Latest news with #LindsaySchneider
NBC News
26-05-2025
- Business
- NBC News
The absolute best Memorial Day sales: Shop 89+ actually good deals on mattresses, beauty, tech and more
Memorial Day is here, and many of our favorite brands and retailers are offering major deals sitewide. The holiday's typically a good time to save on home and kitchen appliances, mattresses and seasonal products, according to experts in our Memorial Day shopping guide. Experts also say that now might be a 'pivotal moment' to get discounts on your favorite items before shrinking inventory and impending tariffs increase prices. I've reported on holiday and daily sales at NBC Select for years — below are some of the best deals I've found so far. I'll update this list with new deals, especially as prices and inventory change throughout the day. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best Memorial Day 2025 deals to shop now All of our recommendations are based on our previous coverage and reporting. We also included products we tried and tested ourselves, including expert-recommended products and NBC Select Award winners. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio loves EltaMD face sunscreen for sensitive skin because it's free of heavy moisturizers that can clog pores or flare her rosacea -prone skin. Pair it with a body sunscreen like the EltaMD UV Sport SPF, and you're ready for beach day. This is Apple's most affordable iPad at the lowest price we've seen. I use my iPad for all things entertainment, mostly streaming (TV and movies), and for recipes and books. This model gets up to 10 hours of battery life, and has speakers on each side for a stereo audio feel. You can get one year of Peacock Premium for $24.99, that's 68% off the usual $79.99 price. Peacock is a streaming service with some of our favorite classic sitcoms like 'The Office' and 'Parks and Recreation', newer original programming like 'Poker Face' and breakout movies like 'Wicked'. You can also watch select live sports as well as NBC and Bravo programming. This plan has ads, however. These cute Lego Cherry Blossoms are a fun alternative to flowers, especially if you aren't exactly known for your green thumb. The set has two buildable cherry blossom twigs that are a little over 14 inches long, each with pink and white buds. This NBC Select Bed & Bath Award winner is our top pick for hot sleepers, and with summer right around the corner, it might be a good time to pick up a set. They are made from 100% long-staple cotton and come in sizes ranging from twin to California King. A set includes a top sheet, a fitted sheet and two pillowcases. This is one of our favorite air purifiers for small spaces. NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider received this unit from the brand and it's been the clear favorite of all the air purifiers she's tested. One great feature is the built-in light — it changes color depending on the air quality detected in your space, and it can act as a warm-colored night light. The filters last a full year before needing replacement. I purchased this mattress on sale during Memorial Day 2023, and it's the most comfortable mattress I've ever owned. It's a hybrid mattress with six distinct layers, including a breathable top foam layer and supportive wrapped spring layer towards the bottom. It's firm, plush, supportive and quiet. Levoit is better known for its air purifiers, but this cordless vacuum from the brand checks a lot of boxes and is on sale for less than $150. It's super lightweight at 3.2 pounds, easy to convert into a smaller handheld vacuum, and has headlights on the main cleaning brush to better see dust and debris. It also gets up to 50 minutes of run time, longer than most other vacuums at this price. Don't let the 7% off Amazon tag fool you, this is the lowest price we've ever seen for the LG C4, one of the best TVs you can buy. This 65-inch version originally launched in 2024 for $2,699.99 — you can grab it today for almost half that price. I always recommend buying last year's TVs, like this one, as you can get a much better deal than buying current models (the 2025 65-inch LG C5, for example, costs more than $2,000 right now). Lifestraw makes some of our favorite water pitchers, but they're best known for on the go filtration like this Go Series water bottle. The membrane microfilter protects from contaminants like bacteria, parasites, microplastics, sand and dirt, and lasts for about 1,000 gallons of water, or about five years of daily use, according to the brand. If you're looking to run your first race or build a consistent running routine, this is the best fitness tracker you can get. It has a ton of fitness and training features like daily exercise recommendations, race coaching plans, daily energy score and advanced running statistics. Plus, I averaged 10 days of use before needing to recharge it. You can learn more in my Garmin Forerunner 165 review. Brands are increasing prices due to tariffs, and one big category we're seeing price hikes in is baby gear. Thule has not announced price increases at this time — instead, we're seeing up to 25% off sitewide, including on popular items like this Thule Spring stroller. It's the most lightweight and compact stroller from the brand, with a three-wheel design that takes up less spaces when folded. This electric pellet grill uses wood pellets instead of gas or charcoal to create heat, and infuses a smoky, woody flavor to food. It has a large main cooking area plus an extra grill rack toward the back to keep cooked food warm (but not overcooked). It also has a small screen and dial that lets you adjust the temperature of the grill and view the temperature of the built-in food probe. The larger Traeger Pro 34 is also on sale, but is currently out of stock. The AirPods Max are the nicest (and priciest) Apple headphones you can buy, which is why any discount is worth highlighting. NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez has used her pair for more than two years — they're the best headphones she's ever owned, with excellent sound quality and noise cancelling features, plus a class-leading transparency mode. More Memorial Day 2025 sales to shop now Below are the best Memorial Day sales across categories you can shop now. Best retailers sales Amazon: Up to 35% off bestsellers, home, kitchen, beauty and more Macy's: Up to 60% off apparel, furniture and more REI: Up to 30% off sitewide The Home Depot: Up to 30% off appliances and more Crate & Barrel: Up to 50% off sitewide and up to 60% rugs and clearance items Crate & Barrel Kids: Up to 40% furniture, bedding and more Lowe's: Up to 40% off major appliances, patio furniture and more The Container Store: Up to 30% off sitewide and storewide Raymour & Flanigan: Up to 30% off sitewide Grove: Up to 40% off select brands Mattress Firm: Up to 60% off mattresses and more Wayfair: Up to 60% off furniture and more Best Buy: Up to 50% off appliances, tech and more Best home and furniture sales Burrow: 25% off sitewide Article: Up to 40% off sitewide Coway: Up to 26% off air purifiers and bidets Ruggable: 20% off sitewide using code MEMDAY Papier: 15% off sitewide and up to 30% off photo books Outer: 20% off sitewide Joybird: Up to 45% off best sellers and up to 35% off sitewide Fable: Up to 25% off sitewide Lulu and Georgia: 20% off sitewide Pooky: 15% off sitewide Mustard Made: 20% off select styles sitewide Ernesta Rugs: Up to 30% off select styles Mill: 12% off the Mill Food Recycler Best mattress and bedding sales Casper: Up to 30% off mattresses Brooklinen: 25% off sitewide Parachute: 30% off sitewide Helix Sleep: 27% off sitewide using code NBC27 Sleep Number: Up to 50% off smart beds and more Leesa: 30% off select mattresses and 25% off select bedding Purple: Up to $700 off mattresses and bases and up to 20% off bedding Birch Living: 25% off sitewide using code MEMDAY25 Bear: Up to 35% off sitewide using code MD4TY Tuft & Needle: 20% off select mattresses Cozy Earth: Up to 25% off sitewide Amerisleep: Up to $600 off mattresses using code MD600 and up to 40% off accessories and bedding Big Fig: 25% off mattresses with code MEMDAY Zoma Sleep: Up to 30% off mattresses using code SLEEP30 and up to 20% off pillows using code MDPILLOWS Crane & Canopy: Up to 70% off select bedding, sheets and decor Pillow Cube: Up to 30% off side-sleeper pillows Best beauty sales EltaMD: 20% off sitewide Nécessaire: 20% off sitewide Skinfix: 20% off sitewide Tatcha: 20% off sitewide using code FRIEND25 Drybar: Up to 20% off sitewide Acure: 25% off sitewide using code MEMORIALDAY25 Patchology: 25% off all under-eye patch kits T3: Up to 25% off the Afar dryer and more Best fitness and shoe sales Saucony: Up to 25% off select styles Ergatta: Up to $800 off rowing machines Chirp: 20% off Chirp Wheel packs Best kitchen and appliance sales Great Jones: Up to 25% off sitewide Blueland: 15% off sitewide Blue Apron: Up to $180 off new subscriptions Hedley & Bennett: 20% off sitewide Anyday: 15% off sitewide Year & Day: 15% off sitewide Gozney: Up to 30% off pizza ovens and accessories Lettuce Grow: 20% off hydroponic gardens using code MEMORIAL20 Best apparel sales Levi's: 30% off sitewide Calvin Klein: Up to 60% off sitewide Frame: Up to 70% off sale styles Lands' End: 50% full price items sitewide using code HONOR Gorewear: Up to 60% off select running and cycling apparel Goodr: 20% off sitewide Comrad: 25% off select styles Best tech sales Bose: Up to 34% off select headphones, earbuds and speakers BenQ: Up to 27% off select home projectors Best travel sales Samsonite: Up to 40% off sitewide Calpak: 15% off sitewide, up to 60% off select styles Cabeau: 20% off travel neck pillows and accessories Delsey: Up to 40% off sitewide Best outdoor sales Decathlon: Up to 57% off backpacks, tents and more Thule: Up to 25% off select products Sunday: Up to 30% off personalized yard care plans Biolite: Up to 25% off sitewide Goal Zero: Up to 30% off sitewide Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology, fitness and deals. To round up the best Memorial Day sales, I found discounted products and retailer sales across the web, including products and brands recommended from previous NBC Select coverage.
NBC News
21-05-2025
- Business
- NBC News
The absolute best Memorial Day sales: Shop 73+ actually good deals on mattresses, beauty, tech and more
Memorial Day weekend is here, and many of our favorite brands and retailers are offering major deals sitewide. The holiday's typically a good time to save on home and kitchen appliances, mattresses and seasonal products, according to experts in our Memorial Day shopping guide. Experts also say that now might be a 'pivotal moment' to get discounts on your favorite items before shrinking inventory and impending tariffs increase prices. I've reported on holiday and daily sales at NBC Select for years — below are some of the best deals I've found so far. I'll update this list with new deals, especially as prices and inventory changes over the weekend. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best Memorial Day 2025 deals to shop now All of our recommendations are based on our previous coverage and reporting. We also included products we tried and tested ourselves, including expert-recommended products and NBC Select Award winners. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio loves this face sunscreen for sensitive skin because it's free of heavy moisturizers that can clog pores or flare her rosacea -prone skin. Pair it with a body sunscreen like the EltaMD UV Sport SPF, and you're ready for beach day. I purchased this mattress on sale during Memorial Day 2023, and it's the most comfortable mattress I've ever owned. It's a hybrid mattress with six distinct layers, including a breathable top foam layer and supportive wrapped spring layer towards the bottom. It's firm, plush, supportive and quiet. I've tested a lot of wireless earbuds — these are the ones I come back to again and again as an iPhone owner. The entire NBC Select team uses AirPods Pro 2 for everything: work, working out, traveling and commuting. Whatever the task: AirPods Pro can handle it with great sound quality and excellent noise cancelling and transparency modes. The earbuds get up to six hours of battery life alone and up to 30 hours with the charging case. This NBC Select Bed & Bath Award winner is our top pick for hot sleepers, and with summer right around the corner, it might be a good time to pick up a set. They are made from 100% long-staple cotton and come in sizes ranging from twin to California King. A set includes a top sheet, a fitted sheet and two pillowcases. You can get one year of Peacock Premium for $24.99, that's 68% off the usual $79.99 price. Peacock is a streaming service with some of our favorite classic sitcoms like 'The Office' and 'Parks and Recreation', newer original programming like 'Poker Face' and breakout movies like 'Wicked'. You can also watch select live sports as well as NBC and Bravo programming. This plan has ads, however. This is one of our favorite air purifiers for small spaces. NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider received this unit from the brand and it's been the clear favorite of all the air purifiers she's tested. One great feature is the built-in light — it changes color depending on the air quality detected in your space, and it can act as a warm-colored night light. The filters last a full year before needing replacement. Don't let the 7% off Amazon tag fool you, this is the lowest price we've ever seen for the LG C4, one of the best TVs you can buy. This 65-inch version originally launched in 2024 for $2,699.99 — you can grab it today for almost half that price. I always recommend buying last year's TVs, like this one, as you can get a much better deal than buying current models (the 2025 65-inch LG C5, for example, costs more than $2,000 right now). If you're looking to run your first race or build a consistent running routine, this is the best fitness tracker you can get. It has a ton of fitness and training features like daily exercise recommendations, race coaching plans, daily energy score and advanced running statistics. Plus, I averaged 10 days of use before needing to recharge it. You can learn more in my Garmin Forerunner 165 review. Brands are increasing prices due to tariffs, and one big category we're seeing price hikes in is baby gear. Thule has not announced price increases at this time — instead, we're seeing up to 25% off sitewide, including on popular items like this Thule Spring stroller. It's the most lightweight and compact stroller from the brand, with a three-wheel design that takes up less spaces when folded. This electric pellet grill uses wood pellets instead of gas or charcoal to create heat, and infuses a smoky, woody flavor to food. It has a large main cooking area plus an extra grill rack toward the back to keep cooked food warm (but not overcooked). It also has a small screen and dial that lets you adjust the temperature of the grill and view the temperature of the built-in food probe. The smaller Traeger Pro 22 is also on sale. More Memorial Day 2025 sales to shop now Below are the best Memorial Day sales across categories you can shop now. Best retailers sales Amazon: Up to 35% off bestsellers, home, kitchen, beauty and more Macy's: Up to 60% off apparel, furniture and more REI: Up to 30% off sitewide The Home Depot: Up to 30% off appliances and more Crate & Barrel: Up to 50% off sitewide and up to 60% rugs and clearance items Crate & Barrel Kids: Up to 40% furniture, bedding and more The Container Store: Up to 30% off sitewide and storewide Raymour & Flanigan: Up to 30% off sitewide Grove: Up to 40% off select brands Mattress Firm: Up to 60% off mattresses and more Best home and furniture sales Burrow: 25% off sitewide Article: Up to 40% off sitewide Coway: Up to 26% off air purifiers and bidets Ruggable: 20% off sitewide using code MEMDAY Papier: 15% off sitewide and up to 30% off photo books Outer: 20% off sitewide Joybird: Up to 45% off best sellers and up to 35% off sitewide Fable: Up to 25% off sitewide Lulu and Georgia: 20% off sitewide Pooky: 15% off sitewide Mustard Made: 20% off select styles sitewide Ernesta Rugs: Up to 30% off select styles Mill: 12% off the Mill Food Recycler Best mattress and bedding sales Casper: Up to 30% off mattresses Brooklinen: 25% off sitewide Parachute: 30% off sitewide Helix Sleep: 25% off sitewide using code MEMDAY25 Sleep Number: Up to 50% off smart beds and more Leesa: 30% off select mattresses and 25% off select bedding Purple: Up to $700 off mattresses and bases and up to 20% off bedding Birch Living: 25% off sitewide using code MEMDAY25 Bear: Up to 35% off sitewide using code MEMORIALDAY Tuft & Needle: 20% off select mattresses Cozy Earth: Up to 25% off sitewide Amerisleep: Up to $600 off mattresses using code MD600 and up to 40% off accessories and bedding Big Fig: 25% off mattresses with code MEMDAY Zoma Sleep: Up to 30% off mattresses using code SLEEP30 and up to 20% off pillows using code MDPILLOWS Best beauty sales EltaMD: 20% off sitewide Nécessaire: 20% off sitewide Drybar: Up to 20% off sitewide Acure: 25% off sitewide using code MEMORIALDAY25 Patchology: 25% off all under-eye patch kits T3: Up to 25% off the Afar dryer and more Best fitness and wellness sales Ergatta: Up to $800 off rowing machines Chirp: 20% off Chirp Wheel packs Best kitchen and appliance sales Great Jones: Up to 25% off sitewide Blue Apron: Up to $180 off new subscriptions Hedley & Bennett: 20% off sitewide Anyday: 15% off sitewide Year & Day: 15% off sitewide Gozney: Up to 30% off pizza ovens and accessories Lettuce Grow: 20% off hydroponic gardens using code MEMORIAL20 Best apparel and shoe sales Gorewear: Up to 60% off select running and cycling apparel Comrad: 25% off select styles Best tech sales BenQ: Up to 27% off select home projectors Best travel sales Samsonite: Up to 40% off sitewide Calpak: 15% off sitewide, up to 60% off select styles Cabeau: 20% off travel neck pillows and accessories Delsey: Up to 40% off sitewide Best outdoor sales Decathlon: Up to 57% off backpacks, tents and more Thule: Up to 25% off select products Sunday: Up to 30% off personalized yard care plans Biolite: Up to 25% off sitewide Goal Zero: Up to 30% off sitewide Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology, fitness and deals. To round up the best Memorial Day sales, I found discounted products and retailer sales across the web, including products and brands recommended from previous NBC Select coverage.
NBC News
12-05-2025
- NBC News
The best travel adapters for the next big trip
Let's be real: no one wants to worry about plug types or voltage conversion on vacation. That's why you need a great travel adapter — with the right model, you can plug in your chargers and electronics like you normally would at home. That's why I spoke with electronics experts: to better understand how adapters, voltages and electricity work. With their advice in mind, we selected the best travel adapters for your next big trip. What is a travel adapter? Travel adapters typically come in two shapes: plug adapters and universal adapters. In America, plug adapters have electrical prongs on one side and two or three pronged U.S. slots on the other. If you are traveling to the U.K., for example, your adapter will plug into rectangular-shaped U.K. outlets, and have slots where you can plug your two or three pronged U.S. devices into the adapter. Universal adapters contain multiple plug adapters in one base. Typically, different electrical prongs slide in and out of the base via levers or buttons. Travel adapters are typically intended to charge electronics like smartphones, laptops, headphones and portable batteries, says Sandra Miller, product manager at Ceptics, a travel adapter manufacturer. How we picked the best travel adapters We spoke with electronics experts and asked NBC Select staffers about their experience using travel adapters. We selected products that met the following criteria: The best travel adapters in 2025 Most of our top picks come from established travel adapter brands like Epicka and Ceptics, including one option we've taken all around the world. Editors' pick: Epicka Pulse 45W Universal Travel Adapter I've used Epicka travel adapters on my international trips for years. They've been in France, Italy and the U.K. and have always charged my small electronics perfectly. NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider recently took this one to Paris — it charged all her family's gadgets without issue. It has a main 3-prong plug plus two USB-C and two USB-A ports along the bottom, meaning you can easily charge multiple devices at the same time. This model has faster power delivery and better USB port options than our previous top pick from the brand. This is a low-priced universal travel adapter that still has all the necessities: sliding adapter plugs, multiple USB-ports and fuse protection. The USB-C port can fast charge at up to 20W, not quite as fast as our editors' pick, but still enough to fast charge your smartphone and earbuds. Individual plug adapters can be useful if you are traveling ultralight. This top-rated set includes five different plugs for countries like the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. Each plug is labeled with the countries and continents you can use it in. Most of the plugs have a ground port which helps to protect your devices against power surges, according to the brand. Consider this converter If you are bringing larger devices that will need their voltage adjusted while abroad — think electric shavers and curling irons. This voltage converter adjusts incoming electricity to fit the 110 to 120-volt requirement for U.S. electronics to work properly. It can power devices with up to 230 watts of energy — check your device to make sure it uses less than 230 watts. The converter has fans built in that prevent overheating and short-circuiting, according to the brand. It has multiple USB ports and two power outlets, making it a good option if you need to charge multiple devices at the same time. It comes with four different plug types and a detachable power cable. How to shop for a travel adapter To make sure you buy the right adapter for your trip, it's important to check what kind of electrical plug is used in your destination. It's also a good idea to contact the place you'll be staying to ask what kind of outlets they use, says Carl Prouty, the technologist at Abt, a national electronics and appliances retailer based in Glenview, Illinois. What kind of travel adapter do I need? There are over a dozen types of common plugs used across the world, according to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), a global not-for-profit organization that works to improve international electrical trade and innovations. Each plug type is given a letter depending on which regions they're compatible in. Many countries share the same plug type — type C plugs, for example, are used across most of Europe. Some countries use different plug types depending on where you are in the country and when the electrical outlets were last updated— Italy uses three types (C, L and F). Travel adapters, including our recommendations, list the regions they support by name or by plug type letter. Below is a world plugs list from the IEC: Type A (two prong): North America, Central America, Japan Type B (three prong): North America, Central America, Japan Type C: Europe (except UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta) Type D: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Namibia Type E: France, Belgium, Slovakia and Tunisia among others Type F: Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Spain among others Type G: UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong Type H: Israel Type I: China, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina Type J: Switzerland and Lichtenstein Type K: Denmark and Greenland Type L: Italy Type M: South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho Type N: Brazil Type O: Thailand Frequently asked questions What is voltage? 'Voltage is essentially the pressure required to push the electrons coming out of the wall socket through the power cord that goes into your device, allowing that device to operate,' says Prouty. Countries around the world have different voltage ratings for their electricity. North American power outlets use 110 to 120-volts — most electronics made in North America are designed to operate in that voltage range. Countries outside of North America typically have 220 to 240-volt outlets, and design their electronics to function in that range. Products like smartphones, laptops and tablets are exceptions: they operate on a worldwide voltage range — as long as you have the right adapter, you can charge them in most places, according to our experts. When traveling abroad with other types of devices, you need to match your destination's plug type as well as its voltage rating in order to safely use your electronics. If you connect a device to an outlet with mismatched voltage ratings, you risk damaging the device, burning it out or causing an electrical fire, says Miller. All electronics have a voltage rating printed on either the charger or the device itself, says Miller. Larger electronic devices like curling irons, hair straighteners and hair trimmers typically operate at a specific, limited voltage range. If you plan to travel with one of those devices, you will need a travel voltage converter to safely use them. What is a travel voltage converter? Voltage converters change the voltage of the outlet at your destination. This is crucial if you want to use single-voltage electronics like hair and curling irons abroad. Hair and curling irons need a lot more power than small devices like smartphones and earbuds. That's why travel voltage converters will typically have a power rating, measured in watts (W), that tells you how much power they can deliver to a plugged-in device, says Miller. 'For example, a 200W voltage converter is limited to devices that require 200W or less, so you can't use a 1,500W hair dryer with it,' says Miller. Connecting a device outside the supported wattage range can damage both the device and the voltage converter. Do I need a voltage converter? Miller recommends checking the voltage rating of all the electronics you plan to travel with to see if any require conversion. Essential electronics like cell phones, tablets and laptops are typically rated for worldwide (100 to 240) voltage use and do not require conversion. The most common travel electronics that require voltage conversion are hair straighteners and curling irons, says Miller. If you plan on using one, pack one with a worldwide voltage rating to eliminate the need for a voltage converter. If you are traveling with an item that requires voltage conversion, look up the power rating (in watts) of the device, and make sure your voltage converter supports at least that much power output (in watts). For example, an expert-recommended curling iron like the Babyliss Pro Nano is rated for 120 volts and needs 140 watts to operate. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Carl Prouty is a product specialist with over 20 years of experience in consumer electronics sales at Abt. (Since Abt sells travel adapters, we only spoke with Prouty about technical shopping guidance, and did not ask for specific product recommendations.) Sandra Miller is a product manager at Ceptics, a travel adapter manufacturer. (Since Ceptics sells travel adapters, we only spoke with Miller about technical shopping guidance, and did not ask her for specific product recommendations.) Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on smartwatches, running shoes, over-ear headphones and more. To better understand travel adapters, I spoke with electronics experts about the intricacies of travel adapters and voltage. I also spoke with NBC Select staff about their experience using travel adapters.
NBC News
02-05-2025
- NBC News
Aura vs Skylight: We tested both digital photo frames for a month — here's what we learned.
Everyone I know loves taking photos with their smartphone but hates scrolling through their camera app to look at any of them. A lot of people I know would rather scroll through their group chat than their camera app — at least in the group chat its photos you decided to share instead of good photos mixed with bad photos mixed with pictures of receipts and random screenshots. I think digital photo frames are for everyone, not just your grandparents. They make it easy to enjoy your favorite photos without having to scroll through your phone. Two of the leading digital photo frame brands are Aura Frames and Skylight Frame. We tested both brands for a month — here's who came out on top. Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.6 x 2 in.| Display: 9 in. | Resolution: 1600x1200 | Aspect ratio: 4:3 | Orientation: portrait or landscape | Storage: unlimited cloud | Built-in speaker: yes | Styles and colors: 2 Skylight Frame 2 Dimensions: 12 x 8.5 x 0.9 in.| Display: 10 in. | Resolution: 1920x1200 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Orientation: portrait or landscape | Storage: 16GB built-in, unlimited cloud | Built-in speaker: yes | Styles and colors: 10 Aura and Skylight sell a few digital photo frames. We chose to test and compare the Aura Mason and Skylight Frame 2 — they are the most similar in size, price and functionality. I put both frames in my home for about a month, comparing the setup process, interface, design and picture quality of each. I also recruited NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider and NBC Select social editorial assistant Caitlin Cusack for testing — Schneider tried out the Skylight Frame 2 and Cusack tested the Aura Mason. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Our experience with Aura and Skylight The Aura and Skylight frames are excellent digital photo frames. Both are easy to use, and have been great additions to our homes. Which one is best for you will depend on a few key differences. Setup Aura The Aura Mason is very easy to set up — it took us less than five minutes from start to finish. Setup is done entirely through your phone — you download the Aura app, pair your frame, connect it to Wi-Fi and upload photos. If you are gifting an Aura frame, you can set it up virtually or by scanning the QR printed on the packaging under a peel-away sticker. I love the QR-code option, especially if I am gifting a frame to a non-techy person. Skylight The Skylight Frame 2 also has a simple setup process — we're confident almost anyone could do it with little issue. However, it's slightly more involved than Aura. You download the Skylight app and interact with both the app and the Frame 2 touchscreen during setup. For example, I had to input my Wi-Fi password by typing on the frame — Aura automatically synced my Wi-Fi network through my phone. You also have to set up an email address option for sharing photos — Aura has this too, but it does not force you to do this during setup. If you are gifting a Skylight Frame, you can set it up virtually and share a gift code with your giftee once they unbox the Frame 2. My take: Both frames are quick and easy to set up, but Aura is slightly simpler — Skylight has a few extra steps by comparison. Design Aura The Aura Mason isn't a looker. It doesn't look bad, but the thick frame, ribbed texture and general bulk make it look dated to me. The Mason's frame has touch bars you can swipe to manually scroll through photos, and you can press and hold to turn the Mason off. I enjoyed using the swipe touch bar, but it took some getting used to. Cusack found it overly sensitive, and would have preferred button controls instead. The Mason is available in one style and two colors. The power supply is blocky and has a built-in power cord — I was expecting something sleeker, or at least something with USB-C, like all my other gadgets. Skylight The Skylight Frame 2 is sleek and attractive, especially compared to the Aura Mason. You can pick from 10 styles and colors, including options with a faux frame mat, making it much easier to blend into existing decor than the Aura Mason. It's wider and taller than the Mason, but, crucially, half as thick. The Frame 2 is a touchscreen — you tap and swipe the screen to look through photos, albums and change settings. The touchscreen is intuitive but invites fingerprints, and because certain settings are only located on the frame (unless you subscribe to Skylight Plus), the screen ends up with a lot of fingerprints, says Schneider. The power supply is blocky and has a built-in power cord, just like the Aura Mason. The power cord is much shorter than the Mason, though — Schneider wanted to put her Frame 2 on a high shelf, but couldn't because of the power cord's length. My take: This one's a tossup. The Skylight Frame 2 is thinner and nicer looking, but it invites fingerprints with its touchscreen controls. The Aura Mason's touch bar controls are okay, but the thick and boxy design feels a bit dated. Ease of use Aura The Aura Mason is exceedingly easy to use. Everything is controlled through the Aura app — uploading photos, inviting friends and family to share photos, changing each photo's framing, picking slideshow settings and more. Cusack sent her family a link to add photos, and she started seeing new photos and videos instantly. I love that everything is controlled via the app and not the frame itself — after all, a real photo frame is very much designed around the idea of: set it and forget it. Skylight The Skylight Frame 2 is also very easy to use, but slightly less so. Tasks like uploading photos usually have one extra step compared to the Aura. The Skylight app feels a little busier than Aura's, with more menus and submenus. Plus, settings are split: some are controlled via the Skylight app, others via the touchscreen on the Frame 2 itself. Ease of use is complicated by Skylight's optional subscription service, Skylight Plus. It lets you view and download photos to other devices, change frame settings from your phone, create and edit photo albums and more. It's $39 a year and covers all Skylight frames in your account, but feels like a strange addition for a device where simplicity is key. One advantage Skylight has over Aura is built-in storage. After you upload your photos to the Skylight, it does not need to be connected to Wi-Fi to display those photos — they are stored locally in the frame. This makes the Frame 2 the obvious choice for off-the-grid living or Wi-Fi dead zones. My take: The Aura is slightly easier to use than the Skylight. Its app is more intuitive and controls everything easily while Skylight splits functions between its frame and its app (unless you have a Skylight Plus subscription). But if you want to mess around with connectivity, the Skylight Frame 2 has more options. It has local storage built-in, making it the better option if you plan to display your frame somewhere without the need for Wi-Fi. Picture quality Aura Pictures on the Aura Mason look surprisingly good. I wasn't expecting much out of the frame's 1600 by 1200 pixel resolution, but photos looked true to life and never felt overly digital. The Mason has a 4:3 aspect ratio, matching that of your smartphone camera. That means that most of my smartphone photos filled the entire frame, without any crop or black borders. You cannot change the brightness of the Aura Mason. I took issue with this at first, but the more I tested the frame, the more I got over it — the brightness is good enough to see photos clearly, but not turned up so high that it's obvious the frame is digital. Skylight Pictures on the Skylight Frame 2 also look good, especially with its higher screen resolution. But more of them are cropped or have black borders than with the Aura Mason. That's because the Frame 2 has a 16:9 aspect ratio. Most smartphone cameras default to a 4:3 ratio — fitting into 16:9 naturally leads to more borders. You can change the brightness on the Skylight Frame 2, but I turned the brightness down a bit — out of the box, the screen looked too bright next to my real photo frames. My take: I think Aura has the edge when it comes to picture quality, but you may not notice the difference. The main advantage is the Mason's 4:3 aspect ratio, which matches that of most smartphone photos. Aura vs Skylight: The final verdict In the end, I prefer the Aura Mason because it feels more like a picture frame. It's simpler and arguably has less features than the Skylight Frame 2, but that works in its favor — I want my digital photo frame to act like a photo frame, not a tablet. While I think Aura is better for most people, Skylight has a few advantages that may sway you in its direction. Its larger, thinner design is more aesthetically pleasing at a glance. And after setting it up, the Frame 2 works without Wi-Fi. What about the Aura Aspen? While I was testing the Aura Mason and Skylight Frame 2, Aura released the Aura Aspen digital photo frame. It's everything I loved about the Aura Mason (the easy setup, simple app, touch bar controls) in a slim, modern design similar to the Skylight Frame 2. After testing it for a week, I think it's the best digital photo frame you can get, but it is much pricier than both the Aura Mason and Skylight Frame 2 at $229. Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter smartwatches, running shoes, workout earbuds and more. For this piece, I, along with two NBC Select staffers, tested the Aura Mason and Skylight Frame 2 for about a month.
NBC News
28-03-2025
- Business
- NBC News
Amazon Big Spring Sale: The 44+ absolute best deals to shop from Apple, Adidas and more
Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back and with it comes hundreds of deals across every major category you could want — including tech, vacuums and beauty. There are also a number of discounts on brands NBC Select editors have tested and loved in the past, like Ninja and JBL. The sale runs from March 25 through March 31 and both Prime and non-Prime members can shop. While it doesn't have quite as many deep discounts as Amazon Prime Day, there are still a number of on-sale items I found that I think are actually worth checking out. To zero in on the best offerings, I combed through dozens of deal pages and looked for brands NBC Select has covered in the past, deals that are at least 20% off and highly rated items that have at least a 4-star average from hundreds of reviews. Amazon will drop new deals throughout the entirety of the sale so I'll be updating this page over the next few days with additional offers. Check back for an updated list and if you see something you like I recommend you check out quickly to avoid sellouts or price changes. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best Amazon's Big Spring Sale deals Apple AirPods Pro 2 4.6-star average rating from 22,765 reviews on Amazon These are our favorite earbuds for iPhone users — they have a comfortable, secure fit and have up to six hours of battery life, which can go up to 30 hours with the charging case, according to Apple. They're great for travel, exercise and everyday use, and have an active noise cancelling mode that you can controll in-ear. Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask 4.3-star average rating from 12,207 reviews on Amazon This social media-favorite sheet mask is made from gel, so it feels cool on your skin and is designed for overnight wear. It's soaked in a serum that has collagen to plump the skin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate it. It comes in two pieces — one for the top half of your face, one for the bottom — for an easier application, according to the brand. 'I love that these masks go from opaque to translucent as my skin absorbs all of the serumy goodness,' says NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider. 'It's so fun to wake up and see the mask transform and know it did its thing.' 4.6-star average rating from 3,974 reviews on Amazon The whitening kit includes 22 enamel-safe hydrogen peroxide strip packs for both bottom and top teeth. The strips are intended to be used before you brush your teeth and need to stay on for 45 minutes. This kit also comes with two 1-hour treatments as well. 'Crest's Whitestrips visibly make my teeth look brighter after I use them for a few days,' says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. 'They're easy to apply because they're flexible, so I can mold them to the shape of my mouth. They're also not super thick, so I can easily talk while I have them on.' 4.7-star average rating from 10,434 reviews on Amazon This body lotion has hyaluronic acid and glycerin in it for hydration and petrolatum to lock and seal in the moisture, according to the brand. The formula absorbs quickly and is paraben- and dye-free, making it good for sensitive skin. Method All-Purpose Cleaner Spray 4.8-star average rating from 14,443 reviews on Amazon I've been using this all-purpose spray for years and love the crisp grapefruit scent and the way it makes my countertops sparkle. You get four bottles for just over $11, which also feels like a steal. The formula is made with plant-based ingredients, is biodegradable and is suited for non-porous surfaces, tile, stone and wood, according to the brand. EltaMD UV Restore SPF 40 4.5-star average rating from 4,585 reviews on Amazon This tinted sunscreen gives you broad-spectrum protection, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to shield your skin from UV rays, and blends well across skin tones. 'I was surprised by how well the sunscreen melted into my skin, especially since darker shades tend to leave a gray tint with more sunscreens' says NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris. 4.4-star average rating from 1,769 reviews on Amazon This multiuse lightweight pan from Our Place can fry, steam, saute and more, making it a great space-saving addition to your kitchen. It's compatible with all stovetops, is heat-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and includes a lid, a nesting spatula, and a steamer basket, according to the brand. The Always Pan is a favorite of Malin's, who loves the versatility of the pan's accessories and says that her food never gets stuck to it. It's available in three sizes; mini, regular and large, all of which are on sale. Fullstar Vegetable Chopper 4.5-star average rating from 115,835 reviews on Amazon This is one of our favorite Amazon kitchen gadgets — it can chop, slice and dice your veggies in seconds, which helps significantly cut down on cooking prep time. It has a soft grip handle and a catch tray to collect all of your cut veggies or fruits, too, and is dishwasher-safe. Levoit Core 200S-P Air Purifier 4.7-star average rating from 30,588 reviews on Amazon This air purifier uses two filters to remove 99.97% of dust, pollen and other airborne particles in rooms up to 918 square feet, according to the brand. The air purifier connects to the VeSync app, allowing you to control it from anywhere, but you can also sync it to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant so you can use voice controls with it. Cosori Air Fryer Pro 4.7-star average rating from 31,926 reviews on Amazon Cosori makes our favorite smart air fryers and while this version isn't smart, it has a lot of functions that can make cooking easier. It has nine functions, including cooking options for steak, chicken, seafood and bacon. You can heat it up to 450℉ and the 5-quart capacity can fit multiple servings at once. 4.4-star average rating from 44,672 reviews on Amazon Experts told us this was their favorite basic electric toothbrush, thanks to its slim, ergonomic handle and battery that lasts for up to two weeks. It comes with one of the brand's Optimal Plaque Control brush heads, as well as a USB-powered charging stand. Arlo Video Doorbell 2K 4.1-star average rating from 2,765 reviews on Amazon This doorbell doubles as a security camera, giving you a front-on view from your door and alerting you whenever someone approaches. It also has a two-way microphone and speaker, allowing you to interact with anyone who approaches. The camera also has night vision and the ability to sound a siren remotely. Beats Studio Pro 4.5-star average rating from 18,436 reviews on Amazon The Beats Studio Pro over-ear headphones have an impressive 40 hours of battery life and offer head-tracking and Spatial Audio features, according to the also have two listening modes — active noise cancelling and transparency — and have a voice targeting mic to drown out background noise if you use them for calls. 4.8-star average rating from 19,884 reviews on Amazon This duffel has a spacious main compartment, along with multiple zip pockets inside and out. It's made from a water-resistant material and has top handles as well as a longer, adjustable strap that's padded for comfort. Biossance Squalane + Retinol Serum 4.5-star average rating from 110 reviews on Amazon Experts have told us that squalane is a great hydrating ingredient, while retinol has been shown to increase cell turnover and increase collagen production. This serum includes both ingredients to moisturize and refresh your complexion. The formula is encapsulated and releases over time, so your skin gets the benefits for up to 8 hours after you apply it, according to the brand. Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow 4.2-star average rating from 6,990 reviews on Amazon Our favorite overall travel pillow, you can attach Cabeau's Evolution S3 to your seat's headrest to keep your head from tipping over as you rest or sleep. It's filled with memory foam to give you that supportive cushioning and it comes with a small bag that it compresses down into. 4.6-star average rating from 16,241 reviews on Amazon This affordable grinder has a ⅔ cup capacity and has a one touch push-button that makes it easy to customize your grind size. It has a safety mechanism that prevents the blades from turning unless the lid is fully on, too. 4.5-star average rating from 55,498 reviews on Amazon Hoover's Power Scrub Deluxe earned points for being a great value machine in our coverage of the best carpet cleaners. It has a spinning brush to dive deep into stains, powerful suction and a built-in dryer to remove wetness, according to the brand. It comes with special attachments to help you clean stairs, upholstery and hard-to-reach corners and crevices. You'll also get a bottle of cleaning solution. JBL Clip 5 4.7-star average rating from 1,972 reviews on Amazon NBC Select's editorial projects editor Rebecca Rodriguez is a fan of the JBL Clip 5 for its great sound quality and portability. The speaker has up to 12 hours of playtime on a full charge and is compatible with the brand's app, which allows you to adjust the sound presets and pair it with other JBL speakers for a surround sound-like experience, according to the brand. You can also easily hook it onto bags using the attached carabiner clip. Laneige Lip Glowy Balm 4.7-star average rating from 29,845 reviews on Amazon Laniege makes one of our favorite lip masks, and this balm from the brand is also worth paying attention to. It comes in 9 colors and flavors — including berry, peach and sweet candy — and it contains shea butter to hydrate, according to the brand. It also leaves behind a glossy finish. 4.5-star average rating from 44 reviews on Amazon This sheet pan comes in a fun raspberry color, is non-stick and dishwasher safe. It can be used for everything from baking cookies to roasting veggies and is oven-safe up to 450°F, according to the brand. This sheet pan measures 18.5-inches by 13.5-inches and will fit in standard ovens. Ninja Thirsti Drink System 4.5-star average rating from 1,192 reviews on Amazon We tested this soda maker and found it to be unique amongst its competitors because it has a compartment on the top where the flavored syrups are stored and connected to the water flow. This means you don't have to squeeze them in yourself. You can also customize how fizzy you want your drink and what size beverage you want. This set comes with one CO2 canister and two soda flavors (lemonade and cola). 4.0-star average rating from 170 reviews on Amazon This sunscreen has broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and doesn't leave a white cast, which is why it's a favorite of Morris's. 'I wore this for every day of a recent vacation to Brazil with no greasiness, white cast or sunburn.' It also has a reef-friendly formula and is safe for sensitive skin, too. Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine 4.5-star average rating from 15,726 reviews on Amazon You can use this coffee maker for espresso or single-serve coffee cups in five- and eight-ounce cup sizes, according to the brand. It takes only 25 seconds to heat up, and has an energy-saving automatic shutoff feature. The machine also includes a milk frother and a starter set of Nespresso capsules. How I found the best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals All of my recommendations above are based on NBC Select's previous coverage and reporting. I also included products NBC Select editors have tested, including the JBL 5 and Crest Whitestrips. All the deals I recommend are 20% off or more and highly rated with at least a 4.0-star average rating from hundreds of reviews. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a writer at NBC Select who covers various topics, including home, tech and beauty. I have covered major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday for over a decade.
