The combination of Donald Trump’s gutting of Joe Biden’s subsidies for green technologies and his tariffs are gifting China victory in a race it already leads. Read...

Like many smart home manufacturers, Ikea took its time warning up to Matter, the new standard that aims to unite the big smart home ecosystems.  When it introduced its new Dirigera smart hub back in 2022, Ikea promised that it would support Matter within a matter of months. Months did indeed pass, then more months. More than a year later, Ikea confirmed what was already obvious: it was delaying the Dirgera’s Matter update, as the company needed “more development time to secure good functionality.”  Then several more months passed, until Ikea finally released the Dirigera’s Matter update into beta testing—and even then, the Dirigera’s Matter support only went as far as bridging Ikea’s smart products into existing Matter networks.  But in recent weeks, there were hints that Ikea was finally getting serious about Matter. While Ikea’s Matter support was initially limited to Matter-over-Wi-Fi, a few leaked products suggested that Ikea might embrace Thread, the low-power, mesh-networking wireless protocol that underpins the Matter standard.  Then, late last week, the other shoe dropped: Ikea released an update for the Dirigera that turned the hub not just into a full-on Matter controller, but also a Thread border router, capable of discovering and taking charge of Thread-enabled Matter devices as well as connecting them to the internet.  Now Ikea says it’s all-in with Matter, promising to unveil a whopping 20 new Matter devices in January 2026.  “Until now, smart home technology hasn’t been easy enough to use for most people — or affordable enough for many to consider,” said David Granath, Range Manager at IKEA of Sweden, in a press release. “Bringing Matter to our products means we are taking a big step in the right direction, offering compatibility across brands, and lowering the threshold for people to get started.”  Ikea is pretty much betting the farm on Matter as far as its smart-home ambitions are concerned, and that represents a massive vote of confidence for Matter.  The Matter standard could certainly use a shot in the arm. First launched in late 2022 after a few delays, Matter arrived with the promise of making the big smart home ecosystems—Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings—play nice with each other.  But Matter faced headwinds from the get-go, including uneven support from smart home manufacturers, a messy onboarding process for consumers, and the fact that many key smart home categories hadn’t been added to the Matter specification yet. Even now, security cameras still aren’t part of the Matter standard (although I’m told that may change soon).  The Matter working group has since released several updates to the specification that have addressed the biggest pain points: a broader range of smart-home categories, an enhanced multi-admin process that connected Matter devices to multiple smart home platforms automatically, better energy efficiency for battery-powered Matter products, and so on.  Those are positive developments, but Ikea’s full-throated support for Matter gives the standard even more momentum—and with any luck, more smart-home product manufacturers will follow suit. Read...

Modern power banks have long provided enough power to reliably charge not only smartphones but also laptops. But not every model is suitable for laptop charging. To make sure you don’t spend money on the wrong power bank, we’ll show you what really matters when it comes to charging your laptop. We also present the best power banks that will keep your laptop fully charged when you’re on the move. Charging a laptop with a power bank: Important requirements A simple model power bank for smartphones is usually not enough to charge a laptop. This is because while smartphones can typically manage with 5 to 15 watts of charging power, most laptops require significantly more—often at least 45 to 65 watts, and even more for powerful devices. Conventional smartphone power banks simply do not deliver this power, meaning that the charging process either doesn’t even start or is extremely slow and inefficient. Therefore, pay attention to the following points when shopping for the right power bank: USB Power Delivery (USB-PD): Only power banks with USB-PD provide the necessary voltage and power for notebooks. Sufficient capacity: For a full charge or several hours of operation, you should opt for a power bank with at least 20,000 milliampere hours (mAh). Devices with 25,000 mAh or more offer additional buffering. USB-C connection: Modern laptops are best charged via USB-C. Your power bank should therefore offer a corresponding USB-C output. Power stability: A high-quality power bank constantly delivers the required power—this protects both your laptop and the power bank itself. Alternative option: There are also power banks with an integrated AC output (socket). This allows you to connect your regular laptop power supply. However, these devices are significantly larger and heavier. What are the laptop requirements for charging with a power bank? Not every laptop can simply be charged via USB-C. Check the following points: USB-C charging function: Only if your laptop has USB-C with charging function can you connect it directly to a power bank. Many current Ultrabooks and business laptops offer this. Power supply requirements: Look at the specifications of your original power supply unit. Example: 19 volts / 3 amps = 57 watts. Your power bank should deliver at least this much power. Devices without USB-C: If your laptop does not support USB-C, you will need a power bank with AC output or a power bank that offers specific adapters for your laptop connection. Such models are rarer and usually more expensive. The best power banks for charging laptops Anker Laptop Powerbank Amazon The Anker laptop power bank offers three USB-C ports with up to 100 watts of power each. Even power-hungry devices such as a MacBook Pro 16 can be quickly and reliably supplied with energy. The power bank provides a total of 165 watts of maximum total power. A notebook with a charging requirement of 45 to 65 watts can thus be charged several times or supported in operation for hours. The estimated charging time is around two hours when using a 100 watt power supply unit. Two integrated USB-C cables offer great convenience: an extendable model with a length of up to 27-inches and a 12-inch cable that also serves as a carrying strap. In addition to the three USB-C ports, there is also a USB-A port allowing up to four devices can be charged at the same time. A smart display shows the charge status, current power and remaining runtime. The integrated ActiveShield 2.0 technology continuously monitors the temperature and protects connected devices. With a weight of 1.3 lbs, the power bank remains portable despite its high performance and, with 90 watt hours, complies with current hand luggage regulations for air travel. User reviews praise the high charging speed, the well thought-out features and the quality of workmanship. The relatively heavy weight is occasionally criticized though—a consequence of the high-performance technology used. Get the Anker Powerbank for $119.99 on Amazon UGREEN Nexode Laptop Powerbank Amazon The UGREEN Nexode is currently one of the most versatile power banks for laptops and mobile devices. It delivers up to 140 watts via the USB-C port—enough to bring even a MacBook Pro 14? up to 50 per cent in around 30 minutes. With two USB-C and one USB-A ports, up to three devices can be powered simultaneously. Even when used in parallel, the main port retains sufficient power for fast charging. The power bank supports pass-through charging (simultaneous charging of connected devices and the power bank itself) and recharges itself during operation with up to 65 watts which are particularly useful features. According to the manufacturer, the 25,000 mAh capacity is sufficient for around 1.3 full MacBook Pro 14? charges, 3 charges of a Galaxy S23 Ultra or 5.5 iPhone 15 charges. This makes the battery ideal for travelling and intensive working days without access to a power socket. With 90 watt hours, it is also airplane-compatible and can be transported in hand luggage. A digital LED display provides detailed information on the current charge status. The housing has a high-quality finish and, according to customers, is robust enough for mobile use. However, at 1.1 lbs, the power bank is noticeably heavy, which should be kept in mind when travelling frequently. In practice, the performance, charging speed, and flexibility are impressive. The combination of high output power and fast self-charging is particularly beneficial. Get the UGREEN Nexode Powerbank for $99.99 on Amazon INIU Laptop Power Bank Amazon The INIU Laptop Power Bank offers up to 100 watts of output power and is therefore suitable for charging the latest laptops, tablets, smartphones and mobile games consoles such as the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch 2. The USB-C connection functions as an IN/OUT port. This means that not only can the laptop be charged quickly, but the power bank itself can also be charged efficiently. With a 65-watt charger, it is fully charged in around two hours. Alternatively, charging takes around three hours at 45 watts and around six hours at 18 watts. Two USB-C outputs allow several devices to be charged at the same time. The power bank therefore covers a broad spectrum: from MacBook Pros and tablets to the latest smartphones and gaming devices. Particularly noteworthy is the full-speed support for the Steam Deck, which means that you can enjoy even longer gaming sessions on the go without charging interruptions. With a capacity of 27,000 mAh, multiple device charges are possible. At the same time, the power bank fulfils the flight regulations for hand luggage (maximum 100 watt hours) and can therefore be carried on flights without any problems. The weight of 1.05 lbs ensures a good balance between performance and mobility. Included with the power bank is a USB-C to USB-C cable, a travel case and a user manual. In tests and customer reviews, the power bank is described as reliable, high-quality, and powerful. Charging speed, versatility, and the good price-performance ratio are particularly praised. Although weight is a common issue: Unproblematic for stationary use or in a rucksack, but considered noticeable for daily transport in smaller bags. Get the INIU Laptop Power Bank for $71.99 on Amazon Baseus Laptop Powerbank Amazon The Baseus laptop power bank delivers up to 100 watts of output power via two USB-C ports. A MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, or Microsoft Surface can be charged just as quickly as the latest iPhones or Android models. A 65-watt charger (not included) allows the power bank itself to be fully charged in around one to two hours. During operation, an integrated LED status light provides information about the charging status and the remaining charging time; an orange flash symbol indicates active fast charging. In addition to the two USB-C ports, two USB-A fast charging ports are available, allowing up to four devices to be charged simultaneously. A special low-current mode can be activated for charging small devices with low power consumption (e.g. Bluetooth headphones). The power bank supports common fast charging protocols such as PD 3.0, QC 4.0, SCP and FCP. An internal BPS? chip (Baseus Power Split) intelligently controls the charging power and protects connected devices from overheating, short circuits and deep discharging. With a capacity of 20,000 mAh, the power bank is sufficient to fully charge an iPhone 16 Pro around four times and a MacBook Pro 14-inch almost once, according to the manufacturer. It’s also suitable for air travel as the power bank fulfils the requirements for transport in hand luggage. With a thickness of just 0.6 inches, the housing is comparatively slim and therefore weighs just under a pound. Customer reviews praise the charging speed, reliability, and workmanship. Get the Baseus laptop powerbank for $99.99 on Amazon How to calculate which power bank you need To find out which power bank is suitable for your laptop, you need two values from your original charger: Voltage (volts) Amperage (amps) Example: 19 volts x 3 amps = 57 watts ? You therefore need at least a 60-watt power bank. Tip: If in doubt, choose a power bank with slightly more power. This will ensure that you have enough power even during intensive use (e.g. during video conferences). How long will the laptop last with a power bank? That depends on two factors: Capacity of the power bank (milliamp hours (mAh) / watt hours): The larger the capacity, the longer you can run or charge your laptop. Power consumption of your laptop (watts): A business Ultrabook usually consumes 30 to 50 watts, a gaming laptop 70 watts and more. Example calculation: A power bank with 25,000 mAh provides around 2 hours of additional runtime with a consumption of 45 watts—depending on how efficient the charging process is. When switched off or in standby mode, the laptop naturally charges much faster and more efficiently. Important tips for safe and effective charging Use high-quality USB-C cables that support USB-PD. Monitor the temperature: Neither the power bank nor the laptop should get hot. If possible, charge your laptop with a battery level between 20-80 percent—this protects the battery. Use a power bank with overvoltage and overcurrent protection. Read...

ChatGPT is rapidly changing the world. The process is already happening, and it’s only going to accelerate as the technology improves, as more people gain access to it, and as more learn how to use it. What’s shocking is just how many tasks ChatGPT is already capable of managing for you. While the naysayers may still look down their noses at the potential of AI assistants, I’ve been using it to handle all kinds of menial tasks for me. Here are my favorite examples. Further reading: This tiny ChatGPT feature helps me tackle my days more productively Write your emails for you Dave Parrack / Foundry We’ve all been faced with the tricky task of writing an email—whether personal or professional—but not knowing quite how to word it. ChatGPT can do the heavy lifting for you, penning the (hopefully) perfect email based on whatever information you feed it. Let’s assume the email you need to write is of a professional nature, and wording it poorly could negatively affect your career. By directing ChatGPT to write the email with a particular structure, content, and tone of voice, you can give yourself a huge head start. A winning tip for this is to never accept ChatGPT’s first attempt. Always read through it and look for areas of improvement, then request tweaks to ensure you get the best possible email. You can (and should) also rewrite the email in your own voice. Learn more about how ChatGPT coached my colleague to write better emails. Generate itineraries and schedules Dave Parrack / Foundry If you’re going on a trip but you’re the type of person who hates planning trips, then you should utilize ChatGPT’s ability to generate trip itineraries. The results can be customized to the nth degree depending on how much detail and instruction you’re willing to provide. As someone who likes to get away at least once a year but also wants to make the most of every trip, leaning on ChatGPT for an itinerary is essential for me. I’ll provide the location and the kinds of things I want to see and do, then let it handle the rest. Instead of spending days researching everything myself, ChatGPT does 80 percent of it for me. As with all of these tasks, you don’t need to accept ChatGPT’s first effort. Use different prompts to force the AI chatbot to shape the itinerary closer to what you want. You’d be surprised at how many cool ideas you’ll encounter this way—simply nix the ones you don’t like. Break down difficult concepts Dave Parrack / Foundry One of the best tasks to assign to ChatGPT is the explanation of difficult concepts. Ask ChatGPT to explain any concept you can think of and it will deliver more often than not. You can tailor the level of explanation you need, and even have it include visual elements. Let’s say, for example, that a higher-up at work regularly lectures everyone about the importance of networking. But maybe they never go into detail about what they mean, just constantly pushing the why without explaining the what. Well, just ask ChatGPT to explain networking! Okay, most of us know what “networking” is and the concept isn’t very hard to grasp. But you can do this with anything. Ask ChatGPT to explain augmented reality, multi-threaded processing, blockchain, large language models, what have you. It will provide you with a clear and simple breakdown, maybe even with analogies and images. Analyze and make tough decisions Dave Parrack / Foundry We all face tough decisions every so often. The next time you find yourself wrestling with a particularly tough one—and you just can’t decide one way or the other—try asking ChatGPT for guidance and advice. It may sound strange to trust any kind of decision to artificial intelligence, let alone an important one that has you stumped, but doing so actually makes a lot of sense. While human judgment can be clouded by emotions, AI can set that aside and prioritize logic. It should go without saying: you don’t have to accept ChatGPT’s answers. Use the AI to weigh the pros and cons, to help you understand what’s most important to you, and to suggest a direction. Who knows? If you find yourself not liking the answer given, that in itself might clarify what you actually want—and the right answer for you. This is the kind of stuff ChatGPT can do to improve your life. Plan complex projects and strategies Dave Parrack / Foundry Most jobs come with some level of project planning and management. Even I, as a freelance writer, need to plan tasks to get projects completed on time. And that’s where ChatGPT can prove invaluable, breaking projects up into smaller, more manageable parts. ChatGPT needs to know the nature of the project, the end goal, any constraints you may have, and what you have done so far. With that information, it can then break the project up with a step-by-step plan, and break it down further into phases (if required). If ChatGPT doesn’t initially split your project up in a way that suits you, try again. Change up the prompts and make the AI chatbot tune in to exactly what you’re looking for. It takes a bit of back and forth, but it can shorten your planning time from hours to mere minutes. Compile research notes Dave Parrack / Foundry If you need to research a given topic of interest, ChatGPT can save you the hassle of compiling that research. For example, ahead of a trip to Croatia, I wanted to know more about the Croatian War of Independence, so I asked ChatGPT to provide me with a brief summary of the conflict with bullet points to help me understand how it happened. After absorbing all that information, I asked ChatGPT to add a timeline of the major events, further helping me to understand how the conflict played out. ChatGPT then offered to provide me with battle maps and/or summaries, plus profiles of the main players. You can go even deeper with ChatGPT’s Deep Research feature, which is now available to free users, up to 5 Deep Research tasks per month. With Deep Research, ChatGPT conducts multi-step research to generate comprehensive reports (with citations!) based on large amounts of information across the internet. A Deep Research task can take up to 30 minutes to complete, but it’ll save you hours or even days. Summarize articles, meetings, and more Dave Parrack / Foundry There are only so many hours in the day, yet so many new articles published on the web day in and day out. When you come across extra-long reads, it can be helpful to run them through ChatGPT for a quick summary. Then, if the summary is lacking in any way, you can go back and plow through the article proper. As an example, I ran one of my own PCWorld articles (where I compared Bluesky and Threads as alternatives to X) through ChatGPT, which provided a brief summary of my points and broke down the best X alternative based on my reasons given. Interestingly, it also pulled elements from other articles. (Hmph.) If you don’t want that, you can tell ChatGPT to limit its summary to the contents of the link. This is a great trick to use for other long-form, text-heavy content that you just don’t have the time to crunch through. Think transcripts for interviews, lectures, videos, and Zoom meetings. The only caveat is to never share private details with ChatGPT, like company-specific data that’s protected by NDAs and the like. Create Q&A flashcards for learning Dave Parrack / Foundry Flashcards can be extremely useful for drilling a lot of information into your brain, such as when studying for an exam, onboarding in a new role, prepping for an interview, etc. And with ChatGPT, you no longer have to painstakingly create those flashcards yourself. All you have to do is tell the AI the details of what you’re studying. You can specify the format (such as Q&A or multiple choice), as well as various other elements. You can also choose to keep things broad or target specific sub-topics or concepts you want to focus on. You can even upload your own notes for ChatGPT to reference. You can also use Google’s NotebookLM app in a similar way. Provide interview practice Dave Parrack / Foundry Whether you’re a first-time jobseeker or have plenty of experience under your belt, it’s always a good idea to practice for your interviews when making career moves. Years ago, you might’ve had to ask a friend or family member to act as your mock interviewer. These days, ChatGPT can do it for you—and do it more effectively. Inform ChatGPT of the job title, industry, and level of position you’re interviewing for, what kind of interview it’ll be (e.g., screener, technical assessment, group/panel, one-on-one with CEO), and anything else you want it to take into consideration. ChatGPT will then conduct a mock interview with you, providing feedback along the way. When I tried this out myself, I was shocked by how capable ChatGPT can be at pretending to be a human in this context. And the feedback it provides for each answer you give is invaluable for knocking off your rough edges and improving your chances of success when you’re interviewed by a real hiring manager. Further reading: No, don’t threaten ChatGPT for better results. Try this instead Read...

Epson has launched a new model in their WorkForce Enterprise range, with the new Heat-Free Technology linehead inkjet AM-C550Z complementing the current AM-C400 and AM-C550 multi-function printers. Read...

Flagship M9 model introduces immersive QD-OLED technology to Smart Monitors, updated M8 and M7 offer AI-powered picture and sound. Read...

Amazon’s Prime Day 2025 sales event is in full swing and there are tons of great deals on desktop PCs available — though they’ll turn into a pumpkin at midnight Pacific on Friday. This year’s event includes solid discounts on everything from gaming PCs to all-in-ones to traditional mainstream desktop computers. You’ll need to be a Prime member to take advantage of Amazon’s steep discounts. If you aren’t a member already, check out our guide for how to get Amazon Prime for free. I’ve been tracking and writing about the best computer deals year-round for a long time now, and at PCWorld I’ve used this knowledge to curate a list of the best available computer deals across the internet specifically for this Prime Day. Other retailers have jumped in on the Prime Day action, and some of the best desktop PC deals can even be found outside of Amazon, so I’ve included those deals too. Best Prime Day deals on gaming desktop computers LXZ Gaming PC, Ryzen 7 8700F/RX 7650 GRE/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $879.99 (20% off on Amazon) Alienware Aurora, Core Ultra 7 265F/RTX 5070 Ti/32GB/1TB SSD, $1,899.99 (17% off on Dell) Alienware Aurora, Core Ultra 9 285K/RTX 5080/64GB RAM/2TB SSD, $2,674.99 (21% off on Dell) Alienware Area-51, Core Ultra 9 285K/RTX 5090/32GB RAM/2TB SSD, $4,699.99 (15% off on Dell) Skytech Azure, Ryzen 5 7600X/RTX 5070/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,749.99 (17% off on Amazon) MSI Aegis ZS2, Ryzen 7 7700/RTX 5070/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,699.99 (15% off on BestBuy) Ningmei Gaming PC, Ryzen 7 5700X/RTX 4060/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $899.99 (21% off on Walmart) My top picks: For those on a budget, the LXZ Gaming PC is the deal to get right now. Don’t let the unusual AMD RX 7650 GRE graphics card throw you, it might not be a common model in the U.S., but it’s every bit as capable (and slightly more) than an equivalent RTX 4060. Plus, you get 32GB of RAM and 1TB of onboard storage—nearly unheard of at this price. Dell is running fantastic deals on their Alienware line of gaming PCs, but one of the best is the Alienware Aurora for $400 off on its website. Rocking a Core Ultra 7 265F and RTX 5070 Ti, this is a killer value for a strong midrange build with a latest-gen GPU. Alternatively, if you want something even more powerful than the other Alienware Aurora model for $725 is the cheapest you’re going to get for a gaming desktop with these higher-end components—a Core Ultra 9 285K and RTX 5080 plus an epic 64GB of RAM are a steal at this price. Best Prime Day deals on mini-PCs Acemagician Matrix M1, AMD Ryzen 7 6800H/16GB DDR5 RAM/512GB SSD/triple display support, $308.99 (23% off on Amazon) Bosgame P4 Light, AMD Ryzen 7 5700U/32GB DDR4 RAM/1TB SSD/triple display support, $284.99 (29% off on Amazon) Beelink SER5 MAX, AMD Ryzen 7 6800U/24GB DDR5 RAM/500GB SSD/triple display support, $299.00 (25% off on Amazon) Kamrui E3B, AMD Ryzen 7 5700U/32GB DDR4 RAM/512GB SSD/triple display support, $319.93 (26% off on Amazon) AtomMan G7, Ryzen 9 7945HX/RX 7600M/32GB RAM/1TB SSD/triple display support, $1,055.90 (20% off on Amazon) Kamrui GK3 Plus – Intel Alder Lake N95, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, triple display support – $148.99 (29% off on Amazon) GMKTec M2 Pro – Intel Core i7 1195G7, 32GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, triple display support – $419.99 (34% off on Amazon) The best of the bunch is the Acemagician Matrix M1 for $91 off on Amazon. Running a Ryzen 7 6800H, with 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB SSD, this is a great daily driver at an impeccable price. It even supports three 4K displays allowing you to multitask to your heart’s content. The Bosgame P4 for $114 off on Amazon is another great deal, especially since it delivers a full TB of storage space at this price point. Note: If you’re looking for even more great deals on mini-PCs be sure to check out our full roundup spotlighting the very best Prime Day mini-PC deals. Best Prime Day deals on all-in-one & mainstream computers All-in-one desktop computers combine a PC’s hardware with a modern display to make a desktop computer that has both form and function. Since everything is built together, you can save precious desktop space with an all-in-one. They make capable work computers and they can also be excellent home computers with the wide range of features appealing to the whole family. Dell 24 AiO, Core 5 120U/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/24-inch 1080p touch display, $849.99 (24% off on Dell) HP OmniStudio X AiO, Core Ultra 5 226V/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/31.5-inch 4K display, $1,229.99 (25% off on HP) HP AiO 24, Core Ultra 5 125U/8GB RAM/512GB RAM/24-inch 1080p display, $629.99 (32% off on HP) Dell 24 AiO, Core i5-1334U/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/24-inch 1080p display, $699.99 (18% off on Dell) iMac M4, M4/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/24-inch 5K display, $1,541.88 (9% off on Amazon) My top picks: Dell’s reliable 24 AiO is $200 off on its website right now. The always dependable all-in-one comes loaded with the latest-gen Core 5 120U and a handy 1080p touch display. Alternatively, the new HP OmniStudio X AiO model for $420 off on HP’s website is a step up from the Dell if you prefer spending a tad more for more power. The latest all-in-one from HP comes with a dazzling 31.5-inch 4K display and a Core Ultra 5 processor for even more oomph. Other great Prime Day deals These aren’t the only Prime Day deals being tracked by the PCWorld team. If you’re looking to supercharge your home setup with the juiciest tech sales, hit the links for only the best expert-curated picks we’ve found. Best Amazon Prime Day tech deals: Great sales chosen by experts Best Prime Day laptop deals: Gaming notebooks, 2-in-1s, and more Best Prime Day deals on SSDs and storage Best USB flash drive deals for Prime Day 2025 Best monitor deals for Prime Day 2025: OLED, home office, and more Best Prime Day deals on Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs Best Prime Day mini PC deals: Big savings on tiny computers Best Prime Day deals on battery chargers and power banks Best Prime Day 2025 deals on Chromebooks Best Prime Day deals on office chairs and standing desks FAQ 1. What type of desktop computer should I get? You’ll see a ton of options when searching for a desktop computer, but they all mainly fit into four main categories: gaming PCs, mainstream PCs (towers or mini PCs), and all-in-ones (AiO). Which you should end up buying is entirely dependent upon what your needs are and what you want to do with your computer. If you’re looking for something that will work in a home office or family room, then a mainstream PC or AiO with a solid CPU and a decent amount of RAM and storage is probably the way to go. If gaming is your main concern, a gaming desktop PC can offer a lot more bang for your buck than a laptop and you should prioritize getting the best GPU possible. 2. How much processing power will I need in a desktop computer? If you’re after CPU power, look for processors with higher numerical labels. Intel processors are available in the newer Core Ultra 3, 5, 7, or 9, and the older Core i3, i5, i7, and i9. AMD processors are available in the Ryzen 5000, 7000, 8000, and 9000 versions. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the more powerful the CPU for both manufacturers. If you don’t need a ton of power, Intel Core Ultra 5 or Core i5 processors are your best bet, as they offer good performance at a decent price. You can get along just fine with a Core Ultra 3 or Core i3 for basic office and web browsing. A Core Ultra 7 or Core i7 is more suited to gaming and more intense work than everyday tasks. Also, if gaming is your concern, you may want to consider opting for the older Core i-processors as the newer Core Ultra processors are optimized for AI performance rather than gaming. As for AMD options, the Ryzen 5000 chips rival Intel’s Core i5 as solid all-arounders. If you need more power, the Ryzen 7000 or 8000 chips are well suited for content creation like video editing. Finally, if you’re dealing with 4K video or want peak gaming performance, spring for a Ryzen 9000. 3. What GPU should I get for a desktop computer? If you don’t intend to do any gaming on your computer, then feel free to save some money by going with integrated graphics. However, if you are looking to get your game on, then we recommend at least an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 or RTX 5060 as these are the least expensive discrete graphics cards that can handle 1080p gaming on High graphics settings in most games. For 1440p gaming you’ll typically want to aim for an RTX 4070/5070, and for 4K gaming you’ll need to shell out for at least an RTX 4080/5080 or upgrade to the RTX 4090/5090 Thankfully, the latest-gen GPUs have dropped significantly in price in pre-built systems so opt for those if you have the money and want a performance boost. But if you’re on a tight budget, then opting for a rig with a previous-generation card can allow you to save some money while still providing decent graphics quality. 4. How much memory do I need in a desktop computer? As for RAM, nowadays I think it’s best to shoot for 16GB at the minimum for all systems. If you’re on a budget or just need a basic browsing machine then 8GB may suffice but you’ll likely notice a performance drop if you tend to have multiple applications or browser tabs open. Those looking to do heavy content creation such as video editing should aim for at least 32GB or go for 64GB for 4K editing. 5. What is a good amount of storage for a desktop computer? Storage size is dependent upon your personal needs, but it is generally a good idea to opt for an SSD over a standard HDD as they are much faster and don’t significantly affect the price of a desktop. Before deciding, it’s best to consider what your intended use of the computer will be. Are you just storing documents or doing web browsing? Then something like 512GB will be plenty. If you want to load up a lot of large files such as games or content creation projects, then you’ll need at least 1TB to 2TB of storage. However, just remember that even if your computer doesn’t have enough storage built-in you can always upgrade your SSD or go with an external drive to increase your available storage options. 6. Will tariffs affect desktop computer prices? Yes, it’s likely that any tariffs on foreign imported computer materials or products is going to lead to an increase in prices for the consumer. As the U.S. still heavily relies on China and other Asian countries for the production of desktops and computer hardware, a tariff on imports from these countries will mean someone has to pay more. Companies typically don’t want, or can’t afford, to eat these increased costs so they shift the burden to consumers. At this point it’s still hard to tell how much prices will increase; just because a 20 percent tariff is imposed doesn’t mean computers will become that much more expensive. Every company will adjust prices differently and products with many individual components—such as computers—will vary due to the tariff effects on each component. That being said, a recent independent Consumer Technology Association study concluded that desktops may see price increases of up to 24% or an average of $287 per computer if the latest round of tariffs hold. 7. Is now a good time to buy a desktop computer? While the prospect of tariff-induce price increases may seem daunting to consumers, I believe the timing on this Prime Day may actually make for a great time to buy a new desktop if you time it right. Currently, tariffs have been paused until July 9 with many countries scrambling to make deals exempting technology products. This means that you might have a small window to get in and snag a good deal on a desktop PC during Prime Day before any additional tariffs take effect. Read...

Many users are concerned about what happens to their data when using cloud-based AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Deepseek. While some subscriptions claim to prevent the provider from using personal data entered into the chatbot, who knows if those terms really stand. You also need a stable and fast internet connection to use cloud AI. But if there’s no internet connection, what then? Well, there’s always an alternative. One solution is to run AI applications locally. However, this requires the computer or laptop to have the right amount of processing power. There’s also an increasing number of standard applications that rely on AI now. But if a laptop’s hardware is optimized for the use of AI, you can work faster and more effectively with AI applications. Further reading: ‘Vibe coding’ your own apps with AI is easy! 7 tools and tricks to get started Working with local AI applications makes sense Running AI applications locally not only reduces dependency on external platforms, but it also creates a reliable basis for data protection, data sovereignty, and reliability. Especially in small companies with sensitive customer information or in private households with personal data, the local use of AI increases trust. Local AI remains usable even if internet services are disrupted or the cloud provider has technical problems. The reaction speed improves significantly as computing processes are not slowed down by latency times. This enables the use of AI models in real-time scenarios such as image recognition, text generation or voice control without delay. What’s more, you can learn how to use AI completely free of charge. In many cases, the necessary software is available completely free of charge as an open source solution. Learn how to use AI with the tools and benefit from the use of AI-supported research in your private life too. Why the NPU makes the difference Without a specialized NPU, even modern notebooks quickly reach their limits in AI applications. Language models and image processing require enormous computing power that overwhelms conventional hardware. This results in long loading times, sluggish processes and greatly reduced battery life. This is precisely where the advantage of an integrated NPU comes into play. IDG The NPU handles the computationally intensive parts of AI processing independently and does not rely on the CPU or GPU. As a result, the system remains responsive overall, even if an AI service is running in the background or AI image processing is in progress. At the same time, the operating temperature remains low, fans remain quiet and the device runs stably, even in continuous operation. For local AI applications, the NPU is therefore not an add-on, but a basic requirement for smooth and usable performance. NPUs significantly accelerate AI locally once again As specialized AI accelerators, NPUs enable computationally intensive models to be operated efficiently on standard end devices. This reduces energy consumption compared to purely CPU- or GPU-based approaches and makes local AI interesting in the first place. An NPU is a special chip for accelerating tasks where conventional processors work inefficiently. NPU stands for “Neural Processing Unit.” Such networks are used in language models, image recognition, or AI assistants. In contrast to a CPU, which flexibly executes various programs, an NPU concentrates on calculations that are constantly performed in the field of AI. This allows it to work significantly faster and more economically. An NPU takes on precisely those tasks where a CPU reaches its limits. AI applications calculate with a large number of numbers at the same time, often in the form of matrices. These are tables of numbers with rows and columns. In AI, they help to structure and calculate large amounts of data. Texts, images or language are converted into numbers and represented as matrices. This enables an AI model to carry out computing processes efficiently. NPUs are designed to process many such matrices simultaneously. The CPU processes such arithmetic patterns one after the other, which costs time and energy. An NPU, on the other hand, was specially built to carry out many such operations in parallel. Intel For users, this means that the NPU processes AI tasks such as voice input, object recognition, or automatic text generation faster and more efficiently. Meanwhile, the CPU remains free for other tasks such as the operating system, internet browser, or office applications. This ensures a smooth user experience without delays or high power consumption. Modern devices such as notebooks with Intel Core Ultra or Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite already integrate their own NPUs. Apple has also been using similar technology in its chips for years (Apple Silicon M1 to M4). AI-supported applications run locally and react quickly without transferring data to cloud servers. The NPU ensures smooth operation for image processing, text recognition, transcription, voice input or personalized suggestions. At the same time, it reduces the utilization of the system and saves battery power. It is therefore worthwhile opting for laptops with an NPU chip, especially if you are working with AI solutions. These do not have to be special AI chatbots. More and more local applications and games are using AI, even Windows 11 itself. YouTube Open source brings AI locally to your computer: Ollama and Open Web UI Open source solutions such as Ollama allow you to run LLMs on a notebook with an NPU chip free of charge. LLM stands for “Large Language Model”. LLMs form the heart of AI applications. They enable computers to understand natural language and react to it in a meaningful way. Anyone using an AI to write texts, summarize emails, or answer questions is interacting with an LLM. The AI models help with formulating, explaining, translating, or correcting. Search engines, language assistants, and intelligent text editors also use LLMs in the background. The decisive factor here is not only the performance of the model, but also where it runs. If you operate an LLM locally, you can connect local AI applications to this local model. This means you are no longer dependent on the internet. Ollama enables the operation of numerous LLMs, including free ones. These include DeepSeek-R1, Qwen 3, LLama 3.3, and many others. You simply install Ollama on your PC or laptop with Windows, Linux, and macOS. Once installed, you can operate Ollama via the command line in Windows or the terminal in macOS and Linux. Ollama provides the framework through which you can install various LLMs on your PC or notebook. To work with Ollama in the same way as you are used to with AI applications such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot, you also need a web front end. Here you can rely on the OpenWeb UI solution, which is also free of charge. This is also available as a free, open-source tool. What other local AI tools are available? As an alternative to Ollama with Open Web UI, you can also use the more limited tool GPT4All. Another option in this area is Jan.ai, which provides access to well-known LLMs such as DeepSeek-R1, Claude 3.7, or GPT 4 from OpenAI. To do this, install Jan.ai, start the program, and select the desired LLM. Thomas Joos Please note, however, that model downloads can quickly reach 20 GB or more. Additionally, it only makes sense to use them if your computer’s hardware is optimized for AI, ideally with an existing NPU. Read...

Achieving that perfectly manicured lawn is a whole lot less time-consuming now that a robot can do the job for you. And over the long term, a robot lawn mower will cost less than hiring a landscaper—and it won’t expect a tip every week. Top-of-the-line models cost a pretty penny, but they can climb slopes and handle very large yards (we’re talking acres of grass). While early robot lawn mowers required you to lay down a boundary wire to prevent them from wandering out of your yard, each of mowers listed here use advanced navigation technology that eliminates the need for any wires. We’ve already spotted some great Prime Day deals on robot lawn mowers, and we expect plenty more as Amazon’s four-day shopping event continues. Just remember that Prime Day wraps up on July 11, so don’t wait too long to scoop up the best discounts. The LawnMaster OcuMow is well-suited to smaller yards—up to 1/6 of an acre (7,260 square feet)—and it doesn’t require a boundary wire. You can pick one up this Prime Day at a 19% discount at Amazon, bringing its final price to just $650. Anthbot says its Genie 600 robot lawn mower uses AI to avoid obstacles as it mows lawns up to .22 acres (9,583 sq ft). And since it relies on GPS technology for navigation, it doesn’t require a boundary wire. Amazon is offering an 18% discount on the mower, as well as an extra $100 off coupon, bringing its final price down to $699. Segway is offering two deals on its Navimow-series robot lawn mowers, if you purchase them direct from Segway: The Navimow i105 has enough power to cut up to 1/8 of an acre (5,445 sq ft), and you can get one now for just $749 (25% off at Segway). Got a bigger yard? Consider the Navimow i110, which is suited for lawns up to 1/4 of an acre (10,890 sq ft). It’s on sale during Prime Day for $999, a discount of 23%. You’ll need a robot mower with a powerful motor and all-wheel drive–the Mowrator S1 is shown here–to tackle a sloped yard.Ed Oswald/Foundry Eufy has expanded its smart home offerings to include a line of robot lawn mowers. Its Eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15 can handle lawns up to .2 acres in size (8,712 sq ft) and is getting a generous 39% discount on Prime Day, dropping its price tag to $1,400. Need more coverage? The Eufy Robot Lawn Mower E18 can tackle lawns up to .3 acres (13,068 sq ft), and it can climb up to an 18-degree incline. You can pick one up for $1,600–a 38% discount off its $2,600 MSRP. Amazon has knocked 20% off the price of three mowers in the Husqvarna Automower iQ series. The Husqvarna Automower 410 iQ, which is capable of mowing up to .5 acres (21,780 sq ft) is going for $2,400. The Husqvarna Automower 420 iQ, which can handle a full acre of lawn (43,560 sq ft), sale-priced at $2,800. If you need coverage for up to 2 acres (87,120 sq ft), opt for the Husqvarna Automower 440 iQ, which Amazon has priced at $3,440, a 20% discount over MSRP. The Ecovacs Goat A2500 RTK uses LiDAR navigation to eliminate the need for a boundary wire, and its suitable for large lawns up to 5/8 of an acre (27,225 sq ft). Amazon is offering an 40% discount on Prime Day, bringing your final price down to $1,200. If your lawn has slopes, you’ll need a robot lawn mower like the Mowrator S1—one of our favorites—that has the power and traction to climb them. This model isn’t completely autonomous—you drive it with a joystick-equipped remote control—but its all-wheel-drive motor makes short work of lawns up 1.12 acres (48,787 sq ft) with inclines up to 37 degrees. Amazon is offering a 23-percent discount on the Mowrator S1, bringing its price down to $3,099. The Yarbo M1 is another robot lawn mower suitable for sloped yards. Like the Mowrator S1, you control it with a game console-like remote control (this one closely resembles an Xbox controller), and it can climb up to a 35-degree slope. This is a modular system, too; you can swap out the mower module and replace it with a grass trimmer, a leaf blower, or a snow blower (those modules are sold separately). Yarbo’s bot is rated to tackle estate-size lawns up to 6 acres (261,360 sq ft). Amazon has sliced a full 20% off the price of the Yarbo M1, reducing it to $3,999. We’ll update this list as we find new deals during Amazon’s Prime Day 2025 sale. And if you’re looking to save money on more of the latest technology, visit PCWorld’s Amazon Prime Day Tech Deals 2025 hub. Remember, you need to have an Amazon Prime membership to score Prime Day deals, but you can sign up for a free trial if you’re not. (Note: The deals on the Segway Navimow mowers are offered directly by Segway, so you don’t need to be an Amazon Prime member to get them.) This story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best robot lawn mowers. Read...

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is underway, and we’ve spotted dozens of fantastic deals on the hottest home security cameras, video doorbells, and floodlight cameras. You’ll have from now to Friday, July 11 to land one of these deals–assuming inventories hold out. Just remember that you’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription to bag the best deals. I oversee all of TechHive’s smart home and home security coverage, and I personally review a lot of cameras and doorbells myself, so I’m very knowledgeable about the state of the market and what constitutes a good deal; you can count on me to point you in the right direction. These deals are arranged into three groups: Indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and floodlight cameras. Within those groupings, the deals are listed in alphabetical order by manufacturer, with a few key specs and finally the sale price. Best Prime Day deals on indoor security cameras Aosu IndoorCam P1: AC-powered, pan-tilt, 2K resolution: $25.09 (42% off at Amazon) Aqara Camera Protect Kit Y100, AC-powered, integrated home security hub, 1440p resolution: $99.99 (39% off at Amazon) Aqara 4MP Camera Hub G5 Pro, AC-powered, integrated smart home hub, 2688×1520 resolution: $129.99 (28% off at Amazon) Arlo Essential Indoor Camera 2K, AC-powered, 2K resolution: $27.99 (65% off at Amazon) Blink Mini Indoor Security Camera, AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $14.99 (50% off at Amazon) Blink Mini 2 Indoor Security Camera, AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $19.99 (50% off at Amazon) Blink Mini Indoor Pan-Tilt Camera, AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $23.99 (40% off at Amazon) Chamberlain myQ Smart Indoor Security Camera, AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $19.99 (50% off at Amazon) Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Security Camera, AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $21.07 (58% off at Amazon) Imilab C30 Dual, AC-powered, dual-camera system, 3K resolution (for each camera): $59.99 (33% off at Amazon) Kasa Smart 2K QHD Indoor Security Camera (model KC400), AC-powered, 2K resolution: $24.99 (22% off at Amazon) Kasa Smart Security Camera (model EC60), AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $17.96 (28% off at Amazon) Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $39.99 (50% off at Amazon) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) single camera, AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $29.99 (50% off at Amazon) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) 2-pack, AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $59.98 (40% off at Amazon)   Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) bundled with Ring Pet Tag, AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $34.98 (46% off at Amazon) Roku Indoor Camera (2-pack), AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $29.99 (45% off at Amazon) Tapo C120 Indoor/Outdoor Wi-Fi Security Cam, AC powered, 2K resolution: $23.73 (41% off at Amazon) Tapo C230 Indoor Pan/Tilt Security Camera , AC-powered, 3K resolution: $29.99 (25% off at Amazon) Tapo C113 Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera, AC-powered, 3K resolution: $22.99 (23% off at Amazon) Wyze Cam v4 indoor security camera, AC-powered, 2.5K resolution: $24.68 (31% off at Amazon) Best Prime Day deals on outdoor security cameras Arlo Essential Security Camera 2K, indoor/outdoor, 2K resolution: $47.49 (53% off at Amazon) Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Camera (model VMC4060P-100NAS), battery-powered, 2K resolution: $89.99 (50% off at Amazon) Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Camera (model VMC4060A, 3-pack), battery-powered, 2K resolution: $199.99 (56% off at Amazon) Arlo Essential XL Security Camera 2K, battery-powered, indoor/outdoor, 2K resolution: $89.99 (40% off at Amazon) Blink Outdoor 4 with Sync Module Core, battery-powered, 1080p resolution: $39.99 (50% off at Amazon) Blink Outdoor 4 with Sync Module XR, battery-powered, 1080p resolution: $59.99 (57% off at Amazon) Blink Outdoor 4 two-camera system bundled with Blink Sync Module XR: $89.99 (50% off at Amazon) Blink Outdoor 4 add-on camera (required sync module not included), battery-powered, 1080p resolution: $34.99 (50% off at Amazon) Blink Outdoor 4, 2-pack with Sync Module 2, battery-powered, 1080p resolution: $69.99 (61% off at Amazon) Imilab EC6 Dual, AC-powered, dual-camera system (1 cam pans/tilts), 2K resolution (for each camera): $69.99 (36% off at Amazon) Kasa Smart 2K QHD Security Camera, wired-power, 2K resolution: $34.97 (22% off at Amazon) Reolink Argus PT Ultra with solar panel, battery-powered, 4K resolution: $97.99 (30% off at Amazon) Reolink Duo 3 WiFi, AC-powered, dual cameras in a single housing, 4K resolution (each camera): $125.99 (34% off at Amazon) Ring Outdoor Cam Pro, single camera, battery-powered, 1080p resolution: $139.99 (39% off at Amazon) Ring Spotlight Cam Pro, Plug-in, AC-powered 1080p resolution: $139.99 (39% off at Amazon) Ring Outdoor Cam, 3-pack, battery-powered, 1080p resolution: $149.97 (32% off at Amazon) Ring Spotlight Cam Plus, 2-pack, battery-powered, 1080p resolution: $179.98 (36% off at Amazon) Roku Outdoor Wired Camera, AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $29.99 (40% off at Amazon) Roku Battery Camera, battery-powered, 1080p resolution: $49.88 (17% off at Amazon) Tapo Outdoor Pan/Tilt Security Cam (model C500), AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $27.99 (30% off at Amazon) Tapo SolarCam kit (model C403), battery-powered with solar panel, 1080p resolution: $39.99 (20% off at Amazon) Tapo MagCam 2K with solar panel (model C425), battery-powered, 2K resolution: $79.99 (38% off at Amazon) My top picks: The Blink Outdoor 4 is an exceptionally good outdoor security camera that will run for a year or more on a pair of lithium batteries. You’ll want one of Blink’s Sync modules to go along with the camera (the Sync Module Core, Sync Module 2, or Sync Module XR). The latter two include provisions for local storage of all your Blink cameras’ video recordings (up to 10 cameras are supported). The Sync Module XR also enables longer wireless range for up to four Blink Outdoor 4 cameras. The Ring Outdoor Cam (aka the Ring Stick Up Cam) usually costs $80 each, so $150 for a 3-pack of these indoor/outdoor cameras is a fantastic value. You will want a Ring Home subscription if you settle on Ring security cameras, however, because there’s no local storage option (well, it’s optional if you also own a Ring Alarm Pro home security system, but you’d want a sub with that, too). A Ring Home Standard plan will cover all your Ring cameras and offer some other benefits at a cost of $10 per month ($100 per year). Best Prime Day deals on floodlight cameras AOSU Floodlight Cam Pro, AC-powered, 3K resolution camera with 2,600-lumen floodlight: $127.99 (20% off at Amazon) Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera (model FLW2001-100NAS), AC-powered, 2K resolution camera with 2,000-lumen floodlight: $99.99 (33% off at Amazon) Arlo Wireless Floodlight  (model FB1001-100NAS), battery or AC-powered with adapter, 2K resolution camera with up 3,000-lumen floodlight (much less bright when running on battery power): $129.99 (48% off at Amazon) Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera bundled with Blink Sync Module 2, 1080p camera and 700-lumen floodlight (both battery-powered): $59.99 (54% off at Amazon) Blink Wired Floodlight Camera, AC-powered, 1080p camera and 2600-lumen floodlight: $49.99 (50% off at Amazon) Eve Outdoor Cam floodlight camera, 2-pack, AC-powered, 1080p camera and 1500-lumen floodlight: $369.99 (18% off at Amazon) Google Nest Cam with Floodlight, AC-powered, 1080p camera and 2400-lumen floodlight: $199.00 (29% off at Amazon) Reolink Duo Floodlight WiFi, AC-powered, dual 4K cameras and 1800-lumen floodlight: $109.99 (35% off at Amazon) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus, AC-powered, 1080p camera and 2000-lumen floodlight: $99.99 (44% off at Amazon) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro with Bird’s Eye View , AC-powered, 1080p camera and 2000-lumen floodlight: $159.99 (36% off at Amazon) Wyze Floodlight Camera v2 with Plug-in Mount, AC-powered, 2K camera and 2800-lumen floodlight: $79.98 (27% off at Amazon) My top picks: The Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera is a fabulous solution if the spot where you want to mount it lacks the electrical wiring that most other floodlight cameras depend on. This bundle with the Blink Sync Module 2 significantly reduces the need to pay for one of Blink’s subscription plans, which cost $10 per month or $100 per year. If you have other Arlo cameras and are paying for an Arlo Secure Plan, the Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera is a terrific home security solution that can replace the outdoor fixture next to your entry doors. But Arlo has one of the more expensive subscription plans at $8 per month for a single camera ($18/mo for unlimited cameras), and those are billed annually. Arlo also offers a complete home security system. Reolink’s floodlight cam is unique in that it’s equipped with dual cameras that capture a panoramic view of the scene in front of them. The same camera is also available in a PoE (power-over-ethernet) version for $125.99 (30% off at Amazon) if your home network can take advantage of that feature in which power and data travel over the same ethernet cable. Ring’s security cameras, including its floodlight cameras, work best with a subscription, but the Ring ecosystem includes other smart lighting products in addition to a complete home security system in the Ring Alarm series. The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus is a fabulous deal at $100. Best Prime Day deals on video doorbells AOSU Video Doorbell Ultra, wired or battery power, 2560 x 1920 pixel resolution: $113.98 (24% off at Amazon) Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (model AVD4001-100NAS), wired or battery power, 2K resolution: $49.99 (62% off at Amazon) Blink Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) with Sync Module Core, battery-powered, 1440 x 1440 resolution: $29.99 (57% off at Amazon) Ecobee Smart Video Doorbell, AC-powered, 1080p resolution: $99.99 (38% off at Amazon) Kasa Smart Video Doorbell Camera Hardwired w/Chime (model KD110), AC-powered, 2K resolution: $37.97 (16% off at Amazon) Reolink Battery Doorbell, wired or battery-powered, chime not included, 2K resolution: $89.99 (25% off at Amazon) Ring Battery Doorbell, wired or battery power, 1440 x 1440 resolution: $49.99 (50% off at Amazon) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, wired or battery power, 1536 x 1536 resolution: $79.99 (47% off at Amazon) Tapo D210 Video Doorbell Camera with Chime, battery power, 2K resolution: $44.99 (24% off at Amazon) Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera with Chime, battery or wired power, 2K resolution: $79.97 (20% off at Amazon) My top picks: We’ve only just received the new 2nd-generation Blink Video Doorbell for review, but we found to previous model to be a great value in the budget category, and you can’t beat this half-price deal that includes the required Blink Sync Module Core. But if you already have a Sync Module Core, a Sync Module 2, or the Sync Module XR, Amazon is selling the Blink Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) by itself for $29.99. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus can operate on either battery power or low-voltage AC, and it delivers a head-to-toe view of your visitors. We don’t know when you’ll find it for almost half price again, but with the tariff situation, we’re guessing it won’t be anytime soon. While the Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera isn’t the most beautiful device you can mount next to your door, we deemed it a terrific value at its full price of $100. So, it’s a no-brainer at 20 percent off, especially when you consider that it can run on wired or battery power, and it has a microSD card slot that can store up to 512GB of video recordings—no subscription needed. AOSU isn’t a top-of-mind brand, but we really like the AOSU Video Doorbell Ultra, which boasts a high-resolution camera, and it comes with a Wi-Fi bridge with 8GB of memory for storing video clips (unfortunately, that storage is not upgradeable, but you can sign up for a storage in the cloud if you’d like). Frequently asked questions about buying security cameras 1. What type of security camera should I buy? First, consider where you intend to set up the camera. Indoor cameras are a no-go if they’re going to be exposed to the elements. While you can set an indoor camera on a window sill and aim it into your yard, you’ll run into problems with glare and/or reflections. A floodlight camera will provide both video security and a wide pool of light. Video doorbells are, of course, the perfect solution for keeping an eye out for visitors—and porch pirates! 2. What brand of security camera should I buy We’re covering all the major brands here, but your best option is to buy into one brand and stay in that brand’s ecosystem; otherwise, you’ll find yourself juggling with apps and getting notifications from different brands. You also don’t want to end up paying for multiple subscriptions for services such as cloud storage, or buying multiple types of network storage. As product reviewers, we must evaluate everything, and it can be painful to manage our home environments as a result. 3. How much resolution do I need in a security camera? The higher the camera’s video resolution, the more detail it will capture about things such as faces, license plate numbers, clothing, and other bits that can be used as forensic evidence. Consider 1080p to be the absolute minimum but know that a camera that touts its 2K resolution doesn’t offer twice as much resolution. A 1080p spec usually means the camera captures 1920 x 1080 pixels. 2K usually means the camera will capture 2560 x 1440 pixels. So, you will see more detail with a 2K camera compared to a 1080p model, but it won’t be that significant–the difference is an increase of only 640 x 360 pixels, after all. On the other hand, a 2K camera might offer lots of desirable features in addition to higher resolution. If you’re shopping for a video doorbell, you’ll also want to consider the camera’s aspect ratio. A video doorbell with a 1:1 aspect ratio can provide head-to-toe views of the visitors on your porch. 4. Are pan/tilt cameras better than stationary models? Where stationary cameras focus on a single area of your room or yard, a pan/tilt model can cover more than twice as much real estate. This isn’t an option with video doorbells, but lots of indoor, outdoor, and even floodlight cameras have pan/tilt motors that can move the camera’s lens nearly 360 degrees left and right and up to 180 degrees up and down. Some models leave this positioning up to you and the camera’s app, but others can track an object or person moving in the camera’s field of view and automatically pan and tilt the lens to keep them in frame. 5. Should I pay for a subscription for the security camera I choose? Smart home dwellers have a love/hate relationship with subscriptions. On the one hand, you often can’t unlock all the most powerful features of many cameras without ponying up for a subscription, because those features depend on a connection to the cloud—and not just for storing the camera’s video recordings. On the other hand, you’ll find yourself paying for that subscription for as long as you want to get full use of the camera. Manufacturers have a reasonable expectation to recoup the costs of their cloud services, so make sure you know what you’re getting into when you buy a camera—or at least make sure you’re comfortable with not getting any features that are tied to one. Subscription prices also vary—by a lot. Caveat emptor! 6. Will tariffs affect security camera and video doorbell prices? Given that most consumer electronic devices—including security cameras and video doorbells—are not manufactured in the U.S., tariffs are likely to increase the prices of these home security devices. This is a low-margin business for manufacturers, so it would be extremely difficult for them to just absorb the cost of tariffs—these taxes will be passed along to consumers at some point. No one can say with any certainty how much the price of any given product will go up, but the Consumer Technology Association issued a report in May predicting that the price of tech products such as smartphones could increase by 31 percent, while laptops and tablets could go up as much as 34 percent. 7. Is now a good time to buy a home security device? President Trump has once again extended the date at which the U.S. will begin assessing high tariffs on many of its trading partners, so Prime Day looks to be a great time to buy. Any goods already in Amazon’s warehouses have already been subjected to existing tariffs, so buyers should be in the clear at least until the Prime Day sale ends on July 11. Trump’s original deadline of July 9 has been shifted to August 1. Shopping for something other than a security camera? We’ll update this list article as we find new deals during Amazon’s Prime Day 2025 sale. And if you’re looking to save money on more of the latest technology, visit PCWorld’s Amazon Prime Day Tech Deals 2025 hub. This story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best home security cameras. Read...