
Best tech values
Everybody likes a good deal, which is why we've decided to round up a bunch of gear we think is well priced and delivers a lot of bang for the buck.
Naturally, we didn't find every deal, but we did our best to find the best deal among the products we've reviewed. As always, if you feel we've missed a product that's a great deal, post a comment to get your 2 cents in. We'll be updating this list in the future and may very well include it.
JVC Flats: On-ear headphone
There's nothing fancy about the JVC Flats, but it delivers solid sound and a comfortable fit for very little money. Available in multiple colors.
Panasonic RP HTX7 over-the-ear headphone
The Panasonic RP HTX7 remains an impressive deal at around $30 online. Available in multiple color options.
Panasonic ErgoFit RP-HJE120
You can't ask for too much more from an $8 earphone. The Panasonic ErgoFit RP-HJE120 is now also available for $3 more in a model with an integrated microphone (the
Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7
Amazon basically sells its Kindle Fire HDX 7 and HDX 8.9 tablets at cost -- or close to it anyway.
Sony STR-DN840 AV receiver
We called the Sony STR-DN840, which is loaded with features, the best value in AV receivers for 2013.
Motorola Moto G
The Moto G has a few shortcomings, but it only costs $199 (16GB) without a contract. Note: We prefer this model to the Moto G Google Play Edition.
Google Nexus 5
The Nexus 5 is a solid choice if you're looking for a high-end Android phone for a reasonable price without a contract.
Sony BDP-S5100 Blu-ray player
It's always tough to figure out which Blu-ray player to buy. We think the Sony BDP-S5100 is one of the better choices at its modest price point.
Asus Transformer Book T100 Windows 8.1 tablet w/keyboard
For around $400 (and sometimes $350), the Asus Transformer Book T100 stands out among the budget-priced, netbook-style Windows tablets.
Roku 3
We like Apple TV a lot, but the Roku 3 is more compelling at the same price or slightly less (you can often get it for closer to $90).
Nikon D5300
The Nikon D5300 is arguably the best dSLR you can buy for a little more than $1,000 with a lens.
Pioneer SP-SB23W sound bar
The Pioneer SP-SB23W may not be all that stylish, but it delivers great sound for the money.
Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro ultrabook/hybrid
At around $1,000, the Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro features an ultra high-resolution 3,200x1,800-pixel screen in a convertible design. In fact, the whole Lenovo Yoga family (yes, there are several models) offers good bang for the buck.
Pioneer SP-PK52FS surround speaker system
We thought Pioneer's sound bar sounded really good for the money and so does its Andrew Jones designed SP-PK52FS surround speaker system, which retails for a mere $549.99.
You can also buy the speakers separately, with the excellent SP-BS21-LR bookshelf speakers going for less than $100 a pair at Amazon (the price sometimes dips to to less than $70) and the SP-FS52-LR towers selling for $130 (each) and sometimes less.
Vizio M-Series M1d-A2R
Many Vizio TV models represent good values, but the M-Series M1d-A2R delivers the most bang for the buck.
Sharp LE650: LCD TV
Sharp's LE650, available in a few different sizes (up to 80 inches), must be selling pretty well because it isn't readily available.
Sony R520/R550 series LCD TV
CNET's video guru David Katzmaier had generally high praise for Sony's well-priced R520/R550 series LCD TVs.
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020 is our current top pick for value home-theater projectors.
Sonos Play:1 wireless speaker
If you're interested in starting a multiroom audio system, the Sonos Play:1 is a good place to start. Just try to pick it up when Sonos is offering its Bridge ($50) as part of the package. Look for that deal to crop up every few months.
IronX by DXG 5G9V HD action cam
GoPro's higher-end models offer superior image quality, but the IronX by DXG 5G9V HD action cam is no slouch for around $165. Monoprice also sells a version of this same model for about $15 less.
Canon PowerShot SX280 HS megazoom camera
If you're in the market for a modestly priced point-and-shoot megazoom camera, it's hard to do better than the Canon PowerShot SX280 HS at $200.
Logitech Harmony Smart Control
The Harmony Smart Control is down to $99.99 on Amazon -- or $30 off its list price. If you're looking for a universal remote and don't have a ton of components, it's an excellent choice.
Fluance Fi30 Bluetooth speaker
Fluance, an online direct-to-consumer Canadian company, is known for serving up excellent performing speaker for modest prices.
The large and minimalist design of the company's Fi30 wireless Bluetooth speaker isn't for everyone, particularly if you're looking for a smaller wireless speaker that's truly portable and has a battery-powered option. But for those in search of the best sound for their Bluetooth buck, the Fi30 is hard to beat at only $149.99.
Oontz Curve by Cambridge SoundWorks
The Oontz Curve isn't considerably better than the rest of the tiny budget speakers out there, but it is sturdily built and you're not going to do too much better for $30. Just don't come in expecting to get incredible sound for that money and you should be happy with the Curve.