Introduction to the Best Microphones

When it comes to gaming, especially competitive first-person shooters like Overwatch, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike and so on, gamers often only pay attention to what is directly on the screen in front of them, and not what is going on around them.

Thus, often they need a way to communicate with their fellow teammates and friends without having to take their eyes off of the action to type out potentially long strings of sentences in chat.

Because of that, we thought it would be great to go over three of the best microphones for gaming and streaming. Since these two worlds often blend together, with gamers often streaming on Twitch to an audience of thousands, we will be incorporating the two worlds together as we go down our list.

However, with all that said and out of the way, why don’t we get this show on the road and showcase the first product of the evening. Shall we?

Product 1: Blue Yeti USB Microphone

Overview

Starting off strong with the Blue Yeti as our first product of the night. To most gamers, Blue Yeti is one, if not the best gaming microphones available on the market. It is the go-to microphone for many streamers and internet personalities.

Not exaggerating, but there is a streamer out on Twitch or YouTube, there is a good chance he or she is using a Blue Yeti microphone, they are THAT common and beloved by the gaming sphere.

It is the go-to mic on Amazon for gamers, garnering over well over 7000 user reviews and a near-perfect 5.0-star rating with a 4.3, perfect for all gamers alike.

Features

• Perfect for any occasion, no matter if that occasion is singing, podcasting, voiceovers, debates, interviews, gaming, streaming, field reporting, if you need something to record, this mic can handle it.
• Compatible with the following operating systems: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. The device can also work with Mac OS X (10.4.11 or higher.)
• Gain and mute controls along with zero-latency via headphone output.
• Multiple patterns to select from when deciding on to get a Blue Yeti.
• Multi-directional sound input options.
• Real-time control for all your gaming and streaming needs.

Pros

• Streams and gamers alike have been using and loving the Blue Yeti since it launched in 2012.
• It is exceptionally versatile and straightforward to use, plug it into a device with the USB cable and you are set.
• Four-way directional sound input options ensure everyone in the room will be heard.
• Robust and reliable, this is the Mic of the Internet for a reason. Ask pretty much any streamer or gamer alike, and they will most likely point to the Blue Yeti as being their go-to example of quality microphones.

Cons

• There are no cons to report when it comes to the product.

Pricing

The Blue Yeti is a bit of a pricey microphone to purchase, especially if it is the first microphone some is considering using. However, it is one of the best microphones a gamer could ask for, which is why it cost 130 dollars on Amazon. 

Reviews

However, do not take our word alone; here are what other people are saying about the Blue Yeti and its qualities via these paraphrased reviews.

“I have been watching streamers on Twitch for the longest of time, and every time they show their face via a webcam, I almost always see them using a Blue Yeti. Hearing the quality of their voices, that is what drove me to buy a Blue Yeti for myself, and I could not believe how good I was sounding! This is not a fraudulent pitch everyone; the Blue Yeti is THAT GOOD!”

“I have needed a new microphone after my old one finally bit the dust a few weeks ago. While looking, I saw the Blue Yeti was on sale, and I knew I just had to pick it up.”

“I love this microphone. Easily worth the month, hands down.”

Conclusion

With all that said, now you know why the Blue Yeti is considered to be the Mic of the Internet. Gamers and non-gamers alike can revel in the quality that is the Blue Yeti for now and evermore, and that is why it is one of the best microphones for gaming and streaming.

Product 2: Fifine Metal Condensor Recording Microphone

Overview

Next to the Blue Yeti microphone, when I think of a microphone that is capable of holding itself up against the competition and coming out on top, I immediately go to Fifine’s own metal condenser microphone. This microphone is a beast, especially when paired up with the Blue Yeti.

Yes, the Blue Yeti does come out on top when it comes to popularity and user consumption on the basis that pretty much every half-way streamer seems to use a Blue Yeti every other day, but the metal condenser microphone is more than capable of still bearing itself against the weight of the competition. Moreover, yes, it can still come out swinging when needed, and here is why.

Features

• Easy to plug in and get to work via USB technology. The microphone comes with a generously long 5.9 feet cord.
• Perfect for all sorts of individuals and their needs, whether their needs are a new microphone for gaming or something sturdier for the recording that next major single, the metal condenser microphone has you covered.
• Robust, sturdy metal casing ensures it remains protected at all cost.
• USB powered.
• It works perfectly with various applications like Discord and Skype.
• Cardioid powered.

Pros

• Plug it in and get to work. Being USB powered, it works perfectly without any complicated set-up or devices.

• Works for both Windows and Mac users.
• There are physical volume knobs on the device. Ensures your voice carriers the appropriate amount of force when needed.
• It comes with a little mini tripod, ensuring that it has a stand to hold and maintain itself for you properly.

Cons

• There are no cons to report on this particular model.

Pricing

This is the perfect microphone to get for all those strapped for cash. It is available on Amazon for the low, low price of 30 dollars.

Reviews

Once more, do not take our word alone when it comes to the product, here are what others are saying about it via paraphrased reviews.

“Having always been a fan of hand-stand microphones like this one, I am glad to have moved onto this brand now, myself.” 

“I cannot believe how much value I have gotten out of this little guy; he offers so much versatility that I cannot imagine ever going back to the previous brands I have used over the years.”

“I cannot add any more than what others have said; it is a fantastic mic, truly worth the price.” 

Conclusion

With all that said and out of the way, there is not much left TO SAY, the microphone practically pays for itself. It is one of the best microphones for gaming and streaming currently on the market next to the Blue Yeti.

 Product 3: Neewer NW-700 Professional Studio Broadcasting Recording Microphone

Overview

For our final listing of the night, we bring you the NW-700 broadcasting condenser microphone, a unique model in comparison to the previous two hand-held microphones on the list; the NW-700 is a Phantom-Powered condenser-microphone with a suspension scissor arm stand and a shock mounting clamp-on kit.

The device is a far cry from the Blue Yeti and condenser microphone. However, it still holds the reins of being one of the most highly rated and popular microphones recording devices on Amazon, so clearly there are merits to this device, and we are going to go over their merits right now.

Features

The bundle comes with a condenser microphone, a scissor arm stand, a table-mounting clamp, metal shock mount, a pop filter, Ball-type Anti-wind foam cap, and single 3.5mm Male to XLR Female Cable.

Please note that a Sound Card, 48V Phantom Power, a ¼ to XLR Cable and XLR to XLR Cable are needed for better quality sound and performance.

The device adopts and adapts the new audio circuitry, thus capturing rich, empowering sound directly from the source.

The adjustable arm scissor is made entirely from steel. However, not only that but due to its sturdy and foldable designed structure, the owner is more than able to easily carry it too and away with them, while making it simple and easy to set back up.

The wind-screen ball mask not only protects the microphone from spit and germs but also ensures your voice carries on through perfectly.

Pros

• Perfect for gaming.
• Light-weight and easy to carry.
• Bi-directional sound designer.
• It is also perfect not only for gaming but for home offices and studios.
• It is excellent for people getting into commentary and video editing.
• However, it is just a great piece of tech. It is no Blue Yeti, but it is beyond amazing.

Cons

There are no cons with the microphone, especially for people who prefer phantom-powered microphones over something like USB microphones.

Pricing

The total cost of this entire bundle is a fantastic low, low price of 32 dollars. An AMAZING deal for people who are on a budget.

Reviews

Once more, here are what others are saying via their paraphrased statements.

“Phantom Power is a pain when you are so used to working with USB-microphones, but once you learn how it all comes together and why some microphones require additional set-up, you will appreciate just how wonderful microphones like the NW-700 is. I HIGHLY recommend this model.”

“I was definitely scared and nervous to buy this bundle, knowing that it requires phantom-power to work properly. However, given its low cost of the bundle and the fact that I needed a new mic anyway, I was willing to take a leap of faith on it, and my goodness, am I glad that I did! I love this microphone.”

“You will not regret buying this microphone; I promise all of you that.”

Conclusion

Phantom-powered mics can be confusing to operate at first; however, after getting over that hurdle, you will see just how incredible the NW-700 is. That is why it is on this list because of how great it is to use once correctly configured and prepared.

Final Thoughts and Opinions

With all of that said and out of the way, I hope this article proves beneficial to all that reads it. There is a myriad of microphones out there, each one accomplishing the job in a slightly different way from the other. However, the three microphones listed above are some of the best in their fields, I promise you that.

What are the Best VR Games?

Investing in a quality pair of headsets to play what are fast becoming the best VR games that have ever been made is a wise choice.  It has taken VR a while to grow into its maturity.  Now that it has caught people’s attention, it is taking off like a shot.  Gamers are scrambling to get headsets to correspond with the latest games just so they can enjoy the experience from each of the prime picks.

Virtual reality was really slow for a number of years potentially due to poor gaming quality, highly expensive headsets, and the public wasn’t really up-to-date on what it was all about due to lack of promotion. The headsets are becoming much more affordable at this point and gaming developers are producing products significantly superior in their overall graphics and technology, replacing the old games in favor of the new. 

With the influx of VR games available on the market with ultra-high-quality action and design, it is difficult for folks to know which would be considered the best VR games.  Checking out Amazon’s reviews, consumers have rated a few games at the top of the scale.  Let’s see what they think are three of the best VR games.

ASTRO Bot Rescue Mission

ASTRO Bot is boasted as a fantastic gaming platform hands down filled with the inventiveness required for a good VR game with a vivid imagination that makes any other efforts at VR seem lazy.  It is touted as being nothing like any VR game that you have ever played. Action is the key in this game as the captain goes on his VR journey to try to rescue the various crew members on your team who happen to be floating throughout space.  This platform gives the player a whopping 20 varying main levels and 26 others that are challenges designed to keep you at a heightened level of entertainment for whatever length of time you choose to play.  The game offers worlds around you in 360 degrees as well as multiple different forms of weapons including hook shot, water gun, Ninja stars which you can use in conjunction with jumping and punching capabilities to knock out anyone in your path.

FEATURES

20  various main levels of play each holding traps as well as enemies and 26 levels for challenges.

Your controller becomes 5 weapons aiding in your rescue attempt, ranging from Ninja stars to a water gun.

PROS:

• 20 main levels of play.
• 26 challenge levels allowing for much longer play time.
• Affordable for the value.
• Visuals and music are boasted as awesome.

CONS:

This is not really a con necessarily but with all of the levels and challenge levels, you won’t want to stop playing. 

PRICE:

The price for this game on Amazon is $28.34.

REVIEWS:

The best VR games reviews were outstanding for this game with one, in particular, saying that they found the game to be seriously amazing.  Some said they haven’t enjoyed a game in so long. Others insist that you buy this game as they feel it sets the standard for VR platforms, it really sets the bar for anything that may come after it, a must-have game, and overall ‘simply the best use of VR to date’.

The Climb

This game is listed on many different best VR games’  lists as it is phenomenal. The exhilaration it provides with its VR experience making you feel as though you are actually scaling great heights is amazing. You have the choice to just explore your surroundings and enjoy the view around you or compete for faster times.  You will be completely immersed in the existence of the things going on in the area and feel as if you are truly a part of the scene. 

FEATURES:

Allows you to embrace the excitement of a free solo climb and feel an adrenaline rush as you reach the highest heights.  You can go exploring or try to track faster times.

Capable of multiplayer and the ability to earn achievements.  You can race your competitor’s ghost, rise leaderboards, and obtain upwards of 100+ achievements in order to unlock gear.

The game presents challenges such as bouldering which presents intense paths which require the perfect maneuvering ability.

 There is a ‘Tourist Mode’ that is a much easier option where you can learn the game prior to going into it full on or if you want to teach someone to play VR.

Offers 4 different locations during either daytime or nighttime with breathtaking views to immerse you in the game.

PROS:

• Beautiful graphics to make you feel like you’re there.
• Exhilarating climbing experience.
• Offers easy level in order to learn the ropes.
• Can play against friends for speed.

CONS:

• This could be super addictive hanging out in those gorgeous spots and feeling as if you’re free solo climbing.  Probably not a con.

PRICE:

This item was not priced on Amazon as they currently don’t have it in stock.

REVIEWS:

The best VR games reviews on The Climb were really positive with one consumer indicting this is not something they would do in real life, but having the experience in the game felt so real and fantastic.  Others felt it was a definite good addition to their at-home library.  Overall, this was considered a magnificent gaming experience.

Until Dawn Rush of Blood

This gaming platform offers seven thrilling and, most importantly, replayable levels with each varying in their theme which is based on a different nightmare individually. There are more challenge levels available where you can get back within the nightmare in order to go to the head of the leaderboards based on the difficulty of the levels you accomplish.  There are 6 kinds of weapons available to you for fighting off each different nightmare including pistols/shotguns as well as flare guns that explode.  There are multiple ways you can go with the game and the graphics will scare the heck out of you, but you won’t play the same game twice.  That is what makes it so exciting.

FEATURES:

This game provides the players with seven levels that are re playable as each time you play, the game will be different.  The themes are different and the nightmares vary for each theme.  There are challenge levels as well where you can test yourself to see if you can rise up on the leaderboards based on your ability to accomplish the challenge.

A very real sense of fear is given with the amazing VR technology sure to make it difficult to sleep at night. You almost feel as though you are actually involved in the nightmares on the rollercoaster and the monsters are really after you.

There is great detail provided with the graphics that are shown within the game. This helps to make the VR scenes seem so realistic and makes the game more frightening.

The game offers 6 weapons to fight off enemies including different types of guns as well as flare guns that are explosive.  The monsters and enemies come for you from all sides and at alarming rates, having the weapons ready to blast is the only way to get through.

PROS:

• This game offers a challenging platform to begin with but then also gives you ‘challenge’ levels to test your skills which is exciting for a seasoned player.
• You get a different game each time you play, ‘never the same ride twice’, with 7 different levels plus the challenge levels and a unique nightmare to each level.
• The VR design and detail of the graphics are phenomenal.

CONS:

 You may not be able to go to sleep after playing this game because it instills realistic fear in you with the awesome VR quality.  Maybe not so much a con, though.

PRICE:

The price for this game as listed on Amazon is $14.99.

REVIEWS:

The best VR games reviews for Until Dawn were all excellent.  The first reviewer gave the game an A+ indicating that this purchase would be one you wouldn’t regret. Some said they had a lot of fun playing this game.  Others said it is plenty scary with times where you may jump.  Others said they simply can’t put it down and that it is so much fun to play in the dark.  Many said they could not recommend it enough, and overall super exciting and ultra terrifying.

Conclusion

The world really was in the dark for a long time on VR games and how much fun they could actually be, or the games just got a whole lot better in the new day and age perhaps.  Either way, this is gaming with a whole new spin on it.  You actually get to feel as if you are a part of the game, genuinely within the scenes and acting them out for yourself.  It’s thrilling, exciting and adds a whole new dimension to play.

The games listed here are among the best VR games on Amazon according to their customers.  They are intense, action-packed and exhilarating.  All things that you want your gaming experience to be.  If you have trouble picking one, try them all.  You can never have too much VR fun.

What are the 3 best Xbox Steering Wheels you should buy?

For the longest of times, since pretty much the moment video games became a viable business venture, companies have risen and fallen to produce not only amazing, triple-AAA video games, but also gaming peripherals that they hope gamers alike will not only enjoy using but also skyrocket them to the top of the leader-board in terms of sales and popularity.

Some companies, like Razar and Logitech, have seen that success with their multi-tier line-up of gaming devices like keyboards, mouses and console controllers, while others have only been left in the realm of obscurity.

Moreover, while companies like Nintendo have attempted in the past to innovate, such as with the Virtual Boy in 1995, history has shown us that trying to push when the technology is not there has its problems.

However, while the Virtual Boy might have failed due to the technology not being there, one peripheral that has survived the test of time are those remote-control steering wheels for racing games, and that is what we are going to cover today. Follow us as we cover three of the best Xbox Steering Wheels currently available on Amazon. 

Product 1: The Logitech G920 Dual-Monitor Feedback Driving Force Racing Wheel

Overview

The G920 is one of Logitech’s most magnificent gaming steering wheels of all time.  The device has a sturdy, durable leather casing around the wheel, ensuring the player has complete traction on his or her wheel as they make those sharp, deadly turns on the tracks, all while being fine-tuned and responsive every-waking-moment the game is in use.

Plus, the device comes with smooth, responsive pedals, ensuring the player can focus on what truly matters, the intense beating passion of coming in first every time, and with the g920, that player can reach that finish line in style.  It is truly one of the best steering wheels from Logitech and is easily worth the asking price of nearly three-hundred dollars.

Features

• Realistic steering and controlling along with a responsive floor pedal
• The device is capable of working not only on an Xbox but also on PCs via USB tech.
• Capable of handling most (if not all) racing games.

Pros

• An absolute blast to play with day-in and day-out
• No hassle to install, plug it into an Xbox via a USB cable and get ready to experience a new side of gaming never before achieved.
• Moreover, it is just a fun piece of tech to have for gaming parties and gatherings. It is something that adults and kids alike will enjoy whenever they start up that racing sim.

Cons

• There are no real cons to report on this device. It functions as intended and works flawlessly.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, this model can be a bit daunting at first. However, if someone is interested in buying the controller, now would be an excellent time to purchase the device; as it is currently on sale for 220 dollars, or 272 dollars if that player is also interested in the Shifter Bundle.

Reviews

Customers have been delighted with the G920 since launching back in 2015, here are paraphrased snippets of what some has to say about the device.

“The G920 is the best steering wheel I have gotten to date; I recommend it entirely!”

“I was a little shaken by the initial pricing of the steering wheel, but once I plugged it in and played through the first race, I knew right away I made the right choice in buying this bundle.”

“My son and I love it!” 

Conclusion

The G920 is without a doubt one of the best Xbox steering wheels on the market, especially for console gamers and enthusiasts.

Product 2: Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback Racing Wheel

Overview

To start this overview off right, let us just come out and say this: the Thrustmaster TMX is easily one of, if not the best Xbox steering wheels currently out on the market right now. If a person is to recommend a wheel to someone who has never played or owned a steering wheel apparatus before, it would be the TMX.

Smooth, responsive, realistic, competitive, these are all terms to use when describing how it feels to be playing a game like Dirt with the TMX. It is easily the go-to wheel for both new and veterans alike. Highly, recommend.

Features

• Full 900-degree steering system allows to insane levels of control when making those tight turns.
• Compatible with PC’s from WIN 10 to Vista. Also comes with all the drivers a gamer needs to install on their PC, no-hassle what-so-ever.
• That goes doubly the same for the Xbox One, officially licensed and branded by Microsoft, the wheel was built to handle the power of the console.
• Also comes with a peddle
• The bundle is compatible with most (if not all) currently available racing titles on the Xbox One like Dirt and Forza Horizon.

Pros

• Easily one of the best steering wheels currently out on the market
• A competitive and affordable price, especially if something like the G920 is a bit too high of a price for some to afford currently.
• Plug it in and play. The device was designed for the Xbox One and the Windows operating system, thus ensuring complete compatibility for people even on Vista.
• The wheel is the perfect starting wheel for both newcomers and veterans alike; no one is left behind with this device.

Cons

It can be said definitively that there are no real cons with this particular controller and bundle. The device not only works as intended but feels fantastic to play over and over again.

Pricing

For 130 dollars, the TMX is an absolute MUST BUY for gamers looking for that perfect steering wheel to add to their shelves. It is the perfect wheel to buy for all skill-ranges.

Reviews

However, do not just take our word on the TMX, please see some paraphrased statements others have made about the TMX and its qualities. 

“There’s not much to say except that I love it.”

“I am definitely going to pick up another one to give to my best friend for Christmas this year. I love it, and I know he and his kids will, as well.”

“Easily one of the best console steering wheels on Amazon.”

Conclusion

The TMX is fast, fluid, responsive, and perfect for both the hardcore gamers and the more casual gamers. A fun balance between the two worlds.

Product 3: Hori Racing Wheel Overdrive for Xbox One.

Overview

For our final recommendation of the evening, let us talk briefly about Hori’s own patented racing wheel for the Xbox One. Easily the most user-friendly and open-ended racing wheel on this list of ours, the Overdrive is a capable, self-dependent and authentic piece of hardware that is made for the casual and hardcore racing game enthusiasts.

The Overdrive is one of those gaming devices that any gamer would easily recommend to newcomers to the genera as a whole. However, it is not dumbed down or so overly simplified that experienced and veterans of such gaming devices would ever feel alienated using. It strikes that delicate balance between friendly and hardcover, so no one is feeling left out.

Features

• Officially licensed by Microsoft.
• Full 270 degrees turning radius with various adjustable options for ease, comfort, and utility.
• Comes with not just the wheel, but a clamp that a person can attach to a desk or table for full ease of control.
• Also comes with a pedal, just like the previous two options.
• A player can also adjust the sensitivity of the turning.

Can easily be packed up, stored, and or transported with no hassle.

Lastly, a player can also assign actions to buttons for ease of control.

Pros

• Ease of use, easily the most-friendly controller on the market for console gamers.
• Where the previous two are made with Xbox and PC in mind, this wheel was built just for the Xbox, and it is player-base.
• Fully customizable when it comes to settings and handling.
• It is also extremely affordable.

Cons

• No cons to report when it comes to this wheel, it is perfect for all gamers.

Pricing

Out of all three options we have explored in this article, the Overdrive is easily the most affordable and cost-saving steering wheel available on Amazon right now, and at 100 dollars, there is no better price (or time) then to pick it up right now.

Reviews

However, as much as we can gush over how dang good the Overdrive is, perhaps a few paraphrased responses from other gamers can give you a better opinion on the bundle.

“I got to say; the Overdrive is one of those steering wheels that pays for itself. It looks so good in our gaming room!”

“I love it; there is nothing else to say about it.”

“To all those who are nervous or skeptical about getting into this line of gaming, I highly, HIGHLY recommend the Overdrive as a starting point. The price alone is enough to take a chance on; I promise you will not regret this purchase.”

Conclusion

Easily the friendliest and open-ended driving wheel on this list. This is the best option to go for if someone is nervous or skeptical on getting into driving wheels for their racing simulators.

Final Thoughts and Opinions

That is why the G920, TMX, and Overdrive are three of the best Xbox steering wheels currently available on the market. If you or someone you know are a fan of racing games like Dirt, F1 or Forza, please do consider getting one of these three devices, you and or your friends will not be disappointed with the results. 

A short intro to the Best Controllers for PC Gaming

Gaming is all the rage these days and having the best controller for PC gaming is extremely important for the most extreme gamers.  Having a solid, dedicated controller can make the difference between wins and losses.  But, there are so many controllers available today that it can be difficult and overwhelming to choose from.  Most controllers will be able to serve the purpose that you want, but some are more structured to fit one type of gaming over another.

Using your keyboard and mouse for gaming purposes can pose a challenge.  Having a controller in your hand will give you the opportunity to feel as though you are more in control of the game on the screen.  From fighting games to racing games, using a controller will open up a whole new world of opportunities and confidence level in your gaming play. And, who isn’t more comfortable lounging on their couch with a controller in their hand rather than sitting at the desk?  The options are endless for what type of experience you want to have.

The good thing about choosing a PC controller is that it typically doesn’t have to conform to a particular style or design, so your options are much broader.  Choosing the right controller will mainly depend on what you plan on using it for.  Do you need something with customizable buttons or are you looking for a more simplistic design?  Regardless of what you are looking for, we have found three of the best controllers for PC gaming that you can choose.

ZD-V + USB Wired Gaming Controller Gamepad for PC/Laptop

Amazon’s top pick (not the top reviewed as you’ll see from the next option) comes in at a price of $19.99 and has received 4 out 5 stars from customers.  This controller supports PC Windows XP/7/8 and 10.  It also supports plug and play for PC games that support Xinput mode or Play Station 3.  The controller will automatically recognize all usable devices, so no driver installation needed.

The controller has a vibration feedback feature that can also exchange the functions of D-pad and Left-stick in Xinput mode.  It is very ergonomic with an excellent design of high-quality material.  It feels very firm and comfortable in your palms.  The layout of the buttons is humanized to allow for fluent and efficient operations.

The non-slip joystick with its rough surface will increase your gaming experience by adding more control to your gameplay.  Customers have commented that the D-pad design really helps in directional play and execution of desired combinations.  The construction of the device is solid and doesn’t feel like cheap plastic.  The buttons are responsive and fast.  People may shy away from the controller because of how cheap the price is, but customers consistently commented on how great the product was for the price. 

This controller appears to check all the right boxes for extreme gamers.  The price is right, the controller is durable, and the set up on the controller allows for an easy flow from one part of the game to another.  The control analogs don’t become loose as you go hard in the most extreme of games.  The ZD-V+ Pro Wired Game Controller can be found at Amazon ready for you to take your gaming experience to brand new levels.

Xbox Wireless Controller-White

The best controller as reviewed on Amazon is the Xbox Wireless Controller-White.  Amazon’s top pick was the ZD-V + Pro Wired Game Controller, but the Xbox Wireless Controller was the best-reviewed controller by a gaming expert. You can purchase it brand new at $44.32 or get used ones at $37.49.  Enhanced comfort dominates the new Xbox Wireless Controller, which features a streamlined design, textured grip, and Bluetooth technology for gaming on Windows 10 devices.  Gamers can receive up to 2x the wireless range, roughly 40 feet, compared to older controllers. 

It is compatible with any headsets that have a 3.5mm stereo headset jack. You can also enjoy having custom button mapping so you can optimize your comfort level with the controller.  Customers rated this controller 3.9 out of 5 stars, which was amongst the top of many people’s list.

Customers commented on the ease of set up and luxury of the Bluetooth capabilities.  Setup for the Bluetooth required just a quick pairing to the device and gamers were good to go.  Once connected, people haven’t noticed any drops in connections.  Customers also enjoyed the relative stiffness of the buttons, joystick, and bumpers to help provide them with more accuracy during game play.  Movement on the game stops when you release your hands off the buttons, as opposed to other joysticks to tend to add an extra movement after release.

The Xbox Wireless Controller will grab the attention of anyone visiting your house with its sharp, sleek design.  It is a little more expensive than some of the other controllers that you can find on Amazon, but people are very happy with the quality they got for the price they paid.  And, with a name brand like Xbox, you can expect to receive quality customer support in the event that you have any trouble with your controller.

EasySMX 2.4G Wireless Controller for PS3, PC Gamepads

The controller that received the most stars from Amazon customers was the EasySMX 2.4G Wireless Controller. The layout offers many options to enhance your gameplay with two analog sticks, a D-pad, 4 main action buttons on the face, start, back, TURBO button, two shoulder triggers, and two smaller shoulder bumpers.  Plenty of buttons to customize your best mode of attack.

It comes with dual vibration feedback that brings you different levels of vibration, including headshots, explosion, and collision, which makes you feel as though you are right in the heart of the action.  It also contains a 360-degree rotatable joystick that gives you more control of how slowly you can move around or how aggressively you want to steer.  With eight hours of continuous battery play, you won’t need to make many stops to charge your battery.  But, if you do, you can just plug the controller into the power supply while you recharge your batteries.

For $28.99, this controller brings you a textured grip that provides stability in your hands as well as comfort to play for hours.  Customers have rated this controller 4.3 out of 5 stars and it seems to back up the high ratings.  They enjoyed how solid the buttons were and how rigid the casing was.  The rubber grips really enhanced gameplay and helped keep your game in control while your hands get sweaty!  The controller pairs up instantly with the Windows 10 gaming rig in rapid fashion. 

The EasySMX 2.4G Wireless Controller is one of the best controllers for gaming that you can purchase.  It is easily adaptable to most devices and provides the right texture and ease of use for all gamers.  It ensures a stable connection with zero delays while offering a range of about eight feet.  And, the comfort provided allows you hours of comfortable gameplay.

In Conclusion…

Three solid options are available on Amazon to choose the perfect gaming controller for your PC.  All three come reasonably priced and built with comfort to help you sustain your level of play.  They also each offer a good wireless range to allow you to sit back of the computer and play from a comfortable seat.

They are easily set up upon arrival as they can quickly pair to Bluetooth and will recognize your PC device once plugged in.  Many of the new games being developed today just are not compatible for keyboard and mouse use.  Customers who are used to working on a keyboard and mouse tend to struggle with adapting to all the buttons that come with a game controller, but all three of controllers will allow you the opportunity to transition from the keyboard to the controller. 

As mentioned earlier, the type of controller that you want will depend on what you plan on using it for.  The type of gaming experience you are looking to have can have an impact on what type of controller you want.  All three of the controllers have the capabilities to handle any type of game that you desire, but many can be more useful depending on what your focus is. 

Ranging in price from $19.99 to $45.00, these three controllers will suit all your gaming needs.  Customers were just as pleased with the quality of the $19.99 controller versus the $45.00 one.  Gaming has attracted people of all ages these days and getting every advantage that you can over your opponent is key.  Ultimately, you need to decide what makes you the most comfortable to withstand playing a game for several hours at a time.  All three of the above controllers received praise for their comfort level, which is a plus. But, regardless of what you decide, you can’t go wrong with three of the best controllers for PC gaming found right here!

The Best Game Screen Recorders To Buy in 2019

The best game screen recorder will allow a gamer the ultimate way to be able to watch your friends and fellow gamers play everybody’s favorite titles to get tips and tricks on tactics to use to advance levels as well as motivation and encouragement to keep going.  Watching game-play is super popular and common among players.  There are well-known players for just about any big game that comes to mind. The games have become just as much fun to watch as they are to join in. There are even professional video game players who go up against each other on eSports to do battle which is quickly becoming a very lucrative business worldwide. 

It’s no surprise in the digital world today that just playing the games wouldn’t be enough. Someone would figure out a way to start capturing it for use within the world whether it be in a tutorial sense or as mere entertainment as well as the ability to savor it as a historical memento. No matter what the reasons are that folks are finding uses for the recordings, they need to be sure that the equipment that they are using is the finest.  For this Amazon has reviews from gamers who have used these devices and ranked them to find the best game screen recorder available.  Let’s look at three of the top-rated that they chose.

Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro

This unit will allow streaming and recording perfection.  Recording with the highest possible standard is the only option. When it comes to detail, everything matters including the tone, texture, lens flare, and shadows. An onboard H.264 encoder of advanced capacity is included with this game capture which will give unlimited recorded footage in superior 1080p60 quality at 60Mbps bitrate.  It is able to do all of this with the CPU load kept minimal and the size of the project file small.  Your stream will be powered with low latency technology as is boasted by the device’s Instant Gameview.

FEATURES

• The quality 1080p and 60 fps; record and stream the games that you play.
• Live streaming built-in to YouTube, Twitch, etc; Up to 60Mbps bitrate captured.
• Input: unencrypted HDMI; Output: HDMI (pass-through, lag-free) upwards of 1080p60.

PROS:

• Great for recording gameplay.
• 1080p 60 fps with 60 Mbps bitrate. Superior low latency.
• Keep file size small/CPU intact.
• Awesome quality.

CONS:

Set up can be a little bit tricky.  Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s direction so that you can get the best possible end results.

PRICE

The price for this unit as listed on Amazon comes in at $162.00.

REVIEWS

The best game screen recorder reviews for this unit were positive with the main consensus being that it was great for recording game-play, does a fantastic job of recording and is perfect for content creators, awesome for stream/record activities.  Others felt that it can output some real high-quality material at 1080p 60fps with 60 Mbps bitrate, able to do great tutorial shows.  Many felt it does the job and does it well.  The low latency is impressive, great quality.  Some have been using elgato for a while and feel that they are still the best, installation is easy, build quality is good, and overall this is the ‘perfect capture card’.

Linkstable 3.0 USB HD Video Game Capture Card Device

Second in our list is the Linkstable 3.0 USB You will be able to record high-quality HDMI video using your device which will be turned into a recording device and leverage a transfer speed at 3.0USB capturing 1080p of raw video coming in at 60 fps.  The HDMI will be recording video and audio.  1080p60 will exactly match a majority of the most computer video cards output.  This is perfect for recording output with PC, POS station, or server as when making tutorials or software training clips.  H.264 is a popularly used video code around the globe and this encoding capability will allow that files that are saved may be compatible with nearly all video players without any need for editing or conversion.

FEATURES

• HDMI @ 48Khz embedded audio.
• DirectShow architecture allows compatibility with numerous software.
• 1080p 60fps quality HD.

Game capture HDMI; captures resolution upwards 1920×1080 at 60Hz.  Converts automatically audio input to 48 KHz PCM stereo audio.

The perfect setup with gaming as well as streaming Video and Audio record capability from most external devices by way of HDMI Port.  File/save/share with ease.

It is really PnP with no driver.  Gaming or meeting or live streaming with low latency. Share with Facebook, YouTube or Twitter.

PROS

• Driverless, a huge plus.
• Great for streaming and recording.
• Handles 1080p 60fps smoothly.
• File/save/share made easy.
• Low latency whether gaming, live streaming or meeting.
• Affordable for the value that you get.

CONS

There are no real cons to this device.  The only thing you need to be careful of is that you don’t spend too much time recording since it makes it so easy for you.  Not so much a con, though.

PRICE

The price for this device on Amazon is listed at $89.99.

REVIEWS

The best game screen recorder reviews for this unit showed a consensus that it was an awesome price for the value of the device.  They felt that it was a great product, perfect for streaming and recording and couldn’t believe that it didn’t require a driver.  Some said the video quality was good, excellent recorder, easy to use/plug/play, superb product, and the overall for this product was ‘wow’ for the price and value.

AverMedia Live Gamer 4K-4kp60 HDR Capture Card

This unit is being boasted as the device that captures what the next generation gaming is about.  It is touted as being ‘mighty’ in every sense of the word from recording 4K HDR content up to an astounding high frame of upwards of 240 fps recording.  The manufacturer claims that the LG4K will bring to the gamers and content developers what the future of video capture is to be. This game screen capture supports a refresh rate upwards of 240 Hz that is in full HD bringing much more smooth game recordings into your files. It offers 3 preset modes of RGB lighting to the set-up for a more extravagant performance. ReCentral is included which is a powerful software for streaming.  It is among the first to record HDR content as well as stream to several platforms simultaneously.

FEATURES:

• 4Kp60 HDR or High Dynamic Range of recording.
• You can capture upwards of 240fps, high frame count.
• Extremely low latency.  Using your PC monitor you will be able to enjoy the uncompressed video with virtually no latency.
• 3 preset light modes, RGB lighting.
• ReCentral software records HD content as well as multiple platforms simultaneously.

PROS:

• 4K card for an affordable price.
• Easy to install using ReCentral Software.
• Very low latency.
• Great for recording and streaming.

CONS:

USB cable was just a little bit shorter than some folks like it to be but that is just depending on your set up and how you like it and not necessarily a con.  There are people who just prefer a really long cable.

PRICE:

The price for this unit as listed on Amazon came out to be $269.99.

REVIEWS:

The best game screen recorder reviews for this unit were all pleasant.  Everyone found it to be amazing that the price is set as it is for a model of its quality. They are extremely impressed.  It works perfectly seems to be the consensus.  It is the best 4K card for your buck said many of them, offering simple set up if you are following along the ReCentral guidelines, best external capture card currently, performs with less dropped frames than competitors on the market, top capture card, provides zero lag when recording, and overall highly recommended by several folks for recording or streaming.

Conclusion

The gamers are a tough crowd to please when it comes to the equipment that they use, particularly when they are trying to record the games that they are playing so that they can use their material in some type of a professional format whether it be a tutorial or competition.  They need the highest quality with the very best performance at a decent price and they don’t settle for any less as any business person would expect.

The best game screen recorder that they reviewed on Amazon was narrowed down to the three that have been selected here.  They have used them and ranked them and found them to be useful in the capacity that they need them.  That means to some of us that these must be of high quality and should do an outstanding job for you.  Try one out.

A short intro to the Best Vacuum Cleaner

Choosing the best vacuum cleaner is not a straight forward affair. There are many factors to consider before you make your pick.

Vacuum cleaners have come a long way since the days of noisy and sometimes frustrating vacuums that barely did the job. Today we have a fascinating range of vacuum types featuring great innovations and functionalities. From cordless cleaners to robot cleaners powered by AI, today’s cleaners have significantly raised the game in home cleaning services.

So what are the best vacuum cleaners in the market? The best vacuum cleaners in the market based on Amazon ratings and some of the greatest features are the following:

#1 Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute

Dyson has been an industry leader in producing vacuum cleaners for years.  In that time, it has developed its engineering might to a level which is second to none, It has put that might to producing Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute. This is a stick vacuum that also features a handheld. It is unique among Dyson’s other vacuum cleaners in that it is cordless. Dyson has staked its reputation on it by discontinuing its older line of vacuums, despite their popularity.

Dyson’s motto seems to be out with the cord and in with the cordless.

Is Dyson’s confidence overblown? In my opinion, no.

Dyson Cyclone V10 is an awesome product that has already proved itself by capturing a growing loyal customer base. It is set to grow even further.

What is truly revolutionary about it is its new engine. It can achieve 2,000 revolutions per minute (125,000 rpm), which is a break away from the 108,000 rpm that was achievable on the V8. This stunning suction power makes this machine suck harder than previous vacuums, eliminating dust at an unprecedented level.

The Dyson V10 also wins big on design. It is a complete redesign of the older V series. It succeeds in maximizing on efficiency while minimizing size. For example, the vacuum’s digital engine is much reduced in size, and yet it is smarter than any previous ones produced by the company. Its suction is 20% more powerful than the V8, and yet it is only half the size of the former at 125 g (0.27 pounds)

Dyson V10 performs outstandingly on all floor types and surfaces. For example, one sweep is all it takes for you to clean your pet’s hair. It attains this performance whether you use it as a handheld or an upright.

You can set Dyson V10’s power setting to the maximum or something below to suit the work you are doing.

Some of the downsides to this otherwise awesome vacuum is that when you set to maximum power level, it lasts only about 8 minutes after which you need to recharge it for three and a half hours. That calls for long pauses if your cleaning was set to take a long time.

With lengthy use, the handle also tends to become too warm for comfort. Dyson’s products are also typically expensive, and this goes for this as well.

Other than these downsides, Dyson V10 is a brilliant vacuum cleaner overall deserving its place among the best vacuum cleaners in the industry.

Features at a glance

• Up to 60 minute run time
• Strong suction for all floor types
• Adjustable power for minimum, medium and maximum
• Lightweight (5.9 pounds for the stick vacuum)

Note that Dylan also offers 2 other versions of Dylan V10 called Dylan V10 Animal and Dylan V10 Motorhead, all of which are nearly identical but used for different purposes.

#2 Roomba 880

If you don’t want to do the vacuuming yourself or find you are too busy there is a simple solution: Roomba 880 will gladly take over your work and spare you the time or effort.  Roomba is a robotic vacuum cleaner which will uncomplainingly go through your rooms thoroughly ridding them of dirt.

In keeping with its robotic duties, Roomba will dutifully make your wish once you give the command. It features four different buttons for you to communicate your instructions. Hit the Dock button, and Roomba promptly heads for the Home Base to recharge. Choose the Clock button, and you can set the time: hour, day, and minute when Roomba goes into action.

Through the Schedule button, you can program Roomba to tackle a cleaning routine each week. The Spot button zeroes down on small cleaning areas. It performs a deep cleaning act by repeatedly working outward and then returning to a particular area of the floor until it is completely cleaned.

Through indicator lights, Roomba also talks to you as it works, keeping you posted on various statuses.  Flash amber on its battery tells you it is charging while a green color says it is done charging. Solid red warns you the battery is discharged. Dirt detector tells you it has detected dirt and will zero down on it. There is a light calling for troubleshooting to be done. If the Roomba is stuck, it will give an untangle light to be freed from its condition. Finally, there is also a light to tell you that the trash bin is full and needs emptying.

Roomba is easy to use, and you will feel delighted steering it around using your remote or arrow buttons. It is a joy to operate as it is easy and intuitive for just about anyone. The same goes with the initial set up, which is smooth and effortless.

Roomba has been tested in cleaning up all sorts of mess including orzo pasta, baking soda and sand lying on bare floors. It has also been tested on how well it clears dirt and sand on carpets as well as cleaning pet hair.  In all these cases, Roomba lived up to the hype and didn’t disappoint. It even reached below furniture to clean out the dirt.

The vacuum also has excellent maneuverability, easing its way perfectly around furniture and avoiding obstacles. It knows how to go from room to room, including avoiding a room you have instructed it to give a miss.  Its fall sensors do an excellent job preventing the unit from falling down the stairs.

Roomba also features a side brush that sweeps out dirt hiding in corners and moves it to the unit’s dirt sucker for pickup. One flaw, however, was with its spot clean mode. The side brush failed to retrieve dirt it had scattered under this model.

Features at a snapshot

• Dust sensor
• Remote control
• Automatic self-charging after it is done the cleaning
• Automatic charges itself after being discharged
• Virtual wall
• Room to room navigation and cleaning
• Set and forget scheduling
• Tangle debris extractor
• 3 stage cleaning system

# 3 Shark IF250UK

This Shark vacuum can be your best alternative to some of Dyson’s high-end options if you want something cheaper and yet decent. Like the Dyson I have reviewed, it is cordless. It can also transform into a handheld so that you can lift it to clean high places.

 It also comes with 2 batteries, each of which can run for 22 minutes.

 This is quite handy because once the vacuum has run 22 minutes, you can swap batteries and continue the cleaning almost uninterrupted. That gives you 44 minutes of continuous service.  Plus, its charging dock can charge two batteries simultaneously so you will never run out of charge. Moreover, you can charge the batteries both on and off the vacuum since they are removable. Any other socket in your house can be used to charge the batteries.

For reaching those hard to access areas to clean, such as under the sofa, Shark has an answer in its unique Flexology technology. This technology enables you to bend the Shark vacuum to reach almost any hidden places sparing you the need to crawl.

Its DuoClean technology makes it easy to shift back and forth between carpet and hard floor cleaning so that you don’t experience any pauses. That’s because it has two brush-rolls on the same floorhead working together to eliminate household dirt. 

This Shark vacuum isn’t as lightweight as the Dyson though. Indeed, it comes a bit on the heavy side, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t portable, and most people will find it easy to carry around.  Some people, however, many find it too heavy to operate as a handheld when it is lifted to clean higher places.

This vacuum can’t clean carpets as well as it does the hard floors. Its performance on hard floors and even pet hair is superb, but you will be disappointed by its poor dust elimination on the carpet. If your home is heavy on the side of hard floors, this product is ideal. However, if your house leans more toward the carpet side, you may have to give the vacuum a miss.

The vacuum also comes with ease of storage. You can fold it in half just by a click. The resulting compact form means you can store it almost anywhere, freeing you from the need of using hooks.

A short intro to the Best Free Screen recorders

So far, you probably only know about taking screenshots with your desktop, which is just an image capture.  That is a cool thing to have but have you ever wondered about pushing the boundaries even more and capturing a video of what is taking place in your desktop? 

For most devices, it is not possible. Some may offer just some basic screen recording capability but to get something potent with diverse tools; you will need a third-party app.

Think of the possibilities of doing this, whether it is recording a live game or creating a movie to share on YouTube or creating something for the next generation. This can be exciting, but is it possible?

Yes, it is possible and the best thing about it, you can get the tools for doing it for absolutely free. All you need is make your pick of the best free screen recording that is available on the internet.

So which are the some of the best free screen recorders that you can find? The best free screen recorders include the following that I have listed as the top three.

#1 OBS Studio

I would be dishonest if I told you this wasn’t the king of the best free screen recorders out there.  This open-source software happens to be a great favorite of the gaming community as well, and that’s not surprising given its awesome array of features. It is extremely powerful and versatile for video recording, live streaming, and recording from your webcam and microphone.

OBS Studio will give you many things for free that you may get charged for from a popular paid software like FRAPS. FRAPS allows you only limited recordings of 30 seconds at a time. It will also apply watermarks or stamps on your footage.  OBS Studio, however, gives you unlimited recordings and of course with none of the ugly watermarks or stamps.

OBS Source offers you with all the video formats, and it will provide support for live streaming and working with Twitch, Facebook Live, Smashcast, Daily Motion, and YouTube Gaming.

Keep in mind that OBS Studio can record straight from your graphics card. That means games running in full-screen mode can be captured using customized hotkeys for control. Other screen recorders restrict you by recording only if the game is windowed.

You can get even higher quality recordings with OBS Studio because it can use multi-core CPUs. That means recording at the amazing level of 60FPS or even more.

A high-quality audio mixer, image masking, visual filters are all functions you will get from OBS Studie. You can also piece together your recording with other video and images or sections you have selected from your screen.

OBS Studio may be difficult to learn at first, especially for beginners, but its easily the most powerful reorder you can get especially for gamers.

Fortunately, for those who will get stuck on setup, they will not lack for help because of an active community forum where tutorials are available, and one is free to ask questions. OBS Studio’s other great attraction is that it can work with all common platforms like Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Features at a glance

• Offers HD streaming and recording
• You can make unlimited recordings
• Can work with Linux, Windows, and macOS
• Initial setup may take a while

#2    Flashback  Express

This paid application makes available free applications that are quite useful for many functionalities. Newbies will find that using it will be quite easy and intuitive, unlike OBS Studio, which can be intimidating.

You can use the free version without limitation in terms of recording. Unlike other free versions of paid applications, you will not be subjected to stamps or watermarks being placed on your recordings.

Gamers will also find it exciting for providing the ability to define frames per second or FPS.

Flashback Express gives you many fascinating options like recording an entire window, a selected area, or from a webcam. You are then presented with your finished recording in a simple editor which you can edit (trim, crop, etc.) before sharing it on YouTube or sending to your PC or FTP server.

To enjoy other features, however, you will have to get the paid version. For example, the free version only allows you to save your recording in WMV formats. Get the paid version, and your options are expanded to other formats like MP4, GIF, AVI, Flash, QuickTime, and EXE.

Paying for the license also unlocks other features like removal of erratic cursor actions, frame-by-frame editing, and the ability to encrypt or hide sensitive information.

The developer of this software, Blueberry Software, has also made available a free software tailored specifically for gaming. Called FBX, it records game footage in HD with AMD, Intel CPUs, and Nvidia cards.

Flashback Express may be a paid version, but it ranks among the best free screen recorder at least for its free version.

Features  at a glance

• Easy to use and intuitive interface
• Has a video editor which is in-built
• Offers a variety of choice in output formats
• Compatible with windows

#3  Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder

Unlike other screen recorders, this is one is  a browser-based tool, so it runs entirely  in your browser

For this reason, it is not suited for games, but this doesn’t mean it can’t be used for many other great things like video streaming. Indeed this software packs more power than most desktop screen recording apps.

Apowersoft is offered as two different screen recorders. Since we are interested only in free screen recorder, the free web version is what is reviewed here. The other version is a paid application which users can access as a limited free trial and get premium features if they subscribe.

The free web-based version is free just as it says: no time limitations, no watermarks or paywall. The only requirement is a small launcher application which is downloadable from the internet. This is required to enable you to use the recorder and is done only once when you start using Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder.

Once you have downloaded the small launcher application, hit the button that says start recording and you will receive some promptings. Follow these promptings, and you will soon see a recording toolbar with options. If you have seen most desktop recording software, then you will be amazed by the superior number of options the Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder offers in comparison. Your options of footage to be captured can range from your desktop or webcam. You can also capture audio from your microphone or PC, taking both or neither.

 By default, the center of your screen will be selected as the area to be recorded.

However, from the drop-down menu, you can make your selection of the screen area you want to be recorded. This can be the full screen, an area you have customized or an area the size of a mobile phone, etc. You can also choose from a list of preset resolutions the app will give you. This is especially great for making videos for YouTube. It saves you of the trouble to resize the video later using a video editor separately,

If you want speed and convenience, you can even create your keyboard shortcuts customized to your need. The cursor that appears in your recording is also something you can choose to either keep or eliminate, according to your preference. You can add annotations to your footage as the recording progresses.

Of course, if you are okay with the default settings, then using Apowersoft Free is as easy as simply making one click and start recording at once.

Apowersoft  Online Free Screen Recorder can be especially useful for creating tutorials or walkthrough videos because as you record, you can annotate or add your notes to accompany specific parts of the video.

Once you finish recording, you can upload the output for backup or safekeeping to Google Drive or  Dropbox, or you can share it on YouTube or Vimeo. You have many options for video formats such as MP4, WMV, AVI, FLV. MPEG, VOB, ASF, and GIF.

Apowersoft  Online Free Screen Recorder also comes with a video editing application which you can use to edit your footage to your liking. You can also save your output video locally into your PC or Mac.

Overall, Apowersoft Free is a brilliant app for any recording task you can think of except of course games.  It’s the reason I have included it here among the best free recorders.

Features at a glance

• Gives no watermarks and no time limits on recordings
• Many options for exporting
• Highly customizable
• Works in both Windows and macOS
• Not suitable for games

How to pick the Best Drone Under 500

Getting your ideal drone is never an easy task. It gets even tricky when you want something that fits in the category of best drones under 500 dollars that is just perfect for you. In other words, something that gives you surpassing benefits without straining your pocket too much.

Fortunately, the intense competition among drone producers over the years has grown to the point that we have a stunning array of choices which can defy your imagination. The best part of it is that prices continue to come down as a result.

So whether you are a novice or a veteran in the game, you can be sure that your dream drone with all the fantastic features included is within reach, just awaiting your discovery.

Your needs, of course, may fall in many categories. Maybe you are a beginner and just want to mess around with a simple but cool machine that lets you learn the ropes. Or you could be a serious project guy who wants to capture great scenery with vivid detail and span.

Whatever the case, you want to get something that serves your purpose well while considering your limited budget.

With all that in mind, what are the best drones under 500 dollars that you can find in the market? The best drones under 500 dollars that you can find are the following, in which I feature the three top drones selling on Amazon.

DJI Spark

This is one of the best pocket-friendly drones that you will get, often swinging anywhere between $500 and $400 (and sometimes dipping below $400). It also rates as one of the most popular with Amazon customers consistently giving it their thumbs up. DJI Spark’s superior qualities and performance speak to what we have to come to expect from the famous DJI brand with its great slew of technologies.

Spark was built to unleash your creative energy to its maximum, giving you an almost inhibited access to great scenery, control, and fun.

Spark will get you speeds of 31 mph and keep that up for 16 minutes when it is fully charged. Its has a  range of 1.2 miles. The camera sits on a two-axis gimbal, which gives it rock steadiness, providing you with stable focus shielded from shaking by the wind.

For control, you use either a controller (which is not included and needs to be bought separately)  or your phone. Spark even has some autonomous navigation ability thrown into the deal. You can achieve control simply by making gestures with your hand.

Sparks easily earns big marks for ease of use and convenience. It is easily foldable and convenient to carry in your backpack, which makes it great for using on the fly, especially when vacationing, vlogging, or capturing memorable outdoor events.

For the best drones under 500 dollars, you won’t get another drone that gives you more accurate and stable footage.

With all these features, this isn’t a drone you want to waste your pity on. Instead, it deserves our respect and a place among the best drones under 500.

Features at a glance

• Weight 300 g, lightweight
• Uses a controller, not included
• Camera resolution 12 MP
• Battery size 1,480 mAh
• Range 1.2 miles
• Using Face Aware, Spark remembers your face before taking off to the air. It acts quickly upon launch, achieving take-off and hovering within seconds.
• Simple Control
• Create with ease
• Edit and share

Here are Sparks full other features:

• Obstacle detection
• GPS tracking
• Vision positioning technology
• Auto return

Holy Stone HSI00 GPS VFP

Holy Stone is an outstanding product produced by an astounding company.

 Perfect for beginners who want to explore cinematic drone photography, this nifty gadget offers users a great experience which in many ways even beats DJI Phantom 3.

Despite its lower price range, expect to be pleasantly surprised and even momentarily confused into thinking that it’s high-end.

It can achieve remarkable long-distances up to 1 km. It will travel so far out of your sight and yet come back up because of is auto-return function.

Holy Stone has a brushed motor camera which makes it inferior on that account to brushless motor drones.  Nonetheless,  in this category, it reigns as the best you can find, especially if you consider that it has a 15 minute time of flight.

Holy Stone also surprises by having a battery that shows the charge level. That is normally the preserve of drones that are double its price, so this earns Holy Stone top marks.

Holy Stone enjoys some of the most positive customer reviews on Amazon, coming in with a 5-star rating. It isn’t likey that this comes from gaming the review system. These plaudits received by Holy Stone appears to be well deserved based on its strengths as a  product. For this reason, I have no hesitation in listing in among the best drones under 500 dollars that you can find in Amazon.

Features at a snapshot

• Sensors: Inbuilt GPS, barometer, gyroscope
• Flight time: 12 to 15 minutes
• Flight range: 500 m at 120m height
• Weight: 700 g with battery included
• Dimensions: 50cm x 50cm x 80cm
• Stabilized HD camera
• Large battery
• Camera
• VFP mode
• VR mode
• Altitude hold
• Adjustable speed

Drocon U31

Lastly, to make this list of best drones under 500 dollars is this versatile brand. Even though it isn’t quite as impressive as the other brands in the list, it is a hugely popular product, particularly with beginners or those with minimal piloting skills. It is also ultra-cheap, so those with a limited budget can try it to have a taste of flying with drones.

The focus of this unit is to get people with next to zero piloting knowledge to get those skills before they can use more advanced drones like a DJI Mavic.

If you want to fly a drone over many people, such as when filming a wedding, you need to know how to do it safely to avoid hurting people. This is where Drocon U31 can come in handy in helping you hone your skills to handle such situations without embarrassment.

The Drocon U31 HD camera will give you wide angles. It is ideal for taking selfies but will not give you a good experience with other kinds of recording. Moreover, its 720 HD resolution is well below the industry standard of 4K UHD but is nonetheless fine with newbies who want to practice their skills.

Drocon U31  comes equipped with rotor guards, which is a special feature designed to make it safe and ideal for first-time users of drones. In case of a crash, the propellers are protected from damage

Other additional features that enhance safety with newbies in mind include an altitude high mode and one key take-off and landing. It also features a headless mode, freeing you from the need to know the direction which the drone is facing.

The unit has special alarms for enhancing safety or exercising caution. It will sound an alarm, for example, if it is out of range so that you can get it back to its range. You will also get an alarm if its battery power is low so you can recall it.

Just because it is cheap and targeted at newbies doesn’t mean that Drocon U31 has no advanced features which include high altitude mode. This allows you to take selfies taking advantage of the fact that the camera is positioned at the front of the drone.

Drocon U31W can be flown using a remote controller or a smartphone in a first-person view. This can be a thrilling experience, providing a rare and rich perspective to a newbie on drone flying. Even more exciting experiences can be had with 3D VR headset (virtual reality).

In this mode, you fly your drone without seeing it from the ground. While this makes it harder, it is an excellent way of building your piloting skills.

Features at a snapshot

• Dimensions    18.3 x 19.8 x 4.3 cm
• Weight       85 gm
• The maximum length of flight    7 minutes
• WIFI distance;  30 m ( can be operated indoor and outdoor)
• Battery capacity          350 mAh
• Camera  Lens
• Video recording modes
• Great app support downloadable from Google Play Store
• Fight modes control, e.g., Virtual Reality,

Conclusion

All the products I have featured here come in the category of best drones under 500 dollars so they should be available to you with this limited budget.

With such affordability coupled with the great features and functionality, you don’t have to leave the skies solely to jumbo jets, military aircraft, and the birds. You too can claim a stake of this exciting part of our atmosphere. Go out and grab a drone for yourself from Amazon.

Nonetheless, don’t let your fun with drones get you in trouble, so make sure to follow the regulations in your area or country to avoid legal trouble.  That could mean staying well off other people’s property and areas like airports. Fortunately, the drones featured here offer apps that map out for you where it is legally okay to fly.

How do we rate the best 4K monitors

4K is a resolution technology which has exploded and is quickly becoming part of the mainstream with each passing day.  Only until recently, the technology that reigned was high definition (HD or 720p) followed by full definition (1080p).

These are now being overshadowed by 4K (2160p) which is also known as ultra-high-definition (UHD). Indeed, 4K is the future, and no one wants to be left out!

But before we go on to the best 4K monitors, what is 4K anyway and all the rest of the technologies that preceded it?

These technologies are all about the screen resolution, clarity, and quality of screen images. We all want our screen pictures to be as vivid as possible. It makes for a pleasurable viewing experience.

Here are the increasing strength of resolution we have seen over the years

• High Definition, HD (1280 x 720)
• Full definition (1920 x 1080) and
• Ultra full definition (4K or 4096 x 2160) –  this is the latest resolution technology. It was only in 2011 that 4k went into movie cinemas and then in-home theatre projectors the following year in 2012. Finally, just last year in 2018, it showed up in Blu-Ray technology and modern consoles. With this, the march of 4k seems unstoppable.

Because 4k is still relatively new, many users still don’t know much about it to make decisions about it. This goes too for when they are choosing 4k monitors to buy. However, in this article, I give you three of the best 4k monitors in the market. But before we dive in, let’s quickly talk about what to consider before choosing the best 4k monitor for you.

Things to watch out for before choosing your best 4k monitor

Many 4K monitors come at a relatively high price. You don’t want to shell out so much of your money for something that isn’t of quality or doesn’t fit with your needs. So before  you pull out your wallet, consider the following factors

• Monitor size – people sometimes think that the bigger the monitor, the better the resolution. But this is not true as you can even have a 26-inch monitor that surpasses a 36-inch in resolution. How large should be your monitor? If you get this part right, you may save money by not buying a big monitor that is too big for your needs 
  
• Portability –if you have a desktop, this will generally not raise an issue if it stays in a fixed place. However, keep in mind that some monitors can be heavy and would add significantly to the weight of your desktop. If you need to move your desktop around, you will need to consider this factor
• Resolution – depending on your needs, you need to know what color schemes you want from your monitor. If you are a gaming enthusiastic, this can be a very important factor which you cannot afford to overlook. Being only a recent technology, 4k monitors may not all have the same technology, so you need to be selective about which to go for
  
• Price – given the intense competition in this emerging market, you stand to get a good price that can accommodate your budget and needs. Indeed, a premium price will generally get you superior performance, but you don’t have to pay more than you need to for your needs and budget
  
• Input/output – if your laptop will use ultra high definition (UHD), it better come equipped with an HDMI port. It should also feature USB ports and speaker or headphone audio output.
• Contrast ratio – what is the difference between the darkest and brightest spot on your screen? This is known as the contrast ratio. High contrast ratios make it easy for one to distinguish things more easily on the screen and are generally recommended.
• Response time – how long does it take for pixels to change their color? That’s called the response time, and today’s latest technology strives for pixel changes that are fast enough to keep in step with moving frames and provide quality graphics or video. 1 to 4 milliseconds is what the standards today can tolerate and nothing more which would be too slow
  
• G-Sync or FreeSync – this is one of the core essentials for any 4k monitor that merits a place among the best 4k monitors. It is especially suited for gamers. During fast-paced games,  if the monitor refresh rate can’t keep up with the output of the graphics card, the result is screen tearing which can be very unpleasant. FreeSync or G-sync (also called adaptive technology) have virtually eliminated this problem, paving the way for better display.

So what are the 3 best 4K monitors that you can find in the market? The three best 4K monitors that you can find in the market are listed below,

LG 27UD88-W 27 inch UHD 4K IPS Monitor

Different 4K monitors tend to cater to different needs. However, this 27-inch LG model serves a universal purpose, meeting the needs of almost anyone with a need for a 4K monitor. It richly deserves a place among the best 4k monitors.

Its price is reasonable given the range of benefits it will give you. This monitor is guaranteed to transform your user experience and leave you more than thrilled and satisfied. In a move that keeps it well above its competition, it features a Type-C USB port. This port, also known as USB 3.1, gives you an incredible range of functions, including streaming 4k videos, instantly accessing all your smartphone and tablet files, data transfer and charging your devices all at once.

You will also find all the features and benefits of the LG 27UD68-P monitor, such as stunning, high-resolution graphics and great gaming support. It also includes the FreeSync and Black Stabilizer technologies designed to enhance the gaming experience and get the most out of the 4k capabilities. It also offers a Split Screen 2.0 to ease your multitasking needs so that you can do more than one thing.

These features make this brand among the best 4k monitors for you to consider.

ASUS MQ28UQ 28-inch 4K FreeSync Gaming Monitor

4k monitors have a heavy demand among video gamers. If you are a gaming enthusiast with your inevitable need for heavy-hitting graphics, this is one model you don’t want to miss.

4k monitors are particularly suited for gaming because computer-generated graphics go better with high resolution even more than videos and pictures. Also, more and more, gamers don’t want to settle for anything but the clearest, most crisp graphics to maximize their gaming experience.

This monitor and gamers are like a match made in heaven because it ideally suits those needs. It comes with appealing features like flicker-free screen and ways to control eye strain such as blue filter light. This is a perfect feature for gamers who typically spend hours on end behind the monitor.

The monitor also has a 1millisecond response time, designed to compensate for slow reaction times of gamers. To reduce the incidence of screen tears and inconsistent frame rates, it comes with the Adaptive FreeSync technology that works together with your GPU.

ASUS MQ28UQ is certainly not the best gaming monitor, especially for the most diehard gamers, but at its price, it gives the best in terms of 4k experience and no other monitor can beat that combination. Its why I also add it here as one of the best 4k monitors in the market.

Features at snapshot

• A great refresh rate of 1 millisecond
• Blue light minimization and a flicker-free screen
• Adaptive FreeSync technology designed to optimize the performance of graphics

Samsung U28E590D 28-inch UHD 4K Monitor

I would be making a big mistake not to include this marvel in my list of best 4k monitors. This monitor takes you to a whole new level of UHD technology with breathtaking resolution all at a price you will envy. This monitor breaks the threshold of resolution by hitting 8 million pixels to give you extreme clarity and image sharpness. Not only that, it beats the standard offerings of most monitors of 16.7 million colors to give you one billion colors.

These feats need to seen to be believed to be seen.

Its Picture-to-Picture technology is truly awesome, enabling you to multitask using two windows. You can view videos in one while browsing or working on spreadsheets on another.

It also comes with dual HDML ports, which makes it easy to connect two HDML enabled devices. You can example connect a PC and a game console. This gives your monitor the dual role of a PC monitor and gaming TV.

Features at a snapshot

• 28-inch monitor
• Dual HDMI ports
• Picture-in-Picture split-screen to aid multitasking

Conclusion

4k TVs are becoming prevalent nowadays but don’t forget that so too are 4k monitors which are moving more and more into the mainstream.  This has been aided by their steep fall in prices, making them affordable to more people.  There are many other 4k monitors on offer, but I have listed here 3 among the best 4k monitors that should get you started in looking.

How to pick the Best SSD for your needs

SSD or Solid State Drives can breathe life into an old PC or laptop, or it could be used to take the performance of a new system to a whole new level. SSDs can also be used in gaming consoles like the PS4 Pro where you could improve your console’s memory to reduce load time and enhance its overall performance significantly. In summary, if you want to get the best out of your system – be it a new or an old one – an SSD is one of the best ways to achieve that.

How to buy the best SSD for your system?

With so many SSDs in the market, it can be very difficult to identify one that is perfect for you. One of the best ways of filtering through the hundreds of SSDs out there is determining what it is you really need from the SSD. What does that mean? Well, here is a scenario of one person who is simply looking for an SSD to revive an old PC and another guy looking to enhance his gaming laptop. While both individuals can get a notable improvement from the same SSD, getting one that is made with a particular task in mind like say gaming will improve the gamer’s experience dramatically as compared to a standard SSD.

You also need to look at storage capacity with the future in mind. Don’t just be clouded with your desperate need to improve your PC at the moment and settle for an SSD that you will be forced to upgrade in a year or so. We’d always recommend that you buy an SSD with a bigger capacity than you need at the moment. And yes, such a drive will probably cost you a significant amount of cash, but in the end, it’ll be a worthwhile investment that will serve you for quite some time.

Finally, you have to check the dimensions of the SSD. The last thing you’d want is to get super excited when your purchase is finally delivered only to realize that it cannot fit in your laptop or gaming console forcing you to start going through tedious return procedures. Make sure that the solid-state drive you are getting can comfortably fit into your PC, laptop, or console. You can even contact your PC manufacturer to inquire on whether the SSD you are eying can fit.

What’s the Best SSD?

The best SSD in the market today is the Samsung SSD 860 EVO. This drive features advanced V-NAD technology from Samsung, which has seen a tremendous boost in all computing and gaming functions. The SSD records incredible speeds of up to 550MB/s (read) and 520MB/s (write) thanks to the Intelligent TurboWrite Technology! With such insane speeds, your normal windows functions become seamless, browsing speeds are enhanced, gaming feels effortless, and your everyday tasks will just flow. 

The following is a breakdown for the 860 EVO and other remarkable SSDs available out there:

Samsung SSD 860 EVO

The Samsung 860 EVO is a versatile SATA SSD that will work perfectly under different conditions. Whether you are looking to enhance the performance of a personal, business, or even a gaming PC or laptop, you will witness a massive improvement with the 860 EVO. Since the SSD was designed to meet virtually all needs, the manufacturer has made the SSD with different storage capacity. If you are just looking for a standard boost, you can choose between the 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB capacity depending on your needs at the moment and in the future. If it’s a business or gaming laptop/PC, you can invest in the 1Tb, 2Tb, or even 4Tb 860 EVO. The prices get higher moving up the ranks, but so does your storage capabilities.

To make sure that the SSD can work perfectly and consistently with different systems, the SSD is developed with ECC algorithm and MJX controller improving its communication with different hosts for smoother and faster performance. The Samsung 860 EVO can work comfortably with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.

The 860 EVO also performs really well when it comes to storing and rendering large high-res videos, including 4K movies and 3D data. This is made possible by the superior V-NAND tech that can deliver as much as 2,400 Terabytes Written (TBW). Take note that the warrantied TBW for these SSDs will vary depending on the capacity of the drive.

Using the SSD is also easier than ever, thanks to the Samsung Magician software. This gives you an intuitive interface from which you can manage the drive with ease. You will also be notified of the latest firmware updates in as they are rolled out. These updates should constantly improve the stability, compatibility, consistency, and overall performance of the drive.

Other Features

• Form Factor: mSATA, M.2, 2.5-inch
• Offers various security options including 256-bit AES encryption

Crucial MX500

The Crucial MX500 SATA SSD is another brilliant drive delivering blistering speeds to boost your PC’s performance for a smooth experience. Whether it is multi-tasking or handling heavy workloads, you will find the efficiency of the MX500 very useful. Your system will fire up in seconds, files will load almost instantaneously, and the most demanding of applications will breeze their way through your system in a manner you never thought possible.

The SATA SSD utilizes Micron 3D NAND technology to boost sequential Read and write speeds that can get up to 560MB/s and 510MB/s respectively. The technology really impressed us not just due to how fast it is but also on how it works so quietly and efficiently to keep your workstation quiet and your energy bills down.

Security is something that Micron takes seriously, and that’s why the MX500 is also developed with several security tools to safeguard your data. The SSD uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your files. Meanwhile, a powerful Data Defense will constantly protect your videos, music, photos, and other files from getting corrupted. The manufacturer has also integrated a Power Loss Immunity feature that protects your data against accidental data loss resulting from unexpected power outages. 

Installing the SSD is also super easy. Micron has even included an Install guide that will help almost anyone to install the SSD without breaking a sweat.

You can get the Crucial MX500 in different sizes ranging from 250Gb, 500GB, 1Tb to 2TB.

Other Features

• Form Factor: 2.5-inch
• Compatible with all PCs that can fit a 2.5-inch 7mm SATA drive
• Built-in durability

Kingston A400 SSD

The Kingston A400 SSD is another extremely fast solid-state drive engineered to fit in slim laptops or any other system with limited installation space. The SSD is available with various storage capacities starting from 120GB, to 240GB, 480GB, and 960GB. Although it is not available with massive storage capacities as is the case with our top 2 picks, it still offers a considerable amount of space that most users will find very comfortable to work with. It’s also the cheapest of the lot.

Through an advanced gen controller, this SSD will drastically cut your system and file load times. Read and write speeds can get as high as 500MB/s and 450MB/s, multi-tasking, and general computing will feel a lot smoother than you are used to. Your system will also become highly responsive, making you question traditional hard drives and everything they stand for.

The Kingston A400 utilizes flash memory, and it is also vibration and shock-resistant. This simply means that the SSD is much more durable and reliable as compared to hard drives and a majority of other clumsy SSDs found out there. Its well-thought construction and installation mechanism also makes it a very good option for highly mobile notebooks where it will remain functional without causing any damages.

The A400 is very quiet, and it is also backward compatible with SATA Rev 2.0.

Other Features

• Form Factor: 2.5” and M.2 2280
• SATA Rev 3.0 interface