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Best Dyson Airwrap i.d. deals Straight/Wavy hair Dyson Airwrap i.d. $499.99 (save $150) Get Deal Curly/coily hair Dyson Airwrap i.d. $449.99 (save $200) Get Deal

Anyone in the market for a Dyson Airwrap should prepare to drop some cash, but that doesn't mean they should accept that they have to pay full price.

If you're willing to wait for the right time, different Airwrap models drop in price year-round, large scale sale or not. Though we didn't see any deals on the Airwrap i.d. this past October Prime Day, just a couple weeks later, we spotted two different models of this multi-styler on sale. As of Oct. 20, you can grab the curly/coily Dyson Airwrap i.d. on sale at Dyson for $449.99 and the straight/wavy model on sale at Woot for $499.99. The former deal slashes $200 off the $649.99 multi-styler, while the latter saves you $150.

SEE ALSO: I found 5 Dyson Supersonic dupes that are almost as good as the real thing

The Airwrap i.d. is Dyson's 2024 release of the viral multi-styler that quietly replaced the Airwrap Complete in Dyson's lineup. The tool initially launched at $599.99, but these current deals put the Airwrap at a similar price point as they would be if marked down from their launch price. Though the tool mostly performs the same as the slightly older Airwrap, it comes with slightly different attachments. Both the curly and straight hair models include a 20mm conical curling barrel for more targeted styling at the roots (and the appearance of tighter curls overall) and the fast dryer attachment, which is the drying attachment design found on the first, but not second, generation Airwrap.

The curly hair model also comes with the wave and curl diffuser. Overall, both models include six attachments, with the curly model swapping a smoothing dryer attachment for a wide tooth comb attachment. They can also connect to the companion app via Bluetooth for styling tips. It is worth noting this isn't the latest Airwrap in Dyson's lineup — the $749.99 Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x launched in July of this year (though initially at $699.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap i.d. (straight/wavy) $499.99 at Woot
$649.99 Save $150   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap i.d. (curly/coily) $449.99 at Dyson
$649.99 Save $200   Get Deal

If even on sale, these hair stylers are still on the expensive side for you, it's also worth checking out the best Dyson Airwrap dupes for under $300.

SAVE $800: The 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 curved gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $1,499.99, down from the standard price of $2,299.99. That's a 35% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 curved gaming monitor (57 inch) $1,499.99 at Amazon
$2,299.99 Save $800.00   Get Deal

Dark winter nights are arriving. It's time to crank up the heat and tuck into cold-weather activities. If gaming is one of your preferred ways to stay busy until spring, check out this great Samsung deal.

As of Oct. 20, the 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 curved gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $1,499.99, marked down from the normal price of $2,299.99. That's a 35% discount that takes $800 off the price.

A gaming monitor can make a major different in your session, and if you're not willing to compromise by hanging out with a sub-par model for another winter, consider this your sign to upgrade. In Mashable's analysis of the best gaming monitors, the Samsung Odyssey series earns top marks in the ultrawide category.

With a 1000R curve, you're getting a whole new view. Mashable's review explains: "[it] basically feels as if the screen is wrapping around your head." The review elaborates to says, "That may sound scary, but it has a purpose: To fully immerse you in whatever you're playing. It certainly does that — anytime we used this monitor, it had our full attention, making us feel like we were transported into a different world. Isn't that what gaming is all about?"

SEE ALSO: Pokémon TCG Black Bolt Elite Trainer Box crashes to market value at Amazon

Today's sale model also comes with an ergonomic stand that tilts, adjusts, and swivels to your liking. There's also the picture-in-picture function which allows you to get two viewpoints on the screen. Of course, since it's a gaming monitor, it comes with a respectable 240Hz refresh rate.

If you're looking to make an investment you'll thank yourself for everyday, upgrade to the 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 curved gaming monitor. If you game for just one hour everyday for the next year, the price of this massive monitor comes out to just above $4 per day. That seems like a perfectly reasonable form of self-care.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, nearly 7 million Americans gathered in the streets to protest what they view as the machinations of a tyrannical government: The president's deployment of national guard troops to patrol "dangerous" cities, the movement of masked immigration agents tasked with rounding up undocumented residents, and, what many see as an authoritarian power grab across the three branches of government.

At more than 2,700 No Kings rallies held in cities small and large, protesters demanded President Donald Trump be held accountable to the people, harkening back to the foundational tenets of the American Revolution. In an Air Force One interview following the day's events, Trump dismissed the demands of protesters, calling the attendees a "whacked out" joke. "I’m not a king. I work my ass off to make our country great," he said.

SEE ALSO: Leaked texts of Young Republicans expose racist, pro-Nazi groupchats

He didn't stop there. Taking to Truth Social, the president shared a clearly AI-generated video, depicting a military jet emblazoned with the phrase "King Trump." The aircraft, piloted by an eerily proportioned President Trump in a golden crown, then takes to the skies to fly over a group of city protesters. The jet opens its fuselage and... appears to rain down excrement on the gathered crowd.

The video is soundtracked to Kenny Loggins' "The Danger Zone," made famous in the Academy Award-winning film Top Gun. "This is an unauthorized use of my performance of ‘Danger Zone.' Nobody asked me for my permission, which I would have denied, and I request that my recording on this video is removed immediately," said Loggins in a statement to Variety after the post went viral.

The video is just the latest of numerous deepfaked videos and AI slop shared by the president — and not even the only AI video Trump posted that day, resharing another King Trump clip with a song by band Avenged Sevenfold. In the past, Trump has come under fire for resharing AI-generated content, the use of copyrighted music without permission, and, unsurprisingly, a combination of the two. Public comments and legal threats from artists have yet to stop the country's leader. In addition to AI memes that littered the campaign trail, Trump has even shared deepfaked, even racist, videos of his political opponents while sitting in the Oval Office.

As part of a larger, right-wing social media strategy featuring increasingly questionable content, Trump and fellow GOP leaders have been on a spree of sharing AI-generated content. Last week, the official Senate Republicans X account posted a video which depicted an AI deepfake of Minority Leader Chuck Schumer saying the government shutdown has benefited Democrats (the quote was real, but the video of Schumer saying it was not). In the weeks prior, the Trump administration plastered claims that the federal shutdown was the result of a scheme by the "Radical Left," in what could be a violation of the Hatch Act.

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The posts have been the center of White House press room debates and mass fact checks by misinformation watchdogs. Meanwhile, Trump has been riding on the support of Big Tech's biggest names, including the leaders of the country's biggest generative AI developers. The combination has spurred concerns about the blurring of political satire and political misinformation, and whether or not the social media posts of the nation's political leaders should be more contained.

SEE ALSO: The bros’ new clothes: How Big Tech lurched to the right

At a news conference on Monday, Speaker Mike Johnson defended the use of AI by the president. "The president uses social media to make the point. You can argue he’s probably the most effective person who’s ever used social media for that," said Johnson. "He is using satire to make a point. He is not calling for the murder of his political opponents."

SAVE 40%: As of Oct. 20, the Hisense 75-inch Class U8 Mini-LED 4K Google Smart TV (2025 model) is on sale for $1,498 at Amazon. That's 40% off its $2,499.99 list price and matches the price we saw during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event (aka October Prime Day).

Hisense 75-inch Class U8 Mini-LED 4K Google Smart TV (2025 model) $1,598 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $901.99   Get Deal at Amazon

If you've been holding out for a serious TV upgrade (maybe something that can handle bright rooms without looking washed out, or keep up with your next-gen gaming console) you know that kind of tech usually costs a fortune. Mini-LED TVs are awesome, but they aren't cheap. So, when a deal that matches a Prime Day price sticks around, it's worth paying attention to.

As of Oct. 20, the Hisense 75-inch Class U8 Mini-LED 4K Google Smart TV (2025 model) is on sale for $1,498 at Amazon. That's 40% off its $2,499.99 list price and matches the price we saw during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event (aka October Prime Day).

SEE ALSO: What's the best time of year to buy a TV? Yes, there's an answer.

The U8 is Hisense's higher-end model, and it has features that'll impress picture quality snobs and gamers. The Mini-LED Pro backlight paired with Quantum Dot (QLED) color (along with up to 5,600 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of up to 5,000 nits), means you'll get bright highlights, deep blacks, and vibrant colors, even if you've got sunlight streaming into the room. Plus, the Anti-Reflection Pro screen helps cut down on glare.

For gamers, the native 165Hz refresh rate panel is a huge bonus. It also supports Variable Refresh Rate (up to 165Hz) and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to prevent screen tearing. Add in the smarts from the Hi-View AI Engine Pro, and a decent built-in 4.1.2 channel sound system with Dolby Atmos, and you've got a seriously impressive TV for under $1,500.

SAVE 50%: The Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 is on sale for $397.99 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $799. That's a savings of $402.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $379.99
$799 Save $419.01   Get Deal

Halloween is approaching and the temperatures are dropping. Only a few more weeks until we roll the clocks back and decide 5 p.m. is the ideal time for pajamas. This season is also likely to bring storms that can knock out power. Instead of sitting in the dark, upgrade the experience with a portable power station. One of my favorite models just went on a major sale at Amazon.

As of Oct. 20, the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 is on sale for $397.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $799. That's a savings of $402 and a major 50% discount. Today's price marks the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

The original Anker Solix C1000 is a star, and the new Gen 2 ups the game in terms of shorter recharging times and smaller dimensions. When I was reviewing the new model, I found it to be easier to carry both in weight and in overall size.

Anker also knocked it out of the park with recharging, and the Solix C1000 Gen 2 earned itself a Guinness World Record for recharging in under 49 minutes. With that speed, you should still have time to get sufficient charge even if you forget to plug it in until the storm hits.

SEE ALSO: Save $70 on the Anker Solix C300X portable power station at Best Buy

With a 1,024Wh capacity, you'll be able to keep cell phones charged during the next outage, as well as the WiFi router and a few lights. Overall, the Solix C1000 Gen 2 packs in three USB-C ports, one USB-A, and five standard AC. Since it's so compact and lightweight, it could be a great model to keep in the bedroom closet in case of a power outage and it won't be a huge ask to bring it inside if you store it in the garage.

Before the fall storms knock out power, get equipped with the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 while it's down to a new all-time low-price at Amazon. The LiFePO4 can last for about 10 years which brings the price down to under $40 per year. Plus, it'll be great for summer camping trips.

Few luxury SUVs manage to hit the sweet spot between dependability, comfort, and performance—but this one does. Since its debut in 2001, it’s quietly earned a reputation as a reliable premium SUV that blends solid engineering with understated luxury.

SAVE 14%: As of Oct. 20, you can get the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 for $429, down from $499, at Amazon. That's a 14% discount and a $70 price cut.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $429 at Amazon
$499 Save $70   Get Deal at Amazon

Whether you're planning a camping trip or just want some peace of mind for the next power outage, having a reliable portable power station is a smart move. Jackery is a big name in this space, and its newly updated Explorer 1000 v2 just got a decent price drop.

As of Oct. 20, you can get the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 for $429, down from $499, at Amazon. That's a 14% discount and a $70 price cut.

SEE ALSO: I never go camping without this $24 portable charger

The v2 uses a LiFePO4 battery, which means it should last way longer than its predecessor, the Explorer 1000. (Jackery claims up to 10 years or 4,000 charge cycles). Charging is also way faster; you can get it from 0 to 100 percent in just an hour using the "emergency charge" setting in the app, though the default is a slightly slower 1.7 hours to help the battery last even longer.

Power-wise, it offers 1070Wh capacity and can put out 1500W (with a 3000W surge peak), enough to run things like a mini-fridge, electric grill, or even a small heater, plus charge all your usual gadgets like phones (74 times) and laptops (14 times). It's got plenty of ports, including three AC outlets and a powerful 100W USB-C output. And, it's relatively portable at just under 24 pounds and has a handy foldable handle.

TL;DR: The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15.6-inch Touch is a sleek, secure, and powerful laptop that’s now just $612.99 (MSRP $849.99) with free shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15.6-Inch Touch (2021) $612.99
$849.99 Save $237   Get Deal

Some laptops are all looks, others are all power—but the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15.6-inch Touch happens to do both (and then some). Priced at just $612.99 (reg. $849.99) with free shipping, this machine blends performance, security, and style into one smart device built for real life.

Inside, you’re getting a snappy 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage — translation: fast boot-ups, smooth multitasking, and plenty of space for work and play. It’s also equipped with Intel Iris Xe graphics, so streaming, editing, or light gaming feels buttery-smooth.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops of 2025: Compare the M4 MacBook Air, Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, and more

But what really sets this laptop apart is how thoughtfully it’s designed.

The physical webcam privacy shutter keeps nosy hackers out, while the fingerprint power button means logging in takes literally one tap. The 15.6-inch touchscreen with a 90 percent active area ratio makes everything look cinematic, and the soft-touch finish gives it a premium, fabric-like feel that’s surprisingly cozy to carry.

And it even comes with Amazon Alexa built right in, turning your laptop into a voice-activated hub for reminders, playlists, and smart home control.

For remote workers or anyone who wants a reliable daily driver without the price shock, this Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is proof you don’t have to choose between brains and beauty.

Get this new Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15.6-inch Touch while it’s just $612.99 (reg. $849.99) with free shipping.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Did you try and tell Alexa to run your morning smart home routine, only to find that nothing responded? With a major internet outage, many smart home products simply stopped working, proving that local control of your devices is more important now than ever before.

Millions of us use VPNs every day to protect our data, browse securely, and access region-blocked content. Yet there are still a lot of outdated assumptions about what exactly a VPN is. Here are some of the most common myths, and what is actually true.

Just last week, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10, pushing users to upgrade to its latest operating system Windows 11. That makes the timing of a recent Windows 11 issue very awkward for Microsoft.

Unfortunately, Microsoft's most recent Windows 11 update appears to have caused problems with numerous different applications and hardware peripherals, according to a multiple reports from different outlets, including our sister site, CNET. Many devices using Windows 11 will now require a follow-up emergency update to fix issued caused by the previous mandatory update.

The October Windows 11 update "breaks localhost (127.0.0.1) HTTP/2 connections," according to Windows Latest, which also listed a number of issues that users are facing. For example, apps that were hosted locally were no longer able to connect to the network. Windows users were also finding that some hardware by Logitech was no longer working on their PCs. In addition, some users reported that their mouse and keyboard wouldn't work in WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) and that File Explorer document wouldn't open in the Preview pane due to a false security issue.

Microsoft has since indicated that a fix is on the way in a subsequent update for issues with Windows 11 KB5066835. The company says a patch is rolling out and users should continually check for an update. However, it could take more than 48 hours for the update to finally show for some users.

Mashable previously reported on one of the last updates to Windows 10, which caused issues that included frame rates dropping in games like Fortnite, making them near unplayable.

Windows 11 was released in 2021 and now holds nearly 50 percent of the marketshare. Its predecessor, Windows 10 was first released to the public in 2015 and still holds 40 percent of the PC marketshare, regardless of the fact that Microsoft ended support for the operating system earlier this month. 

As Microsoft looks to move those who have still yet to update their operating system to Windows 11, this latest update bug couldn't have come at a worse time. Microsoft is certainly looking to get that fix out to everyone as soon as possible.

Looking for a good movie to watch this week and just can't be bothered to endlessly swipe through Disney+'s huge library of movies? Yeah, no one can ... except me.

Lego Advent calendar deals Lego Disney 'Frozen' Advent calendar $30.79 ($14.20) Get Deal Lego Friends Advent calendar $20.39 (save $14.60) Get Deal

Missed out on grabbing the Lego Minecraft Advent calendar on sale last week?

You're in luck, because Amazon has marked down two other Advent calendars as of Oct. 20. The Lego Disney Frozen Advent calendar is on sale for $30.79 — a $14.20 (or 31%) markdown from its $44.99 full price, while the Lego Friends Advent calendar is just $20.39, saving you $14.60 (or 42%) off its $34.99 list price.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away free Witch models for Halloween — here’s how to get yours on Oct. 26

Even though it's only October, we're already getting into peak Advent calendar season. Case in point: that aforementioned Minecraft calendar is already sold out at Amazon and on Lego's website. In other words, if one of these calendars catches your eye, it's probably better to grab it sooner rather than later.

Both the Frozen and Friends Advent calendars include 24 days of buildable Legos, with the former featuring 231 pieces in total, and the latter featuring 237 pieces. Kids and adults alike can enjoy these sets — the Frozen calendar is suited for ages five plus, while the Friends calendar is for ages six and up.

So far, this is the lowest price either of these calendars has hit.

The Lenovo Tab M11 is currently available for a seriously low price of $120 on Lenovo. This is an impressive 35% off its regular price shown by third-party sellers on Amazon of $182. You likely won't get this major discount for long, though.

ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! may have caused Disney+ and Hulu cancellations to rise, new data shows.

According to subscriptions analytics firm Antenna, the monthly churn rate for Disney+ went from four percent in August to eight percent in September, the same month in which ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air for a week following Kimmel's monologue about far-right commentator Charlie Kirk's killer. The churn rate for Hulu, which is also owned by Disney, increased from five percent in August to 10 percent in September.

SEE ALSO: Jimmy Kimmel spends 2 minutes mocking Trump's watches

Kimmel's suspension led for calls to boycott Disney and its streaming services, with celebrities like Tatiana Maslany and Cynthia Nixon joining in. Disney reportedly lost over 1.7 million subscribers across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN between the announcement of Kimmel's suspension and his return to air.

The discrepancy between months is undeniably notable, as subscriber churn tends to remain fairly consistent from month-to-month. However, a Disney source speaking with The Hollywood Reporter noted that Antenna's numbers appear higher than Disney's internal data, and that it is unclear how Antenna measures subscription plan upgrades and downgrades as part of subscriber churn.

Kimmel's suspension also wasn't the only Disney-related controversy that might have caused Disney+ users to rethink their subscriptions. Right after Disney announced that Kimmel would be returning to air, the company announced price hikes for Disney+ and Hulu. These hikes, which go into effect on Oct. 21, will make Disney+ and Hulu's ad-supported and most basic ad free tiers the most expensive across the major streaming services.

iOS 26, together with macOS 26 and iPadOS 26, introduced a brand-new "Liquid Glass" design language. And while it's very bold, Apple has struggled to tweak it and keep everyone happy in the process—and that extended to the final versions of the operating systems as well. Now, Apple is just going to leave the tweaking to you.

In 2024, Apple introduced a dedicated Camera Control button to simplify the process of taking photos on your iPhone. A year later, and I’ve finally upgraded to an iPhone 17 Pro that includes this feature.

We know the all-new OnePlus 15 flagship smartphone is coming soon, but the company isn't ready to spill all the details quite yet. Instead, OnePlus is slowly but steadily revealing key details about what makes this phone special, and how it'll top the competition. For example, today we learned the OnePlus 15 will feature absurd battery life thanks to a massive 7,300 mAh battery.

For the best listening experience possible, you should familiarize yourself with the sound settings on your audio products. In particular, the equalizer (aka the EQ). Understanding how to operate this tool can vastly enhance a sound profile when done correctly. No, a PhD in audio engineering isn’t mandatory.

Anyone can create an effective EQ directly on their media player or via third-party software. Need some guidance with the process? Say no more — Mashable’s got you. We gathered a few professionals from legacy audio brands to teach you how to properly customize the EQ settings on your headphones, earbuds, portable speaker, and car sound system. 

Before we jump in, let’s get you caught up on some basics.

A crash course in frequency ranges

All those numbers on an EQ can be intimidating to look at. Don’t freak out. They’re easy to grasp once you read a breakdown. Depending on your device, the sound frequencies are often listed as numbers above or below the sliders, with numbers on the left representing how much that frequency can be boosted or reduced by moving the sliders up and down.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of each audio frequency category and range:

• 50Hz (Sub-Bass): Boosts the fullness of low-frequency instruments (e.g, kicks, snares) and increases basslines. Decreases the “boom” effect.

• 60Hz - 200Hz (Bass): Adds warmth to brass (horns) and percussion instruments (piano), while giving fullness to guitars and snares. Increases clarity.

• 200Hz – 600Hz (Low-Mids): Adds fullness to drums, guitars, and vocals. Decreases the ambience and sharpness of high-frequency sounds. 

• 600Hz – 3kHz (Mids): Boosts bass, clarity, definition, and vocal output. Reduces dullness and harshness of low-frequency sounds. 

• 3kHz – 8kHz (Upper Mids): Emphasizes presentation of high-frequency instruments (e.g, cymbals, strings). Minimizes sibilance in vocals.

• 8kHz - 20kHz (Highs/Treble): Adds realism to electronic effects (e.g, synths) and brightens high-frequency instruments and vocals. Reduces hissing noises.

Got it? Now, take out your wireless headphones, so we can tune them to perfection.

How to customize the EQ on your wireless headphones and earbuds

Personalizing sound on your wireless headphones and earbuds is pretty effortless these days, thanks to companion apps. These mobile software suites often come equipped with a manual graphic EQ and preprogrammed presets that complement select music genres or content (e.g, podcasts or video). Some apps even come with an auto-generated EQ that can tailor sound to your hearing; results are based on a series of listening tests. 

There are also third-party EQ apps you can download from the App Store or Google Play.

Sony Electronics expert Shimo Jiroaki, the Product Marketing Lead for Personal Entertainment, has some excellent tips for optimizing EQ performance. For starters, Jiroaki wants listeners to abide by the following guidelines:

• Always adjust the EQ at the volume level you typically listen to, since perceived sound changes with volume.

• High-quality tracks already contain a lot of detail and dynamic range, so it’s usually best to keep EQ adjustments minimal. Even small changes can make a noticeable difference.

• It’s often more effective to reduce unnecessary frequencies than to over-boost others. 

• Noise cancellation makes EQ adjustments simpler. For instance, without it, when low-frequency sounds such as airplane noise are prominent, they can combine with the low end of the music, causing excessive bass. Cutting the low frequencies will then enhance the clarity of the music. However, with noise cancellation, you're less affected by such external sounds, allowing you to adjust without worrying too much about the noise's impact.

• Use music with vocals when tuning — our ears are sensitive to voices, making it easier to fine-tune.

Bass A screenshot of the EQ settings for Sony headphones on a phone, which shows the bass sliders boosted and the low-mid range reduced slightly. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

According to Jiroaki, those who want more thump from their headphones need to increase the 32–64Hz range. Slightly reducing the 125–250Hz range keeps bass separate from the midrange. This is vital because you still want to hear vocals and mid-range instrumentals clearly. 

Midrange A screenshot of the EQ settings for Sony headphones on a phone, which shows the mid-range sliders boosted and everything else reduced. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

If you want more clarity and presence from your sound profile, make the midrange stronger by “reducing 32–135Hz and 8kHz–16kHz, then increase 500Hz–2kHz.”

Highs A screenshot of the EQ settings for Sony headphones on a phone, which shows the high-range sliders boosted. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Raising the high end will bring out more detail in recordings. Jiroaki says to “boost 4kHz–16kHz, but adjust carefully, as too much can make the sound sharp or harsh.”

How to customize the EQ on your wired headphones and earbuds

You can’t adjust the EQ on your wired headphones or earbuds, at least not through a companion app. Instead, third-party software is required. Any audio adjustments made on these programs will apply to any wired headphones or earbuds that are plugged into your media device (i.e, desktop/laptop, smartphone, tablet). Another option is accessing the EQ on select music streaming services (e.g, Apple Music, Spotify), which will offer similar results.

How to customize the EQ on your wireless speakers

Adjusting the EQ on portable Bluetooth speakers is often no different than wireless headphones. JBL arguably has the most popular and user-friendly EQ for speakers, so we brought in Klaus Hartung, the Vice President of Intelligent Audio Lab at Harman International — which owns JBL — to discuss some essentials.

Several factors must be looked at when customizing the sound profile on a speaker, such as environment (indoor/outdoor), music genre, placement, room acoustics, surrounding walls, and vocal output. The boundary effect needs to be examined as well. This is when you hear a mix of the direct sound from a speaker and the sound that’s reflected from a surface (e.g, a desk or wall).

Bass A screenshot of the EQ settings for a JBL speaker on a phone, which shows the bass slider boosted. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Start by adjusting +2–3 dB on the lowest band (125Hz). This creates “more punchy and balanced bass.” If the results are muffled, Hartung says to “reduce the level slightly by −1–2 dB in the 250–500 Hz region.” 

Something else to monitor is bass loss in outdoor settings. If this occurs, “increase the bass and treble (bass +2–3 dB, treble +1–2 dB),” says Hartung. Having your speaker in the living room around furniture and walls will affect sound quality. Adjust the EQ to the 60–200Hz range and cut the lowest band by −2 to −4 dB to eliminate muddiness. 

Midrange A screenshot of the EQ settings for a JBL speaker on a phone, which shows one of the mid-range sliders boosted. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Increase by +1–2 dB in the 1–4kHz region to raise vocals. If the sound becomes too harsh, then decrease by −1 dB at 4kHz. Any EQ with a gain setting should be increased by 1–2 dB at 1–3kHz. When listening to acoustic genres, Hartung wants you to set the midrange to −1–2 dB at 200–400Hz for more clarity.

Highs A screenshot of the EQ settings for a JBL speaker on a phone, which shows the high-range slider boosted. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

“You’ll also want to consider room acoustics and how those high-frequency sounds reflect in the space,” says Hartung. Reduce treble by -1–2 dB in bright rooms (e.g., no curtains or carpets) and increase treble by +1–2 dB when in dull rooms (carpeted with curtains).

How to customize the EQ on your car sound system

If your vehicle has an HMI (Human-Machine Interface) system, then it likely supports an audio EQ. Bear in mind that the interface will look different across vehicles. Enter the Audio Settings menu and you’ll stumble upon a few controls, such as bass, midrange, and treble. 

Director of Global Experiential R&D at Harman Automotive, Jonathan Pierce, notes that a premium in-car system combines “high-quality components and sophisticated software tuning to achieve both power and clarity.” He also suggests that listeners ask for what they want more or less of and question whether they understand the tools available to “shape the experience.”

Bass

Per Pierce, “increase by +2 to +4 dB to add warmth and depth, but avoid going higher than +5 dB to prevent muddiness.”

Midrange

Keep the midrange near neutral (0 to +2 dB) for clearer vocals and instruments.

Treble

Raise this by +1 to +3 dB for a bit more sparkle and detail. At the same time, lower the treble slightly if it sounds “too sharp,” says Pierce.

American sedans with serious performance are becoming increasingly rare, but one model still delivers big horsepower, aggressive styling, and a driver-focused experience. With 472 horsepower under the hood, it offers thrilling acceleration and handling that rivals some much pricier sports cars, yet its days on the market are numbered.