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Gizmodo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Best Kinsta Alternatives and Competitors in 2025
In a recent Kinsta review, we highlighted it as one of the top managed WordPress hosts. However, we understand why many seek the best Kinsta alternatives. It appears Kinsta's pricing is out of many people's reach. Simultaneously, there are better, less expensive picks. To make things worse, some of Kinsta's features are paid extras. As a result, obtaining tighter security or bonus website backups can be a significant investment. While we take nothing away from Kinsta's overall performance, we believe these alternatives may suit you better. We tested over forty of them in the last couple of months. However, we ultimately settled for the six best Kinsta alternatives in 2025. While not all are necessarily better, most are, and some are on par with Kinsta at a multiple-times cheaper price. Are you excited yet? Let's begin right away. Table of Contents Unless you've spent your life under a rock, we're sure these are familiar names. They're not a product of our quick little Google search. Months have passed, and we have tested all of them for you for this comprehensive list. Here are our experiences with the top Kinsta alternatives. Hostinger is the best bang for the buck and the most impressive Kinsta alternative in 2025. Like its rival, Hostinger provides fully managed WordPress hosting that starts at only $2.99 monthly. However, Hostinger's full potential is realised at $3.99 monthly for the Business plan. Pros Cons In our tests, Hostinger was just marginally slower than Kinsta. That's a fair result considering its LiteSpeed servers and built-in LiteSpeed caching. On the flip side, at the given price, Hostinger provides a free domain for a year, WHOIS privacy, and automated daily backups. A huge plus goes to its native WooCommerce support, which costs over $40 monthly in Kinsta. Hostinger has a website builder that supports eCommerce, with 0% transaction fees and hundreds of payment vendors. One of its aces is the WordPress experience. Try Hostinger Now Hostinger allows you to install it with a click, and since it's fully managed, all updates and optimisations are handled by Hostinger. The Business plan includes multi-user access, on-demand backups, website staging, agree CDN, and a powerful AI-driven SEO toolkit. You'll also enjoy free, self-renewing SSL certificates that won't cost additionally after a year. Hostinger relies on NVMe storage and hosts fifty websites in the given plan. Additionally, its security meets the highest standards with DDoS protection, a managed WAF, and malware removal. Unlimited bandwidth and over ten data centers globally spice up the deal. More ambitious users can opt for Hostinger's cloud and VPS plans, get more performance, and spend less than they would on Kinsta. Hostinger is cheaper and simultaneously better, making it our #1 recommended Kinsta alternative in 2025. SiteGround has forged its reputation on managed WordPress hosting. It's one of the most beloved alternatives to Kinsta, with the majestic GrowBig plan at $6.69 monthly. This one costs roughly four times less than Kinsta's single-site plan, but hosts unlimited websites! Pros Cons Except for a free domain for a year, which Kinsta also lacks, SiteGround skimps on nothing. More impressively, it uses NGINX servers like Kinsta, ensuring the same powerful NGINX caching and a headstrong 99.9% uptime guarantee. What about its WordPress features? Don't worry. SiteGround is just as good as Kinsta, if not better. You can enjoy fully managed updates, free migrations, and one-click WordPress and WooCommerce installations. We haven't mentioned that WooCommerce hosting is natively supported, with no upselling! Try SiteGround Now SiteGround uses Site Tools for hosting management. The panel allows you to apply its free SSL, create unlimited business email accounts, and access as many databases as possible. Furthermore, you won't have to pay on top for daily backups, a CDN, and WordPress staging. It's worth knowing that SiteGround uses Google Cloud servers known for a 100% renewable energy match. At the same time, it allows for unlimited collaborators, and in the GrowBig plan, you'll find on-demand copies, which you can request at any time at no added cost. Don't think its security is subpar. SiteGround offers DDoS protection, an AI anti-bot, and a managed Web Application Firewall to swiftly remove nasties. It is another superior Kinsta competitor that offers a noteworthy experience at a pocket-friendly price, just what you need! When recommends your hosting, you know you're doing something right. The best Kinsta alternative, such as Bluehost, is fully managed WordPress hosting. You can start at $6.45 monthly for the Choice Plus plan, and if you believe us, enjoy the same 'treatment'. Pros Cons While Bluehost lacks servers outside the USA and is a tad slower than Kinsta, the rest is nearly as good. There's SSD storage, AI tools for site building, a free CDN, a free domain for a year, and managed WordPress updates. If you want, you can also migrate a site for free! Bluehost doesn't crumble under pressure amidst traffic surges. Additionally, you can scale up to its VPS, cloud, or dedicated servers and enjoy even better performance, albeit at higher prices. Bluehost uses cPanel, which is slightly simpler to navigate than Kinsta's interface. Try Bluehost Now It also offers the eCommerce Essentials plan at $6.95 monthly, which, while costing more than the Choice Plus plan, offers pre-installed WooCommerce and a dozen online sales tools. Remember that we're still under $40 monthly, Kinsta's starting price for WooCommerce hosting. Bluehost performed almost on par with SiteGround in our tests, which ensures your satisfaction. It used to lack security, but nowadays, you get more than the essentials: a free SSL, Web Application Firewall, malware removal, DDoS protection, daily backups, and WHOIS privacy. Staging and SSH access are there, as are a few marketing-oriented tools, such as Yoast SEO and Creative Email for email marketing. However, we mourn its expensive VPS and cloud hosting plans, which make only its shared 'part' eligible as a cheaper Kinsta replacement for WordPress. Many criticise DreamHost for upselling its managed WordPress hosting. DreamPress, as it's called, offers some of the range-topping features at a price as low as $16.95 monthly. You'll agree that DreamHost is costlier than Hostinger, but roughly twice as cheaper as Kinsta. So, how good is it? Pros Cons After testing it, we can say it's among the top options for hosting WordPress sites. It can host only one WordPress site, but so can Kinsta in its single-site plan. Unlike Kinsta, DreamHost includes a free domain and WHOIS privacy, which Kinsta always excludes from its plans. Among the best Kinsta alternatives, DreamHost performs just as well, with many US and EU servers. Moreover, it uses the same NGINX servers with built-in caching, an essential CDN, and a staging environment. DreamHost also implements the failover protection feature. Try DreamHost Now If things go awry, DreamHost activates the saved copy of your website that still works and allows visitors to use it normally. DreamHost's proprietary control panel screams simplicity, with easy access to on-demand backups, migrations, and its in-house AI website creator. DreamHost's storage is three times larger than Kinsta's in the equivalent plan. With 30 GB in the DreamPress plan, you have plenty of space to host even adult sites with higher storage demands. DreamHost's managed WordPress plans include automatic WordPress and plugin updates for convenience. Rest assured, DreamHost is secure enough, thanks to DDoS protection and the above-mentioned website backups. Sadly, malware scans and removals are missing and locked behind the DreamShield package, which costs $3 monthly on top of the existing subscription plan. HostGator wins no awards for the most impressive managed WordPress hosting in 2025. However, it's among the most reputable Kinsta alternatives. It's not better, but it's up there regarding performance, managed WordPress features, storage, and security. We recommend its Business plan, which costs $6.25 monthly and includes 50 GB of storage and space for 50 sites. Pros Cons The plan includes unmetered bandwidth, a free domain for a year, and pre-installed SSL. WordPress is also pre-installed, allowing you to sign in to the admin panel and deploy your theme. HostGator is often praised for its Cloudflare CDN, which promotes strong performance. This is accompanied by a 99.9% uptime guarantee, resulting in a stellar experience for people in the US. We say the US because HostGator's servers are limited to this region. On the brighter side, this immaculate Kinsta alternative offers cPanel as the primary hosting interface. Try HostGator Now This means it's suited to beginners who want a no-quibble experience. HostGator's unlimited email aliases are welcome, plus, it's fully adapted to Drupal, Magento, and Joomla hosting if you want to switch from WordPress. Like Bluehost, HostGator wasn't the most secure pick. Nowadays, it's rectified with daily site backups, domain privacy, and malware scanning. However, HostGator's migrations aren't free, and it lacks an AI website builder akin to Hostinger and Bluehost that would make it a more compelling package for the money. WPX Hosting is an interesting Kinsta replacement to consider. It operates similarly to Kinsta, with separate WordPress and WooCommerce plans. The main difference is, you guessed it, the price. To be clear, WPX Hosting isn't very affordable but still costs roughly 50% less. Pros Cons Starting at $20.83 for the Business plan or $29.17 for the Powerstore plan (WooCommerce), WPX allows you to host up to five websites. Kinsta is capped at one in its equivalent plan. Storage is also larger, 15 GB, and there's unlimited, free business email in all WPX plans. We reviewed WPX and found that it uses LiteSpeed servers. However, as it also includes above-average server isolation, its speeds are on par with Kinsta and sometimes faster. The same goes for the 100% uptime achieved in our tests, ensuring maximum user satisfaction. One of the best things about it is the overall number of features. Yes, WPX is likely expensive for most people. Still, you must consider staging, multi-user access, WHOIS privacy, free migrations, brute-force protection, enterprise-level DDoS protection and at least 10 other features. WPX Hosting lacks virtually nothing, except for a free domain. Its comprehensive interface is also incredibly intuitive, allowing you to apply an SSL certificate or install WordPress on your website in seconds. We haven't mentioned its custom CDN, which WPX aptly named XDN. Additionally, it offers multiple servers in the UK, the USA, and Australia, making it suited for worldwide use. WPX Hosting is admittedly better than most managed WordPress hosts. However, its placing results from higher prices that almost rival already unaffordable Kinsta. Kinsta isn't a random low-grade hosting service that no one likes. We'd venture to say it's beloved by many, but unapproachable because of its price tag. Choosing adequate Kinsta alternatives was a challenging feat, so to get there, we had to use these set-in-stone criteria: We believe the most adequate Kinsta alternatives in 2025 are Hostinger and SiteGround. They're very close performance-wise, entirely matching Kinsta's managed WordPress portion, offering top-tier security, and costing multiple times less. They're simultaneously very versatile, with multiple types of hosting and scalable plans to suit your growing needs. Bluehost is a solid replacement, with tailor-made managed WordPress hosting with ample security and features. However, you wouldn't be judged for considering DreamHost or HostGator as reliable alternatives to Kinsta, with some of the best uptimes and speed. WPX Hosting took the last spot because of its higher price, which is still lower than Kinsta's, with a more or less better overall performance. You now know all the ins and outs of our top six alternatives. With this information, you can hopefully get the right one for your business goals. Try Hostinger Risk-Free for 30 Days Nothing in particular! No one takes away anything from Kinsta, except for its exorbitant pricing that makes it unaffordable for average users. At the price, or even quite a cheaper one, you can get on-par or even superior WordPress hosting alternatives like Hostinger and SiteGround. No. Free web hosting is rarely good, especially compared to expensive, flagship managed WordPress hosting. You'll find that free providers lack essential features and provide underwhelming performance and uptime, making it hard to host a website without issues. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, more like a free trial. Kinsta can be used for 30 days for free, only with your credit card information. Since you won't be charged right there, you can promptly cancel your trial and avoid the payment if you no longer want to use it.
CNET
08-07-2025
- CNET
I'm Testing the Nothing Phone 3 and There's One Surprise Feature I Love So Far
I've been testing the Nothing Phone 3 since it was unveiled at an event in London last week. I still like the quirky design, with its transparent back and the Glyph Matrix rear display. It's too early for a full verdict on its processor performance or battery life, but there is one stand-out feature I've noticed that I particularly wanted to highlight. The camera's macro mode. Putting the Nothing Phone 3's macro mode to work. Andrew Lanxon/CNET It's a niche feature to focus on, especially as Nothing calls this phone its "first true flagship" thanks to its overall more elite spec list. That spec list also means this phone starts at $799 (£799), putting it squarely in line with higher-end phones like the Pixel 9 and painfully close to the iPhone 16. So it certainly needs an ace card to catch the eye and for me so far, it's the macro mode. Let me explain why. Enlarge Image This macro photo from the Nothing Phone 3 is exactly as shot. I'm impressed. Click the image to see the full version and marvel at those details. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Here's a shot I took of a bee enjoying a flower on a sunny day in Edinburgh. The phone has achieved a superb close focus here, but it's also maintained pin-sharp details on the insect's head and the pollen clinging to its legs with a natural fall-off in focus towards the background. The colors are vibrant, yet natural in their tone and the exposure is evenly balanced, with even the sun-drenched yellow petals retaining highlight detail. I've been a professional photographer for many years and also maintain a photography YouTube channel where I frequently shoot macro photography using thousands of dollars of specialist photographic equipment. I'd be happy to have taken this image from any of my usual kit and yet I snagged this using just the Nothing Phone 3's standard camera in its macro mode -- no extra lens attachments or lights needed. It's not the only phone to have a macro function, though. Most phones do -- including the iPhone 16 Pro, which uses its ultrawide lens to achieve close focus. The iPhone 16 Pro's macro attempt, taken in HEIF and converted to JPEG. Andrew Lanxon/CNET But here's the same scene, shot with the iPhone. It's close, sure, with the wide-angle lens giving a different sense of scale to the bee and the flower, but it's much more what I've come to expect from phone macro modes. I don't like the crunchy, over-sharpened details or how it's tried -- and failed -- to achieve background blur. I shot this using the "natural" look in the Photographic Styles but the colors look anything but natural, with desaturated greens and muted yellows. An iPhone 16 Pro macro shot taken in ProRaw and slightly adjusted in Lightroom. It looks more natural, but still much less impressive than the Nothing Phone 3. Andrew Lanxon/CNET A ProRaw version -- edited in Lightroom -- looks much better, but I didn't have to do any extra work to make the Nothing Phone 3's macro mode look great. Sure, maybe taking great photos of insects is a niche reason to like a phone, but it's the biggest thing I've noticed so far that's really stood out as a way that this phone separates itself from the pack. But here's what else I've seen in my early testing so far. Nothing Phone 3 Glyph Matrix Nothing's phones have always had quirky designs with see-through panels and the light-up Glyph interface but this time around the company has swapped the lights for a small dot-matrix display. The Glyph Matrix, as Nothing calls it, sits on the back of the phone and can display crucial info like battery level or incoming notifications but can also be used for more fun purposes. From a "spin the bottle" tool to a Magic 8 Ball function, there are various "Glyph Toys" on board, with developers being encouraged to create more. Andrew Lanxon/CNET I like the Glyph Matrix and CNET's Katie Collins described it as her favorite thing about the Nothing Phone 3. It's more usable than the lights on the previous Nothing Phone 2 as it actually gives you information, rather than just lighting up at random. Playing little mini games on a tiny screen on the back of your phone is still arguably something of a gimmick but in a world full of almost identical gray phones, it's nice to see something a bit quirky. Ditto the transparent design, which has become something of a hallmark of Nothing's phones. This time around, the "inside" of the phone has been given more of a blocky, cubist style that sort of reminds me of the Bauhaus art movement. I'm here for it. Nothing Phone 3: Snapdragon processor and triple camera array Nothing hasn't skimped on the specs with its flagship. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 processor should offer some potent performance for everyday use as well as more demanding gaming. It seems potent enough for everyday use in my testing so far, with PUBG playing well on its max setting. I'm yet to unleash our full suite of benchmarks on it yet so I'll leave the full conclusion on its performance against its rivals for the full review. The Nothing Phone 3 has a 6.67-inch display. Andrew Lanxon/CNET The rear of the phone is home to a triple-camera array with the standard lineup of main lens, ultrawide and telephoto zoom. All three cameras have 50 megapixels of resolution, which is the same resolution as the standard and ultrawide cameras found on the Nothing Phone 2. The company promises significant improvements in image processing, though, which should hopefully result in better-looking shots. The macro function has already impressed, but I've found the cameras more broadly to be at least capable of capturing solid everyday shots. I'll leave the full verdict for when I've done much deeper testing. Another 50-megapixel camera is located on the front display for self-taken photos and video calls, which is a big step up from the 32-megapixel camera on the Nothing Phone 2. An evening scene taken on the Nothing Phone 3's main camera. I like the colors and the gentle out of focus foreground flowers. Andrew Lanxon/CNET This street performer -- and the crowds watching -- look nice and sharp. Andrew Lanxon/CNET I'm looking forward to seeing how these cameras perform; camera performance is one of the key ways top-end phones like the iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S25 Ultra differentiate themselves and if Nothing truly wants to compete in the elite arena, it needs to offer stellar imaging skills in all conditions, not just for taking close up photos of bees. One thing that has me excited is the inclusion of various color profiles, along with numerous more available to download. I loved the filmic vibes I got from the Nothing Phone 3A in Barcelona earlier this year and being able to create similar looks in Samsung's phones was a boon for me as a photographer. I'm keen to see how Nothing's compares as I continue testing. Nothing Phone 3 other specs and features Beyond the fancy Glyph Matrix and the cameras, the phone has a solid lineup of specs. The 6.67-inch display has a high resolution, the 5,150-mAh Silicon-carbon battery promises a full day of use while the 65W fast charging will take it from empty to half full in just 19 minutes. It's also IP68 rated for water- and dust-resistance so taking calls in the rain should be no problem. Andrew Lanxon/CNET It also comes with various AI tools sprinkled throughout, including Nothing's Essential Space that it launched with the Phone 3A earlier this year. The Essential Space is basically a repository for your voice notes and screen shots you take throughout the day that strives to give you some order to your mind clutter. I sort of think of it like a journalling tool. Nothing is building AI deeper into Essential Space, as well as providing more functionality over the coming months so I'm keen to see how useful this tool becomes. The phone launches with Android 15 on board, although Nothing says the phone will be updated to Android 16 later this year. The phone will receive four years of software updates and seven years of total security updates meaning this phone should still be safe to use in 2032 -- although there's still a lot you can do to make your phone last this long. Watch this: Nothing Headphone (1) Unboxing 00:41 Nothing Phone 3: Is it any good? I've only spent a short time using the phone and I'm already impressed by the macro mode and I'm quite charmed by the Glyph Matrix, whether or not it turns out to be a gimmick. If Nothing really wants to play in the elite leagues then it needs to offer top-end performance from the processor and the cameras in general. I'll be testing the phone rigorously over the coming days to really understand what this phone is like to live with. But if it performs as well as Nothing boasts then it might be a solid option at a price that's more reasonable than most of its flagship rivals.
Geeky Gadgets
06-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Pixel 9a vs. Nothing Phone 3a Pro vs. iPhone 16e: Which Mid-Range Champ Reigns Supreme?
Selecting the right mid-range smartphone can be a daunting task, especially when trying to balance performance, features, and value. This detailed comparison video from Sam Beckman examines three prominent contenders—the Pixel 9a, Nothing Phone 3a Pro, and iPhone 16—across key aspects such as design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, software, and pricing. By the end, you'll gain a clearer perspective on which device aligns best with your preferences and needs. Watch this video on YouTube. Design and Build Quality The design of a smartphone goes beyond aesthetics, influencing both durability and usability. Each of these devices offers a unique approach to design and build quality: Pixel 9a: Features a minimalistic design with a matte plastic back, metal side rails, and a flush camera module. Its IP68 rating ensures robust protection against water and dust, making it a practical choice for everyday use. Features a minimalistic design with a matte plastic back, metal side rails, and a flush camera module. Its ensures robust protection against water and dust, making it a practical choice for everyday use. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Stands out with its transparent back and glyph lighting , offering a futuristic aesthetic. However, its glossy finish and IP64 rating make it less durable compared to its competitors. Stands out with its transparent back and , offering a futuristic aesthetic. However, its glossy finish and make it less durable compared to its competitors. iPhone 16: Features a sleek design with a matte glass back and metal side rails. Its IP68 rating matches the Pixel 9a in durability, ensuring excellent resistance to environmental elements. While all three devices cater to different tastes, the Pixel 9a strikes the best balance between style, durability, and practicality, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and attractive design. Display The quality of a smartphone's display significantly impacts your experience, whether you're streaming videos, gaming, or browsing the web. Here's how the displays of these devices compare: Pixel 9a: Equipped with a 120 Hz refresh rate , 1,800 nits of peak brightness , and symmetrical bezels, it delivers an immersive and vibrant viewing experience, even in bright outdoor conditions. Equipped with a , , and symmetrical bezels, it delivers an immersive and vibrant viewing experience, even in bright outdoor conditions. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Offers a 120 Hz refresh rate and slim bezels, but its 1,300 nits of brightness and asymmetrical bezels slightly detract from its overall display quality. Offers a and slim bezels, but its and asymmetrical bezels slightly detract from its overall display quality. iPhone 16: Falls behind with a 60 Hz refresh rate, 800 nits of brightness, and thick but symmetrical bezels, making it less appealing for users who prioritize display performance. For those who value a high-quality display, the Pixel 9a emerges as the clear leader, offering superior brightness and smooth performance that enhance everyday use. Performance Performance is a critical factor for multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness. Here's how the three smartphones perform in this area: iPhone 16: Powered by a flagship-level chipset, it delivers unmatched speed and efficiency , making it ideal for demanding tasks and high-performance applications. Powered by a flagship-level chipset, it delivers , making it ideal for demanding tasks and high-performance applications. Pixel 9a: Offers strong performance with its mid-range chipset, handling most tasks with ease. While it doesn't quite match the iPhone 16, it remains a reliable option for everyday use. Offers strong performance with its mid-range chipset, handling most tasks with ease. While it doesn't quite match the iPhone 16, it remains a reliable option for everyday use. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Equipped with a mid-range processor, it struggles with intensive multitasking and demanding applications, making it less suitable for power users. For users seeking top-tier performance, the iPhone 16 is the standout choice. However, the Pixel 9a provides a solid alternative at a more affordable price point, making it a practical option for most users. Cameras Camera quality is often a deciding factor when choosing a smartphone. Here's how the three devices compare in terms of photography capabilities: Pixel 9a: Excels with its reliable camera app , ultra-wide lens, and macro photography capabilities. Its consistent performance across various lighting conditions makes it the most versatile option for photography enthusiasts. Excels with its , ultra-wide lens, and macro photography capabilities. Its consistent performance across various lighting conditions makes it the most versatile option for photography enthusiasts. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Features an ultra-wide lens and 3x periscope zoom , but its inconsistent camera app and software optimization result in less reliable performance. Features an ultra-wide lens and , but its inconsistent camera app and software optimization result in less reliable performance. iPhone 16: While responsive and easy to use, it lacks versatility with only a single main lens, limiting its appeal for users who enjoy experimenting with different photography styles. For those who prioritize photography, the Pixel 9a stands out as the most capable and versatile option, offering consistent results across a variety of scenarios. Battery Life Battery life is a crucial consideration, as it determines how long your device lasts between charges. Here's how the three smartphones perform in this category: iPhone 16: Despite its smaller 4,050 mAh battery , it offers the best battery life thanks to efficient hardware and software optimization , making sure all-day usage on a single charge. Despite its smaller , it offers the best battery life thanks to , making sure all-day usage on a single charge. Pixel 9a: Features the largest battery at 5,100 mAh and supports wireless charging. However, its overall battery life is shorter due to higher power consumption from its display and processor. Features the largest battery at and supports wireless charging. However, its overall battery life is shorter due to higher power consumption from its display and processor. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Includes a 5,000 mAh battery with fast charging capabilities but lacks wireless charging support, which may be a drawback for some users. For users seeking the longest battery life, the iPhone 16 is the top choice. However, the Pixel 9a offers more flexibility with its wireless charging feature, catering to users who value convenience. Software The software experience can significantly influence how enjoyable and efficient a smartphone is to use. Here's how the three devices compare: Pixel 9a: Stands out with practical features like call screening and spam management, along with seven years of software updates , making sure long-term reliability and security. Stands out with practical features like and spam management, along with , making sure long-term reliability and security. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Offers extensive customization options, including its unique glyph interface , but lacks practical features that enhance everyday usability. Offers extensive customization options, including its unique , but lacks practical features that enhance everyday usability. iPhone 16: Excels in ecosystem integration, providing seamless connectivity across Apple devices. It also offers fun customization options, making it a great choice for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem. For users seeking long-term support and practical features, the Pixel 9a is the ideal choice, while the iPhone 16 is better suited for those who value ecosystem integration. Pricing Price is often a decisive factor when choosing a smartphone. Here's how the three models compare in terms of cost: Nothing Phone 3a Pro: The most affordable option, priced between $350 and $480 , making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. The most affordable option, priced between , making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. Pixel 9a: Falls in the mid-range category, costing $499 to $599 , offering a balanced mix of features and performance for its price. Falls in the mid-range category, costing , offering a balanced mix of features and performance for its price. iPhone 16: The most expensive, ranging from $599 to $699, catering to users who prioritize performance and ecosystem integration. For those on a tight budget, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro offers excellent value. However, the Pixel 9a provides a more comprehensive package, making it the better overall investment for most users. Advance your skills in Pixel 9a by reading more of our detailed content. Source & Image Credit: Sam Beckman Filed Under: Android News, Apple iPhone, Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
CNET
02-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
The Ultrahuman Ring Air Shamed Me Into Ditching Unhealthy Habits
This is a little embarrassing to admit as someone who reviews wearables for a living, but the Ultrahuman Ring Air is my first-ever smart ring. I've tested just about every smartwatch and fitness tracker on the market, but never a ring. And honestly, that probably makes me the perfect person to review it -- not as a biohacking pro, but as someone who went into this exactly how most buyers would: curious, slightly skeptical and wondering whether it would make me ditch my smartwatch. Better yet, would it actually improve my habits? Turns out, it did. Not because the data was perfectly accurate (more on that later), but because after over a month of wearing the Ultrahuman Ring Air, the simple act of logging consistently made me more aware of how my daily routine, especially sleep, impacts my body. It didn't replace my smartwatch, but it complemented it in a way I didn't expect. 7.4 / 10 SCORE Ultrahuman Ring AIR $349 at Best Buy Pros No subscription needed for full health data Lightweight and comfortable for 24/7 wear Nearly weeklong battery life, even on max settings Aging metrics that actually help flag bad habits Flexible tracking for things like shift work or pregnancy Cons Heart rate tracking is inaccurate during workouts Auto workout detection is unreliable No indicator for proper sensor placement on the ring App can be overwhelming and confusing to navigate Noticeable scratches and wear after a month of use Ultrahuman Ring AIR 7.4/10 CNET Score $349 at Best Buy The Ultrahuman Ring Air can be a good entry point for anyone curious about testing the smart ring waters, especially if you're looking for something more subtle than a smartwatch. It's designed for background, long-term health tracking rather than on-the-spot reads, with a lightweight design and longer battery life that makes it easier to wear 24/7 (ideal for sleep tracking). At $349 (plus $50 more for the brushed rose gold finish), it's still an investment, but it feels like slightly less of a commitment than competitors like Oura, which lock many key insights behind a monthly subscription. But this ring isn't for everyone. You need to be ready to dive into the data and do a little sleuthing of your own to interpret your metrics and figure out which ones are helpful for you. Some, like Cardio Age and Sleep Score, were self-explanatory and useful at a glance, while others, like temperature tracking and stress, are harder to find or decode. Sometimes, it felt like I was doom-scrolling my own vitals, clicking on one stat only to tumble down a rabbit hole of more questions than answers. And there were definitely times when the data didn't match reality. All that said, I walked away feeling more mindful of my sleep, stress and even unexpected metrics like UV exposure. And honestly, the consistency of logging -- even without perfect accuracy -- was enough to push me toward better habits. The Ultrahuman Ring Air feels light and comfortable. It's thicker (height-wise) than most rings I wear, but it doesn't scream "tech gadget" like other wearables. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET Better design than a smartwatch, but not quite jewelry After ordering a smart ring, the next step is finding the right size. I thought I knew my ring size and was ready to skip ahead -- but trust me, don't. Like most smart ring makers, Ultrahuman sends a sizing kit, and it's worth doing properly. I was between sizes, so I wore two of the included sample rings for about 48 hours to figure out the best fit. I ended up choosing the larger one so I could comfortably swap it between my middle, index and thumb -- especially since my fingers tend to swell with humidity or at certain times of the month. I went with the bionic gold finish, which felt like a nice balance; it didn't scream "fitness tracker," but it also wouldn't pass for a delicate piece of jewelry. Compared to the giant slab of a smartwatch I usually wear, it was refreshingly subtle on my middle finger, albeit somewhat thick (height-wise) even on my longer-than-average fingers. The side profile of the Ultrahuman Ring is relatively thin compared to other smart rings. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET The ring itself is super lightweight (between 2.4 and 3.6 grams, depending on size) with a titanium exterior and a hypoallergenic resin interior. For comparison, it's slightly lighter and thinner than the Oura Ring. After a month of daily wear, which includes wrestling three kids, power walking with metal dumbbells on the regular and generally living the chaotic life of someone who doesn't wear jewelry for a reason, it's held up surprisingly well. Most days, I forget I'm even wearing it. That said, the gold exterior has picked up a handful of micro-scratches after just over a month of daily wear. Not shocking, considering my torture-tester tendencies, but worth noting if you're hoping for something completely scratch-proof. Micro-scratches on the Ultrahuman Ring Air show signs of wear after over a month of use. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET Battery life is surprisingly great (even in Turbo mode) Ultrahuman claims four to six days of battery life, but I was pleasantly surprised to consistently hit the higher end, even while running it on all cylinders. The ring offers three battery modes: Turbo, Chill, and Critical, each adjusting data collection to extend battery life. I kept it in Turbo mode, which tracks the maximum amount of data, and still averaged about six days per charge. That alone made me more consistent with sleep tracking; something I usually dread with a smartwatch, since charging often ends up colliding with bedtime or peak workout time. The charging puck is a little black ring stand similar to that of the Oura Ring. An LED signals when it's fully charged, which takes about 3 hours. The Ultrahuman app, which is used for pairing the ring and configuring its settings, also sends reminders when the battery is getting low, which I appreciated. Health tracking: Decoding the data maze is not for the faint of heart The Ultrahuman Ring Air tracks just about everything you'd expect -- stress, sleep, heart rate, skin temperature, VO2 max and daily activity. But it also collects data on a dozen other things you may not need. You can even layer on more insights with what Ultrahuman calls "PowerPlugs." These are data widgets that use existing metrics (or general guidelines) to translate into actionable advice. For example, I added the cycle and ovulation tracker, the Vitamin D (UV exposure) tracker and PowerPlugs for caffeine timing and circadian rhythm. They help figure out the best times to get sunlight, drink caffeine and schedule workouts to improve sleep and keep energy levels up. There are also specific PowerPlugs for shift workers that adjust metrics to irregular schedules, and one for pregnancy that provides week-by-week insights. Some metrics are exclusive to Ultrahuman, which essentially translates your health data into something everyone understands: how well (or poorly) you're aging. Healthy aging has become a major focus for wearables in general, with companies like Oura and Samsung leaning heavily into age-based stats as a way to help users understand their overall wellness. The Ultrahuman app assigns a predicted "age" to different categories like cardio fitness, brain health and pulse health, using indicators like heart rate variability (HRV), sleep debt and skin temperature deviations. None of these age metrics are clinically validated, but something about seeing how my habits might be accelerating the aging process genuinely motivated me to make some changes. Learning that my "Brain Age" was older than my actual age was enough to scare me into cutting back my late-night social media scrolling and getting to bed earlier. Apparently, my lack of sleep was fast-tracking neurological decay, and I definitely don't want to end up with a chronic case of mommy-brain fog. Although I get as tired of notifications as everyone else, I appreciate that the app sends text alerts for some of these metrics. Since the ring doesn't have a screen of its own, the alerts are the only way to urge you to take immediate action on the data. Otherwise, you'd have to wade through the maze of metrics retroactively in the app. Some alerts are obvious, like telling me I slept less last night (no need for shade, ring, I was there). Others are begrudgingly helpful -- like a well-intentioned nagging parent -- such as telling me to cut off caffeine after 2 p.m. And a few are actually welcome, like telling me the best time to get outside to optimize my UV exposure and regulate my circadian rhythm. It's incredible having this much data literally at your fingertips -- figuring out what to do with it is another story. Sure, every metric has a little "i" button explaining what it means, but that's not the same as knowing what actually deserves your attention. Whether due to the way the app is laid out, how the metrics are grouped or just the sheer volume of information, it's easy to get overwhelmed inside the app. And unfortunately, it doesn't do much to guide you toward what matters most on any given day. I really wish the app had a single dashboard that summarized any key deviations from my baseline across all categories, something like: "Hey, your heart rate variability dipped, your temperature spiked and your stress is elevated. Maybe take it easy today." Right now, you only see those flags if you click into each individual metric, like Dynamic Recovery or Sleep. Does one flag mean something's off? Or does it take three for me to consider skipping a workout? It didn't always line up with how I felt, either. One night, the app flagged a temperature spike even though I felt perfectly fine. But another time, when I was actually sick, the only signal was a dip in my HRV. Fitness tracking puts accuracy into question It's interesting how one inconsistency can plant a seed of doubt in the whole experience -- and that's exactly what happened with heart rate tracking. During a 35-minute 5K run, the Ultrahuman Ring Air correctly detected the activity but logged it as a 70-minute workout. The ring can auto-detect certain outdoor activities like running and walking, then asks you to confirm them once you open the app. Technically, I could adjust the start and stop times to better match the run, but the heart rate was off regardless. Heart rate data from a 5K run on the Ultrahuman app (left) versus a Polar chest strap (right). Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET My Polar chest strap clocked me peaking at 176 bpm, while the Ultrahuman Ring topped out at 124 bpm, missing two full heart rate zones. For indoor workouts like Pilates, weightlifting or anything that doesn't dramatically spike heart rate, the ring won't even register it unless you manually start a workout in the app. That moment really forced the question: If it's not getting this right, what else is it getting wrong, mainly when so many other metrics, like recovery, stress and sleep, rely on accurate heart rate data running in the background? It's not just workouts, either. Twice during my month of testing, the ring also gave me "extra sleep credit" for time I was very much awake -- just binge-watching on the couch. (Not the first wearable to make that mistake, but still.) The sensors on the Ultrahuman Ring are discreet, but there's no clear indicator to show when they're properly positioned on your finger, which can affect accuracy. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET It also highlights another truth about wearables: accuracy depends heavily on sensor type and placement. Rings simply don't capture heart rate as well as chest straps (or even some wrist-based trackers), especially during high-impact activities. Unlike a watch that stays snug in one spot, the ring tends to naturally turn around my finger throughout the day, and it's not as obvious when the sensors are in a less desirable place (top of the finger versus the bottom). The Samsung Galaxy Ring and Oura Ring both have a small line on the surface indicating which side the sensors are on. That tiny difference matters, especially when tracking sudden heart rate spikes. All of this is a good reminder that the Ultrahuman Ring Air isn't meant to be a fitness tracker first. Its strength is in long-term wellness tracking that comes with consistent use, especially during rest and not on-the-spot workout data. If you go in with that mindset, your expectations will be a lot more grounded. The Ultrahuman Ring Air is a great smartwatch companion, but lacks accuracy for true fitness tracking. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET Bottom line: Should you buy it? For $350, the Ultrahuman Ring Air is a solid first smart ring for most people. It's not flawless, especially when it comes to workout tracking, but it's a great wellness companion that can help you improve or adopt healthier habits. The lack of a subscription alone makes it one of the most accessible smart rings out there. It's perfect for biohackers, data nerds or anyone curious enough to geek out over their body's inner workings. Just be ready to do a little of the homework yourself. The ring won't replace my smartwatch anytime soon, but I was surprised to realize how well it complements the watch. Where my watch handles live-workout tracking, the ring picks up the slack on sleep, recovery and long-term wellness. Its strength isn't in hyper-accurate data, but in the consistency of logging it. That consistency -- and the fact that it translates the data into something tangible like age -- was enough to help me spot some not-so-healthy habits and push me toward better ones. Even in its imperfections, that says a lot about what this ring can offer.
Gizmodo
25-06-2025
- Gizmodo
Baseus Clip-On Earbuds Is Nearly Free Just Weeks After Launch, First Discount Hits for Early Prime Day
Noise-cancellation is a great addition on any premium pair of headphones or earbuds, but what it does is drive up the price way high. It's not something that's always needed. If you're not frequently riding on airplanes or trying to drown out the sounds of a couple arguing in the apartment next door, you'll probably be find just listening on the standard mode. So, you'd only be paying the standard price, not premium. And if you're a runner listening to music while hitting the roads, noise-cancellation can be dangerous. You'll want to be as aware as your surroundings as possible. See at Amazon Well, Baseus has a solid pair of wireless earbuds that get the job done and are crazy affordable. Normally they go for $40 which is already pretty reasonable. But for a limited time, you can secure yourself a pair for 28% off. At the time of writing this, the Baseus Bass BC1 open ear earbuds are just $29. The Baseus Bass open ear earbuds use a curved design which ergonomically fits around to the back of your ear and clipping it in place. As much as a lot of those in-ear earbud manufacturers like to boast how they have a secure fit, even offering differently sized ear tips, I never quite feel like they are going to stay in place. Baseus has found a much better solution that can actually adapt to various ear shapes without risk of falling out. The open design is non-intrusive and pressure free. You can listen while wearing glasses without them getting in the way of each other. Plus, sound quality is spectacular with its punchy bass and 12mm driver. These open ear earbuds are designed to keep up with your active lifestyle. They are rated IP55, staying safe from dust, water, sweat and splashes so don't be afraid to get your workout done while listening to the latest Sabrina Carpenter hit. The earbuds have physical buttons to with customizable functions like answering calls, skipping songs, or accessing your voice assistant. The fact that the buttons are physical is a huge bonus. Some earbuds that have touch features can be prone to accidental touches, frustratingly restarting a song or hanging up on a friend. Much smaller chance of that happening here. The four onboard microphones work in unison to amplify your voice during calls while filtering out distracting background noises—ensuring you are always heard crystal clear on the other end. You can score the Baseus Bass BC1 open ear earbuds for the reduced price of just $29 for a limited time. See at Amazon
