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Save $150 on This Sleek Asus Vivobook Today Only at Best Buy
Save $150 on This Sleek Asus Vivobook Today Only at Best Buy
From work to leisure to staying connected with friends and family, in this day and age your laptop is probably one of the things that you use the most frequently. So it's probably worth it to invest in something a little more powerful and versatile than a Chromebook. But unless you're going to be using it for high-strain tasks like gaming or programming, you don't need to drop thousands on one either. This 15.6-inch Asus Vivobook is a great midrange option even at its original price, and today only at Best Buy, you can pick it up for just $300, a discount of $150. This deal expires tonight at 12:59 a.m. ET, so be sure to act fast.
This Asus Vivobook offers some impressive specs for just $300. The 15.6-inch display boasts HD resolution and an LED backlight system so you can see what you're doing even in bright settings. It comes equipped with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, as well as an HDMI port, headphone jack, three USB-A ports and one USB-C port. Despite its larger screen size, it weighs less than 4 pounds, and is a sleek 0.78 inches thick, so its perfect for slipping into your bag or backpack and taking care of some work when you're on the go. Plus, it comes with the new Windows 11 installed right out of the box.
Save $150 Off Apple's Recently Discontinued 256GB iPad Air 4 at Amazon Now
Save $150 Off Apple's Recently Discontinued 256GB iPad Air 4 at Amazon Now
Apple has released a new iPad Air, which means significant discounts are rolling out for the previous model. During its "Peek Performance" event in March, the company announced an all-new iPad Air 2022 to replace the iPad Air 4, which had been on the market for about two years. The newest model dropped at the Apple Store and other retailers March 18, but right now you can save $150 off the 256GB version of the fourth-generation iPad Air at Amazon, meaning you can pick one up today for just $600.
Part of the savings for this deal is an on-page discount, which automatically applies when you add the iPad Air to your cart and head to the checkout page. Previous versions of these at-checkout discounts have often not lasted long, so you may not want to wait too long before deciding whether this is the iPad for you.
The new iPad Air uses Apple's M1 chip and has a new front-facing camera along with an optional 5G connection if you opt for cellular connectivity. Unless you plan to be doing resource-intensive activities on your iPad, like heavy games, photo editing and the like, the previous-gen iPad Air is likely more than enough for you. It's great for games, video chats, web browsing, social media, document creation and more. There are great keyboard attachments available, and you can pair it with a discounted Apple Pencil to take your experience to the next level.
Read more: iPad Air 2022 vs iPad Pro 2021: Which M1 Tablet is Best?
Looking for a different iPad model? Be sure to check out all the best iPad deals available today.
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Save Up to $250 On a Premium Samsung Tablet Today Only at Best Buy
Save Up to $250 On a Premium Samsung Tablet Today Only at Best Buy
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the most advanced model in Samsung's latest line of tablets, and earned a top spot on our list of the best Android tablets for 2022. And for today only, you can pick one up for as much as $250 off the usual price. Best Buy is offering one-day discounts on all configurations of the S8 Ultra, so you can save $150 on the 128GB model, $175 on the 2GB model or $250 on the 512GB model -- dropping the price down to $950, $1,025 and $1,150 respectively. These deals are only available until 9:59 p.m. PT (12:59 a.m. ET) tonight, so be sure to get your order in before then if you're hoping to snag one at this price.
Thanks to its substantial size and versatile interface, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is closer to a Chromebook or two-in-one than a straightforward tablet. It features an ultra-large 14.6-inch sAMOLED display, and uses Samsung's DeX interface which provides a desktop experience on the go. And with Microsoft 365 integration, you can even create and edit documents just like you would on a laptop or desktop.
The entry-level 128GB model features 8GB of RAM, which is bumped up to 12GB on the 256GB model and 16GB on the 512GB model for lightning-fast performance. The Tab S8 also comes with an integrated S Pen for taking notes on the fly, and it will even sync your notes across Samsung devices so you can look back at them whenever. It also features support for Wi-Fi 6E for speedy loading times, and has an 11,200-mAh battery for all-day use without needing to recharge. If you're looking for a premium Android tablet, it doesn't get much better than this -- especially when you can find it on sale.
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Don't Swap Your Gas-Guzzler for an Electric Vehicle to Avoid High Fuel Prices
Don't Swap Your Gas-Guzzler for an Electric Vehicle to Avoid High Fuel Prices
This story is part of Plugged In, CNET's hub for all things EV and the future of electrified mobility. From vehicle reviews to helpful hints and the latest industry news, we've got you covered.
There are plenty of great reasons to consider an electric vehicle. They usually offer stellar performance, they're smooth and quiet to drive, you can do much of your "refueling" at home (meaning you never have to visit a gas station unless you need snacks or a bathroom break) and they have zero tailpipe emissions. But despite their considerable advantages, EVs still aren't for everyone, and they don't always make the most economic sense.
If you tow earth-moving equipment or haul gravel for a living, you're probably going to want a heavy duty diesel-powered pickup, because today's EVs aren't going to cut it. Likewise, if you reside in an apartment and don't have a parking space, much less a garage with a Level 2 charger, an electric vehicle may be a hard sell. But what if you're looking for relief from high fuel prices? EVs cost way less to "refuel," though they are often quite expensive upfront.
Let's say you own a midrange, Lariat-trim, 2022 Ford F-150 with four-wheel drive, the lovely 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 and a standard 10-speed automatic transmission, a popular pickup configuration in the US. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this big bad truck stickers at up to 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined; frightening figures compared to a Toyota Prius, but everything is relative. For a full-size truck, this rig is actually quite economical.
Electric vehicles offer instant torque for speedy acceleration.
Nick Miotke/CNET
But what does it cost to fuel this full-size truck each year? Well, let's do a little math to figure it out. (Scary, I know!) According to AAA, at the time of writing the national average price for a gallon of regular-grade gasoline is about $4.24. This varies wildly from state to state: In California, the per-gallon price is around $5.88; on the opposite coast in Maryland, it's a much more reasonable $3.80. As reported by insurance comparison site The Zebra, Americans drive an average of 14,263 miles each year. To keep things simple, let's round up and say you travel 15,000 miles annually in your F-150 and average 21 mpg doing so (the EPA estimate). Dividing 15,000 by 21 means you're burning about 714 gallons of dinosaur juice per year. There are myriad variables on top of that, but we can simply multiply 714 by 4.24, which works out to an annual fuel bill of about $3,028. Ouch.
Now let's compare that traditional, combustion-powered pickup to the exciting, all-electric F-150 Lightning. In midrange XLT trim with the extended-range battery pack, this truck offers an estimated 320 miles of range. As for efficiency, this version of the Lightning should return 78 mpge city and 63 mpge highway, scores that result in a combined rating of 70 mpge. For reference, mpge is a way of quantifying how much energy is in a gallon of gasoline; it works out to about 33.7 kilowatt-hours of electricity.
Next, according to the Energy Information Administration, the national average residential cost of electricity in the US was 13.72 cents per kWh in January 2022; we'll round up and say 14 cents per kWh. The Lightning's large battery pack clocks in at a husky 131 kilowatt-hours, so multiplying that by 0.14 means it would cost about $18.34 to completely recharge this truck from 0 to 100%. This is not something most people will ever do, because who wants to roll up to a charger with zero range? (Also, if you use public chargers, you'll probably be paying a lot more for the privilege.) Still, this is illustrative of how affordable it is to run an EV.
The Kia EV6 is one of our favorite new electric vehicles.
Antuan Goodwin/CNET
But now let's calculate how much it costs to run the Lightning for a year. We could base this off the EPA's estimated 48 kWh/100-mile efficiency figure, but let's do it just like we did with the standard F-150 above. Taking 15,000 miles per year and dividing that by 70 mpge, the combined "fuel economy" rating of this vehicle, gets you 214 "gallons" of electricity. Next, multiply 214 by 33.7, the equivalent number of kWh per gallon of gasoline and you get about 7,221 kWh. Multiply that figure by $0.14 and the result is roughly $1,011 in electricity per year. This is very close to the EPA's estimate of $950.
So, if it costs $3,028 to run the conventionally powered F-150 15,000 miles each year and just $1,011 to power the Lightning, the all-electric model is only one-third as expensive. The annual difference is a not insubstantial $2,017. What could you do with an extra two grand each year?
Combustion vs. Electric
2022 Ford F-150 Lariat
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning XLT
2022 Honda Accord Sport
2022 Kia EV6 Wind
Vehicle Details
4WD, crew-cab body, 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, 5.5-foot bed
Estimated Annual Fuel/Electricity Cost to Drive 15,000 Miles
$3,028
$1,011
$1,929
$605
What about payback (and I don't mean revenge) time? Well, that XLT-trim Lighting with the big battery and no options starts at $74,269, including $1,795 in destination fees. That's certainly pricey, but the top-shelf Platinum model is far richer, kicking off at nearly 93 grand. As for our old-fashioned Ford F-150 (a midrange, Lariat trim, crew-cab model with a 5.5-foot bed, four-wheel-drive and the standard equipment group), it stickers for around $56,020, also including $1,795 for delivery. Subtracting $56,020 from $74,269 means the Lightning is a whopping $18,249 pricier, more than the cost of a new Nissan Versa sedan.
Next, dividing the price delta between these trucks by the annual fuel/electricity cost difference means you'd have to own the Lightning for about nine years for your "fuel" savings to make up the price difference, though if you get a more expensive model, a higher-trim F-150 or the same variant with more options, the payback period compared to that all-electric Lighting will be shorter.
Not surprisingly, it's the same story with smaller vehicles. Take the lovely Kia EV6, for instance. This stylish and spacious hatchback is a great choice for folks that want to downsize from a truck and save a big chunk of change in the process. A long-range, Wind-trim, rear-drive EV6 offers 310 miles of range and stickers at 134 miles per gallon equivalent city, 101 mpge highway and 117 mpge combined. Calculating the EV6's efficiency like we did with the Lightning above reveals that the electricity needed to run this vehicle for 15,000 miles should cost around $605 per year, which is very close to the EPA's estimate of $550.
Despite the myriad benefits of owning an EV, sometimes it still makes more sense to keep your combustion-powered vehicle.
Steven Ewing/CNET
Comparing our miserly EV6 to a midrange Honda Accord Sport sedan, which is far more efficient than an F-150, is similarly revealing. With a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission and a combined fuel economy rating of 33 mpg, you'd be spending about $1,928 on fuel to drive this Honda for 15,000 miles... nearly 3.2 times more than the Kia. However, including destination and delivery, the Accord is far cheaper at a totally reasonable $31,085 compared to the EV6's $48,255 price tag. It's a difference of $17,170, which is slightly less than the delta between the standard F-150 and the Lightning.
Dividing that figure by $1,323, the annual price difference of running the Accord compared to the Kia, works out to a payback period of nearly 13 years. In this case, it may make more sense to keep on driving the Accord even if you nearly faint every time you fill the tank.
The entirety of this discussion presupposes you're focused on prioritizing personal finances above all other concerns. But there's a bigger picture to consider: We haven't even discussed the negative environmental impact that burning fossil fuels or digging up rare earth minerals has on climate change, let alone the many and varied downstream costs that come home to roost societally as a result. Those sorts of long-term communal costs are clearly beyond the scope of this article, but they deserve to be considered.
At the end of the day, there are plenty of great reasons to get an electric vehicle, but if you're thinking about swapping your internal combustion-powered car or truck for a new EV just to save money at the pump, make sure to do the math first -- especially if your current ride is paid for -- because plugging in and making a change may not make economic sense for you, even with fuel prices in the stratosphere.
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Expand your workspace with the 27-inch HP FreeSync monitor for $150 (save $100)
Expand your workspace with the 27-inch HP FreeSync monitor for $150 (save $100)
How's the home office these days? Are you tired of hunching over a 13-inch laptop screen? Or maybe feeling like a second screen would help your productivity?
Presto: For a limited time, and while supplies last, Best Buy has the HP 27f FreeSync Monitor for $150, with free shipping or curbside pickup (where available). The regular price is $250, and while this briefly dipped to $120 during a holiday flash sale, it's still a solid discount.
The 27f is a 27-inch monitor with a 1,920x1,080-pixel native resolution, 5-millisecond response time and 75Hz refresh rate. If you don't speak monitor, those are all good numbers -- with a possible caveat.
See, I'd always suspected that a monitor of this size might actually feel "too big" given that resolution, that it wouldn't prove as useful as one that could run at, say, 2,560x1,440 or even 4K. More pixels would produce a sharper image and let you fit more windows onscreen at a time.
But then I conducted a quick Twitter survey and found that lots of folks really like this size and don't find the resolution limiting at all:
Meanwhile, some 4,400 Best Buy customers collectively rated this monitor 4.7 stars out of 5. And based on the above Twitter feedback, I actually bought this model a little while ago. Verdict: It's terrific. Zero complaints.
The only bummer is the warranty: Just one year, versus two or three years on some other brands.
Your thoughts?
First published last year. Updated to reflect new pricing. Removed expired bonus deal.
CNET's Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on tech products and much more. For the latest deals and updates, follow him on Facebook and Twitter. You can also sign up for deal texts delivered right to your phone. Find more great buys on the CNET Deals page and check out our CNET Coupons page for the latest Walmart discount codes, eBay coupons, Samsung promo codes and even more from hundreds of other online stores. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Answers live on our FAQ page.
Galaxy S22 Deals: Up to $1,000 Off at Best Buy, $900 Off at Samsung and More
Galaxy S22 Deals: Up to $1,000 Off at Best Buy, $900 Off at Samsung and More
The Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra are the latest models in Samsung's flagship lineup of phones -- though it did just announce its new folding Z-series phones, the Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4. The S22 and its kin are successors to both the previous-gen S21 phones, as well as Samsung's now-discontinued Note series, which has been replaced by the new S22 Ultra. This generation of Samsung phones scored a top spot on our list of the best phones for 2022, and right now, you can pick one up at a bargain. We've rounded up some of the best S22 deals and promotions currently available -- as well as some other details about Samsung's latest phones -- below.
The Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra all feature several major camera improvements, including larger pixel sensors and Adaptive Pixel technology for improved nighttime photography and videos. There's an improved portrait mode, as well as a new auto framing feature that can detect and track up to 10 people in order to capture everyone in a photo clearly.
However, it's the Galaxy S22 Ultra that made the biggest splash. Samsung's top-of-the-line phone introduces the S Pen to the S series for the first time, paying homage to the now-canceled Note.
Richard Peterson/CNET
The S22 Ultra also features significant camera upgrades, including Samsung's largest pixel sensor ever, as well a number of raw photo tools for more comprehensive editing, and an advanced Super Clear Glass lens for smoother and crisper nighttime videos without flares.
We'll take a closer look at all the details for each of the three flagship Galaxy S22 models and show you the best Galaxy S22 deals across the internet and in stores.
What colors does the Galaxy S22 come in?
Both the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus are available in phantom black, phantom white, green and pink gold. The Galaxy S22 Ultra has a slightly different lineup: phantom black, phantom white, green and burgundy.
How much does the Galaxy S22 cost?
The three models of the Galaxy S22 are available in various storage configurations. US pricing for each model starts at:
Samsung Galaxy S22: $800
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus: $1,000
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: $1,200
Both the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus are available in 128GB and 256GB storage options with 8GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra will also add in options for 512GB and 1TB with up to 12GB of RAM.
Be sure to check out all the Galaxy S22 deals below.
Best Galaxy S22 deals
You might have missed the preorder offers, but most carriers and retailers are offering some stellar deals on these Galaxy S phones, especially if you've got an older device you're looking to trade in. We've rounded up the best Galaxy S22 deals that you can shop for right now.
We will continue to update this page as new offers become available, so keep checking back if your carrier or preferred retailer is not listed below.
Samsung's site is the obvious place to buy the newest Galaxy S22 phones, because it offers all the device configurations and has multiple payment options. Samsung offers carrier and unlocked models so you can choose between buying the phone outright, through carrier payments or financing it through Samsung, depending on your preference.
As of right now, Samsung isn't offering any straightforward discounts, but you can save big with an eligible trade-in. Trading in your older phone, tablet or smart watch, including cracked or damaged devices, will save you up to $700 on the S22 and S22 Plus, or up to $900 on the S22 Ultra.
All models are currently available, though the Samsung exclusive color variants are out of stock at the moment.
If you don't want the headache of navigating carriers, plans and installment payments, you'll want an unlocked phone that you can purchase outright. You can save $100 on the base model S22, $200 on the S22 Plus or up to $160 on the S22 Ultra. Just not that discounts jump around quite a bit between different colors and configurations, so be sure to double-check before purchasing. All three models are currently in stock, though you will find a few select configurations that are currently unavailable.
This time around, AT&T is getting far more aggressive with its trade-in offers on the Galaxy S22 devices. The carrier is matching Verizon's offer from last year and is accepting select phones in any condition as a trade-in. If you have any Galaxy Note, S or Z Series phone from any year, you can get $800 off the Galaxy S22 devices, even if your trade-in is broken or doesn't turn on. Trading in other phones or devices can still save you hundreds, but their condition will factor into the estimated value.
With this promotion, you can get the base Galaxy S22 for free via qualifying installment plan credits. The credits take place over a 36-month period, and if you cancel service before the 36 months is over you'll have to pay the remaining balance. This means that you could technically pay as little as $0 for the Galaxy S22, under $6 per month for the Galaxy S22 Plus and about $11 per month for the S22 Ultra, but be aware that credits begin 90 days after purchase and require that you pay all taxes and associated fees on the retail price up front.
All three Galaxy S22 models are available now and ship for free, with most colors and configurations ready to ship right away.
If you're a current Verizon subscriber or someone looking to make the switch to Verizon, there are some great discounts you can take advantage of. Both new customers adding a line, and current Verizon subscribers upgrading their current line can save up to $800 on any S22 model with an eligible trade-in and activation on a qualifying 5G unlimited plan. Those adding a new line will also get a $200 Verizon gift card. You can also save $800 on a second S22 phone when adding another new line of service, and like the trade-in deal, new customers will also get a $200 Verizon gift card.
You can even trade in broken or damaged phones, as long as the battery is intact, which is something that the carrier started doing last year. That means that you can get the S22 for free, and the S22 Ultra for as low as $11 per month. The discount will be applied via monthly bill credits, so you can't get this offer when you purchase the phone outright. It's also worth noting that Verizon is now using 36-month terms instead of 24-month terms, so you'll want to make sure that works for you before placing your order.
And if you're looking to buy a new smartwatch, Verizon is also offering up to $150 off a new Galaxy Watch 5 or Watch 5 Pro with the purchase of any Android smartphone and activation on any data plan.
All three models are currently available with free two-day shipping.
Best Buy now offers support for Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile upgrades and new lines both in-store and online, which means you can take advantage of some of the great carrier offers available at the moment. If you're looking to trade in a device, you can save up to $1,000 through Verizon or AT&T, or $690 through T-Mobile.
There is also a somewhat misleading deal available on unlocked models of the S22 Plus and Ultra. Supposedly, you'll have to choose same-day activation through one of the qualifying carriers to get the $100 discount, which essentially defeats the purpose of an unlocked phone. However, you can get the same deal when you choose the "activate later" pricing option. Best Buy also has its own trade-in program where you can save up to $900 by trading in select Samsung, Apple, or Google phones.
T-Mobile usually goes all out for new phone releases with some pretty sweet deals for new customers and current ones alike. This time around, T-Mobile has two deals available: one for those with Magenta Max and one for those without.
Customers who are on Magenta Max plan are able to get any S22 model for free by adding a new line of service on your existing Magenta Max Plan. Those not on a Magenta Max Plan can save up to $400 by adding a new line of service on any qualifying plan. Customers on any qualifying rate plan can also save up to $400 when trading in an eligible device.
T-Mobile currently has all three models available, though select colors and configurations are currently backordered or out of stock.
Boost Mobile is offering new and existing customers an excellent deal on Galaxy S22 devices. For a limited time, the carrier is offering a nice discount that brings the base price of the 128GB Galaxy S22 down to only $500, $300 off the usual price. You can also save $400 on the S22 Plus and Ultra, dropping the price down to just $600 and $800 respectively.
Since Boost Mobile is a prepaid carrier, you will need to buy the phone outright, but at this pricing it's well worth it. All three phones are currently in stock, though you can only get the 128GB models with a limited selection of colors.
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Labor Day Sales 2022: The Best Early Deals You Can Shop Right Now
Labor Day Sales 2022: The Best Early Deals You Can Shop Right Now
We're just a week away from Labor Day and plenty of the best Labor Day sales are already underway. Arriving ahead of Black Friday, Labor Day sales give you an early opportunity to save on a range of products across major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Home Depot and more.
Home appliances and furniture are some of the big-ticket items that are already seeing steep price drops and some stellar tech deals on laptops, headphones and TVs are also cropping up right now.
Below, we'll go through everything you need to know ahead of Labor Day, including this year's Labor Day date, the best early Labor Day sales to shop now and what else to expect from Labor Day 2022.
When is Labor Day 2022?
Labor Day always falls on the first Monday of September. That means that Labor Day 2022 will be celebrated on Monday, Sept. 5. We expect most Labor Day sales will be up and running for at least the weekend preceding Labor Day and we're already seeing some go live a couple of weeks in advance.
Early Labor Day sales live now
Amazon:Up to 40% off Echo and Fire TV devices
Best Buy: Save on laptops, TVs, smart home devices and appliances
Walmart: Tech and home deals
Target: Back to school savings on clothing, tech and school supplies
Staples: Save on back-to-school essentials
Home Depot: Save on power tools, furniture and home decor
Lowe's: Summer savings on grills, appliances, tools and more
Bed Bath & Beyond: Warehouse clearance event
Wayfair: Up to 60% off furniture, decor and appliances
Casper: Up to $600 off mattresses and 50% off select accessories
Purple: Up to $300 off mattresses
Overstock: End of summer sale with up to 70% off
Dell: Six months of the Disney Bundle with select purchases
Samsung: Discounts, boosted trade-ins, instant credit and more
Best Labor Day deals to shop now
Early Labor Day tech deals
Samsung
Right now, you can get as much as $900 off a Galaxy Z Fold 4 when you trade in your existing device directly at Samsung, plus you'll receive $150 in Samsung store credit to spend on accessories. Additional Samsung credit and bundle savings of up to 30% are also available when you buy your Galaxy Z Fold 4 alongside other Samsung products, like the Galaxy Watch 5, Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Galaxy Tab S8.
CNET
A huge variety of Amazon devices are on sale right now with as much as half off regular prices. The early Labor Day sale includes popular Fire TV Sticks, Fire tablets, Kindle e-readers, Eero mesh Wi-Fi systems and more.
Early Labor Day TV deals
Amazon
For a limited time, Amazon and Best buy are throwing a free Echo Dot (third-gen) in with select smart Fire TV purchases. Several different models are eligible for the freebie, from 24-inch HD models up to 75-inch 4K-compatible TV sets, with prices starting at just $90.
Hisense
Hisense's R6 Series TVs offer a bunch of advanced features at a low price, including a 4K resolution, HDR support, a 120Hz refresh rate and Google Assistant or Alexa controls via your existing smart speakers. Using the excellent Roku OS, you'll be able to easily access all of the streaming services you know and love, too.
Vizio
Vizio's V-Series made its way onto our best TVs list as a runner-up budget option because it comes with Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 built in, which plenty of other smart TVs do not. These allow you to stream, or even mirror, content from your phone or computer. It also boasts 4K UHD picture, and an IQ active processor that enhances the quality of any non-4K content.
Toshiba
At just $430, the Toshiba M550 is packed full of features, including AirPlay support, built-in microphones for truly hands-free control and a low latency gaming mode. It's equipped with a Regza Engine 4K for stunning UHD picture, as well as support for Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 Plus. And with DTS Virtual: X technology, it also features powerful, immersive audio.
Early Labor Day home and garden deals
Ashley Furniture
Ashley is offering a huge array of Labor Day deals with as much as 50% off regular prices. Discounted items include furniture, mattresses, home decor and more and you can take an extra 5% off select purchases with code LDSAVINGS.
Early Labor Day mattress deals
My Slumber Yard
Get up to $350 off Helix products during its early Labor Day mattress sale.
Use the following codes to get the discount:
$100 off orders of $600 or more with code: LDSALE100
$150 off orders of $1,250 or more with code: LDSALE150
$200 off orders of $1,700 or more with code: LDSALE200
$250 off orders of $2,550 or more with code: LDSALE250
$300 off orders of $2,700 or more with code: LDSALE300
$350 off orders of $2,950 or more with code: LDSALE350
Every order includes two free Dream pillows.
Read more about its beds in our Helix mattress review.
Early Labor Day appliance deals
Instant Pot/CNET
If you want to simplify cooking, consider investing in an Instant Pot. These versatile multicookers can prepare a plethora of plates in one device, helping save you space in your kitchen. Right now Amazon has the Instant Pot Duo Plus marked down by 38%, bringing the price to just $80. This 6-quart cooker has nine different functions including pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker and sterilizer. It even has 15 customizable smart programs to cook ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, desserts and other tasty treats at the push of a button.
Molekule
If you're looking to improve the quality of air in your home, having an air purifier can help, and with Molekule's Air Mini Plus or Air Pro, you can purify the air in personal or professional spaces to keep viruses and other allergens at bay while saving as much as $200.
Labor Day health and fitness deals
Labor Day beauty and fashion deals
Which Labor Day sales are the best?
There are going to be plenty of competing sales when Labor Day 2022 rolls around (with many having launched already). Deciding which is best for you to shop will depend on what you're hoping to buy.
Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart are generally good starting points if tech and smart home purchases are on your mind with stores like Lowes, Home Depot and Overstock being the places to begin your hunt for home and garden products.
Don't rule out more niche retailers like B&H Photo, Dell, HP and GameStop, though, as each will likely run some form of Labor Day sale as will most of your favorite brands. We'll be sure to keep you posted on the best Labor Day sales as they crop up.
When do Labor Day sales begin?
Though Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 5 this year, there's no official date that sales will kick off and many early Labor Day sales are already live. Expect others to launch in the coming days.
Should I wait for Black Friday sales?
Labor Day sales offer some of the best savings at this time of year, sitting nicely between Memorial Day sales and Black Friday. If you need something now, particularly furniture or yard equipment, Labor Day is a great time to buy, with end-of-summer pricing applying to a lot of those types of products.
Black Friday is the biggest sale of the year, though, and if you can afford to wait the extra couple of months you could potentially get more for your money. That being said, rumors abound of a second Prime Day sale, or "Prime Early Access Sale," slated for October, which could kick off the holiday shopping season much earlier and may mean even less time between Labor Day sales and fall sales.
How do I prepare for Labor Day sales?
The best thing to do between now and Labor Day 2022 is narrow down exactly what is on your shopping list this year. That way, you can identify the best retailers to start your search and avoid being distracted by the thousands of deals that will bombard you as more Labor Day sales officially kick off.
The CNET Deals team will keep you up to date on all of the best deals between now and Labor Day, so be sure to follow the team on Twitter and sign up for the CNET Deals newsletter.
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Best Air Fryer Deals Right Now
Best Air Fryer Deals Right Now
Air fryers are becoming some of the most popular kitchen gadgets, and it's no wonder why. Not only can they help youcook healthier meals by using less oil, but they are one of the best warm-weather appliances, because using them for your meal keeps the kitchen cooler than turning on the big oven. In the long run air frying can even save money on your energy bill. If you have not invested in an air fryer yet, I encourage you to try one out. I use my own air fryer nearly every day and it's one small kitchen appliance I think is simple and convenient enough for everyone to use.
The good news is you can find deals on air fryers and budget models that work well. Right now there are air fryer deals as low as $35, and our all-time favorite model, the Ninja 4-quart, is down to $100 (save $30). If you've been air-fry curious, check out some of the best air fryer deals we've gathered below, and check back often since we consistently update this story regularly as new deals emerge.
But first, a little air fryer 101.
Read more: Air Fryers Explained: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
What does an air fryer do?
Air fryer ovens make crispy snacks that taste like they've been fried, but there's no frying involved. Instead, air fryers use superhot, fast-circulating air to replicate the effects of oil-frying but with none of the unwanted calories and fat. I love mine and use it nearly every day. For me, the only thing better than an air fryer is a cheap air fryer, and that's exactly what you'll find in the deals outlined below.
What are the different types of air fryers?
When choosing an air fryer, you have one big decision to make: Certain models only air-fry, and they're generally cheaper but you will be limited in what you can do. Then there are larger hybrid countertop convection ovens with an air-fry function. With this type, you can generally bake, broil, toast, reheat, defrost and warm in addition to air-frying -- although sometimes the air fryer function is not quite as strong as a dedicated air fryer. Both versions are great and it really comes down to what you plan to cook, the counter space you can give up and how much you want to spend.
How much should an air fryer cost?
This all depends on how fancy you want to get. But the good news is you won't have to spend much if you don't want to, especially if you snap up one of these air fryer deals. Basic single-function air fryers from generic brands start at around $30 and I've found they work well, even if they lack some of the features that the more expensive ovens have.
There are also hybrid ovens that are more like countertop toaster ovens but with air fryer functions. Those range from $150 to $300, but with these 2022 air fryer deals, you can nab one for less.
Read more: Save Money on Your Energy Bill by Opting for an Air Fryer
Best air fryer deals
Ninja
The Foodi 5-quart multicooker does a whole lot more than air fry, although it does that well. You can pressure cook, slow cook, steam and saute with this multifunction countertop cooker. It's reduced by $20 currently.
Instant Pot
If you already have a 6-quart Instant Pot, there's no need to buy an entire air fryer. The brand makes a lid that fits on top of that model and air fries right inside the multicooker chamber. Oh, and it's incredibly powerful for making crispy "fried" chicken wings and potato wedges.
Dash
This 6-quart air fryer has a large cooking capacity. While it has all manual controls and no presets, that actually makes this model very simple to use. It also has an auto shut-off feature to prevent overcooking and comes with a recipe guide.
Cuisinart
This massive 18-quart combo gadget boasts a full-size toaster oven with a built-in air fryer. It can bake, broil, air fry, toast and more. The stainless steel is easy to wipe down and it has dishwasher-safe parts. And right now it's 43% off. If you have the counterspace available, this do-it-all option is worth considering.
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Best Buy Deals: Top Discounts Available This Week
Best Buy Deals: Top Discounts Available This Week
Best Buy is well known for its epic deals. With sales on everything from TVs and tech to home appliances and beauty products, there's a deal for everyone. Labor Day sales, a rumored October Prime Day and Black Friday are all on the horizon, too, meaning Best Buy's deals are about to be taken up a notch.
So, whether you're looking to save on smart home gear, kitchen essentials or toys and games for the kiddos, it's well worth checking out this list of regularly refreshed Best Buy deals. We've highlighted a bunch of our favorite Best Buy deals below and we'll be sure to keep this list updated.
Apple
Best Buy is offering up to $200 off Apple's MacBook Pro M2. The 256GB model is $150 off at $1,149 and the more capacious 512GB version is seeing a $200 price cut, now down to just $1,299. You can even snag six months of access to Apple Music and Apple News Plus, as well as three months of Apple TV Plus streaming, with your purchase.
Apple
Apple's popular AirPods Pro are on sale for just $180 -- close to $70 less than what Apple charges for them -- and you'll score six months of Apple Music streaming with your purchase. These are the latest Pro-grade earbuds from Apple and include the MagSafe-compatible charging case.
iRobot
This could be the year you stop vacuuming for yourself with $150 off the self-emptying Roomba i3 Plus. With smart scheduling, home navigation and a base station that only needs emptying every 60 days or so, you might stop thinking about vacuuming altogether.
LG
Best Buy is offering some big screen TVs at steep discounts right now including affordable Fire TV-enabled models from $240 and larger OLED models with as much as $800 off regular prices. IF you're in the market for a new TV, Best Buy's sale is a good place to start your search.
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Battery Backup vs. Generator: Which Backup Power Source Is Best for You?
Battery Backup vs. Generator: Which Backup Power Source Is Best for You?
When you live somewhere with extreme weather or regular power outages, it's a good idea to have a backup power source for your home. There are various types of backup power systems on the market, but each serves the same primary purpose: keeping your lights and appliances on when the power goes out.
It might be a good year to look into backup power: Much of North America is at an elevated risk of blackout this summer thanks to an ongoing drought and expected higher than average temperatures, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation said Wednesday. Parts of the United States, from Michigan down to the Gulf Coast, are at a high risk making blackouts even more likely.
The SaveOnEnergy marketplace helps you search, compare, sign up and save on the right energy fit for your home — all for free. If you're interested in solar, answer a few questions to get an exact price quote from our solar advisors.
In the past, fuel-powered standby generators (also known as whole house generators) have dominated the backup power supply market, but reports of risk of carbon monoxide poisoning have led many to search for alternatives. Battery backups have emerged as a more eco-friendly and potentially safer option to conventional generators.
Despite performing the same function, battery backups and generators are different devices. Each one has a particular set of advantages and disadvantages, which we'll cover in the following comparison guide. Keep reading to find out about the main differences between battery backups and generators and decide which option is right for you.
Cynthia R Matonhodze/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Battery backups
Home battery backup systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall or the LG Chem RESU, store energy, which you can use to power your house during an outage. Battery backups run on electricity, either from your home solar system or the electrical grid. As a result, they're much better for the environment than fuel-powered generators. They're also better for your wallet.
Separately, if you have a time-of-use utility plan, you can use a battery backup system to save money on your energy bills. Instead of paying high electricity rates during peak usage hours, you can use energy from your battery backup to power your home. In off-peak hours, you can use your electricity as normal -- but at a cheaper rate.
LifestyleVisuals/Getty Images
Generators
On the other hand, standby generators connect to your home's electrical panel and kick on automatically when the power goes out. Generators run on fuel to keep your electricity on during an outage -- typically natural gas, liquid propane or diesel. Other generators have a "dual fuel" feature, meaning that they can run on either natural gas or liquid propane.
Certain natural gas and propane generators can connect to your home's gas line or propane tank, so there's no need to refill them manually. Diesel generators, however, will need to be topped up in order to keep running.
Battery backup vs. generator: How do they compare?
Pricing
In terms of cost, battery backups are the pricier option upfront. But generators need fuel to run, which means that you'll spend more over time to maintain a steady fuel supply.
With battery backups, you'll need to pay for the backup battery system upfront, as well as installation costs (each of which are in the thousands). Exact pricing will vary based on which battery model you choose and how many of them you need to power your home. However, it's common for an average-sized home battery backup system to run between $10,000 and $20,000.
For generators, the upfront costs are slightly lower. On average, the price of purchasing and installing a standby generator can range from $7,000 to $15,000. However, remember that generators require fuel to run, which will increase your operating expenses. The specific costs will depend on a few factors, including the size of your generator, which type of fuel it uses and the amount of fuel used to run it.
Installation
Battery backups earn a slight edge in this category since they can be mounted to the wall or floor, whereas generator installations require a bit of additional work. Regardless, you'll need to hire a professional for either type of installation, both of which will require a full day of work and may cost several thousand dollars.
Aside from setting up the device itself, installing a generator also requires pouring a concrete slab, connecting the generator to a dedicated fuel source and installing a transfer switch.
Maintenance
Battery backups are the clear winner in this category. They're quiet, run independently, don't produce any emissions and don't require any ongoing maintenance.
On the other hand, generators can be quite noisy and disruptive when they're in use. They also emit exhaust or fumes, depending on which type of fuel they use to run -- which may irritate you or your neighbors.
Keeping your home powered
As far as how long they can keep your home powered, standby generators easily outperform battery backups. As long as you have enough fuel, generators can run continuously for up to three weeks at a time (if necessary).
That's simply not the case with battery backups. Let's use the Tesla Powerwall as an example. It has 13.5 kilowatt-hours of storage capacity, which can provide power for a few hours on its own. You can get extra power out of them if they're part of a solar panel system or if you use multiple batteries in a single system.
Expected lifespan and warranty
In most cases, battery backups come with longer warranties than standby generators. However, these warranties are measured in different ways.
Over time, battery backup systems lose the ability to hold a charge, much like phones and laptops. For that reason, battery backups include an end-of-warranty capacity rating, which measures how effective a battery will hold a charge by the end of its warranty period. In Tesla's case, the company guarantees that the Powerwall battery should retain 70% of its capacity by the end of its 10-year warranty.
Some backup battery manufacturers also offer a "throughput" warranty. This is the number of cycles, hours or energy output (known as "throughput") that a company guarantees on its battery.
With standby generators, it's easier to estimate lifespan. Good-quality generators can run for 3,000 hours, as long as they're well maintained. Therefore, if you run your generator for 150 hours per year, then it should last about 20 years.
Which one is right for you?
Across most categories, battery backup systems come out on top. In short, they're better for the environment, easier to install and cheaper to run long-term. Plus, they have longer warranties than standby generators.
With that said, traditional generators can be a good option in some cases. Unlike battery backups, you only need a single generator to restore power in an outage, which brings down the upfront costs. Plus, standby generators can last longer than battery backup systems in a single session. As a result, they'll be a safer bet if the power is out for days at a time.
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Nomad's Labor Day Sale Scores You 15% Off Stylish Accessories Sitewide
Nomad's Labor Day Sale Scores You 15% Off Stylish Accessories Sitewide
There are thousands of manufactured plastic phone accessories out there, but nothing quite beats hand-crafted quality leather. Besides being strong, durable and sustainable, leather also offers a unique look however it's used. Good leather also ages well and lasts a long time. If you're looking for some great leather accessories, check out Nomad.
Nomad prides itself on delivering products that are 100% unique and hand-crafted. Its tanning process alone can take up to two months, but the result is a product that gets better and better with time. Right now, you can save 15% on your purchase with the code LABORDAY15. Plus, all orders over $150 ship free in the US.
CNET's David Carnoy is a longtime fan of Nomad's cases, describing them as "swanky" and "pretty slick" in his roundup of the best iPhone 13 cases.
The discount is good for almost everything that Nomad sells. We've pulled out some of our favorites below, but be sure to check out Nomad's site to see everything on sale right now.
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Best EV Charger for 2022
Best EV Charger for 2022
If you're taking the plunge and buying your first electric car, pickup or SUV, you'll also want to buy and install a Level 2 home charger.
There are things to think about when you pick a Level 2 EV charger, but the value in one is straightforward. For the vast majority of drivers, Level 2 will limit and probably eliminate reliance on a public charging station, and it will remove the anxiety that goes with finding an unoccupied public charger when you need it. Just about any Level 2 charger should fully charge your electric vehicle's battery overnight, even if the battery is nearly depleted.
A Level 2, 240-volt home charger will charge your electric car much much faster than the Level 1 charger that comes with the vehicle. There are more Level 2 chargers to choose from each month, and they might be less expensive than you'd guess. Set up and installation don't have to be complicated or expensive, either, depending on your circumstances. Many Level 2 EV chargers can be plugged into an outlet just like the Level 1, which comes with your car. Others can be hard-wired into household electrical if that's the better option for your purposes. Many have their own phone apps to manage charging and minimize cost.
This list aims to give you some foundation for choosing a home EV charger. I've studied a broad range of chargers across the price spectrum and based my recommendations on expert interviews, user feedback, personal experience and the work of testing labs such as Consumer Reports and Underwriters Laboratories. Browse the full list before you click through, then follow on for a primer on just about everything you need to know when choosing an electric vehicle charger.
Enel X
The JuiceBox 40 delivers everything you need and most of what you'll want in a Level 2 home charge station, at a reasonable price. It's UL listed, built to exceed NEMA 4 standards and great for outdoor use. It can be hardwired or plugged in. It will charge any electric car, pick-up or SUV available in North America, including Tesla with the brand's standard J1772 adaptor, and it comes with the industry standard three-year warranty. Perhaps most important, it hits the magic charge-rate threshold of 40 amps, which means it will replenish any substantially drained EV (current or forthcoming) in an 8- to 10-hour time frame for years to come.
Beyond its foundational features, the JuiceBox 40 is finished with some polished and useful details. It's easy to install, and it's 25-foot connector cable allows maximum flexibility in use. Even its plug-in cord is longer than most, and that adds flexibility when mounting the box in relation to the necessary 240-volt plug. JuiceBox 40 has a built-in cable rack and security lock and, according to experts, one of the best control apps going. It can be started with voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Home, and you can use the app to set reminders, program charge hours and monitor energy consumption (and cost) precisely.
ChargePoint
ChargePoint started in the EV business building public charge stations. The Home Flex represents its expansion into residential, Level 2 chargers.
Home Flex has nearly everything you'll find in our Best Overall JuiceBox 40, with even a bit more to like. Its box is compact and stylish, and its connector locks into its holster or a charge port with a smooth, authoritative click. The holster is ringed with a softly glowing halo of an LED. More significantly, Home Flex can raise the peak charging rate to 50 amps if it's hardwired. While that's almost overkill in a Level 2 charger, given that 40 amps should still charge any EV overnight for years to come, Home Flex will charge a few more current EVs (a couple Teslas and the Ford Mustang Mach E) at their fastest possible rate on residential Alternating Current.
Wired for 50 amps, Home Flex is likely to add some installation cost. Its connector cable is a couple feet shorter than JuiceBox 40's, and its box-to-outlet cord is shorter, too. Those things can matter, but they're not what relegate Home Flex to runner-up status, in our estimation. It's just simple, rational arithmetic. ChargePoint's Home Flex costs at least $100 more than JuiceBox 40, and that cash would make a significant contribution to whatever installation costs there might be.
United Chargers
The Grizzl-E Classic car charging station is designed and built in Canada, and that could be one of the reasons we like it. The Classic ships as a plug-in, to minimize potential installation costs, but it's also suitable for hardwiring. It's manually adjustable from 16 to 40 amps, and that can save on installation, too, in the short run (as in you might not need a higher-rated, more expensive circuit breaker until you have a car that needs the higher charge rate).
Throw in a 24-foot connector cord, and that's about it. There's no Bluetooth connection or phone app here. Yet calling the Grizzl-E Classic a no-frills, charge-your-EV-fast Level 2 undervalues one of its other strengths. This thing is built like a tank, and packaged in a dustproof, fire-resistant aluminum case that's built to NEMA 6 standards, which protect against full water immersion to one meter for 30 minutes. Most other home stations are "upgraded" at NEMA 4.
This is a great charger for folks who like it simple. The Classic is well built, well warrantied (three years) and often cited for good customer service. You'll look a long time trying to find another home station with 40 amps of charging and this kind of quality at this price.
United Chargers
The Grizzl-E Duo is a carbon copy of our Best Value Grizzl-E Classic. Or maybe that's a double copy, because the Duo adds a second 24-foot cable and connector to charge two cars simultaneously.
Beyond that, it's basically that same no-frills, rugged, high-output charge station, though there is another feature unique to the Duo. It adds an intelligent power-sharing circuit to maximize available current between the two charging cars according to each car's need, up to 40 amps total. That in turn maximizes charge speed for each vehicle, without risk of blowing a circuit.
Wallbox
The Pulsar Plus is an extra-compact Level 2 residential charge station. It's suitable for outdoor use, with 40 amps of charging power and most of the preferred features, including a 25-foot connector cable and a mobile app. And if the app loses its connection with the charger, or you don't feel like messing with it, you can just plug in your EV and charge.
Yet what separates Pulsar Plus from nearly all other home charge stations is its Power Sharing feature. This allows more than one unit to be connected to the same electrical circuit to safely charge multiple EVs at once without exceeding the circuit's capacity. Built-in smart power management automatically balances charging to ensure the most efficient energy distribution among the various chargers on the circuit, no need for extra hardware. Further, Wallbox says it's developing the capability to meter each Pulsar Plus charger separately and directly bill individuals. This might be your future if home is a multi-unit dwelling shared with other occupants.
ClipperCreek
ClipperCreek began building home and commercial chargers at its factory in Auburn, California, in 2009, and its HCS-40 Level 2 home station is one of the best-selling chargers to date. In 2022, the box that houses the hardware is larger than most competitors, and the HCS-40's charge rate maxes out at 32 amps. That will still charge most electric vehicles on the road today at their highest rate possible on household current, but it's about 20% less than experts recommend for the long view.
Beyond that, the HCS-40's features still hold up well. Its case is rated NEMA 4 for extreme weather, and its connector cord measures 25 feet. It comes with a remote connector holster that you can hang where you want it -- as in right next to your EV's charge port, wherever that may be. It has a keyed lock that can secure the connector in your charge port or the holster, and there's even an optional cord retractor. It's warranted for three years, and ClipperCreek's customer service is praised in EV circles.
Siemens
Siemens has been making industrial electrical equipment, automotive components and imaging devices for 170 years, and it was an early adaptor to home EV chargers, too. When it was introduced in 2016, the US2 VersiCharge was consistently rated one of the best Level 2 home charge stations available.
Today, the VersiCharge console or case is bigger than just about any out there, and its connector cord is hardly the longest (20 feet). With a peak charge rate of 30 amps, it will still max charge most EVs on the market, but it doesn't leave much growth for the future.
Still it's prized by many EV owners. That's partly for its charm and partly for its build quality. US2 VersiCharge meets NEMA 4 standards for rough weather, with a rugged metal case that looks like the adornment on a big Art Deco building. It even offers its own bespoke outdoor post. It has a couple of buttons that let you delay the start of charging when you plug it in up to 8 hours, and it's known for reliability. It's also warranted for three years, which remains the industry max.
Dcbel Energy
Designed and built by Montreal-based Dcbel Energy, the R16 is much more than a Level 2 home charge station. Think of it as the electrical command center for the home of the future, with its own operating system.
The R16 allows solar-collected Direct Current to charge your EV or home batteries, and DC is by far the fastest way to charge your car. It will turn solar DC into Alternating Current to power your home, and it can turn your EV into a household power bank in the event of utility failure. The R16 can integrate and replace up to five pieces of hardware early solar and low-carbon adopters now use in their homes.
It will work like a conventional Level 2 home charge station on AC, in case you're still in the process of building your solar array. It has two connector cables to charge two electric cars, pickups or SUVs at once. Foremost, the R16 represents the next big thing in EV charging. It's one of the first chargers to market that allows bi-directional charging, which can turn your electric vehicle--or at least some electric vehicles, like the new Ford F-150 Lightning -- into backup power for you home when it's sitting in the driveway. Depending on the size of your car's battery, that could power your home at full bore for at least a day or two, or on emergency rations for 10 days or more. For more on bi-directional charging, read on to EVSE 101.
MeGear
The MeGear Level 1+2 Charger looks a lot like the manufacturer-issued Level 1 charge cord that comes with the typical electric vehicle. It's 25 feet long and has an adapter that allows you to plug it into a typical, three-prong, 120-volt household outlet. If you do that, the MeGear Level 1+2 will charge your EV at essentially the same rate as the cable that came with the car. But if you happen to have access to a 240-volt outlet with a NEMA 6-20 plug (a lot of electric clothes dryers use these), MeGear Level 1+2 will raise your charge rate to 240-volt Level 2. A device like this one is the cheapest path to Level 2 charging.
Now, we've seen this charger marketed under a few different brand names. While the other chargers on our Best list all come with a three-year warranty, the MeGear Level 1+2 is warranted for only a year. It's also the only one that won't restart itself after a power interruption, even if that interruption is only momentary. You'll have to restart it yourself, so hopefully the interruption doesn't occur just after you turn in for the night.
Like we said: this is the cheapest path to Level 2 charging. Quite a bit cheaper, even, than buying a replacement Level 1 cord from your EV dealer. The MeGear Level 1+2 charges on 240 at the lowest Level 2 rate of 16 amps -- much lower than the optimal, future-protecting 40 or 50 amps. Yet at 16 amps, Level 2 should charge your EV about three times faster than the Level 1 cord that came with it. With this charger you can continue to save your pennies for a more powerful Level 2 home station. In the meantime, you'll be able to take advantage of Level 2 when you can and worry less about making it to work the next morning if you can't find a public charger on the way home.
Comparison of the best EV chargers for 2022
Charger
Level 1 or 2
Max charge rate
Connector cable length
Hardwired or plug-in
Phone app
Features
Best EV charger overall
Enel X JuiceBox 40 Smart Electric Vehicle Charging Station
2
40 amps
25 feet
Both
Yes
Everything you need for fast, easy home charging, and most of what you'll want. The right features at a good price.
Best EV charger overall runner-up
ChargePoint Home Flex Electric Vehicle Charger
2
50 amps (hardwired)
23 feet
Both
Yes
A bit slicker than best overall, and it can raise max charge rate to 50 amps (assuming your car could take that charge rate). But it also costs more, and fitted for 50 amps, could cost more to install.
Best EV charger value, especially if it's going outdoors
United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic EV Charging Station
2
40 amps
24 feet
Both
No
A simple, rugged home station that charges EVs fast. Comes with the highest weather protection standard.
Best EV charger for charging two cars
United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo Plug In EV Charger
2
40 amps
24 feet
Both
No
Two connectors, and internal controls that automatically balance power for maximum efficiency and charge speed.
Best EV charger if you need two or more ganged
Wallbox Pulsar Plus Electric Vehicle Smart Charger
2
40 amps
25 feet
Both
Yes
Safely allows multiple chargers on a single electrical circuit. According to the manufacturer, it'll soon add separate metering (and billing) for each one.
Best EV charger from the start of the new EV age
ClipperCreek HCS-40/HCS-40P Charging Station
2
32 amps
25 feet
Both
No
An all-time top seller, from an early adapter known for customer service.
Best EV charger from an old-school brand
Siemens US2 VersiCharge Universal EV Charger
2
30 amps
20 feet
Both
No
Built like a tank, looks like Art Deco, from one of the world's oldest electrical suppliers. Still charges most electric cars at the maximum possible rate on household current.
Best home EV charger if money is no object
Dcbel R16 Home Energy Station
2+
DC charging capable (with solar)
Up to 20 feet
Hardwired
Yes
More like a home electricity substation, managing solar, batteries, charging and household supply with its own OS. As a Level 2 EV charger, it's one of the first to enable bi-directional charging, which can turn your EV battery into a power bank for your home.
Best EV charger for cheapskates, bi-voltage edition
MeGear Level 1+2 Home Electric Vehicle Charging Station
1 or 2
16 amps at 240 volts
25 feet
Plug-in
No
About the least expensive path to Level 2 charging, and it will work as a Level 1 until you have access to 240-volt AC. Much slower than more powerful level 2s, but still about three times faster than the Level 1 that comes with your car.
Wallbox
EVSE 101
The thing you use to plug in an electric car, pickup or SUV is not, technically, a charger. The charging hardware and control system are actually inside the vehicle's powertrain. The plug-in thing is Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, and it allows the transfer of energy between an electric utility and the EV. This equipment includes charge cords, charge stands (residential or public), attachment plugs, vehicle connectors and bits of electrical hardware that ensure safe operation for user and vehicle. But don't worry. You can call your EVSE a charger.
Every electric car should come with a charger -- invariably a heavy cord with a large, block-shaped device between the vehicle connector and the wall plug. If you bought your electric vehicle used and it didn't come with its charge cord, I hope you accounted for that in the transaction price.
These cords are called Level 1 chargers, and they plug into a standard 120-volt electric outlet on your house or in your garage. They're fine for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which typically have fairly small batteries and a gasoline engine to power the car, and a Level 1 cord will charge a full electric, no-engine car. It won't charge a pure EV anything close to quickly. If your daily electric-car rounds amount to 20 or 25 miles, you can probably live with Level 1. But if you happen to pull your electric car into the driveway with its battery nearly depleted, it can take literally days with a Level 1 charger to replenish to full capacity.
Dcbel Energy
I wouldn't recommend buying another Level 1 charger, unless you need to replace the one that came with your EV or want a second for an alternate location. No Level 1 charger -- from the vehicle manufacturer or an aftermarket supplier -- will charge your EV substantially faster than the cord that came with it. The money you'd spend on a Level 1 charger will get you a long way toward something called a Level 2 charge station, and you can still take the Level 1 cord that came with your car wherever you go. If you want maximum convenience and don't want to rely on public, high-speed charging stations, you probably want Level 2. If your daily rounds regularly use 100 miles of range or more, you absolutely want Level 2. I'll elaborate shortly.
First, I'll answer a question many EV shoppers are likely to have. Every electric car, truck and SUV sold in North America comes with the same connector in its charge port. Every car that's not a Tesla, that is. This standard connection is called SAE J1772, and it means that you don't need to worry about buying the wrong EVSE. Every charge cord and station, home or public, will plug into every electric car, truck or SUV on the road -- including Teslas. That's because every Tesla vehicle comes with an adaptor that allows a J1772 plug to fit in its proprietary charge port. And as Tesla ponders rolling out its private, national Supercharger charging network to non-Tesla owners, it's developed an adaptor that allows its proprietary connection to fit into the J1772 port on other manufacturers' electric vehicles.
Take it up a level
Level 2 EV chargers are a major upgrade from the Level 1 device that comes with an electric car. While it won't charge as quickly as a public DC charger, Level 2 is the best most of us will get for home charging -- or at least those of us who aren't certified millionaires or better. There are 480-volt fast chargers that can theoretically be installed for residential use, but they're expensive to begin with and have specific power requirements, including a dedicated power line. In short, the cost of a 480-volt charge station is prohibitive for the typical homeowner.
ChargePoint
How big is the Level 2 upgrade? A Level 1 charger delivers about 12 amps, give or take a couple, and adds three to five miles of range to a typical electric car in an hour. A Level 2 charger delivers a minimum 16 amps and as many as 80, with a rate of 12 to 60 miles of range per hour of charge, depending on the car and the specific charger. Bottom line, a Level 2 charger can charge an EV three to 10 times faster than a Level 1 charger can, and you can buy good, higher-amperage Level 2 charging stations for $500 all day.
Level 2 chargers require 240-volt electrical supply. If you're not up to speed on electrical current, you shouldn't let that requirement put you off. While there may be some preparation or installation costs, drawing 240 volts from typical residential electrical is not a major or particularly expensive proposition. Many homes already have 240. Yours may, too, if you have an electric water heater or clothes dryer, and if you do there's a good chance it's already in the garage, where you'll need it for a Level 2 charge station.
If you live near a major population center and don't drive a lot, you may not need a Level 2 EV charger. If you live in a rural area with less developed infrastructure, you probably do need one. Wherever you live, the more and further you drive your electric car, pickup or SUV, the more valuable a Level 2 charger will be. Level 2 can substantially reduce the small hassles and anxiety of owning an electric car. For upwards of 90% of the driving public, it can eliminate reliance on public charging stations, unless or until you take your electric car on a long-distance driving vacation.
ChargePoint/Dcbel/United Chargers/Wallbox
Getting ready
There are a handful of things to think about before installing a Level 2 charger, but the first comes down to where you live and who controls your electrical supply.
If you own a home, that's probably all you need to know. You're the boss, and you can proceed with a Level 2 charging station. If you own a condominium, you'll likely need permission from the owner's association. That could be as simple as filling out a form, or it could require jumping through a few more hoops, but you should start by reaching out to the association or property management company. If you rent a home or live in an apartment with reserved parking or a garage, hope is not lost. You'll still have to get the landlord's permission, then determine how much power is available in the parking area and how it's metered.
If you don't have 240-volt current, that's not a huge challenge. The first thing you need is an electrician to tell you whether your existing electrical panel has sufficient capacity for a 240-volt line. There's a reasonable chance it does, but if it doesn't, you'll have to upgrade. And even if you have existing 240-volt service, it's best to consult an electrician as you prepare for a Level 2 charging station.
Let's say, for example, that you already have an electric dryer, and it's in the garage not far from where you want your Level 2 charger. There's a good chance you can find a Level 2 charger that will plug into the same outlet as the dryer (most plug-in Level 2s offer one or two of three common 240 plugs -- NEMA 6-20, 6-50 or 14-50, with NEMA standing for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association). This path means you'll never be able to charge your car and run the dryer at the same time, however, so a good electrician seems like a good place to start. Different surveys by different organizations put the average cost of installing a Level 2 charge station between $650 and $800. That's on top of the charger, of course.
Wallbox
While you're waiting for the electrician, think about where you want the charge station to go. That's typically on a wall inside or outside the garage, or on a post near where you park. Outside is no problem, but you should know it's going outside before you pick your charger, and you should also know where the charge port is located on your electric car, truck or SUV. No two electric vehicle makes put their charge ports in exactly the same place, and the cords on Level 2 charge stations typically range from 12 to 25 feet.
Lastly, check what's available in your locale when it comes to rebates, tax credits and other incentives for installing an EV charge station. The IRS offers a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost, up to $1,000. Your state and local government may offer incentives as well, and don't forget to check your electrical utility.
Big things to think about
Home chargers for electric cars are proliferating, and there are more to choose from all the time. Nearly every vehicle manufacture offers its own, branded charge station through its sales points, typically with third-party installation. If convenience is more important than cash outlay, or if you're a committed brand geek, you can certainly go with the manufacturer's product. On the other hand, you'll do at least as well on quality and performance for less money if you choose your own Level 2 charger. Often substantially less money.
Question 2 when choosing a Level 2 home charger for your electric car, pickup or SUV: Do you want one that's hardwired or one that plugs into an outlet, like the Level 1 charger that comes with the car? Hardwiring means the station is semi-permanently connected to your home's electrical grid, and you won't be able to move it without opening a junction box and detaching the wiring. A plug-in station simply plugs into a 240-volt electrical outlet. Think of it like a permanently installed light fixture versus a plug-in lamp. Other things being equal, a plug-in charge station will work as well as one that's hardwired. The primary advantage of the plug-in is that you can more easily remove it and bring it with you -- if you relocate, for example.
Dcbel Energy
Other things are rarely equal, though, and there are a few more subtle things to consider when choosing between hardwired and plug-in. Most local electrical code will require a charge station installed outdoors to be hardwired. Plug-in charge stations are limited to 40-amp output, and while 40 amps of charging power is more than adequate for the foreseeable future (I'll get to that next), the ultimate future-proof charging station might have a higher charge rate. A plug-in charger won't eliminate additional installation cost, either, unless you happen to have an appropriate 240-volt plug in your garage, in close proximity to where you want the charge station. If that's the case, we'd definitely recommend a plug-in Level 2.
Most Level II chargers are packaged in a case designed to be mounted to a wall or post. Removal and relocation require that they be detached, which can be as simple as removing a couple of fasteners. Yet there are an increasing number of more portable Level 2 chargers, as well as bi-voltage chargers that work at Level 1 or Level 2 depending on the receptacle they're plugged into. These look similar to the Level 1 charger that comes with the car -- usually a long, heavy cord with a plastic brick somewhere between the outlet plug and the vehicle connector. Portables can be useful for travel or commuting because they'll work at Level 2 in the event you have access to a 240-volt plug at work or a vacation residence. The drawback is simple, however. Portable bi-voltage chargers often max out at 16 amps output, or occasionally 20 amps, and while that's better than anything Level 1 can deliver, it won't bring the potential charge speed of higher-amperage Level 2 home stations .
With Level 2 charge stations, output amperage is king. Sort of. Level 2 delivers at least 16 amps and as many as 80, and the chargers tend to get more expensive as output amperage increases. Accounting for one important limitation, the charger with the highest output amperage will charge your electric car fastest. Yet that limitation is big, and it's the reason you need to know the maximum charge rate your electric car, pickup or SUV will accept.
Siemens
You'll find your electric vehicle's maximum charge rate in its owner's manual, on the spec sheet or in the worst case from the manufacturer. It may be listed in kilowatts, or kW, and if that's the case you should Google a kilowatts-to-amperes conversion calculator and convert the kW at 240 volts. This isn't a safety issue: A charger with a higher charge rate won't somehow melt your electric car. But your car's maximum charge rate matters when you decide how much to spend on a Level 2 charger, and which one to choose. If its max charge rate is 16 amps, it's never going to charge faster than 16 amps on household current, no matter how many amps your Level 2 charger can deliver. Find one of those expensive 80-amp chargers, which will very likely require some serious infrastructure improvements to your household electrical, and your car is still not going to accept a charge rate greater than 16 amps.
Does that mean you should never buy a charger that delivers more amps than your electric car, pickup or SUV can accept? It definitely does not mean that, unless you consider the charger a short-term investment to ditch when you get your next car. A short history of the current crop of electric cars explains why choosing a Level 2 charger based strictly on your current car's max charge rate might not be the best idea.
When it was introduced in 2011, the Nissan Leaf could accept a maximum charge of about 14 amps on household current, adding five or six miles of range per hour of charging. With updates for model year 2016, the Leaf could charge at 28 amps. Around 2018, the Chevy Bolt, Jaguar I-Pace and Kia Niro EVs debuted with a max charge rate of about 30 amps, good for 23 to 24 miles of range per hour. Ford's recently introduced Mustang Mach E, and some Tesla models, can charge at 48 amps on AC, adding 35 miles of range per hour of charge. And charge rates for electric cars are likely to increase further over the next several years as new models roll out.
If the point isn't clear, we'll put it another way. Your first electric car may charge at a max of 16 amps, but it's very likely that your next one, brand new or used, will take a charge at a faster rate. Given the outlay for a Level 2 charge station, you probably want to protect your investment. You might save a few bucks now with a low power Level 2, but there's a good chance you're going to want a more powerful one when you get your next electric car.
Megear
If you're now wondering by exactly how much you should future-proof your Level 2 charge station, we have a simple rule of thumb. Experts generally agree that a home charger output of 40 amps -- or 50 amps at the extreme -- will be sufficient for the typical electric car owner for years to come.
"Forty amps seems to be the sweet spot," says Barry Woods, the director of vehicle innovation at ReVision Energy in Maine, and a board member for the trade group Plug In America. "A 40-amp charger is sized correctly for most residential locations, and 40 amps is going to be relevant for a while. That's based on driving habits more than technology. Given the batteries we have now, and what we anticipate, 40 amps should adequately meet the needs of the vast majority of users."
A 40-amp Level 2 charger should cover the daily range requirements of more than 95% of drivers in the United States, including those in rural areas, based on reams of data collected over decades. Your next electric car could charge at a rate faster than 40 amps, but 40 amps will still replenish its deeply depleted batteries in an 8-to-10-hour time frame. Ten hours at 40 amps will add roughly 300 miles of range, depending on the vehicle.
You could consider a 50-amp charger, to take advantage of the higher household charge rate in a few current electric vehicles, but the charger will cost more than a 40-amp max charger. The 50-amp demands heavier-gauge wiring, a higher-rated circuit breaker and a higher-capacity electric panel, so there's a good chance it will cost more to install, and its advantage for household use is minimal -- maybe just bragging rights. A Level 2 charger rated at more than 40 amps will have to be hardwired, so it eliminates the option of a plug-in charge station that you can take with you when you move.
ClipperCreek
In 2022, a 40-amp Level 2 charge station almost certainly delivers the best cost/benefit breakdown for your electric car, pickup or SUV, and it should deliver sufficient charge speed for years to come. And remember. Even if your current electric vehicle charges at a maximum rate less than 40 amps (most do), there's nothing to worry about. The electric car controls how much electricity its battery absorbs when it's charged, so you can't damage the vehicle with a charger capable of a higher rate.
More things to look for
If the charge amperage thing gets confusing, think of 40 amps as the target and work up or down from there, based on cost, features and preferences. The next thing to think about when choosing a Level 2 charger is the weather -- or specifically, whether your electric car, pickup or SUV is going to sit out in the weather. If you can't or won't park your electric car in a covered garage, the charge station probably needs to go outdoors, too. In that case, to be in code, it will need to be hardwired and not plugged in. It will also need to be rated for outdoor use.
Most Level 2 chargers, including those on our Best list, are rated at least NEMA 3, and NEMA 3 is acceptable for outdoor use. Some chargers are built to NEMA 4 standards, which add another layer of protection and shield the box against direct pressure from a garden hose. If there's lots of rain where you live, and it's often driven by stiff winds, NEMA 4 is a good choice. Whether your Level 2 charger is going in the garage or out, it's always smart to choose one listed by Underwriters Laboratories or Edison Testing Labs. The UL or ETL listing designates compliance with safety standards established by these nationally recognized testing labs.
Next are the physical features of the charger itself, starting with the connector cord. Level 2 charge cords typically range from 12 to 25 feet, and longer is almost always better. A 12-foot cord can cut it close in the best of circumstances, and might require that you park your car in the same direction or orientation every time you plug it in. The 25-foot one should allow you to park in at least two different spots if your garage has two bays or more. It should cover things if you the charge port on your next electric car is in an entirely different spot than your current car's.
ChargePoint
Many chargers come with a horn to hold the looped cable. Others expect you to wrap the cable around the box, or a long nail of your choosing, or to simply leave the cable coiled on the ground or floor. Pay attention to these details if you're not fond of clutter, trip hazards or excessive dust accumulation. Look for a charger that has a holster for its connector, or at least a cap to cover the connector when it's not in use. Finally, consider the dimensions of the charger box itself. A really wide one might not fit the space between two single garage doors. A thick one that sticks out relatively far might make it more difficult to squeeze between the car and a wall in a tight, single-car garage.
Some early electric car chargers would not restart themselves if the power temporarily failed and then came back. You had to unplug the connector, then plug it back in to restart. Most current Level 2 chargers, including those on our Best list, will restart automatically, but make sure that's the case when you choose. It's better than waking up to find your electric car is not sufficiently charged.
Beyond that automatic restart feature, some chargers have just a few LEDs to tell you what they're doing. Others have a few hard buttons to set features or manually delay starting the charge once the vehicle is plugged in. Still others come with a phone or tablet app that connects to the charger via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and shares a range of data and control options.
With the apps, you can typically monitor your car's charge progress, keep statistics on energy use and know fairly precisely what it's costing to operate your electric vehicle. Some allow voice interface with the charger ("Alexa, charge my car!") and communication with local utilities, so you can participate in demand response programs and charge your car when the electricity is the cheapest or cleanest available. Some Level 2 charger apps let you load-share two chargers on the same circuit without tripping the breaker.
Enel X
These programs can definitely be useful, but if you're not fond of fiddling with phone apps, or you just want to plug in your car and charge it, there's no reason to pay up for charger with a control app. If you do want some of those app features, or you're basically a data geek, you still might not have to pay up for a charger with an app. Electric vehicle manufacturers have their own apps that communicate with their vehicles, and there's almost certainly one that goes with your electric car, pickup or SUV. Learn what the vehicle app can do before you buy the charger. There's no reason to pay extra for charger features that are redundant.
The next big thing
When Ford Motor Co. unveiled its 2022 F-150 Lightning in May 2021, one of the truck's second-level features grabbed almost as much attention as Ford's first electric, full-size pickup did on its own.
With the right Level 2 home charging station, the F-150 Lightning can essentially turn itself into a giant power bank on wheels. During a household power failure, the truck can automatically direct the electrical energy stored in its expansive battery pack back into the household wiring grid. If a Lightning with the upgrade, 155 kWh extended-range battery were fully charged when the power failed, based on the average household electrical consumption of about 30 kWh per day, this pickup should be able to power most households full speed for three or four days. With more carefully metered household usage, running essentials like the refrigerator and freezer, modest lighting and communication, the F-150 might provide power for 10 days or a bit longer.
Sounds like a nice capability to have, but if you want in with the Lightning and you're not already in line, don't hold your breath. Ford has promised the first Lightning deliveries by March 2022, with a base price starting just north of $40,000, but it also claims the first three years of Lightning production are sold out -- even with its decision to double its initial assembly capacity a few months after the Lightning was revealed.
Dcbel Energy
You don't have to wait for a Lightning, and you definitely don't have to use Ford's Level 2 home charger. The power-bank concept represented by Ford's electric pickup is sometimes called vehicle-to-grid or V2G -- or, more frequently, bi-directional charging. In its basic form, bi-directional charging uses a Level 2 home charge station as a two-way bridge between an electrical utility grid and an electric vehicle's battery. It's more than a potential source of back-up power because many experts see bi-directional charging as a means to even out electrical demand and make utilities more efficient as electric cars proliferate. The thinking is that cars can be charged during off-peak demand, as the world sleeps, and then supplement utility power when they sit during the day during high-demand, potential brown-out periods.
It's nascent technology, yes, but bi-directional charging can already be achieved. The Nissan Leaf is the only current EV that allows it, and its biggest battery has only about a third of the capacity of the F-150 Lightning's (several other current EVs do allow bi-directional flow from the vehicle, but only for appliances plugged into the vehicle itself, rather than the house grid). Going forward, many and maybe most new electric cars, pick-ups and SUVs will offer bi-directional charging. Hyundai, Kia, Lucid and Rivian all have promised the capability, though Tesla seems less likely to offer it, given its commitment to its Powerwall home battery. Further, bi-directional charging is not limited by the hardware in most current EVs. It's mostly a function of the binary bits in the control software, and some vehicle manufacturers are considering software updates to allow their existing vehicles to charge bi-directionally.
The first handful of bi-directional Level 2 home charge stations have hit the market, including our Best If Money Is No Object Dcbel R16. Yet the least expensive bi-directional we've found is about six times more expensive than our Best Overall Juicebox 40, and in the typical household it will require higher installation costs.
Wallbox
If you're committed, and you have the resources, you might want to think about bi-directional charging for your Level 2 home station. Or you might want to limit your investment now, with the most basic Level 2 charger you trust, and wait for bi-directional to play out.
"It's not exactly here yet, but bi-directional is coming soon," says Plug In America board member Barry Woods. "In most respects it's fairly simple technology, and the barrier is acceptance more than technical.
"It's one more consideration choosing a Level 2 charger. The first step has three filters. Do you want basic charging, smart (app-based) charging or bi-directional? Once that's clear, it's basic consumer requirements like reliability, warranty and customer service."
Written by J.P. Vettraino for Roadshow
EV charger FAQs
Is a Level 2 charger worth it?
The short answer: A Level 2 charger is always better at charging than a Level 1 charger, which typically comes with every electric vehicle. Whether a Level 2 is worth the additional cost depends on your living circumstances, your driving habits and your access to public charging stations. That cost runs from maybe $200 on the low end to $2,000 on the high end, installed, contingent on the charger and required electrical upgrades.
If your daily electric-car rounds amount to 20 or 30 miles, you can probably live with Level 1. But if you happen to pull your electric car into the driveway with its battery nearly depleted, it can take literally days with a Level 1 charger to replenish to full capacity. Or you can find an open public charging station in convenient proximity to your home.
If you want maximum convenience and don't want to have to rely on public, high-speed stations, you probably want Level 2. If your daily rounds regularly use 100 miles of range or more, you absolutely want Level 2. If you live in a rural area with less developed infrastructure, you probably need Level 2. Wherever you live, the further you drive your electric car, pickup or SUV, the more valuable a Level 2 charger will be. Level 2 can substantially reduce the small hassles and anxiety of owning an electric car. The right Level 2 home charger will charge any electric vehicle from nearly depleted to nearly full in the typical overnight time frame, or say 8 to 10 hours. For upwards of 95% of the driving public, Level 2 can eliminate reliance on public charging stations, unless or until you take your electric car on a long-distance driving vacation.
Are all EV home chargers the same?
Definitely not. There are Level 1 chargers (3 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging in the typical electric car) and Level 2 chargers (12 to 60 miles of range per hour, depending on the car and the specific charger). Level 2s can be portable, plug-in or hardwired, with different max charge rates and different operating features.
That said, you don't need to worry about buying the wrong charger, because certain hardpoints are the same. Any Level 1 or Level 2 charger will safely charge any electric car, truck and SUV sold in North America. You can't charge your vehicle too quickly, or over-charge it, because its own on-board electronics will protect it. Every electric vehicle comes with the same connector in its charge port -- or at least every electric vehicle that's not a Tesla. This standard connection is called SAE J1772, and every charge cord and station, home or public, will plug into every electric car -- including Tesla. That's because every Tesla vehicle comes with an adaptor that allows a J1772 plug to fit in its proprietary charge port.
Which is the best charger for electric cars?
The best EV charger for you depends on a host of circumstances: how and where you plan to use it, how soon or frequently you expect to move, whether you want to use an app to manage it and even the electric vehicle you plan to charge. Read the full report above for more thorough guidance
If you're looking for a fairly guideline on what to buy, this can help: Choose a plug-in Level 2 charger with a peak charge rate of 40 amps. In 2022, a 40-amp Level 2 charge station almost certainly delivers the best cost-benefit breakdown for your electric car, pickup or SUV, and it should deliver sufficient charge speed for years to come. A plug-in is easy to move. Even if your current electric vehicle charges at a maximum rate less than 40 amps (most do), there's nothing to worry about. The electric car controls how much electricity its battery absorbs when it's charged, so you can't damage the vehicle with a charger capable of a higher rate.
Can you buy a Level 3 charger for home?
Level 2 is the best most of us will get for home charging -- or at least those of us who aren't certified millionaires or better. There are 480-volt fast chargers that can theoretically be installed for residential use, but they're very expensive to begin with and have very specific power requirements, including a dedicated power line. In short, the cost of a 480-volt charge station is prohibitive for the typical homeowner, and rarely necessary to begin with.
Really high-voltage chargers will typically convert residential and commercial alternating current, or AC, to direct current, DC. Fast-charge public stations use DC, because DC is by far the fastest way to charge your electric car. If you happen to have reasonably expansive solar array, you can take advantage of DC at home without a full Level 3 charger. There are a couple of expensive home charge stations (and probably more coming) that can take the DC collected by solar panels and dump it straight into your electric car. When the sun shines full bore, they can charge faster than the typical Level 2. When there's cloud cover, or it's dark, these chargers will revert to operating on household AC and charge at Level 2.
