the designView Deal

Modgear Water Weight 2: now $25 at Amazon
A 20lbs bag of water, the Water Weight 2 by Modgear comes with removable handles and handy markers in 5lbs increments, so you can adjust the weight to suit your workout. Overfill at the start? Just pour it out. Simple. View Deal

Shoes: Merrell and North Face

Finally, the Memorial Day sales are the perfect opportunity to grab yourself a solid set of hiking shoes. Even the best running shoes aren’t going to take much punishment on steep hills, over sharp rocks, in mud, puddles and occasionally submerged in shallow rivers. You’ll need some dedicated hiking shoes for the job. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of deals about this Memorial Day in sports outlet stores such as Dick’s Sporting Goods. The North Face Women's VECTIV Taraval hiking shoes were rated four stars out of five by our sibling site Advnture, and they’re down from $125.99 to just $99.99 at Dick’s right now. 

For men’s shoes, Merrell is a popular, trusted brand, and these Moab Speed men’s hiking shoes are designed to be lightweight while hardy enough to guard your feet with its protective toe cap. It’s also made with plenty of recycled materials too, from laces to its Vibram Ecostep sole, which is made from 30% reused rubber. It’s down from $129.99 to $99.99, a $30 discount.  

North Face Women's VECTIV Taraval women's hiking shoes: was $125.99 now $99.99 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
A runner-style design with outdoor credentials, the VECTIV Taravals combines synthetic leather and breathable mesh for an upper ideal for hot, dry hiking.
View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ On a budget? Get 20% off the impressive Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Portable Speaker ]]> https://www.techradar.com/computing/laptops/on-a-budget-get-20-off-the-impressive-tribit-stormbox-micro-2-portable-speaker cwFPPDoj4UsBQFuCHvDSuj Fri, 24 May 2024 14:15:01 +0000 false false false

The best budget Bluetooth speaker, the Tribit StormBox Micro 2, is now on sale at Amazon for only $47.99 (it was $59.99). Considering it's already a budget price, an extra 20% off is not to be sniffed at. The deal comes ahead of the Memorial Day sales event, where hundreds of tech products, including Bluetooth speakers, have gone on sale.

• Shop Amazon's full Memorial Day sale

The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 not only has great sound quality but is also the most fully featured mini Bluetooth speaker we've ever seen. If you're looking to get great bang for your buck, then this is a great deal. 

Memorial Day deal: Tribit StormBox Micro 2 speaker

Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Speaker: was $59.99 now $47.99 at Amazon
A 20% discount makes this portable speaker even more appealing than its previous budget RRP. Its small form factor and lightweight design make it perfect for throwing in your bag or mounting to anything around you. The price now means you could get two of these for under $100—perfect if you want a stereo setup. The 12-hour battery life makes it an even more attractive offering.View Deal

Any Bluetooth speaker, especially if it's going to be used outside, needs great battery life. This portable speaker comes with a high-capacity rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 12 hours, making it perfect for camping getaways or all-day events. Our Tribit StormBox Micro 2 review stated the battery life as one of the reasons to buy this speaker over and above others.

Portability is also a big plus for this speaker. It's small enough to fit in your pocket and comes with an integrated strap, making it ideal for taking anywhere, as well as clipping onto tree branches, bike handlebars, or a belt loop.

Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 held in a hand over a yellow table

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a great Bluetooth speaker and it's no surprise that it's high up on our list of Best Portable Speakers. The IP67 rating makes this device waterproof but if you're interested in other options, check out our Best Waterproof Speaker guide for more inspiration.

Shop more Memorial Day sales

]]> <![CDATA[ I've tested tons of PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch controllers - here are 5 I recommend looking out for in the Memorial Day sales ]]> https://www.techradar.com/gaming/ive-tested-tons-of-playstation-xbox-and-nintendo-switch-controllers-here-are-5-i-recommend-looking-out-for-in-the-memorial-day-sales aShrB5CGTYDagrJdgeKFJM Thu, 23 May 2024 16:16:05 +0000 Thu, 23 May 2024 16:16:09 +0000 false false false

With Memorial Day sales basically here, it’s an excellent time of year to shop for a new controller for your preferred console or PC. As with other major sales periods throughout the year, controller deals are a dime a dozen across PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch systems.

Going off of discounts we’ve seen over the past few years, there are a few standout products that are almost guaranteed to see price drops this Memorial Day weekend. The Xbox Wireless Controller and its numerous colorways, for example, are a hot favorite. Likewise, I’m expecting manufacturers like CRKD, 8BitDo, and Turtle Beach to bring discounts for their top gamepads, too.

Having tested and reviewed some of the best PC controllers, best Xbox controllers, and best PS5 controllers of the past few years, I’m confident in recommending the following five gamepads to look out for during the Memorial Day sales period. Hopefully, you’ll find an all-new favorite and save money in the process.

Xbox Wireless Controller

Xbox Wireless Controller

(Image credit: Future)

It’s hard to go wrong with the current iteration of the Xbox Wireless Controller. Microsoft’s stalwart gamepad - and its numerous colorways - seems to be on sale more often than it’s not. But the controller typically sees especially great discounts over sales periods; and the Memorial Day sales should be no exception here.

The Xbox Wireless Controller is compatible with Xbox consoles, naturally, but also makes for an excellent PC controller. Its sturdy build quality makes it a controller that can last an entire console generation. On top of that, it’s got excellent battery life and I’m a huge fan of the rounded d-pad design which makes it an excellent choice for some of the best fighting games. Overall, though, it’s just an excellent and affordable gamepad that’s well-suited to most genres.

It is pretty basic in terms of features, however. Unlike many of the best Xbox controllers from third parties, you’re not getting additions like ancillary back buttons, trigger stops, or voice chat control features. That said, we’ve seen the controller drop as low as $39.99 at Amazon US and £34.99 in the UK over big sales events. We’re hoping for similarly low prices over Memorial Day weekend.

Turtle Beach Recon Controller

Turtle Beach Recon Controller

(Image credit: Future)

The Turtle Beach Recon Controller isn’t brand new or state-of-the-art, but it’s still one of our favorite Xbox controllers due to its overt usefulness in an online play environment. The Recon puts a quality voice and party chat experience first when you connect a gaming headset, and features dedicated on-board chat controls, mic muting, and equalizer settings, saving you from delving into your console’s settings separately.

The Turtle Beach Recon Controller retails at $59.95 / £49.99, but we’ve seen it drop as low as $39.95 / £32.99 during prior sales events. These are huge savings that position the Recon as one of the cheapest controllers that we wholeheartedly recommend.

It is worth noting that you’re only getting a wired connection here. So if you prefer to play games with a wireless controller, there may be an adjustment period if you purchase the Turtle Beach Recon. However, I feel this was the right call for a multiplayer-focused controller, in order to minimize input lag and keep voice chat quality as clear and crisp as possible.

DualSense Edge

DualSense Edge

(Image credit: Future)

Compared to Xbox, Sony has been sheepish in dropping the price of its premium DualSense Edge. It’s an impressively high-quality controller that improves on the already brilliant base DualSense design. But at an eye-watering $199.99 / £209.99 retail price, it’s typically hard to recommend.

We’re hoping this changes over the Memorial Day weekend. This is a fantastic PS5 and PC-compatible controller that really comes alive with games that support its patented haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. You’ll find that these work with Sony’s recent Steam ports including God of War, Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut, and Returnal.

We’re not expecting huge discounts here; at best, Sony has only shaved $5 off its retail price in the US at prior sales events. UK folks have fared better, though, with the Edge dropping as low as £187.99 over last year’s Black Friday week. Hopefully, Memorial Day sales will host some stronger discounts for the DualSense Edge, as we feel it’s one of the best PS5 controllers in that premium price bracket and a more sizeable discount would massively increase its value proposition.

Nitro Deck

Nitro Deck

(Image credit: Future)

We consider the Nitro Deck to not only be one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers but also the best Nintendo Switch accessory on the market right now. CRKD’s controller/handheld dock hybrid is a must-own for any Switch owner, especially those who primarily like to play in handheld mode.

The Nitro Deck excels at a few things. For one, it’s built like a brick shithouse. In my Nitro Deck review, I likened it to your Nintendo Switch display donning a suit of armor; the sturdy Nitro Deck shell granting it some much-needed extra protection while you’re gaming on the go. Furthermore, its excellent Hall effect joysticks are a huge improvement on Switch, preventing the kind of stick drift that plagues the Joy-Con and even the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. The Nitro Deck isn’t just a great controller, it’s a substantial upgrade for your console.

Another impressive aspect of the Nitro Deck is its huge variety of colors and designs, many of which are frequently on sale. We routinely see both standard and limited edition Nitro Decks (the key difference being the limited editions come with a carry case and some alternate thumbsticks) at $10 off, taking them down to $49.99 / £54.99 and $79.99 / £79.99 respectively. We’re hoping for these discounts to be stronger over Memorial Day weekend, too, so be sure to keep an eye out for a Nitro Deck design that suits your fancy.

GameSir Nova and Nova Lite

GameSir Nova

(Image credit: Future)

A couple of my favorite recent additions to the third-party Switch hardware pile are the GameSir Nova and GameSir Nova Lite. These are exceptionally budget-friendly controllers and, despite launching only a month ago, have already seen some tempting price drops.

One thing to note is that you shouldn’t let the ‘Lite’ moniker of one of these gamepads fool you. In actuality, both have their own advantages and drawbacks when compared, and both received four out of five stars in my reviews of them. The regular GameSir Nova has a fantastic retro aesthetic, paired with lovely RGB lighting and perhaps the best implementation of HD Rumble outside of Nintendo’s official offerings. The Lite, meanwhile, actually has a sturdier-feeling build quality, but you are losing out on that rumble as well as basic Switch features such as gyro aiming.

Still, either are highly worth considering and I recommend both over the Memorial Day sales weekend. Typically $35.99 / £39.99, the regular GameSir Nova has already seen price drops to as low as $30.77 / £35.99 via Amazon deals. As such, you’d do well to keep an eye on these over the sales period if you’re after a cheap but reliable gamepad for Nintendo Switch.

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]]> <![CDATA[ Want to upgrade your PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch storage? These are the products to watch over the Memorial Day sales ]]> https://www.techradar.com/gaming/gaming-accessories/want-to-upgrade-your-playstation-xbox-or-nintendo-switch-storage-these-are-the-products-to-watch-over-the-memorial-day-sales VPUzJoRENBixNFiCgok8D Thu, 23 May 2024 11:03:12 +0000 Thu, 23 May 2024 11:07:25 +0000 false false false

You can almost guarantee that storage devices will receive big discounts in any major sales event and the upcoming Memorial Day sales are no exception. This is great news for gamers, as many of us need to upgrade the storage capacity of our consoles at least once in order to keep more games installed and will finally get the opportunity to do so without completely breaking the bank. Whether you’re a PlayStation player, an avid Nintendo fan, or even batting for Xbox over on Team Green, there’s likely going to be something for you that’ll get the discount treatment.

But which products should be at the top of your wishlist this Memorial Day? I cover all kinds of storage devices ranging from SSDs to external hard drives and SD cards and I’ve picked out a few of each that I think should be on your radar. If you’re a more casual player or someone that is completely new to upgrading your console’s storage capacity, don’t worry as I’m also going to break down the advantages and disadvantages of each option while providing you with some alternatives to consider.

PS5 owners: expect steep SSD discounts

Someone installing a WD Black SN850 PS5 SSD

(Image credit: Western Digital)

Getting your hands on a compatible SSD should be a top priority for any PS5 owner and sales events are always a good opportunity to grab some of the cheapest PS5 SSD deals. They’re easy to install (especially with our how to install a PS5 SSD guide on hand) and will dramatically increase your console’s storage capacity without compromising speeds. Just bear in mind that not every drive is going to be compatible with the PS5, as they require a read speed above 5,500 MB/s and a heatsink installed to work properly.

If you have a particularly generous budget, I would recommend the Samsung 990 Pro. It’s the absolute cream of the crop, one of the best SSDs for PS5 with blazing-fast speeds and excellent thermal performance. Past sales events have seen the normally pricey 2TB model drop down to as low as $136.56 at Amazon in the US and £128.49 at Amazon in the UK. If you see one going for anything close to that price, be sure to snap it up quickly.

Other good choices include the officially licensed WD Black SN850P, which has been slashed as low as $99.99 at Amazon in the US and £94.99 at Amazon in the UK in its 1TB configuration. It’s a strong contender if you’re looking for a no-fuss storage upgrade as it is officially licensed by Sony and designed specifically for the console. Also keep an eye out for any big savings on the older SN850, which is still a strong performer and a great choice.

No matter which model you buy, make sure that you’re getting at least 1TB of storage. Any less than that is likely to fill up pretty fast and generally represents quite poor value for money in 2024. Where possible it’s definitely worth spending a little more for a 2TB model to really future-proof your purchase.

It’s not all SSD discounts, though, as there are still likely to be some good deals if you’re sticking with the PS4 or even want to look at external storage options for your PS5. Despite its branding, the Seagate Game Drive for PS5 is still fully compatible with the PS4 and offers a huge storage boost if you find a good price cut on its 5TB version. If you really don’t want to have to worry about capacity, watch for savings on the mammoth 8TB configuration of the WD Black D10. It’s one of the best PS5 external hard drives right now and, while it lacks portability, can hold hundreds of games to make up for it.

While this doesn't affect PS4 owners, be aware that the use of slower HDD storage means that you won’t be able to play any current-generation games without first moving them to the console’s internal storage on PS5.

Xbox storage expansion cards should get a little cheaper

A Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X plugged directly into the back of an Xbox Series X console

(Image credit: Seagate/Microsoft)

I was recently put in the unenviable position of having to buy an Xbox storage expansion card to slot into a chronically overstuffed Xbox Series S. Although they’re a lot easier to install than a PS5 SSD, it’s hard to ignore the fact that they represent quite bad value for money at full price. The Seagate Storage Expansion Card, for example, hovers at around $150 / £150 in its 1TB configuration - which is more expensive than most high-end 1TB SSDs. That said, we’ve seen it dip as low as $129.99 at Amazon in the US and £139 at Amazon in the UK which definitely helps soften the blow to your wallet a little.

In addition to Amazon, keep an eye out for potential discounts on listings at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart in the US or Argos and Game in the UK. Seagate also isn’t the only manufacturer creating Xbox storage expansion cards at the moment. The WD Black C50 Expansion Card generally comes in at a similar price to the Seagate offering and has received discounts down to as low as $124.98 at Amazon in the US and £128.99 at Amazon in the UK in the past.

Definitely avoid the 512GB models for both of these products. The slight saving might seem tempting compared to the 1TB version, but it’s not going to take long for such a small capacity drive to fill up. For reference, most AAA titles come in at around 100GB in my experience - so you’re looking at about five or so big releases at most. Although I own an Xbox Series S, these cards are also fully compatible with the Xbox Series X making them a good choice for owners of the other Xbox too.

Consider an external hard drive if you don’t mind having to copy current generation titles to your internal storage in order to play them. I’m personally watching for any major savings on the super snazzy Seagate Ghost-Spider 2TB FireCuda Hard Drive purely because I love its Marvel-inspired design, but I would recommend the more plain Seagate Game Drive for Xbox for most players. The massive 4TB version has fallen as low as $89.99 at Amazon in the US and £66.99 at Amazon in the UK and is well worth picking up if it ends up in that price range again.

Prepare for big price cuts on top Nintendo Switch SD cards

SanDisk MicroSD card for Nintendo Switch

(Image credit: SanDisk)

Nintendo Switch owners are likely going to be in for a treat this Memorial Day. Many of the best SD cards for Switch receive fantastic discounts in sales, so it’s especially worth keeping a lookout. They’re also super easy to install: you just pop the card into the back of your console and you’re ready to go. I use the brilliant 512GB Samsung EVO Select in my personal Nintendo Switch OLED, which has received discounts down to as low as $24.49 at Amazon in the US and £25.59 at Amazon in the UK. It’s got excellent endurance too, meaning that it’s likely to last for a long time before it starts to slow down.

Other good microSD card options include the various officially licensed cards offered by SanDisk. The 128GB model is a great budget pick, as it comes in at well under $20 at Amazon in the US and £15 at Amazon in the UK during sales. If you don’t want to have to worry about your Nintendo Switch storage again, consider the 1TB model which has dipped as low as $87.99 at Amazon in the US and £104.99 at Amazon in the UK. It’s a lot to spend on an SD card, but this one big purchase is going to ensure that most players never run out of storage space again.

There are lots of other good options to pick from too, but my biggest piece of advice when shopping for a Nintendo Switch microSD card is to always stick to reliable brands. There are plenty of less-known brands at various online retailers for bargain bin prices and, while they might work well enough if you’re lucky, there’s no guaranteeing their longevity or that the quoted speeds are accurate. Some reputable names you can have confidence in include Samsung, SanDisk, Lexar, Kingston, Micro Center, Amazon Basics, PNY, and Sony.

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]]> <![CDATA[ Shopping for a 1TB Xbox Series S? Skip the Memorial Day sales entirely with this excellent discount at Dell ]]> https://www.techradar.com/gaming/consoles-pc/shopping-for-a-1tb-xbox-series-s-skip-the-memorial-day-sales-entirely-with-this-excellent-discount-at-dell xbLZ5SMSsU5QXgjGCbVvjS Thu, 23 May 2024 10:33:39 +0000 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:32:03 +0000 false false false

The 1TB Xbox Series S is a fantastic upgrade over the standard 512GB model, but it's typically pricier than its matte white counterpart. Not so with this current discount at Dell, which is hosting an excellent price drop ahead of this weekend's Memorial Day sales.

Right now, Dell has the 1TB Xbox Series S listed at just $299.99. That's a $50 saving over the usual $349.99 retail price. This makes it just as affordable as the regular 512GB Xbox Series S, which also retails at $299.99.

And if you're shopping in the UK, your best option for the 1TB Xbox Series S right now will be at Currys. The retailer has the console listed at £299, which isn't a discounted price, though it does include a voucher code that allows you to save 10% off an additional controller.

Today's best Xbox Series S (1TB) deal

Xbox Series S (1TB): was $349.99 now $299.99 at Dell
Save $50 - The slick matte black 1TB Xbox Series S is a fantastic option for a digital-only console. If you're after a relatively affordable system with a decent amount of storage for Xbox Game Pass downloads and your favorite streaming services, this is the console to go for.

UK price: Currys - £299 (use code 'PLAYER2' at checkout for 10% off an extra controller)View Deal

The slick matte black finish aside, there's one key reason as to why the 1TB Xbox Series S is worth owning. You're getting a true 1TB of operational storage here, meaning that unlike the standard 512GB Xbox Series S, space for the operating system has already been accounted for. That's even more room for Xbox Game Pass titles and the best Xbox Series X games which also work on this digital-only model.

If you're outside of the US or the UK, be sure to check the list below to find all the best deals in your region for the 1TB Xbox Series S.

Shop more Memorial Day sales

]]> <![CDATA[ Beat the Memorial Day sales rush with these solid Xbox Series X console discounts ]]> https://www.techradar.com/gaming/beat-the-memorial-day-sales-rush-with-these-solid-xbox-series-x-console-discounts 22RkP9MDszaGvycnJFapnk Wed, 22 May 2024 11:24:02 +0000 false false false

We're currently seeing yet another enticing price drop for the Xbox Series X console ahead of the upcoming Memorial Day sales. And what's more, both US and UK folks can enjoy similar discounts right now.

By heading over to Dell, US folks can pick up an Xbox Series X for $449.99 (was $499.99); that's a solid $50 off the typically high retail price. And if you're in the UK, high street retailer Argos has you covered with a discounted price of just £409.99 (was £459.99).

These, unfortunately, are not the strongest discounts we've ever seen for the Xbox Series X. Over last year's Holiday sales, for example, the console dipped as low as $349.99 (a huge $150 saving) at Amazon. However, such strong price drops are exceedingly rare. While these latest discounts are modest in comparison, we feel they're still worth checking out if you've been thinking of picking up the console at a reduced price.

Today's best Xbox Series X deals

Xbox Series X console: was $499.99 now $449.99 at Dell
We've certainly seen steeper Xbox Series X discounts in the past, this current one is no slouch, allowing you to put an extra 50 bucks away for a rainy day, an Xbox Game Pass subscription or towards a new game.

UK price: Argos - £409.99View Deal

This Xbox Series X discount is well worth looking into, especially as price drops for the console are fairly rare outside of major sales periods. The console can easily serve as the centerpiece of your gaming setup, offering support for 4K resolution and up to a smooth-as-butter 120fps on compatible smart TVs.

The Xbox Series X is known to be light on exclusive games. However, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription service continues to offer full downloadable games at an impressive rate - from massive AAA hits to must-play indie gems. There's a lot to like about the console, from Game Pass and excellent backwards compatibility features to comparable performance to Sony's PlayStation 5.

We're currently seeing top discounts on excellent Xbox controllers, too. For example, this Razer Wolverine Ultimate deal brings the aesthetically slick gamepad down to one of its lowest-ever prices.

]]> <![CDATA[ 3 top-rated Bluetooth speakers to look for during this year's Memorial Day sales ]]> https://www.techradar.com/audio/wireless-bluetooth-speakers/3-top-rated-bluetooth-speakers-to-look-for-during-this-years-memorial-day-sales PDnJyEYN2VAHLrmLdvzdEe Tue, 21 May 2024 16:30:16 +0000 false false false

We're always keeping an eye on deals to help you save big on our best-rated tech products and with Memorial Day sales already starting to show up, there's plenty of great savings to be had across a range of popular Bluetooth speakers. 

But the world of Bluetooth speakers is big, making it hard to choose just one from the many, especially considering leading brands like JBL and Sony have several in their range. To help decide which one is best to pick, I've picked out three of our best Bluetooth speakers to keep an eye out for. 

JBL Flip 6

the jbl flip 6 bluetooth speaker in red

(Image credit: TechRadar)

JBL speakers often tend to get discounts during sales events and I suspect this Memorial Day won't be any different. We've already spotted early deals for the JBL Clip 4, slashing its price from $79.95 to $49.95 on Amazon, and while the fantastic Flip 6 hasn't yet seen a price cut, if it does then I wouldn't wait to snap it up. 

The JBL Flip 6 is a simple and straightforward speaker that sounds great and won't easily break if you accidentally drop it. Despite being originally launched in March 2022, it still holds up today among the competition in the mid-range speaker space and remains JBL's flagship Flip model in the range.

The main reason for this is due to it seeing regular discounts from its $129.95 launch price. During last year's Black Friday sales, it dropped down to a record-low price of just $89 on Amazon, so we'd advise looking out for a similar price cut to ensure you get the best deal this Memorial Day. 

Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 held in a hand over a yellow table

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 regularly features in our roundup of Bluetooth speaker deals and this year is no different. As our top budget recommendation, it offers the best value that you can find for under $100. 

While its official price has risen over the years, you can find it discounted from $80 to $60 on Amazon in an early Memorial Day deal – although this saving looks to only be available for the black and blue models, with the red color priced at a slightly higher $62.99. 

Not only does the Stormbox Micro 2 sound great but it also offers great features like the ability to charge your phone, which is not something we regularly find among Bluetooth speakers. It's also built to last with a tough dust and water resistance rating. 

Sonos Roam

sonos roam

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The Sonos Roam is by far the best all-rounder when it comes to getting great sound, features, design and value. However, it first launched in 2021, has since seen a cheaper version released without mics called the Roam SL and is now likely to be replaced by an upgraded model if these Sonos Roam 2 rumors are true. 

Because of all these factors, I suspect there's a high chance it might see a discount in the sales. The last big savings we spotted were in the Black Friday sales last year, when it reached a record low price of $134 at Sonos. 

For a speaker that offers incredible sound quality, a rugged waterproof design and a long list of features, such as top connectivity options with Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi, automatic device switching and a top control app, there's no wonder the Roam has won our TechRadar Choice Awards two-years in a row.   

Shop today's best Memorial Day sales

]]> <![CDATA[ Canon's best camera for beginners is going cheap right now in the US and UK ]]> https://www.techradar.com/cameras/mirrorless-cameras/canons-best-camera-for-beginners-is-going-cheap-right-now-in-the-us-and-uk sP5Mcs3XxyLpWxUWNLqmr9 Tue, 21 May 2024 13:52:53 +0000 false false false

If you're a beginner looking to buy your first mirrorless, then look no further than the Canon EOS R10 - a great APS-C camera that you currently can get at Adorama for only $879 (was $979). This is certainly no cheap thrills camera, as is evidenced by its top overall status in our best camera for beginners guide.

The EOS R10 was great value before the discount but with $100 off the US model and £100 off the UK version, there's an even better deal to be had. With more than capable autofocus and good handling, what's not to love about Canon's entry-level mirrorless camera?

Today's best Canon EOS R10 deal

Canon EOS R10: was $979 now $879 at Adorama
A more than capable 24.2 MP APS-C sensor is backed up by a super speed autofocus system with subject detection. Another win for beginners is the high-speed shooting mode, which is able to capture 15 frames per second for fast-action photos. I wouldn't buy it for it's superior video qualities but it's also good to know that it's possible to shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second.

Also available at Amazon UKView Deal

Our Canon EOS R10 review found this lightweight mirrorless camera to be "a versatile little powerhouse and one of the best cameras around for beginners." The autofocus system is not only super speedy, something that is perfect for new users, but it's also smart and able to detect subjects without too much trouble.

In the mirrorless market, Canon is no longer floundering to the likes of Sony, Fujifilm and Nikon. With a budget-friendly option that boasts respectable specs, there's no better camera to help new photographers confidently enter the world of photography. And if you still don't believe me, you can hear it from one of our own who spent a week with it. He talks about his experience here.

The Canon EOS R10 camers sitting on a wooden bannister

(Image credit: Future)

Other Canon cameras are available, and we've collated the best in our best canon camera guide. More generally, with other brands involved, it might be worth heading over to our best camera for photography as well.

Check out our coverage of the upcoming Memorial Day sales for more recommendations on all things tech - laptops, TVs, headphones, and other categories.

]]> <![CDATA[ My current favorite Nintendo Switch controller, the GameSir Nova, just got its first noteworthy Amazon discount ahead of Memorial Day ]]> https://www.techradar.com/gaming/my-current-favorite-nintendo-switch-controller-the-gamesir-nova-just-got-its-first-noteworthy-amazon-discount-ahead-of-memorial-day VDYNAjVUhugG2jvTko8gjB Mon, 20 May 2024 15:33:13 +0000 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:24:17 +0000 false false false

Controller manufacturer GameSir rarely misses when it comes to quality Nintendo Switch hardware, and one of its latest creations, the GameSir Nova, is no exception.

Just ahead of the upcoming Memorial Day sales, you can pick up the GameSir Nova controller for just $30.77 at Amazon, so long as you check the coupon box to apply an additional 5% off the sale price. Both the standard white and translucent green variants are sharing the same discount for a tasty saving of 5 bucks. Not bad for the recently released Nintendo Switch controller.

UK shoppers can expect a similar Amazon discount, too. However, you'll need to check the 10% voucher box here to bring the price from £39.99 to the sale price of £35.99. However, it's worth noting that only the white variant of the controller bears the discount option here, which is a bit of a shame.

Today's best GameSir Nova controller deal

GameSir Nova: was $35.99 now $30.77 at Amazon
It's only a minor saving on paper, but it's the first noteworthy discount for a controller that launched just last month. This is a superb Nintendo Switch controller that boasts phenomenal rumble, Hall effect sticks to prevent drift and fairly impressive battery life. Just remember to check the coupon box before checkout to get the full discount.

Translucent Green: Amazon - $30.77

UK price: Amazon - £35.99 with voucher appliedView Deal

The GameSir Nova is certainly a recent contender to be one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers you can buy. In my 4 star review, I discussed how much I loved the retro aesthetic of the gamepad, paired with some lovely RGB lighting wrapped around the analog sticks' circumference. 

By far the standout feature for me, though, was the fantastic implementation of HD Rumble, which lends the Nova an almost haptic-like feel. It's an excellent controller for games like Splatoon 3 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, then. If you don't play on Nintendo Switch, though, the controller is also compatible with PC as well as Android and iOS devices.

]]> <![CDATA[ The only thing I want to buy on Memorial Day is this adorable keyboard ]]> https://www.techradar.com/opinion/the-only-thing-i-want-to-buy-on-memorial-day-is-this-adorable-keyboard yphzyhtZcj2opHuP3GJNUS Mon, 29 May 2023 11:00:53 +0000 Mon, 29 May 2023 23:21:45 +0000 false false false

Memorial Day 2023 kicks off on Monday, May 29, and you’ll find a whole load of Memorial Day sales for just about any product, appliance, random splurge, or tech essential you can think of. I personally won’t be shopping for any of those deals, though. I’m after one thing this Memorial Day: an adorable keyboard.

Not just any adorable keyboard, either! I want a Drop Signature Series Zodiac mechanical keyboard, a piece of hardware looks so much cuter than it sounds. 

To understand why I’m so excited about this keyboard, you have to understand that I absolutely love noisy, tactile key switches. There’s no feeling more satisfying than when you’re in the office or at home tearing through your busy day, accompanied by the triumphant sounds of your fingers click-clacking away at the keyboard. 

It’s motivating, it offers a good sense of white noise to keep you focused, and honestly? The more click-clacks I hear from my keyboard, the more productive I feel. I’ve always felt that a good keyboard is an investment, because once you’ve found the right keyboard for you, you’re set up to enjoy both productivity and comfort at your desk for a very long time. 

Close up of keycaps
Drop Signature keyboard
Close up of keycaps
Drop Signature keyboards

Why is this keyboard so special?

I’ve already emphasized how cute I think this keyboard is, but my intense obsession with it goes beyond aesthetics. Yes, you get to feel like a space angel working a cushy celestial receptionist job, but the hot-swappable board offers incredible tactile action. You can customize the RGB lighting and make the keyboard your own without going through the effort of having to find cute keys yourself.

The keyboard is sturdy and - for eco-conscious tech fiends - rather than being made from rattly plastic the base is rock-solid aluminum. Even the harshest of typists will have a hard time destabilizing a keyboard with such a sturdy base.

On top of the thin but tough base sit the excellent Invyr Holy Panda key switches, which give the keyboard a tactile ‘bump’ on each keystroke. If you’re not a fan of that though, don’t worry - thanks to the hot-swappable design, you can easily pop in new switches to fit your needs.

Mechanical keyboards can feel quite daunting. They come in so many different configurations and cool styles that it can be a little overwhelming, and they’re usually more expensive than your standard boring office keyboard, but Memorial Day is the best time to splurge and treat yourself (and your desktop set-up).

If you spend a lot of your time, like me, sitting at a desk hammering away at your keyboard for hours on end, you might as well be working on something with a little personality that’ll make you feel like a dedicated space princess - or perhaps an intergalactic hacker.

]]> <![CDATA[ Acer Memorial Day sale now live - see the 4 best laptop deals starting at just $299 ]]> https://www.techradar.com/deals/acer-memorial-day-sale-now-live-see-the-4-best-laptop-deals-starting-at-just-dollar299 p3WPNoeam6Qcax5xVNHYPW Fri, 26 May 2023 16:30:52 +0000 Sun, 28 May 2023 23:05:38 +0000 false false false

The official Acer Store has just launched its Memorial Day laptop sales today with excellent discounts on everything from super-budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming laptops.

With prices starting at $189.99 we think this is one of the best laptop sales we've seen yet from an official vendor - and you can find four deals that we think are particularly worthy of your attention just down below. 

We've started with this Acer Aspire 5 for $299 (was $479.99), which we think is one of the better budget-orientated Windows-based options out there right now. Those with a bit more cash could also consider this upgraded Aspire 5 for $499.99 (was $799), which has a nearly unbeatable price considering the Core i7 and 16GB of RAM inside. Finally, this superb cheap Nitro 5  for just $679.99 (was $1,049.99) is offering what's likely the lowest price we've ever seen for a gaming laptop with a speedy RTX 3060 graphics card.

While Acer often gets overlooked in favor of more well-known PC vendors like Dell or HP, we highly recommend giving today's sale a glance if you're on the hunt for that next machine. So far, these are collectively some of the best deals we've seen ahead of the 'official' start date for this year's Memorial Day sales on Monday.

Four great laptop deals at Acer today

Acer Aspire 5 laptop: was $479.99 now $299.99 at Acer
Screen size: 15.6-inches
Processor: AMD Ryzen 3-5300U
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD

The best budget laptop deal in the Acer Memorial Day sale is this fully-featured (but cheap) Acer Aspire 5. Not only does this one have a fairly decent Ryzen 3 chipset inside, but you'll also secure a full kit of 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD - which are nice components to get at this price point. Pound for pound, this is a great budget Windows laptop that's perfect for casual use.View Deal

Acer Aspire 5 laptop: was $799.99 now $499.99 at Acer
Screen size: 14-inches
Processor: Intel Core  i7-1165G7
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB SSD

Another absolutely outstanding laptop deal in the Acer Memorial Day sale, this Aspire 5 offers great mid-range value. The combination of 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a Core i7 chipset makes this one almost unbeatable specs-wise if you're on the hunt for a Windows workhorse in this budget range. The CPU in this model is a little older now but we'd still highly recommend it at this price since we were impressed by this model during our Acer Aspire 5 (2022) review. View Deal

Acer Aspire 7 laptop: was $799.99 now $549.99 at Acer
Screen size: 15.6-inches
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5-5625U
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050

This Acer Aspire 7 is exceptionally well priced for a machine with an RTX 3050 graphics card thanks to the Acer Memorial Day sales today. We'd hesitate to call this one a gaming laptop as it's angled as more of an Ultrabook with a discreet GPU, but it's going to be a great choice if you need that graphics card for design or creative work. The trade off for a cheap GPU in this machine, however, is the smaller storage drive.View Deal

Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop: was $1,049.99 now $679.99 at Acer
Screen size: 15.6-inches
Processor: Intel Core i5-11400H
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Graphics card: RTX 3060

If you're looking for a gaming laptop deal on a budget in this year's Memorial Day laptop sales you'll be hard pressed to beat this Acer Nitro 5 for sheer value. It's pretty much the cheapest machine we've ever seen to feature an RTX 3060 graphics card, which is an older component now but one that can still output fantastic performance at 1080p resolution. The trade-off is a slightly smaller storage drive but we won't let that stop us from recommending this machine as upgrading the SSD is a cheap and easy DIY project.View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ Will there be Max deals on Memorial Day 2023? Here’s what to expect ]]> https://www.techradar.com/opinion/will-there-be-max-deals-on-memorial-day-2023-heres-what-to-expect zWSsfkpsSMQKYeSXn64PdE Mon, 22 May 2023 04:01:00 +0000 Thu, 25 May 2023 15:44:42 +0000 false false false

The Memorial Day 2023 sales have begun – and, as with any major savings event, such as Black Friday and Prime Day, we know you'll be on the hunt for some mega money saving deals.

In recent years, some of the globe's best streaming services – Hulu, Paramount Plus, and HBO Max to name three – have had the price of their subscription plans slashed, albeit temporarily. The prospect of similar deals being offered to customers, then, during this year's Memorial Day weekend shouldn't be discounted.

Well, aside from HBO Max anyway. This platform no longer exists, with Max – Warner Bros Discovery's (WBD) new super streamer – officially launching on May 23. Essentially, it combines the best of HBO Max and Discovery Plus' extensive back catalogs – read more about it in our article on the seven biggest things you need to know about Max – but, like many of its streaming peers, it's suffered its fair share of launch day problems. Multiple users, us included, have struggled to log into Max since it debuted. Meanwhile, WBD has been forced to apologize after numerous writers and directors angrily called the company out over a glaring crediting blunder.

A TV screen on an orange background showing the new Max streaming service logo

Max sees HBO Max and Discovery Plus' libraries merged into one. (Image credit: Warner Bros. Discovery)

But we digress. What does the arrival of HBO Max's successor mean for possible Max-based discounts? Has WBD reduced the price of Max's three subscription tiers for Memorial Day 2023, or are you being asked to sump up (ahem) the Max-imum fee?

In short: it's the latter. In a statement provided exclusively to TechRadar, a WBD spokesperson confirmed that there would be "no launch promo to share" for Memorial Day weekend. That means you'll need to fork out $9.99 per month for Max's ads-supported tier, $15.99 each month for its ads-free plan, and $19.99 a month if you've been eyeing the ultimate ads-free option.

That said, you can take advantage of a 20% offer that's available by signing up to any of Max's 12-month subscription plans. The streamer's ads-supported plan will set you back $99.99 per year, the ads-free one is $149.99 for 12 months, and the ultimate ads-free tier is $199.99 a year. So there are savings to be had, just not the ones you'd hoped for.

Still, signing up for WBD's new streaming giant is well worth the investment. For one, you'll gain access to the best Max shows, best Max movies, and best Max documentaries around. 

If you've been sleeping on, say, watching Succession, House of the Dragon, Euphoria, any of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) films, Elvis, Dune, or any of WBD's biggest hits of recent years, now is the time to pounce.

Brian Cox as Logan Roy in Succession season 4

All four seasons of hit TV show Succession are streamable on Max right now. (Image credit: HBO)

Realistically, I couldn't see WBD caving and cutting the price of any of its Max subscription tiers. 

In this article, I previously mentioned there were two major reasons why: the service's official launch on May 23, and the recently celebrated (if you can really say that) National Streaming Day.

It was highly unlikely that WBD would shave any dollars or cents off Max for Memorial Day weekend, especially with the platform only making its debut two days ago (at the time of writing). And, with the amount of issues currently plaguing it, it wouldn't be in WBD's best interests to convince people to sign up or reactivate their HBO Max accounts, only to be met with the possibility of being unable to sign in at all. That wouldn't be a good look for WBD, would it?

A closeup of Zachary Levi's Shazam in Shazam! Fury of the Gods

Shazam! Fury of the Gods is available to stream now on Max. (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Furthermore, before it evolved into Max, the now-defunct HBO Max was only discounted on May 20 and 21 for National Streaming Day. WBD gave potential subscribers a 20% discount on its pre-pay offer (find out more in our best streaming deals guide for May 2023), which represented decent value for money. If you're interested, you can see how Max's price points stack up against its competitors, such as Netflix and Prime Video, in our Max price guide.

To sum up, then, the chances of seeing any Max-based deals in time for Memorial Day were close to zero, and that's proven to be the case. Of course, WBD could have surprise us all, but that never seemed to be a scenario that would play out. So, if you want to subscribe to Max, you'll have to pay the full amount for any of its three tiers.

For more Max-based coverage, check out our suggestions for seven unmissable new movies and shows to stream on Max guide. Alternatively, read up on the best Max family movies worth watching with your kids.

]]>