While the major headlines from Apple’s September event were understandably on the iPhone Duo foldable, one of the standout announcements for me concerns the AirPods 5.

Apple’s non-Pro series of earbuds are once again available in two flavours, with a few, admittedly useful, features separating the two. Perhaps the biggest shock, however, is that both the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case (that name will eventually become annoying to type out) cost less than the previous AirPods 4 with ANC.

The two-year-old model launched at AU$299. The new AirPods 5 models can be yours for AU$219 and AU$249. Given the fact that Apple has been no stranger to price hikes in recent times, it’s quite remarkable that the popular AirPods got a price cut.

More impressive still, both models introduce notable upgrades over their predecessors. Apple is claiming industry-leading ANC for an open-ear design, alongside a richer, more detailed sound, with support for Personalised Spatial Audio. Apple also claims they’re more durable than before, and you also gain access to Live Translation (previously a Pro-only feature), Adaptive EQ and up to five hours of playtime with ANC on.

The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case not only get a wireless charging case (shock) but also on-stem volume control. Take it from me as an AirPods Pro 3 user, this feature alone is worth its weight in gold — it’s so intuitive to use!

The Apple AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case (yep, still annoying to type) will be available from September 18, and you can preorder them today from the following retailers. Amazon would be my top choice, as you can save a couple of dollars on RRP.

AirPods 5 deals in Australia

• Amazon: preorder for AU$217
• The Good Guys: preorder for AU$219
• JB Hi-Fi: preorder for AU$219
• Apple: preorder for AU$219 with free engraving

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case deals in Australia

• Amazon: preorder for AU$247
• The Good Guys: preorder for AU$249
• JB Hi-Fi: preorder for AU$249
• Apple: preorder for AU$249 with free engraving

While the pricing of the AirPods 5 is commendable, I also have to bring your attention to the AirPods Pro 3, which are available for AU$347 at the time of writing at Amazon.

The past few months have been an exciting time for tech journalists and enthusiasts alike, thanks to a barrageflagship phone launches. From Samsung’s Z-series foldables to the Google Pixel 11 lineup and more recently, the new iPhone 18 Pro lineup (and the new iPhone Duo foldable).

While they may be some of the most exciting phone launches in recent memory — and it’s great that the foldable iPhone has finally seen the light of day — the biggest takeaway, is that every single new handset is more expensive than ever.This is clearly indicative of the ongoing RAM and storage shortages — even older phones have quietly received price hikes — and will likely make the latest smartphone releases too expensive for many consumers.

Thankfully, you don’t have to settle for a previous year's flagship device to save, and you only have to look back to a release from a few months ago to score a bargain. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — my pick for the best Android phone — is currently 23% off on Amazon, now AU$1,685.

Featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, 12GB of RAM, four rear cameras and a new built-in Privacy Display screen, there’s a lot to love with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and it can easily hold up for years to come, especially with up to 7 years of Android updates and security support.

I especially loved the Privacy Display screen, which marked a major hardware innovation amid a sea of similar-looking phones in 2026. Super Steady Horizontal Lock for shooting video makes the S26 Ultra great for action shots (and a neat party trick, too!), while the included S Pen stylus remains a nice bonus that most handsets don’t offer.

One great plus of buying the Galaxy S26 Ultra now is the stable release of One UI 9, which is built on Android 17 and features a redesigned quick settings menu, customisable Control Centre, My FanCam and improved multitasking controls.

Personally, you really can’t go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra if you’re prioritising raw power and smarts in an Android phone, and this discount makes the handset a great pick during a time of component shortages.

After months of leaks and rumours, Apple has officially unveiled its new Pro iPhones for 2026, alongside the much-anticipated iPhone Duo foldable handset and a slew of other product launches.

If you’re looking to upgrade to the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max or iPhone Duo, I’ve put together this guide on everything you need to know about pre-ordering any of the three handsets in Australia, including when preorders start, how much you’ll pay and all the best deals we’ve found.

Aside from the official Apple Australia store, as with any iPhone launch a wide range of retailers and telcos across the country are also offering pre-orders for all three phones, and we’ll update this page as soon as the offers go live.

Want to know more about the new iPhones and other new products that Apple unveiled? Scroll to the bottom of this page or check out our full coverage of Apple’s launch event.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max pre-orders in Australia: What you need to know

• Preorders go live on Saturday, September 12 at 10pm AEST
• iPhone 18 Pro pricing starts at AU$2,099 for 256GB
• iPhone 18 Pro Max pricing starts at AU$2,299 for 256GB
• Trade-in rebates of up to AU$1,595
• Financing starts from AU$87.46 per month for 24 months

As with previous iPhone pre-orders, there’s once again a short wait between the official announcement and the start of the pre-order period, which goes live across all Australian retailers and telcos on Saturday, September 12, at 10pm AEST.

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at AU$2,099 for the base 256GB model, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at AU$2,299. Retailers Amazon, JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys, as well as telcos Vodafone, Optus and Telstra, have confirmed they will all carry the new handsets.

Aside from Apple’s official Australian store, JB Hi-Fi, Vodafone and Optus will also accept trading in your old phone for a credit towards the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. Apple is offering up to AU$1,595 in trade-in credit – that’s based on an iPhone 17 Pro Max, while a comparatively ancient iPhone X will net you a AU$70 credit.

If you’re going the trade in route, you can calculate your old phone’s credit value at Optus, Vodafone, Amazon or JB Hi-Fi to get an idea before pre-orders go live.

Apple is also offering a new financing program in Australia via Afterpay, allowing monthly payments over 6-, 12- or 24-month terms instead of the service’s usual four payments spread out fortnightly. If you’re using Afterpay, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at AU$87.46 per month over 24 months, while the 18 Pro Max starts at AU$95.79 per month. This monthly payment option is only available through the Apple Australia website and stores — you won’t find it at third-party stores.

Apple iPhone Duo pre-orders in Australia: What you need to know

• Preorders go live on Friday, October 16 at 10pm AEST
• Pricing starts at AU$3,499 for 256GB
• Trade-in rebates of up to AU$1,595
• Financing starts from AU$145.79 per month for 24 months

If you’re keen on Apple’s first-ever foldable phone, the shiny new iPhone Duo, the wait will be a little bit longer for pre-orders, which start on Friday, October 16 at 10pm AEST.

Prices begin at a slightly eye-watering AU$3,499 for the base 256GB model (for reference, Samsung’s equivalent Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at AU$2,699), and go as high as AU$5,899 for the 2TB configuration.

Like the 18 Pro and Pro Max above, you can also trade in your old phone to receive up to AU$1,595 off the price. You can get an estimate on your trade-in credit at Optus, Vodafone or JB Hi-Fi to get an idea before pre-orders go live.

Financing via Afterpay is also available for the iPhone Duo, starting at AU$145.79 per month for 24 months.

What’s new with the 2026 iPhone lineup?

Headlining Apple’s new handset range for 2026 is the iPhone Duo, the company’s first attempt at a foldable and its answer to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. Featuring a 5.4-inch outer display with a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR inner display, the device looks somewhat like a squat iPhone mini when folded, and an iPad mini when opened.

It features the new A20 Pro chipset and a titanium frame, which Apple says is reinforced by ceramic fibres. The Duo, however, also has a few core iPhone features missing, like Face ID, a telephoto camera and the action button, but is still undeniably the star of the show. There are also some exclusive software features that look to take advantage of the larger folding display, like some new Liquid Glass animations and multitasking features. Moreover, the Duo will also get Apple Pencil support, which is a first for any iPhone.

As for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the biggest upgrades are the main cameras, with each getting a new variable aperture to let users adjust the light depending on what they need to photograph, for example.

They also get the new A20 Pro chip, which Apple claims will have a 20% faster CPU and 40% faster GPU than the A19 Pro found in the iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max and iPhone Air. Battery life is also said to be improved, with Apple claiming the iPhone 18 Pro will have 36 hours of video playback — matching the 17 Pro Max — and the 18 Pro Max now rated for 45 hours.

We’ll be posting our reviews for all three devices over the next few weeks, so stay tuned for our thoughts and hands-on experience.

We’re firmly at the peak of the sporting season in Australia. The AFL Grand Final is just around the corner, the NRL Grand Final is just under a month away, the NBL is about to tip off and the Formula One season is into its second half.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

If you’re a sports fanatic, you’ll understand the importance of having a great TV to enjoy all the action in crystal-clear quality — think bold colours, fast-motion handling and high brightness to combat daytime viewing conditions.

JB Hi-Fi seemingly understands this and is offering AU$500 off any TV when you spend AU$2,000 or more and use the code TV500, until Sunday, September 13.

As someone who’s reviewed some of the best TVs in Australia, I’ve had a look through the available models to size up which ones are really worth checking out. Some initial highlights include a 65-inch LG B6 OLED for AU$1,995 after discount, a 75-inch TCL C8L for AU$2,195 and a 55-inch Sony Bravia 7 II True RGB TV for AU$1,995 with the code applied at checkout.

I’ve listed my top picks below, including models that have performed well under review with the TechRadar team of TV experts, and will be screens you’ll want to gather around with family and friends to get stuck into the summer sports season.

There are plenty more screens to choose from that are eligible for the AU$500 discount — just remember that it needs to be at least AU$2,000 before the saving to be eligible. And hurry, you have until Sunday, September 13 to take advantage of this tantalising offer.

Proton's Unlimited plan has dropped $120, making now the cheapest time to ditch Google entirely, should you wish.

The plan includes everything you'd expect from Google's privacy-unfriendly suite: Docs, Drive, Calendar, Mail, Sheets, and so on. But, it also throws in extras such as Proton VPN, one of the best VPNs available, and Proton Pass, a premium password manager which includes the super-handy email aliasing feature.

Normally, the Proton Unlimited bundle costs $12.99 per month over two years, billed as $311.76.

This deal brings a 38% discount, making it $7.99/month. That saves $120, bringing the total 2-year cost to $191.76.

Unlike Google's suite, all of Proton's tools are end-to-end encrypted and ad-free. This means whatever you send, upload, or create is protected from snoopers looking to intercept your information to use maliciously or sell online.

This is the lowest Proton Unlimited price we've seen in 2026 but we don't know how long it'll last. So, if you're interested, sign up now to lock in the deal, and you can always make use of Proton's 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.

While ditching Google entirely might seem scary, Proton is taking steps to make it as simple as possible.

Its 'Easy Switch' tool sits at the heart of this. It allows you to sign into your old email account, from which Proton automatically pulls information such as your emails, contacts, and calendar.

Files aren't quite so slick but Proton has guides for transferring from services such as Google Drive, OneDrive and more to help you get started.

I've used Proton's privacy suite for nearly two years now. Since the addition of Meet and Sheets (alongside Calendar, Docs, Drive, Mail, Pass and Wallet) it now feels more like Google Workspace than ever, and it's all far more secure.

All of the tools included can be signed up for separately. Most are pricey on their own but the Unlimited bundle makes it really good value.

If you’re truly serious about coffee in Australia and looking to introduce a coffee maker into your kitchen, then Breville is a brand you’re likely to consider.

It’s easy to see why — not only is Breville a regular feature in my guide to the best coffee machines in Australia, but it also makes reliable, easy-to-master machines that, most importantly, brew a great cuppa.

The Barista Express is one such machine, and while it is a few years old now, it’s still an easy recommendation, especially now that it’s available for AU$595 on Amazon.

The Breville Barista Express has all the necessities of a great coffee machine: an integrated grinder, adjustable settings — grind size, dosage and water volume — and a powerful steam wand for texturising milk, whether it’s dairy or non-dairy. There’s no assisted tamping as you’ll find in the Barista Express Impress, for example, but a manual tamper is provided, along with single-wall and double-wall baskets, along with a razor tool for levelling ground coffee in the portafilter.

However, while Breville might provide all the tools you need for a great coffee, our Breville Barista Express review does admit that it can take a bit of time to find the best settings for the beans you use and for your personal preference. This does mean you’ll need to sacrifice a few espresso shots, but the results are more than worth it.

What’s more, the Barista Express is a relatively compact coffee machine that should cause little issue in even smaller kitchens, and it’s eligible for Breville’s free Barista Gift Pack promotion, which includes a 1kg bag of coffee beans and a Bean Keeper canister to keep them fresher for longer.

The AU$595 price on Amazon only applies to the Charcoal model, while other colours cost at least AU$100 more. Do note that Amazon has a list price of AU$999, which was the case when the machine launched in 2022, but Breville has since revised it to AU$719.

Want more suggestions?

The Breville Barista Express isn’t the only talented espresso machine with a discount on Amazon right now. Other options include the unique Philips Baristina and Philips LatteGo 4400 Series, both of which I’ve spoken highly about before.

Here are some other standout deals for you to consider:

• Philips Baristina – was AU$559 now AU$444
• Ninja Luxe Cafe (Oat Milk) – was AU$849.99 now AU$677
• Breville Bambino Plus – was AU$729 now AU$487
• KitchenAid Semi Automatic – was AU$999 now AU$799.20
• Philips LatteGo 4400 — was AU$1,199 now AU$787.99

The Legend of Zelda fans rejoice! The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Celebration stream gave us a deluge of announcements all about the iconic action-adventure series, including the reveal of a shiny special edition Nintendo Switch 2 console.

Latest availability

• US: preorder console for $519.99 at Amazon
• UK: preorder console for £499.99 at Amazon
• UK: preorder console + game for £494.85 at ShopTo

We anticipate the console to be in extremely high demand, not only as the first proper special edition Nintendo Switch 2 to hit the market but also thanks to its status as a tie-in with one of Nintendo's biggest franchises.

It's also an absolute stunner, with special green Joy-Con 2 controllers, a gold and black dock, and loads of little details sure to delight Zelda fans.

The Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition system officially launches on October 29, 2026, and pre-orders have been live at various retailers for some time now — and it's already selling out at most stores.

Still, we've put this page together to help you get your hands on the console with any restock and availability updates — plus links to pick up the matching Nintendo Switch 2 Controller and the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake to go alongside it.

The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary Edition console preorders — US

• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at Amazon
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at the Nintendo Store
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at Best Buy
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at Target

The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary Edition controller preorders — US

• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at the Nintendo Store
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder soon at Best Buy

The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary Edition console preorders — UK

• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder for £434 at Currys
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder for £499.99 at Amazon
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition + Ocarina of Time: preorder for £494.85 at ShopTo
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder for £429.99 at Argos
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder for £429.99 at the Nintendo Store
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder for £429.99 at Very
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder for £429.99 at Smyths Toys
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: check stock at the Nintendo Store

The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary Edition console preorders — Australia

• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at the Nintendo Store for $799.95
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at the Nintendo Store for $149.95
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: preorder now for $109.95

Miss the anniversary live stream?

You can check out the video-on-demand version below or keep scrolling for some top questions answered.

FAQ

Price comparison

Here are the latest prices for the regular Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller for the purposes of price comparison.

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launches for Switch 2 on November 5
• The first print run is getting 'special textured foil packaging'
• Preorders have opened at the Nintendo Store and other retailers

Nintendo just gave us a closer look at the upcoming Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in a special presentation to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the series, and at the same time, confirmed the release date.

The big news for collectors, though, is that the first run of the physical edition will feature special textured foil packaging, so here's where you can secure your sparkly copy with a preorder ahead of release on November 5.

The official store opened up preorders first in all regions, and now several other retailers also have them available. Incredibly, physical copies are starting to sell out in some places, so I'm keeping an eye on other stores now and will add them as soon as I spot any more availability.

And while it's extremely unlikely that it will completely sell out ahead of launch, given that the special cover is limited to this initial print run, it's best to be safe if you want to add a copy to your collection.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time preorders — US quick links

• Amazon: preorder for $59.88
• Walmart: preorder for $59.88
• Nintendo Store: preorder for $69.99
• Best Buy: preorder for $69.99
• GameStop: preorder for $69.99
• Target: preorder for $69.99

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time preorders — UK quick links

• Amazon UK: preorder for £69.99
• ShopTo: preorder for £54.85
• Currys: preorder for £54.99
• Argos: preorder for £59.99
• Smyths Toys: preorder for £54.99
• Very: preorder for £59.99
• The Game Collection: preorder for £59.95
• Game: preorder for £54.99
• Nintendo Store: preorder for £58.99

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time preorders — AU quick links

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: preorder now for $109.95
• Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at the Nintendo Store
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition: preorder at the Nintendo Store

As for the limited-edition Nintendo Switch 2 console and Pro Controller that were announced during the livestream, preorders for both of those have now started as well, ahead of the launch on October 29. Stick with our coverage through the link above for live updates on availability, as those products are selling out super-fast.

You probably have tens, if not hundreds of passwords floating around across all the online accounts you use every week. In fact, the average person has over 150 passwords. It's not easy to remember them all, making it more attractive to keep them simple and similar - but that can lead to a serious chain of account theft.

That's why password managers like Keeper exist. They generate strong passwords and store them passwords in a secured vault to keep them safe from hackers and prying eyes. They even autofill your credentials to make logging in to your account faster and easier.

Keeper has cut prices on its personal, family, and business starter plans by up to 50%. Keeper regularly scores highly in our reviews, and includes great features across Personal, Family, and Business plans.

Why we recommend Keeper

Our Keeper review highlights the platform's zero knowledge architecture and device level encryption that helps keep your password vault secured against unwanted intrusions.

Where Keeper really shone was in our usability and convenience testing. We loved how Keeper uses biometric security to access your vault, rather than requiring a master password with each log in. By using a facial scan or fingerprint to verify that its actually you accessing your vault, it adds a fast but secure method of verification to ensure its you, and not a nefarious actor.

For households, the Family Plan includes five private vaults, allowing you to quickly share Wi-Fi or streaming passwords using Keeper's shared vaults.

The Business Starter plan covers 5 users, covering an unlimited devices, shared team folders, user activity reporting for IT admins, and a free Family Plan for every team member.

These discounts apply to the first year only, so the value is highest for new customers or anyone switching from a monthly plan. After that, pricing goes back to standard rates.

My TechRadar colleagues and I have said multiple times that good sound quality doesn’t always have to cost the earth. As my guide to the best wireless earbuds in Australia proves, there is excellent value to be found up and down the budget spectrum, and you can get a great audio experience for little outlay.

Which is why I felt compelled to put together this list of five pairs that promise that excellent experience, with prices ranging from AU$70 up to AU$349. Two of the pairs — from Technics and Bose — do actually already feature in my guide to the best ‘buds, and now they’re currently on the receiving end of discounts at Amazon — making them even easier to recommend.

I’ll list my five top pairs for all budgets in price-ascending order, and of course, to check out more headphone deals, including those on over-ear models, head to Amazon.

I’ve been a Garmin user since 2016, having tried a range of smartwatches and other fitness trackers to track my runs, hikes, bike rides, swims and even social badminton games. But I can’t deny that they are premium products that most people can’t justify paying a big chunk of cash for. In fact, the just-announced flagship Fenix 9 costs a whopping AU$1,599 for the base configuration!

Which is why Amazfit's recent Australian launch in July got me excited, as I've seen not just how much more affordable the Dutch brand's wearables are, but also how highly my colleagues have rated some of them in their reviews.

Sure, Garmin’s watches have more features like separated training load and daily suggested workouts, as well as plenty of data to nerd out on, but most people wouldn't necessarily need them.

Amazfit's wearables offer many of Garmin's core watch features, like accurate built-in multiband GPS, bright and vibrant AMOLED displays, and battery life that lasts for weeks. Even its Zepp Health app has received praise from our reviewers, and like Garmin Connect, you don't need a subscription to use it. If I had to start my fitness journey all over again, it would be hard to ignore Amazfit's value for money over Garmin's premium pricing.

With RRPs between AU$89 for the cheapest Amazfit fitness tracker to a maximum of AU$899 for the most premium offering, it truly is excellent bang for buck and I've picked three of my top Amazfit wearables below to help you get started on your fitness journey.

Flagship for a fraction

We're still in the process of reviewing the Amazfit Balance 3, but I've spent a brief hands-on time with it at a media event. The watch is widely considered the Dutch brand’s flagship offering, and it certainly feels like it, thanks to its stainless-steel case, dial and beefy 48mm diameter.

The Balance 3 isn't quite as feature-packed as Garmin's flagship Fenix series, which reflects the price difference, so a closer equivalent would be the Venu series, largely for having a built-in microphone for on-device phone calls. Even then, the Venu 4 retails for AU$949, which is still almost twice the Balance 3's AU$519 current price.

Our Amazfit Balance 2 review gave the watch 4 out of 5 stars for its premium build, long battery life and AI features. The Balance 3 builds on that with a brighter display (3,000 nits peak brightness vs. 2,000 nits), a more rugged look with a built-in LED flashlight, a new rotating crown and three buttons, and native Hyrox race profiles.

Going screenless is in

I'd been looking for a distraction-free, screenless wearable to alternate with my main smartwatch when I don't want to be inundated with notifications on my wrist, and also be comfortable enough to not notice while I'm tracking my sleep.

I admit to currently wearing the Garmin Cirqa, but Amazfit's AU$166 Helio Strap is so far poised to be the frontrunner largely because of its low price, especially compared Whoop's pricey subscription-only model.

Our Helio Strap review scored it 4 stars out of 5 for its lightweight 20g chassis, accuracy, long battery life and, more importantly, the lack of a subscription. While there is an option for a subscription-based upsell called Aura, it's mostly for an AI-based wellness advisor and a wide selection of audio-based relaxation content.

A fab smartwatch for most people

Whenever I get asked what Garmin watch to buy, my go-to recommendation for most people is the Forerunner 55 if they don't mind something older, or the direct successor, the Garmin Forerunner 70, for something more modern.

Amazfit's closest equivalent, the Active 2, scored much better in its TechRadar review than the aforementioned Forerunners, earning a perfect 5 stars compared to 4 stars for the pricier Garmins. And with its frankly ridiculously cheap AU$199 RRP (and now much lower AU$159.19 discounted price), I've had to change up my recommendations for those who don't mind exploring a different brand.

Our Amazfit Active 2 review praised its features, fitness tracking accuracy and hardware, which are all punching above its low price tag. We’ve also named it the top pick in our best cheap smartwatches list.

If you want a brighter screen, a more rugged design and more advanced running features, consider the Active 2's successor, the Amazfit Active 3 Premium for AU$239. For what it's worth, it also received a perfect score in its review.

They say the old ones are the best ones, and in the case of the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones, there’s certainly a case to be made. While the now-iconic cans are six years old and have spawned two successors, we still rate them very highly here at TechRadar, especially when they can be picked up at a discounted price, such as AU$299.99 right now at Amazon.

Yes, they have gone lower in price before, but this is the lowest I’ve personally seen in recent months — they tend to regularly hover around the AU$329 to AU$349 mark, so for them to now dip just below AU$300 is worth shouting about.

The Sony XM4s were, for a long time, sitting pretty atop my guide to the best headphones in Australia. They did eventually have to succumb to the sonic talents of their newer sibling, the Sony WH-1000XM6 but, make no mistake, the older XM4s still offer an awful lot to impress.

For starters, they’re much, much more affordable. While price drops on the XM6s are becoming more common, they’re still very much a premium set of cans that still cost north of AU$550. In fact, if you consider the XM6’s launch price of AU$699, you could get two pairs of the discounted XM4s with change instead.

With regard to all other aspects you’d want to consider when buying a pair of headphones, the Sony XM4s tick multiple boxes. Their active noise cancellation system still holds up, and is capable of blocking out all but the highest of frequencies.

As for sound, again there’s little to fault. As we said in our Sony WH-1000XM4 review when listening to Janelle Monae’s Make Me Feel, “From the bop of the percussion to the wall of sound that accompanies the pre-chorus, it sees the Sony WH-1000XM4s firing on all cylinders, with expressive dynamics and clear and distinct separation between each instrument.”

We also love their fold-flat, travel-friendly design — something Sony decided to ditch with the successor XM5s — and their 30-hour battery life. There's even a Quick Charge feature that nets you five hours of playback time from just 10 minutes plugged into power.

As mentioned, this AU$299.99 deal is the lowest I’ve seen in a long time, and that means it might not last forever. At this price, your options for truly talented headphones are limited, however I have found a couple of alternatives:

• For AU$50 more you could get the Bose QuietComfort Headphones SC
• Or for AU$50 less you could opt for the newer, more colourful JBL Live 780NC

Dyson made headlines this week when it launched the CameraJet — an electric toothbrush that goes beyond traditional brushing by adding a water-floss function and even a camera that can actively see the spots in your mouth that require extra attention. Additionally, your flawed brushing habits can be livestreamed to you to help you improve your oral health.

We’ve been fortunate enough to have already spent a week using the all-singing all-dancing toothbrush — check out our Dyson CameraJet review for more details — and the short of it is, it works. The camera function in particular is even more useful than you might expect — because who hasn’t wanted a live feed of what's happening inside their mouth during brushing? — as it makes sure no spot is left untouched.

While the idea of Dyson venturing into toothbrushes may have been unexpected, what isn’t a surprise is that the CameraJet isn’t what you could call affordable. At AU$799, plus the ongoing cost of replacement brush heads and the proprietary paste and mouthwash, it’s not going to be an impulse buy for many.

Fortunately, several other esteemed toothbrush brands already offer models with AI sensors, smart apps and voice guidance — many of which have made our list of the best electric toothbrushes — and it’s also possible to find some positively reviewed water flossers to blast plaque out from in between your teeth. And buying these two products separatelt will cost much, much, much less than one Dyson CameraJet. Sure, you don’t get the camera, you’ll still get a thorough clean than standard brushing alone. And with the money you save, you could always pay for a visit to a dental hygienist (which is recommended anyway even though most of us don't really enjoy the chair time).

Check out my top electric toothbrush and water flosser picks below.

Electric toothbrushses

Water flossers

Windscribe has reduced its annual plan from $69 to $39 upfront ($3.25/month), just in time for the new academic year.

The plan includes unlimited simultaneous connections — a feature missing from competitors like NordVPN or Proton — along with a built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker.

Its user-friendly apps are available across desktop, mobile, and many smart TVs, so it can cover everything you need: whether you're securing public Wi-Fi in the library or streaming back in the dorm.

Crucially, this isn't a first-year teaser rate. You'll be billed $39 every 12 months for as long as you keep the subscription active, avoiding the steep renewal price hikes standard across the VPN industry.

Few premium VPNs match this pricing, particularly when accounting for renewal costs. For example, NordVPN's one-year plans start at $65.88, over $20 more, and renew at $139 per year. It's a similar story when you look at the likes of Surfshark and ExpressVPN, too.

It's also among the fastest VPNs we reviewed during our most recent tests, achieving over 2,000 Mbps over WireGuard. Plus, it reliably unblocks major streaming platforms and bypasses regional internet blocks.

If you're not keen on Windscribe but want to keep top speeds, PrivadoVPN is another top choice that achieved over 2000 Mbps in testing. Equally, for streaming performance, no VPN performed better than NordVPN with global services this time around.

If you want to test it first, Windscribe offers a solid free tier. While bandwidth and server locations are capped, it gives you a risk-free way to test the interface before upgrading.

Can you believe that the Dyson Supersonic turned 10 in April this year? When it arrived back in 2016 we were all amazed at its feat of engineering, with Dyson using its expertise in airflow to create a hair dryer that styles and dries hair quickly, efficiently and with minimal heat damage.

Since then, though, the original Supersonic has spawned new models, such as the Supersonic Nural and Supersonic r, but for simple, everyday drying, the OG is tough to beat. And while it still commands Dyson money, the Supersonic Origin is at the receiving end of a 45% price cut at David Jones and can be yours for AU$299.

In our original Dyson Supersonic review, we were thoroughly impressed with its ability to try long, relatively thick hair — it managed to fully remove moisture from towel-dried hair in just under four minutes on the lowest heat setting and highest fan speed. Increasing the temperature and lowering the fan speed resulted in a quicker two and a half minutes.

On that note, the Supersonic offers three fan speeds and three temperature settings, giving you a good amount of control and the ability to prevent heat damage. We also loved how it leaves hair silky smooth.

Of course, the ‘standard’ Dyson Supersonic comes with extra attachments compared to the Origin model on sale, which are designed to be used with specific hair types or use cases — a diffuser for curly hair or a styling nozzle for straightening, for example. If you know you’d benefit from extra attachments, you can still buy them from Dyson directly with the cash you’ll save from this deal.

I’ve seen the Dyson Supersonic Origin drop to AU$299 before, but that was last year during the Black Friday sales and only as an exclusive deal on the company’s eBay store. That means this monster saving at David Jones is one to consider if you’ve always wanted the capable hair dryer, but haven’t wanted to splurge at full price.

Please note that while David Jones lists the RRP as AU$499, Dyson lists it at AU$549, making this a truly stunning discount.

More Dyson deals

As TechRadar Australia’s resident coffee connoisseur and gatekeeper of our guide to the best coffee machines, I’m constantly on the lookout for exceptional coffee machine deals on the most talented models. This week’s search was made easy, thanks to a 26% saving on the Philips Baristina, bringing it down to AU$444.

The Baristina is my pick for the best budget coffee machine in Australia in the aforementioned guide, thanks to its ease of use, clever features, tasty espresso and, of course, its low price. Its full price of AU$599 can easily be considered affordable compared to other models that typically carry a four-figure tag, but this solid discount makes it all the more tempting.

My colleague Cat Ellis — who is also a trained barista — couldn’t have been more positive in her Philips Baristina review, loving the fact that it combines the best of bean-to-cup machines with the convenience of capsule models.

It handles all aspects of the coffee-making process — grinding, dosing, tamping and brewing — all the while putting on a show. Once you’ve inserted the portafilter into position, the Baristina will automatically move it across to the brewing position when it’s finished grinding and tamping. It’s this feature alone that makes it unlike any other coffee machine Cat or I have previously tested.

It’s not without its limitations: it can only brew a 40ml espresso or a 110ml lungo, for example — there’s no extensive menu of drink options to choose from here — and you can’t adjust the grind size. This need not be a deal breaker, however, as you may just need to conduct some trial and error with coffee bean varieties if you find your espresso tastes over- or under-extracted.

There’s also no way to steam milk, although a colour-matching Philips Baristina milk frother is available separately — or you can buy this as a complete bundle for the same cumulative price.

In my mind, these are minor niggles that are either non-issues or which can be easily resolved. The combination of good looks, intuitive features and consistently well-extracted espresso more than makes up for them. If your kitchen is crying out for an affordable coffee machine, the Philips Baristina is ideal.

Want more suggestions?

If you’re in the market for a coffee machine, but the Philips Baristina doesn’t seem like it will fill your caffeine void, Amazon AU currently has a number of other wonderful models on sale, with up to 53% off.

Apple made headlines earlier this year with the launch of the MacBook Neo, which we called “the best budget laptop you can buy” in our review thanks to its low AU$899 launch price and premium materials — all while in the midst of RAM and storage shortages.

The RAM crisis did eventually come calling for the MacBook Neo, and the inevitable price increase saw its starting price increase for AU$1,049. Despite this, the MacBook Neo is still a great budget laptop that’s leagues ahead of its Windows and Chromebook competitors.

The price hike does sting a bit, but this discount from Amazon for the base 256GB variant brings the MacBook Neo down to AU$997 — a deal that’s hard to pass up if you missed out on the launch price.

Apple achieves the low-for-a-MacBook AU$1,049 price point by cleverly employing an iPhone processor, the A18 Pro chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, instead of its M-series silicon found in higher-end MacBooks. The Neo also only comes in a base configuration of 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. You can increase storage to a 512GB SSD and gain Touch ID capabilities for AU$1,249 — Amazon currently has it discounted to AU$1,199.

What I like the most about the Neo is its repairability, which is very much an improvement over its more expensive siblings, with plenty of online content creators having demonstrated how easy the laptop is to take apart and reassemble.

Even with the price increase, I still believe the Neo is a fantastic budget laptop that will easily handle basic tasks like web browsing and media consumption, and it can even do some light gaming and video editing. Our tests have found that the 8GB RAM isn’t as much of a limitation as initially thought, with the laptop running most Mac apps with no issues.

The all-metal chassis, hi-res display and repairability still make the MacBook Neo a standout in the budget space, and the fun colours are a nice touch as well.

Surfshark's latest deal shows why it's long been our best cheap VPN. Its One plan, the best-value option, is down to $67.23 for a two-year subscription, saving you nearly $10 upfront.

This is the lowest price we've seen since Surfshark adjusted its prices a couple of months ago and likely the best deal available until Black Friday.

The One plan offers several key features alongside the VPN including Antivirus, Dark Web Monitoring, and Scam Protection. At $2.49 per month, this Surfshark deal is actually $1 cheaper per month than NordVPN’s entry-level tier alone — saving you roughly $27 over the plan.

Tempted? You've only got 3 days left to claim; the offer ends on August 31, when the price will return to $2.79/month.

Surfshark remains among the best VPNs I've tested in 2026. It delivers over 1,000 Mbps download speeds over WireGuard, unblocks most top streaming services with ease, and offers plenty of extra features to protect your data online.

While the recent price hike was noticeable, it remains the best cheap VPN out there. What's more, despite its extensive feature list, the app is simple enough for beginners on any platform.

If you're after superior performance, be prepared for a higher price tag. NordVPN, our best VPN overall, starts at $94.23 for 27 months, $27 more than Surfshark. Meanwhile, Proton VPN is $83.76 for 24 months and ExpressVPN is $83.72 for 28 months, both over $16 more.

While higher-tier competitors offer minor improvements in raw speed, privacy, or unblocking capabilities, you'll rarely notice the difference during everyday browsing. So why pay the extra?

One of the worst parts about getting scammed is the shame, and that shame just plays into the hands of the crooks. If we don't spread the personal stories, then no one gets warned. So, good on Les Howard who told his story of getting QR code scammed to the BBC earlier this week.

Les, quite understandably, feel victim to what's widely known in the security industry as quishing (QR phishing). Les scanned a QR code that he thought was to pay for his parking, downloaded the app, put in his card details and then watched as chunks of cash were removed from his account day after day. Not great.

There are a number of different ways that QR scams work. Les Howard experienced the fake app routine, but it could just have easily been a link to a fake website, mocked up to look exactly like the real one. AI can work marvels these days when it comes to creating duplicate web pages.

You can just as easily get done by the QR scanner apps themselves, which will take a legitimate QR and send you anywhere it wants to, adding all sorts of other links or scraping the details that you send through.

Now, this doesn't mean that we shouldn't use QR codes. We just need to be a bit more careful about it. The two most important pieces of advice are to use the QR scanner that comes baked into your phone's camera app, if you have one, and, second, use a QR code checker app to make sure what you're scanning isn't a scam.

There are free online tools for the job, such as Is This QR Safe and DNS Checker but they also come bundled in with other tools such as antivirus and VPNs. Kaspersky antivirus has a QR code scammer. The VPN to choose to get one is IPVanish.

The IPVanish QR code checker – like all good QR code checkers – loads a live version of the destination page, rather than just relying on domain blacklists that may not be up to date.

It checks all the facets of the page for anything malicious, and follows any redirects that may be trying to throw it off the scent, until it's sure the QR code is safe. If all is well, it presents you with the page and allows you to continue. If not, you'll be told it's a scam code. Pretty simple stuff from the user end.

We rate IPVanish as solid, 4-star VPN. It's only short of the very best VPNs on features like server count and some streaming service unblocking that's not a priority for this use case.

In terms of QR code checking and other security features, it's right up there. So, if you're VPN-curious and definitely want in on a QR code checker, then give it a go.

If a QR code checker is all you want, though, then make sure to take some of those free options above for a spin, instead, before you settle on which one to use full time.

Finding gifts for a dad who wants nothing can be surprisingly difficult. If he already buys the things he needs, says he doesn't want any more stuff or is simply hard to shop for, another novelty mug or gadget destined for a drawer probably isn't the answer.

For Father's Day, I've focused on useful tech that earns its place: things that solve an everyday annoyance, upgrade something Dad already uses or make one of his hobbies a little better. That could be anything from a compact charger or tracker to better headphones, coffee gear or fitness tech.

I've also kept the list practical rather than filling it with products just because they look giftable. As much as possible, the recommendations are gear TechRadar has tested or recommended, along with options that are on sale, so offer particularly good value right now.

The picks cover a mix of budgets and interests, including a few easy last-minute options, so there should be something here whether Dad needs a small upgrade or you want to buy him a more substantial gift.

If you want some extra inspiration, Amazon's bestsellers are an easy place to see what other shoppers are buying, while its electronics bestsellers are particularly handy for inexpensive USB cables, chargers, power banks and other tech essentials.

If you've left it too late for delivery, our last-minute Father's Day gift ideas cover gift cards and other no-delivery options you can buy right away.

Quick gift ideas for the dad who wants nothing

• Best everyday gift: Iniu P50 45W 10,000mAh power bank – AU$29.99
• Best affordable gift: Iniu 2m USB-C cable – AU$11.39
• Best practical upgrade: 70mai A510 dash cam – AU$179.98
• Best last-minute gift: Anker Nano Charger 70W – AU$49.98
• Best for coffee lovers: De'Longhi Dedica Arte Espresso Machine – AU$196.95
• Best splurge: Ninja Swirl by Creami – AU$354.99

Useful tech he'll actually use every day

The safest gifts for a dad who says he wants nothing are often the ones that make everyday life a little easier. I've focused on practical tech he'll reach for every day rather than something that's only useful once or twice a year.

Upgrades he'll appreciate but probably won't buy himself

Dad might already have earbuds, a desk setup, some basic car tech and home-security gear, but that doesn't mean he's using a particularly good version of any of it.

These ideas are worthwhile upgrades to things he already uses, with the current discounts making the jump to higher quality a little more affordable.

Useful tech for his hobbies and downtime

If dad already has a hobby he loves, buying around that interest is often easier than trying to invent a new one for him. These gifts cover coffee, fitness, music, gaming and frozen desserts, so each has a clear recipient rather than simply being another gadget for the sake of it.

Last-minute Father's Day gifts that don't feel last minute

Leaving Father's Day shopping late doesn't mean settling for something forgettable. These final three gift options are inexpensive, broadly useful and easy to order without overthinking the purchase.

Amazon Prime can also be useful here, with next-day and, in some metro areas, same-day delivery available on eligible products, though the exact delivery date will depend on your location and the item you're buying.

How to choose a gift for a dad who wants nothing

If dad insists he doesn't need anything, start with what he already uses. A better version of his charger, headphones, shaver or coffee gear is often a safer bet than introducing an entirely new gadget, especially if you already know what works with the devices he owns.

Practical gifts for dad don't have to be boring — they just need to earn their place.

Another good approach is to solve a small annoyance. Think about the things he regularly complains about or works around, such as losing his keys, running out of phone battery, dealing with poor computer sound or using an old accessory that's well past its best.

A gift that fixes a real problem can feel more thoughtful than something chosen simply because it looks impressive in a gift guide.

Hobbies are another useful starting point, but it's usually best to buy around an interest rather than trying to choose highly personal specialist gear. A coffee upgrade, a fitness tracker, something useful for music or photography, or a gadget for the kitchen can be easier to get right than equipment where size, fit or personal preference matters.

Finally, be wary of novelty tech. If a gadget sounds clever but is likely to spend most of its life in a drawer, it's probably not the right choice for a dad who already says he wants nothing.

The best gifts for a dad who has everything are often straightforward upgrades he'll keep using long after Father's Day, Christmas or his birthday has passed. If you're hunting for last-minute gifts for dad, check the estimated delivery date as well as the price so a good gift doesn't arrive after you need it.

More gift ideas from TechRadar

Still not found the right present? These TechRadar guides are a good place to find more inspiration, whether you're shopping for a particular type of tech or just want to see more deals and recommendations.

• Best Amazon deals in Australia
• Best laptop deals in Australia
• Best mesh Wi-Fi systems
• Best phones
• Best ereaders
• Best TV streaming services in Australia
• Best computer mice
• Best wireless earbuds
• Best tablets
• Best cheap phones
• Best Bluetooth speakers in Australia
• Best coffee machines in Australia
• Best home printers
• Best headphones in Australia
• Best TVs
• Best dash cams in Australia
• Best air fryers in Australia
• Best soundbars in Australia
• Best video doorbells in Australia

Bluetooth trackers have been life-changing for keeping tabs on my valuables — even for mundane items that I always seem to lose, like umbrellas — and I now can’t imagine a world without them. Options such as the Apple AirTag (first and second generations) and Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 dominate the sector, but thankfully there are more affordable alternatives that work just as well.

So, when my housemate kept losing their keys, I felt compelled to reveal the benefits of owning a Bluetooth tracker. That's when I stumbled upon a deal on the Ugreen FineTrack Duo 4-pack on Amazon for 39% off and immediately bought it so I could pair one of them with the newly cut house key before handing it over.

And my housemate hasn’t lost their keys since! Indeed, I’ve found the Ugreen FineTrack to be excellent value compared to Apple AirTag (which I also use), and I particularly appreciate the built-in notch that lets you directly attach it to a keyring without needing a separate split ring or any other accessory.

I was surprised to learn how loud they are as well — I can certainly vouch for Ugreen’s 80dB-100dB claim, which is louder than the AirTag’s 60dB (or 40dB inside a bag, which is barely louder than a refrigerator hum). When you’re at the other end of a house and need to find a mislaid item, that extra loudness is priceless.

The Ugreen FineTrack Duo lets you instantly locate your valuables via Apple Find My or Google Find Hub, and you can make the tracker play a sound when you are within Bluetooth range. You also get a notification when the tag moves out of range, and there’s even a ‘Lost Mode’ that can be activated, whereby you supply your contact information, which someone else can view if they recover it.

The battery is rated for one year and charges via USB-C, so you won’t need a wireless magnetic charger, though the protective dust plug over the charging port isn’t attached to the FineTrack Duo and could easily be lost.

Amazon sells iOS-only and Android-only models that are slimmer, but there are bundles too, including this one with the card-shaped wallet finder that’s also available for AU$82.12.

Pre-orders for Samsung’s 2026 foldables wrapped up this week, but telcos across Australia are clearly in a generous mood, as they kept their previous pre-order deals live for a wee bit longer, giving you a bit more time to save on the new devices.

And save you might, because this year, Samsung has introduced a third premium Z-series foldable in 2026 with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 This new model introduces a new design: a short and wide 5.5-inch cover screen when folded, and a 7.6-inch main screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio that can fit widescreen videos better than the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s square display, or resemble an ereader when in portrait mode.

The direct successor of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now confusingly called the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which is thinner than ever (4.1mm down from an already ridiculously thin 4.2mm) and also features a 50MP ultrawide camera (up from 12MP), a higher-resolution main screen, and increased peak brightness from 2,600 nits to 3,000 nits.

With all that said, these foldables have arrived as some of the most expensive phones you can buy in Australia, with the base 256GB models starting from AU$2,699 for the Z Fold 8 and AU$2,999 for the Ultra. The latter also represents a AU$100 price hike from the Z Fold 7.

If you’ve been sold on all the features and are happy to buy either handset outright, you can check out the current best outright deals below and then pair that with one of our best SIM-only plans.

However, the high upfront costs of both foldables will likely mean many buyers may prefer to pay either one off over a multi-year contract from a major Australian telco like Vodafone, Optus or Telstra.

We’ve crunched the numbers on the big three’s Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra plans below — including any current promotions and discounts — to help guide you to the best value options for various needs.

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 plan overall

The best premium Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 plan

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra plan overall

The best premium Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra plan

Outright Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra deals

Not interested in purchasing through a telco with a postpaid plan? Many Aussie retailers offer the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra outright, including an option to pay in instalments through Samsung Australia directly. Here are the top current offers available from our retail partners.

What’s new with Samsung’s latest foldables?

Samsung’s latest foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8, mark substantial design and usability upgrades over their predecessors – pushing the boundaries of what a foldable phone can be.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the newest addition to the Z-series range, featuring a new short and wide form factor when folded, and a main screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio that can fit widescreen videos better than most foldables’ square display, or resemble an ereader when in portrait mode.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s direct successor is now called the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which is now even thinner at 4.1mm when unfolded and its main display gets a resolution bump at 2256 x 2504 pixels (up from 1968 x 2184 pixels). Its most prominent upgrade though is the camera system with a new 50MP ultrawide sensor to pair with the 200MP shooter, similar to those found in the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Both devices get a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, 12GB RAM (or 16GB in some instances) and new silicon-carbon batteries to fit in larger capacities compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries in the same physical size — 4,800mAh for the Z Fold 8 and 5,000mAh for the Ultra.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is thinner and lighter than its predecessor at 6.1mm unfolded and 13.1mm folded, compared to the Flip 7’s 6.5mm and 13.7mm, respectively. There’s also a refined hinge that’s aimed at making the handset easier to open one-handed and reducing the crease. While it doesn’t get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip used by its foldable cousins here in Australia, it still gets an upgraded Exynos 2600 found in the base Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus. The handset also gets the silicon-carbon treatment here, although it retains the same 4,300mAh capacity as the Flip 7.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 specs

Pre-orders for Google’s new Pixel 11 range have now wrapped up, with most retailer offers and deals finished, and you can now get your hands on them immediately.

All three Pixel 11 bar-style phones get a newly redesigned camera bump, along with brand-new LED notification lights within the flash module called ‘HiLight’. They also get a new Tensor G6, and now all start with 12GB of RAM — a decrease from the 16GB of RAM that the base Pro models had in last year’s Pixels.

Like many flagship releases thus far, the Google flagships have higher starting prices compared to their predecessors — like AU$1,499 for the base Pixel 11 — although thankfully storage options now start at 256GB instead of 128GB in last year’s handsets.

If you're keen to get one of Google's latest smartphones, then, understandably, paying one off in monthly instalments will likely be a popular option, instead of paying the full amount outright.

If you’re going the telco route, you’ll be pleased to hear that most of their pre-order specials have been extended to as late as October, with savings of up to AU$1,000. We’ve compared all the deals on offer and have highlighted the best ones below.

Best Pixel 11 plans

The best overall Pixel 11 plan

The best premium Pixel 11 plan

Compare Pixel 11 plans

Best Pixel 11 Pro plans

Compare Pixel 11 Pro plans

Best Pixel 11 Pro XL plans

The best Pixel 11 Pro XL plan overall

The best premium Pixel 11 Pro XL plan

Compare Pixel 11 Pro XL plans

Outright Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL deals

Spending up to AU$2,299 in one go on a phone isn't viable for everyone, but if you can swing it, you will end up saving more in the long run. The Pixel lineup also often gets regular discounts — sometimes even just a few months after launch (like the Black Friday sales). If that’s the route you're looking to explore, we recommend pairing your new phone with one of our best SIM-only plans to keep costs down.

Multiple retailers stock the Pixel 11 lineup, with some stores running their own discounts at various times of the year. This gives you plenty of options for purchasing any of the Pixel 11 and 11 Pro models outright, and you can compare retailers’ prices in the widget below:

What’s new with the Google Pixel 11 lineup?

Google has kept its four-phone lineup this year, comprising the standard Google Pixel 11, the Google Pixel 11 Pro and larger Pro XL, and Google's premium foldable, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. What are the new worthwhile features and how do they compare? Here's a quick breakdown.

Let's start with the Tensor G6 chipset that powers the entire range of new Pixel 11 phones. This is a direct upgrade to the previous G5 chip, boasting a 20% faster CPU, 50% faster TPU and a 20% improvement in power efficiency. That means faster overall performance, a more efficient battery and speedier processing for AI features.

Google phones have always been good for photos, too, and that theme continues with the Pixel 11 range. The base Pixel and the Pro Fold can now zoom in 30x (up from 20x), while the Pro and Pro XL get a whopping 120x zoom, up from 100x in last year’s handsets, thanks in part to a new 48MP telephoto sensor (that also has a 30% increase in light sensitivity.

You also get a new Magic Capture feature, which uses AI to automatically pull the best individual frames from video recordings as high-res HDR photos. You can also choose to reduce heavy photo processing or emulate retro camera styles with the new Camera Looks feature.

One notable feature is HiLight: a multi-colour LED light array in the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL’s camera flash module that glows when Gemini is activated or lights up with a chosen colour assigned to a specific contact.

Altogether, there are some decent upgrades across the new Pixel 11 lineup. With frequent discounts, you could come away with an awesome new phone at a great price, too.

Google Pixel 11 and 11 Pro specs comparison

You might be tempted to fall back on the usual Father's Day gifts, like novelty socks, a mug with a bad joke on it, whisky or aftershave, but there are plenty of more useful options. Father's Day 2026 in Australia falls on Sunday, September 6, so there's still time to find something he'll actually use.

If your dad, or a father figure in your life, loves tech and gadgets, these tried-and-tested products are some of our favourite Father's Day gift ideas. We've included tech gifts for Dad across a wide range of budgets and interests, from inexpensive everyday upgrades to some serious splurges.

We've focused on useful gifts we'd genuinely buy for our own dads, from AU$20 smart-home upgrades to big-ticket purchases like an outdoor pizza oven. Whether you're shopping for an outdoorsy dad, a coffee lover, a gamer or someone who'd rather stay on the couch, there should be something here to suit him.

The best Father's Day gifts for Dad under AU$100

We chose these picks for their functionality, value for money and whether we'd genuinely gift them to our own dads. From an AU$20 smart plug to a portable monitor for the home office, these 20 Father's Day gifts under AU$100 cover plenty of useful upgrades without requiring a big spend.

The best Father's Day tech gifts under AU$300

With a little more to spend, there are plenty of Father's Day gift ideas here, from a classic car Lego set and a Bluetooth turntable to a sleep analyser that sits under his mattress. We've even included a nice Android tablet and one of our highly-rated ebook readers that would be perfect for a father's downtime.

The best Father's Day gifts for Dad when money is no object

If you really want to splurge on a Father's Day gift, these big-ticket picks include some of the best tech we'd happily give our own dads.

You'll find that he may start playing the home barista every morning with a fancy new coffee machine or making more homemade pizzas with a new outdoor pizza oven. And if he's an avid runner or cyclist, we've added some premium-level gear here too.

I’ve used and reviewed a number of the best coffee machines in Australia in the last few years, from simple one-button pod options through to more involved models offering plenty of refinement. For my money, one of the standout espresso machines I’ve had the pleasure of using is the Philips LatteGo 4400 Series, and it’s now down to AU$763 at Amazon.

This compact model from Philips is a fully automatic machine, meaning you only need to touch a few buttons to be rewarded with a well-made cuppa. It also means you can start the brewing process and walk away to complete other tasks, which is an excellent use of time if you ask me.

The Philips LatteGo 4400 Series isn’t the first automatic espresso machine I’ve used — and it certainly won’t be the last — but it’s left a lasting impression on me for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s just so darn easy to master. Touch-enabled buttons are clearly labelled and the small colour screen is easy to read.

Then there’s the main event: the coffee. As I said in my Philips LatteGo 4400 Series review, it consistently brews a great-tasting coffee. I did have to adjust the grind setting for the best results, but thankfully that’s an easy process that shouldn’t scare newbies.

What you’re also getting here are 12 drink presets, two customisable user profiles and an automatic milk-foaming system, which is where it gets the LatteGo name. The user profiles are particularly useful if you have more than one person in your household using the machine: just enter a profile, select a drink and then the start button, that’s it.

Where I found the LatteGo 4400 falls a bit is with its headline feature — the LatteGo milk-foaming system. This sees a milk carafe being attached to the machine, for it to then deliver hot foamed milk into your cup or mug. I personally wasn’t all that thrilled with the level of foam produced, and it certainly won’t appeal to hardcore cappuccino fans, but flat white drinkers might actually prefer it. I found I achieved much better results using the Philips Baristina Milk Frother separately, and that’s not an expensive addition to add to your coffee routine, costing just under AU$120 on Amazon.

As for the actual coffee-making part though, I simply cannot fault the 4400 Series. Navigating through the menus is as easy as can be, and I’m consistently satisfied with the results.

While the price did go lower recently (and it's gone even lower before) the current price of this highly capable machine still beats Prime Day back in July (when it was AU$878). I can’t be sure how long this discount will last, so this could be one to jump on ASAP if your kitchen is crying out for a coffee machine.

Want more suggestions?

Amazon has a few other coffee machines at discounted prices at the time of writing, including the Philips Baristina and Ninja Luxe Cafe, both of which claim spots in my guide to the best coffee machines in Australia.

Here are some other standout deals for you to consider:

• Philips Baristina – was AU$559 now AU$449.25
• Ninja Luxe Cafe (Stainless Steel) – was AU$799 now AU$585
• Breville Bambino Plus – was AU$729 now AU$497
• KitchenAid Semi Automatic – was AU$999 now AU$777

The Ninja Crispi Pro arrived in Australia only in June this year, and I immediately wanted it. You see, I'd been eyeing the standard Ninja Crispi for a while because the nonstick coating of the trays in my two-drawer air fryer was coming off. My research told me that it wasn't toxic, but I was still concerned.

So it was serendipitous that the larger Crispi Pro came along just when I was ready to ditch my old air fryer — and at a price that wasn't all that much more over the standard Crispi. For AU$399 RRP, it may not be 'cheap' but it sure is good value considering how well it's performed in the last couple of months I've had mine. So much so that I don't regret ditching my previous air fryer that was more versatile thanks to a steam functionality as well.

Right now, the Crispi Pro is going slightly cheaper as well, down to AU$318 on Amazon and AU$322 at JB Hi-Fi, and available in four colour options.

I may not have done TechRadar's Ninja Crispi Pro review, but I wholeheartedly agree with its high star rating and, for me, it comes down to the glass containers more than the performance — all the best air fryers in Australia offer excellent cooking results, but few are as safe as glass.

Glass is also remarkably easy to clean — just chuck it in the dishwasher without even having to think about it or soak it in the sink if you have caked-in food on the sides and a light scrubbing will have it sparkling again.

I also appreciate the bigger container's massive 5.7L capacity, something that most two-drawer air fryers don't offer (for context, you get about 4L to 4.5L at most in the average dual-basket models). You don't have to worry about picking the smallest chicken to roast, for example, and can make fries or wedges for up to 10 people.

The smaller 2.3L container is fine for making dishes for a single person, but I would be careful with what I put in there. Chicken drumsticks, for example, have a little height to them and when I tried cooking two in the smaller container, the raw and cooked results scraped against the rubber gasket around the top heating element of the appliance every time I took the container out or replaced it on the modular stand.

Sitting higher within the machine also means that the food is close to the heating element on the top of the appliance, so if the food you're cooking splutters, you'll need to ensure you clean the heating element after each use to prevent burns and subsequent deterioration in performance.

However, 'flatter' foods like a fillet of fish, fries or some vegetables for roasting is fine in the smaller basket.

Ninja also has a 3.2L container as well, but you'll need to buy that separately. Personally, I'd have preferred the 3.2L and 5.7L dishes to be the default options, with the 2.3L being the additional purchase, but that's not a complaint in any way; it's a reflection of my own needs.

The fact that all the containers come with airtight lids is also a tick in my books. Got leftovers? Leave them in the container, cover and pop in the fridge, then just reheat in the air fryer itself. That's less cleaning up!

Despite the two containers, the Crispi Pro doesn't take up too much space on the kitchen counter. In fact, its footprint is about half that of my previous dual-basket air fryer, and most of us would be able to stow away a small glass container in a drawer or cabinet. And I now no longer worry about black bits contaminating my food.

If you're keen on an air fryer upgrade, I'd highly recommend the Ninja Crispi Pro but, if you don't need to feed an army, even the standard Ninja Crispi is a good option (it just has smaller containers).

Samsung has had a busy few weeks with the launch of its 2026 foldable and wearable ranges, with pre-orders just wrapping up last week. If you missed out on the pre-order deals or you have your eyes set on something else from the brand, then fret not — Samsung has just unveiled a slew of deals across its product portfolio.

The latest Samsung Secret Sale event features lots of top-rated tech that we’ve reviewed here at TechRadar, with savings of up AU$1,200 or 50% with the code SECRETAUG — but it’s only running for 48 hours, with deals ending at 10am AEST on Wednesday, August 19.

One standout deal is the excellent Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 with a 50% discount, bringing it down to just AU$374.50 for the 40mm LTE model. Given that the new Watch 9 has relatively modest upgrades for AU$699 (with a current deal), this offer is hard to pass up.

• Check out our range of dedicated Samsung Australia promo codes for more savings on phones, TVs, wearables and audio

The Google Pixel 11 range is here with preorders officially underway in Australia, and we’ve covered all the best offers from both retailers and telcos across the country.

While there are plenty of great options out there, for our money, the best preorder deal comes from Vodafone. The telco is quite literally giving away a Sony PlayStation 5 Slim console and an extra DualSense controller for free when you preorder the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL until August 19.

Given that the PS5 Slim has seen multiple price increases since launching in 2020 and discounts are getting harder to come by, this deal is hard to pass up for any gamer looking to upgrade their phone and console at the same time, all from as low as AU$103.30p/m for a 36-month contract.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL brings some notable upgrades from its predecessor, headlined by the new Tensor G6 chipset, a brighter display with 3,600 nits peak brightness (up from 3,300 nits) and a new LED notification light in the camera flash module called HiLight.

The cameras also get upgrades, with the main shooter having a new sensor designed to improve low-light performance, as well as boosting the zoom capabilities up to 120x, up from 100x in the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

It’s not all good news, unfortunately, as the base 256GB model only gets 12GB of RAM instead of 16GB in last year’s model (despite the price increase from AU$1,999 to AU$2,099), but it was to be expected given the current climate of component shortages.

Fortunately, this bundle with a PS5 thrown in for free could go some way to softening the blow, and is a deal that you can’t miss if you’re in the market for a new Pixel phone and a new gaming console. The convenience of a monthly payment instead of shelling out AU$3,108 for both devices and a spare DualSense controller makes it an even more compelling buy.

Be quick, as Vodafone is only running this promotion until Wednesday, August 19.

The new Pixel 11 series may be introducing several software improvements to Google's flagship phones, but there's little to be said about online security.

Pixel VPN by Google has been around for years but no major changes have been released recently. So which tool should you pick instead?

The best VPNs are often expensive and have lots of features you might not use. IPVanish, by contrast, is among the cheapest VPNs available, and offers exactly what you need to protect your data online.

It's only $2.19 per month over two years, paid as $52.56 upfront. For that price, you get unlimited simultaneous connections, solid WireGuard connection speeds, and even 3GB of eSIM data to help you travel securely over the summer months.

Having tested IPVanish several times recently, it remains among my favorite Android VPNs to use and recommend to beginners.

The app looks like it could be something out of a Bond movie with its green and black military-like design. You're greeted with a large connect button, easy access to other tools, and VPN settings that are clearly laid out for beginners

If you're after supreme speeds, there may be better options. It achieved 740 Mbps over WireGuard in our May 2026 testing cycle, which is fast enough but slower than the very fastest VPNs.

As a streaming VPN, IPVanish performed solidly. However, we did encounter some issues with Prime Video, US YouTube and Disney+ Canada. That said, it performed far better than many others.

For the absolute best experience right now, your best alternatives are NordVPN, Proton VPN, or Surfshark, though be prepared to pay considerably more for these right now.

There are three things guaranteed in life: death, taxes and me seeking out the best coffee machine deals during major sales events such as Afterpay Day. Yes, I love a hunt for discounts on the givers of life that are coffee machines, and this week there are plenty to shop.

Admittedly, some stores’ discounts aren’t quite as good as other events such as Black Friday, and some retailers don’t have any discounts at all! But I’m confident that the models I’ve picked out for you below will fill the coffee-machine-void in your life kitchen.

My selections cover automatic, manual and capsule coffee machines to suit a variety of budgets, so there really is something for everyone. And based on my experience reviewing coffee machines, they deliver the true crema de la crema (see what I did there?) of at-home espresso.

The term spring cleaning exists for a reason, and the new season is right around the corner, officially kicking off in Australia on Tuesday, September 1. That means you don’t have long to get your cleaning tools in order, specifically a vacuum cleaner. If your current model could do with an upgrade, this perfectly timed deal of nearly 50% off the Shark PowerDetect Cordless could be just the thing you’re looking for.

And while it might be tempting to opt for a Dyson — especially now that the premium brand has set its Afterpay Day deals live — Shark makes some of the best on the market at lower prices even when not discounted. Right now, though, you can grab the Shark PowerDetect Cordless that we consider to be the best cordless vacuum in Australia, for AU$619 (down from AU$1,199).

Given that we consider the Shark PowerDetect Cordless to be the best stick vac in Australia, it’s no surprise it’s also the best Shark vacuum in our opinion. As our vacuum-expert reviewer, Ruth Hamilton, says, “the PowerDetect Cordless came out top in my cleaning trials, beating even Dyson's priciest vacuums to the cleaning crown”.

She also loved how it can automatically adjust suction depending on the floor surface, stating “It knows what type of floor it's on and how dirty that floor is, and whether it's near the edge of a room, and will increase or lower suction in response.”

The PowerDetect further justifies its higher price tag by offering an additional feature called DirectionDetect, which means it can clean just as well when it’s pulled backwards as it does when pushed forward — a rare addition that you won’t find in many machines at its discounted price. It also has a large battery that’s rated for up to 70 minutes of runtime, which is a figure we can certainly vouch for, with it managing 67 minutes in our tests.

The only slight downside is that the PowerDetect Cordless is pretty heavy, and some users may find it a little tricky to manoeuvre around their home. However, it’s at least comfortable to hold thanks to an ergonomically shaped handle, complete with a rubberised grip and padding.

This isn’t quite the lowest price I’ve ever seen on this talented vacuum — it dropped to AU$566 during the recent Prime Day sales. However, for it to receive such a hefty discount so soon, and just in time for the spring season, makes it one well worth considering.

Despite the heatwaves, the back-to-school season is fast approaching. Thankfully, ExpressVPN's latest price drop gives you the security you need for longer — and for less — in time for the fall semester.

ExpressVPN's two-year plans now start at only $2.99/month (previously $3.49), equivalent to $83.72 in total. It also now comes with 4 months extra included, saving you $14 over the 28 months.

ExpressVPN ranks as the most secure VPN we've tested, perfect if you're looking to keep yourself safe while diving into research for your latest project.

With a more expensive plan, you can also access secure AI, identity defense tools, password management, and email spoofing capabilities.

The deal means ExpressVPN is currently cheaper than NordVPN and on par with ProtonVPN, both of which are normally cheaper.

That said, this isn't ExpressVPN's best-ever deal. In the past, its price has dropped as low as $2.49/month. However, there's no guarantee these deals will return. The current sale is available until September 9.

I've tested VPNs for years and think ExpressVPN is one of the best options for your studies. Here are a few features you should make sure to check out:

• ExpressKeys: Password management, password health checks, and secure notes storage. Perfect if you need to remember logins for research sites, internal systems, and more.
• ExpressMailGuard: Alias email domain creator. Ideal if you need to sign up for websites for research purposes and don't want to worry about the spam emails once you leave college.
• VPN protection: A secure, encrypted tunnel to the internet. Access servers in 113 countries, stay protected from malicious sites, and protect all your devices, no matter if its for working, gaming, or streaming.

I’ve been a big fan of Shokz’s open-ear headphones for some years now. I’ve previously owned the Shokz OpenRun, and now have the Shokz OpenFit Pro as my daily driver. I find them perfect for listening to music, podcasts or audiobooks while I’m out running or cycling, and even for navigating with Google Maps turn-by-turn directions.

If you’ve long considered buying a pair — whether you’re running the upcoming Sydney marathon at the end of the month or shopping for a Father’s Day gift — but are unsure which pair(s) to get, Amazon has a slew of Shokz’ open-ear headphones discounted for a limited time.

Some of the deals include our picks for the best running headphones, the best open earbuds and the best bone conduction headphones, as well as some that are great for work calls. With prices starting at AU$109 and savings of up to 36%, there’s something for everyone here.

Seeing the red 'limited-time deal' banner on some DDR5 RAM at Amazon should elicit some excitement given the rarity of price cuts lately. But when you click through and see the price for this 32GB Corsair Vengeance kit, you'll wonder if there's genuinely a deal here at all — and other wannabe buyers aren't wholly convinced, either.

"It's 'only' 4x the price it should be," wrote one user named Technikal on HotUKDeals, a community that shares deals from across the web and asks the community to vote whether they think they are hot or cold. "The current average is 5x," he continues, "so, in that sense it's a good deal...I guess."

A muted response, that's for sure. And while it may be true that the deal price of the RAM kit is technically one of the lowest prices available right now, it's so far from the much lower prices we saw before the RAM crisis turned buying memory for your PC into a depressing exercise.

"Blimey, just checked my receipt for mine from 2 years ago - cost £85..." says another HotUKDeals user named Jacko_1975.

In fact, even just a year ago, this very same RAM kit was available for £99.99 when it wasn't even on sale, according to price history information from Keepa.

Given that, it's no surprise that shoppers have reacted negatively to Amazon's flash deal. Unfortunately, though, it doesn't look like things are getting any better when it comes to RAM prices. A report from Samsung suggests the RAM crisis is just getting started, and it could extend to other components in the near future.

If you're looking at these deals and are trying to convince yourself to purchase any RAM in the near future, we've got a PC gaming expert delivering advice on what to do if you're considering buying memory, a GPU, or other components.

Sadly, the news is grim, and these prices could be with us for a while yet. So, yes, it may be difficult to feel happy about seeing supposed RAM deals like this, but from what I'm seeing and hearing, I don't think they're going to get any better, either.

Amazon has discounted the 256GB Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra to AU$1,597, dropping it by AU$502 from its AU$2,099 RRP.

That's the same price Amazon is charging for the smaller 256GB Galaxy Tab S11, and AU$2 less than the AU$1,599 it costs direct from Samsung.

This isn’t quite the lowest price we’ve seen for the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra on Amazon, with the 256GB model briefly dropping to AU$1,547 in June.

Still, today’s AU$1,597 price is only AU$50 more, plus the 512GB model is down to AU$1,799 from the AU$2,449 RRP and the 1TB version has dropped from AU$2,949 to AU$2,299.

Amazon is the simpler option if you just want an easy purchase and fast delivery, but other retailers such as JB Hi-Fi also have the S11 Ultra for just a few dollars more.

Another option worth checking out is Samsung’s current trade-in offer, which could work out cheaper if you have an eligible tablet. Samsung is selling the 256GB Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra for AU$1,599 and, until 26 August, is adding a guaranteed AU$500 bonus credit on top of your device’s assessed trade-in value.

One catch – your old tablet must be eligible for Samsung’s trade-in program and retain an assessed value above AU$0.

But, I hear you ask, what makes the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra truly worth the rather large price tag?

In our Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra review, we said we’d be “hard-pressed to find a bigger and better display on an Android tablet”. The 14.6-inch AMOLED screen earned a full 5/5 in our testing, with enough brightness for outdoor use, while the included S Pen and expansive display make it particularly well suited to watching movies, gaming and drawing.

Our reviewer also found Samsung’s One UI software made excellent use of the big screen for multitasking, with the tablet handling a video call, game and floating YouTube window at the same time without slowing down.

Battery life impressed too, lasting 11 hours while streaming 1080p video at full brightness, helping explain why the S11 Ultra remains our best premium Android tablet pick in our buying guide.

No tablet is perfect, and the main caveat for the S11 Ultra from our testing is the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset, which we found disappointing considering the RRP is over AU$2,000.

Yes, it's a clear improvement over the Tab S10 Ultra and handles games well, but it falls well short of competitors like the M5 iPad Pro for outright processing power.

That said, while the current AU$502 discount does not fix the performance shortfall, at AU$1,597 rather than AU$2,099, it makes our review criticisms considerably easier to swallow. Especially when the closest equivalent iPad Pro is AU$2,599.

So overall, I think that at the current discount, the S11 Ultra is an easy recommendation for those who want the biggest possible screen for movies, games, drawing and multitasking.

• Amazon beats its last all-time low price of AU$1,098 during EOFY, dipping below AU$1,000 for the first time
• Also discounted at Samsung Australia's store for AU$999, with exclusive colours and monthly installment payment options
• Trade-in options available from both stores for further savings

It’s an exciting time to be a Samsung phone fan right now with the recent launch of its new foldable range, including a brand new form factor for the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Pre-orders are still ongoing, but with prices starting from AU$1,949, not everyone will be springing for these premium phones.

If you’re in the market for something much more affordable, then you’re in luck — the Samsung Galaxy S26 is currently at its all-time low price of AU$992 on Amazon, or a whopping 36% off.

Our Samsung Galaxy S26 review praised the bright AMOLED display, reliable 3-lens camera setup and surprisingly long battery life given its relatively small 4,300mAh capacity. It also has a 6.3-inch screen, perfect for those who like smaller-sized handsets.

Storage options now also start at 256GB, up from the predecessor’s 128GB. That change, plus the other improvements over the S25, meant the S26 came with a price increase from AU$1,399 to AU$1,549.

Aussies also miss out on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset found in the US model, having to settle for an Exynos 2600 processor. Our reviewer also noted the relatively slow 25W charging speed and the lack of full Qi2 wireless charging support, commenting that this phone is only worth buying when it’s on sale.

And that’s why this phone is an easy recommendation for less than AU$1,000, despite its shortcomings. It’s a solid entry-level flagship with the specs to back it up, which also comes in an increasingly rare 6.3-inch size.

Also discounted at the Samsung store

It's been a day since I published my Samsung Jet 95S review and, as I mentioned, this cordless vacuum cleaner is full of surprises. From its unimposing size to being lighter than some of its competition, to even fully harnessing its excellent 280AW of suction, the Jet 95S is very easy to recommend even at full price.

But why would you do that when you can pick it up for 50% off? That's right: the Samsung Jet 95S, which is already good value at AU$799, is now discounted to just AU$399 at JB Hi-Fi.

That's a very budget price and excellent bang for your hard-earned buck to spend on a vacuum cleaner that I gave a full five stars to — and I've been reviewing vacuum cleaners for nearly a decade and have rarely done so. The Jet 95S is now my pick of the best vacuum cleaner in Australia.

It may not have self-emptying like many a Shark vacuum cleaner or may not be looker like some of its Dyson counterparts, but what the Samsung Jet 95S has in spades is performance.

As I said in my review, it's in the same league as the Dyson Gen5detect Absolute with 280AW of suction, but it manages to outperform its competition thanks to four suction modes, with the Jet setting so darn powerful, I found 100% hair pickup from a rather dirty mid-pile carpet.

In fact, the Jet 95S aced all my tests in just its Mid suction setting, which is the second level up from Min (aka minimum, of course), and found it performed better than Dyson's Auto mode — albeit just barely.

I'm even a big fan of the Flex Tool that ships with the Jet 95S, which helped me get to awkward corners and high up on ceilings to clean behind my sofa and even an air-conditioning vent that's 90º to my ceiling. The other two accessories are stock standard, but you do get a Pet Tool+ attachment that's good at picking up small and thin strands from upholstery, bedding and all kinds of floor types.

The Slim LED floorhead has a very bright headlight that doesn't highlight dust particles like Dyson's Fluffy Optic does, but at least it lets you see under the bed or other low-lying furniture where light doesn't typically penetrate. This floorhead is only for hard floors though.

The all-round useful floorhead is the Jet Dual Brush+ that I found a little difficult to manoeuvre around the house, even on hard floors, but the Samsung vacuum isn't as heavy as some other models, so exerting a little extra energy is doable here. The clean you get from this floorhead, though, is exceptional, and I found no tangling of long hair strands during my testing.

I even love the fact that the wand is expandable, unlike Dyson.

Honestly, for a fraction of the Gen5detect's price, you're getting the same suction power and excellent cleaning performance, in a package that's easy to use and store. It's an absolute steal at just AU$399!

It’s official: TechRadar readers want VPN pricing to change. In a recent set of polls, 54% of TechRadar readers said price jumps were the most annoying part of VPN subscriptions, while a whopping 97% said they’d rather pay a flat fee than a discounted rate that rises later on.

The problem is that many of the best VPNs don’t work this way. Most opt for a reduced rate that increases at the end of the fixed plan. And while some providers offer an end-of-plan offer, it isn’t guaranteed.

One VPN that breaks this mould is Mullvad VPN. It costs €5 per month, every month.

Its price hasn't changed since it launched way back in 2009. What’s more, if you’d like to keep your payment anonymous, it allows cash payments, which require no identification whatsoever.

Mullvad's single price does mean it is more expensive per month than options offering an initial discount. NordVPN, for example, costs $3.49/month initially, over a dollar less, but you're faced with a $80+ price rise at the end of two years, and you pay the whole fee upfront.

Mullvad gives you greater control of your payments; no price rises, and performance that rivaled the very best VPNs in our March 2026 testing.

It achieved 2,308 Mbps using WireGuard in our speed testing, second only to PrivadoVPN. It also proved to be reasonably effective with streaming services. It struggled with Disney+ and Prime Video in some regions, but was flawless with global Netflix libraries and local services such as BBC iPlayer.

Compared to other VPNs, Mullvad does fall short on additional security features. It lacks capabilities such as antivirus, password management, or dark web monitoring to secure you outside of the VPN. For these features, you'd need to look to VPNs such as NordVPN or Surfshark.

Wanna have your own say? The polls are still open, so feel free to leave your vote and let us know why in the comments below.

Multiple studies have found that the average person has over 150 passwords. As a password security expert, I regularly recommend that every single password people use should be both unique and strong - but this adds the problem of being able to remember each one, or store them securely.

Password managers are designed for this exact reason. They store your passwords in encrypted vaults and autofill your credentials as and when you need them. For this very reason, Keeper is one of our most highly rated password managers.

Right now, Keeper has cut prices on its personal, family, and business starter plans by up to 50%, providing an affordable password management solution that can store and generate your passwords, while also providing convenient features for securely sharing regularly used household or business passwords.

Why we recommend Keeper

In our Keeper review, we praised the zero knowledge architecture and device level encryption that helps keep the contents of your personal vault hidden from hackers.

Keeper also scored great marks in our usability and convenience testing. Rather than having to enter your master password each time you need to fill in your credentials, Keeper uses biometric security to access your vault. Biometric security uses a facial scan or fingerprint to verify that its actually you accessing your vault. It's also phishing resistant.

Four households, the Family Plan includes five private vaults, allowing you to quickly share Wi-Fi or streaming passwords using Keeper's shared vaults.

The Business Starter plan covers 5 users, covering an unlimited devices, shared team folders, user activity reporting for IT admins, and a free Family Plan for every team member.

These discounts apply to the first year only, so the value is highest for new customers or anyone switching from a monthly plan. After that, pricing goes back to standard rates.

It’s hardly a surprise that Apple had to increase the prices of its iPads, Macs and other devices last month amid ongoing RAM and storage shortages, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the upcoming iPhones follow suit — but it’s not completely doom and gloom for Apple fans.

Apple’s wearables weren’t impacted by these price hikes, which is good news for anyone looking to upgrade to a watchOS 27-compatible device (as there will only be a select few left) or if you’re keen to get a swanky new watch to track your workouts.

The Apple Watch 11 was already going at a fantastic price of AU$429 during Prime Day last month, but surprise, surprise, it’s ever-so-slightly cheaper now, and it’s not even sale season! The Apple Watch Series 11 with the 42mm chassis and GPS-only option is now AU$2 cheaper, making this the lowest-ever price on Amazon Australia — that’s 37% off in case you were wondering.

Our Apple Watch Series 11 review called it “the most capable and best-looking” mainline Apple Watch yet, thanks to its larger battery capacity and brighter, more power-efficient and more scratch-resistant Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED display compared to its predecessor.

Apple rates both the 42mm and 46mm models’ battery life at 24 hours of typical use and up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode, with battery capacity up 9% and 11%, respectively. Our reviewer found the claim checks out, with tests getting a full day and a half of battery life with light use, but the Low Power Mode makes it go even longer.

Health tracking is more comprehensive with the Series 11, adding blood-pressure monitoring to the usual arrhythmic heart-rate alerts, ECG, wrist temperature, respiratory rate and cycle tracking. Hearing health and Sleep Score are other notable additions, but these are also available on the cheaper SE 3 and have been rolled out to older models too.

Admittedly, the Apple Watch Series 11 won’t be much of an upgrade over the Series 10 because of the very similar hardware (and watchOS 27 compatibility), but upgrading from the Series 8 or older models, or even the Watch SE and SE 2, will see a significant performance jump and a longer support period.

And at this price, you don’t even need to wait till Black Friday as we don’t see it getting much cheaper than this in a few months’ time.

When you’re thinking about buying a new pair of headphones, I’d wager that a pair from Sony will undoubtedly come to mind. The tech giant is known for making some of the best headphones we’ve seen heard in the past decade.

In fact, Sony released the uber-premium 1000X The Collexion in May this year to celebrate that decade of being at the top of its audio game, while also giving it an uber-premium price tag to match. Roughly three months since their launch, they’ve received their first discount, bringing them down to a slightly more manageable AU$849 (down from AU$999) for a limited time.

Yes, that’s still a lotta money to throw at a set of headphones, but when Apple’s AirPods Max 2 — the Sony’s main rival — continue to prove popular and cost similar money, then there’s very much a case to be made for a pair from a company that’s been producing top-rated audio kit for over 75 years.

If you’re familiar with Sony’s other headphone exploits, such as the WH-1000XM6 that currently sit atop my guide to the best headphones in Australia, then I must stress that the 1000X Collexion are absolutely not the same pair in a new-look aesthetic.

Sony has gone to great lengths to ensure its latest pair justify their price tag, and that they do more than enough to compete with the AirPods Max 2, with an immediate win for being device-agnostic compared to Apple’s over-ears.

Elsewhere they sport impeccable touch controls, a 10-band custom equaliser and DSEE Ultimate technology for upscaling lower-quality song files up to 96kHz and 32-bit. This technology has previously only been found in Sony’s high-end portable music players, so it’s a big deal that it’s finally made its way into a pair of headphones. Noise cancellation is also excellent, as the Collexion uses the same 12-mic system found in the XM6 over-ears.

No product is perfect, mind you, and as our tester noted in his Sony 1000X The Collexion review that “there are some downsides, such as lower battery life, as well as the underwhelming 360 Upmix modes”.

On those two latter points: battery life is rated at 24 hours, which is down from the 30 hours of the XM6, but still more than the AirPods Max 2’s 20 hours, while the 360 Upmix mode — essentially spatial audio — seemed to have a negative effect on sound quality during our testing.

Listening experience is personal, however and, all things considered, the Collexion are still a fantastic set of headphones that I personally wouldn’t mind spending my own money on if I didn’t already use the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless. I can’t be sure how long this limited-time discount will last, so if you’ve been keen to invest in Sony’s best, don’t let this opportunity pass you by.

The iPad might be the more popular choice when it comes to choosing the best tablet for personal use but, with the recent price hike across its product portfolio globally, Apple's slates are just that little bit harder to justify for everyday use.

The entry-level iPad, for example, used to be a fantastic bang-for-the-buck tablet with prices from AU$599, but is now bordering on the premium side of things at AU$749 for the base 128GB model. That’s a 25% increase, which will sting for some households.

Which is why this deal on Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A11 Plus for just AU$359 (256GB model) makes it a much more enticing alternative if you’re in the market for a no-frills tablet that’s still very capable — if you’re willing to move from iPadOS to Android of course.

The base 128GB model is also discounted by 30% to AU$279, but is temporarily out of stock. You can, however, still put in an order for that price and Amazon will contact you at a later date when it has more stock available.

We sadly haven't had the opportunity to test this budget Samsung tablet for ourselves, but we trust our colleagues over at Android Central who rate it 4 out of 5 stars, calling it out as Samsung's best cheap tablet at present.

Despite some cost-cutting elements, like a lower-powered chipset compared to Samsung's S-series Tabs, you still get smooth performance and 7 years of software support from the South Korean tech giant.

Compromises are few. It has an 11-inch 90Hz TFT LCD screen with a 1,920 x 1600 resolution, a 3.5mm headphone jack, expandable storage via microSD with support for up to 2TB cards, four speakers and two cameras (8MP rear, 5MP front).

Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset — which is an upgrade from the Tab A9+ (there is no A10), the A11+ handles light gaming and multitasking well, even if you have multiple tabs open in a web browser alongside other apps (like note-taking, for example).

The tablet also supports Samsung's DeX desktop mode that’s usually reserved for the brand’s premium S-series smartphones, making it a decent laptop replacement, but note it will not handle hardcore productivity.

The few compromises that have been made come in the form of the 7,040mAh battery that will not last more than a full day with average use. The 25W ‘fast charging’ isn’t particularly fast either, while the TFT LCD screen isn’t the brightest at a peak of 480 nits. There’s also no S Pen support here but, then again, that's hardly a complaint at this very affordable price point.

The extended software support, moreover, means you’ve got something you may not need to upgrade for a while yet and having higher storage means there's less pressure on the battery, which means the Tab A11+ will go the distance. Like we said, brilliant bang for buck.

If you're looking to get ahead for college in the fall, then a VPN is one of the most sensible back-to-school staples to tick off your list now. You're going to spend a lot of time connected to campus Wi-Fi and it's often not as user-friendly as it might seem.

For sure, there can be security concerns when connecting to any form or public network, which a VPN can help with, but its best use at university is to make sure you can access all the content that you usually do at home.

That's because campus Wi-Fi can be very restrictive. These are networks that have to manage huge bandwidth demands, maintain cybersecurity, and also comply with legal requirements.

That means that they often limit access to certain usage-heavy services, and sites and apps that are more in a grey area when it comes to safety and the law. Think video streaming, online gaming and torrenting, for examples, as three activities that you might find curtailed.

But, if you're using a VPN on your device, the campus network in question won't be able to see what internet sites and services you're accessing, so it will be blind to you and your activities.

It will probably be able to see that you're using a VPN, the amount of bandwidth your device is using and what your device is but your online deeds will remain private. So, if you're headed to college this year, you might want to think about getting a VPN.

Right now, IPVanish is a good choice for college students. It does a great job of keeping your digital life private and, just as importantly, it's cheap!

At $2.19 per month, IPVanish is solid, 4-star VPN and is only short of the very best VPNs on features like server count and some streaming service unblocking that's not a priority for this use case.

It does also have a unique privacy feature which may be handy for your browsing too.

IPVanish's Secure Browser is remote browser software that runs on an IPVanish cloud server. The sites and services you then navigate to have no idea about you or your device at all. They only connect with the cloud server.

That means the session cannot be linked with you at all and no trackers, cookies nor anything else can come your way. It also protects you from any malware or any other nasty things that you stumble across. Definitely worth using when you're searching the darker corners of the web.

Along with IPVanish's standard features, that should have you covered for all the college dorm internet use cases you'll have. Give it whirl.

As a keen fitness junkie who likes to keep track of my runs and cycles, I was amazed to learn that Amazfit finally officially launched in Australia earlier this month by way of an Amazon AU storefront. The brand specialises in fitness trackers and wearables, and looks to challenge the likes of Garmin, Apple, Samsung and Google with its budget-friendly models that have excellent health tracking.

While the launch headlined its newest Amazfit Active 3 Premium and the Helio Strap — a screenless wearable taking aim at the Fitbit Air and Garmin Cirqa — Amazon has discounted a couple of older Amazfit models for a limited time, making them even more affordable.

The Amazfit Active 2 is my top pick, and is currently 20% off, bringing the price down to justAU$159.20. Even at full price it was a great buy, but this discount makes the already affordable smartwatch even more enticing.

For less than AU$160, you’ll be getting a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen with 2,000 nits max brightness, downloadable maps, 160-plus workout modes, an AI coach, a heart health tracker, a cycle tracker and nutrition tracking, to name a few. There’s also voice control and message replies, which you can’t find in most Garmin watches.

Our reviewer said they were “frankly astounded” at the amount of features in the Active 2 considering its price, even saying it’s impressive for a smartwatch of any price tag, let alone one with an RRP of less than AU$200. Features like ECG and on-device GPS were highlighted as standout features that are usually found in pricier watches.The review also praised the Amazfit Active 2’s classic stainless steel design that looks more subtle and understated compared to other smartwatches, although they found the fit of the leather strap wasn’t perfect.

One nitpick they had was the absence of NFC for on-device card payments via Zepp Pay, as the feature is only available in the Amazfit Active 2 Premium model, but that’s hardly a complaint for something this affordable — especially with this discount.

Want something even cheaper? The 4-star Amazfit Bip 6 is also discounted at AU$103.20.