A new standard
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
- Top-tier audio quality
- Expansive Sonar software
- High-quality ANC
- Comfortable fit with multiple adjustment points
- Fully retractable microphone
- Dual USB inputs
- GameDAC doesn't fully integrate with Sonar
- Microphone is prone to pick up noise
- Spatial audio can have nasty interactions with EQ
There are wireless gaming headsets and there are wireless noise-canceling headphones. Two product categories with two different use cases.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is, somehow, the best of both worlds. The ANC (active noise canceling) is better than any gaming headset we've tested, and the microphone is fully retractable, so it's hardly noticeable. Of course, the audio quality is what matters most, and the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless proves again to be a notch above the competition.
The start of something awesome
Sonos Ray soundbar
- Compact for versatile placement
- Impressive sound for its size
- Expandable to a full 5.1 system
- Easy setup and control
- Pricey for a small soundbar
- Lacks a bit of midrange detail
Sonos has made a name for itself with its wireless multiroom audio. It's also released a few soundbars over the years, but none are cheap. That's where the Sonos Ray comes in. It's still not cheap, but at $279, it's significantly cheaper than anything else Sonos has to offer.
And what you get in return is a compact soundbar that sounds remarkably impressive for its size. It's easy to set up, and of course, it's expandable to a full 5.1 system when you're ready to take the plunge.
Deep blacks, more power
Dell UltraSharp 32 4K USB-C Hub
- Large, sharp 4K IPS panel
- Excellent image quality
- Truly useful USB-C hub and KVM switch
- Outstanding build quality and design
- Standout warranty and support
- Expensive
- HDR support is so-so
Next-gen panel types like OLED and mini-LED offer significantly deeper blacks and brighter peak luminance, but they are still extremely rare, especially in large PC monitors. This new Dell monitor takes a different approach, though, using LG's new "IPS Black" technology to achieve better contrast.
While not quite competitive with OLED, the new Dell UltraSharp 32 4K monitor (U3223GE) definitely takes IPS displays to the next level. On top of that, this UltraSharp monitor features the same great design and useful ports (and even a KVM switch!) you'd expect from Dell's premium line of displays.
Powerful, quiet, effective
LG PuriCare AeroTower
- Quiet
- Efficient purification
- Multiple cooling modes and fan speeds
- 10-year warranty on the motor
- No heating capabilities
If you didn't think there was room for innovation in a simple air purifier, check out what LG is doing with its PuriCare AeroTower. The AeroTower works to improve air quality in your room as an oscillating fan. In our testing, we found the purification to be surprisingly efficient, all while staying quiet.
It comes with multiple cooling modes and tracks all the purification through the app. While $600 is a lot to spend on an air purifier, this is the best one we've tested so far.
Mini PC gaming, perfected
Falcon Northwest Tiki
- Blazing 4K gaming performance
- Fantastic thermal design
- Top-notch build quality
- Accessible upgrades
- Standard three-year warranty
- Limited fan noise
- Limited Intel configurations
Prebuilt gaming PCs usually come with compromises, no matter how good they are. The Falcon NW Tiki, though, is a compact gaming PC that is nearly perfect.
The thermal design is to-notch, and for a PC of its size, it produces very limited fan noise. All that results in fantastic 4K gaming and easy upgrades well into the future. And of course, the build quality, cable management, and customization options are all immaculate. If you can afford the premium price tag that comes with a boutique PC like this one, you won't be disappointed.
Big buds, big sound, big battery
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW
- Great sound with massive bass
- Huge battery capacity
- Very good noise cancellation
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- IPX4 water resistance
- aptX Adaptive
- No wireless charging
- No wear sensors
- Bulky charging case
These Audio-Technica wireless earbuds are the opposite of Apple's iconic AirPods. They're black, bulky, and have tremendous bass. When's the last time you've been able to say that about a pair of noise-canceling earbuds?
The buds also come with both very good ANC and long battery life. You'll have to put up with the large case, of course. But when it comes to battery life and low-end performance, the CKS50TW have no competition at its price point.
