Skip Crossrope unless you really love skipping rope.

Like everybody else, my New Year’s resolution was to work out more. After moving to a new city, I fell out of my workout routine, and it didn’t help that the gym chain I belonged to was now a 30-minute drive in Los Angeles traffic.

So I started researching workouts I could do from home. Jump roping is fun and a great, full-body cardio workout that can also improve agility and coordination. So when I heard the $199 Crossrope AMP Jump Rope Set would quantify the experience and help me incorporate strength training into my routine with its weighted ropes, I was intrigued.

After testing the set for a month, I can confirm few jump ropes are as well-made as Crossrope’s, and its workouts and community offer a lot of value for jumping enthusiasts. Yet, at $199, plus a $12 monthly subscription, it’s only for those committed to jumping consistently — not casual users.

Photo by Sheena Vasani / The Verge

The Crossrope system, which has been around since 2013, consists of interchangeable handles, ropes, and ropeless jumping attachments in a variety of weights from three ounces up to five pounds. The AMP set that I tested comes with a set of Bluetooth-connected handles plus quarter-pound, half-pound, and one-pound ropes.

The ropes and handles are built from strong materials and connect with steel clasps. They feel made to last, but unlike most jump ropes, each rope is a fixed length — you can’t adjust them. They come in six different lengths, but I tripped a few times despite using the size Crossrope recommended for my height. While I began to trip less as I improved as a jumper, when I asked the Crossrope community for help, several members acknowledged they had had the same issue.

Photo by Sheena Vasani / The Verge

The AMP handles are what turn this from an expensive modular jump rope system to an expensive modular smart jump rope system. The Bluetooth-enabled handles connect to iOS and Android devices, allowing you to track jumps, streaks, power output, speed, and calories burned from the companion app. If you connect it with your Apple Watch, you can also import your heart rate data. It’s difficult to judge how accurate these stats were, but Crossrope correctly counted my jumps for the most part, and the other numbers didn’t seem like a stretch.

But that information comes at a price: $11.99 per month. That’s right: along with forking out $199 for the set (or $99 for the handles if you already have Crossrope ropes), you also have to pay a monthly fee to get any value from the smart handles. Even the jump counter is paywalled. That fact was — and still is — jarring to me and is the biggest downside to the set.

That said, you’re not paying just for metrics. Along with a helpful Facebook community of nearly 100,000 people, Crossrope includes an app with over 2,500 workouts created by its personal trainers and on-demand classes taught by instructors popular in the jumping world. Jumping rope is obviously the focus, but the custom workouts also include other exercises like squats and dumbbell lifting. There are also longer programs focused on specific fitness goals, from burning fat in, say, six weeks to improving endurance. If you don’t like any of the options, you can also create your own workout, which was helpful when I required a slower pace.

I appreciated how well thought out the workouts are, with a timer included for each set and rest sessions. Crossrope’s own programs even feature Spotify playlists curated by beats per minute geared for different rope weights and speeds. Unlike, say, Apple Fitness Plus or Fitbit Premium workouts, Crossrope also displays a (weird) 3D avatar of the trainer performing the same exercise in real time, which helps with form. And unlike Apple’s and Fitbit’s programs, you can even message Crossrope’s trainers with questions for a more personalized experience.

But we have to address the elephant in the room: the Crossrope AMP costs two hundred dollars, plus $12 a month. It exists in a niche market with little direct competition, but it also exists in a world with a lot of cheaper jump ropes. To pull an example almost at random, the Te-Rich Smart Weighted Jump Rope I found on Amazon costs $17 and has a built-in LCD display with a timer and jump counter, while the YaoYao app also tracks jumps and time and only costs $0.99 per month (or $10 for a one-time unlock). Both also estimate calories burned, and YaoYao also lets you set the length of workouts and rest sessions and compete with others via a leaderboard.

Photo by Sheena Vasani / The Verge

While YaoYao often overestimated my jumps, the Te-Rich Smart Weighted Jump Rope’s stats were consistent with Crossrope’s, and sometimes even counted my jumps more accurately. The flimsy 9.8-foot PVC rope tangles easily, but that’s forgivable at this price, especially as the rope is adjustable. The Te-Rich lacks custom workouts, on-demand video classes, and community, but you can find similar ones online. In fact, some on-demand class instructors offer their own YouTube channels. Plus, you can always use the free or paid versions of Crossrope’s app without the AMP handles if you want the workouts and don’t mind losing the jump counter, personalized targets, benchmarks, and leaderboards.

Photo by Sheena Vasani / The Verge

The most effective workout is the one you’re going to stick with. If a smart jump rope with guided workouts and an encouraging community makes it easier for you to exercise consistently, Crossrope is worth it. It’s overpriced, but it’s also smaller and cheaper than other home gym equipment I considered, like treadmills. Crossrope’s 60-day return policy also means you can get your money back if you decide you’re not going to use it enough to justify the expense.

I enjoyed my time with the Crossrope. It helped put some of the fun back into fitness for me. But I don’t think jumping will replace jogging and walking as my primary cardio workout — though it’s a fun accessory — so I won’t be buying the Crossrope AMP once I send the review unit back. The Te-Rich didn’t come with a bunch of workout programs or a Facebook group or track my heart rate, but it still gave me a rough idea of jumps and calories burned and didn’t cost $200.

Spring is a season of refreshment and renewal. It’s an “upgrade season,” if you will, and Amazon’s Big Spring Sale offers a little something for everyone to add faster and better gadgets to their homes and everyday carry. The sale is slated to run through the end of today, March 25th, and unless Amazon surprises us with a last-minute extension, that means you only have a few hours left to shop.

We’ve been surfacing great deals on a variety of tech over the past week, whether you’re after a new pair of headphones or perhaps a robot vacuum to help with your spring cleaning duties. Many deals are still available, but some have started to whither. Below, we’ve compiled the best deals on devices and gadgets you can still find deep discounts on. There’s a chance some of these deals will stick around after the calendar turns, but we wouldn’t risk losing this early opportunity to save on something you’ve been eyeing. You can scroll at your leisure or use the jump links below to go straight to your category of interest.

Headphone and earbud deals

• Bose’s standard QuietComfort Headphones are also on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $249 ($100 off), matching their all-time low. Unlike their predecessor, the QC45, Bose’s newer over-ear headphones feature adjustable noise cancellation and custom listening modes that allow you to let in as much (or as little) outside noise as you’d like. That said, they lack Bose’s Immersive Audio feature, which is unique to the QuietComfort Ultra.
• Jabra’s semi-open Elite 10 are down to $199.99 ($50 off) at Amazon and Target, which is $10 shy of their all-time low price. The wireless buds support Dolby Spatial Audio with head tracking as well as wind detection tech, and Jabra claims they boast the company’s most noise cancellation yet.
• If Jabra’s Elite 8 Active are out of your budget, the fitness-focused Jabra Elite 4 Active are down to $89.99 ($40 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. While not an all-time low, that’s one of the better prices we’ve seen so far this year on the buds. They aren’t as capable or as rugged as the Elite 8 Active, which boast an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, but they still deliver good sound, active noise cancellation, and an IP57 rating.

• Sony’s lauded WH-1000XM4 are also on sale starting at $248 ($102 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which is just $20 shy of their all-time low. Even if they’re not as good as Sony’s latest noise-canceling headphones, the XM5, the 2020 model sounds terrific and drowns out noise exceptionally well, with long battery life and plush, comfortable ear pads. Read our review.
• Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are on sale for around $189.99 at Best Buy and Target. While we’ve seen them for as low as $159 recently, this is still a $40 discount on the noise-canceling buds, which offer 24-bit audio support and great sound. They’re a particularly good option for Samsung Galaxy phone owners, who can enjoy extra perks like head tracking and spatial audio. Read our review.
• If you’re not a fan of silicon ear tips, the newer Echo Buds Amazon released last year have also returned to their all-time low of $34.99 ($15 off) at Amazon. The earbuds lack ANC, but they integrate with Amazon Alexa for hands-free commands and feature a semi-open design that lets you remain tuned into your surroundings.

Speaker, soundbar, and other audio deals

• Amazon’s basic Fire TV Soundbar is matching its all-time low of $99.99 ($20 off) at Amazon. The basic Bluetooth soundbar doesn’t offer pristine detail, but it’s still a step up from the built-in speakers on most TVs. It’s easy to set up thanks to its compatibility with other Fire TV products, too, and comes with support for DTS Virtual:X, HDMI eARC, and Dolby Audio. Read our hands-on impressions.
• Amazon, Best Buy, and The Home Depot are selling the fifth-gen Echo Dot for $34.99 ($15 off). You can also buy the clock-equipped Echo Dot , for $49.99 ($10 off) at Amazon and Best Buy. While a far cry from their all-time low prices, these are the best prices we’ve seen since December. The Echo Dot offers a similar feature set to the Echo Pop, but delivers better sound and extra features like a temperature sensor. Read our review.

• Bose’s rugged SoundLink Flex is available from Amazon, Bose, and Walmart for $129 ($20 off), which is one of its better prices to date. It’s one of the best Bluetooth speakers available right now, one that delivers rich, detailed sound and ample bass for its size.
• JBL’s portable Clip 4 Bluetooth speaker is on sale for around $59.95 ($20 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Kohl’s. As the name implies, you can clip the Clip 4 to bikes, bags, and just about anything, making it great for bringing along on hikes. It also has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.

Gaming deals

• You can buy the Razer Kishi V2 mobile controller for Android at Amazon for $79.99 ($20 off). The iPhone version that has a Lightning connector is also on sale for $89.95 (about $10 off) at Amazon, which is one of the lower prices we’ve seen as of late. The Kishi V2 can hold your smartphone in place as you use its physical buttons for a more comfortable mobile gaming experience.
• The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is on sale at Amazon in black for $119.99. That isn’t the best deal we’ve seen — it’s dropped to as low as $87.99 in the past — but it’s a decent $30 discount on an excellent Xbox controller that offers RGB lighting, adjustable triggers, and six clicky, responsive buttons you can customize.
• The Turtle Beach Recon is a solid wired Xbox controller that also works with Windows PCs. Amazon and Best Buy have it down to around $29.95 ($30 off), beating the previous all-time low by $10. It comes with in-line volume controls with an EQ feature that includes a mode that can amplify subtle sounds like footsteps and whispers. It also has remappable buttons and two rear-facing paddles.
• Amazon has Western Digital’s 4TB WD_Black internal SSD down to $237.49 (about $113 off) for Prime members, or $249.99 ($100 off) for everyone else. Best Buy also has it for $249.99. It’s an M.2 NVMe drive with PCIe Gen4 that supports sequential read speeds up to 7,300 megabytes per second and write speeds up to 6,350 MB/s.

Smartwatch and fitness tracker deals

E-reader and tablet deals

Phone deals

• The Motorola Razr Plus is on sale for $699.99 at Amazon, which is $150 shy of the all-time low but still one of its better prices to date. If you miss the days of flip phones, the latest Razr is a solid buy with a modern 6.9-inch OLED display, all-day battery life, and a useful 3.6-inch cover display. Plus, you know, it’s fun. Read our review.

Smart home deals

• The Google Nest Thermostat is down to $99.99 ($30 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store, which is one of its better prices to date. The 2020 smart thermostat is a good no-frills option that supports Matter, even if it can’t adapt to your habits.
• The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug KP115 with Energy Monitoring is down to $10.99 ($12 off) at Amazon. The smart plug is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and can also monitor your energy usage through the Kasa or Tapo apps.

• The Blink Video Doorbell is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $41.99 ($18 off), matching its second-best price to date. The 1080p buzzer offers excellent value for the price with no ongoing fees, not to mention features like motion-activated recording and alerts, two-way audio, night vision, and impressively long battery life.
• The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 is on sale for $97.99 ($22 off) at Amazon when you clip the on-page coupon. This is a good pick for Apple Home users since it’s the only battery-powered doorbell that supports Apple Home and HomeKit Secure Video, though we wish its video quality were better. Read our review.
• Amazon’s Smart Air Quality Monitor is on sale for $54.99 ($15 off) at Amazon, which is $6 shy of its lowest price to date. It’s a handy gadget for the price, one that monitors your indoor air and can automatically turn on air purifiers, smart thermostats, and other Alexa-enabled devices via Hunches when it senses a drop in air quality. Read our review.

Robot vacuum deals

• Normally $899.99, the Roborock Q Revo is currently on sale for $749.99 ($150 off) at Amazon and Roborock’s online storefront. While it lacks AI-powered obstacle avoidance, the robot vacuum is plenty capable in other ways and can self-empty, clean its oscillating mops, and even refill its own water tank.

Charger deals

• If you don’t have a Qi2-certified phone, you can grab Anker’s 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) for around $34.99 ($30 off) from Amazon and Anker (with promo code WSCPBFFQ7N). The older, MagSafe-compatible battery pack delivers slower speeds than the aforementioned Qi2 charger, but it still packs a folding kickstand and portable design.
• You can get Anker’s 240W, 10-foot USB-C to USB-C cable for $14.99 ($4 off) at Amazon or Anker (with promo code WS7DTVXLHC). The braided cable features an in-line cable tie and has enough throughput capacity to charge any device you own at its highest speeds.

• Amazon has a 10,000mAh Anker 334 MagGo power bank down to $31.49 (about $9 off). You can get the same discount at Anker when you use promo code WS7DYF7UIH. It connects to the back of MagSafe-ready iPhones for wireless charging up to 7.5W, and you can recharge the battery itself at 20W speeds via USB-C (plus use the same port to charge other devices).

Other gadgets deals

• Amazon’s Alexa Voice Remote Pro is down to an all-time low of $27.99 ($7 off) at Amazon and Best Buy. Along with two customizable buttons, the backlit remote offers a useful tracking feature that lets you keep tabs on it with Alexa’s help. Read our review.
• Eufy’s SmartTrack Card is currently on sale for $19.99 ($10 off) at B&H Photo, which is just $3 shy of its best price to date. The thin location tracker offers a wallet-friendly design and handy clip, though, the biggest draw is that it’s compatible with Apple’s extensive Find My network.
• Amazon’s prescription-ready Echo Frames are down to $229.99 ($40 off) at Amazon, which is their third-best price to date. The third-gen smart glasses are more stylish than their predecessors, with improved sound and battery life, yet they offer the same tight integration with Amazon Alexa as previous models. Read our review.

Update March 25th, 3PM ET: Removed expired deals and adjusted pricing. We also updated the language to note that today is the last day to take advantage of the sale.

As expected, Samsung introduced the new Galaxy S24 phone lineup during its Galaxy Unpacked event on January 17th. The Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus start at $799.99 and $999.99, respectively, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1,299.99. All of the phones are available starting on January 31st, 2024, though you can preorder them now.

We’ve yet to wrap up our testing, so we can’t comment on how well the phones perform in reality. However, in the limited time we’ve been able to try them out so far, it seems Samsung made mostly minor hardware updates. Along with brighter displays, the new lineup features larger S24 and S24 Plus models, while the S24 Ultra features what should be a more durable titanium frame.

It’s the new AI features that captured our attention more, however; each phone offers several AI-powered features focused on communication and online search, as well as video and photo editing. We were particularly impressed by the new video editing capabilities, which convincingly transformed a 60fps video we shot into a 120fps slow-motion video. We were also happy to hear Samsung now matches Google’s impressive support policy, promising customers at least seven major Android upgrades and security updates.

That’s just a very brief overview of the new phones, however. If you’re interested in picking one up for yourself and can’t wait for the hands-on reviews, you’ll probably want to know at least how the phones stack up against one another on paper. To make doing so easier, we’ve summarized the key differences between each, while highlighting some of the new changes.

Design

In terms of design, the standard Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus models look similar to their S23 counterparts and retain the same aluminum frame. Like the S24 Ultra, they continue to offer IP68 water and dust resistance for greater durability. All of the phones are also again available in black, purple, and yellow, but gray now replaces the S23 lineup’s green colorway. The S24 and S24 Plus don’t come with the Ultra’s built-in S Pen stylus, but they do weigh less at 5.89 ounces (167 grams) and 12.25 ounces (196 grams), respectively.

The S24 Ultra is indeed the heaviest in the lineup, weighing 8.22 ounces (232 grams). That’s partly because of its new iPhone 15 Pro-like titanium frame, which adds some extra heft but also should improve durability. The S24 Ultra also gets rid of the curved edges found on its predecessor and replaces them with a flat screen that should make writing with the S Pen easier. It’s also protected with Corning Gorilla Armor, unlike the S24 and S24 Plus, which come with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass. The Corning Gorilla Armor should reduce reflections by up to 75 percent, and Samsung claims it is the most scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass yet. We’ll let you know how well the phone lives up to those claims when we finish testing it.

Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge

Storage and RAM options

In terms of storage and RAM options, the S24 offers 256GB and 512GB storage options with 8GB of RAM. The Galaxy S24 Plus offers more RAM at 12GB (instead of 8GB like its predecessor) while retaining the same 256GB and 512GB storage options. Meanwhile, the S24 Ultra continues to offer 12GB of RAM along with the storage capacity options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

Display

The entire Galaxy S24 lineup retains its OLED panels, but this time, they vary a little more in size compared to their predecessors. The standard Galaxy S24 offers a 6.2-inch screen while the S24 Plus goes up to 6.7 inches, which is a 0.1-inch increase over the S23 counterparts for both. The Galaxy S24 Ultra remains the largest at 6.8 inches.

Along with being bigger, the S24 series is also brighter, with peak brightness levels up to 2,600 nits. The Plus and the Ultra also sport high-resolution 1440p screens, which is an improvement for the S24 Plus. However, the S24 only offers a 1080p screen.

In terms of refresh rate, gamers will be happy to know each continues to offer a max 120Hz refresh rate. This allows for smooth scrolling and more immersive graphics. The S24 series also comes with larger vapor chamber cooling systems than their predecessors, with the S24 Ultra offering the largest — nearly double the size of the S23 Ultra’s. That means your phone shouldn’t overheat during long gaming sessions, and it should sustain peak performance longer.

Photo by Jon Porter / The Verge

AI capabilities

The new S24 lineup comes with all sorts of native AI-powered tools, all of which run on Google’s Gemini foundational models. These AI capabilities will also roll out to the S23 lineup, Z Flip 5, and Z Fold 5 by mid-2024. New options include the Circle to Search feature, which allows you to perform Google searches on anything you circle without switching apps. In our limited time playing with the feature, we found it legitimately useful. It worked well, too; we weren’t able to trick it into confusing a fake plant for a real one, for example.

Samsung also debuted several new communication-related tools, like Live Translate, which translates texts you send and two-way phone calls in real time into 13 different languages. Transcript Assist lets you transcribe, summarize, and translate voice recordings, while “tone tweak” suggests texts so you can make your writing sound, say, more professional or casual. Other notable writing features include the Notes Assist feature, which automatically formats and summarizes your notes with bullet points. Meanwhile, Android Auto summarizes incoming messages and suggests replies via voice commands so you can focus on driving.

On the photo and editing front, Samsung’s introduced a new feature that lets you move, resize, or even totally remove subjects after taking a photo, like Google’s Magic Editor feature. If you accidentally take a crooked photo, you can also adjust the horizon levels and have AI fill in the edges so it looks better. In addition, you can now take HDR photos in third-party social apps and can even upload HDR photos in Instagram.

When it comes to editing videos, Samsung now lets you turn any video into a 120fps slow-motion video no matter the camera used or its original frame rate and mode. As mentioned before, we tested this in person and were impressed by how well it transformed the 60fps video we shot.

Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge

Software update policy and Android 14

Samsung is also promising seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates when you buy any one of its new Galaxy S24 phones. That matches the support period for Google’s Pixel 8 lineup. It’s also better than the S23’s, which comes with four generations of Android version updates and five years of security updates.

Like Google’s Pixel 8 series and the S23 lineup, the new S24 series runs on Android 14. That means you can take advantage of features like customizable lock screens. You can also sign in to third-party apps with your fingerprint and use your phone as a webcam.

Cameras

When it comes to cameras, the S24 and S24 Plus share the same specs as their predecessors. Their triple-camera array includes a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 10-megapixel telephoto with 3x optical zoom, in addition to a 12-megapixel selfie camera.

The S24 Ultra offers the most capable system in the lineup with a 200-megapixel main camera and an upgraded 50MP 5x telephoto. Like the S24 and S24 Plus, it also comes with a 12-megapixel ultrawide and 10-megapixel 3x telephoto, along with a 12-megapixel camera on the front.

Processing power

In the US, all three phones are powered by a new, specialized version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Samsung phones. The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset powers the on-device generative AI capabilities while improving performance. The chipset also allows for better ray tracing, so light reflections look more realistic in games.

If you’re not in the US, you can only buy the S24 and S24 Plus with an Exynos chipset. Samsung claims this shouldn’t affect the performance of the on-device AI capabilities. The S24 Ultra, however, comes with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 no matter where in the world you buy it.

Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge

Batteries and charging

We’ve yet to test how long each phone in the S24 series lasts in reality, so all we can go on right now is the battery size. According to the spec sheet, the S24 has the smallest battery capacity at 4,000mAh, while the S24 Ultra offers the largest at 5,000mAh. That’s the same battery capacity on the S23 Ultra, which comfortably lasted us a full day. This year, the S24 Plus offers a battery capacity that nearly matches the Ultra’s at 4,900mAh. It could be nearly as long-lasting as the Ultra, but we shall see.

You can also charge all of the phones wirelessly, though there’s a caveat: the phones support Qi wireless charging instead of the newer, MagSafe-like Qi2, which is faster. When it comes to wired charging, Samsung claims the S24 Ultra and the S24 Plus can achieve 65 percent charge in around 30 minutes using a 45W adapter. Meanwhile, the S24 can reach up to 50 percent charge in that same time frame using a 25W adapter.

By the numbers

That’s just a glimpse of how each phone in the new lineup stacks up to each other. There are other differences as well; you can, for instance, only get Wi-Fi 7 support when you buy the S24 Ultra. If you want to dive even deeper, you might want to take a look at all the relevant specs in the table below.

Related:

We found the best cameras for your budget and needs.

Even with the ability to take excellent photos with our phones and instantly share them across the world, there’s something magical about the old-school instant camera. With just a click of a button, you can capture a moment in a photo that you can see and touch almost immediately. Images captured by an instant camera aren’t as pristine or perfect as those produced by modern digital cameras, but their soft images and imperfections are often a big part of the allure.

Yet not all instant cameras are the same, and some of them are better suited for different needs and budgets. That’s why we tested some of the most popular instant cameras on the market from brands like Fujifilm, Polaroid, and Kodak.

All of the models featured in our best instant camera guide here are enjoyable to use, but each offers a different set of features at a different price point. As a result, some are more appropriate for a child or budding photographer, while others are more advanced and provide added creative control (for a price). When it comes down to it, though, we consider print quality, ease of use, and affordability to be the hallmarks of a quality shooter. That’s why we picked Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12 as the best instant camera for most people, as it ticks all three boxes wonderfully.

If you’re looking for more creative control or features like filters, however, the Instax Mini Evo is our choice, one that boasts great image quality and allows you to choose which photos you’d like to print. Other instant cameras, like the second-gen Polaroid Now Plus and Kodak’s Mini Retro 3, also offer a variety of advanced creative modes for those who desire more.

Take a look at this list of our instant camera recommendations to find the best fit for you.

Best instant camera for most people

Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini film (sold separately) / Film size: 2 x 3-inches / Weight: 306 grams / Charging method: AA batteries / Companion app: None / Other features: Built-in selfie mirror, film counter

If all you’re looking to do is just click a button and get a decent print for a reasonable price, we recommend Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12. It’s a basic instant camera that’s similar to our former pick, the Instax Mini 11, but with some minor updates. It still takes less than five minutes to start shooting, but the setup process is easier since all you need to do is twist the lens to either “on” or “off.” Such ease of use, combined with the camera’s thinner build, makes it particularly well suited for kids and those new to photography.

Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

For an instant camera, image quality is also better than most of the other cameras I tested, producing relatively true-to-life photos. Most of the cameras I tested struggled to capture low-light conditions well, and this one is no exception, but the built-in flash does help. Fujifilm claims the Mini 12 optimizes image quality in both dark and bright environments better than its predecessor, but I didn’t notice much of a difference. The flash — which you can’t disable — is also still overpowering in some instances, resulting in a few overexposed images. If anything, the photos actually seemed a little darker and less vivid than before.

However, at least the Instax Mini 12 captured my features and skin color more accurately when I used the included selfie feature — which is really just a small mirror mounted on the front of the camera.

Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

You can also now zoom in a little easier thanks to a new lens structure, which you can twist to enter the Close-Up Mode in lieu of pressing a button. When in this mode, you can take advantage of the camera’s new “Parallax Correction” feature, which is supposed to result in a more aligned photo. The lens was fun to play with and reminded me of a traditional point-and-shoot, but actually using it to take quality photos takes some time to figure out. As with the Mini 11, it’s still somewhat tricky to center your subject in the frame using this mode, even with the updated lens. Thankfully, it became easier to properly align photos after a couple of attempts (as well as some composition guidance from the manual).

The Mini 12 also offers a number of other niceties. I appreciated the larger-than-average viewfinder and the fact that the camera comes with a small counter that displays the remaining number of shots, which is a feature many of the other instant cameras I tested lacked. It’s easy to lose track of how many photos you’ve taken, especially when out for drinks or while sightseeing on vacation. Yet given each print costs about $1, it’s important to be mindful of how many shots you’ve got left.

All in all, the Instax Mini 12 is a basic camera that caters to all ages and experience levels and gets the job done — and done relatively well. It doesn’t feature Bluetooth or pair with a companion app that allows you to edit photos (only scan them), and it also doesn’t offer advanced features like filters, lens options, or portrait modes. But if you’re looking for an instant camera that offers a great traditional analog experience, this is it.

Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

Best premium instant camera

Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini film (sold separately) / Film size: 2 x 3-inches / Weight: 285 grams / Charging method: USB-C (on newer models) / Companion app: Yes / Other features: LCD screen, smartphone printing

One of Fujifilm’s newest instant cameras, the Instax Mini Evo, is my colleague Becca Farcase’s favorite — and it’s mine as well. A hybrid camera that bears a resemblance to Fujifilm’s more expensive Fujifilm X100 line of cameras, it looks good and boasts vintage dials and buttons so stylish that they even caught the attention of passersby as I walked around Los Angeles taking photos.

It’s easy to balk at its $199 price tag, but this camera offers a level of flexibility that could save you money in the long run if you use it a lot. That’s because the Instax Mini Evo includes a full-color three-inch LCD screen that lets you preview and select which images you want to print, which can help you avoid wasting film on unwanted shots. The added flexibility gave me more room for creative experimentation, too, as I wasn’t worried about running out of film. I also loved using the Instax Mini Evo app to print photos from my smartphone. Plus, unlike the Instax Mini 12, the Evo now uses a USB-C port (though older black models still use the Micro USB port) for charging so you don’t need to keep buying new batteries.

Image: Becca Farsace / The Verge

Unlike Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12, the Mini Evo comes with a few extra features that can help you capture better photos. For example, you can actually turn off the flash on the Mini Evo and use the three-inch LCD screen as a viewfinder. You can also use the menu to adjust how bright you want the film to look when it’s printed out, which was helpful given neither the Evo nor the Mini 12 are particularly great at capturing dark environments.

Additionally, there are dials you can use to apply various lens options and filters, ranging from retro to monochrome shades, as well as a mirror lens, vignette, soft focus, and more. You can take app-based remote shots, too, which adds an extra element of photographic control that can help you take better selfie shots than the selfie mirror in the front.

Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

Of course, it’s not a perfect device, and there are some downsides to consider outside the price. For instance, although you can add some filters and make a few edits using Fujifilm’s companion app, it just isn’t as feature-rich as some of the apps available for the other digital and hybrid instant cameras I tested. The Evo’s extensive menu system also wasn’t particularly easy to navigate, and it took me some time to figure out how to turn the flash on and off. Plus, if you rely on internal storage solely, you can only take 45 images before the device is full. Still, all of these are minor issues, and I was very happy overall with how portable the stylish camera is, as well as how easy it is to take good photos quickly.

Read our Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo review.

Image: Becca Farsace / The Verge

Best instant camera for social occasions

Film type: Kodak Instant Print 3 x 3-inch cartridge (included) / Film size: 3 x 3-inch square prints / Weight: 467 grams / Charging method: Micro USB / Companion app: Yes / Other features: LCD screen, smartphone printing

Whereas the Instax Mini Evo’s companion app is more functional, Kodak’s hybrid Mini Shot 3 Retro is all about fun. The camera’s accompanying mobile app allows you to apply frames, stickers, filters, and a plethora of customization options to photos, making the camera great for scrapbooking. There’s even a beauty feature within the app to conceal blemishes, as well as a set of Snapchat-like filters you can use to add, say, dog ears, making this a fun instant camera to use as a mini photo booth of sorts at parties.

Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

Like the Instax Mini Evo, Kodak’s Mini Shot 3 Retro comes with an LCD screen (albeit a much smaller one) you can use to decide whether or not you want to print a shot. It also supports Bluetooth, and you can use the Kodak Photo Printer app to upload photos to social media or print decent, relatively crisp photos from your smartphone. Unlike the Mini Evo, however, Kodak’s Mini Shot 3 Retro retails for around $150 and includes a pack of a film (it’s also often on sale for a lot less). It also uses cheaper film; you can currently pick up a 60-sheet cartridge for about $17.99, which equates to roughly $0.33 a shot. The fact that the film is cheaper arguably encourages play and creative experimentation, even if the large 3 x 3-inch square prints feel lower in quality and more flimsy than both Fujifilm’s and Polaroid’s.

Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

However, there are notable drawbacks to the Kodak Mini Shot 3. My biggest issue is that the resulting prints of photos taken with the camera aren’t nearly as crisp or clear as those taken with a smartphone. Photo quality wasn’t consistently as good as the Mini Evo’s or Mini 12’s nor, for the most part, as clear and sharp. The photos also sometimes had an excessive pink tint that can interfere with quality. It doesn’t store images the way the Mini Evo does, either, which means you can’t decide whether you’d like to print them later. It’s also noticeably heavier than the Mini Evo and, frankly, nowhere near as stylish.

Nonetheless, if you don’t mind compromising on photo quality and want a relatively affordable hybrid camera that comes with a bunch of fun app features, the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro is a good choice.

Best instant camera for retro fans

Film type: Polaroid i-Type Color Film (sold separately) / Film size: 4.2 x 3.5-inch prints / Weight: 451.5 grams / Charging method: USB-C / Companion app: Yes / Other features: Lens filter kit, film counter

If you’re looking for an instant camera that offers the most old-fashioned, instant-film experience, the second-gen Polaroid Now Plus is the camera for you. Compared to the other instant cameras on this list, it most closely resembles vintage instant cameras like the Polaroid 600 with its classic, retro-inspired design. Meanwhile, its square I-Type film prints and iconic Polaroid-style frame give photos a more authentically vintage look.

Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

Yet, at the same time, the second-gen Polaroid Now Plus also comes with the convenience and usefulness of more modern features, including support for USB-C charging. It also offers Bluetooth support and a companion app boasting several creative modes that allow for greater photographic control. These include a remote shutter, a self-timer, and a “Polaroid Lab” where you can adjust the exposure and various color settings. The app also features a handful of shooting modes — including a manual option and one for capturing multiple exposures — while the camera includes a set of five colored lenses you can snap onto the front. These were enjoyable to play with and allowed for more artistic expression.

Photo by Sheena Vasani / The Verge

If there’s one thing the Polaroid Now Plus isn’t known for, it’s portability. Given how heavy, large, and awkwardly sized it is, it’s not the kind of instant camera you can easily slip into your purse or carry around. Plus, it takes up to 15 minutes for prints to develop, and you have to make sure it’s not exposed to light while developing. That’s quite an inconvenience if you’re out with friends, say, at the beach on a sunny day.

Photo by Sheena Vasani / The Verge

If you’re looking for an instant camera that can easily print a good, clear photo without much effort on your part, this is not the camera for you. Of all the cameras on this list, the latest Polaroid Now Plus struggles with low-light environments the most. I could barely see images I took indoors, and I was only able to get the clearest shots when the light was directly behind me during the day — more specifically, in the morning. Even these images weren’t as clear in comparison to Instax film, and both contrast and color saturation levels tend to be quite low.

Admittedly, this gave my pictures more of a dreamy vintage look that felt artistic, and you can use the Polaroid Lab to slightly adjust saturation and exposure settings. However, doing so is time-consuming. Given all these issues, I found it was easy to quickly waste film, which proved expensive. After all, you only get eight I-Type sheets for $16.99, and that’s in addition to forking out $149.99 for the camera.

Truth be told, however, you could argue that many of these shortcomings are typical of a retro Polaroid-inspired instant camera and, thus, part of the experience. If that’s what you’re looking for, and you don’t mind the price, the second-gen Polaroid Now Plus is the perfect camera for you.

As a final note, it’s worth mentioning that while the older, first-gen Polaroid Now Plus is no longer a part of Polaroid’s official lineup, some retailers still have it in stock at a discounted price. Except for the fact the new model features USB-C and replaces the blue option with a green colorway, the two cameras are identical. So if price matters more to you than relatively fast charging, you’ll be just as happy with the first-gen model.

Photo by Sheena Vasani / The Verge

Best instant camera for portability

Film type: Polaroid i-Type Color Film (sold separately) / Film size: 2.6 x 2.1-inch prints / Weight: 242 grams / Charging method: Micro USB / Companion app: Yes / Other features: Selfie mirror, film counter

Whereas the Polaroid Now Plus is huge, the Polaroid Go is tiny. When I first held it, I couldn’t help but find it adorable. It easily fits into the palm of my hand — which is saying a lot given I’m petite and a little over five feet tall. In fact, it’s so small there were times I forgot I was even carrying it in my purse, making this easily the most portable instant camera on our list. It even produces the tiniest prints of all the instant cameras I tested, which could be nice if you’re trying to save some space and want something even smaller than Instax Mini prints.

Weighing just over a pound, the Polaroid Go is also the lightest instant camera I’ve ever held, and you can easily use it with one hand. That’s actually pretty convenient, given I sometimes struggled to take pictures with the heavier Polaroid Now Plus and, to a lesser extent, some of the other instant cameras I tested. In fact, if the images produced looked more true-to-life and didn’t require you to hide them from light for about 15 minutes while developing, I’d be tempted to call this the best instant camera for travel or small children.

Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

The Polaroid Go is also one of the most affordable Polaroid cameras currently on the market, with film that costs just a little more than Fujifilm’s Instax Mini shots (or about $19.99 for a 16-sheet double pack). Thankfully, the low price doesn’t come at the expense of image quality. While the Go struggles with capturing low-light environments like the bulk of the cameras on our list, it’s not to the same extent as the Polaroid Now Plus. Surprisingly, it was easier to capture clearer photos indoors, which meant I didn’t waste as much film. Contrast and color saturation levels are still low, but in a way that still exudes the vintage, almost dreamy look of the photos the Now Plus prints.

Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

Unlike the Polaroid Now Plus, however, the Go lacks creative modes and more advanced features, although double-pressing the flash button does give you double-exposure shots. There’s also no Bluetooth support and thus no fancy app that will allow you to add extra effects — although, thankfully, it is rechargeable and includes a Micro USB charging cable. In addition, as mentioned, the prints are even smaller than the Instax Mini, which could be a drawback for those who prefer larger, more traditional Polaroid photos. While it produces similar vintage-style shots, design-wise, it doesn’t look anything like old-school Polaroid cameras either, which could also take away from the retro experience some desire.

That said, none of the older Polaroid cameras came with an app either. All in all, the Go’s simplicity makes it a suitable candidate for those seeking a camera that provides a more traditional instant film experience — one they can take advantage of just about anywhere.

A few more good instant cameras (and one to avoid)

Instax Square SQ1

While it didn’t make the cut, the Instax Square SQ1 is worth a brief mention. Like the Mini 12, the Instax Square SQ1 produces good-quality shots, is easy to set up and use, and comes with a built-in selfie mirror. The reason we didn’t include it above, however, is that it costs nearly twice as much as the Mini 12 at $119.95, though we do sometimes see it on sale for $100.

That said, it might be worth a look if you prefer large 2.4 x 2.4-inch square prints and relatively true-to-life photos over vintage-looking stills. After all, the SQ1 is still cheaper than the Polaroid Now Plus and produces higher-quality images than the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Square Retro, which also prints similarly sized square shots.

Fujifilm also sells the newer Instax Square SQ40. It’s similar to the Instax Square SQ1 but with a vintage look that’s more visually striking, yet it’s also more expensive at $149.95. Given it produces similarly good-quality photos and is not likely to go on sale anytime soon, I’d recommend the Instax Square SQ1 or the more capable Instax Mini Evo for $50 more.

Avoid the Kodak Printomatic

We also tested a few instant cameras that we would advise people to steer clear of. The Kodak Printomatic is chief among those, and we specifically mention it because it’s often one of the bestselling instant cameras on Amazon. We suspect that’s because it’s routinely on sale for $49.99 ($30 off) with a pack of film — specifically, a 10-pack of Zink photo prints with adhesive backings so you can use the images as stickers. However, if you’re simply looking for a budget-friendly instant camera, it’s not worth purchasing over Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12.

As is common with Zink photos, the Printomatic’s resulting photo quality isn’t clear and tends to be oversaturated. In fact, many photos were so bad that I barely recognized the subject in the frame. The camera is also slow to print and wasn’t always responsive when I pressed the shutter button, which meant I occasionally had to press it a few times to take a shot. All in all, it was a frustrating camera to use that’s not worth the $30 you may save by picking it over Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12. Besides, you’ll probably be using the money saved to buy extra film given how many prints you’ll waste.

Update January 9th, 2023: Adjusted prices.