If you found a $50 gift card that you got for Christmas but forgot all about, here’s what you do: send a “thank you” note to Aunt Grace and then check out these great finds.
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Roku Streaming Stick 2016
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/roku-streaming-stick-review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 5 stars out of 5 (Spectacular)
The good: The $39 Roku Streaming Stick is one of the least expensive devices to stream video from Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO, Sling TV and other online services. It’s just as responsive as other devices — meaning it’s lightning-fast — and an updated app lets you listen via your phone’s headphone jack. Roku’s ecosystem offers more apps, better search and more customization than any other.
The bad: No Ethernet port means it only works via Wi-Fi, not a wired connection. Some app interfaces are less polished than on rival devices. Private listening feature loses lip-sync with some Bluetooth headphones.
The cost: $39.99
The bottom line: The new Roku Streaming Stick is the best value in streaming-video hardware, period.
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Skullcandy Grind
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/skullcandy-grind/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Skullcandy Grind sounds surprisingly good for its modest price, is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and has a remote/microphone built into the left earcup. Headband is made of metal instead of plastic.
The bad: Doesn’t fold up or come with a carrying case; no in-line volume controls.
The cost: $47.94
The bottom line: The Grind is a good choice for anyone looking for a quality on-ear headphone who doesn’t want to spend a lot.
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Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/logitech-k380-multi-device-bluetooth-keyboard/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Logitech K380 is a compact, solidly built wireless Bluetooth keyboard that pairs with up to three devices at once and lets you toggle between them. It’s compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled computers, tablets, and smartphones and offers long battery life at up to 2 years from two AAA batteries.
The bad: Keys may be a little cramped for users with very large hands; Caps Lock is a little close to the “a” key and can be accidentally pressed.
The cost: $29.99 to $44.99
The bottom line: With its ability to toggle between nearly any smartphone, tablet and most computers, Logitech’s smooth-operating and affordable K380 is one of the best multidevice wireless keyboards you can buy.
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JBL Clip 2
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/jbl-clip-2/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The JBL Clip 2 Bluetooth speaker is a hockey-puck-size speaker with a built-in lithium ion rechargeable battery that offers decent sound for its size, improved battery life (eight hours), and is fully waterproof. It also has an integrated line-in cable that stows away in the bottom of the device, as well as speakerphone capabilities.
The bad: It doesn’t handle big bass well and distorts at higher volumes; should cost a little less.
The cost: $49.95 to $59.99
The bottom line: If it’s a tiny wireless speaker you’re after, the JBL Clip 2 is an appealing choice with some small but significant improvements over its predecessors.
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