PutterBall is a travel-friendly version of mini golf that you can easily set up in someone’s backyard or in a park.
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Outdoor games are a great way to gather in your backyard for some fun.
We rounded up the best outdoor games for all ages to play.
From spikeball to flag football, there are tons of outdoor games to play with friends and family.
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Although summer is officially over, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors. Barbecues and family gatherings are great opportunities to bond over a variety of outdoor activities to play with each other.
Whether you’re in your own backyard or on a day trip to the beach, we’ve rounded up 25 of the best outdoor games, from badminton and bocce to mini-golf and giant Jenga.
If you want the mini-golf experience in the comfort of your own home, PutterBall is the way to go. The felt-lined mat, along with two putters, four golf balls, and six turf hole covers, make it a game that’s also portable to bring to a friend’s backyard or a nearby park.
At New Gild Jewelers, we know that the wedding rings you exchange on one of the most special days of your life need to be perfect. Perfect means different things to different people, and that’s why we offer such personal, custom jewelry services.
From the couple seeking simple, matching bands to couples seeking elaborate, hand carved wedding rings–we’ve got you covered. When you visit our jewelry studio, located in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis, MN, we will help you decide things like how much you want your rings to match, how your lifestyle will affect the materials we choose, what your budget is and how to meet it. This is your chance to design as a couple and work together on something intimate and lasting! We love getting to know you, and your time here will be fun–guaranteed. Your wedding rings will be sacred and personal, and we work until you love them.
At New Gild Jewelers, we know that the wedding rings you exchange on one of the most special days of your life need to be perfect. Perfect means different things to different people, and that’s why we offer such personal, custom jewelry services.
From the couple seeking simple, matching bands to couples seeking elaborate, hand carved wedding rings–we’ve got you covered. When you visit our jewelry studio, located in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis, MN, we will help you decide things like how much you want your rings to match, how your lifestyle will affect the materials we choose, what your budget is and how to meet it. This is your chance to design as a couple and work together on something intimate and lasting! We love getting to know you, and your time here will be fun–guaranteed. Your wedding rings will be sacred and personal, and we work until you love them.
Establishing your company in the real as well as the virtual world is an essential step towards success. While websites, profiles in social media, and mobile apps help to conquer the internet, in the real world things are less simple and straightforward. Still you are blessed with a wide selection of choices. You can go for press/television advertisements or various public campaigns, but before that you should take care of creating a corporate identity design that will clearly and attractively stand for what you are standing for. Logotype, tagline and coloring will form your brand in users’ minds. To achieve this, printed material is simply irreplaceable. And that’s where we want to help you with today. Get inspired by our 30 free stationery mockup templates in PSD format…
We have already supplied you with professionally crafted business card mockups which also are integral elements of any corporate identity. Now let’s replenish your toolkit with some other essentials.
An ultimate identity mockup features a dozens of stationery items including business cards, envelopes, folders, memory books, pens, buttons, stickers, letterheads in various formats, and other complementary objects that fit into the intended composition.
However, not every component should receive a place in your identity design, sometimes only a few will be more than sufficient to help you make your mark and achieve the desired result. You have the right to choose and create any combination you like and need. We, in our turn, have provided you with various naturally combined options that let you envision your brand more clearly.
Mastering eye makeup application can be tricky no matter what your eye shape. However, not knowing what your eye shape is can make it even more difficult. For example, someone with hooded eyes may not apply eyeliner the same way as someone with almond-shaped eyes because of the natural folds in their lids. Every eye shape requires different techniques to enhance the look of their eyes.
To help make things a little bit easier, we came up with tutorials to help you determine how to apply eye makeup. Each three-step tutorial features a basic look, but you can swap in darker shadows, add fake lashes, or layer on mascara for a more dramatic and party-ready style. Once you master these, you’ll be set for the holidays—and every day.
How to determine your eye shape
Before learning the best techniques for your eye shape, you need to know how to determine your eye shape. Melissa Hurkman, a celebrity makeup artist, says you need to look straight into a mirror at eye level to figure this out.
“When looking straight ahead, if you don’t see a crease at all between your eyelash line and brow, this is considered a monolid,” she says. “If there is a crease and it’s covering a bit of your eyelid near your lash line, this is considered a hooded eye.”
To determine whether you have downturned or upturned eyes, she recommends envisioning an invisible straight line that connects the pupils. “Notice where the end of your eye is in comparison to the “line” connected to your pupil.” Is the line at the same angle and level of your pupil, or is it lower?
“If the corners of your eyes are higher than the pupil line, you have upturned eyes,” Hurkman explains. “If you have the corners connected to the pupil line, you have almond eyes, and if you have eyes that are below the pupil line, you have a downturned eye shape.”
CREDIT: PHOTOGRAPHS: RYAN PFLUGER, ILLUSTRATIONS: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
How to apply makeup on monolids/hooded eyes
This eye shape is known for having little to no visible crease. Monolids have more lid space, while hooded shapes have less space, but a more pronounced browbone.
Step 1: Sweep a light shadow across the lid as a base.
“For monolids, my best advice is to do your eyeshadow while your eyes are open looking straight ahead,” says Hurkman. “This will show you where your crease should be starting and stopping, and it will also help with blending.”
Step 2: Apply a shimmery medium shade from the lash line up to the middle of the lid, where the crease would be.
“To make your eyes appear larger and more open, use concealer to cut the crease slightly above your natural crease,” recommends Cara Lovello, a celebrity makeup artist. Do this before applying the shimmery shade.
Step 3: Define the upper lash line with a dark pencil.
Using a shadow in a similar shade, you can go over the pencil and blend upwards. Hurkman says when applying eyeliner on mono or hooded eyes, especially a wing liner, make sure you’re looking straight ahead into the mirror to help you see where the line will sit. “Start the end of the wing with your eyes opened and start small over your actual eyelid,” she says.
CREDIT: PHOTOGRAPHS: RYAN PFLUGER, ILLUSTRATIONS: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
How to apply makeup on downturned eyes
If you’re in this category, the outer corners of your eyes droop slightly. It can be subtle or more noticeable.
Step 1: Apply a pearly shade across the lid.
Concentrate on the brow bone as this pulls the attention upwards.
Step 2: Sweep a medium matte shade onto the lash line.
Then, using a lighter matte shade, tap color onto the outer corner of the crease and blend.
Step 3: Starting at the inner corner, swipe on a dark liner.
Extend the line passed the outer corner, flicking the line up and out at the end. You can also try the floating eyeliner method. “This is a technique where you have a small gap between the outer corner of your eye and where your eyeliner wing starts,” says Hurkman. “This gives the illusion of lifted eyes.”
That said, if you want to emphasize and complement the downturned eye shape with your liner, let the eyeliner follow the natural shape of your eye, rounding around to the lower lash line, and smoke that out with a pencil eyeshadow brush, says Hurkman. “This will emphasize the ends of your eyes and will add a little bit of drama.”
CREDIT: PHOTOGRAPHS: RYAN PFLUGER, ILLUSTRATIONS: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
How to apply makeup on almond eyes
The most common of the bunch, almond eyes are elongated, with slightly upswept outer corners.
Step 1: Sweep on a light shadow from lash line to brow bone.
Step 2: To add dimension, apply a medium shade along the upper lash line.
Subtly intensify the color at the outer corners for more drama.
Step 3: Finish by tight lining the upper and lower lash lines with a dark eyeliner.
CREDIT: PHOTOGRAPHS: RYAN PFLUGER, ILLUSTRATIONS: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
How to apply makeup on rounded eyes
Ever been told you have big eyes? This is your shape. With more white space around the pupils, you don’t need much makeup to look awake.
Step 1: Dust the entire lid with a nude shadow.
This will neutralize any shadows or redness.
Step 2: Using a liquid liner, draw a thin line as close to the lashes as possible.
Repeat on the bottom, if desired. If you want to enlongate the shape of your eyes, Lovello says to start your liner on the outer third part of the eyelid, instead of taking the wing across the whole eyelid.
Step 3: Gently drag a flesh-tone pencil across the waterline.
That’s the fleshy part of the lower lid that sits between the lashes and the eye. This exaggerates the whites of your eyes and makes them appear brighter.By Jenny Jin and Genesis Rivas
While you may think eye makeup application is a bit of a no-brainer, did you know that changing your technique based on your eye shape can make a world of difference? Just like jeans meant for your body type can offer a more flattering look, the same is true when it comes to coordinating your eye makeup with your eye shape. Sure, you could layer on eye shadow and eyeliner in the most obvious way, but when you know your eye shape and apply accordingly, they’ll pop like never before. Sounds pretty eye-catching, right? To help you perk up your peepers for their best look yet, we’ve created this super-comprehensive guide—soon enough you’ll know your eye shape and how to accent it like a pro!
HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR EYE SHAPE
Before you switch up your eye makeup technique, you’ll need to determine which eye shape you have. How you apply makeup to almond-shaped eyes might differ from how you apply makeup to downturned eyes. Not sure which eye shape you have? Consult the list below.
Almond eyes. Think: oval-shaped eyes with slightly upturned outer corners that look like—you guessed it—almonds. Known for being super-symmetrical, you can think of almond eyes as the universal shape that pairs well with just about everything.
Round eyes. Look in the mirror. What do you see? If you can see your whole iris without any of it being covered up by your top lid then say hello to your big, beautiful round eyes.
Upturned eyes. These are almond eyes with a twist. Instead of having slightly upturned corners, upturned eyes take it up a notch for a more noticeable angle, which makes the lower lid appear larger than the upper.
Downturned eyes. These are the opposite of upturned eyes—meaning the corners drop down for an upper lid that appears larger than the lower.
Monolid eyes. Just think of these as creaseless beauties.
Hooded eyes. Ever wondered why you can’t fully see your crease? When you have hooded eyes, the skin extending from your brow bone sags just a tad to conceal your crease.
Now that you have a better idea of your eye shape, it’s time to learn what you can do to really enhance them. Grab your favorite liquid liner and eye shadow palette and follow along!
THE BEST EYE SHADOW TECHNIQUE FOR YOUR EYE SHAPE
Eye makeup is huge right now and there’s never been a better time to play around with your makeup and enhance the most captivating feature on your face. There’s nothing quite like the right eye shadow technique and a little lid contouring to really accentuate and flatter your eye shape. See below for tips on applying eye shadow to each eye shape, then get to work on highlighting your beautiful eyes!
THE BEST EYE SHADOW FOR ALMOND EYES
You’re one lucky woman! With your slightly lifted, super-symmetrical eyes, just about any shade and style will look fabulous. Don’t know where to start? Try a classic nude smoky eye that uses a medium matte brown on your lid paired with a slightly darker shade blended into your crease. Use the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Quads in Cupa Joe to bring this look to life. When fully blended, this look will open up your eyes and accentuate your almond shape.
THE BEST EYE SHADOW FOR ROUND EYES
Contouring your peepers it the key to creating a stunning, defined end look. All you have to do is apply a medium to dark shade over the center of your lid, followed by highlighting your inner and outer corners with a lighter shade. This will draw attention to the center of your eye for an ultra-flattering look. Use the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Quads in Army Brat to put a colorful twist on an otherwise simple look.
THE BEST EYE SHADOW FOR UPTURNED EYES
Complement your upturned eyes with the help of a little dark shadow or liner placed on the outer corner of your lower lash line. Next, apply a medium-toned shadow on your lid before topping things off with a subtle highlight on your brow bone—all using the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Boudoir Charme. Just don’t be too heavy-handed with your highlight, as you want it to have the same (subtle) effect that light bouncing off your skin naturally creates.
THE BEST EYE SHADOW FOR DOWNTURNED EYES
There are two things to keep in mind if you have downturned eyes: First, don’t blend eye shadow too far above the crease because it can look a tad messy on your eye shape. Second, the best way to perk up downturned eyes is to shade them with natural colors that brighten and open the eyes.
THE BEST EYE SHADOW FOR MONOLID EYES
A great way to add dimension to your eyes is to apply a gradient effect on your lids. Start with darker colors near your lash line and gradually work upward into a more shimmery tone under the brow. The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude has ten shades in three different finishes so you have a variety of options for creating that ombré effect. Just remember to blend between color transitions!
THE BEST EYE SHADOW FOR HOODED EYES
Don’t assume your eye shape rules out any eye makeup looks! You just have to get a little creative. To trick your eyes into looking like they have more lid space to work with, all you have to do is keep your brows well maintained and carry your eye shadow all the way up to your brow bone.
THE BEST EYELINER TECHNIQUE FOR YOUR EYE SHAPE
Whether you want to wear it alone or layered with eye shadow, the right eyeliner technique—aka one that’s tailored to your eye shape—is a fabulous final touch for flattering your gaze. So, before you go ahead and line your lids with no rhyme or reason, take a peek at which liner technique is best suited for your eye shape.
THE BEST EYELINER FOR ALMOND EYES
By now you know that your eye shape can pair well with various looks across the board. But, if you want to really accentuate your shape, look no further than a classic cat eye or wing-tip. Starting thinner towards the inner corner and gradually getting thicker towards the outer corner of your eye, this liner technique helps highlight your gorgeously upturned shape. Use the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise™ Liquid Eyeliner in Black to create the look.
THE BEST EYELINER FOR ROUND EYES
The key to applying eyeliner to make your eyes pop is to emphasize the outer corners with winged eyeliner that extends past the eyelid. We recommend starting your line at the highest peak of your eye and working your way outwards to balance your rounded features. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Eyeliner in Black Party to create your sharpest wing before sweeping on a coat of mascara.
THE BEST EYELINER FOR UPTURNED EYES
Upturned eyes look best when the upper lid is exaggerated with eyeliner. Wonder which specific technique to employ for a gorgeous gaze? We have two options for you! Try a smudged eyeliner look if you want to lengthen your upper lid or opt for a little nude liner along your lash line and inner corners to give the appearance of big, bright eyes. Try using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Nude.
THE BEST EYELINER FOR DOWNTURNED EYES
Add a little 45-degree flick at the end of your lash line if you’re going for a lifted look. If you want to rock something a little less dramatic than a cat eye, use a smudge brush to lightly blend out a thin line that adds just enough definition to your upper and lower lash lines.
Eyeliner for hooded eyes can be a little tricky, due to the way your upper lid droops over your crease. To avoid any unwanted smudges or transfer, be sure to keep your eyes open when you line them. This is especially important when trying to achieve a thick, bold wing (the most complementary liner for your shape). If you close your eye to create the wing, there’s a good chance that when you open your eye, the tail end will be hidden in the fold. Don’t want to deal with that headache? No worries! Just trace close to your bottom lash line starting around the middle of your eye for upside down definition that looks positively radiant on hooded eyes.
Phew—that was a lot! To recap, understanding your eye shape can open up a world of possibilities when it comes to applying your makeup. Whether you have almond eyes, hooded eyes, or anything in between, there’s a technique out there that will seriously help flatter your eyes! Next, let us fill you in on The Best Makeup Colors for Every Skin Tone.
Three gaming keyboards on a gray background with the PC Gamer Recommended sticker on the top right corner. (Image credit: Future)
The best gaming keyboard can have a remarkable impact on how you game. Pick a responsive, reliable, and possibly RGB-plastered board and you’ll enjoy your PC time that bit more too. Throw in some funky media controls, volume wheels, keycaps, dazzling lighting options, and sometimes even replacement switches, and your fingers are in for a serious treat. Aside from your gaming mouse, you’ll interact with your gaming keyboard more than any other piece of hardware on your desk, so it pays to get it right.
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all gaming keyboard because preferences vary from gamer to gamer. The number of options you have these days for gaming keyboards can feel overwhelming. Even keyboard switches come in all colors and types, which means you might want to read up on the best mechanical keyboard switches before heading to checkout.
The next question is whether you go for a 60% board or tenkeyless (TKL) offering to save precious desk space or go for a full-sized keyboard packed with media controls? Are you more a Cherry Red or for Razer Green type of person when it comes to switches? If you’re still confused or just unsure what you want, we can help determine what keyboard style is right for you.
Below we’ve picked out the best gaming keyboards to accommodate most gamers’ particular needs and wants. We also tested out the best cheap gaming keyboards that won’t upset your bank account if these choices are a bit out of your price range.
Best gaming keyboard deals ahead of the holidays
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum | Cherry MX Speed | RGB LED Backlit | $199.99 $148 at Amazon (save $51.99) The Corsair K100 may be the new king on the hill, but the usurped K95 is still an incredible board and one that will serve you for years flawlessly. You’ll find everything you want here, and plenty more that you didn’t realize you needed as well. A truly awesome keyboard.VIEW DEAL
Logitech G915 wireless mechanical gaming keyboard | Tactile | Black | $249.99$199.99 at Amazon (save $50) Our main problem with this keyboard is the price, so this deal is a welcome one. It’s still not exactly cheap, but you’ll feel the benefit for years to come as you WASD through virtual worlds with greater comfort and control.VIEW DEAL
EVGA Z20 | Optical Mechanical linear switch | 4K Hz polling rate | Per-key RGB lighting | $174.99 $64.99 at Newegg (save $110) This EVGA keyboard is a bit of a steal at that price, as it’s one of the more recent arrivals from the company and fully mechanical. That said, it has tracked at this price for a few months on Amazon, but that doesn’t make it any less of a deal today if you’re in the market.VIEW DEAL
+Responsive optical switches+All the RGB, all the time+Premium build quality
REASONS TO AVOID
-Lots of software
When you want to go the extra mile and upgrade to the absolute best of the best, it’s hard to find a more premium option than the Corsair K100 RGB. Be warned, though; this is a big keyboard: its enormous footprint still requires some desk clearing before it can be nested comfortably. But feature-wise, the K100 RGB’s got it all. Dedicated media controls and a USB pass-through, a metal volume wheel, RGB lighting. Speaking of RGB, there is an aggressive amount of RGB in this keyboard.
During our tests, we noted excellent key responses, a decent spread of keys for most hand sizes, a satisfying tactile click to each press, and wonderfully dimpled keys to help you rest your fingers when you’re not actually pressing down. While this all seems quite obvious, it shows that the K100 RGB nails the basics, as well as including the fancy extras, and that’s why it’s top of the list.
All things to all people, that’s almost what the Mountain Everest Max gaming keyboard represents. And it’s one of my favorite designs since it first landed on my desk. I don’t always need the numpad on a full-size keyboard, but it certainly comes in handy sometimes during the workday. When I’m gaming though, all I want is a compact TKL board to get my mouse and keyboard hands closer together and give me more desktop real estate to fling around my rodent.
That’s what the Everest Max offers; the flexibility to have your TKL cake and eat your numpad. Use your numpad. Whatever. Basically, the magnetically attaching numpad module can be attached to either side of the base mechanical TKL board and is completely hot-swappable.
The admittedly costly $270 (£230) complete Everest Max kit also comes with a plush magnetic wrist rest, a media module with discrete controls, and an LCD screen.
It’s also a board for the keyboard enthusiast, with a base that allows you to pull out switches at will and replace them as easily as just pushing them in. You can also go for the barebones board, picking your own switches and keycaps from the start to create a truly custom option.
My only reservations with the Everest Max are its high price and the initial immaturity I experienced with its config software. That’s been ironed out now for the most part, and I’m still using my sample on a day-to-day basis as it totally suits how I game and work on my PC.
Interface: Wired USBKeyboard backlighting: Per-key RGBProgrammable keys: AllFeatures: Per key RGB lighting, supports Windows 7+ and OSX 10.8+TODAY’S BEST DEALSVIEW AT GAMESTOP
-Membrane doesn’t live up to mechanicalAdvertisement
If even mecha-membrane keys don’t suit you, and you demand a full membrane typing/gaming experience, the Razer Cynosa is the deck for you. I know there are people out there who prefer the soft embrace of a pure membrane switch, and that’s fine—each to their own.
The Cynosa has some of the best feeling, low profile membrane keys I’ve ever tested, and at a retail price of $60, it is one of the most affordable gaming keyboards out there (well, past a certain threshold of quality). While it may lack some of the features several gaming boards pack in, stuff like a dedicated wrist rest or media controls, it does boast Razer’s extensive RGB lighting, which can be programmed on a per-key basis or applied by zones.
It’s a solid, no-frills, nice-looking keyboard that’s the best membrane option of a huge range that I’ve tested. There is a step-up version of the Cynosa available. Still, for $20 extra, the only real addition is under-glow RGB, so unless that kind of ‘ground effects’ package is massively appealing to you, I recommend you save your cash and invest in the base model.
There is a trend towards $200+ gaming keyboards in the market at the moment, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t quality mechanical switch boards available at a more reasonable price. Often you’ll find these more budget oriented options offering cheap switches from other manufacturers, but the G.Skill KM360 comes featuring the classic Cherry MX Red linear switch out of the gate.
If you can’t cope with your gaming board not lit up like a rainbow then you may be disappointed with the single-colour option, but damn, the white LEDs on this G.Skill board are the brightest I’ve ever seen. Normally I like to keep at max brightness all day long, but the KM360 would burn out my retina if I did.
This TKL board is basic, but what it does, it does very well. It’s solid, well-built, reliable, and looks pretty decent too. There’s no wrist rest, no passthrough, or media controls, but I’ll happily give it a pass in favour of affordable functionality.
(Image credit: Logitech)
5. Logitech G915 Lightspeed
The best wireless gaming keyboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Switch: Logitech GL low profileSize: Full sizeBacklights: RGB LEDPassthroughs: NoneMedia Controls: DedicatedWristrest: NoneTODAY’S BEST DEALS
If you’ve got your heart set on a wireless keyboard, then the Logitech G915 is a great example of the genre. You’ll be required to spend that little bit more for wireless functionality than what we tend to see for wired mechanical keyboards with similar features—the Logitech G915 is $250 (£210). There’s a slightly cheaper TKL version, but not so much so that we’d instantly recommend it over the full-size model.
What you get for that significant cash investment is a sleek and sturdy board plated in brush aluminum. There are some smart media controls in the upper right-hand corner of the board, including a lovely volume wheel, and there’s a handful of macro keys down the left side of the keyboard. These can be programmed to whatever you see fit on a per-app or per-game basis within the Logitech G software.
Beneath that stylish exterior lies fantastically responsive Kailh-made GL key switches. You can pick from linear, tactile, or clicky, and we recommend the latter if you really want to make a racket.
It packs in all this without a massive overall footprint, too, coming in as one of the sleeker boards of the lot today. The wired Cherry MX 10.0 has it beat there, though, for better or worse.
Switch: Cherry MX Blue, Brown, RedSize: Full sizeBacklights: RedPassthroughs: USBMedia Controls: DedicatedWristrest: DetachableTODAY’S BEST DEALSCHECK AMAZON
REASONS TO BUY
+Great feature set+Relatively affordable+Excellent range of Cherry MX switches
REASONS TO AVOID
-No extra keycaps or wrist restAdvertisement
For a board that can be illuminated in up to 16.9 million colors, the HyperX Alloy Elite sports a relatively simple aesthetic while still packing the features we expect out of a quality gaming keyboard. It comes in your choice of Cherry MX Brown, Blue, and Red. What it lacks in a dedicated macro column, it makes up for with its reasonable price and quality, durable design.
The HyperX Alloy Elite RGB leaves no feature box unchecked. It’s equipped with dedicated media controls, a USB passthrough, a detachable wrist-rest, and full RGB backlighting. It also includes an extra set of silver keycaps for WASD and the first four number keys to up its aesthetics. The board supports full N-key rollover, meaning you never have to worry about key presses not registering.
The new HyperX Alloy Elite 2 has now been launched, featuring some gorgeous ABS pudding keycaps, but it only seems to be available on the HyperX website right now. It is damned pretty, but you don’t get the wrist rest… you win some, you lose some.
+Split keyboard and unique layout to reduce strain+Optional lift kit and wrist rests to improve ergonomics+Extremely customizable
REASONS TO AVOID
-Learning curve on hand positioningAdvertisement
The original Freestyle Edge from Kinesis was one of the best split ergonomic keyboards on the market. This upgraded RGB model improves on the original in several ways. It retains the split design, allowing you to set the deck’s two halves at shoulder width and reduce back neck and shoulder strain. The gap also lets you drop a flight stick or HOTAS in between them for space sims or leave your controller within easy reach when you’re typing in text chat or messengers between sessions.
The Freestyle Edge RGB is also customizable, with onboard storage for up to nine user profiles, ten dedicated macro keys on the left half, and the ability to customize every key individually (including the entire layer you access by pushing the Fn key). It’s fully programmable without the use of any additional software, though it can also be customized through Kinesis’ Smartest software for an even more granular experience. Image 1 of 1
Switch: Razer Opto-mechanicalSize: Full sizeBacklights: 16.8 million color RGBPassthroughs: NoMedia Controls: DedicatedWristrest: Detachable magneticTODAY’S BEST DEALS
+Opto-mechanical keys+Beautiful, fully lit, durable full sized board+Dedicated media controls
REASONS TO AVOID
-No USB passthrough or macro keysAdvertisement
The Huntsman family of Razer keyboards is the only place in the world to find their optomechanical switch, and it’s one of the best (and most technologically interesting) switches on the market. The optomechanical build eschews traditional metal contacts and instead actuates by a beam of light that fires through the switch when the key is depressed, meaning actuation is almost instantaneous.
The other major advantage of removing all the relatively frail, slender metal contacts from the switch is that they’re rated as twice as durable as standard mechanical switches, up to 100 million keystrokes. They’re tactile switches that actuate at 1.5 mm and 45g of force, meaning they’re ridiculously easy to spam but still provide tactile feedback. They’re also great for typing for much the same reason.
The rest of the Elite is well designed, too, with a comfy detachable magnetic wrist rest, a full suite of dedicated media controls, and a multi-function dial that can be used for anything from altering your PC’s volume to scrolling through lighting suites for the 16.8 million RGB color options. It also features some handy storage on the keyboard, so you can easily save your preferences to a profile that will travel with you if you move it to a different machine. It’s an excellent, fully-featured keyboard with some truly fantastic switches, though you’ll pay a premium for the privilege of using them.
Switch: Omnipoint AdjustableSize: Full sizeBacklights: 16.8 million color RGBPassthroughs: Single USBMedia Controls: Dedicated via OLEDWristrest: Detachable magneticTODAY’S BEST DEALSVIEW AT MICROSOFT USView at Conrad ElectronicCheck Amazon
REASONS TO BUY
+Per key actuation allows for incredible customization+Robust feature set+Attractive, minimalist deck with full RGB
REASONS TO AVOID
-No macro keys or wrist restAdvertisement
The Apex Pro may be built around one headline feature (its ability to set the actuation point for every key individually). Still, it’s also an excellent, competitive gaming keyboard, even without that groundbreaking customization. That said, adjusting the actuation point on a key-by-key basis is an incredible boon, particularly for anyone that splits their time between typing and gaming.
If you struggle to decide between a linear and tactile switch, the Apex Pro offers you a hybrid that can satisfy both needs in the same model. Set a deeper actuation for typing or higher when you need to spam keys in a MOBA or MMO. Or, if you find you’re frequently nailing a particular key by accident and blowing your cooldown, you can set it individually to require that you bottom out, so you’ll really need to push it with intention.
The Apex Pro also features a novel OLED display in the upper right-hand corner of the board, which lets you alter the actuation (though only across the entire board uniformly; the per-key settings require the SteelSeries Engine software), handle media controls, or even display a tiny animated gif. While it’s more gimmick than a necessity, it does let you alter some key settings without having to dig deep into a separate software suite. And the low profile of the chassis with the heightened keycaps contributes to a beautiful aesthetic, with little to no wasted space around the board’s edges.
Gaming keyboard Q&A
What is the big deal with mechanical switches?
We can talk for hours about the feel of mechanical switches versus membrane switches, but ultimately that’s a personal choice. What makes mechanical switches objectively superior, however, is their far extended life span. They can take far more punishment and keep responding long after a membrane switch has collapsed in on itself.
What is the most important thing to look for in a mechanical gaming keyboard?
The switch type is arguably the most important choice to make when picking your new gaming keyboard. Cherry mechanical switches are the most common and most recognizable, but there are a host of alternatives on offer, as well a bunch of upmarket, specialist switches to choose from.
Are dedicated media controls a deal-breaker?
Only you can make that call, but we would suggest that at least having the option to toggle the top row between function and media controls would be our choice. Having a discrete volume wheel can be super useful, however.
What size of keyboard do I need?
Keyboard size is absolutely a defining factor. Full-sized keyboards tend to offer the most features and a Numpad, but if you don’t have space, then all of those extras you paid for will be useless. Tenkeyless boards (the ones with no number pad) and compact keyboards can be a great option, too, if you don’t care about all the extra bells and whistles or you don’t have any use for alt codes (how barbaric!).
Jargon buster – keyboard terminology
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Actuation Point
The height to which a key needs to be pressed before it actuates and sends an input signal to a device.
Clicky
A switch that delivers an audible click every time it’s pressed, generally right around the point of actuation.
Debounce
A technique to ensure that only one input registers every time a key is pressed.
Housing
The shell that surrounds the internal components of a switch.
Hysteresis
The result of the actuation point and reset point in a switch being misaligned. This generally means a key needs to be lifted off further than normal before it can be actuated again.
Linear
A switch that moves directly up and down, generally delivering smooth keystrokes without noise or tactile feedback.
Mechanical Keyboard
A keyboard built around individual switches for each key rather than a membrane sheath mounted on a PCB.
Membrane Keyboard
A keyboard on which all the keycaps are mounted on a membrane sheath; when a key is pressed, a rubber dome depresses and pushes against the sheath and PCB beneath, actuating the key.
Stem
The component of a switch on which the keycaps are mounted on a mechanical keyboard.
Switch
The physical component of a mechanical keyboard beneath the keycaps on a mechanical keyboard. The switch determines how a key is actuated, whether or not it provides audible or tactile feedback with each press, and more.
Optical switch
This is a type of mechanical switch which instead of a physical metal contact switch uses light to measure when actuation takes place. These can be more configurable too, allowing for not just off and on states, but more analog designs, and even dual actions for a single key depending on how far the switch is pressed down.Advertisement
Choosing the best professional camera for you will depend on the type of photography you do. If you’re a sports or news photographer you’ll need a camera with accurate autofocus and a fast continuous burst mode so that you can capture all the action. Fashion and commercial photographers will want to steer more towards cameras with lots of megapixels so that images can be cropped and printed large scale.
This means that finding the right camera for you will depend entirely on what you need out of your kit. Meanwhile, if you’re a videographer (or you regularly shoot video for your work), then you’ll be looking for a whole other set of features, with uncropped capture, codecs and frame rates becoming far more important than autofocus modes and sensor size. If you’re primarily a videographer, then you may want to check out our dedicated Best 4K cameras for video guide, or check out the best cameras for vlogging. Serious filmmakers may be best off looking at our guide to best cinema cameras.
However, it’s worth noting that, with video becoming a major focus among camera manufacturers, there are some fantastic professional cameras that offer a great selection of both photo and video features at the moment. The Sony A1 features 30fps continuous shooting, a 50.1MP sensor and 8K video. Meanwhile, the upcoming Canon EOS R3 is set to have a 30fps burst mode and the ability to control the autofocus with your eyes (yes, really!).RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU…5 essential apps for photographershttps://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.494.0_en.html#goog_21248414810 seconds of 1 minute, 48 secondsVolume 0% PLAY SOUND
Plus, the medium format camera market is only becoming more competitive. The release of the compact and relatively affordable Fujifilm GFX 100s definitely turned a few heads, making medium format a little more accessible. While you could never call medium format cameras ‘cheap’, the Hasselblad 907X 50C joins the GFX 100s in featuring a more affordable price tag. Don’t worry though, there are still plenty of eye–wateringly expensive models, including the brilliant Phase One XT.
To help you find the best professional camera for your purposes, we’ve divided this guide into six different brands. After all, when you purchase a camera, you’re also buying into the entire lens ecosystem – so, you want to make sure that the camera has the glass you’ll need.
No matter whether you’ve got a budget of $1,000 or $10,000, we’ve gathered the best professional cameras right here.
Best professional camera in 2022
CANON
Canon offers a large range of professional lenses and produces some of the most highly-regarded pro cameras. The best Canon cameras have traditionally been known its DSLRs, especially in professional circles, but it’s shifting its attention wholesale to its new mirrorless EOS R system, and the original EOS R and beginner-orientated EOS RP were just the opening salvo – the EOS R5 is the camera that’s caught our attention, and that of every other pro photographer out there, we suspect.(Image credit: Canon)
+Best AF on the market+Best full-frame IBIS+8K video is astounding
REASONS TO AVOID
-Video recording limitations-Standard 4K is just okay
As a stills camera, the Canon EOS R5 is simply Canon’s finest product ever. It’s the perfect amalgamation of the EOS R’s form, the EOS 5D’s function, and the professional-grade autofocus of the EOS-1D X. If you’re a stills or hybrid shooter who flits between photography and videography, it’s one of the best cameras you will ever have the pleasure of using. It has attracted some attention for the wrong reasons, notably overheating (or the threat of it) when recording 8K video, but this shouldn’t detract from this camera’s extraordinary capabilities. It’s not perfect at everything, but given its resolution, its frame rate and its video capabilities combined, this is genuinely a landmark camera. What’s more – and this might sound a little strange – it’s taken the arrival of the much more expensive Sony A1 to realize just how good the Canon EOS R5 actually is.
Canon’s latest autofocus system is on an entirely new level
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: DSLRSensor: Full frameMegapixels: 20.1MPLens mount: Canon EFScreen: 3.2in fixed LCD, 2.1 million dotsViewfinder: OpticalMax burst speed: 16fps viewfinder, 20fps live viewMax video resolution: 4KUser level: ProfessionalTODAY’S BEST DEALSCHECK AMAZON
REASONS TO BUY
+Smart Controller is a revelation+Deep Learning AF+HDR stills and video standards+Uncropped 4K!
REASONS TO AVOID
-Lower resolution than the Sony A9 II-No animal AF (yet)-No image stabilization-No tilting LCD screenAdvertisementhttps://4be3ffb5002d4d8974242e618300c71a.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
With the Canon EOS1-D X Mark III, Canon has released a camera packed with leading-edge tech, including deep learning AF, an optical Smart Controller, HEIF and HDR PQ support, CFexpress, 12-bit internal 4K RAW, head tracking and so much more. Canon has combined the advantages of DSLR and mirrorless to produce a hybrid body that can shoot according to what the situation demands. While it lacks some of the luxuries of mirrorless models, this camera does so much that no other system can – it’s a genuine glimpse into the future. Offering the best of both worlds, with the sheer speed of an optical DSLR with the advanced accuracy of mirrorless, it’s a true hybrid system that moulds to the needs of individual professionals and individual shooting scenarios. The DSLR is not dead. The tank-like EOS-1D X Mark III has absorbed the technical advances of mirrorless cameras and added a few of its own to product an awesome professional sports and action photography tool. Although it is only available on preorder, the Canon EOS R3 is meant to be Canon’s answer to a mirrorless 1DX Mark III only it’s slightly higher resolution and will be smaller and lighter.
-4K video crop-Middle of the road resolutionAdvertisementhttps://4be3ffb5002d4d8974242e618300c71a.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Released in 2016, the Canon EOS 5D IV is still a popular camera among professional photographers. It’s one of Canon’s all-time, best DSLRs if you want a reasonably high megapixel count without sacrificing too much in the way of continuous burst speed and high-quality images. Even at very high ISO settings, you can achieve clean, noise-free images. Compared to the Nikon D850 it might seem pretty average but for lots of photographers 30-megapixels is more than enough resolution and you can shoot 4K video (although the file sizes it outputs are massive). It features Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF which means users benefit from fast autofocus performance in live view and video modes. It’s robust, reliable and weather resistant which is a major plus for pro photographers. Sadly, Canon has shifted almost all its attention to its new EOS R range of mirrorless cameras so we don’t know when – or even if – we will ever see a successor to the EOS 5D IV.
The EOS R6 is the serious enthusiast’s model of the EOS R series, taking the place of the slightly muddled EOS R, and for those who don’t need the leading-edge tech and resolution of the EOS R5 (more on which below). Its combination of speed, video and low light capabilities give it professional appeal too. What you get on the EOS R6 is a top shooting speed of 20fps, and autofocus that borrows the deep-learning tech from the EOS-1D X Mark III, meaning it gets better as you use it. The resolution is just 20.1MP, but this means the pixels are larger, for better low-light performance. Indeed, the R6 edges out the R5 in this department, with a standard ISO range of 100-102,400 that’s expandable to 50-204,800. When you combine this with the introduction of Canon’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization system that provides up to eight stops of effective compensation, this is a seriously capable low-light camera. You have to decide, though, if you want speed, cost and low light capability more than outright resolution.
Sony launched its full frame mirrorless camera system from scratch, and although you can use older Alpha lenses designed for its SLR cameras on the new A7 and A9 bodies, in practice you’re much better off investing in native FE mount lenses. There are now 31 native FE lenses with more to come, so although swapping to Sony might be expensive initially, these cameras have a lot more native lens support than other mirrorless camera brands.
Sony’s sports specialist really takes the fight to pro DSLRs
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: MirrorlessSensor: Full FrameMegapixels: 50.1MPLens: Sony E mountLCD: 3in tilting touchscreen, 1.44million dotsViewfinder: EVF, 9.44million dotsMaximum continuous shooting speed: 50fps electronic shutter, 10fps mechanicalMax video resolution: 8KUser level: ProfessionalTODAY’S BEST DEALSCHECK AMAZON
REASONS TO BUY
+Unprecedented 30fps burst shooting+8K video that doesn’t overheat+Hybrid CFexpress A and SD card slots
REASONS TO AVOID
-Stabilization is still suspect-30fps isn’t guaranteed-No articulating screenAdvertisement
This could be the ultimate mirrorless camera. There is literally nothing it can’t shoot. Sports? Check, thanks to its unreal 30fps continuous shooting. Fine detail? Check, thanks to its 50.1MP resolution. Video? Check, thanks to its 8K recording capability (even though it’s hampered by not having a fully articulating screen). The Sony A1 is far and away the most advanced and most powerful camera on the market… yet this comes at a cost, literally. It’s about twice the cost of the Sony A9 II, and it’s even more expensive than the 100MP medium format Fujifilm GFX 100S. There are also caveats on the 30fps burst, which isn’t always achievable (sometimes topping out at 15-20fps, which is still impressive but less impressive than the spec sheet). Overall, though, if you want a camera that can take on any possible assignment, this is it.(Image credit: Sony)
-Menus remain obtuse-Isn’t it time for CFexpress?Advertisement
The Sony A9 II was the fastest, most ferocious full-frame sports camera we’d ever used (until we got our hands on the Canon EOS 1DX Mark III). Even so, the Sony A9 II is a lot smaller than the 1DX Mark III. It still has a lightning-fast processor and it’s autofocus system is extremely impressive. The transfer speed of images has been improved which is great news for pro shooters who often need to send images off quickly to a news agency and it has a Transfer & Tagging feature that enables you to convert up to 50 seconds of speech into an image caption. Unfortunately, it lacks some of the pro features you’ll find in Olympus cameras such as Pro Capture which means you’ll never miss a critical moment but it has so many other features, not to mention its full-frame, we can let that slide.
A stunning blend of resolution, speed, 4K video and value
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: MirrorlessSensor: Full-frameMegapixels: 61MPLens mount: SonyLCD: 3in tilting touchscreen, 1.44 million dotsViewfinder: EVF, 5.76m dotsMaximum continuous shooting speed: 10fpsMax video resolution: 4KUser level: ProfessionalTODAY’S BEST DEALSVIEW AT AMAZONView at AmazonSee all prices (3 found)
REASONS TO BUY
+Compact for full frame+Highest full frame resolution yet+Still capable of 10fps
REASONS TO AVOID
-Poor balance with larger lensesAdvertisement
The A7R IV is Sony’s new highest-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera, with a record-breaking 61 million pixels and yet still capable of shooting continuously at 10fps. It also has Sony’s usual very good 4K video capabilities, though still capped at 30p. The latest iteration of Sony’s eye AF, however, is stunningly effective at tracking portrait subjects, even in continuous AF. While the Sony A9 is designed for out-and-out speed and responsiveness, the A7R Mark IV is much more suitable for all-round photography at the highest quality levels. It continues the ‘R’ line by offering the highest resolution of any full-frame camera, but while its 10fps burst shooting looks good on paper for sports photography, it doesn’t have the buffer capacity and responsiveness of the A9, so its high frame rate is useful to have, but the A7R Mark IV would not be your first choice for sports. HOWEVER, for outright resolution, the A7R Mark IV reigns supreme, and not just in the Sony camp but amongst full-frame cameras in general. You have to switch up to medium format to beat this, with all the costs and limitations that go with it. Not even the new Sony A1, at twice the price, can match this resolution.
Like Canon, Nikon also offers a huge range of professional lenses, and a choice of pro camera bodies. Nikon has also taken its first steps in the full-frame mirrorless market with the Nikon Z6 and Z7 and, as with the Canon EOS R, these cameras can use existing current Nikon DSLR lenses, without restriction, via an adaptor, so Nikon users can try a ‘sidegrade’ to mirrorless a step at a time rather than having to swap out a whole system.
+8K 60p video resolution+120fps burst shooting+Deep Learning AF
REASONS TO AVOID
-Screen not fully articulated-Some features not available til 2022Advertisement
Nikon might’ve been late to the game in launching its professional, top-spec mirrorless but the Nikon Z9 was definitely worth the wait. It’s an absolute beast of a camera when it comes to video, knocking the Canon EOS R3 out of the park. It’s capable of 8K 60p video recording or 8K 30p with an enormous 2-hour record limit. Nikon decided to remove the mechanical shutter completely which means the Z9 is capable of 120fps continuous shooting and has a max shutter speed of 1/32,000 which makes it perfect for sport and bird photography. The Z9 is powered by Deep Learning AF which makes the camera capable of nine kinds of recognition: human eyes, faces, heads and upper bodied; animal eyes, heads and bodies; and cars, planes, trains and motorbike. It has the same 493 AF points as the Nikon Z7 II which seems impressive until you find out that the Canon EOS R3 has a whopping 4,779 AF points. The Z9 comes in quite a bit cheaper than both the Sony A1 and the Canon EOS R3 and it has a lot of advanced features.
+Large, bright viewfinder+Sophisticated, proven AF system+Superb resolution
REASONS TO AVOID
-Slow live view focusingAdvertisement
Where the Nikon D6 is built for sheer speed, durability and responsiveness, the D850 is built for resolution – though it can still capture images at 7fps, or 9fps with the optional battery grip. Some may say the D850 is the high-point of DSLR resolution and perhaps that last great DSLR release, but it does not feel like a dinosaur. Its big, chunky body feels good in the hand and great with bigger lenses, and while its live view AF may be sluggish, it’s a very powerful, modern-feeling camera – a superb all-rounder that actually feels as tough, rugged, fresh and exciting now as when it was launched back in 2017.
+Sturdy build+Pro connectivity and workflow+14fps shooting and 4K video
REASONS TO AVOID
-Its speed doesn’t come cheap-AF system yet to be tested fullyAdvertisement
Canon made some big technological leaps with the EOS-1D X Mark III, but the Nikon D6 is more conventional. Nikon will no doubt have wanted to make sure that owners of the D5 will be able to make a seamless switch to the new camera, which has a band new 105-point AF system, 14fps continuous shooting and a 10.5fps silent mode. Nikon has also concentrated on professional workflow and connectivity options, not just headline-grabbing technologies. If you’re buying your first pro sports DSLR, the Canon has the edge, however, the new Nikon Z9 is an absolute powerhouse of a camera, combining fast continuous burst mode of the D6 with the high-resolution sensor of the D850.
+Excellent image quality+Lovely handling+5-axis IS system+Best-in-class build quality
REASONS TO AVOID
-EVF resolution lower than rivals-Tilt-angle display, not vari-angleAdvertisementhttps://4be3ffb5002d4d8974242e618300c71a.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
The Z7 II is Nikon’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera and an updated version of the original Z7. All the changes that we’ve seen on the Z7 II compared to the original Z7 are certainly welcome, especially the additional card slot and dual processors. That being said, we can’t help feeling Nikon have played it a bit safe. It doesn’t really rival the impressive Canon EOS R5 or the Sony A7R IV, it just builds on the original Z7. It’s still a brilliant camera and although it doesn’t have as many standout features, it is capable of shooting in 12-bit 4K Apple ProRes raw when using an external monitor such as the Atmos Ninja V (although you do have to pay for the upgrade).
Fujifilm has two separate lines of professional cameras – its APS-C X series and its medium format GFX series. The flagship X-T4 is the latest offering in the X range and one of the cheapest cameras on our pro list but its an incredible camera for both video and stills. With the GFX range, Fujifilm has done something not many other camera brands have managed – its made medium format photography affordable. The launch of the GFX 100s was an exciting moment for Fujifilm and Fujifilm fans who wanted the high resolution of the GFX 100 but in a smaller body and at almost half the price. We were so blown away by it in fact, we had to give it five stars in our review.
+6.5-stop in-body stabilisation+4K video at up to 60/50p+High-speed shooting
REASONS TO AVOID
-New and expensiveAdvertisementhttps://4be3ffb5002d4d8974242e618300c71a.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Some might argue the Fujifilm X-T4 isn’t a pro camera but in our eyes, it certainly is. It combines fast autofocus, impressive video capabilities and a high-quality electronic viewfinder – plus its super user-friendly with all of its external dials. When the X-T3 was launched in 2018 it was incredibly well-received but lacked certain features such as in-body stabilization and a fully articulated screen. The X-T4 includes these features making it one of the best APS-C mirrorless cameras around. It still has the same sophisticated 26.1MP X-Trans sensor and the ability to shoot 4K but with an improved shutter and a new battery that lasts longer, Fujifilm has truly refined an already excellent product.
Fujifilm made medium format affordable with this impressive bit of kit
SPECIFICATIONS
Sensor: Medium formatMegapixels: 102MPLens mount: Fujifilm GLCD: 3.2-inch touchscreen, 2.36 million dotsViewfinder: EVF, 5.76 million dotsMax continuous shooting speed: 5fpsMax video resolution: 4K at 30fpsUser level: ProfessionalTODAY’S BEST DEALSCHECK AMAZON
REASONS TO BUY
+Incredible resolving power+Full frame 4K video
REASONS TO AVOID
-Controls may divide opinion-In-body stabilisation isn’t foolproofAdvertisement
Want the ultimate resolution in a body so small and steady that you can use it for street photography? Meet the Fujifilm GFX 100S, a marvel of photographic achievement that packs a 100MP medium format sensor into a body about the size of a bulky DSLR that even possesses in-body image stabilization – which, despite having to stabilize a gigantic medium format sensor, is actually on par with the IBIS systems on Sony’s smaller full-frame sensors. While it lacks the vertical grip of the $10,000 Fujifilm GFX 100, it’s otherwise the same tech and same capabilities squeezed into a much smaller and much cheaper body – though Fujifilm’s medium format lenses mean that this is still far from a compact system. The image quality is simply spectacular; for ultimate stills shooting, this is almost unbeatable. It even shoots an incredibly respectable 4K 30p video, too!
Panasonic’s range is now split between its existing Micro Four Thirds cameras with smaller sensors but legendary 4K video capabilities, and its new full frame mirrorless Lumix S models – and with no upgrade path at all between these systems. There are an increasing number of native Lumix S lenses right now, thanks to the L-Mount Alliance and the work of other lens makers like Sigma and Leica. The Lumix S system is developing fast but will require heavy investment in an all-new system.
+4K 60p video recording+Smaller body+Fully articulated screen
REASONS TO AVOID
-Only 7fps-Contrast – detect AFAdvertisement
The Panasonic Lumix S5 might just be the best camera on the market for its price. It even bits the impressive Panasonic S1R due to its size and all-round capabilities. It was brought out to tackle two of the biggest problems faced by the Lumix S1 and the Lumix S1R – size and autofocus. It’s more compact than both S1 and S1R series yet shares the same impressive 24MP sensor as the S1. It still uses contrast detect autofocus rather than the preferred phase detect AF but it has been vastly improved. The Lumix S5 is the first Panasonic full-frame camera to have a fully articulated screen which is great for anyone looking to buy it for video. It also has incredible video capabilities such as 4K 60P with an internal record limit of 30 minutes. The Lumix S5 might not have the same resolution as the Lumix S1R but the rest of its features are very similar and the fact it’s a fair bit smaller is a big plus in our eyes.
-Waiting for new lenses-Only 6fps with continuous AFAdvertisement
The new Lumix S range is a very interesting proposition for professional photographers, especially now that the range of L-mount lenses available is now quite good, and growing fast. The Lumix S1R is the most enticing proposition for pros, combining 4K video capture with a high-speed 6K photo mode and huge 47.3MP resolution. The 5.76-million dot electronic viewfinder is amazing, and the S1R handles very well too. The 24MP Lumix S1 is cheaper and a little better at video, but that’s a cost decision – if you’re really serious about video, the pricier Lumix S1H is the one to go for.
+Excellent video specs+Superb viewfinder+Works wells as a stills camera too
REASONS TO AVOID
-Smaller MFT sensorAdvertisement
If 4K video is at the top of your wish-list ahead of high-resolution stills, the weather-sealed, dust-proof and even freeze-proof GH5 is a very strong contender (there’s also the even more video-centric GH5S, but that’s limited to 10MP stills). You get fast continuous shooting and also Panasonic’s 6K Photo mode for extracting 18MP stills from 30fps capture. The GH5 can’t compete with the rest for still images, but for video-first users, it’s a much cheaper alternative to full frame. It’s also benefiting from some heavy discounting these days, so it’s an opportunity to get into professional level video, without paying the usual prices. It feels like it’s been around forever, but if you compare the GH5’s video specs with the best of its rivals, it’s clearly still right up there with the best.
OLYMPUS
Compared to the spectacular developments from other camera makers, Olympus has had a pretty quiet time of it. It’s soldiered on with its relatively modest Micro Four Thirds format in a maelstrom of medium format bombshells and armies of full frame mirrorless cameras. In this environment, a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor seems hopelessly outgunned. And yet it isn’t. The MFT format’s size brings substantial cost and weight advantages that its fans will be only too pleased to tell you about.
-Smaller MFT sensor-Pricey next to E-M1 IIAdvertisementhttps://4be3ffb5002d4d8974242e618300c71a.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Olympus raised a few eyebrows when it launched the OM-D E-M1X, a big new professional camera aimed squarely at the sports market, but with what looked like very similar specs to the existing E-M1. But dig deeper and you find the E-M1X is a very different beast, with an integrated grip for bigger battery capacity and duplicated horizontal/vertical shooting controls and a dual processing system that dramatically ups the game for autofocus tracking, with a new AI system for recognising and tracking subjects. What many won’t realise, too, is that Olympus has an extremely compelling pro lens line-up, especially for telephoto lenses, and while the Olympus MFT sensor is smaller than the full frame sensors used by Canon, Nikon and Sony pro cameras, it will cost a lot less to build a full professional system – and it will be a lot lighter to carry around. If 20MP is enough (it is for EOS-1D X Mark III and Nikon D6 devotees!), then the E-M1X is a very powerful professional proposition indeed. It’s undermined slightly by the E-M1 Mark III, which borrows some of its tech, but the E-MX’s big, chunky body gives it a serious handling advantage, especially with bigger lenses.
+15fps burst, with 60fps option+Impressive image stabilisation
REASONS TO AVOID
-Complex menu system-Is 20MP enough?Advertisement
It’s unlikely Olympus will ever fully overcome resistance to its smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor format, which is one quarter the size of those in its full frame rivals, but that’s a pity because this system has a lot to offer. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is actually a very effective all-round professional camera for general photography. When shooting sport, its autofocus and frame rate are a good match for more expensive full frame rivals and its Pro Capture mode (up to 60fps) is just jaw-dropping. When high resolution is essential, its 50MP and 80MP options can square up against many medium format cameras, admittedly with static subjects not moving ones. And when shooting absolutely anything, its 7.5 stops of image stabilization outperform every camera on the market.
Picking the best professional camera is not just about picking the one with the best or most enticing specifications. You have to look at the system as a whole, its lenses, its other models, and what is set to be released in its future. Before making a choice, it’s worth asking yourself a series of questions:
1) Are you switching from a different system? If this is the case, it’s well worth looking into whether there’s any potential for compatibility between your existing and new system (i.e. using lens mount adapters). ‘Migrating’ an existing system is much simpler and cheaper than starting again with a whole new setup.
2) What lenses will you need? Think about the kind of work you need and the lenses you need for it, and check whether the system you’re considering can meet those needs. Lens guides can be useful here, such as our guides to the best Canon lenses or best Nikon lenses.
3) DSLR or mirrorless? While it does sometimes feel like mirrorless is taking over the world, the best DSLR cameras do still have their advantages and some, like the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, are breaking new ground. Read our guide to DSLR vs mirrorless cameras if you’re still not sure.
4) Video vs stills? Are you shooting video as well as stills? While both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras can and do produce excellent video, mirrorless currently has the edge here, so if video is part of your portfolio then it’s worth factoring this into consideration.
Rod is the Group Reviews editor for Digital Camera World and across Future’s entire photography portfolio, with decades of experience with cameras of all kinds. Previously he has been technique editor on N-Photo, Head of Testing for the photography division and Camera Channel editor on TechRadar. He has been writing about photography technique, photo editing and digital cameras since they first appeared, and before that began his career writing about film photography. He has used and reviewed practically every interchangeable lens camera launched in the past 20 years, from entry-level DSLRs to medium format cameras, together with lenses, tripods, gimbals, light meters, camera bags and more.
What to Expect selects products based on independent research and suggestions from our community of millions of parents; learn more about our review process. We may earn commissions from shopping links.BEST TOYS FOR NEWBORNS
While your infant may not seem like much more than an eating, pooping, sleeping machine, her brain is rapidly developingg, and playtime with a caregiver can help your little one interact with the world around her. But it can be difficult for new parents to know which activities to do with newborns, or what types of toys to look for.
What to consider when buying toys for newborns
Before you purchase a toy for a newborn, take these factors into consideration:
High contrast images. High contrast images will likely catch your infant’s attention, so it’s not a bad idea to look for bold patterns in the toys your baby interacts with. Expose her to different things to look at and help her practice tracking.
Sound. Another great toy for a newborn is a simple soft toy that makes some noise, says Caplan-Colon. “This will allow the baby to work on visual tracking both horizontally and vertically when a caregiver is interacting with them,” she explains. Your newborn may also enjoy listening to soft music or your singing.
Parental interaction. Better than any toy is playtime with caregivers. Sing and talk to your baby as much as possible and narrate feedings, changes, bathtime and more. This helps with her early language skills.
Safety. Babies this age should always be closely supervised with any toys. Never leave baby alone with toys, extra bedding or stuffed animals in her crib, and carefully inspect toys for any loose parts that could be a potential choking hazard, like buttons or beads.
Know, too, that your newborn doesn’t require a chest full of toys — she’ll delight in just hearing your voice or gazing at your face. That said, though she may not do much with toys at this age, you can still show her toys or use them during your time together.
Another thing to note: You don’t have to seek out high price tags or intricate features for your baby’s toys. Reading library books together, looking at interesting images (again, your face is the best for her to gaze at!), singing and listening to soft music or gently dancing together all make for nice playtime activities.
How we made our picks for the best toys for newborns
To determine the best picks for your newborn, we started by following general guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and tapped experts Caplan-Colon and Gina Posner, M.D., F.A.A.P., a board-certified pediatrician at MemorialCare Medical Group in Fountain Valley, California and What to Expect Medical Review Board Member for their expertise. We also took suggestions from members of the What to Expect community, as well as What to Expect editors and writers about which toys their babies love.
Here, our picks for the best newborn toys.
See registry advice and a custom baby gear checklist
Registry List:AmazonAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Amazon$8See NowTarget$8See NowWalmart$8See NowPros: Cute, fun graphics that catch baby’s attention, great for tummy timeCons: Too heavy for young babies to hold on their own
Why We Love It
“Books with simple lines, bold patterns and black-and-white pages are the best for your baby to ‘read’ when developing,” says Caplan-Colon. This book fits the bill with cute and friendly drawings of butterflies, grasshoppers, bees and other garden bugs.
The story is simple, too. With only a few words per page, baby will eventually be able to associate the specific bug with the exact drawing to expand her vocabulary. And while she won’t seem super interested at this age, stick with it — the AAP recommends parents read to children starting in infancy, as it helps improve literacy skills later in life.
Recommended age: 0 months to 4 years
Book length: 20 pages
Best Tummy Time Toy for Newborns
Baby Einstein Flip for Art High Contrast Floor Activity Mirror
Registry List:AmazonAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Amazon$15See NowWalmart$21See NowPros: Great for tummy time, cards can be taken on-the-goCons: Some say the mirror is a bit distorted
Why We Love It
No, your newborn isn’t too young for tummy time. The AAP recommends newborns start tummy time as soon as they’re home from the hospital (supervised and for short increments of time, of course).
Giving your newborn a toy during tummy time will encourage her to stay there longer, Caplan-Colon notes. This Baby Einstein activity mirror features a baby-safe mirror framed with contrasting black-and-white and primary-color images and patterns. The flip-through flashcards attach to the wedge and are also removable, so you can stash them in your diaper bag for an on-the-go toy.
Recommended age: 0 months and up
Weight: 0.75 pounds
Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.5 x 4.7 inchesCommunity Reviews
“I have a Baby Einstein mirror thing that has flash cards of black and white images and high contrast images that I put down when he does tummy time! He loves the images and occasionally I’ll catch him staring at himself in the mirror.”– woodsj12
Best Textured Book for Newborns
‘Pat the Bunny’ by Dorothy Kunhardt
Registry List:buybuyBabyAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Target$7See NowbuybuyBaby$10See NowThe Paper Store$10See NowPros: A classic engaging and interactive bookCons: Parents noted that the binding can be a little delicate
Why We Love It
Another favorite is textured books, which help babies explore different textures in infancy. “Touch-and-feel books will instill an early development of motor skills and these are great for parent-baby interaction,” says Caplan-Colon.
You probably grew up with this iconic book, and your grandparents may have even read it to your parents. With the fuzzy bunny, built-in peek-a-boo game, scented flowers to sniff and more engaging features, it’s easy to see why this book (originally published in 1940) has become a beloved classic over the decades. Talk to your baby about what she feels (“Is the bunny soft or scratchy?”) as you read along.
Recommended age: 0 months to 3 years
Book length: 20 pagesCommunity Reviews
“[My little one’s favorite book is] Pat the Bunny! He is so obsessed with it and it really is cute. It’s nice that it’s interactive, too.”– kmbrown688
Best Activity Book for Newborns
Melissa & Doug Soft Activity Book – Itsy Bitsy Spider
Registry List:AmazonAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Amazon$15See NowTarget$11See NowMacy’s$15See NowPros: Machine washable, parents noted that their older siblings enjoyed it just as much as their babiesCons: Higher price point than other toys
Why We Love It
What’s better than hearing the Itsy Bitsy Spider? Having baby’s caregivers read it to her, of course! Each page of this classic nursery rhyme book from beloved brand Melissa & Doug is full of interactive details (think: ribbons-for-rain and peek-a-boo suns). As your baby gets older, she’ll enjoy turning the plush pages and playing with the adorable spider feet — all eight of them!
Recommended age: 1 month and up
Weight: 0.3 pounds (packaged)
Dimensions: 7 x 2 x 8.5 inches
Book length: 8 pages
Best Crinkle Book for Newborns
Bright Starts Teethe & Read Play Book
Registry List:AmazonAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Amazon$9See NowTarget$6See NowPros: Has a handle, so older infants can grab it in their handsCons: There are no words on the pages (only characters), only the front and back pages crinkle
Why We Love It
It’s never too early to start reading to your baby — but let’s face it, at this age, she’s more likely to chew on the book than she is to show an interest in it. That’s why we love this crinkle book, which features textured teething corners on each page. Baby will love chewing on it — even if her teeth are still months away from appearing — and you’ll appreciate that the pages won’t get soggy.
Crinkle books may also stimulate her developing senses: This one has plush pages which crinkle when they’re turned, making it a fun sensory experience.
Recommended age: 3 months and up
Weight: 0.15 pounds
Dimensions: 8 x 1.5 x 8.63 inchesCommunity Reviews
“This is one of LO’s faves to play with and is a lifesaver in the car!”– AD12345
Best High-Contrast Toy for Newborns
Sassy Peek-a-Boo Activity Book
Registry List:AmazonAdd to RegistrybuybuyBabyAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Amazon$7See NowbuybuyBaby$7See NowWalmart$10See NowPros: The pages feature peek-a-boo flaps over bright, stimulating imagesCons: Only the front and back pages crinkle
Why We Love It
Soft-sided books are a hybrid between a book and a toy. This one features those important high-contrast, black-and-white (and red!) images that will captivate your newborn. Plus, one-word “stories” help baby connect the pictures with the words to develop her vocabulary.
The soft fabric pages also crinkle, adding a layer of delight for your little one. The book has an attached hook, so you can tether this to your stroller for on-the-go entertainment.
Age recommendations: 0 months and up
Weight: 2.3 ounces
Dimensions: 5 x 1 x 5 inchesCommunity Reviews
“[The] Peek-a-boo crinkly book [is the] only book my baby likes right now. She loves seeing high contrast black and white images on it, has a crinkle sound loved by baby.”– fabmomnbabe
Best Crinkle Toy for Newborns
Mary Meyer Crinkle Me Elephant
Registry List:buybuyBabyAdd to RegistryBuying Options:buybuyBaby$10See NowBed Bath & Beyond$10See NowPros: Comes with an attachable clip, so you can hang it from a strollerCons: Some parents thought it was stiffer than they expected
Why We Love It
Babies are endlessly amused with toys that crinkle (plus, it’s a great example of cause and effect). This sweet little elephant crinkle toy has a squeaky interior along with eight ribbon tags, which might come in handy when your infant is a bit older and wants to play with things like tags and mouth everything in sight.
Recommended age: 0 months and up
Weight: 1.41 ounces
Dimensions: 6 x 6 inchesCommunity Reviews
“My baby is really into crinkle books/taggies toys right now.”– Alex556
Best Black and White Flashcards for Newborns
Wee Gallery Black and White Flashcards
Registry List:AmazonAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Amazon$15See NowPros: Sturdy, made with eco-friendly ink that’s safe for little onesCons: The cards aren’t waterproof, so they can warp if baby chews on them
Why We Love It
Your baby will love staring at these sturdy, high-contrast black-and-white pictures. Each of the six cards features a bold, black image of a cartoon animal on one side, and the same image, printed in white on a black background, on the other.
The cards feature a matte lamination finish as well as rounded corners — so you and baby won’t have to worry about poking yourselves on a sharp-cornered edge. Bonus: These cards are easy to throw in your diaper bag for on-the-go playtime.
This First Years rattle is a multi-textured toy that’s decorated with bright colors and patterns designed to encourage visual tracking, says Caplan-Colon. Caregivers can move the toy up and down and from left to right for baby to follow with her eyes. Your little one can also readily grasp its easy-to-grip limbs. It also comes with soft teething surfaces, ideal as your baby begins sprouting teeth.
Age recommendations: 0 months and up
Weight: 0.03 pounds
Dimensions: 6.69 x 1.77 x 7.68 inches
Best Sensory Toy for Newborns
Teytoy Owl Soft Rattle Toy
Registry List:AmazonAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Amazon$7See NowWalmart$10See NowPros: Easy for babies to hold, caregivers say their little ones played with it for monthsCons: Comes with a big product tag attached to it
Why We Love It
This cuddly soft owl rattle is another popular option for newborns and is intended to be a sensory delight for your little one. Its body is shaped like an “O” and is designed to mimic how baby would grasp a caregiver’s finger, while the different textured fabrics give her a lot to experience by touch.
The owl’s head has a ringing ball and the wings have crinkly paper, all of which baby can feel or hear. Plus, the brightly contrasting patterns and large black-and-white eyes give baby a lot to focus on as you slowly move the rattle from left to right and top to bottom.
Age recommendations: Newborn and up
Weight: 1.76 ounces
Dimensions: 5.11 x 4.33 inches
Best Light-Up Toy for Newborns
Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick ‘n Play Piano Gym
Registry List:AmazonAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Amazon$55See NowWalmart$51See NowPros: Grows with your baby, play mat is machine washableCons: Takes up a decent amount of floor space
Why We Love It
One of Caplan-Colon’s top picks for newborns is the Fisher-Price Kick and Play Piano Gym. “This mat allows for a variety of ways to play: lay and play, tummy time, sit and play and take-along,” she explains. It has light-up piano keys for babies to kick their feet at, which also helps with motor skills and introduces cause and effect.
“This mat plays continuous music for 20 minutes, includes a repositionable toy arch for additional entertainment and has subtle flashing lights that will keep newborns engaged in the activity,” she adds.
Recommended age: 0 months and up
Dimensions: 36 x 27 x 18 inches
Weight: 4.5 poundsCommunity Reviews
“She loves tummy time looking at the lights on her Kick ‘n Play Piano while I have it on a mode that just plays songs for her.”– pregmedstud
Best Musical Gym for Newborns
Bright Starts Disney Baby Finding Nemo Mr. Ray Ocean Lights and Music Gym
Registry List:AmazonAdd to RegistrybuybuyBabyAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Amazon$85See NowbuybuyBaby$75See NowTarget$75See NowBed Bath & Beyond$75See NowPros: Babies love the blinking lights and musicCons: Once your baby gets old enough to pull the activity bar down, you may want to take off the canopy so it doesn’t fall
Why We Love It
Playing music for your baby might help improve their brain development — and we love how this Finding Nemo-themed activity mat plays 20-minutes of tunes, along with a sweet little light show, from the Mr. Ray canopy.
The activity mat also features a seaweed-style pillow for tummy time, along with Dory, Crush and Pearl toys, which hang from the activity mat to keep your little underwater explorer engaged. “Starting around the 2 month age, babies can start accidentally hitting and kicking things,” says Dr. Posner, and “starting at 3 months, they can start purposefully grabbing things.”
Recommended age: 0 months and up
Dimensions: 32 x 36 x 18 inches
Weight: 4.3 pounds
Best Tummy Time Pillow with Toys for Newborns
Boppy Black & White Rainbow Tummy Time Pillow
Registry List:AmazonAdd to RegistrybuybuyBabyAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Amazon$20See NowbuybuyBaby$22See NowTarget$20See NowPros: A just-for-baby-sized Boppy that’s specifically designed for tummy timeCons: Only designed for tummy time — it’s too small to be used to help baby sit up
Why We Love It
Boppys are ideal for tummy time — and once your baby is 2 months old, she’ll be ready for a mini Boppy all of her own. This pillow sports a black and white rainbow fabric (luckily, it’s machine washable!) and has a crinkle rainbow toy and a teething ring attached to it. The toys are also removable, so as your baby grows, you can swap out them with other favorites.
Age recommendations: 2 to 6 months
Weight: 1.12 pounds
Dimensions: 12.2 x 15 x 3 inches
Best Plush Toy for Newborns
Lamaze Mortimer the Moose
Registry List:AmazonAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Amazon$16See NowTarget$13See NowBed Bath & Beyond$16See NowPros: Comes with a clip that attaches to diaper bags, strollers and more, so you can take it with you when you’re on the goCons: Higher price point than other plush toys
Why We Love It
If you haven’t seen a Mortimer the Moose attached to every other stroller handle or diaper bag by now, you will be soon. This Lamaze toy is a major hit with both parents and babies alike.
The plush toy features a squeaky tummy, knotted fabric legs and playful fabric hooves that will stimulate baby’s developing senses and develop fine motor skills. The toy also comes with a squeaky tummy which helps with auditory awareness and further captivates your little one. Later, as she starts to grow teeth, she can chew on the antlers, which make for a great teething toy.
Age recommendation: 0 to 24 months
Weight: 0.06 pounds
Dimensions: 11.5 x 5.3 x 2.8 inchesCommunity Reviews
Bright Starts Snuggle & Teethe Plush Teething Baby Toy Giraffe
Registry List:AmazonAdd to RegistrybuybuyBabyAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Amazon$7See NowbuybuyBaby$8See NowBed Bath & Beyond$7See NowTarget$6See NowPros: Good size to cuddle once baby gets a little olderCons: Not machine washable (you’ll have to use a damp cloth and mild soap)
Why We Love It
Infants are usually too small to wrap their little arms around a stuffed animal (in fact, they don’t even know their hands belong to them until about 3 or 4 months, says Dr. Posner). But this little giraffe lovey from Bright Starts will be an adorable addition to your collection once your baby gets a little older and starts intentionally holding on to things. In the meantime, try using it as something to look at during tummy time or as a sweet addition to your nursery decor.
Age recommendation: 0 months and up
Weight: 0.15 pounds
Dimensions: 4.5 x 1 x 3.75 inchesCommunity Reviews
“My daughter is obsessed with this giraffe. It’s a teether, has different textures and makes the crinkling noise. We named hers Melvin.”– girlmomxtwo
Best Mirror Toy for Newborns
Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror
Registry List:AmazonAdd to RegistryBuying Options:Amazon$13See NowWalmart$13See NowPros: Baby-safe mirror, includes ladybug and bee toy accessoriesCons: Can be easily knocked over
Why We Love It
Babies and toddlers love to look at themselves, and it’s a good thing — mirror play helps your little one learn how to follow images, focus her eyes and much more. The true reflection mirror on this tummy time toy allows baby to do just that, all while having a great time.
“Tummy time is important (when supervised) as it helps develop strong neck/shoulder muscles and promotes motor skills,” says Caplan-Colon. The ladybug has a tracker ball and perches on crinkly leaves, while the soft, symmetrical butterfly is begging to be touched. Both bugs are attached to the frame for baby’s safety.
With many wireless headphones to choose from, which are the best of the best? Here’s a look at CNET’s top picks — from full-size ambient noise canceling models to tiny true wireless earbuds.
Granted, with so many choices, it’s hard to narrow things down into a best-of-the best wireless headphones list, especially since it’s impossible to review every model on the market. But I’ll give it a shot. These are my current favorites. I’ve considered factors such as sound quality, active noise cancellation and the comfort of the ear cup. I update this list often.As good as it getsSony WF-1000XM4
David Carnoy/CNET
No earbuds are perfect, of course, and not everybody will love the fit of the Sony WF-1000XM4 buds or be able to afford their high price. But if you’re looking for great-sounding earbuds with great noise canceling, solid voice-calling capabilities and good battery life, this wireless earbud checks all the boxes. Read our Sony WF-1000XM4 review.$248 AT AMAZONBest all-around over-earSony WH-1000XM4
Sony’s earlier WH-1000XM3 model was great. But if it had a weakness, that was its voice-calling capabilities, particularly in noisier environments. The new Sony WH 1000XM4 wireless earphone improves in that area and also adds multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect to two devices — such as your phone and PC — at the same time. That means that if a call comes in while you’re using the headphones with your computer, the audio will switch to your phone when you answer the call.
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 probably still have a slight edge for voice calls, but the 1000XM4 headphones are arguably a tad more comfortable and also have some other slight improvements to noise cancellation and sound that make this model a great all-around choice and the best noise cancelling headphone.
Yes, they’re expensive, but the AirPods Max deliver richer, more detailed sound than lower-priced competitors from Bose, Sony and Jabra elite 85h work very well as a headset for making calls. While I wouldn’t recommend them for Android and Windows users, they’re the ideal work-from-home headphones for iOS and Mac users who want to switch easily between their apple device.
They also feature arguably the best noise canceling on the market, along with premium build quality and Apple’s virtual surround spatial audio feature for video watching. While they’re heavy, they manage to be surprisingly comfortable, though I did have to adjust the mesh canopy headband to sit a little more forward on my head to get a comfortable secure fit when I was out walking with them. They should fit most heads well, but there will be exceptions.
In many ways, Bose’s $279 noise-canceling QuietComfort Earbuds are excellent true wireless earbuds, particularly when it comes to their sound and to their noise canceling, which is right there with Sony WF 1000XM4 that cuts the ambient sound. These Bluetooth earbuds play for up to 6 hours on a single charge and are compatible with any Qi-certified charging mat. In performance, they clearly have a leg up on Apple’s best-selling AirPods Pro true wireless noise-canceling buds. However, the AirPods Pro’s smaller design, somewhat more comfortable fit and superior voice-calling capabilities make it hard to declare the Bose the straight-up champ. Ultimately, it depends on what your priorities are.
The Momentum True Wireless 2 are better all around than the originals, with a slightly smaller, more comfortable design, active noise canceling that rivals that of the AirPod Pro, improved battery life (up to seven hours versus the original’s four) and better noise reduction during calls. Most importantly they have the same stellar sound — for true wireless earbuds, anyway — offering clearly superior sound quality to the AirPods Pro. That makes them one of the top true wireless earbuds on the market today and earned them a CNET Editors’ Choice Award in 2019.
These use Bluetooth 5.1 with support for the AAC and AptX codecs (for devices that have AptX, such as Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones).
Even if they don’t sound as magical as you’d hope a $249 model would, the Apple AirPods Pro still manage to be a great pair of true wireless earphones with noise cancelation. This is one of the best noise canceling headphones from Apple. That’s largely due to their winning design and fit, improved bass performance and effective noise canceling. AirPods Pro has adjustable silicone tips that fit tighter into the ear canal thus reducing the ambient sound. Yeah, they’re expensive at $250, but the good news is we’re regularly seeing them discounted to $200 and sometimes even slightly less.
Released in mid-2020, the Jabra Elite 45h wireless headset was essentially billed as the best on-ear budget headphones for the money. While there’s nothing terribly fancy about it is one of the best on-ear headphone values right now, with good sound quality, a sturdy design and comfortable fit (for on-ear headphones, anyway). Additionally, it performs well as a headset for making calls and includes a sidetone feature that allows you to hear your voice in the headphones so you don’t talk too loudly. Battery life is also good. Available in multiple color options, it lists for $100 but now it is discounted to $60.$99 AT AMAZON$141 AT WALMARTBest sound for true wirelessBowers & Wilkins PI7( Update: Temporarily out of stock)
David Carnoy/CNET
After a long wait, Bowers & Wilkins has finally released a couple of sets of true wireless earbuds — the PI7 ($399) and PI5 ($249) — both of which are excellent and feature active noise canceling along with a transparency mode. The flagship PI7 has a different driver design and sounds slightly more detailed and refined with a little more bass energy. They both sound excellent, but if you’re looking for the absolute best-sounding set of earbuds, the PI7 are arguably just that, besting the Sony WF-1000XM4 by a small margin. (They also sound slightly better than the excellent Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless II and Master & Dynamic MW08.)
While the PI7’s noise canceling is quite decent, the Sony’s noise canceling is superior. I also thought the Sony did better with voice calling (it has better noise reduction so people can hear you better in a noisier environments) and it has better battery life.
The PI7’s case does transform into a Bluetooth transceiver, so you can plug it into your laptop for AptX streaming or an in-flight entertainment system. That’s a nice bonus feature (the PI5 don’t have it), but the Sony is the overall better value. However, if sound quality is your priority, the PI7 are worth considering if you can afford them. Hopefully they come down in price over time.
Edifier has a few different new true-wireless earbuds and most, including the TWS 330NB, are very good values. While the TWS 330NB buds are missing a sensor that automatically pauses your music when you take them out of your ears, they feature very good sound quality for the money, decent active noise canceling with a transparency mode, and solid voice calling (they have three microphones in each bud for noise canceling and noise reduction during calls).
They fit my ears well — they’re essentially AirPods Pro clones — and while the touch controls are a little limited, they are programmable using the Edifier Connect app for iOS and Android (you can also set the level of touch sensitivity). They have an IP54 rating, which means they’re splash- and dust-proof, and battery life is rated at four hours with noise canceling on and five hours with it off (at moderate volume levels). That’s only OK, but you do get an additional two charges in the charging case.
Say what you will about the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live’s bean-shaped design — yes, they’re affectionately known as the Beans — but they might just be the most innovative new true wireless earbuds of the year. Like the standard Apple AirPods, they have an open design — you don’t jam an ear tip into your ear — and they’re quite comfortable to wear and fit my ears more securely than the AirPods (that said, they won’t fit everybody’s ears equally well). Additionally, they’re discreet and basically sit flush with your ear without a little white pipe extending out from them.
They deliver good sound and work well as a headset for making calls, with good background noise reduction so callers can hear you clearly even when you’re in noisier environments. While they feature active noise canceling, it’s mild compared to the noise canceling in earbuds that have a noise-isolating design. In other words, buy them for their design and sound, not their noise-canceling features.
From a design standpoint, the Earfun Free Pro seems identical to the Fiil T1XS. The Earfun Free Pro has better features, however, including active noise cancellation with a transparency mode, wireless charging and Bluetooth 5.2 (apparently, in some parts of the world there’s a Fiil T1X Pro that adds noise canceling). They’re rated for 7 hours of battery life without the noise-canceling function on, or about 6 hours with it on. They’re IPX5 water-resistant, which means they can withstand a sustained spray of water.
These sound pretty impressive for their moderate price, with decent clarity and bass, and I recommend them and the Mpow X3 (see below) to folks looking for budget true wireless noise-canceling earbuds. These also work pretty well for making calls and they currently cost less than the Mpow X3. Don’t expect stellar noise canceling, but it is somewhat effective. They list for $60 but on Amazon, there’s often an instant coupon that brings the price down by a few bucks. $60 AT AMAZONValue Samsung budsSamsung Galaxy Buds Plus
Angela Lang/CNET
Samsung’s Buds Plus look essentially the same as the original Galaxy Buds, but their battery life is rated at 11 hours for music playback (up from 6), and they pack dual drivers for better sound and an additional microphone in each bud to help with external noise reduction while making calls.
I was impressed with the sound. The audio quality is detailed and smooth, with deep, well-defined bass. The sound is richer and more spacious than that of the original Galaxy Buds. Well-respected Austrian audio company AKG, which Samsung acquired when it bought Harman, is behind the audio. While the original Buds were also “tuned” by AKG, these are a nice upgrade over the originals — and right there with what you get with the Jabra Elite 75t, if not even a touch better. They use Bluetooth 5.0 and support for AAC (there’s now an app for iOS users) and Samsung’s scalable codec, which is similar to AptX but is proprietary to Samsung Galaxy phones.
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, the successor to Bose’s QuietComfort 35 II model, may not be a quantum leap forward, but these headphones offer slightly better sound and noise cancellation along with top-notch headset performance for voice calls. They’re a strong all-around audio performer with up to 20 hours of battery life and a more durable design than their predecessor (some find the QuietComfort 35 II headphones slightly more comfortable).
At launch, they cost $400, but they’ve recently come down in price. We’ve seen the white version dip as low as $299 while the black and silver versions have hit $340. That said, the new Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, their closest competitor, has also seen nice discounts. These have a more balanced sound than that model (the Sony has more aggressive bass), and I sometimes prefer its sound signature to the Sony’s.
As far as sound, comfort level and build quality, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than Anker’s SoundCore Life Q30 for the money. It doesn’t quite have the clarity or bass definition as some of the top premium models, but it’s less than a third of the price and gets you about 75% of the way there in terms of sound (it’s well balanced overall with punchy bass and there’s an app that allows you to tweak the sound). Noise canceling is good for the price, though not up to the level of the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. Battery life is rated at an impressive 40 hours with USB-C charging.
The only area where the Q30 falls a little short is for voice calls. It picks up your voice fine in quieter environments but it just doesn’t reduce background noise all that well.
Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series are kind of unusual, in that they’re new but not exactly an upgrade. They look and sound similar to last year’s Pixel Buds 2, which debuted at $179 but are now selling for less. However, instead of adding new features — like active noise canceling — they’ve actually lost a few. Why? They only cost $100: The “A” stands for affordability. That new lower price is the real story here and that’s what makes these a bona fide true-wireless value, particularly for Android users. They’re also splash-proof, with an IPX4 rating. Read our Pixel Buds A-Series review.
Apple recently released its new Beats Studio Buds. I liked them, but they’re $150, and not everybody wants to spend $150 on a pair of headphones. If you’re in that camp, the Beats Flex may be your best budget option when it comes to Apple earbuds, though they’re “wired-wireless” headphones. They list for $50 but are now down to $39 on Amazon.
The good news is they sound better than both the original BeatsX (which launched with a list price of $150) and standard AirPods. They also work well for making calls and have better battery life than their predecessors. The bad news? Their design is passe in a world now dominated by true-wireless earbuds. However, some people like having a cord between the buds so they can leave them dangling around their neck when not in use. And anybody who’s lost an AirPod can attest to that one big design advantage of a neckband-style wireless headphone. Read my full Beats Flex review here.
Master & Dynamic’s earlier MW07 and MW07 Plus delivered top-notch sound for true wireless, but they were a little lacking in the features department and weren’t so great for making calls. The new-for-2021 MW08 offer some significant improvements, including the addition of solid noise canceling and call quality, that make it one of the top models for 2021. Alas, they’re also expensive at $299.
Battery life has improved a bit (up to around 12 hours of battery life at 50% volume versus 10 hours for the MW07 Plus), and the earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, active noise cancellation with three microphones on each earbud (noise reduction during calls isn’t up to the level of the AirPods Pro, but overall call quality has improved). The noise canceling on the MW07 Plus was pretty weak; the MW08’s is much more effective.
You can opt for two levels of noise cancellation in the new M&D Connect app for iOS and Android, as well as two levels of transparency that let you hear the outside world to varying degrees. The app currently has no way to tweak the sound profile (I’m OK with that because the sound profile is just fine for my tastes). Each earbud has a physical button to control playback, not touch controls.
These ‘buds may not fit everyone’s ear equally well, but they certainly have a distinct look, as well as excellent sound and a great listening experience if you can get a tight seal (I was able to get a secure fit with the largest tip). They deliver more of an audiophile sound profile, with smooth, well-balanced sound and well-defined bass. This model has new 11mm drivers, which add a bit of punch to the bass and a touch better clarity. The MW08 works well with all genres of music.
Available in a variety of color options for $300, like their predecessors, the MW08 includes a swanky stainless-steel charging case (it charges via USB-C) that’s compact but carries more weight than your typical buds case. I prefer the matte finishes of the cases that come with the black and blue versions, and you also get a secondary pouch for safekeeping (yes, the charging case can get scratched up if you leave it in a bag).
Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay HX is the successor to the company’s H9 series headphones (that X is a Roman numeral 10) and like those earlier H9 models, the HX carries a list price of $500. That high price point makes it a direct competitor with Apple’s AirPods Max, a heavier headphone at 384.8 grams versus 285 grams for the HX. I don’t know if the HX is more comfortable than the AirPods Max, but I found the two models pretty equal in the comfort department over longer listening sessions, and these do feature the usual swanky B&O lambskin-covered memory foam ear pads.
The HX has custom 40mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.1 and support for Qualcomm’s AptX Adaptive (that includes AptX HD) for high-resolution wireless streaming when you combine an AptX-enabled Android device with certain music streaming services like Qobuz.
Their sound measures up well to the AirPods Max’s sound, with deep, well-defined bass, natural sounding mids (where vocals live) and inviting detail in the treble (the sound is overall well-balanced). If you want to push the treble or bass, you can tweak the EQ in the Bang & Olufsen app for iOS and Android and give the headphones a warmer or brighter profile.
While these are expensive, they offer more accurate sound than the Sony WH-1000XM4. Their noise canceling is also very good and voice-calling capabilities are also quite solid. Additionally, they offer multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect them with a smartphone and PC simultaneously (they’re Microsoft Swift Pair enabled for Windows machines) so you can easily switch between the two (the Sony WH-1000XM4 also has this feature). Battery life is rated at up to 35 hours with noise canceling on and 40 hours with it off. Those are excellent numbers.
Earlier Bang & Olufsen’s models included a soft case (a pouch really), but the HX comes with a hard case. As I said, it’s expensive, but the small improvements over earlier flagship Bang & Olufsen noise-canceling headphones help make the HX’s case as a worthy alternative to the AirPods Max. $399 AT AMAZONExcellent all-around true wirelessJabra Elite 75t
While the Elite 75t has been out a while, it’s still one of the best true wireless earbuds out there and recently added noise canceling via a firmware upgrade. Earlier firmware updates improved voice-calling performance.
The Elite 75t aren’t quite as comfortable to wear as the AirPods Pro, but they do sound better, with clearer overall sound and better bass audio quality definition, so long as you get a tight seal.
The slightly more rugged Elite Active 75t is also available for about $20 more, but with the new Elite 85t’s arrival we are seeing some nice sales on the Elite 75t.
The freelance field is booming. More and more people are pursuing types of work that can be done anytime and from anywhere in the world. That’s gig economy for you, freedom to choose where and when or how long to work without being bound to an office cubicle.
A career shift comes with a new set of concerns, chief of which is acquiring the right tools to do your work effectively.
It’s generally recommended to have a work-centric space in your home – a whole office at best, or even just a dedicated worktable for peak focus and productivity. When working at home, it’s even more crucial to draw a firm line between your work life and home life.
Once you have space, you have to fill it with things that are crucial for work. Maybe a desk organizer for pens and notebooks, some fun decorations for some levity, family pictures for inspiration.
But the most important part: the machine you will use for work.
Everything You Need to Know About Choosing a Laptop to Start Your Online Gigs.
Choosing the best work machine can be intimidating, especially if you’re going to depend on it for your income in the long-term. The sheer amount of terminology can be difficult to grasp and it may not be the best choice to go into a computer store without knowing exactly what you want.
There are many types of freelance work too, and some of them require higher laptop power than, say, a regular student would. An aspiring video editor, photographer, graphic designer or web developer can technically work with the same laptop as a copywriter or data encoder, but it will become very difficult over time.
The cheapest MacBook (13-inch MacBook Air) retails for $899. If that’s out of your budget, then the decision is easy – it’s all Windows for you.
Apple’s prices are high for a reason. Their laptop builds are made to last longer and their performance is top-notch. If you explore high-end Windows laptops, their prices come very close to MacBook prices as well, and it will make the decision even more difficult.
Fortunately, all kinds of freelance work can be done on any kind of machine. Software incompatibility is a thing of the past, and all programs you may need for your freelancing career run beautifully on both Windows and Mac environments.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-6598618048100326&output=html&h=280&adk=11341713&adf=2994536626&pi=t.aa~a.2372595960~i.16~rp.4&w=824&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1641489811&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=7828575119&psa=0&ad_type=text_image&format=824×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.colourmytech.com%2Flaptop%2Fhow-to-choose-a-laptop-for-freelancing-start-your-online-gig-right%2F&flash=0&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=200&rw=823&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiOTYuMC40NjY0LjExMCIsW10sbnVsbCxudWxsLCI2NCJd&dt=1641491002118&bpp=10&bdt=3512&idt=-M&shv=r20220104&mjsv=m202112060101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&prev_fmts=0x0&nras=2&correlator=3699067864092&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=2043836293.1641491000&ga_sid=1641491002&ga_hid=746647421&ga_fc=1&u_tz=300&u_his=3&u_h=768&u_w=1366&u_ah=728&u_aw=1366&u_cd=24&u_sd=1&dmc=8&adx=95&ady=2210&biw=1349&bih=625&scr_x=0&scr_y=1555&eid=21067496%2C31062930&oid=2&pvsid=801591234408772&pem=673&tmod=188&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1366%2C0%2C1366%2C728%2C1366%2C625&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&ifi=3&uci=a!3&btvi=1&fsb=1&xpc=vLVKvckCdH&p=https%3A//www.colourmytech.com&dtd=192
At the end of the day, it comes down to budget and preference. If you’ve been a long-time user of one operating system, it’s a significant adjustment to switch to another.
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The Most Important Laptop Specifications
Here are some of the most important laptops specifications one should consider when choosing a laptop for freelancing. For the ultimate guide to choosing a laptop with the right specification for a freelancer, continue reading:
1. Memory (RAM)
Our recommended system memory sizes for a capable freelancer’s laptop are:
8 GB
16 GB
Also known as RAM, the capacity in GigaByte is the measure of how much a machine can multitask.
This is an easy choice to make. A 4 GB laptop will struggle to handle 5 Google Chrome tabs + a Word document + playing a video all at once.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-6598618048100326&output=html&h=280&adk=11341713&adf=2543605057&pi=t.aa~a.2372595960~i.27~rp.4&w=824&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1641489811&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=7828575119&psa=0&ad_type=text_image&format=824×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.colourmytech.com%2Flaptop%2Fhow-to-choose-a-laptop-for-freelancing-start-your-online-gig-right%2F&flash=0&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=200&rw=823&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiOTYuMC40NjY0LjExMCIsW10sbnVsbCxudWxsLCI2NCJd&dt=1641491002118&bpp=14&bdt=3512&idt=14&shv=r20220104&mjsv=m202112060101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&prev_fmts=0x0%2C824x280&nras=3&correlator=3699067864092&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=2043836293.1641491000&ga_sid=1641491002&ga_hid=746647421&ga_fc=1&u_tz=300&u_his=3&u_h=768&u_w=1366&u_ah=728&u_aw=1366&u_cd=24&u_sd=1&dmc=8&adx=95&ady=3874&biw=1349&bih=625&scr_x=0&scr_y=1555&eid=21067496%2C31062930&oid=2&pvsid=801591234408772&pem=673&tmod=188&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1366%2C0%2C1366%2C728%2C1366%2C625&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&ifi=4&uci=a!4&btvi=2&fsb=1&xpc=VZGrls0gvi&p=https%3A//www.colourmytech.com&dtd=204
A laptop with 16 GB RAM is future-proof and will perform well with whatever software upgrades that will occur in the next 8-10 years. If you’re a web developer, you probably already know that this is the amount of RAM you will need. If you’re doing hours of video editing daily, this may be the best choice for you as well. If you are a graphic designer and photographer using layers and adding effects on Photoshop or Lightroom, you want the same too.
Otherwise, 8 GB of RAM is the best choice for a freelancer in any field. The performance will be smooth even as you open your 50th browser tab along with office applications and Zoom plus your time tracker.
2. Processor
Some mainstream and more capable processors from Intel and AMD for freelancers are listed below:
Intel i5, i7, and i9
AMD Ryzen 5, 7, and 9
Processing power goes hand-in-hand with RAM in providing smooth performance day in and day out. This is where it gets a bit tricky. Intel and AMD processors have multiple generations out in the market at any given time and it can be difficult to differentiate among them, let alone rank their performance quality.
The good news is, you can’t go wrong with a processor that’s been launched within the last 2 years. A quick look at Wikipedia will show you the exact names and release dates, and it will be up to you to decide what the best choice is for your budget.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-6598618048100326&output=html&h=280&adk=11341713&adf=367021023&pi=t.aa~a.2372595960~i.34~rp.4&w=824&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1641489811&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=7828575119&psa=0&ad_type=text_image&format=824×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.colourmytech.com%2Flaptop%2Fhow-to-choose-a-laptop-for-freelancing-start-your-online-gig-right%2F&flash=0&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=200&rw=823&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiOTYuMC40NjY0LjExMCIsW10sbnVsbCxudWxsLCI2NCJd&dt=1641491002152&bpp=21&bdt=3546&idt=21&shv=r20220104&mjsv=m202112060101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&prev_fmts=0x0%2C824x280%2C824x280&nras=4&correlator=3699067864092&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=2043836293.1641491000&ga_sid=1641491002&ga_hid=746647421&ga_fc=1&u_tz=300&u_his=3&u_h=768&u_w=1366&u_ah=728&u_aw=1366&u_cd=24&u_sd=1&dmc=8&adx=95&ady=4742&biw=1349&bih=625&scr_x=0&scr_y=3200&eid=21067496%2C31062930&oid=2&pvsid=801591234408772&pem=673&tmod=188&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1366%2C0%2C1366%2C728%2C1366%2C625&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&ifi=5&uci=a!5&btvi=3&fsb=1&xpc=PxRfrhmd0Y&p=https%3A//www.colourmytech.com&dtd=220
For example, a laptop with AMD Ryzen 5 5600X released in 2020 will likely perform better than one with Intel i7-7700K released in 2017.
Freelancers who do heavy graphic work should get at least a Ryzen 5 or an Intel i7. An additional consideration would be the graphics card. Typically, laptops come with embedded graphics adapter. For extra graphic performance, choose one with discrete graphics and dedicated graphic memory.
We have left the budget processors out of our recommendation. Processors such as the Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium, AMD Athlon and AMD A-series are designed for light tasks and basic computing.
Our recommendation for freelancers is to go for fast SSD storage with at least 256GB storage capacity. If you require more storage, you may consider laptops with dual storage; SSD and HDD combined. For most power users, a 512GB SSD would suffice.
512+ GB SSD
This is another easy one. There is no reason to settle for standard hard drives in 2020. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are exponentially faster at reading and writing data. Once you’ve used a laptop with an SSD, there’s no looking back.
Laptops with SSDs are a bit more expensive, but they are absolutely worth the price. Budget and mid-range offerings are 256 GB but it’s too easy to fill that up with software installations and a handful of HD videos. 512 GB makes for good, future-proof storage, and 1 TB is a dream if it’s within your budget.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-6598618048100326&output=html&h=280&adk=11341713&adf=2975856993&pi=t.aa~a.2372595960~i.45~rp.4&w=824&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1641489811&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=7828575119&psa=0&ad_type=text_image&format=824×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.colourmytech.com%2Flaptop%2Fhow-to-choose-a-laptop-for-freelancing-start-your-online-gig-right%2F&flash=0&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=200&rw=823&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&adsid=ChAIgMPajgYQ4JW5nYfLl_RsEjkAY_A5UXqv8YG-Q1IoNANwSH_LbmCs8O86JoxKHrjar0_dBZ_-9q6BLp9VrVFTlzkKY08BZG6Aui0&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiOTYuMC40NjY0LjExMCIsW10sbnVsbCxudWxsLCI2NCJd&dt=1641491002197&bpp=12&bdt=3591&idt=12&shv=r20220104&mjsv=m202112060101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3Da73728720afeb2eb-2211873ce2ce008c%3AT%3D1641491002%3ART%3D1641491002%3AS%3DALNI_MZ2rJaW6O6KcD1sPpVkLf0ZxwKZ6Q&prev_fmts=0x0%2C824x280%2C824x280%2C824x280&nras=5&correlator=3699067864092&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=2043836293.1641491000&ga_sid=1641491002&ga_hid=746647421&ga_fc=1&u_tz=300&u_his=3&u_h=768&u_w=1366&u_ah=728&u_aw=1366&u_cd=24&u_sd=1&dmc=8&adx=95&ady=7188&biw=1349&bih=625&scr_x=0&scr_y=4800&eid=21067496%2C31062930&oid=2&pvsid=801591234408772&pem=673&tmod=188&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1366%2C0%2C1366%2C728%2C1366%2C625&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&ifi=6&uci=a!6&btvi=4&fsb=1&xpc=dXauJm4Uz3&p=https%3A//www.colourmytech.com&dtd=1195
You should invest in a good-sized external storage drive as well. Regularly backing up your files is good practice, no matter what industry you’re in. You can get 1 TB of external SSD storage for as low as $120.
4. Screen Size/Portability
We recommend a laptop with at least a 13-inch display with Full HD resolution. If portability is a priority, consider laptops that weigh under 2kg.
13-inch
less than 2 kg
A laptop’s display size is of course most crucial for freelancers doing heavy graphics work. Laptops with 16- or 17-inch screens are invariably more expensive. If you get to the point of really needing more screen real estate, it may be better to invest in a separate monitor. Still, there is a place for 16-inch and 17-inch laptops for those who want a full desktop experience on the go.
For all other freelancers, 13-inch is a good size for any kind of work. Anything smaller might feel a bit cramped and uncomfortable to look at for extended periods.
Portability is not a major concern if you’re working from home with no real intention to work in coffee shops or to take your laptop out for meetings and conferences. But for the mobile freelancer, a 1.2 kg machine will feel lighter in the hand and would be a much better choice than a 2.5 kg gaming behemoth.
External Storage Drive for Backup
5. Peripherals
Know that you will be spending a lot of time on your laptop, so investing in the following will inadvertently make your easier
Dual monitors
External keyboard
Ergonomic mouse
Portable display
Port replicator
Desk and ergonomic chair
Once you’ve been freelancing from home for several days, you will quickly realize that just having a laptop may not be enough.
It’s much more ergonomically sound to work with some peripherals. The best work set-up puts your elbows at 90 degrees, tucked close to your sides, with your wrists at a neutral position.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-6598618048100326&output=html&h=280&adk=11341713&adf=2755589468&pi=t.aa~a.2372595960~i.58~rp.4&w=824&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1641489811&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=7828575119&psa=0&ad_type=text_image&format=824×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.colourmytech.com%2Flaptop%2Fhow-to-choose-a-laptop-for-freelancing-start-your-online-gig-right%2F&flash=0&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=200&rw=823&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&adsid=ChAIgMPajgYQ4JW5nYfLl_RsEjkAY_A5UXqv8YG-Q1IoNANwSH_LbmCs8O86JoxKHrjar0_dBZ_-9q6BLp9VrVFTlzkKY08BZG6Aui0&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiOTYuMC40NjY0LjExMCIsW10sbnVsbCxudWxsLCI2NCJd&dt=1641491002231&bpp=11&bdt=3625&idt=11&shv=r20220104&mjsv=m202112060101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3Da73728720afeb2eb-2211873ce2ce008c%3AT%3D1641491002%3ART%3D1641491002%3AS%3DALNI_MZ2rJaW6O6KcD1sPpVkLf0ZxwKZ6Q&prev_fmts=0x0%2C824x280%2C824x280%2C824x280%2C824x280&nras=6&correlator=3699067864092&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=2043836293.1641491000&ga_sid=1641491002&ga_hid=746647421&ga_fc=1&u_tz=300&u_his=3&u_h=768&u_w=1366&u_ah=728&u_aw=1366&u_cd=24&u_sd=1&dmc=8&adx=95&ady=9850&biw=1349&bih=625&scr_x=0&scr_y=8000&eid=21067496%2C31062930&oid=2&psts=AGkb-H-FDQqrCK49Z4FakRsn46gJDGV6R0qLF4BiXyHJfsL4peY6WGvG8q5y-chKqFh9gvOPXo9qZ3-06g%2CAGkb-H9HsnqEwePKJi35irW73Nzxk8GOPe195PFpqJh0b0WMaaGU763a0PdJsLGK01Sdj9-rJO85kZ5cCA%2CAGkb-H8KlaFxXIEcSn2EFecIy4HyMIuG-KN0ZuCOYHTxj8BJrvUK9wxAy5l1D_ZYPIUAM-avl8CBJ0AMLQ%2CAGkb-H9qSh3nfAY2Gq6PYgP4d3UuNnJGruScXVBswS4BaD4vXDOP1NgvbSnGqTIoJOaAcN1588xUw02psg&pvsid=801591234408772&pem=673&tmod=188&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1366%2C0%2C1366%2C728%2C1366%2C625&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&ifi=7&uci=a!7&btvi=5&fsb=1&xpc=v4dLGODwv7&p=https%3A//www.colourmytech.com&dtd=2706
Anyone who mainly types while working may find it necessary to get a separate keyboard. Laptop keys are much smaller and a bit cramped compared to a standard keyboard. Mechanical keyboards are mainly used for gaming, but they can be great for regular typing too. They have spring-loaded switches that provide more direct feedback compared to regular membrane keyboards.
An ergonomic mouse is a great partner for a separate keyboard. It can keep the hand in a much more natural position, alleviating pain, and reducing the risk of stress injuries.
A Work Laptop is Not Something You Want To Skimp On.
When researching laptops, looking at their prices can be overwhelming and it can be tempting to settle for something that’s being sold for cheap. Spending a large amount of money may feel like an unnecessary splurge. But this is a machine that will fuel your income for a long time, something you will use for hours and hours on end.
The biggest names in the industry are big for a reason – they build high-quality laptops and their after-sale support is more dependable. High-end hardware lasts for a onger time and can easily take on daily heavy use. Professional-grade software security provides top tier protection from millions of viruses and other kinds of malware that are all over the Internet. A future-proof laptop can last you up to 10 years or more, and by then you may not even remember how much money you spent on it.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-6598618048100326&output=html&h=280&adk=11341713&adf=3299971116&pi=t.aa~a.2372595960~i.92~rp.4&w=824&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1641489811&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=7828575119&psa=0&ad_type=text_image&format=824×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.colourmytech.com%2Flaptop%2Fhow-to-choose-a-laptop-for-freelancing-start-your-online-gig-right%2F&flash=0&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=200&rw=823&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&adsid=ChAIgMPajgYQ4JW5nYfLl_RsEjkAY_A5UXqv8YG-Q1IoNANwSH_LbmCs8O86JoxKHrjar0_dBZ_-9q6BLp9VrVFTlzkKY08BZG6Aui0&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiOTYuMC40NjY0LjExMCIsW10sbnVsbCxudWxsLCI2NCJd&dt=1641491002261&bpp=10&bdt=3655&idt=10&shv=r20220104&mjsv=m202112060101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3Da73728720afeb2eb-2211873ce2ce008c%3AT%3D1641491002%3ART%3D1641491002%3AS%3DALNI_MZ2rJaW6O6KcD1sPpVkLf0ZxwKZ6Q&prev_fmts=0x0%2C824x280%2C824x280%2C824x280%2C824x280%2C824x280&nras=7&correlator=3699067864092&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=2043836293.1641491000&ga_sid=1641491002&ga_hid=746647421&ga_fc=1&u_tz=300&u_his=3&u_h=768&u_w=1366&u_ah=728&u_aw=1366&u_cd=24&u_sd=1&dmc=8&adx=95&ady=16806&biw=1349&bih=625&scr_x=0&scr_y=14324&eid=21067496%2C31062930&oid=2&psts=AGkb-H-FDQqrCK49Z4FakRsn46gJDGV6R0qLF4BiXyHJfsL4peY6WGvG8q5y-chKqFh9gvOPXo9qZ3-06g%2CAGkb-H9HsnqEwePKJi35irW73Nzxk8GOPe195PFpqJh0b0WMaaGU763a0PdJsLGK01Sdj9-rJO85kZ5cCA%2CAGkb-H8KlaFxXIEcSn2EFecIy4HyMIuG-KN0ZuCOYHTxj8BJrvUK9wxAy5l1D_ZYPIUAM-avl8CBJ0AMLQ%2CAGkb-H9qSh3nfAY2Gq6PYgP4d3UuNnJGruScXVBswS4BaD4vXDOP1NgvbSnGqTIoJOaAcN1588xUw02psg%2CAGkb-H-ZCoroKIg1DqNxwNH9tO5vozHmt_W3tFu3KlAO1bG956sr17Ixo5MTa5qhemEYHjso4AfzBLelBg&pvsid=801591234408772&pem=673&tmod=188&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1366%2C0%2C1366%2C728%2C1366%2C625&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&ifi=8&uci=a!8&btvi=6&fsb=1&xpc=IQPXk6a55b&p=https%3A//www.colourmytech.com&dtd=5366
Buying a basement-priced machine with questionable build, little to no security, and probably no one to turn to when something goes wrong is not a risk you should take.
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