This portable SSD has a magnetic superpower that makes it a must-have for iPhone users

Lexar ES5 magnetic portable SSD ZDNET’s key takeaways The Lexar ES5 is available in a 1TB and 2TB configuration, for $119 and $199, respectively. It has read and write speeds up to 2,00MB/s and is IP65 rated for dust and water ingress. It’s not exactly cheap. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Small… Continue reading This portable SSD has a magnetic superpower that makes it a must-have for iPhone users

This Bluetooth tracker that replaced my AirTags has more features at a cheaper price

Pebblebee Clip 5 Bluetooth finder tag ZDNET’s key takeaways The Pebblebee Clip 5 is on sale on Amazon for $24. It has IP66-rated durability with an integrated loop and keyring, and a super-loud 130 dB beeper. Its USB-C rechargeable battery needs topping up every year or so. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.… Continue reading This Bluetooth tracker that replaced my AirTags has more features at a cheaper price

Best robot vacuum mops of 2025: I’ve tested dozens of these robots – here are the top ones

I began using robot vacuum and mop combinations over six years ago to check some chores off my to-do list. Little did I know this would launch me into the world of testing the latest and greatest robot vacuums.  These machines have undergone significant evolution since, progressing from dragging a soggy microfiber pad across your floors to self-washing,… Continue reading Best robot vacuum mops of 2025: I’ve tested dozens of these robots – here are the top ones

The best AI image generators of 2025: I retested the top tools – there’s one clear winner

AI generations by David Gewirtz / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Google’s Nano Banana Pro earned a near-perfect score. ChatGPT image ranked second; others often mangled text and faces. Nine tough prompts reveal which AIs are worth subscribing to. When generative AI first hit… Continue reading The best AI image generators of 2025: I retested the top tools – there’s one clear winner

I’ve used Linux for decades, but I’d switch to FreeBSD for this one feature

Jack Wallen/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways FreeBSD is one of the most stable OSes on the planet. FreeBSD is also more challenging than Linux. You can download and install FreeBSD for free. I’m not gonna lie: I don’t give FreeBDS (or any of the BSDs) the attention they… Continue reading I’ve used Linux for decades, but I’d switch to FreeBSD for this one feature

I ran a battery test between the best Samsung, Google, and OnePlus phones – here’s the surprise winner

Adam Doud/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Total battery capacity is only one factor influencing actual device longevity. Lab tests demonstrate how different hardware components impact power consumption rates. Efficient processors and screen settings are crucial for maximizing battery performance. Battery size is not always a straightforward comparison. The… Continue reading I ran a battery test between the best Samsung, Google, and OnePlus phones – here’s the surprise winner

Do sleep earbuds actually work? This pair that I tested for weeks made the answer clear

Soundcore Sleep A30 Earbuds ZDNET’s key takeaways The Soundcore Sleep A30 are on sale for $180 at Amazon. The earbuds are comfortable with helpful sleep features. Their active noise cancellation falls flat. more buying choices Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. I care a lot about my sleep, to the point where I… Continue reading Do sleep earbuds actually work? This pair that I tested for weeks made the answer clear

The tech products ZDNET staffers couldn’t live without this year

Show more (8 items) Product testing is kind of ZDNET’s thing.  We test hundreds of products each year, ranging from phones and TVs to mobile accessories and smart home tech. After days, weeks, and months of reviewing and using these products, we make our recommendations based on a device’s value, overall usability, innovative and intelligent… Continue reading The tech products ZDNET staffers couldn’t live without this year

Google says this is the best time to book flights, but its other findings may surprise you more

photosaint/Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways The ideal booking window for domestic flights is approximately one to two months prior to takeoff. You should plan much earlier for overseas travel to secure the most favorable rates. Flying earlier in the week, specifically on Tuesday, can result in consistently… Continue reading Google says this is the best time to book flights, but its other findings may surprise you more

Own a Fire TV? I changed 10 settings to make the system run like new again

Why is my Fire TV running so slow? That’s a complex question to answer. It could be the age of your device. Older hardware might struggle to load the latest apps and services. But it could also be a combination of outdated software, too many background processes, and accumulated temporary files. All these things can… Continue reading Own a Fire TV? I changed 10 settings to make the system run like new again