This Week The Trend (Issue 47)

How I’d spend $500: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro

The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro are the company's latest high-end, wireless ANC earbuds. I took them on a trip to Japan, and they worked great for blocking the airplane noise. I found them very comfortable. The sound is big and full, worthy of the price point. Although the small screen on the wireless charging case isn't particularly necessary, it is useful for changing settings on the fly and seeing detailed battery life.

Price: $170 (link)
Value Score: Fair

Soundcore has two Liberty 5 models, the Pro and Pro Max. The only differences are that the Pro Max has a bigger screen on the case and the case can do audio recording, for transcription later in the app—cost $230. That feature is actually intriguing, but for the money, I think the Pro is the best buying option for most people.

How I’d spend $150: Polaroid Go Gen 3

The Polaroid Go Gen 3 is the company's smallest analog camera to date. It's easy to carry and small enough to travel with. It still features the iconic Polaroid look. The Go Gen 3 doesn't connect to a phone or have any advanced features, but it can do dual exposure, has a selfie mirror, flash, and group timer. I've been using the camera. It's fun for parties and group events.

Price: $90 (link)
Value Score: Fair

Have you looked at the price of instant cameras lately? The Go Gen 3 for $90 isn't the cheapest option, but it's also far from the most expensive. If you are interested in phone-alternative cameras, the Camp Snap for $69 might be worth considering.

How I’d spend $50: Ugreen Nexode Air 45W Slim

While Ugreen's Nexode Air 65W is a powerful charger in a tiny package, the Nexode Air 45W Slim features an even smaller frame. I've found that the vertical plug type to be more versatile and work in more outlets, from planes to walls. It might not have as much power, but 45W is still plenty to charge a MacBook Neo at full speed.

Price: $35 (link)
Value Score: Good

The Nexode Air 45W Slim retails for $40, but it's on sale for $35 right now. For a power adapter that can fit in your fifth jeans pocket and power a laptop, even $35 is a good value.

The winning pick: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro

The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro have about the sound quality and ANC performance of the AirPods Pro, but come in a lot cheaper. If you're avoiding Apple's wireless earbuds, then these are probably the ones to buy instead.

Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.

An expensive pick: Motorola Edge 2026

The Motorola Edge 2026 is a sleek, lightweight, mid-range Android phone. While it's not overly powerful or particularly unique, it's still a nice device. I've been using it for about a week. It's lighter than many other 6.3-inch phones. Plus, its Martini Olive green color, paired with gold accents, looks fantastic. The pictures aren't better than an iPhone 17 Pro, but I thought they were good. If you can get it from a carrier for free or cheaper, then it's a solid value.

Price: $599 (Best Buy)

This week's other interesting deals and product news

• Sonos is having a summer sale, up to 25% off.
• Marshall's Major IV wireless headphones are on sale at Best Buy for $60.
• Home Depot is having a Ryobi Days sale with various discounts and buy-one, get-one deals.
• Insta360's Luna Ultra gimbal camera is now available.
• Switchbot's E Ink weather station display is on sale for $85, down from $110. (It displays all kinds of weather stats and calendar appointments.)

This week's published stories

• Here's what a 15-year-old thinks of Apple's WWDC [PCMag]
• Three iOS 27 features to look forward to this fall [Yahoo]
• This new Apple tool monitors webpages for out-of-stock items [Yahoo]
• Apple is fixing one of the most annoying things about Find My [Yahoo]
• Motorola Edge 2026 review [Yahoo]

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