Tech Tips & Buying Guides

AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2026?

Apple's open-ear wireless earbud line has matured significantly over the past few generations. With the release of AirPods 4, many existing AirPods 3 owners are wondering whether the newer model justifies the cost. The short answer depends heavily on how you use your earbuds — and which specific AirPods 4 variant you are comparing.

What Changed in the Fourth Generation

AirPods 4 ships with Apple's H2 chip, the same processor found in AirPods Pro 2. This brings improvements to audio processing, connection stability, and battery efficiency. The driver and microphone array have also been redesigned, resulting in noticeably richer bass and cleaner vocal clarity during calls. Personalized Spatial Audio, which tailors three-dimensional sound to your unique ear shape, is now standard on AirPods 4.

The charging case has switched from Lightning to USB-C, which most users will welcome. Battery life is rated at six hours per charge with up to 30 hours total including case recharges — a meaningful step up from the AirPods 3 figure.

Should You Upgrade?

If you are currently using AirPods 3 and are satisfied with them, you will notice a meaningful but not dramatic jump in audio quality. The H2 chip makes a tangible difference for calls and media, and Personalized Spatial Audio is genuinely impressive the first time you experience it. However, if your AirPods 3 still hold a full charge and fit comfortably, there is no urgent reason to switch today.

For anyone using an older model — first or second generation — the AirPods 4 represents a substantial upgrade worth making.

5 Reasons the Roku Streaming Stick HD Still Leads the Pack in 2026

The streaming device market is crowded. Amazon, Google, and Apple all compete for a place in your TV's HDMI port. Yet the Roku Streaming Stick HD continues to hold a commanding position among casual and power users alike. Here is why it keeps earning our recommendation.

1. An Unmatched Channel Library

Roku's channel store hosts thousands of apps spanning major paid services and a huge selection of free, ad-supported streaming channels. Unlike Fire TV, which prioritizes Amazon content, Roku operates an independent platform with no obvious first-party bias.

2. Genuinely Simple Setup

Plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, create or log into a Roku account, and you are watching within five minutes. The remote is physical — no phone required as a controller — which many users find far more reliable for everyday use.

3. Voice Search Across Platforms

The Roku Voice Remote searches for content across multiple streaming services simultaneously. Ask for a specific movie and Roku shows you every platform offering it, including free options, instead of defaulting to one provider's library.

4. Regular Free Software Updates

Roku's software is actively maintained, with new features rolling out regularly at no charge. The interface is fast, organized, and consistent regardless of what TV you plug the stick into.

5. Honest Pricing

The Streaming Stick HD sits at a price point where it competes purely on capability, not artificial restrictions. There are no paywalls hiding basic features, and the remote included works reliably from across the room.

How to Build a Clean, Organized Charging Station at Home

A disorganized charging setup is one of the more avoidable frustrations in a modern home. Tangled cables, too few outlets, and adapters blocking neighboring sockets are problems that a single well-chosen surge protector can eliminate almost entirely.

Start with the Right Surge Protector

The 8-outlet surge protector we recommend features widely spaced outlets specifically designed to accommodate bulky wall adapters without blocking adjacent sockets. This is the detail most cheap power strips overlook, and it is the one that causes daily frustration. Combined with four built-in USB ports delivering a shared 4.2A, you can charge your laptop, two phones, a tablet, and smart home devices from a single device.

Cable Management Tips

Route cables along the back edge of a desk using adhesive cable clips. Keep charging cables at fixed lengths by coiling and securing excess slack with a velcro tie rather than leaving it loose on the surface. If your power strip mounts to the wall, position it just above or behind your desk surface to keep all cables vertical and short.

Label Your Ports

A small piece of masking tape or a label maker can identify which cable powers which device. This takes ten minutes to set up and saves significant time over the following months.