The Buying Game (Issue 14)
This week’s picks include earbuds, an iPad charger, and more.
How I’d spend $500: Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2
Right now, in 2025, there just simply isn’t a better pair of earbuds for music and active noise-canceling. The latest version of the Ultra Earbuds doesn’t change too much of the product’s winning formula, but adds wireless charging to the case and makes using the buds for calls sound even better.
Price: $300 (link)
Value Score: Poor
Full review: (link)
These retail at the high end for earbuds. If you want the best noise-blocking technology, it'll cost you. On the other hand, if you don't need some of the refinements of the new version, then the first-gen earbuds can be found on sale.
How I’d spend $150: Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1
Belkin’s UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 is a fantastic bedside charger. It’s 3-in-1 function handles iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Best of all, the main phone charging spot supports Qi2 25W for speedy power without plugging in a cable.
Price: $130 (link)
Value Score: Fair
Most reputable 3-in-1 chargers will cost you at least $75. The thing I appreciate about this product and that makes it a better value is the 45W compact power adapter that comes in the box. Belkin sells it separately for $30.
How I’d spend $50: KUXIU M30 Magnetic Smart Connector Charger
In recent years iPads have included a Smart Connector on the back. So far, it’s primarily been used for Apple’s keyboard cases. But the new KUXIU M30 is a charger than can be slapped on the back onto the connector to power you’re iPad without taking up a port, leaving it fred to plug in a camera or other device.
Price: $40 (link)
Value Score: Fair
This is to an iPad what a MagSafe puck is to an iPhone. This charging device will be less useful if you keep your iPad in a case, covering up the back connector. But I like the cleverness here.
The winning pick: Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1
Belkin makes a lot of my favorite phone chargers. Most bedside docks look boring and the same. I like the company’s ability to switch up the look while also keeping the functionality. It doesn’t hurt that this has the fastest wireless charging as well.
Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.
An expensive pick: reMarkable Paper Pro Move
The remarkable Paper Pro Move is a 7.3-inch version of the larger Paper Pro. In short, it’s a very expensive digital notepad. The company’s tablets look like e-readers, and you can read documents on them, but more so they have e-paper screens and are meant to read PDFs on the go or to write out notes by hand. This new Paper Pro Move mirrors most of the features of the bigger model, but comes in $180 cheaper at $450.
Price: $450 (link)
Media pick: The Paper
The Office spinoff, The Paper is now streaming. NBC dropped all of the episodes at once so you can binge it. And good news, the show has already been renewed for season two. I’ll have a review soon.
This week's other interesting deals and product news
- This week is IFA in Berlin. I’m here, trying to capture as much of it as possible.
- Next week is Apple’s iPhone event. There will be a lot of product news coming. That means there’s less this week.
- Dyson unveiled 11 new products, including an entirely new robot vacuum and mop combo. More to come on this.
- Google should be announcing new home products soon. Don’t be surprised to see new cameras and maybe even a new speaker.
- Marshall announced a new soundbar, the Heston 60, which is a smaller version of its Heston 120. The company also introduced a new wireless subwoofer, the Heston Sub 200.
This week's published stories
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) (Business Insider)
