Stop those unwanted phone calls and learn how to block a number in Android

Tired of getting calls from automated spammers or creepy strangers? If so, you need to know how to block a number in Android. Figuring out how to block calls, however, can take some digging. Some manufacturers bury blacklist features deep in the settings pane, and some older devices may not provide native blocking features at all.

Thankfully, there are several ways to block calls on your Android device. Here, we’ll take a look at how to do it with your phone’s native features, and we’ll suggest a couple of Android apps that are worth considering. Lastly, we’ll provide information on how to block callers via your phone carrier.

Blocking calls on an Android smartphone

The methods for doing this will vary slightly according to your specific device and the version of Android that you are using. Many tutorials exist for your specific device. Try searching on YouTube or the XDA developers forum.

There is no universal path for blocking contacts on Android smartphones, and it’s a feature the vanilla versions of Android Lollipop and older oddly omit. Thankfully, for those users with stock Android devices, like the Google Pixel or Google Pixel XL, running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later, Android now gives you a way to block a caller right from the Phone app. Some devices also allow users to enable a per-number blocking mode through the phone’s settings.

Blocking calls on a Pixel or Nexus device (Marshmallow 6.0+)

From the Google phone app

When in the Phone app, tap the more options icon () next to the microphone. Then, select Settings > Call Blocking and add the number you want to block. You can also go to Call history or Recent calls and tap the number you want to block, then select Block. Here, you can also Report call as spam.

From the Android Messages app

Long press a contact within the Messages app and tap the block icon () in the upper-right corner. You can also tap the more options icon () next to the magnifying glass, select Settings > Call blocking, and add the number you want to block.

Blocking calls on other stock Android phones

From the call log

From the call log, you can disable incoming calls from specific numbers. Select the number you want to block, then hit More or the 3-dot menu icon in the upper right corner and choose Add to reject list. This will disable incoming calls from specific numbers.

From your contacts list

If there’s a particularly persistent relative, friend, or ex whose number you’ve saved, blocking them’s a cinch. Just pull up your contacts, select the person you’d like to block, and hit the little button in the right-hand corner that looks like a pencil. Then, tap the 3-dot menu icon in the upper right corner and check the box next to All Calls to Voicemail. That contact’s calls will now be directed to your carrier’s voice inbox.

From the settings menu

One of the most common routes is to pull up your contact list by selecting the phone icon from your home screen. Then tap the three dot menu and choose Settings > Call > Call Rejection > Auto Reject List > Create. At this point, Android phones will have a search box that’ll appear. Insert the phone number or name of the person you want to block, and presto, that name will be added to the Auto Reject List.

Blocking calls on a Samsung phone

If you have a Samsung Galaxy S8 or another Samsung phone, then you can easily block phone numbers. Select the Phone icon on your home screen, tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, and then tap Settings. You’ll find Block numbers listed here — you can also use this menu to manage the numbers on your Block list. You can even toggle on the option to Block anonymous calls if you want to.

You can also block numbers from your call log. To do so, open up Phone > Recents and tap a number or contact. You can then tap Details > Menu (three-dots in the upper-right corner) > Block number, which will give you the option to block the number in question.

Blocking calls on an HTC phone

HTC, much like Samsung, has integrated call blocking. To use it, open the Phone app on your home screen and navigate to Call history. Long press on the number you’d like to block and tap the option to Block Contact or Block caller. You can review blocked contacts in the Phone app by tapping the menu icon at the top right (three vertical dots).

Blocking calls on an LG phone

LG has made it relatively simple to block numbers on its handsets, including the LG G6. To start, open the Phone app and navigate to the Call logs tab. Tap the number you want to block and then tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner. Afterward, select Block number in the resulting drop-down menu.

You can also review, add, or remove numbers from your list by opening the Phone app, navigating to the Call logs tab, tapping the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, and choosing Call blocking & Decline with message > Blocked numbers.

Blocking calls with an Android app

If none of the other options suits you, or you just want a more user friendly way of blocking calls on your Android smartphone, then a dedicated app might be your best bet. Here are five solid options.

Should I Answer?

Should I Answer is not your average call blocker. It’s able to block specific numbers or all phone numbers except those in your contact list, sure, but the real hook is its extensive database of known telemarketer, scammer, and premium rate numbers. When you get a phone call, Should I Answer shows a brief description and user reviews of the incoming number, plus the option to leave a rating of your own or to add the number to a private block list. Should I Answer also features some of the most robust call-blocking features of any app in its category. It can automatically filter calls from hidden numbers, premium numbers, foreign countries, and numbers below a certain review threshold. Perhaps best of all, all of the aforementioned features work offline — the app saves a small copy of the ratings database locally.

Download now for:

Android

Safest Call Blocker

Safest Call Blocker features the usual array of call blocking toggles — you can block all numbers from a custom blacklist, for example, and block all numbers that aren’t in your contacts — but you can also block a range of numbers using wildcards. Can’t stand the incessant 800 number offers for “free” Hawaiian vacations? Add 1-800-###-#### to the block list and you won’t hear one ever again. Safest Call Blocker also notifies you when it blocks calls, and automatically keeps blocked numbers out of your call log.

Download now for:

Android

Mr. Number

This app bills itself as a free alternative text and calling app, with free messaging between members and real-time updates about when your messages have been read. It also happens to be a powerful call- and text-blocking app for Android. You can block specific numbers or you can block area codes. Thanks to user-submitted info on telemarketers and other spam, you can create a block list that will protect you from cold calls.

Download now for:

Android

Call Control

Here’s another Android call blocker with a big list of user-submitted spam numbers that you can automatically block. This one also ties in with the FCC Do Not Call registry. You can decide which calls get blocked and exactly how they are handled with this versatile app. You get a free 14-day trial of the full app before it reverts to a limited “Lite” version unless you cough up $8 dollars.

Download now for:

Android

Extreme Call Blocker ($5)

Pay a one-off $5 fee and you’ll get a comprehensive call- and text message-blocking app that’s password protected and packed with features. You can send calls direct to voicemail, pick up and hang up automatically, or just mute the ringer. You can also use this app to block outgoing calls and it has a stealth mode, so the app can be hidden on a phone. This is a solid option that offers good call-blocking control and the ability to set up profiles with various parameters.

Download now for:

Android

Contacting your carrier

Most major carriers can block calls to your device. Verizon offers this service for free, and so does Sprint. There are some limitations — for instance, Verizon only allows you to block up to 5 lines. You’ll also have to reblock lines every 90 days. AT&T allows you to block up to 30 numbers for $5 a line/per month. T-Mobile doesn’t offer official services for blocking calls or texts, but you may have some success calling the T-Mobile service center.

Other options for blocking calls

There are a ton of other Android apps designed specifically for blocking calls, but you should read the reviews carefully and do your homework before opting for an alternative. Many of these apps can conflict with anti-virus apps, if not one another. Speaking of Android security apps, if you have Avast Mobile Security already installed, there’s an option for filtering calls and SMS messages that will allow you to block specific contacts.

Update: We checked this article for accuracy.

Editors’ Recommendations

• How to block text messages on iOS and Android
• How to set up hands-free calling on the Google Home
• How to convert a PDF to EPUB on Windows, MacOS, and Linux
• 8 sweet Android 8.0 Oreo tips and tricks to help get you started
• How to record calls on an iPhone

Apple has the world’s two top-selling phones, but how well is iPhone 8 selling?

According to a report from the new research firm Canalys, the iPhone continues to be the top-selling phone with 46.7 million units sold in the third quarter of 2017. The iPhone 7 and iPhone 6S sold particularly strongly during the quarter, placing them at the number one and two spots for overall phone sales in the quarter.

The iPhone 7 saw the strongest sales of any mobile device with 13 million unit sold in the third quarter. Following in a distant second place was the iPhone 6S, first released in 2015, with 7.9 million units sold. The Canalys report attributed the strong sales of the iPhone 7 models partially to its lower price point after the announcement of the new 2018 iPhones.

Sales for the new iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were at 11.8 million units combined. The iPhone 8 Plus was the first Plus model to outsell its smaller counterpart, with sales of 6.3 million versus 5.4 million for the non-Plus version. Pre-orders and release day sales account for much of these sales as the phones were only available for eight days in the quarter.

Although sales of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were strong, they lagged significantly when compared with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus when they were released year-ago quarter. Apple sold 14 million iPhone 7 units during the same period in 2016.

Canalys believes sales of the iPhone 8 will remain sluggish partially due to the lower cost of the iPhone 7 and the introduction of the iPhone X. Reports of price cuts, due to low demand have already been reported in China and some analysts believe Apple will lower the price in the U.S. for the holidays.

Sales of the iPhone SE, Apple’s least expensive model, were surprisingly strong as well. Though Apple did not disclose the number of iPhone SE units sold in the third quarter, the firm reported strong sales of the unit in emerging markets such as India, and recently built a factory there to manufacture the device.

The Canalys report states that device diversity has been a key contributor to Apple’s growth in the smartphone market. Apple currently offers five different models of the iPhone ranging from $350 to $1000.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Samsung Galaxy Note 8 vs. Apple iPhone 7 Plus: Can the Note take out the iPhone?
• iPhone 8 Plus vs. iPhone 7 Plus: Should you upgrade?
• How to buy the new iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X in the U.K.
• How to Use Portrait Mode on an iPhone 7 Plus, 8 Plus, or X
• The iPhone X may be expensive, but you’ll regret cheaping out with an iPhone 8

Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Everyone likes Apple apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers put paid apps on sale for free for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up while you have the chance. Here are the latest and greatest iOS app deals available from the iOS App Store.

These apps normally cost money and this sale lasts for a limited time only. If you go to the App Store and it says the app costs money, that means the deal has expired and you will be charged. 

Touch Forms

Creating web forms are made super easy with Touch Forms. It features a drag-and-drop form editor, so you can easily build a form with question fields, paragraphs, multiple choices, check boxes, bot checkers, and more with a few taps and swipes.

Available on:

iOS

99 Skills to Soccer

If you’re looking to better master the sport of soccer, this may just be the app for you. With 30 years of experience, the makers of this app promise to help beginners and experts alike on the field.

Available on:

iOS

Time Manager

Time Manager is an easy way to keep track of your daily activities. With one touch you can access all your common tasks and edit them at any time. All your tasks will be totaled and broken down into reports and graphs.

Available on:

iOS

Phoenix Photo Editor

Phoenix is a powerful and fast photo editor with a lot of editing tools, importing and sharing options. With Phoenix you will have all the freedom to customize your photos with pretty filters, effects, borders, and fonts.

Available on:

iOS

Timebox Photo Journal

Your personal photo journal now features iCloud shared journals, so you can collaborate and exchange full-fidelity photo and video stories with your family and friends.

Available on:

iOS

Essential Oils

Essential oils are suggested as remedies to several health conditions and lifestyle. This app makes it easy for you to get all essential oils’ tips and tricks. It’s an easy-to-go reference for your several uses of essential oils.

Available on:

iOS

Editors’ Recommendations

• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Android flagship throwdown: Razer Phone vs. Google Pixel 2 XL

The Razer Phone and the Google Pixel 2 XL are two devices that stand out among the current fleet of flagships. The Pixel line, designed by Google, is made to work seamlessly with Android, and is meant to offer the smoothest experience possible. The Razer Phone is the smartphone for gamers, thanks to an incredibly smooth 120Hz Ultramotion display, and a state-of-the-art cooling system that keeps the device from getting too hot during monster gaming sessions. They’re both incredible devices — but which one of these two should you buy? Let’s take a closer look at the specs to find out.

Specs

Razer Phone

Google Pixel 2 XL
Size
158.5 x 77.7 x 8 mm (6.24 x 3.06 x 0.31 inches)
157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 inches)
Weight
197 grams (6.95 ounces)
175 grams (6.17 ounces)
Screen
5.7-inch 120 Hz Ultramotion IGZO IPS LCD display
6-inch P-OLED display
Resolution
2,560 x 1,440 pixels (514 ppi)
2,880 x 1,440 pixels (538 ppi)
OS
Android 7.1.1 Nougat
Android 8.0 Oreo
Storage
64GB
64GB, 128GB
MicroSD card slot
Yes
No
NFC support
Yes
Yes
Processor
Snapdragon 835 with Adreno 540
Snapdragon 835 with Adreno 540
RAM
8GB
4GB
Connectivity
GSM, UMTS, HSPA, TD-SCDMA, LTE, TDD LTE, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi
4G LTE, GSM, CDMA, HSPA+, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi
Camera
Dual 12 MP rear (f/1.75 wide angle & f/2.6 zoom), 8 MP front
12.2MP rear, 8MP front
Video
Up to 4K at 30 fps
Up to 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps, 720p at 240fps
Bluetooth
Yes, version 4.2
Yes, version 5.0
Audio
Dual front-facing speakers, no headphone jack
Dual front-facing speakers, no headphone jack
Fingerprint sensor
Yes
Yes
Other sensors
Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Barometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, Active Edge
Water resistant
No
Yes, IP67 rated
Battery
4,000mAh

Qualcomm QuickCharge 4.0+

3,520mAh

Fast-charging, with 7 hours in 15 minutes of charge

Charging port
USB-C
USB-C
Marketplace
Google Play Store
Google Play Store
Colors
Black
Black, Black and White
Availability
Razer

Best Buy, Unlocked from Google, Verizon

Price
$700
$850
DT review
Hands-on review
4.5 stars out of 5

Both the Razer Phone and the Pixel 2 XL are equipped with the Snapdragon 835, bringing them into line with most of 2017’s flagship devices. While they offer similarly slick performance, there is a difference in the amount of RAM offered in each device. The Google Pixel 2 XL comes with 4GB of RAM, while the Razer Phone doubles that number to an incredible 8GB.

While the impact RAM has on smartphone performance is debatable, the boost in RAM should give the Razer Phone the edge when swapping between demanding apps — like games, which are the Razer’s focus. Razer also has a unique approach to keeping the phone cool — a series of thermal shields and tubes transfer heat from the processing areas, and out through the body, keeping the phone’s brains cool and performance up. It’s an approach that we haven’t seen before, and it scores Razer some points.

While both models start at 64GB of internal storage, only the Pixel 2 XL offers a model with increased storage options — 128GB. That seems like it would give the Google phone the edge, but when you consider the lack of MicroSD support on the Pixel 2 XL, the Razer Phone pulls ahead with the option of expandable storage. While Pixel owners get unlimited high-quality photo storage, it doesn’t quite match up to the extra expandable room on the Razer Phone.

Both devices forgo the venerable 3.5mm headphone jack, but only the Pixel 2 XL has taken advantage of Bluetooth 5‘s increased range, strength, and features. The choice to run with Bluetooth 4.2 on a phone without a headphone jack is a strange one for the Razer Phone, and it does lose the gaming-centered device some points. Keeping the focus on audio, both the Pixel 2 XL and the Razer Phone are packing an impressive set of speakers. Both have gone for two front-facing stereo speakers that provide excellent sound, and make these phones perfect for media consumption. If we had to pick between the two, the Dolby Atmos-loaded speakers on the Razer Phone would get our vote, but the Pixel 2 XL’s speakers are also excellent.

When picking a winner in the specs category, it’s often about pure numbers, and that’s pretty much the case here. Both devices are loaded with powerful hardware, including the Snapdragon 835, and enough RAM to run smoothly. However, the extra 4GB of RAM, the option for expandable storage, and the cooling system on the Razer Phone beat out the inclusion of Bluetooth 5 on the Google Pixel 2 XL.

Winner: Razer Phone

Design and display

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Pixel 2 XL is the first of Google’s phones to fully embrace the bezel-free design philosophy that’s come into full force this year. A smooth mix of glass and metal creates the iconic Pixel band on the rear of the phone, while flipping the phone over to the front reveals a huge 6-inch POLED screen with a 2,880 x 1,440-pixel resolution and an 18:9 aspect ratio. It’s safe to say that the Pixel 2 XL’s display has had its share of issues, but those concerns aside, it’s still one of our favorite displays on a smartphone, with inky blacks, vibrant colors, and crisp details.

The designers of the Razer Phone clearly weren’t phased by the bezel-free revolution, and make no attempt to mimic the crowd. An all-aluminum body covers the phone, giving it a utilitarian streak and a no-nonsense feel. The angular corners, in particular, remind us of the Sony Xperia range — and it’s not a bad look. The 5.72-inch LCD screen may also not be able to compete with the raw beauty of the Pixel 2 XL’s POLED screen, but it does a good job, producing sharp details, as well as bright and clear colors. But you really need to see it in motion to appreciate the Razer Phone’s real strength — the Ultramotion display is capable of running at 120Hz, or twice the usual rate of most phones, and the result is a display that feels incredibly responsive and smooth. We’ve seen this tech before in the iPad Pro, and seeing it here really cements the gaming focus that Razer is aiming for.

Durability-wise, the Pixel 2 XL comes with an IP67 rating, so it should be able to resist short dips in still water, like drops into the bath or the toilet (though we don’t recommend testing that). By contrast, the Razer Phone comes with no water resistance at all, which is a surprise for a 2017 flagship phone. Water resistance isn’t a vital feature on a smartphone, but it’s nice to have that peace of mind, especially since phones accompany us everywhere. Both phones should be able to take a knock thanks to their metal designs, though the glass band at the top of the Pixel 2 XL is always a worry — we recommend a case if you’re worried about that.

There’s a lot to love about the designs of these phones. The Razer Phone’s aesthetic celebrates a bygone era for smartphone design, with a no-nonsense aluminum body, a sizable forehead and chin (which do help with gripping the phone during gaming — you can see what they were thinking), and angular corners that make the phone stand out from the trend toward curvy phones. However, we’re not over the wow factor of minimal bezels yet, and the combination of a lack of sizable bezels with an OLED screen is just too much for the Razer Phone’s LCD to top — no matter the refresh rate. The Google Pixel 2 XL is a triumph of modern design, and while it might still be considered ugly by some (that back glass panel is divisive), we think it’s utterly gorgeous, and award the Pixel 2 XL the win here.

Winner: Google Pixel 2 XL

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

We haven’t had chance to spend any real time with the Razer Phone’s cameras yet, but the numbers on display here are encouraging. While Razer has eschewed the bezel-less trend, it’s jumped right on the dual lens bandwagon, with two 12 megapixel lenses side-by-side — a wide-angle and zoom lens with apertures of f/1.75 and f/2.6 respectively. Around front, you’re looking at an 8-megapixel camera for taking selfies, while video functionality allows 4K recording at 30 frames-per-second (fps). There’s no slow-motion trickery on display here yet, but we expect that mode will follow in a later update.

The Razer Phone’s cameras are solid, but they can’t compare to the single snapper on the Pixel 2 XL. Despite the single 12-megapixel lens, it’s currently the highest-scoring smartphone camera on DxOMark’s scoring system, beating out the Galaxy Note 8 and the iPhone X. During our time reviewing the Pixel 2 XL, we noted the particularly good performance of the selective blur behind subjects (the DSLR-like “bokeh” effect) on both the 8-megapixel front-facing camera’s portrait feature, and on the rear camera. The secret of the Pixel 2 XL’s performance lies not in the camera’s hardware, but in how well Google has built the camera’s software to mimic the features that dual-camera smartphones are able to create. If you’re shooting video, the Pixel 2 XL also shoots up to 30fps at 4K, as well as captures slow-motion video at 240fps, at 720p.

This category is an easy call to make — the Google Pixel 2 XL’s camera is one of the finest shooters we’ve ever seen, and though the Razer Phone’s numbers are pretty good, it’s clear that Razer’s focus isn’t on smartphone photography. It’s no knock on the Razer Phone to lose out to the current king of the hill. The Pixel 2 XL performed incredibly in our tests, and it’s consistently great.

Winner: Google Pixel 2 XL

Battery life and charging

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Battery life is becoming one of the major battlefields in the flagship arena, with devices increasingly competing to provide the largest battery, increased optimization, and reduced charging times. The Pixel 2 XL comes with a 3,520mAh battery that lasted us the day during our review. With heavy usage, we saw the battery dip to around 20 percent by 8 p.m., after having been off the charger since 8 a.m. that morning. Lighter usage saw it last until 9 p.m. with 45 percent remaining. That’s respectable battery life, but it’s not the best.

Thankfully for Pixel fans, Google’s phone comes with extremely fast charging. We watched the Pixel 2 XL charge from 39 percent to 79 percent within 40 minutes — pretty fast.

The Razer Phone sports a larger 4,000mAh battery. While you might expect a longer battery life because of that, we’ll postpone judgment until we’ve had a proper play with it. That 120Hz Ultramotion screen will likely prove quite draining, even on a battery that large, and we anticipate the Razer Phone’s battery life also being tested by its gaming capabilities. That said, we have spotted that the Razer Phone modulates the on-screen framerate depending on the situation, limiting itself to 25fps on a static screen, and ramping up to the 120fps only when needed. That sort of smart operation will save precious battery life.

Charging-wise, we’re looking at another fast charger. The Razer Phone will be the first phone to launch with Qualcomm QuickCharge 4.0+, which Razer has claimed is capable of charging from 0 to 50 percent in 35 minutes. If true, that’s impressive for a battery that large.

We’re going to hold off on making a call on this category for now — the Razer’s battery is largely untested, and we’d really like to put it through its paces before we make a decision. While the Pixel 2 XL’s charging speed is impressive, that 6-inch screen is a major drain on the battery, and we’ll be interested to see how the Razer Phone’s battery life and charging speed compare in our full review.

Winner: Tie

Software

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Both the Pixel 2 XL and the Razer Phone ship with the stock version of Android, no bloatware pre-installed, and all of Google’s latest features included. The Razer Phone does come with Nova Launcher, our favorite custom launcher, but apart from that, the Razer Phone benefits from all the advantages that come with Google’s slimmest, fastest implementation of Android. Unfortunately, the Razer Phone is stuck with Android 7.1.1 Nougat, rather than the brand-new Android 8.0 Oreo you’ll find on the Pixel 2 XL, but you can expect the Razer Phone to have Android Oreo implemented by early 2018.

Even when the Razer Phone has caught up with the Pixel, we expect Google’s phone to have an edge. The Pixel 2 XL is likely to still be the smoothest performer, having the advantage of being designed by Google to work specifically on its OS. It’s an advantage that any third-party will struggle to match, and even when running the same stock Android, Google’s greater knowledge of how to build hardware for Android is likely to show through.

Outside of the general performance of Android, we see various additions to the Pixel 2 XL that make life just a little bit more fun. The Always-On display can now identify songs you’re listening to, thanks to a large database of songs. Active Edge (HTC’s Edge Sense feature) allows users even easier access to Google Assistant, and the general software experience is smooth, solid, and a joy to use. Google’s real expertise with software shines through here, and though our time with stock Android on the Razer Phone has been great so far, Razer can’t match up with Google.

Winner: Google Pixel 2 XL

Price and availability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Google Pixel 2 XL is currently available for purchase, and starts at $850 for 64GB of storage. Upgrading to the 128GB model will cost an extra $100, pushing the price to $950. So far, only Verizon is offering the Pixel 2 XL on its service, but you can also buy a handset from Best Buy, and from Google itself — though you will need to unlock it from Verizon to use it on any other carrier. You can see all your buying options in our Pixel 2 buying guide.

You can currently sign up to be notified when the Razer Phone goes on sale, though we do know that the price is going to start at $700 for 64GB storage. In terms of network coverage, none of the major carriers have announced that they will be offering the Razer Phone, and Verizon and Sprint customers will be disappointed to learn that a lack of banding for those networks means it won’t be coming to them.

The Pixel 2 XL is a Verizon exclusive, but can be unlocked to access any network — whereas the Razer Phone will be stuck with T-Mobile and AT&T pretty much regardless. That said, there’s a difference of $150 between the base models of each of these phones, and with the Razer Phone’s comparable specs and performance, avid mobile gamers may find themselves drawn to Razer’s beast. Ultimately, the price speaks volumes for us, too — the Razer Phone represents great value for money, and beats the Pixel 2 XL here.

Winner: Razer Phone

Overall winner: Google Pixel 2 XL.

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

It had to be — Google’s Pixel 2 XL is one of the major players at the top of the flagship scene right now, and the Razer Phone isn’t. Yet.

The Razer Phone puts up a great fight — it has the RAM to handle pretty much anything, backed up by the Snapdragon 835, all running behind that gorgeously smooth 120Hz Ultramotion display. If you can’t afford the Pixel 2 XL, or just don’t want to give Google even more control over your life, then Razer’s gaming-focused beast may catch your eye.

But the Razer Phone just can’t beat the Google Pixel 2 XL. Google’s latest and greatest represents almost everything fantastic about smartphones right now, with sumptuously smooth performance, a camera to die for, and one of the best displays on the market. It’s gorgeous, and it’s likely to last buyers a long time.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Razer Phone vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 8: A new challenger approaches
• Razer Phone hands-on review
• The Razer Phone, with its Snapdragon 835 and 8GB of RAM, is finally here
• Razer unveils a revamped Blade Stealth and a new external GPU, the Core V2
• Razer Lancehead review

If you have a Gear VR headset, these are the apps and games you’ve got to try

Samsung has been a major player in the VR game for years now — specifically with its mobile VR headset, the Gear VR. It’s found itself a sweet spot between the entry-level experience of the Google Daydream platform and the premium, PC-driven VR setups like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. It’s not as powerful as the dedicated headsets — it’s powered by a smartphone, after all — but its unique features and ability to immerse the user are beyond what Daydream can do. Plus, it’s a relative bargain, provided you own a Galaxy phone.

If you’re about to put on Samsung’s VR headset, you’ll want to know the best apps available to demonstrate its abilities. Here are our picks of the ones you should download first, including both games and VR experiences. Both Samsung and Oculus provide app stores for the Gear VR, and you’ll need to set up an account online with the latter before buying any apps. Once you’re ready, here are the best Gear VR apps and games we think you should immediately try out.

Rush 

Flying in a wing suit will probably be the closest you’ll ever get to spreading your arms and flying, but you might not be ready to just jump off a cliff. The Binary Mill’s addictive VR game Rush has you doing just that, flying around up to 60 mountainous paths in a virtual wing suit. You can choose to control which direction you fly in by either just looking or tilting your head around as you try to zip through as many rings placed around each course. You can race against the computer, your best time, friends you have invited, or random people online.

By the time you’ve flown through your first two rings, the intuitiveness of the controls will make you easily forget you have a headset on and you really feel the adrenaline pump in your veins as you zip through the clouds. Just watch out for those crashes, they can be unforgiving. The experience will cost you $8, but it’s more than worth it.

Download now from:

Oculus

Face Your Fears: Stranger Things 

Picture this: you’re in a space devoid of any color, people, or things, besides a shed. You slowly glide into the barn and see a body engorged by some sort of tentacles, with its head down. As soon as you get right next to the seemingly lifeless body, its head shoots up, eyes bulging, a mouth full of tentacles, and then the Stranger Things opening sequence begins. That is the first minute of Face Your Fears: Stranger Things, a virtual reality horror exploration game that surrounds you in the eerie vibe that permeates Hawkins, Indiana in the Netflix series. In the experience, you have navigate through classic Stranger Things scenes inside the Byers household, ultimately ending up at the lab where the portal to the Upside Down is proliferating demogorgons.

You come face with the demogorgons and watch the creatures rip through the walls, just like in Stranger Things. Even if you have been living under a rock the past year and haven’t binge-watched the Stranger Things series, this VR experience from Turtle Rock Studios will still have you screaming in sublime joy.

Download now from:

Oculus

Intel True VR

It’s no secret that sports experiences in virtual reality aren’t the best, but Intel True VR is more than just a library of shortstop slides and quarterback runs. You can watch a runway show during New York Fashion Week, the Critics’ Choice Awards, and try to keep your eyes on a 183 mph tennis serve from Serena Williams. Above all else, Intel True VR is a blast to get immersed in, because of the access it gives viewers.

With the tap of your finger, you can be backstage with Cuba Gooding Jr, behind the bar with Nia Long, or in the crowd with Hollywood’s elite at the Critics’ Choice Awards. With a library full of dozens of full MLB games and NFL highlights, Intel True VR is almost overflowing with great content to get lost in.

Download now from:

Oculus

End Space 

In Orange Bridge Studios’ VR shooter End Space, you’re a fighter pilot tasked with navigating through intense space battles with Tartarus Liberation Front to regain stability Tartarus Sector. In other words, you are surrounded by nothing but oncoming attack while having to dodge ships in virtual reality. The pristine detail in the game’s graphics alone should compel you to slip out of reality and into a Gear VR headset to experience it all.

Even in a frenzied group fight with numerous aircrafts, asteroids, and lasers flying around, you can still see every single aircraft in delicious VR eye candy. For the easiest way to play, I suggest using the Gear VR controller to shoot and control the thrusters, while using your head movements to steer the ship. The immersive controls and action together will lead to hours of twisting, turning, and having a blast in VR — regardless of its expensive $8 price tag.

Download now from:

Oculus

AMC VR

Ever watch The Walking Dead and wonder how you would do in a zombiepocalypse? AMC VR makes that thought a visceral, virtual reality. The app has a number of experiences based on two of its scariest TV series, Into The Badlands and The Walking Dead. For The Walking Dead you can experience what it’s like to watch zombies feast at your dead carcass, be trapped in a car as the undead try to force their way in, and do battle with those creatures from the perspective of popular Walking Dead character Negan.

The Badlands experiences center around putting you in the middle of fight camp as Badlands actors Aramis Knight and Ally Ioannides train for intense fights on the show with martial arts expert Daniel Wu. AMC VR is one of the first apps to make you really feel like you’ve been transported into your favorite TV shows, and hopefully other networks follow suit. Now, if only we could make some Blue Sky with Heisenberg in Breaking Bad.

Download now from:

Oculus

EVE: Gunjack

This game is a must have for sci-fi and shoot-em-up fans. Right from the beginning, you’re treated to an amazing opening sequence that immediately engrosses you in the game — soon enough you’ll be blasting down emery starships. The game is set in the Eve Online universe, but it’s primarily concerned with just manning a gun turret and destroying incoming pirate ships.

Controlled using head movements and either the touchpad on the side of the Gear VR or a Bluetooth controller, the real challenge is knowing when to reload and use any special weapons you’ve picked up. It’s great fun, but a little pricey at $10.

Download now from:Oculus

Skylight

You have one mission in this turn-based tactical game: conquer the solar system. From the onset, the game thrusts you into customizing and optimizing your fleet, and before you know it, you’re embarking on VR’s answer to Battleship. 

You’ll have to move methodically in this battle simulator, however, and tap each member of your fleet individually in order to guide their movements. You can swipe around while in battle to get different vantage points, too, allowing you to see where your enemies are the most vulnerable.

Download now from:Oculus

Manchester

Manchester looks like a 16-bit arcade game, yet it’s as addictive as some of the best knuckle-breaking games in existence. The title requires you race to the finish line on courses lined with various twists and turns, while making use of a simple set of controls.

You tap to switch from one multi-colored lane to the the next, each of which features a different speed. You’ll also be able to utilize the Gear’s 360 capabilities, which allow you to follow your racer with subtle head movements. The art is in the timing — you must constantly switch lanes to avoid incoming ships and obstacles. You’ll likely crash a few times, but, thankfully, you probably won’t notice because of all the fun that awaits you at the next spawn point.

Download now from:Oculus

Suicide Squad: Special Ops VR

Suicide Squad may not have been what DC fans wanted — or anyone, for that matter — but the film’s accompanying VR game is a more than a worthy companion. In the game, you play as El Diablo, Harley Quinn, and Deadshot, each of whom must face wave after wave of enemies.

You can switch between the three characters after every level, and the game’s controls are pretty intuitive, allowing you to shoot, reload, and switch between weapons with a simple swipe or tap on the D-pad.  You can’t move, but you are responsible for looking around to see where the baddies are coming from. This makes for a tense and fun experience —  especially since you can occasionally burn enemies to a crisp with El Diablo’s hands.

Download now from:Oculus

Totems in Dreamland

This free puzzle game features a young boy who’s trying to collect totems inside his dreams, which, in turn, will have you twisting and turning in your seat. By simply using the position of your head and a few taps, you can control the boy, who must traverse through the most narrow of paths. He moves in whatever direction you’re looking, and a simple double-tap will prompt your character to double jump. You probably will only need one hand to jump on platforms and quit, too, making it that much easier for you to get lost in the game.

Download now from:Oculus

Editors’ Recommendations

• Horror movies don’t scare you? See if you can handle these VR freak-outs
• From horror fests to shoot-’em-ups, here are the 20 best Oculus Rift games
• These are the 20 best HTC Vive games available today
• Turn your phone into a jack-of-all-trades with 100 of the best Android apps
• Best Halloween apps for the ultimate spooky October 31

If you have a Gear VR headset, these are the apps and games you’ve got to try

Samsung has been a major player in the VR game for years now — specifically with its mobile VR headset, the Gear VR. It’s found itself a sweet spot between the entry-level experience of the Google Daydream platform and the premium, PC-driven VR setups like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. It’s not as powerful as the dedicated headsets — it’s powered by a smartphone, after all — but its unique features and ability to immerse the user are beyond what Daydream can do. Plus, it’s a relative bargain, provided you own a Galaxy phone.

If you’re about to put on Samsung’s VR headset, you’ll want to know the best apps available to demonstrate its abilities. Here are our picks of the ones you should download first, including both games and VR experiences. Both Samsung and Oculus provide app stores for the Gear VR, and you’ll need to set up an account online with the latter before buying any apps. Once you’re ready, here are the best Gear VR apps and games we think you should immediately try out.

Rush 

Flying in a wing suit will probably be the closest you’ll ever get to spreading your arms and flying, but you might not be ready to just jump off a cliff. The Binary Mill’s addictive VR game Rush has you doing just that, flying around up to 60 mountainous paths in a virtual wing suit. You can choose to control which direction you fly in by either just looking or tilting your head around as you try to zip through as many rings placed around each course. You can race against the computer, your best time, friends you have invited, or random people online.

By the time you’ve flown through your first two rings, the intuitiveness of the controls will make you easily forget you have a headset on and you really feel the adrenaline pump in your veins as you zip through the clouds. Just watch out for those crashes, they can be unforgiving. The experience will cost you $8, but it’s more than worth it.

Download now from:

Oculus

Face Your Fears: Stranger Things 

Picture this: you’re in a space devoid of any color, people, or things, besides a shed. You slowly glide into the barn and see a body engorged by some sort of tentacles, with its head down. As soon as you get right next to the seemingly lifeless body, its head shoots up, eyes bulging, a mouth full of tentacles, and then the Stranger Things opening sequence begins. That is the first minute of Face Your Fears: Stranger Things, a virtual reality horror exploration game that surrounds you in the eerie vibe that permeates Hawkins, Indiana in the Netflix series. In the experience, you have navigate through classic Stranger Things scenes inside the Byers household, ultimately ending up at the lab where the portal to the Upside Down is proliferating demogorgons.

You come face with the demogorgons and watch the creatures rip through the walls, just like in Stranger Things. Even if you have been living under a rock the past year and haven’t binge-watched the Stranger Things series, this VR experience from Turtle Rock Studios will still have you screaming in sublime joy.

Download now from:

Oculus

Intel True VR

It’s no secret that sports experiences in virtual reality aren’t the best, but Intel True VR is more than just a library of shortstop slides and quarterback runs. You can watch a runway show during New York Fashion Week, the Critics’ Choice Awards, and try to keep your eyes on a 183 mph tennis serve from Serena Williams. Above all else, Intel True VR is a blast to get immersed in, because of the access it gives viewers.

With the tap of your finger, you can be backstage with Cuba Gooding Jr, behind the bar with Nia Long, or in the crowd with Hollywood’s elite at the Critics’ Choice Awards. With a library full of dozens of full MLB games and NFL highlights, Intel True VR is almost overflowing with great content to get lost in.

Download now from:

Oculus

End Space 

In Orange Bridge Studios’ VR shooter End Space, you’re a fighter pilot tasked with navigating through intense space battles with Tartarus Liberation Front to regain stability Tartarus Sector. In other words, you are surrounded by nothing but oncoming attack while having to dodge ships in virtual reality. The pristine detail in the game’s graphics alone should compel you to slip out of reality and into a Gear VR headset to experience it all.

Even in a frenzied group fight with numerous aircrafts, asteroids, and lasers flying around, you can still see every single aircraft in delicious VR eye candy. For the easiest way to play, I suggest using the Gear VR controller to shoot and control the thrusters, while using your head movements to steer the ship. The immersive controls and action together will lead to hours of twisting, turning, and having a blast in VR — regardless of its expensive $8 price tag.

Download now from:

Oculus

AMC VR

Ever watch The Walking Dead and wonder how you would do in a zombiepocalypse? AMC VR makes that thought a visceral, virtual reality. The app has a number of experiences based on two of its scariest TV series, Into The Badlands and The Walking Dead. For The Walking Dead you can experience what it’s like to watch zombies feast at your dead carcass, be trapped in a car as the undead try to force their way in, and do battle with those creatures from the perspective of popular Walking Dead character Negan.

The Badlands experiences center around putting you in the middle of fight camp as Badlands actors Aramis Knight and Ally Ioannides train for intense fights on the show with martial arts expert Daniel Wu. AMC VR is one of the first apps to make you really feel like you’ve been transported into your favorite TV shows, and hopefully other networks follow suit. Now, if only we could make some Blue Sky with Heisenberg in Breaking Bad.

Download now from:

Oculus

EVE: Gunjack

This game is a must have for sci-fi and shoot-em-up fans. Right from the beginning, you’re treated to an amazing opening sequence that immediately engrosses you in the game — soon enough you’ll be blasting down emery starships. The game is set in the Eve Online universe, but it’s primarily concerned with just manning a gun turret and destroying incoming pirate ships.

Controlled using head movements and either the touchpad on the side of the Gear VR or a Bluetooth controller, the real challenge is knowing when to reload and use any special weapons you’ve picked up. It’s great fun, but a little pricey at $10.

Download now from:Oculus

Skylight

You have one mission in this turn-based tactical game: conquer the solar system. From the onset, the game thrusts you into customizing and optimizing your fleet, and before you know it, you’re embarking on VR’s answer to Battleship. 

You’ll have to move methodically in this battle simulator, however, and tap each member of your fleet individually in order to guide their movements. You can swipe around while in battle to get different vantage points, too, allowing you to see where your enemies are the most vulnerable.

Download now from:Oculus

Manchester

Manchester looks like a 16-bit arcade game, yet it’s as addictive as some of the best knuckle-breaking games in existence. The title requires you race to the finish line on courses lined with various twists and turns, while making use of a simple set of controls.

You tap to switch from one multi-colored lane to the the next, each of which features a different speed. You’ll also be able to utilize the Gear’s 360 capabilities, which allow you to follow your racer with subtle head movements. The art is in the timing — you must constantly switch lanes to avoid incoming ships and obstacles. You’ll likely crash a few times, but, thankfully, you probably won’t notice because of all the fun that awaits you at the next spawn point.

Download now from:Oculus

Suicide Squad: Special Ops VR

Suicide Squad may not have been what DC fans wanted — or anyone, for that matter — but the film’s accompanying VR game is a more than a worthy companion. In the game, you play as El Diablo, Harley Quinn, and Deadshot, each of whom must face wave after wave of enemies.

You can switch between the three characters after every level, and the game’s controls are pretty intuitive, allowing you to shoot, reload, and switch between weapons with a simple swipe or tap on the D-pad.  You can’t move, but you are responsible for looking around to see where the baddies are coming from. This makes for a tense and fun experience —  especially since you can occasionally burn enemies to a crisp with El Diablo’s hands.

Download now from:Oculus

Totems in Dreamland

This free puzzle game features a young boy who’s trying to collect totems inside his dreams, which, in turn, will have you twisting and turning in your seat. By simply using the position of your head and a few taps, you can control the boy, who must traverse through the most narrow of paths. He moves in whatever direction you’re looking, and a simple double-tap will prompt your character to double jump. You probably will only need one hand to jump on platforms and quit, too, making it that much easier for you to get lost in the game.

Download now from:Oculus

Editors’ Recommendations

• Horror movies don’t scare you? See if you can handle these VR freak-outs
• From horror fests to shoot-’em-ups, here are the 20 best Oculus Rift games
• These are the 20 best HTC Vive games available today
• Turn your phone into a jack-of-all-trades with 100 of the best Android apps
• Best Halloween apps for the ultimate spooky October 31

The Essential Phone is a lot better than you might think

After price cuts and software updates, the Essential Phone is getting a lot of positive feedback.

Over the course of just a few months, the Essential Phone has transformed from an overpriced device that was hard to recommend to just about anyone into something that’s very competitively priced and offers some of the best bang for your buck for $500.

The team over at Essential has been working nonstop to push out regular software updates to make using the PH-1 as enjoyable as possible, and at this point in November of 2017, the handset is exceeding a lot of people’s expectations.

Some of our forum users recently got to talking about their experience with the phone, and this is what they had to say.

Darius DuPree
11-07-2017 10:16 AM

“

I ordered a white PH-1 as soon as the $499 price popped up, I was a little bitter after BestBuy dropped it to $450 but I wasn’t charged tax through Essential.com so it cancelled out the price. After much second guessing myself while I waited for it to arrive and wanting to just spend the extra for a V30, I am glad to say it’s way better than I expected it to be. Now I do have some minor issues,…

Reply

andrew_ackley
11-07-2017 10:32 AM

“

I love mine. I got the black one. Make sure for now you disable the swipe down on fps to open notifications bc that was causing my freeze ups. For under $500 this phone is fantastic. Beats the one plus in my opinion. I dropped mine from waist height onto concrete floor the day after I got it and all I have is a TINY almost unnoticeable nick in the material around the screen. Whatever that is…

Reply

raqball
11-08-2017 09:42 PM

“

My white came today from the Mothership so a few thoughts.

Had to run 3 updates out of the box but all up to date now and rockin’ along.

The phone is gorgeous and built like a tank! The camera is nowhere even close to being bad. It’s not the best but photos are more than adequate.

It’s fast and snappy. Just as fast and snappy as my Pixel and maybe even a little smoother. The screen? WOW!…

Reply

modifier
11-09-2017 07:49 AM

“

raqball – Glad to hear you like the phone so far. I know you were on the fence since launch and it sounds like the wait was worth it.

Performance on the November update has been excellent. It keeps getting smoother with each OTA.

And, you’re right about the camera. I’ve been using the Essential camera app far more lately and uninstalled the Google HDR+ port. I’m getting better daytime…

Reply

DominionRoofs
11-09-2017 09:51 AM

“

I’ve had mine going on three days now. I really love this phone! Is fast and smooth. Perfect size and that screen!. So the only issue that still needs fixing (besides camera),which is what it is, is touch scrolling. Flick scrolling is great, but if you keep your finger on the screen without lifting and scroll, it’s very choppy. I don’t scroll the way but it does need to be fixed. There are…

Reply

With all that said, we’d still like to hear from you – If you own the Essential Phone, what are your impressions of the device?

Join the conversation in the forums!

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• Join our Essential Phone forums!

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Best Small Data Plan

A good small data plan does exist, even if nobody advertises them.

Unlimited plans get all the press and all the glitter, but most people don’t need one. That’s why small data plans still exist and are popular options.

Shopping for a phone plan is unnecessarily difficult, especially now that all four big U.S. carriers want to force you to the more expensive unlimited data offering. But there are alternatives if you dive deep into a carrier’s website, and some of them are a decent value.

We did the digging, and here’s what we found.

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AT&T

AT&T’s best single-line value for folks who don’t want or need unlimited data is their $45 AT&T Prepaid offering. There are some cheaper plans like the Prepaid $35 plan or using a single line on the Mobile Share Advantage Family Plan for $30, but you’ll get far less data to use each month for very little difference in price. A look at the Prepaid $45 plan

Once 6GB of high-speed data is used, you’ll be slowed down to 128kbps data speeds for the remainder of the month. AT&T also offers a discount for multiple lines on one account. You save $5 for each line up to a maximum of five (a $20 total).

For comparison’s sake, this same plan with unlimited data is available for $65.

AT&T also offers a $35 monthly plan with all the perks above and a 1GB monthly data allotment. Signing up for Autopay will save $5 each month on all Prepaid plans.

The comparable 6GB Mobile Share Advantage postpaid plan (you’ll need to use a postpaid plan you finance a phone through AT&T) comes in at $60 per month, but includes rollover data.

See plans at AT&T

Sprint

In addition to its prepaid plans, Sprint offers a postpaid option for folks who only use a small amount of data each month.

Customers who sign up for autopay can save $5 per month. Sprint advertises its 2GB plan as “the lowest price entry plan among national carriers.” This is true if you use autopay, but in many cases, a few dollars more gets you a plan with double the data.

For reference, Sprint’s single-line unlimited data plan is $60 per month.

One thing we will have to say here is that Sprint makes it easy to shop for what you need. This postpaid option isn’t buried or hidden behind several pages that feature the unlimited plan.

See plans at Sprint

T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s only postpaid plan for new customers is its unlimited offering. It does have several prepaid options available.

T-Mobile also offers the same plan with 6GB of LTE data for $55 per month. International talk and text packages are extra and start at $5 per month. The fine print for T-Mobile’s Simply Prepaid plan has a few things that need mentioning. You are given 50MB of out-of-network roaming each month, and calling plan options only support a two-party conversation; Conference calls may cost extra.

For reference, T-Mobile’s unlimited prepaid plan is $75 per month.

T-Mobile is the king of “limited time offers” and have a current prepaid promotion that’s pretty darn great.

The fine print on this one reads: Plus taxes & fees. Limited-time offer, subject to change. Compatible device and qualifying plan req’d.

See plans at T-Mobile

Verizon

1All Verizon plans have a $20 line-access fee.

Verizon offers this plan with more monthly data in two other options: 4GB of LTE data for $50 per month and 8GB of LTE data for $70 per month. Also note that a $20 line access fee is required for each phone using any of Verizon’s “Small Data Plans.”

All postpaid plans allow you to continue to use data at lower speeds once your monthly allotment is reached. These postpaid plans do not include any equipment fees if you need to buy a phone from Verizon.

*See plans at Verizon

The best small data plan

This is hard, because there is no one small data plan that stands out.

AT&T’s $45 plan offers a great value with 6GB of data and AT&T has good nationwide coverage. T-Mobile’s promotional plan with 10GB for $50 is a better deal, but limited time could mean anything and T-Mobile isn’t going to be a great option for people in rural and exburb areas. Sprint can get you online for cheap once you enroll in Autopay, but a 2GB plan on a struggling network isn’t very exciting. Verizon’s data plans are priced right, their network is great almost everywhere in the country, but the $20 line access fee brings the price up to $55 each month.

Where you live will determine which small data plan is best

Coverage, coverage, coverage. We can’t say it enough — a data plan is no good unless it works in the places you need it to work.

Pricing is important. We’re not trying to deny that. But saving $5 or even $10 per month for service you can’t use is not a good value. The same goes for plans with more data. Having more GB per month that you’ll never use because the service is bad is not a good plan for you, no matter the pricing or perks. That’s why our pick for the best small data plan is split into three different sections.

Overall, AT&T offers the best small data plan as of November 2017

A few factors influence our decision here, and it’s important to understand them in case our pick isn’t the best for you.

• Coverage. AT&T has a very good nationwide data network, and they are using remote and small cell solutions to combat the congestion that happens everywhere there are more people than a network can handle.
• Phone choice. A lot of phones are optimized for AT&T’s network, but almost every phone from any company you buy in 2017 will work on AT&T. That means a $50 Android phone from Amazon or a $1200 256GB iPhone X.
• International perks. International use isn’t the most important part of our decision making process, but knowing you can call or text a friend or relative in Canada or Mexico is pretty awesome. So is being able to use your phone while on vacation in Aucopolco or Prince Edward Island.
• More data than you need at the same price as others. You’re shopping for a small data plan, but the same $45 you’ll spend at another carrier gives you 6GB of LTE data to use. Never look a gift horse in the mouth.

Check the coverage maps. Check with your friends. Check the forums and ask other folks in your area. If AT&T has the coverage you need, this is the plan to pick.

See at AT&T

The alternatives

We said AT&T covers almost everyone in the U.S. There are places where you won’t be able to use AT&T, though. If this means you, then you likely only have one choice.

Verizon’s coverage makes their small data plan a must-have for many. Most people in the United States are concentrated in urban and suburban areas. But some of us aren’t, and even more of us work in places far away from the concrete and asphalt of a city. Verizon will give you the best coverage and you’ll have 2GB of data for $55 each month.

See at Verizon

There are also a whole lot of us in a whole lot of places where coverage isn’t really an issue. When every carrier will give you the service you need, there’s another option if you are shopping today.

That T-Mobile limited-time offer. 10GB for $50 is easily the best value here. If T-Mobile has the coverage you need and you’re shopping right now, it’s a simple choice — go magenta. Just take a long look at the coverage situation and make sure you’re part of the 95%+ that can use T-Mobile.

See at T-Mobile

An MVNO is might be the best answer

Looking at all the offerings from the carriers above, one thing is clear:

The Big Four carriers want you to sign up for an expensive unlimited plan, and their pricing on small data plans often is so close to the unlimited plan that it’s difficult to recommend them.

There is a better solution that will fit almost anyone, and it’s because all four carriers have agreements with alternative carriers, or MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). A prepaid option from an MVNO is mostly identical to the prepaid plans from the carriers themselves, and you’ll find a wider selection of plans, and usually with a better price. Companies like Cricket, Straight Talk, or Mint SIM can beat the Big Four’s pricing and give you the same service on the same network.

Update November 2017: This article was updated with the most current information from all carriers.

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• Which unlimited plan should you buy?
• Verizon’s Unlimited plans: Everything you need to know
• Everything you need to know about the T-Mobile ONE unlimited plan
• Everything you need to know about the AT&T Unlimited plan
• Everything you need to know about Sprint’s Unlimited Freedom plan
• Join the Discussion

Recover from late night gaming sessions with the $24 Aeropress coffee maker

You could’ve woken up this morning to a double espresso you made yourself!

The AeroPress coffee and espresso maker is down to $23.96 on Amazon. That’s $6 off its regular price. It was actually out of stock for a while there, so just the fact that it’s available again is a great sign.

For me, video games and coffee go together like salt and pepper. They always come paired together. Being able to make my own coffee at home, simply and easily, is key to keeping up with modern video games. If I had to stand in line for coffee every day, I’d never have time to beat an open-world game like Assassin’s Creed Origins.

Features include:

• Rapid, total immersion brewing process makes delicious full flavored coffee without bitterness
• Makes 1 to 3 cups per pressing in about one minute, Brews regular American style coffee
• Brews espresso style coffee for use in lattes and other espresso based drinks, the brewing process takes about 30 seconds
• Microfilter means no grit in your cup (unlike a French press), Clean up takes just seconds
• Available with zippered nylon tote bag – great for travel, Made in the U.S.A
• Has always been phthalate free and has been bisphenol-A (BPA) free since 2009

While it comes with a few paper filters to use right away, you might want to invest in this $9 reusable mesh filter for when you inevitably run out.

This coffee maker has 4.6 stars based on 4,588 user reviews.

See at Amazon

This 4-pack of Arlo Pro cameras is down to $500

Rely on these cameras to keep an eye on what you can’t!

Is this deal for me?

If you’ve looked into home security cameras in the past, odds are that you came across Netgear’s Arlo cameras. There are a bunch (maybe too many) of different options available, from single camera packs to six camera packs, and there are also the regular Arlo cameras and the Pro ones. Lots to take in, but don’t worry about that.

Right now you can pick up a 4-pack of Netgear’s Arlo Pro security cameras for $499.99 at Amazon and Best Buy, which is a savings of $150 from its regular price. We know, $500 is a lot to spend, but when you consider that this 4-pack of cameras is actually cheaper than the 3-pack is right now, and it’s only $83 more than a pack that comes with only 2 cameras, the value quickly surfaces.

The Arlo Pro models come with a bunch of additional features that the Arlo cameras don’t have. One of the big ones is the built-in siren, which can be used to let people know you see them and that they should get out of an area they shouldn’t be. Another big one is that the cameras come with a rechargeable battery that supports fast charging, and they can be used both indoors and outdoors without needing any wires. You’ll have free access to the 7 most recent days of cloud recordings and can always upgrade to gain access to even more than that.

This deal is part of Best Buy’s Early Black Friday specials, and the discounts are only valid through Saturday evening. Be sure to grab a set of these cameras to enhance the security at home and put yourself at ease that nothing bad is happening while you are away.

TL;DR

• What makes this deal worth considering? – There are tons of security camera options out there, and finding the right one is no easy task. They vary in price and feature set, but Netgear’s Arlo cameras are consistently one of the highest-rated options. This 4-pack of Arlo Pro cameras is actually nearly $20 less than the 3-camera kit is selling for right now, and only $83 more than the 2-camera setup runs.
• Things to know before you buy! – These cameras are weatherproof, which means you can put them inside or outside, depending on your preference. Each camera has a rechargeable battery that supports fast charging, and the system has a built-in siren for scaring off people who are where they shouldn’t be. You’ll be able to access 7 days of cloud recordings for free, and you can pay for access to extended periods of time.

See at Amazon