The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20221215145619/https://www.xda-developers.com/buying-guides/

XDA Developers

Buying Guides

Readers like you help support XDA Developers. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

latest

HP-Elite-Dragonfly-Folio-12-1024x683

Best cases and sleeves for HP Dragonfly Folio G3 in 2022

Protect your premium business laptop from damage while you're on the go

4
By

The best cases and sleeves for HP's Dragonfly Folio G3 can provide protection and some extra style for those who often travel with their laptop. The Dragonfly Folio G3 has its own faux leather wrap that covers the lid and the hinge, providing extra protection and a luxurious feel. However, the bottom and sides of the laptop remain uncovered, which means that dust and detritus can get into the hardware while traveling. That's not to mention the risk of scratching up the aluminum body's dark finish if you're tossing the laptop into a regular backpack or onto a stack of binders and books. We've rounded up the best cases and sleeves for the HP Dragonfly Folio G3 to help protect your PC.

Apple Watch SE 2 band styles and case colors showcase

Does the Apple Watch SE 2 support Qi wireless charging?

Apple's affordable smartwatch offers a great list of features for the money, but does it take any major strides in how it charges?

4
By

Back in September 2022, Apple introduced the Apple Watch SE 2 alongside the Apple Watch Series 8. This was the first time had updated its more affordable smartwatch since its introduction in 2020. The watch takes a similar approach to its predecessor by offering many of the same features as its more expensive counterpart for less money. The SE 2 retains the same 40mm and 44mm case sizes, gets an upgraded S8 processor that's 20% faster than the old S5, supports Crash Detection, and offers Bluetooth 5.3 for improved connectivity to your iPhone. It's still missing an Always-On display, EKG support, blood oxygen monitoring, and temperature sensing, but it's already well-rounded for $249 and one of the best Apple Watches you can get.

Pixel 7 Pro vs Pixel 6 Pro featured

Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro: Is the upgrade worth it?

The Pixel 7 Pro builds upon the foundation laid by the Pixel 6 Pro and offers even more improvements and enhancements, but should you make the switch?

4
By

The Pixel 7 Pro is Google's latest flagship smartphone, and it represents the next step in the company's smartphone strategy. The previous model, the Pixel 6 Pro, marked a major change of direction for the Pixel lineup and Google's smartphone strategy as a whole. While the new direction wasn't without its challenges, it was a necessary step for Google to establish itself as a leading player in the smartphone market. The Pixel 7 Pro builds upon the foundation laid by the Pixel 6 Pro and offers even more improvements and enhancements. But how much of an upgrade is it over its predecessor? Is it worth making the switch from your Pixel 6 Pro?

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 feature image

Best docks for the Surface Laptop 4 in 2022

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 4 only has three ports, so you might need a Surface Connect or USB Type-C dock for more options. Check these out!

4
4
By and

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 4 is a great PC, but one thing that it doesn't have a lot of is ports. Specifically, it comes with one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, one Type-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack. If you want more than that, you're going to need a dock. There are two kinds of docks that you can get: Surface Connect and USB Type-C. It's worth noting that neither the USB Type-C port nor Surface Connect support Thunderbolt, so while Thunderbolt docks will work, they'll be limited in functionality.

Best chargers iPhone 14 series featured image

Best iPhone 14 series chargers, cables, and other accessories in 2022

We have rounded up the best fast chargers, wireless charging pads, magnetic chargers, and other accessories for the iPhone 14 lineup.

4
By

The iPhone 14 series is Apple's newest smartphone lineup. Whether you’re buying the more affordable iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Plus, or the top-of-the-line iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max, you won’t find any additional accessories or add-ons inside the box. You don’t even get a power adapter! Apple stopped including chargers and earphones with iPhones in 2020, and the new iPhones aren’t any different in this regard. They only provide you with a USB-C to lightning cable.

A person hold a OnePlus 10T smartphone in Moonstone black color

Best OnePlus 10T screen protectors in 2022

The OnePlus 10T has a big and beautiful 6.7-inch AMOLED display. Here are the best screen protectors you can buy to protect it.

4
By

The OnePlus 10T brings many improvements over the OnePlus 10 Pro, which came out earlier this year. However, it's still a glass slab that features a big 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED screen with support for up to 120Hz refresh rate. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, but you might want to grab a screen protector to make sure it remains just as new and pristine as the day you first took it out of the box. There's no shortage of screen protectors for the OnePlus 10T on the market, but we've rounded up some of the best ones for you to check out:

Best Google Pixel 7 Pro cases in 2022

The Pixel 7 Pro is quite durable but we recommend using a case to protect it from accidental drops and bumps.

4
By

Google's new Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro come with a slightly updated design compared to the previous-gen Pixel 6 models. You can also purchase them in some fun colorways like Hazel, Snow, Lemongrass, and Obsidian. While you might be tempted to use the new Pixel phones without a case to show off the new colors, we recommend one to protect them from accidental bumps and drops. We've already highlighted some great-looking cases for the Pixel 7 in a separate post. Now it's time to check out some of the best Pixel 7 Pro cases. Let's dive in!

Best Google Pixel 7 cases in 2022

From high-quality transparent ones to some rugged options that offer the best protection, these are the best Google Pixel 7 cases you can buy.

4
By

Google's new Pixel 7 series is finally here and the new phones are already shaping up to be some of the best Android devices of 2022. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro share a lot of similarities with the outgoing Pixel 6 series phones, but we're glad the company decided to switch things up with a fresh design. And with Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the front and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, the new Pixel phones are just as durable as a lot of other flagships on the market too. That being said, we still suggest using a case to protect these phones at all times. There are plenty of options to choose so we've highlighted some of the best Google Pixel 7 cases below.

Front right-angle view of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5

Best external monitors for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 in 2022

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is a laptop prime for multi-tasking, and having an extra screen (or two) makes it that much easier to do so.

4
By

Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is one of the most powerful ThinkPads you can buy without going for a full-blown mobile workstation. It comes with 45W Intel processors up to a Core i9-12950H, and it has Nvidia graphics up to a GeForce RTX 3080 Ti for the most demanding tasks. This also makes the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 a fantastic laptop to power an office setup with multiple monitors — and if you're looking for an external monitor to use with it, we're here to help.

Best external monitors for the Surface Pro 9 in 2022

The Surface Pro 9 already has a great display, but if you want some extra screen real estate, these external monitors can be a big help.

4
By

The Surface Pro 9 is Microsoft's latest and greatest Windows tablet, packing 12th-generation Intel Core processors, some beautiful new colors, and the same stunning 13-inch display as its predecessor. But as great as that display looks, it does have a downside: It's fairly small, and sometimes, you want to be more productive. If you're using the Surface Pro 9 at your office desk, you might want to plug in some external monitors to expand your workspace, and we've rounded up a few great options for you.

Best convertible laptops featured image XDA

Best convertible laptops in 2022

Looking for the best convertible laptops? Here are some of the best options on the market that we receommend.

4
By

When buying a laptop, there are a few form factors you can choose from. You can buy a typical clamshell laptop if you just want the basics, or go with a tablet and a detachable keyboard if portability is your number one priority. But then there's the best form factor a PC can have - personally speaking, at least - the convertible. Convertible PCs give you the versatility of a tablet while also having the convenience of a keyboard permanently available, plus they can usually afford to be more powerful than a typical tablet.

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro 2021

What's the difference between the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air?

Wondering if you should get a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro but you're not sure what the differences are? Here's what you need to know.

4
By

Back in 2020, Apple introduced its M1 chip, and it debuted inside the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini. These quickly became some of the best Macs you can buy. The Cupertino tech giant then released new MacBook Pro 2021 models, powered by the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. These new Macs not only come with upgraded chips, but they also include a chassis redesign that reintroduces the MagSafe charger and other ports. They're available as 14- and 16-inch variants, and both come with thinner bezels and notched displays. In 2022, the company revealed the M2 chip and introduced it in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Seeing as the 13-inch MacBook Pro and Air are now powered by the same processor, you might think these two devices are almost exactly the same. However, there are some key differences between the Apple M2-powered MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. And there are even more differences when comparing them to the other Air and Pro models available.

Best reading apps for the Apple Mac in 2022

Macs are great devices to do your readings on. They're fast, clear, and have solid battery lives. Here are the best reading apps available for Mac.

4
By

Apple revealed some powerful Macs during its "Unleashed" virtual event in 2021. If you have bought the mighty MacBook Pro 2021, it's important to keep it protected by using a case. That's to ensure that it lasts as long as possible and stays in a mint condition. Regardless of the model you have, though, Apple computers are great devices to do your readings on. They have crisp clear displays, long battery lives, and simple user interfaces. Here are the best reading apps for Mac.

Angled view of Surface Laptop 5

Best cases and sleeves for the Surface Laptop 5 in 2022

The Surface Laptop 5 is an expensive laptop, and these cases and sleeves are great ways to keep it safe if you want to protect your investment.

4
By

The Surface Laptop 5 is the latest in Microsoft's lineup of top-tier laptops, and it comes with the same premium design and high-end specs we've come to expect from the series. But it also comes with a price tag that's a little high for many of us, and that means keeping it safe is probably a priority. After all, you don't want all that investment to go to waste after a single drop. That's why we've rounded up some of the best cases and sleeves you can buy for the Surface Laptop 5.

Galaxy S22 Plus screen protectors

Best Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus screen protectors in 2022

We have quite a few options, ranging from affordable TPU screen protectors to premium matte finish tempered glass options.

4
By

Got yourself a shiny new Galaxy S22 Plus during the Black Friday or Cyber Monday sale? Great choice! Now it's time for you to order a screen protector to keep its awesome display free of micro-scratches and dings. Amazon is chock full of screen protectors for the Galaxy S22 Plus, but if you don't want to go through the trouble of finding the one that fits your needs, we've got you covered. The following Galaxy S22 Plus screen protectors are among the best you can buy right now, and they cover a variety of price points and use cases.

vpn on macOS

These are the best VPN apps available for your Apple Mac

VPN apps help keep your online identity anonymous and access regionally blocked websites. Here are the best VPN apps for your Apple Mac.

4
By

Apple revealed powerful Macs during its "Unleashed" virtual event in late 2021. If you have bought the MacBook Pro 2021, it's important to keep it protected by using a case. That's to dodge potential damages and make it last longer. Regardless of the Mac model you have, though, VPN apps offer protection when it comes to your digital identity and fingerprint. When using a Virtual Private Network, tracking and profiling you becomes harder. Additionally, you can access regionally blocked websites. Here is a list of the best VPN apps available for your Mac.

HP Envy x360 13 in tent mode, seen at a left-side angle with the screen directly facing the sun. THe laptop is standing on a wooden table.

Best HP Envy x360 (2022) accessories in 2022

From monitors to docks, mice, and more, here are a few products that can boost your experience with HP's most affordable 2-in-1 yet.

4
By

The HP Envy x360 (2022) is a solid 2-in-1 for under $1,000, so that means you'll have some extra money to spend on accessories. Perhaps you want to add a second screen to your setup to go beyond the expansive 16:10 aspect ratio display on the device and boost your multitasking. Or maybe you need a case to take your new HP Envy x360 (2022) with you on the go?

The best SSDs you can buy in 2022

Best solid-state drives (SSDs) 2022

From 2.5-inch SATA drives to more advanced M.2 NVMe drives, these are the best SSDs you can buy right now.

4
4
By and

The best solid-state drives (SSDs) have evolved a lot over the years, and you can now reliably find great storage with more capacity, faster transfer speeds, and lower prices. SSDs are available in a bunch of different shapes and sizes, and they use different technology to communicate with your PC. This can make buying the right drive a bit of a challenge. Whether you're shopping for PCIe 4.0, PCIe 3.0, M.2, SATA, or something portable that you can carry around with you, we've put together this collection of the best SSD storage you can buy today.

Best Chromebooks you can buy right now

Best Chromebooks in 2022

Looking for a new Chromebook? These are the best Chromebooks that money can buy currently, regardless of what you need one for.

4
By

If you're looking to buy a new computer for school, work, or personal use, then a Chromebook is a great option. Chromebooks now come in all shapes and sizes and are solid alternatives to some of the best Windows laptops and MacBooks. There are a ton of ChromeOS tablets, convertibles, and even 2-in-1s. In some cases, these Chromebooks might even be cheaper in price, too.

Google Pixel Watch watch face

Does the Google Pixel Watch support 5G? Does it accept eSIM?

Cellular connectivity allows Pixel Watch users to stream music, receive notifications, and make calls without their phones.

4
By

The Pixel Watch marks Google's official entry into the smartwatch market. It runs the latest version of Wear OS out of the box and comes loaded with many fitness features, including continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, automatic workout detection, and so on. Similar to the Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch 5, the Pixel Watch comes in two variants: a Bluetooth/Wi-Fi only model and the cellular model. The Bluetooth-only model needs to be connected to your smartphone all the time to receive notifications, calls, and stream music. On the other hand, the cellular model can do all of these without needing your phone. If you decide to opt for the Pixel Watch cellular model, you might have a few questions, such as does it support 5G? Or do you need to insert a physical SIM card?