Much like our other tech guides this year, we analyzed the top performing smartphones on Ben’s to help our readers get a good understanding of what prices will be like when the Black Friday sales hit.

Unlocked phones are generally the most popular option to our visitors because of their flexibility and ease of use with low-cost prepaid plans. But when you buy unlocked, the phone will cost more since you’re losing that phone company subsidy.

Black Friday sales tend to focus on major carrier promotions and big trade-in offers, and we’ll mention the notable ones as they relate to the specific phones. Keep in mind, these credits are tied to expensive monthly plans.

The general rule is, you pay less upfront with a locked phone, but over the long term (2+ years), you end up paying more than you would with an unlocked phone and a low-cost prepaid plan. How much depends on various factors, but it’s worth sitting down and calculating the costs.

For this guide, we divided smartphones into three categories: Samsung, Apple, and the rest. It’s still an Android vs. iOS world out there…

Take note of your favorite models below and set a deal alert on Ben’s to get a jump on the lowest prices of the holidays!

Samsung Smartphones

Samsung’s new foldable phones, the Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 made a big splash this year with glitzy ads and impressive sales.

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G 6.7″ 128GB (2021): Earlier in the fall, this foldable phone was on sale for $700 with T-mobile activation at Best Buy ($300 off). That deal is sure to come back when Best Buy rolls out its big Black Friday sale on Nov. 19. Walmart is offering up to $750 in eGift Cards with eligible trade-in on Nov. 26. Verizon, AT&T, Samsung and Boost Mobile all have or will have big discounts tied to trade-ins. On the unlocked front, it’s been as low as $850 and $925 on Amazon. [Amazon (unlocked)]
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G 7.6″ 256GB (2021): The Flip’s bigger, fancier cousin was on sale for $1300 with T-Mobile activation at Best Buy ($500 off). Expect that sale again come Nov. 19. Like the Flip 3, the Fold 3 has big discounts with trade-ins at the major carriers. The unlocked version has been as low as $1500, and probably won’t go any lower in the next few weeks. [Amazon (unlocked)]
3. Samsung Galaxy A32 5G 6.5″ 64GB (2021): This popular low-priced Samsung has been as low as $100 through Boost Mobile, and that offer is sure to return for Black Friday. The unlocked version has been as low as $205 on Amazon so that’s the price point you want to aim for. [Amazon (unlocked)]
4. Samsung Galaxy S21+ Plus 5G 6.7″ 128GB (2021): It’s currently on sale for $800 with T-Mobile activation at Best Buy ($200 off). Verizon, AT&T and Samsung all have or will have big discounts tied to trade-ins. The unlocked model has been as low as $700 and $750 depending on the color. That’s a big discount for a current year unlocked phone and the best you’ll see for the next few weeks. [Amazon (unlocked)]
5. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G 6.8″ 128GB (2021): Currently $900 with T-Mobile at Best Buy, this behemoth phone will likely get an additional $50 to $100 off come Black Friday. Plus, Verizon, AT&T and Samsung all have or will have big discounts tied to trade-ins. The lowest we’ve seen the unlocked model go is $900 ($300 off) on Amazon, and that’s as good a price to expect around Black Friday. [Amazon (unlocked)]

Apple iPhones

Apple dominates the smartphone space (nearly 40% of global smartphone revenue). The best deals for recent iPhones are going to be with the carrier promotions as deals on new, unlocked iPhones are pretty sparse.

6. Apple iPhone 13 5G 6.1″ 128GB (2021): Since it’s the hottest phone of the season, there are plenty of deals that will substantially lower the price of a locked model. On Black Friday, Walmart will offer up to $550 in gift cards with purchase of any iPhone 13 model on AT&T and Verizon plus trade-in. Apple Store is currently promoting up to $900 in credits with various carrier trade-ins. Because the iPhone 13 is new and in high demand, you’re not going to find an unlocked version below retail ($829), unless you get lucky on a random eBay auction. [Apple]
7. Apple iPhone 12 5G 6.1″ 64GB (2020): The appeal of the iPhone 12 is that it can be almost totally subsidized if you choose to get a locked model through a carrier. For Black Friday, Walmart will be giving a $350 eGift Card with purchase on AT&T or Verizon, plus up to $250 for trade-ins. After gift cards, that’s about $100 for the phone. Verizon’s also offering credit (up to $700, nearly the price of the phone) for trade-in with Unlimited Plan. You’ll be hard-pressed to find more than 5% off the $729 retail for a brand-new unlocked version. Apple Store will probably offer a $50 gift card with purchase on Black Friday. If you’re okay with refurbished, you can find it for around $650. [Apple]
8. Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) 4.7″ 64GB (2020): If you go the locked route, the deals are aplenty with this low-cost iPhone. You can get it for free with a new line on an unlimited plan at Verizon. Cricket Wireless has the 128GB model for $100 when you prepay $120 for 2 months service. We’ve seen the 64GB model refurbished with a 30-day plan on Total Wireless for $122. Like the iPhone 12, there aren’t many deals for brand-new unlocked models, though you might find $50 off the $399 retail on eBay or a $50 gift card from Apple on Black Friday. [Apple]
9. Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max 5G 6.7″ 128GB (2021): Like the other iPhones on this list, your best option for a deal is a locked phone. In addition to the Walmart gift cards on Black Friday, you’ve got the major carrier promotions with up to $900 in credits. Unlocked deals will be hard to find for anything brand-new (a hefty $1099 retail). [Apple]

Other Smartphones (The Rest)

If you’re not tied to Samsung or Apple, then you’re going to find the best bargains from the rest of the field, especially on unlocked models.

10. Google Pixel 6 5G 6.4″ 128GB (2021): The big carriers are all offering hefty credits (up to $700) with the usual trade-in and installment plans. On Black Friday, Target will have the unlocked version of Google’s new phone for $549 ($50 off retail). Google will start its Black Friday sale on Nov. 18. Details are unknown, but we’ve already seen Google throw in a Pixel Buds A-Series for free with purchase of Pixel 6. [Google]
11. Motorola Moto G Play 6.5″ 32GB (2021): This budget smartphone is aimed at the prepaid market, though it will work with postpaid plans. We’ve seen HSN sell it locked with a year’s worth of Tracfone service for just $80. Walmart sells it for $49 locked with AT&T. If you want it unlocked, there aren’t any major price cuts, although Amazon has sold it for as low as $150 ($20 off retail). [Amazon (unlocked)]
12. TCL 20 SE 6.82″ 128GB (2021): This unlocked only budget phone was recently on sale for as low as $133 on Amazon in early November, nearly $60 off retail. That’s a Black Friday price that’s sure to return in the coming weeks. By the way, it’s compatible with T-Mobile and AT&T LTE networks, but not Verizon (CDMA). [Amazon]
13. OnePlus Nord N100 6.52″ 64GB (2021): Metro by T-Mobile is currently offering a locked phone for free when you switch to this prepaid carrier. They have unlimited plans starting at $50 / mo. We’ve seen the unlocked version go for as low as $140 at B&H Photo Video a handful of times and even $130 on Amazon once ($40 to $50 off retail). That’s the price range to aim for during the holiday shopping season. [Amazon (unlocked)]
14. OnePlus Nord N10 5G 6.49″ 128GB (2021): This step-up model from the Nord N100 is also free when you switch to the Metro by T-Mobile prepaid carrier. The unlocked model has been $220 on Amazon a couple times and even $200 once ($80 to $100 off retail). Expect that unlocked price to drop below $240 when Black Friday rolls around. [Amazon (unlocked)]

Check Ben’s for the latest Smartphone deals

2021 Gift Guide: Top Smartphones and How Much You Will Pay For Them

Using data we’ve accumulated over the year on Ben’s, we’ve found the most popular laptops and determined what prices you can expect to find them during Black Friday shopping season this year.

We broke down laptops into 6 segments:

1. Chromebooks: these cheap laptops have been very popular for bargain shoppers and students alike;
2. Budget PC laptops: the prices are usually under $500 but have older specs;
3. Mid-range PC laptops: newer and better specs and prices can creep up to the $1000 mark;
4. Premium PC laptops / workstations: retailing for over $1000, have the latest specs and are the thinnest and lightest laptops;
5. Macs: the M1 chip has made the Mac a big seller; and
6. PC gaming laptops: this niche category has really taken off in the last few years as manufacturers have managed to slim down their machines while still offering robust gaming-quality specs.

Laptop models tend to have a short retail lifespan, but that’s been worsened by the supply chain issues, due to the number of different parts involved in making laptops (like chips and displays). We’ve tried to stick to models that you can still find and are not closeouts.

Take note of your favorite models below and set a deal alert on Ben’s to get a jump on the lowest prices of the holidays!

Chromebooks

Google Chromebooks have really come into their own lately and are star players on Black Friday, with prices sometimes approaching the coveted $100 mark (or even lower).

1. Lenovo Chromebook S330 14″ MTK Quad-Core 32GB (2018): Walmart posted this old, barebones 1366 x 768 laptop for just $99 in October (impressive for the 14-inch class). Expect that price to make one last hurrah come Black Friday. [Walmart]
2. Acer Chromebook 512 12″ Celeron Dual-Core 32GB (2021): This “ruggedized” laptop with a spill-resistant keyboard has the popular 3:2 aspect ratio. It has hit $129 a few times this year and that’s the price to watch for in the coming weeks. [Best Buy]
3. Samsung Chromebook 4 11.6″ Celeron N4000 32GB (2020): Walmart priced this for a mere $87 in one of its Early Access Black Friday sales in early November. The question is if it will come back for a second round, because currently it’s out of stock. [Walmart]
4. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3 11.6″ 2-in-1 MTK Quad-Core 64GB (2020): This sleeker 2-in-1 Chromebook has recently appeared in Woot! sales from $140 to $150. Expect to see its price tag creep down below those prices in November and December. [Amazon]
5. HP 11A-NB0013DX Chromebook 11.6″ Dual-Core 32GB (2020): Best Buy is certain to roll out this well-reviewed little laptop for $99 again. [Best Buy]

Budget PC Laptops

Budget PC laptops usually make some compromises with older specs and build quality to stay under $500. Dell has been very popular in this category on Ben’s for years.

6. Gateway GWTN156 15.6″ FHD / Ryzen 5 3450U / 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD (2021): This Gateway branded laptop (made for Walmart by Bmorn Technology in China), has hit $349 several times. Pretty good price for those specs, but right now most colors are out of stock except purple. [Walmart]
7. Dell Inspiron 15 3000 15.6″ FHD / 11th Gen Core i3 / 4GB RAM / 128GB SSD (2021): It’s currently on sale for $300, the Black Friday price. If you miss it, Dell will repeat this sale a few times in November and December. [Dell]
8. Lenovo Ideapad 5 15.6″ FHD / 10th Gen Core i5 / 512GB SSD (2020): These aren’t budget specs, but it’s gone down as low as $450 at Office Depot. It’s been several months since we’ve seen that price, but this model is still being sold at Office Depot and it could get close to that low price again for Black Friday. [Office Depot]

Mid-Range PC Laptops

Deals on mid-range laptops are usually found in the $500 to $700 range and are most popular among consumers.

9. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 12.4″ Touch / 10th Gen Core i5 / 128GB SSD (2020): Currently selling for $550 at Best Buy, this quality touchscreen laptop has a sharp 1536 x 1024 display. We’ve seen it as low as $532 at Office Depot and that’s the price to aim for around Black Friday. [Best Buy]
10. Dell XPS 13 (9305) 13.3″ FHD / 11th Gen Core i5 / 256GB SSD (2021): This always highly rated laptop is currently on sale for the barnburner Black Friday price of $637. Plus, select American Express cardholders can get a $120 statement credit with a purchase of $599+ at Dell (see Amex Offers & Benefit on your card account for more details). [Dell]
11. ASUS VivoBook 15 K513 15.6″ FHD / 11th Gen Core i7 / 512GB SSD (2021): On sale again at its all-time low price of $580 at Office Depot, this one had solid specs (plus fingerprint reader). A good one to pick up at this price. [Office Depot]
12. Dell Inspiron 15 15.6″ FHD Touch / Ryzen 7 5700U 8-Core (2021): We’ve seen this touchscreen laptop for as low as $617 and expect it to get close to that price again after Nov. 15 when Dell rolls out its Black Friday sales. [Dell]
13. ASUS ZenBook 13 13.3″ FHD / 11th Gen Core i7 / 512GB SSD (2020): We haven’t seen this sleek laptop hit $750 for almost a year, but that’s what Black Friday is for, and it’s still in stock. [Office Depot]

Premium PC Laptops / Workstations

Typically retailing for over $1000, high-end laptops are usually the lightest and slimmest or are aimed at professional users.

14. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 13.3″ FHD AMOLED / 11th Gen Core i7 (2021): Amazon had this ultra light (1.92 lbs.) and sleek (0.44″ thin) laptop on sale for $840 back in October (and the Core i5 model for $760). Keep an eye out for those prices in late November. [Amazon]
15. MSI Prestige 14 Evo 14″ FHD 11th Gen Core i5 / 512GB SSD (2020): Weighing 2.62 lbs. and measuring 0.6″ thin, this laptop hit an all-time low of $599 on Amazon for a hot minute back in August. It’s more likely to be at $699 in November and December, but you just might see another quickie flash sale under that price. [Amazon]
16. Dell Vostro 5510 15.6″ FHD / 11th Gen Core i7 / Win Pro (2021): Aimed at professional users, this laptop has been on sale for as low as $649. Look for this price after Nov. 15 when Dell rolls out its Black Friday sales. Plus, select American Express cardholders can get a $120 statement credit with a purchase of $599+ at Dell (see Amex Offers & Benefit on your card account for more details). [Dell]
17. Dell Latitude 3420 14″ FHD / 11th Gen Core i7 / Win Pro (2021): This workstation laptop has been as low as $836, and we expect to see it get close to that price again in November and December. [Dell]

Macs

In fall 2020, Apple introduced its Apple-made M1 SoC (System on Chip), and sales of Macs have soared.

18. Apple MacBook Air M1 13.3″ 8-Core CPU / 7-Core GPU / 256GB (2020): We saw it at an all-time low of $800 on Amazon in early November (normally $100 more). That’s the sale price to circle when the Black Friday sales begin, and Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo Video and Micro Center are the most likely places. [Amazon]
19. Apple MacBook Pro M1 13.3″ 8-Core CPU / 8-Core GPU / 256GB (2020): It’s currently $1100 on Amazon after a $99 checkout discount, which matches the all-time low price. If you miss that sale, Amazon and Best Buy are likely to hit that price point again in the coming weeks. [Amazon]

PC Gaming Laptops

Laptops in this category are tailored to their gaming users, with robust graphic cards, high display refresh rates and other features like RGB lighting.

20. Dell G15 15.6″ 120Hz FHD / 10th Gen Core i5 / 4GB RTX 3050 (2020): This affordable gamer has been as low as $650. That’s almost $200 off its usual price, but we should see something similar after Nov. 15. Plus, select American Express cardholders can get a $120 statement credit with a purchase of $599+ at Dell (see Amex Offers & Benefit on your card account for more details). [Dell]
21. GIGABYTE AERO 15 OLED 15.6″ 4K / 11th Gen Core i7 / 6GB RTX 3060 (2021): The best price we’ve seen is $1249 after a $100 rebate back in August. Newegg will likely repeat that promotion in late November or December. Alternatively, we’ve seen the 8GB RTX 3080 configuration (YD-73US624SP) go for as low as $1649 (after a $500 rebate). [Newegg]
22. Alienware m15 R5 15.6″ 165Hz FHD / AMD Ryzen R7 5800H / 6GB 3060 (2021): This well-regarded gaming laptop has been on sale for as low as $1180 at this configuration, and it should hit that price point sometime after Nov. 15 when Dell’s Black Friday sales begin. [Dell]

Check Ben’s for the latest Wireless Headphone deals

2021 Gift Guide: Top Laptops and How Much You Will Pay For Them

Wireless headphones, especially “true wireless earbuds” (a la AirPods) are one of the most popular and plentiful categories on Ben’s. We analyzed the data from our top performing wireless headphones this year so you’ll know what will be the best deals this holiday season.

We broke down wireless headphones into 4 segments:

1. Apple: which is clearly dominating consumer interest in this product category;
2. Active Noise Cancelling: the most sought-after feature in wireless headphones but adds heavily to the price tag;
3. The Rest: including standard-issue in-ear headphones, sports earbuds and over-ear headphones; and
4. Gaming Headsets: which have features like noise-cancelling mics, surround sound and flashing lights of interest to gamers.

This list contains many recognizable brand names. If you’re not interested in brands, you don’t really need a list like this. You can find no-name earbuds for under $20 anytime. They’ve really watered down this product category.

Take note of your favorite models below and set a deal alert on Ben’s to get a jump on the lowest prices of the holidays!

Apple Wireless Headphones

Apple has dominated the market wireless headphones market in recent years with their iconic AirPods.

1. AirPods Pro with MagSafe (2021): Apple’s ultra-popular wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling are currently on sale for $190. The older 2019 version without the MagSafe case (otherwise same) is getting harder to find, but we’ve seen it as low as $180. Walmart is advertising the Airpods Pro for an amazing $159 on Black Friday (actually 11/22). Unclear if it’s the MagSafe version or not. [Best Buy]
2. AirPods 2 with Wired or Wireless Case (2019): The sale price on the wired case model recently hit a super low $89 at Walmart, Amazon and Costco. It’ll probably return to that price at times during the holiday season. The wireless case model briefly hit $99 at Walmart in October, and that’s the price point you want to get close to when looking for sales. [Best Buy]
3. AirPods Max (2020): Apple’s super-deluxe over-ear model with active noise cancellation is truly overpriced, but has been coming down in price in recent months. We’ve seen it as low as $430, and that’s a good low price to aim for during Black Friday, perhaps just under that. [Best Buy]
4. AirPods 3 (2021): The brand-new entry into the AirPods lineup is the wildcard since it’s unlikely to see any major price drop during Black Friday, except possibly an accompanying gift card from Apple or Best Buy. It’s currently $175 ($5 off retail) on Amazon. [Amazon]
5. Beats Solo3 (2016, updated 2019): These popular on-ear headphones have outlasted the recently discontinued Solo Pro (released in 2019) and are very popular on Ben’s. They recently went on sale for $90 at Target and that’s the price to aim for come Black Friday. [Amazon]

Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) adds a pretty penny to the cost of the headphones but is a much-needed feature for travelers and people in noisy environments.

6. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2020): The gold standard in ANC earbuds, we’ve seen them for as low as $229 brand-new (and $169 refurbished direct from Bose). Expect them to dip under $230 for Black Friday. [Amazon]
7. Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds (2021): These top-notch Sony earbuds are worthy competitors to the Bose and are currently at their all-time low price of $248. They might go down a bit for Black Friday, but unlikely. [Amazon]
8. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live (2020): These popular ANC earbuds are pretty affordable and are currently at their all-time low of $99. [Amazon]
9. Jabra Elite 85t (2020): Now is a good time to buy these top-performing ANC earbuds as they have hit an all-time low of $150. [Amazon]
10. Sony WF-1000XM3 Earbuds (2019): The older but still popular ANC Sony earbuds are where you’re more likely to see deals this Black Friday. They recently went as low as $128, and are likely to hit that fantastic price again around Black Friday. [Amazon]
11. Bose QuietComfort 35 II (2017): These venerable over-ear headphones might be the most popular noise-cancelling headphones ever. They recently hit an all-time low of $179 on Amazon, and that’s the price you want to aim for on Black Friday. [Amazon]
12. Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 (2020): We’ve seen these sleek over-ear headphones go as low as $200 last season and they should hit close to that price point again for Black Friday. [Amazon]

Other Wireless Headphones (The Rest)

Without active noise cancelling, you can find true wireless earbuds or wireless over-ear headphones from top brands for under $100 or even under $50.

13. Samsung Galaxy Buds+ Plus (2020): We’ve seen them as low as $63 on Woot! back in July, but that was quite a fluke. Aside from that, the best sale prices we’ve seen have been in the $85 to $90 range. That’s a good price to aim for during Black Friday. [Amazon]
14. JBL Tune 115TWS (2020): These well-reviewed no-frills budget earbuds can currently be picked up for as low as $30. [Amazon]
15. LG Tone Free HBS-FN6 with UVnano Case (2020): We’ve seen these unique earbuds with the anti-bacterial case go for as low as $45 and expect to see that price again during the Black Friday season. [Amazon]
16. JBL Endurance Peak (1st Gen, 2019): Although discontinued, JBL has been selling these highly rated sports earbuds direct from its store or eBay storefront for as low as $40. [JBL]
17. JBL Endurance Peak II (2nd Gen, 2020): The new version of the popular true wireless sports earbuds has recently been as low as $50 on Amazon. Watch for them to return to that price around Black Friday. [Amazon]
18. Google Pixel Buds A-Series: Google’s new true wireless earbuds ($99 retail) have recently been a freebie with purchase of the new Pixel 6 phone. If they’re getting any kind of decent discount this holiday season, watch for Google’s Black Friday sale starting Nov. 18. [Google]
19. Panasonic RP-HTX80B Retro (Over-Ear): We’ve seen these stylish cans on sale for $30, and they’re currently $35 on Amazon. The “Sangria” (red) color is particularly striking. [Amazon]

Wireless Gaming Headsets

Gaming headsets are very popular these days as they offer an immersive sound stage for gamers, and wireless is a bonus convenience, avoiding the hassle of wires tangling with controllers.

20. Logitech G733 Lightspeed DTS 7.1 RGB (2020): We’ve seen them for as low as $110 at Newegg, and they’re currently around $120 on Amazon. Those are the sale prices you can aim for this holiday. Compatibility: PlayStation/Switch/PC/Mac (no Xbox). [Amazon]
21. Astro Gaming A20 Gen 2 (2020): This lower-priced wireless headset hit the amazing low price of $68 back in August, but the Black Friday price is more likely to be closer to $99. Compatibility: Xbox or PlayStation (2 separate models). [Amazon]

Check Ben’s for the latest Wireless Headphone deals

2021 Gift Guide: Top Wireless Headphones and How Much You Will Pay For Them

This year, we divided the top performing 2021 4K TVs on Ben’s into 3 categories: high-end, mid-range and budget. We then crunched the numbers and assembled this guide to give our readers insight into what TV prices will be when Black Friday rolls around.

We’ve focused primarily on prices for the 65-inch models. The 65-inch size is the most popular right now, which shows the eagerness of American households to embrace bigger screens as the prices go down and the displays get thinner and lighter. TV makers are also packing their best features in this 65-inch range.

To meet the needs of consumers, TV manufacturers are making a wide range of display sizes, usually 42, 50, 55, 65, 75 and sometimes 80 or 85 inches.

Because TVs are refreshed on a yearly basis, we’re only looking at 2021 models, but you can certainly find even bigger deals on closeout 2020 models, though at this point in the year most are going to be refurbs.

Take note of your favorite models below and set a deal alert on Ben’s to get a jump on the lowest prices of the holidays!

Top 2021 High-End TVs

LG OLED TVs have dominated this category the past several years, but Sony OLEDs are gaining.

1. LG C1 Series OLED TVs (2021): We’ve seen the 65″ model of this amazing TV go for as low as $1527 on eBay and $1620 at Target, but realistically don’t expect it to dip much below $1700 for Black Friday. [Amazon]
2. Sony BRAVIA XR A80J OLED TVs (2021): LG’s biggest competition has seen the 65″ model go as low as $1571 on eBay, but we expect it to stay well above $1700 (probably around $1800) for the remainder of the year. [Amazon]
3. Samsung QN85A Series QLED TVs (2021): We recently saw the 75″ model go for as low as $1600 at Sam’s Club (+$45 for the membership). The 65″ model is hovering just below $1500 right now and probably will see another $100 off during the holidays. [Amazon]
4. Hisense L5 Series 120″ Laser Projector Android TV (2021): We’ve seen this awesome short-throw projector with included screen sell for $2500. It should hit that low price again around Black Friday or into December. [Amazon]
5. Samsung The Frame Series QLED TVs (2021): The 65″ model has recently gone as low as $1500, and that’s where you can expect sale prices to return around Black Friday. BuyDig.com sells it bundled with customizable bezels for a big discount. [Amazon]
6. Sony BRAVIA XR X90J Series LED TVs (2021): The 65″ model of this TV with top-notch picture quality is hovering just below $1200, and we’ll probably see most of the display sizes in this line go down another $100 during the holiday season. [Amazon]

Top 2021 Mid-Range TVs

If the high-end TVs are a little too rich for your taste, mid-range TVs have a nice balance of value with excellent picture quality and special features.

7. Amazon Fire TV Omni Series LED TVs (2021): Amazon has been very aggressive pricing its first line of official Amazon TVs. The 50″ model has been on sale for $360 and the 55″ for $410. We haven’t seen the 65″ go on sale yet, but we’ll probably see $100 off its $830 price tag (either a straight discount or gift card/credit) before the holiday shopping season is over. [Amazon]
8. LG NanoCell 75 Series LED TVs (2021): We’ve seen the 70″ model of this popular TV on sale recently for as low as $750. Expect Best Buy to get aggressive around Black Friday on all popular model sizes, like the 65″ hitting $650 or less. [Best Buy]
9. Samsung Q60A Series QLED TVs (2021): The 65″ model of this top-performing TV should hit $800 or less during the Black Friday season. [Amazon]
10. Hisense U6G Series Quantum ULED TVs (2021): We’ve seen the 65″ model go for as low as $650 and expect it to hit that price point around Black Friday. The 75″ model might get as low as $850. [Amazon]

Top 2021 Budget 4K TVs

If you want the very best bargains, then these panels are the ones to keep an eye out for.

11. Hisense A6G Series Android LED TVs (2021): The 70″ model is at its all-time low of $550 at Best Buy and you might see that move down another $50 during the Black Friday shopping season. [Best Buy]
12. TCL 4 Series Roku LED TVs (2021): Walmart recently sold a 55″ 4-Series TV for $228, which could come back for Black Friday. Other 4-Series TVs will get big discounts at other retailers during the holidays. [Walmart]
13. Insignia F30 Series Amazon Fire LED TVs (2021): Best Buy currently has the 58″ model for $350 as a “Black Friday guaranteed” price. The 65″ model is $490 and is certain to go down another $50 to $100 for Black Friday. [Best Buy]
14. Element Frameless Roku LED TVs (2021): Target recently sold the 65″ model for $300 and the 75″ model for $550, and these special “made for Black Friday” TVs will certainly hit that price again in November. [Target]
15. onn. Roku LED TVs (2021): The 65″ model is expected to hit $300, possibly even $200 for in-store doorbuster situations, at Walmart. The 70″ model is advertised on Black Friday for $398. If you’re looking for crazy prizes this 2021 Black Friday, onn. is your choice. [Walmart]

Check Ben’s for the latest 4K TV deals

2021 Gift Guide: Top 4K TVs and How Much You Will Pay For Them

The Echo Show 8 ($130, currently $100) is Amazon’s newest smart display device, sitting between the 10.1-inch Echo Show ($230) and the 5.5-inch Echo Show 5 ($80). It looks a lot like the Echo Show 5… just bigger.

The Echo Show 8’s tubby wedge shape is not the most inspiring form factor and won’t win any design awards, but like many of Amazon’s devices, it’s workmanlike and gets the job done at a reasonable price. Plus, at this size (7.9″ x 5.4″ x 3.9″), it’s a natural fit on a kitchen counter or bedroom nightstand (and available in your choice of charcoal or sandstone, i.e. black or white in normal-speak).

Its closest competitors, the 7-inch Google Nest Hub ($129) and 8-inch Facebook Portal Mini ($130) might look more appealing, design-wise, to many prospective buyers. The latter even has built-in Alexa. So, does the Echo Show 8 have enough to stand out amongst the competition? Let’s take a closer look…

The Display Has It

While it hasn’t always been the case for me with other Amazon devices, the setup for the Echo Show 8 was actually very fast and quite painless. I attribute that to the display, because going through the setup steps directly on the device was much easier than having to do it on a phone via the Alexa app.

I could also see that the display allows the Echo to (possibly) realize its full potential as a smart home hub (though it does not have a dedicated Zigbee smart home hub like the 10-inch model). With a quick swipe left to the shortcuts menu, you can access “Smart Home” and quickly see the status of all of your smart home devices. With the traditional Echo smart speaker, you either have to remember them—which is fine until you start accumulating a bunch of these devices—or you check the app on your phone.

Anyway, the setup took just a few minutes: I entered the password for my Wi-Fi network, linked my Amazon account, selected a time zone, and chose a screensaver (an expected but well-executed feature). At the end, Alexa pronounced, “This device is ready.”

The Echo Show 8 Unboxed.

As I stepped back to observe the Show 8 scrolling through news, weather and Alexa suggestions, I noticed what a terrible fingerprint magnet the display and bezels are. No fancy Apple-style oleophobic coating here, apparently.

Font size is comfortably readable from a distance, like 6 to 8 ft. away, say if you’re moving around in a kitchen or bedroom. You can’t adjust font size, however, or how elements are laid out in the home screen.

The rubber base is reliably grippy, so it won’t be knocked off a counter or nightstand easily. Plus, the Echo Show 8 has a heft to it (2.2 pounds) that also helps its balance, compared to the lighter tablet/picture frame form factors of its competitors.

You’re stuck with the display angle unless you want to buy Amazon’s separate adjustable stand for $25. The viewing angles aren’t bad, but straight on is still best. The resolution is 1280 by 800 which looks fairly sharp on the 8-inch display, and colors are okay. Could the display have been better? Definitely yes, but not at this price point.

I liked how the the display automatically switched to an old school LED clock when I turned off the lights. (You can also turn off that setting, which is called “Night Mode.”)

Video, Sound and Calls

When you swipe left for shortcuts, you can open up video and music options. Video is pretty limited. You get your choice of Prime Video, Hulu, NBC, Food Network Kitchen and Tubi (whatever that is). The apps are pared down versions of what you might find on a regular streaming device, but could be worse.

What’s missing? Chiefly, YouTube and Netflix, among others. Although Amazon and Google made nice earlier this year, the absence of a dedicated YouTube video app on the Echo Show 8 is quite glaring. I accessed YouTube via the Show 8’s slow Firefox browser, and let’s just say… it was not the most user friendly experience.

On that note, the Show 8 runs on the same Mediatek 8163 processor found in the Fire HD 8 tablet, and at times, it’s a bit sluggish. Not to say that the CPU destroys the entire user experience, but it’s also not the fastest draw in the West. I was frequently greeted by “Loading” messages. However, Alexa herself is as peppy as on other devices, and the Show 8 sometimes includes illustrations or images with her responses.

Using YouTube is not fun.

The sound is a bit bass-heavy at first, probably because the Show 8’s two side speakers and passive bass radiator are sitting so close to the surface—in my case, the kitchen counter. It was easy to ask Alexa to turn down the bass (you can also do it from the settings menu or the Alexa app).

Because the speakers capture some low end, the sound is decent overall, but I wasn’t a fan of how the speakers are arrayed on the side and back. Amazon wanted to get away from the clunky look of the 1st gen Echo Show’s bottom-mounted speakers, but I think the 360-degree speakers on the Echo and 3rd Gen Echo Dot sound better overall.

When you play music on the Echo Show 8, the lyrics will roll up on screen (if available). Fun for kids and adults with bad memory.

You can make video calls on the Echo Show to other Echo Show devices or phones with the Alexa app installed. I found the video calling experience to be trouble-free, although the 1MP camera on the Echo Show 8 was left wanting versus the much better smartphone selfie camera on the other end, and the contrast was quite noticeable. The caller was able to hear me clearly.

Unlike Facebook Portal, the camera on the Echo Show 8 will not follow you as you move around, so you should find a good place to talk or hunch over uncomfortably.

Big Brother (or Little Brother) is Watching?

Why is “Closed” capitalized? Or “shutter” not capitalized? Questions…

Speaking of the camera, there’s an actual physical shutter that you can slide in front of the lens. That’s in addition to being able to turn off the camera and mics with a button. That should bring some peace of mind to privacy-minded users.

Like other Echo devices, you can “drop in” and listen in on other Echo speakers and video call other Echo Shows, send announcements through Echo devices, or make it part of a multi-room audio setup.

Using Alexa Skills on the Alexa app, I’m able to view my Arlo smart home security cameras on the Echo Show 8. That setup process took just a few minutes, and you can also do this with Ring, Nest and other smart home devices.

This kind of smart home capability with the display really opens up potential for the Echo Show 8 as a powerful way to monitor your devices without having to use a phone.

It’s a Good Value

The Echo Show 8 grew on me. Yes, it’s rather utilitarian, and it’s not a premium-looking device that will make you ooh and aah.  Still, it was handy to glance at its display for the time, weather and sports scores. The Show 8 is small enough to fit on a nightstand but big enough to be visible in a kitchen or living room. Its sound is good enough to act as a standalone speaker, and its display makes it a useful smart home hub.

I’d like to see more Alexa skills specifically configured for the Echo Show smart displays rather than just the audio-only Echo speakers. Maybe those will come in time.

At a sale price of $100 or less, the price of the Echo Show 8 is well in the range of the standard Echo speaker and that makes it a good value overall.

Echo Show 8 Review: It’ll Grow on You

Building Lego toys is fun, whether you’re building from the manual or creating something entirely new, a.k.a. a Lego MOC (My Own Creation).

A select few expert builders from around the world are even hired by Lego and become what are known as Lego Master Model Builders. They usually have architectural or engineering degrees and can also work at Lego theme parks in addition to the Lego headquarters in Denmark.

MOC designs can be submitted to the Kickstarter-like website Lego Ideas (formerly known as LEGO CUUSOO). Once the submission reaches 10,000 supporters, it’s reviewed for several months by a team of Lego set designers, program managers and marketing reps. If it’s approved, the former MOC can be launched as an official set!

We’ve seen many CUUSOO/Ideas projects like the Back to the Future DeLorean,  Ghostbusters Ecto-1, Wall-E and Doctor Who and Companions make it into production. Here are 10 of our favorite Lego Ideas sets that either didn’t get approved or may just one day be flying off store shelves on Black Friday.

1. Lego Back to the Future Jules Verne Train

Created by Masashi Togami, this LEGO set based on Doc Brown’s flying locomotive time machine from Back to the Future III, reached 10,000 supporters, but it was ultimately not approved into production during the second 2014 review.

This cool-looking train can even be built with moving parts thanks to Lego Power Functions (YouTube video).

Status: Not approved.

2) Lego Ghostbusters Stay Puft Marshmallow Man

Now that the Ghostbusters Firehouse and Ecto-1 are available to consumers, the StayPuft Marshmallow Man, designed by LEGO super creator Brent Waller (who also did Ecto-1), is a natural fit.

Consisting of over 1,800 pieces, it stands 13 inches tall with articulated head, arms, legs, feet and hands, which makes the deceptively evil Stay Puft an unusual but awesome addition to the Lego family.

Status: In review (early 2016).

3) Lego Lord of the Rings Lothlorien

The home of the Elves has been faithfully recreated in this 1,400-piece set which also includes essential minifigs like Celebor, Galadriel, Legolas, Boromir, Aragorn and Frodo.

Like the Lego Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, Lothlorien makes for an unusual-looking but very imaginative and elegant set worthy of the Lego name.

Status: In review (early 2016).

4) Lego Disney 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Nautilus

Alex Jones built this set as a faithful recreation of Harper Goff’s design from the classic Disney movie based on Jules Verne’s beloved sci-fi novel.

Although it doesn’t dovetail with other Lego themes, the Nautilus looks like a fun and challenging build, particularly the large scale version pictured here (4.5 ft. and 3000 pieces).

Status: 10,000 supporters.

5) Lego Physics

The Lego Physics set combines Lego dominoes and a marble run for a very unique Lego experience that opens up new avenues for the kinds of official sets we might see in the future (much as Lego Birds did). A science-related theme to get kids interested in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) sounds like a slam dunk.

My hunch is, of all the Lego Ideas projects in the second 2015 Lego review, this one is the most likely to make it onto store shelves.

Status: In Review (early 2016).

6) Toyota Landcruiser 40 Series (BJ42)

Submitted in summer 2015, this super-detailed recreation of the classic off-roader has amassed the requisite 10,000 supporters in four short months.

It’s built with around 1,700 pieces and seems like a shoo-in for the LEGO Creator series.

Status: 10,000 Supporters

7) Lego Pirates of the Caribbean Flying Dutchman

This dazzling set based on Davy Jones’s cursed ship from the movie series is an incredible effort that harkens back to the kind of detail you would see from old-school ships in a bottle.

Sadly, this project did not the pass the third 2014 Lego review. It may not be for mass market consumption but this set represents the pinnacle of what Lego bricks and ingenuity can do.

Status: Not approved.

8) Lego Jurassic Park Visitor Center

Submitted in June 2015, this 2,623-piece set is gaining steam on Lego Ideas with an impressive recreation of the iconic visitor center from the first Jurassic Park movie. Like many popular Lego sets, the various rooms are hinged or detachable.

In addition to minfigures of the main characters, you get a molded Velociraptor and two brick-built skeletons of the T-Rex and Sauropod.

Status: 7,400+ supporters (10k deadline: June 2017)

9) Lego Modular Buildings Train Station

The Lego Modular Buildings Collection has been a big hit with AFOLs (Adult Fans of Lego), and this 3,000-piece set submitted in 2015 would be a cool addition to that theme, as well as Lego’s long history of train sets.

While there are no trains included, the platform height is sized for standard Lego trains. Also, the roof and upper back wall detach for interior play.

Status: 7,600+ supporters (10k deadline: April 2017)

10) Lego Vintage Tram

Created by Lego super MOC Kevin Szeto (Lego Ideas Wall-E) and submitted in October 2015, this 600+ piece Vintage Tram would be an awesome mode of transport in any self-respecting Lego City.

The 10-inch Lego tram is modeled after vintage Portuguese trams. It rides on regular Lego City tracks and can fit up to 8 minifig passengers via a removable top—plus the driver.

Status: 3,600+ supporters (10k deadline: April 2017)

Check Out Part One: The 17 Awesomest Official Lego Sets

Everything is Awesome II: 10 More Fantastic Unofficial Lego Sets

Amazon’s new Echo Dot 3rd Generation Smart Speaker will be one of the hottest tech goodies of the 2018 holiday shopping season, especially during the Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales. Regularly $50, it will be $24 or $25 from a number of retailers, including Amazon of course, but also Target, Best Buy, Kohl’s and others.

On Amazon, you can currently buy three of the 3rd Gen Echo Dots for $70 (discount at checkout). That’s just $23 (and some change) per unit.

The Echo Dot 2nd Generation, which got dropped to a regular price of $40, will be $20 on Amazon during Thanksgiving and Black Friday as well as at other retailers like Target and Best Buy.

After reviewing the new 3rd Gen model and comparing it to its predecessor, I think the Echo Dot 3 is worth the extra $5 (or $10) in the long run, with one very minor caveat, which I will get to later.

2nd Gen (left) and 3rd Gen (right)

Released in October 2018, the new Echo Dot is noticeably larger, measuring 3.9 inches in diameter and 1.7 inches tall, compared to the 3.3-inch by 1.3-inch size of the first two generations. The form factor still retains the iconic “hockey puck” shape.  Available in 3 colors (charcoal, sandstone and heather gray), the Dot looks like a shrunken-down version of the new Echo Plus and the design of both new models harkens back to last year’s revamp of the standard Echo, which introduced the fabric wrap-around and the same color choices. In a subtle but welcome change, the edges of the new Dot (and Plus) are more rounded than the 2017 Echo, which gives the overall appearance a classier feel.

The Echo Dot, when compared to the sea of small Bluetooth speakers out there, is not the smallest or best sounding. It’s not even technically portable, because there’s no rechargeable battery. The ill-fated Amazon Tap had a battery, but it seems like Amazon hasn’t yet figured out how to balance always-on voice capabilities with fantastic battery life. So for now, you need to plug the Echo Dot into an outlet. So while it’s “portable” because it’s small, you still need to carry around its power brick, which is now a larger 15w adapter with a barrel plug, compared to the 2nd Gen’s 9W adapter with a detachable micro USB cable.

You can choose to use the Echo Dot 3 as only a Bluetooth speaker: turn off the microphone, pair it with your mobile device and avoid any further concerns about privacy. But you still have to initially connect it to your Wi-Fi, and besides that’s not why we buy the Echo. We know the Dot can do much more than with Alexa, Amazon’s now famous “always on” voice control assistant.

Echo Dot 3 Unboxed

As is standard for these Amazon devices, it’s a simple 5-minute setup, but you do need the Alexa iOS or Android app and a Wi-Fi network. Within 5 minutes of powering up the 3rd Gen Echo Dot and connecting it to my home network, Alexa reminded me she was there, saying the Dot had received an update and needed to restart. After that, it was smooth sailing.

The 2nd Gen Echo Dot was a great little smart speaker, but its biggest drawback was that it really wasn’t a standalone device. The speaker sounded harsh and metallic, and while serviceable for Alexa’s voice, you really needed to plug in or pair up a real speaker (or speakers) to get decent sound. With the new iteration, Amazon has really made the Echo Dot a standalone speaker, albeit one for small spaces (“near field”) and one that isn’t going to stand up to close scrutiny, audio-wise. You can still plug in the 3rd Gen model to another speaker via 3.5mm cable or pair it via Bluetooth.

The speaker on the new Dot has a bigger driver than the previous model (1.6 inches vs. 1.1 inches). It’s able to reach higher volumes without distorting as quickly. Really, there’s almost no comparison since the 2nd Gen Dot has terrible, low-fidelity sound.

A better comparison to the new Echo Dot’s sound is the standard Echo. While the Echo does have better overall sound, the Echo Dot 3 does have comparable mid-range capability and only slightly worse highs. Where it does falter is on the low end (bass), which is not surprising given its diminutive size.

The much-improved sound gives you the flexibility to use the Dot by itself, although you won’t get as pleasing a sound or as big a soundstage as you will find on the larger Echo speakers.

Both models have a 3.5mm port

I found the mics (four far-field mics) to be very sensitive—almost slightly too sensitive–with Alexa occasionally interrupting music to listen. I didn’t necessarily find the Echo Dot 3 to be better at recognizing voice commands than its predecessor.

The 3rd Generation model doesn’t make any advancements in what it can do as a smart speaker. The improvements are solely audio- and cosmetic-related. However, there are a lot of great things you can do with Echo devices, especially when you have more than one, like using them in a Sonos-style multi-room setup (through the Alexa app). Now that the Echo Dot 3 has decent standalone sound, it’s a lot more affordable to install such a setup in your home.

On that note, I encourage you to find out more of what the Echo Dot can do via the Alexa app, where you can also do things like enable “Follow-up Mode” (via Device Settings), which will keep Alexa listening for 5 seconds after your initial request, or “Routines,” where you can have Alexa do a sequence of smart home commands, like turning off the kitchen lights and the living room lights at the same time.

So here’s the one caveat to buying the Echo Dot 3 over the Echo Dot 2: the new model is behind the 2nd Gen Dot in third-party accessories, especially the popular speaker and portable battery docks. In time, I’m sure the 3rd Gen model will get its own slew of accessories, but if you can’t wait or already own these accessories, then the Echo Dot might be a better choice.

Still, I think the 3rd Gen Echo Dot will sound good enough for most people and be portable enough that it will become one of Amazon’s all-time top-selling devices.

Check for Echo Deals on Ben’s

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Generation) Review

While moviegoing has fallen on hard times during the pandemic, home video viewing has soared. These days, most viewers like to stream their entertainment, but in a dystopian future where the internet is banned, you’ll be happy to have your favorite movies on physical media.

All kidding aside, with studios moving away from physical discs in favor of streaming, now is the best time to grab some of the wonderful 4K and Blu-ray editions that are circulating out there—featuring the kind of nifty packaging, special features/commentary and collectible pack-ins you won’t get from a digital download.

Below are our top thirty 4K and Blu-ray gift ideas that were released in 2020. Check out last year’s list, too, for many more good ones. Watch for price drops and deals on Ben’s in the coming weeks (set deal alerts here)!

Note: Links below are to Amazon (or Best Buy in some cases due to availability). Street prices are listed in parentheses.

Modern Classics on 4K

2020 continued to see restorations and reissues of modern classics from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and ’00s released on 4K.

1. The Mask of Zorro (1998): This fun romp starring Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones gets the 4K (HDR10) treatment with dazzling results. ($23)
2. Total Recall: 30th Anniversary (1990): Ahnuld and Sharon Stone go to Mars in this violent Paul Verhoeven sci-fi action thriller. ($18)
3. Jaws: 45th Anniversary Limited Edition (1975): Steven’s Spielberg’s opus to monster movies receives an impressive 4K facelift from the original camera negative. ($20)
4. 300 (2007): Meme-worthy and innovative, Zack Snyder’s Battle of Thermopylae gets thoroughly amped up on 4K (HDR10) and Dolby Atmos. ($25)
5. Beverly Hills Cop (1984): Eddie Murphy solidified his place in the Hollywood firmament with this genre-busting comedy that shattered box office records. ($20)
6. Gladiator / Braveheart 2-Movie Collection (2000/1995): These two epics were separately released on 4K in 2018, but get the value combo treatment in 2020. ($28)
7. Mad Max (1979): The original post-apocalyptic action thriller established Mel Gibson as a worldwide star and over 40 years later gets a 4K Dolby Vision HDR upgrade. ($40)
8. The Hunt for Red October (1990): The late, great Sean Connery stars as a Russian sub commander in the best Tom Clancy adaptation yet made and never loses his Scottish burr. Deal with it. ($28)
9. Top Gun (1986): This 1980s time machine stars Tom Cruise in his superstar-making vehicle, while director Tony Scott’s inimitable style has never looked better in 4K. ($15)

Gift Sets

Gift sets are for the super fan who wants everything, but they will definitely leave a dent in the wallet.

10. The Office: The Complete Series (34-Disc Blu-ray): You can follow The Office from Netflix to Peacock in January 2021, or you can just own the whole series outright on Blu-ray. What say you?! ($112)
11. Game of Thrones: The Complete Collection (33-Disc 4K+Digital): Fans will be blown away by how good the series looks on a physical format (vs. streaming), whether or not they liked the final season. ($195)
12. Back to the Future: The Ultimate Trilogy (7-Disc 4K+Blu-ray+Digital): Go back in time with Marty and Doc in a souped-up 4K restoration (HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+) with some new bonus features like the “Lost Audition Tapes.” ($40)
13. Bugs Bunny 80th Anniversary Collection (3-Disc Blu-ray+Digital): 60 Bugs Bunny animated theatrical shorts are included (30 of which have never been released on Blu-ray or DVD), plus a new “doc” (digital only) and a Bugs Bunny Funko figure. ($73)
14. The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended & Theatrical, 9-Disc 4K+Digital): LOTR on 4K, it doesn’t get much better than this. Well, until summer 2021 when the Ultimate Collector’s Edition comes out. Hey, at least it’s not Star Wars on home video… ($90) Also available with a replica of The One Ring in a fancy book-style Collector’s Gift Set. ($150)
15. Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (27-Disc 4K+Blu-ray+Digital): Star Wars on 4K, it doesn’t get much better than this. Wait, the original theatrical cuts of the OT are not included? Sigh… here we go again. ($200)
16. The Flintstones: The Complete Series (10-Disc Blu-ray): All 166 episodes of prime time’s first animated series are included in vibrant full 1080p HD. ($61)

Cult Classics & Genre Gems

Thanks to passionate fans, these special home video releases saw the light of day.

17. The Last Starfighter: Special Edition (Blu-ray): Arrow Video restored this beloved 1984 sci-fi movie from a 4K scan, and threw in a bunch of new extras, including commentary with Lance Guest.
18. The Goonies (4K+Blu-ray+Digital): Spielberg produced this Gen-X childhood favorite about treasure hunting kids in Oregon. ($25) Also available with collectibles in a Special Edition Gift Box. ($50)
19. Popeye (Blu-ray+Digital): This very underrated 1980 musical, starring Robin Williams as the titular comic character and Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl, is finally being released on Blu-ray. ($10)
20. The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone (Blu-ray+Digital): Director Francis Ford Coppola got the go-ahead to recut 1990’s much-maligned Godfather Part III to closer approximate author Mario Puzo’s original vision. ($17)
21. Flash Gordon: Limited Edition (4K+Blu-ray): Flash, ah-ahhh! You remember the Queen song, and the rest is… well, interesting. Nonetheless, it underwent an extensive restoration under supervision of director Mike Hodges. ($20) Also available with collectibles in a Limited Edition Box Set. ($40)

Golden Age Movies in 4K

These classical Hollywood pictures got brand-new life in beautiful 4K restorations.

22. Spartacus (2-Disc 4K+Blu-ray+Digital): After a long wait, the spectacular 4K restoration of Stanley Kubrick’s 1960 epic is finally seen on 4K disc (HDR10, Dolby Vision) in the film’s original 3+ hour running time. ($18)
23. Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection: Volume 1 (17-Disc 4K+Blu-ray+Digital): Includes Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Dr. Strangelove, Gandhi, A League of Their Own, Jerry Maguire and most notably, for the first time on 4K disc, David Lean’s masterpiece Lawrence of Arabia. ($165)
24. The Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection (8-Disc 4K+Blu-ray+Digital): Includes 4 of Hitch’s most well-known Hollywood pictures for the first time on 4K—Rear Window, Vertigo, Psycho (2 versions) and The Birds—all in a collectible digibook.

New Releases in 4K

Tenet is the one “new release” on this list that actually debuted in theaters in 2020. The rest are from 2019, but the home video versions were released this year.

25. 1917: Winner of the 2020 Golden Globes for best motion picture (drama), this showy “single take” WWI epic can also stand in as your 4K reference disc. ($18)
26. Tenet: Acclaimed director Christopher Nolan’s cerebral sci-fi thriller hit theaters during a pandemic but will undoubtedly find new life on home video. ($30)
27. John Wick: Chapters 1-3: The individual movies have been previously released on 4K, but now all you John(ny)-Come-Latelys can get the value combo pack. ($28)
28. Jumanji: The Next Level: The totally unnecessary sequel to 2017’s surprise hit Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is still a mostly fun movie when it focuses on the four main leads. ($20)
29. Ford v. Ferrari: Director James Mangold captures the visceral excitement of race car driving in the 1960s, and the fantastic Dolby Atmos soundtrack is a treat. ($15)
30. Frozen II: Regardless of whether it lived up to its high expectations, this sequel is still a hit with kids and the 4K transfer is beautiful to behold. ($20)

Check Ben’s for the latest 4K & Blu-ray deals

2020 Gift Guide: Top 30 4K & Blu-ray Gifts for Movie and TV Fans

With more and more working from home, chances are people want to pick up a new laptop for heavy-duty use or maybe a second laptop (apart from work) to stream movies, work on personal projects or play games.  (If you’re into gaming, check out our Favorite Affordable Gaming Laptops Guide.) 

Right now, “screen-to-body ratio” is a big thing (90% or higher is very desirable). As with TVs, consumers want thinner bezels and a smaller overall footprint. Can you squeeze a 15.6″ display into a traditional 14″ laptop size? How about a 14″ display into a 13.3″ laptop? (In addition, 16:10 screen ratios are becoming popular, as they offer more vertical depth than the ubiquitous 16:9.)

Apple pulled this move last year when it replaced its iconic 15″ MacBook with a new 16″ model that basically fit in the same body. 

Faster is always better, and this year Intel saw huge competition from AMD in the form of its affordable yet powerful Ryzen 4000 Series chips. Many felt AMD leapfrogged its main competitor in terms of performance.

This past week, Apple announced its own Silicon M1 SoC (System on a Chip), marking the end of its 15-year partnership with Intel for its computer processors. The M1 is based on Apple’s A14 Bionic chip found in the new iPad Air and iPhone 12.

Faster also meant faster Wi-Fi in the form of Wi-Fi 6, which adds a premium to the price but also promises much bigger bandwidth and ultrafast speed.

Lighter and thinner is the holy grail for laptops. While laptops weighing under 3 pounds are becoming more commonplace, we’re even seeing some under 2 pounds, but of course that’s going to cost you.

Lastly, due to the pandemic and the widespread use of Zoom and other video conferencing, the once neglected webcam is now making a comeback. However, manufacturers are obviously behind on this late-breaking trend, because most laptop cameras are still terrible. (720p, seriously?)

Below, we’ve put together some of the hottest laptops for the holiday season, including perennial favorites from Apple and Dell, popular models on Ben’s, and one very cutting edge machine. Watch for price drops and deals on Ben’s in the coming weeks (set deal alerts here)!

I’m a Mac

Apple Silicon M1 MacBook Air (2020)

Starts at $999 @ Apple Store Check Deals on Ben’s

Few have gotten their hands on the MacBook Air with the Apple Silicon M1 Chip, since it doesn’t even ship till the third week of November—or a week after this article is posted—but it’s poised to become the Mac highest on the wishlist of Apple fans.

The new M1 chip’s benchmarks have leaked to the press, and it’s already outclassing 11th Generation Intel Core i7 results. However, the new MacBook Air is fanless, which means that speeds will likely be throttled for cooling purposes. It also has a 7-core GPU (rather than the 8-core GPU found in the other M1 Macs), but that’s keeping the price at the sweet spot below $1k. The MBA is the low-end Apple laptop meant to appeal to the average consumer, and this year the price point and performance look to be just right.

I’m a PC

Dell XPS 13 (2020)

Starts at $980 @ Dell Check Deals on Ben’s

The Dell XPS 13 continues to be the top Windows laptop year after year by making subtle improvements with each new iteration. It now has a 91.5% screen-to-body ratio with “barely there” bezels that have more in common with sleek smartphones. Plus, there’s more screen real estate in its 13.4″ 16:10 display (vs. 16:9).

Many other premium touches abound, like the white woven glass-fiber wrist rest (or black carbon fiber), 0.58″ thin aluminum body, easy-to-open twin-coil hinged lid and larger keyboard and touchpad. Also, the XPS 13 still has great battery life at over 12 hours a charge (Full HD config).

Added bonus: the new 11th gen “Tiger Lake” Intel CPUs are now available in the XPS 13 (9310).

I’m a… Chromebook

Lenovo Chromebook Duet (2020)

Starts at $280 @ Lenovo Check Deals on Ben’s

One of the low-cost favorites on Ben’s, the little 10.1″ 2-in-1 Lenovo Chromebook Duet really outperforms its price point. It packs 10 to 11 hours of battery life, an aluminum alloy/plastic tablet body, bright 16:10 display, detachable keyboard, denim fabric rear cover (kickstand) and decent webcam in a total package under $300, and we’ve recently seen it as low as $229 for the 64GB model.

With keyboard and kickstand, the ultraportable Duet is a smidge over 2 pounds, making it a handy laptop/tablet that travels with you everywhere— airplane, coffee shop, wherever. It supports the use of Android apps (though the user experience is so-so) and plays well with Android phones (e.g. instant tethering).

I’m on a Budget

Acer Swift 3 Ryzen (2020)

$680 @ Amazon Check Deals on Ben’s

The affordable Acer Swift 3 Ryzen laptop uses the powerful Ryzen 4000 series processors, whose price-to-performance ratio have made them very popular among consumers.  You get a lot of premium laptop specs for the money: a svelte 2.7-pound aluminum-magnesium body, 14″ IPS display, fingerprint reader, backlit keyboard, USB-C, the new Wi-Fi 6 and good battery life of 8 to 10 hours. (The 720p webcam is just okay, like many laptop cameras.)

While the beastly octa-core Ryzen 7 4700U configuration sells for around $650, we’ve seen the also excellent Ryzen 5 4500U version under $500, which is a fantastic value.

I’m Really on a Budget

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (2020)

Starts at $450 @ Best Buy Check Deals on Ben’s

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a budget laptop aimed at a very broad audience. It’s available in multiple display sizes (14″, 15.6″ and 17.3″), various colors like “Abyss Blue,” touchscreen and non-touchscreen, and both 10th Generation Intel and AMD Ryzen processors. It’s very popular on Ben’s due to its affordable price and good performance.

As expected at its price point, some corners have been cut. There’s no USB-C, which is a bit surprising in 2020. The body is plastic, although it does sport a brushed metal appearance and you still get Lenovo’s distinctive 180-degree hinge. The 720p webcam is like other budget laptop cameras, i.e. not that good (though it does have a physical privacy shutter). Battery life is around 7 hours, about average for similarly priced laptops.

The price is where the IdeaPad 3 shines. We’ve seen the Full HD Core i7 17.3″ model for $550, the Full HD Ryzen 5 3500U 15.6″ model for under $400, and the 10th Gen Core i3 variant as low as $300.

I’m Flexible

Lenovo Flex 14 Ryzen (2020)

$600 @ Amazon Check Deals on Ben’s

Like the other lower-priced Lenovos on this list, the 2-in-1 Lenovo Flex 5 14 Ryzen is a popular laptop on Ben’s because of its excellent value. The 360-degree hinge allows you to flip the lid back for tablet mode, and the Lenovo Active Pen is included in the box. Battery life is very good: you can get 8 hours for a full day’s work.

The most popular configuration for $600 offers an AMD Ryzen 5 4500U mobile CPU, 16GB DDR4 memory, 256GB SSD, backlit keyboard, fingerprint sensor and Full HD IPS touchscreen display. That display is also where the Flex 5 14 falls short—like a lot of laptops in this price range, its screen brightness is rated at 250 nits, and that results in a bit of a washed out or dim appearance in very bright environments. Overall, however, the Flex 5 is going to be a great 2-in-1 laptop for most users.

I’m a High Roller

HP Elite Dragonfly G2 (2020)

Starts at $1,779 @ HP Store Check Deals on Ben’s

The 2-in-1 HP Elite Dragonfly (Gen2) is an elegant, very pricey laptop for the type of user who travels business class. The display’s Privacy Mode (aka Sure View Reflect) prevents the guy in the next seat over from reading your screen while you sit back and enjoy selections from the wine list.

As you would expect from the name, the Elite Dragonfly is packed to the, uh, gills with other fancy features like: LTE or 5G compatibility, integrated Tile tracker, Sure Click (a browser security sandbox), very bright screen (850 nits), Bang & Olufsen 4-speaker system, mic mute button, 13 hours of battery life and a lightweight, blue magnesium alloy body.

So, about the price: models start at around $1,800, but if you want all the bells and whistles like Sure View and much, much more, configurations can run from $2,100 to the neighborhood of (gasp) $5,000.

I’m from the Future

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold (2020)

Starts at $2,499 @ Lenovo Check Deals on Ben’s

Early adopters, rejoice! Billed as the “world’s first foldable PC,” the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold has a 13.3″ plastic 2K OLED display that folds in the middle. On the outside, there’s a leather folio cover, giving the laptop the feel of a book when the display is closed.

The X1 Fold offers various innovative UI options: Type on the on-screen keyboard. Use the included Lenovo Fold Mini Keyboard, which magnetically attaches to the lower half of the display. Or flip open the display to its full dimensions, and use the keyboard in detached mode. Or you can use the Lenovo Mode Pen (also included), which slips into the side of the keyboard when done.

The wide bezels and plastic screen are the biggest giveaways this is a first gen product, but the foldable display is definitely a hint of things to come in the world of laptops.

The price for all this exciting new technology? Be prepared to spend $2,500 or more…

Check Ben’s for the latest Laptop deals

2020 Gift Guide: The Hottest Laptops of the Season

10 years ago, PC gaming was mostly about DIY custom rigs in souped-up tower cases. Gaming laptops were overpriced, overstuffed monstrosities—never mind, that’s actually still a thing. But today, gaming laptops can be sleek, they can be cheap, and they can even look and act like regular laptops!

Where they might suffer in price-to-performance ratio or limited customization, PC gaming laptops offer portability, can double as work machines, and usually have premium display technology.

Of course, you can break the bank and get every bell and whistle crammed into a single machine (like the $4000 Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition with 4K OLED and Quadro RTX). But if, like most of Ben’s visitors, you’re interested in affordable gaming laptops that are robust enough to play new games for the next few years to come, then please read on!

Most of our favorite affordable gaming laptops on this list use AMD Ryzen processors. AMD has really come a long way, and Ryzen is now the chip du jour for gaming PCs. They cost less and performance is arguably better.

You’ll see some commonalties among the starting specs here, which is to be expected, considering their (relative) price constraints. All of the laptops in this guide have Full HD (1080p) IPS displays, but you will find some with faster 144Hz (even 240Hz) refresh rates. If you play a lot of online multiplayer games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, Overwatch and the like, you will want to select the fastest refresh rate and GPU options that you can afford (120Hz refresh or better and GTX 1650 Ti graphics or better).

And, sure, the RTX 3000 Series mobile GPUs are now available, but affordable they are not… if you can even find them.

One last thing: if you’re thinking of pulling double duty for work, keep in mind that none of these otherwise excellent gaming laptops has a decent webcam. Corners had to be cut somewhere…

It’s Black Friday season, so watch for price drops and deals on these affordable gaming laptops on Ben’s in the coming weeks (set deal alerts here)!

Under $700

$700 to $1,000

Over $1,000

Check Ben’s for the latest PC Gaming deals

2020 Gift Guide: Our Favorite Affordable Gaming Laptops