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A federal judge is opening an formal inquiry into Trump officials' conduct in the East Potomac case, including whether they misled the court about their plans for the municipal golf course.

(Image credit: Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

After a week of nonstop folding, we briefly turn the iPhone Duo’s display off to check out how the crease looks.

So you've got your water, cash, canned food, and a wind-up radio, but something is missing from your prepping supplies. If the power goes out and your water supply is cut, how will you make your morning coffee? Put down that jar of instant granules — basic services might have failed, but your tastebuds haven't.

Drip coffee is an easy way to perk yourself up and boost your morale in a crisis (just pick up a ChemEx brewer or a simple dripper with some filter papers), but if you're aiming to conserve water then a shot of espresso is a better way to get your caffeine fix, so here I've focused on brewers for preparing shorter drinks.

Consider how you're going to store your emergency coffee supply, too. Whole beans will hold their flavor better than ground, and I recommend keeping them in an opaque, airtight container in a cool place (light, heat, air, and moisture are the enemies of aroma compounds). You'll need a grinder, too — look for one with burrs rather than blades so your coffee isn't chopped up in rough pieces.

If all that sounds like too much hassle in a crisis, opt for foil-sealed coffee pods instead. Both the Nanopresso and Dreame Ecceluxe Go below have adapters for brewing with single-serve capsules.

The Ecceluxe Go heats its own water, but if you pick a more basic brewer then you'll need a different way to get it up to temperature. As the former editor of an outdoor gear website, I recommend a simple gas camping stove like the MSR Pocket Rocket 2, which will get your water up to around 203F / 95C in approximately 3.5 minutes. Now, onto the brewers...

Wacaco NanoPressoFutureFutureWacaco NanopressoFutureWacaco Nanopresso

No power? No problem. The Wacaco Nanopresso generates up to 18 bars of pressure using nothing but elbow grease. It's small enough to tuck inside a pocket, and is hand-powered, so all you need is a source of hot water to create properly extracted espresso with thick crema (even if you have to use a flashlight to see what you're doing).

The standard Nanopresso uses ground coffee, which you can tamp down using the scoop (the brewer has a valve to release pressure if you accidentally tamp it too hard), but if you'd rather use pods then the NS adaptor allows you to use Nespresso Original style capsules instead.

It feels robust and solid in the hand, and is packed with thoughtful little features like an insulated water tank and cup to protect your hands from heat, and an easy-clean portafilter that needs minimal maintenance.

Dreame Ecceluxe GoFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFuture

The Dreame Ecceluxe Go is a battery-powered brewer with a miniature boiler built-in. Just pour room-temperature water into the reservoir on top (measuring lines engraved inside will prevent you overfilling it and wasting precious resources), then pick the right adapter — Nespresso Original, Nestlé Dolce Gusto, ESE (Easy Serve Espresso), or fresh grounds — and you're ready to brew.

Preparing an espresso with room temperature water takes about six minutes from start to finish, and you can prepare two or three drinks before the Ecceluxe Go needs recharging (from a portable battery or solar generator during a power outage). The brew unit itself is smaller than a thermos flask, and comes in a compact carry case that you can tuck away with the rest of your emergency supplies.

The Dreame Ecceluxe Go is due to go on sale in Spain and Portugal very soon, with the US following shortly after. There's no plan for a UK launch yet, but it charges via USB-C, so there's no reason British preppers can't import one.

AeroPress and Manual Coffee GrinderFutureFutureFutureFutureFuture

If you're planning to keep whole coffee beans in your emergency supplies, you need the AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder. I've tested a lot of manual grinders in my time, and this is easily the best. It has proper burrs rather than cheap blades so coffee is ground rather than shredded, and they're adjustable so you can optimize the grind size to suit your brewing method.

The default setting is optimized for the AeroPress brewer, which you can use to make a short, strong shot of coffee to keep you awake, or a longer, smoother drink if you have water to spare. I have a plastic AeroPress in my locker at work (you never know what might happen), but if you want something extra tough then take a look at the rugged AeroPress Steel. If you're part of a whole family of coffee-lovers there's also the king-sized AeroPress XL, and if you need something you can also use on the road, the bijou AeroPress Go packs down into a compact travel cup.

• DT Research unveils the LT365PA, a 15.6-inch rugged laptop offering Nvidia RTX A2000 or RTX 5000 Ada graphics
• It targets crime scene, crash reconstruction, and command post work, and reaches resellers worldwide in Q1 2027 but has no published price yet
• Much of the design carries over from 2023's LT355, and PNY lists an end-of-life window for RTX A2000 modules in that same quarter

Police crash investigators could soon be processing 3D scans and drone footage at the roadside instead of back at the station, if DT Research gets its way.

The California company has unveiled the LT365PA, a 15.6-inch rugged laptop with optional discrete Nvidia graphics, aimed at crime scene investigators, crash reconstruction teams, and military command posts.

The pitch for potential customers is simple enough: the ability to crunch video, drone imagery, 3D scans, and sensor feeds where the data is collected, rather than waiting on a network connection or a distant data center.

A workstation GPU in a rugged shell

The official DT Research's product page says the LT365PA runs on an Intel Core Ultra 5 225H or Core Ultra 7 255H with 16GB to 32GB of LPDDR5 memory, up to 2TB of storage, and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise.

The 15.6-inch touchscreen is rated at 1,200 nits, with a 4K panel and two MIL-STD-3009 Class B night-vision displays (one for naked-eye use, one for night-vision goggles) available as options. The chassis is IP65 rated and MIL-STD-810H certified, and a CAC reader, RFID and NFC readers, GPS, 4G LTE, and a NIST-compliant BIOS round out the extras public-sector buyers often tend to prefer.

DT Research offers an Nvidia RTX A2000 or what it calls an "RTX 5000A," which appears to be the Ada Lovelace-based RTX 5000 Ada Generation. The gap between the two is large: PNY's embedded MXM line card lists the A2000 module with 2,560 CUDA cores and 8GB of memory, while the RTX 5000 Ada has 9,728 CUDA cores and 16GB at a 115W power rating, giving it more than four times the peak FP32 throughput.

That GPU does most of the AI processing in DT Research's pitch; the NPU inside Intel's Arrow Lake-H chips is rated at just 13 TOPS, as we noted when Intel announced the family, so the heavy video analytics and 3D work DT Research describes will fall to the Nvidia silicon.

Same premise, a different model number and upgrades under the hood

Agencies with long memories may recognize the LT365PA. DT Research's LT355, launched in 2023, was also a 15.6-inch rugged laptop with a 1,200-nit screen and embedded Nvidia RTX A1000 or A2000 graphics, and it too was pitched to law enforcement and the military. At the time, Tsai said DT Research had listened to customers and "developed the next version of our rugged laptop to include an NVIDIA graphics card."

Compare the two spec sheets side by side, and a lot carries over: display brightness, the night-vision options, the operating temperature range, the enclosure materials, and the ratings of the hot-swappable battery packs are identical, and the GPU version still ships with a 230W power adapter.

What has changed is the newer Intel platform, the RTX 5000 Ada option, a 1.1lb (0.5kg) weight saving, and 4K and IR camera options. There is a step back, too, at least on paper: the LT355's two memory slots supported up to 64GB, while the LT365PA tops out at 32GB of LPDDR5.

"Today's field teams need the same high-performance AI computing capabilities at the edge," DT Research president Daw Tsai said in the company's announcement, which says the LT365PA will reach authorized partners and resellers worldwide in the first quarter of 2027. Pricing has not been disclosed.

A crash investigation pitch is arguably the most persuasive part of DT Research's launch. According to the Federal Highway Administration, "every minute of incident delay multiplies traffic queues by a factor of four," and the likelihood of a secondary crash climbs 2.8% for each minute the original incident remains a hazard. Anything that lets investigators confirm their scans and photos are complete before a road reopens has real value.

Despite leaning on such a specific example, the laptop itself doesn't capture anything. Laser scanners and drones do that, and DT Research names no software partners or processing-time figures to show how much faster the LT365PA makes the job.

There are practical trade-offs as well. At 8.6lb (3.9kg), the LT365PA is heavier than our top-rated rugged laptop, the Panasonic Toughbook 40, at 7.4lb, and its IP65 rating is a notch below the IP66 rating of the Toughbook 40 and Getac's B360X lineup. DT Research cites MIL-STD-810H for shock and vibration but publishes no drop height or a fuller list of test methods, whereas Durabook itemizes a long list of 810H tests behind the Z14I-DX3, from altitude to explosive atmosphere.

DT Research also publishes no battery life figure. The two standard packs work out to roughly 123Wh combined, and the GPU model ships with a 230W adapter, nearly double the 120W unit supplied with the standard version, which suggests those hot-swappable batteries will earn their keep under sustained GPU load.

Whether US police forces actually get this upgrade is a separate question. As MIT Technology Review's James O'Donnell has written, "police departments in the US have extraordinary independence," with more than 18,000 of them each deciding what technology to buy, so there is no single customer to win here.

The AI angle deserves a bit of pushback: DT Research pitches on-device video analytics without saying which applications it has validated or tested against, and that is where police technology matters most. The same MIT Technology Review reporting covered an AI tool that tracks people by clothing and body attributes in a way that sidesteps local facial recognition bans. The LT365PA is only hardware, but what agencies run on it will determine how welcome it is.

For crash and forensic teams still working on 2023-era gear, an LT365PA with the RTX 5000 Ada would be a genuine step up. The RTX A2000 version is a far more modest refresh, however, and with shipments not starting until 2027 and procurement cycles to follow, most investigators will not be unpacking one for a while yet.

Open-weight models let you run an AI chatbot on your own computer, even offline. Here’s how they work and what that means for your privacy.

In our experience, when it comes to business laptops you can't really go wrong with a Dell. But while the likes of the XPS dominate the high-end, I'm not convinced most professionals need a machine like that.

For remote and hybrid workers the Dell 15 laptop for $900 (was $1200) at Best Buy, is an easy pick for productivity that doesn't compromise on power for general office work, emails, video calls, and - of course - streaming movies in your downtime. For me, laptop checks every box and gives you plenty of room for files.

• Best for: students, families, and home workers who want a dependable, big-screen everyday laptop with lots of storage.

• Why we like it: a 15.3-inch touchscreen with 400 nits of brightness, a generous 1TB SSD, 16GB of memory for smooth multitasking, a backlit keyboard, and a light 3.34-pound design.

15 (Core 7 350): was $1199.99 now $899.99
A 15.3-inch laptop with a 1920 x 1200 IPS touchscreen rated at 400 nits, Intel’s Core 7 350 processor from its new Core Series 3 lineup, integrated Intel graphics, 16GB of memory, a 1TB SSD, a backlit keyboard, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Windows 11. It weighs 3.34 pounds and comes in Celestial Blue. View Deal

Why we recommend it

Dell’s mainstream laptops have long been a safe pick for anyone who wants a reliable machine without paying for premium extras, and the 2026 Dell 15 brings a thinner, lighter design and Intel’s new Core Series 3 chips. We haven’t tested it yet, although we've reviewed plenty of similar models from Dell, and have a couple in use at home precisely as WFH machines. The specs are great here, and the 1TB SSD stands out, since most laptops at this price still ship with 512GB.

Price Context & Historical Value

This is $300, or 25%, off Best Buy’s $1,199.99 comparison price, but since this model just launched, there’s little price history to compare it to. Personally, I think the $1,199.99 list price flatters the discount.

Still, $899.99 for 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and a touchscreen is a fair price given how much memory costs have climbed this year. It’s a sensible buy if you need a laptop, but it may well get cheaper as Black Friday nears.

Should You Buy It?

✅ Buy the Dell 15 (2026) if... you want a reliable office laptop with a big touchscreen, need plenty of storage for photos and files, or want a light machine that’s easy to carry around the home office, into work, or to class.

❌ Skip the Dell 15 (2026) if... you need a laptop capable of graphics-intensive workloads, as that's beyond what this Dell machine can handle.

• Check out all laptop deals at Best Buy.

EcoFlow has been a consistent top-performer in our tests, with one model earning the top spot in our guide to portable power stations. High-capacity, durable build, and reliable output are all strong with this line.

So, the EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic with 45W solar panel for $479 (was $598) at Best Buy is an easy recommendation. If a power outage leaves you without heat controls, internet, or a working fridge, the Delta 3 Classic gives you a quiet, fume-free backup you can keep indoors.

• Best for: Professionals, campers, and RV owners who want dependable backup power for outages or portable power on the go.

• Why we like it: Beyond the strong performance in our tests, this EcoFlow model features 1,024Wh of long-life LFP battery capacity, 1,800W of continuous AC output to run big appliances, 3,000 charge cycles, and a five-year warranty. The solar panels for off-grid use sweeten this one considerably for us.

• What you need to know: At $479 it’s good value for the battery alone, though the small panel is more of a bonus for added energy security rather than a serious charging option.

Delta 3 Classic: was $598 now $479
A 1,024Wh portable power station with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery rated for 3,000 cycles, 1,800W of continuous AC output with a 3,600W peak, and a weight of 26.7 pounds. This bundle includes a 45W solar panel and a protective bag, and it comes with a five-year warranty. EcoFlow sells and ships it through Best Buy’s marketplace.View Deal

Why We Recommend It

EcoFlow is one of the biggest names in portable power, and the Delta 3 Classic is a pared-back version of its Delta 3 that keeps the essentials: a large, long-lasting LFP battery and enough output to run a full-size fridge or a space heater for a while. We haven’t tested this model ourselves, so this pick rests on EcoFlow’s track record and our experience testing other models. Expect fast charging, easy of use, and total dependability if you need additional or on-the-move power supply. The five-year warranty adds welcome peace of mind for a product you may rely on in an emergency.

For more top picks, see our guide to the best portable power stations.

Price Context & Historical Value

This is $119, or 20%, off the bundle’s $598 list price, which is a solid discount on a 1kWh power station with a five-year warranty. Keep in mind that the included 45W panel would take more than a full day of ideal sunlight to refill the battery, so think of it as a top-up tool rather than a full-blown charging solution. If you want backup power in place before winter, this is a good time to buy.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic bundle if... you want reliable backup power for outages, you need enough output to run a fridge, router, or CPAP machine, or you value a long-life LFP battery with a five-year warranty.

❌ Skip the EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic bundle if... you plan to rely on solar charging, since a 45W panel is far too small to refill this battery quickly, you need a power station that’s easy to carry long distances at 26.7 pounds, or you’d prefer to buy directly from Best Buy rather than a marketplace seller.

• See all power stations and generators at Best Buy

If you want a laptop that doubles as a tablet for notes, streaming, and sketching without paying premium prices, the OmniBook X Flip delivers a lot for the money. The 2K touchscreen laptop comes equipped with a Core Ultra 5 226V chip that supports up to 40 NPU TOPS for general AI tasks. The 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and 512GB SSD that makes it ideal for work, study, and downtime.

Now, as part of Best Buy's Halloween Doorbuster sale, the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is $649.99 (was $999.99). Considering I see sluggish 8GB laptops selling for that price (and I urge you not to buy them), this is an easy recommendation.

• Best for: students and professionals who want a stylish, versatile 2-in-1 for work, note-taking, and entertainment.

• Why we like it: a sturdy all-metal 2-in-1 design, a high-resolution 14-inch touchscreen, efficient Intel Core Ultra 5 performance with Copilot+ AI features, and battery life that comfortably lasts a workday.

OmniBook X Flip 4: was $999.99 now $649.99
A 14-inch 2-in-1 convertible with a 1920 x 1200 IPS touchscreen, an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor, 16GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, and Copilot+ PC features, finished in Atmospheric Blue. View Deal

Why we recommend it

While we haven't reviewed this specification, our sister site Tom’s Guide tested the exact configuration and found it a premium, durable 2-in-1 with a solid display, strong mid-range performance, and more than eight and a half hours of battery life. He did note that it comes loaded with bloatware you’ll want to remove, that the gapless keyboard takes some getting used to, and that the chassis warms up under heavy loads. Those are small trade-offs for a laptop that looks and feels far pricier than it is.

Price Context & Historical Value

This is $350, or 35%, off the $999.99 list price, but the OmniBook X Flip regularly sells well below that, and Tom’s Guide reviewed it when it was going for $599. That means $649.99 is a good price but not the lowest we’ve seen, and a newer Core Series 3 version is also listed alongside it. Buy now if you need a 2-in-1 today, but it may drop lower over Black Friday next month.

Should You Buy It?

✅ Buy the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 if... you want a laptop that converts into a tablet for notes and streaming, you value a sturdy, premium-looking metal design, or you need battery life that lasts a full workday.

❌ Skip the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 if... you’d rather not spend time removing preinstalled bloatware, you prefer a traditional keyboard layout, or you’re willing to wait in case it drops back to $599 for Black Friday.

• Check out all laptop deals at Best Buy.

Speaking on-stage at the company's recent AI World conference, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison declared AI could eventually make everyone "healthier and wealthier".

Apparently unfazed by the technology's impacts on humanity, Ellison does acknowledge that governments need to have a shift in mindset to adapt to this new future.

In a Q&A during the conference's hotly anticipated final keynote, Ellison outlined a future where AI systems and robots could dramatically reduce the cost of goods and services. But rather than accepting the suggestion that AI would end up replacing us all, he argued that the technology would ultimately serve to make us more productive, allowing workers to achieve things that simply weren't possible before.

AI won't replace us, but it will change the economics of work in a lasting way

"I think that's kind of nonsensical," Ellison said about predictions that AI will eventually replace everyone.

The multi-billionaire accepted AI and automation will inevitably displace some jobs, pointing toward rideshare services in a hint to ongoing approval of driverless cars in Las Vegas and other cities.

But he also stressed not all jobs would be impacted equally, revealing his pilot qualifications on-stage and stressing that autopilot hasn't replaced human pilots despite being a decades-old technology.

Although humans will continue to play supervisory roles in many industries (we're already seeing human knowledge worker roles evolve into AI agent managers in some cases), Ellison argued that the overall benefits would be positive, providing governments get involved to support the humans they represent.

Painting a picture of what he meant, he described a hypothetical house being constructed entirely by robots in a scenario where automation had replaced human labor. Whereas human labor would have accounted for, say, 80% of the cost of a house before, four-fifths of the house instantly becomes cheaper because of the impact of automation.

He used this example to set the foundation for the idea of 'universal high income' – a concept already floated by other tech billionaires, including Elon Musk.

Taxation needs to change to enable the provision of a universal income

"We need to change from taxing human labor to taxing value added," he said. "So when the robots add value, all that value that the robots add is taxed, and we could have universal high income."

Universal high income is an evolution of the universal basic income concept, which provides citizens with a regular payment that covers essential living costs. Instead, he suggested that the enormous productivity gains that AI could eventually unlock could create enough wealth to support much higher incomes, despite declining human work activity.

He referenced economist Milton Friedman's negative income tax proposal, describing it as a "reverse income tax" that could help distribute some of the wealth generated by AI.

"The robots are adding value. The government's taxing the value... We all become wealthy as a result."

However, Ellison's vision is a wildly ambitious one that would require a colossal change to today's systems. It would take more than a decade, he admitted. While a future of AI-induced human wealth with less work might sound far-fetched at best in today's economy, Ellison's optimism remains on track.

"All of that is doable," he concluded.

layoffs.fyi has tracked over 135,000 layoffs in the tech sector alone in 2026 to date, including around 21,000 Oracle workers in the 12 months between June 2025 and June 2026, and likely thousands more in September 2026.

The Apple Mac mini M6 may be catching all the headlines right now, but I still think for most people looking for a stylish and powerful mini PC, the Mac mini M4 is the optimal choice. It might lack the extra oomph of the M6, but for daily office tasks and content creation, it's way better value.

Case in point. The Apple Mac mini M4 is currently $650 (was $799) at Best Buy. If you want a fast, compact desktop for work, photo editing, or everyday use, and you already own a monitor and keyboard, the Mac mini M4 is the best-value Mac you can buy. Meanwhile, Best Buy has the Mac mini M6 for $799 (was $899).

• Best for: Professionals and creators upgrading an older Mac or Windows mini PC to a powerful, near-silent desktop without paying M6 prices. .

• Why we like it: We scored this machine 5 stars in our review, and wondered if it might actually be the best Mac ever. For most people, it will be. Apple’s speedy M4 chip, 16GB of unified memory for smooth multitasking and Apple Intelligence, a tiny five-inch-square design, and handy front-facing USB-C ports and a headphone jack.

Mac mini M4: was $799 now $649
A compact desktop with Apple’s M4 chip, 16GB of unified memory, and a 256GB SSD, with front USB-C ports and a headphone jack, plus Thunderbolt, HDMI, and Ethernet on the back. It supports Apple Intelligence and comes in silver.View Deal

Why we recommend it

In our Mac mini M4 review, our expert Matt awarded it an Editor’s Choice badge and full marks for value, praising its strong performance, much smaller design, and convenient front ports. He called it the cheapest way into the Mac ecosystem, though he noted it struggles with modern games and that its power button sits awkwardly on the underside. Our review unit had a 512GB SSD rather than this model’s 256GB, but it used the same M4 chip and 16GB of memory.

Price Context & Historical Value

Apple raised the Mac mini’s starting price to $799 earlier this year as memory costs surged, so this $150 discount is measured against Apple’s real current price rather than an inflated list price. It’s still more than the $599 the M4 Mac mini launched at, and well above the sub-$500 deals we saw before the price hike. Given today’s pricing, though, $649 is a strong deal and a good time to buy.

For comparison, the Mac mini M6 is currently down to $799 at Best Buy. For some workloads, it may be better. For general office tasks, the M4 is still worth considering for its value.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the Apple Mac mini M4 if... you want an affordable, powerful Mac desktop, you already have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, or you want a near-silent machine for work, photo editing, or music production.

❌ Skip the Apple Mac mini M4 if... you need lots of local storage, since 256GB fills quickly; you want to play the latest PC games; or you don’t already own a monitor and accessories, which add to the total cost.

• See all Apple deals at Best Buy.

I don't know about you, but I'm sort of the gadget-man of the family. The tech-head. The makeshift IT consultant that gets called upon whenever there's an issue with technology. If you fall into the same category (or you never want to call on your family IT support again), I'd definitely recommend checking out the Google Nest Wifi Pro 6e Wi-Fi mesh router for $100 (was $200) at Best Buy.

The half-price deal makes it incredibly tempting. It's ridiculously simple to set up and manage, making it the ideal no-fuss mesh router pick if you or your family need better connections while working from home. If your home Wi-Fi is spotty and you don’t want to wrestle with complicated router settings, Nest Wifi Pro delivers fast, reliable coverage with minimal setup.

• Best for: home workers and families in small to midsize homes needing fast, easy-to-manage Wi-Fi with the option to add more units later.

• Why we like it: tri-band Wi-Fi 6E with a 6GHz band for less congestion, up to 2,200 square feet of coverage from one unit, effortless setup through the Google Home app, and support for adding more units to build a mesh.

Nest WiFi Pro: was $199 now $99
A single tri-band Wi-Fi 6E (AXE5400) mesh router covering 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, with up to 2,200 square feet of coverage, support for up to 100 connected devices, WPA3 security, parental controls, and two Gigabit Ethernet ports. It’s managed through the Google Home app and also works as a Thread border router and Matter controller for smart home devices. Sold by Best Buy.View Deal

Why We Recommend It

Google built the Nest Wifi Pro for people who want Wi-Fi to simply work, and its app-based setup and automatic updates make it one of the least intimidating routers to own. We haven’t reviewed the Nest Wifi Pro, so this pick rests on Google’s track record with mesh networking and the router’s specs. Its 6GHz band is a real plus if you have newer phones and laptops that support Wi-Fi 6E, since it’s far less crowded than the older bands.

Price Context & Historical Value

Half off its $199.99 launch price is a strong deal, and $99.99 puts a Wi-Fi 6E mesh router within reach of almost any budget. Keep in mind that it launched in 2022, so it lacks the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard and multi-gig Ethernet found on pricier routers. For most homes with internet plans under 1Gbps, though, it’s a great buy at this price.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the Google Nest Wifi Pro if... you want fast Wi-Fi that’s easy to set up and manage, your home is under about 2,200 square feet or you plan to add more units, or you use Google Home and want a router that doubles as a smart home hub.

❌ Skip the Google Nest Wifi Pro if... you want Wi-Fi 7 or multi-gig Ethernet ports for a very fast internet plan, you need lots of wired ports, or you already own older Google Wifi or Nest Wifi units, which can’t join a Nest Wifi Pro mesh.

• See more router deals at Best Buy.

When it comes to our testing, Geekom has a strong track record in mini PCs. The range runs from high-performance machines for content creation and heavy workloads to compact machines built for general office duty, browsing, streaming, and other undemanding tasks.

The Geekom Air12 Lite, currently $269 (was $599) at Best Buy, falls into the latter camp. If you need a small, cheap PC for a kitchen counter, a kid’s homework desk, or a living room TV, the Air12 Lite covers the basics without taking up any space.

• Best for: anyone who needs a simple, compact computer for web browsing, email, documents, and streaming video.

• Why we like it: a tiny, quiet design, a quad-core Intel N95 processor that handles everyday tasks, a 256GB SSD, and Windows 11 Pro preinstalled.

• What you need to know: The Intel N95 is a low-power chip that’s built for browsing, email, office documents, and streaming, but it will feel sluggish with lots of tabs open or more demanding software.

Air12 Lite: was $599 now $269
A compact mini PC with a quad-core, four-thread Intel Processor N95 boosting to 3.4GHz, integrated Intel UHD graphics, 8GB of DDR4 memory, a 256GB SSD, and Windows 11 Pro. Sold and shipped by Geekom through Best Buy’s marketplace.View Deal

Why we recommend it

Geekom has built a solid reputation for well-made mini PCs, and the Air12 Lite is its entry-level model, designed for light everyday tasks rather than heavy workloads. We haven’t tested it ourselves, so this pick rests on Geekom’s track record and the specs. We have, however, tested the improved Air12, which features DDR5 RAM and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. We scored that machine 4 stars in our review, and for general office tasks, expect performance to be about the same.

Price Context & Historical Value

Ignore the $599 comparison price, since that’s far more than an N95 mini PC with 8GB of RAM has ever been worth, and budget machines with this chip have typically sold for well under $300. Rising memory prices have pushed up the cost of mini PCs this year, so $269 is a reasonable price today rather than a steal. Buy it if you need a basic PC now, but don’t expect much more than browsing and email from it.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the Geekom Air12 Lite if... you need an inexpensive, compact PC for browsing, email, documents, and streaming, you want Windows 11 Pro preinstalled, or you’re setting up a simple machine for a family member.

❌ Skip the Geekom Air12 Lite if... you plan to multitask heavily or run demanding apps, since 8GB of RAM and the N95 chip will feel limited; you want to play games; or you’d rather spend a bit more for a mini PC with a faster processor.

• See other mini PC deals at Best Buy

The Boulies EP200 isn't the fanciest office chair to ever pass through our testing grounds. But it is one of the most reliable value picks you can get - far superior. It's been our office furniture editor's daily driver for home-working for since February 2025, and it's as good as the day he got it. It is, he said "the archetypal office chair for most people."

Now, as part of the company's early Black Friday sale, the Boulies EP200 is down to $220 (was $310) in the US, while the UK sees the chair discounted to £210 (was £280). If your home office chair leaves your back aching by mid-afternoon, the Boulies EP200 offers proper ergonomic support without the premium price tag.

• Best for: home and office workers who want a comfortable, supportive mesh chair for long days at the desk on a modest budget.

• Why we like it: an airy mesh back that keeps you cool, adjustable lumbar support and headrest, adjustable seat depth and armrests, and a sturdy, professional-looking build.

EP200: was $309.99 now $219.99
A mesh office chair with adjustable lumbar support, a removable adjustable headrest, four-level seat-depth adjustment, 3D padded armrests, a multi-tilt mechanism with recline up to 120 degrees, a Class 4 gas lift, and a five-star base. It comes in black or green, ships free in the US, and includes a two-year limited warranty and a 14-day return window.

UK price: now £210 (was £280)View Deal

Why it's worth a look

In our Boulies EP200 review, our office furniture editor Steve found it supremely comfortable and breathable, and said he felt no fatigue even after long sessions in it. He also praised its sturdy, stable build and clean, professional look, and his one-year follow-up confirmed it has held up well. His main complaints were that adjustability is more limited than on pricier chairs, which is to be expected, while the mesh back won’t suit anyone who prefers padding.

For more picks, including the Boulies EP200, see our guide to the best office chairs.

Price & Value Context

This is $90, or 29%, off the $309.99 list price. The EP200 dropped to about $200 around the time of our review, so this isn’t a record low, but it’s close. At this price, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone who wants a quality mesh chair without spending $300 or more.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the Boulies EP200 if... you want a comfortable, breathable mesh chair for long workdays, you need adjustable lumbar support and a headrest, or you’re after quality ergonomics without a premium price.

❌ Skip the Boulies EP200 if... you need the fine-tuned adjustability of a high-end ergonomic chair, or you prefer a padded backrest to mesh.

• See other chairs at Boulies.

• AI-generated code security improved for the first time in a year, with vulnerability rates dropping from 44% to 38%
• Top models performed better at preventing common flaws like XSS, but still struggled with complex security reasoning
• Researchers stress AI-generated code still requires independent security testing and verification before deployment

Computer code generated by frontier AI models has gotten more secure and consequently - contains fewer vulnerabilities.

This is according to a new report by Veracode, which claims this is the first significant improvement in a year.

In July 2025, Veracode started releasing its GenAI Code Security Report, which analyzed code generated by LLMs for vulnerabilities and security risks. Since then, the company’s researchers noticed a trend - the code was functioning almost perfect, but on the security side it left much to be desired.

Are XSS flaws worth the trouble?

“We’ve been analyzing code generated by multiple LLMs for more than a year. Until now, we have not seen a marked improvement in AI code security, despite consistently near-perfect functionality,” said Chris Wysopal, Co-founder & Chief Security Evangelist at Veracode.

“This is the first time since running our study that we’ve been able to report a meaningful move on the security dial.”

That meaningful move is a jump from 56% to 62% in overall AI-generated code security. At the same time, there’s been a drop in vulnerabilities from 44% to 38%, Veracode added, saying this was the most significant improvement since the reports started coming out. Anthropic's Claude Opus 5.5 and OpenAI's GPT-6-Sol co-lead the rankings at 73%, surpassing the previous high of 68% set by GPT-5.5 in July 2026.

“Ten models now clear 60%, up from four in the last report, and the overall average has jumped six percentage points,” Wysopal said. “With around half of code now generated by AI, today’s results are truly encouraging.”

To draft the report, Veracode tested 18 models across four languages (Python, C#, JavaScript, and Java), and four Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) categories (CWE-89, CWE-327, CWE-80, CWE-117). Claude Opus 5.5 and GPT-6-Sol claimed the top spot with 73% followed by GPT-5.5 which holds 68%. In July, six of 11 models scored between 50 and 53, while today only two remain in that band, while 10 scored at least 60%. The bottom is still at 44% - 50% percent.

While the results are definitely commendable, there is a caveat. Apparently, the main driver of the overall gain was on cross-site scripting (XSS), which is arguably one of the weakest categories. XSS rose to 18% which is also the single biggest change in the dataset. According to Veracode, XSS is the “easiest vulnerability to fix through pattern recognition”, which is exactly how LLMs improve. In cases where data-flow reasoning across multiple functions is required (such as, in log injection cases, for example), LLMs continue to stall.

Low-hanging fruit

In other words, AI has just picked low-hanging fruit and called it a day. We’re not sure if we should be disappointed with this, since XSS attacks are common and the vulnerability is still present across the web.

In the report, Veracode also said that water was wet and the sky is mostly blue: it found that top-performing models cost more.

However, they said throwing money at the problem most likely isn’t the best solution: “The models that produce the most secure code are the ones that cost the most to run at scale, yet they still fail on more than one in four security tasks,” Wysopal said. “The answer should never be to use the most expensive model and hope for the best. A mid-tier model at a 60% pass rate plus Veracode scanning is more accurate, more cost-effective, and more scalable than a frontier model at 73% with no verification.”

In conclusion, the improvement is there, but “mends a small part of a larger wound”, Veracode said. Organizations should make sure they combine AI code with continuous and independent security verification that can catch what the models miss.

Fairphone Fairbuds 2: Two-minute review

I don’t like Fairphone’s products because they’re more environmentally-friendly and repairable than anything else on the market (though they’re all definitely perks). I like them because they always offer something a little different to make them recommendable as some of the best wireless headphones by their own merits.

Last year’s Fairbuds XL 2025 over-ears, for example, had the best controls I’ve used on a pair of headphones before or since (and remain the best-looking cans I’ve reviewed too). And now the Fairphone Fairbuds 2 are here, with a little design decision I didn’t know I wanted so much.

Fairphone is best known for its mobiles, like the recent Fairphone 6 Plus; its whole modus operandi is making green tech (eco-friendly, not colored, although they’re usually also colored green). The brand dabbles in audio too, though, alternating between releasing new earbuds or headphones every other year, and after the original Fairbuds launched in 2024, a new pair are here.

Like the last pair, these are relatively affordable earbuds — 'expensive budget' or 'cheap mid-range' might suffice as definitions — which are great for eco-friendly buyers. They let you enjoy your listening safe in the knowledge that your buying choice was made from renewable energy, using plentiful recycled parts, and won’t impose planet-unfriendly, water usurping AI features on your device.

And then there’s the unexpected bonus. Earlier this year, a fairly shocking study revealed that basically all headphones are coated in PFAS, or forever chemicals, which had people wondering whether they're rubbing toxins on their ears and head. As someone who uses these products for a living, I was a little alarmed to read this, and I’ve been pretty conscious of my listening since then, usually opting for speakers over headphones when I can help it.

It won’t surprise you to learn that the Fairbuds 2 have none of these ‘forever chemicals’, and I could listen for as long as I wanted without worrying about the effects of doing so. It’s hard to put a price on peace of mind, but for music listening, the Fairbuds 2 provide just that.

But I’ve beaten about the bush long enough: beyond health and eco concerns, just how good are these things? Well, the reason I’ve beaten about the bush so much is that “yeah, they’re just fine,” isn't engaging copy.

Design-wise, these are pretty simple buds, with a hardy and light carry case, and pretty feature-light design. There’s little to distinguish them from other buds however, beyond their lack of discernible features. Being pretty plain isn’t the end of the world, and they fit fine.

They’re not the best-sounding earbuds I’ve tested by any stretch of the imagination, but they’re fine for the price if you can look past some rough edges.

I found the ANC pretty good, though it takes its toll on a battery life which roughly matches their price-competitive AirPods rivals (that is to say, it’s not very long). An app brings some extra features, including some of the most effective audio EQ presets I’ve heard from earbuds — if you like customizing your music but aren’t familiar with equalizers, it’s a great option.

If it wasn’t for the Fairphone touch, these would just be middling wireless earbuds that’d disappear behind the competition. But the eco-friendly appeal, their repairability plus the absence of toxic chemicals, all make them far easier to recommend.

Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)

• Released in October in Europe, November US
• Sells for $119 / £99 (about AU$200)
• Cheaper than AirPods 5, which is all that matters

Fairphone unveiled the Fairbuds 2 on October 14, 2026, roughly two years after the release of the original pair and a year after the reimagined Fairbuds XL 2025 over-ears. They went on sale immediately in Europe, but US buyers had to wait until November 2.

You can buy the Fairbuds 2 for $119 / £99 (about AU$200) — Fairphone doesn’t sell its tech in Australia. The brand is increasing its presence in the US; while the original buds did sell there, it only began selling phones earlier this year with the Fairphone 6 Plus.

That phone makes the Fairbuds 2 slightly pricier than their predecessors in the US, but cheaper in the UK; the original Fairbuds went for $99 / £129. Despite this reshuffle, they’re still more affordable than the cheapest version of AirPods 5 (which will set you back $129 / £129 / AU$219), and the Fairphone option actually has ear tips.

Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Specs

Drivers

11mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life

6 hours (ANC on), 8 hours (ANC off)

Weight

5.8g (buds) 64g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Frequency response

20-20kHz

Waterproofing

IP54

Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• 6-hour battery life isn't amazing
• ANC is surprisingly solid
• App has EQ including useful presets

According to Fairphone, the earbuds last for 6 hours of listening with ANC on, or 8 hours off; that’s not a very competitive spec, all things considered. In my own testing, I’d say I got a little extra time on those figures, but not enough that I can call the battery life ‘good’. Apple's base model AirPods 5 only last for 4 hours with ANC; the step-up model with wireless charging support last 5 with ANC (or 7 without it) so it's a little better than that, but not by much.

The case provides up to 40 hours of battery life, which is a little better (Apple's step-up model only offers 22), but that spec is for ANC-off listening. An ANC-on figure isn’t provided, but I’d estimate it’s about 32 hours.

The ANC is more impressive — I’ll confess, I wasn’t expecting Fairphone to have created top-of-the-class noise cancellation. While this doesn’t match the likes of Soundcore or Bose, the Fairbuds 2 were surprisingly effective at stripping out noisy backgrounds or the kinds of sporadic sounds that other buds struggle with.

(Image credit: Future)

The Fairbuds app is pretty basic, but it’s not strictly necessary; I’d used the buds for two whole weeks before I decided to download it to my phone.

The app lets you toggle between ANC modes (on, off, or transparency), see the charge levels, play with an EQ and presets, and set up multipoint connectivity, although I couldn’t find the option to do so myself. There’s also a Find My Earbuds tool which lets you summon both the left or right bud, and this is a feature you don’t always see in earbuds.

The equalizer is a simple five-band one, but I was surprised how effective the five presets are: Balanced, Bass Boost, Treble Boost and Voice all had significant impacts on the sound profile, in a way that I see being really useful for those who like their audio a certain way and don’t want to play with the custom EQ mode. I found Voice useful for spoken-word content, as it did a great job at maintaining the reader’s voice while dampening other sounds.

• Features score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Design

• Small, hardy carry case
• Simplistic buds which fit well
• Eco-friendly, chemical-free design

In one way, the Fairphone Fairbuds 2 are some of the most basic-looking buds there can be, but modest looks hide the real selling point of these options. But we’ll get to that later.

Firstly, the case: it’s a small cylinder, weighing 64g (when the buds are inside) and opening in a clam-shell form. You get the basics: a pairing button, a USB-C port, plus a handy three-LED strip to show you how charged your buds are. Handy! The case is made of plastic that’s so solid that I initially thought it was metal, and it feels more robust than most at protecting your buds.

Next, the buds: unlike the first-gen models, these are stem-toting options, and they look far too simplistic to be confused with AirPods: there’s the in-ear bud, a straight and flat stem, and nothing much else (well, other than some lovely responsive touch controls). They weigh 5.8g each.

When I first started testing them, the Fairbuds 2 felt a little loose in the ear; I thought I had another Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro situation going on. But quite quickly they took to my ear, and after the second day they fit perfectly. So if you've just bought a pair, and are having problems, just give them time.

(Image credit: Future)

Now for the whole point of the Fairbuds: Fairphone’s eco credentials. The brand is at the forefront of eco-friendly tech, using eco-friendly materials and processes when possible, and in the buds that means the speaker magnets and solder is all recycled material, while the cobalt, copper, gold and silver are all fairly mined or sourced. The eco-friendly-ness doesn’t just keep your conscience clean, though, because it manifests in a few great ways.

Firstly, these things are completely repairable, so if they break you can buy and replace one part instead of needing new buds. There are seven parts in all, all of which can be replaced using a simple screwdriver. Also in the Fairbuds 2, the earbuds don’t use PFAS, or forever chemicals – you can listen for as long as you want without any fear of the chemicals and their as-yet-unknown effects on the human body.

You can buy the FairBuds 2 in green or black, but if you’re going for green tech, I don’t see why you shouldn’t also be buying green-colored tech. The buds themselves have an IP54 protection against dust and splashes, but the case doesn’t have an official rating.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Sound quality

• 11mm driver per bud
• Prominent bass downs out treble
• Supports LDAC playback on supported phones

The Fairphone Fairbuds 2 come with 11mm dynamic drivers, working as jacks of all trades to cover the audio spectrum.

As fairly affordable earbuds go, the Fairbuds 2 are just fine — you’re not getting any obvious issues like tinny audio, overblown bass or a lackluster sound profile, and so I can’t give them a bad sound score. But there are a few audible issues which it’s worth flagging.

I’d call these buds bass-first, because low-end has more heft than high-end, and it does mean that sometimes vocals can lack the sparkle they deserve. In something like Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Factory of Faith or Dispatch’s May We All, the singers sound like they’ve lost an argument with their bassists and rhythm guitarists, and in Macklemore’s Hind’s Hall the drums and bass keep distracting you from the lyrics.

Bass, while prominent, is perhaps not especially refined; the lack of a bespoke low-end-focused driver here is noticeable. Low-end has power prominence but less direction or distinction than you’d hope. It results in a low-end that sometimes sounds just fine, other times a little rumbly.

(Image credit: Future)

In Tom Petty’s Supernatural Radio, for example, the bass riff sounds meaty until the other instruments come in, making it sound indistinct. However with the later guitar and piano solo, the bass drowns out the higher-pitched parts.

These are the first buds I’ve tested in about a month in which I can really hear a song’s mids, though, so props go to Fairphone for not leaning too hard into popular sound profiles. However I did notice peaking in certain songs around the high-end.

It’s easy to point out the issues in the Fairbuds 2, because some rivals at this price point are putting out frankly incredible options, but I should clarify that the buds are still pretty good, and most people will be perfectly happy with them.

For some technical specs, the buds support LDAC if you’re using a compatible Android phone, and use the Bluetooth 6.0 standard.

• Sound quality: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Value

• You get what you pay for: solid, reasonably-priced earbuds
• However, there are some fantastic alternatives at the price

The Fairbuds 2 straddle the border between affordable and mid-range earbuds, but given that the brand's tech generally comes with a green premium, I'm happy to consider these a more affordable option.

If I were to close my eyes, and picture buds at this price, I'd basically envision the Fairphones; they audio quality, feature set and design all roughly match what you'd expect from the price. Fine value for money...

... if it wasn't for the fact that it's a really competitive market segment, with some stellar alternatives.

• Value: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Fairphone Fairbuds 2?Fairphone Fairbuds 2 score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

The ANC and app presets work well, though the battery life isn't great.

4/5

Design

The eco-friendly and chemical-free build wins all the points, though the simple carry case and buds are charming in their own way.

4.5/5

Sound quality

Audio is perfectly serviceable, though a few quirks will put off audiophiles.

3.5/5

Value

They're fine value for money, though not the best in their market segment.

4/5

Buy them if…

You want eco-friendly tech
Fairphone is second-to-none with its green materials, production and sourcing.

You'll repair your earbuds if they break
Repairable tech is all the rage, and if you think you'd be up to fix broken buds, these are the ones to buy.

You like svelte carry cases
The Fairbuds 2 have one of the smallest carry cases I've seen in ages, and it's pretty protective too.View Deal

Don’t buy them if…

You're a staunch audiophile
If all you care about is the sound, I think you'll find the Fairbuds 2 a little disappointing.

You'd like something long-lasting
The Fairbuds are long-lasting in terms of the product life span, but the actual battery life isn't that great.

Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Also consider

Looking for alternative in-ears? Here are a few alternatives at the same price point.

Fairphone Fairbuds 2

Soundpeats H3

Huawei FreeBuds Neo

Drivers

11mm

12mm + dual balanced armatures

11mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Battery life (ANC on)

6 hours (buds) 32 hours (case)

7 hours (buds) 37 hours (case)

6 hours (buds) / 22 hours (case)

Weight

5.8g (buds) 64g (case)

6g (buds) 53g (case)

4.8g (bud) 31.4g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 6.0

Waterproofing

IP54

IPX5

IP55

Soundpeats H3
For a tiny amount more, you can buy arguably the best-sounding earbuds at this price point. The H3 look funky, fit well and sound incredibly, but don't have the eco appeal of the Fairbuds.
Read our full Soundpeats H3 review

Huawei FreeBuds Neo
A Fairbuds 2 contemporary with pretty similar specs, the Neo sound better and are lovely and small, but the app barely works and the ANC isn't as good.
Read our full Huawei FreeBuds Neo review

How I tested the Fairphone Faurbuds 2

• Tested for three weeks
• Paired with Android phone for Bluetooth playback
• Used on holiday as well as use at home and around neighborhood.

I used the Fairphone Fairbuds 2 for about three weeks before writing this review; I used them back-to-back with the Huawei FreeBuds Neo, generally bringing them both with me on trips.

In this testing time I went on holiday, so they got time on flights, train and coach trips, and I also used them at the gym, at home and on walks around my local area.

For the entirety of the testing time, the buds were connected to my Samsung phone. I listened to Spotify, played from my high-res collection, played games, conducted video calls and watched videos to test them out.

I've tested most of Fairphone's gadgets since I joined TechRadar in 2019, including the Fairbuds XL 2025 last year, and also have experience reviewing plenty of other earbuds from a range of brands (including almost every other pair mentioned in the review)>

• First reviewed in October 2026

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Fairphone Fairbuds 2: Two-minute review

I don’t like Fairphone’s products because they’re more environmentally-friendly and repairable than anything else on the market (though they’re all definitely perks). I like them because they always offer something a little different to make them recommendable as some of the best wireless headphones by their own merits.

Last year’s Fairbuds XL 2025 over-ears, for example, had the best controls I’ve used on a pair of headphones before or since (and remain the best-looking cans I’ve reviewed too). And now the Fairphone Fairbuds 2 are here, with a little design decision I didn’t know I wanted so much.

Fairphone is best known for its mobiles, like the recent Fairphone 6 Plus; its whole modus operandi is making green tech (eco-friendly, not colored, although they’re usually also colored green). The brand dabbles in audio too, though, alternating between releasing new earbuds or headphones every other year, and after the original Fairbuds launched in 2024, a new pair are here.

Like the last pair, these are relatively affordable earbuds — 'expensive budget' or 'cheap mid-range' might suffice as definitions — which are great for eco-friendly buyers. They let you enjoy your listening safe in the knowledge that your buying choice was made from renewable energy, using plentiful recycled parts, and won’t impose planet-unfriendly, water usurping AI features on your device.

And then there’s the unexpected bonus. Earlier this year, a fairly shocking study revealed that basically all headphones are coated in PFAS, or forever chemicals, which had people wondering whether they're rubbing toxins on their ears and head. As someone who uses these products for a living, I was a little alarmed to read this, and I’ve been pretty conscious of my listening since then, usually opting for speakers over headphones when I can help it.

It won’t surprise you to learn that the Fairbuds 2 have none of these ‘forever chemicals’, and I could listen for as long as I wanted without worrying about the effects of doing so. It’s hard to put a price on peace of mind, but for music listening, the Fairbuds 2 provide just that.

But I’ve beaten about the bush long enough: beyond health and eco concerns, just how good are these things? Well, the reason I’ve beaten about the bush so much is that “yeah, they’re just fine,” isn't engaging copy.

Design-wise, these are pretty simple buds, with a hardy and light carry case, and pretty feature-light design. There’s little to distinguish them from other buds however, beyond their lack of discernible features. Being pretty plain isn’t the end of the world, and they fit fine.

They’re not the best-sounding earbuds I’ve tested by any stretch of the imagination, but they’re fine for the price if you can look past some rough edges.

I found the ANC pretty good, though it takes its toll on a battery life which roughly matches their price-competitive AirPods rivals (that is to say, it’s not very long). An app brings some extra features, including some of the most effective audio EQ presets I’ve heard from earbuds — if you like customizing your music but aren’t familiar with equalizers, it’s a great option.

If it wasn’t for the Fairphone touch, these would just be middling wireless earbuds that’d disappear behind the competition. But the eco-friendly appeal, their repairability plus the absence of toxic chemicals, all make them far easier to recommend.

Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)

• Released in October in Europe, November US
• Sells for $119 / £99 (about AU$200)
• Cheaper than AirPods 5, which is all that matters

Fairphone unveiled the Fairbuds 2 on October 14, 2026, roughly two years after the release of the original pair and a year after the reimagined Fairbuds XL 2025 over-ears. They went on sale immediately in Europe, but US buyers had to wait until November 2.

You can buy the Fairbuds 2 for $119 / £99 (about AU$200) — Fairphone doesn’t sell its tech in Australia. The brand is increasing its presence in the US; while the original buds did sell there, it only began selling phones earlier this year with the Fairphone 6 Plus.

That phone makes the Fairbuds 2 slightly pricier than their predecessors in the US, but cheaper in the UK; the original Fairbuds went for $99 / £129. Despite this reshuffle, they’re still more affordable than the cheapest version of AirPods 5 (which will set you back $129 / £129 / AU$219), and the Fairphone option actually has ear tips.

Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Specs

Drivers

11mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life

6 hours (ANC on), 8 hours (ANC off)

Weight

5.8g (buds) 64g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Frequency response

20-20kHz

Waterproofing

IP54

Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• 6-hour battery life isn't amazing
• ANC is surprisingly solid
• App has EQ including useful presets

According to Fairphone, the earbuds last for 6 hours of listening with ANC on, or 8 hours off; that’s not a very competitive spec, all things considered. In my own testing, I’d say I got a little extra time on those figures, but not enough that I can call the battery life ‘good’. Apple's base model AirPods 5 only last for 4 hours with ANC; the step-up model with wireless charging support last 5 with ANC (or 7 without it) so it's a little better than that, but not by much.

The case provides up to 40 hours of battery life, which is a little better (Apple's step-up model only offers 22), but that spec is for ANC-off listening. An ANC-on figure isn’t provided, but I’d estimate it’s about 32 hours.

The ANC is more impressive — I’ll confess, I wasn’t expecting Fairphone to have created top-of-the-class noise cancellation. While this doesn’t match the likes of Soundcore or Bose, the Fairbuds 2 were surprisingly effective at stripping out noisy backgrounds or the kinds of sporadic sounds that other buds struggle with.

(Image credit: Future)

The Fairbuds app is pretty basic, but it’s not strictly necessary; I’d used the buds for two whole weeks before I decided to download it to my phone.

The app lets you toggle between ANC modes (on, off, or transparency), see the charge levels, play with an EQ and presets, and set up multipoint connectivity, although I couldn’t find the option to do so myself. There’s also a Find My Earbuds tool which lets you summon both the left or right bud, and this is a feature you don’t always see in earbuds.

The equalizer is a simple five-band one, but I was surprised how effective the five presets are: Balanced, Bass Boost, Treble Boost and Voice all had significant impacts on the sound profile, in a way that I see being really useful for those who like their audio a certain way and don’t want to play with the custom EQ mode. I found Voice useful for spoken-word content, as it did a great job at maintaining the reader’s voice while dampening other sounds.

• Features score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Design

• Small, hardy carry case
• Simplistic buds which fit well
• Eco-friendly, chemical-free design

In one way, the Fairphone Fairbuds 2 are some of the most basic-looking buds there can be, but modest looks hide the real selling point of these options. But we’ll get to that later.

Firstly, the case: it’s a small cylinder, weighing 64g (when the buds are inside) and opening in a clam-shell form. You get the basics: a pairing button, a USB-C port, plus a handy three-LED strip to show you how charged your buds are. Handy! The case is made of plastic that’s so solid that I initially thought it was metal, and it feels more robust than most at protecting your buds.

Next, the buds: unlike the first-gen models, these are stem-toting options, and they look far too simplistic to be confused with AirPods: there’s the in-ear bud, a straight and flat stem, and nothing much else (well, other than some lovely responsive touch controls). They weigh 5.8g each.

When I first started testing them, the Fairbuds 2 felt a little loose in the ear; I thought I had another Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro situation going on. But quite quickly they took to my ear, and after the second day they fit perfectly. So if you've just bought a pair, and are having problems, just give them time.

(Image credit: Future)

Now for the whole point of the Fairbuds: Fairphone’s eco credentials. The brand is at the forefront of eco-friendly tech, using eco-friendly materials and processes when possible, and in the buds that means the speaker magnets and solder is all recycled material, while the cobalt, copper, gold and silver are all fairly mined or sourced. The eco-friendly-ness doesn’t just keep your conscience clean, though, because it manifests in a few great ways.

Firstly, these things are completely repairable, so if they break you can buy and replace one part instead of needing new buds. There are seven parts in all, all of which can be replaced using a simple screwdriver. Also in the Fairbuds 2, the earbuds don’t use PFAS, or forever chemicals – you can listen for as long as you want without any fear of the chemicals and their as-yet-unknown effects on the human body.

You can buy the FairBuds 2 in green or black, but if you’re going for green tech, I don’t see why you shouldn’t also be buying green-colored tech. The buds themselves have an IP54 protection against dust and splashes, but the case doesn’t have an official rating.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Sound quality

• 11mm driver per bud
• Prominent bass downs out treble
• Supports LDAC playback on supported phones

The Fairphone Fairbuds 2 come with 11mm dynamic drivers, working as jacks of all trades to cover the audio spectrum.

As fairly affordable earbuds go, the Fairbuds 2 are just fine — you’re not getting any obvious issues like tinny audio, overblown bass or a lackluster sound profile, and so I can’t give them a bad sound score. But there are a few audible issues which it’s worth flagging.

I’d call these buds bass-first, because low-end has more heft than high-end, and it does mean that sometimes vocals can lack the sparkle they deserve. In something like Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Factory of Faith or Dispatch’s May We All, the singers sound like they’ve lost an argument with their bassists and rhythm guitarists, and in Macklemore’s Hind’s Hall the drums and bass keep distracting you from the lyrics.

Bass, while prominent, is perhaps not especially refined; the lack of a bespoke low-end-focused driver here is noticeable. Low-end has power prominence but less direction or distinction than you’d hope. It results in a low-end that sometimes sounds just fine, other times a little rumbly.

(Image credit: Future)

In Tom Petty’s Supernatural Radio, for example, the bass riff sounds meaty until the other instruments come in, making it sound indistinct. However with the later guitar and piano solo, the bass drowns out the higher-pitched parts.

These are the first buds I’ve tested in about a month in which I can really hear a song’s mids, though, so props go to Fairphone for not leaning too hard into popular sound profiles. However I did notice peaking in certain songs around the high-end.

It’s easy to point out the issues in the Fairbuds 2, because some rivals at this price point are putting out frankly incredible options, but I should clarify that the buds are still pretty good, and most people will be perfectly happy with them.

For some technical specs, the buds support LDAC if you’re using a compatible Android phone, and use the Bluetooth 6.0 standard.

• Sound quality: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Value

• You get what you pay for: solid, reasonably-priced earbuds
• However, there are some fantastic alternatives at the price

The Fairbuds 2 straddle the border between affordable and mid-range earbuds, but given that the brand's tech generally comes with a green premium, I'm happy to consider these a more affordable option.

If I were to close my eyes, and picture buds at this price, I'd basically envision the Fairphones; they audio quality, feature set and design all roughly match what you'd expect from the price. Fine value for money...

... if it wasn't for the fact that it's a really competitive market segment, with some stellar alternatives.

• Value: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Fairphone Fairbuds 2?Fairphone Fairbuds 2 score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

The ANC and app presets work well, though the battery life isn't great.

4/5

Design

The eco-friendly and chemical-free build wins all the points, though the simple carry case and buds are charming in their own way.

4.5/5

Sound quality

Audio is perfectly serviceable, though a few quirks will put off audiophiles.

3.5/5

Value

They're fine value for money, though not the best in their market segment.

4/5

Buy them if…

You want eco-friendly tech
Fairphone is second-to-none with its green materials, production and sourcing.

You'll repair your earbuds if they break
Repairable tech is all the rage, and if you think you'd be up to fix broken buds, these are the ones to buy.

You like svelte carry cases
The Fairbuds 2 have one of the smallest carry cases I've seen in ages, and it's pretty protective too.View Deal

Don’t buy them if…

You're a staunch audiophile
If all you care about is the sound, I think you'll find the Fairbuds 2 a little disappointing.

You'd like something long-lasting
The Fairbuds are long-lasting in terms of the product life span, but the actual battery life isn't that great.

Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Also consider

Looking for alternative in-ears? Here are a few alternatives at the same price point.

Fairphone Fairbuds 2

Soundpeats H3

Huawei FreeBuds Neo

Drivers

11mm

12mm + dual balanced armatures

11mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Battery life (ANC on)

6 hours (buds) 32 hours (case)

7 hours (buds) 37 hours (case)

6 hours (buds) / 22 hours (case)

Weight

5.8g (buds) 64g (case)

6g (buds) 53g (case)

4.8g (bud) 31.4g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 6.0

Waterproofing

IP54

IPX5

IP55

Soundpeats H3
For a tiny amount more, you can buy arguably the best-sounding earbuds at this price point. The H3 look funky, fit well and sound incredibly, but don't have the eco appeal of the Fairbuds.
Read our full Soundpeats H3 review

Huawei FreeBuds Neo
A Fairbuds 2 contemporary with pretty similar specs, the Neo sound better and are lovely and small, but the app barely works and the ANC isn't as good.
Read our full Huawei FreeBuds Neo review

How I tested the Fairphone Faurbuds 2

• Tested for three weeks
• Paired with Android phone for Bluetooth playback
• Used on holiday as well as use at home and around neighborhood.

I used the Fairphone Fairbuds 2 for about three weeks before writing this review; I used them back-to-back with the Huawei FreeBuds Neo, generally bringing them both with me on trips.

In this testing time I went on holiday, so they got time on flights, train and coach trips, and I also used them at the gym, at home and on walks around my local area.

For the entirety of the testing time, the buds were connected to my Samsung phone. I listened to Spotify, played from my high-res collection, played games, conducted video calls and watched videos to test them out.

I've tested most of Fairphone's gadgets since I joined TechRadar in 2019, including the Fairbuds XL 2025 last year, and also have experience reviewing plenty of other earbuds from a range of brands (including almost every other pair mentioned in the review)>

• First reviewed in October 2026

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

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Across the country, there are reports of heightened ICE activity. Advocates worry about how close it is to midterms, but so far voter turnout is surging.

(Image credit: Charly Triballeau)

• IPVanish has launched a dedicated IP, a feature reviewers have long flagged as missing.
• It gives you a fixed VPN IP address that no other user shares, with five locations at launch.
• It's aimed at people who need reliable logins and remote access, but there's a privacy trade-off to weigh up.

IPVanish has launched a dedicated IP, an optional add-on that fills one of the most noticeable gaps in its feature list.

Until now, the provider only offered shared, dynamic IP addresses. Reviewers have repeatedly pointed to the missing option as a weak spot, particularly for remote workers and small businesses, and as recently as last week, rivals were still listing it as something IPVanish couldn't do.

NordVPN and Surfshark have offered dedicated IPs for years, so the launch brings IPVanish closer in line with the best VPN services on the market.

How IPVanish's dedicated IP works

When you connect to a VPN normally, you share an IP address with everyone else on that server, and you might get a different one each session. A dedicated IP flips that: it's a unique address assigned to a single user, and it stays the same every time you connect.

This stops you from getting locked out of your accounts when service providers get suspicious of your ever-changing IP address, and you can also add it to your allowed lists for remote work networks, staging servers, or a home NAS.

The add-on launches in five locations: New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Tokyo. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, and works across IPVanish's Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV apps.

You buy and manage it through the IPVanish account portal, after which it appears under a Dedicated IP tab in the app's Locations menu. You're not locked in, either. You can switch between your dedicated IP and the regular shared servers at any time, so you only use the fixed address when you need it.

The privacy trade-off

This isn't an always-on feature, however. Shared IPs let you blend into a crowd, while a dedicated IP makes it easier for trackers to build a profile of your activity.

For everyday browsing, a shared IP remains the more private choice, which makes the option to easily switch back a welcome touch. But if endless verification checks or locked accounts have been driving you up the wall, the new feature is worth a look.

It also rounds out a busy year for the provider, following the launch of Threat Protection Pro and its ongoing move to RAM-only servers by 2027.